Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine such as a reel game machine characterized by state control.SOLUTION: After the set value is updated and before the start lever 135 is operated, the set value returns to the value before the update when the power supply is started (T4 in FIG. 28) after the power supply is cut off in the door open state (T5 in FIG. 28), but the set value maintains the value after the update when the power supply is started (T8 in FIG. 28) in the door closed state after the power supply is cut off (T9 in FIG. 28). After the operation of the start lever 135 in the setting change mode (T3 in FIG. 29) and before the end of the setting change mode in which the setting value cannot be updated, the setting change mode in which the setting value can be updated is started when the power supply is started (T5 in FIG. 29) after the power supply is cut off (T6 in FIG. 29) in the door open state, and the setting change mode in which the setting value cannot be updated is started when the power supply is started (T5 in FIG. 29) after the power supply is cut off (T11 in FIG. 29) and the door is closed (T10 in FIG. 29).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, obstacles that change the direction in which the gaming ball falls are generally provided in the playing area of ​​the gaming board, as well as prize holes, starting holes, variable prize holes, etc., into which the gaming ball can enter. When a gaming ball enters these holes, a special benefit is given to the player, such as the payment of a prize ball (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Gaming machines such as slot machines are also known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-200302 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there is room for improvement in the state control of conventional gaming machines.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine with distinctive state control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The gaming machine of the present invention that solves the above object is: a main control means for controlling a game based on one of the plurality of setting values; power supply means capable of supplying power to the main control means; A door body that is provided on the front of the gaming machine and can be opened and closed; A determination means for determining the open / closed state of the door body; a first operating means; A second operating means; a third operating means; and A gaming machine equipped with The main control means It is possible to set one state from a plurality of states including at least a playable state in which the game can proceed, a setting confirmation state in which the currently set setting value can be confirmed, and a setting change state in which one setting value can be set from the plurality of setting values, When the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, if the first operation means is operated, the setting confirmation state may be started, When the power supply by the power supply means starts, if both the condition that the door body is in an open state and the condition that the first operating means is being operated are satisfied, the setting change state can be started, In the setting change state, the setting value can be updated by operating the second operating means, and even in the setting change state, the setting value cannot be updated by operating the second operating means by operating the third operating means; after updating the setting value by using the second operating means in the setting change state and before operating the third operating means, if the power supply means cuts off the power supply while the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, and then starts supplying power, the setting value returns to the value before the update, When the power supply by the power supply means is interrupted after the setting value is updated using the second operating means in the setting change state and before the third operating means is operated, and then the door body is closed and the power supply by the power supply means is started, the setting value maintains the updated value, after operating the third operating means in the setting change state and before terminating the setting change state in which the setting value cannot be updated, if the power supply means cuts off the power supply while the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, and then starts supplying power from the power supply means, by operating the second operating means, a setting change state in which the setting value can be updated is initiated; After the third operating means is operated in the setting change state and before the setting change state in which the setting value cannot be updated is terminated, if the power supply means cuts off the power supply, and then the door body is closed and the power supply means starts supplying power, the setting change state in which the setting value cannot be updated even if the second operating means is operated is initiated. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to realize a gaming machine with distinctive state control. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [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] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. [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 state of each button when the power is turned on. (b) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state). (c) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on with a setting change. [Figure 11] (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 12] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing an example of control states of other buttons when each button is operated. [Figure 13] (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 14] (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 15] (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 16](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 17] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing modified examples of the control states of other buttons when each button is operated. [Figure 18] 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 19] FIG. 11 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of a slot machine 1100 according to a modified example. [Figure 20] (a) A diagram showing the control state of the count button and the game medal number clear button when the power is turned on. (b) A diagram showing an example of control when the count button and the game medal number clear button are operated simultaneously. (c) A diagram showing an example of the control state of the game medal number 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 number clear button is operated. [Figure 21] (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 22] (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 23] (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 24] 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 25] 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 26] 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 27] 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 28] 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 29] FIG. 10 is a time-series diagram illustrating an example of control when a setting change operation (Example 6) is performed with the door closed. [Figure 30] 1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 31] This is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is a simplified front view of the game board as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 33] 32A and 32B are enlarged views of a portion of the attacca unit 23, where (a) shows the internal state of the unit main body 23a, and (b) shows the back side of the unit cover body 23b that covers the unit main body 23a. [Figure 34] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a pachinko machine. [Figure 35] These are examples of display patterns for pachinko machines, where (a) shows an example of a stop display pattern for special pattern 1, (b) shows an example of a stop display pattern for special pattern 2, (c) shows an example of a decorative pattern, and (d) shows an example of a stop display pattern for a regular pattern. [Figure 36] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing by a main control unit. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 38](a) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the table for determining whether a special symbol has been won, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol determination table for when a jackpot or sudden time-saving win occurs in a non-time-saving play state, (c) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol determination table for when a jackpot or sudden time-saving win occurs in a time-saving play state, and (d) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol determination table for when a jackpot or sudden time-saving win occurs in a time-saving state. [Figure 39] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special chart determination table for when a small jackpot is won in a non-time-shortened state, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special chart determination table for when a small jackpot is won in a time-shortened play state, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special chart determination table for when a small jackpot is won in a time-shortened play state. [Figure 40] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the table for determining whether a normal ticket is a hit, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the normal ticket determination table used when a normal ticket is hit in a non-time-shortened play state, (c) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the normal ticket determination table used when a normal ticket is hit in an a1 time-shortened play state, (d) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the normal ticket determination table used when a normal ticket is hit in an a2 time-shortened play state, (e) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the waiting time from passing through the normal electric operation gate until the normal electric device is activated, and (f) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the operation time of the normal electric device when passing through the normal electric operation gate. [Figure 41] (a) is a diagram explaining an example of the relationship between the state of the normal map change display and the operation when passing through a normal power operation gate, (b) is a diagram explaining an example of the relationship between the state of the change display of special map 1 and the state of the change display of special map 2, and (c) is a diagram explaining the state of the normal map change display when passing through a normal power operation gate while the normal map change display is on. [Figure 42] These are flowcharts showing the processing flow in the first sub-control unit of a pachinko machine, where (a) is a flowchart of the first sub-control unit main processing, (b) is a flowchart of the first sub-control unit command reception interrupt processing, and (c) is a flowchart of the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 43]A flowchart showing the processing flow in the second sub-control unit of a pachinko machine, where (a) is a flowchart of the second sub-control unit main processing, (b) is a flowchart of the second sub-control unit command reception interrupt processing, (c) is a flowchart of the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing, and (d) is a flowchart of the second sub-control unit image control processing. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the transition of game states. [Figure 45] This is a diagram showing an example of a presentation related to the decorative pattern change display centered on the decorative pattern display device of the pachinko machine of this embodiment in stages. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a diagram showing the continuation of the example of the rendering shown in FIG. 45 in stages. [Figure 47] FIG. 45(q) is a diagram showing another example of the performance in stages, following FIG. 45(q). [Figure 48] This is a diagram showing an example of the presentation in stages during a jackpot game centered around a decorative pattern display device. [Figure 49] A diagram showing another example of the presentation in a jackpot game centered on a decorative pattern display device in stages. [Figure 50] 1 is a front view of an enclosed type pachinko machine to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 51] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine applicable to the present invention, seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 52] 1 shows a gaming machine according to a modified example of the present invention, where (a) shows a casino machine 2000, (b) shows a mobile phone 3000 having a memory unit for storing electronic data that realizes the present invention, (d) shows a portable gaming machine 4000 having a memory unit for storing electronic data that realizes the present invention, (d) shows a home video game machine 5000 having a memory unit for storing electronic data that realizes the present invention, and (e) shows a data server 6000 that stores electronic data that realizes the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First, a gaming machine (slot machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0011] <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).

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] In this embodiment, an appropriate number of each symbol is 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 symbol display windows 113 provided in front of each of the reels 110-112, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] To the left of the medal insertion 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 button 193"), and an effect button (first operating means) 156, which accepts player operations in various effects.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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").

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 21(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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] <Internal structure> Next, the internal structure of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open.

[0033] Main body 101 is a box-shaped body surrounded by a 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, a main control board storage case 210 that stores a main control board is disposed in 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 this main control board storage case 210. In addition, a main board display 190 consisting of a plurality of LEDs is disposed on the main control board. Main board display 190 will be described later using FIG. 13 etc., and main board display 190 is one of the notification means that can notify information related to the game (such as errors and the operating status of the operating means).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Also provided inside the main body 101 is a set value display device 101a (see FIG. 15(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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] <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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] <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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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.

[0068] <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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] <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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] <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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] "Small winning combination (Cherry, Melon, Bell)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "Cherry", "Melon", "Bell") is a winning combination in which 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 sufficient that the symbol on the left reel 110 is "Cherry", and the symbols on the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 can be any symbol.

[0087] "Replay winning combination" is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be played without inserting medals (game media) in the next game upon winning, and no medals are paid out. The corresponding symbol combination is "Replay-Replay-Replay".

[0088] <Types of RT-based game states> Next, the types and transitions of RT-based game states in the slot machine 100 will be described.

[0089] <Replay low probability state (RT1)> The replay low probability state (RT1) is the default RT-based game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal game state") that is initially set immediately after the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on, etc., and is a game state that is relatively disadvantageous for the player compared to other game states.

[0090] 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 winning internally on a special winning combination, it transitions to the special winning combination internal winning state (RT3) described later.

[0091] <Replay high probability state (RT2)> The replay high probability state is a game state in which the internal winning probability of replay is higher than that in the replay low probability state (RT1).

[0092] 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.

[0093] <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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] <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).

[0096] 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.

[0097] <Main processing of main control unit> 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] In step S103, the number of inserted medals is determined, and a win line determination process is performed to determine the valid win lines.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] <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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] <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.

[0119] 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)).

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] <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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] <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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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).

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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).

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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).

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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).

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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).

[0158] 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.

[0159] <Power restoration with button pressed> Next, power restoration when the button is pressed will be described with reference to FIG.

[0160] Figure 10(a) is a diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on, Figure 10(b) is a diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state), and Figure 10(c) is a diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on with a setting change.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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."

[0163] <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.

[0164] 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).

[0165] 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.

[0166] <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.

[0167] 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).

[0168] 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.

[0169] <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).

[0170] 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).

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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).

[0173] <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.

[0174] 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).

[0175] 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.

[0176] <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.

[0177] 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).

[0178] <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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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).

[0181] 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.

[0182] <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.

[0183] 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).

[0184] 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).

[0185] 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.

[0186] <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.

[0187] 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).

[0188] <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.

[0189] 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).

[0190] <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. 11(a).

[0191] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of control when valid buttons (second operating means) are operated simultaneously when the power is turned on.

[0192] 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).

[0193] 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).

[0194] 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).

[0195] 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).

[0196] <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. 11(b).

[0197] FIG. 11(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).

[0198] 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).

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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).

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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).

[0204] Also, when a power-off occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the settlement button 134 (second operation means) and the reset button 243 (first operation means) are not being operated, and the power supply resumes from the power-off while the settlement button 134 (second operation means) and the reset button 243 (first operation means) are being operated simultaneously (simultaneously pressed), if the interrupt status is in an error detection state, the control for the operation of the reset button 243 (first operation means) (in this example, the process corresponding to the error elimination operation) is preferentially executed, and the control for the settlement button 134 (second operation means) is not executed (reset button priority).

[0205] <Operations of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means> Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the operations of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means will be described.

[0206] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the MAX bet button> FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132.

[0207] 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 one of the 1-chip bet button 130 (second operation means), the settlement button 134 (second operation means), or the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operation means or second operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), the operation is determined to be invalid, and the control for the operation is not executed.

[0208] On the other hand, when the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on) is detected, if an operation of any of the 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.

[0209] <Operation of each button when the 1 coin bet button is in operation> FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button when the 1-coin bet button 130 is operated.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] <Operation of each button when the checkout button is in operation> FIG. 12(c) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button when the settlement button 134 is operated.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] <Operation of each button when the start lever is in operation> FIG. 12(d) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button when the start lever 135 is operated.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] <Operation of each button when the stop button is in operation> FIG. 12(e) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 when they are operated.

[0219] 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.

[0220] 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.

[0221] <Operation of each button when the reset button, effect button, and volume button are in operation> FIG. 12(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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] <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. 13 to 15. Prior to this description, however, the function of the main board display 190 described with reference to FIG. 2 will be described.

