Gaming machines

Abstract

We provide gaming machines with distinctive circuit boards. [Solution] The device comprises a first circuit board on which a plurality of signal wirings are formed, the plurality of signal wirings including a first pair of wirings consisting of a first signal wiring and a second signal wiring, the first pair of wirings having a first special shaped portion on one of the signal wirings, the first special shaped portion, is a portion that adjusts the difference in wiring length within the pair in the first pair of wirings, and the first special shaped portion is formed on the signal wiring that has a shorter wiring length, excluding the first special shaped portion, within the pair of wirings in the first pair of wirings.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pinball game machine (pachinko machine), a reel gaming machine (slot machine), an enclosed gaming machine, or a medal-less slot machine. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, a slot machine, for example, is known as one type of gaming machine. Inside such a slot machine, there are electronic components such as a CPU and a ROM, and circuit boards provided with signal lines, and these boards are connected by a harness via connectors (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

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

[0004] However, conventional gaming machines leave room for improvement in their circuit boards.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a characteristic circuit board. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing games, comprising a first circuit board on which a plurality of signal wires are formed, wherein the plurality of signal wires include a first pair of wires consisting of a first signal wire and a second signal wire, the first pair of wires has a first special shaped portion on one of the signal wires, the first special shaped portion is a portion that adjusts the difference in wiring length within the pair in the first pair of wires, and the first special shaped portion is formed on the signal wire with the shorter wiring length within the pair of wires in the first pair of wires, excluding the first special shaped portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can improve performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a circuit block diagram of the control unit of a slot machine relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram shows in detail the structure of the ROM and RAM of the main control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a list of data regarding the inspection mode of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a temporary data list regarding the inspection mode of a slot machine relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a list of commands related to the inspection mode of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] (a) is a diagram showing a planar unfolding of the arrangement of symbols on each reel of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations, symbol combinations, and payout / operation of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]This is a state transition diagram of a slot machine relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the main processing flow of the main control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the flow of timer interrupt processing in the main control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the flow of the main processing of the first sub-control unit, the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit, and the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit in a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the flow of the second sub-control unit main processing, second sub-control unit command reception interrupt processing, second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing, and second sub-control unit image control processing of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This flowchart provides a detailed explanation of the main control initial setup process. [Figure 14] This flowchart provides a detailed explanation of the process for executing the inspection mode. [Figure 15] This flowchart provides a detailed explanation of the initial setup process when starting inspection mode. [Figure 16] This flowchart provides a detailed explanation of the port-related processing flow. [Figure 17] This diagram illustrates the menu transitions on the inspection screen of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This figure shows the inspection screen of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This diagram illustrates the input testing process for a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This diagram illustrates the flow of the main control output inspection of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This flowchart provides a detailed explanation of the process for ending the inspection mode. [Figure 22] This diagram illustrates the operation of the payout ratio monitor in a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] It is a diagram illustrating the flow of a modified example of inspection in the inspection mode of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] It is a flowchart showing the flow of insertion management processing. [Figure 25] It is a flowchart showing the flow of insertion processing. [Figure 26] It is a flowchart showing the flow of restoration processing. [Figure 27] It is a flowchart showing the flow of command transmission. [Figure 28] It is a circuit diagram showing an example of a display control circuit. [Figure 29] It is a circuit diagram showing an example of the display control circuit according to Modification 1. [Figure 30] It is a circuit diagram showing an example of the display control circuit according to Modification 2. [Figure 31] It is a flowchart showing the flow of stop button display control processing. [Figure 32] It is a flowchart showing the flow of reel rotation control processing. [Figure 33] It is a flowchart showing the flow of stop button reception processing. [Figure 34] It is a flowchart showing the flow of stop button display control processing of the first sub-control unit 400. [Figure 35] It is a timing chart showing an example where power outage and power restoration occurs after the start operation of a certain game and before the stop operation. [Figure 36] It is a timing chart showing the light emitting mode of the stop button LED before and after power outage and power restoration (Example 1). [Figure 37] It is a timing chart showing the light emitting mode of the stop button LED before and after power outage and power restoration (Example 2). [Figure 38] It is a timing chart showing the light emitting mode of the stop button LED before and after power outage and power restoration (Example 3). [Figure 39] It is a timing chart showing the light emitting mode of the stop button LED before and after power outage and power restoration (Example 4). [Figure 40] This is a timing chart showing the illumination patterns of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 5). [Figure 41] This is a timing chart showing the illumination patterns of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 6). [Figure 42] This is a time chart showing an example of the illumination pattern of the stop button LED during a reel freeze animation. [Figure 43] This is a view of the first layer of the liquid crystal connection substrate 500a from the surface side. [Figure 44] This is a view of the pattern silk screen printing on the first layer of the liquid crystal connection substrate 500a, seen from the surface side. [Figure 45] This is a view of the wiring of the first layer of the liquid crystal connection substrate 500a, seen from the surface side. [Figure 46] This is a circuit diagram showing the connection destination of the third connector CN3. [Figure 47] This is a magnified view of the differential pair wiring connected to the operating signal line terminals of the third connector. [Figure 48] This is a magnified view showing the area around the pads on which the terminals of the third connector CN3 are mounted. [Figure 49] This is a view of the second layer L2 and the third layer L3 of the conductor layer of the liquid crystal connection substrate 500a, as seen from the surface side. [Figure 50] This is a view of the 4th layer L4 to the 6th layer L6 of the conductor layer of the liquid crystal connection substrate 500a, as seen from the surface side. [Figure 51] This shows a circuit block diagram of a slot machine according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 52] This is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the startup sequence for the sub-control unit 400. [Figure 53] (a) A flowchart showing the process flow when the power is turned on. (b) A flowchart showing the process flow by the boot loader. [Figure 54](a) This flowchart shows the flow of the CPU Core 2 main loop processing performed by CPU Core 2. (b) This flowchart shows the flow of the CPU Core 3 main loop processing performed by CPU Core 3. [Figure 55] This flowchart shows the process for powering on the fastest SCI receiver. [Figure 56] This flowchart shows the flow of the fastest SCI reception initialization process. [Figure 57] This flowchart shows the process for switching to the fastest SCI reception. [Figure 58] (a) A flowchart showing the flow of the buffer analysis process. (b) A schematic diagram illustrating an example of scanning the DMA receive buffer in descending order of addresses. (c) A schematic diagram illustrating an example of scanning the DMA receive buffer in ascending order of addresses. [Figure 59] This is a time chart showing the flow of command reception via DMA transfer (Example 1) in chronological order. [Figure 60] This is a time chart showing the flow of command reception via DMA transfer (Example 2) in chronological order. [Figure 61] This is a time chart showing the flow of command reception via DMA transfer (Example 3) in chronological order. [Figure 62] This is a perspective view of the medalless slot machine 100 and the rental machine 700, seen from the front (player side). [Figure 63] This is an external perspective view of slot machine 100 with its front door 102 open, seen from a diagonal front angle. [Figure 64] (a) A front view of the main body 101 with the front door 102 open. (b) A cross-sectional view along the line A-A in (a). [Figure 65] (a) A cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 64(b), showing the state in which the front door 102 is open relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θX. (b) A cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 64(b), showing the state in which the front door 102 is open relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY. [Figure 66] This shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit of slot machine 100. [Figure 67] This diagram shows an example of the connections for the circuit board of slot machine 100. [Figure 68] (a) A diagram showing a portion of the front door 102 in its open state. (b) A magnified view of the sub-control circuit board case 164. [Figure 69] (a) This is a cross-sectional view along the line X-X in Figure 68(b). (b) This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to (a), showing a modified example of the sub-control unit substrate case. (c) This is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of the double-sided substrate. [Figure 70] (a) A cross-sectional view along the Y-Y line in Figure 68(b), showing the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D in its normal position. (c) (1) A diagram showing the front surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D. (b) A cross-sectional view along the Y-Y line in Figure 68(b), showing the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D when it is not in its normal position. (c) (2) A diagram showing the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D. [Figure 71] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 72] This is a circuit block diagram of the control unit of a slot machine relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 73] (A) is a time chart showing the transitions between demo screens of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a time chart showing the transitions between demo screens of a conventional slot machine. [Figure 74] (A) is a time chart showing the transitions between demo screens of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display device of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 75] This is an example of a slump graph showing the trend in the number of tokens won or lost by a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 76]This is a sequence diagram showing the process of updating the maximum number of tokens in a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 77] (A) is a flowchart showing the process of displaying the maximum number of coins in the demo screen display of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the liquid crystal command of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram illustrating the display marker and the non-display marker of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 78] (A) is a functional block diagram of the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of the connection between the CPU and the drive circuit shown in Figure 78(A). [Figure 79] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing examples of LED drivers used as lamp drive circuits in the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 80] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of control data for controlling the lamps of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram illustrating a method for communicating control data for a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 81] This is an external view of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the position of the speaker. [Figure 82] (a) is a top view of the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; (b) is a diagram showing the arrangement of each component of the audio circuit shown in (a); (c) is a diagram showing the terminal arrangement of the audio amplifier IC shown in (a) and (b); and (d) is a cross-sectional view of (a) along the YY line. [Figure 83] (a) is a circuit diagram showing the signal lines of the audio circuit shown in Figure 82(a), and (b) is a circuit diagram showing the power lines of the audio circuit shown in Figure 82(a). [Figure 84] (a) is a top view of the first sub-control board on which the components of the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention are arranged, and (b) and (c) are diagrams illustrating the ground of the first sub-control board shown in (a). [Figure 85] This is a top view of the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention (modified example). [Figure 86] (a) is a circuit diagram of the signal lines of the audio circuit shown in Figure 85, and (b) is a circuit diagram of the power lines of the audio circuit shown in Figure 85. [Figure 87] (a) is a diagram showing the first layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 85, and (b) is a diagram showing the third layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 85. [Figure 88] (a) is a diagram showing the fourth layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 85, and (b) is a diagram showing the fifth layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 85. [Figure 89] (a) is a diagram showing the seventh layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 85, and (b) is a diagram showing the eighth layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 85. [Figure 90] (a), (b), and (c) are diagrams illustrating the arrangement layout of audio circuits provided on the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 91] (a), (b), and (c) are diagrams illustrating the position of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (d), (e), and (f) are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of each component of the audio circuit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 92] This is a perspective view of slot machine 100 from the front (player side). [Figure 93] This figure shows an example of the winning line. [Figure 94] This is a circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 95] This diagram shows the arrangement of the patterns on each reel in a two-dimensional view. [Figure 96] This diagram shows the contents of the button-press sequence bell. [Figure 97] Figure 92 shows the transitions in the game state of the slot machine 100. [Figure 98] This is a flowchart showing the main processing flow of the main control unit. [Figure 99] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 100] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing performed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. [Figure 101] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing performed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 102] This table shows the contents of the rotation control table in this embodiment. [Figure 103] This figure shows an example of reel rotation control that differs from Figure 102. [Figure 104] This figure shows an example of a circuit configuration for driving reels 110 to 112. [Figure 105] This is a simplified diagram of the circuit that controls the stepping motor 700 of the left reel board 700BL in Figure 104. [Figure 106] This diagram shows the internal circuitry of IC1 shown in Figure 105. [Figure 107] This figure shows an example of a circuit configuration for driving reels 110 to 112, which is different from Figure 104. [Figure 108] This is a simplified diagram of the circuit that controls the stepping motor 700 on the left reel board 700BL in Figure 107. [Figure 109] This figure shows an example of a circuit configuration for driving reels 110 to 112, which is different from Figure 104. [Figure 110] This is a simplified diagram of the circuit that controls the stepping motor 700 on the left reel board 700BL in Figure 109. [Figure 111] This figure shows a modified example of Figure 105. [Figure 112]This diagram shows the internal configuration of IC1, as shown in Figure 111. [Figure 113] This figure shows an example of a circuit configuration for motorizing movable parts used in performances. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <<Embodiment 1>> The slot machines described below employ a so-called "coinless" configuration, using information equivalent to the actual number of tokens (virtual token count). However, in the following explanation, this information will be referred to as "token count."

[0011] The slot machine of this embodiment is a gaming machine that proceeds through a series of games in which a predetermined number of game tokens are inserted, and multiple reels, each decorated with multiple types of symbols, start to rotate when a predetermined rotation start instruction operation is received, and based on the receipt of the rotation start instruction operation, the success or failure of an internal win of one of multiple types of winning combinations is determined by lottery, each of the multiple reels stops rotating individually when a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation is received, and if the conditions determined by the winning combination based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the multiple reels stop match predetermined payout conditions, a process of paying out the number of game tokens is executed and the game ends, and if the conditions do not match, the process of paying out the number of game tokens is not executed and the game ends.

[0012] Furthermore, the slot machine of this embodiment is a gaming machine that incorporates an inspection mode that allows for the inspection of the slot machine, in addition to the state in which the above-mentioned game can be played (hereinafter referred to as the playable state or game mode).

[0013] In conventional slot machines, the machines were tested for functionality before being shipped from the factory. In this process, operational checks were performed using a test board, which required swapping the test board with the production board. As a result, the number of hours required for board swapping increased, connector damage and wear occurred during the process, and problems arose such as increased workload for workers and deterioration of components. Similarly, when arcade staff or manufacturers' representatives performed operational checks, the increased workload for workers was also a problem. For example, to confirm that reel effects using reel movement patterns such as reverse rotation or high-speed rotation were working correctly, it was necessary to test play the machine until the timing of the reel effect occurred. Since such reel effects often occur when transitioning to advantageous gameplay such as bonuses or ATs, this resulted in the burden of continuing to test play until an AT was hit.

[0014] Furthermore, since slot machines with a coinless configuration can only be played by connecting them to a dedicated device, the aforementioned operational checks also require connection to this device. However, when connected to the dedicated device, game history such as the number of coins inserted, the number of coins paid out, and the number of Big Bonuses is also compiled, which leads to the problem of excessive calculation of game history during operational checks.

[0015] In this embodiment, a slot machine is provided that can solve the above problem by introducing a new inspection mode.

[0016] <Overall Structure> First, we will explain the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 and the dispensing machine 700 using Figure 1. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 and the dispensing machine 700 as seen from the front (player side).

[0017] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front side of the main body 101 and which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), there are three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer surfaces, and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are driven to rotate by a drive device such as a stepping motor.

[0018] In this embodiment, each design is printed at equal intervals in appropriate numbers on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame to constitute each reel 110 to 112. From the player's perspective, approximately three designs are displayed vertically through the display window 113 on the reels 110 to 112, so that a total of nine designs are visible. The symbols displayed on the upper part of the left reel 110 are called the left reel upper symbols, the symbols displayed on the middle part of the left reel 110 are called the left reel middle symbols, the symbols displayed on the lower part of the left reel 110 are called the left reel lower symbols, the symbols displayed on the upper part of the middle reel 111 are called the middle reel upper symbols, the symbols displayed on the middle part of the left reel 111 are called the middle reel middle symbols, the symbols displayed on the lower part of the middle reel 111 are called the middle reel lower symbols, the symbols displayed on the upper part of the right reel 112 are called the right reel upper symbols, the symbols displayed on the middle part of the right reel 112 are called the right reel middle symbols, and the symbols displayed on the lower part of the right reel 112 are called the right reel lower symbols. Each symbol for each reel 110 to 112 is displayed three times vertically on each reel from 110 to 112 through the display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. Then, by rotating reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each reel 110-112 functions as a display device that can display multiple combinations of symbols in a variable manner. Note that, in addition to reels, other electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Furthermore, while the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 68 has three reels located inside the center of the machine, the number of reels and their placement are not limited to this.

[0019] A backlight (not shown) is positioned on the back of each reel 110-112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol is illuminated evenly. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part is provided near each reel 110-112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting and light-receiving parts of this optical sensor. Based on the detection results of this optical sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110-112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

[0020] The winning line indicator lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the valid winning lines. A winning line is a line on which it is determined whether or not a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination has been displayed. The valid winning lines are predetermined by the number of medals bet as the game medium. There are five winning lines. For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line becomes valid. If two medals are bet, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added, making a total of three lines valid. If three medals are bet, the lower right downward winning line and the upper right upward winning line are added, making a total of five lines valid as winning lines. Note that the number of winning lines is not limited to five lines. For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the lower right downward winning line, and the upper right upward winning line may all be considered valid winning lines. Hereafter, the valid winning lines may be referred to as "valid lines."

[0021] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player that, for example, they have internally won a specific winning combination (e.g., a bonus combination, a special combination) in the internal lottery described later, or that this internally won state has been carried over. The coin insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that informs the player that they can insert coins. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that informs the player that they can replay the game (no coin insertion is required) if they won a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for visual effects.

[0022] The bet buttons 130 or 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of tokens (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1, one token is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed. One token is inserted when pressed once, an additional token is inserted when pressed again (total of 2 tokens), and an additional token is inserted when pressed again (total of 3 tokens). When the bet button 132 is pressed, 3 tokens are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 130 may be referred to as the single-token bet button, and the bet button 132 may be referred to as the maximum bet button. The game token insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of tokens inserted, and when the prescribed number of tokens have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started.

[0023] The game information display unit 126 is a display unit for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals dispensed during bonus gameplay) numerically. The payout display unit 127 is a display unit for displaying the number of medals dispensed to the player as a result of winning a prize. In the following, the expression "dispensed to the player" may be used interchangeably with "given to the player." The game information display unit 126 and the payout display unit 127 are composed of 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0024] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to initiate the rotation of reels 110-112. That is, by operating the bet button 130 or 132 and then operating the start lever 135, reels 110-112 will begin to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is referred to as the game start operation.

[0025] The stop button unit 136 is equipped with stop buttons 137-139, consisting of a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137-139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110-112 that have started rotating due to the operation of the start lever 135, and each button is associated with a specific reel. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139. Hereinafter, operations on the stop buttons 137-139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being the first stop operation, the next stop operation being the second stop operation, and the last stop operation being the third stop operation. The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations will be 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 137-139 are pressed to stop all of the rotating reels 110-112 is called the operation order or pressing order. Moreover, the operation order in which the first stop operation is the left reel 110, the second stop operation is the middle reel 111, and the third stop operation is the right reel 112 is called the "forward pressing order" or simply "forward pressing," and the operation order in which the first stop operation is the right reel 112, the second stop operation is the middle reel 111, and the third stop operation is the left reel 110 is called the "reverse pressing order" or simply "reverse pressing." In addition, a light-emitting element may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137-139, and if the stop buttons 137-139 can be operated, the light-emitting element can be illuminated to inform the player.

[0026] The instruction monitor 125 is a display unit that shows information regarding the operation order (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139, as well as error codes, setting values, etc. This instruction monitor 125 is also composed of a 7-segment (SEG) display. For example, if the instruction is to operate the left stop button 137, the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 in that order, "1" will be displayed on the instruction monitor 125. If the instruction is to operate the left stop button 137, the right stop button 139, and the middle stop button 138 in that order, "2" will be displayed on the instruction monitor 125.

[0027] The settlement button 134 is a button for returning the inserted game tokens (number of tokens wagered) to the token count control unit 350. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0028] The game token count display device 170 is a 7-segment (SEG) display that displays the number of game tokens recorded by the token count control unit 350 shown in Figure 2.

[0029] The counting button 171 is an operating means for transmitting information about the number of game tokens recorded in the token count control unit 350 shown in Figure 2 to the dispensing machine 700.

[0030] A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and for attaching various certification labels.

[0031] The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting sound from the speaker 277 (see Figure 2) located inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 located on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enhance the gaming experience. A performance device 160 is located above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 for outputting sound from the speaker 272 (see Figure 2) to the outside is provided above the performance device 160. This display device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two horizontally opening and closing shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, and a display image display device 157 (liquid crystal display device) positioned behind the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the display image display device 157, the display screen of the display image display device 157 appears on the front (player side, front side) of the slot machine 100. Note that any display device capable of displaying various display images and various game information is acceptable, rather than a liquid crystal display device. For example, 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 may be used. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorative elements (not shown) can be placed around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by these elements, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface. Note that this presentation image display device 157 is an example of a presentation means.

[0032] The PUSH button 190 is an operation button that becomes operable when a predetermined effect (for example, an effect that prompts the player to press the button) is being executed. For example, when the PUSH button 190 is pressed, an effect that suggests the expectation of being awarded an AT or bonus, or an effect that suggests the awarding of benefits such as an additional number of coins in an AT, may be executed as a response effect. In addition, by operating the PUSH button 190, the player may be able to adjust the effect settings (light intensity setting, volume setting, adjustment of effect frequency (frequent effects, normal effects, infrequent effects), selection of character voices for operation navigation during AT, etc.).

[0033] The dispensing machine 700 shown in Figure 1 may also be referred to as a card unit and is an example of the gaming media management device of the present invention. This dispensing machine 700 is installed in a one-to-one relationship with the slot machine 100.

[0034] The rental machine 700 accepts cards. There are two types of "cards" referred to here. One is a visitor card (also called a general card), a prepaid gaming memory medium issued to general players who are not registered members. The other is a membership card, a gaming memory medium issued to registered players who have registered with the arcade. IC cards are used for both types of cards.

[0035] The cards store monetary value. This monetary value includes the "number of medals held" and the "money balance," which is the remaining balance of prepaid money.

[0036] The card-receiving dispensing machine 700 has a function to convert the "number of tokens held" stored on the card into "number of game tokens (credits)". The "number of game tokens (credits)" is data that can be used to set the number of bets and can also be converted into the "number of tokens held". The "number of game tokens" is obtained by deducting the "money balance" or "number of tokens held" from the card. The "number of game tokens" also includes the number of tokens won through winning. This "number of game tokens" is managed by the token count control unit 350 shown in Figure 2 and is the number of electronic tokens (amount of electronic game value) stored electromagnetically. The "number of game tokens" is decreased by performing the insertion operation using the bet buttons 130 and 132.

[0037] "Number of tokens held" is the numerical value obtained by converting the "number of tokens (credits) used for gameplay." This "number of tokens held" is stored in a way that can be identified by the player's card. In other words, by operating the counting button 171, the "number of tokens played" is converted to the "number of tokens held" and can be stored on the card. Alternatively, the "number of tokens held" may be managed by a token count management device installed in the arcade.

[0038] The front of the lending machine 700 is provided with a banknote slot 701 at the top for inserting banknotes and a card slot 702 at the bottom for inserting cards. Member cards and visitor cards inserted into the card slot 702 are received by a card reader / writer, and the information stored on the card is read. Banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 701 are identified for authenticity and type, and the face value of the banknotes is stored as the "money balance" on the card inserted into the card slot 702.

[0039] Below the banknote slot 701, an information display 703 is provided. This information display 703 is a display that provides information such as operating instructions for the lending machine 700 and the status of the slot machine 100 in text and images. Alternatively, the surface may be configured as a touch panel, allowing various operations to be input by touching the displayed items with a finger.

[0040] Below the information display 703, the cash balance display 705 and the medal balance display 706 are arranged in two rows, one above the other. The cash balance display 705 displays the "cash balance" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702 as an amount. On the other hand, the medal balance display 706 displays the "number of medals held" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702 as the number of medals.

[0041] The central part of the dispensing machine 700 is provided with a dispensing button 707 and a card return button 708. The dispensing button 707 is an operating means for obtaining "game tokens" by withdrawing the "money balance" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702. Specifically, if there is a "money balance" on the card inserted into the card slot 702, the LED lamp built into the dispensing button 707 lights up in a manner that indicates that withdrawal is possible. In this state, operating the lending button 707 will add "game tokens" according to the amount of money to be withdrawn. For example, "game tokens" equivalent to 1000 yen will be added as a predetermined amount. Also, if the card's "money balance" is less than a predetermined amount (for example, less than 1000 yen), only the "game tokens" calculated from the current balance at a predetermined rate will be added. Even if the card's "money balance" is less than a predetermined amount, it may be possible to add "game tokens" equivalent to the predetermined amount by replenishing the "number of tokens held" stored on the card. The card return button 708 is operated when the player finishes playing, and is a means of operation to store the "number of tokens held" determined at the end of the game on the card inserted in the card slot 702 and then eject it. The "number of tokens held" determined at the end of the game is calculated by subtracting the number of tokens converted to "number of game tokens" from the "number of tokens held" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702, and then adding the number of game tokens counted by the counting operation. The "money balance," "number of tokens held," and "number of game tokens" data described above are converted in the following order: "money balance" and "number of tokens held" → "number of game tokens" → "number of tokens held." In this way, the "number of tokens held" is converted to "number of game tokens" according to the "number of tokens held" identified by the card, and in the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, the number of game tokens can be used to set the bet. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new type of slot machine (managed game machine) that does not use physical tokens without confusing players who are accustomed to conventional slot machines where players receive physical tokens, insert those physical tokens to secure credits, and then use those credits to set the bet.

