gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine improving convenience of a worker's situation confirmation.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a main indicator controlled by a main control section, a sub-indicator controlled by a sub-control section, an outer periphery lamp, an upper panel lamp, a lower panel lamp, and a speaker. An operation mode of the upper panel lamp is not changed by opening / closing of a front door, the sub-indicator, the outer periphery lamp, the lower panel lamp, and the speaker have an operation mode for reporting opening of the front door, and the sub-control section performs control for starting to operate the upper panel lamp before the main indicator when power of the game machine is turned on in a state in which the front door is open, and for starting to operate the sub-indicator, the outer periphery lamp, the lower panel lamp, and the speaker after the main indicator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Gaming machines (slot machines) have been known in the past that rotate and stop multiple reels, each with a variety of symbols arranged on its outer periphery, in response to a player's operation. These types of gaming machines assign a certain gaming value to gaming media, such as medals or pachinko balls, and players play to acquire this gaming value. These types of gaming machines also perform an internal lottery when the player initiates a spin operation, and then stop the reels in a manner corresponding to the results of the internal lottery when the player initiates a stop operation. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the pay line when the reels are stopped, and the payout of gaming value, such as medals, is determined based on the game result.

[0003] Such gaming machines are equipped with various sensors, and the signals from the sensors determine whether an error condition is met. If the error condition is met, an error is detected and an error notification is provided. When an error is notified, the gaming machine continues to notify the error until the error is resolved. When an operator, such as a gaming parlor staff member, removes the cause of the error and performs a predetermined resolution operation, a resolution process corresponding to the error is performed and the gaming machine returns to normal. Conventionally, a door open error, which occurs when a front door that can be freely opened and closed on the gaming machine's cabinet is left open, has been treated as a critical error because an open front door allows access to various control units built into the cabinet (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-39492 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The front door not only serves as a protective measure to prevent players from easily accessing the various control units, but also has an alarm device attached to it that notifies players of various information related to the game. The alarm device attached to the front door is also used to notify the occurrence of the aforementioned errors and is a means for operators to check the situation, so there is a demand for improving the convenience of operators in checking the situation.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a gaming machine that improves the convenience of an operator in checking the status. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising a cabinet with a front door attached so as to be able to open and close, and a main control unit and a sub-control unit built into the cabinet, in which the main control unit controls the game and the sub-control unit executes presentations in accordance with the progress of the game, the gaming machine including a first alarm device controlled by the main control unit, and a second alarm device and a third alarm device controlled by the sub-control unit, in which the second alarm device does not change its operating mode depending on whether the front door is opened or closed, and the third alarm device has an operating mode that notifies the opening of the front door, and the sub-controller controls the second alarm device to start operating before the first alarm device and the third alarm device to start operating after the first alarm device when the gaming machine is powered on with the front door open.

[0008] (2) The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising a cabinet with a front door attached so as to be able to open and close, and a main control unit and a sub-control unit built into the cabinet, in which the main control unit controls the game and the sub-control unit executes presentations in accordance with the progress of the game, the gaming machine including a first alarm device controlled by the main control unit, and a second alarm device and a third alarm device controlled by the sub-control unit, in which the second alarm device does not change its operating mode depending on whether the front door is opened or closed, and the third alarm device has an operating mode that notifies the opening of the front door, and the sub-controller controls the second alarm device to start operating before the first alarm device and the third alarm device to start operating approximately simultaneously with the first alarm device when the gaming machine is powered on with the front door open.

[0009] (3) The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising a cabinet with a front door attached so as to be able to open and close, and a main control unit and a sub-control unit built into the cabinet, in which the main control unit controls the game and the sub-control unit executes presentations in accordance with the progress of the game, the gaming machine including a first alarm device controlled by the main control unit, and a second alarm device and a third alarm device controlled by the sub-control unit, in which the second alarm device does not change its operating mode depending on whether the front door is opened or closed, and the third alarm device has an operating mode that notifies the opening of the front door, and the sub-controller controls the second alarm device to start operating before the first alarm device and the third alarm device to start operating after the second alarm device when the gaming machine is powered on with the front door open.

[0010] In the gaming machine of the present invention described above, the start of operation of the second alarm device allows the operator to quickly detect that electricity is flowing normally when the power is turned on, and the start of operation of the third alarm device allows the operator to detect the startup of the main control unit, thereby improving the convenience of the operator in checking the situation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of a cabinet of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a reel unit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating the path of medals in an gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a main error and the conditions for detecting the main error in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the targets to be cleared in the cancellation process corresponding to the main error of the gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the contents of sub-errors and the conditions for detecting them in the gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how an error is notified in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating what is to be cleared when recovering from an error on the sub-board side in an gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a main loop process for controlling the progress of a game in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an error wait process that is called when a main error occurs in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an error cancellation process for a main error in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing processing when an error occurrence command is received in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for detecting a door release error in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16]10 is a flowchart showing a process for detecting a communication error in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for setting an error notification target in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for notifying a main error in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for notifying a door opening error in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for notifying a communication error in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 10 is a timing chart showing the operation of the alarm device when power is restored after a power outage in an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention. [Figure 22] 10 is a timing chart showing the operation of the alarm device when power is restored after a power outage in an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention. [Figure 23] 10 is a timing chart showing the operation of the alarm device when power is restored after a power outage in an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiments are necessarily essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0013] 1. Configuration Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration (excluding the reel unit) of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The gaming machine of this embodiment is a so-called slot machine or reel gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine in which games are played using medals as gaming media.

[0015] The gaming machine of this embodiment houses a reel unit consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (plurality of reels) in a box-shaped housing made up of a storage box BX and a front door FD.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a reel unit for a gaming machine according to this embodiment.

[0017] In the reel unit of this embodiment, each of the first reel R1 to third reel R3 is fixed to a metal (or resin) base unit BU, which is shaped roughly like a U, via a metal (or resin) support unit SU that supports a stepping motor SM for driving each reel.

[0018] Each of the first to third reels R1 to R3 housed in the base unit BU is constructed by winding a reel tape TP made of a strip-shaped resin film around the outer periphery of a circularly molded resin reel body RD (reel drum). The reel tape TP is wound around the reel body RD so that its front surface forms the outer periphery of each reel and its back surface forms the inner periphery of each reel, and the ends are fixed together with an adhesive or the like.

[0019] Each of the first reel R1 to third reel R3 is fixed to the drive shaft of a stepping motor SM at a position corresponding to the center of rotation of the reel body RD by bolts, etc. The stepping motor SM for each reel is also fixed to the support unit SU by bolts, etc.

[0020] The reel tape TP for each reel is divided into 21 frame pattern arrangement areas at regular intervals, and one of multiple types of patterns is arranged on the surface of the reel tape TP at each position corresponding to each frame.

[0021] The reel unit of this embodiment is equipped with a backlight unit LU (illumination means) that illuminates the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 from the back side of the reel tape TP of each reel (the inner peripheral side of each reel). Each reel backlight unit LU is provided with a light source such as an incandescent bulb or an LED bulb so as to illuminate each of the three display positions (upper, middle, and lower) that can be observed through the display window DW of the gaming machine. In this embodiment, three light sources are provided corresponding to the display positions of each reel: an upper backlight BL1 that illuminates the upper display position, a middle backlight BL2 that illuminates the middle display position, and a lower backlight BL3 that illuminates the lower display position.

[0022] Also, below the reel unit storage space PS in the storage box BX, there is a power supply unit EU, which incorporates a power supply and is equipped with various switches such as a power switch ES, a setting change key cylinder KS, and a setting change button SB, as well as a hopper unit HP, which serves as a medal payout device. In this embodiment, the setting change button SB also functions as a switch for clearing errors, allowing the setting change button SB to not only change settings but also clear errors. The hopper unit HP includes a medal storage tank MT for storing medals to be used in games, a payout motor (not shown) consisting of a stepping motor, and a rotating disk (not shown) pivotally supported by the payout motor. The rotating disk is driven by the payout motor to dispense medals one by one. Furthermore, when a certain amount of medals is stored in the medal storage tank MT, the hopper unit HP sends surplus medals to the cash box CB.

[0023] In addition, within the housing of the gaming machine of this embodiment, for example, a main board MAIN is mounted above the reel unit storage space PS, and a sub-board SUB is mounted to the side of the reel unit storage space PS. These control boards (main board MAIN, sub-board SUB) are equipped with a CPU as a computing means, ROM and RAM as storage means, etc., to control the operation of the gaming machine. The main board MAIN and sub-board SUB are connected in such a way that only one-way communication from the main board MAIN to the sub-board SUB is possible, and information cannot be transmitted from the sub-board SUB to the main board MAIN. In this embodiment, the power supply unit EU is provided with a setting change key cylinder KS and a setting change button SB, but the setting change key cylinder KS and setting change button SB may also be provided on the surface of the main board MAIN.

[0024] The outer periphery of each of the first to third reels R1 to R3 shown in FIG. 1 is divided into 21 regions (each region is referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and each frame has one of several types of symbols arranged on it. The first to third reels R1 to R3 are supported by a stepping motor SM (reel drive means), and are driven to rotate about the axis of the stepping motor SM. The first to third reels R1 to R3 can be stopped in frame units (predetermined rotation angle units, predetermined rotation amount units) by controlling the number of pulses and pulse width of drive pulses of the stepping motor SM. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stepping motor SM drives the first to third reels R1 to R3 to rotate in response to drive pulses supplied from a control board. When a full-phase excitation drive pulse is supplied from the control board, the first to third reels R1 to R3 stop as the stepping motor SM stops rotating.

[0025] The front door FD can be opened and closed freely, and is provided with a display window DW that allows the rotation and stopped states of the first to third reels R1 to R3 to be observed. When the first to third reels R1 to R3 are stopped, three consecutive symbols (upper, middle, and lower symbols) among the multiple symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer periphery of each of the first to third reels R1 to R3 can be observed through the display window DW from the front of the gaming machine.

[0026] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display positions for observing the symbols through the display window DW, and an activated line is set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, the so-called specified insertion number, is set to three, and when medals equivalent to the specified insertion number are inserted, an activated line L1 formed by the middle rows of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is activated.

[0027] The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the valid line in the display window DW, and if the symbol combination on the valid line corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that winning combination is considered to have won and medals are paid out from the hopper unit HP.

[0028] The front door FD is provided with a first main display DS1 (an example of a first notification device), a second main display DS2 (an example of a first notification device), and a sub-display DS3 (an example of a third notification device). The first main display DS1, second main display DS2, and sub-display DS3 are 7-segment displays, with the first main display DS1 displaying the number of medals paid out for each game and main error information, the second main display DS2 displaying the number of medal credits, and the sub-display DS3 displaying the total number of medals won (or the total number of medals paid out) in an advantageous state such as a bonus state and sub-error information.