[0224] The main board display 190 shown in Figures 13 to 15 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.

[0225] The main board display 190 is not limited to an LED, and other display means such as a seven-segment display, a liquid crystal display device, etc. It goes without saying that the number of types of game information that can be notified is not limited to eight.

[0226] 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).

[0227] Furthermore, LEDe is lit when the 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), LEDf is lit when the 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), LEDg is lit when the 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), and LEDh is lit when 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).

[0228] 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.

[0229] The notification mode of each LEDa-h is not limited to lighting the LED, and each state may be 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, and information other than the exemplified operation information (for example, game status, winning combination, winning combination).

[0230] In addition, in this example, an example is shown in which a main board display 190 is provided on the main control board (main control unit 300), but for example, a board (LED) that notifies the status of buttons controlled by the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 may be provided on the sub-control board.

[0231] <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. 13(a).

[0232] FIG. 13(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.

[0233] In FIG. 13(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.

[0234] 13(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.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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).

[0238] 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 13 (a-2), the displays of the number of stored coins indicator 125, game medal insertion lamp 129, main board indicator 190, etc. are not displayed.

[0239] 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).

[0240] 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).

[0241] 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 three medals, the LED corresponding to a bet of three medals 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.

[0242] 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] <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. 13(b).

[0245] FIG. 13(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.

[0246] In FIG. 13(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.

[0247] 13(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.

[0248] 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.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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).

[0251] 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 13 (b-2).

[0252] 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.

[0253] In this state, the power is restored from a power outage while the start lever 135 (first operating means) is being operated (pressed), and the operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) is enabled (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).

[0254] 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 13 (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).

[0255] 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.

[0256] 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.

[0257] 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. 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).

[0258] 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 13 (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.

[0259] <Example of power recovery when a button is pressed / Stop button functioning as a disable button> Next, with reference to FIG. 14(a), power restoration when the stop buttons 137 to 139 functioning as invalid buttons are pressed will be described.

[0260] FIG. 14(a) is a diagram showing the time sequence from when a power outage occurs while the reel 112 is rotating to when power is restored when the stop button 139 is pressed.

[0261] In FIG. 14(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.

[0262] 14(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.

[0263] 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.

[0264] 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.

[0265] 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).

[0266] 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 14 (a-2).

[0267] 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.

[0268] 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).

[0269] 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. 14(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).

[0270] 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.

[0271] 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).

[0272] 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.

[0273] 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).

[0274] 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. 14(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.

[0275] <Example of power recovery when a button is pressed / Stop button functioning as an active button> Next, with reference to FIG. 14(b), power restoration when the stop buttons 137 to 139 functioning as valid buttons are pressed will be described.

[0276] FIG. 14(b) is a diagram showing the time sequence 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.

[0277] In FIG. 14(b), 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 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is spinning.

[0278] 14(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.

[0279] 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.

[0280] 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).

[0281] 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. 14(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.

[0282] 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.

[0283] 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.

[0284] 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.

[0285] 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.

[0286] 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).

[0287] 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 win (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).

[0288] 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.

[0289] As explained using Figures 14(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.

[0290] <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. 15(a).

[0291] FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing the time series of the flow from when a power outage occurs in an error detection state until when power is restored while the reset button 243 is pressed.

[0292] In FIG. 15(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).

[0293] 15(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.

[0294] 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).

[0295] 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.

[0296] 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).

[0297] 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 15(a-2).

[0298] 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.

[0299] 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).

[0300] 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. 15(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.

[0301] 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 pressed state, and the reset button 243 is no longer pressed (not pressed).

[0302] 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.

[0303] <Example of power recovery when the button is pressed / Reset button when settings can be changed> Next, with reference to FIG. 15(b), power restoration when the reset button 243 is pressed in the setting changeable state will be described.

[0304] FIG. 15(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.

[0305] In FIG. 15(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).

[0306] 15(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.

[0307] 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).

[0308] 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. 15(b-2), and the setting confirmation state is ended.

[0309] 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).

[0310] 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.

[0311] 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).

[0312] 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 15 (b-3).

[0313] 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).

[0314] 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).

[0315] 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. 15(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.

[0316] 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).

[0317] 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.

[0318] 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).

[0319] In this state, the reset button 243 is operated (pressed) when the power is not on, and control is performed on 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 15 (b-5).

[0320] 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.

[0321] 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.

[0322] <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. 16. In order to avoid redundant explanation, only the content different from the content described with reference to Fig. 10 will be described here.

[0323] <Power recovery while button is pressed (variation) / When power is turned on> FIG. 16(a) is a diagram showing the control state of each button (modification) when the power is turned on, and corresponds to FIG. 10(a).

[0324] 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.

[0325] 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.

[0326] 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.

[0327] 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.

[0328] 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.

[0329] <Power recovery while button is pressed (variation) / When power is turned on (error detected)> FIG. 16(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).

[0330] 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).

[0331] <Power recovery while button is pressed (variation) / Power on with setting change> FIG. 16(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).

[0332] 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).

[0333] <Operation of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (variation example)> Next, the operation of each button in the operating state of a certain operating means (variation example) will be described with reference to Fig. 17. In order to avoid redundant explanation, only the content different from the content described with reference to Fig. 12 will be described here.

[0334] <Operation of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (variation example) / MAX BET button> FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing a modified example of the control state of each button when the MAX BET button 132 is operated, and corresponds to FIG. 12(a).

[0335] In the example described using Figure 12(a), when operation of the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operation means) is detected in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) (the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the operation is determined to be invalid and no control is executed for the operation, but it may also be configured to determine the operation to be valid and execute control for the operation.

[0336] Furthermore, in the example described using Figure 12(a), when operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) is detected in the operating state of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) (the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the operation is determined to be valid and control is executed for the operation, but it may also be configured to determine the operation to be invalid and not execute control for the operation.

[0337] <Operation of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (variation example) / 1 coin bet button> FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing a modified example of the control state of each button when the 1-coin bet button 130 is operated, and corresponds to FIG. 12(b).

[0338] In the example described using Figure 12(b), when operation of the settlement button 134 (second operation means) is detected in the operation state of the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operation means) (the state of the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the operation is determined to be invalid and no control is performed for the operation, but it may also be configured to determine the operation to be valid and perform control for the operation.

[0339] In addition, in the example described using Figure 12 (b), when operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) is detected in the operating state of the 1 coin bet button 130 (second operating means) (the state of the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the operation is determined to be valid and control is executed for the operation, but it may also be configured to determine the operation to be invalid and not execute control for the operation.

[0340] <Operation of each button in the operating state of a certain operating means (variant example) / start lever> FIG. 17(d) is a diagram showing a modified example of the control state of each button when the start lever is operated, and corresponds to FIG. 12(d).

[0341] In the example described using Figure 12(d), when operation of the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) or the 1 BET button 130 (second operating means) is detected in the operating state of the start lever 135 (second operating means) (the state of the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the operation is determined to be valid and control is executed for the operation, but it may also be configured to determine the operation to be invalid and not execute control for the operation.

[0342] <Operation of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (variation example) / Stop button> FIG. 17(e) is a diagram showing a modified example of the control state of each button when the stop button is operated, and corresponds to FIG. 12(e).

[0343] In the example described using Figure 12(e), when operation of the MAX BET button 132 (second operating means) or the 1 BET button 130 (second operating means) is detected in the operating state of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (second operating means) (the state of the detection signal of the stop button 137 to 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the operation is determined to be valid and control is executed for the operation, but it may also be configured to determine the operation to be invalid and not execute control for the operation.

[0344] <Game machine (variant)> Next, the basic configuration of a slot machine 1100 according to a modified example and the basic configuration of a lending machine 1700 will be described with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 1100 and lending machine 1700 according to a modified example, as viewed from the front side (player side).

[0345] In order to avoid repetitive explanation, only the configuration that differs from the slot machine 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described here.

[0346] The game medal count display device 1170 is a five-digit seven-segment (SEG) display device, and is a device that displays the game medal count recorded in the medal count control unit 1350 shown in FIG.

[0347] The count button 1171 is an operation means for transmitting information on the number of game medals recorded in the medal count control unit 1350 shown in FIG.

[0348] 18 is sometimes called a card unit and corresponds to an example of the gaming media management device of the present invention. This lending machine 1700 is installed in a one-to-one relationship with the slot machine 1100.

[0349] The lending machine 1700 accepts cards. There are two types of "cards" referred to here. One is a visitor card (also called a general card) with a prepaid function, which is a gaming storage medium issued to general players who are not registered as members. The other is a membership card, which is a gaming storage medium issued to member players who have registered as members at the gaming facility. An IC card is used as the card.

[0350] The card stores a value. The value stored in the card includes the "number of medals held" and the "money balance," which is the remaining balance of prepaid money. The lending machine 1700 that accepts the card has the function of converting the "number of medals held" stored in the card into the "number of gaming medals (number of credits)."

[0351] The "number of gaming medals (number of credits)" is data that can be used to set the number of bets and can also be converted into the "number of possessed medals." The "number of gaming medals" can be obtained by debiting the "money balance" or "number of possessed medals" on the card. The "number of gaming medals" also includes the number of medals acquired by winning. This "number of gaming medals" is managed by the medal count control unit 1350 shown in FIG. 19, and is the number of electronic medals electromagnetically stored (amount of electronic gaming value). By inserting medals using the bet buttons 130, 132, the "number of gaming medals" is subtracted.

[0352] The "number of possessed medals" is a value obtained by converting the "number of game medals (number of credits)" into a count. This "number of possessed medals" is stored in a manner that allows it to be specified by the player's card. In other words, by operating the count button 1171, the "number of game medals" is converted into the "number of possessed medals" and can be stored on the card. The "number of possessed medals" may also be managed by a management device for managing the number of possessed medals installed in the gaming facility.

[0353] The front side of the lending machine 1700 is provided with a bill insertion slot 1701 at the top for inserting bills and a card insertion slot 1702 at the bottom for inserting cards. A membership card or visitor card inserted into this card insertion slot 1702 is accepted by a card reader / writer, and the information stored on the card is read. The authenticity and type of bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 1701 are identified, and the face value of the bill is stored as the "money balance" on the card inserted into the card insertion slot 1702.

[0354] An information display 1703 is provided below the bill insertion slot 1701. This information display 1703 is a display that provides operation guidance for the lending machine 1700 and the status of the slot machine 1100 using text and images. The surface of the information display 1703 may be configured as a touch panel, allowing various operations to be input by touching various displayed items with a finger. Below the information display 1703, a money balance display 1705 and a medal count balance display 1706 are arranged in two rows, one above the other. The money balance display 1705 displays the "money balance" stored in the card inserted in the card insertion slot 1702 as an amount. Meanwhile, the medal count balance display 1706 displays the "number of medals held" stored in the card inserted in the card insertion slot 1702 as the number of medals. A lending button 1707 and a card return button 1708 are provided in the vertical center of the lending machine 1700. The loan button 1707 is an operating means for performing an operation to withdraw the "money balance" stored in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 1702 and obtain the "number of game medals." Specifically, if there is a "money balance" on the card inserted into the card insertion slot 1702, an LED lamp built into the loan button 1707 lights up in a manner indicating that withdrawal is possible. By operating the loan button 1707 in this state, the "number of game medals" is increased according to the amount of money withdrawn.

[0355] For example, a predetermined amount of 1,000 yen worth of "game medals" is added. Also, if the "money balance" of the card is less than the predetermined amount (for example, less than 1,000 yen), only the "game medals" converted from the current balance at a predetermined rate are added. Note that even if the "money balance" of the card is less than the predetermined amount, medals may be replenished from the "number of medals held" stored on the card, and the "game medals" worth the predetermined amount may be added.

[0356] The card return button 1708 is operated when the player finishes playing, and is an operating means for storing the "number of possessed medals" determined at the end of the game in the card inserted in the card insertion slot 1702 and discharging the card. The "number of possessed medals" determined at the end of the game is the number of medals obtained by subtracting the number of medals converted to the "number of game medals" from the "number of possessed medals" stored in the card inserted in the card insertion slot 1702, and then adding the number of game medals counted by the counting operation. The data of "money balance," "number of possessed medals," and "number of game medals" explained above are converted in the following order: "money balance" and "number of possessed medals" → "number of game medals" → "number of possessed medals." In this way, the "number of medals held" specified by the card is converted into the "number of game medals," and in the slot machine 1100 of this example, the "number of game medals" can be used to set the number of bets, so it is possible to provide a new slot machine (controlled game machine) that does not use real medals for gaming, without causing confusion to players who are accustomed to conventional slot machines in which real medals are loaned to them, credits are secured by inserting those real medals, and the number of bets is set using those credits.

