Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine characterized in notification.SOLUTION: When the power of the power supply device is turned on while the open state is detected by the detection unit and the first operation unit is operated (first case), the number of game values not bet is cleared, in the first case, the number of game values bet is not cleared after the power of the power supply device is turned on, and in the first case, the first notification can be executed at a certain timing after the power of the power supply device is turned on, when the power supply of the power supply device is turned on in a state where the detection unit detects the open state and the second operation unit is operated to the second operation state (second case), the setting change state in which the setting value can be changed is set, and in the second case, after the power supply of the power supply device is turned on, the number of game values not bet is not cleared, in the second case, the number of game values bet is cleared after the power source of the power source device is turned on, and in the third case, the second notification can be executed at a certain timing after the power source of the power source device is turned on.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 32-3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pinball gaming machine (pachinko machine), a slot machine, an enclosed gaming machine, or a medalless slot machine. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, slot machines are known as one type of gaming machine, and some of these slot machines perform notifications (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-73461 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the notification of conventional gaming machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine comprising a power supply device that supplies power, a door body that is provided on the front of the gaming machine and can be opened and closed, detection means that can detect the open / closed state of the door body, first operation means, second operation means, and game value number storage means that can store game value numbers related to game values ​​used in games, wherein the first operation means is an operation means that is provided in a position that can be operated when the door body is in an open state, and the second operation means is an operation means that is provided in a position that can be operated when the door body is in an open state and has a first operation state and a second operation state as operation states, and is configured so that when the power supply device is turned on in a state where the detection means detects the open state and the first operation means is operated (hereinafter referred to as the "first case"), the number of game values ​​that have not been bet is cleared, and in the first case, the power supply device In the first case, the number of game values ​​that have been bet is not cleared after the power supply device is turned on, and in the first case, a first notification can be executed at a certain timing after the power supply device is turned on, and when the power supply device is turned on with the detection means detecting the open state and the second operating means operated to the second operating state (hereinafter referred to as the "second case"), the power supply device is set to a setting change state in which the setting value can be changed, and in the second case, the number of game values ​​that have not been bet is not cleared after the power supply device is turned on, and in the second case, the number of game values ​​that have been bet is cleared after the power supply device is turned on, and in the second case, a second notification can be executed at a certain timing after the power supply device is turned on. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with distinctive notification features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 2] 1A is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. FIG. 1B is a front view showing an example of a main board display 190. FIG. 1C is a front view showing an example of an LED-compatible sticker 192. [Figure 3] 1 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a flat layout. (b) is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations (including activated combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing by a main control unit. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an initial setting process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a setting change process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a device monitoring process. [Figure 10] (a) A diagram showing the control status of each button when the power is turned on. (b) A diagram showing the control status of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state). (c) A diagram showing the control status of each button when the power is turned on with a setting change. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the control status of each button when the setting change state is ended, respectively, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of the control status of each button when the setting check state is ended. [Figure 12] (a) is a diagram showing an example of control when valid buttons (second operating means) are simultaneously operated when the power is turned on. (b) is a diagram showing an example of control when valid buttons (second operating means) are simultaneously operated when the power is turned on (in an error detection state). [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing an example of control states of other buttons when each button is operated. [Figure 14](a) is a diagram showing the timeline of the process from when a power outage occurs until power is restored when the MAX BET button 132 is pressed. (b) is a diagram showing the timeline of the process from when a power outage occurs until power is restored when the start lever 135 is pressed. [Figure 15] (a) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow from when the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, and the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is being performed, to when the front door 102 is opened and the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is no longer being performed. (b) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow from when the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, and the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is being performed, to when the front door 102 is opened and the power is restored in the third stop operation state. [Figure 16] (a) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow from when a power outage occurs while the reel 112 is rotating to when power is restored by pressing the stop button 139. (b) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow from when a power outage occurs while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the first stop mode to when power is restored by pressing the stop button 139. [Figure 17] (a) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow from when a power outage occurs in an error detection state until power is restored when the reset button 243 is pressed. (b) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow of powering on with a transition to a setting changeable state when the reset button 243 is pressed. [Figure 18] (a) A diagram showing the control state (modified example) of each button when the power is turned on, which corresponds to Fig. 10(a). (b) A diagram showing the control state (modified example) of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state), which corresponds to Fig. 10(b). (c) A diagram showing the control state (modified example) of each button when the power is turned on with a setting change, which corresponds to Fig. 10(c). [Figure 19] 11(a) and 11(b), respectively, showing an example of the control status of each button when the setting change state ends and when the setting confirmation state ends. [Figure 20]10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of control when valid buttons are simultaneously operated when the power is turned on, respectively. [Figure 21] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing modified examples of the control states of other buttons when each button is operated. [Figure 22] 10A is a diagram showing an example of control over the effect button 156 and control over the volume button 193a in chronological order. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing another example of control over the effect button 156 and control over the volume button 193a in chronological order. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 1100 and a lending machine 1700 according to a modified example, as viewed from the front side (player side). [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of a slot machine 1100 according to a modified example. [Figure 25] (a) A diagram showing the control state of the count button and the game medal count clear button when the power is turned on. (b) A diagram showing the control state of the count button and the game medal count clear button when the setting change state ends. (c) A diagram showing the control state of the count button and the game medal count clear button when the setting confirmation state ends. (d) A diagram showing an example of control when the count button and the game medal count clear button are operated simultaneously. (e) A diagram showing an example of the control state of the game medal count clear button when the count button is operated. (f) A diagram showing an example of the control state of the count button when the game medal count clear button is operated. [Figure 26] (a) A diagram showing the maximum protruding height of the operation surface of each button, extracted from the front view of the slot machine 100. (b) A diagram showing the area of ​​the operation surface of each button, extracted from the front view of the slot machine 100. [Figure 27](a) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on with the door closed (Variant 2), which corresponds to Figure 18(a). (b) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on with the door open (Variant 2), which corresponds to Figure 18(a). (c) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state) (Variant 2), which corresponds to Figure 18(b). [Figure 28] (a) A diagram showing the control status of each button when powering on with a setting change (Variant 2), corresponding to Fig. 18(c). (b) A diagram showing the control status of each button when the setting change state ends (Variant 2), corresponding to Fig. 19(a). (c) A diagram showing the control status of each button when the setting confirmation state ends (Variant 2), corresponding to Fig. 19(b). [Figure 29] 20(a) is a diagram showing a modified example of control when valid buttons are operated simultaneously when the power is turned on, and corresponds to FIG. 20(a). (b) is a diagram showing a modified example of control when valid buttons are operated simultaneously when the power is turned on (error detection state). [Figure 30] (a) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow from when a power outage occurs with the front door 102 closed (door closed state) until power is restored when the OK button 193b is pressed. (b) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow from when a power outage occurs with the front door 102 open (door open state) until power is restored when the OK button 193b is pressed. [Figure 31] (a) A diagram showing the timeline of the process from when a power outage occurs while the stop button 139 and the OK button 193b are not operated to when power is restored while the stop button 139 and the OK button 193b are operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously). [Figure 32] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a display when a medal clearing operation is performed while the door is open, respectively. [Figure 32-1] 10A is a diagram showing another example of the display when a medal clearing operation is performed when the door is open, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing another example of the display when a medal clearing operation is performed when the door is closed. [Figure 32-2] 10A is a diagram showing an example of a display when a setting key is operated with the door open, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing another example of a display when a setting key is operated with the door closed. [Figure 32-3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a display when the clear button and the setting key are simultaneously operated while the door is open and closed, respectively. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the connection of circuit boards inside the gaming machine. [Figure 34] 10A is a diagram showing the flow of operations when the harness is normally connected, and FIGS. 10B and 10C are diagrams showing an example of operations when the lever unit harness HA1 is disconnected. [Figure 35] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation when the lever unit harness HA1 is disconnected. [Figure 36] 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation when a harness HB1 connecting a main control board 300B and a relay board RB1 is disconnected. FIG. [Figure 37] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the operation when the lever unit harness HA1, the stop button unit harness HA2, and the bet button unit harness HA3 are each disconnected. [Figure 38] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation when the menu button unit harness HC1 is disconnected and reconnected. [Figure 38-1] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of wiring of a menu button unit. [Figure 39] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation when a harness connecting a main control board and a sub-control board is disconnected and reconnected. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of operations in a normal game. [Figure 41] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation according to the elapsed time from a lever operation. [Figure 42] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of an operation when an abnormality occurs in the reel after a lever operation. [Figure 43]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of an operation when an abnormality occurs in the reel after a lever operation. [Figure 44] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation when an abnormality occurs in the stop button unit after a lever operation. [Figure 45] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation when an abnormality occurs in the stop button unit after a lever operation. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation when a reel effect is executed. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a simulated game is executed. [Figure 48] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a simulated game is executed. [Figure 49] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a power outage occurs and is restored during play. [Figure 50] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operations when an abnormality occurs while a game is not being played. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operations when an abnormality occurs while a game is not being played. [Figure 52] 10A is a diagram showing an example of the operation of restoring power when the lever unit harness HA1 is disconnected, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of the operation of restoring power when the bet button unit harness HA3 is disconnected. [Figure 53] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of control when the stop button unit harness HA2 is disconnected and reconnected. [Figure 54] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of control when the stop button unit harness HA2 is disconnected during power interruption during a third stop operation (a) and (b) respectively. [Figure 55] (a) is a diagram showing a time series of the flow of the normal setting change mode, and (b) is a diagram showing a time series of the flow of the normal setting confirmation mode. [Figure 56](a) A diagram showing in chronological order an example of a game being ready to play when the front door 102 is closed in the setting confirmation mode. (b) A diagram showing in chronological order an example of maintaining the setting confirmation mode when the front door 102 is closed in the setting confirmation mode. (c) A diagram showing an example of the control state of the game medal count clear button when the count button is operated. (d) A diagram showing an example of the control state of the count button when the game medal count clear button is operated. [Figure 57] 10 is a diagram showing an example of control in time series when a setting change operation (Example 1) is performed with the door closed. FIG. [Figure 58] FIG. 10 is a time-series diagram illustrating an example of control when a setting change operation (Example 2) is performed with the door closed. [Figure 59] FIG. 10 is a time-series diagram illustrating an example of control when a setting change operation (third embodiment) is performed with the door closed. [Figure 60] FIG. 10 is a time-series diagram illustrating an example of control when a setting change operation (Example 4) is performed with the door closed. [Figure 61] FIG. 10 is a time-series diagram illustrating an example of control when a setting change operation (Example 5) is performed with the door closed. [Figure 62] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 in a closed state. [Figure 63] (a) is a diagram showing the lock body 1401A from the side of the slot machine 100 when the lock mechanism 1401 is in the unlocked state, (b) is a diagram showing the lock body 1401A of (a) from the back side of the slot machine 100, and (c) is a diagram showing the lock body 1401A from the side of the slot machine 100 when the lock mechanism 1401 is in the locked state. [Figure 64] 14(a) to 14(d) are diagrams showing the operation of the lock main body 1401A and the locked shaft 1401B. [Figure 65](a) is a side view showing the state in which the setting key SK is inserted into the lock body 1401A, (b) is a side view showing the setting key SK in (a) in solid lines, (c) is a view of the lock body 1401A in (a) from the rear side, (d) is a diagram showing the state in which the locked shaft 1401B cannot enter along the entry path 1404ER, and (e) is a diagram showing the state in which the locked shaft 1401B cannot enter along the entry path 1404ER. [Figure 65-1] (a) is a side view showing the state in which the setting key SK is inserted into the lock body 1401A with the locking portion 1402 accommodated in the accommodating portion 1404, (b) is a side view showing the setting key SK in (a) in solid lines, (c) is a view of the lock body 1401A in (a) from the rear side, (d) is a diagram showing the state in which the locked shaft 1401B cannot enter along the entry path 1404ER, and (e) is a diagram showing the state in which the locked shaft 1401B cannot enter along the entry path 1404ER. [Figure 65-2] 65-1(d) is a diagram showing an example in which the door key is operated from the state shown in FIG. 65-1(d), but the locking portion 1402 and the setting key SK do not move, and FIG. 65-1(b) is a diagram showing an example in which the door key is operated from the state shown in FIG. 65-1(e), causing the locking portion 1402 to move but not the game medal MD. (c) to (f) are diagrams showing a state in which a metal piece for maintaining the unlocked state is inserted obliquely from the outside of the inner wall 1404WA that forms the slit 1401SL, and the tip of the metal piece is pressed against the locking portion 1402. [Figure 65-3] 14 is a view showing a locking portion 1402 provided with a protrusion 1402PR. FIG. [Figure 65-4] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a plurality of locking mechanisms 1401 are provided. [Figure 66] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams showing an example of the positional relationship between a wiring pattern on a substrate and a sticker attached to the substrate. [Figure 67] 1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams showing an example of the positional relationship between a wiring pattern on a substrate and a sticker attached to the substrate. [Figure 68]66(a) is a diagram showing an example in which the configuration of FIG. 66(c) has silk-screen printing SP indicating the positions at which the four corners of the sticker are to be attached, and FIG. 66(b) is a diagram showing an example in which the configuration of FIG. 66(c) has silk-screen printing SP indicating the positions at which the two corners of the sticker are to be attached, the upper right and the lower left. [Figure 69] (a) is a diagram showing an example in which a sticker ST1 (facing upward) attached to a substrate A and a sticker ST2 (facing right) attached to a substrate B are oriented in different directions relative to the reference direction, and (b) is a diagram showing an example in which a sticker ST1 (facing upward) attached to a substrate A and a sticker ST3 (facing downward) attached to the case of this substrate A are oriented in different directions relative to the reference direction. [Figure 69-1] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the two-dimensional code QRA1 (facing upward) on the substrate A and the two-dimensional code QRB1 (facing downward) on the substrate B are different from each other with respect to the reference direction. [Figure 69-2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the two-dimensional code QRA1 (facing upward) on the substrate A and the two-dimensional code QRB1 (facing downward) on the substrate B are different from each other with respect to the reference direction. [Figure 70] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply module PM. FIG. [Figure 71] 10A is a view of the lower surface BT as seen from below, FIG. 10B is a view showing a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10C is a view showing a cross section taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 71-1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply board PW. [Figure 71-2] (a) is a view looking rearward from the cross section taken along line AA in Figure 71-1, and (b) is a view looking frontward of the power supply board PW with the cover CA1 attached to the power supply board PW. [Figure 71-3] (a) is a view looking forward from the cross section taken along line BB in Figure 71-1, and (b) is a view looking from the rear of the power supply board PW with the cover CA1 attached to the power supply board PW. [Figure 71-4] 71-1 when viewed from below, and FIG. 71-2 when viewed from below with the cover CA1 attached to the power supply board PW. [Figure 71-5]71-1 is a diagram showing a state in which a cover CA1 is attached to the power supply board PW of FIG. 71-1. [Figure 72] 10A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a substrate and a substrate case, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which a caulking CL is provided in an unmounted land area NA. [Figure 73] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the slot machine 100 and the lending machine 700 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 74] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 75] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of connections between each board and each unit. [Figure 76] 76 is a diagram showing an example in which a relay board is provided between the main control board 300B shown in FIG. 75 and the reel unit 109 also shown in FIG. 75. FIG. [Figure 77] FIG. 74 is a configuration diagram of a gaming system including the slot machine 100 and the lending machine 700 shown in FIG. [Figure 78] This is a table summarizing gaming machine status information, gaming machine performance information, and gaming machine installation information. [Figure 79] 10 is a diagram showing a communication sequence when a game control state command is sent from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. FIG. [Figure 80] A diagram showing details of communication between the medal count control unit 350 and the lending machine 700. [Figure 81] (a) is a diagram showing details of the hall control and fraud monitoring information, and (b) is a list of error codes. [Figure 82] 10 is a table showing game control state commands. [Figure 83] 10 is a table showing medal count control state commands. [Figure 84] 10 is a diagram showing a communication sequence when a game control priority command is sent from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. FIG. [Figure 85] 10A is a diagram showing details of the game control priority command, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing details of the response command returned from the medal count control unit 350 to the game control unit 302. FIG. [Figure 86] 10 is a diagram showing a communication sequence when a game control priority command 2 is transmitted from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. FIG. [Figure 87] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a game control unit main process. [Figure 88] 88 is a flowchart of the medal insertion / start lever reception process (step S102) in FIG. 87. [Figure 89] 89 is a flowchart of the medal insertion process (step S1011) in FIG. 88. [Figure 90] 89. This is a flowchart of the settlement button process (step S1102) in FIG. [Figure 91] This is a flowchart of the process of sending change information to the medal count control unit (steps S1111, S1205, and S1605) in Figures 89, 90, and 94. [Figure 92] 92 is a flowchart of triple command transmission processing (step S1307) in FIG. 91. [Figure 93] 88 and 92. This is a flowchart of the process of sending a priority command to the medal count control unit (steps S1014, S1403, S1406, and step S1409) in FIG. [Figure 94] 88 is a flowchart of the medal awarding process (step S109) in FIG. 87. [Figure 95] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a game control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 96] 96 is a flowchart of a disconnection determination process, which is one of the error monitoring processes (step S203) in FIG. 95. [Figure 97] 96 is a flowchart of the medal count control command reception process (step S206) in FIG. 95. [Figure 98] 96 is a flowchart of the game control command transmission process (step S207) in FIG. 95. [Figure 99] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a medal count control unit main process. [Figure 100] 99 is a flowchart of the RAM abnormality determination process (step S302) in FIG. [Figure 101] 10 is a table showing the target range of RAM clear processing. [Figure 102] 100 etc. is a flowchart of the error request setting process (step S3022). [Figure 103] 99 is a flowchart of the preparation process (step S303) in FIG. [Figure 104] 99. FIG. 99 is a flowchart of the gaming machine information notification transmission process (step S304). [Figure 105] 105 is a flowchart of the gaming machine information type acquisition process (step S3305) in FIG. [Figure 106] 99 is a flowchart of the counting notification transmission process (step S305) in FIG. [Figure 107] 99. FIG. 99 is a flowchart of the lending notification reception confirmation process (step S306). [Figure 108] 99. FIG. 99 is a flowchart of the loan acceptance result response transmission process (step S308). [Figure 109] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of medal count control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 110] 109. FIG. 109 is a flowchart of the lending notification receiving process (step S404). [Figure 111] 111 is a flowchart of the lending number determination process (step S4004) in FIG. [Figure 112] 109. FIG. 110 is a flowchart of the process of updating the number of coins to be counted (step S405) in FIG. [Figure 113] 109 is a flowchart of the game control unit command receiving process (step S406) in FIG. [Figure 114] This is a flowchart of the game control state command receiving process (step S4304) in Figure 113. [Figure 115]This is a flowchart (first half) of the game control priority command receiving process (step S4305) in Figure 113. [Figure 116] 113. This is the flowchart (second half) of the game control priority command receiving process (step S4305) in FIG. [Figure 117] 117 is a flowchart of the input command reception process (step S4517) in FIG. [Figure 118] 117 is a flowchart of the settlement command receiving process (step S4519) in FIG. [Figure 119] 117 is a flowchart of the start lever acceptance command reception process (step S4521) in FIG. [Figure 120] 119 and 121. This is a flowchart of the game information setting process (steps S4806, S4A19) in FIG. [Figure 121] 117 is a flowchart of the payout command receiving process (step S4523) in FIG. [Figure 122] 122 is a flowchart of the game medal number overflow confirmation process (step S4A11) in FIG. [Figure 123] 117 is a flowchart of the error occurrence command reception process (step S4524) in FIG. [Figure 124] 109 is a flowchart of the error monitoring process (step S407) in FIG. [Figure 125] 109 is a flowchart of the process of sending a medal count control command to the game control unit (step S408) in FIG. [Figure 126] 109 is a flowchart of the display device display process (step S409) in FIG. [Figure 127] A flowchart showing a modified example of the processing during medal insertion in Figure 89. [Figure 128] 93 is a flowchart showing a variation of the triple-command transmission process of FIG. 92. [Figure 129] 118 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the input command receiving process of FIG. 117. [Figure 130] 113 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the scheduled count number update process of FIG. [Figure 131] 113 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the scheduled count number update process of FIG. [Figure 132] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and (d) is a flowchart of the command processing (step S307) in (a). [Figure 133] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 134] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example in which the count button 171 is operated. [Figure 135] 10 is a timing chart showing a first example of a presentation when counting is being performed. [Figure 136] 10 is a timing chart showing an example in which a bet operation has been performed before the count button 171 is operated and the number of bets is not 0. [Figure 137] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a counting end effect. [Figure 138] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a case where the settlement button 134 is operated. [Figure 139] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the number of counted sheets increases as the operation time of the count button 171 becomes longer. [Figure 140] (a) is a timing chart showing an example of a continuation of the example shown in Figure 139(c), and (b) is a timing chart showing an example of the case in which a power outage occurs when the planned number of sheets to be counted is set to 30 in the example shown in Figure 139(c) and then power is restored. [Figure 141] 132 is a timing chart showing an example in which the expected count number update process of FIG. 131 is adopted. [Figure 142] (a) is a timing chart showing an example in which automatic counting ends when the value of the "number of game medals" stored in RAM 358 reaches a certain value, and (b) is a timing chart showing an example in which power is interrupted during automatic counting and then restored. [Figure 143] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display indicating that automatic counting is in progress. [Figure 144] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sound output indicating that automatic counting is in progress. [Figure 145] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a case where power is interrupted before 0.5 seconds, which is the determination time for a long press operation, has elapsed after the start of operation of the count button 171. [Figure 146] 146 is a timing chart showing a modified example of the example shown in FIG. 145. [Figure 147] 146 is a timing chart showing another modified example of the example shown in FIG. 145. [Figure 148] 10A is a diagram showing an example of a change display (subtraction) on the game medal count display device 170, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a change display (addition) on the game medal count display device 170. FIG. [Figure 149] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of change display in the game medal count display device 170. [Figure 150] 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the "number of game medals played" stored in the RAM 358 is displayed not only on the game medal number display device 170 but also on the effect image display device 157. FIG. [Figure 151] FIG. 151 is a diagram showing a modified example of the example shown in FIG. [Figure 152] FIG. 151 is a diagram showing another example that is completely different from the example shown in FIG. [Figure 153] 10A is a timing chart showing a case where a dispense is attempted in excess of the dispensing threshold, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing another example of an over-upper-limit error notification. [Fig. 154]10A is a timing chart showing a case where a dispense is about to be made when the amount exceeds the second threshold for dispensing, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing another example of a notification that the upper limit is approaching. [Figure 155] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which a highly urgent error notification overlaps with a notification prompting counting. [Figure 156] 10A is a diagram showing an example in which the notification prompting counting continues even after transitioning to the demonstration display, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of the notification after the count button 171 is operated during the demonstration. [Figure 157] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a notification when the "number of game medals" exceeds a certain specified number, such as a payout threshold or a second payout threshold, and then falls below that specified number, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a notification that prompts counting when the "number of game medals" exceeds the second payout threshold over multiple games. [Figure 158] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a notification prompting the player to count each time the "number of game medals" increases by a predetermined number, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the counting button 171 is operated in a state advantageous to the player, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the counting button 171 is operated in a state disadvantageous to the player. [Figure 159] (a) is a diagram showing a modified example of the example shown in Figure 158(b), (b) is a diagram showing an example in which counting that was forcibly terminated is restarted, and (c) is an example of the modified example described using (a) and (b) when the player is in a disadvantageous state (for example, a normal state). [Figure 160] This is a timing chart showing an example of when the VL signal from the rental machine 700 is turned off. [Figure 161] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example in which the operation differs depending on whether the "number of game medals" is less than a certain threshold value. [Figure 162] 10 is a timing chart showing another example of when the VL signal from the rental device 700 is turned off. [Figure 163] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change in the number of game medals when the count button 171 is pressed and held. [Fig. 164]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of effects executed according to the number of game medals. [Figure 165] A figure showing an example of a presentation executed depending on the number of medals acquired in the AT state. [Figure 166] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when an overflow of the number of game medals occurs. [Figure 167] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a medal count control wire break error (error code E0) occurs. [Figure 168] This is a diagram showing an example of the operation when an error in which the number of game medals exceeds the upper limit and an error in which the medal number control is disconnected (error code E0) occur simultaneously. [Figure 169] A diagram showing an example of operation when a medal count control unit wire break error occurs. [Figure 170] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation in which, when a counting sound is output in response to a counting process, an output permission period for the sound is set. [Figure 171] FIG. 170(b) shows the state of the slot machine 100 during the operation of FIG. 170(a). [Fig. 172] FIG. 170(b) shows the state of the slot machine 100 during the operation shown in FIG. [Figure 173] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication cycle between each control unit and the device. [Fig. 174] 99. FIG. 99 is a flowchart showing an example of the count notification transmission process (step S305) in the medal count control unit main process. [Figure 175] 132(a) is a flowchart showing an example of sound control processing (step S511) in the main processing of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. [Figure 176] FIG. 176 is a diagram showing an example of a counting sound set in the processing of FIG. 175. [Figure 177] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 178] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 179] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 180] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 181] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 182] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 183] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 184] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 185] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 186] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 187] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 188] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 189] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 190] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 191] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 192] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 193] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 194] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 195] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 196] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 197] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 198] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 199] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 200] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 201] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 202] FIG. 177 is a diagram showing an example of the operation based on FIGS. 173 to 176. [Figure 203] This figure shows an example of the operation when no bet operation or start lever operation is made when the count-up display is being executed in the AT gaming state. [Figure 204] A figure showing an example of the operation when a bet operation is performed while a count-up display is being executed in the AT gaming state. [Figure 205] This figure shows an example of the operation when a bet operation and a lever operation are performed while a count-up display is being executed in the AT gaming state. [Figure 206] This figure shows an example of the operation that occurs when power is interrupted and restored while a count-up display is being executed in the AT game mode. [Figure 207] A figure showing an example of the operation when the complete function is activated during AT gaming. [Figure 208] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation when a reel effect is executed. [Figure 209] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation from an internal win of a bonus to transition to a bonus state. [Figure 210] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation from an internal win of a bonus to transition to a bonus state. [Figure 211] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a demo screen is displayed from the bonus type selection display. [Figure 212] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a demo screen is displayed from the bonus type selection display. [Figure 213] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a bonus type selection display is displayed. [Figure 214]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a demo screen is displayed from the bonus type selection display. [Figure 215] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a menu screen is displayed from the bonus type selection display. [Figure 216] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of operation during a simulated game. [Figure 217] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the operation when the number of game medals is 0, and an example of the operation when a replay is won. [Figure 218] This is a diagram showing the flow from starting a game to transitioning to an AT game state and ending the AT game state. [Figure 219] This is a diagram showing the flow of operations when the complete function is activated during AT gaming. [Figure 220] This is a diagram showing the flow of operations when the complete function is activated during AT gaming. [Figure 221] (a) and (b) are figures showing an example of a menu display being executed when the complete function is activated, and (c) and (d) are figures showing an example of displaying the remaining number of coins to be acquired until the complete function is activated using a range of 100 coins. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] <<Embodiment 1>> Hereinafter, a gaming machine (slot machine) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] <Overall structure> First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side).