[0029] The front door FD is also provided with an outer perimeter lamp AL (an example of a third notification device), an upper panel lamp UPL (an example of a second notification device), a lower panel lamp DPL (an example of a third notification device), and a liquid crystal display LCD for game effects. The outer perimeter lamp AL, upper panel lamp UPL, and lower panel lamp DPL illuminate the front door FD and, depending on their lighting modes, serve to enhance gameplay, provide information to assist gameplay, and notify game machine status. Their exteriors are made of translucent resin or glass, allowing light from the built-in LED units to pass through. The liquid crystal display LCD displays various videos (or images) to assist gameplay, enhance gameplay, and notify game machine status. The gaming machine of this embodiment is also provided with multiple speakers SP (an example of a third notification device) for game effects. These speakers SP output various sounds and background music to assist gameplay, enhance gameplay, and notify game machine status.

[0030] The front door FD is also provided with various operating means. These operating means include a 1-bet button (insertion operating means) B0A for inserting credited (stored) medals, a MAX-bet button (insertion operating means) B0B, a start lever (game start operating means) SL for rotating the first reel R1 through the third reel R3 to start a game, and stop buttons (stop operating means) B1 through B3 for stopping each of the first reel R1 through the third reel R3, which are driven to rotate by a stepping motor. In particular, in this embodiment, the MAX-bet button B0B and the stop buttons B1 through B3 have exteriors made of translucent resin that are transparent to light from a built-in MAX-bet lamp (an example of a second light source unit). When the MAX-bet lamp lights up, the player can determine whether the insertion of credited medals has been activated or whether the spinning reels have been stopped.

[0031] The front door FD is also provided with a door key cylinder DK, which can be inserted to unlock the front door FD. The front door FD can also be unlocked by rotating the door key inserted into the door key cylinder DK 90 degrees clockwise from its initial position.

[0032] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, when a player inserts a medal into the slot MI or presses the bet button B0, the machine is set to a ready state in which rotation control of the first through third reels R1 through R3 can begin. The medals inserted through the slot MI pass through the medal selector SC (see FIG. 2) and then enter the medal storage tank MT of the hopper unit HP via the medal chute MS. However, under certain conditions, such as after a game begins, a medal blocker built into the medal selector SC is activated to block the flow path toward the medal chute MS, switching the flow path so that the inserted medals are returned through the payout outlet MO. When the player presses the start lever SL, the control board drives the stepping motor SM to start spinning the first through third reels R1 through R3. An internal lottery is then conducted using random numbers. Once the rotation speed of the first through third reels R1 through R3 has reached a predetermined speed, pressing the stop buttons B1 through B3 is permitted (enabled).

[0033] Thereafter, when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3 at any timing, the stop switch (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a conductivity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turns on, changing the reel stop signal input to the main board MAIN from the off state to the on state.

[0034] Furthermore, when the player releases the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to the stop buttons B1 to B3 are turned off, and the reel stop signal input to the main circuit board MAIN changes from on to off.

[0035] The main board MAIN then stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stop position according to the result of the internal lottery based on the change from OFF to ON of the reel stop signal, whose signal state changes depending on the timing of pressing and releasing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0036] A payout port MO and a medal tray MP are provided below the lower front door DD, and medals in a number corresponding to the results of a game are paid out from the hopper unit HP through the payout port MO to the medal tray MP. When medals are paid out according to the results of a game, if crediting (internal storage) of medals is permitted, medals equivalent to some or all of the payout number are credited, up to the credit limit number (50 in this embodiment), and the display value of the second main display DS2 is changed in accordance with the change in the number of medal credits.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0038] The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a main control unit 10 (main circuit board MAIN) and a sub-control unit 20 (sub-circuit board SUB). The main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20 are powered by power supplied from a power supply unit EU when a power switch ES is activated. The main control unit 10 receives input signals from a setting change switch 301, a door open / close switch 302, a coin insertion detection sensor 401, a first medal passage sensor 402, a second medal passage sensor 403, a chute sensor 305, a 1-bet switch 307, a MAX-bet switch 308, a start switch 309, a stop switch 311, an overflow sensor 313, and the like, and performs various calculations to set up the gaming machine, manage main errors, and progress through the game. Based on the calculation results, the sub-control unit 20 controls the operation of the reel unit 310, the hopper unit (payout device) HP, and the like, and manages sub-errors in response to commands from the main control unit 10. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the functions of the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM, or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0039] The main control unit 10 includes a setting change means 101, a game control means 102, a random number generation means 103, a main error detection means 104, a main error management means 105, a main memory means 106, and a main power interruption recovery means 107.

[0040] The setting change means 101 controls changing the setting values ​​stored in the main storage means 106. In this embodiment, the gaming machine is switched between the game mode and the setting change mode depending on the state of the setting change key cylinder KS when the power is turned on. When the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder KS and turned 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the power switch ES is activated and power is supplied from the power supply unit EU, and the setting change means 101 starts the gaming machine in the setting change mode. In this embodiment, the setting value can be selected from six setting values, from Setting 1 to Setting 6, and the winning probability of the internal lottery varies so that the expected payout rate increases from Setting 1 to Setting 6. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​are expressed in the order of Setting 1 < Setting 2 < Setting 3 < Setting 4 < Setting 5 < Setting 6.

[0041] Furthermore, when the setting change button SB is pressed in the setting change mode to activate the setting change switch 301, the setting change means 101 changes the setting value in the order of Setting 1 → Setting 2 →... Setting 6 → Setting 1 →... each time it receives an input signal from the setting change switch 301, and when the start switch 230 is activated by pressing the start lever SL, it confirms the setting value and stores the confirmed setting value in the main storage means 106. In this embodiment, the setting change mode can be switched to the game mode by returning the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder KS to its initial position. In this embodiment, in the setting change mode, the first main display DS1 displays the selected setting value.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder KS in the initial position, the gaming machine starts up in the game mode. In this embodiment, in the game mode, games can be played but the setting values ​​cannot be changed, and in the setting change mode, the setting values ​​can be changed but the game cannot be played.

[0043] In addition, in the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 performs an initialization process to initialize information stored in a read / write memory (RWM), which is a readable and writable storage area in the main storage means 106. Note that in the initialization process, not all information stored in the read / write memory is initialized, but some information, such as medal credit information, is retained without being initialized.

[0044] The game control means 102 is a means for controlling the progress of the game, and when a game starts after a medal is inserted, it determines whether or not a winning combination will be achieved by an internal lottery, spins the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, and when a stop operation is performed on the stop buttons B1 to B3, it stops the spinning reels according to the result of the internal lottery, determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line, and performs processing according to the determination result, thereby performing a main loop process to progress the game. Details of this will be explained below.

[0045] First, the game control means 102 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating a game start operation for the start lever SL (game start operation means) based on the insertion of medals equivalent to the specified insertion number (3 medals). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL, which is validated based on the insertion of medals equivalent to the specified insertion number, is accepted as a game start operation, and serves as a trigger to start the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and also as a trigger to execute an internal lottery.

[0046] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot MI, the insertion detection sensor 401 in the medal selector SC is activated, and the gaming control means 102 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state, up to a specified insertion number. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main memory means 106 can store (store and store) up to 50 medals as credits, and when the bet button B0 is pressed while medals are stored as credits in the gaming machine, the bet switch 308 is activated, and the gaming control means 102 sets the medals stored in the main memory means 106 to an inserted state, up to a specified insertion number. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the second main display DS2 is configured to display the number of credits, and the gaming control means 102 changes the display content of the second main display DS2 according to an increase or decrease in the number of credits of medals stored in the main memory means 106.

[0047] In addition, the game control means 102 performs an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a signal from the start switch 309, which is activated by the game start operation on the start lever SL (the first pressing operation on the activated start lever SL), and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

[0048] In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which internal lottery table to use to perform the internal lottery among a plurality of types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 106. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in each internal lottery table, a plurality of random number values ​​(for example, 65,536 random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535) are associated with various winning combinations such as replays, small winning combinations, and bonuses, as well as losses (non-wins). In this embodiment, for six levels of setting values, an internal lottery table corresponding to the game state is prepared for each setting value, and the probability of obtaining some winning combinations in the internal lottery differs depending on the setting value, and the correspondence between the winning combinations and the random number values ​​is set so that the higher the setting value, the higher the expected value of the payout rate.

[0049] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to a normal state, a bonus established state, or a bonus state, and in the lottery table selection process, one of multiple types of internal lottery tables is selected as the internal lottery table to be used in the internal lottery depending on the game state.

[0050] In the random number determination process, a random number value (random number for lottery) is obtained from the random number generating means 103 for each game based on a signal from the start switch 309, and the obtained random number value is used to determine whether or not it has resulted in a winning combination by referring to the internal lottery table stored in the main memory means 106.

[0051] The random number generating means 103 mentioned above is a means for generating random number values ​​for lottery. The random number values ​​can be generated by, for example, a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65,536 random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535 without duplication within one cycle. In this embodiment, the term "random number value" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

[0052] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, OFF state) to a winning state (second flag state, ON state). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are won in a overlapping manner, the lottery flags corresponding to the two or more types of combinations that are won in a overlapping manner are set to a winning state. The setting information of the lottery flags is stored in the main storage means 106.

[0053] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is provided with a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over a winning state to subsequent games until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to a non-winning state without carrying over a winning state to subsequent games regardless of whether a prize is won. The former carry-over flag is associated with a bonus, while the latter non-carry-over flag is associated with a small win and a replay. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, for example, when a bonus is won in an internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the winning state of the bonus lottery flag until the bonus is won. At this time, the game control means 102 performs an internal lottery to determine whether a small win or a replay will be won, even in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over. In this way, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small winning combination or a replay is won in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over, lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of combinations consisting of the lottery flag of the bonus already won and the lottery flag of the small winning combination or replay won by the internal lottery are set to the winning state.

[0054] In addition, based on a signal from the start switch 309, which is activated when the player operates the start lever SL to start the game, the game control means 102 controls the stepping motor to start rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, and enables the stop operation by pressing the stop button B1 to B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reel that is rotating steadily at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotation speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute), and also controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that are being rotated by the stepping motor to stop in a manner according to the setting state of the lottery flag (the result of the internal lottery).

[0055] When the stop switch 311 is activated by the player pressing one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 while the stop operation for the stop buttons B1 to B3 is enabled, the game control means 102 performs control to stop each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by stopping the supply of drive pulses (motor drive signals) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310 based on the signal from the stop switch 311.