[0357] Although this specification does not refer to the "number of medals saved," this "number of medals saved" is not stored on the card but is the number of medals deposited in the gaming facility. In the gaming facility, the number of medals a player has acquired through play may be managed as "points" by the hall management terminal or other management computer for the day, and as the "number of medals saved" from the day after the acquisition. If both the "number of medals saved" and the "number of medals saved" are stored, priority is given to deducting from the "number of medals saved." Furthermore, both the "number of medals saved" and the "number of medals saved" may be stored in a host server in association with the card number. In the case of a visitor card, the "number of medals saved" is stored directly on the visitor card, but the "number of medals saved" may also be stored in a host server in association with the card number.

[0358] When storing the card number in the upper server, data that can identify the time when the card was stored in the upper server may be written to the card (membership card, visitor card) and then discharged. The "money balance" is written directly to the card (membership card, visitor card) and then discharged. The "number of medals held" is stored in the card (membership card, visitor card) or the upper server, for example, when the counting button 1171 is operated and a counting process is performed. However, instead of this, the information may be stored all at once when the card is returned. Furthermore, when a player finishes playing and returns the card from the lending machine 1700, the "number of medals held" stored in the lending machine 1700 is temporarily stored as saved medals. When the player inserts the card into the hall management terminal or another lending machine 1700, only the "number of medals held" for that day that was temporarily stored as saved medals is stored again in the lending machine 1700, and the "number of game medals" is added within the range of the "number of medals held" so that the player can play.

[0359] <Control unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 1100 according to the modified example will be described in detail with reference to Figure 19. Figure 19 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit of the slot machine 1100 according to the modified example.

[0360] In order to avoid redundant explanation, we will only explain the configuration that differs from the control unit of the slot machine 100 described using Figure 3 (mainly the configuration belonging to the rectangular area indicated by symbol A in Figure 19).

[0361] The main control unit 300 has a game control unit 302 that controls the progress of the game and a medal count control unit 1350 that controls the number of game medals owned by the player. The game control unit 302 corresponds to an example of game control means, and the medal count control unit 1350 corresponds to an example of game value number control means.

[0362] Like the game control unit 302, the medal count control unit 1350 is equipped with a CPU 1354, a ROM 1356, a RAM 1358, an I / O 1360 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 1362 for measuring time, number of times, etc.

[0363] A game medal count display device 1170 consisting of a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display, a count button 1171, and a game medal count clear button 1172 are connected to the basic circuit of the medal count control unit 1350.

[0364] The basic circuit of the medal count control unit 1350 is also connected to the lending machine 1700 via a lending machine connection terminal board 1790. The medal count control unit 1350 communicates with the lending machine 1700 in both directions.

[0365] The medal count control unit 1350 transmits various commands to the game control unit 302. The game control unit 302 also transmits various commands to the medal count control unit 1350. In other words, communication between the medal count control unit 1350 and the game control unit 302 is also two-way communication. The medal count control unit 1350 also stores the "game medal count" in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 1358. Specifically, the "game medal count" is stored in a credit counter. The medal count control unit 350 updates the "game medal count" stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 1358 by addition or subtraction. Examples of addition processing include processing based on a payout command transmitted from the game control unit 302, processing based on a settlement command transmitted from the game control unit 302, and processing based on a loan notification transmitted from the loaner machine 1700. On the other hand, the subtraction process includes a counting process based on the operation of the counting button 1171 and a process based on an input command sent from the game control unit 302.

[0366] The game medal count clear button 1172 shown in Figure 19 is located in a position that cannot be operated by the player (for example, a position that cannot be operated unless the front door 102 is opened), and is an operating means for clearing the "game medal count" stored in a specified area of ​​RAM 1358.

[0367] For example, if a player leaves the room with "2" remaining in the medal count, it becomes difficult to determine whether the player with "2" intends to continue playing, preventing another player from starting a game. However, if the medal count can be cleared by a store clerk's operation, another player can be welcomed sooner. Note that the "medal count" does not necessarily have to be cleared when the medal count clear button 1172 is operated. For example, the medal count may be cleared if the medal count is two or less, and if the medal count is three or more, the medals may be counted in the same way as if the count button 1171 were operated. If the count button 1171 malfunctions or is unable to recognize that it has been operated, the "medal count" cannot be converted to the "medal count," which could be detrimental to the player. However, if the count can be performed by a store clerk's operation, this would avoid detriment to the player.

[0368] Furthermore, there is no need to provide a new counting button for the store clerk, so there is no increase in costs. Note that instead of distinguishing between clearing and counting by determining the number of game medals, clearing and counting may be distinguished by the method of operating the game medal count clear button 1172. For example, clearing occurs when the button is pressed for a short time, and counting occurs when the button is pressed for a long time. Either clearing or counting can be easily selected regardless of the number of game medals. Also, clearing occurs when only the game medal count clear button 1172 is operated, and counting occurs when the game medal count clear button 1172 and another button are operated simultaneously. There is little possibility of operating incorrectly, and either clearing or counting can be easily selected.

[0369] <Power recovery when the button is pressed / Count button, medal count clear button> Next, with reference to FIG. 20(a), the restoration of power when the count button 1171 and the game medal number clear button 1172 are pressed will be described.

[0370] FIG. 20(a) is a diagram showing the control state of the count button and the game medal number clear button when the power is turned on.

[0371] <Power recovery / counting button when pressed> The counting button 1171 described using Figure 18 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 20(a), and in this example, is controlled by the medal count control unit 1350.

[0372] In this example, a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the counting button 1171 (second operating means) is not operated, and when the power is restored while the counting button 1171 (second operating means) is being operated and the operation of the counting button 1171 (second operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal of the counting button 1171 sensor of the medal count control unit 1350 is in an on state), the medal count control unit 1350 executes control over the operation of the counting button 1171 (second operating means) (in this example, counting processing based on the operation of the counting button 1171).

[0373] Similarly, in the case where the power is turned on while the counting button 1171 (second operating means) is being operated in an error detection state and the power is restored from a power outage, and in the case where the power is turned on with a setting change while the counting button 1171 (second operating means) is being operated and the power is restored from a power outage, the medal count control unit 1350 executes control over the operation of the counting button 1171 (second operating means) (in this example, counting processing based on the operation of the counting button 1171).

[0374] <Power recovery when button is pressed / Medal count clear button> The game medal count clear button 1172 described using Figure 19 is one of the valid buttons (second operating means) that becomes valid (control is executed for the operation) when operated when power is restored after a power outage, as shown in Figure 20(a), and in this example, is controlled by the medal count control unit 1350.

[0375] In this example, when a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operating means) is not operated, and when the power is restored while the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operating means) is being operated and the operation of the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal of the game medal count clear button 1172 sensor of the medal count control unit 1350 is on), the medal count control unit 1350 executes control over the operation of the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operating means) (in this example, a process to clear the "game medal count" stored in a specified area of ​​RAM 1358).

[0376] Similarly, in the case where the power is turned on while the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operating means) is operated in an error detection state and the power is restored from a power outage, and in the case where the power is turned on with a setting change while the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operating means) is operated and the power is restored from a power outage, the medal count control unit 1350 executes control over the operation of the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operating means) (in this example, a process to clear the "game medal count" stored in a specified area of ​​RAM 1358).

[0377] <Simultaneous operation of the count button and the medal count clear button> Next, the simultaneous operation of the count button and the game medal number clear button will be described with reference to FIG. 20(b).

[0378] FIG. 20(b) is a diagram showing an example of control when the count button and the game medal number clear button are operated simultaneously.

[0379] In this example, when a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the counting button 1171 (second operating means) and the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operating means) are not being operated, and when the counting button 1171 (second operating means) and the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operating means) are being operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), the power outage is restored and the operation of the counting button 1171 (second operating means) and the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signals of the counting button 1171 sensor and the game medal count clear button 1172 sensor of the medal count control unit 1350 are on), the medal count control unit 1350 prioritizes control over the operation of the counting button 1171 (second operating means) (in this example, counting processing based on the operation of the counting button 1171) and does not execute control over the game medal count clear button 1172 (counting button priority).

[0380] In this example, when the counting button and the game medal number clear button are operated simultaneously, the counting button takes priority, so the game medal number will not be cleared by mistake, and the player can be prevented from suffering any disadvantages.

[0381] <Operation of the medal count clear button while the count button is being operated> Next, the operation of the medal count clear button when the count button is operated will be described with reference to Fig. 20(c). Fig. 20(c) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of the medal count clear button when the count button is operated.

[0382] In this example, when operation of the game medal count clear button 1172 is detected while the count button 1171 (second operating means) is in an operating state (in this example, the state of the detection signal from the count button 1171 sensor of the medal count control unit 1350 is on), the operation is determined to be invalid, and control over the operation of the game medal count clear button 1172 (in this example, the process of clearing the "game medal count" stored in a specified area of ​​RAM 1358) is not executed.

[0383] According to this example, when the game medal count clear button is operated while the counting button is in operation, no processing is executed in response to the operation of the game medal count clear button, so the game medal count will not be cleared by mistaken operation, and the player can be prevented from suffering any disadvantages.

[0384] <Operation of the count button when the medal count clear button is operated> Next, the operation of the count button when the game medal count clear button is operated will be described with reference to Fig. 20(d). Fig. 20(d) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of the count button when the game medal count clear button is operated.

[0385] In this example, when operation of the counting button 1171 is detected in the operation state of the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operating means) (in this example, the state in which the detection signal of the game medal count clear button 1172 sensor of the medal count control unit 1350 is on), the operation is determined to be invalid, and control over the operation of the counting button 1171 (in this example, counting processing based on the operation of the counting button 1171) is not executed.

[0386] In this example, when the counting button is operated while the game medal count clear button is in operation, no processing is executed in response to the operation of the game medal count clear button, so the game medal count will not be cleared by mistake, and the player can be prevented from suffering any disadvantages.

[0387] <Maximum protrusion height of each button operation surface> Next, the maximum protruding height of the operation surface of each button will be explained using Figure 21(a). Figure 21(a) is a diagram showing the maximum protruding height of the operation surface of each button, with each button extracted from a front view of the slot machine 100.

[0388] The 1-coin bet button 130 is arranged to protrude upward (perpendicular to the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102 (the outer surface of the slot machine 100 that is approximately horizontal to the player and does not face the player), and the 1-coin bet button 130 can be operated (pressed) by pressing the operating surface of the 1-coin bet button 130 downward toward the horizontal surface 102a.

[0389] The height indicated by symbol h1 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102 to the apex of the operation surface of the 1-coin bet button 130 (maximum protruding height when the 1-coin bet button 130 is not operated).

[0390] The MAX BET button 132 is arranged to protrude upward (perpendicular to the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102, and the MAX BET button 132 can be operated (pressed) by pressing the operating surface of the MAX BET button 132 downward toward the horizontal surface 102a.

[0391] The height indicated by the symbol h2 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102 to the apex of the operation surface of the MAX BET button 132 (the maximum protruding height when the MAX BET button 132 is not operated).

[0392] The start lever 135 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), and the start lever 135 can be operated (pushed down) by pressing the operating surface of the start lever 135 downward.

[0393] The height indicated by the symbol h3 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102 to the apex of the operation surface of the start lever 135 (maximum protruding height when the start lever 135 is not operated).

[0394] The stop buttons 137 to 139 are 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, and the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated (pressed) by pressing the operating surfaces of the stop buttons 137 to 139 backward toward the vertical surface 102b.

[0395] The height indicated by symbol h4 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102 to the apex of the operation surface of the stop buttons 137-139 (maximum protruding height when the stop buttons 137-139 are not operated).

[0396] The effect button 156 is arranged to protrude upward (perpendicular to the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102, and the effect button 156 can be operated (pressed) by pressing the operating surface of the effect button 156 downward toward the horizontal surface 102a.

[0397] The height indicated by the symbol h5 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102 to the apex of the operation surface of the effect button 156 (the maximum protruding height when the effect button 156 is not operated).

[0398] 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, and the settlement button 134 can be operated (depressed) by pressing the operating surface of the settlement button 134 toward the back of the vertical surface 102b.

[0399] The height indicated by the symbol h6 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102 to the apex of the operation surface of the checkout button 134 (the maximum protruding height when the checkout button 134 is not operated).

