JP4919010B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine or the like.

  In this type of gaming machine, game management is performed by a control device that controls each component of the gaming machine, and interest in the big hit state where a large number of coins can be acquired increases the game orientation. On the other hand, if the big hit state continues for a number of times in a short time, a very large profit can be obtained. Therefore, various fraudulent acts may be performed, and such a situation actually occurs.

For example, a fraudulent act against a selector not only causes a great deal of damage to a game hall manager, but there is a concern that a player who regularly plays a game may reduce the reliability of the game itself. . Therefore, a gaming machine having a selector that can recognize only properly inserted coins has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-342814 A

However, even with such a gaming machine, it is not possible to distinguish between discharging coins for the number of coins recognized by the selector goto when discharging coins, or paying out coins earned by playing games. It has not yet prevented the selector goat.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention was made in view of the above problems is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing the abuse of any selector by notifying the abuse of any selector.

The invention of the gaming machine according to claim 1, which solves the above problem, is a storage means capable of storing a game value medium, and a discharge means for discharging the game value medium stored in the storage means by a player's operation. , A game value medium discharged by the discharge means when the game value medium discharged by the discharge means is less than or equal to a preset number. However, if the number exceeds the preset number, the second game value medium notification is executed, and after the game based on the special role set so that more game value media can be acquired than the general role is completed. When the game value medium is discharged by the first discharging means, the second game value medium notification is not executed .

The invention according to claim 2 is a gaming machine comprising: storage means capable of storing game value media; and discharge means for discharging the game value medium stored in the storage means by a player's operation. When the discharge time of the game value medium discharged by the discharge means is equal to or less than a preset time, the first game value medium notification is executed, and the discharge time of the game value medium discharged by the discharge means is: When the preset time is exceeded, the second game value medium notification is executed, and the first game after the game based on the special role set to be able to acquire more game value media than the general role is completed. When the game value medium is discharged by the discharging means, the second game value medium notification is not executed .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main control unit for performing a main control process of the game, and a main control process for the game based on a command provided separately from the main control unit and transmitted from the main control unit. A sub-control unit that performs auxiliary control processing other than that, and the main control unit transmits a coin settlement payment start command to the sub-control unit based on an operation of a settlement ejection start unit that instructs coin ejection. When the coin has been discharged, the payment control end command is transmitted to the sub-control unit, and a special game control end command to the effect that the game based on the special combination is set so that more coins can be acquired than the general combination. It was transmitted to the sub-controller, the sub-control unit, the first coin discharge report to the coin discharge informing portion for informing that the discharge of coins is started on the basis of the settlement discharge start command In the gaming machine that sends a control signal for starting the first coin discharge notification based on the settlement discharge end command, the main control unit is configured to generate a coin every time the coin is discharged. When the sub-control unit receives the payment discharge start command, the sub-control unit starts counting the number of coins discharged based on the coin discharge command, A coin count unit that terminates the counting of the number of coins when received, and when the settlement discharge end command is received when the count is less than a preset reference number of coins to be discharged, the first coin is discharged Based on the control signal for terminating the notification, the first coin discharge notification is ended and the settlement discharge end command is received. When the count number is equal to or greater than the reference number of coins discharged, the second coin discharge notification different from the first coin discharge notification is started after the count number reaches the reference discharge coin number, The coin discharge notification unit is controlled to end the second coin discharge notification based on the payment discharge end command, and when the first payment discharge start command after receiving the special game control end command is received, The second coin discharge notification is not performed .

The invention according to claim 4 is a main control unit that performs a main control process of the game, and a main control process of the game that is provided separately from the main control unit and is transmitted from the main control unit. A sub-control unit that performs auxiliary control processing other than that, and the main control unit transmits a coin settlement payment start command to the sub-control unit based on an operation of a settlement ejection start unit that instructs coin ejection. When the coin has been discharged, the payment control end command is transmitted to the sub-control unit, and a special game control end command to the effect that the game based on the special combination is set so that more coins can be acquired than the general combination. It was transmitted to the sub-controller, the sub-control unit, the first coin discharge report to the coin discharge informing portion for informing that the discharge of coins is started on the basis of the settlement discharge start command In the gaming machine that sends a control signal for starting the payment and sends a control signal for ending the first coin discharge notification based on the payment discharge end command, the sub-control unit receives the payment discharge start command. An elapsed time measuring unit that measures the time elapsed from when the settlement discharge end command is received, and when the elapsed time has not reached the preset reference elapsed time, the settlement discharge end command is received When the first coin discharge notification is ended based on a control signal for ending the first coin discharge notification, and the elapsed time exceeds the reference elapsed time until the settlement discharge end command is received. Starts a second coin discharge notification different from the first coin discharge notification when the elapsed time reaches the reference elapsed time, and ends the settlement discharge. Command controls said coin discharging notification unit to terminate the second coin discharge notification based on the second coin when receiving the first of the settlement discharge start command after receiving the special game control end command The discharge notification is not performed .

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the illegal act against the selector by notifying the illegal act against the selector.

First, invention groups that can be extracted from the present embodiment are shown as means n (n = 0, 1, 2,...), And will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. Means 0. In a gaming machine comprising storage means capable of storing a game value medium and discharge means for discharging the game value medium stored in the storage means by a player's operation, the game value discharged by the discharge means When the number of media is less than or equal to a preset number, the first game value medium notification is executed, and when the number of game value media ejected by the ejecting means exceeds the preset number, When the gaming value medium is discharged by the discharging means for the first time after the end of the special gaming state in which the gaming value medium is set so that more gaming value media can be acquired than the general role, the second gaming value medium notification is executed. It is characterized by not doing.

Means 1. A main control unit that performs main control processing of the game, and a sub-control that is provided separately from the main control unit and performs auxiliary control processing other than the main control processing of the game based on commands transmitted from the main control unit And the main control unit transmits a coin settlement discharge start command to the sub-control unit based on the operation of the settlement discharge start means for instructing the coin discharge, and when the coin discharge is completed, The sub-control unit sends a control signal for starting the first coin discharge notification to the coin discharge notification unit for notifying that the coin discharge is started based on the payment start command. In a gaming machine that sends out a control signal for ending the first coin discharge notification based on a discharge end command, the main control unit performs a coin discharge command each time a coin is discharged. The sub control unit starts counting the number of coins discharged based on the coin discharge command when it receives the settlement discharge start command, and ends the count of coins when it receives the settlement discharge end command. The first coin on the basis of a control signal for ending the first coin discharge notification when a settlement discharge end command is received when the count number is less than a preset reference number of discharged coins. When the count becomes equal to or greater than the reference number of discharged coins until the discharge notification is finished and the settlement discharge end command is received, the second different from the first coin discharge notification after the count reaches the reference number of discharged coins. The coin discharge notification unit is controlled to start the coin discharge notification and end the second coin discharge notification based on the settlement discharge end command. And wherein the door.

According to the gaming machine of the means 1, when the coin is being discharged based on the operation of the settlement / discharge starting means, the sub-control unit counts the number of coin discharge commands transmitted from the main control unit. It counts with. Then, the sub-control unit compares the obtained count number with the reference discharged coin number, and when the reference discharged coin number is reached, the coin discharge notification unit starts the second coin discharge notification so that the selector go is performed. It is possible to notify that there is a high possibility.

In this way, it is possible to notify that it is highly possible that the selector got has been performed through the second coin discharge notification. The fact that the coins are actually discharged exceeding the reference number of discharged coins is discharged based on the selector goto. That's just the case. In the selector goto, the so-called credit function of the gaming machine is used to obtain coins efficiently in a short time, so that as many coins as possible are discharged at a time. Moreover, in most cases, the number of coins to be discharged is the maximum number that can be stored by the credit function.

In addition, for example, coins acquired when winning a winning combination that can acquire a large number of coins may be paid out in excess of a reference number of coins to be paid out. However, when such a winning combination is won, it is extremely rare even if the game is continued without paying out the acquired coins and the payout is made.

Accordingly, since the second coin discharge notification different from the first coin discharge notification is performed every time the coin is actually discharged after the selector got is performed, it serves as a deterrent to the selector and suppresses the fraud against the selector. Can do.

Mean 2. A main control unit that performs main control processing of the game, and a sub-control that is provided separately from the main control unit and performs auxiliary control processing other than the main control processing of the game based on commands transmitted from the main control unit And the main control unit transmits a coin settlement discharge start command to the sub-control unit based on the operation of the settlement discharge start means for instructing the coin discharge, and when the coin discharge is completed, The sub-control unit sends a control signal for starting the first coin discharge notification to the coin discharge notification unit for notifying that the coin discharge is started based on the payment start command. In a gaming machine that sends a control signal for ending the first coin discharge notification based on the discharge end command, the sub-control unit receives the adjustment discharge start command and then performs the adjustment discharge An elapsed time measuring unit that measures the elapsed time that has elapsed until the completion command is received, and the first time when the settlement discharge end command is received when the elapsed time has not reached the preset reference elapsed time When the elapsed time exceeds the reference elapsed time by the end of the first coin discharge notification based on the control signal for ending the coin discharge notification and receiving the settlement discharge end command, the elapsed time reaches the reference elapsed time. When this is done, the second coin discharge notification different from the first coin discharge notification is started, and the coin discharge notification unit is controlled to end the second coin discharge notification based on the settlement discharge end command.

The gaming machine of means 2 is provided with an elapsed time measuring unit that measures the time elapsed from receiving the settlement discharge start command to receiving the settlement discharge end command, and based on the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measurement unit In contrast to the elapsed time, the second coin discharge notification is made when the elapsed time reaches the reference elapsed time.

The elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring unit is a time elapsed from the receipt of the settlement discharge start command until the receipt of the settlement discharge end command. Accordingly, as the number of coins to be discharged increases, it takes time to receive the settlement discharge end command, and the measured elapsed time becomes longer. Therefore, when the selector is executed and the coins are actually discharged, the elapsed time becomes longer because the number of discharged sheets is large.

Therefore, when the elapsed time is set as a criterion for determining whether or not to issue the second coin discharge notification, the second coin discharge notification is performed every time the selector is hit and the coin is actually discharged. It is possible to suppress fraud against the selector.

Further, the main control unit transmits only the settlement discharge start command and the settlement discharge end command to the sub-control unit, and causes the sub-control unit to manage the elapsed time. This eliminates the need for the main control unit to send a command to the sub-control unit every time one coin is paid out in the course of the coin being discharged. Therefore, since the number of commands transmitted to the sub-control unit in the process in which coins are being discharged can be reduced, the burden on the main control unit can be reduced.

Means 3. The sub-control unit controls the coin discharge notification unit so as to continue for a preset reference coin discharge notification time after the start of the second coin discharge notification.

According to the gaming machine of the means 3, the second coin discharge notification is performed over a preset reference coin discharge notification time. Thereby, when the measured value obtained by the coin count counting unit or the elapsed time measuring unit is close to the threshold value, it is possible to prevent the second coin discharge notification from being performed only for a short time. Therefore, since the notification that the coin is being discharged based on the selector go is performed for a sufficient time, the game hall manager is alerted via the second coin discharge notification. be able to. Therefore, when the selector got is being performed, the game hall manager can reliably identify the selector got, so that the deterrent effect can be enhanced.

Means 4. When the second coin discharge notification is started when the sub control unit receives the coin discharge notification forced end command for forcibly terminating the coin discharge notification, the sub control unit does not forcibly end the second coin discharge notification. It is characterized by being performed continuously.

According to the gaming machine of the means 4, even when the sub control unit issues a coin discharge notification forced end command when the second coin discharge notification is being performed, the sub control unit performs the coin discharge based on the coin discharge notification forced end command. A control process for continuing the second coin discharge notification in preference to the forced termination of the notification is performed. The reason for giving priority to the second coin discharge notification is that it is necessary to notify the fact that there is a high possibility that the selector got has been performed and to alert the game hall manager. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the control process in which the second coin discharge notification is interrupted from being performed although there is a high possibility that the coin has been discharged based on the selector goto.

Means 5. The coin discharge notification unit is configured by a notification sound output unit that outputs a notification sound based on a command of the notification control unit, and the notification control unit receives a notification sound output from the notification sound output unit based on the second coin discharge notification. The notification sound output means is controlled so as to be output with a volume larger than the volume of the notification sound output from the notification sound output means based on the 1 discharge notification.

According to the gaming machine of the means 5, in the second coin discharge notification performed based on the command of the sub-control unit, a loud sound notification sound is output from the notification sound output means from the notification sound at the time of the first coin discharge notification. . Thereby, since the misconduct is easily identified through the notification sound, the deterrent effect on the gaming machine can be enhanced.

Means 6. The volume of the notification sound output from the notification sound output means based on the second coin discharge notification is gradually increased as time passes.

In the gaming machine described in means 6, when the inserted coin is illegally recognized and the coin is ejected, the number of coins to be ejected is large. Therefore, the sub-control unit receives the settlement discharge end command after receiving the settlement discharge start command. This is because it takes time to do. According to this, since it takes time until the settlement discharge end command is received, the notification time of the coin discharge notification performed during that time becomes longer. Therefore, when the second coin discharge notification is started, the volume of the notification sound gradually increases with time. Therefore, when an illegal act for illegally recognizing the inserted coin is performed, the manager of the game hall can easily identify the illegal act, and the deterrent against the illegal act can be further enhanced.

Mean 7 The coin discharge notification unit includes an illumination unit that emits light based on a command from the sub-control unit in addition to the notification sound output unit, and the sub-control unit receives light emitted from the illumination unit based on the second coin discharge notification. The illuminating means is controlled so as to be emitted in a form different from the light emitted from the illuminating means based on the one coin discharge notification.

According to the gaming machine described in the means 7, the coin discharge notification section includes the notification sound output means and the irradiation means, so that the second coin discharge notification can be performed by various production methods. Thereby, the effect of calling attention to the manager of the gaming machine can be further enhanced. Therefore, since the fraudulent act can be easily specified when the fraudulent act is performed, the effect of suppressing the fraudulent act can be enhanced.

Means 8. The coin discharge notification unit is configured by an illumination unit that emits light based on a command of the sub control unit instead of the notification sound output unit, and the sub control unit receives light emitted from the illumination unit based on the second coin discharge notification. The illuminating means is controlled so as to be emitted in a form different from the light emitted from the illuminating means based on the one coin discharge notification.

According to the gaming machine described in the means 8, the coin discharge notification is performed by the light emitted from the irradiating means, and the first coin discharge notification and the second coin discharge notification are different in the method of issuing the light emitted from the irradiation means. . Thereby, it is possible to alert the manager of the game hall through the light as in the case of the notification sound output from the notification sound output means. Accordingly, when coins are being discharged based on the selector got, since it is possible to identify the fraudulent act as when the notification sound is output, it is possible to enhance the deterrent effect on the gaming machine.

Means 9. When the sub-control unit receives the first payout discharge start command after receiving the special game control end command indicating that the game of the special role in which the number of coins to be paid out is set larger than that of the general role, the second coin discharge is received It is characterized by not performing notification.

The gaming machine described in the means 9 describes an exception when determining whether to start the second coin discharge notification. That is, the second coin discharge notification is set to start based on the comparison with the preset threshold value as described above.

However, when a special-combination game in which the number of coins to be paid out is set to be greater than that of a general combination, the settlement / ejecting start unit may be operated to actually eject the acquired coins. Even in such a case, it is determined whether or not the second coin discharge notification is started in the process of coin discharge after the settlement discharge start means. When the credit function of the gaming machine is used, the maximum number that can be stored when the above-mentioned special role game is completed is stored. Thereby, when the reference number of coins discharged as a threshold is set, the count number exceeds the reference number of discharged coins, or when the reference elapsed time is set as the threshold, the elapsed time exceeds the reference elapsed time. Then, when the second coin discharge notification is determined, the sub-control unit determines that there is an abnormality, and the second coin discharge notification is started, even though no action is taken to illegally recognize the inserted coin. Will be.

Therefore, when receiving the first settlement discharge start command after receiving the special game control end command, the sub-control unit performs a control process in which the second coin discharge notification is not performed.

Means 10. A fraud signal output unit is provided that outputs a fraud notification signal to a gaming machine management terminal that manages gaming machines when the second coin discharge notification is started.

According to the gaming machine described in the means 10, since the gaming machine manager side can identify the gaming machine that has output the fraud notification signal in the gaming machine management terminal, it can quickly recognize the illegal act and quickly Appropriate measures can be taken.

Means 11. In a gaming machine comprising storage means capable of storing a game value medium and discharge means for discharging the game value medium stored in the storage means by a player's operation, the game value discharged by the discharge means When the number of media is less than or equal to a preset number, the first game value medium notification is executed, and when the number of game value media ejected by the ejecting means exceeds the preset number, A game value medium notification is executed.

Means 12. In a gaming machine comprising storage means capable of storing a game value medium and discharge means for discharging the game value medium stored in the storage means by a player's operation, the game value discharged by the discharge means When the discharge time of the medium is less than or equal to a preset time, the first game value medium notification is executed, and the discharge time of the game value medium discharged by the discharge means exceeds the preset time In the case, the gaming machine is characterized in that the second gaming value medium notification is executed.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, characteristic control processing of the present invention will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 to 17. The entire configuration of the slot machine 1 in which the control processing of the present invention is performed is based on FIGS. 1 to 14. First, the characteristic control processing of the present invention will be described.

  The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door 3 of the slot machine 1 is closed, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door 3 of the slot machine 1 is opened. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 includes a main body 4 having a substantially rectangular shape in front view, which includes a housing 2 and a front door 3.

  The housing 2 is a member that forms the skeleton of the slot machine 1, and has a box shape with the front side opened as shown in FIG. A control that houses a plurality of rotating drums 11 on which various symbols and the like are displayed and a main control board 50 (see FIG. 4) for controlling main game operations of the slot machine 1 and the like are housed in the housing 2. A board storage box 12, a power supply box 13 including a power switch 13a, a reset switch 13b, a setting key switch 13c, an auxiliary tank 14a for storing coins M as game value media, and a coin M in the auxiliary tank 14a for discharging. A hopper 14 provided with a payment device 14b that pays out from the passage 9 to the coin discharge port 7, a coin detection unit that detects coins paid from the payment device 14b, and a hopper drive motor (not shown) is accommodated. .

  The coin detection unit provided in the hopper 14 is configured by a photocoupler having a pair of light projecting units and a light receiving unit (not shown), and includes a coin detection sensor 14c in the present embodiment. For example, the coin detection sensor 14c is set to output a “Lo” signal when receiving light and a “Hi” signal when shielding light.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the front door 3 is attached by connecting the upper and lower portions of the left side portion to the housing 2 by hinges 5 so that the front open portion of the housing 2 can be easily closed and opened. It is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 3 includes three parts, a display unit 3 </ b> A, an operation unit 3 </ b> B, and a storage unit 3 </ b> C in order from the top to the bottom. Various devices constituting the coin discharge notification unit of the present invention are arranged on the display unit 3A. For example, an upper lamp 21 that is provided along the upper side of the front door 3 and lights up and flashes as the game progresses, and various notification sounds (sound effects) are arranged on both the left and right sides of the lower position of the upper lamp 21. A pair of speakers 22 for output are provided. A liquid crystal display 23 is provided between the pair of speakers 22 to display various information such as images and videos.