[0056] That is, each time one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is pressed, the game control means 102 determines the stop position of the reel among the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 corresponding to the pressed button, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, pressing the stop button B1 corresponds to an operation to stop the first reel R1, pressing the stop button B2 corresponds to an operation to stop the second reel R2, and pressing the stop button B3 corresponds to an operation to stop the third reel R3. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed is changed, the stop order of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is also changed.

[0057] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first reel R1 through the third reel R3 corresponding to the pressed stop button B1 through B3 is stopped within 190 ms of the time the stop button is pressed. When the rotating reels are stopped within 190 ms of the time the stop button is pressed, the stop position of each rotating reel is determined based on the number of frames required from the time the stop button is pressed to the time the reel stops, within a range of 0 to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range). The game control means 102 controls the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button B1 through B3 to stop so that, when the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery is located within a range of 0 to 4 frames from the display position on the pay line at the time the stop button is pressed, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is displayed at the display position on the pay line.

[0058] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the reel unit 310 is provided with a reel index 405 consisting of a photosensor, and the game control means 102 is able to monitor the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotary shaft of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the frame detected by the reel index 405) based on the signal detected by the reel index 405 each time the reel makes one rotation. In other words, the game control means 102 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch 311 is activated by determining the rotation angle of the reel from the reference position.

[0059] In this embodiment, multiple types of patterns are arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that make up the reel unit 310, and when patterns that are within four frames from the push detection position are drawn onto an active line, the patterns that are arranged at intervals of four frames or less on the outer peripheral surface of each reel can be displayed on the active line regardless of the push detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time the stop switch 311 is activated (the time the push of the stop button is detected).

[0060] In addition, the game control means 102 performs a process (logic calculation) to determine the stop position of the spinning reel based on priority, and a process (table reference process) to determine the stop position of the spinning reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the main memory means 106.

[0061] First, in the logic calculation, the priority is determined for the candidate stop positions for 5 frames (or 2 frames) that exist within a range of 0 to 4 frames (or a range of 0 to 1 frame) from the press detection position according to the priority data set for each role. Then, the candidate stop position with the highest priority among the priorities of each candidate stop position is determined as the actual stop position. However, in the logic calculation, the same priority may be determined for multiple candidate stop positions depending on the results of the internal lottery, the press detection position, etc., and when there are multiple candidates for the highest priority stop position, the actual stop position is determined by a table lookup process described later.

[0062] In particular, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the order of priority is set as "replay > bonus" and then "minor role > bonus", and in the logic calculation, when the lottery flags for two or more types of roles are set to a winning state, the priority is determined according to the priority associated with each role so that candidate stop positions including symbols that constitute the winning form of a role with a higher priority have a higher priority than candidate stop positions including symbols that constitute the winning form of a role with a lower priority.

[0063] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when multiple types of minor winning combinations are won in the internal lottery, the priority of the candidate stop positions may be determined according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line, or according to the number of medals paid out based on a predetermined payout for the minor winning combination. When the priority of the candidate stop positions is determined according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line, the priority of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority is higher for stop positions with a greater number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line. When the priority of the candidate stop positions is determined according to the number of medals paid out, the priority of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority is higher for stop positions with a greater number of medals paid out based on the payout for the minor winning combination corresponding to the pattern displayed at the display position on the valid line (stop positions that can win a minor winning combination with a larger payout). However, when determining the priority of candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, if multiple minor roles with the same payout are won, the priority of candidate stop positions that can win each minor role is treated as being the same, and when determining the priority of candidate stop positions according to the number of pattern combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on an active line, the priority of candidate stop positions that have the same number of pattern combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on an active line is treated as being the same.

[0064] In addition, the logic calculation performs so-called pull-in processing and kick-out processing as processing for determining candidate reel stop positions. The pull-in processing is processing for determining the priority of candidate reel stop positions so that a combination for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state can win as much as possible. On the other hand, the kick-out processing is processing for determining the priority of candidate reel stop positions so that a combination for which the lottery flag is set to a non-winning state cannot win. In this way, the game control means 102 performs logic calculation to determine candidate reel stop positions so that symbols for a combination for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state can stop in a winning form, while symbols for a combination for which the lottery flag is set to a non-winning state cannot stop in a winning form.

[0065] In the table reference process, when multiple candidates for the highest priority stop position are obtained as a result of the logic operation, the stop control table stored in the main memory means 106 is referenced to determine which position to use as the stop position.

[0066] In the stop control table, a correspondence relationship between the pressed detection position and the number of sliding symbols indicating the amount of rotation from the pressed detection position to the actual stop position is set according to the setting state of the lottery flag. Note that in the stop control table, a correspondence relationship between the pressed detection position and the actual stop position may also be set according to the setting state of the lottery flag.

[0067] The game control means 102 also performs a win determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, the game control means 102 refers to a win determination table stored in the main storage means 106 to determine whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the pay line at the time when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have stopped is in the form of a winning combination of a predetermined winning combination.

[0068] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game control means 102 executes a winning process when a winning combination is achieved based on the result of the winning determination process. As the winning process, for example, a medal payout control process is executed when a small combination is achieved, a replay process is executed when a replay is achieved, and a game state transition control process for transitioning the game state is executed when a bonus is achieved.

[0069] First, the game control means 102 performs payout control processing for the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small winning combination is achieved, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the payout predetermined for each combination, and the hopper unit HP is controlled to pay out medals corresponding to the determined number of medals to be paid out.

[0070] The hopper unit HP is a device that performs the operation of paying out the number of medals to be paid out that is instructed by the game control means 102. The hopper unit HP is provided with a payout sensor 406 that is activated each time a medal is paid out, and the game control means 102 is configured to be able to manage the number of medals that have actually been paid out from the hopper unit HP based on an input signal from the payout sensor 406. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when medals are paid out in each game, the number of medals to be paid out is displayed on the first main display DS1, and when medals are paid out as a result of a minor winning combination, the game control means 102 performs control to display the number of medals to be paid out in accordance with the winning of the minor winning combination on the first main display DS1.

[0071] When credit storage (accumulation storage) of medals is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper unit HP, a credit addition process is performed in which the number of medals to be paid out is added to the number of credits (number of medals stored as credits) stored in the main storage means 106, and medals are virtually paid out. When adding a part or all of the number of medals to be paid out to the number of credits, the game control means 102 performs control to change the display content of the second main display DS2 in accordance with the increase in the number of credits.

[0072] Furthermore, when a replay wins, the game control means 102 performs a replay process (replay process) that sets the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any medals that he owns. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed that automatically inserts the same number of medals as in the previous game without using any medals (including credit medals) that the player has in hand, and the machine waits for the next game start operation on the start lever SL with the same pay lines as in the previous game set.

[0073] The game control means 102 also performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state. In this embodiment, information indicating the current game state is stored in the main storage means 106. The game state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are set, the game state can be transitioned to another game state when one of the multiple predetermined conditions is met, or when all of the multiple predetermined conditions are met.

[0074] The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among the multiple game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state. Specifically, if a bonus is won in the normal state, the state transitions to the bonus establishment state. In addition, in the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which small winning combinations, replays, and bonuses are set as the lottery targets, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 106.

[0075] The bonus establishment state is a gaming state to which the game enters when a bonus is won in an internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, the win or loss of a minor role is determined with the same probability as in the normal state from among multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 106, and an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which bonuses are excluded from the lottery. Note that replays are also set as a lottery target in the bonus establishment state, but the winning probability and winning mode of replays may be different from or the same as in the normal state.

[0076] In addition, in the bonus established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the bonus is maintained in the winning state until the bonus is won, and the win or loss of the minor winning combination and replay is determined, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the bonus is displayed on the active line, the game control means 102 transitions the game state from the bonus established state to the bonus state based on the winning of the bonus.

[0077] The bonus state is a gaming state to which the player enters when a symbol combination indicating a bonus winning mode is displayed on an active line. In the bonus state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 106, the winning probability of a small combination is set higher than in the normal state and the bonus state, and an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which replays are excluded from the lottery. In other words, the bonus state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state or the bonus state in that small combinations are won more frequently in the bonus state than in the normal state or the bonus state.

[0078] In the bonus state, the game control means 102 determines whether the termination condition is met based on the total number of medals paid out in the bonus game in the bonus state, and when the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number of medals to be paid out at the end (for example, 250 medals), the game control means 102 terminates the bonus state and returns the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, count information on the number of medals paid out in the bonus state is accumulated and stored in the main storage means 106.

[0079] The main error detection means 104 detects a main error by monitoring the signal states of the insertion detection sensor 401, the first medal passing sensor 402, the second medal passing sensor 403, the chute sensor 305, the payout sensor 406, and the overflow sensor 313, determining whether the error detection conditions are met, and identifying the main error that has occurred based on whether the error detection conditions are met. Note that in this embodiment, even after detecting any of the main errors (a situation in which the cancellation operation is awaited by error wait processing, which will be described later), the main error detection means 104 continues to periodically detect each main error by timer interrupt processing.

[0080] The types of main errors and the error detection conditions for each main error will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0081] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the flow path of a medal inserted through the insertion slot.

[0082] First, when medals are being accepted, when a medal is inserted through the medal slot MI, it passes through the medal selector SC, where it is identified and the number of medals is counted, and then it is sent to the hopper unit HP via the medal chute MS.

[0083] On the other hand, when a game is being played or when the maximum number of medal credits has been reached, the medal blocker 404 is activated to block the flow path from the medal selector SC to the medal chute MS, and the medals are returned from the medal selector SC to the payout outlet MO.

[0084] Furthermore, when the number of medals stored in the hopper unit HP exceeds a predetermined amount, the medals sent to the hopper unit HP in excess of the predetermined amount are sent to the cash box CB.

[0085] In this embodiment, the main error detection means 104 detects backflow errors, empty errors, dispensing jam errors, dispensing abnormality errors, over errors, retention errors, and insertion abnormality errors based on the signal states of various sensors, as shown in Figure 6.

[0086] (1) Backflow error A backflow error is a main error caused by medals flowing backward in the flow path, and is detected when the signal state (on / off state) of the first medal passing sensor 402 or the second medal passing sensor 403 does not change in the correct order while medals are being accepted. Each time there is a change in the signal state of the first medal passing sensor 402 or the second medal passing sensor 403, the main error detection means 104 checks the state of the two sensors, and if the changes do not occur in the correct order, it assumes that a backflow error has occurred and sets a backflow error detection flag in the main storage means 106.