[0010] 1 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 (door body) attached to the front of the main body 101 and capable of being opened and closed relative to the main body 101. The front door 102 (door body) will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0011] Three reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer peripheries are housed inside the center of main body 101 (not shown), and are configured to be rotatable inside slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotated by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

[0012] In this embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame to form each of the reels 110-112 (see FIG. 4(a)). When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed in approximately three rows vertically through a symbol display window 113 provided in front of each of the reels 110-112, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen.

[0013] By spinning each of the reels 110-112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays a combination of multiple types of symbols. Note that, in addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. In addition, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

[0014] A backlight (not shown) is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol can be evenly illuminated. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (also called an index sensor, not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is provided near each of the reels 110 to 112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of this optical sensor. Based on the detection results of this sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the desired symbol is displayed on the pay line.

[0015] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination) has been internally won in an internal lottery described below, or that a bonus game is in progress (special game state). The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for presentation purposes.

[0016] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "1-coin bet button") 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted, up to a maximum of three medals. When the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "2-coin bet button") 131 is pressed, two medals are inserted, and when the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "MAX bet button") 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 will also be referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamps 129 light up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up, indicating that the game can be started.

[0017] The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which a player inserts medals when starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) into the medal insertion slot 141, and the term "insertion" includes both.

[0018] To the left of the medal slot 141 are arranged a cross key 193a (first operating means, consisting of four buttons: up button, down button, right button, and left button. hereinafter referred to as the "volume button"), which are operating means for selecting menus and adjusting volume on the administrator screen SD, etc., which will be described later, an OK button 193b (hereinafter these may be collectively referred to as the "cross key 193" or "menu button"), and an effect button (first operating means) 156, which accepts player operations in various effects.

[0019] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) in numerical form. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of winning some kind of winning combination, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing push order effects. In this example, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are configured as 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0020] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when the desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. Operation of the start lever 135 is called a game start operation.

[0021] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons (stop buttons) 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started to rotate by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110 to 112. Note that a light emitting element may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitting element can be lit to notify the player.

[0022] Hereinafter, operations on stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being referred to as the first stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "first stop" or "first stop"), the next stop operation being referred to as the second stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "second stop" or "second stop"), and the final stop operation being referred to as the third stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "third stop" or "third stop").

[0023] The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated to stop all of the reels 110 to 112 that are spinning is referred to as the operation order (or push order).

[0024] The operation sequence (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139, when the left stop button 137 is represented as "left or R", the middle stop button 138 as "middle or C", and the right stop button 139 as "right or R", are six types: (1) left-to-middle-to-right operation sequence (left-right-right or LCR), (2) left-to-right-to-middle operation sequence (left-right-center or LRC), (3) middle-to-left-to-right operation sequence (center-left-right or CLR), (4) middle-to-right-to-left operation sequence (center-right-left or CRL), (5) right-to-left-to-middle operation sequence (right-left-center or RLC), and (6) right-to-middle-to-left operation sequence (right-center-left or RCL).

[0025] The medal return button 133 is a button that can be pressed to remove medals that have been inserted and become stuck. The settlement button 134 is a button that can be used to settle medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout outlet 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key can be inserted to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0026] In this example, the settlement button 134 is arranged so as to protrude forward (towards the player; in the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102 (the outer surface of the slot machine 100 that is approximately perpendicular to the player and faces the player; see Figure 26(a)), but it may also be arranged so as to protrude upward from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102 (in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front door 102 is opened), like the effect button 156, etc.

[0027] Below the stop button unit 136, there is provided a title panel 162 on which the model name is displayed and various certificate stamps are attached. Below the title panel 162, there are provided a medal payout outlet 155 and a medal tray 161. The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. A performance device 160 is provided above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the performance device 160.

[0028] This performance device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, which can be opened and closed horizontally, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (display means; hereinafter also referred to as the "performance image display device") arranged at the back side of this shutter 163, and is configured so that when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (on the player's side).

[0029] The display means does not have to be a liquid crystal display device; it may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, it may be a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the player can view the entire screen. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorations (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear irregularly shaped. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0030] <Internal structure> Next, the internal structure of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figure 2(a). Figure 2(a) is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open.

[0031] Main body 101 is a box-like body that is surrounded by top panel 261, left side panel 260, right side panel 260, bottom panel 264, and back panel 242, and is open at the front. Inside main body 101, main control board storage case 210 that stores a main control board is disposed at a position that does not overlap with ventilation opening 249 provided at the top of back panel 242, and three reels 110 to 112 are disposed below main control board storage case 210.

[0032] A main board display (light emitting means) 190 capable of displaying various types of game information is disposed on the main control board housed in the main control board storage case 210. Details will be described later using Fig. 2(b), but this main board display 190 cannot be seen unless the front door 102 is opened, and is provided in a position that is difficult to see from the outside of the slot machine (gaming table) 100 (a position inside the slot machine 100 that is difficult to see from a player).

[0033] In this example, the main board display (light emitting means) 190 is located in a position that is difficult to see from the outside of the slot machine (gaming machine) 100. Therefore, by making the main board display (light emitting means) 190 invisible to the player, it is possible to prevent the player from mistakenly believing that the light emitted by the main board display (light emitting means) 190 is part of the performance, and no disadvantage is caused to the player.

[0034] Further, an LED corresponding seal (first display unit) 192 is disposed near the main board display 190 (in this example, on the left side panel 260 inside the main body 101, to which a hinge device 276, which is the rotation center of the front door 102, is attached), and indicates which operating means each of the multiple LEDs (light-emitting units) provided on the main board display 190 corresponds to. Details of the LED corresponding seal (first display unit) 192 will be described later using FIG. 2(c).

[0035] According to this example, even a manager who is not familiar with this gaming machine can understand which LED (light-emitting element) on the main board display 190 corresponds to which operating means by checking the LED-compatible sticker 192 provided on the gaming machine without having to check the instruction manual, etc., thereby improving convenience for gaming store staff, etc.

[0036] In particular, since the LED-compatible sticker 192 is arranged near the main board display 190, the correspondence between the LED on the main board display 190 and the operating means is easy to see and confirm, thereby increasing convenience for game store staff and others.

[0037] Furthermore, since the LED-compatible sticker 192 is disposed on the side panel 260 to which the hinge device 276, which is the rotation center of the front door 102, is attached, the LED-compatible sticker 192 is easy to see when the front door 102 is opened, and the display of the LED-compatible sticker 192 is easy to check, thereby improving the workability of game parlor staff and the like.

[0038] A sub-control board storage case 220, which stores a sub-control board inside, is disposed to the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, i.e., on the left side panel 260. Also, an external centralized terminal board 248, which is connected to the main control board and outputs information from the slot machine 100 to an external device, is attached to the right side panel 260.

[0039] Also, inside the main body 101, there is provided a setting key switch (operation means; hereinafter also referred to as "setting key SW"; not shown) that can be switched between on (second operating state; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "ON") and off (first operating state; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "OFF") by a rotation operation. This setting key SW is an operation means for starting to change or check the setting values ​​(in this example, settings 1 to 6) described below.

[0040] Furthermore, a reset switch (hereinafter also referred to as a "reset SW" or "reset button") 243 that can be pressed to change settings (setting value change operation) is provided inside main body 101. This reset SW 243 is an operating means that also functions as an error release switch that can be operated to resolve various errors (error resolution operation) described later.

[0041] These setting key SW and reset SW 243 are operating means provided in a position where they can be operated only when the front door 102 (door body) is in an open state, and are difficult or impossible to operate when the front door 102 (door body) is in a closed state. In other words, they are operating means that can only be operated by the manager (staff, etc.) of the gaming establishment, and cannot be operated by players.

[0042] Also provided inside the main body 101 is a set value display device 101a (see FIG. 17(b)) that can display set values. In this example, the set value display device 101a is configured as a 7-segment display. Details will be described later, but when a setting change operation is performed, the set value display device 101a displays the set value (one of settings 1 to 6), and when the set value is confirmed by operating the start lever 135, the set value is no longer displayed. On the other hand, when a setting confirmation operation is performed, a numerical value indicating the current set value is displayed on the set value display device 101a.

[0043] A medal payout device 180 (a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed on the lower panel 264, and a power supply device (power supply means) 252 having a power supply board is disposed above the medal payout device 180, i.e., below the reels 110 to 112, and a power switch (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "power SW") 244 is disposed on the front of the power supply device 252. The power supply device (power supply means) 252 converts AC power supplied from an external source to the slot machine 100 into DC, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300 and sub-control units 400 and 500, which will be described later. Furthermore, the power supply device 252 is provided with a power storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to predetermined components (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0044] An auxiliary medal storage 240 is disposed on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal (not shown) is disposed behind this. The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connector for connecting a power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected to this connector extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in a back panel 242 of the main body 101.

[0045] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276 and is a door body that can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101.

[0046] In this example, the front door 102, which is locked in a closed state, can be opened by inserting a key held by the manager of the gaming facility into the door key hole 140 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the manager can unlock the front door 102 (change it from a closed state to an open state), but anyone other than the manager (for example, a player) cannot unlock the front door 102.

[0047] An optical sensor (detection means; hereinafter also referred to as the "open / close sensor"; not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is provided on the right side panel 260 of the main body 101, and is configured so that a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the front door 102 passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of this open / close sensor.

[0048] The main control unit 300 monitors the states of various sensors 318, including this open / close sensor, in the device monitoring process of the main control timer interrupt process, which will be described later. When the front door 102 is closed and the light-blocking piece of the front door 102 moves to a position where it blocks light from the light-emitting part of the open / close sensor of the main body 101, the open / close sensor outputs a signal (for example, a low-level signal) indicating a closed state to the main control unit 300.

[0049] On the other hand, when the front door 102 is opened and the light-shielding piece of the front door 102 moves to a position where it does not block the light from the light-emitting part of the opening / closing sensor of the main body 101, the opening / closing sensor outputs a signal (e.g., a high-level signal) indicating that it is in an open detection state to the main control unit 300.

[0050] In other words, the opening / closing sensor is a detection means capable of detecting the opening / closing state of the front door (door body) 102, and when the front door 102 is in a closed state (closed state), the detection state becomes a closed detection state, and when the front door 102 is in an open state (open state), the detection state becomes an open detection state.

[0051] The "detection means" according to the present invention is not limited to an optical sensor, but may be, for example, a magnetic sensor, a proximity switch, a microswitch, a Hall element, etc. Furthermore, it is not limited to a sensor that always switches between an open detection state and a closed detection state as the door is opened or closed, but may be a sensor that can change the detection state to a closed detection state even when the door is open, or conversely, a sensor that can change the detection state to an open detection state even when the door is closed.

[0052] Here, the open / close sensor according to this example is configured so that, when a predetermined operation is performed, the detection state becomes a closed detection state even when the front door (door body) 102 is in an open state. Specifically, when the front door 102 is in an open state, a light-shielding piece of a certain length is inserted between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit of the open / close sensor of the main body 101 and fixed with tape or the like to block the light from the light-emitting unit of the open / close sensor of the main body 101, thereby forcibly changing the detection state of the open / close sensor to a closed detection state even when the front door 102 is in an open state.

[0053] The "predetermined operation" according to the present invention is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a DIP switch that sets the open / close sensor to the closed detection state, and the operation of this DIP switch may be performed as the predetermined operation. Also, if the detection means is a magnetic sensor, the detection state of the open / close sensor may be set to the closed detection state by bringing a magnet close to it.

[0054] Above the symbol display window 113, there are provided the performance device 160, a performance control board (not shown) that controls this performance device 160, and a speaker 272. Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided the medal selector 170 for sorting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when this medal selector 170 drops illegal medals and the like into the medal tray 161. Furthermore, there is provided a speaker 277 at a position corresponding to the sound hole 181.

[0055] <Main board display, LED compatible sticker> Next, the main board display 190 and the LED-compatible sticker 192 will be described with reference to Figures 2(b) and 2(c). Figure 2(b) is a front view showing an example of the main board display 190, and Figure 2(c) is a front view showing an example of the LED-compatible sticker 192.

[0056] The main board display (light-emitting means) 190 is a display consisting of multiple (eight in this example) LEDs (light-emitting sections), and can indicate predetermined game information by lighting one, multiple, or all of the eight LEDs a-h. Note that the "light-emitting means" according to the present invention is not limited to a display consisting of LEDs, and lamps, seven-segment displays, liquid crystal displays, etc. may also be applied. It goes without saying that the types of game information that can be indicated by the "light-emitting means" according to the present invention are not limited to eight.

[0057] The LEDa of the main board display 190 is an LED that is turned on while the MAX BET button 132 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the BET button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is ON).

[0058] As shown in Figure 2(b), below LEDa on the main board display 190 (within the range of light from LEDa), identification information for identifying LEDa (in this example, the string "LED1") is printed, and as shown in Figure 2(c), at the position corresponding to LEDa on the LED-compatible sticker 192, a number (in this example, 1) corresponding to the identification information for LEDa (the string "LED1") and identification information for identifying the operating means corresponding to LEDa (in this example, the string "MAX bet button") are printed.

[0059] The LEDb of the main board display 190 is an LED that is turned on while the 1-coin bet button 130 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the 1-coin bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0060] As shown in Figure 2(b), below LEDb on the main board display 190 (within the range of light from LEDb), identification information for identifying LEDb (in this example, the string "LED2") is printed, and as shown in Figure 2(c), at the position corresponding to LEDb on the LED-compatible sticker 192, a number (in this example, 2) corresponding to the identification information of LEDb (the string "LED2") and identification information for identifying the operating means corresponding to LEDb (in this example, the string "1 coin bet button") are printed.

[0061] The LEDc of the main board display 190 is an LED that is lit while the settlement button 134 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0062] As shown in Figure 2(b), below LEDc on the main board display 190 (within the range where light from LEDc reaches), identification information for identifying LEDc (in this example, the string "LED3") is printed, and as shown in the same figure (c), at the position corresponding to LEDc on the LED-compatible sticker 192, a number (in this example, 3) corresponding to the identification information of LEDc (the string "LED3") and identification information for identifying the operating means corresponding to LEDc (in this example, the string "checkout button") are printed.

[0063] The LEDd of the main board display 190 is an LED that is lit while the start lever 135 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0064] As shown in Figure 2(b), below LEDd on the main board display 190 (within the range where light from LEDd reaches), identification information for identifying LEDd (in this example, the string "LED4") is printed, and as shown in Figure 2(c), at the position corresponding to LEDd on the LED-compatible sticker 192, a number (in this example, 4) corresponding to the identification information for LEDd (the string "LED4") and identification information for identifying the operating means corresponding to LEDd (in this example, the string "start lever") are printed.