[0042] Although this specification does not mention "stored medals," this "stored medals" refers to the number of medals deposited with the arcade, not stored on the card. The arcade may manage the number of medals a player has won through gameplay as "points" for the day, and as "stored medals" from the following day onward, using a hall management terminal or other management computer. If both "stored medals" and "held medals" are stored, the "held medals" will be deducted first. Both "held medals" and "stored medals" may also be stored in a higher-level server (not shown) in association with the card number. In the case of visitor cards, the "held medals" are stored directly on the visitor card, but the "held medals" may also be stored in a higher-level server in association with the card number. When storing the card number in association with the higher-level server, data that identifies the time the information was stored in the higher-level server may be written to the card (member card, visitor card) before it is dispensed. The "money balance" can be written directly to the card (member card, visitor card) before it is dispensed. The timing for storing the "number of medals held" on the card (member card, visitor card) or in the higher-level server is, for example, when the counting button 171 is operated and the counting process is performed. However, instead, the information may be stored all at once when the card is returned. Furthermore, when a player finishes playing and returns their card from the dispensing machine 700, the "number of tokens held" that was stored in the dispensing machine 700 may be temporarily stored as stored tokens in the hall management terminal 800. When the player inserts the card into the same or a different dispensing machine 700 again on the same day that the card was returned, only the "number of tokens held" for that day, which was temporarily stored as stored tokens, will be stored again in the dispensing machine 700, and the "number of tokens to play" will be added within the range of that "number of tokens held," allowing the player to play.

[0043] Furthermore, the rental machine 700 may be equipped with an IR photosensitive unit that receives infrared signals from a remote control held by an employee of the gaming hall, converts them into electronic signals, and outputs them.

[0044] Furthermore, while the lending machine 700 shown in Figure 1 allowed for the lending of "game tokens" by operating the lending button 707 to withdraw the "money balance" stored on the card, it may also be possible to withdraw the "number of tokens held" recorded on the card and convert it into "game tokens." Specifically, the lending machine 700 is provided with a "number of tokens held" button, and if there are "number of tokens held" on the card inserted in the card slot 702, the built-in LED lamp on that "number of tokens held" button lights up in a manner indicating that it is ready to withdraw. In this state, by operating the "number of tokens held" button, if there are a predetermined number of tokens (for example, 50 tokens) or more, the predetermined number (for example, 50 tokens) of "game tokens" will be added. In addition, the number of tokens held by the player during gameplay, as described above, can be stored on the card as "points held" for the rest of the day, or managed by the hall management terminal 800 or other management computer, and the lending machine 700 is provided with a replay button. If there are "points" remaining, the built-in LED lamp on the replay button lights up in a manner that indicates it is ready to be played. In this state, operating the replay button may add a predetermined number of "game tokens" (for example, 50 tokens).

[0045] <Control Unit Circuit Configuration> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 2. Note that Figure 2 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0046] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main effects in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on commands transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400. Here, regarding the main control unit 300, since a large data capacity would make it difficult to verify the program and could also lead to security problems such as becoming a breeding ground for illegal modifications, the data capacity of the ROM 306 and RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is limited.

[0047] <Main Control Unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 has a game control unit 302 that controls the progress of the game and a medal count control unit 350 that controls the number of game medals owned by the player. The game control unit 302 is an example of a game control means, and the medal count control unit 350 is an example of a game value control means. The game control unit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 that stores control program data, lottery data used when internally drawing winning combinations, the arrangement of reel symbols and stopping 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) which is not shown. Note that other storage devices may be used instead of ROM 306 and RAM 308, and the same applies to the medal count control unit 350, the first sub-control unit 400, and the second sub-control unit 500 which will be described later. The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator (not shown) as the system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 sends frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 then performs monitoring of various sensors and transmission of drive pulses based on this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8MHz, 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 interrupt time will be 256 × 47 ÷ 8MHz = 1.504ms.

[0048] The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit (not shown) used as a hardware random number counter that varies a value in the range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from a crystal oscillator (not shown), and a startup signal output circuit (not shown) that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit, which will be described later) when it receives a startup signal from this startup signal output circuit.

[0049] Furthermore, the CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 monitors the status of each bet button 130, 132, start lever 135, each stop button 137-139, payout button 134, and PUSH button 190 at each interrupt time. For example, if it detects that the bet buttons 130 or 132 have been turned on, the medal count control unit 350 executes a process to electronically insert the medals electronically stored in the medal count control unit 350 as medals to be inserted into the game. If it detects that the start lever 135 has been turned on, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit. The random number generation circuit that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random values ​​used for the lottery. If it detects that the left stop button 137, middle stop button 138, or right stop button 139 has been turned on, and the reels 110-112 corresponding to each stop button are in a stopable state, it executes stop control for the reels 110-112. If the system detects that the settlement button 134 has been turned on, it executes a process to return the electronically inserted game tokens to the token count control unit 350.

[0050] Furthermore, the CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 also monitors the status of various sensors 318 (optical sensor for the left reel 110, optical sensor for the middle reel 111, optical sensor for the right reel 112, etc.) at each interrupt time. The optical sensors for the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each reel 110-112, and each time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes over them, they reach an L level. The rotation position information, which indicates how much the reel has rotated from the reference position between the time it reaches an L level and the next time it reaches an L level, is calculated based on the value obtained by counting the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. When the CPU 304 detects the above L level signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once and resets the rotation position information of the reel to zero. This rotation position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0051] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives motors provided on reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives display devices such as an instruction monitor 125, a game information display 126, and a payout count display 127, and a drive circuit 326 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game token insertion ready lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game token insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, light-emitting element 137a provided inside stop button 137, light-emitting element 138a provided inside stop button 138, and light-emitting element 139a provided inside stop button 139).

[0052] In this specification, the light-emitting element 137a located inside the stop button 137 may be referred to as the "left stop button LED 137a" or "light-emitting element 137a," the light-emitting element 138a located inside the stop button 138 may be referred to as the "middle stop button LED 138a" or "light-emitting element 138a," the light-emitting element 139a located inside the stop button 139 may be referred to as the "right stop button LED 139a" or "light-emitting element 139a," and the left stop button LED 137a, middle stop button LED 138a, and right stop button LED 139a may be referred to as the "stop button LEDs 137a~139a" or "light-emitting elements 137a~139a."

[0053] Furthermore, slot machine 100 has different settings that affect the player's advantage. There are six settings available, from setting 1 to setting 6. Generally, the higher the setting, the greater the player's advantage. Specifically, an internal winning probability is determined for each setting. The game control unit 302 is connected to a setting change button 175, which is operated when changing these settings.

[0054] Furthermore, an information output circuit 328 is connected to the game control unit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information of the slot machine 100 (for example, information indicating the state of the game) to an information input circuit 650 provided by an external hall computer (not shown) via this information output circuit 328.

[0055] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a voltage monitoring circuit (not shown) that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power management unit (not shown). This voltage monitoring circuit outputs a low voltage signal to the game control unit 302 and the medal count control unit 350, respectively, when the voltage value of the power supply falls below a predetermined value (for example, 9V), indicating that the voltage has dropped.

[0056] Furthermore, 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. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is unidirectional; the main control unit 300 is configured to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0057] The medal count control unit 350, like the game control unit 302, is equipped with a CPU 354, ROM 356, RAM 358, I / O 360 for controlling the input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 362 for measuring time, counts, etc. The CPUs 304 and 354 are mounted on the same board and connected via a buffer IC. This allows the CPU 304 to use ROM 306 and RAM 308 without using ROM 356 and RAM 358, and vice versa. A WDT (watchdog timer), not shown in the diagram, is also included. The CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 also operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator (not shown) as the system clock. Furthermore, when power is turned on, the CPU 354 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 356 to the counter timer 362. The counter timer 362 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 354 at each interrupt time. The CPU 354 operates in response to this interrupt request. The medal count control unit 350 executes interrupt processing (medal count control unit timer interrupt processing, described later) every 0.745ms. It also communicates with the dispensing machine 700 every 300ms.

[0058] The CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 is also equipped with a startup signal output circuit (not shown) that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 receives a startup signal from this startup signal output circuit, it starts medal count control (starts the main processing of the medal count control unit, which will be described later).

[0059] The basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 is connected to a game medal count display device 170 consisting of a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display, a counting button 171, and a game medal count clear button 172.

[0060] Furthermore, the basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 is also connected to the lending machine 700 via the lending machine connection terminal board 790. The medal count control unit 350 communicates bidirectionally with the lending machine 700.

[0061] The medal count control unit 350 sends various commands to the game control unit 302. The game control unit 302 also sends various commands to the medal count control unit 350. In other words, communication between the medal count control unit 350 and the game control unit 302 is bidirectional.

[0062] Furthermore, the medal count control unit 350 stores the "number of game medals" in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358. Specifically, the "number of game medals" is stored in the credit counter. The medal count control unit 350 updates the "number of game medals" stored in the predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358 by addition or subtraction processing. Addition processing includes processing based on payout commands transmitted from the game control unit 302, processing based on settlement commands transmitted from the game control unit 302, and processing based on loan notifications transmitted from the loan machine 700. On the other hand, subtraction processing includes counting processing based on the operation of the counting button 171, and processing based on insert commands transmitted from the game control unit 302.

[0063] The game token count clear button 172 shown in Figure 2 is located in a position that cannot be operated by the player (for example, a position that cannot be operated without opening the front door 102), and is a means of clearing the "game token count" stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358. For example, if the game token count remains at "2" and the player is absent, it becomes difficult to determine whether the player who left "2" intends to continue playing or not, and another player may not be able to start playing. However, if the game token count can be cleared by an employee, another player can be welcomed sooner. Note that the game token count clear button 172 does not necessarily clear the "game token count" when it is operated. For example, it may be set to clear only when the game token count is 2 or less, and if there are 3 or more, the tokens may be counted in the same way as when the counting button 171 is operated. If the counting button 171 malfunctions and the system cannot recognize that it has been operated, it may become impossible to convert the "number of game tokens played" to the "number of tokens held," potentially causing disadvantage to the player. However, if counting is also possible through operation by a store employee, this disadvantage to the player can be avoided. Furthermore, there is no need to install a new counting button for employees, thus avoiding increased costs. In addition, instead of determining the number of game tokens to decide whether to clear or count, the clearing and counting actions could be determined by how the game token count clear button 172 is operated. For example, a short press could clear the tokens, and a long press could count them. This would allow for easy selection of either clearing or counting, regardless of the number of game tokens. Alternatively, if only the game token count clear button 172 is operated, the tokens would be cleared, and if the game token count clear button 172 and another button are operated simultaneously, the tokens would be counted. This would reduce the possibility of operational errors and allow for easy selection of either clearing or counting.

[0064] <Deputy Commander> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives control commands transmitted by the main control unit 300 (game control unit 302) via an input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a basic circuit 402 that 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 of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as the 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 patterns and various indicators, etc.

[0065] The CPU 404 transmits 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 the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0066] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sound source IC 418, and speakers 272 and 277 are connected to the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272 and 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) containing sound data is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from speakers 272 and 277. These speakers 272 and 277 are examples of performance elements. Although it has been stated that the PUSH button 190 is connected to the game control unit 302 and its status is monitored, the PUSH button 190 may also be connected to the first sub-control unit 400 to monitor its status, detect whether the PUSH button 190 is operated or not, and execute corresponding displays or performances when it is operated.

[0067] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel lamp, bet button lamp, reel backlight, etc.) are connected via an input / output interface. The various lamps 420 are examples of the effects and effects.

[0068] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0069] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sensor circuit 426, to which a shutter sensor 428 is connected via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the shutter sensor 428 at interrupt intervals.

[0070] Furthermore, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including the display control of the performance image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the performance image 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).

[0071] The second sub-control unit 500 receives control commands transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and includes a basic circuit 502 that 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, counts, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as the system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, as well as data for image display, etc.

[0072] The CPU 504 transmits 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 the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0073] Furthermore, the second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a VDP 516 (video display processor), to which a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected via a bus. Based on signals from the CPU 504, the VDP 516 reads image data stored in the ROM 506, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the image display device 157.

[0074] <Structure of ROM and RAM> Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating in detail the structure of ROM 306 and RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. Hereinafter, ROM 306 and RAM 308 may be simply referred to as ROM and RWM, respectively.

[0075] As shown in Figure 3, the built-in ROM includes an area within the used area (hereinafter referred to as the in-use area of ROM), an area outside the used area (hereinafter referred to as the non-use area of ROM), and an unused area. The in-use area (data area) of ROM stores game-related data, for example, data related to game control processing for the progress of games, such as data related to reel control, data related to internal winning combination drawing, and data related to AT drawing. On the other hand, the non-use area (data area) of ROM stores data related to the inspection mode. It should be noted that data other than those related to game control processing stored in the non-use area of ROM is not limited to data related to the inspection mode, and may also include data related to fraud detection, data related to error detection and error handling, data related to aggregation of game history (such as the daily difference number or payout number, the cumulative total number of games played on the game machine so far, the cumulative difference number or total payout number of the game machine so far, and the ratio of special symbols on the game machine, etc.). An outline of the data related to the inspection mode of the present embodiment is shown in Figure 4.

[0076] In Figure 4, examples of data related to the inspection mode include menu operation data related to menu selection and confirmation for the inspection mode, SEG sequential lighting data related to 7-segment lighting control, excitation data related to rotation control of reels 110 to 112, and inspection reel data. Although the excitation data and the inspection reel data are the same as the data used in the game mode, the excitation data and the inspection reel data stored in the non-use area (data area) of the ROM are used when the inspection mode is executed. Furthermore, during reel inspection in the inspection mode, for example, there is no need to output external signals such as a BB signal and a payout signal, so data related to external signals is not stored in the non-use area (data area) of the ROM.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the built-in RWM has an area within the usage area (hereinafter referred to as the RWM usage area), an area outside the usage area (hereinafter referred to as the RWM non-used area), and an unused area. The RWM usage area (work area) stores processing and temporary data related to the game (for example, data related to the reel control status). On the other hand, the RWM non-used area (work area) stores temporary data related to the inspection mode. In addition to data related to the inspection mode, the RWM non-used area may also store temporary data related to fraud detection, temporary data related to error detection and error handling, and temporary data related to the aggregation of game history (such as the difference in tokens or payouts per day, the total number of games played on the machine to date, the difference in tokens or total payouts on the machine to date, and the ratio of winning combinations on the machine). An overview of the temporary data related to the inspection mode in this embodiment is shown in Figure 5.

[0078] Figure 5 shows temporary data set during inspection mode, including an inspection mode flag indicating whether or not inspection mode is in progress, inspection reel information for reel inspection, inspection SEG / LED data which is output data to 7-segment displays and LEDs, inspection medal count control command reception data which is command data received from the medal count control unit 350, inspection medal count control command transmission data which is sent to the medal count control unit 350, inspection sub-control command transmission data which is command data sent to the first sub-control unit 400, inspection menu status information which indicates the status of the inspection menu, port input status information which relates to the status of the input ports, and inspection timing information which indicates the inspection timing. Here, an overview of the commands related to inspection mode is shown in Figure 6.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6, the commands related to the inspection mode include commands sent from the medal count control unit 350 to the main control unit 300, commands sent from the main control unit 300 to the medal count control unit 350, and commands sent from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400. The main control unit 300 is configured to send commands to the medal count control unit 350 and the first sub-control unit 400 every 50 msec, and the main control unit 300 is configured to receive commands from the medal count control unit 350 every 5.68 msec.

[0080] In the inspection mode of this embodiment, commands related to the inspection information shown in Figure 6 are exchanged between the main control unit 300 and the medal count control unit 350, and the main control unit 300 transmits the commands related to the inspection information shown in Figure 6 to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0081] The slot machine 100 of this embodiment has a test mode separate from the playable state (play mode). In the test mode, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, the system is configured to use processes (programs) and data located in the unused areas of the ROM and RWM. In other words, the slot machine 100 is configured to execute game processing using programs and data in the used areas of the ROM and RWM in the play mode, and to execute test processing using programs and data in the unused areas of the ROM and RWM in the test mode.

[0082] <Pattern arrangement> The symbol arrangements on each of the reels 110 to 112 described above will be explained using Figure 7(a). This figure shows the symbol arrangements on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) laid out in a two-dimensional manner.

[0083] Each reel 110-112 has a predetermined number of symbols (21 symbols, numbered 0-20 in this embodiment) of multiple types (8 types in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure. The numbers 0-20 shown on the left end of the figure indicate the positions of the symbols on each reel 110-112. For example, in this embodiment, the symbol for number 1 on the left reel 110 is "Replay", the symbol for number 0 on the middle reel 111 is "Bell", and the symbol for number 2 on the right reel 112 is "Watermelon".

[0084] <Types of prize winning roles> Next, Figure 7(b) will be used to explain the types of winning combinations for slot machine 100. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including activation combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination. Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, Big Bonuses (BB1, BB2) and Regular Bonuses (RB) are bonus combinations that transition to bonus games, and Replay is a combination that allows for replaying without inserting new medals. These are distinguished from winning combinations and are sometimes called "activation combinations," but in this embodiment, "winning combinations" include the activation combinations: Big Bonuses, Regular Bonuses, and Replay. Furthermore, in this embodiment, "winning" also includes cases where symbol combinations of activation combinations that do not involve medal payouts are displayed on the active line, such as winning Big Bonuses, Regular Bonuses, and Replay.

[0085] The winning combinations in Slot Machine 100 include Big Bonuses (BB1, BB2), Regular Bonuses (RB), Small Wins (Cherry, Watermelon, Bell), and Replay. It goes without saying that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these and can be arbitrarily selected. For example, the Bell combination may include a push-order Bell (8 coins for the correct operation, 1 or 0 coins for the incorrect operation) where the winning combination changes depending on how the stop buttons 130-132 are operated.

[0086] The "Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "BB") is a special role (activating role) that, upon winning, initiates the Big Bonus game (BB game). The corresponding symbol combinations are "BB1 symbol (also called white 7) - BB1 symbol - BB1 symbol" for BB1 and "BB2 symbol (also called blue 7) - BB2 symbol - BB2 symbol" for BB2. In addition, flags are carried over for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 or BB2 is internally won, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300), but even if BB1 or BB2 is not won in that game, the state in which the flag indicating internal win is set is maintained until it is won, and in subsequent games, BB1 and BB2 are internally won, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 "white 7 - white 7 - white 7" and the symbol combination corresponding to BB2 "blue 7 - blue 7 - blue 7" are all in a state where they can be won.

[0087] The "Regular Bonus (RB)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "RB") is a special role (activating role) that, upon winning, initiates the Regular Bonus game (RB game). The corresponding symbol combination is "RB symbol (also called Bonus) - RB symbol - RB symbol". Furthermore, the flag for RB is carried over in the same way as for BB as described above. However, in Big Bonus games (BB games), instead of requiring internal wins for Regular Bonus games (RB games) or the display of symbol combinations on the winning lines as starting conditions, it is also possible to set it up so that Regular Bonus games start automatically after the start of Big Bonus games, and when one Regular Bonus game is completed, the next Regular Bonus game starts immediately.

[0088] "The minor roles (cherry, watermelon, bell) (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "cherry," "watermelon," and "bell") are winning roles that pay out a predetermined number of medals upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are "cherry symbol-ANY symbol-ANY symbol" for cherry, "watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol" for watermelon, and "bell symbol-bell symbol-bell symbol" for bell. The corresponding payout amounts are as shown in the diagram: 4 medals for cherry, 12 medals for watermelon, and 8 medals for bell. In the case of "cherry symbol-ANY symbol-ANY symbol," the symbol on the left reel 110 only needs to be the "cherry" symbol, and the symbols on the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 can be any symbol."

[0089] "Replay" is a winning combination (activation combination) that allows you to play the next round without inserting any tokens (game currency), but no tokens are paid out. The corresponding symbol combination for replay is "Replay symbol - Replay symbol - Replay symbol".

[0090] Here, we will briefly explain the internal probability of winning a prize.

[0091] The internal winning probability for each role is determined by dividing the numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each role by the numerical data of the range of random values ​​obtained during the internal lottery described later (in this embodiment, 65536). The lottery data is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each numerical range is associated with a role or a losing outcome. In the internal lottery process for winning roles described later, it is determined whether the random value obtained as a result of the internal lottery corresponds to the value of the lottery data corresponding to any role, and the internal winning role is determined. In practice, this lottery data is prepared with settings 1 to 6, each with a different winning probability for at least one role, and the staff of the amusement parlor can arbitrarily select and set any of these settings.

[0092] In addition, while settings 1 through 6 differ in the probability of winning internally determined roles, thereby differentiating the advantage of the gaming machine, this is not the only way to do so. For example, while there may be no difference in the probability of winning internally determined roles between settings 1 through 6, the advantage of the gaming machine may also differ by creating differences between settings 1 through 6 in the probability of entering the AT (Automatic Trigger) game state, where the player is notified of advantageous operating methods, or in the probability of entering the chance zone, where players can expect to transition to the AT game state.

[0093] <Slot machine state transition diagram> Figure 8 is a state transition diagram of slot machine 100.

[0094] First, let's explain the state transitions when the power is turned on. Slot machine 100 will (1) start in the playable state (play mode) if the power is cut off and then restored, and the complete function was not activated before the power cut off (including when the power is turned on with the reset switch ON). On the other hand, (2) start in the playable state (play mode) if the power is cut off and then restored, and the complete function was activated before the power cut off. Here, the complete function is a function that makes it impossible to play for the day when the number of coins acquired for the day (MY) reaches a predetermined number (for example, 19,000 coins). Furthermore, the slot machine 100 will (3) start in a setting change state if it is powered off and then restored while in a playable state (play mode) and the setting key is turned ON when the power is turned on, and (4) start in inspection mode if it is powered off and then restored while in a playable state (play mode) and the front door 102 is opened and the left stop button 137 and the right stop button 139 are pressed simultaneously when the power is turned on. In other words, in this embodiment, the operation of opening the front door 102 and pressing the left stop button 137 and the right stop button 139 simultaneously is the operation of starting the inspection mode.

[0095] Next, when slot machine 100 is in a playable state (play mode), if the complete function is activated, it will transition to the complete activation state. Also, when the setting key is turned ON while in the playable state (play mode), it will transition to the setting confirmation state. In the setting confirmation state, if the setting key is turned OFF, it will transition back to the playable state (play mode).

[0096] Next, the transition from the complete operation state will be explained. When the slot machine 100 is in the complete operation state and the power is lost and then restored, it will start in the complete operation state. In this embodiment, once the complete function is activated, it is not possible to transition to any other state without going through the setting change state. Specifically, after a power outage, if the setting key is left ON and the power is turned on, it is possible to transition from the complete operation state to the setting change state.

[0097] Next, we will explain the state transition from the settings change state. If the slot machine 100 is in the settings change state and then power is restored after an outage, it will start in the settings change state again. Also, if the setting key is turned OFF while in the settings change state, it will transition to the playable state (play mode).