  A transparent window 24 for visually recognizing the plurality of rotating drums 11 rotating in the housing 2 is provided at a substantially central height position of the display unit 3A. A bet lamp 25 that is turned on according to the number of bets M (the number of bets) is provided. At the bottom of the display unit 3A, a credit number display unit 26, a BB number display unit 27, and a discharge number display unit 28 are provided in order from the left side to the right side.

  The operation portion 3B is bent at the lower end of the display portion 3A and extends with a slight downward inclination as it moves toward the near side, and is folded at the near end of the flat portion F. It has a vertical wall portion H that is bent and hangs downward, and the plane portion F is provided with one and two bet buttons 31 and 32 on the left side, and in the vicinity of the right side thereof. Three bet buttons 33 are provided. A coin insertion slot 34 is disposed on the right side of the plane portion F.

  In the upper part of the vertical wall portion H, in order from the left side to the right side, a credit settlement button 35 for selecting whether or not to store coins M, a start lever 36 for instructing the rotation start of the rotary drum 11, A stop button 37 for instructing to stop the rotation of the rotary drum 11 is provided.

  The credit settlement button 35 is a storage mode (credits) for electronically storing the number of coins set in advance by a push operation, for example, the surplus number of inserted coins up to 50 in this embodiment and the number of coins acquired at the time of winning. Function) and a payment mode in which payment is actually made without electronically storing up to a preset number of coins obtained in this manner, and forms the settlement discharge start means of the present invention. . For example, when the credit settlement button 35 is operated once, the storage mode is entered and storage of the number of accumulated coins is started. When the credit settlement button 35 is operated again, the storage mode is canceled to enter the payment mode and the number of coins stored. Is actually discharged.

  The start lever 36 protrudes from the vertical wall portion H toward the front side, and is operated by pushing down or pushing up. The stop button 37 is disposed at a position corresponding to each rotary drum 11 and is operated by a pushing operation. In addition, a display plate 15 on which a model name, a character related to a game, and the like are displayed is provided below the operation unit 3B.

  The storage unit 3C is arranged and formed so as to extend in the left-right direction at a position below the operation unit 3B, and receives and stores coins 16 and ashtrays 17 that receive and store coins M paid out from the coin discharge port 7. Etc. are provided.

  Next, the selector 40 to which the coin M inserted from the coin insertion slot 34 is supplied will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the selector 40.

  The selector 40 is disposed so as to extend along the back surface of the front door 3, and the selector body 41 has a coin guide path 42 for guiding the coin M sent from the coin insertion slot 34 to the storage passage 8. Is provided.

  As shown by an arrow A in FIG. 3, the coin guide path 42 hangs down from the left side of the top surface of the selector body 41 and curves toward the right side of the body at a substantially central height position of the selector body 41. As shown, it extends to the lower part of the right side surface at a predetermined inclination angle, and is formed so that coins M can pass in a row. In the present embodiment, it is constituted by a protrusion 42a protruding from the selector body 41 toward the front side in the figure, and the coin M flows in the downstream direction while rolling on the protrusion 42a.

  A branch passage 43 that branches from the coin guide passage 42 and communicates with the discharge passage 9 is formed in the middle of the coin guide passage 42 as indicated by an arrow C in the figure. Thus, the coin M can be selected to be supplied to either the storage passage 8 or the discharge passage 9.

  The coin guide path switching means 44 includes a switching piece 44a that can move in and out of the coin guide path 42 and a solenoid (not shown) for operating the switching piece 44a. By causing the switching piece 44a to protrude into the path 42, the flow of the coin M to the storage passage 8 is obstructed, and the coin M is moved from the top of the ridge 42a to the near side in the figure and dropped downward to branch. It is guided to the passage 43, led from the branch passage 43 to the discharge passage 9, and discharged from the coin discharge port 7 of the front door 3 to the coin tray 16. Further, at the time of solenoid excitation, the switching piece 44 a is immersed outside the coin guide path 42, the coin M is moved along the coin guide path 42, guided to the storage path 8, and a hopper accommodated inside the housing 2. 14.

  A coin passage detection unit 45 that detects the passage of the coin M is provided at a position downstream of the coin guide path 42. The coin passage detection unit 45 is configured by a photocoupler having a pair of light projecting units and light receiving units (each not shown) on both sides with a coin M passing therethrough. A detection sensor 45a and a second inserted coin passage detection sensor 45b are provided. The first inserted coin passage detection sensor 45a and the second inserted coin passage detection sensor 45b are juxtaposed on the upstream side and the downstream side in such a state that at least one coin M passing therethrough can be detected simultaneously. The inserted coin passage detection sensors 45a and 45b are set to output a “Lo” signal when receiving light and a “Hi” signal when blocking light.

  Next, the main control board 50 and the like of the slot machine 1 arranged in the control board storage box 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the main control board 50 of the slot machine 1, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the sub control board 60 of the slot machine 1.

  The main control board 50 performs main control processing of the game, and is connected to the MPU 51 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit, and to various input / output means such as sensors and switches. A connected input / output port 52 is mounted and constitutes the main control unit of the present invention.

  In the MPU 51, a ROM 53 storing a control program such as a coin detection program 53a executed by the MPU 51 and fixed value data, and various data for temporarily executing the control program stored in the ROM 53 are stored. A RAM 54, which is a memory, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated.

  The coin detection program 53a recognizes the coin discharge based on the detection signal output from the coin detection sensor 14c of the hopper 14 when, for example, the credit check button 35 is operated and the coin discharge is started. It is configured to generate an eject command.

  The RAM 54 detects the coins recognized based on the detection signals output from the first inserted coin passage detection sensor 45a and the second inserted coin passage detection sensor 45b of the selector 40 when the storage mode is set by operating the credit check button 35. The number of coins obtained by winning and the number of coins acquired by winning is electronically stored, for example, up to 50, and has a coin number storage area 54a constituting the coin number storage unit of the present invention. The programs of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 are stored in the ROM 53 as a part of the control program.

  The input / output port 52 includes a credit check button 35, a start lever 36, a stop button 37, a coin detection sensor 14 c, a first inserted coin passage detection sensor 45 a, a second inserted coin passage detection sensor 45 b, and 1 to 3 bet lamps 25. A credit number display unit 26, a BB medium number display unit 27, a discharge number display unit 28, a sub control board 60, an external concentration terminal board 67, and the like are connected.

  The sub control board 60 is provided separately from the main control board 50 and receives a command transmitted from the main control board 50 to perform auxiliary control processing other than gaming, and constitutes a sub control unit of the present invention. To do. The sub-control board 60 is configured to perform lighting display / flashing by the upper lamp 21, output control of notification sound and the like from the speaker 22, and presentation display on the liquid crystal display 23 by controlling the display control board 66.

  The sub-control board 60 is connected to the MPU 61 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit, and various input / output means such as sensors and switches, and is transmitted from the main control board 50. An input / output port 62 for receiving commands is mounted.

  The MPU 61 includes a control program such as a discharge coin number determination program 63a and a notification control program 63b (which may include the function of a discharge coin number determination program) executed by the MPU 61, a reference discharge coin number, a reference coin discharge notification time, A ROM 63 storing fixed value data such as an upper lamp light emission table and a notification sound table, and various data such as the number of coins to be discharged (counted by a coin coin counter 65 to be described later) when executing a control program stored in the ROM 63. Is a memory for temporarily storing the counted count number), a RAM 64 having a discharge coin number storage area 64a, various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit, and an operation of the credit check button 35. Based on the Various counters such as a coin coin counter 65 that counts the number of coins discharged based on the coin discharge command transmitted from the main control unit 50 until the end of the coins, and constitutes the coin counter unit of the present invention. Built in. The programs of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10 to 17 are stored in the ROM 63 as a part of the control program.

  The light emission control controller 21a, the notification sound output controller 22a, the display control board 66, the external concentration terminal board 68, and the like are connected to the input / output port 62, and data and the like are bidirectional with the display control board 66. It is configured to be able to send and receive. The light emission control controller 21a is configured to control the light emission of the LED of the upper lamp 21 based on the light emission data for the upper lamp read from the light emission table for the upper lamp of the ROM 63 by the MPU 61. Form a means. The notification sound output controller 22a is configured to output the notification sound from the speaker 22 based on the notification sound data read from the notification sound table of the ROM 63 by the MPU 61, and forms the notification sound output means of the present invention together with the speaker 22. To do.

  The power supply board 70 is provided in the power supply box 13, and in addition to the main control board 50, a power supply unit 71 that supplies driving power to each electronic device of the slot machine 1, and a power failure monitoring that monitors the occurrence of power failure Various circuits such as a circuit 72 are provided. After the slot machine 1 is powered off, a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 71 of the power supply board 70 to the RAM 54.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 72 powers off to the NMI terminal of the main control board 50, the input / output port 52 and the NMI terminal of the sub control board 60 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like (including the power cut off due to the power switch 13a being turned off) It is a circuit for outputting a signal. The power failure monitoring circuit 72 monitors the voltage of 24 VDC, which is the largest voltage output from the power supply board 70, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. It is configured to output a power failure signal. Based on the output of the power failure signal, the main control board 50 is configured to recognize the occurrence of the power failure and to execute the process at the time of the power failure. The power failure signal of the power failure monitoring circuit 72 may be configured to be input to the INT terminal instead of the NMI terminals of the main control board 50 and the sub control board 60.