[0087] (2) Empty Error An empty error is a main error caused by the hopper unit HP running out of medals, and is detected when the signal state of the payout sensor 406 remains off (a state in which no medals to be paid out are detected) for a certain period of time (approximately 2100 ms) or more while medals are being paid out. When a signal instructing the hopper unit HP to pay out medals is turned on, the main error detection means 104 measures time using an empty error detection timer provided in the main storage means 106, and if the timing information from the empty error detection timer indicates that the signal state of the payout sensor 406 has remained off for a certain period of time or more, it determines that an empty error has occurred and sets an empty error detection flag in the main storage means 106.

[0088] (3) Dispensing jam error A payout jam error is a main error caused by medals that should be paid out being jammed in the hopper unit HP and not being discharged, and is detected when the signal state of the payout sensor 406 remains on (a state in which medals to be paid out are detected) for a certain period of time (approximately 172 ms) or more while medals are being paid out. When a signal instructing the hopper unit HP to pay out medals is turned on, the main error detection means 104 measures time using a payout jam error detection timer provided in the main storage means 106, and if the signal state of the payout sensor 406 remains on for a certain period of time or more based on the timing information of the payout jam error detection timer, it determines that a payout jam error has occurred and sets a payout jam error detection flag in the main storage means 106.

[0089] (4) Abnormal dispensing error A payout abnormality error is a main error caused by the payout of medals in a situation where medals should not be paid out, and is detected when the signal state of the payout sensor 406 remains in the ON state for a certain period of time (approximately 6 ms) or more when medals are not being paid out. When the signal instructing the hopper unit HP to pay out medals is in the OFF state, the main error detection means 104 measures time using a payout abnormality error detection timer provided in the main storage means 106, and if the timing information of the payout abnormality error detection timer indicates that the signal state of the payout sensor 406 has remained in the ON state for a certain period of time or more, it assumes that a payout abnormality error has occurred and sets a payout abnormality error detection flag in the main storage means 106.

[0090] (5) Over error An over error is a main error caused by the surplus medals stored in the cash box CB exceeding a predetermined amount, and is detected when the signal state of the overflow sensor 313 remains in the on state (a signal state indicating that the surplus medals have exceeded a predetermined amount) for a certain period of time (approximately 0.1 ms) or more. When the signal state of the overflow sensor 313 is in the on state, the main error detection means 104 measures time using an over error detection timer provided in the main storage means 106, and when the timing information of the over error detection timer indicates that the signal state of the overflow sensor 313 has remained in the on state for a certain period of time or more, it assumes that an over error has occurred and sets an over error detection flag in the main storage means 106.

[0091] (6) Retention error A retention error is a main error caused by a medal being stuck in the medal selector SC, and is detected when the signal state of the first medal passing sensor 402 or the second medal passing sensor 403 remains in the ON state (a signal state indicating that the presence of a medal is detected) for a certain period of time (approximately 131 ms) or more. When the signal state of at least one of the first medal passing sensor 402 and the second medal passing sensor 403 is in the ON state, the main error detection means 104 measures time using a retention error detection timer provided in the main storage means 106, and when the timing information of the retention error detection timer indicates that the signal state of the first medal passing sensor 402 or the second medal passing sensor 403 has remained in the ON state for a certain period of time or more, it determines that a retention error has occurred and sets a retention error detection flag in the main storage means 106.

[0092] (7) Abnormal input error Abnormal insertion errors are main errors caused by medals being stuck near the insertion port MI (Type 1), by medal blocker 404 being activated to block the flow path to the medal chute MS, causing the medals to pass through a flow path different from the normal flow path (here, the flow path that returns to the payout port MO) even though the flow path of the medals has been switched (Type 2), or by a difference of a certain amount or more between the number of medals that pass through the medal selector SC and the number of medals that pass through the medal chute MS (Type 3).

[0093] A first type of abnormal insertion error is detected when the insertion detection sensor 401 in the medal selector SC remains in the on state (a signal state that detects the presence of a medal) for a certain period of time (approximately 532 ms) or more. When the signal state of the insertion detection sensor 401 is in the on state, the main error detection means 104 measures time using a first abnormal insertion error detection timer provided in the main storage means 106, and when the timing information of the first abnormal insertion error detection timer indicates that the signal state of the insertion detection sensor 401 has remained in the on state for a certain period of time or more, it determines that an abnormal insertion error has occurred and sets an abnormal insertion error detection flag in the main storage means 106.

[0094] A second type of abnormal insertion error is detected when, after the medal blocker 404 is activated, the second medal passage sensor 403 detects a medal passing through the medal selector SC and flowing toward the medal chute MS. If the signal state of the second medal passage sensor 403 is on while the medal blocker 404 is activated, the main error detection means 104 assumes that an abnormal insertion error has occurred and sets a abnormal insertion error detection flag in the main memory means 106. However, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a non-monitoring period (approximately 270 ms) is provided for determining the occurrence of a second type of abnormal insertion error, and the main error detection means 104 counts time using a non-monitoring timer for abnormal insertion provided in the main memory means 106 based on the activation of the medal blocker 404, and when the non-monitoring period has elapsed, checks the signal state of the second medal passage sensor 403 and determines whether an abnormal insertion error has occurred.

[0095] A third type of abnormal insertion error is detected when, within a certain period (approximately 1490 ms) after the inserted medal has passed through the first medal passing sensor 402 and the second medal passing sensor 403 in the correct order, the difference between the number of medals detected to have passed through the first medal passing sensor 402 and the second medal passing sensor 403 in the correct order and the number of times the signal state of the chute sensor 305 has turned on (a signal state detecting the presence of a medal) is not within a specified range (for example, -8 to 7), or when, within a certain period (approximately 1490 ms) after the inserted medal has passed through the first medal passing sensor 402 and the second medal passing sensor 403 in the correct order, the difference between the number of medals detected to have passed through the first medal passing sensor 402 and the second medal passing sensor 403 in the correct order and the number of times the signal state of the chute sensor 305 has turned on (a signal state detecting the presence of a medal) is greater than a specified number (for example, 5). When the signal states of the first medal passing sensor 402 and the second medal passing sensor 403 are in the off state and the signal state of the chute sensor 305 is in the on state, the main error detection means 104 measures time using a second abnormal insertion error detection timer provided in the main memory means 106, and monitors the difference between the number of medals detected by a chute counter provided in the main memory means 106 as having passed through the first medal passing sensor 402 and the second medal passing sensor 403 in the correct order and the number of times the signal state of the chute sensor 305 has been in the on state, and if this difference satisfies the above condition, it assumes that an abnormal insertion error has occurred and sets an abnormal insertion error detection flag in the main memory means 106.

[0096] When any error detection flag is set in the main storage means 106, the main error management means 105 performs error wait processing to wait for a predetermined release operation to be performed, and in this error wait processing, the main error detected by the main error detection means 104 is notified by the first main display DS1, and a release processing is performed to clear the error detection flag, etc. based on the predetermined release operation being performed. Note that in this embodiment, while the main error management means 105 is executing the error wait processing, the main loop processing in the game control means 102 is interrupted, and the main loop processing is resumed after the release processing for the main error that has occurred is completed.

[0097] Specifically, when a main error is detected by the main error detection means 104 and an error detection flag corresponding to the detected main error is set in the main memory means 106, the main error management means 105 sets an error code corresponding to the type of error detection flag in the error wait processing and displays the set error code on the first main display DS1.

[0098] 6, the gaming machine of this embodiment assigns error codes E1 to E6 and E9 to each main error. When the backflow error detection flag is set, the first main indicator DS1 displays "E1." When the empty error detection flag is set, the first main indicator DS2 displays "E2." When the payout jam error detection flag is set, the first main indicator DS1 displays "E3." When the payout abnormality error detection flag is set, the first main indicator DS1 displays "E4." When the over error detection flag is set, the first main indicator DS1 displays "E5." When the retention error detection flag is set, the first main indicator 306 displays "E6." When the deposit abnormality error detection flag is set, the first main indicator DS1 displays "E9." If multiple error detection flags are set in the main storage means 106, the first main indicator DS1 displays the error code corresponding to the error detection flag detected earliest. However, it is also possible to set priorities for the error codes in advance, and display the error code with the highest priority on the first main display DS1.

[0099] Furthermore, in the error wait processing, the main error management means 105 accepts pressing of the setting change button SB as a cancel operation, and when a signal is input from the setting change switch 301 as a result of this cancel operation, it determines that a cancel operation has been performed and performs a cancel processing to clear (erase) error-related information such as the detection flag and timer timing information stored in the main storage means 107, as shown in Fig. 7. Note that in the error wait processing, after an error code is displayed on the first main display 306, timer wait processing is performed using an error wait timer provided in the main storage means 106, and a cancel operation is accepted after the period during which the timer wait processing is being performed (approximately 108 ms) has elapsed.

[0100] In this embodiment, when a specified error is detected by the main error detection means 104, the main error management means 105 performs a release process corresponding to the detected main error based on the fact that a release operation has been performed, and also performs a release process corresponding to other main errors that are predetermined as errors related to the detected main error and are associated with the main error that has occurred, regardless of whether those errors have occurred or not.

[0101] First, when a backflow error is detected by the main error detection means 104, the main error management means 105 performs a cancellation process corresponding to the backflow error based on the cancellation operation being performed, and also performs a cancellation process corresponding to the abnormal input error and the retention error.

[0102] In addition, when a retention error is detected by the main error detection means 104, the main error management means 105 performs a release process corresponding to the retention error based on the release operation being performed, and also performs a release process corresponding to an abnormal input error.

[0103] In this manner, in this embodiment, when a main error is detected, the detected main error is notified via the first main indicator 306, making it possible to prompt the user to cancel the main error that has occurred, and when a cancel operation is performed in the error wait process that is called when a main error has occurred, the cancel process corresponding to the main error is performed. In particular, in this embodiment, main errors are continuously detected even when the error wait process is waiting to execute the cancel process corresponding to the detected error, so there is a possibility that another main error will be detected in conjunction with the work to remove the cause of the main error that is currently occurring. However, when a cancel operation is performed by a game center employee or the like, the cancel process corresponding to the main error that was initially detected is performed, and the cancel process for other main errors that are predetermined as errors related to the detected main error is also performed regardless of whether other main errors have occurred, so that it is possible to reduce the effort required for error cancellation.

[0104] In this embodiment, information is transmitted from the main control unit 10 to the sub-control unit 20 by sending commands via serial communication, and the information contained in the commands transmitted from the main control unit 10 to the sub-control unit 20 includes setting values, game status, number of medals inserted and paid out, results of internal lottery, signal status of various switches, contents of reel stop control, results of winning determination, and information related to the main error that has occurred.