[0098] Finally, the state transition from inspection mode will be explained. When the slot machine 100 is in inspection mode, if the power is lost and then restored, it starts the inspection mode. In this embodiment, even if the power is lost and then restored during the inspection of a certain inspection item, it does not return to the state during the inspection just before the power loss (as described later in step S1009 of Figure 13 and in Figure 25). This is because when transitioning to inspection mode upon power restoration, the system transitions to inspection mode without going through the "return to processing before power loss" process in step S1009 of Figure 13. When returning from inspection mode to game mode, it is necessary to go through a setting change, and the judgment of the setting key switch takes precedence over the "return to processing before power loss" process. This improves security. Furthermore, a backup function may be configured to return to the state during inspection immediately before the power outage even if there is a power outage and subsequent restoration during inspection mode. In this case, for example, the same process as step S211 in Figure 10 may be performed in the inspection mode termination process in Figure 25, and a "return to pre-power outage processing" process may be added after step S1304 in the inspection mode start determination process in Figure 16, or a "return to pre-power outage processing" process may be added in the inspection mode execution process (or the initial setup process at the start of inspection mode) in Figure 18. When returning to the state during inspection immediately before the power outage, it is desirable that the reel's excitation phase data be retained at the time of the power outage or restoration, because if the excitation phase data is initialized, it will not be possible to return to the middle of the reel operation inspection. Also, even when not in the middle of a reel operation inspection, there is a risk that the reel may rattle when starting the reel during inspection mode (the excitation phase data is initialized, and a rattle phenomenon occurs temporarily because it does not match the excitation in the actual stopping manner), which would result in irregular operation even though it is a confirmation of the reel's operation. Thus, in the inspection mode of this embodiment, it is not possible to transition to other states without going through the setting change state. Specifically, if the power is turned on after a power outage while the setting key is still ON, it is possible to transition from the inspection mode to the setting change state. Even when transitioning from the inspection mode to the setting change state, information regarding the internal lottery process for winning roles may be retained.In this case, it is possible to prevent all machines from becoming uniformly advantageous in the initial RT state. Also, in the case of machines that allow normal gameplay to be performed while retaining the internal bonus winning state, it is also possible to retain that internal winning state. In this case, even after going through the settings change (inspection mode), the game can be played in the same state as if the settings change (inspection mode) had not been performed.

[0099] Although not shown in Figure 8, it is possible to run the test mode even if RAM308 is faulty. However, if the power is interrupted and then restored after the test mode ends, it is difficult to determine whether it can be restored to normal operation, so the system will transition to a RAM error notification state. (Note that error notification is not performed even if an error is detected during the test mode. Also, the error will be cleared by the setting change process.)

[0100] Figure 8 shows the state transitions of the main control unit 300 when the slot machine 100 is powered off and then restored. The slot machine 100 is configured to start up in the following order: sub-control units (first sub-control unit 400, second sub-control unit 500), medal count control unit 350, and then the main control unit 300. The sub-control units and medal count control unit 350 need to start up before the main control unit 300 because they decide whether to switch to inspection mode or game mode based on the first command they receive from the main control unit 300. In inspection mode, the medal count control unit 350 does not communicate with the dispensing machine 700 and only performs inspection processing.

[0101] Furthermore, if any abnormality occurs and the game states of the main control unit 300 and the medal count control unit 350 do not match, (A) for example, if the main control unit 300 is in game mode and the medal count control unit 350 is in inspection mode, the main control unit 300 is configured to discard all commands received from the medal count control unit 350 and notify an error indicating that it could not correctly obtain commands from the medal count control unit 350, while the medal count control unit 350 is configured to execute inspection mode. This configuration prevents the game from proceeding while the game states do not match and encourages the resolution of errors. Also, (B) for example, if the main control unit 300 is in inspection mode and the medal count control unit 350 is in game mode, the medal count control unit 350 is configured to switch to inspection mode, and the main control unit 300 is configured to discard commands received from the medal count control unit 350 before switching to inspection mode. This configuration allows the system to prompt the user to return to game mode by changing settings after going through inspection mode, even if the game states do not match, without issuing an error notification (error processing). This reduces the hassle of dealing with error processing. In addition, a common configuration for (A) and (B) is that if the game states do not match, the system enters inspection mode, preventing gameplay from continuing with an internal mismatch. To return to gameplay, the system requires the procedure of "inspection mode → setting change," which semi-forcibly prompts the user to check for malfunctions using inspection mode or to initialize the game machine by changing settings, thereby improving the maintainability of the game machine. Note that in game mode, if the game states of the main control unit 300 and the medal count control unit 350 do not match or if there is no response signal from one of them, an error notification or error processing will be performed for a communication abnormality. However, as mentioned above, no error notification or error processing is performed in inspection mode. In this way, in inspection mode, even if conditions that would result in an error in game mode are met, the system is prompted to switch to inspection mode, preventing the inspection work from being interrupted.

[0102] <Processing of slot machines> Next, the processing of the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400, and the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0103] <Main processing of the main control unit> First, using Figure 9, we will explain the main processing performed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main processing of the main control unit.

[0104] When power is turned on to the slot machine 100, step S101 first performs the initial setup process for the main control unit (details will be described later).

[0105] Step S102 executes the medal insertion and start operation reception process. Here, sensors detect whether or not an electronic medal insertion operation has been performed using the bet buttons 130 and 132. If an insertion operation has been performed, the winning line indicator lamps 120 are lit according to the number of medals inserted. Preparations are also made to send a medal insertion command to the first sub-control unit 400 to indicate that medals have been inserted. If a re-play win occurred in the previous game, the same number of medals as those inserted in the previous game will be inserted, so the player does not need to insert any more medals.

[0106] Furthermore, the system checks whether the start lever 135 has been operated based on sensor detection. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the system determines the number of medals inserted and prepares to send a start lever reception command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that the start lever 135 has been operated.

[0107] Step S103 determines the valid winning line.

[0108] In step S104, the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit are obtained.

[0109] In step S105, an internal lottery process for winning roles is performed. In the internal lottery process for winning roles, the winning role lottery table stored in ROM 306 is read according to the current game state (RT-type game state), and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value obtained in step S104. If the internal lottery results in an internal win for any winning role (including activation roles), the condition device (flag) for the internally won role (internal winning role) is activated (the flag for that winning role is turned ON). Also in this step S105, preparations are made to send an internal win command indicating the result of the internal lottery for winning roles to the first sub-control unit 400. For example, if a watermelon is internally won, preparations are made to send an internal win command indicating that a watermelon has been internally won to the first sub-control unit 400, and if the result of the internal lottery for winning roles is a miss (no winning role), preparations are made to send an internal win command indicating a miss to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0110] In step S106, reel stop data is selected based on the results of the internal lottery for winning combinations in step S105. For winning combinations where the order of stopping operations is important, the operating conditions are also set, and when the corresponding reel stop data is selected, the operating conditions are also set.

[0111] In step S107, a reel rotation start process is executed to start the rotation of all reels 110 to 112 based on the start operation.

[0112] In step S108, reel stop control processing is performed. In reel stop control processing, stop buttons 137 to 139 become available for input. When any of the stop buttons are pressed, the stop data of the 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 retracted frames set in the stop data. If all reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S108, preparations are made to send a stop button reception command (specifically, a stop button reception 1 command for the first stop operation, a stop button reception 2 command for the second stop operation, and a stop button reception 3 command for the third stop operation) to the first sub-control unit 400 for each stop operation, and preparations are made to send a reel stop command (specifically, a reel stop 1 command for the first stop reel, a reel stop 2 command for the second stop operation, and a reel stop 3 command for the third stop operation) to the first sub-control unit 400 for each stop operation.

[0113] In step S109, a prize determination process is performed. In the prize determination process, a prize determination is performed on the symbols that stopped when stop buttons 137 to 139 were pressed. If a combination of symbols corresponding to a prize is displayed on the activated prize line, it is determined that a prize has been won. For example, if "watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol" is lined up on the activated prize line, it is determined that a watermelon prize has been won. Also in this step S109, preparations are made to send a display determination command indicating the result of the prize determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0114] In step S110, the medal payout process is performed. In the medal payout process, if any winning combination that is eligible for payout has been achieved, the number of medals corresponding to that winning combination will be paid out. Also in step S110, preparations are made to send a medal payout command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating the number of medals to be paid out.

[0115] In step S111, game state control processing is performed. This game state control processing controls the transition between game states (RT-type game states, AT-type game states). Also in step S111, preparations are made to send a game state command indicating the game state to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0116] This completes one game. The game will then continue by returning to step S102 and repeating the process described above. The various commands prepared in each of the above steps will be transmitted in the command setting transmission process of the main control unit timer interrupt process (step S206 in Figure 10), which will be described later.

[0117] <Main control timer interrupt processing> Next, using Figure 10, we will explain the main control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing.

[0118] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined interval (approximately once every 2ms in this embodiment), and the main control unit timer interrupt processing is started at a predetermined interval triggered by this timer interrupt signal.

[0119] Step S201 performs the timer interrupt start process. This timer interrupt start process includes temporarily saving the values ​​of each register of the CPU304 to the RWM stack area.

[0120] In step S202, the WDT314 is periodically restarted (in this embodiment, once every 2ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt) to prevent a WDT interrupt from occurring (to prevent detection of a processing abnormality) if the count value of the WDT314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8ms in this embodiment).

[0121] In step S221, it is determined whether 6 seconds have elapsed since power was supplied (since power was restored). If so, the process proceeds to step S203, where processing according to the state of the gaming machine (processing in steps S203 to S210; for example, reel rotation, lighting of stop button LEDs, sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, etc.) is executed. If not, in step S222, the 6-second counter is updated, and then the process proceeds to step S211 without executing processing according to the state of the gaming machine (processing in steps S203 to S210).

[0122] In this example, the system is configured not to execute the processing corresponding to the state of the gaming machine (processing in steps S203 to S210) until 6 seconds have elapsed since power was restored. However, even if 6 seconds have not elapsed since power was restored, the system is configured to send commands to the medal count control unit 350 (for example, medal count control commands). Furthermore, the waiting time after power restoration is not limited to 6 seconds; it may be less than 6 seconds or 6 seconds or more.

[0123] In step S203, an input port state update process is performed. In this input port state update process, detection signals from the sensor circuits 320 of various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310, the presence or absence of detection signals is monitored, and the signals are stored in the signal state storage area of ​​the RAM 308, which is partitioned for each of the various sensors 318.

[0124] In step S204, various game processing is executed, and processing according to the interrupt status is performed.

[0125] In step S205, timer update processing is performed. More specifically, various timers are updated according to their respective time units.

[0126] In step S206, stop button display control processing is performed. As will be explained in detail later using Figure 31, this stop button display control processing involves changing the illumination pattern of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a based on the state of the reels 110 to 112 and the stop buttons 137 to 139.

[0127] In step S207, if the status of each reel stored in the RWM is "start rotation", reel rotation control processing is performed. As will be explained in detail later using Figure 32, in this reel rotation control processing, the rotation of the reels is controlled, and the reel stop data to be actually used for reel stop control is determined from a plurality of reel stop data candidates selected in step S104 of the main processing of the main control unit, according to the stopping order and stopping status of reels 110 to 112. Then, based on the determined reel stop data, the rotation of reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 137 to 139 is stopped.

[0128] In step S208, the command setting transmission process is performed, and the various commands that were prepared for transmission are sent to the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 can determine the performance control in response to the change in game control in the main control unit 300 based on the command type included in the received output schedule information, and can also determine the performance control content based on the command data information included in the output schedule information.

[0129] In step S209, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 650, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 328.

[0130] In step S210, device monitoring is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S203 are first read, and if an error is detected, error processing is executed (not shown). Furthermore, the settings of display devices such as the various lamps 336, the instruction monitor 125, the game information display 126, and the payout count display 127 are configured according to the current game state.

[0131] In step S211, the system monitors whether the low-voltage signal is on or off. If the low-voltage signal is on (i.e., power interruption is detected), the system proceeds to step S223; otherwise, it proceeds to step S212.

[0132] Step S212 performs various processes to terminate the timer interrupt termination process. This timer interrupt termination process includes restoring the values ​​of each register that were temporarily saved in step S201 from RWM and setting them back to their original values. After that, the process returns to the main control unit main process shown in Figure 9.

[0133] On the other hand, in step S223, the 6-second measurement counter updated in step S222 is referenced to determine whether or not the system is waiting for power restoration (in this example, whether or not 6 seconds have elapsed since power restoration). If so, specific variables and the stack pointer necessary to return to the state at the time of power loss are saved as restoration data in a predetermined area of ​​the RWM, and the system proceeds to step S225. If not so, the system proceeds to step S225 without saving the stack pointer as restoration data in a predetermined area of ​​the RWM. In step S225, power loss processing such as initialization of input / output ports and calculation of checksums is performed, and then the system returns to the main processing of the main control unit shown in Figure 9.

[0134] <Processing of the first sub-control unit> Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 11. Figure 11(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 11(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0135] First, the main processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 11(a).

[0136] When the power is turned on, the initialization process is first executed in step S301. This initialization process includes initial settings for input / output ports and initialization of the memory area in RAM 408. During this process, an area for storing internal winning information, which represents the result of an internal win, and an area for storing RT update information, which represents the game state, are each created in RAM 408.

[0137] In step S302, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0138] In step S303, the timer variable is assigned the value 0.

[0139] In step S304, command processing is performed, which is the processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300.

[0140] In step S305, performance control processing is performed. Here, preparations for the performance are carried out according to the performance reservation information located in the performance reservation area provided in RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, reading performance data from ROM 406 and, if the performance data needs to be updated, performing performance data update processing.

[0141] In step S306, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC418 in the performance data read in step S305, this command is output to the sound source IC418.

[0142] In step S307, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there are commands for various lamps 420 in the performance data read in step S305, these commands are output to the drive circuit 422.

[0143] In step S308, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command for the shutter 163 in the effect data read in step S305, this command is output to the drive circuit 424.

[0144] In step S309, information output processing is performed to set up the sending of a command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command to send to the second sub-control unit 500 in the performance data read in step S305, the settings are made to output this control command, and the process returns to step S302.

[0145] Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 11(b). This command reception interrupt processing is performed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S401 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in RAM 408.

[0146] Next, using Figure 11(c), the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, which is executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, will be explained. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interval (once every 2ms in this embodiment), and triggers the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined interval based on this timer interrupt.

[0147] In step S501, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 408, as explained in step S302 of the first sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 11(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S302, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20ms (2ms × 10).

[0148] In step S502, commands are sent to the second sub-control unit 500, which was set in step S309, and processing is performed to update the random values ​​for the performance.

[0149] <Processing of the second sub-control unit> Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 12(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure (d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500.

[0150] First, in step S601 of Figure 12(a), various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, the initialization process is executed in step S601. This initialization process includes initial settings for input / output ports, initialization of the memory area in RAM 508, and initialization of the memory area in VRAM 518.

[0151] In step S602, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0152] In step S603, the timer variable is assigned the value 0.

[0153] In step S604, command processing is performed. During command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 identifies each command received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0154] Step S605 performs performance control processing. Specifically, if there was a new command in step S604, the process corresponding to this command is performed. For example, the process of reading performance data for image control related to the background image from ROM 506 is executed. In addition, the process of reading other performance data from ROM 506 is performed, and if the performance data needs to be updated, the performance data update process is performed.

[0155] In step S606, image control processing (details described later) is performed based on the processing result of step S605. For example, if there is an image control command in the performance data read in step S605, the corresponding image control is performed. For example, image control related to the display image (notification image, background image) is executed. Once this image control processing is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0156] Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 12(b). This command reception interrupt processing is performed when the second sub-control unit 500 detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400.

[0157] In step S701 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in RAM 508.

[0158] Next, using Figure 12(c), the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, which is executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, will be explained. The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interval (once every 2ms in this embodiment), and triggers the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined interval based on this timer interrupt.

[0159] In step S801, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 508, as explained in step S602 of the second sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 12(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S602, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20ms (2ms × 10).

[0160] Step S802 performs processes such as updating the random values ​​used for the visual effects.

[0161] Next, using Figure 12(d), the image control process in step S6006 of the main processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the image control process.

[0162] In step S901, an instruction is given to transfer image data. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the drawing area designations of display area A and display area B of the VRAM 518. As a result, one frame of image stored in the display area not designated as a drawing area is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets the ROM coordinates (source address of ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (destination address of VRAM 518), etc., in the attribute register of the VDP 516 based on the position information table, and then sets an instruction to start the transfer of image data from ROM 506 to VRAM 518. The VDP 516 transfers the image data from ROM 506 to VRAM 518 based on the instruction set in the attribute register. After that, the VDP 516 outputs a transfer completion interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

[0163] In step S902, it is determined whether or not a transfer completion interrupt signal has been received from VDP516. If a transfer completion interrupt signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S903; otherwise, the process waits for a transfer completion interrupt signal to be received.

[0164] In step S903, parameter settings are performed based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to provide information about the image data that constitutes the display image (coordinate axes of VRAM 518, image size, VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), transparency, etc.) in order to form a display image in display area A or B of VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to VRAM 518 in step S901. The VDP 516 then performs parameter settings according to the attributes based on the instructions stored in the attribute register.

[0165] In step S904, a drawing instruction is issued. In this drawing instruction, CPU 504 instructs VDP 516 to start drawing the image. VDP 516 starts drawing the image in the frame buffer according to the instruction from CPU 504.

[0166] In step S905, it is determined whether or not a generation completion interrupt signal has been input from VDP516 based on the completion of image drawing. If a generation completion interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S906; otherwise, the process waits for a generation completion interrupt signal to be input.

[0167] In step S906, the process ends after incrementing (+1) the scene display counter, which is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated.

[0168] <Main control unit initial setup process> Next, the main control unit initial setup process will be explained using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a flowchart that shows in detail the flow of the main control unit initial setup process in step S101 of Figure 9. Unless otherwise specified, the main control unit initial setup process is performed using data in the unused areas of the ROM and RWM.

[0169] In step S1001, the system waits until the voltage value of the power supply to the main control unit 300 reaches a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0170] In step S1002, the value of the 6-second measurement counter stored in the RWM is set to an initial value, and the 6-second countdown begins. The 6-second measurement counter is updated in the timer update process (step S205) of the main control unit timer interrupt process, as explained using Figure 10.

[0171] In step S1003, it is determined whether or not an inspection mode start operation has been performed. If so, the process proceeds to step S1004 to start the inspection mode execution process. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1004, the inspection mode execution process (details will be described later using Figure 14) is executed.

[0172] In step S1005, it is determined whether the setting key is ON or OFF. If it is, for example, if the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch and turned 90 degrees to the right, the process proceeds to step S1006. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1010. Here, the setting key is a key used to set the player's advantage level in the slot machine 100 (for example, there are six types of advantage levels from setting 1 to setting 6), and it becomes operable when the front door 102 is opened.

[0173] In step S1006, a setting change start command is sent to the first sub-control unit 300 to notify it that the setting change has begun, and then the process proceeds to step S1007. The command transmission will be described later using Figure 27. In step S1007, it is determined whether or not the operation of the start lever 135 has been received. If the operation has been received, the process proceeds to step S1008. If the operation has not been received, the process waits in step 1007 until the operation of the start lever 135 is received.

[0174] In step S1008, it is determined whether the setting key is OFF or not. If it is OFF (for example, if the setting key inserted into the setting key switch is rotated 90 degrees to the left), the process proceeds to step S1009. Otherwise, the process waits in step S1008 until the setting key is OFF. In step S1009, a setting change completion command is sent to the first sub-control unit 300 to indicate that the setting change has been completed, and then the process proceeds to step S1015.

[0175] In step S1010, it is determined whether or not the operation for forced RWM clear (RWM initialization) has been accepted. If the operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1011; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1016. In step S1011, it is determined whether or not a configuration change is currently in progress. If a configuration change is not currently in progress, the process proceeds to step S1012; if a configuration change is currently in progress, the process proceeds to step S1016.

[0176] In step S1012, it is determined whether or not the complete function is active. If the complete function is not active, the process proceeds to step S1013. If the complete function is active, the process proceeds to step S1016. In step S1013, it is determined whether or not the system is in recovery standby mode. If the system is not in recovery standby mode, the process proceeds to step S1014. If the system is in recovery standby mode, the process proceeds to step S1016.

[0177] In step S1014, a forced RWM clear command is sent to the first sub-control unit 300 to inform it that a forced RWM clear will be performed, and then the process proceeds to step S1015.

[0178] In step S1015, the input management process (details will be described later using Figure 24) is executed, and then the main control unit initial setup process is terminated. In step S1016, the return process (details will be described later using Figure 26) is executed, and then the main control unit initial setup process is terminated.

[0179] <Inspection mode execution process> Next, the inspection mode execution process will be explained using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a flowchart that shows in detail the flow of the inspection mode execution process in step S1004 of the main control unit initial setup process explained using Figure 13. The inspection mode execution process is performed using data from the unused areas of the ROM and RWM.

[0180] Step S1501 executes the initial setup process for when the inspection mode starts. Here, we will explain the initial setup process for when the inspection mode starts in detail using Figure 15. Figure 15 is a flowchart that shows in detail the flow of the initial setup process for when the inspection mode starts in step S1501 in Figure 14.

[0181] First, in step S1601, the unused area of ​​the RWM (see Figure 5) is initialized, and then in step S1602, the timer count 2 is set to an initial value (specifically, 1.49 msec). Here, timer count 2 is a timer for periodically executing the loop processing from step 1502 to step S1510 in Figure 14 at a fixed time interval (1.49 msec). The time interval of the loop processing was set to 1.49 msec to match the reset period of the WDT, the time of one step in the reel rotation processing, and the period of dynamic lighting control in the 7-segment display. In this way, the processing that is periodically performed in the game mode can be guaranteed in the inspection mode as well, and the reliability and operational stability of the inspection mode can be ensured in terms of whether it operates in the same way as in the game mode. Note that timer count 1 is the timer count used for the main control unit timer interrupt processing (Figure 10).

[0182] Returning to Figure 14, step S1502 executes port-related processing. Port-related processing involves outputting inspection data generated in the inspection process of step S1504 (described later) to the port, and acquiring inspection data transmitted from other control units from the input port. Here, we will explain port-related processing in detail using Figure 16. Figure 16 is a flowchart that shows in detail the flow of port-related processing in step S1502 of Figure 14.

[0183] First, in step S1701, the reel control data (inspection reel control information in Figure 5) stored in the unused area of ​​the RWM is output to the port. Then, in step S1702, the state of the input port (state of the input switch) is stored in the port input state information (see Figure 5) in the unused area of ​​the RWM. In this embodiment, since the reel control data is output in the first step of the loop processing (step S1502), it is possible to output the reel control data stably at regular intervals regardless of the amount of data processing.

[0184] In step S1701, when outputting reel control data to the port, it is necessary to first set the reel control data to an unused area of ​​the RWM (the setting of reel control data is done at the timing of the reel inspection described later), and then read it again from the unused area of ​​the RWM. There are also disadvantages such as the fact that the data setting and data output processes are separated, which adds to the time required by the loop processing cycle. However, since the reel control data is stored in an unused area of ​​the RWM, these disadvantages are not practically a problem. Note that the method of outputting reel control data to the port is not limited to this; the data may also be output to the port immediately after setting the reel control data. In this case, the disadvantages mentioned above will not occur, but the timing of data output may not be stable depending on the amount of data being processed.

[0185] Returning to Figure 14, step S1503 executes the menu selection process. Here, the menu selection process will be explained in detail using Figures 17 and 18(a). Figure 17 is a menu transition diagram of the inspection screen, and Figure 18(a) shows the menu screen for inspection mode.

[0186] As shown in Figure 18(a), the menu screen in the inspection mode of this embodiment displays three inspection items: "Input Inspection," "Main Control Output Inspection," and "Sub Control Output Inspection." Here, the input inspection is an inspection of the input section of the slot machine 100 (for example, various buttons and various sensors). In the input inspection, not only the input section managed by the main control unit 300 but also the input section managed by the first sub-control unit 400 are subject to inspection. The main control output inspection is an inspection of the display unit, lamps, and reels managed by the main control unit 300. The sub-control output inspection is an inspection of the performance devices (e.g., speakers, movable parts, etc.) managed by the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500. As shown in Figure 17, the inspector can select inspection items by operating the left and right stop buttons (specifically, operating the left stop button 137 moves the cursor up, and operating the right stop button 139 moves the cursor down), and confirm the selected item by operating the bet button 132 (see menu operation data in Figure 4). Note that, as shown in Figure 17, in the "input inspection screen" and "sub-control output inspection," operating the bet button 130 returns to the inspection screen (even during inspection, operating the bet button 130 returns to the inspection screen).

[0187] Furthermore, in this embodiment, considering the possibility of stop button and bet button malfunctions, the selection and determination of inspection items can also be done by other methods. These other methods involve selecting inspection items by detection by the index sensor on the left reel 110 and determining the selected inspection items by detection by the index sensor on the right reel 112. That is, the inspector selects an inspection item by manually rotating the left reel 110 once (forward or backward), and determines the selected inspection item by manually rotating the right reel 112 once.

[0188] Returning to Figure 14, step S1504 executes the inspection process. Here, we will explain the inspection process in detail using Figures 18 to 20. Note that the inspection process in step S1504 is merely a process for generating and setting data for inspection, and is not a process for executing the inspection (for example, sending a command to the medal count control unit 350 when the inspection is performed by the medal count control unit 350, sending a command to the first sub-control unit 400 when the inspection is performed by the first sub-control unit 400, outputting reel control data to a port, or outputting lighting data for the 7-segment display or LEDs to a port).