[0065] The LEDe of the main board display 190 is an LED that is lit while the left stop button 137 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the stop button 137 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0066] As shown in Figure 2(b), below the LEDe of the main board display 190 (within the range where the light from the LEDe reaches), identification information for identifying the LEDe (in this example, the string "LED5") is printed, and as shown in Figure 2(c), at the position corresponding to the LEDe on the LED-compatible sticker 192, a number (in this example, 5) corresponding to the identification information of the LEDe (the string "LED5") and identification information for identifying the operating means corresponding to the LEDe (in this example, the string "left stop button") are printed.

[0067] The LEDf of the main board display 190 is an LED that is lit while the intermediate stop button 138 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the stop button 138 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0068] As shown in Figure 2(b), below the LEDf of the main board display 190 (within the range where light from LEDf reaches), identification information for identifying LEDf (in this example, the string "LED6") is printed, and as shown in the same figure (c), at the position corresponding to LEDf on the LED-compatible sticker 192, a number (in this example, 6) corresponding to the identification information of LEDf (the string "LED6") and identification information for identifying the operating means corresponding to LEDf (in this example, the string "middle stop button") are printed.

[0069] The LEDg of the main board display 190 is an LED that is lit while the right stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0070] As shown in Figure 2(b), below the LEDg of the main board display 190 (within the range where the light from the LEDg reaches), identification information for identifying the LEDg (in this example, the string "LED7") is printed, and as shown in Figure 2(c), at the position corresponding to the LEDg on the LED-compatible sticker 192, a number (in this example, 7) corresponding to the identification information of the LEDg (the string "LED7") and identification information for identifying the operating means corresponding to the LEDg (in this example, the string "right stop button") are printed.

[0071] The LEDh of the main board display 190 is an LED that is lit while the reset button 243 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0072] As shown in Figure 2(b), below LEDh on the main board display 190 (within the range where light from LEDh reaches), identification information for identifying LEDh (in this example, the string "LED8") is printed, and as shown in Figure 2(c), at the position corresponding to LEDh on the LED-compatible sticker 192, a number (in this example, 8) corresponding to the identification information of LEDh (the string "LED8") and identification information for identifying the operating means corresponding to LEDg (in this example, the string "reset button") are printed.

[0073] According to this example, even a manager who is not familiar with this gaming machine can understand which LED (light-emitting element) on the main board display 190 corresponds to which operating means by checking the LED-compatible sticker 192 provided on the gaming machine without having to check the instruction manual, etc., thereby improving convenience for gaming store staff, etc.

[0074] In addition, identification information for identifying the LED is provided below the LED of the main board display 190 (within the range of the light from the light-emitting part), making it easy to identify the LED that is emitting light. In addition, by illuminating the identification information with the LED, the visibility of the identification information can be improved, thereby improving the workability of game store staff and others.

[0075] The notification mode of each LEDa-h is not limited to lighting the LED, but may be such that the respective states are notified by blinking or turning off the LED. Also, the main board display 190 may be capable of notifying information related to the game, and may notify the operation status of operation means other than the exemplified operation means, various errors, or information other than the exemplified operation information (for example, game status, winning combination, winning combination). Also, the arrangement and number of LEDs, the names of identification information for identifying the LEDs and operation means, etc. are not limited to those in this example.

[0076] In addition, in this example, the main board display (light-emitting means) 190 is arranged on the main control board, but the "light-emitting means" of the present invention may also be arranged on another board (for example, a sub-control board or a power supply board).

[0077] <Control unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3. Note that Figure 3 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0078] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit (main control means) 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0079] <Main control unit> First, we will explain the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300, and this basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery for winning combinations, reel stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500 described below.

[0080] The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined cycle output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors the sensors and transmits drive pulses in response to this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

[0081] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generation circuit 316 (which is assumed to have two random number generation circuits built in) that derives a number in the range of 0 to 65535 each time it receives a clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315a, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when power is turned on.When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit, which will be described later).

[0082] The random number generation circuit 316 generates random numbers to be used in the basic circuit 302. The random number generation circuit 316 generates random numbers in two ways: counter mode and random number mode. In counter mode, a value that counts up (down) at a predetermined time interval is acquired and the acquired value is used as a random number. The random number mode has two further methods. In the first method, a seed value of the random number is used to perform a calculation using a predetermined function (e.g., a modulus function) and derive the result of this calculation as a random number. In the second method, a value is read from a random number table in which values ​​ranging from 0 to 65535 are randomly arranged, and the read value is used as a random number. The random number generation circuit 316 acquires irregular values ​​by utilizing white noise superimposed on signals input from various sensors 318 to the sensor circuit 320. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the value thus obtained as the initial value for a counter that counts up (down) in counter mode, as a seed for a random number, or when determining the start position for reading from the random number table.

[0083] The main control unit 300 also has a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, optical sensor of reel 110, optical sensor of reel 111, optical sensor of reel 112, open / close sensor, setting key SW sensor, reset SW243 sensor, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0084] When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery.

[0085] Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether a medal has passed through. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect the start operation by the player. Stop button 137 sensors, stop button 138 sensors, and stop button 139 sensors are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

[0086] The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are provided on each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and detect the insertion operation when medals electronically stored in RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals electronically stored are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals to be paid out by the medal payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

[0087] The optical sensors of reel 110, reel 111, and reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each of reels 110 to 112, and go to L level every time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes by. When CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

[0088] As described above, the open / close sensor is a sensor capable of detecting the open / close state of the front door (door body) 102. When the front door 102 is closed, the open / close sensor outputs a signal (for example, a low-level signal) indicating a closed detection state to the CPU 304. On the other hand, when the front door 102 is open, the open / close sensor outputs a signal (for example, a high-level signal) indicating an open detection state to the CPU 304.

[0089] A setting key SW sensor and a reset 243 SW sensor are installed on each SW, and detect the operation of the SW by a store clerk or the like at the gaming establishment.

[0090] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that selects the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor provided in the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, number of stored medals indicator 125, game information indicator 126, number of paid out medals indicator 127, main board indicator 190).

[0091] In addition, an information output circuit 334 (external centralized terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (e.g., game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334.

[0092] The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power supply device (power supply means) 252 (see Figure 2), and the voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply is below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0093] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

[0094] <Sub-controller> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives control commands sent by the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the backlight lighting pattern and various displays, etc.

[0095] The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 for each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0096] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sound source IC 418, which is connected to speakers 272, 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272, 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272, 277.

[0097] The first sub-controller 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamps, lower lamps, side lamps 144, title panel 162 lamps, etc.) are connected via an input / output interface.

[0098] The first sub-control unit 400 also has a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 424 is connected to the shutter 163 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0099] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sensor circuit 426, which is connected via an input interface to various sensors 428 (cross button 193 sensor, effect button 156 sensor) that can detect pressing of the cross button 193 (cross key (volume button) 193a, OK button 193b) and effect button 156. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the cross button 193 (cross key (volume button) 193a, OK button 193b) and effect button 156 sensor at each interrupt time.

[0100] The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including display control of the liquid crystal display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 may be configured with multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).

[0101] The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands.This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc.The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock.The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

[0102] The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 for each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0103] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a VDP 516 (video display processor), which is connected to the ROM 506 and VRAM 518 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on signals from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the performance image display device 157.

[0104] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a sensor circuit 532, to which a shutter sensor 538 capable of detecting the position of the shutter 163 is connected via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 538 at each interrupt time.

[0105] <Pattern Arrangement> 4(a) will be used to explain the arrangement of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. Note that this figure shows the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a two-dimensional layout.

[0106] On each of the reels 110 to 112, a predetermined number of symbols (21 symbols numbered 0 to 20 in this embodiment) of various types (eight symbols in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. The numbers 0 to 20 shown on the left side of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, a "replay" symbol is arranged on the symbol numbered 1 on the left reel 110, a "bell" symbol is arranged on the symbol numbered 0 on the center reel 111, and a "watermelon" symbol is arranged on the symbol numbered 2 on the right reel 112.

[0107] <Types of winning roles> Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be explained using Figure 4(b). The figure shows the types of winning combinations (including activated combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination.

[0108] Among the winning roles in this embodiment, the big bonus (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are roles that transition to bonus games, and the replay is a role that allows replay without inserting new medals. These roles are sometimes called "operating roles" to distinguish them from winning roles, but the "winning roles" in this embodiment include the operating roles of the big bonus, regular bonus, and replay. Furthermore, the "winning role" in this embodiment also includes the case where a symbol combination of an operating role that does not involve a medal payout (does not involve the payout of medals) is displayed on an active line, and includes, for example, winning the big bonus, regular bonus, and replay.

[0109] The winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include big bonuses (BB1, BB2), regular bonuses (RB), small combinations (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay combinations. It goes without saying that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these and can be any combination.

[0110] The "Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)" (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as "BB") is a special combination (operating combination) that, when won, initiates a special game, the Big Bonus game (BB game). The corresponding symbol combinations are "White 7-White 7-White 7" for BB1 and "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7" for BB2. Furthermore, flags are carried over for BB1 and BB2. That is, if an internal win occurs for BB1 or BB2, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). However, even if BB1 or BB2 is not won in that game, the flag indicating the internal win remains set until a win occurs. Therefore, BB1 and BB2 remain internal wins in the next game and thereafter, and the symbol combination "White 7-White 7-White 7" corresponding to BB1 and the symbol combination "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7" corresponding to BB2 are both in a winning state.

[0111] A "regular bonus (RB)" is a special role (operating role) that, when won, initiates a regular bonus game (RB game). The corresponding symbol combination is "bonus-bonus-bonus." Note that, for RB, a flag is carried over in the same manner as for BB described above. However, (details will be described later) in a big bonus game (BB game), the start condition is not necessarily an internal win in a regular bonus game (RB game) or the symbol combination being displayed on a winning line. Instead, the regular bonus game may start after the start of a big bonus game, and when one regular bonus game ends, the next regular bonus game may be started immediately, so that the regular bonus game starts automatically.

[0112] "Small winning combinations (Cherry, Melon, Bell)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "Cherry", "Melon", "Bell") are winning combinations where a predetermined number of medals are paid out upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are: Cherry is "Cherry-ANY-ANY", Melon is "Melon-Melon-Melon", and Bell is "Bell-Bell-Bell". Also, the corresponding payout numbers are as shown in the same figure. In the case of "Cherry-ANY-ANY", it is only necessary that the symbol on the left reel 110 is "Cherry", and the symbols on the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 can be any symbol.

[0113] "Replay winning combination" is a winning combination (active combination) where, upon winning, the game can be played without inserting medals (game media) in the next game, and no medals are paid out. The corresponding symbol combination is "Replay-Replay-Replay".

[0114] <Types of RT-based game states> Next, the types and transitions of RT-based game states in the slot machine 100 will be described.

[0115] <Replay low probability state (RT1)> The replay low probability state (RT1) is the default RT-based game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal game state") that is initially set immediately after the power is turned on for the slot machine 100, etc., and is a game state that is relatively disadvantageous for the player compared to other game states.

[0116] In this example, in this replay low probability state (RT1), when winning on the replay winning combination 2 (upgraded replay 1) or the replay winning combination 3 (upgraded replay 2), it transitions to the replay high probability state (RT2) described later. Also, in this replay low probability state (RT1), when an internal winning occurs for a special winning combination, it transitions to the special winning combination internal winning state (RT3) described later.

[0117] <Replay high probability state (RT2)> The replay high probability state is a game state where the internal winning probability of the replay is higher than that in the replay low probability state (RT1).

[0118] In this example, if an internal win for a special role occurs in this high replay probability state (RT2), the state transitions to an internal win state for a special role (RT3) described later.

[0119] <Special role internal winning state (RT3)> The special role internal winning state (RT3) is a state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to the special role is set to ON, and the player can perform a stop operation at a predetermined timing to display the symbol combination corresponding to the special role corresponding to this flag.

[0120] In this example, if a special combination is won in this special combination internal winning state (RT3), the state transitions to a special game state (RT4) described later.

[0121] <Special game state (RT4)> The special gaming state (RT4) is the most advantageous gaming state for the player among all gaming states. In this example, when a specified number of coins (for example, 200 coins) is paid out in the special gaming state (RT4), the game transitions to the low re-play probability state (RT1).

[0122] In this example, the conditions for ending the special game state (RT4) are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, when a predetermined role is internally won, when a predetermined number of wins (e.g., 8 times) occur, or when a predetermined number of games (e.g., 6 times) are played.

[0123] <Main processing in the main control section> First, the main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Note that Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit main processing.

[0124] As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when power is turned on. When this start signal is input, the CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 is reset and started by a reset interrupt, and executes the main processing of the main control unit in accordance with the control program previously stored in the ROM 306.

[0125] When the power is turned on, first, various initial setting processes are performed in step S101. As will be described in detail later, in this initial setting process, processes related to initial setting, setting changes, restoration processes, etc. are performed.

[0126] In step S102, a medal insertion / start operation acceptance process is executed. Here, the sensor circuit 320 detects whether a medal insertion operation has been performed electronically using the bet buttons 130-132 or whether a medal insertion operation has been performed directly through the medal insertion slot 141, and if an insertion operation has been performed, the win line indicator lamp 120 is turned on according to the number of medals inserted. The controller also prepares to send a medal insertion command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that medals have been inserted. If a replay combination has been won in the previous game, the controller performs a process to insert the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game, eliminating the need for the player to insert medals.

[0127] In addition, a check is made based on the detection of the sensor circuit 320 to see if the start lever 135 has been operated, and if it is determined that the start lever has been operated, the number of medals inserted is confirmed and preparations are made to send a start lever acceptance command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that the start lever 135 has been operated.

[0128] In step S103, the number of inserted medals is determined, and a win line determination process is performed to determine the valid win lines.

[0129] In step S104, a random number acquisition process is performed to acquire a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316, and in the next step S105, a winning combination internal lottery process is performed. In this winning combination internal lottery process, a winning combination lottery table stored in ROM 306 is read out according to the current game state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the acquired random number value, and preparations are made to send an internal lottery command indicating the result of this internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400. If any winning combination (including an operating combination) is internally won as a result of the internal lottery, the flag for that winning combination is turned on.

[0130] In step S106, a reel stop data selection process is performed to select reel stop data based on the internal lottery result of the winning combination internal lottery process. This reel stop data is stored in ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. In step S106, preparations are made to send a reel stop data command containing information about the selected reel stop data to the first sub-control unit 400. In step S107, a reel rotation start process is performed to start the rotation of all reels 110 to 112.

[0131] In step S108, a reel stop control process is performed. In the reel stop control process, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be accepted, and when one of the stop buttons is pressed, a stop table of reel stop data is referenced to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, and one of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of reel pull-in frames set in the stop table. When all the reels 110 to 112 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0132] In this step S108, for each stop operation, preparations are made to send to the first sub-control unit 400 a stop button acceptance command (more specifically, a stop button acceptance 1 command for the first stop operation, a stop button acceptance 2 command for the second stop operation, and a stop button acceptance 3 command for the third stop operation) relating to the stop button 137 to 139 that was operated to stop, and for each reel stop, preparations are made to send to the first sub-control unit 400 a reel stop command (more specifically, a reel stop 1 command for the first stopped reel, a reel stop 2 command for the second stop operation, and a reel stop 3 command for the third stop operation) relating to the reel stop position.

[0133] In step S109, a winning determination process is performed to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved. In this winning determination process, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination has been achieved. For example, if "Bell-Bell-Bell" is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that a minor combination (Bell) has been achieved. In addition, in this step S109, preparations are made to send a winning determination command indicating the result of the winning determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0134] In step S110, a medal payout process is performed. In the medal payout process, if any winning combination that provides a payout is achieved, medals in the number corresponding to the winning combination are paid out according to the number of winning lines.

[0135] In step S111, a game state control process is performed. In this game state control process, processing related to the transition of each game state of the RT system is performed, and the game state is transitioned when the start condition or end condition is met. In addition, preparations are made to send a game state command including information indicating the current game state of the RT system.

[0136] This completes one game. After that, the game progresses by returning to step S102 and repeating the above-mentioned process. The various commands prepared in the above steps are transmitted in the command setting and transmission process (step S206) of the main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later.

[0137] <Initial setting process> Next, the initial setting process (step S101) in the main process of the main control unit explained with reference to Fig. 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the initial setting process.

[0138] In step S201, startup initialization is performed, which includes setting (temporarily setting) a stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting interrupt prohibition, initializing the I / O 310, initializing various variables stored in the RAM 308, and setting operation permission and initial values ​​for the WDT 314.

[0139] In step S202, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 308. If there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step S207 where an initialization process is performed, and if there is no abnormality, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0140] In step S203, it is determined whether the front door 102 is in an open state (door open), and if the door is open, the process proceeds to step S204, and if the door is not open, the process proceeds to step S205 to execute the reset process. Also, in step S204, it is determined whether the setting key SW is ON or OFF, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to step S206 to execute the setting change process, and if it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S205 to execute the reset process.

[0141] In the restoration process of step S205, the slot machine 100 is restored to the state before the power failure (for example, the restoration of the restoration data saved in RAM 308 in the power failure process of step S411 of the main control unit timer interrupt process), and then the initial setting process is terminated.

[0142] In step S206, a setting change process is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S207. As will be described in detail later, in this setting change process, processing related to the setting change is performed.

[0143] In step S207, an initialization process is performed, which includes a process for initializing the data in the RAM 308 (RAM clearing), and then ends the initial setting process.

[0144] <Settings change process> Next, the setting change process (step S206) in the initial setting process described with reference to Fig. 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the setting change process.

[0145] The slot machine 100 can transition to a state (setting change mode) in which the setting value can be changed (setting change) when the power is turned on with the front door (door body) 102 open and the setting key SW provided inside the main body 101 turned on (second operating state) (or when the setting key SW is turned on before a predetermined time has elapsed after the power is turned on (before the main control unit 300 checks the on / off state of the setting key SW)).

[0146] In step S301, a process is performed to initialize the data in RAM 308 (RAM clear), and in the next step S302, preparations are made to send a setting change start command indicating the start of setting changes to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this setting change start command from the main control unit 300, it executes a process to start displaying the administrator screen.

[0147] In step S303, the interrupt status is set to "setting change in progress." As a result, in various game processes in step S404 of the main control unit timer interrupt process described later, processes according to the setting change in progress are executed.

[0148] In step S304, the current setting value is displayed using the setting value display device 101a, and for example, if the current setting value is setting 6, the number 6 indicating setting 6 is displayed. In step S305, it is determined whether or not the reset SW 243 has been operated, and if it has been operated, the current setting value is changed, and if it has not been operated, the processing of step S305 is repeatedly executed until operation of the start lever 135 is accepted in step S307.

[0149] More specifically, in the processing of steps S305 to S307, the currently set value 1 to 6 is updated by incrementing it by 1 each time an operation of the reset switch 243 is detected, and when the set value exceeds 6, it is reset to 1, and this is repeated to change the set value. Also, if it is determined in step S307 that the start lever 135 has been operated, the operation of changing the set value by the reset switch 243 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S308.

[0150] In addition, if the start lever 135 is operated without pressing the reset SW243, or if the setting value cycles through one cycle (for example, setting 5 → setting 6 → setting 1 → ... → setting 5) by repeatedly pressing the reset SW243 and then the start lever 135 is operated, the setting will be the same as the previous setting.

[0151] In step S308, the setting value displayed on the setting value display device 101a is stored in RAM 308 as a new setting value (the setting value is confirmed), and in the next step S309, the display on the setting value display device 101a is erased, and the setting value is no longer displayed.

[0152] In this example, the setting value is confirmed when operation of the start lever 135 is accepted, but a process of determining whether the front door 102 is open or not may be added, and the setting value may be confirmed only when the front door 102 is open. In this case, if the front door 102 is closed, the setting value cannot be confirmed, but the administrator screen may continue to be displayed.

[0153] In step S310, it is determined whether the setting key SW is OFF or ON, and if it is ON, the processing of step S310 is repeated, and if it is OFF, the processing proceeds to step S311 to end the setting change. In step S311, preparations are made to send a setting change end command indicating that the setting change is to be ended to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this setting change end command from the main control unit 300, it executes processing to end the display of the administrator screen.

[0154] <Main control unit timer interrupt processing> Next, a main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

[0155] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined period (approximately once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt signal is used as a trigger to start main control unit timer interrupt processing at the predetermined period.

[0156] In step S401, a timer interrupt start process is performed. This timer interrupt start process includes processes such as temporarily saving the values ​​of each register of CPU 304 to a stack area. In step S402, WDT 314 is restarted periodically (in this embodiment, once every approximately 2 ms, which is the cycle of the main control unit timer interrupt) to prevent the count value of WDT 314 from exceeding the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and causing a WDT interrupt (to prevent detection of a processing abnormality).