[0400] In this example, the maximum protrusion height h1 of the single bet button 130 when not operated and the maximum protrusion height h6 of the settlement button 134 when not operated are approximately the same height (h1 ≈ h6), and the maximum protrusion height h2 of the MAX bet button 132 when not operated and the maximum protrusion height h4 of the stop buttons 137 - 139 when not operated are approximately the same height (h2 ≈ h4).

[0401] Also, the maximum protrusion height h2 of the MAX bet button 132 when not operated and the maximum protrusion height h4 of the stop buttons 137 - 139 when not operated are higher than the maximum protrusion height h1 of the single bet button 130 when not operated and the maximum protrusion height h6 of the settlement button 134 when not operated (h1 ≈ h6 < h2 ≈ h4), and the maximum protrusion height h5 of the effect button 156 when not operated is higher than these buttons (h1 ≈ h6 < h2 ≈ h4 < h5), and the maximum protrusion height h3 of the start lever 135 when not operated is higher than this button (h1 ≈ h6 < h2 ≈ h4 < h5 < h3).

[0402] According to this example, an operating means with a relatively high protrusion height on the operation surface (for example, the start lever 135) is likely to hit the player or other members and may be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, even if it is in an operating state when power is restored, by not performing control for the operation, it is possible to prevent an increase in control burden associated with misoperations or misoperations.

[0403] On the other hand, an operating means with a relatively low protrusion height on the operation surface (for example, the MAX bet button 132, the single bet button 130, the settlement button 134) is less likely to be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, if it is in an operating state when power is restored, by performing control for the operation, the game can proceed quickly after power restoration, and the convenience and satisfaction of the player can be enhanced.

[0404] Furthermore, since there is a possibility that operating means (for example, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139) that are installed in a position facing the player or whose operating surface faces in the direction of opening the front door 102 may be operated at an unexpected timing, by not controlling the operation even if the means are being operated when power is restored, it is possible to prevent incorrect operation and an increase in the control load that may result from incorrect operation.

[0405] On the other hand, operation means (e.g., MAX BET button 132, 1 BET button 130, settlement button 134) that are installed in a position that does not face the player or whose operation surface is not facing the direction in which the front door 102 is opened are unlikely to be operated at an unexpected time, and therefore, if they are being operated when power is restored, by controlling the operation, the game can be resumed as soon as possible after power is restored, thereby increasing convenience and satisfaction for the player.

[0406] Although not shown in the figure, the maximum protruding height of the counting button 1171 of the slot machine 1100 is approximately the same as the maximum protruding height h1 when the 1-coin bet button 130 is not operated and the maximum protruding height h6 when the settlement button 134 is not operated.

[0407] According to this example, an operating means (e.g., counting button 1171) with a relatively low protruding height of the operating surface is unlikely to be operated at an unexpected timing, and if it is being operated when power is restored, by controlling the operation, it is possible to quickly resume play after power is restored, thereby increasing convenience and satisfaction for the player.

[0408] In addition, the MAX BET button 132, the 1 BET button 130, and the settlement button 134 are operation means that can be restored to the state before they were operated (the operation can be canceled), but the start lever 135 and the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operation means that cannot be restored to the state before they were operated (the operation cannot be canceled).

[0409] For example, even if the MAX BET button 132 or the 1 BET button 130 is operated and medals are bet, it is possible to cancel the bet by operating the settlement button 134, and it can be said that it is possible to return to the state before operating the MAX BET button 132 or the 1 BET button 130. Furthermore, even if the settlement button 134 is operated and medals are returned, it is possible to return to the state before operating the settlement button 134 by inserting medals again.

[0410] According to this example, an operating means that can return to the state before operation (the operation can be canceled) can improve convenience by performing control based on the operation when power is restored, and an operating means that cannot return to the state before operation (the operation cannot be canceled) can prevent serious erroneous operations by not performing control based on the operation when power is restored.

[0411] Also, in terms of distance from the player, the operation surface for the 1 coin bet button 130, the operation surface for the MAX bet button 132, the operation surface for the effect button 156, the operation surface for the settlement button 134, the operation surfaces for the stop buttons 137 to 139, and the operation surface for the start lever 135 are arranged in the order of their shortest maximum distance from the player and are located closer to the player.

[0412] In this example, since there is a possibility that the operation means (for example, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139) that are relatively close to the player from the operation surface may be operated at an unexpected timing, even if they are being operated when power is restored, by not controlling the operation, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation and an increase in the control load that accompanies erroneous operation.

[0413] On the other hand, operation means that are relatively far from the operation surface and are therefore less likely to be operated at unexpected times, so if they are being operated when power is restored, controlling the operation allows the game to proceed as quickly as possible after power is restored, thereby increasing convenience and satisfaction for the player.

[0414] <Area of ​​each button operation surface> Next, the area of ​​the operation surface of each button will be described with reference to Figure 21(b). Figure 21(b) is a diagram showing the area of ​​the operation surface of each button, with each button extracted from a front view of the slot machine 100.

[0415] 21(b), the area indicated by the reference symbol s1 is the operation surface of the 1-coin bet button 130, and the area indicated by the reference symbol s2 is the operation surface of the MAX bet button 132. Also, the area indicated by the reference symbol s3 is the operation surface of the start lever 135, and the area indicated by the reference symbol s4 is the operation surface of the stop buttons 137 to 139.

[0416] 21(b), the area indicated by the reference symbol s5 is the operation surface of the effect button 156, and the area indicated by the reference symbol s6 is the operation surface of the settlement button 134. Also, the area indicated by the reference symbol s7 in the same figure is the operation surface of the volume button 193b, and the area indicated by the reference symbol s8 in the same figure is the operation surface of the reset button 243.

[0417] In this example, the area s1 of the operation surface of the single bet button 130, the area s6 of the operation surface of the settlement button 134, the area s7 of the operation surface of the volume button 193b, and the area s8 of the operation surface of the reset button 243 are approximately the same size (s1≒s6≒s7≒s8), and the area s2 of the operation surface of the MAX bet button 132 and the area s4 of the operation surfaces of the stop buttons 137 to 139 are approximately the same size (s2≒s4). Also, the area s2 of the operation surface of the MAX bet button 132 and the area s4 of the operation surfaces of the stop buttons 137 to 139 are larger than the area s1 of the operation surface of the single bet button 130, the area s6 of the operation surface of the settlement button 134, the area s7 of the operation surface of the volume button 193b, and the area s8 of the operation surface of the reset button 243 (s1≒s6≒s7≒s8<s2≒s4), and the area s5 of the operation surface of the effect button 156 is larger than these buttons (s1≒s6≒s7≒s8<s2≒s4<s5), and the area s3 of the operation surface of the start lever 135 is larger than this button (s1≒s6≒s7≒s8<s2≒s4<s5<s3).

[0418] According to this example, an operation means with a relatively large operation surface area (for example, the effect button 156) is likely to hit the player or other members and may be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, even if it is in an operating state at the time of power restoration, by not performing control on the operation, it is possible to prevent an increase in control burden due to misoperation or misoperation in advance.

[0419] On the other hand, an operation means with a relatively small operation surface area (for example, the single bet button 130, the settlement button 134) is less likely to be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, if it is in an operating state at the time of power restoration, by performing control on the operation, the game can proceed earlier after power restoration, and the convenience and satisfaction of the player can be improved.

[0420] Although illustration is omitted, the area of the operation surfaces of the count button 1171 and the game medal number clear button 1172 of the slot machine 1100 is the same size as the area s1 of the operation surface of the single bet button 130 and the like.

[0421] According to this example, an operating means with a relatively small operating surface area (for example, counting button 1171) is unlikely to be operated at an unexpected time, and if it is being operated when power is restored, by controlling the operation, it is possible to quickly resume play after power is restored, thereby increasing convenience and satisfaction for the player.

[0422] <Power recovery with button pressed / Summary> As explained above, the 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, first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 and the effect button 156 shown in FIG. 1), and second operating means (for example, the MAX BET button 132, the 1-coin BET button 130, and the settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1). Even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply is cut off while the first operating means is not being operated, and the power is restored while the first operating means is being operated, and the operation of the first operating means is enabled, the gaming machine does not execute control over the operation of the first operating means. However, if a power outage occurs in which the power supply is cut off while the second operating means is not being operated, and the power is restored while the second operating means is being operated, and the operation of the second operating means is enabled, the gaming machine executes control over the operation of the second operating means. The operating surface of the first operating means protrudes from the outer surface of the gaming machine further than the operating surface of the second operating means.

[0423] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, since operation means with a relatively high protruding height of the operation surface are likely to hit the player or other components and may be operated at unexpected times, by not controlling the operation even if they are in a state of being operated when power is restored, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation and an increase in the control burden associated with erroneous operation. Also, since operation means with a relatively low protruding height of the operation surface are less likely to be operated at unexpected times, by controlling the operation if they are in a state of being operated when power is restored, it is possible to quickly proceed with the game after power is restored, thereby increasing convenience and satisfaction for the player.

[0424] Furthermore, the 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, first operation means (for example, the start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, effect button 156, volume button 193a, and reset button 243 shown in FIG. 1), and second operation means (for example, the MAX BET button 132, 1-coin BET button 130, and settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1), and when a power outage occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the first operation means is not being operated, This gaming machine is characterized in that even if a power outage is restored while a first operating means is being operated and operation of the first operating means is enabled, control over operation of the first operating means is not executed, but when a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device is cut off while the second operating means is not being operated, and power is restored while the second operating means is being operated and operation of the second operating means is enabled, control over operation of the second operating means is executed, and the operating surface of the first operating means has a larger area than the operating surface of the second operating means.

[0425] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, since operation means with a relatively large operation surface area are likely to hit the player or other components and may be operated at unexpected times, by not controlling the operation even if they are in a state of being operated when power is restored, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation and an increase in the control burden associated with erroneous operation. Furthermore, since operation means with a relatively small operation surface area are less likely to be operated at unexpected times, by controlling the operation if they are in a state of being operated when power is restored, it is possible to proceed with the game as soon as possible after power is restored, thereby increasing convenience and satisfaction for players.

[0426] Furthermore, 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 (for example, the reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1) that are provided with a plurality of types of symbols and that are driven to rotate, a plurality of stop operation means (for example, the stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in FIG. 1) for stopping the reels that are driven to rotate, and presentation means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 1, the speakers 272 and 277 shown in FIG. 2, and various lamps), and is configured such that when the plurality of stop operation means are operated, the plurality of reels are stopped in a first stop mode, and when the plurality of stop operation means are no longer operated, the presentation means executes a winning presentation corresponding to the first stop mode, and a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off while at least one of the reels is spinning and none of the multiple stop operation means is operated, and the spinning reel is not stopped even when the power is restored from the power outage while the stop operation means is operated; however, if a power outage occurs in which the power supply device is cut off while the multiple stop operation means are operated to stop the multiple reels in the first stop mode, and the power supply device is cut off while the last stop operation means among the multiple stop operation means is operated, and the power is restored from the power outage while the operation of the last stop operation means is continuing, the winning presentation by the presentation means according to the first stop mode is not performed while the operation of the last stop operation means is continuing.

[0427] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the control over the operation of the stop operation means can be changed depending on the status of the operation of the stop operation means, and by disabling the reel stop control when power is restored, which may cause the player to suffer a disadvantage due to an incorrect operation, 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.

[0428] In this example, no light intensity button is provided to enable setting the light intensity of various lamps, LEDs, etc., but a light intensity button may be provided. If a light intensity button is provided, the control at power-on and the control of the light intensity button in simultaneous operations, as explained in Figures 10 to 17, may be the same as the control of the volume button described above.

[0429] <How to change settings while the door is closed> Next, the setting change operation when the door is closed will be explained. Prior to this explanation, the administrator screen, setting change mode, and setting confirmation mode will be explained.

[0430] <Administrator screen> The administrator screen is a screen used by an administrator, such as a store clerk at a gaming facility, to make various settings related to the slot machine 100. The display content of the administrator screen is not particularly limited, but in this example, the liquid crystal display device 157 can be used to display, for example, an administrator screen SD shown in FIG. 22(a-1) or the like.

[0431] The administrator screen SD in this example is composed of a title display "System Settings" indicating that it is an administrator screen, and a plurality of menu displays. The menu displays in this example include time settings, error history settings, setting history, power saving settings, etc., and an administrator such as a store clerk can arbitrarily select any of the items on the menu displays by operating the cross keys 193a (up key, down key, right key, left key) or the OK button 193b described with reference to FIG.