[0189] First, the input validation process when "Input Validation" is selected in the menu selection process of step S1503 will be explained using Figures 18(b) and 19. Figure 18(b) shows one screen of the input validation process, and Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the input validation process.

[0190] In the input inspection, as shown in Figure 18(b), a list of target inspection items is displayed, and the current inspection status of each inspection item is displayed in the list of inspection items. "Not detected" indicates that the sensor of the corresponding input unit is not detecting anything, i.e., it is not being inspected, and "Detected" indicates that the sensor of the corresponding input unit is detecting something, i.e., it is being inspected. For example, when performing an input inspection of the stop button 137, "Stop button left" displayed on the screen changes from "Not detected" to "Detecting" (the color of the text also reverses), and when the inspection is completed, a "Completion sound" is output. In this embodiment, the completion sound is output when the sensor changes from not detected to detected, but it may also be output when the sensor changes from detected to not detected after this point.

[0191] In addition, during input testing, the system notifies the user that testing is in progress not only through the display on the liquid crystal display device 157 (not detected, detecting), but also through other devices. One is a monitor LED located on the main control board, and the other is a push button 190. Specifically, when the sensor under test is detecting something, the monitor LED lights up and the push button 190 lights up. In this embodiment, in order to check the status of the monitor LED, the main control board must be checked with the front door 102 open. Therefore, the push button 190, which is easier to check, is also set up as a device for testing notification, reducing the inconvenience of having to open the front door 102 to the extent that the monitor LED on the main control board can be checked.

[0192] Figure 19 shows the notification behavior of each device when an input test is performed on the stop button 137. Figure 19(a) shows the display behavior of the liquid crystal display device 157 before and after operation on the stop button 137, and Figure 19(b) shows the display behavior of the liquid crystal display device 157 during operation on the stop button 137. Furthermore, Figure 19(a) shows the timing chart when the stop button 137 is pressed briefly (pressed once for a short time), and Figure 19(b) shows the timing chart when the stop button 137 is pressed for a long time (pressed continuously). Note that the screens shown in Figures 19(a) and (b) are displayed during the periods indicated by (a) and (b) in the timing charts of Figures 19(a) and (b), respectively.

[0193] When the stop button 137 is pressed briefly, as shown in Figure 19(a), the monitor LED lights up for a duration T1 from the start of the press, and the liquid crystal display 157 displays "detection in progress" for a duration T1 from the start of the press. Meanwhile, the inspection completion sound is output for a predetermined time TA (one-shot period) from the start of the press, and the PUSH button 190 lights up for a predetermined time TA from the start of the press. In contrast, when the stop button 137 is pressed for a long time, as shown in Figure 19(b), the monitor LED lights up for a duration T2 from the start of the press, and the liquid crystal display 157 displays "detection in progress" for a duration T2 from the start of the press. Meanwhile, the inspection completion sound is output for a predetermined time TA from the start of the press, and the PUSH button 190 lights up for a predetermined time TA from the start of the press.

[0194] Thus, the notification time for the stop button 137, monitor LED, and liquid crystal display device 157 corresponds to the time the stop button 137 is pressed (the detection time of the sensor being inspected), but the notification time for the inspection completion sound and the PUSH button 190 is a predetermined time (one-shot period) regardless of the time the stop button 137 is pressed (the detection time of the sensor being inspected). Alternatively, the notification time for the inspection completion sound and the PUSH button 190 may also correspond to the detection time of the sensor being inspected.

[0195] Next, the main control output inspection when "Main Control Output Inspection" is selected in the menu selection process of step S1503 will be explained using Figures 18(c) and 20. Figure 18(c) shows one screen of the main control output inspection, and Figure 20 is a diagram showing the screen transitions of the liquid crystal display device 157 during the main control output inspection.

[0196] In the main control output inspection of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, the system is configured to first inspect the medal count indicator (7-segment display, LED) managed by the medal count control unit 350, then inspect the status indicator (7-segment display, LED) managed by the main control unit 300, and finally inspect the reels 110-112 managed by the main control unit 300. Once the main control output inspection is started, each process is executed automatically in sequence (see Figure 20), so it cannot be canceled midway (input inspection and sub-control output inspection can be canceled by operating the bet button 130 even while they are running). After all processes of the input inspection are completed, the system is configured to return to the inspection mode menu screen (see Figure 20). In the main control output inspection, the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the content currently being inspected (for example, inspecting the medal count indicator, inspecting the status indicator, etc.), and also displays a schematic diagram of the gaming machine's appearance, highlighting the area currently being inspected in the schematic diagram. When each inspection process is completed, a completion sound is output.

[0197] Furthermore, the medal count control unit 350 also has a program and data for testing, and this program and data may be used to perform testing operations on displays controlled by the medal count control unit 350. In addition, when performing testing operations on displays controlled by the medal count control unit 350, the medal count control unit may perform various segment and LED illumination processing and port output using timer interrupt processing. By adopting such a configuration, the program and data structure in the medal count control unit can be simplified compared to the program and data in the main control unit, thereby reducing the man-hours required during the development of the gaming machine.

[0198] Here, the medal count indicator is the game medal count display device 170 shown in Figure 1, and the inspection of the medal count indicator is performed by sequentially lighting up and turning off each segment of the game medal count display device 170. However, alternatively, the inspection may also be performed by sequentially lighting up each segment of the game medal count display device 170 (until all segments are lit). The status indicator also includes indicators such as the payout amount indicator 127, the re-play lamp 122, the game medal insertion lamp 129, the game start lamp 121, the bet button lamp 130, and the bet button lamp 132, and the inspection of the status indicator is performed by sequentially lighting up and turning off each segment of the above indicator. In addition, in the inspection of the reels 110 to 112, forward rotation, reverse rotation, and slight vibration are performed sequentially on each reel 110 to 112. In detail, the inspection of reels 110-112 is performed in step S1504 by setting the inspection reel data (see Figure 4) from the unused area of ​​the ROM as reel control information (see inspection reel control information in Figure 5) in the unused area of ​​the RWM, and then outputting the set reel control information to the port in the port-related processing of step S1502 described above.

[0199] In addition, the inspection of reels 110-112 may also be a separate reel inspection that accepts rotation and stopping operations from the inspector. Specifically, the reel inspection may be performed by repeatedly stopping predetermined numbered symbols in sequence by operating the start lever 135, rotating all reels 110-112, and operating the stop buttons 137-139. For example, the first time, the symbol number 0 on all reels 110-112 may be stopped, the second time, the symbol number 1 on all reels 110-112 may be stopped, and so on, stopping symbols up to number 20. If the reel index is not detected within a specified time after starting the reels, it may be determined that the reels are defective. After the reel inspection is completed, the stopping position of the reels may be returned to the position at the start of the inspection. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to prevent the game from starting from an action caused by the reel inspection, thereby ensuring the fairness of the game machine. Specifically, depending on the reel arrangement, if the reel inspection ends with a noticeable set of symbols, such as the number 7, aligned, it may be possible to time the reel stop when starting the game. This could lead to a difference in the difficulty of reel stopping between inspected and uninspected machines, potentially compromising fairness and impartiality. Furthermore, even with reel arrangements that do not result in a state where specific symbols are aligned, the transition from inspection mode to game mode after a setting change may cause the reels to rattle when starting the first game (due to the excitation phase data being initialized and not being consistent with the actual stopped state, resulting in rattling when the reels start). This could clearly indicate that the setting has been changed or that the machine has gone through inspection mode, potentially affecting the operation of the arcade when it opens. The reels can be automatically returned to their original stopping position, or they can be started with a random delay (starting the reels sequentially at random timings) and then stopped at an arbitrary position.

[0200] Furthermore, in reel inspection mode, no specific external signal is output even if specific symbols align when the reels stop. For example, when performing the reel inspection that accepts the inspector's rotation and stop operations as described above, even if the BB2 symbol number 12 shown in Figure 7(a) aligns and stops on all reels 110 to 112, the BB signal will not be output.

[0201] Finally, the sub-control output inspection when "Sub-control output inspection" is selected in the menu selection process of step S1503 will be explained using Figure 18(d). Figure 18(d) shows one screen of the sub-control output inspection. In the sub-control output inspection, a list of target inspection items is displayed, similar to the input inspection screen, and the current inspection status of each inspection item is displayed in the list of inspection items. "Not detected" indicates that the corresponding output unit (performance device) is not being detected, i.e., it is not being inspected, and "Detected" indicates that the corresponding output unit (performance device) is being detected, i.e., it is being inspected. In the sub-control output inspection, the inspector operates the selection buttons (left stop button 137, right stop button 139) and the confirmation button (bet button 132) to determine the desired inspection item, and the inspection of the determined item is performed. When the inspection is completed, a completion sound is output to indicate the end of the inspection. For example, if a lighting inspection is performed, the lighting will emit light in the inspection light emission mode, and if a speaker inspection is performed, a test sound will be output from the target speaker. Furthermore, if a full inspection is performed, the inspection actions (inspection light emission, inspection action, inspection test sound) of all inspection targets, including lighting, upper right speaker, upper left speaker, lower speaker, effect button vibration, and movable parts, will be performed in sequence. The sub-control output inspection screen displays a schematic diagram of the gaming machine's exterior, and the corresponding part of the item being inspected is highlighted in color, allowing for an intuitive understanding of which part of the gaming machine is being inspected.

[0202] Returning to Figure 14, in step S1505, a command is received from the medal count control unit 350. Specifically, the command received from the medal count control unit 350 is stored in the unused area of ​​the RWM as inspection medal count control command received data (see Figure 5). In particular, commands indicating input information for the counting button 171 and the game medal clear button 172 connected to the medal count control unit 350 are received.

[0203] In step S1506, a command is sent to the medal count control unit 350. Specifically, the medal count control command transmission data for inspection (see Figure 5), which is set in the unused area of ​​the RWM, is sent to the medal count control unit 350. Specifically, a command indicating the start of inspection of the game medal count display device 170 is sent to the medal count control unit 350. When the medal count control unit 350 receives the command indicating the start of inspection of the game medal count display device 170, it performs an inspection that lights up the game medal count display device 170.

[0204] In step S1507, a command is sent to the first sub-control unit 400. Specifically, the inspection sub-control command transmission data (see Figure 5) set in the unused area of ​​the RWM is sent to the first sub-control unit 400. In particular, a command including the status of the inspection menu and the status of the input unit is sent to the first sub-control unit 400. For example, based on the received command, the first sub-control unit 400 updates the inspection screen (input inspection screen, main control unit output inspection, sub-control output inspection) displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0205] In step S1508, the lighting process for the 7-segment display and LEDs is executed according to the lighting data for the 7-segment display and LEDs controlled by the main control unit 300, which was generated when the main control unit output inspection was performed in the inspection process of step S1504.

[0206] In step S1509, it is determined whether or not a power outage has been detected. If no power outage has been detected (step S1508: NO), the process proceeds to step S1510. If a power outage has been detected (step S1508: YES), the process proceeds to step S1511.

[0207] In step S1510, the process waits until timer count 2 times out (after 1.49 msec has elapsed). After waiting, the process returns to step S1502. As described above, the test mode execution process according to the present embodiment repeatedly executes the loop processing (steps S1502 to S1510) in the test mode execution process unless a power-off is detected.

[0208] On the other hand, in step S1511, a test mode end process (which will be described in detail later) is executed to end the test mode execution process. Here, the test mode end process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating in detail the flow of the test mode end process of step 1511 in FIG. 14.

[0209] First, in step S1901, a checksum of RWM is calculated and stored, and then in step S1902, access to RWM is prohibited. Note that, in the test mode end process, the process of holding the state at the time of power interruption is not executed. In addition, in the test mode end process, a test mode end command indicating the end of the test mode is not transmitted to the medal number control unit 350 and the first sub-control unit 400. The medal number control unit 350 and the first sub-control unit 400 determine whether the device is in the test mode based on a command (a test mode transition command or a command for test mode execution processing) received first when the power is turned on next time.

[0210] Note that the main control unit 300 may transmit the test mode end command to the medal number control unit 350 and the first sub-control unit 400, and the medal number control unit 350 and the first sub-control unit 400 may be configured to recognize the end of the test mode based on reception of another command. For example, when the test mode is executed in a setting change state, the end of the test mode may be recognized by receiving a setting change end command.

[0211] As described above, in the inspection mode execution process of this embodiment, a pseudo-timer interrupt process is executed in the main processing of the main control unit, as shown in steps S1502 to S1510 of Figure 14. Note that while this pseudo-timer interrupt process is being executed, the main control unit timer interrupt process is not executed (the main control unit timer interrupt process (see Figure 10) remains disabled in the initial setup of the main control unit in Figure 13). This is for the following reasons.

[0212] One reason is that in inspection mode, the system is configured to output data from unused areas (e.g., reel control data, LED lighting data, etc.) to the port to perform the inspection. However, if the main control unit timer interrupt processing is executed at the same time, the same output terminal is shared, which could cause the port output of data from the unused area to overlap and potentially overwrite the port data. In other words, there is a possibility that the inspection may not be performed correctly. Therefore, the main control unit timer interrupt processing is not executed while the pseudo timer interrupt processing is being performed.

[0213] Another reason is that, due to the specifications of the chip in the game control unit 302, the timer interrupt processing (interrupt vector table) must be placed at adjacent addresses. However, from the standpoint of preventing fraud, data in the used area and data in the unused area are required not to be adjacent (an unused area must be placed between the used and unused areas), so either the main control timer interrupt processing or the pseudo timer interrupt processing must be canceled. For this reason, in this embodiment, the main control timer interrupt processing is not executed.

[0214] As mentioned above, the main control timer interrupt processing is initiated in step S1015 or step S1016 of the main control unit initial setup process shown in Figure 13. For example, if the power is cut off while the inspection mode is running and the inspection is not performed when the power is turned on again, the main control unit timer interrupt processing will be initiated in step S1015 or step S1016 of the main control unit initial setup process when the power is turned on again. However, the main control timer interrupt processing may also be initiated when the inspection mode ends, and with this configuration, the timer interrupt processing can be started without waiting for the main control unit initial setup process when the power is turned on.

[0215] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13 and other figures in this embodiment, the inspection mode is called in the main processing using the program and data in the used area of ​​the main control unit, and then the inspection mode is executed in the main processing using the program and data in the unused area. In this configuration, the main processing in the used area does not proceed once the inspection mode is activated. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the main processing in the used area may continue to run and wait until the inspection mode is completed. By adopting such a configuration, the program structure can be simplified.

[0216] <Operation of the role ratio monitor> Next, we will explain the lighting patterns of the payout ratio monitor using Figure 22. First, we will explain the lighting patterns of the payout ratio monitor when the slot machine 100 enters game mode and setting change state after power-on using Figures 22(a) and (b), and Figures 22(a), (b), and (c).

[0217] Here, the payout ratio monitor is a 4-digit 7-segment display mounted on the main control board, which displays various ratios for evaluating the degree of gambling potential of the gaming machine. For example, it displays ratios such as the payout ratio, the continuous payout ratio, the advantageous section ratio, the payout ratio including instructions, and the payout status ratio. Figure 22(a) shows the payout ratio monitor in a fully-off state, Figure 22(b) shows the test pattern state of the payout ratio monitor, and Figure 22(c) shows the ratio display state of the payout ratio monitor. In this embodiment, the test pattern state shows a fully-lit pattern where all segments are lit from the beginning, but it is not limited to this, and a sequential lighting pattern where each segment lights up sequentially until all segments are lit may also be used.

[0218] Figure 22(a) is a timing chart showing the lighting pattern of the payout ratio monitor when transitioning to game mode after power-on, and Figure 22(b) is a timing chart showing the lighting pattern of the payout ratio monitor when transitioning to a setting change state after power-on, and then transitioning to game mode. As shown in Figures 22(a) and (b), after power-on, the payout ratio monitor lights up in a test pattern mode for a predetermined time TC (for example, 5 seconds), and then lights up in a ratio display mode. In this embodiment, the lighting in the test pattern mode starts after the power restoration process is completed, but it may also be set to start lighting up in the test pattern mode during the power restoration process. In this case, the lighting in the test pattern mode may end during the power restoration process or after the power restoration process.

[0219] Figures 22(c) and (d) are timing charts showing the illumination patterns of the performance ratio monitor when the system transitions to inspection mode after power-on. When the system transitions to inspection mode after power-on, the performance ratio monitor is configured to turn off. The inspector can understand that the system has transitioned to inspection mode by looking at the performance ratio monitor without having to look at the liquid crystal display device 157. However, various patterns can be expected for the role ratio monitor to turn off. For example, (1) the role ratio monitor lights up completely for a predetermined time TC (e.g., 5 seconds) and then turns off completely, (2) the role ratio monitor lights up completely for a shorter time than the predetermined time TC (e.g., 5 seconds) and then turns off completely, (3) the role ratio monitor lights up completely for a predetermined time but turns off completely when the inspection mode starts, (4) the role ratio monitor turns off completely from the moment the operation to switch to inspection mode (power on + door open + left / right stop button operation) is detected.

[0220] Figure 22(c) shows the pattern described in (4) above, where the payout ratio monitor is completely off from time t1 and t2 when the operation to transition to inspection mode is performed, and while in inspection mode. More specifically, Figure 22(c) is a timing chart showing the lighting patterns of the payout ratio monitor when transitioning to inspection mode after the first and second power restoration, and a timing chart when transitioning to the setting change state after the third power restoration, and then to the game mode. In this case, the payout ratio monitor lights up in the test pattern mode when transitioning to the setting change state after the third power restoration, and then lights up in the ratio display mode. With this configuration, since the payout ratio monitor is not lit when the power is turned on, it can be recognized that the operation to transition to inspection mode was effective, and the fact that it remains off can be understood that it has transitioned to inspection mode. However, as a modification, the payout ratio monitor may light up in the test pattern mode and then in the ratio display mode even when transitioning to inspection mode after power restoration.

[0221] Figure 22(d) shows the pattern described in (3) above. The payout ratio monitor lights up in a test pattern during the first and second power restoration processes (a predetermined time), but turns off completely when the inspection mode starts. More specifically, Figure 22(d) is a timing chart showing the lighting pattern of the payout ratio monitor when transitioning to inspection mode after the first and second power restorations, and a timing chart for when transitioning to the setting change state after the third power restoration, and then to the game mode. With this configuration, the payout ratio monitor lights up when the power is turned on, allowing the user to recognize that the power has been turned on, and the timing of the transition to inspection mode can be determined when the payout ratio monitor turns off.

[0222] In this embodiment, the payout ratio monitor is turned off during inspection mode, but alternatively, the payout ratio monitor may be turned on during inspection mode. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to confirm that the payout ratio monitor is also operating normally during inspection mode.

[0223] <Variation> • Processing flow in inspection mode Figure 23 shows a modified example illustrating the inspection flow in inspection mode. For example, as shown in Figure 23, input inspection and reel inspection may be performed simultaneously. That is, first, operation confirmation inspection of the bet button 132, then operation confirmation inspection of the bet button 130, then input inspection of the counting button, then operation confirmation of the start lever 135 and operation confirmation of the stop buttons 137-139, and then reel inspection may be performed. In this modified example, when an operation is performed on an operation button, a confirmation sound is output from the speaker and a message indicating that an operation has been performed is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0224] During the reel inspection, the symbols numbered 0 through 20 on all reels 110 through 112 are repeatedly rotated and stopped. Specifically, in the first reel inspection, after all reels 110 through 112 are rotated, the start lever and stop buttons 137 through 139 are operated sequentially to stop the symbol numbered 0 on each reel 110 through 112. Next, in the second reel inspection, after all reels 110 through 112 are rotated, the start lever and stop buttons 137 through 139 are operated sequentially to stop the symbol numbered 1 on each reel 110 through 112. This operation and reel control are repeated 21 times, until the symbol numbered 20 on each reel 110 through 112 is stopped.

[0225] The conditions for accepting the first stop operation during reel inspection (specifically, the reels reaching a constant speed and index detection) are the same as the conditions for accepting the first stop operation during normal gameplay. However, the conditions for accepting the second and third stop operations are different. Specifically, during reel inspection, the second and third stop operations can only be accepted after the reel that was stopped immediately before has stopped, whereas during normal gameplay, it is possible even if the reel that was stopped immediately before has not yet stopped. In normal gameplay, the stopping position of the reels is determined by the winning combination of the game and the timing of the stop operation, so the stopping position of the next reel can be determined even if the reels have not completely stopped. Therefore, in order to improve operability during gameplay, it is possible even if the reel that was stopped immediately before has not yet stopped. On the other hand, in inspection mode, it is necessary to confirm the operation of the stop buttons and the symbols that should be stopped. If the reels were to stop as in normal gameplay, it would be difficult to understand the relationship between the stop operation and the symbols that should be stopped (for example, it would be difficult to understand the correspondence between pressing the left stop button and stopping symbol number ○ on the left reel). Therefore, in inspection mode, the stop operation for the next reel is only accepted after the reel that was stopped immediately before has stopped. However, this configuration is not the only option; in inspection mode, it may also be possible to operate even if the reel that was stopped immediately before has not stopped, just like in normal gameplay. By configuring it this way, the inspection time can be shortened.

[0226] Furthermore, in reel inspection mode, even if specific symbols line up when the reels stop, no specific external signal is output. For example, even if the BB2 symbol (number 12 in Figure 7(a)) lines up and stops on all reels 110-112, the BB signal will not be output. If an external signal were output when symbols line up in inspection mode, the hall computer would overcount the number of wins compared to actual gameplay. Therefore, in inspection mode, even if specific symbols line up, no specific external signal is output to prevent overcounting. In addition to the BB symbol, if a winning combination that grants game value stops, or if a combination that grants a replay stops, no external signal indicating a payout is output, thereby preventing overcounting of payouts. Furthermore, not limited to external signals, features that would normally operate on the gaming machine during regular gameplay may be disabled in inspection mode. For example, in regular gameplay, when a re-play bonus that grants a re-play bonus stops, the re-play lamp on the gaming machine lights up. However, in inspection mode, the re-play lamp does not light up even when a re-play bonus stops, thereby preventing the user from mistakenly believing that they are playing a regular game when they are in inspection mode.

[0227] Furthermore, the reel stop data used in reel inspection (see Figure 4) is different from the stop data used in normal gameplay. In normal gameplay, the stopping position is determined by the winning combination of the game and the timing of the stop operation, whereas in inspection mode, the reels stop according to a predetermined operation, resulting in different stop data. In addition, since the stop data in inspection mode is located in an unused area, the risk of the inspection mode stop data being referenced in normal gameplay due to a malfunction of the game machine is reduced compared to when the inspection mode stop data is located in an used area.

[0228] Other examples of inspection modes include verifying the operation of the medal selector and the hopper, which acts as a medal dispensing device.

[0229] For example, in the operation check of a medal selector, it is checked whether the solenoid operates appropriately. Further, when the medal selector detects backflow during the inspection mode, an error may be notified even during the inspection mode, or an error may not be notified. When an error is notified, it is preferable to notify according to the progress of inspection. For example, no notification may be made during reel inspection, and the error notification may be performed after waiting until the selector inspection is started. Further, error notification may be performed only by a display controlled by the main control unit, or may be performed by a display controlled by the sub control unit. With such a configuration, defects and abnormalities can be grasped without interfering with the inspection operation and inspection result being executed.

[0230] Further, in the operation check of a hopper, the operation may be checked by rotationally driving the hopper, but even if an empty error (medal out error) condition is satisfied in the middle, the error may not be notified or processed. It is assumed that the inspection mode is most frequently performed at the time of manufacturing at a factory, shipment, or delivery to a game arcade. At such timing, since a sufficient amount of medals are not loaded into the hopper, an empty error condition is frequently satisfied, which causes the trouble of error cancellation. Therefore, in the inspection mode, even if the empty error condition is satisfied, the trouble can be reduced by not performing error notification and processing.