[0157] In step S403, an input port status update process is performed. In this input port status update process, detection signals from the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310, and the presence or absence of the detection signals is monitored and stored in signal status storage areas partitioned for each of the various sensors 318 in the RAM 308. In step S404, various game processes are performed, and processing according to the interrupt status is executed. In step S405, a timer update process is performed. More specifically, various timers are updated according to their respective time units.

[0158] In step S406, a command setting and transmission process is performed, and various commands that have been prepared for transmission are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 is able to determine the presentation control in response to changes in game control in the main control unit 300 based on the command type contained in the received output schedule information, and is also able to determine the content of the presentation control based on the command data information contained in the output schedule information.

[0159] In step S407, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 334.

[0160] In step S408, device monitoring processing is performed. Details will be described later, but this device monitoring processing includes setting value confirmation processing, door open monitoring processing, and payment processing.

[0161] In step S409, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on or not, and if the low voltage signal is on (if a power cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S411, and if the low voltage signal is off (if a power cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S410.

[0162] In step S410, various processes are performed to end the timer interrupt end process. In this timer interrupt end process, processes such as setting the values ​​of each register temporarily saved in step S401 back into the original registers are performed, and the process returns to the main process of the main control unit. Meanwhile, in step S411, specific variables and stack pointers for restoring the state at the time of power outage when power is restored are saved as recovery data in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308, power outage processes such as initialization of input / output ports are performed, and the process returns to the main process of the main control unit.

[0163] <Device monitoring process> Next, the device monitoring process (step S408) in the main control unit timer interrupt process explained with reference to Fig. 8 will be explained with reference to Fig. 9. Note that Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the device monitoring process.

[0164] In step S501, a setting value confirmation process is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S502. In this setting value confirmation process, processing related to setting confirmation is performed.

[0165] When the front door (door body) 102 of the slot machine 100 is opened, the power is turned on, and then the setting key SW provided inside the main body 101 is turned on (second operating state), the slot machine 100 can transition to a state (setting confirmation mode) in which the setting values ​​can be confirmed (setting confirmation).

[0166] Here, checking the setting means checking the setting value of the gaming machine, and in this example, by pressing the operating means (setting switch), the setting value can be checked by displaying the initially set setting value (for example, setting 1) or the setting value set by changing the setting (any of settings 1 to 6) on the payout number display 127.

[0167] Also, in the setting confirmation mode, when the setting key SW is turned off (first operation state) (or the setting key SW is removed after the setting key SW is turned off), and the front door 102 is closed, the state in which the setting value can be confirmed (setting confirmation mode) ends, and the game transitions to a playable state (normal game state) in which the game can proceed.

[0168] In step S502, a door open monitoring process is performed. In the door open monitoring process (determination means), the main control unit 300 monitors the state of the open / close sensor, and when it detects a signal indicating a closed state, it stores in RAM 308 close detection information indicating that the front door 102 has been closed (closed state), and makes preparations to send to the first sub-control unit 400 a door close detection command indicating that the front door 102 has been closed. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this door close detection command from the main control unit 300, it stores in RAM 408 in chronological order as history information the close detection information indicating that the front door 102 has been closed (in this example, information indicating "closed" and the date and time of closure).

[0169] Meanwhile, in the door open monitoring process, the main control unit 300 monitors the state of the open / close sensor, and when it detects a signal indicating an open detection state, it stores open detection information indicating that it has detected the opening (open state) of the front door 102 in RAM 308, and makes preparations to send a door open detection command indicating that it has detected the opening of the front door 102 to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this door open detection command from the main control unit 300, it stores the open detection information indicating that it has detected the opening of the front door 102 (in this example, information indicating "open" and the date and time of the opening) in chronological order in RAM 408 as history information, and issues a door open notification.

[0170] The door open notification will be described later, but in this example, when the front door 102 is in the door body open state, the light emitters (various lamps 420, etc.) emit light in an open light emitting mode, and an opening sound (for example, a voice saying "Door is opening") is output from the sound output means (speakers 272, 277). Note that the mode of the door open notification is not particularly limited, and for example, the character string "Door is opening" may be displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0171] In step S503, the settlement process is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S504. In this settlement process, the main control unit 300 monitors the state of the settlement button 134 sensor during the valid period of the settlement button 134 (for example, the period from when game play can be started until operation of the start lever 135 is accepted), and when it detects a signal indicating that the settlement button 134 has been operated, it performs processing to settle the medals that have been electronically stored, and also makes preparations to send a settlement command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that processing to settle the medals has been executed.

[0172] In step S504, other device monitoring processing is performed, and then the device monitoring processing is terminated. In the other device monitoring processing, error notification start processing, error notification end processing, etc. are performed.

[0173] Here, errors that may occur in the slot machine 100 according to this embodiment include a door open error, a hopper empty error, a medal insertion error 1 (a medal selector error), a medal insertion error 2-4, a medal payout error 1-3, an overflow error, a RAM failure, and a winning error.

[0174] A door open error is an error that notifies the user that the door of the gaming machine has been opened. The error occurs when the front door 102 is opened (the error is detected) and is resolved when the front door 102 is closed (the error is not detected).

[0175] As described above, in the door open monitoring process, the main control unit 300 monitors the state of the open / close sensor, and when it detects a signal indicating a closed detection state, it sends a door closed detection command to the first sub-control unit 400, and the first sub-control unit 400 stores the closed detection information (in this example, information indicating "closed" and the date and time of closure) in chronological order in RAM 408 as history information, while when it detects a signal indicating an open detection state, it sends a door open detection command to the first sub-control unit 400, and the first sub-control unit 400 stores the open detection information (in this example, information indicating "open" and the date and time of opening) in chronological order in RAM 408 as history information and issues a door open notification.

[0176] The hopper empty error is a dispensing error related to the dispensing of medals, and occurs when the number of medals stored in the hopper housed inside the main body 101 falls below a specified number (an error detection state occurs), and is resolved by refilling the hopper with more medals than the specified number (an error non-detection state occurs).

[0177] Medal insertion error 1 (medal selector error) occurs when an inserted medal gets stuck in the medal selector, etc. (error detection state occurs), and is resolved (error non-detection state occurs) when the cause of the error is removed and the error release switch (reset SW243 in this example) is operated. Medal insertion error 2 occurs when the number of inserted medals is equal to or exceeds the specified number (error detection state occurs), and is resolved (error non-detection state occurs) by changing the setting value or clearing the RAM.

[0178] Medal insertion error 3 occurs when either insertion sensor 1 or insertion sensor 2 turns on other than during the medal insertion process (an error detection state occurs), and medal insertion error 4 occurs when the inserted medal does not pass through insertion sensor 1 or insertion sensor 2 normally (an error detection state occurs), and is resolved (an error non-detection state occurs) when the cause of the error is removed and the error release switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated.

[0179] Medal payout error 1 occurs when no medals are paid out for a certain period of time while the medal payout device is in operation (an error detection state occurs), medal payout error 2 occurs when medals become stuck while the medal payout device is in operation (an error detection state occurs), and medal payout error 3 occurs when either payout sensor 1 or payout sensor 2 turns on other than during the medal payout process (an error detection state occurs), and in either case, the error is resolved (an error non-detection state occurs) after the cause of the error is removed and the error release switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated.

[0180] An overflow abnormality occurs when the overflow terminal of the medal auxiliary storage becomes ON (an error detection state occurs), and after the cause of the error is removed, the error is resolved (an error non-detection state occurs) when the error release switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated. A RAM failure occurs when an abnormality is detected by checking the RAM (an error detection state occurs), and the error is resolved (an error non-detection state occurs) when the error release switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated. A winning abnormality occurs when a winning symbol different from the winning symbol determined by internal lottery is won after the reels 110 to 112 have stopped (an error detection state occurs), and the error is resolved (an error non-detection state occurs) when the error release switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated.

[0181] The gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to slot machines, but can also be applied to pachinko machines. Errors that can occur in pachinko machines include, for example, a lower tray full error, a payout device error, an overpayout error, an illegal payout error, a main control unit communication error, a magnetic anomaly error, a magnetic field anomaly error, a frame open error, a RAM clear error, and an impact sensor error. These errors are also resolved when the error cause is removed and the error reset switch is operated.

[0182] When the main control unit 300 detects any of the errors, it sets the interrupt status to an error detection state, then displays an error code corresponding to the error on the dispensed coin count display 127, and prepares to send an error command corresponding to the detected error to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this error command from the main control unit 300, it executes processing to start an error notification.

[0183] For example, when a selector error occurs, the display area of ​​the display means (liquid crystal display device 157) displays the character string "SELECTOR ERROR OCCURRED!!" and the character string "CALL A GAMING CLEANER.", the light emitters (various lamps 420, etc.) emit light in an error light emitting mode, and the sound output means (speakers 272, 277) outputs an error sound (such as "An error has occurred. Please call a gaming staff member."). The mode of error notification is not particularly limited, and for example, the error notification may be made by the movement of the movable means (reels 110-112).

[0184] In addition, when the error notification termination condition is met (for example, when an operation to clear the error (in this example, an operation to turn reset SW243 ON) is received), the main control unit 300 erases the error detection status stored in the interrupt status and then executes error notification termination processing. In this error notification termination processing, the main control unit 300 erases the error code displayed on the dispensed number display 127 and prepares to send an error resolution command corresponding to the resolved error to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this error resolution command from the main control unit 300, it executes processing to terminate the error notification that is currently being executed.

[0185] <Power restoration with button pressed> Next, power restoration when the button is pressed will be described with reference to FIG.

[0186] Figure 10(a) is a diagram showing the control status of each button when the power is turned on, Figure 10(b) is a diagram showing the control status of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state), and Figure 10(c) is a diagram showing the control status of each button when the power is turned on with a setting change.

[0187] In slot machine 100, even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off while a first operating means is not being operated, and the power is restored while the first operating means is being operated, resulting in a state in which the operation of the first operating means is enabled, control over the operation of the first operating means is not executed, but if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off while a second operating means is not being operated, and the power is restored while the second operating means is being operated, resulting in a state in which the operation of the second operating means is enabled, control over the operation of the second operating means is executed.

[0188] Hereinafter, "not executing control over operation of the first operating means" may be referred to as "invalid," and the "first operating means" may be referred to as an "invalid button." Also, "executing control over operation of the second operating means" may be referred to as "valid," and the "second operating means" may be referred to as an "valid button."

[0189] <Power recovery when button is pressed / MAX BET button> The MAX BET button 132 described using Figure 1 is one of the valid buttons (second operating means) that becomes valid (control is executed for the operation) when an operation is performed when power is restored after a power outage, as shown in Figure 10(a), and in this example, is controlled by the main control unit 300.

[0190] In this example, when a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) is not operated, and when the power is restored while the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) is being operated and the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) becomes enabled (in this example, the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on and the interrupt status is neither an error detection state nor a setting change in progress), the main control unit 300 executes control over the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) (in this example, a process of inserting three medals (credits) stored electronically).

[0191] On the other hand, when the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the MAX BET button 132 is invalid in accordance with the control state of each button at power-on (error detection state) shown in Fig. 10(b) and does not execute control for that operation. Also, when the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the setting change in progress (when power-on is performed with setting change), the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the MAX BET button 132 is invalid in accordance with the control state of each button at power-on with setting change shown in Fig. 10(c) and does not execute control for that operation.

[0192] When the MAX BET button 132 is operated in a state where betting of game value is possible (for example, a non-play state where no bets of game value have been made), a bet of game value equivalent to three medals is executed, but when the settlement button 134 is subsequently operated, all game value, including the bet of game value equivalent to three medals, is settled (if it is medals, all medals are ejected), and it is possible to return to the state where betting of game value was possible just before the MAX BET button 132 was operated.

[0193] In other words, even if control is executed on the operation of the MAX BET button 132 (operation means) (for example, a process of betting the gaming value of three medals), it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed (a state in which gaming value can be bet) by a certain operation (for example, an operation using the settlement button 134).

[0194] <Power recovery when button is pressed / 1 bet button> The 1-coin bet button 130 described using Figure 1 is one of the valid buttons (second operating means) that, when operated upon restoration of power after a power outage, enables the operation (control is executed for the operation), as shown in Figure 10(a), and in this example, is controlled by the main control unit 300.

[0195] In this example, when a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the 1 bet button 130 (second operating means) is not operated, and when the power is restored while the 1 bet button 130 (second operating means) is being operated and the operation of the 1 bet button 130 (second operating means) becomes enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on and the interrupt status is neither an error detection state nor a state in which settings are being changed), the main control unit 300 executes control over the operation of the 1 bet button 130 (second operating means) (in this example, a process of inserting one medal (credit) that is electronically stored).

[0196] On the other hand, when the state of the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the 1 bet button 130 is invalid in accordance with the control state of each button at power-on (error detection state) shown in Fig. 10(b) and does not execute control for that operation. Also, when the state of the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the setting change in progress (when power-on is performed with setting change), the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the 1 bet button 130 is invalid in accordance with the control state of each button at power-on with setting change shown in Fig. 10(c) and does not execute control for that operation.

[0197] When the 1 coin bet button 130 is operated in a state where betting of game value is possible (for example, a non-play state where no bet of game value has been made), a bet of game value equivalent to one medal is executed, but when the settlement button 134 is subsequently operated, all game value, including the bet of game value equivalent to one medal, is settled (if it is a medal, all medals are ejected), and it is possible to return to the state where betting of game value was possible just before the 1 coin bet button 130 was operated.

[0198] In other words, even if control is executed on the operation of the 1 coin bet button 130 (operation means) (for example, a process of betting the gaming value of one medal), it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed (a state in which gaming value can be bet) by a certain operation (for example, an operation using the settlement button 134).

[0199] <Power recovery when button is pressed / 2 coin bet button> In this example, of the three types of bet buttons 130 to 132, the MAX BET button 132 and the 1-coin BET button 130 are set as valid buttons (second operation means), but the 2-coin BET button 131 may also be added as a valid button (second operation means).

[0200] In this case, when a power outage occurs in which the power supply device 252 is cut off while the two-coin bet button 131 (second operating means) is not operated, and when the power is restored while the two-coin bet button 131 (second operating means) is being operated and the operation of the two-coin bet button 131 (second operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal from the bet button 131 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on and the interrupt status is neither an error detection state nor a setting change in progress), the main control unit 300 executes control over the operation of the two-coin bet button 131 (second operating means) (in this example, a process of inserting two medals (credits) stored electronically).

[0201] On the other hand, if the detection signal of the bet button 131 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to an error detection state, or if the detection signal of the bet button 131 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to a setting change in progress (when power is turned on with a setting change), the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the two-coin bet button 131 is invalid and does not execute control over the operation.

[0202] Furthermore, at least one of the MAX BET button 132, the 1-coin BET button 130, and the 2-coin BET button 131 may be an invalid button (first operating means).

[0203] When the two-coin bet button 131 is operated in a state where betting of game value is possible (for example, a non-play state where no bet of game value has been made), a bet of game value worth two medals is executed, but when the settlement button 134 is subsequently operated, all game value, including the bet of game value worth two medals, is settled (if it is medals, all medals are ejected), and it is possible to return to the state where betting of game value was possible just before the two-coin bet button 131 was operated.

[0204] In other words, even if control is executed on the operation of the two-coin bet button 131 (operation means) (for example, a process of betting the gaming value of two medals), it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed (a state in which gaming value can be bet) by a certain operation (for example, an operation using the settlement button 134).

[0205] <Power recovery / settlement button when button is pressed> The settlement button 134 described using Figure 1 is one of the valid buttons (second operating means) that becomes valid (control is executed for the operation) when the operation is performed when power is restored after a power outage, as shown in Figure 10(a), and in this example, is controlled by the main control unit 300.

[0206] In this example, a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the settlement button 134 (second operating means) is not operated, and when the power is restored while the settlement button 134 (second operating means) is being operated and the operation of the settlement button 134 (second operating means) becomes enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on and the interrupt status is neither an error detection state nor a state in which settings are being changed), the main control unit 300 executes control over the operation of the settlement button 134 (second operating means) (in this example, a process to settle (pay out) the medals (credits) that are electronically stored).

[0207] On the other hand, when the detection signal of the settlement button 134 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to an error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that operation of the settlement button 134 is invalid in accordance with the control state of each button at power-on (error detection state) shown in Figure 10(b) and does not execute control for that operation. Also, when the detection signal of the settlement button 134 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to setting change in progress (when power-on is accompanied by a setting change) the main control unit 300 determines that operation of the settlement button 134 is invalid in accordance with the control state of each button at power-on accompanied by a setting change shown in Figure 10(c) and does not execute control for that operation.

[0208] If the settlement button 134 is operated when game value has been bet, all game value is settled (if it is medals, all medals are discharged) and the game returns to a state where no game value has been bet, but if a bet button (1 coin bet button 130, 2 coin bet button 131, or MAX bet button 132) is subsequently operated, it is possible to return to the state where game value was bet immediately before the settlement button 134 was operated.

[0209] In other words, even if control over the operation of the settlement button 134 (operation means) (for example, a process to settle (pay out) the bet game value) is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed (a state in which the game value was bet) by a certain operation (for example, an operation using the 1 coin bet button 130, the 2 coin bet button 131, or the MAX bet button 132).

[0210] When the settlement button 134 is operated, all game value is settled (in the case of medals, all medals are dispensed (for example, if the maximum number of bets, 50 medals, has been bet, all 50 medals are dispensed)), so in order to return to the state in which game value was bet immediately before the settlement button 134 was operated, it is necessary to insert the dispensed medals and bet the settled amount of game value again, which will take some time to restore.

[0211] Furthermore, even if the settlement button 134 is a button that resets the betted game value to an un-bet state when the settlement button 134 is operated, if the 1 coin bet button 130 or the 2 coin bet button 131 is operated to return to the bet state again, it will take two or more operations to reset the state.

[0212] On the other hand, even if a bet button (1 coin bet button 130, 2 coin bet button 131, or MAX bet button 132) is operated, by subsequently operating the settlement button 134 once, it is possible to return to the state immediately before the bet button was operated, where betting of the game value is possible.

[0213] In other words, it is easier to return to the state before control was executed when control is executed on the operation of the bet button (1 coin bet button 130, 2 coin bet button 131, or MAX bet button 132) (for example, a process to bet a predetermined number of coins of gaming value) than when control is executed on the operation of the settlement button 134 (operation means) (for example, a process to settle (pay out) the gaming value that has been bet).

[0214] <Power recovery with button pressed / start lever> The start lever 135 described using Figure 1 is one of the invalid buttons (first operating means) that invalidates the operation (no control is executed for the operation) if it is operated when power is restored after a power outage, as shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(c), and in this example, is controlled by the main control unit 300.

[0215] In this example, even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the start lever 135 (first operating means) is not operated, and the power is restored while the start lever 135 (first operating means) is being operated, and a state is reached in which the operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the main control unit 300 does not execute control over the operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) (in this example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112).

[0216] When the start lever 135 is operated in a state in which a game can be started (for example, a state in which all reels 110 to 112 are stopped and a specified number of medals have been inserted), all reels 110 to 112 start spinning, but in this game, it is basically impossible to return to the state in which a game can be started immediately before the start lever 135 was operated (to cancel a game that has started).

[0217] Furthermore, when the start lever 135 is operated in a state where a game can be started (for example, when all reels 110 to 112 are stopped and a specified number of medals have been inserted), and all reels 110 to 112 are spinning, if the reset button 243 is operated, for example, even if the game is designed to return to the state where a game can be started immediately before the start lever 135 was operated (to cancel a game that has started), it is difficult to return to the state where a game can be started immediately before the start lever 135 was operated because the player cannot operate the reset button 243.

[0218] In other words, when control over the operation of the start lever 135 (operation means) (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112) is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed (the state in which the game can be started in the game just before the start lever 135 is operated).

[0219] It is possible to transition to a state in which the game can be started by playing the next game after a game in which control over the operation of the start lever 135 (reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112) has been executed, but since the game does not return to the state in which the game can be started immediately before the start lever 135 is operated, it cannot be said that "the game has returned to a state in which the game can be started in a game in which control over the operation of the start lever 135 has been executed."

[0220] <Power recovery / stop button when pressed> The stop buttons 137 to 139 described using Figure 1 are one of the enable / disable buttons (first operating means or second operating means) that, depending on the situation, can become an enable button (second operating means) that enables the operation (control is executed for the operation) when operated when power is restored after a power outage, or an disable button (first operating means) that disables the operation (control is not executed for the operation) when operated when power is restored after a power outage, as shown in Figure 10(a) to (b), and in this example, are controlled by the main control unit 300.