  Further, the power supply board 70 maintains the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, to a normal value for a time sufficient for executing the processing at the time of power failure even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain. For example, in this embodiment, the drive power supply is output for 30 msec. Therefore, the main control board 50 can normally execute the power failure process. Further, the power failure monitoring circuit 72 may be provided not on the power supply board 70 but on the main control board 50, for example.

  Next, each process performed on the main control board 50 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. As processing performed on the main control board 50, main processing activated upon power-on, timer interrupt processing activated periodically (in this embodiment, 1.49 ms cycle), and power failure to the NMI terminal An NMI interrupt process activated by the input of a signal is set. In the following description, for convenience, the NMI interrupt process and the timer interrupt process will be described, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the NMI interrupt process. When the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 72 and output to the MPU 51 of the main control board 50. The NMI interrupt process is immediately executed by the MPU 51 that has received the power failure signal via the NMI terminal. As described above, when the main control board 50 is configured to provide the INT terminal instead of the NMI terminal, the power failure signal of the power failure monitoring circuit 72 is input to the INT terminal.

  In the NMI interrupt processing, first, in step S101, the data in the used register provided in the MPU 51 is saved in the stack area provided in the RAM. Next, in step S102, a power failure flag is set in a predetermined work area provided in the RAM 54. Thereafter, the data saved in the stack area in step S103 is returned to the use register mounted in the MPU 51, and the processing of this routine is terminated. If the power failure flag can be set without destroying the data in the register used, the saving and restoring processing to the stack area can be omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a timer interrupt process that is periodically executed by the main control board 50 (every 1.490 ms in the present embodiment). In this timer interruption process, for example, an operation state reading process of the credit settlement button 35, a monitoring process of various sensors such as the coin detection sensor 14c of the hopper 14 and the coin passage detection sensors 45a and 45b of the selector 40 are performed.

  First, in the register saving process shown in step S201, the values of all the registers used in the normal process (see FIG. 9) are saved in the stack area. In step S202, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure flag is turned on. If the power failure flag is turned on (Yes in step S202), the power failure has occurred as described in the NMI interruption process of FIG. It progresses to step S203 and the process at the time of a power failure is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the power failure process in step S203 is performed immediately after the register saving process (step S201) in the timer interrupt process, and therefore can be executed without interrupting other interrupt processes. . Therefore, the power failure process is not executed by interrupting each process, such as during the transmission process of various commands or the reading process of the switch state (ON or OFF). Therefore, it is not necessary to create a power failure processing program that takes into account that power failure processing is executed. This simplifies the power failure processing program and reduces the program capacity.

  On the other hand, if the power failure flag is not turned on (No in step S202), no power failure has occurred, and therefore, the processing after step S204 is performed.

  In step S204, a watchdog timer clear process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer that monitors the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S205, an interrupt end declaration process for giving an interrupt permission to the MPU 51 itself is performed. In step S206, a rotating motor control process for rotating the rotating motor (stepping motor) of each rotating drum 11 housed in the housing 2 is performed. In step S207, switch state reading processing for reading on / off states of various switches is performed.

  In step S208, sensor monitoring processing is performed to read the state of various sensors and monitor whether the reading result is normal. In step S209, a timer subtraction process for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed. In step S210, IN / OUT counter processing is performed. In step S211, command output processing for transmitting a command to the sub-control board 60 is performed.

  In step S212, a segment data setting process for setting the segment data displayed in the credit number display unit 26, the BB medium number display unit 27, and the discharge number display unit 28 is performed. Segment data display processing for displaying numbers, symbols, and the like is performed by supplying the data to the display units 26 to 28, respectively. In step S214, port output processing for outputting output data from the input / output port 52 is performed.

  After execution of these processes, in step S215, the value of each register saved in the stack area is returned to the corresponding register, and in step S216, an interrupt that allows generation of the next timer interrupt is permitted. The permission process is performed and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the startup process executed by the main control board 50 when the power is turned on. When the power switch 13b is turned on and the slot machine 1 is turned on (including power-on by recovery from a power failure), this process is executed. First, as initialization processing, a stack pointer value is set (step S301), an interrupt mode is set (step S302), and CTC / built-in register setting processing is performed (step S303).

  When the initialization process is completed, in step S304, it is determined whether or not a setting key is inserted in the setting key switch 13c. If the setting key switch 13c is turned on (Yes in step S304), the process proceeds to step S305 to execute a forced RAM clear process to clear all contents of the RAM 54 to zero. Thereafter, a six-stage probability setting process is executed in step S306. In the 6-stage probability setting process, the winning probability of the game is switched to 6 stages, and the process proceeds to a normal process (see FIG. 9) for performing main control related to the game described later.

  On the other hand, if the setting key switch 13c is not turned on in step S304 (No in step S304), the process proceeds to step S307, and it is determined whether or not the setting value of the six-stage probability setting value is normal. Specifically, it is a normal set value in the range of 1 to 6, and it is determined whether it is not 0 or 7 or more. If the set value is normal (Yes in step S307), the process proceeds to step S308 to check whether the power recovery flag is set. When the power recovery flag is confirmed (Yes in step S308), the process proceeds to step S309, and it is confirmed whether or not the RAM determination value is normal. Specifically, the checksum value in the RAM 54 is checked to check whether the checksum value including the RAM determination value is normal 0 or not. If the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0 (Yes in step S309), it is determined that the data in the RAM 54 is normal.

  If it is determined in step S309 that the RAM determination value is normal, the process proceeds to step S310, where the stack pointer value stored in the backup area is written to the stack pointer of the MPU 51, and the stack state is restored to the state before the power-off. Let Next, in step S311, a power recovery command that tells execution of power recovery processing is set. Thereafter, in step S312, the game state is stopped and automatic settlement setting processing is performed, and then in step S313, the switch state of the credit settlement button 35 and the like is initialized. After the above processing is completed, the power failure flag is reset in step S314, and the processing returns to the address before the power is turned off. Specifically, the process returns to the timer interrupt process, and the watchdog timer clear process (step S204) is executed.

  On the other hand, if the answer is No in any of steps S307 to S309, an abnormality such as destruction of data in the RAM 54 has occurred. Therefore, the process proceeds to the processes after step S315, and the operation prohibition process is performed. . Specifically, in step S315, the next timer interrupt process is prohibited, and then in step S316, all output ports in the input / output port 52 are cleared, and all the input ports connected to the input / output port 52 are cleared. Control the actuator to the off state. In step S317, an error display is performed to notify the occurrence of a backup error, and an infinite loop is entered.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a normal process performed by the MPU 51 of the main control board 50 after the main process after power-on is performed based on the flowchart shown in FIG. This routine is a main control process of the slot machine 1 that is repeatedly performed by the MPU 51 of the main control board 50. If the setting key switch 13c is turned off after power-on (No in step S304), the address at the previous power-off time Return to. On the other hand, when the setting key switch 13c is turned on after the power is turned on (Yes in step S304), the forced RAM clear process (step S305) and the six-stage probability setting process (step S306) shown in FIG. 8 are performed. To step S401 of this routine.

  First, in step S401, an interrupt permission setting for permitting an interrupt is performed in this routine as an initialization process, and in step S402, a stop and automatic settlement setting process is performed as a gaming state, which is provided in the power supply box 13, for example. After the states of the stop / non-stop switch and the automatic settlement / non-existence switch (not shown) are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 54, the routine proceeds to a repetitive routine described below.

  In step S403, a RAM initialization process is performed, and a process of clearing an area used for one game in the RAM 54 (one-game area in the RAM 54) is performed. In this step, for example, information on the error that has occurred, winning symbols (including losers), winning line, winning interval information such as the number of winning coins, random numbers used in the game, rotating drum 11 rotation information, etc. are cleared. Is done.

  When the initialization process of the RAM 54 is performed, the process proceeds to step S404, and a starter ON waiting process for determining whether the start lever 36 has been operated is performed. In this step, if the start lever 36 is not operated, the MPU 51 stands by without performing the control process. In the process of step S404, since the routine is on standby until the start lever 36 is operated, various processes are performed.

  For example, if the game is not performed for a predetermined time because the start lever 36 is not operated as described above, a timer setting process for shifting to a demonstration performed on the liquid crystal display 23 is performed. If the game is a re-game, automatic coin insertion processing is performed (the numerical value displayed on the credit number display unit 26 does not change). On the other hand, if it is not a replay, a process of determining coin fullness based on a detection signal from a full sensor (not shown) provided beside the hopper 14 is performed.

  After such processing, timer monitoring processing is performed in the timer interrupt processing (step S208), and as described above, the coin detection sensor 14c of the hopper 14 and the first inserted coin passage detection sensor 45a of the selector 40. And the second inserted coin passage detection sensor 45b, the auxiliary tank sensor of the auxiliary tank 14a, and the like are monitored. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in these sensors, a sensor error notification process for performing error notification is performed. .

  It is determined whether or not a sensor error has occurred or whether or not the credit settlement button 35 has been operated after performing a predetermined sensor error notification process. If it is determined that the credit settlement button 35 has been operated, a settlement discharge start command for starting coin discharge is generated, and the process proceeds to a stored coin discharge process in order to discharge the stored coin.

  In the stored coin discharge process performed by the MPU 51, for example, the number of coins stored electronically in the coin number storage area 54 a of the RAM 54 is read, and the read numerical value is one by one based on the detection signal of the coin detection sensor 14 c of the hopper 14. Subtract. Each time the number of coins in the coin number storage area 54a is decremented by one, a coin discharge command is stored in the ring buffer of the RAM 54 so that it can be transmitted to the sub-control board 60. Then, when the read value of the coin count storage area 54a becomes zero, it is recognized that the discharge from the hopper 14 is completed. At this time, a payment discharge end command for completion of the coin payment is generated and stored in the RAM 54.