[0105] In particular, in this embodiment, when a main error occurs, the main control unit 10 sends to the sub-control unit 20 an error occurrence command corresponding to the error type for which the error detection flag is set or an error cancellation command indicating that the setting change button SB has been cancelled. When the signal state of the door open / close switch 302 changes, the main control unit 10 sends a door open command to the sub-control unit 20 based on the change in the signal state from an OFF state (a signal state indicating that the front door FD is closed) to an ON state (a signal state indicating that the front door FD is open), and sends a door close command based on the change in the signal state from an ON state to an OFF state. In this embodiment, even if the front door FD is open, this is not treated as a main error, and the main loop processing can continue unless another main error occurs. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main control unit 10 periodically sends a disconnection monitoring command to the sub-control unit 20 at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 15 ms).

[0106] The main power interruption recovery means 107 performs processing (main power interruption recovery processing) to recover the main control unit 10 in response to power-on. In this embodiment, the main power interruption recovery means 107 has a function of backing up the state of the main control unit 10 in the main storage means 106 when the power is turned from on to off (hereinafter referred to as power interruption), and the main power interruption recovery means 107 checks the data backed up in the main storage means 106 when the power is turned on (when the power is turned from off to on) and determines whether it is normal or abnormal. If it determines that the backed up data is normal, it performs main power interruption recovery processing to recover the various devices controlled by the main control unit 10 to the state they were in immediately before the power interruption. In this embodiment, the main power interruption recovery processing involves, for example, recovering the display contents of the first main display DS1 and the second main display DS2 to the state they were in immediately before the power interruption.

[0107] Next, a description will be given of the sub-controller 20. The sub-controller 20 includes a performance control means 201, a sub-error detection means 202, a sub-error management means 203, a sub-storage means 204, and a sub-power interruption recovery means 205.

[0108] The effect control means 201 controls the effects performed using the display unit 501 (for example, a liquid crystal display LCD), the effects performed using the speaker SP, and the effects performed using the lamp unit 503 (for example, an outer periphery lamp AL, etc.) based on the effect data stored in the sub-storage means 202. For example, by lighting or blinking lamps or LEDs in response to the insertion of a medal, the operation of the 1 BET button B0A, the MAX BET button B0B, the start lever SL, or the stop buttons B1 to B3, or the occurrence of a game event such as a change in the game state, the effect control means 201 controls the execution of effects to liven up the game or to assist the game, depending on the progress of the game.

[0109] In particular, in this embodiment, a MAX BET lamp 604 built into the MAX BET button B0B notifies whether or not a deposit operation is acceptable, and is controlled so that the MAX BET lamp 604 is turned on when the deposit of medals is accepted in the main loop processing of the main control unit 10, and is turned off when the deposit of medals is not accepted. Also, in this embodiment, when at least the reels are spinning in the main loop processing of the main control unit 10, the backlight unit LU illuminates the symbol display position of each reel to ensure the visibility of the symbols arranged on each reel, and the backlight unit LU is controlled to turn off or flash at predetermined times such as when the reels stop or when a winning combination is achieved.

[0110] The content of the effects executed in a game is determined in response to a command sent from the main control unit 10 in accordance with the game status, the effect status, the result of the internal lottery, etc., using an effect lottery table stored in the sub-storage means 204. In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM area of ​​the sub-storage means 204 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-storage means 204, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output to the liquid crystal display LCD, and sound data stored in the ROM area of ​​the sub-storage means 204 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-storage means 204, and sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker SP.

[0111] The sub-error detection means 202 detects sub-errors by determining whether the error detection conditions are met based on the door open command and the disconnection monitoring command sent from the main control unit 10, and identifying the sub-error that has occurred based on whether the error detection conditions are met. Note that in this embodiment, even after detecting any sub-error (a state in which the sub-error detection means 202 is waiting to receive an error release command from the main control unit 10, which will be described later), the sub-error detection means 202 continues to periodically detect each sub-error by timer interrupt processing.

[0112] In this embodiment, the sub-error detection means 202 detects door opening / closing errors and communication errors, as shown in FIG.

[0113] (1) Door open error The door open error is a sub-error caused by the front door FD being open, and is detected when a certain period of time (approximately 48 ms) has passed since receiving a door open command indicating that the signal state of the door open / close switch 302, which is activated when the front door FD is opened, has changed to an on state (a signal state indicating that the front door FD is open). In a situation where a door open command has been received, the sub-error detection means 202 measures time using a door open error detection timer provided in the sub-storage means 204, and when the timing information of the door open error detection timer indicates that a certain period of time has passed, the sub-error detection means 202 determines that a door open error has occurred and sets a door open error detection flag in the sub-storage means 204.

[0114] (2) Communication error A communication error is a sub-error caused by poor communication due to a disconnection of the communication cable between the main board MAIN and the sub-board SUB, and is detected when a certain period (e.g., 20 ms) has passed since receiving a disconnection monitoring command that is periodically transmitted from the main control unit 10. Upon receiving the disconnection monitoring command, the sub-error detection means 202 resets a communication error detection timer provided in the sub-storage means 204 and starts timing, and when the timing information of the communication error detection timer indicates that a certain period has passed, it determines that a communication error has occurred and sets a communication error detection flag in the sub-storage means 204.

[0115] Furthermore, when the sub-error detection means 202 receives an error occurrence command sent from the main control unit 10, it sets an error detection flag in the sub-storage means 204 that corresponds to the main error specified by the error occurrence command.

[0116] When an error detection flag is set in the sub-storage means 204, the sub-error management means 203 determines the error to be notified, performs error notification processing to control the presentation device in a presentation mode corresponding to the error, and waits for an error release command or a door close command to be sent from the main control unit 10. In this error notification processing, the error to be notified is notified, and upon the establishment of a recovery condition, the error detection flag etc. set in the sub-storage means 204 is cleared and a recovery process is performed to return the presentation device to its original state. Note that in this embodiment, since no information is sent from the sub-control unit 20 to the main control unit 10, the occurrence of a sub-error does not affect the progress of the main loop processing in the game control means 102, and the game control means 102 can continue the main loop processing even in a situation where a sub-error has occurred as long as a main error has not occurred.

[0117] In this embodiment, when an error detection flag corresponding to a sub-error is set in the sub-storage means 204, the sub-error management means 203 sets an error code corresponding to the type of error detection flag and displays the set error code on the sub-display DS3.

[0118] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, error codes E8 and EF are assigned to various sub-errors, and when the door open error detection flag is set, "E8" is displayed on the sub-display DS3, and when the communication error detection flag is set, "EF" is displayed on the sub-display DS3. Note that when both the door open error detection flag and the communication error detection flag are set in the sub-storage means 204, the error code corresponding to the communication error detection flag with the higher priority is displayed on the sub-display DS3.

[0119] In addition, during the execution of the error wait processing, the sub-error management means 203 determines the error to be notified for various errors corresponding to the error detection flags set in the sub-storage means 204 in the order of priority: door open error < main error < communication error, and notifies the error with the highest priority by the outer perimeter lamp AL, speaker SP, etc.

[0120] Specifically, when a door opening error occurs but no main error or communication error occurs, the door opening error is determined to be the error to be notified; when an error occurrence command corresponding to the main error is received, the main error specified by the error occurrence command received first is determined to be the error to be notified; when an error occurrence command corresponding to the main error is received when a door opening error detection flag is set in the auxiliary storage means 204, the main error specified by the received error occurrence command is determined to be the error to be notified in preference to the door opening error; and when a communication error detection flag is set in the auxiliary storage means 204, the communication error is determined to be the error to be notified in preference to other errors.

[0121] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, four notification patterns are set according to the error type.

[0122] For example, if the error to be notified is a backflow error, a dispensing error, or an insertion error, the main error notification process is executed, which lights up the outer perimeter lamp AL and the lower panel lamp DPL, turns off the MAX bed lamp 604 and the backlight unit LU, sounds an alarm A, and outputs a message A saying "Please call an attendant" through the speaker SP.

[0123] Also, for example, if the error to be notified is an empty error, a dispensing jam error, an over error, or a backlog error, the outer periphery lamp AL and the lower panel lamp DPL are flashed, the MAX bed lamp 604 and the backlight unit LU are turned off, and a warning sound B is sounded while a message A saying "Please call an attendant" is output by the speaker SP, and the main error notification process is executed to display the error content on the liquid crystal display LCD.

[0124] For example, if the error to be notified is a door open error, a door open error notification process is executed in which the outer perimeter lamp AL and the lower panel lamp DPL flash, the backlight unit LU is turned off, a warning sound B is sounded, a message B saying "Door is open" is output by the speaker SP, and the error content is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD. Note that if a door open error occurs but a main error does not occur, the main control unit 10 can proceed with the main loop process, so the MAX bed lamp 604 is controlled to light depending on the progress of the main loop process. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a door open error is to be notified, the recovery process is not performed until a predetermined period (approximately 2 seconds) has elapsed since the door close command was received, so the error notification process continues even after the front door FD is closed.

[0125] Furthermore, for example, if the error to be notified is a communication error, the peripheral lamp AL and lower panel lamp DPL are flashed, the backlight unit LU is turned off, and a warning sound B is sounded while a message A saying "Please call an attendant" is output by the speaker SP, and the content of the error is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, in a communication error notification process. Note that if a communication error has occurred but no main error has occurred, the main control unit 10 can proceed with the main loop process, and therefore the MAX BETS lamp 604 is controlled to light depending on the progress of the main loop process.

[0126] In addition, when the sub-error management means 203 receives an error release command from the main control unit 10 while the main error notification process is being executed due to receiving an error occurrence command from the main control unit 10, it clears (erases) main error related information such as detection flags stored in the sub-storage means 204, as shown in Figure 10, and performs recovery processing to restore the state of the performance device to its original state.

[0127] In addition, in the error wait processing that is executed when a door open error occurs, the sub-error management means 203 clears (erases) the detection flag and timer timing information related to the door open error, with the elapse of a predetermined period (e.g., 2 seconds) since receiving the door close command from the main control unit 10 as the recovery condition, and performs recovery processing to restore the state of the performance device to its original state.

[0128] In this embodiment, a communication error can be recovered from simply by initializing the sub-storage means 204 when power is restored, and the error management means 203 continues the communication error notification process and maintains the state of notifying the communication error until the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. However, if the disconnection situation is not resolved even when the communication error is temporarily resolved by power restoration, the sub-error detection means 202 will detect a communication error again due to poor reception of the disconnection monitoring command from the main control unit 10.