[0221] In this example, the multiple stop buttons (stop operation means) 137-139 are operated to stop the multiple reels 110-112 in a first stop mode, and a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the last stop button (stop operation means) of the multiple stop buttons (stop operation means) 137-139 is being operated, and even if the power is restored from the power outage while the operation of the last operated stop button (stop operation means) is continuing, the presentation means does not execute a winning presentation according to the first stop mode, but when the last operated stop button (stop operation means) is no longer operated, the stop buttons 137-139 function as valid buttons (second operation means), and the presentation means executes a winning presentation according to the first stop mode.

[0222] On the other hand, even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while at least one of the multiple reels 110-112 is spinning and the multiple stop buttons (stop operation means) 137-139 are not operated, and the power is restored while the stop buttons (stop operation means) 137-139 are operated, resulting in a state in which operation of the stop operation means is enabled, the stop buttons (stop operation means) 137-139 function as invalid buttons (first operation means) and do not execute control over operation of the stop buttons 137-139 (first operation means) (in this example, a reel stop control process that stops the reels 110-112 corresponding to the operated stop button 137-139).

[0223] In this example, the control over the operation of the stop operation means can be changed depending on the status of the operation, and by disabling the reel stop control when power is restored, which could cause the player to suffer disadvantage due to an incorrect operation, it is possible to prevent the player from suffering disadvantage due to an incorrect operation, while by enabling the hold control for the winning effect when power is restored and not executing the winning effect while the operation of the last operated stop operation means is continuing, it is possible to prevent the winning effect from being missed and increase player satisfaction.

[0224] When any of the reels 110 to 112 is spinning, if any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 corresponding to the spinning reel 110 to 112 is operated, the reel 110 to 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 137 to 139 will come to a stop, but in this game, it is basically impossible for the stopped reels 110 to 112 to return to the spinning state they were in immediately before the stop button 137 to 139 was operated.

[0225] Furthermore, when one of the stop buttons 137-139 corresponding to the reels 110-112 that are spinning is operated and one of the reels 110-112 corresponding to the operated stop button 137-139 stops, for example, if the reset button 243 is operated in that state, even if the game is designed to allow the stopped reels 110-112 to return to the spinning state they were in immediately before the stop buttons 137-139 were operated, because the player cannot operate the reset button 243, it is difficult for the stopped reels 110-112 to return to the spinning state they were in immediately before the stop buttons 137-139 were operated.

[0226] In other words, when control is performed on the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (operation means) (for example, a reel stop control process that stops the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 137 to 139), it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was performed (the state in which the stopped reels 110 to 112 were spinning immediately before the stop buttons 137 to 139 were operated).

[0227] It is possible that all of the reels 110 to 112 will transition to a spinning state if a game is played next to a game in which control over the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been executed (reel stop control processing that stops the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 137 to 139). However, since the reels that have been stopped in a game are not returned to a spinning state again in the game, it cannot be said that "all of the reels 110 to 112 have returned to a spinning state in a game in which control over the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been executed."

[0228] <Power recovery / reset button when pressed> The reset button (reset SW) 243 described using Figure 2 is one of the enable / disable buttons (first or second operating means) that, depending on the situation, can become an enable button (second operating means) that enables the operation (control is executed for the operation) when operated when power is restored after a power outage, or an disable button (first operating means) that disables the operation (control is not executed for the operation) when operated when power is restored after a power outage, and in this example, is controlled by the main control unit 300.

[0229] In this example, even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not operated, and the power is restored while the reset button 243 is operated and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled (in this example, the power is turned on with a setting change and the power is restored from the power outage, and the detection signal from the reset SW243 sensor is turned on), the reset button 243 functions as an invalid button (first operating means), and the main control unit 300 does not execute control over the operation of the reset button 243 (first operating means) (in this example, processing corresponding to the setting value change operation or error resolution operation).

[0230] On the other hand, when a power outage occurs in which the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not operated, and the power is restored while the reset button 243 is operated, and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled (in this example, the power is restored from the power outage in an error detection state and the detection signal of the reset SW243 sensor is turned on), the reset button 243 functions as an enabled button (second operating means), and the main control unit 300 executes control over the operation of the reset button 243 (second operating means) (in this example, processing corresponding to the error resolution operation).

[0231] According to this example, the control for the reset button operation can be changed depending on the situation of the operation. For example, when changing a setting value, if the setting value is changed when power is restored, there is a risk that the setting value that was set up until then will become unknown, so control based on the setting value change operation is not performed. On the other hand, when it comes to clearing an error, since an error cannot be cleared unless the cause of the error has been resolved, if the cause of the error has been resolved when power is restored, control based on the error resolution operation can be performed, thereby increasing convenience for game store staff, etc.

[0232] When the reset button 243 is operated in a certain state (for example, an error detection state), the error is resolved, but it is basically impossible to return to the error detection state that was in place immediately before the reset button 243 was operated.

[0233] Furthermore, when the reset button 243 is operated in a certain state (for example, an error detection state) and the error is resolved, even if it is possible for a player to intentionally cause an error and return to the error detection state immediately before the reset button 243 was operated, it is difficult to return to the error detection state immediately before the reset button 243 was operated because it is impossible for a player to cause all errors at will.

[0234] In other words, when control (processing corresponding to the error resolution operation) is executed in response to the operation of the reset button 243 (operation means), it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed (the error detection state immediately before the reset button 243 was operated).

[0235] <Power recovery / effect button when button is pressed> The effect button 156 described using Figure 1 is one of the invalid buttons (first operating means) that invalidates the operation (no control is executed for the operation) if the operation is performed when power is restored after a power outage, as shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(c), and in this example, is controlled by the first sub-control unit 400.

[0236] In this example, even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the effect button 156 (first operating means) is not operated, and the power is restored while the effect button 156 (first operating means) is being operated, and the operation of the effect button 156 (first operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal from the effect button 156 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on), the first sub-control unit 400 does not execute control over the operation of the effect button 156 (first operating means) (in this example, processing to perform effects in accordance with the player's operation in various effects).

[0237] When the effect button 156 is operated in a certain state (for example, a state in which a menu can be displayed), a menu display is displayed based on the operation of the effect button 156, but in this example, if the effect button 156 is operated within a predetermined time, the menu display is canceled (erased), and it is possible to return to the state in which the menu can be displayed, which was the state immediately before the effect button 156 was operated.

[0238] In other words, even if control (for example, a process for displaying a menu) is executed in response to the operation of the effect button 156 (operation means), it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed (a state in which the menu can be displayed) by a certain operation (for example, an operation using the effect button 156).

[0239] In addition, in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, it is assumed that the menu operation in that state can be performed using the effect button 156, the cross key 193a, etc. In other words, when the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is entered, it can be said that the operation of the effect button 156 or the cross key 193a becomes valid.

[0240] <Power recovery when button is pressed / Volume button> The volume button (directional key) 193a described using Figure 1 is one of the invalid buttons (first operating means) that, as shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(c), disables the operation (no control is performed on the operation) if it is operated when power is restored after a power outage, and in this example, is controlled by the first sub-control unit 400.

[0241] In this example, even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the volume button 193a (first operating means) is not operated, and the power is restored while the volume button 193a (first operating means) is being operated, resulting in a state in which operation of the volume button 193a (first operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal of the cross button 193 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on), the first sub-control unit 400 does not perform control over the operation of the volume button 193a (first operating means) (in this example, a process to adjust the volume).

[0242] When the volume button 193a (right) is operated in a certain state (for example, when the volume is set to a certain volume), the volume increases by one step based on the operation of the volume button 193a (right), but when the volume adjustment button 193a (left) is subsequently operated, the volume decreases by one step, and it is possible to return to the state in which the volume was set to a certain volume immediately before the volume button 193a (right) was operated.

[0243] That is, even if a control (for example, a process to increase a certain volume by one level) is executed on the operation of button 193a (right) (operation means), a certain operation (for example, an operation using volume adjustment button 193a (left)) can return to the state before the control was executed (a state in which the volume was set to a certain volume).

[0244] In this example, even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not being operated, and the power is restored while the reset button 243 is being operated and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled after the power outage is restored, the control over the operation of the reset button 243 (processing corresponding to the setting value change operation or the error resolution operation) is not executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and may be configured to execute (or be able to execute) control over the operation of the reset button 243 (processing corresponding to the setting value change operation or the error resolution operation) when a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not being operated, and the power is restored while the reset button 243 is being operated and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled after the power outage.

[0245] In other words, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a power supply device (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that supplies power, first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), second operating means (for example, the MAX BET button 132 and the 1 BET button 130 shown in FIG. 1), and third operating means (for example, the reset button 243), and even if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off when the first operating means is not operated, and the power is restored when the first operating means is operated and a control state is established in which the operation of the first operating means is validated, the gaming machine does not execute control over the operation of the first operating means (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112), and even if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off when the second operating means is not operated, and the power is restored when the second operating means is operated and a control state is established in which the operation of the second operating means is validated When the third operating means is operated, a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off, and when the third operating means is operated and the power is restored from the power outage and a control state is reached in which the operation of the third operating means is enabled, control is executed for the operation of the third operating means (for example, a process corresponding to a setting value change operation or an error resolution operation), and when control for the operation of the first operating means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed, even when control for the operation of the second operating means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed, and when control for the operation of the third operating means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed, and the third operating means is an operating means provided in a position that is difficult for a player to operate (for example, inside the main body 101).

[0246] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, for operation means that are difficult or impossible to restore (first operation means, third operation means), operation control is not performed even if they are in a state of being operated when power is restored, taking into consideration the possibility of erroneous operation. Furthermore, for operation means that are reversible (second operation means), since restoration is possible even in the case of erroneous operation, operation control is performed if they are in a state of being operated when power is restored. Furthermore, even for operation means that are difficult or impossible to restore, if the button is located in a position that is difficult for a player to operate, there is a high possibility that an administrator has intentionally operated it, so operation control is performed if they are in a state of being operated when power is restored. In this way, it is possible to provide a highly convenient gaming machine that allows players to quickly return to play while taking into consideration erroneous operation, etc.

[0247] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine that includes a power supply device (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that supplies power, a first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operating means (for example, the MAX BET button 132 and the 1-coin BET button 130 shown in FIG. 1), a third operating means (for example, the reset button 243), and a fourth operating means (for example, the settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1), and when the first operating means is not operated, the power supply device is turned on. Even if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off, and the power is restored while the first operation means is being operated, and a control state is established in which the operation of the first operation means is validated, the control of the operation of the first operation means (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112) is not executed, and if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off while the second operation means is not being operated, and the power is restored while the second operation means is being operated, and a control state is established in which the operation of the second operation means is validated, the control of the operation of the second operation means (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112) is not executed. and when a power interruption occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the third operation means is not being operated, and when the third operation means is being operated and the power is restored from the power interruption and a control state is established in which the operation of the third operation means is validated, control is executed for the operation of the third operation means (for example, processing corresponding to a set value change operation or an error resolution operation). and when a power interruption occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the fourth operation means is not being operated, and when the fourth operation means is being operated and the power is restored from the power interruption and a control state is established in which the operation of the fourth operation means is validated, control is executed for the operation of the fourth operation means. and when the second operation means and the fourth operation means are not being operated, a power interruption occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off, and when the second operation means and the fourth operation means are being operated and the power is restored from the power interruption and a control state is established in which the operation of the second operation means and the fourth operation means is validated, control is executed for the operation of the second operation means (for example, processing for inserting electronically stored medals (credits)).This is a gaming machine characterized in that control over the operation of the fourth operating means (for example, a process for settling (paying out) medals (credits) electronically stored) is not executed (for example, see FIG. 12(a)), and when control over the operation of the first operating means is executed, it is difficult or impossible for the player to return to the state before the control was executed, and even when control over the operation of the second operating means is executed, the player can return to the state before the control was executed, and when control over the operation of the third operating means is executed, it is difficult or impossible for the player to return to the state before the control was executed, and when control over the operation of the fourth operating means is executed, the player can return to the state before the control was executed, the third operating means is an operating means provided in a position that is difficult for the player to operate (for example, inside the main body 101), the second operating means is a means by which game value can be bet, and when control over the operation of the fourth operating means is executed, it is possible to change from a control state in which game value has been bet to a control state in which no bet has been made.

[0248] Further, the device is provided with a fourth operating means (for example, a settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1), and when the fourth operating means is not operated, a power interruption occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off, and when the fourth operating means is operated, the device recovers from the power interruption and enters a control state in which the operation of the fourth operating means is validated, and executes control over the operation of the fourth operating means, and when the second operating means and the fourth operating means are not operated, a power interruption occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off, and when the second operating means and the fourth operating means are operated, the device recovers from the power interruption and enters a control state in which the operation of the second operating means and the fourth operating means is validated. When this state is reached, control over the operation of the second operation means (for example, a process of inserting electronically stored medals (credits)) is executed, while control over the operation of the fourth operation means (for example, a process of settling (paying out) electronically stored medals (credits)) is not executed (for example, see Figure 12(a)), and when control over the operation of the fourth operation means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed, and the second operation means may be a means capable of betting game value, and the fourth operation means may be an operation means capable of changing from a bet control state to a no-bet control state.

[0249] With this configuration, when power is restored from a power outage while the second operating means (means for betting game value) and the fourth operating means (means for changing from a bet state to a no-bet state) are being operated and the operation of the second operating means and the fourth operating means is enabled, control is executed over the operation of the second operating means, but control is not executed over the operation of the fourth operating means, so that the control corresponding to the second operating means (control for betting game value) can be executed with priority over the control corresponding to the fourth operating means (control for changing from a bet state to a no-bet state).

[0250] For example, when the second operation means (means for betting game value) is operated and game value is bet, the fourth operation means (means for changing the state from a bet state to a no-bet state) can be operated to return to the state before game value was bet (the state before the second operation means was operated). On the other hand, when the fourth operation means (means for changing the state from a bet state to a no-bet state) is operated and the state changes from a bet state to a no-bet state (the state before the fourth operation means was operated), an action to bet the number of game value bet (an action to insert three medals if three medals were bet) is required to return to the state before the no-bet state (the state before the fourth operation means was operated). In other words, when the fourth operation means is operated by mistake, it takes more effort and time to return to the state before the erroneous operation than when the second operation means is operated by mistake. Therefore, in the present invention, when the second operating means and the fourth operating means are operated simultaneously and power is restored from a power outage, and the operation of the second operating means and the fourth operating means is enabled, the control corresponding to the second operating means is executed with priority over the control corresponding to the fourth operating means, thereby preventing a decrease in convenience for the player.

[0251] Furthermore, if the system is configured to prioritize execution of control corresponding to the fourth operating means (control to change from a bet state to a no-bet state) over control corresponding to the second operating means (control to bet game value), game value will not be bet even though the second operating means has been operated, which may cause anxiety to the player, and the player will have to perform the operation to bet game value again, which will require extra effort and time and may significantly reduce convenience for the player. However, according to the present invention, priority is given to execution of control corresponding to the second operating means (control to bet game value), so the player will not feel anxious and it is possible to prevent a decrease in convenience for the player.

[0252] <Control status of each button when the setting change state ends> Next, the control status of each button when the setting change state ends will be described with reference to Fig. 11(a). Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of the control status of each button when the setting change state ends.

[0253] As explained using Figure 7 etc., when the power is turned on with the front door (door body) 102 open and the setting key SW provided inside the main body 101 turned on (or when the setting key SW is turned on before a predetermined time has elapsed after the power is turned on (before the main control unit 300 checks the on / off state of the setting key SW)), the slot machine 100 can transition to a setting change state (setting change mode) in which one setting value can be set from among multiple setting values.

[0254] Furthermore, the slot machine 100 is configured not to execute control over the operation of the second operating means, even if the slot machine 100 transitions from the setting change state to a playable state in which game play can proceed and the operation of the second operating means is enabled when the slot machine 100 is set to the setting change state and the second operating means is operated.

[0255] For example, even if the main control unit 300 is set to the setting change mode (setting change state) and the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) is operated, and the setting change state transitions to a playable state in which game play can proceed and operation of the MAX BET button (second operating means) 132 is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on and the state does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), the main control unit 300 determines that operation of the MAX BET button 132 is invalid according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state shown in Figure 11 (a), and does not execute control over operation of the MAX BET button 132 (in this example, the process of inserting three medals (credits) electronically stored).

[0256] Furthermore, even if the main control unit 300 is set to the setting change mode (setting change state) and the 1 bet button 130 (second operating means) is operated, and the setting change state transitions to a playable state in which the game can proceed and operation of the 1 bet button 130 is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on and the state does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), the main control unit 300 determines that operation of the 1 bet button 130 is invalid according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state shown in Figure 11 (a), and does not execute control over operation of the 1 bet button 130 (in this example, the process of inserting one medal (credit) stored electronically).

[0257] Furthermore, even if the main control unit 300 is set to the setting change mode (setting change state) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) is operated, and the setting change state transitions to a playable state in which game play can proceed and operation of the settlement button 134 is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on and the state does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), the main control unit 300 determines that operation of the settlement button 134 is invalid according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state shown in Figure 11 (a), and does not execute control over operation of the settlement button 134 (in this example, the process of settling (paying out) electronically stored medals (credits)).

[0258] Furthermore, even if the first sub-control unit 400 is set to the setting change mode (setting change state) and the effect button 156 (second operating means) is operated, and the setting change state transitions to a playable state in which game play can proceed and operation of the effect button 156 is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the effect button 156 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on and the state does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), the first sub-control unit 400 determines that operation of the effect button 156 is invalid according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state shown in Figure 11 (a), and does not execute control over the operation of the effect button 156 (in this example, processing to perform effects in accordance with the player's operation in various effects).

[0259] Furthermore, even if the first sub-control unit 400 is set to the setting change mode (setting change state) and the volume button 193a (second operating means) is operated, and the setting change state transitions to a playable state in which game play can progress and operation of the volume button 193a is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the cross button 193 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on and the state does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), the first sub-control unit 400 determines that operation of the volume button 193a is invalid according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state shown in Figure 11(a), and does not perform control over operation of the volume button 193a (in this example, processing to adjust the volume).

[0260] Note that the start lever 135, stop buttons (stop buttons) 137 to 139, and reset button 243 do not become enabled for operation simply by transitioning from the setting change mode (setting change state) to a playable state in which game play can proceed (there is no case where an operation acceptance time is set), so even if any of the buttons are operated when transitioning from the setting change mode (setting change state) to the playable state, the operation will not be accepted and will be invalid, and no control will be exercised over the operation of that button.

[0261] The gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a power supply device (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that supplies power, a first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operating means (for example, the MAX BET button 132, the 1 BET button 130, and the settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1), and a main control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3) that controls the game based on one of a plurality of set values, and the main control means is a playable state (for example, , normal game state), a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which the currently set setting value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) in which one setting value can be set from among the plurality of setting values, and even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operating means is not operated, and the power is restored when the first operating means is operated and a control state in which the operation of the first operating means is validated is established, This gaming machine does not execute control over operations (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112), but when a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off when the second operating means is not being operated, and when the second operating means is operated and the power is restored from the power outage and a control state is entered in which the operation of the second operating means is enabled, it executes control over the operation of the second operating means (for example, a process for inserting medals (credits) that are electronically stored, a process for settling (paying out) medals (credits) that are electronically stored), and when control over the operation of the first operating means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed, and even if control over the operation of the second operating means is executed and the state is restored to the state before the control was executed, and even if the setting is changed and when the second operating means is operated, the setting is changed to the playable state and a control state is entered in which the operation of the second operating means is enabled, it does not execute control over the operation of the second operating means (for example, see Figure 11(a)).

[0262] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, for operation means (first operation means) that are difficult or impossible to restore, control of operation is not performed even if they are in a state of operation when power is restored, taking into consideration the possibility of erroneous operation. Furthermore, for operation means (second operation means) that can be restored, because restoration is possible even in the case of erroneous operation, control of operation is performed if they are in a state of operation when power is restored. This makes it possible to provide a highly convenient gaming machine that allows for quick return to play while taking into consideration erroneous operation, etc. Furthermore, the setting change state is generally a state entered by the administrator's operation, and recovery from the setting change state is also performed by the administrator, which means that there is no need to quickly return to play. Therefore, control of operation is not performed only in consideration of erroneous operation. Furthermore, in the setting change state, the administrator is focused on changing the settings and may not notice erroneous operation, which could result in settings such as volume remaining at a setting not intended by the administrator. Therefore, control of operation is not performed when returning from the setting change state.

[0263] <Control status of each button when the setting confirmation state ends> Next, the control status of each button when the setting confirmation state ends will be described with reference to Fig. 11(b), which is a diagram showing an example of the control status of each button when the setting confirmation state ends.

[0264] As explained using Figure 9 etc., when the front door (door body) 102 of the slot machine 100 is opened, the power is turned on, and then the setting key SW provided inside the main body 101 is turned on (second operating state), the slot machine 100 can transition to a setting confirmation state (setting confirmation mode) in which the currently set setting value can be confirmed.