[0231] <Summary of Embodiments> (1) As described above, according to the game machine according to the above embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100), a game state in which a game can be executed (for example, a game mode), and an inspection state in which an inspection can be executed (for example, an inspection mode), and storage means (for example, ROM306, RAM308), and control means (for example, CPU304), the game machine comprising: said storage means is means including an area (hereinafter referred to as in-use area) where information for executing game control processing for controlling the progress of a game is arranged, The storage means includes a region separate from the unused region, in which information for performing processes other than the game control process is arranged (hereinafter referred to as the unused region). The control means is a means for executing a game in the game state based on information placed in the area within use. The first basic configuration is that the control means is a means for performing an inspection using information placed in the unused area in the inspection state.

[0232] According to this first basic configuration, information used in the inspection state is placed in an unused area, which simplifies the processing of the inspection state and prevents the capacity of the used area from being strained. In other words, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with improved management and maintenance functions.

[0233] Furthermore, "information" includes data and programs, as well as input and output information (rising and falling edges) of ports in various sensors and switches. In addition, "information for executing game control processing" includes data and programs related to reel control during gameplay, data and programs related to internal lottery for winning combinations, data and programs related to AT lottery, and data and programs related to payout of game value. In addition, "information for executing processing other than game control processing" includes not only data and programs related to inspection mode, but also data and programs related to detection of fraudulent activity, data and programs related to error detection and error handling, and data and programs related to the aggregation of game history, but does not include information related to gameplay such as data and programs related to reel control during gameplay, data and programs related to internal lottery for winning combinations, and data and programs related to AT lottery. Furthermore, the "game control processing" within the usage area and the "processing other than game control processing" within the usage area may contain common processing or information. For example, the excitation data, phase, and current values ​​of the reels, and the monitoring processing of ports related to operation detection of stop switches and start levers may be common data or common programs.

[0234] In the first basic configuration described above, The main process that is executed after power-on (for example, the main control unit main process), After the main process starts, there are timer interrupt processes (for example, main control unit timer interrupt processes) that are executed at predetermined time intervals. The control means is a means that, in the game state, executes a specific process (for example, a reel drive control process) by a timer interrupt process using information placed in the usable area, The control means is a means that, in the inspection state, executes the specific process using the main process which uses the information located in the unused area. A first preferred configuration is that the main process executed in the aforementioned inspection state is performed at predetermined time intervals (for example, 1.49 msec) (for example, the inspection mode execution process in Figure 18).

[0235] According to the first preferred configuration, in the inspection state, specific processing is performed by a main process at predetermined time intervals using information located in the unused area. Therefore, the process for identifying the inspection state can be performed without depending on the data and programs in the used area and timer interrupt processing.

[0236] In the first preferred configuration described above, The control means is a means for executing the timer interrupt processing using the information placed in the unused area in the game state, A second preferred configuration is that the control means is a means of not executing the timer interrupt processing using the information placed in the unused area in the inspection state.

[0237] According to the second preferred configuration, since timer interrupt processing using information from the used area is not executed in the test state, command communication using data from the used area and command communication using data from the unused area do not conflict on the same output terminal, and the program for the test state can be simplified.

[0238] In the above basic configuration, the first preferred configuration, or the second preferred configuration, A third preferred configuration is that the inspection is an inspection of the operation of the reels (for example, reels 110 to 112).

[0239] According to the third preferred configuration, the operation of the reels can be inspected even when the game is not in play.

[0240] In a third preferred configuration, The control means is a means that, in the game state, executes control (hereinafter referred to as the first control) that effectively accepts a stop operation (for example, a first stop operation) of the reels based on the fulfillment of a specific condition (for example, when reels 110 to 112 move at a constant speed), A fourth preferred configuration is that the control means is a means for executing the first control based on the fulfillment of the specific conditions in the inspection state.

[0241] According to the fourth preferred configuration, the control that effectively accepts the stop operation required in the game state can be verified in the inspection state.

[0242] In the fourth preferred configuration, The control means is a means that, in the game state, executes the first control using the information arranged in the usable area. A fifth preferred configuration is that the control means, in the inspection state, is a means for executing the first control using the information located in the unused area.

[0243] According to the fifth preferred configuration, in the inspection state, control is performed to effectively accept a stop operation using information from the unused area, thus simplifying the program.

[0244] (2) As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) of the above embodiment, As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) of this embodiment, A game state in which the game can be played (for example, a game mode), The test state in which the test can be performed (e.g., test mode), Storage means (for example, ROM306, RAM308) and A gaming machine equipped with a control means (for example, a CPU 304), The storage means includes a region (hereinafter referred to as the "in-use region") in which information for executing game control processing that controls the progress of the game is arranged. The storage means includes a region separate from the unused region, in which information for performing processes other than the game control process is arranged (hereinafter referred to as the unused region). The control means is a means for executing a game in the game state based on information placed in the area within use. The control means is a means for performing an inspection in the inspection state using information placed in the unused area, The control means is a means that, in the game state, when a certain game is played and a specific symbol (for example, a BB symbol) is displayed, it performs a specific process (for example, an external signal output process). A second basic configuration is that the control means is a means of not executing the specific process if, as a result of performing a certain inspection in the inspection state, the specific pattern is displayed.

[0245] This second basic configuration allows for the simplification of processing in the inspection state and prevents pressure on the capacity of the in-use area, as information used in the inspection state is placed in an unused area. Furthermore, since specific processes performed in the game state are not performed in the inspection state, it becomes easier to recognize the inspection state. In addition, if a specific process is an external signal output, it is possible to prevent the event from being recorded in the hall computer or payout ratio monitor even if a specific symbol is matched in the inspection state. In other words, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with improved management and maintenance functions.

[0246] Furthermore, "information" includes data and programs, as well as input and output information (rising and falling edges) of ports in various sensors and switches. In addition, "information for executing game control processing" includes data and programs related to reel control during gameplay, data and programs related to internal lottery for winning combinations, data and programs related to AT lottery, and data and programs related to payout of game value. In addition, "information for executing processing other than game control processing" includes not only data and programs related to inspection mode, but also data and programs related to detection of fraudulent activity, data and programs related to error detection and error handling, and data and programs related to the aggregation of game history, but does not include information related to gameplay such as data and programs related to reel control during gameplay, data and programs related to internal lottery for winning combinations, and data and programs related to AT lottery. Furthermore, the "game control processing" within the usage area and the "processing other than game control processing" within the usage area may contain common processing or information. For example, the excitation data, phase, and current values ​​of the reels, and the monitoring processing of ports related to operation detection of stop switches and start levers may be common data or common programs.

[0247] In the basic configuration described in the second section above, A sixth preferred configuration is that the inspection is an inspection relating to the operation of the reels (for example, reels 110-112).

[0248] According to the sixth preferred configuration, the operation of the reels can be inspected even when the game is not in play.

[0249] In the sixth preferred configuration described above, The control means is a means that, in the game state, executes control (hereinafter referred to as the first control) that effectively accepts a stop operation (for example, a first stop operation) of the reels based on the fulfillment of a specific condition (for example, when reels 110 to 112 move at a constant speed), A seventh preferred configuration is that the control means is a means for executing the first control based on the fulfillment of the specific conditions in the inspection state.

[0250] According to the seventh preferred configuration, the operation of the reels can be checked even when the game is not in play mode, and the control that effectively accepts the stop operation required in the game mode can be checked in the inspection mode.

[0251] In the seventh preferred configuration, The control means is a means for executing the first control using information placed in the usable area in the game state, An eighth preferred configuration is that the control means is a means for executing the first control using information placed in the unused area in the inspection state.

[0252] According to the eighth preferred configuration, in the inspection state, control is performed to effectively accept a stop operation using information from the unused area, thus simplifying the program.

[0253] In the second basic configuration, the sixth preferred configuration, the seventh preferred configuration, or the eighth preferred configuration, The main process that is executed after power-on (for example, the main control unit main process), After the start of the execution of the main process, timer interrupt processing (for example, the main control unit timer interrupt processing) is performed at predetermined time intervals. The control means is a means for executing the timer interrupt processing using the information placed in the unused area in the game state, A ninth preferred configuration is that the control means is a means of not executing the timer interrupt processing using the information placed in the unused area in the inspection state.

[0254] According to the ninth preferred configuration, since timer interrupt processing using information from the used area is not executed in the inspection state, command communication using data from the used area and command communication using data from the unused area do not conflict on the same output terminal, and the program for the inspection state can be simplified.

[0255] <Input Management Processing> Next, using Figure 24, the input management process (step S1015) in the main control unit initial setup process shown in Figure 13 will be explained. Figure 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of the input management process.

[0256] In step S2001 of the input management process, a 6-second counter is referenced to determine whether 6 seconds have elapsed since the main control unit 300 was started. If so, the process proceeds to step S2002; otherwise, it waits for 6 seconds to elapse.

[0257] In step S2002, a game start waiting command is sent to the first sub-control unit 300 to notify that the game is ready to start (the betting amount setting operation, or the start operation in the case of replaying the game is possible), and then the process proceeds to step S2003. In the next step S2003, the input process (details will be described later using Figure 25) is executed.

[0258] In step S2004, a reel rotation start process is executed based on the start operation, in which the rotation of all reels 110 to 112 begins.

[0259] In step S2005, after performing game state control processing, the process returns to step S2001. This game state control processing involves controlling the transition between game states (RT-type game states, AT-type game states). Also in step S2005, preparations are made to send a game state command indicating the game state to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0260] <Input Process> Next, using Figure 25, we will explain the input process (step S2003) in the input management process shown in Figure 24. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the input process.

[0261] In step S2010 of the input process, it is determined whether or not the complete function is active. If the complete function is not active, the process proceeds to step S2011. If the complete function is active, the process waits until the complete function finishes.

[0262] In step S2011, the 6-second measurement counter is referenced to determine whether 6 seconds have elapsed since the main control unit 300 was started (powered on). If so, the process proceeds to step S2012; otherwise, the process returns to step S2010.

[0263] In step S2012, it is determined whether the setting key is OFF or OFF. If so, the process proceeds to step S2014; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2013 to execute the setting value verification process.

[0264] In step S2014, it is determined whether the VL signal, which is used to check the connection status between the medal count control unit 350 and the dispensing machine 700, is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S2015; otherwise, it returns to step S2010. The VL signal is output as an ON (high level in this example) signal when the connection between the medal count control unit 350 and the dispensing machine 700 is normal, and as an OFF (low level in this example) signal when the connection between the medal count control unit 350 and the dispensing machine 700 is abnormal. Basically, the ON signal is continuously output. The VL signal input to the medal count control unit 350 is then input to the main control unit 300 after an ACK command or NACK command is added via serial communication.

[0265] In step S2016, the system determines by sensor detection whether or not an electronic medal insertion operation has occurred using the bet buttons 130 and 132. If an insertion operation has occurred, the system lights up the winning line indicator lamps 120 according to the number of medals inserted. The system also prepares to send a medal insertion command to the first sub-control unit 400 to indicate that medals have been inserted.

[0266] In step S2015, a check is performed based on sensor detection to determine whether the start lever 135 has been operated. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the number of medals inserted is determined, 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.

[0267] In step S2017, if it is detected that the settlement button 134 has been turned on, the system performs processes such as returning the electronically inserted game tokens to the token count control unit 350, and then terminates the token insertion process.

[0268] <Recovery process> Next, using Figure 26, the recovery process (step S1016) in the main control unit initial setup process shown in Figure 13 will be explained. Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the recovery process.

[0269] In the recovery process step S2021, the current state is set to "waiting for recovery". In the next step S2022, it waits for 6 seconds. In the next step S2023, the "waiting for recovery" state set in step S2021 is cleared.

[0270] In step S2024, a normal recovery command is sent to the first sub-control unit 300 to indicate that the system has recovered successfully, and then the process proceeds to step S2025. In step S2025, the stack pointer saved in a predetermined area of ​​the RWM is restored, and in the next step S2026, the values ​​of the registers saved in a predetermined area of ​​the RWM are restored, and then the process proceeds to step S2027.

[0271] In step S2027, the second light emission mode (red in this example) is set in the light emission mode information of the light emission mode memory area, which will be described later, and then the recovery process is terminated. When step S2027 is executed, the main control unit 300 outputs an ON signal to turn on the stop indicator red signal (details will be described later), and the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a light up in the second light emission mode (red in this example).

[0272] <Send command> Next, we will explain command transmission using Figure 27. Figure 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of command transmission.

[0273] This command processing is executed when the main control unit 300 sends security commands or other various commands to the first sub-control unit 400. After waiting for 6 seconds after power-on, it is executed once, and then executed at a predetermined interval (in this example, once every 100ms).

[0274] Here, a security command is a command consisting of 6 bytes of data, and this command includes information such as whether the number of game tokens displayed is 16,368 or less, whether the number of game tokens displayed is more than 16,368, whether the VL signal is ON, whether the VL signal is OFF, the number of tokens counted, the number of tokens lent, whether there is no token clearing process, whether there is token clearing process (continuing for one game), before communication with the token count control unit begins, after communication with the token count control unit begins, door closed, door open, no complete operation, and complete operation is performed.

[0275] In addition to security commands, other types of commands include the setting change start command, setting change end command, and forced RWM clear command shown in Figure 13, as well as the game start command shown in Figure 24 and the normal recovery command shown in Figure 26. When these commands are sent, this command processing is executed (called).

[0276] In step S2031 of the command transmission, it is determined whether the command to be transmitted is a security command or not. If it is not a security command (in this example, if it is a configuration change completion command, a forced RWM clear command, or a normal return command), the process proceeds to step S2032, where the transmitted command is saved as the previous command, and then to step S2035. If it is a security command, the process proceeds to step S2033.

[0277] In step S2033, it is determined whether or not it is immediately after 6 seconds have elapsed since power-on. If it is immediately after 6 seconds have elapsed (in this example, when the first game start command is sent after 6 seconds have elapsed in the power-on management process shown in Figure 24), the process proceeds to step S2034, where the transmission command is saved as the previous command, and then the process proceeds to step S2035.

[0278] In step S2035, the 6-second counter is checked to determine whether 6 seconds have elapsed since the main control unit 300 was started (powered on). If so, the process proceeds to step S2036. Otherwise, the command transmission process is terminated and no command is sent. In step S2036, the command is sent three times before the command transmission process is terminated. This process of sending the command three times is to prevent loss, displacement, or missed transmissions of the transmitted command.

[0279] In this example, the main control unit 300 is configured to send the latest command (in other words, the command related to the last operation performed during the 6-second waiting period) to the first sub-control unit 400 after 6 seconds have elapsed since power-on, in order to notify the first sub-control unit 400 of the operation performed during the 6-second waiting period.

[0280] For example, if the transmission command sent 6 seconds after power-on is a setting change start command, the first sub-control unit 400 can understand that the main control unit 300 is changing settings. If the transmission command is a setting change end command, the first sub-control unit 400 can understand that the main control unit 300 has started and finished changing settings. Also, if the transmission command is an RWM malfunction notification start command, the first sub-control unit 400 can understand that the main control unit 300 is notifying an RWM error. If the transmission command is a forced RWM clear command, the first sub-control unit 400 can understand that the main control unit 300 has performed an RWM clear. If the transmission command is a normal recovery command, the first sub-control unit 400 can understand that the main control unit 300 has recovered normally.

[0281] <Display Control Circuit> Next, the display control circuit of the slot machine 100 will be explained using Figure 28. Figure 28 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a display control circuit.

[0282] As explained using Figure 1, the slot machine 100 is equipped with display devices such as an instruction monitor 125 and a game token count display device 170, as well as light-emitting means such as stop button LEDs 137a to 139a.

[0283] <Display control circuit / Instruction monitor> As explained using Figure 1, the instruction monitor 125 is a display device that shows information regarding the operation sequence (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139, as well as error codes, setting values, etc. In this example, it is composed of a 7-segment display. In this example, a payout display 127 is provided to show the number of tokens dispensed to the player, but the payout number may also be displayed by the instruction monitor 125.

[0284] In the lower left of Figure 28, the device labeled "Main Display Device" refers to the indicator monitor 125 shown in Figure 2. The LED common signal lines (main display LED common 0-3) and LED data signal lines (main display LED data A-H) of the indicator monitor 125 are connected to the drive circuit 324 (see Figure 2) of the main control board 300a (a board constituting the main control unit 300 shown in Figure 2) via the relay board 381 (relay board 1). The indicator monitor 125 is controlled by the main control board 300a (main control unit 300) using a dynamic lighting method. In this example, the drive circuit 324 is shown on the main control board 300a (main control unit 300), but it may be provided on another board (for example, the relay board 381).

[0285] <Display control circuit / Game token count display device> As explained using Figure 1, the game token count display device 170 is a device that displays the number of game tokens recorded by the token count control unit 350, and in this example, it is composed of a 7-segment display.

[0286] In the upper left of Figure 28, the device labeled "Medal Count Display Device" refers to the game medal count display device 170 shown in Figure 2. The LED common signal lines (medal count display LED common 0-4) and LED data signal lines (medal count display LED data A-H) of the game medal count display device 170 are connected to the drive circuit of the medal count control board 350a (a board constituting the medal count control unit 350 shown in Figure 2) via the relay board 381 and the main control board 300a. The game medal count display device 170 is controlled by the medal count control board 350a (medal count control unit 350) using a dynamic lighting method.

[0287] In this example, the drive circuit is shown on the medal count control board 350a, but it may also be provided on other boards (for example, the relay board 381 or the main control board 300a). Also, in this example, the game medal count display device 170 is shown connected to the medal count control board 350a via the relay board 381 and the main control board 300a, but it may also be connected directly to the medal count control board 350a without going through the main control board 300a. Furthermore, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 and the CPU 354 of the medal count control unit may be mounted on a single control board, and the game medal count display device 170 may be connected to that control board (or via that control board and the relay board).

[0288] <Display control circuit / Stop button LED> In the lower right of Figure 28, the device labeled "LED-equipped sensor (left stop button)" indicates a sensor 383 equipped with a left stop button LED 137a. The 5V power supply, GND, and left reel stop button signal of the sensor 383 equipped with the left stop button LED 137a are connected to the power terminal, GND terminal, and input terminal of the main control board 300a and I / O 310 (see Figure 2) via the relay board 382. The left reel stop indicator red signal and left reel stop indicator blue signal are connected to the drive circuit 326 (see Figure 2) of the main control board 300a via the relay board 382 (relay board 2).

[0289] The left stop button LED 137a is controlled by the main control board 300a using a static lighting method. When the main control board 300a outputs an ON signal to turn on the left reel stop indicator red signal, the left stop button LED 137a lights up in a second lighting mode (red light in this example). When the main control board 300a outputs an ON signal to turn on the left reel stop indicator blue signal, the left stop button LED 137a lights up in a first lighting mode (blue light in this example). When the main control board 300a outputs an OFF signal to turn off both the left reel stop indicator red signal and the left reel stop indicator blue signal, the left stop button LED 137a turns off.

[0290] In the lower right of Figure 28, the device labeled "LED-equipped sensor (middle stop button)" indicates a sensor 384 equipped with a middle stop button LED 138a. The 5V power supply, GND, and middle reel stop button signal of the sensor 384 equipped with the middle stop button LED 138a are connected to the power terminal, GND terminal, and I / O 310 (see Figure 2) terminal of the main control board 300a via the relay board 382. The red signal and blue signal indicating the middle reel stop are connected to the drive circuit 326 (see Figure 2) of the main control board 300a via the relay board 382.

[0291] The middle stop button LED 138a is controlled by the main control board 300a using a static lighting method. When the main control board 300a outputs an ON signal to turn on the red signal indicating the middle reel stop, the middle stop button LED 138a lights up in a second lighting mode (red light in this example). When the main control board 300a outputs an ON signal to turn on the blue signal indicating the middle reel stop, the middle stop button LED 138a lights up in a first lighting mode (blue light in this example). When the main control board 300a outputs an OFF signal to turn off both the red and blue signals indicating the middle reel stop, the middle stop button LED 138a turns off.

[0292] In the lower right of Figure 28, the device labeled "LED-equipped sensor (right stop button)" indicates a sensor 385 equipped with a right stop button LED 139a. The 5V power supply, GND, and right reel stop button signal of the sensor 385 equipped with the right stop button LED 139a are connected to the power terminal, GND terminal, and I / O 310 (see Figure 2) terminal of the main control board 300a via the relay board 382. The right reel stop indicator red signal and right reel stop indicator blue signal are connected to the drive circuit 326 (see Figure 2) of the main control board 300a via the relay board 382.

[0293] The right stop button LED 139a is controlled by the main control board 300a using a static lighting method. When the main control board 300a outputs an ON signal to turn on the right reel stop indicator red signal, the right stop button LED 139a lights up in a second lighting mode (red light in this example). When the main control board 300a outputs an ON signal to turn on the right reel stop indicator blue signal, the right stop button LED 139a lights up in a first lighting mode (blue light in this example). When the main control board 300a outputs an OFF signal to turn off both the right reel stop indicator red signal and the right reel stop indicator blue signal, the right stop button LED 139a turns off.

[0294] In this specification, the left reel stop indicator red signal, the middle reel stop indicator red signal, and the right reel stop indicator red signal may be collectively referred to as "stop indicator red signal," and the left reel stop indicator blue signal, the middle reel stop indicator blue signal, and the right reel stop indicator blue signal may be collectively referred to as "stop indicator blue signal."

[0295] In this example, the drive circuit 326 for the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a is shown on the main control board 300a, but it may also be provided on another board (for example, the relay board 382). Furthermore, the light-emitting color of the stop button LEDs is not limited to two colors, but may be full color. In this case, three types of control signal lines—red, blue, and green—are connected to control the light-emitting color of the LEDs. Even when using full-color LEDs, if only red and blue are used, the cathode and anode terminals of the green control signal line are both connected to GND and left unused. However, if white light emission is desired, the green control signal line is also connected to the LED element.

[0296] In this example, the instruction monitor 125 and the game token count display device 170 are connected to the main control board 300a and the token count control board 350a via the relay board 381, and the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are connected to the main control board 300a via a separate relay board 382. However, the relay boards 381 and 382 may be configured as a single (common) relay board.

[0297] <Display control circuit (modified example 1)> Next, the display control circuit according to Modified Example 1 will be explained using Figure 29. Figure 29 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the display control circuit according to Modified Example 1.

[0298] In the display control circuit described using Figure 28, an example was shown in which the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are controlled by two types of stop indicator red signals and stop indicator blue signals, respectively. However, in the display control circuit according to Modification 1, the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are configured to be controlled by one type of stop indicator signal, respectively.

[0299] To explain only the configurations that differ from the display control circuit shown in Figure 28, sensors 387 to 389, each equipped with stop button LEDs 137a to 139a, are each equipped with a Schmitt trigger inverter circuit configured such that a blue LED lights up when an ON signal (high-level signal in this example) is input, and a red LED lights up when an OFF signal (off-level signal in this example) is input. Note that the OFF signal input to the Schmitt trigger inverter circuit may be on-level, and the ON signal may be off-level (i.e., the logic of the signals may be reversed).

[0300] The input terminal of the Schmitt trigger inverter circuit for the left stop button LED 137a is connected to the output terminal of the left reel stop indicator signal on the main control board 300a via the relay board 386.

[0301] The left stop button LED 137a is controlled by the main control board 300a using a static lighting method. When the main control board 300a outputs an ON signal to turn on the left reel stop indicator signal, the left stop button LED 137a lights up in a first lighting mode (blue light in this example). When the main control board 300a outputs an OFF signal to turn off the left reel stop indicator signal, the left stop button LED 137a lights up in a second lighting mode (red light in this example). When the terminal for the left reel stop indicator signal on the main control board 300a is set to high impedance, the left stop button LED 137a turns off.

[0302] The input terminal of the Schmitt trigger inverter circuit for the middle stop button LED 138a is connected to the output terminal of the middle reel stop indicator signal on the main control board 300a via the relay board 386.

[0303] The middle stop button LED 138a is controlled by the main control board 300a using a static lighting method. When the main control board 300a outputs an ON signal to turn on the middle reel stop indicator signal, the middle stop button LED 138a lights up in a first lighting mode (blue light in this example). When the main control board 300a outputs an OFF signal to turn off the middle reel stop indicator signal, the middle stop button LED 138a lights up in a second lighting mode (red light in this example). When the terminal for the middle reel stop indicator signal on the main control board 300a is set to high impedance, the middle stop button LED 138a turns off.

[0304] The input terminal of the Schmitt trigger inverter circuit for the right stop button LED 139a is connected to the output terminal of the right reel stop indicator signal on the main control board 300a via the relay board 386.