  When a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 34, a determination process for the number of inserted coins is performed. For example, an appropriate detection signal is recognized as one coin based on the detection signals of the first inserted coin passage detection sensor 45a and the second inserted coin passage detection sensor 45b of the selector 40. At this stage, if a predetermined effect such as a coin discharge notification is performed, a command (for example, a coin discharge notification forced end command) for forcibly ending the predetermined effect upon recognition of the coin by the MPU 51 is generated. .

  For example, after 1 to 3 coins are inserted from the coin insertion slot 34 or any of the bet buttons 31 to 33 is operated and the number of inserted coins reaches a specified number, When it is determined that the start lever 36 has been operated, processing for prohibiting the acceptance of coins is performed. For example, the switching piece 44 a of the selector 40 is protruded into the coin passage 42, and coins inserted during the coin acceptance prohibition are guided to the discharge passage 9 and discharged from the coin payout opening 7 of the front door 3 to the coin tray 16. Processing is performed. Alternatively, even if any one of the bet buttons 31 to 33 is operated, a process is performed so as not to determine that the bet button is operated. Then, a coin acceptance prohibition process is performed and the process of this step is terminated. Alternatively, if the start lever 36 has not been operated even at this stage, the above-described sensor error process is repeated.

  In this way, when an error occurs, the coin settlement is started, the switching piece 44a of the selector 40 is moved in / out, or a coin is inserted, the sub-control board 60 is loaded. The command generated in each process for transmitting the command is stored in the ring buffer of the RAM 54.

  When the start lever 36 is operated in step S404, the process proceeds to step S405, and random number generation processing is performed. Specifically, when the operation of the start lever 36 is recognized by the MPU 51 in step S404, the count number of a free running counter (not shown) that counts based on a predetermined period of the oscillator mounted on the main control board 50 is hard. It is created by latching in terms of wear and reading out as a random value by the MPU 51 at a predetermined timing. The random number value read out by the MPU 51 in this way is stored in the RAM 54.

  When the random number is generated, the process proceeds to step S406, and an internal lottery process is performed based on the winning probability determined according to the set value set in the six-stage probability setting process (step S306). The internal lottery process is a process of determining whether or not a winning is made based on the random number value stored in the RAM 54 in step S405 by comparing with a numerical range of a winning table preset in the ROM 53.

  The winning table used in the internal lottery process includes a winning combination such as a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as BB), a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as RB), and the like, which are relatively large in paying out coins. In addition, a winning combination such as a cherry with a relatively small amount of coins to be paid out (usually, multiple types of winning combinations are set and referred to as “small roles”), and coins are paid out not corresponding to such winning combinations. There are multiple types of winning combinations such as a re-gamer that can perform the next game only once without inserting coins. For each winning combination, the ratio of winning the winning combination is set to a predetermined range of random numbers generated by a free running counter within a predetermined numerical range. Each winning combination is set by changing the numerical range based on the winning probabilities (“Setting 1” to “Setting 6”) set in the six-stage probability setting process (Step S306). For example, the smaller the numerical value of the winning probability setting value, the narrower the numerical value range of winning combinations other than the loss is set. Then, the currently set value and the result obtained by the internal lottery are stored in a predetermined work area of the RAM 54.

  When the internal lottery process is performed in the MPU 51, the process proceeds to step S407, and the rotation rotation initialization process is performed. In the rotation rotation initialization process, a table number is determined from the drum control table used for the rotation control of the rotary drum 11 based on the internal lottery result in step S406.

  In step S408, a 4.1 second elapsed waiting process is performed to determine whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous rotation of the rotary drum 11. Specifically, the set value of the 4.1 second timer is set. A check is made to see if is zero. If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed in this step, a state command indicating the current gaming state (hereinafter simply referred to as “state command”) is stored in the RAM 54 and wait processing (through the upper lamp 21 or the like) That is, 4.1 seconds) is notified.

  On the other hand, if 4.1 seconds have elapsed, a 4.1 second timer is set for the next 4.1 second waiting process, a status command is stored in the RAM 54, and timer interrupt control processing is performed. A predetermined setting is performed so that the number of inserted coins can be output (step S210).

  Thereafter, motor control initialization processing of the rotating drum 11 is performed, and processing for setting a predetermined area of the RAM related to rotation of the rotating drum 11 for starting rotation is performed. When such setting is performed, acceleration processing of the rotating motor (stepping motor) is actually started based on the rotating motor control processing of step S206, and rotation of the rotating drum 11 is started.

  When the rotating drum 11 actually starts to rotate, the process proceeds to step S409, where the rotating drum rotation process is performed. In this step, a predetermined area of the RAM used in the rotating cylinder rotation process is initialized (step S408 described above), the rotating cylinder rotation information command and the state command are stored, and the rotating drum 11 is based on the above-described acceleration process of the rotating cylinder motor. Wait until becomes normal rotation. The determination of whether or not the rotation of the rotating drum 11 is normal is performed by index detection at the time when the acceleration process is completed based on the rotating motor control process (step S206). When it is determined that the rotation of the rotary drum 11 is normal based on the index detection, the setting state of the slot machine 1 is a state in which the rotation of the rotary drum 11 can be stopped by a predetermined stop operation described later. And informing that the rotation can be stopped.

  The notification that the rotation of the rotary drum 11 is in a stoppable state is performed by changing the light emission form of the lamp built in the stop button 37. For example, the notification is performed by changing the color of light emitted from the lamp of the stop button 37 or by turning on the lamp that has been turned off. Note that such notification is performed only on the stop button in which the operation of the stop button 37 is enabled.

  When the activated stop button 37 is actually operated, a process for stopping the rotary drum 11 based on the table number set in step S407 is performed on the combination of stop symbols determined in the internal lottery process in step S406. . In this step, it is not always necessary to stop the rotating drum 11 as set by the table number. For example, the table number is changed according to the stop order or stop position of the stop button 37, or the rotating drum 11 is forcibly set. The drive control of the stepping motor of the rotary drum 11 is performed so as to perform the process of pulling in 11. When the rotating drum 11 stops, the operation permission of the stop button 37 corresponding to the stopped rotating drum 11 becomes invalid.

  Such stop processing of the rotating drums 11 is performed until all the rotating drums 11 are stopped. Every time the rotating drums 11 stop rotating, the operation permission of the corresponding stop buttons 37 is invalidated, and all the stop buttons 37 are stopped. This step is finished when the operation permission becomes invalid. In step S409, every time one of the rotating drums 11 is stopped, the rotating cylinder rotation information command and the stop symbol command are stored in the RAM 54.

  When all the rotating drums 11 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S410 and a winning symbol determination process is performed, and it is determined in what combination the symbols of the rotating drum 11 that can be recognized through the viewing window 24 are stopped.

  In this step, first, an active line is determined according to the gaming state. Specifically, which of the five active lines is effective is determined based on the gaming state. For example, when the gaming state is a normal game, the effective lines are 1 to 5 lines according to the number of bets. For example, when the number of bets is 3, all 5 lines are effective lines. When the gaming state is an accessory game, the number of bets is one and only one line is valid.

  When the number of effective lines is recognized, it is determined for each effective line which combination of symbols (for 9 squares) that can be recognized through the viewing window 24 is stopped on the effective line. The design in the viewing window 24 is recognized based on the design number assigned to each design of each reel.

  When a combination of symbols for each active line is recognized and the symbols are arranged in a predetermined winning symbol, it can be set as a winning symbol and the payout number corresponding to the winning symbol can be paid out from the hopper 14 A predetermined setting is performed as follows. At this time, when a plurality of winning symbols are arranged on the active line, a process of sequentially adding out the number of payouts corresponding to each winning symbol is performed. Since only a prescribed number (usually 15) of coins is paid out, when the prescribed number is exceeded by adding the number of paid-out coins, a process of changing the paid-out number to the prescribed number is performed. Further, when a symbol other than the winning symbol determined by the internal lottery process in step S406 stops on the active line, it is recognized as an error.

  In step S410, if a recognized winning symbol, a valid line having a winning symbol, and an error occur, the error is stored in the RAM 54 as a winning symbol command, a winning line command, and an error command, respectively.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S411, and coins acquired based on the payout number set in step S410 are paid out. When the payout number is 0 in step S410, step S411 is skipped to the next step without being performed.

  When the storage mode is set by operating the credit check button 35, the credit function of the slot machine 1 stores electronically in the coin number storage area 54a of the RAM 54 until it reaches 50 (credit number display section). 1 is added to the numerical value displayed at 26), and when the number exceeds 50, the coins are paid out from the hopper 14. On the other hand, when the payment mode is set, coins corresponding to the number of payouts recognized in this step are paid out from the hopper 14.

  In this step, a payout start command for paying out the acquired coins and a payout end command for paying out all the acquired coins are stored in the RAM 54 as payout type commands.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S412, and it is determined whether or not the winning symbol set in the winning symbol determining process in step S410 is a winning symbol related to replay. If the winning symbol is not a replay, this step is skipped without being performed. On the other hand, when re-game is set as the winning symbol, necessary settings such as setting the internal state to re-game are performed, and a state command in which the game state is re-game is stored in the RAM 54.

  If the current internal state is BB or RB, the process proceeds to step S413 to perform processing during the operation of the accessory. When the BB is in progress, the upper limit number of coins that can be acquired in the BB is checked. When the RB is in progress, the number of RBs is checked. When these checks are performed, the internal state is changed, the output information of the external concentration terminal board 67 is changed, and the like.