[0265] Furthermore, even if the slot machine 100 is set to a setting confirmation state and the second operating means is operated, and the slot machine transitions from the setting confirmation state to a playable state in which the game can proceed and the operation of the second operating means is enabled, the slot machine 100 is configured not to execute control over the operation of the second operating means.

[0266] For example, even if the main control unit 300 is set to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) and the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) is operated, and the state transitions from the setting confirmation state to a playable state in which the game can proceed and the operation of the MAX BET button (second operating means) 132 is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on and the state does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the MAX BET button 132 is invalid according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state shown in Figure 11 (b), and does not execute control over the operation of the MAX BET button 132 (in this example, the process of inserting three medals (credits) electronically stored).

[0267] Furthermore, even if the main control unit 300 is set to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) and the 1 bet button 130 (second operating means) is operated, and the state transitions from the setting confirmation state to a playable state in which the game can proceed and the operation of the 1 bet button 130 is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on and the state does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the 1 bet button 130 is invalid according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state shown in Figure 11 (b), and does not execute control over the operation of the 1 bet button 130 (in this example, the process of inserting one medal (credit) stored electronically).

[0268] Furthermore, even if the main control unit 300 is set to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) is operated, and the setting confirmation state transitions to a playable state in which game play can proceed and operation of the settlement button 134 is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on and the state does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), the main control unit 300 determines that operation of the settlement button 134 is invalid according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state shown in Figure 11 (b), and does not execute control over operation of the settlement button 134 (in this example, the process of settling (paying out) electronically stored medals (credits)).

[0269] Furthermore, even if the first sub-control unit 400 is set to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) and the effect button 156 (second operating means) is operated, and the setting confirmation state transitions to a playable state in which the game can proceed and operation of the effect button 156 is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the effect button 156 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on and the state does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), the first sub-control unit 400 determines that operation of the effect button 156 is invalid according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state shown in Figure 11 (b), and does not execute control over the operation of the effect button 156 (in this example, processing to perform effects in accordance with the player's operation in various effects).

[0270] Furthermore, even if the first sub-control unit 400 is set to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) and the volume button 193a (second operating means) is operated, and the setting confirmation state transitions to a playable state in which game play can proceed and operation of the volume button 193a is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the cross button 193 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on and the state does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), the first sub-control unit 400 determines that operation of the volume button 193a is invalid according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state shown in Figure 11 (b), and does not perform control over operation of the volume button 193a (in this example, processing to adjust the volume).

[0271] In addition, the start lever 135, stop buttons (stop buttons) 137 to 139, and reset button 243 do not become enabled for operation simply by transitioning from the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) to a playable state in which game play can proceed (there is no case where an operation acceptance time is set), so even if any button is operated when transitioning from the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) to the playable state, the operation will not be accepted and will be invalid, and no control will be exercised over the operation of that button.

[0272] A gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a power supply device (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that supplies power, a first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operating means (for example, the MAX BET button 132, the 1 BET button 130, and the settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1), and a main control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3) that controls a game based on one of a plurality of setting values, and the main control means can set one state from a plurality of states including at least a playable state (for example, a normal game state) in which a game can proceed, a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which a currently set setting value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) in which one setting value can be set from the plurality of setting values, and when the first operating means is not operated, a power interruption occurs in which the power supply device is shut off, and when the first operating means is operated, a power interruption occurs. This gaming machine is characterized in that even when the machine recovers from a power outage and enters a control state in which operation of the first operating means is validated, it does not execute control over the operation of the first operating means (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110-112), but when a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off while the second operating means is not being operated, and the machine recovers from a power outage and enters a control state in which operation of the second operating means is validated while the second operating means is being operated, it executes control over the operation of the second operating means (for example, a process for inserting medals (credits) that are electronically stored, a process for settling (paying out) medals (credits) that are electronically stored), and even when the machine transitions from the setting confirmation state to the playable state when the second operating means is being operated and enters a control state in which operation of the second operating means is validated if the setting value is being confirmed in the setting confirmation state, it does not execute control over the operation of the second operating means (for example, see Figure 11(b)).

[0273] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, for operation means (first operation means) that are difficult or impossible to restore, control of operation is not performed even if they are in a state of operation when power is restored, taking into consideration the possibility of erroneous operation. Furthermore, for operation means (second operation means) that can be restored, because restoration is possible even in the case of erroneous operation, control of operation is performed if they are in a state of operation when power is restored. This makes it possible to provide a highly convenient gaming machine that allows for quick return to play while taking into consideration erroneous operation, etc. Furthermore, the setting confirmation state is generally a state entered by an administrator's operation, and recovery from the setting confirmation state is also performed by an administrator's operation, which is a situation in which quick return to play is not necessary. Therefore, control of operation is not performed, taking only erroneous operation into consideration. Furthermore, during the setting confirmation state, the administrator is focused on checking the settings, and there is a risk that they will not notice an erroneous operation, which could result in settings such as volume remaining at a setting not intended by the administrator. Therefore, control of operation is not performed when returning from the setting confirmation state.

[0274] <Simultaneous operation of valid buttons (secondary operating means) when powering on> Next, simultaneous operation of valid buttons (second operating means) when powering on will be described with reference to FIG. 12(a).

[0275] FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of control when valid buttons (second operating means) are operated simultaneously when the power is turned on.

[0276] As described above, the slot machine 100 includes at least the MAX BET button 132, the 1-coin BET button 130, and the settlement button 134 as valid buttons (second operating means).

[0277] In this example, when a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the 1 BET button 130 (second operating means) are not being operated, and when the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the 1 BET button 130 (second operating means) are being operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), the power outage is restored and the operation of the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the 1 BET button 130 (second operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signals from the BET button 132 sensor and the BET button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 are on, and the interrupt status is neither an error detection state nor a setting change in progress), the main control unit 300 prioritizes control over the operation of the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) (in this example, the process of inserting three medals (credits) stored electronically) and does not execute control over the 1 BET button 130 (MAX BET button priority).

[0278] Furthermore, when a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are not being operated, and the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are being operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), and the power is restored from the power outage and the operation of the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signals from the bet button 132 sensor and the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 are on, and the interrupt status is neither an error detection state nor a setting change in progress), the main control unit 300 will prioritize control over the operation of the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) (in this example, the process of inserting three medals (credits) that are electronically stored) and will not execute control over the settlement button 134 (MAX BET button priority).

[0279] Furthermore, when a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are not being operated, and the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are being operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), and the power is restored from the power outage and the operation of the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signals from the bet button 130 sensor and the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 are on, and the interrupt status is neither an error detection state nor a setting change in progress), the main control unit 300 will prioritize control over the operation of the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means) (in this example, the process of inserting one medal (credit) that is electronically stored) and will not execute control over the settlement button 134 (1 coin bet button priority).

[0280] <Simultaneous operation of valid buttons (secondary operating means) when powering on (error detection state)> Next, simultaneous operation of valid buttons (second operating means) when the power is turned on (error detection state) will be described with reference to FIG. 12(b).

[0281] FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of control when valid buttons (second operating means) are operated simultaneously when the power is turned on (error detection state).

[0282] As described above, the slot machine 100 has at least the MAX BET button 132, the 1 BET button 130, and the settlement button 134 as valid buttons (second operating means), and at least the RESET button (RESET SW) 243 as invalid buttons (first operating means).

[0283] In this example, a power outage occurs in which the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the 1 BET button 130 (second operating means) are not operated, and the power is restored while the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the 1 BET button 130 (second operating means) are operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), but if the interrupt status is in an error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of both the MAX BET button 132 and the 1 BET button 130 is invalid and does not execute control over the operation.

[0284] Furthermore, if a power outage occurs in which the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are not operated, and the power is restored while the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are being operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), but the interrupt status is in an error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that both the operation of the MAX BET button 132 and the operation of the settlement button 134 are invalid, and does not execute control over the operations.

[0285] On the other hand, if a power outage occurs in which the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the RESET button 243 (first operating means) are not operated, and the power is restored while the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) and the RESET button 243 (first operating means) are operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), but the interrupt status is in an error detection state, priority is given to control over the operation of the RESET button 243 (first operating means) (in this example, processing corresponding to the error resolution operation), and control over the MAX BET button 132 is not executed (RESET button priority).

[0286] In addition, if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the 1-coin bet button 130 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are not operated, and the power is restored while the 1-coin bet button 130 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), but the interrupt status is in an error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that both the operation of the 1-coin bet button 130 (second operating means) and the operation of the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are invalid, and does not execute control over the operation.

[0287] On the other hand, if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means) and the reset button 243 (first operating means) are not operated, and the power is restored while the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means) and the reset button 243 (first operating means) are operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), but the interrupt status is in an error detection state, priority is given to control over the operation of the reset button 243 (first operating means) (in this example, processing corresponding to the error resolution operation), and control over the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means) is not executed (reset button priority).

[0288] In addition, if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the settlement button 134 (second operating means) and the reset button 243 (first operating means) are not operated, and the power is restored while the settlement button 134 (second operating means) and the reset button 243 (first operating means) are operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), but the interrupt status is in an error detection state, priority is given to control over the operation of the reset button 243 (first operating means) (in this example, processing corresponding to the error resolution operation), and control over the settlement button 134 (second operating means) is not executed (reset button priority).

[0289] <Operation of each button in the operating state of a certain operating means> Next, the operation of each button in the operating state of a certain operating means will be described with reference to FIG.

[0290] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the MAX bet button> FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132.

[0291] In this example, in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the one - bet button 130 (second operation means), the settlement button 134 (second operation means), or the stop buttons 137 - 139 (first operation means or second operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), it is determined that the operation is invalid, and the control for the operation is not executed.

[0292] On the other hand, in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the start lever 135 (first operation means), the reset button 243 (first operation means), the effect button 156 (first operation means), or the volume button 193a (first operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), it is determined that the operation is valid, and the control for the operation is executed.

[0293] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the one - bet button> FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the one - bet button 130.

[0294] In this example, when the operation of the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on) is detected, if the operation of either the settlement button 134 (second operating means) or the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operating means or second operating means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor is on), the operation is determined to be invalid and no control is executed for the operation.

[0295] On the other hand, when the operation of the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on) is detected, if an operation of any of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means), start lever 135 (first operating means), reset button 243 (first operating means), effect button 156 (first operating means), or volume button 193a (first operating means) is detected (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor is on), the operation is determined to be valid and control for the operation is executed.

[0296] <Operation of each button when the checkout button is in operation> FIG. 13(c) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button when the settlement button 134 is operated.

[0297] In this example, when the operation of the settlement button 134 (second operating means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on) is detected to be that of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means), 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means), start lever 135 (first operating means), or stop buttons 137-139 (first operating means or second operating means) (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor is on), the operation is determined to be invalid and no control is executed for the operation.

[0298] On the other hand, when the operation of the settlement button 134 (second operating means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on) is detected, if an operation of any of the reset button 243 (first operating means), the performance button 156 (first operating means), or the volume button 193a (first operating means) is detected (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor is on), the operation is determined to be valid and control for the operation is executed.

[0299] <Operation of each button when the start lever is in operation> FIG. 13(d) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button when the start lever 135 is in an operating state.

[0300] In this example, when operation of any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operating means or second operating means) is detected (in this example, when the detection signal of the corresponding sensor is turned on) in the operating state of the start lever 135 (first operating means) (in this example, when the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is turned on), the operation is determined to be invalid and no control is performed for the operation.

[0301] On the other hand, when the operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the start lever 135 of the main control unit 300 is on) is detected, if an operation of any of the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means), 1 BET button 130 (second operating means), settlement button 134 (second operating means), reset button 243 (first operating means), effect button 156 (first operating means), or volume button 193a (first operating means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor is on), the operation is determined to be valid and control for the operation is executed.

[0302] <Operation of each button when the stop button is in operation> FIG. 13(e) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 when they are operated.

[0303] In this example, when operation of either the settlement button 134 (second operating means) or the start lever 135 (first operating means) is detected (in this example, when the detection signal of the corresponding sensor is turned on) in the operating state of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operating means or second operating means) (in this example, the detection signal of the stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, or stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is turned on), the operation is determined to be invalid and no control is performed for the operation.

[0304] On the other hand, when the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operation means or second operation means) (in this example, the detection signal state of the stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, or stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on) is detected as the MAX BET button 132 (second operation means), 1 BET button 130 (second operation means), reset button 243 (first operation means), effect button 156 (first operation means), or volume button 193a (first operation means) (in this example, when the detection signal state of the corresponding sensor is on), the operation is determined to be valid and control for the operation is executed.

[0305] <Operation of each button when the reset button, effect button, and volume button are in operation> FIG. 13(f) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button when the reset button 243, the effect button 156, and the volume button 193a are operated.

[0306] In this example, when the operation of the reset button 243 (first operating means), effect button 156 (first operating means), or volume button 193a (first operating means) is detected (in this example, the detection signal of the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300, the effect button 156 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400, or the cross button 193 sensor is on), if an operation of any of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means), 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means), start lever 135 (first operating means), stop buttons 137-139 (first operating means or second operating means), effect button 156 (first operating means), or volume button 193a (first operating means) is detected (in this example, when the detection signal of the corresponding sensor is on), the operation is determined to be valid and control for the operation is executed.

[0307] <Example of power restoration when the button is pressed> Next, a specific example of power restoration when the button is pressed will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. Prior to this description, however, the function of the main board display 190 described with reference to FIG. 2 will be described again.

[0308] The main board display 190 shown in Figures 14 to 17 is a display consisting of multiple LEDs (eight in this example), and predetermined game information can be announced by lighting one, more than one, or all of the eight LEDs a to h.

[0309] In this example, LEDa of the main board display 190 is lit when the MAX bet button 132 is operated (in this example, when the detection signal state of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LEDb is lit when the 1 bet button 130 is operated (in this example, when the detection signal state of the 1 bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LEDc is lit when the settlement button 134 is operated (in this example, when the detection signal state of the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), and LEDd is lit when the start lever 135 is operated (in this example, when the detection signal state of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0310] Furthermore, LEDe is lit when the left stop button 137 is being operated (in this example, when the detection signal from the stop button 137 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LEDf is lit when the middle stop button 138 is being operated (in this example, when the detection signal from the stop button 138 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LEDg is lit when the right stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, when the detection signal from the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), and LEDh is lit when the reset button 243 is being operated (in this example, when the detection signal from the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0311] According to this example, if the operating means is operated when power is restored, the LED can be made to light up even if the operating means does not perform control based on that operation, so it is possible to visually determine at a glance whether control based on the operation is not being performed because the control is disabled or because there is a malfunction.

[0312] A gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a power supply device (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that supplies power, a first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operating means (for example, the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1), and a light-emitting means (for example, the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) or FIG. 14). Even if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off when the first operating means is not operated, and the power is restored when the first operating means is operated and a control state is established in which the operation of the first operating means is validated, control over the operation of the first operating means (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112) is not executed. However, even if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off when the second operating means is not operated, and the power is restored when the second operating means is operated, When the control state is restored and the operation of the second operating means is enabled, control of the operation of the second operating means (for example, a process for adjusting the volume) is executed, and when control of the operation of the first operating means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed, and even if control of the operation of the second operating means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed, and the light-emitting means is equipped with a first light-emitting unit (for example, LEDd of the main board display 190 shown in Figure 2(b) and Figure 14) that emits light in response to the operation of the first operating means, but does not have a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to the operation of the second operating means, and the first light-emitting unit emits light even when a power outage occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operating means is not operated and the power is restored from the power outage when the first operating means is operated.

[0313] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, for the operation means (first operation means) for which control over operation is disabled, a light-emitting unit that emits light when operated is provided, making it possible to easily check whether or not there is a malfunction. Furthermore, for the operation means (second operation means) for which control over operation is not disabled, it is possible to grasp a malfunction by the fact that control over operation is not executed, even without providing a light-emitting unit, so by not providing a light-emitting unit, costs can be reduced.

[0314] In addition, the operating surface of the first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in Figures 1 and 26(a)) may protrude further from the outer surface of the gaming machine than the operating surface of the second operating means (for example, the volume button 193a shown in Figure 1).

[0315] With this configuration, the first operating means is more likely to be operated erroneously than the second operating means, but since the first operating means is an operating means in which control over operation is disabled, the overall adverse effects caused by erroneous operation can be reduced.

[0316] <Example of power recovery when a button is pressed / MAX BET button> Next, the restoration of power when the MAX BET button 132 is pressed will be described with reference to FIG. 14(a).

[0317] FIG. 14(a) is a diagram showing the timeline of the flow from when a power outage occurs until when power is restored while the MAX BET button 132 is pressed.

[0318] In FIG. 14(a), the state indicated by the symbol T1 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the MAX BET button 132 is not operated (not pressed), there are 10 credits, and the bet status is 0 credits.

[0319] 14(a-1), since the number of credits is 10, the segment corresponding to the number 10 is lit in the reserved coin number indicator 125, and since the MAX BET button 132, the 2-coin BET button 131, and the 1-coin BET button 130 are all not operated (not pressed), and the bet status is 0 coins, the game medal insertion lamp 129 is turned off. Also, since the MAX BET button 132 is not operated (not pressed) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is off), the LEDa of the main board indicator 190 is turned off.

[0320] The next state indicated by symbol T2 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from ON to OFF when the MAX BET button 132 is not operated (not pressed), the number of credits is 10, and the bet status is 0.

[0321] In this state, when the MAX bet button 132 is not operated (not pressed), a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply unit 252 is cut off, and the power supply to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400 and 500, is stopped, so the displays of the number of stored coins indicator 125, game medal insertion lamp 129, main board indicator 190, etc. are not displayed.

[0322] The next state indicated by the symbol T3 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is turned off, the number of credits is 10, the bet status is 0, and the MAX BET button 132 is operated (pressed).

[0323] In this state, the MAX BET button 132 is operated (pressed), but since the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, and each device is stopped, operation of the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) is not enabled, and as shown in Figure 14 (a-2), the displays of the number of stored medals indicator 125, game medal insertion lamp 129, main board indicator 190, etc. are not displayed.

[0324] The next state indicated by reference symbol T4 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON when the credits are 10, the bet status is 0, and the MAX BET button 132 has been operated (pressed).

[0325] In this state, the power is restored from a power outage while the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) is being operated (pressed), and operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and the interrupt status is neither an error detection state nor a setting change in progress), so the main control unit 300 executes control over operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) (in this example, a process to insert three medals (credits) stored electronically).

[0326] In this state, by executing control over the operation of the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) (in this example, a process of inserting three electronically stored medals (credits)), the credits are reduced from 10 to 7, so the segment corresponding to the number 7 is lit in the stored medal number indicator 125, and since the MAX BET button 132 is operated (pressed) and the bet status becomes 3, the LED corresponding to a bet of 3 is lit in the game medal insertion lamp 129. Also, since the MAX BET button 132 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal from the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LEDa of the main board indicator 190 is lit.

[0327] The next state indicated by symbol T5 is a state in which, when the power supply device 252 is ON, there are 7 credits, and the bet status is 3, the pressing operation of the MAX BET button 132 is released, and the MAX BET button 132 changes to an unoperated (unpressed) state.

[0328] In this state, the MAX BET button 132 is not operated (not pressed), so although not shown in the figure, LEDa of the main board display 190 is turned off and the game medal insertion lamp 129 remains lit.

[0329] <Example of power recovery when button is pressed / start lever> Next, power restoration when the start lever 135 is pressed down will be described with reference to FIG. 14(b).

[0330] FIG. 14(b) is a diagram showing the time sequence from when a power outage occurs until when power is restored while the start lever 135 is pressed down.

[0331] In FIG. 14(b), the state indicated by the symbol T1 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the bet status is 3 coins, the start lever 135 is not operated (not pressed), and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0332] 14(b-1), the bet status is 3 coins, and the start lever 135 is not operated (not pressed), so all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped. Also, since the start lever 135 is not operated (not pressed) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is off), the LED d of the main board display 190 is turned off.

[0333] The next state indicated by symbol T2 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from ON to OFF when the bet status is 3 coins, the start lever 135 is not operated (not pressed), and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0334] In this state, when the start lever 135 is not operated (not pressed), a power outage occurs in which the power supply unit 252 is cut off, and the power supply to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc., is stopped, so the display on the main board display 190, etc. is not displayed.

[0335] The next state indicated by the symbol T3 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is turned off, the bet status is three coins, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the start lever 135 is operated (pressed).

[0336] In this state, the start lever 135 is operated (pressed), but since the power supply to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc., is stopped, the operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) is not enabled, and the displays of the main board display 190, etc. are not displayed, as shown in Figure 14 (b-2).

[0337] The next state indicated by reference symbol T4 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from OFF to ON when the bet status is 3 coins, the start lever 135 is operated (pressed), and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0338] In this state, the start lever 135 (first operating means) is operated (pressed) and the power is restored from a power outage, making the operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) valid (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and the interrupt status is neither an error detection state nor a setting change in progress), but the main control unit 300 does not execute control over the operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) (in this example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112).