[0129] The sub-power interruption recovery means 205 performs processing (sub-power interruption recovery processing) to recover the sub-controller 20 in response to power-on. In this embodiment, the sub-power interruption recovery means 205 has a function of backing up the state of the sub-controller 20 in the sub-storage means 204 when the power is turned from on to off (hereinafter referred to as power interruption), and the sub-power interruption recovery means 205 checks the data backed up in the sub-storage means 204 when the power is turned on (when the power is turned from off to on) and determines whether the data is normal or abnormal. If the backed up data is determined to be normal, the sub-power interruption recovery processing is performed to recover the various devices controlled by the sub-controller 20 to the state they were in immediately before the power was interrupted.

[0130] In this embodiment, due to the relationship between the startup voltages of the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20, the sub-control unit 20 starts up earlier than the main control unit 10. In other words, when the gaming machine is powered on, the sub-control unit 20 starts up before the main control unit 10, creating a situation where it waits to receive a command from the main control unit 10.

[0131] The sub power interruption recovery means 205 controls the upper panel lamp UPL to start operating before the main display devices (first main display device DS1 and second main display device DS2) and the outer periphery lamp AL and lower panel lamp DPL to start operating after the main display devices (first main display device DS1 and second main display device DS2) when the gaming machine is powered on with the front door FD open. That is, in this embodiment, when the gaming machine is powered on with the front door FD open, the outer periphery lamp AL and lower panel lamp DPL start operating after the upper panel lamp UPL, and the outer periphery lamp AL and lower lamp panel DPL operate in an operating mode that notifies that the front door FD is open. The operating mode of the upper panel lamp UPL does not change depending on whether the front door FD is open or closed. When the sub control unit 20 is activated by powering on the gaming machine and the LED unit built into the upper panel lamp UPL is energized, the upper panel lamp UPL remains lit regardless of whether the front door FD is open or closed.

[0132] The functional block configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to computer systems (including game systems). In these systems, the functions of the game control means 100 of this embodiment can be realized by downloading a program that causes a computer to function from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or from a web server on the Internet via a network. In the above computer system, the 1 bet switch 307, MAX bet switch 308, start switch 309, stop switch 311, etc. can be realized by virtually assigning their functions to operating means such as a keyboard, pointing device (such as a mouse), touch panel, or controller. In the above computer system, the reel unit 310, hopper unit HP, etc. are not essential components, and these units can virtually realize their functions by controlling the images displayed on the display.

[0133] 2. Method of this embodiment Hereinafter, various control methods employed in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

[0134] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main loop process for controlling the progress of a game in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0135] First, a medal insertion acceptance process is performed to accept the insertion of medals required to play a game (step S100). In this process, the player inserts medals into the medal insertion slot MI, setting the inserted medals to an inserted state. When the player presses the 1-BET button B0A or the MAX-BET button B0B, the bet switch 308 is activated, setting medals previously credited to the gaming machine to an inserted state. Furthermore, if a replay wins in the previous game, the gaming machine automatically sets the same number of medals inserted as in the previous game to an inserted state, without requiring the player to use any medals currently held by the player. Once the specified number of medals (e.g., three medals) set as the game start condition has been inserted (Y in step S101), the system waits for the start lever SL to be pressed (step S102). The sub-controller 20 performs the medal insertion acceptance process, turning on the MAX-BET lamp 604 while accepting the insertion of medals, and turning off the MAX-BET lamp 604 once the specified number of medals has been inserted. In addition, if the backlight unit LU of the reel has been turned off due to the game performance in the previous game, the sub-controller 20 will turn on the backlight unit LU of the reel that has been turned off when a medal is inserted or when an operation to insert the 1 bet button B0A or the MAX bet button B0B is performed.

[0136] When the player presses the start lever SL and the start switch 230 is actuated (Y in step S102), an internal lottery is performed (step S103), and the supply of drive pulses to the stepping motors that drive the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 begins, causing each reel to start rotating (step S104). In the internal lottery, the random number value acquired in response to the actuation of the start switch 309 is compared with an internal lottery table selected according to the game status to determine whether the winning combination is a success or failure, and the flag of the winning combination (winning combination) is set to a winning state.

[0137] When the rotation speed of each reel reaches a predetermined speed (Y in step S105), operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is validated (step S106), and reel stop control is performed to stop the rotating reel in response to pressing of the stop button (steps S107 to S109).

[0138] Specifically, when a player presses a stop button (Y in step S107), the operation of the pressed stop button is invalidated, the stopping position of the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is determined, and the reel is stopped by supplying a full-phase excitation drive pulse to the stepping motor that is driving the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button (step 108).

[0139] Then, when all the reels have stopped (Y in step S109), a win determination process is performed based on the stopped state of each reel (step S110). In this embodiment, whether or not a winning combination has been achieved is determined based on whether or not a symbol combination indicating a winning combination has been displayed on the pay line L1. If the result of the win determination process indicates that the winning combination has been achieved (Y in step S10), a win process corresponding to the winning combination is performed, and the series of processes ends (step S111).

[0140] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the error wait process in the main control unit 10 that is called when the occurrence of a main error is detected.

[0141] First, if an error detection flag is set in the main memory means 106 (Y in step S200), the state of the first main display 306 is saved in a save buffer provided in the main memory means 106 (step S201), and then an error code corresponding to the type of error detection flag is set (step S202), and the set error code is displayed on the first main display DS1 to notify the occurrence of an error and the content of the error that has occurred (step S203).

[0142] When an error notification is issued, an error wait timer is set in the main memory means 106 (step S204), and the error wait timer counts a predetermined period (approximately 107 ms) and performs timer wait processing until the timer times out (step S205), after which the system starts accepting cancellation operations (step S206).

[0143] In this embodiment, when the setting change button SB is pressed and the signal state of the setting change switch 301 becomes ON, it is determined that a release operation has been performed (Y in step S206), and an error release process is performed (step S207). Then, when the error release process is completed, the state of the first main display DS1 is returned to the original state, and the series of processes ends (step S208).

[0144] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the release process called in the error wait process in the main control unit 10 when any of the main errors, such as a backflow error, a dispensing abnormality error, a retention error, or a feeding abnormality error, occurs.

[0145] First, if the error code set in step S202 of the error wait processing is "E1" (backflow error) or "E6" (stagnation error) (Y in step S300 or Y in step S301), the following processing is performed: a throw-in abnormality error release processing (step S304) that clears the first throw-in abnormality error detection timer, the second throw-in abnormality error detection timer, the chute counter, the throw-in abnormality non-monitoring timer, and the throw-in abnormality error detection flag; a stagnation error release processing (step S306) that clears the stagnation error detection timer and the stagnation error detection flag; and a backflow error release processing (step S307) that clears the backflow error detection flag; and then the error detection results including the error code are cleared (step S308).

[0146] In this way, in this embodiment, when a backflow error is detected, a release process corresponding to the backflow error is performed based on the fact that a release operation was performed during error wait processing, and release processes corresponding to the abnormal insertion error and the accumulation error are also performed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if an abnormal insertion error or an accumulation error is detected in conjunction with the work of removing the cause of a backflow error occurring in the medal flow path, the release process for the abnormal insertion error and the accumulation error is also performed in conjunction with the release process for the backflow error, so it is possible to avoid the hassle of error release.

[0147] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a congestion error is detected, a release process corresponding to the congestion error is performed based on the fact that a release operation has been performed during error wait processing, and a release process corresponding to the abnormal insertion error is also performed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if an abnormal insertion error is detected in conjunction with the work of removing the cause of a congestion error occurring near the insertion port MI, the release process for the abnormal insertion error is also performed in conjunction with the release process for the congestion error, so it is possible to avoid the hassle of releasing the error.

[0148] Furthermore, if the error code is "E4" (dispensing abnormality error) (Y in step S302), the following processes are performed: a dispensing abnormality error cancellation process (step S305) that clears the dispensing abnormality error detection timer and the dispensing abnormality error detection flag, a retention error cancellation process (step S306) that clears the retention error detection timer and the retention error detection flag, and a backflow error cancellation process (step S307) that clears the backflow error detection flag, and then the error detection results including the error code are cleared (step S308).

[0149] Furthermore, if the error code is "E9" (abnormal input error) (N in step S303), the following processing is performed: an input abnormality error release process (step S304) that clears the first input abnormality error detection timer, the second input abnormality error detection timer, the chute counter, the input abnormality non-monitoring timer, and the input abnormality error detection flag; a retention error release process (step S306) that clears the retention error detection timer and the retention error detection flag; and a backflow error release process (step S307) that clears the backflow error detection flag; and then the error detection results including the error code are cleared (step S308).

[0150] In this embodiment, when an abnormal insertion error of any of the first, second, or third types is detected, a common release process is performed to deal with all of them based on the fact that a release operation has been performed during error wait processing. In this way, the first type abnormal insertion error occurring near the insertion slot MI and the second and third type abnormal insertion errors occurring in the medal flow path are considered to be mutually related errors and are treated as a single error group, and in a situation where the occurrence of any of the errors is detected, release processing is performed including errors that may occur in conjunction with the line that removes the cause, thereby reducing the effort required for error release.

[0151] If the error code is not "E1," "E4," "E6," or "E9" (Y in step S303), a retention error release process (step S306) is performed to clear the retention error detection timer and retention error detection flag, and a backflow error release process (step S307) is performed to clear the backflow error detection flag, and then the error detection results including the error code are cleared (step S308).

[0152] In this embodiment, the empty error (error code E2), dispensing jam error (error code E3), and over error (error code E5) are individually cleared. However, when clearing the dispensing error, clearing the dispensing jam error may also be performed, and when clearing the dispensing jam error, clearing the dispensing abnormal error may also be performed. For example, when the same sensor is monitored during error detection, errors are considered related errors, and when clearing one error, clearing the other may also be performed.

[0153] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the process of error detection in the sub-controller 20 in response to the occurrence of a main error.

[0154] When an error occurrence command sent from the main control unit 10 is received (Y in step S400), an error detection flag corresponding to the error type of the main error included in the error occurrence command is set (step S401).

[0155] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process of detecting an error in the sub-controller 20 in relation to a door opening error.

[0156] When a door open command sent from the main control unit 10 is received (Y in step S500), the door open error detection timer starts timing (step S501), and when the timing information of the door open error detection timer times out (Y in step S502), it determines that a door open error has occurred and sets a door open error detection flag (step S503).

[0157] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing related to error detection in the sub-controller 20 in relation to a communication error.