[0305] The right stop button LED 139a is controlled by the main control board 300a using a static lighting method. When the main control board 300a outputs an ON signal to turn on the right reel stop indicator signal, the right stop button LED 139a lights up in a first lighting mode (blue light in this example). When the main control board 300a outputs an OFF signal to turn off the right reel stop indicator signal, the right stop button LED 139a lights up in a second lighting mode (red light in this example). When the terminal for the right reel stop indicator signal on the main control board 300a is set to high impedance, the right stop button LED 139a turns off.

[0306] In this example, the Schmitt trigger inverter circuit is provided on sensors 387 to 389 equipped with stop button LEDs 137a to 139a, but it may also be provided on another board (for example, the relay board 386). In this case, sensors 387 to 389 equipped with stop button LEDs 137a to 139a and the relay board 386 are connected by two types of stop indicator red signals and stop indicator blue signals, similar to the display control circuit shown in Figure 28.

[0307] Furthermore, the light color of the stop button LED is not limited to two colors, but may be full color. In this case, three types of control signal lines—red, blue, and green—are connected to control the LED's light color. Even when using a full-color LED, if only red and blue are used, the cathode and anode terminals of the green control signal line are both connected to GND and left unused. However, if white light is to be emitted, the green control signal line may also be connected to the LED element.

[0308] <Display control circuit (modified example 2)> Next, the display control circuit according to Modified Example 2 will be explained using Figure 30. Figure 30 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the display control circuit according to Modified Example 2.

[0309] In the display control circuit described using Figures 28 and 29, an example was shown in which the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are controlled by the main control board 300a. However, in the display control circuit according to Modification 2, the LEDs are controlled by the performance control board 400a (a board that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400 shown in Figure 2).

[0310] To explain only the differences in configuration from the display control circuit (modified example 1) shown in Figure 29, in this example, the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the sensors 393 to 395 of the stop buttons 137 to 139 are configured separately, and the control signal lines for the left reel stop indicator signal of the left stop button LED 137a, the middle reel stop indicator signal of the middle stop button LED 138a, and the right reel stop indicator signal of the right stop button LED 139a are each connected to the drive circuit of the performance control board 400a.

[0311] The input terminal of the Schmitt trigger inverter circuit for the left stop button LED 137a is connected to the output terminal of the left reel stop indicator signal on the performance control board 400a.

[0312] The left stop button LED 137a is controlled by the performance control board 400a using a static lighting method. When the performance control board 400a outputs an ON signal to turn on the left reel stop indicator signal, the left stop button LED 137a lights up in a first lighting mode (blue light in this example). When the performance control board 400a outputs an OFF signal to turn off the left reel stop indicator signal, the left stop button LED 137a lights up in a second lighting mode (red light in this example). When the terminal for the left reel stop indicator signal on the performance control board 400a is set to high impedance, the left stop button LED 137a turns off.

[0313] The input terminal of the Schmitt trigger inverter circuit for the middle stop button LED 138a is connected to the output terminal of the middle reel stop indicator signal on the performance control board 400a.

[0314] The middle stop button LED 138a is controlled by the performance control board 400a using a static lighting method. When the performance control board 400a outputs an ON signal to turn on the middle reel stop indicator signal, the middle stop button LED 138a lights up in a first lighting mode (blue light in this example). When the performance control board 400a outputs an OFF signal to turn off the middle reel stop indicator signal, the middle stop button LED 138a lights up in a second lighting mode (red light in this example). When the terminal of the middle reel stop indicator signal on the performance control board 400a is set to high impedance, the middle stop button LED 138a turns off.

[0315] The input terminal of the Schmitt trigger inverter circuit for the right stop button LED 139a is connected to the output terminal of the right reel stop indicator signal on the performance control board 400a.

[0316] The right stop button LED 139a is controlled by the performance control board 400a using a static lighting method. When the performance control board 400a outputs an ON signal to turn on the right reel stop indicator signal, the right stop button LED 139a lights up in a first lighting mode (blue light in this example). When the performance control board 400a outputs an OFF signal to turn off the right reel stop indicator signal, the right stop button LED 139a lights up in a second lighting mode (red light in this example). When the terminal for the right reel stop indicator signal on the performance control board 400a is set to high impedance, the right stop button LED 139a turns off.

[0317] In this example, the performance control board 400a is configured to control the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a with one type of stop indicator signal each. However, the performance control board 400a may also be configured to control the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a with two types of stop indicator red signals and stop indicator blue signals each, similar to the display control circuit shown in Figure 28.

[0318] Furthermore, the light color of the stop button LED is not limited to two colors, but may be full color. In this case, three types of control signal lines—red, blue, and green—are connected to control the LED's light color. Even when using a full-color LED, if only red and blue are used, the cathode and anode terminals of the green control signal line are both connected to GND and left unused. However, if white light is to be emitted, the green control signal line may also be connected to the LED element.

[0319] <Stop button display control processing> Next, using Figure 31, the stop button display control process (step S206) in the timer interrupt processing shown in Figure 10 will be explained in detail. Figure 31 is a flowchart showing the flow of the stop button display control process.

[0320] In step S2041, it is determined whether the power supply voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 9V). If the power supply voltage is normal, the process proceeds to step S2043; if the power supply voltage is abnormal, the process proceeds to step S2042. In step S2042, a second light emission mode (red light emission in this example) is set in the light emission mode information of the light emission mode memory area provided in the RWM. When step S2042 is executed, an ON signal is output from the main control board 300a (main control unit 300) to turn on the stop indicator red signal, and the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a light up in the second light emission mode (red light emission in this example).

[0321] In step S2043, it is determined whether at least one of the stop button acceptance flags corresponding to each of the three reels 110 to 112 is set to "acceptable". As described above, the stop button acceptance flag is set to "acceptable" for each reel (each stop button) in step S106 of the main processing of the main control unit shown in Figure 9.

[0322] If all stop button reception flags are set to "reception prohibited," this stop button display control process ends, and a "reception prohibited" command is sent to the first sub-control unit 400. If one or more stop button reception flags are set to "reception permitted," then it is determined whether all reels 110-112 have transitioned to the constant speed 2 state by referring to the reel control status of each reel (step S2044). In step S2044, if the reel control status of each reel is "constant speed 2 state," "retracted state," or "brake state," the result is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step S2045. On the other hand, if the reel control status of even one reel is "acceleration state" or "constant speed 1 state," this stop button display control process ends.

[0323] In step S2044, it is determined whether or not a light-shielding piece has been detected by the index sensor for all reels 110-112. This determination checks whether or not the initial acceleration information value for each reel is set to "1". If a light-shielding piece is detected and the initial acceleration information value is set to "1", it will remain at "1" unless the opening of the front door 102 is detected, or the power is turned on and power is restored, and the initial acceleration information value becomes "0" during the first reel rotation start operation, or the reel rotation start due to a random delay causes the initial acceleration information value to become "0", and the process proceeds to step S2046 repeatedly. If the initial acceleration information value is "1", a light-shielding piece has been detected and the rotation direction position of the symbols on the reels is known, so if the system transitions to the "constant speed 2 state", a stop operation can be accepted.

[0324] Note that while step S2044 requires the vehicle to have transitioned to "constant speed 2 state," it may also require that the vehicle has transitioned to "constant speed 1 state" or that the "acceleration state" has ended. On the other hand, if the initial acceleration information value is "0," this stop button display control process will terminate.

[0325] The RWM also has a light emission mode memory area that stores information about the light emission modes of the left stop button LED 137a, the middle stop button LED 138a, and the right stop button LED 139a. In other words, a light emission mode memory area is provided for each reel (stop button). The initial light emission mode of the light emitters 137a to 139a is, for example, a non-emitting mode (off mode) or a first color (red in this example) light emission mode. Hereinafter, the initial light emission mode will be referred to as the second light emission mode. Initially, the second light emission mode is stored as light emission mode information in the light emission mode memory area.

[0326] At the point of step S2046, all reels 110-112 are not stopped (at least one reel is rotating), all reels 110-112 have transitioned to constant speed 2 state, and a light-shielding piece has been detected. In this state, the light emission mode of the light-emitting element located inside the stop button for the reel that continues to rotate in constant speed 2 state is changed from the second light emission mode to the first light emission mode.

[0327] The first light emission mode may be, for example, a flashing mode or a second color (blue in this example). Furthermore, if the second light emission mode is a first color (red), the first light emission mode may be a non-emitting mode (off mode). Additionally, if the first light emission mode is a second color (blue), the second light emission mode may be a flashing mode. Thus, the first and second light emission modes may be different from each other, including off modes and flashing modes. The first light emission mode is a mode that signals that the stop button of the first light emission mode is in a state where it can be operated. That is, it is a mode that signals that the reel corresponding to the stop button of the first light emission mode is in a state where it can be stopped by operating that stop button.

[0328] In step S2046, the light emission mode information in the light emission mode memory area of ​​the reel for which the stop button acceptance flag is set to accept is updated from the second light emission mode (red light emission in this example) to the first light emission mode (blue light emission in this example), and this stop button display control process ends. When step S2046 is executed, for example, if all reels 110 to 112 are not stopped, all of those reels 110 to 112 have transitioned to constant speed 2 state, and a light shielding piece has been detected, an ON signal is output from the main control board 300a to turn on the stop indicator blue signal, and the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a light up in the first light emission mode (blue light emission in this example).

[0329] Furthermore, if some reels are stopped, the remaining reels have transitioned to constant speed state 2, and a light-shielding piece has been detected, then only the light emission mode of the stop button LEDs corresponding to the remaining reels (rotating reels) changes to the first light emission mode, an ON signal is output from the main control board 300a (main control unit 300) to turn on the stop indicator blue signal, and the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a light up in the first light emission mode (blue light emission in this example).

[0330] <Reel rotation control processing> Next, using Figure 32, the reel rotation control process (step S207) in the timer interrupt processing shown in Figure 10 will be explained in detail. Figure 32 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel rotation control process.

[0331] Steps S2080 to S2084 are performed for each reel, and since this is done for the three reels 110 to 112, step S2080 will be repeated at least three times. In step S2080, it is determined whether the stop button acceptance flag is set to accept or not. That is, it is determined whether the target reel is rotating or not. If the stop button acceptance flag is set to not accept, step S2080 is performed for the remaining reels, or if step S2080 has been performed for all reels, the process proceeds to step S208c. On the other hand, if the stop button acceptance flag is set to accept or not, it is determined whether the target reel is in constant speed 2 state by referring to the reel control status of the target reel (step S2081). If it is not in constant speed 2 state, the process proceeds to step S2083, and if it is in constant speed 2 state, it is determined whether the value of the initial acceleration information corresponding to the target reel is "1" (step S2082). Then, in step S2082, if the light-shielding piece has been detected by the index sensor at least once, the result is Yes, and step S2080 is executed for the remaining reels, or if step S2080 has been executed for all reels, the process proceeds to step S208c. On the other hand, if the light-shielding piece has not yet been detected by the index sensor, the result is No, and the process proceeds to step S2083. In step S2083, it is determined whether or not the light-shielding piece of the target reel has been detected by the index sensor. The RWM of the main control unit 300 is provided with an index sensor detection memory area. If the determination in step S2083 is that it has been detected, the detection information for the target reel in the index sensor detection memory area is updated to detected (step S2084). If the execution of step S2084 is completed, or if the determination in step S2083 is that it has not been detected, step S2080 is executed for the remaining reels, or if step S2080 has been executed for all reels, the process proceeds to step S208c.

[0332] In step S208c, stop button enable information is set in a predetermined area of ​​the RWM only if the target reel is in constant speed 2 state and the value of the initial acceleration information is "1", and the process proceeds to step S208d. Once the stop button enable information is set, the operation of the stop button becomes possible, and the target reel becomes stop-ready. In this step S208c, the target reel becomes stop-ready on the condition that it has reached a constant speed state without waiting for the detection of the light-shielding piece.

[0333] In this embodiment, each reel becomes ready to stop after acceleration is complete, but it is also possible to configure the system so that all three reels 110-112 become ready to stop after acceleration is complete. That is, when the opening of the front door 102 is detected, when power is restored, or when the rotation of the reels starts due to a random delay, it may be necessary for the light-shielding pieces of each of the three reels 110-112 to be detected by the index sensor.

[0334] Furthermore, it may be necessary that the light-shielding piece be detected by the index sensor even after setting changes (changing the setting value) and setting confirmations (checking the setting value) have been performed. Also, in the type approval test of the slot machine 100, a stop signal is output to the external test machine at the timing when step S208c is executed. In addition, the stop signal may be output to the test machine for type approval in S2703 of the next timer interrupt. On the other hand, if the value of the initial acceleration information is "0", the setting process is not performed and the process proceeds to step S208d.

[0335] In step S208d, the stop button reception process is executed. In this stop button reception process, since the stop buttons 137 to 139 are now available for reception, a stop button activation command is sent to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0336] Steps S208f to S208k are performed for each reel, and are carried out for the three reels 110 to 112. In step S208f, reel control information is acquired. Here, reel control information refers to all information related to the rotation control of reels 110 to 112 and is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RWM. In this embodiment, the reel control information includes values ​​such as the reel control status, general-purpose offset counter, reel control status transition counter (described later), and hold counter. In step S208g, reel control determination processing is performed based on the acquired reel control information.

[0337] In step S208h, it is determined whether the reel drive signal switching request flag is ON or OFF. The reel drive signal switching request flag is flag information stored in a predetermined memory area of ​​the RWM of the main control unit 300, and indicates whether or not to switch the currently set rotation control data. If the reel drive signal switching request flag is ON, the currently set rotation control data is switched; if the reel drive signal switching request flag is OFF, the currently set rotation control data is not switched. The reel drive signal switching request flag is set during the acceleration control process. If the reel drive signal switching request flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S208i; if the reel drive signal switching request flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S208k.

[0338] In step S208i, rotational control data is acquired based on the reel control status and general offset counter value included in the acquired reel control information. Specifically, the corresponding excitation table (rotational control data) is acquired based on the reel control status and general offset counter value.

[0339] In step S208j, the rotation control data acquired in step S208i is set. In step S208k, since the contents of the reel control information have been changed according to the process described above, the reel control information is updated.

[0340] <Stop button reception processing> Next, using Figure 33, we will explain in detail the stop button reception process (step S208d) in the reel rotation control process shown in Figure 32. Figure 33 is a flowchart showing the flow of the stop button reception process.

[0341] This stop button reception process is executed when stop buttons 137 to 139 become available for operation, and it determines the stopping position of the corresponding reel based on the operation of stop buttons 137 to 139.

[0342] In step S208d1, stop request information is obtained. Here, stop request information includes stop button validity information and part of the reel control information, and represents all the information necessary to determine whether a stop request has been received.

[0343] In step S208d2, the reels that can be stopped are determined from the acquired stop request information, and the reel information that can be stopped is set in a predetermined area of ​​the RWM (for example, if it is determined that the left reel 110 is a reel that can be stopped, the left reel 110 is set).

[0344] In step S208d3, it is determined whether or not the stop button corresponding to the reel represented by the set stopable reel information has been operated. That is, it is determined whether or not the stop button operation corresponding to the stopable reel has been received. If the stop button operation (received) has been received, the process proceeds to step S208d4; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S208d8.

[0345] In step S208d4, data related to the reel to be stopped (reel data to be stopped) is acquired. In step S208d5, the pull-in counter setting process is performed.

[0346] In step S208d6, the status of the reel that was stopped is updated to "Stopped" when the stop button corresponding to the stoppable reel is operated.

[0347] In step S208d7, the stop button acceptance flag, which was previously set to "acceptable," is set to "unacceptable."

[0348] In step S208d8, the light emission pattern information stored in the light emission pattern memory area provided for each reel in the RWM is updated. Specifically, the light emission patterns of the light emitters 137a to 139a (left stop button LED 137a, middle stop button LED 138a, and right stop button LED 139a) of the stop buttons 137 to 139 corresponding to the reel to be stopped are updated from the first light emission pattern (blue light emission in this example) to the second light emission pattern (red light emission in this example). When step S208d8 is completed, the stop button reception process is finished.

[0349] <Stop button display control processing> Next, using Figure 34, we will explain in detail the stop button display control process performed in the lamp control process (step S307) in the main process of the first sub-control unit shown in Figure 11(a). Figure 34 is a flowchart showing the flow of the stop button display control process of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0350] In step S2091 of the stop button display control process, it is determined whether or not a stop button activation command (in this example, the stop button activation command transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 in step S208d of the reel rotation control process shown in Figure 32) has been received from the main control unit 300 (main). If the command has been received, the process proceeds to step S2092, where the light emission mode information of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a stored in the light emission mode storage area of ​​the RAM 408 is updated from the second light emission mode (in this example, red light emission) to the first light emission mode (in this example, blue light emission), and then the stop button display control process is terminated. On the other hand, if the stop button activation command has not been received from the main control unit 300 (main), the process proceeds to step S2093.

[0351] In step S2093, it is determined whether or not a rejection prohibition command has been received from the main control unit 300 (main) (in this example, the rejection prohibition command that is sent to the first sub-control unit 400 in step S2043 of the stop button display control process shown in Figure 31). If the command has been received, the process proceeds to step S2094, where the light emission mode information of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a is updated from the first light emission mode (blue light emission in this example) to the second light emission mode (red light emission in this example), and then the stop button display control process is terminated. On the other hand, if a rejection prohibition command has not been received from the main control unit 300 (main), the process proceeds to step S2095.

[0352] In step S2095, it is determined whether an initialization command (in this example, the setting change completion command sent to the first sub-control unit 400 in step S1009 of the main control unit initial setup process shown in Figure 13) has been received from the main control unit 300 (main). If the command has been received, the process proceeds to step S2096, where the light emission mode information of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a is updated to the initial light emission mode (in this example, the second light emission mode, red light emission), and then the stop button display control process is terminated. On the other hand, if an initialization command has not been received from the main control unit 300 (main), the stop button display control process is terminated.

[0353] <Lighting patterns of the stop button LED> Next, the illumination patterns of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a will be described. Figure 35 is a timing chart showing an example where a power outage and subsequent restoration occurred after the start operation of a game but before the stop operation.

[0354] The timing chart shown in Figure 35 shows, from top to bottom, the state changes of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112; the change in the state in which the stop buttons corresponding to each reel 111-112, labeled as left, middle, and right stop buttons, are operational; the change in the illumination pattern of the left, middle, and right stop button LEDs 137a-139a; and the change in the display pattern of the instruction monitor 125 (7-segment display).

[0355] At the timing indicated by symbol T1, the start lever 135 is operated (start operation), and a game is initiated. Following the start operation, the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 all begin rotating simultaneously, and all reels are in a state where acceleration control is being performed.

[0356] At the timing indicated by symbol T2, the reel acceleration control has ended, and all reels are in the state of executing the second constant speed control after the first constant speed control.

[0357] The timing chart shown in Figure 35 indicates whether the left stop button, the middle stop button, and the right stop button can be operated or not. Note that even if the stop button is operated, the operation may be treated as either invalid or valid from a control perspective. In short, when considering the stopping of the reels, whether the stop button is operated or not represents whether the reels can be stopped or not.

[0358] In this example, when a light-shielding piece is detected on any of the three reels 110 to 112, the stop buttons 137 to 139 corresponding to the reel on which the light-shielding piece was detected transition to an operable state. That is, after rotation begins, each reel can transition from a state where it cannot be stopped to a state where it can be stopped. At the timing indicated by the symbol T2 in Figure 35, the light-shielding pieces of all reels 110 to 112 have been detected, and the stop buttons 137 to 139 corresponding to each reel 110 to 112 have transitioned to an operable state.

[0359] Below the timing chart shown in Figure 35, the illumination patterns of each stop button LED are shown. In this example, the first illumination pattern (illumination 1) of each stop button LED is blue light emission, and the second illumination pattern (illumination 2) is red light emission (the same applies to the timing charts shown below). After the timing indicated by symbol T2, each stop button LED changes from the second illumination pattern (red light emission) to the first illumination pattern (blue light emission). In other words, each stop button LED will not change from the second illumination pattern (red light emission) to the first illumination pattern (blue light emission) until the timing when all stop buttons 137 to 139 have transitioned to an operation-ready state.

[0360] In reality, each reel can transition from a non-stoppable state to a stoppable state individually, but the stop button LEDs change to the first illumination mode (blue light) all at once when the last reel transitions to a stoppable state. By coordinating the timing of the stop button LED illumination changes in this way, the appearance is improved, and it is also possible to prevent players from operating the reel whose illumination mode changes first, resulting in an irregular operation (it is recommended that the first stop operation be the left stop button, and an irregular operation is when the first stop operation is anything other than the left stop button).

[0361] Below the timing chart shown in Figure 35, the illumination pattern of the instruction monitor 125 is indicated by the item "7-segment". As explained using Figure 1, the instruction monitor 125 is a display that shows information regarding the operation sequence (press order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139, as well as error codes, setting values, etc. In this example, it is composed of a 7-segment (SEG) display. In Figure 35, "lit" indicates that the instruction monitor 125 is displaying something, and "off" indicates that the instruction monitor 125 is not displaying anything (or is off).

[0362] In this example, the display mode of the indicator monitor 125 changes from off to on during the period from the start operation timing indicated by symbol T1 to the timing when the reel can be stopped (stop button operation enabled) indicated by symbol T2. Note that the timing at which the display mode of the indicator monitor 125 changes from off to on is not limited to this example, and may be the start operation timing indicated by symbol T1, or the timing when the reel can be stopped (stop button operation enabled) is reached indicated by symbol T2.

[0363] In this example, while the three reels 110-112 continue to rotate, a power interruption occurs at the timing indicated by code T3, and power is restored at the timing indicated by code T4. That is, the power interruption process (step S225) shown in Figure 10 is executed while the three reels 110-112 are rotating, and power is immediately restored. The three reels 110-112 stop rotating due to the power interruption, but resume rotation (re-rotate) upon power restoration, and are in a state of acceleration control execution from the timing indicated by code T4 to the timing indicated by code T5.

[0364] At the timing indicated by code T5, acceleration control ends, and all reels 110-112 switch from first constant speed control to second constant speed control. At the timing indicated by code T6, the light-shielding pieces of all reels 110-112 are detected, and the stop buttons 137-139 corresponding to each reel 110-112 become operational.

[0365] Furthermore, at the timing indicated by symbol T6, stop buttons 137-139 transitioned to an operation-ready state, causing all stop button LEDs to change from the second illumination mode (red light) to the first illumination mode (blue light).

[0366] Furthermore, during the period from the moment of power restoration, indicated by symbol T4, to the moment of transition to the reel stop-capable state (stop button operation enabled state), indicated by symbol T6, the display mode of the indicator monitor 125 changes from off to on. Note that the timing of the change in the display mode of the indicator monitor 125 from off to on is not limited to this example, and may be the moment immediately after power restoration, indicated by symbol T4, or the moment of transition to the reel stop-capable state (stop button operation enabled state), indicated by symbol T6.

[0367] The timing indicated by the following symbols T7 to T9 is when the first stop operation (left stop operation in this example), the second stop operation (middle stop operation in this example), and the third stop operation (right stop operation in this example) have been performed, and a certain game has ended. The timing indicated by the following symbol T10 is when the start lever 135 has been operated, and the next game of a certain game has started.

[0368] In this example, the acceleration information initialization completion flag and initial acceleration information are cleared after power is restored while the reels are rotating, and the stopping operation after power is restored is set after the detection of the light-shielding piece after reaching a constant speed. However, the acceleration information initialization completion flag and initial acceleration information may not be cleared when power is restored while the reels are rotating, and the stopping state may be set after reaching a constant speed without the detection of the light-shielding piece.

[0369] Furthermore, although the example shown illustrates a power outage and subsequent restoration of power while all reels are rotating, the same principle applies to power outages and restorations when at least one reel is stopped. After power is restored, the remaining reels are set to a state where they can be stopped only after the light-shielding pieces have been detected. In other words, if all reels for which the light-shielding pieces have already been detected once in a previous game are in the current game (the game in question) with at least one reel still not stopped after reaching the constant speed 2 state, and a specific event occurs, such as the opening of the front door 102, power being restored, or a reel animation being performed (for example, after rotation resumes due to random delay processing from a simulated game), then while stopping operations were permitted for reels that had stopped before the specific event occurred without the need for detection of the light-shielding pieces by the index sensor, in the continuation of the resumed game, it becomes necessary for the light-shielding pieces to be detected by the index sensor for the reels that were not stopped.