[0339] In this state, control over operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) (in this example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112) is not executed, so the reels 110 to 112 do not rotate and remain stopped, as shown in Figure 14 (b-3). Note that although control over operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) (in this example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112) is not executed, the LED d of the main board indicator 190 is lit because the start lever 135 is being operated (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0340] According to this example, if the operating means is operated when power is restored, the LED can be made to light up even if the operating means does not perform control based on that operation, so it is possible to visually determine at a glance whether control based on the operation is not being performed because the control is disabled or because there is a malfunction.

[0341] The next state indicated by symbol T5 is a state in which, when the power supply device 252 is ON, the bet status is 3, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is released, and the start lever 135 changes to a non-operated (non-pressed) state.

[0342] In this state, the start lever 135 is not operated (not pressed), and therefore, although not shown, the LEDa of the main board display 190 is turned off.

[0343] The next state indicated by reference symbol T6 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the bet status is three coins, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the start lever 135 is operated (pressed).

[0344] In this state, since the start lever 135 is operated (pressed) (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the main control unit 300 executes control over the operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) (in this example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112), and spins all reels 110 to 112, as shown in Figure 14 (b-4). Also, since the start lever 135 is being operated (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LED d of the main board indicator 190 is turned on.

[0345] <Example of door opening when the button is pressed / Door opening when the stop button is in the third stop operation state> Next, with reference to FIG. 15(a), door opening when the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, and the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in the third stop operation state will be described.

[0346] Figure 15(a) is a diagram showing the flow in chronological order from when the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, and the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is performed, until the front door 102 is opened and the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is no longer performed.

[0347] The state indicated by symbol T1 in Figure 15(a) is a state in which the power supply unit 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating.

[0348] 15(a-1), the reels 110-111 are stopped, and the stop button 139 corresponding to the reel 112 is not operated (not pressed), so only the reel 112 is spinning. Also, the stop buttons 137-139 are not operated (not pressed) (in this example, the detection signals from the sensors for the stop buttons 137-139 of the main control unit 300 are in the off state), so the LEDe, LEDf, and LEDg of the main board display 190 are turned off.

[0349] In addition, in this state, part of the symbol combination (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") corresponding to the small win (bell) is aligned on the pay line of reels 110 and 111, and the small win (bell) is in a reach state.

[0350] The next state indicated by symbol T2 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating, and the stop button 139 is operated (pressed).

[0351] In this state, since the stop button 139 is operated (pressed) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the main control unit 300 executes control over the operation of the stop button 139 (first operation means) (in this example, a reel stop control process that stops the reel 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 139), and stops the reel 112 as shown in Fig. 15(a-2). Also, since the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the LEDg of the main board indicator 190 is lit up.

[0352] Also, in this state, the symbol combination corresponding to the small win (bell) (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") is aligned on the active line of reels 110 to 112, and the small win (bell) has been won, but the winning effect corresponding to the small win (bell) has not been executed.

[0353] The state indicated by the following symbol T3 is a state in which the front door 102 has changed from a closed state to an open state when the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the winning effect corresponding to the small win (bell) is not being executed.

[0354] In this state, the front door 102 is opened with the setting key SW in the ON state, but the state does not transition to the setting confirmation state, and although the symbol combination (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") corresponding to the small win (bell) is aligned on the active line of the reels 110 to 112, the winning effect corresponding to the small win (bell) is not executed and is left on hold.

[0355] In this state, the winning effect corresponding to the small win (bell) is not executed, but the LEDg of the main board display 190 is lit because the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on). Also, because the front door 102 has changed from the closed state to the open state, a door open notification is started to notify that the front door 102 has opened (in this example, a notification in which a voice saying "The door is open" is output from the speakers 272, 277).

[0356] The state indicated by the following symbol T4 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is open, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), and the winning effect corresponding to the small winning combination (bell) is not being executed, and then the pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released, changing the state to one in which the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed).

[0357] In this state, the pressing operation of the stop button 139 has been released, and thus a winning effect corresponding to the small winning combination (bell) (in this example, an effect of turning on the backlights of the reels 110 to 112 and an effect of outputting a winning sound from the speakers 272, 277) is started. Also, since the stop button 139 is not being operated (not pressed), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.

[0358] Here, the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), and even after the winning effect is executed, the state does not shift to the setting confirmation state.

[0359] <Example of power restoration when the button is pressed / Power restoration when the stop button is pressed in the third stop state> Next, with reference to FIG. 15(b), power restoration when the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, and the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in the third stop operation state will be described.

[0360] Figure 15(b) is a chronological diagram showing the flow from when the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, and the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is performed, until power is restored in the third stop operation state after the front door 102 is opened.

[0361] The state indicated by symbol T1 in Figure 15(b) is a state in which the power supply unit 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating.

[0362] The state indicated by the following symbol T2 is a state in which the front door 102 has changed from a closed state to an open state when the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the winning effect corresponding to the small win (bell) is not being executed.

[0363] In this state, the front door 102 is opened with the setting key SW in the ON state, but the state does not transition to a setting confirmation state in which the setting value can be confirmed, and although the symbol combination corresponding to the small win (bell) (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") is aligned on the active line of the reels 110 to 112, the winning effect corresponding to the small win (bell) is not executed and is left on hold.

[0364] Although the winning effect corresponding to the small role (bell) is not executed, the LEDg of the main board display 190 is lit as shown in Fig. 15(b-1) because the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on). Also, because the front door 102 has changed from the closed state to the open state, a door open notification (in this example, a notification in which a voice saying "The door is open" is output from the speakers 272, 277) notifying that the front door 102 has been opened is started as shown in Fig. 15(b-1).

[0365] The state indicated by the following symbol T3 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 has changed from ON to OFF while the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is open, the stop button 139 has been operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the winning effect corresponding to the small role (bell) is not being executed.

[0366] In this state, a power outage occurs, cutting off the power supply to the power supply unit 252, and power supply to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc., is stopped, so that the displays on the main board display 190, etc. are not displayed, as shown in Figure 15(b-2).

[0367] The state indicated by the following symbol T4 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON while the power supply of the power supply device 252 is OFF, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is open, the stop button 139 has been operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the winning effect corresponding to the small role (bell) is not being executed.

[0368] In this state, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is open, and the power has been turned from OFF to ON, so the state transitions to a setting change state in which the setting value can be changed. Also, the symbol combination corresponding to the small win (bell) (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") is aligned on the active line of reels 110 to 112, but the winning effect corresponding to the small win (bell) has not been executed.

[0369] In this state, the winning effect corresponding to the small winning combination (bell) is not executed, but since the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is lit as shown in Fig. 15(b-3). Also, since the state has shifted to the setting change state, a setting change notification is started to notify that the setting can be changed (in this example, a notification in which a voice saying "setting change is being made" is output from the speakers 272, 277) as shown in Fig. 15(b-3).

[0370] The state indicated by the following symbol T4 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is open, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), and the winning effect corresponding to the small winning combination (bell) is not being executed, and then the pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released, changing the state to one in which the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed).

[0371] In this state, the pressing of the stop button 139 is released, but the setting change state is maintained, so as shown in Figure 15 (b-4), the setting change notification (in this example, a notification that outputs a voice message saying "Setting change in progress" from speakers 272, 277) continues, and the winning effect is not executed.

[0372] It should be noted that even if the setting change state ends after the state indicated by the symbol T5 (even if the setting change state ends and the game transitions to a playable state), the winning effect will not be executed.

[0373] <Example of power recovery when a button is pressed / Stop button functioning as a disable button> Next, with reference to FIG. 16(a), power restoration when the stop buttons 137 to 139 functioning as invalid buttons are pressed will be described.

[0374] FIG. 16(a) is a diagram showing the timeline of the flow from when a power outage occurs while the reel 112 is rotating to when power is restored when the stop button 139 is pressed.

[0375] In FIG. 16(a), the state indicated by the symbol T1 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the reels 110-111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is spinning.

[0376] 16(a-1), the reels 110-111 are stopped, and the stop button 139 corresponding to the reel 112 is not operated (not pressed), so only the reel 112 is spinning. Also, the stop buttons 137-139 are not operated (not pressed) (in this example, the detection signals from the sensors for the stop buttons 137-139 of the main control unit 300 are in the off state), so the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.

[0377] The next state indicated by symbol T2 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from ON to OFF while the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is spinning.

[0378] In this state, when the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply unit 252 is cut off, and the power supply to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc., is stopped, so the reel 112 that is rotating stops and the display on the main board display 190, etc. is hidden.

[0379] The next state indicated by reference symbol T3 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is turned off, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the stop button 139 is operated (pressed).

[0380] In this state, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), but since the power supply to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc., is stopped, the operation of the stop button 139 (first operating means) is not enabled, and the displays of the main board display 190, etc. are not displayed, as shown in Figure 16 (a-2).

[0381] The next state indicated by reference symbol T4 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from OFF to ON while the stop button 139 is operated (pressed) and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0382] In this state, the power is restored from a power outage while the stop button 139 (first operating means) is being operated (pressed), and the operation of the stop button 139 (first operating means) is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the stop button 137-139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and the interrupt status is neither an error detection state nor a setting change in progress), but the main control unit 300 does not execute control over the operation of the stop button 139 (first operating means) (in this example, a reel stop control process that stops the reel 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 139).

[0383] In this state, control over the operation of the stop button 139 (first operating means) (in this example, a reel stop control process that stops the reel 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 139) is not executed, so that the reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 is not stopped and continues to rotate, as shown in Fig. 16(a-3). Note that although control over the operation of the stop button 139 (first operating means) (in this example, a reel stop control process that stops the reel 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 139) is not executed, the LEDg of the main board indicator 190 is lit because the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0384] According to this example, if the operating means is operated when power is restored, the LED can be made to light up even if the operating means does not perform control based on that operation, so it is possible to visually determine at a glance whether control based on the operation is not being performed because the control is disabled or because there is a malfunction.

[0385] The next state indicated by symbol T5 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is spinning, and the pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released, changing the state to one in which the stop button 139 is not being operated (not pressed).

[0386] In this state, the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), and therefore, although not shown in the drawings, the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.

[0387] The next state indicated by reference symbol T6 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, the reel 112 is spinning, and the stop button 139 is operated (pressed).

[0388] In this state, since the stop button 139 is operated (pressed) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the main control unit 300 executes control for the operation of the stop button 139 (first operation means) (in this example, a reel stop control process that stops the reel 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 139), and stops the reel 112 as shown in Fig. 16(a-4). Also, since the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the LEDg of the main board indicator 190 is lit up.

[0389] <Example of power recovery when a button is pressed / Stop button functioning as an active button> Next, with reference to FIG. 16(b), power restoration when the stop buttons 137 to 139 functioning as valid buttons are pressed will be described.

[0390] FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing, in chronological order, the flow from when a power outage occurs while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the first stop mode until power is restored when the stop button 139 is pressed.

[0391] In FIG. 16(b), the state indicated by symbol T1 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the reels 110-111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is spinning.

[0392] 16(b-1), the reels 110-111 are stopped, and the stop button 139 corresponding to the reel 112 is not operated (not pressed), so only the reel 112 is spinning. Also, the stop buttons 137-139 are not operated (not pressed) (in this example, the detection signals from the sensors for the stop buttons 137-139 of the main control unit 300 are in the off state), so the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.

[0393] In addition, in this state, part of the symbol combination (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") corresponding to the small win (bell) is aligned on the pay line of reels 110 and 111, and the small win (bell) is in a reach state.

[0394] The next state indicated by symbol T2 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, the reel 112 is spinning, and the stop button 139 is operated (pressed).

[0395] In this state, since the stop button 139 is operated (pressed) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the main control unit 300 executes control for the operation of the stop button 139 (first operation means) (in this example, a reel stop control process that stops the reel 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 139), and stops the reel 112 as shown in Fig. 16(b-2). Also, since the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the LEDg of the main board indicator 190 is lit up.

[0396] Also, in this state, the symbol combination corresponding to the small win (bell) (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") is aligned on the active line of reels 110 to 112, and the small win (bell) has been won, but the winning effect corresponding to the small win (bell) has not been executed.

[0397] The next state indicated by symbol T3 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from ON to OFF while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), and the winning effect corresponding to the small role (bell) is not being executed.

[0398] In this state, when the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply unit 252 is cut off, and the power supply to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc., is stopped, so although not shown in the figure, the displays on the main board display 190 etc. are hidden.

[0399] The next state indicated by symbol T4 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON when the stop button 139 has been operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 have stopped, and the winning effect corresponding to the small win (bell) has not been executed.

[0400] In this state, the symbol combination (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") corresponding to the small win (bell) is aligned on the pay line of the reels 110 to 112, and the power is restored from the power outage while the stop button 139 (first operating means) is operated (pressed), but the winning effect corresponding to the small win (bell) is not executed and is put on hold. Note that although the winning effect corresponding to the small win (bell) is not executed, the LEDg of the main board indicator 190 is lit because the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).

[0401] The state indicated by the following symbol T5 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), and the winning effect corresponding to the small role (bell) is not being executed, and then the pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released, changing the state to one in which the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed).

[0402] In this state, the pressing operation of the stop button 139 has been released, and thus a winning effect corresponding to the small winning combination (bell) (in this example, an effect of turning on the backlights of the reels 110 to 112 and an effect of outputting a winning sound from the speakers 272, 277) is started. Also, since the stop button 139 is not being operated (not pressed), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.

[0403] As explained using Figures 16(a) and (b), in this example, the control over the operation of the stop operation means can be changed depending on the status of the operation, and by disabling the reel stop control, which may cause the player to suffer a disadvantage due to an incorrect operation, when power is restored, it is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage due to an incorrect operation, while by enabling the hold control for the winning effect when power is restored and not executing the winning effect while the operation of the last operated stop operation means is continuing, it is possible to prevent the winning effect from being missed and increase player satisfaction.

[0404] A gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine that includes a power supply device (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that supplies power, a plurality of reels that are driven to rotate (for example, the reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1), a first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operating means (for example, the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1), a third operating means (for example, the stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in FIG. 1), and a light-emitting means (for example, the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) or FIG. 14), and the first operating means is When a power interruption occurs to cut off the power supply to the power supply device while the second operation means is not being operated, and the power is restored from the power interruption when the first operation means is being operated, and a control state is established in which the operation of the first operation means is validated, control over the operation of the first operation means (for example, a reel rotation start process to start the rotation of all reels 110 to 112) is not executed. However, when a power interruption occurs to cut off the power supply to the power supply device while the second operation means is not being operated, and the power is restored from the power interruption when the second operation means is being operated, and a control state is established in which the operation of the second operation means is validated, control over the operation of the second operation means (for example, a process to adjust the volume) is executed. When a power interruption occurs to cut off the power supply to the power supply device while the third operation means is not being operated, and the power is restored from the power interruption when the third operation means is being operated, and a control state is established in which the operation of the third operation means is validated, control over the operation of the third operation means (for example, a process to stop the reels that are spinning) is not executed. However, when the third operation means is operated and the reels are stopped, control over the operation of the third operation means is still ongoing. When a power interruption occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the power supply is connected to the power source, and when the power is restored from the power interruption while the third operating means is being operated, control may be executed in response to the operation of the third operating means, and the light emitting means includes a first light emitting unit (for example, LEDd of the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) or FIG. 16) that emits light in response to the operation of the first operating means, and a second light emitting unit (for example, LEDe, LEDf, LEDg of the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) or FIG. 16) that emits light in response to the operation of the third operating means,The gaming machine does not include a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to the second operating means being operated, the first light-emitting unit emits light even when a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off when the first operating means is not operated and the power is restored from the power outage while the first operating means is being operated, the second light-emitting unit emits light even when a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off when the third operating means is not operated and the power is restored from the power outage while the third operating means is being operated, and the second light-emitting unit emits light even when a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off when the third operating means is not operated and the power is restored from the power outage while the third operating means is being operated, and the light-emitting unit is provided in a position that is difficult to see from the outside of the gaming machine (for example, inside the front door 102).

[0405] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, for an operation means (first operation means) for which control over operation is disabled, a light-emitting unit that emits light when operated is provided, making it easy to check whether or not it has malfunctioned. Furthermore, for an operation means (second operation means) for which control over operation is not disabled, a malfunction can be detected by the absence of control over operation, even without providing a light-emitting unit. Therefore, not providing a light-emitting unit can reduce costs. Furthermore, since the light-emitting unit is located in a position that is difficult to see from the exterior of the gaming machine, making the light-emitting unit invisible to the player prevents the player from mistaking the light emitted by the light-emitting unit for part of the effect, and therefore does not cause any disadvantage to the player.

[0406] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a power supply device (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that supplies power, a plurality of reels that are driven to rotate (for example, the reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1), a first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operating means (for example, the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1), a plurality of stop operating means for stopping the reels that are driven to rotate (for example, the stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in FIG. 1), and a light emitting means (for example, the light emitting means shown in FIG. 2(b) or FIG. 1). 4) and a performance means, and when the first operating means is not operated, a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off, and when the first operating means is operated, even if the power outage is restored and a control state is established in which the operation of the first operating means is validated, control over the operation of the first operating means (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112) is not executed, but when the second operating means is not operated, a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off, and when the first operating means is operated, even if the power outage is restored and a control state is established in which the operation of the first operating means is validated, When a power outage occurs while the second operation means is being operated and the control state is reached in which the operation of the second operation means is enabled by recovering from the power outage, the control means executes control over the operation of the second operation means (for example, a process for adjusting the volume), and when the multiple stop operation means are operated to stop the multiple reels in a first stop mode, and when the multiple stop operation means are not operated, the performance means executes a winning performance according to the first stop mode, and even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off when the multiple stop operation means are not operated while the reels are spinning, and the power outage is restored when the stop operation means is operated, the spinning reels will not be stopped, but when the multiple stop operation means are operated to stop the multiple reels in the first stop mode by operating the multiple stop operation means, a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off when the last operated stop operation means of the multiple stop operation means is operated, and the power outage is restored when the last operated stop operation means is operatedThe winning effect according to the first stop mode by the effect means is not executed while the operation of the last operated stop operation means continues, and thereafter, when the stop operation means is no longer operated, the winning effect is executed. The light emitting means is provided with a first light emitting unit (for example, LEDd of the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) or FIG. 16) corresponding to the first operation means and a second light emitting unit (for example, LEDe, LEDf, LEDg of the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) or FIG. 16) corresponding to the stop operation means, but is not provided with a light emitting unit corresponding to the second operation means, and the first light emitting unit emits light in response to the first operation means being operated, and does not emit light in response to the first operation means being no longer operated. The second light-emitting unit emits light in response to the stop operation means being operated and goes out in response to the stop operation means being not operated, and also emits light in response to a power interruption in which the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not being operated and is not operated when the power is restored from the power interruption when the first operation means is being operated, and the second light-emitting unit emits light in response to the stop operation means being operated and goes out in response to the stop operation means being not operated, and also emits light in response to a power interruption in which the power supply device is cut off when the stop operation means is not being operated and is not operated when the power is restored from the power interruption when the stop operation means is being operated, and the light-emitting unit is provided in a position that is difficult to see from the outside of the gaming machine (for example, inside the front door 102).

[0407] The device may also be provided with a first display unit (for example, an LED-compatible sticker 192 shown in FIG. 2(c)), which is a display unit indicating that the first light-emitting unit corresponds to the first operating means, and a display unit indicating that the second light-emitting unit corresponds to the third operating means.

[0408] With this configuration, even a manager who is not familiar with the gaming machine can understand which light-emitting part corresponds to which operating means by checking the first display unit provided on the gaming machine, without having to check the instruction manual, etc., thereby improving convenience for gaming store staff, etc.

[0409] Furthermore, if the first display unit is disposed near the light-emitting means, the correspondence between the light-emitting unit and the operating means can be easily seen and confirmed, thereby increasing convenience for game parlor staff and the like.

[0410] Furthermore, if the first display unit is disposed at the center of rotation of the door body of the gaming machine (for example, the side panel 260 to which the hinge device 276 is attached), the first display unit will be easily visible when the door body is opened, and the display on the first display unit will be easy to check, thereby improving the workability of gaming store staff and the like.

[0411] In addition, the operating surface of the first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in Figures 1 and 26(a)) may protrude further from the outer surface of the gaming machine than the operating surface of the second operating means (for example, the volume button 193a shown in Figure 1).

[0412] With this configuration, the first operating means is more likely to be operated erroneously than the second operating means, but since the first operating means is an operating means in which control over operation is disabled, the overall adverse effects caused by erroneous operation can be reduced.

[0413] <Example of power recovery when the button is pressed / Reset button when an error is detected> Next, power restoration when the reset button 243 is pressed in an error detection state will be described with reference to FIG. 17(a).