[0158] The sub-controller 20 uses a communication error detection timer to measure the interval at which it receives disconnection monitoring commands periodically transmitted from the main controller 10. When the communication error detection timer has not yet counted up (N in step S600), upon receiving a disconnection monitoring command from the main controller 10 (Y in step S601), the sub-controller 20 resets the time counting information of the communication error detection timer and restarts timing (step S602). When the communication error detection timer times out (Y in step S600), it determines that a communication error has occurred and sets a communication error detection flag (step S603).

[0159] 17 is a flowchart showing the process of determining an error to be notified in the sub-controller 20. In this embodiment, the occurrence of errors is checked periodically in the order of communication error, main error, and door open error, and the error to be notified is determined in the following priority order: communication error > main error > door open error.

[0160] Specifically, first, it is checked whether a communication error has occurred based on whether a communication error detection flag is set in the secondary storage means 204 (step S700), and if it is determined that a communication error has occurred (N in step S700), the communication error is set as a notification target (step S703).

[0161] Next, if a communication error has not occurred (Y in step S700), it is checked whether a main error has occurred based on whether an error detection flag corresponding to any of the main errors has been set in the secondary storage means 204 (step S701), and if it is determined that any of the main errors has occurred (N in step S701), the main error corresponding to the error detection flag set in the secondary storage means 204 is set as the target for notification (step S704).

[0162] Finally, if a main error has not occurred (Y in step S701), a check is made to see if a door open error has occurred based on whether a door open error detection flag is set in the secondary storage means 204 (step S702), and if it is determined that a door open error has occurred (N in step S702), the door open error is set as an error to be notified (step S704).

[0163] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the error notification process in the sub-controller 20 when a main error is to be notified.

[0164] First, the status of all the performance devices is saved in a save buffer provided in the secondary storage means 204 (step S800), and then a main error notification process is executed according to the error type of the main error to be notified (steps S801 to S803).

[0165] For example, if the error type of the main error to be notified is a backflow error (E1), abnormal payout error (E4), or abnormal insertion error (E9) (E1, E4, E9 in step S801), the outer perimeter lamp AL and lower panel lamp DPL are turned on, the MAX bet lamp and backlight unit LU are turned off, and a main error notification process is executed in a presentation mode in which a warning sound A and a message A are output from the speaker SP (step S802).

[0166] Also, for example, if the error type of the main error to be notified is any of the empty error (E2), payout jam error (E3), over error (E5), or stagnation error (E6) (E2, E3, E5, E6 in step S801), the outer periphery lamp AL and lower panel lamp DPL are flashed, the MAX bet lamp and backlight unit LU are turned off, a warning sound B and a message A are output from the speaker SP, and the error content is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and a main error notification process is executed (step S803).

[0167] While the main error notification process is being executed, the process waits for an error release command from the main control unit 10 (step S804), and when the error release command is received (Y in step S804), recovery process is performed (step S805). In the recovery process, information such as the error detection flag related to the main error set in the sub-storage means 204 is cleared, and the state of each performance device is restored to its original state based on the information saved in the save buffer, thereby completing the series of processes.

[0168] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the error notification process in the sub-controller 20, which targets a door open error to be notified.

[0169] First, the status of the effect devices except for the MAX BET lamp is saved in a save buffer provided in the sub-storage means 204 (step S900), then an error code (E8) corresponding to the door open error to be notified is set and the error code (E8) is displayed on the sub-display DS3 (step S901), and then the door open error notification process is executed in a presentation mode in which the outer perimeter lamp AL and the lower panel lamp DPL are flashed, the backlight unit LU is turned off, a warning sound B and a message B are output from the speaker SP, and the error content is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD (step S902). Note that since the MAX BET lamp is a device not subject to the door open error notification process, its lighting is controlled in response to control commands sent from the main control unit 10 as the main loop process progresses.

[0170] Then, while the door open error notification process is being executed, the process waits for a door close command from the main control unit 10 (step S903), and when the door close command is received (Y in step S903), a recovery wait timer is set in the sub-storage means 204 (step S904), and timer wait process is performed until the recovery wait timer times a predetermined period (approximately 2 seconds) and times out (step S905), after which recovery process is performed (step S906). In the recovery process, information related to the door open error, such as the door open error detection flag and door open error detection timer set in the sub-storage means 204, is cleared, and the state of each performance device is restored to its original state based on the information saved in the save buffer, thereby completing the series of processes.

[0171] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the error notification process in the sub-controller 20 when a communication error is to be notified.

[0172] First, the status of the effect devices except for the MAX BETS lamp is saved in a save buffer provided in the sub-storage means 204 (step S1000), an error code (EF) corresponding to the communication error to be notified is set and the error code (EF) is displayed on the sub-display DS3 (step S1001), and then the outer periphery lamp AL and lower panel lamp DPL are made to flash, the backlight unit LE is turned off, a warning sound B and a message A are output from the speaker SP, and the content of the error is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD (step S1002). Note that since the MAX BETS lamp is a device not subject to the communication error notification process, its lighting is controlled in response to control commands sent from the main control unit 10 as the main loop process progresses.

[0173] In this embodiment, a communication error can only be resolved by restoring power after a power outage, so once a communication error occurs, the state of the presentation device will not return to normal and the state in which a communication error is reported will continue until the power to the gaming machine is turned off.

[0174] In addition, in this embodiment, there are upper panel lamps UPL, lower panel lamps DPL, outer periphery lamps AL, sub-display DS3, and speaker SP, which are controlled by the sub-control unit 20, and the operating mode of the upper panel lamp UPL does not change depending on whether the front door FD is opened or closed, while the lower panel lamps DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, sub-display DS3, and speaker SP have an operating mode that notifies the opening of the front door FD, and when the gaming machine is powered on with the front door FD open, the sub-control unit 20 adopts a control method in which the upper panel lamp UPL starts operating before the main displays (first main display DS1 and second main display DS2) controlled by the main control unit 10, and the lower panel lamps DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, sub-display DS3, and speaker SP start operating after the upper panel lamp UPL.

[0175] 21 is a timing chart showing a first example of the method of the present embodiment. In the first example, the lower panel lamp DPL, the peripheral lamp AL, the sub-display DS3, and the speaker SP start operating after the main display devices (the first main display device DS1 and the second main display device DS2).

[0176] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the front door FD must be opened when the power is turned on. The state in which the front door FD is open is referred to as the front door open state. When the gaming machine is turned on with the front door open, the sub-controller 20 starts up before the main controller 10 and waits for the main controller 10 to complete startup in a state in which it can receive commands from the main controller 10.

[0177] Of the sub-display DS3, upper panel lamp UPL, lower panel lamp DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, and speaker SP controlled by the sub-control unit 20, the upper panel lamp UPL, which is not related to error notification, lights up and begins normal operation at timing T1 immediately after the sub-control unit 20 is started up (for example, approximately 0.5 seconds after power is turned on).

[0178] Subsequently, if the main control unit 10 starts up normally and no main error occurs, at timing T2 immediately after the main control unit 10 starts up (for example, about 1.5 seconds after power is turned on), the main displays (first main display unit DS1 and second main display unit DS2) return to the state they were in immediately before power was cut off and begin normal operation. Once the main control unit 10 has finished starting up, it sends a door open command to the sub-control unit 20, and upon receiving the door open command, the sub-control unit 20 detects a door open error, and at timing T3 (for example, about 1.8 seconds after power is turned on), the sub-display DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, outer perimeter lamp AL, and speaker SP begin an error notification operation to notify the user that the front door FD is open.

[0179] Thereafter, when the front door FD is closed, a door close command is sent from the main control unit 10, and the sub-control unit 20, which receives the door close command, does not immediately perform recovery processing but instead maintains the error notification operation of the sub-display DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, and speaker SP for a short time, and at timing T4 when the recovery processing by the sub-control unit 20 is completed (for example, approximately 2 seconds after the door is closed), the sub-display DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, and speaker SP return to the state they were in immediately before power was cut off and begin normal operation.

[0180] In the first embodiment, it is preferable that the difference between timing T2 and timing T3 is sufficiently shorter than the difference between timing T1 and timing T2. In this way, the normal startup of the main control unit 10 can be detected quickly by the start of operation of the sub-display DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, and speaker SP.

[0181] 22 is a timing chart showing a second example of the method of the present embodiment. In the second example, the lower panel lamp DPL, the outer periphery lamp AL, the sub-display DS3, and the speaker SP start operating at approximately the same time as the main display devices (the first main display device DS1 and the second main display device DS2).

[0182] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the gaming machine is turned on with the front door open, the sub-control unit 20 starts up before the main control unit 10 and waits for the main control unit 10 to complete startup while being able to receive commands from the main control unit 10.

[0183] Of the sub-display DS3, upper panel lamp UPL, lower panel lamp DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, and speaker SP controlled by the sub-control unit 20, the upper panel lamp UPL, which is not related to error notification, lights up and begins normal operation at timing T1 immediately after the sub-control unit 20 is started up (for example, approximately 0.5 seconds after power is turned on).

[0184] Subsequently, if the main control unit 10 starts up normally and no main error occurs, at timing T2 after the main control unit 10 starts up (for example, about 1.5 seconds after power is turned on), the main display units (first main display unit DS1 and second main display unit DS2) return to the state they were in immediately before power was cut off and begin normal operation. When the main control unit 10 completes starting up, it sends a door open command to the sub-control unit 20. Upon receiving the door open command, the sub-control unit 20 detects a door open error and, at timing T2 (for example, about 1.5 seconds after power is turned on) approximately simultaneously with the main display units (first main display unit DS1 and second main display unit DS2), the sub-display unit DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, outer perimeter lamp AL, and speaker SP begin an error notification operation to notify that the front door FD is open.

[0185] Thereafter, when the front door FD is closed, a door close command is sent from the main control unit 10, and the sub-control unit 20, which receives the door close command, does not immediately perform recovery processing but instead maintains the error notification operation of the sub-display DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, and speaker SP for a short time, and at timing T3 when the recovery processing by the sub-control unit 20 is completed (for example, approximately 2 seconds after the door is closed), the sub-display DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, and speaker SP return to the state they were in immediately before power was cut off and begin normal operation.

[0186] In the second embodiment, there may be a very short time lag between the start of operation of the main display devices (first main display device DS1 and second main display device DS2) and the start of operation of the sub-display device DS3, lower lamp panel DPL, peripheral lamp AL, and speaker SP. Furthermore, it is not necessary for all of the sub-display device DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, peripheral lamp AL, and speaker SP to start operation at approximately the same time as the main display devices (first main display device DS1 and second main display device DS2); it is sufficient if the device that starts operation earliest among the sub-display device DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, peripheral lamp AL, and speaker SP starts operation at approximately the same time as the main display devices (first main display device DS1 and second main display device DS2).