[0432] For example, when the time setting item is selected on the administrator screen SD, it is possible to set the date and time, and when the error history item is selected, it is possible to display the history of errors that have occurred in the gaming machine in the past, the history of opening and closing the front door 102, the history of power-on and power-off restoration, etc. Also, when the setting history item is selected, it is possible to display the history of past setting changes and setting confirmations, and when the power saving setting item is selected on the administrator screen SD, it is possible to set the power saving mode (for example, simple settings such as the volume setting of the speakers 272, 277 and the brightness of the LEDs and various lamps), etc.

[0433] It should be noted that the items that can be selected on the administrator screen SD are not limited to this example, and for example, it may be possible to set the maximum volume that can only be set by the administrator of the gaming facility, the error sound that is output when an error occurs (for example, the front door 102 is opened), etc., or it may be possible to set the light intensity of LEDs and various lamps, etc.

[0434] <Settings change mode> Next, the normal setting change mode will be described with reference to Fig. 22(a), which is a diagram showing the flow of the normal setting change mode in chronological order.

[0435] <Setting change mode / Turn the setting key switch ON with the power OFF> The state indicated by symbol T1 in Figure 22(a) is a state in which the power supply of the power supply unit 252 is OFF, the front door 102 is in an open door body state (open state), and the setting key SW is turned ON by the amusement facility manager by changing the setting key SW from OFF to ON. In this state, the power supply of the power supply unit 252 is turned 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 of the liquid crystal display unit 157, setting value display unit 101a, number of coins dispensed display unit 127, etc. are not displayed, and the output sound of the speakers 272, 277 is not output.

[0436] <Settings change mode / Starting setting change mode> The state indicated by symbol T2 in Figure 22(a) is a state in which, when the setting key SW indicated by symbol T1 in the same figure is in the ON state, the power SW 244 is operated by the gaming facility manager, and the power supply device 252 is changed from OFF to ON.

[0437] When power supply from the power supply unit 252 (power supply means) is started, the slot machine 100 can start control to the setting change mode (setting change state) if both the conditions that the front door 102 (door body) is in the open state and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) are met.

[0438] In other words, the slot machine 100 is configured to transition to a state in which the setting value can be changed (setting change mode) when the power is turned on while the front door 102 (door body) is open and the setting key SW is being turned from OFF (first operating state) to ON (second operating state).

[0439] Specifically, when the main control unit 300 determines in steps S203 to S204 of the initial setting process described using FIG. 6 that the front door 102 is open and the setting key SW is ON, it starts the setting change process described using FIG. 7.

[0440] Next, in step S302 of this setting change process, the main control unit 300 sends a setting change start command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that the setting change is to begin, and 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.

[0441] As a result, as shown in Figure 22 (a-1), the administrator screen SD is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157, and since the device has entered setting change mode, the setting value display device 101a displays a number (in this example, 2) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 2), and outputs a setting change sound (in this example, the sound "Settings are being changed" to notify that the settings are being changed) from the speakers 272, 277.

[0442] Furthermore, since the front door 102 is in the open state, the liquid crystal display device 157 issues a door open notification (in this example, the text "Door is open" is displayed to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state), and the dispensed coin count display 127 issues a door open notification (in this example, the segment corresponding to the text "dr" is lit to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state).

[0443] <Settings change mode / setting value change> The states indicated by symbols T3 and T4 in FIG. 22(a) are states in which the reset SW243 has been pressed once by the manager of the gaming facility in the setting change mode.

[0444] In steps S305 to S307 of the setting change process, the main control unit 300 changes the setting value by incrementing the currently set setting value 1 to 6 by 1 each time it detects an operation of the reset SW243, and resetting it to 1 when the setting value exceeds 6.

[0445] In the states indicated by symbols T3 and T4 in Figure 22(a), a single operation of the reset SW243 is detected, and after a change in the setting value (in this example, a change from setting 2 to setting 3) is performed, the setting value display device 101a displays a number (in this example, 3) indicating the updated setting value (in this example, setting 3), as shown in Figure 22(a-2).

[0446] Furthermore, since the setting change mode is in effect, the setting change sound continues to be output from the speakers 272, 277, and since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, the door open notification continues to be output by the LCD display device 157 and the dispensed number display 127.

[0447] <Settings change mode / settings confirmation> The states indicated by symbols T5 and T6 in FIG. 22(a) are states in which the manager of the gaming facility has pressed the start lever 135 once in the setting change mode.

[0448] If the main control unit 300 determines in step S307 of the setting change processing that the start lever 135 has been operated, then in the subsequent steps S308 to S309, it stores (confirms) the setting value displayed on the setting value display device 101a as a new setting value, erases the display on the setting value display device 101a, and hides the setting value.

[0449] In the states indicated by symbols T5 and T6 in Figure 22(a), operation of the start lever 135 is detected in the setting change mode, so the setting value displayed on the setting value display device 101a (in this example, setting 3) is stored (confirmed) as the new setting value, and then the display of the setting value on the setting value display device 101a is erased, as shown in Figure 22(a-3).

[0450] In addition, since this state is the setting change mode, the setting change sound continues to be output from speakers 272, 277, and since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, the door open notification continues to be output by the LCD display device 157 and the door open notification continues to be output by the dispensed number display 127.

[0451] <Settings change mode / Exiting settings change mode> The state indicated by the symbol T7 in FIG. 22(a) is a state in which the setting key SW is turned OFF as a result of an operation by the gaming facility manager to turn the setting key SW from ON to OFF in the setting change mode.

[0452] The slot machine 100 is configured to end the setting change mode when the setting key SW is turned from ON (second operating state) to OFF (first operating state) in the setting change mode.

[0453] As a specific example, when the main control unit 300 determines in step S310 of the setting change process that the setting key SW is OFF, it sends a setting change end command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that the setting change is to be ended, and when the first sub-control unit 400 receives this setting change end command from the main control unit 300, it executes a process to end the display of the administrator screen SD.

[0454] As a result, as shown in Figure 22 (a-4), the administrator screen SD displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 is erased, but since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, the door open notification displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 is enlarged and displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0455] In addition to the door open notification by the LCD display device 157, the door open notification is continued by the dispensed number display 127, and a door open notification sound (in this example, a sound saying "The door is open" to notify that the front door 102 is open) is output from the speakers 272, 277.

[0456] 22(a), the state indicated by the symbol T8 is a state in which the front door 102 is closed. In this state, the front door 102 has changed from a door open state (open state) to a door body closed state (closed state), and therefore, although not shown, the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157, the door open notification by the payout number display 127, and the output of the door open notification sound by the speakers 272, 277 all end, and the state transitions to a normal game state (a state in which play is possible).

[0457] <Settings check mode> Next, the normal setting check mode will be described with reference to Fig. 22(b), which is a diagram showing the flow of the normal setting check mode in chronological order.

[0458] <Settings check mode / Front door: Door closed> The state indicated by the symbol T1 in FIG. 22(b) is a state in which the power supply device 252 is ON, the front door 102 is in the door body closed state, and a normal game is being played.

[0459] In this state, since normal play is in progress, the liquid crystal display device 157 executes normal effects and outputs normal effect background music from the speakers 272 and 277.

[0460] <Settings check mode / Front door: Door closed → Door open> The state indicated by the symbol T2 in FIG. 22(b) is a state in which the front door 102 is opened in the door closed state indicated by the symbol T1 in the same figure, and the front door 102 changes from the door closed state to the door open state.

[0461] In this state, since the front door 102 is in the open door body state, a door open notification (in this example, the text "Door is open" is displayed to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed on the liquid crystal display device 157, although this is not shown in the figure.

[0462] In addition to the door open notification by the LCD display device 157, the dispensed coin count display 127 also performs a door open notification (in this example, lighting up a segment corresponding to the letter "dr" to notify that the front door 102 is open), and outputs a door open notification sound (in this example, the voice saying "The door is open" to notify that the front door 102 is open) from speakers 272, 277.

[0463] <Settings check mode / Power ON, front door (door open) and setting key SW ON> The state indicated by symbol T3 in Figure 22(b) is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 indicated by symbol T2 in the same figure is ON, the front door 102 is in the open state, and the setting key SW is turned ON by the amusement facility manager by changing the setting key SW from OFF to ON.

[0464] When the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in an open state (open state), the slot machine 100 can start control to a setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) when the setting key SW (operation means) is operated from OFF (first operation state) to ON (second operation state).

[0465] In other words, when the setting key SW is turned from OFF (first operating state) to ON (second operating state) while the slot machine 100 is powered on, the slot machine 100 is configured to transition to a state (setting confirmation mode) in which the setting value can be confirmed.

[0466] Specifically, the main control unit 300 starts the setting confirmation process when it determines that the current period is within a predetermined setting value confirmation validity period (for example, a period that is not in the MAX bet state (a state in which the number of medals required to start one game (3 in this example) have been bet, or a state in which a game is being played again via replay)) and the setting key SW is ON.

[0467] Next, in this setting confirmation process, the main control unit 300 sends a setting confirmation start command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that setting confirmation is to begin, and when the first sub-control unit 400 receives this setting confirmation start command from the main control unit 300, it executes a process to begin displaying the administrator screen.

[0468] As a result, as shown in Figure 22 (b-2), the administrator screen SD is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157, and since the device has entered setting confirmation mode, the setting value display device 101a displays a number (in this example, 3) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 3), and outputs a setting confirmation sound (in this example, a sound saying ``Setting confirmation in progress'' to notify that the setting is being confirmed) from the speakers 272, 277.

[0469] Furthermore, since the front door 102 is in the open state, the liquid crystal display device 157 issues a door open notification (in this example, the text "Door is open" is displayed to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state), and the dispensed coin count display 127 issues a door open notification (in this example, the segment corresponding to the text "dr" is lit to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state).

[0470] <Settings check mode / Pressing the reset switch> The states indicated by symbols T4 and T5 in FIG. 22(b) are states in which the reset SW243 has been pressed once by the manager of the gaming facility in the setting confirmation mode.

[0471] In the setting confirmation mode, changing the setting value by reset SW243 is invalid, so the setting value is not changed (updated).

[0472] <Settings check mode / Exiting settings check mode> The state indicated by the symbol T6 in FIG. 22(b) is a state in which the setting key SW is turned OFF as a result of an operation by the gaming facility manager to turn the setting key SW from ON to OFF in the setting confirmation mode.

[0473] The slot machine 100 is configured to end the setting check mode when the setting key SW is turned from ON (second operating state) to OFF (first operating state) in the setting check mode.

[0474] As a specific example, when the main control unit 300 determines that the setting key SW is OFF during the setting value confirmation process, it sends a setting confirmation end command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that the setting confirmation is to be ended, and when the first sub-control unit 400 receives this setting confirmation end command from the main control unit 300, it executes a process to end the display of the administrator screen.

[0475] As a result, as shown in Figure 22 (b-4), the administrator screen SD displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 is erased, but since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, the door open notification displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 is enlarged and displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0476] In addition to the door open notification by the LCD display device 157, the dispensed coin count display 127 also performs a door open notification (in this example, lighting up a segment corresponding to the letter "dr" to notify that the front door 102 is open), and outputs a door open notification sound (in this example, the voice saying "The door is open" to notify that the front door 102 is open) from speakers 272, 277.

[0477] Furthermore, since the setting confirmation mode has ended, the display of the setting value on the setting value display device 101a is erased.

[0478] <Door closing in setting confirmation mode> Next, door closing in the setting confirmation mode will be described using Fig. 23(a). Fig. 23(a) is a diagram showing a time series of an example in which a game becomes available when the front door 102 is closed in the setting confirmation mode.

[0479] The state indicated by the symbol T1 in FIG. 23(a) is the same as the normal game state indicated by the symbol T1 in FIG. 22(b) except that the setting key SW is ON, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0480] <Door closed in setting confirmation mode / Front door: Door closed state → Door open state> The state indicated by reference symbol T2 in FIG. 23(a) is a state in which the front door 102 is opened in the door closed state indicated by reference symbol T1 in the same figure, and the front door 102 changes from the door closed state to the door open state.

[0481] The slot machine 100 is configured to start control to a setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in a door closed state (closed state) and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) in a playable state, and when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in a door open state (open state).