[0370] In other words, a reel that has not yet stopped cannot be stopped until the light-blocking piece has been detected. Thus, even within a single game, there will be a mix of reels that can be stopped without the detection of the light-blocking piece and reels that can be stopped after the detection of the light-blocking piece. This prevents reel misalignment within that game, prevents players from suspecting that a malfunction occurred in the reels due to a power outage, maintenance work such as error clearing, or the performance of reel animations, and ensures the commercial quality of the gaming machine. After power is restored, the remaining reels may be set to a state where they can be stopped without the detection of the light-blocking piece.

[0371] <Illumination pattern of the stop button LED before and after power outage and restoration> Next, using Figures 36 to 41, we will explain the illumination patterns of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a before and after power interruption and restoration.

[0372] Figures 36 to 41 show the changes in the state of the left, middle, and right reels 110 to 112, the changes in the operation-accepting state of the left, middle, and right stop buttons 137 to 139, the changes in the illumination patterns of the left, middle, and right stop button LEDs 137a to 139a, the changes in the display patterns of the game token count display device (token count display device) 170, the changes in the display patterns of the instruction monitor 125, the changes in the display patterns of the liquid crystal display device 157, and the changes in the illumination patterns of the performance lamps (various lamps 420) before the power outage indicated by symbol T3 in Figure 35 and after the power restoration indicated by symbol T4.

[0373] As explained using Figures 28 to 30, the illumination of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a can be controlled by two types of stop indicator red signals and stop indicator blue signals, or by one type of stop indicator signal. In the following embodiments, we will describe the method of controlling the illumination of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139an with one type of stop indicator signal each.

[0374] In other words, the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are controlled by the main control board 300a in a static lighting manner. When the main control board 300a outputs an ON signal to turn on the stop indicator signal (the stop indicator signal becomes an ON output), the corresponding stop button LED lights up in a first light emission mode (blue light emission in this example). When the main control board 300a outputs an OFF signal to turn off the stop indicator signal (the stop indicator signal becomes an OFF output), the corresponding stop button LED lights up in a second light emission mode (red light emission in this example). When the terminal of the stop indicator signal on the main control board 300a is set to high impedance, the corresponding stop button LED turns off.

[0375] Furthermore, although the slot machine 100 according to this embodiment employs a medalless slot machine, if a slot machine that uses medals (medal machine) is used as the gaming machine, the item "Game Medal Count Display Device" in the figure should be read as a payout display device or a credit display device. Even with a medalless slot machine, the item "Game Medal Count Display Device" may be read as a payout display device. In addition, regardless of the type of gaming machine, the item "Game Medal Count Display Device" may be read as an error code display device capable of displaying error codes, etc., when an error occurs.

[0376] <Illumination pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 1)> Figure 36 is a timing chart showing the illumination patterns of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 1).

[0377] <Illumination pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 1) / Start operation> The timing indicated by the symbol T1 (timing T1) is the timing when the start lever 135 is pressed (start operation) during the Nth (N is a positive integer) round of play.

[0378] Reels 110-112 all transition from the second constant speed control to a stopped state when the previous N-1 round of play ends. However, at timing T1, the start operation is accepted, and all reels 110-112 begin to rotate simultaneously, indicating a transition from the stopped state to acceleration control.

[0379] Stop buttons 137-139 all transition from an operable state (enabled) to an inoperable state (disabled) when the previous N-1 game ends. However, at the timing T1 when the start operation is performed, reels 110-112 have just started rotating and none of the light-blocking pieces on reels 110-112 have been detected. Therefore, the operable state of stop buttons 137-139 remains in the inoperable state (disabled).

[0380] When the N-1th round of play ends, the stop indicator signal for the stop buttons 137a to 139a changes from ON output to OFF output, and all of them change from the first illumination mode (blue light) to the second illumination mode (red light). However, at the timing T1 when the start operation is performed, all stop buttons 137 to 139 are kept in an inoperable state, so the illumination mode of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a is kept in the second illumination mode (red light), corresponding to the inoperable state of stop buttons 137 to 139.

[0381] The medal count display device 170 is unrelated to the start operation and continues to display the medal count from the previous (N-1)th game. The instruction monitor 125 turns off when the previous (N-1)th game ends, but at the timing T1 when the start operation is performed, the instruction display (in this example, the button press order navigation) for the Nth game is started because the start operation has been received.

[0382] The liquid crystal display device 157 starts displaying the effect A corresponding to the Nth game because the Nth game has started at the timing T1 when the start operation was performed, and the effect lamp starts emitting the effect A corresponding to the Nth game because the Nth game has started at the timing T1 when the start operation was performed.

[0383] <Illumination pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 1) / Constant speed rotation> The timing indicated by the symbol T2 (timing T2) is the timing when the acceleration control of reels 110 to 112 is completed and all reels 110 to 112 transition from the first constant speed control to the second constant speed control.

[0384] At timing T2, all light-shielding pieces on reels 110-112 were detected, indicating that the system transitioned from the acceleration state to the second constant-speed control via the first constant-speed control.

[0385] At timing T2, stop buttons 137-139 transitioned from an inoperable state (disabled) to an operable state (enabled) because all light-shielding pieces on reels 110-112 were detected.

[0386] Furthermore, if the light-shielding pieces of reels 110-112 have already been detected in the second constant-speed control during the previous game, detection of the light-shielding pieces of reels 110-112 in the second constant-speed control may be omitted for subsequent games, and the system may transition from an inoperable state (inactive) to an operable state (active) at the timing of transitioning to the second constant-speed control. This is because the rotation of the reels is a periodic operation, and once the light-shielding pieces are detected, the main control unit 300 can determine the position of the reels (symbols). However, in the case of a power outage followed by restoration of power, or if the opening of the front door is detected, the position of the reels may shift in the circumferential rotation direction during the work of the arcade staff. In such cases, when the first stop operation is accepted after these events, detection of the light-shielding pieces of reels 110-112 in the second constant-speed control may be required, and the system may transition from an inoperable state (inactive) to an operable state (active) at the timing of detection of the light-shielding pieces.

[0387] As explained with reference to Figure 31, in the stop button display control processing of the main control unit 300, if the conditions of steps S2043 to S2045 are met (in this example, the stop button reception flag is set to acceptable, the reel has transitioned to constant speed 2 state, and the light-shielding piece has been detected), the light emission mode information in the light emission mode storage area is updated from the second light emission mode (red light emission) to the first light emission mode (blue light emission).

[0388] At timing T2, the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are activated because the stop button acceptance flag is set to acceptable, the reels have transitioned to constant speed 2 state, and the light-shielding piece has been detected. As a result, the stop indicator signal for stop buttons 137 to 139 changes from OFF output to ON output, and the illumination pattern of stop button LEDs 137a to 139a changes from the second illumination pattern (red illumination) to the first illumination pattern (blue illumination).

[0389] The medal count display device 170, the instruction monitor 125, the liquid crystal display device 157, and the performance lamps maintain their states from timing T1, namely, medal count display, instruction display, performance display A, and performance light emission A, respectively, even at timing T2 when all reels 110-112 transition to the second constant speed control.

[0390] <Light emission pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 1) / Power interruption, voltage drop> To elaborate on the power supply voltage of the slot machine 100, if the power supply voltage is a first voltage value (for example, between 9V and 12V) that is equal to or greater than a predetermined voltage value (9V in this example), the slot machine 100 can operate stably. However, if the power supply voltage is a second voltage value (for example, between 7V and less than 9V) that is less than the predetermined voltage value (9V in this example), a low voltage signal indicating a voltage drop is output to the game control unit 302 and the medal count control unit 350, as explained using Figure 2. At the same time, the main program of the game control unit 302 stops, and the respective power-off processes are executed to maintain the current state.

[0391] Furthermore, if the power supply voltage is below a predetermined voltage (9V in this example) to a third voltage value (for example, less than 7V), a reset signal (start signal) is output from the start signal output circuit to the CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 and the CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350, making it impossible to continue the power cut-off process (program execution). When the power supply voltage becomes 0V, the power supply from the power source to the game control unit 302, the medal count control unit 350, and the drive circuits and ICs connected to the game control unit 302 and the medal count control unit 350 is completely stopped. In other words, at the predetermined voltage value, the slot machine 100 can operate stably, at the second voltage value the progress of the main program stops and the current state is maintained, and at the third voltage value the reset function is activated and a reset signal is output.

[0392] The timing indicated by the symbol T3 (Timing T3) is the timing when a power interruption occurs and the power supply voltage drops to a second voltage value (for example, 7V or more and less than 9V), and the timing indicated by the symbol T13 (Timing T13) is the state when the power supply voltage drops to 0V.

[0393] At timing T3, when a voltage drop in the power supply due to an electrical interruption is detected, reels 110-112 switch from second constant speed control to deceleration control. The rotation of reels 110-112 gradually slows down along with the voltage drop over the period from timing T3 to timing T13, and then at timing T13, when the power supply voltage becomes 0V, reels 110-112 are forcibly stopped.

[0394] The deceleration control referred to here differs from the deceleration control used when stopping reels 110-112 based on the operation of stop buttons 137-139. Instead, it occurs when the supply of signals instructing reels 110-112 to rotate at a constant speed is interrupted by a voltage drop from the game control unit 302, or when the power required to maintain constant speed rotation of reels 110-112 decreases, causing them to gradually decelerate due to inertia. Furthermore, if the game control unit 302 detects a voltage drop, it may perform deceleration control to stop reels 110-112 in order to reduce the load on them (such as reel step-out or motor failure due to sudden stopping).

[0395] Stop buttons 137-139 transition from an operable state (enabled) to an inoperable state (disabled) at timing T3, when a voltage drop in the power supply due to an electrical interruption is detected, and at timing T13, when the power supply voltage value becomes 0V, they are in an inoperable state where they cannot electrically accept operation.

[0396] As explained using Figure 31, in step S2041 of the stop button display control processing of the main control unit 300, it is determined whether the power supply voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 9V). If it is determined that the power supply voltage is abnormal, that is, if the power supply voltage becomes a second voltage value (for example, 7V or more and less than 9V), the second light emission mode (red light emission) is set in the light emission mode information of the light emission mode storage area.

[0397] When a voltage drop in the power supply due to a power interruption is detected at timing T3, the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are set to a second light emission mode (red light emission) in the light emission mode memory area. As a result, the stop indicator signal changes from an ON output to an OFF output, and the light emission mode changes from the first light emission mode (blue light emission) to the second light emission mode (red light emission).

[0398] In this example, before the slot machine 100 completely stops due to a power outage, it is possible to inform players and arcade staff that it cannot operate normally due to a power outage or voltage drop, thereby preventing any disadvantage to players and arcade staff. Furthermore, since the illumination pattern of the stop button LED can be changed by program execution before the power supply voltage drops to a third voltage value (for example, less than 7V) (before a reset signal (start signal) is output to the CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 or the CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350), stable operation of the game machine can be ensured without relying on hardware such as the reel drive circuit or ICs.

[0399] Furthermore, by emitting a red light (second illumination mode) during inertial rotation, which makes precise stopping control difficult, it is possible to inform the player that operations using stop buttons 137-139 are no longer effective, thereby discouraging further stopping operations and minimizing the risk of incorrect operation sequences or positions.

[0400] Furthermore, at timing T13, when the power supply voltage value becomes 0V, the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are electrically unable to emit light (turned off) because the power supply from the power source to the drive circuits and ICs connected to the game control unit 302 and the medal count control unit 350 is stopped.

[0401] In this example, when the power is cut off while the system is in a reception state with blue light emission (first light emission mode), the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a (light emission means) change from blue light emission (first light emission mode) to red light emission (second light emission mode) and then to off mode. Therefore, it is possible to know in advance that the reels will stop and the game will stop due to the power cut off, thus preventing a drastic decrease in the player's desire to play.

[0402] Furthermore, if the power is cut off while the reels are rotating and the stop operation is being accepted, and the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a (light-emitting means) suddenly turn off, if the timing of the stop operation and the turning off of the light-emitting means overlap, it becomes impossible to determine whether the stop operation was a normal stop control, which may cause the player to feel distrust towards the game machine and the game parlor. However, in this example, if the power is cut off while the reels are rotating and the stop operation is being accepted, the light-emitting means changes from blue illumination (first illumination mode) to red illumination (second illumination mode) before the reels stop rotating. Therefore, the player can be notified in advance that a normal stop control of the reels cannot be performed due to the power cut off, and the player's desire to play can be prevented from being severely diminished.

[0403] In this example, at timing T3, when a voltage drop in the power supply due to a power interruption is detected, the illumination pattern of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a is changed from a first illumination pattern (blue illumination) to a second illumination pattern (red illumination) by program execution. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0404] Therefore, for example, at timing T3 when a voltage drop in the power supply due to a power outage is detected, the light emission mode of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a may be maintained in the first light emission mode (blue light emission) at the second voltage value. Then, at the timing when the power supply voltage drops to a third voltage value (for example, less than 7V) due to the power supply voltage drop, a reset signal (start signal) is output from the start signal output circuit to the CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 and the CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350. A hardware reset signal is output to the drive circuit or IC connected to the game control unit 302 and the medal count control unit 350, causing the light emission mode of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a to change from the first light emission mode (blue light emission) to the second light emission mode (red light emission) by the hardware reset signal (without the execution of a program).

[0405] With this configuration, the illumination mode of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a can be changed from the first illumination mode (blue illumination) to the second illumination mode (red illumination) without program execution. This reduces the control burden on the control unit, reduces the corresponding program code, and allows for effective use of the limited memory capacity.

[0406] Furthermore, if the display control circuit described using Figure 30 (a circuit that controls the illumination of stop button LEDs 137a to LED 139a with one type of stop indicator signal from the first sub-control unit 400) is applied instead of the display control circuit described using Figure 28 (a circuit that controls the illumination of stop button LEDs 137a to LED 139a with two types of stop indicator red signals and a stop indicator blue signal from the main control unit 300), then when the power supply voltage drops to a third voltage value (for example, less than 7V) due to a voltage drop in the power supply, the main control unit 300 will be unable to send a command to the first sub-control unit 400, and the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a will immediately become electrically incapable of emitting light (off). Alternatively, the circuit may be configured so that the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a immediately become electrically incapable of emitting light (off) when the power supply voltage drops to a second voltage value due to a voltage drop in the power supply.

[0407] Furthermore, although an example was shown in which the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are turned off after all reels 110 to 112 have completely stopped at timing T13 when the power supply voltage value becomes 0V, it is also possible to configure the system to turn off the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a before all reels 110 to 112 have completely stopped.

[0408] Furthermore, while the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a may change to a third light emission mode (for example, purple light emission) during the process of changing from the first light emission mode (blue light emission) to the second light emission mode (red light emission), generally, static lighting control of LEDs allows for a shorter time to change to the third light emission mode compared to dynamic lighting control.

[0409] In this example, since the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are controlled using a static lighting method, it is possible to minimize the time it takes for the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a to change to the third illumination mode. This allows the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a to change quickly from the first illumination mode (blue light) to the second illumination mode (red light), improving the appearance and enhancing the visual effect.

[0410] Furthermore, in this specification, the expression "changes to the second light emission mode via the first light emission mode" includes not only the case of "changing to the second light emission mode via only the first light emission mode (first light emission mode → second light emission mode)" but also the case of "changing to the second light emission mode after changing to the third light emission mode via the first light emission mode (first light emission mode → third light emission mode → second light emission mode)." Similarly, the expression "changes from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode" includes not only the case of "changing directly from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode (first light emission mode → second light emission mode)" but also the case of "changing from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode via the third light emission mode (first light emission mode → third light emission mode → second light emission mode)."

[0411] When timing T3 detects a voltage drop in the power supply due to an electrical outage, the medal count display device 170 and the instruction monitor 125 turn off the medal count display and instruction display based on a reset signal from the main control unit 300.

[0412] More specifically, when the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a change from the first illumination mode (blue light) to the third illumination mode (purple light), the medal count display device 170 and the instruction monitor 125 continue to display the medal count and instruction, respectively. Almost simultaneously with the timing when the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a change from the third illumination mode (purple light) to the second illumination mode (red light), the medal count display and instruction display are turned off.

[0413] In this example, the game can continue playing by accepting stop operations until just before a power outage occurs, thereby increasing player satisfaction. Furthermore, by turning off the medal count display and instruction display at almost the same time that the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a change to a second illumination mode (red illumination) indicating that stop operations are not possible, it is possible to minimize the chance that the player might mistakenly perceive this as some kind of special effect (for example, an unusual effect), thus preventing the player from getting their hopes up prematurely.

[0414] The timing for turning off the medal count display device 170 and the instruction monitor 125 is not limited to this example; they may be configured to turn off after the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a change to a second light emission mode (red light emission).

[0415] In this example, compared to the case where the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a turn off almost simultaneously with (or before) the change to the second illumination mode (red illumination), the instruction monitor 125 can display the button press sequence for a longer period of time. This gives the player time to memorize the sequence, thereby increasing player satisfaction. Similarly, the medal count display device 170 also displays the number of medals stored in the game machine for a longer period of time, giving the player time to memorize that number and preventing situations where the player is unable to remember the number of medals due to an unexpected power outage.

[0416] Alternatively, the medal count display device 170 and the instruction monitor 125 may be configured to turn off before the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a change to the second light emission mode (red light emission).

[0417] With this configuration, the instruction monitor 125 (notification means) switches from a notification state to a non-notification state before the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a (light-emitting means) turn red (second light-emitting mode). This allows the player to be notified in stages that the game will stop due to a power outage, preventing a drastic decrease in the player's desire to play.

[0418] Alternatively, the medal count display device 170 and the instruction monitor 125 may be configured to turn off before the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a turn off.

[0419] With this configuration, the instruction monitor 125 (notification means) changes from a notification state to a non-notification state before the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a (lighting means) turn off. This allows the player to be notified in stages that the game will stop due to a power outage, thus preventing a drastic decrease in the player's desire to play.

[0420] The medal count display device 170 and the indicator monitor 125 are electrically disabled (off) at timing T13 when the power supply voltage value becomes 0V.

[0421] The liquid crystal display device 157 and the effect lamps gradually turn off as the voltage drops, from timing T3, when a voltage drop in the power supply due to a power outage is detected, until timing T13, when the power supply voltage becomes 0V. This process terminates the effect display A and effect light emission A, and ultimately results in a state where neither display nor light emission is electrically possible (forced shut-off).

[0422] <Light emission pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 1) / Power restoration and recovery process> The timing indicated by the symbol T4 (Timing T4) is the timing when the power supply voltage becomes above a predetermined voltage value, restoring power from an interruption and initiating the recovery process. The timing indicated by the symbol T14 (Timing T14) is the timing when the recovery process is completed and the system returns to normal operation.

[0423] Here, the recovery process includes the recovery process of the main control unit initial setup process (see Figure 13) executed when the power is turned on (step S1016; see Figure 26), and the process of not executing processes according to the state of the game machine (processes in steps S203 to S210; for example, reel rotation, stop button LED lighting, sending a command to the first sub-control unit 400, etc.) in the main control unit timer interrupt process (see Figure 10). It may also include the process in which the main control unit 300 waits for the first sub-control unit 400 to recover.

[0424] As explained using Figure 10, the main control unit 300 is configured not to execute any processing according to the state of the game machine (processing steps S203 to S210, for example, reel rotation, stop button LED illumination, sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, etc.) during the recovery processing period from timing T4 to timing T14 (6 seconds in this example).

[0425] Therefore, during the recovery processing period from timing T4 to timing T14, reels 110 to 112 are maintained in the state before the power outage (stopped state).

[0426] At timing T4, when power is restored after an interruption, reels 110 to 112 are stopped and none of the light-shielding pieces on reels 110 to 112 are detected. Therefore, the operational readiness state of stop buttons 137 to 139 is set to an inoperable state (disabled).

[0427] As explained using Figure 26, after the power is restored from a power outage at timing T4, in step S2027 of the recovery process of the main control unit 300, the second light emission mode (red light emission) is set in the light emission mode information of the light emission mode memory area. However, the recovery process for the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a starts at timing T4 when the power is restored from a power outage, and the second light emission mode (red light emission) is set in the light emission mode information, so the stop indicator signal becomes OFF output, and the light emission mode changes from off to the second light emission mode (red light emission). Note that the light emission mode of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a at the time of power restoration is not limited to this example. For example, the LEDs may change from off to the second light emission mode (red light emission), then to the first light emission mode (blue light emission), and then change again to the second light emission mode (red light emission) due to factors such as reel step-out detection.

[0428] At timing T4, when power is restored after a power outage, the medal count display device 170 performs its initial display (in this example, the operation of displaying the number 8 on all segments) because the recovery process has started. In this example, the initial display is shown at the start of the recovery process, but the initial display may also be performed at timing T14, when the recovery process is completed, or the medal count display may start after the stop button LED changes from off to the second illumination mode (red illumination) without performing the initial display. Alternatively, the medal count display may start at approximately the same time that the stop button LED changes from off to the second illumination mode (red illumination) in accordance with the power-on process of the main control unit 300.

[0429] The indicator monitor 125 remains off during the recovery processing period from timing T4 to timing T14 because it does not accept start operations.

[0430] The liquid crystal display device 157 starts its recovery process at timing T4 when power is restored after a power outage, and displays the initial display upon power-on (in this example, the text string "Screen Recovery in Progress"). The performance lamps also start their recovery process at timing T4 when power is restored after a power outage, and perform their initial illumination upon power-on (in this example, the side lamps illuminate red). In this example, the initial display and illumination are shown to occur midway through the recovery process, but the initial display and illumination may also occur at the start of the recovery process, or the performance display and illumination may start without any initial display or illumination.

[0431] Furthermore, at timing T14, the liquid crystal display device 157 resumes the effect display A that was being executed before the power outage, as the recovery process has finished and normal operation has begun. Similarly, at timing T14, the effect lamp resumes the effect light emission A that was being executed before the power outage, as the recovery process has finished and normal operation has begun.

[0432] <Illumination pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 1) / Normal operation> The timing indicated by the code T5 (Timing T5) is the timing when acceleration control of reels 110 to 112 is completed under normal conditions, and the timing indicated by the code T6 (Timing T6) is the timing when the stop buttons 137 to 139 corresponding to each reel 110 to 112 transition to a state where operation is possible.

[0433] Here, "normal operation" refers to the state in which the recovery process in the main control unit 300 is completed and the main control unit timer interrupt process (see Figure 10) executes processing according to the state of the game machine (processing in steps S203 to S210, for example, reel rotation, stop button LED lighting, command transmission to the first sub-control unit 400, etc.). However, since the first sub-control unit 400 takes longer than the main control unit 300 to transition to normal operation, it may be in the startup stage before transitioning to normal operation.

[0434] Reels 110-112 were rotating before the power cut-off and were in the second constant-speed control state. Therefore, after starting normal operation at timing T14, they started rotating again to return to the state before the power cut-off, entering an accelerating state. At the subsequent timing T5, they transitioned from the accelerating state to the second constant-speed control via the first constant-speed control.

[0435] The stop buttons 137-139 transitioned from an inoperable state (disabled) to an operable state (enabled) at timing T6, because all light-shielding pieces of reels 110-112 were detected.

[0436] As explained with reference to Figure 31, in step S2041 of the stop button display control processing of the main control unit 300, it is determined whether the power supply voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 9V). If the power supply voltage is normal and the conditions of the subsequent steps S2043 to S2045 are met (in this example, the stop button acceptance flag is set to acceptable, the reel has transitioned to constant speed 2 state, and the light-shielding piece has been detected), the light emission mode information in the light emission mode storage area is updated from the second light emission mode (red light emission) to the first light emission mode (blue light emission).

[0437] At timing T6, the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are updated from the second light emission mode (red light emission) to the first light emission mode (blue light emission) because the power supply voltage is normal, the stop button acceptance flag is set to acceptable, the reel has transitioned to constant speed 2 state, and the light shielding piece has been detected. The stop indicator signals for stop buttons 137 to 139 change from OFF output to ON output, the light emission mode changes from the second light emission mode (red light emission) to the first light emission mode (blue light emission), and the system returns to the state before the power outage.

[0438] The indicator monitor 125 changes its display mode from off to on during the period from timing T5, when the acceleration control of reels 110 to 112 is completed, to timing T6, when the reels become ready to stop (stop button operation enabled).

[0439] <Illumination pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 2)> Figure 37 is a timing chart showing the illumination patterns of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 2).