[0187] 23 is a timing chart showing a third embodiment to which the method of this embodiment is applied. In the third embodiment, the lower panel lamp DPL, the peripheral lamp AL, the sub-display DS3, and the speaker SP start operating before the main display devices (the first main display device DS1 and the second main display device DS2).

[0188] The third embodiment can be realized, for example, by configuring the main control unit 10 to send a door open command to the sub-control unit 20 prior to the recovery process of the main display units (first main display unit DS1 and second main display unit DS2).Also, for example, the third embodiment can be realized by configuring the input signal of the door open / close switch 302 to be directly input to the sub-control unit 20 as well, so that the sub-control unit 20 can detect a door open error without waiting for a door open command from the main control unit 10.

[0189] In the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, when the gaming machine is turned on with the front door open, the sub-control unit 20 starts up before the main control unit 10 and waits for the main control unit 10 to complete startup while being able to receive commands from the main control unit 10.

[0190] Of the sub-display DS3, upper panel lamp UPL, lower panel lamp DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, and speaker SP controlled by the sub-control unit 20, the upper panel lamp UPL, which is not related to error notification, lights up and begins normal operation at timing T1 immediately after the sub-control unit 20 is started up (for example, approximately 0.5 seconds after power is turned on).

[0191] Subsequently, if the main control unit 10 has started up normally and no main error has occurred, once the start-up of the main control unit 10 is complete, the main control unit 10 sends a door open command to the sub-control unit 20. Upon receiving the door open command, the sub-control unit 20 detects a door open error and, at timing T3 (e.g., approximately 1.2 seconds after power is turned on), the sub-display DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, outer perimeter lamp AL, and speaker SP begin an error notification operation to notify the user that the front door FD is open. Meanwhile, at timing T3 after the start-up of the main control unit 10 (e.g., approximately 1.5 seconds after power is turned on), the main displays (first main display DS1 and second main display DS2) return to the state they were in immediately before power failure and begin normal operation.

[0192] Thereafter, when the front door FD is closed, a door close command is sent from the main control unit 10, and the sub-control unit 20, which receives the door close command, does not immediately perform recovery processing but instead maintains the error notification operation of the sub-display DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, and speaker SP for a short time, and at timing T4 when the recovery processing by the sub-control unit 20 is completed (for example, approximately 2 seconds after the door is closed), the sub-display DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, outer periphery lamp AL, and speaker SP return to the state they were in immediately before power was cut off and begin normal operation.

[0193] In the third embodiment, it is not necessary for all of the sub-display DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, peripheral lamp AL, and speaker SP to start operating before the main display (first main display DS1 and second main display DS2). Some of the sub-display DS3, lower panel lamp DPL, peripheral lamp AL, and speaker SP may start operating before the main display (first main display DS1 and second main display DS2), and the remaining devices may start operating approximately simultaneously with the main display (first main display DS1 and second main display DS2) or after the main display (first main display DS1 and second main display DS2).

[0194] In this embodiment, the upper panel lamp UPL, which can operate in a normal manner regardless of whether the front door FD is open or closed, starts operating earlier than other devices when activated by the sub-controller 20, and the sub-display DS3, outer perimeter lamp AL, lower panel lamp DPL, and speaker SP, which operate in an error notification manner, wait to receive a command from the main controller 10 and then start their error notification operation in a manner that notifies of a door open error when the sub-controller 20 receives a door open command.

[0195] Therefore, according to the method of this embodiment, when the gaming machine is powered on with the front door FD open, the upper panel lamp UPL starts operating, which allows the operator to quickly detect that electricity is flowing normally in response to the power-on, and the sub-display DS3, outer perimeter lamp AL, lower panel lamp DPL, and speaker SP start operating, which allows the operator to detect the start of the main control unit 10, thereby improving the convenience of the operator to check the situation. In particular, in this embodiment, although the start of operation of the sub-display DS3, outer perimeter lamp AL, and lower panel lamp DPL may be difficult to detect visually depending on the installation environment of the gaming machine and the work environment, the error notification operation via sound output from the speaker SP provides an environment in which the operator working on the back side of the front door FD can easily detect the error notification operation.

[0196] In addition, in this embodiment, the sub-board SUB (sub-controller 20) monitors for door opening errors that occur when the front door FD is opened, and the main board MAIN (main controller 10) can continue the main loop processing that progresses the game even when a door opening error occurs, making it possible to check the operation of the gaming machine while the front door is open, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance work on the gaming machine.

[0197] In particular, in this embodiment, the lamp units controlled by the sub-board SUB (sub-controller 20) are the outer perimeter lamp AL that illuminates the front door FD and the MAX BET lamp built into the MAX BET button B0B that indicates whether or not a medal can be inserted. In a situation where a door opening error occurs, the outer perimeter lamp AL notifies the occurrence of a door opening error, while the lighting of the MAX BET lamp is controlled according to the progress of the main loop processing. Therefore, an operation check to see whether the insertion operation into the MAX BET button B0B can be normally accepted can be carried out smoothly in the same operating environment as normal play, thereby improving the interface environment during maintenance work on gaming machines.

[0198] Furthermore, in gaming machines such as those of this embodiment, it is prohibited to install a main storage means 106 with a large memory capacity, so strict management of memory usage is required when designing the gaming machine. Furthermore, by transferring management of door opening errors to the sub-board SUB, which has a greater degree of freedom in the memory capacity to be installed than the main board MAIN, rather than managing them on the main board MAIN as in this embodiment, not only can the efficiency of maintenance work be improved, but the memory usage of the main board MAIN can also be reduced.

[0199] In this embodiment, we have explained a case where an error notification process is performed in a presentation mode in which the backlight unit LU is turned off when a sub-error (door opening error, communication error) occurs. However, in the door opening error notification process and communication error notification process, the backlight unit LU may be treated as an excluded device from the notification process, like the MAX bed lamp, and lighting control may be performed according to the progress of the main loop processing.

[0200] In this way, even when the front door FD is open, it becomes easier to check the behavior of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 in an operating environment similar to that of normal play, thereby improving the interface environment when performing maintenance work that requires the front door FD to be left open.

[0201] From the viewpoint of ensuring the visibility of the symbols arranged on each reel, when a sub-error occurs in the backlight unit LU, the backlight unit LU is made the target device for the error notification process, but instead of turning off the backlight unit LU during the error notification process as in the above embodiment, it may be left lit.

[0202] In particular, in the door open error notification process, when the backlight unit LU is left on, even if the configuration is such that lighting control is performed in an effect mode such that the backlight unit LU is turned off when the reels stop or the backlight unit LU flashes when a winning combination is achieved depending on the progress of the main loop processing, when the front door FD is closed, lighting control is performed in an effect mode depending on the progress of the main loop processing, but when the front door FD is opened, a door open error occurs, and door open error notification processing is being performed, the backlight unit LU is left on, but lighting control in an effect mode depending on the progress of the main loop processing is not performed even if the effect generation conditions such as the reels stopping or the winning combination are met in the main loop processing.

[0203] In this embodiment, the sub-controller 20 detects a door open error by determining that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the door open command was received from the main controller 10, but it may also be configured to determine that a door open error has occurred immediately upon receiving a door open command. Alternatively, the main controller 10 may measure time based on the signal state of the door open switch 302 changing to the ON state, and send a door open command to the sub-controller 20 upon the elapse of the predetermined period of time, and the sub-controller 20 may determine that a door open error has occurred upon receiving the door open command.

[0204] In this embodiment, the error notification process displays the error content on the liquid crystal display LCD regardless of whether a main error or a sub-error has occurred. However, in a situation where a door open error, which is one of the sub-errors, has occurred, the liquid crystal display LCD may be excluded from the error notification process, and the display content may be controlled according to the progress of the main loop process.

[0205] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the gaming machine inserts gaming media such as medals to play a game and pays out gaming media when a winning combination is achieved. However, games may be played by consuming or granting gaming value as electronic information without using gaming media. For example, the gaming machine or an external unit connected to the gaming machine may be configured to store information about the gaming value owned by the player, so that deducting the number of gaming values ​​to consume gaming value is replaced by inserting gaming media, and adding the number of gaming values ​​to grant gaming value is replaced by paying out gaming media. In other words, the invention of the above embodiment is not limited to slot machines that use medals (game value) as tangible objects, but can also be applied to smart pachislots (also called "smart slots" or "medalless gaming machines"), which are gaming machines that use electronic medals (game value) as gaming media, which are electronic information, without using medals as tangible objects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0206] BX storage box, UD upper front door, DD lower front door, DW display window, L1 active line, DS1 first main indicator, DS2 second main indicator, DS3 sub-display, LCD display, AL perimeter lamp, UPL Upper panel lamp, DPL Lower panel lamp, R1 1st reel, R2 2nd reel, R3 3rd reel, SM Stepping motor, SU Support unit, BU Base unit, RD reel body, TP reel tape, LU backlight unit, B0A 1 bet button, B0B MAX bet button, SL start lever, B1~B3 stop buttons, MI slot, MO outlet, MP medal tray, DK door key cylinder, SC medal selector, MS medal chute, MAIN Main board, SUB Sub board, HP Hopper Unit, MT Medal Storage Tank, CB Cash Box, EU power supply unit, ES power switch, KS setting change key cylinder, SB setting change button, PS reel unit storage space, SP speaker, 10 Main control unit, 101 setting change means, 102 game control means, 103 random number generation means, 104 main error detection means, 105 main error management means, 106 main memory means, 20 Sub-control section, 201 performance control means, 202 sub-error detection means, 203 sub-error management means, 204 Secondary storage means, 301 setting change switch, 302 door open / close switch, 303 door sensor, 401, insertion detection sensor, 402, first medal passing sensor, 403 second medal passage sensor, 404 medal blocker, 305 Shoot Sensor, 307 1 Bet Switch, 308 MAX Bet Switch, 309 Start switch, 310 Reel unit, 405 Reel index, 311 stop switch, 406 dispensing sensor, 313 overflow sensor, 501 display unit, 503 lamp unit, 604 MAX Bed Lamp

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising a cabinet with a front door attached so as to be able to open and close, and a main control unit and a sub-control unit built into the cabinet, in which the main control unit causes a game to progress, and the sub-control unit executes a performance in accordance with the progress of the game, a first notification device controlled by the main control unit, and a second notification device and a third notification device controlled by the sub-control unit, The second alarm device may continue to issue an alarm even when the front door is changed from an open state to a closed state, The third notification device may be configured to notify the opening of the front door, The sub-control unit When the power to the gaming machine is turned on with the front door open, the gaming machine is controlled so that the second alarm device starts an alarm before the first alarm device, and the third alarm device starts an alarm after the second alarm device.

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