[0414] FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing the time series of the flow from when a power outage occurs in an error detection state to when power is restored while the reset button 243 is pressed.

[0415] In FIG. 17(a), the state indicated by the symbol T1 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, an error is detected, and the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed).

[0416] 17(a-1), an error (in this example, a selector error) has occurred, and therefore an error notification (in this example, a display including the character string "Selector error") is executed on the liquid crystal display device 157 to notify of the error (in this example, a selector error). Also, since the reset button 243 is not being operated (not pressed) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300 is off), the LEDh of the main board indicator 190 is turned off.

[0417] The next state indicated by the symbol T2 is a state in which an error is detected and the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from ON to OFF while the reset button 243 is not being operated (not pressed).

[0418] In this state, when the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed), a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off, and the power supply to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc., is stopped, so the displays of the liquid crystal display device 157, main board display 190, etc. are not displayed.

[0419] The next state indicated by reference symbol T3 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is turned off, an error is detected, and the reset button 243 is operated (pressed).

[0420] In this state, the reset button 243 is operated (pressed), but since the power supply to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc., is stopped, the operation of the reset button 243 is not enabled, and the displays of the liquid crystal display device 157, main board display 190, etc. are not displayed, as shown in Figure 17(a-2).

[0421] The next state indicated by reference symbol T4 is a state in which the reset button 243 is operated (pressed) and the power supply of the power supply device 252 is changed from OFF to ON in an error detection state.

[0422] In this state, the reset button 243 is operated (pressed) and the power is restored from a power outage, making the operation of the reset button 243 valid (in this example, the power is restored from a power outage in an error detection state and the detection signal from the reset SW243 sensor is turned on), so the reset button 243 functions as an valid button (second operating means), and the main control unit 300 executes control over the operation of the reset button 243 (second operating means) (in this example, processing corresponding to the error resolution operation).

[0423] In this state, by executing control (in this example, processing corresponding to the error resolution operation) for the operation of the reset button 243 (second operating means), the selector error is resolved, as shown in Fig. 17(a-3), and an error notification (in this example, a display including the character string "Door is open") that notifies of another error (in this example, a door open error) is executed on the liquid crystal display device 157. Also, since the reset button 243 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LEDh of the main board indicator 190 is lit.

[0424] The next state indicated by reference symbol T5 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, an error is not detected, the reset button 243 is released from the depressed state, and the reset button 243 is no longer depressed (is not depressed).

[0425] In this state, the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed), and therefore, although not shown in the drawings, the LEDh of the main board display 190 is turned off.

[0426] <Example of power recovery when the button is pressed / Reset button when settings can be changed> Next, power restoration when the reset button 243 is pressed in the setting changeable state will be described with reference to FIG. 17(b).

[0427] FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing the time sequence of power-on steps that involve transitioning to a setting changeable state while the reset button 243 is pressed.

[0428] In FIG. 17(b), the state indicated by the symbol T1 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the settings can be changed, and the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed).

[0429] 17(b-1), since the setting is being confirmed, the setting value display device 101a displays a numerical value (2 in this example) indicating the current setting value. Also, since the reset button 243 is not being operated (not pressed) (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300 is off), the LEDh of the main board display 190 is turned off.

[0430] The next state indicated by the symbol T2 is a setting confirmation state, in which the setting key SW has changed from ON to OFF while the reset button 243 is not being operated (not pressed).

[0431] In this state, since the setting key SW is turned OFF, the display on the setting value display device 101a is erased, as shown in FIG. 17(b-2), and the setting confirmation state is ended.

[0432] The next state indicated by reference symbol T3 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from ON to OFF while the setting key SW is OFF and the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed).

[0433] In this state, when the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed), a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off, and the power supply to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc., is stopped, so the display of the setting value display device 101a, main board display 190, etc. is not displayed.

[0434] The next state indicated by reference symbol T4 is a state in which, with the power supply of the power supply device 252 and the setting key SW in the OFF state, the setting key SW changes from OFF to ON and the reset button 243 is operated (pressed).

[0435] In this state, the reset button 243 is operated (pressed), but since the power supply to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc., is stopped, the operation of the reset button 243 is not enabled, and the displays of the setting value display device 101a, main board display 190, etc. are not displayed, as shown in Figure 17 (b-3).

[0436] The next state indicated by reference symbol T5 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from OFF to ON while the setting key SW is ON and the reset button 243 is operated (pressed).

[0437] In this state, the setting key SW is in the ON state when power is restored from a power outage, so that the setting can be changed, and the reset button 243 is operated when power is restored from a power outage, so that operation of the reset button 243 is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the reset SW sensor is ON and the interrupt status does not correspond to the error detection state), but the reset button 243 functions as an invalid button (first operating means), and the main control unit 300 does not execute control over operation of the reset button 243 (first operating means) (in this example, processing corresponding to the setting value change operation).

[0438] In this state, control over operation of the reset button 243 (first operating means) (in this example, processing corresponding to a setting value change operation) is not executed, so the setting value is not changed (in this example, a change from setting 2 to setting 3), and a numerical value indicating the current setting value (in this example, 2) is displayed on the setting value display device 101a, as shown in Fig. 17(b-4). Also, since the reset button 243 is being operated (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LEDh on the main board indicator 190 is lit.

[0439] The next state indicated by reference symbol T6 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting can be changed, the pressing operation of the reset button 243 is released, and the reset button 243 is changed to a state in which it is not being pressed (not pressed).

[0440] In this state, the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed), and therefore, although not shown in the drawings, the LEDh of the main board display 190 is turned off.

[0441] The next state indicated by reference symbol T7 is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting can be changed, and the reset button 243 is operated (pressed).

[0442] In this state, the reset button 243 is operated (pressed) when the power is not on, and control is performed for the operation of the reset button 243 (in this example, processing corresponding to the setting change operation), so after the setting value is changed (in this example, from setting 2 to setting 3), a number indicating the current setting value (in this example, 3) is displayed on the setting value display device 101a, as shown in Figure 17 (b-5).

[0443] As explained above, the main board display 190 is a display in which an LED lights up when each button is operated, and even if the operation is disabled during a period in which the button is operated, the LED of this main board display 190 will light up.

[0444] According to this example, if the operating means is operated when power is restored, even if the operating means does not perform control based on that operation, the LED of the main board display 190 can be made to light up, so it is possible to visually determine at a glance whether control based on the operation is not being performed because the control is disabled or because there is a malfunction.

[0445] <Power restoration while the button is pressed (variation)> Next, power restoration when the button is pressed (variant example) will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Note that to avoid redundant explanation, only the content different from the content described with reference to Fig. 10 will be described here.

[0446] <Power recovery while button is pressed (variation) / When power is turned on> FIG. 18(a) is a diagram showing the control state (modification) of each button when the power is turned on, and corresponds to FIG. 10(a).

[0447] In the example described using Figure 10(a), the MAX BET button 132, 1 BET button 130, and settlement button 134 are valid buttons (second operating means) that enable the operation (control is executed for the operation) if the operation is performed when power is restored after a power outage, but they may also be invalid buttons (first operating means) that disable the operation (control is not executed for the operation) if the operation is performed when power is restored after a power outage.

[0448] Furthermore, in the example described using Figure 10(a), the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a are invalid buttons (first operating means) that disable the operation (no control is executed for the operation) if they are operated when power is restored after a power outage, but they may also be valid buttons (second operating means) that enable the operation (control is executed for the operation) if they are operated when power is restored after a power outage.

[0449] According to this example, the operation means controlled by the main control unit 300 and having relatively high importance (for example, the MAX BET button 132, the 1 BET button 130, the settlement button 134, the start lever 135, and the stop buttons 137-139) are not controlled based on the operation when power is restored, thereby preventing serious operational errors.

[0450] On the other hand, the operation means (e.g., the performance button 156, the volume button 193b) that are controlled by the first sub-control unit 400 and have relatively low importance can be made more convenient by performing control based on the operation when power is restored.

[0451] Furthermore, by unifying (commonizing) the control contents for each main control board (main control unit 300) and sub-control board (first sub-control unit 400), the control does not become complicated and the control burden can be reduced.

[0452] In this example, even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not being operated, and the power is restored while the reset button 243 is being operated and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled after the power outage is restored, the control over the operation of the reset button 243 (processing corresponding to the setting value change operation or the error resolution operation) is not executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the invention may be configured to execute (or be able to execute) control over the operation of the reset button 243 (processing corresponding to the setting value change operation or the error resolution operation) when a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not being operated, and the power is restored while the reset button 243 is being operated and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled after the power outage.

[0453] In other words, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine that includes a power supply device (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that supplies power, a first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operating means (for example, the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1), and a third operating means (for example, the reset button 243). Even if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off when the first operating means is not operated, and the power is restored when the first operating means is operated, and a control state is established in which the operation of the first operating means is validated, the gaming machine does not execute control over the operation of the first operating means (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112). Even if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off when the second operating means is not operated, and the power is restored when the second operating means is operated, and a control state is established in which the operation of the second operating means is validated, the gaming machine does not execute control over the operation of the first operating means (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112). When the third operating means is operated, a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off, and when the third operating means is operated and the power is restored from the power outage and a control state is reached in which the operation of the third operating means is enabled, control is executed for the operation of the third operating means (for example, a process corresponding to a setting value change operation or an error resolution operation), and when control for the operation of the first operating means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed, and even when control for the operation of the second operating means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed, and when control for the operation of the third operating means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed, and the third operating means is an operating means provided in a position that makes it difficult for a player to operate it.

[0454] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, for operation means that are difficult or impossible to restore (first operation means, third operation means), operation control is not performed even if they are in a state of being operated when power is restored, taking into consideration the possibility of erroneous operation. Furthermore, for operation means that are reversible (second operation means), since restoration is possible even in the case of erroneous operation, operation control is performed if they are in a state of being operated when power is restored. Furthermore, even for operation means that are difficult or impossible to restore, if the button is located in a position that is difficult for a player to operate, there is a high possibility that an administrator has intentionally operated it, so operation control is performed if they are in a state of being operated when power is restored. In this way, it is possible to provide a highly convenient gaming machine that allows players to quickly return to play while taking into consideration erroneous operation, etc.

[0455] <Power recovery while button is pressed (variation) / When power is turned on (error detected)> FIG. 18(b) is a diagram showing the control state (modification) of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state), and corresponds to FIG. 10(b).

[0456] In the example described using Figure 10(b), the reset button 243 functions as an enabled button (second operating means) when power is restored from an error detection state and the detection signal from the reset SW sensor is turned on, but it may also function as an disabled button (first operating means) and not execute control over the operation of the reset button 243 (in this example, processing corresponding to the error resolution operation).

[0457] <Power recovery while button is pressed (variation) / Power on with setting change> FIG. 18(c) is a diagram showing the control state of each button (modification) when the power is turned on with a setting change, and corresponds to FIG. 10(c).

[0458] In the example described using FIG. 10(c), the reset button 243 functions as a disable button (first operating means) when power is turned on with a setting change, and the power is restored from a power outage, and the detection signal from the reset SW sensor is turned on. However, the reset button 243 may also function as an enable button (second operating means) and execute control over the operation of the reset button 243 (in this example, processing corresponding to the setting value change operation).

[0459] <Control status of each button when the setting change state ends> FIG. 19(a) is a diagram showing an example of the control status of each button when the setting change state ends, and corresponds to FIG. 11(a).

[0460] Figure 19(a) is the same as Figure 11(a), so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but in the example shown in Figure 18(a), if the effect button 156 is operated when power is restored after a power outage, the operation becomes valid and control over the operation (in this example, processing to produce effects in accordance with player operations in various effects) is executed, whereas as shown in Figure 19(a), when the setting change mode (setting change state) is set and the effect button 156 (second operating means) is operated, even if the setting change state transitions to a playable state in which game play can proceed and operation of the effect button 156 becomes valid, control over operation of the effect button 156 (in this example, processing to produce effects in accordance with player operations in various effects) is not executed.

[0461] Also, in the example shown in Figure 18(a), if the volume button 193a is operated when power is restored after a power outage, the operation becomes valid and control over the operation (in this example, processing to adjust the volume) is executed, whereas as shown in Figure 19(a), when the setting change mode (setting change state) is set and the volume button 193a (second operating means) is operated, even if the setting change state transitions to a playable state in which game play can proceed and the operation of the volume button 193a becomes valid, control over the operation of the volume button 193a (in this example, processing to adjust the volume) is not executed.

[0462] A gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a power supply device (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that supplies power, first operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), second operation means (for example, the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1), and main control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3) that controls a game based on one of a plurality of setting values, and the main control means can set one state from a plurality of states including at least a playable state (for example, a normal game state) in which a game can proceed, a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which a currently set setting value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) in which one setting value can be set from the plurality of setting values, and even if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the first operation means is not being operated, and the power is restored while the first operation means is being operated, and the operation of the first operation means is enabled, the main control means can set one state from a plurality of states including at least a playable state (for example, a normal game state) in which a game can proceed, a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which a currently set setting value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) in which a setting value can be set from the plurality of setting values, and even if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the first operation means is not being operated, and the power is restored while the first operation means is being operated, and the operation of the first operation means is enabled, the main control means can set one state from a plurality of states including at least a playable state (for example, a normal game state) in which a game can proceed, a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which a currently set setting value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) This gaming machine does not execute control over the operation of one operating means (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112), but when a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off while the second operating means is not being operated, and when the power is restored while the second operating means is being operated and a state in which the operation of the second operating means is enabled is reached, it executes control over the operation of the second operating means (for example, a process for performing various effects in response to the player's operation, a process for adjusting the volume), and when control over the operation of the first operating means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed, and even if control over the operation of the second operating means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed, and even if the setting is changed to the setting change state and the second operating means is operated and the state transitions from the setting change state to the playable state and the operation of the second operating means is enabled, it does not execute control over the operation of the second operating means (for example, see Figure 19(a)).

[0463] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, for operation means (first operation means) that are difficult or impossible to restore, control of operation is not performed even if they are in a state of operation when power is restored, taking into consideration the possibility of erroneous operation. Furthermore, for operation means (second operation means) that can be restored, because restoration is possible even in the case of erroneous operation, control of operation is performed if they are in a state of operation when power is restored. This makes it possible to provide a highly convenient gaming machine that allows for quick return to play while taking into consideration erroneous operation, etc. Furthermore, the setting change state is generally a state entered by the administrator's operation, and recovery from the setting change state is also performed by the administrator, which means that there is no need to quickly return to play. Therefore, control of operation is not performed only in consideration of erroneous operation. Furthermore, in the setting change state, the administrator is focused on changing the settings and may not notice erroneous operation, which could result in settings such as volume remaining at a setting not intended by the administrator. Therefore, control of operation is not performed when returning from the setting change state.

[0464] <Control status of each button when the setting confirmation state ends> FIG. 19(b) is a diagram showing an example of the control status of each button when the setting confirmation state ends, and corresponds to FIG. 11(b).

[0465] Figure 19(b) is the same as Figure 11(b), so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but in the example shown in Figure 18(a), if the effect button 156 is operated when power is restored after a power outage, the operation becomes valid and control over the operation (in this example, processing to produce effects in accordance with player operations in various effects) is executed, whereas as shown in Figure 19(b), when the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is set and the effect button 156 (second operating means) is operated, even if the setting confirmation state transitions to a playable state in which game play can proceed and operation of the effect button 156 becomes valid, control over operation of the effect button 156 (in this example, processing to produce effects in accordance with player operations in various effects) is not executed.

[0466] Also, in the example shown in Figure 18(a), if the volume button 193a is operated when power is restored after a power outage, the operation becomes valid and control over the operation (in this example, processing to adjust the volume) is executed, whereas as shown in Figure 19(b), when the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is set and the volume button 193a (second operating means) is operated, even if the setting confirmation state transitions to a playable state in which game progress is possible and operation of the volume button 193a is enabled, control over operation of the volume button 193a (in this example, processing to adjust the volume) is not executed.

[0467] A gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a power supply device (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that supplies power, first operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), second operation means (for example, the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1), and main control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3) that controls a game based on one of a plurality of setting values, and the main control means can set one state from a plurality of states including at least a playable state (for example, a normal game state) in which a game can proceed, a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which a currently set setting value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) in which one setting value can be set from the plurality of setting values, and even if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the first operation means is not being operated, and the power is restored while the first operation means is being operated, and the operation of the first operation means is enabled, the main control means can set one state from a plurality of states including at least a playable state (for example, a normal game state) in which a game can proceed, a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which a currently set setting value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) in which a setting value can be set from the plurality of setting values, and even if a power interruption occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the first operation means is not being operated, and the power is restored while the first operation means is being operated, and the operation of the first operation means is enabled, the main control means can set one state from a plurality of states including at least a playable state (for example, a normal game state) in which a game can proceed, a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which a currently set setting value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) This gaming machine does not execute control over the operation of one operating means (for example, a reel rotation start process that starts the rotation of all reels 110 to 112), but when a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off while the second operating means is not being operated, and when the power is restored while the second operating means is being operated and the operation of the second operating means is enabled, it executes control over the operation of the second operating means (for example, a process for performing various effects in response to the player's operation, a process for adjusting the volume), and when control over the operation of the first operating means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed, and even if control over the operation of the second operating means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed, and even if the setting confirmation state is set and the second operating means is operated and the state transitions from the setting confirmation state to the playable state and the operation of the second operating means is enabled, it does not execute control over the operation of the second operating means (for example, see Figure 19(b)).

[0468] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, for operation means (first operation means) that are difficult or impossible to restore, control of operation is not performed even if they are in a state of operation when power is restored, taking into consideration the possibility of erroneous operation. Furthermore, for operation means (second operation means) that can be restored, because restoration is possible even in the case of erroneous operation, control of operation is performed if they are in a state of operation when power is restored. This makes it possible to provide a highly convenient gaming machine that allows for quick return to play while taking into consideration erroneous operation, etc. Furthermore, the setting confirmation state is generally a state entered by an administrator's operation, and recovery from the setting confirmation state is also performed by an administrator's operation, which is a situation in which quick return to play is not necessary. Therefore, control of operation is not performed, taking only erroneous operation into consideration. Furthermore, during the setting confirmation state, the administrator is focused on checking the settings, and there is a risk that they will not notice an erroneous operation, which could result in settings such as volume remaining at a setting not intended by the administrator. Therefore, control of operation is not performed when returning from the setting confirmation state.

[0469] <Simultaneous operation of valid buttons when powering on> Next, simultaneous operation of valid buttons when powering on will be described with reference to FIG.

[0470] FIG. 20(a) is a diagram showing another example of control when valid buttons are operated simultaneously when the power is turned on.

[0471] As explained using Figure 18(a), the slot machine in this example is equipped with effect button 156 and volume button 193a as valid buttons that will enable the operation (control will be executed for the operation) if the operation is being performed when power is restored after a power outage, and is equipped with stop buttons 137 to 139 as valid buttons that may be enabled.

[0472] In this example, when a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 ...

Claims

1. a power supply device for supplying power; A door body that is provided on the front of the gaming machine and can be opened and closed; a detection means capable of detecting the open / closed state of the door body; a first operating means; A second operating means; a game value number storage means capable of storing a game value number relating to a game value used in a game; A gaming machine equipped with the first operating means is an operating means provided at a position that allows it to be operated when the door body is in an open state, the second operating means is provided at a position where it can be operated when the door body is in an open state, and has a first operating state and a second operating state as operating states; When the power supply device is turned on in a state where the detection means detects the open state and the first operation means is operated (hereinafter referred to as the "first case"), the number of gaming values ​​that have not been bet is cleared, In the first case, after the power supply device is turned on, the number of bets is not cleared, In the first case, the first notification can be executed at a certain timing after the power supply device is turned on, When the power supply device is turned on in a state where the detection means detects the open state and the second operation means is operated to the second operation state (hereinafter referred to as the "second case"), the power supply device is configured to be set to a setting change state in which a setting value can be changed, In the second case, after the power supply device is turned on, the number of gaming values ​​that have not been bet is not cleared, In the second case, after the power supply device is turned on, the number of bets is cleared, In the second case, the second notification can be executed at a certain timing after the power supply device is turned on. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, When the power supply device is turned on in a state where the detection means detects the open state, the first operation means is operated, and the second operation means is operated to the second operation state (hereinafter referred to as the "third case"), the number of game values ​​bet is cleared and the setting is changed. In the third case, after the power supply device is turned on, the number of gaming values ​​that have not been bet is cleared at a certain timing, In the third case, after the power supply device is turned on, the first notification is not executed at a certain timing, In the third case, the second notification is executed at a certain timing after the power supply device is turned on. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, The first notification is to notify that the number of gaming values ​​that have not been bet has been cleared, The second notification notifies the user that the setting has been changed. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

4. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, The first notification is to notify that the number of gaming values ​​that have not been bet has been cleared, The second notification notifies that the door body is in an open state. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

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