[0482] In the state indicated by symbol T2 in Figure 23(a), the conditions for starting control from the normal game state (playable state) to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) are met, and the system transitions to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state).As a result, as shown in Figure 23(a-2), the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the administrator screen SD, and the setting value display device 101a displays a number (in this example, 3) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 3), and the speakers 272, 277 output a setting confirmation sound (in this example, the sound "Setting confirmation in progress" to notify that the setting is being confirmed).

[0483] Furthermore, since the front door 102 is in the open state, the liquid crystal display device 157 issues a door open notification (in this example, the text "Door is open" is displayed to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state), and the dispensed coin count display 127 issues a door open notification (in this example, the segment corresponding to the text "dr" is lit to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state).

[0484] <Door closed in setting confirmation mode / Front door: Door body open state → Door body closed state> The state indicated by reference symbol T3 in FIG. 23(a) is a state in which the front door 102 is closed in the door body open state indicated by reference symbol T2 in the same figure, and the front door 102 changes from the door body open state to the door body closed state.

[0485] In this example, the slot machine 100 is configured to start control to a playable state when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in an open state (open state) and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) in a setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state), and when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in a closed state (closed state).

[0486] In the state indicated by symbol T3 in Figure 23(a), the conditions for starting control from the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) to the normal game state (playable state) are met, and the state transitions to the normal game state (playable state), so as shown in Figure 23(a-3), the liquid crystal display device 157 executes a normal presentation and outputs normal presentation BGM from the speakers 272, 277.

[0487] The state indicated by the symbol T4 in FIG. 23(a) is the same as the state indicated by the symbol T2 in the same figure, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0488] <Door Closing in Setting Check Mode (Variation)> Next, door closing in the setting confirmation mode (variant example) will be described with reference to Fig. 23(b). Fig. 23(b) is a time-series diagram showing an example in which the setting confirmation mode is maintained when the front door 102 is closed in the setting confirmation mode.

[0489] The states indicated by the symbols T1 and T2 in FIG. 23(b) are the same as the states indicated by the symbols T1 and T2 in FIG. 23(a), and therefore will not be described further.

[0490] <Door closing in setting confirmation mode (variant) / Front door: Door body open state → Door body closed state> The state indicated by reference symbol T3 in FIG. 23(b) is a state in which the front door 102 is closed in the door body open state indicated by reference symbol T2 in the same figure, and the front door 102 changes from the door body open state to the door body closed state.

[0491] In this example, the slot machine 100 is configured to maintain the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in an open state (open state) and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) even if the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in a closed state (closed state).

[0492] In the state indicated by symbol T3 in Figure 23(a), the conditions for maintaining the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) are met and the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is maintained, so as shown in Figure 23(b-3), the liquid crystal display device 157 continues to display the administrator screen SD, the setting value display device 101a continues to display a number (in this example, 3) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 3), and the speakers 272, 277 continue to output a setting confirmation sound (in this example, the sound ``Setting confirmation in progress'', which notifies that setting confirmation is in progress).

[0493] Meanwhile, since the front door 102 has changed from the door body open state to the door closed state, the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157 and the door open notification by the dispensed number display 127 have ended.

[0494] The state indicated by the symbol T4 in FIG. 23(b) is the same as the state indicated by the symbol T2 in the same figure, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0495] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 1)> Next, the setting change operation (Example 1) in the door closed state will be described with reference to Fig. 24. Fig. 24 is a time series diagram showing an example of control when the setting change operation (Example 1) is performed in the door closed state.

[0496] <Setting change operation with the door closed (Example 1) / Turn the power OFF and the setting key SW ON> The state indicated by the symbol T1 in Figure 24 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply unit 252 is OFF, the front door 102 is in an open door body state (open state), and the setting key SW is turned from OFF to ON by the gaming facility manager, after which the front door 102 is closed (closed state).

[0497] In this state, the power supply of the power supply unit 252 is turned 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 of the liquid crystal display unit 157, setting value display unit 101a, number of coins dispensed display unit 127, etc. are not displayed, and the output sound of the speakers 272, 277 is not output.

[0498] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 1) / Power ON with door closed> The state indicated by symbol T2 in Figure 24 is the state in which, when the door body is closed and the setting key SW is ON, as indicated by symbol T1 in the same figure, the power supply SW244 is operated by the gaming facility manager, and the power supply of the power supply device 252 is changed from OFF to ON.

[0499] When power supply from the power supply device 252 (power supply means) is started, even if the condition that the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) is met, if the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state), the slot machine 100 is configured to start control to the normal game state (playable state) without starting control to the setting change mode (setting change state).

[0500] In the state indicated by symbol T2 in Figure 24, when the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from OFF to ON and power supply to each control unit and device such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc. begins, the setting key SW is ON, but since the front door 102 is in the closed state, the system does not enter setting change mode but enters normal game mode, and as shown in Figure 24(a), a normal presentation is executed on the liquid crystal display device 157 and normal presentation BGM is output from the speakers 272, 277.

[0501] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 1) / Front door: Door body closed state → Door body open state> The state indicated by reference symbol T3 in FIG. 24 is a state in which the front door 102 is opened in the door closed state indicated by reference symbol T2 in the same figure, and the front door 102 changes from the door closed state to the door open state.

[0502] The slot machine 100 is configured such that when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in a closed state (closed state) and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) and the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in an open state (open state), the slot machine 100 does not start control to the setting change mode (setting change state) but starts control to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state).

[0503] In the state indicated by symbol T3 in Figure 24, the conditions for starting control from the normal game state (playable state) to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) are met, and the system transitions to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state).As a result, as shown in Figure 24(b), the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the administrator screen SD, and the setting value display device 101a displays a number (in this example, 2) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 2), and the speakers 272, 277 output a setting confirmation sound (in this example, the sound ``Setting confirmation in progress'' to notify that the setting is being confirmed).

[0504] Also, in this state, since the front door 102 is in an open state, the liquid crystal display device 157 issues a door open notification (in this example, the text "Door is open" is displayed to notify that the front door 102 is in an open state), and the dispensed coin count display 127 issues a door open notification (in this example, the segment corresponding to the text "dr" is lit to notify that the front door 102 is in an open state).

[0505] According to this example, when the door body is opened in an irregular state in which the door body is in a closed state and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, it is possible to transition to a setting confirmation state without transitioning to a setting change state, which not only prevents fraudulent acts such as illegally changing setting values, but also allows setting confirmation work to be performed, thereby increasing convenience for game store staff and others.

[0506] When the conditions for starting control from the normal game state (playable state) to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) are met, control to the setting change mode (setting change state) is not started, and control to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is started. However, in the playable state where the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state) and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state), if the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door open state (open state), the game may be configured to maintain the playable state without starting control to the setting change mode (setting change state).

[0507] With this configuration, when the door body is opened in an irregular state where the door body is in a closed state and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, the game can be maintained in a playable state without transitioning to a setting change state, thereby preventing fraudulent acts such as illegally changing the setting value.

[0508] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 1) / Reset SW pressing operation> The states indicated by symbols T4 and T5 in FIG. 24 are states in which the reset SW243 has been pressed once by the manager of the gaming facility in the setting confirmation mode.

[0509] In the setting confirmation mode, the change of the setting value by the reset SW243 is invalid, so the change of the setting value is not executed.

[0510] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 1) / Front door: Door body open state → Door body closed state> The state indicated by reference symbol T6 in FIG. 24 is a state in which the front door 102 is closed in the door body open state indicated by reference symbol T5 in the same figure, and the front door 102 changes from the door body open state to the door body closed state.

[0511] As explained using Figure 23(a), the slot machine 100 of this example is configured to start control to a playable state when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in an open state (open state) and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) in a setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) in which the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in a closed state (closed state).

[0512] In the state indicated by symbol T6 in Figure 24, the conditions for starting control from the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) to the normal game state (playable state) are met, and the state transitions to the normal game state (playable state), so as shown in Figure 24 (d), the liquid crystal display device 157 executes a normal presentation and outputs normal presentation BGM from the speakers 272, 277.

[0513] As explained using Figure 23(b), in the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in the open state (open state) and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state), the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) may be maintained even if the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in the closed state (closed state).

[0514] When configured in this manner, as shown in Figure 24 (d'), the liquid crystal display device 157 continues to display the administrator screen SD, the setting value display device 101a continues to display a numerical value (in this example, 3) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 3), and the setting confirmation sound (in this example, the sound "Setting confirmation in progress" to notify that the setting is being confirmed) continues to be output from the speakers 272, 277, while the front door 102 has changed from the door body open state to the door closed state, and the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157 and the door open notification by the dispensed number display 127 are terminated.

[0515] That is, the gaming machine according to this example (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes 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, a power supply means (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that can supply power to the main control means, a door body (for example, the front door 102 shown in FIG. 1) that is provided on the front of the gaming machine and can be opened and closed, a determination means (for example, an open / close sensor) that determines the open / close state of the door body, and a first operation state (for example, an OFF state) and a second operation state (for example, an ON / OFF state) that can be set as operation states. and an operating means (for example, a setting key SW) having a state in which the door is in an open state (for example, an ON state), the operating means being provided at a position where it can be operated only when the door is in an open state, and the main control means being configured to 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. When the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, if the operation means is operated from the first operation state to the second operation state, it is possible to start control to the setting confirmation state, and when the power supply means starts supplying power, if both the conditions that the door body is in the open state and that the operation means is operated to the second operation state are met (for example, as shown by symbol T2 in Figure 22(a), the front door 102 is in the door open state and the setting key SW is in the ON state), it is possible to start control to the setting change state, and when the power supply means starts supplying power, even if the condition that the operation means is operated to the second operation state is met, if the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state (for example, as shown by symbol T2 in Figure 24, the setting key SW is in the ON state but the front door 102 is in the door closed state), it starts control to the playable state without starting control to the setting change state, and the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state, andIn the playable state when the operation means is operated to the second operation state, even if the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, the playable state is maintained without starting control to the setting change state; in the playable state when the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state and the operation means is operated to the second operation state, when the power supply means cuts off the power supply to the door body to open it and then starts supplying power, the control to the setting change state is started (for example, in the state shown by symbol T8 in FIG. 24, when power is restored after the front door 102 is in the door open state, the setting change mode is entered); and even if the door body is in the closed state in the setting confirmation state (for example, when the front door 102 is in the door closed state as shown by symbol T6 in FIG. 24), the setting confirmation state is maintained (for example, as shown in FIG. 24(d'), the setting confirmation mode is maintained).

[0516] According to the gaming machine of this example, when the door is opened in an irregular state where the door is closed and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, the game can be maintained in a playable state without transitioning to the setting change state, thereby preventing fraudulent acts such as illegally changing the setting value. Furthermore, since the irregular state where the door is closed and the operating means is operated to the second operating state can be resolved and the game can be transitioned to the setting change state, convenience for gaming parlor staff and the like can be improved. Furthermore, since the setting confirmation state is maintained even when the door is closed in the setting confirmation state, convenience for gaming parlor staff and the like can be improved.

[0517] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this example (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a main control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3) that controls games based on one of a plurality of set values, a power supply means (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that can supply power to the main control means, a door body (for example, the front door 102 shown in FIG. 1) that is provided on the front of the gaming machine and can be opened and closed, a determination means (for example, an open / close sensor) that determines the open / close state of the door body, and a first operation state (for example, an OFF state) and a second operation state (for example, and an operating means (for example, a setting key SW) having an ON state (for example, an ON state), the operating means being provided at a position where it can be operated only when the door body is in an open state, and the main control means being capable of setting 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. When the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, if the operation means is operated from the first operation state to the second operation state, it is possible to start control to the setting confirmation state, and when the power supply means starts to supply power, if both the conditions that the door body is in the open state and the condition that the operation means is operated to the second operation state are met (for example, as shown by symbol T2 in Figure 22(a), the front door 102 is in the door open state and the setting key SW is in the ON state), it is possible to start control to the setting change state, and when the power supply means starts to supply power, even if the condition that the operation means is operated to the second operation state is met, if the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state (for example, as shown by symbol T2 in Figure 24, the setting key SW is in the ON state but the front door 102 is in the door closed state), it starts control to the playable state without starting control to the setting change state, and the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state, andIn the playable state when the operation means is operated to the second operation state, if the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, control to the setting confirmation state is initiated (for example, in the state shown by symbol T3 in FIG. 24, the front door 102 is determined to be in the door open state and the setting confirmation mode is entered), and in the playable state when the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state and the operation means is operated to the second operation state, if the power supply means cuts off the power supply to the door body to open it and then starts supplying power, control to the setting change state is initiated (for example, in the state shown by symbol T8 in FIG. 24, when the power is restored after the front door 102 is in the door open state, the setting change mode is entered), and even if the door body is in the closed state in the setting confirmation state (for example, when the front door 102 is in the door closed state as shown by symbol T6 in FIG. 24), the setting confirmation state is maintained (for example, as shown in FIG. 24(d'), the setting confirmation mode is maintained).