  If this step is in BB and it is determined that the BB has ended, the special game control end command is stored in the RAM 54, then the end delay processing, the output information clear processing of the external concentration terminal board 67, and the stop / Automatic settlement processing (BB automatic settlement described later) is performed, the area of the RAM 54 used for BB is cleared, and this step is terminated.

  If the winning symbol set in the winning determination process in step S410 is BB or RB, the process proceeds to step S414 to perform the accessory action determination process. In this step, if the winning symbol is BB, wait processing at the start of BB, initialization processing of RAM 54, setting processing of the number of coins acquired during BB, change processing of output information of external concentration terminal board 67, Processing necessary for starting BB such as RB start processing is performed. On the other hand, in the case of RB, the RB maximum game number command and the RB game number command are stored in the RAM 54.

  If the internal state is BB or RB, the process proceeds to step S415 to perform a game number display setting process. Specifically, a predetermined process for displaying the number of games checked in step S413 or step S414 on the BB medium number display unit 27 is performed. When the internal state is other than BB or RB, the display on the BB medium number display unit 27 is cleared. If the internal state has changed after the game is finished (change in BB or RB, etc.), the state command is stored in the RAM 54.

  When the routine described above is completed, the routine returns to step S403 and this routine is repeated.

  Next, each process performed in the sub-control board 60 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. As processing performed in the sub control board 60, timer interrupt processing performed at predetermined intervals, command interrupt processing performed when command data is transmitted from the main control board 50, power failure processing, and sub control A main process mainly performed on the substrate 60 is set. In the following description, for convenience, the timer interrupt process, the command interrupt process, and the power failure process will be described, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a timer interrupt process performed periodically (every 1.0 ms in the present embodiment) by the MPU 61 of the sub control board 60. The timer interrupt process is periodically executed in the sub-control board 60 to accumulate the number of interrupts in the RAM 64 and used for the timer process (1 ms timer process) in the main process executed by the MPU 61 (FIG. 13).

  When the timer interrupt process is started, first, in step S501, an interrupt flag is read. This process is performed to clear the interrupt flag read at the end of this routine. When the interrupt flag is read in step S501, the process proceeds to step S502, and it is confirmed whether or not the read interrupt flag is a valid flag. If the interrupt flag is not valid (No in step S502), the routine ends without performing the processing described below.

  On the other hand, if the interrupt flag is valid (Yes in step S502), the process proceeds to step S503, "+1" is added to the interrupt timer counter, and the value of the counter is updated. When the value of the interrupt timer counter is updated, the process proceeds to step S504, the interrupt flag is cleared so that the next interrupt can be performed, and the timer interrupt process ends. In this routine, if there is an interrupt every 1.0 ms, the count value of the interrupt timer counter is simply incremented by “+1”, and the updated value of the interrupt timer counter is not cleared unless it is subtracted. ing.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command interrupt process performed when a command is transmitted from the main control board 50. As described above, the sub control board 60 is configured to control the upper lamp 21, the speaker 22, and the like based on the command transmitted from the main control board 50, and transmits a predetermined command to the main control board 50. Therefore, it is necessary to reliably receive a command from the main control board 50. For this reason, this routine is a control process provided in the sub-control board 60 in order to reliably receive a command transmitted from the main control board 50, and is a control process performed in the sub-control board 60. Above all, the priority is set high.

  First, in step S601, it is checked whether the received strobe is normal. In this embodiment, since one command transmitted from the main control board 50 is composed of two bytes, it is confirmed whether the first byte ahead of the one command has been transmitted. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent the processing by this routine from being performed based on noise such as chattering that occurs when the credit settlement button 35 or the like is operated.

  If the received strobe is normal (Yes in step S601), the first byte of the transmitted command is acquired in step S602. In step S603, it is determined whether the acquired command data is normal.

  If the acquired command data is normal (Yes in step S603), the process proceeds to step S604, and a command reception process for actually receiving a command for the acquired command data is performed. Specifically, since the first byte of the command data is received, the next 1 byte is received and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 64. As described above, the command data transmitted from the main control board 50 needs to be reliably received. Therefore, when it is determined that the command data is normal, the command data is reliably captured and held by the MPU 61. The command data can be analyzed in the process (see FIG. 14).

  For example, in the present embodiment, a command relating to the operation of the credit settlement button 35 transmitted from the main control board 50 side, a settlement discharge start command based on the operation of the credit settlement button 35, and a settlement discharge relating to the end of the discharge of the stored coins. An end command, a coin discharge command, etc. are received by this routine. In this routine, the command transmitted from the main control board 50 is only stored in a predetermined work area of the RAM 64.

  When the command reception process ends in step S604, the process proceeds to step S605, and the maximum number of retries is set in the retry counter. In step S604, since the command data of the main control board 50, which is the object of this routine, is received and stored in the RAM 64 of the sub control board 60, the maximum number of retries is set in the retry counter.

  On the other hand, if the strobe is not normal (No in step S601), there is a high possibility that the signal is caused by noise or the like as described above, so the process proceeds to step S606 without performing command data acquisition processing, and is the same as step S605. Set the maximum number of retries to the retry counter.

  If it is determined that the command data is abnormal when the command data is acquired (No in step S603), the process proceeds to step S607, and +1 is added to the retry counter and updated.

  When retry counter processing is performed in each of steps S605 to S607, it is determined in step S608 whether the value of the retry counter is the maximum value. As described above, in steps S605 and S606, since the maximum number of retries is set in the retry counter, the process proceeds to the process described below. On the other hand, if the process has shifted through step S607, the maximum number of retries (maximum value) may not be set in the retry counter, so the maximum value is reached by reading the value of the retry counter. Determine if.

  When the value of the retry counter is the maximum value (Yes in step S608), the process proceeds to step S609, and reading for interrupt clear is performed by the interrupt flag reading process, and then the process proceeds to step S610 to set the value of the retry counter. Finally, the interrupt flag is cleared in step S611.

  On the other hand, if the value of the retry counter has not reached the maximum value (No in step S608), this routine ends without performing the processing from step S609 to step S611. Since the value of the retry counter is not the maximum value, command data is continuously acquired from the main control board 50 by repeating this routine until it reaches the maximum value.

  When the command interrupt process is performed based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the command data is checked twice in the process of step S601 and the process of step S603 prior to the command data reception process in step S604. Thus, noise can be eliminated, so that command data transmitted from the main control board 50 can be received reliably. Even if command data cannot be received at a time in step S604, command data can be reliably received by repeating this routine until the value of the retry counter reaches the maximum value.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power failure process performed in the sub-control board 60 in synchronization with the start of the power failure process by the NMI interrupt process illustrated in FIG. 6.

  First, when the external RAM writing process is performed in step S701, the process proceeds to step S702 to determine whether or not the voltage is restored. As described above, the power failure monitoring circuit monitors the voltage of the power supply board, and a power failure signal is transmitted from the power failure monitoring circuit to the NMI terminal of the sub-control board 60 when the voltage is less than a predetermined voltage (22 volts). Therefore, it is monitored whether the voltage has returned to a predetermined voltage or higher. If the voltage does not return (No in step S702), the process waits until the voltage returns. The power failure signal may be transmitted to the INT terminal instead of the NMI terminal.

  On the other hand, if the voltage is restored (Yes in step S702), the process proceeds to step S703, waits for 30 ms, and further proceeds to step S704 to determine whether the voltage is restored. Note that the standby time of this step is not limited to 30 ms, and various times can be set.

  In step S704, it is determined whether the voltage has returned to a predetermined voltage as in the processing in step S702. If the voltage has not returned to the predetermined voltage (No in step S704), the process waits until the voltage returns as in step S702.

  On the other hand, when the voltage returns to the predetermined voltage (Yes in step S704), the process proceeds to step S705, the activation process is performed, and the process proceeds to the main process described below.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing performed by the MPU 61 of the sub control board 60. This routine is a main control process repeatedly performed by the MPU 61 of the sub-control board 60. The command transmitted from the main control board 50 is analyzed, and the upper lamp 21, the speaker 22 and the like are controlled based on the analysis result. Make the necessary settings.

  First, in step S801, initialization processing is performed by the MPU 61. For example, a signal related to lighting of the upper lamp 21 is output from the MPU 61 via the input / output port 62, or a signal for displaying the liquid crystal display 23 on the display control board 66 is output. In step S802, prior to the main processing of this routine, it is determined whether the system state of the slot machine 1 is in a voltage drop state.

  When the system state is a voltage drop state (Yes in step S802), for example, based on the turning-off operation of the power switch 13b, it is determined that the processing is proceeding as much as possible so that the slot machine 1 is powered off, and the routine described below is performed First, the power failure process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the system state is not a voltage drop state (No in step S802), the process proceeds to step S803 to determine whether or not the count number is added to the interrupt timer counter. As described in the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 10, the timer interrupt processing is started at a cycle of 1.0 ms, and the count number is gradually added to the interrupt timer counter. It is determined whether or not the interrupt timer counter is updated by reading the count number of the counter.

  If the count number of the interrupt timer counter has been updated (Yes in step S803), the process proceeds to step S804, and the count number is updated by subtracting “−1” from the count number of the interrupt timer counter. In step S805, 1 ms of processing subtracted from the interrupt timer counter is executed as 1 ms timer processing.

  Here, the 1 ms timer process will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a 1 ms timer process performed in the course of the main process.