[0440] In Embodiment 1, explained using Figure 36, an example was shown where power interruption and restoration occurred while all reels 110-112 were rotating. In Embodiment 2, however, an example is described in which power interruption and restoration occurs while a certain reel (the left reel 110 in this example) is stopped by a first stop operation, and the other reels (the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 in this example) are rotating. To avoid redundant explanations, only the differences from Embodiment 1 will be explained here.

[0441] <Illumination pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 2) / First stop operation> The timing indicated by the symbol T7 (timing T7) is the timing when the first stop operation (1st stop) is performed in the Nth (N is a positive integer) game.

[0442] Of the reels 110-112, the left reel 110 stopped rotating and transitioned from the second constant speed control to the stopped state because the left stop button 137 was pressed at timing T7 when the first stop operation (1st stop) was performed.

[0443] On the other hand, the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 of the reels 110-112 continue to rotate at the timing T7 when the first stop operation (1st stop) is performed, because the corresponding middle stop button 138 and right stop button 139 were not pressed, thus maintaining the second constant speed control.

[0444] Of the stop buttons 137-139, the left stop button 137 was pressed at timing T7, so it transitioned from an operable state (enabled) to an inoperable state (disabled).

[0445] On the other hand, the middle stop button 138 and the right stop button 139 among the stop buttons 137-139 were not pressed at timing T7 when the first stop operation (1st stop) was performed, and therefore remain in an operable state (enabled).

[0446] Of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a, the left stop button LED 137a is affected when the left stop button 137 is pressed at timing T7. As a result, the left stop button 137 transitions from an operable state to an inoperable state (disabled), and the stop indicator signal of the main control unit 300 changes from an ON output to an OFF output. Consequently, the illumination pattern of the left stop button LED 137a changes from the first illumination pattern (blue illumination) to the second illumination pattern (red illumination).

[0447] On the other hand, among the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a, the middle stop button LED 138a and the right stop button LED 139a are maintained in the second illumination mode (blue illumination) because the middle stop button 138 and the right stop button 139 were not pressed at timing T7 when the first stop operation (1 stop) was performed.

[0448] Furthermore, at timing T13, when the power supply voltage drops to 0V due to a voltage drop in the power supply, the power supply to the drive circuits and ICs connected to the game control unit 302 and the medal count control unit 350 is stopped, and the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are in a state where they cannot electrically emit light (off).

[0449] In this example, if the power is cut off while the system is in a reception state with blue light emission (first light emission mode), the middle stop button 138 and the right stop button 139 (light emission means) will change from blue light emission (first light emission mode) to red light emission (second light emission mode) and then to off mode. Therefore, it is possible to know in advance that the reels will stop and the game will stop due to the power cut off, and it is possible to prevent a drastic decrease in the player's desire to play.

[0450] Furthermore, if the power is cut off while the reels are rotating and the stop operation means is accepting input, and the middle stop button 138 and the right stop button 139 (lighting means) suddenly turn off, if the timing of the stop operation and the turning off of the lighting means overlap, it becomes impossible to determine whether the stop operation was a normal stop control, which may cause the player to feel distrust towards the game machine and the game parlor. However, in this example, if the power is cut off while the reels are rotating and the stop operation means is accepting input, the lighting means changes from blue illumination (first illumination mode) to red illumination (second illumination mode) before the reels stop rotating. This allows the player to be notified in advance that normal stop control of the reels is not possible due to the power cut, thus preventing a drastic decrease in the player's desire to play.

[0451] <Light emission pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 2) / Power restoration and recovery process> The timing indicated by the symbol T4 (Timing T4) is the timing when the power supply voltage becomes above a predetermined voltage value, restoring power from an interruption and initiating the recovery process. The timing indicated by the symbol T14 (Timing T14) is the timing when the recovery process is completed and the system returns to normal operation.

[0452] As explained using Figure 26, after the power is restored from the power outage at timing T4, in step S2027 of the recovery process of the main control unit 300, the second light emission mode (red in this example) is set in the light emission mode information of the light emission mode memory area. However, the recovery process for the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a starts at timing T4 when the power is restored from the power outage, and the second light emission mode (red light emission) is set in the light emission mode information, so the stop indicator signal becomes OFF output, and the light emission mode of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a changes from off to the second light emission mode (red light emission).

[0453] <Illumination pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 2) / Normal operation> The timing indicated by the code T5 (Timing T5) is the timing when acceleration control of reels 110 to 112 is completed under normal conditions, and the timing indicated by the code T6 (Timing T6) is the timing when the stop buttons 137 to 139 corresponding to each reel 110 to 112 transition to a state where operation is possible.

[0454] Of the reels 110-112, the left reel 110 stopped rotating before the power outage. Since the left reel 110 was in a stopped state, even after normal operation began at timing T14 when the recovery process was completed, the left reel 110 remained stopped without starting to rotate, and its state returned to the stopped state, returning to the state it was in before the power outage.

[0455] On the other hand, the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 of the reels 110-112 were rotating before the power cut-off, and the state of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 was in the second constant-speed control state. Therefore, after normal operation started at timing T14 when the recovery process was completed, they started rotating again, and the state of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 became the acceleration state. At the subsequent timing T5, they transitioned from the acceleration state to the state in which the second constant-speed control was being executed, via the first constant-speed control.

[0456] Of the stop buttons 137-139, the left stop button 137 is kept in an inoperable state (disabled) because the left reel 110 is stopped at timing T6 and the light-shielding piece of the left reel 110 is not detected.

[0457] On the other hand, the middle stop button 138 and the right stop button 139, among the stop buttons 137-139, transitioned from an inoperable state (disabled) to an operable state (enabled) at timing T6 because the light-shielding pieces of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 were detected.

[0458] As explained with reference to Figure 31, in step S2041 of the stop button display control processing of the main control unit 300, it is determined whether the power supply voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 9V). If the power supply voltage is normal and the conditions of the subsequent steps S2043 to S2045 are met (in this example, the stop button acceptance flag is set to acceptable, the reel has transitioned to constant speed 2 state, and the light-shielding piece has been detected), the light emission mode information in the light emission mode storage area is updated from the second light emission mode (red light emission) to the first light emission mode (blue light emission).

[0459] Of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a, the left stop button LED 137a, at timing T6, has a normal power supply voltage, but the stop button acceptance flag is set to unacceptable, the reel does not transition to constant speed 2 state, and no light-shielding piece is detected. As a result, the stop indicator signal for the left stop button LED 137a remains at OFF output, the illumination mode is maintained at the second illumination mode (red illumination), and it returns to the state before the power outage.

[0460] On the other hand, at timing T6, the middle stop button LED 138a and the right stop button LED 139a, among the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a, receive a normal power supply voltage, the stop button acceptance flag is set to acceptable, the reel has transitioned to constant speed 2 state, and the light-shielding piece has been detected. As a result, the stop indicator signals for the middle stop button LED 138a and the right stop button LED 139a change from OFF output to ON output, the light emission mode changes from the second light emission mode (red light emission) to the first light emission mode (blue light emission), and the system returns to the state before the power outage.

[0461] This allows the player to recognize and be reassured that the stop operation performed on the left stop button 137 corresponding to the left reel 110 at timing T7 before the power cut-off was a valid stop operation. Furthermore, if the player was attempting to perform a stop operation on the middle stop button 138 and the right stop button 139 corresponding to the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 at timing T3, or had touched them, they can be made aware that there are still reels that have not been stopped and remain unstopped.

[0462] <Light emission pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Examples 1 and 2) / Summary> Slot machines use different illumination patterns for the stop button's light-emitting element (stop button LED) depending on whether the stop button has been pressed or not, making it easy to distinguish between active and inactive input. However, if a power outage occurs during reel rotation and power is restored, and the timing of the power outage coincides with the timing of the player's operation, it becomes difficult for the player to determine whether the operation on the reel was active or inactive. Furthermore, when the display devices such as LCDs and lamps malfunction and cannot operate properly, it becomes difficult for the machine's administrator to determine if any setting changes have been made during maintenance work. Moreover, with the increasing volume of visual effects in modern gaming machines, the ROM capacity for visual effects tends to increase, and the performance of the sub-control unit (LCD control unit) tends to improve. As a result, the startup time of the sub-control unit (LCD control unit) when the machine is powered on tends to be longer than before, leading to a demand for improvements in maintainability and operability. Therefore, the present invention aims to solve these problems by improving the illumination pattern of the stop button's light-emitting element.

[0463] As described above, the gaming machine according to these embodiments 1 and 2 (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine that can be played and has operating means that can be operated by the player (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in Figures 1, 36, and 37), and there is a light-emitting means provided on the operating means (for example, stop button LEDs 137a to 139a shown in Figures 36 and 37), and the light-emitting means may be in a first light-emitting mode (for example, blue light emission), and the light-emitting means may be in a second light-emitting mode (for example, red light emission). The game machine is characterized in that, in the event that the light-emitting means may be in an off state (for example, off), the first light-emitting state indicates a state in which an operation to the operating means is being accepted (for example, an operation-accepting state (effective)), the second light-emitting state indicates a state in which an operation to the operating means is not being accepted (for example, an operation-unaccepting state (ineffective)), and if the power is cut off in the acceptance state accompanied by the first light-emitting state, the light-emitting means goes from the first light-emitting state to the second light-emitting state and then to the off state.

[0464] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the power is cut off while the reception state is in the first light-emitting state, the light-emitting means will change from the first light-emitting state to the second light-emitting state and then to the off state. Therefore, it is possible to know in advance that the game will stop due to the power cut off, and it is possible to prevent the player's desire to play from being severely diminished.

[0465] The device also includes a rotatable reel (for example, reels 110-112 shown in Figures 1, 36, and 37), and the operating means is an operating means for stopping the rotation of the reel. If the power is cut off while the reel is rotating and in the reception state with the first light emission mode, the light emission means may change from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode and then to the off state.

[0466] With this configuration, in the event of a power outage, the light-emitting means will transition from a first light-emitting mode to a second light-emitting mode and then to an off state. This allows players to anticipate that a power outage will cause the reels to stop and the game to halt, thus preventing a drastic decrease in the player's desire to play.

[0467] Furthermore, the light-emitting means may be controlled to the first or second light-emitting mode by static lighting.

[0468] With this configuration, compared to controlling the light-emitting means by dynamic lighting, it is possible to prevent the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting means from becoming an intermediate mode between the first and second light-emitting modes, thereby improving the appearance and enhancing the effect.

[0469] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to these 1 and 2 embodiments (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine capable of gameplay, comprising: a rotatable reel (for example, reels 110 to 112 shown in Figures 1, 36, and 37); a stop operation means for stopping the rotation of the reels (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in Figures 1, 36, and 37); and a light-emitting means provided on the stop operation means (for example, stop button LEDs 137a to 139a shown in Figures 36 and 37), wherein the light-emitting means may be in a first light-emitting mode (for example, blue light emission). The game machine is characterized in that the light-emitting means may be in a second light-emitting mode (for example, red light emission), the first light-emitting mode is a mode indicating that the stop operation means is accepting an operation (for example, an operation-acceptable state (effective)), the second light-emitting mode is a mode indicating that the stop operation means is not accepting an operation (for example, an operation-unacceptable state (ineffective)), and if the power is cut off while the reels are rotating and in the acceptance state, the light-emitting means changes from the first light-emitting mode to the second light-emitting mode before the reels stop rotating.

[0470] If the power is cut off while the reels are rotating and the stop operation is being accepted, and the light-emitting means suddenly turns off, if the timing of the stop operation and the turning off of the light-emitting means overlap, it becomes impossible to tell whether the stop operation was a normal stop control, which may cause the player to feel distrust towards the gaming machine and the gaming parlor. However, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the power is cut off while the reels are rotating and the stop operation is being accepted, the light-emitting means changes from the first light-emitting mode to the second light-emitting mode before the reels stop rotating. Therefore, the player can be notified in advance that a normal stop control of the reels cannot be performed due to the power cut off, and the player's desire to play can be prevented from being severely diminished.

[0471] Furthermore, when the power is cut off, the reel moves from a constant-speed rotation state to an inertial rotation state and then stops, and the light-emitting means may be in the second light-emitting mode in the inertial rotation state.

[0472] With this configuration, the player can be informed that the operation is no longer effective by switching to a second illumination mode during inertial rotation, which makes precise stopping control difficult.

[0473] Furthermore, the light-emitting means may be in an off state, and the light-emitting means may transition from the second light-emitting state to the off state.

[0474] With this configuration, it is possible to reliably inform players in advance that the reels cannot be stopped properly due to a power outage, thereby preventing a drastic decrease in the players' motivation to play.

[0475] Furthermore, the light-emitting means may be controlled to the first or second light-emitting mode by static lighting.

[0476] With this configuration, compared to controlling the light-emitting means by dynamic lighting, it is possible to prevent the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting means from becoming an intermediate mode between the first and second light-emitting modes, thereby improving the appearance and enhancing the effect.

[0477] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to these two embodiments (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine that can be played and has operating means that can be operated by a player (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in Figures 1, 36, and 37), a light-emitting means provided on the operating means (for example, stop button LEDs 137a to 139a shown in Figures 36 and 37), a notification means that notifies predetermined information (for example, an instruction display) (for example, an instruction monitor shown in Figures 36 and 37), the light-emitting means may be in a first light-emitting mode (for example, blue light emission), the light-emitting means may be in a second light-emitting mode (for example, red light emission), and the notification means may be in a notification state that notifies the predetermined information (for example, an instruction display). The game machine is characterized in that the notification means may be in a state of displaying information, the notification means may be in a non-notification state (for example, a state of being off) in which it does not notify the predetermined information, the first light emission mode is a mode that indicates a state in which an operation to the operation means is accepted (for example, a state in which an operation can be accepted (valid)), the second light emission mode is a mode that indicates a state in which an operation to the operation means is not accepted (for example, a state in which an operation cannot be accepted (invalid)), and if the power is cut off in the acceptance state which is in the notification state and accompanied by the first light emission mode, the light emission means changes from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode, and the notification means changes from the notification state to the non-notification state before the light emission means changes to the second light emission mode.

[0478] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the power is cut off while the notification means is in a notification state and in a reception state accompanied by a first light emission mode, the light emission means changes from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode, and the notification means changes from a notification state to a non-notification state before the light emission means changes to the second light emission mode. Therefore, the player can be notified in stages that the game will stop due to the power cut off, and the player's desire to play can be prevented from being drastically diminished.

[0479] Furthermore, the light-emitting means may be in an off state, and if the power is cut off while the notification state is in the reception state accompanied by the first light-emitting state, the light-emitting means may change from the first light-emitting state to the second light-emitting state and then to the off state.

[0480] With this configuration, it is possible to know in advance that the game will stop due to a power outage, thus preventing a drastic decrease in the players' motivation to play.

[0481] The system further includes a rotatable reel (for example, reels 110-112 shown in Figures 1, 36, and 37), wherein the operating means is an operating means for stopping the rotation of the reel, and if the power is cut off while the reel is rotating and in the reception state with the first light emission mode, the light emission means changes from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode and then to the off state, and the notification means changes from the notification state to the non-notification state before the light emission means changes to the second light emission mode.

[0482] With this configuration, the player can be gradually informed that the reels will stop and the game will cease due to a power outage, thus preventing a drastic decrease in the player's desire to play.

[0483] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to these 1 and 2 embodiments (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine that can be played and has operating means that can be operated by a player (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in Figures 1, 36, and 37), light-emitting means provided on the operating means (for example, stop button LEDs 137a to 139a shown in Figures 36 and 37), notification means that notifies predetermined information (for example, an instruction display) (for example, an instruction monitor shown in Figures 36 and 37), the light-emitting means may be in a first light-emitting mode (for example, blue light emission), the light-emitting means may be in a second light-emitting mode (for example, red light emission), the light-emitting means may be in an off mode, and the notification means may be in a notification state that notifies the predetermined information (e.g. The game machine is characterized in that, for example, it may be in a state where an instruction display is shown, the notification means may be in a non-notification state (for example, a state where it is turned off) in which it does not notify the predetermined information, the first light emission mode is a mode that indicates a state in which an operation to the operation means is accepted (for example, a state in which an operation can be accepted (valid)), the second light emission mode is a mode that indicates a state in which an operation to the operation means is not accepted (for example, a state in which an operation cannot be accepted (invalid)), and if the power is cut off in the acceptance state which is in the notification state and accompanied by the first light emission mode, the light emission means changes from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode and then to the off state, and the notification means changes from the notification state to the non-notification state before the light emission means changes to the off state.

[0484] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the power is cut off while the notification means is in a notification state and in a reception state accompanied by a first light emission mode, the light emission means changes from the first light emission mode to a second light emission mode and then to an off state. The notification means changes from a notification state to a non-notification state before the light emission means changes to an off state. Therefore, the player can be notified in stages that the game will stop due to a power cut off, and the player's desire to play can be prevented from being drastically diminished.

[0485] Furthermore, the system may further include rotatable reels (for example, reels 110-112 shown in Figures 1, 36, and 37), and the operating means may be an operating means for stopping the rotation of the reels.

[0486] With this configuration, the player can be gradually informed that the reels will stop and the game will cease due to a power outage, thus preventing a drastic decrease in the player's desire to play.

[0487] Furthermore, the light-emitting means may be controlled to the first or second light-emitting mode by static lighting.

[0488] With this configuration, compared to controlling the light-emitting means by dynamic lighting, it is possible to prevent the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting means from becoming an intermediate mode between the first and second light-emitting modes, thereby improving the appearance and enhancing the effect.

[0489] Furthermore, the system may further include rotatable reels (for example, reels 110-112 shown in Figures 1, 36, and 37), and be capable of performing a first reel effect using the reels (for example, a third stop freeze shown in Figure 42). During the execution of the first reel effect, the notification means enters the notification state, and if the power is cut off while the reels are rotating and the notification state is active, the notification means may return to the non-notification state.

[0490] With this configuration, the system will be in a notification state while the first reel animation is running, thus attracting the player's attention to the notification mechanism. On the other hand, if the power is cut off while the reels are spinning and the notification is active, the system will be in a non-notification state, thus informing the player that the power has been cut off while the reels are spinning.

[0491] Furthermore, the light-emitting means may be in an off state, and while the first reel performance is being executed, the light-emitting means will be in the second light-emitting state, and if the power is cut off while the reels are rotating and in the reception state accompanied by the first light-emitting state, the light-emitting means may change from the first light-emitting state to the second light-emitting state and then to the off state.

[0492] With this configuration, it is possible to inform the player that stopping the reels is not possible while the first reel animation is running, and if the power is cut off while the reels are rotating and the first illumination pattern is active, the player can be reliably informed that the power was cut off while the reels were in a state where stopping the reels was possible.

[0493] <Illumination pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 3)> Figure 38 is a timing chart showing the illumination patterns of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 3).

[0494] In Embodiment 1, explained using Figure 36, the power was cut off while the reels 110-112 were rotating, and the light emission mode of the stop button LEDs 137a-139a changed from the first light emission mode (blue light emission) to the second light emission mode (red light emission), at which point the power was restored. In this Embodiment 3, however, the power was cut off while the reels 110-112 were rotating, and the light emission mode of the stop button LEDs 137a-139a remained in the first light emission mode (blue light emission), at which point the power was restored. To avoid redundant explanations, only the differences from Embodiment 1 will be explained here.

[0495] <Light emission pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 3) / Power interruption, voltage drop> The timing indicated by the symbol T3 (Timing T3) is the timing when a power interruption occurs and the power supply voltage drops to a second voltage value (for example, 7V or more and less than 9V), and the timing indicated by the symbol T13 (Timing T13) is the state when the power supply voltage drops to 0V.

[0496] In this example, even if the power supply voltage is determined to be abnormal, that is, if the power supply voltage falls to a second voltage value (for example, 7V or more but less than 9V), the system is configured to maintain the first light emission mode (blue light emission) without setting a second light emission mode (red light emission) in the light emission mode information of the light emission mode storage area.

[0497] At timing T3, the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a detect a voltage drop due to a power interruption (indicating an abnormal power supply voltage), but maintain the ON output of the stop indicator signal, thus maintaining the first illumination mode (blue light emission).

[0498] In this example, since it is not necessary to change the light emission mode of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a from the second light emission mode (blue light emission) to the first light emission mode (red light emission), the control burden on the control unit can be reduced, the corresponding program code can be reduced, and the limited memory capacity can be used effectively.

[0499] Furthermore, at timing T13, when the power supply voltage drops to 0V due to a voltage drop in the power supply, the power supply to the drive circuits and ICs connected to the game control unit 302 and the medal count control unit 350 is stopped, and the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are electrically unable to emit light (off).

[0500] <Light emission pattern of the stop button LED before and after power interruption and restoration (Example 3) / Power restoration and recovery process> The timing indicated by the symbol T4 (Timing T4) is the timing when the power supply voltage becomes above a predetermined voltage value, restoring power from a power outage (restoration of power), and the recovery process begins. The timing indicated by the symbol T14 (Timing T14) is approximately 25 seconds after Timing T4, and is the timing when the process of restoring the information stored in the RWM at the time of the power outage is executed during the recovery process. The timing indicated by the symbol T15 (Timing T15) is approximately 30 seconds after Timing T4, and is the timing when the recovery process is completed and the system transitions to normal operation.

[0501] The illumination mode of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a is set to the first illumination mode (blue illumination) based on the illumination mode information stored in the RWM before the power outage, at timing T14 during the recovery process when the process to restore the information stored in the RWM during the power outage is executed.

[0502] In this example, the illumination pattern (blue light emission) of the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a (light-emitting means) before the power outage is maintained even after the power is restored. This prevents players from mistakenly believing that they have already stopped the reels when they have not yet done so, and allows the game to proceed smoothly without causing confusion to the player even after a power outage and subsequent restoration of power.

[0503] Furthermore, compared to the case where the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are illuminated in a second light-emitting mode (red light) at the start of the power...

Claims

1. A gaming machine that is capable of being played, It comprises a first circuit board on which multiple signal lines are formed, The plurality of signal wirings include a first pair of wirings consisting of a first signal wiring and a second signal wiring, The first pair of wiring has a first special shaped portion on one of the signal wires, the first signal wire and the second signal wire. The first specially shaped portion is a part that adjusts the difference in wiring length within the pair in the first pair wiring, The first special-shaped portion is formed on the signal wire that has a shorter wiring length within the pair of the first pair of wirings, excluding the first special-shaped portion. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, The first pair of wiring has a bent portion that bends from a first direction to a second direction, The first specially shaped portion is formed on the signal wiring located on the inside of the bent portion in the first pair of wiring. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

3. A gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, The first substrate is capable of mounting a connector, One end of the first pair of wiring includes a connector connection portion that is connected to the connector, The first specially shaped portion is the part located at the connector connection portion. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, The aforementioned connector has multiple terminals, The first substrate is provided with a plurality of pads, The pad is capable of mounting one of the multiple terminals, The plurality of pads include a first pad and a second pad, The first pair of wiring includes an outlet that narrows the gap between the first signal wiring connected to the first pad and the second signal wiring connected to the second pad. The lead-out portion is positioned between the first pad and the second pad and the first special-shaped portion. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

5. A gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, The plurality of signal lines include a second pair of lines consisting of a third signal line and a fourth signal line. The second pair of wiring includes a second specific shape portion in both the third signal wiring and the fourth signal wiring to adjust for the difference in wiring length with the first pair of wiring. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, The first pair of wiring includes a first specific shape portion in both the first signal wiring and the second signal wiring to adjust for the difference in wiring length with the second pair of wiring. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

7. A gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, The plurality of signal lines include a second pair of lines consisting of a third signal line and a fourth signal line. The second pair of wiring has a second special shaped portion on one of the signal wirings of the third signal wiring and the fourth signal wiring, The second specially shaped portion is a part that adjusts the difference in wiring length within the pair in the second pair wiring, The second special-shaped portion is formed in the signal wiring that has a shorter wiring length within the pair of the second pair of wiring, excluding the second special-shaped portion. The position of the first special-shaped portion in the first pair of wiring is different from the position of the second special-shaped portion in the second pair of wiring. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, The first substrate is capable of mounting a connector, One end of the first pair of wiring includes a first connector connection portion that is connected to the connector. One end of the second pair of wiring includes a second connector connection portion that is connected to the connector, The first specially shaped portion is located at the first connector connection portion, The second specially shaped portion is located at the second connector connection portion, The first special-shaped portion and the second special-shaped portion are located in different positions in the direction of signal wiring output. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images