[0518] According to the gaming machine of this example, when the door is opened in an irregular state in which the door is closed and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, the machine can transition to the setting confirmation state without transitioning to the setting change state, which prevents fraudulent acts such as illegally changing setting values, allows setting confirmation work to be performed, and maintains the setting confirmation state even when the door is closed in the setting confirmation state, thereby improving convenience for gaming parlor staff, etc. Furthermore, the irregular state in which the door is closed and the operating means is operated to the second operating state can be resolved and the machine can transition to the setting change state, which improves convenience for gaming parlor staff, etc.

[0519] Note that the "door body" according to the present invention is not limited to a door body consisting of one door (e.g., the front door 102), but may be a door body consisting of two doors (e.g., an upper door and a lower door), or may be a door body consisting of three or more doors. Furthermore, in the present invention, "when it is determined that the door body is in an open state" may refer to a case where, in a case where the door body consists of multiple doors, one, multiple, or all of the multiple doors are determined to be in an open state. Furthermore, in the present invention, "when it is determined that the door body is in a closed state" may refer to a case where, in a case where the door body consists of multiple doors, one, multiple, or all of the multiple doors are determined to be in a closed state.

[0520] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 1) / Power ON → Power OFF> The state indicated by symbol T7 in Figure 24 is a state in which the power supply SW244 is operated by the gaming facility manager in the setting confirmation mode indicated by symbol T6 in the same figure, with the door body closed, and the power supply of the power supply device 252 is changed from ON to OFF.

[0521] In this state, the power supply of the power supply unit 252 is turned 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 as shown in Figure 24(e), the displays of the liquid crystal display unit 157, the setting value display unit 101a, the number of coins dispensed display unit 127, etc. are not displayed, and the output sound of the speakers 272 and 277 is not output.

[0522] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 1) / Starting setting change mode> The state indicated by symbol T8 in Figure 24 is a state in which, when the setting key SW indicated by symbol T7 in the same figure is in the ON state, the power SW 244 is operated by the gaming facility manager, and the power supply of the power supply device 252 is changed from OFF to ON.

[0523] When power supply from the power supply unit 252 (power supply means) is started, the slot machine 100 can start control to the setting change mode (setting change state) if both the conditions that the front door 102 (door body) is in the open state and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) are met.

[0524] In other words, when the power is turned on while the setting key SW is being turned from OFF (first operating state) to ON (second operating state), the slot machine 100 is configured to transition to a state in which the setting value can be changed (setting change mode).

[0525] In the state indicated by symbol T8 in Figure 24, the setting change mode has been entered, and as shown in Figure 24(f), the administrator screen SD is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157, and the setting value display device 101a displays a number (in this example, 2) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 2), and a setting change sound (in this example, a voice saying ``Setting change in progress'' to notify that the setting is being changed) is output from the speakers 272, 277.

[0526] Furthermore, since the front door 102 is in the open state, the liquid crystal display device 157 issues a door open notification (in this example, the text "Door is open" is displayed to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state), and the dispensed coin count display 127 issues a door open notification (in this example, the segment corresponding to the text "dr" is lit to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state).

[0527] According to this example, the irregular state in which the door body is in the closed state and the operating means is operated to the second operating state can be resolved, and the setting can be changed, thereby increasing convenience for game store staff and others.

[0528] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 1) / Changing setting value> The states indicated by symbols T9 and T10 in FIG. 24 are states in which the reset SW243 has been pressed once by the manager of the gaming facility in the setting change mode.

[0529] In this state, since one operation of the reset SW243 is detected, after a change in the setting value (in this example, a change from setting 2 to setting 3) is performed, a numerical value (in this example, 3) indicating the updated setting value (in this example, setting 3) is displayed on the setting value display device 101a, as shown in Figure 24(g).

[0530] Also, in this state, since the setting change mode is in effect, the setting change sound continues to be output from speakers 272, 277, and since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, the door open notification continues to be output by the LCD display device 157 and the door open notification continues to be output by the dispensed number display 127.

[0531] Also, although not shown in the figures, the slot machine of this example is configured to maintain the setting change mode even when the front door 102 changes from an open door state to a closed door state in the setting change mode.

[0532] If the setting change mode is maintained, the liquid crystal display device 157 continues to display the administrator screen SD, the setting value display device 101a continues to display a number (in this example, 3) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 3), and the setting change sound (in this example, the sound "Setting is being changed" to notify that the setting is being changed) continues to be output from the speakers 272, 277, while the front door 102 has changed from the door body open state to the door closed state, so the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157 and the door open notification by the dispensed number display 127 are terminated.

[0533] That is, the gaming machine according to this example (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes 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, a power supply means (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that can supply power to the main control means, a door body (for example, the front door 102 shown in FIG. 1) that is provided on the front of the gaming machine and can be opened and closed, a determination means (for example, an open / close sensor) that determines the open / close state of the door body, and a control means that can select a first operation state (for example, an OFF state) and a second operation state (for example, an ON / OFF state) as operation states. and an operating means (for example, a setting key SW) having a state in which the door is in an open state (for example, an ON state), the operating means being provided at a position where it can be operated only when the door is in an open state, and the main control means being configured to 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. When the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, if the operation means is operated from the first operation state to the second operation state, it is possible to start control to the setting confirmation state, and when the power supply means starts supplying power, if both the conditions that the door body is in the open state and the condition that the operation means is operated to the second operation state are met (for example, as shown by symbol T2 in Figure 22(a), the front door 102 is in the door open state and the setting key SW is in the ON state), it is possible to start control to the setting change state, and when the power supply means starts supplying power, even if the condition that the operation means is operated to the second operation state is met, if the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state (for example, as shown by symbol T2 in Figure 24, the setting key SW is in the ON state but the front door 102 is in the door closed state), it starts control to the playable state without starting control to the setting change state, and the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state, andIn the playable state when the operation means is operated to the second operation state, even if the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, the playable state is maintained without starting control to the setting change state, and in the playable state when the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state and the operation means is operated to the second operation state, after the power supply by the power supply means is cut off to set the door body in the open state, when the power supply by the power supply means is started, control to the setting change state is started (for example, in the state shown by symbol T8 in Figure 24, when power is restored after the front door 102 is in the door open state, the setting change mode is entered), and even if the door body is in the closed state in the setting change state, the setting change state is maintained.

[0534] According to the gaming machine of this example, when the door is opened in an irregular state in which the door is closed and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, the game can be maintained in a playable state without transitioning to the setting change state, thereby preventing fraudulent acts such as unauthorized changes to setting values. Furthermore, the irregular state in which the door is closed and the operating means is operated to the second operating state can be resolved to transition to the setting change state, and the setting change state can be maintained even in the setting change state, thereby improving convenience for gaming parlor staff, etc.

[0535] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this example (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a main control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3) that controls games based on one of a plurality of set values, a power supply means (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that can supply power to the main control means, a door body (for example, the front door 102 shown in FIG. 1) that is provided on the front of the gaming machine and can be opened and closed, a determination means (for example, an open / close sensor) that determines the open / close state of the door body, and a first operation state (for example, an OFF state) and a second operation state (for example, and an operating means (for example, a setting key SW) having an ON state (for example, an ON state), the operating means being provided at a position where it can be operated only when the door body is in an open state, and the main control means being capable of setting 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. When the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, if the operation means is operated from the first operation state to the second operation state, it is possible to start control to the setting confirmation state, and when the power supply means starts to supply power, if both the conditions that the door body is in the open state and the condition that the operation means is operated to the second operation state are met (for example, as shown by symbol T2 in Figure 22(a), the front door 102 is in the door open state and the setting key SW is in the ON state), it is possible to start control to the setting change state, and when the power supply means starts to supply power, even if the condition that the operation means is operated to the second operation state is met, if the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state (for example, as shown by symbol T2 in Figure 24, the setting key SW is in the ON state but the front door 102 is in the door closed state), it starts control to the playable state without starting control to the setting change state, and the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state, andIn the playable state when the operation means is operated to the second operation state, if the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, control to the setting confirmation state is initiated (for example, in the state shown by symbol T3 in FIG. 24, the front door 102 is determined to be in the door open state, and the setting confirmation mode is entered), and in the playable state when the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state and the operation means is operated to the second operation state, after cutting off the power supply from the power supply means to open the door body, if the power supply from the power supply means is started, control to the setting change state is initiated (for example, in the state shown by symbol T8 in FIG. 24, when power is restored after the front door 102 is in the door open state, the setting change mode is entered), and the setting change state is maintained even if the door body is in the closed state in the setting change state.

[0536] According to the gaming machine of this example, when the door is opened in an irregular state in which the door is closed and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, it is possible to transition to the setting confirmation state without transitioning to the setting change state, which makes it possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as unauthorized changes to setting values, and also allows setting confirmation work to be performed, thereby improving convenience for gaming parlor staff, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to resolve the irregular state in which the door is closed and the operating means is operated to the second operating state and transition to the setting change state, and the setting change state is maintained even when the door is closed in the setting change state, which makes it possible to improve convenience for gaming parlor staff, etc.

[0537] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 2)> Next, the setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 2) will be described with reference to Fig. 25. Fig. 25 is a time-series diagram showing an example of control when the setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 2) is performed.

[0538] Although not shown in the drawings, the slot machine of this example is provided with an upper door (door body) and a lower door (door body) that can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101.

[0539] <Setting change operation with the door closed (Example 2) / Turn the power OFF and the setting key SW ON> The state indicated by symbol T1 in Figure 25 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply unit 252 is OFF, the upper door is in a closed state (closed state), and the lower door is in an open state (open state), and the setting key SW is turned from OFF to ON by the administrator of the gaming facility.

[0540] In this state, the power supply of the power supply unit 252 is turned 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 of the liquid crystal display unit 157, setting value display unit 101a, number of coins dispensed display unit 127, etc. are not displayed, and the output sound of the speakers 272, 277 is not output.

[0541] <Setting change operation with the door closed (Example 2) / Power ON with the upper door closed and the lower door open> The state indicated by symbol T2 in Figure 25 is the state in which the power supply SW244 is operated by the amusement facility manager and the power supply device 252 is changed from OFF to ON when the upper door is closed, the lower door is open, and the setting key SW is ON, as indicated by symbol T1 in the same figure.

[0542] In this example, when power supply from the power supply device 252 (power supply means) is started, even if the condition that the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) is met, if the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that either the upper door (door body) or the lower door (door body) is in a door closed state (closed state), the slot machine is configured to start control to a state where play is not possible and to issue a door open notification without starting control to a setting change mode (setting change state).

[0543] In the state indicated by symbol T2 in Figure 25, when the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from OFF to ON and power supply to each control unit and device such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500 begins, the setting key SW is ON, but since the upper door is in the closed state, the system does not enter the setting change mode but enters a state where play is not possible, and as shown in Figure 25(a), the liquid crystal display device 157 executes a door open notification (in this example, the text "Door is open" is displayed to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state), and the speakers 272, 277 output a door open notification sound (in this example, the voice "Door is open" to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state).

[0544] In addition to (or instead of) the door open notification by the LCD display device 157 and the output of the door open notification sound by the speakers 272, 277, the dispensed coin count display 127 may also perform, for example, a door open notification as shown in Figure 25(c) (in this example, lighting up a segment corresponding to the letter "dr" to notify that the front door 102 is open).

[0545] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 2) / Upper door closed, lower door open → Lower door open> The state indicated by the symbol T3 in FIG. 25 is a state in which the lower door has changed from an open state to a closed state in the upper door closed state and the lower door open state indicated by the symbol T2 in the same figure.

[0546] In this example, the slot machine is configured to start control to normal play (playable state) without starting control to the setting change mode (setting change state) even if the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that either the upper door (door body) or the lower door (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state) and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) in a play-disabled state.

[0547] In the state indicated by symbol T3 in Figure 25, the conditions for starting control from the non-playable state to the normal playable state (playable state) are met, so the system transitions to the normal playable state without transitioning to the setting change mode, and as shown in Figure 25(b), the liquid crystal display device 157 executes a normal presentation and outputs normal presentation BGM from the speakers 272, 277.