  First, in step S901, a startup command check process is performed. For example, when an error is displayed because the data in the RAM 54 is destroyed after the slot machine 1 is started by turning on the power switch 13b (step S317 in FIG. 8), the MPU 51 of the main control board 50 itself has an error. The state cannot be transmitted to the sub control board 60, and even on the sub control board 60 side, a command indicating that no command data is transmitted from the main control board 50 cannot be output to the main control board 50. Accordingly, in step S901, when the command from the main control board 50 is not received within a predetermined time, for example, 2 seconds, the MPU 61 of the sub control board 60 displays an error on the liquid crystal display 23 through the display control board 66, A control for notifying the occurrence of the error to the surroundings is performed by transmitting a signal related to the occurrence of the error to the hall computer in the game hall through the external concentration terminal board 68.

  In step S901, when it is recognized that the command is normally received by the startup command check process, the process proceeds to step S902, and the device control process is performed. Specifically, in the previous 1 ms timer process, when the effect data change process such as the upper lamp light emission data and the notification sound data is performed (step S907 described later), the upper part is set so that the notification can be performed based on the change data. Change data is set in the lamp 21, the left and right speakers 22, and the like. For example, the MPU 61 reads out the notification sound data whose volume is increased by one step from the notification sound table of the ROM 63 and sets it in the notification sound output controller 22 a of the speaker 22.

  When the device control process in step S902 is performed, the process proceeds to step S903, and a system state change process is performed. The system state includes, for example, a voltage drop state, an initialization state (including an initialization waiting state of the liquid crystal display 23), and the like, and necessary setting processing is performed on the sub control board 60 due to the change of the system state. Done.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S904, and a stored coin settlement process having a characteristic configuration of the present invention is performed. Although details will be described later, in the case of discharging stored coins, whether or not the number of coins discharged by the MPU 61 of the sub control board 60 has reached the reference number of coins discharged based on a command from the main control board 50 is determined. Judge about.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S905, and if the voltage state of the slot machine 1 is checked by the voltage drop check process, the process proceeds to step S906, and a 10 ms timer process is performed. In the 10 ms timer process, for example, when the upper lamp emission table of the LED of the upper lamp 21 is updated or the changed notification sound data is set as illustrated in the above-described device control process (step S902), the notification sound A process of actually changing the volume of the speaker 22 is performed by the output controller 22a. Here, the timer process is performed every 10 ms. However, even if the process is performed every longer cycle, it does not affect the coin discharge notification control that is actually performed. You may do it.

  When the 10 ms timer process in step S906 ends, the process proceeds to step S907, and an effect data change process is performed. Here, in the next 1 ms timer process, when the notification sound of the speaker 22 is changed, for example, when the notification sound from the speaker 22 is increased by one step, the notification sound output based on the notification sound data is one. The alarm sound data regarding the alarm sound having a large level is taken out from the alarm sound table of the ROM 63 and prepared so that it can be set in the alarm sound output controller 22a in the next 1 ms timer process.

  When the series of processing from step S901 to step S907 is performed in this way, this routine ends.

  Returning to the description of the main process in FIG. 13, when the 1 ms timer process in step S805 ends, the process proceeds to step S806, where it is determined whether or not the system state is a voltage drop state. When the system state is a voltage drop state (Yes in step S806), the process proceeds to a power failure process as in the case where it is determined in step S802 that the system state is a voltage drop state.

  On the other hand, when the count number is not added to the interrupt timer counter (No in step S803) and when the system state is not a voltage drop state (No in step S806), the process proceeds to step S807 to determine whether there is a received command. . If there is no reception command (No in step S807), the process proceeds to step S809, where it is updated by adding the random number base value, and the process returns to step S802.

  On the other hand, if there is a received command (Yes in step S807), the process proceeds to step S808, where the received command check process is performed, and the command transmitted from the main control board 50 is analyzed.

  In command analysis by the received command check processing of this routine, processing for each received command is first performed to recognize the type of the received command. As described above, the command transmitted from the main control board 50 is stored in a predetermined work area of the RAM 64 by the command interrupt process by the MPU 61 of the sub control board 60 (see FIG. 11). The first byte of the command is read from the work area, and the command type is recognized. In the present embodiment, for example, payout type information that allows the MPU 61 of the sub control board 60 to recognize which command is used to pay coins from the hopper 14 is set.

  Next, the second byte of the command is read, and it is recognized whether or not a command is further set in the payout type information. For example, since four types of stored coin discharge command, inserted coin discharge command, acquired coin payout command, and automatic settlement command are set as the payout type command, which command has been transmitted is analyzed. In the present embodiment, for example, the MPU 61 analyzes that it is a stored coin discharge command (a command transmitted from the main control board 50 by operating the credit check button 35).

  When the received command analysis is completed by the received command check process in step S808, the random number base value is updated in step S809, and the process returns to step S802.

  Next, coin discharge notification control having a characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the payout type information command process, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the discharged number command process, and FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the stored coin settlement process. The coin discharge notification is a notification effect for notifying that the coin discharge operation has started, and the light output from the upper lamp 21 in the process of discharging the coin from the hopper 14 based on the operation of the credit check button 35. This is performed by outputting sound effects from the speaker 22 or the like. The coin discharge notification is normally performed based on the sound effect from the speaker 22 and the light output from the upper lamp 21, but may be performed by either one.

  In the present invention, two types of coin discharge notification are set as the coin discharge notification. For example, the coin discharge notification according to the present invention includes a first coin discharge notification that is generally performed and a second coin discharge notification that notifies that there is a high possibility that coins have been discharged by an illegal act on the slot machine 1. Have.

  In the payout type information command process shown in FIG. 15, it is first determined in step S1001 whether or not it is the start of the stored coin discharge.

  When the MPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 inputs a command through the input / output port 62, the command is stored in the RAM 64 through the command interrupt process, and the content of the command is analyzed based on the main process. In this routine, when the above-described payment start command is received, “stored coin discharge start” is set.

  If it is determined in step S1001 that the stored coin discharge is started (Yes in step S1001), the first coin discharge notification of the present invention is started in step S1002 based on the notification control program, and the 1 ms timer process (FIG. 14). The notification sound set in the notification sound output controller 22a based on the reference sound is reproduced through the speaker 22, and the upper lamp 21 is turned on based on the upper lamp light emission data set in the light emission control controller 21a in step S1003. The notification sound set in the notification sound output controller 22a is a general notification sound that has been conventionally output when a coin is actually paid out. For example, a player plays a game near the player. The sound is output from the speaker 22 at a volume that can be recognized by a person at a short distance from the slot machine 1. Further, the upper lamp light emission data set in the light emission control controller 21a is formed so as to be normally lit or blinked at a predetermined interval.

  Next, in step S1004, it is determined whether or not the received settlement discharge start command is the first settlement discharge start command after the end of the BB. Specifically, the MPU 61 makes a determination based on the special game control end command and the settlement discharge start command received in the reception command check process in step S808. That is, the MPU 61 checks whether or not a settlement discharge start command has been received between the previous special game control end command when the settlement discharge start command is received.

  In step S1004, when it is the first payment start command after the end of BB (Yes), the process skips to step S1006 to determine whether or not the stored coin discharge has ended. In the case of the first checkout discharge start command after the end of BB, the above-described first coin discharge notification is continuously performed.

  On the other hand, if it is not the first payment start command after the end of BB (No), the stored coin discharge flag is set to ON in step S1005. As the coins are discharged, the MPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 starts the discharged coin count program, and the number of discharged coins is determined by the discharged coin counter 65 based on the coin discharge command temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 64. Is stored in the discharged coin count storage area 64a of the RAM 64. Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, every time the MPU 61 receives a coin discharge command, the MPU 61 adds “+1” to the discharged coin number counter 65 and stores it in the discharged coin number storage area 64a. Each time a discharge command is received, “+1” is added sequentially.

  Further, the MPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 performs the stored coin settlement process (step S904) having the characteristic configuration of the present invention shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 in addition to the discharged number command process shown in FIG.

  First, in step S1201, it is determined whether the stored coin discharge flag is set to ON (step S1005). Accordingly, the MPU 61 recognizes that the number of coins stored in the coin count storage area 54a on the main control board 50 side are actually discharged based on the operation of the credit settlement button 35, and will be described below. Perform processing based on steps. Therefore, when the stored coin discharge flag is not set to ON (No in step S1201), this routine ends without being performed.

  On the other hand, if the stored coin discharge flag is set to ON (Yes in step S1201), the process proceeds to step S1202, and the MPU 61 determines whether the number of coins to be discharged has reached a predetermined threshold based on the coin count determination program 63a. To do. Specifically, the MPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 reads the count number stored in the discharge coin number storage area 64a of the RAM 64 as described above, and compares it with the reference discharge coin number stored in the ROM 63. Do.

  The reference number of coins to be discharged is a preset threshold value that triggers the change of the coin discharge notification according to the number of coins M actually discharged from the hopper 14, and is within a range of 4 to 49 coins. For example, in this embodiment, it is set to 30 sheets. The reason why the 50th is not included in the reference number of coins to be ejected is that the 50th is the maximum value that can be stored electronically. This is because the notification cannot be performed.

  Since the selector goto for the selector 40, which has been a problem in the past, is performed in an attempt to obtain coins efficiently so as not to be known to the surroundings, the number of coins corresponding to 50 coins is given to the MPU 51 of the main control board 50 by one fraud. In general, it is generally recognized that 50 coins are actually discharged by operating the credit check button 35. Therefore, although the reference number of coins to be ejected can be set within a relatively wide range of 4 to 49, it is preferable to set a relatively large number in the range of 30 to 40 in view of the above-described circumstances.