[0548] According to this example, when both door bodies are closed in an irregular state where one of the door bodies is in the closed state and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, it is possible to transition to a playable state without transitioning to a setting change state, thereby preventing fraudulent acts such as illegally changing the setting values.

[0549] <Setting change operation with doors closed (Example 2) / Upper and lower doors closed → Upper and lower doors open> The state indicated by reference symbol T4 in FIG. 25 is a state in which the upper door and the lower door are changed from the closed state to the open state in the upper door closed state and the lower door closed state indicated by reference symbol T3 in the same figure.

[0550] In this example, the slot machine is configured to start control to setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) without starting control to setting change mode (setting change state) even if the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that either the upper door (door body) or the lower door (door body) is in a door closed state (closed state) and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) in a state where play is not possible, and the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that both the upper door (door body) and the lower door (door body) are in a door open state (open state).

[0551] In the state indicated by symbol T4 in Figure 25, the conditions for starting control from the non-playable state to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) are met, so the system transitions to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) without transitioning to the setting change mode, and as shown in Figure 25(c), the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the administrator screen SD, and the setting value display device 101a displays a number (in this example, 2) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 2), and the speakers 272, 277 output a setting confirmation sound (in this example, the sound "Setting confirmation in progress" to notify that the setting is being confirmed).

[0552] Furthermore, since the front door 102 is in the open state, the liquid crystal display device 157 issues a door open notification (in this example, the text "Door is open" is displayed to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state), and the dispensed coin count display 127 issues a door open notification (in this example, the segment corresponding to the text "dr" is lit to notify that the front door 102 is in the open state).

[0553] According to this example, when both door bodies are opened in an irregular state where one of the door bodies is closed and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, the state can be switched to the setting confirmation state without switching to the setting change state, which not only prevents fraudulent acts such as illegally changing the setting value, but also allows setting confirmation work to be performed, thereby increasing convenience for game store staff and others.

[0554] Note that the states indicated by symbols T6 to T10 in the following Figure 25 are the same as the states indicated by symbols T6 to T10 in Figure 24, except that the closed state of the front door 102 is replaced by the closed state of the upper and lower doors, and the open state of the front door 102 is replaced by the open state of the upper and lower doors, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0555] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 3)> Next, the setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 3) will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a time-series diagram showing an example of control when the setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 3) is performed.

[0556] Although not shown in the drawings, the slot machine of this example is provided with an upper door (door body) and a lower door (door body) that can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101.

[0557] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 3) / Turning setting key SW ON with power OFF> The state indicated by symbol T1 in Figure 26 is a state in which the setting key SW is changed from OFF to ON by the manager of the gaming facility when the power supply of the power supply unit 252 is OFF, the upper door is in an open state (open state), and the lower door is in an open state (open state).

[0558] In this state, the power supply of the power supply unit 252 is turned 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 of the liquid crystal display unit 157, setting value display unit 101a, number of coins dispensed display unit 127, etc. are not displayed, and the output sound of the speakers 272, 277 is not output.

[0559] <Setting change operation with doors closed (Example 3) / Power ON with upper and lower doors open> The state indicated by symbol T2 in Figure 26 is the state in which the power supply SW244 is operated by the amusement facility manager and the power supply device 252 is changed from OFF to ON when the upper door is open, the lower door is open, and the setting key SW is ON, as indicated by symbol T1 in the same figure.

[0560] <Setting change operation with doors closed (Example 3) / upper and lower doors open → upper and lower doors closed> The state indicated by reference symbol T3 in FIG. 26 is the state in which the upper door and the lower door change from the open state to the closed state immediately after the power is turned on, in the state indicated by reference symbol T2 in the same figure where the upper door is closed and the lower door is open.

[0561] In this example, even if the condition that the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) is met when power supply from the power supply device 252 (power supply means) is started, if the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that either the upper door (door body) or the lower door (door body) (in this example, the lower door) is in a door closed state (closed state), the slot machine is configured to not start control to a setting change mode (setting change state) but to start control to a playable state, but not to issue a door open notification.

[0562] In the state indicated by the symbol T3 in Figure 26, the conditions for starting control to the normal game state (playable state) are met and the game state transitions to the normal game state (playable state), so as shown in Figure 26(a), the liquid crystal display device 157 executes a normal presentation and outputs normal presentation BGM from the speakers 272, 277.

[0563] In addition, in this state, no door opening notification is made, so door opening notification is not made by the liquid crystal display device 157, door opening notification is not made by the dispensed number display 127, and door opening notification sound is not output by the speakers 272, 277.

[0564] According to this example, in an irregular state where one of the door bodies is closed and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, the game can be transitioned to a playable state without transitioning to a setting change state, thereby preventing fraudulent acts such as illegally changing the setting values.

[0565] <Setting change operation with doors closed (Example 3) / upper and lower doors closed → upper and lower doors open> The state indicated by reference symbol T4 in FIG. 26 is a state in which the upper door and the lower door are changed from the closed state to the open state in the upper door closed state and the lower door closed state indicated by reference symbol T3 in the same figure.

[0566] In this example, the slot machine is configured to start control to setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) without starting control to setting change mode (setting change state) even if the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that either the upper door (door body) or the lower door (door body) is in a playable state when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that either the upper door (door body) or the lower door (door body) is in a door closed state (closed state) and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state).

[0567] In the state indicated by symbol T4 in Figure 26, the conditions for starting control from the playable state to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) are met, so the system transitions to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) without transitioning to the setting change mode, and as shown in Figure 26(b), the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the administrator screen SD, and the setting value display device 101a displays a number (in this example, 2) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 2), and the speakers 272, 277 output a setting confirmation sound (in this example, the sound ``Setting confirmation in progress'' to notify that the setting is being confirmed).

[0568] Also, since the upper and lower doors are open, the liquid crystal display device 157 issues a door open notification (in this example, the text "Doors are open" is displayed to notify that the upper and lower doors are open), and the dispensed number display 127 issues a door open notification (in this example, the segment corresponding to the letters "dr" is lit to notify that the upper and lower doors are open).

[0569] According to this example, when both door bodies are opened in an irregular state where one of the door bodies is closed and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, the state can be switched to the setting confirmation state without switching to the setting change state, which not only prevents fraudulent acts such as illegally changing the setting value, but also allows setting confirmation work to be performed, thereby increasing convenience for game store staff and others.

[0570] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 3) / Error detection state> In FIG. 26, the states indicated by symbols T5 and T6 are states in which an error is detected in the setting check mode.

[0571] In this state, since the main control unit 300 has detected a selector error, 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 (in this example, it lights up the segment corresponding to the letters "CE" indicating a selector error), and prepares to send an error command corresponding to the detected error to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0572] When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this error command from the main control unit 300, it executes a process to start an error notification. However, in this example, displaying the administrator screen SD takes priority over the error notification, so the LCD display device 157 does not execute an error notification (in this example, a display including the string "Selector error") to notify of the error (in this example, a selector error).

[0573] <Setting change operation with doors closed (Example 3) / upper and lower doors open → lower door closed> The state indicated by reference symbol T7 in FIG. 26 is a state in which the lower door has changed from an open state to a closed state in the upper door / lower door open state indicated by reference symbol T6 in the same figure.

[0574] In this state, since the lower door has changed from an open state to a closed state, the setting confirmation mode is terminated and the administrator screen SD that was displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 is erased. Also, since the error detection state is in effect, the dispensed number display 127 continues to issue an error notification, while the liquid crystal display device (notification means) 157 executes the error notification that had been held (in this example, a display including the string "Selector error"), and outputs an error notification sound from the speakers (notification means) 272, 277 (in this example, a voice that says "Selector error" to notify that a selector error has occurred).

[0575] Also, since the upper door is in the open state, the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a door open notification (in this example, the text "Door is open" is displayed to notify that the upper door is in the open state).

[0576] <Setting change operation with door closed (Example 3) / upper door open state → upper door closed state> The state indicated by reference symbol T8 in FIG. 26 is a state in which the upper door has changed from the open state to the closed state in the upper door open state indicated by reference symbol T7 in the same figure.

[0577] In this state, since an error has been detected, the error notification by the dispensed number display 127, the error notification by the LCD display device 157, and the output of the error notification sound by the speakers 272, 277 continue, but since the upper and lower doors are now in the closed state, the door open notification by the LCD display device 157 is terminated.

[0578] <Setting change operation with doors closed (Example 3) / upper and lower doors closed → upper and lower doors open> The state indicated by reference symbol T9 in FIG. 26 is a state in which the upper and lower doors have changed from the closed state to the open state in the upper and lower door closed state indicated by reference symbol T8 in the same figure.

[0579] In this state, since an error has been detected, the error notification by the dispensed number display 127, the error notification by the LCD display device 157, and the output of the error notification sound by the speakers 272, 277 continue, and since the upper and lower doors are now in the open state, the door open notification by the LCD display device 157 resumes.

[0580] Although not shown in the figures, the slot machine in this example is configured not to enter setting confirmation mode even if the setting key SW is turned from OFF to ON by the gaming facility manager while an error notification is being issued and the upper and lower doors are open.

[0581] Since an error has been detected, the error notification continues from the dispensed coin count display 127, the error notification continues from the LCD display device 157, and the error notification sound continues to be output from the speakers 272, 277, and since the upper and lower doors are in the open state, the door open notification continues from the LCD display device 157.

[0582] That is, a gaming machine according to this example (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a main control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3) that controls games based on one of a plurality of set values, a power supply means (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that can supply power to the main control means, a door body (for example, the front door 102 shown in FIG. 1) that is provided on the front of the gaming machine and can be opened and closed, a determination means (for example, an open / close sensor) that determines the open / close state of the door body, and a first operation state (for example, an OFF state) and a second operation state (for example, an ON state) that can be determined as operation states. a setting key SW) having an operation means (for example, a setting key SW) having an operation state (for example, a setting state), an informing means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 157, speakers 272, 277), and an error detecting means (for example, an error informing start process), wherein the operation means is provided at a position where it can be operated only when the door body is in an open state, and the main control means is configured to select 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 confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which one setting value can be set from among the plurality of setting values. It is possible to set one state from a plurality of states including at least a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode), and when the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, if the operation means is operated from the first operation state to the second operation state, it is possible to start control to the setting confirmation state, and when the power supply means starts supplying power, if both the conditions that the door body is in the open state and that the operation means is operated to the second operation state are met (for example, as shown by symbol T2 in Figure 22(a), when the front door 102 is in the door open state and the setting key SW is in the ON state), it is possible to start control to the setting change state, and when the power supply means starts supply...

Claims

[Claim 1] a main control means for controlling a game based on one of the plurality of setting values; power supply means capable of supplying power to the main control means; A door body that is provided on the front of the gaming machine and can be opened and closed; A determination means for determining the open / closed state of the door body; a first operating means; A second operating means; a third operating means; and A gaming machine equipped with The main control means It is possible to set one state from a plurality of states including at least a playable state in which the game can proceed, a setting confirmation state in which the currently set setting value can be confirmed, and a setting change state in which one setting value can be set from the plurality of setting values, When the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, if the first operation means is operated, the setting confirmation state may be started, When the power supply by the power supply means starts, if both the condition that the door body is in an open state and the condition that the first operating means is being operated are satisfied, the setting change state can be started, In the setting change state, the setting value can be updated by operating the second operating means, and even in the setting change state, the setting value cannot be updated by operating the second operating means by operating the third operating means; after updating the setting value by using the second operating means in the setting change state and before operating the third operating means, if the power supply means cuts off the power supply while the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, and then starts supplying power, the setting value returns to the value before the update, When the power supply by the power supply means is interrupted after the setting value is updated using the second operating means in the setting change state and before the third operating means is operated, and then the door body is closed and the power supply by the power supply means is started, the setting value maintains the updated value, after operating the third operating means in the setting change state and before terminating the setting change state in which the setting value cannot be updated, if the power supply means cuts off the power supply while the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, and then starts supplying power from the power supply means, by operating the second operating means, a setting change state in which the setting value can be updated is initiated; After the third operating means is operated in the setting change state and before the setting change state in which the setting value cannot be updated is terminated, if the power supply means cuts off the power supply, and then the door body is closed and the power supply means starts supplying power, the setting change state in which the setting value cannot be updated even if the second operating means is operated is initiated. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

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