  When the count number read by the MPU 61 based on the discharged coin number determination program 63b reaches the reference discharged coin number (Yes in step S1202), the process proceeds to step S1203, and the second coin discharge notification of the present invention is started. .

  Specifically, the MPU 61 activates the notification control program 63b and prepares notification sound data related to the second coin discharge notification by reading from the notification sound table of the ROM 63 in the 1 ms timer process (see FIG. 14). Then, in the next 1 ms timer processing, the notification sound data for the second coin discharge notification is actually set in the notification sound output controller 22a (step S902), and the speaker 22 is actually based on the set notification sound data. Is controlled to output a notification sound (step S906).

  For example, when the standard number of coins to be discharged is set to 30, the volume is higher than the volume output from the speaker 22 based on the first coin discharge notification when the 30th coin is discharged, and at a predetermined position in the game hall. The notification sound data is set in the notification sound output controller 22a so that the notification sound is output from the speaker 22 at a volume that is recognizable up to the clerk arranged in FIG. Also, instead of increasing the volume only once, for example, the thirty-third to thirty-nine coins are discharged from the time when the thirty-ninth coin is continuously discharged and the thirty-ninth coin is discharged The notification sound data may be set in the notification sound output controller 22a so that the notification sound is output at a volume higher than the volume output between the eyes.

  In addition, after the number of ejected sheets reaches the 30th, notification sound data is set in the notification sound output controller 22a so that the volume of the notification sound output from the speaker 22 gradually increases as time passes, and the second coin is set. Discharge notification may be performed. In any case, when coins equal to or greater than the reference number of coins to be ejected, it is preferable that the notification sound gradually increase in volume as the number of ejected coins increases.

  When the count number of the coin coin discharge counter 65 reaches the reference coin coin discharge number, not only the volume is simply increased, but also the notification sound data is output from the speaker 22 by changing the type of the notification sound. You may set to the output controller 22a. In this case, it is preferable that the second coin discharge notification is performed by a notification sound that notifies an emergency such as a siren sound.

  Alternatively, since the LED of the upper lamp 21 is turned on when coin discharge is started (step S1003), the notification sound is output from the speaker 22 based on the second coin discharge notification exemplified above. Correspondingly, the light emission control of the LED of the upper lamp 21 based on the second coin discharge notification may be started. For example, the upper lamp 21 that is lit may be selected by causing the upper lamp emission data to blink at a short interval with the start of the second coin discharge notification, and set to the emission controller 21a for emission control. good.

  Even when the emission control of the upper lamp 21 based on the second coin discharge notification is started, the upper lamp emission data of the upper lamp 21 is changed in the 1 ms timer process of FIG. 14 (step S907), and the upper lamp emission data in the next 1 ms timer process is changed. Change data is set in the light emission control controller 21a of the lamp 21 (step S902), and the light emission control of the LED of the upper lamp 21 is actually switched based on the change data (step S906).

  The slot machine 1 is managed via the external concentration terminal board 68 of the sub-control board 60 at the time when the second coin discharge notification is started in addition to changing the coin discharge notification in the upper lamp 21 and the speaker 22. A fraud notification signal may be output to the hall computer of the game hall. The game hall manager can identify the slot machine where the cheating is performed through the hall computer, so that a system for identifying the cheating can be established. For example, an attendant at a game hall is dispatched or shooting with a security camera installed in the game hall is started.

  Then, when the second coin discharge notification is started, the first coin discharge notification may be continuously performed without interruption. That is, the notification sound output from the speaker 22 based on the first coin discharge notification and the notification sound output from the speaker 22 based on the second coin discharge notification may be performed simultaneously. Therefore, in the present invention, “starting the second coin discharge notification” means switching from the first coin discharge notification to the second coin discharge notification and starting only the second coin discharge notification; This includes both cases in which the second coin discharge notification is started while continuing without interruption.

  In this manner, the data set in the notification sound output controller 22a is changed in step S1203, and when the coin discharge notification is performed based on the change data, this routine is ended.

  Returning to the explanation of the payout type information command processing in FIG. 15, when the stored coin discharge flag is set to ON in step S1005 or when the stored coin discharge is not started (No in step S1001), the process proceeds to step S1006. It is determined whether or not the stored coin discharge has ended.

  Here, a process performed on the main control board 50 side will be described before a specific description on the sub control board 60 side. In the present embodiment, when the credit settlement button 35 is operated and coins are actually ejected, the coin count storage area 54a of the RAM 54 stores the coin detection sensor 14c of the hopper 14 every time a detection signal is input. The number is subtracted by one. Each time one is subtracted, the “coin discharge command” is transmitted in the timer interrupt process control as described above. In this way, the number of coins in the coin number storage area 54a is subtracted one by one, and when the value in the coin number storage area 54a becomes “0”, the MPU 51 issues a command for the end of discharging the stored coins (payment discharge end command). The data is output to the sub control board 60 through the input / output port 52 (step S211).

  When the settlement discharge end command is output as described above, the MPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 inputs the command via the input / output port 62, stores the command in the RAM 64 through the command interrupt process, and performs the main process. Based on the contents of the command. In this routine, when the above-described settlement discharge end command is received during the received command check process (step S808) by the MPU 61, “reserved coin settlement is completed”.

  If it is determined in step S1006 that an adjustment discharge end command has not been received (No in step S1006), it is determined that the stored coin discharge has not ended, the present routine is ended, and the process returns to the beginning.

  On the other hand, if the settlement discharge end command is received, it is determined that the coin has been discharged (Yes in step S1006), the counting of the number of discharged coins by the discharged coin number counter 65 is ended, and the discharged coin number storage area 64a The data is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S1007, where the MPU 61 outputs a command to the notification sound output controller 22a so as to stop the notification sound, and stops the output of the notification sound based on the second coin discharge notification. In step S1008, the notification sound data set in the notification sound output controller 22a of the speaker 22 in the 1 ms timer process is changed to notification sound data related to the first coin discharge notification. In step S1009, the LED of the upper lamp 21 is turned off, and the light emission data of the LED of the upper lamp 21 is also changed to the light emission data related to the first coin discharge notification.

  If it is determined in step S1006 that the coin has been discharged, the second coin discharge notification may not be ended, and the process may not immediately proceed from step S1007 to step S1009.

  For example, when the number of ejected coins is close to the reference number of coins to be ejected, which is about 31, the second coin ejection notification is made when the process proceeds from step S1007 to step S1009 immediately after step S1006. It is also conceivable that is performed only for a short time. In such a case, since the second coin discharge notification related to the notification of the selector gote is performed only for a short time when the coin is discharged, the manager of the game hall may not be able to reliably identify the fraud. Thus, after the second coin discharge notification is started, the second coin discharge notification can be continuously performed for about 30 seconds regardless of whether or not the coin is discharged. good.

  Therefore, in the present invention, when the second coin discharge notification is started, the reference coin discharge notification time set in advance in the ROM 63 is read, and continues for the reference coin discharge notification time regardless of the number of discharged coins. It is preferable to perform the second coin discharge notification. The reference coin discharge notification time according to the present invention is a notification time for which the second coin discharge notification must be performed, and the value counted by the discharge coin number counter 65 as described above is a value close to the reference discharge coin number. Is set to a length that prevents the second coin discharge notification from immediately ending. The reference coin discharge notification time is preferably set to such a length that a staff member arranged in the game hall can recognize the slot machine on which the second coin discharge notification is performed. For example, 50 coins are discharged. The time required for the setting is set, or a time of about 30 seconds is set. Thus, if the time for performing the second coin discharge notification is set in advance as the reference coin discharge notification time, the second coin discharge notification continues regardless of the number of coins discharged after the start of the second coin discharge notification. Therefore, it is possible to reliably recognize the selector goto.

  Then, when the coin discharge notification forced termination command is received after the second coin discharge notification is started, the second coin discharge notification is continuously performed without ending. Thereby, it is possible to notify the selector got reliably.

  Then, after each step from step S1007 to step S1009, the process proceeds to step S1010, the stored coin discharge flag is set to OFF, and this routine is ended.

  According to the slot machine 1 described above, when the number of coins stored in the coin number storage area 54a of the RAM 54 by the selector go is discharged based on the operation of the credit settlement button 35, the coin is transmitted from the main control board 50. The number of coin coin discharge commands is counted by the coin coin discharge counter 65, and the MPU 61 of the sub control board 60 compares the count number with the reference coin coin discharge number. The MPU 61 of the sub control board 60 controls the light emission controller 21a and the notification sound output controller 22a so that the second coin discharge notification is started in the upper lamp 21 and the speaker 22 when the count number reaches the reference discharge coin number. Thereby, the manager of the game hall can recognize the selector got through the second coin discharge notification performed in the upper lamp 21 and the speaker 22.

  In this way, the manager of the game hall can confirm the selector got through the second coin discharge notification because the coin is discharged exceeding the reference number of discharged coins only when the coin is discharged based on the selector got. is there. For example, in the case where a large number of coins are paid in addition to the coins discharged by the selector goto, a winning combination (BB or RB described above) that can acquire a large number of coins from a general combination (winning combination referred to as a small combination described above). ), The coins earned by winning are actually paid out.

  However, if such a winning combination is won, the game is generally continued as it is without paying out the acquired coins, and it is assumed that the coin is discharged by operating the credit check button 35. Is extremely rare. Therefore, in the case of the present invention, as described above, the second coin discharge notification is started when coins are discharged based on the winning combination that can acquire a large number of coins, in particular, the operation of the first credit check button 35 after BB. The decision whether to do is not made.

  In addition, the MPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 pays out the acquired coins according to whether the coin settlement is performed by operating the credit check button 35 based on commands (payout start command, payout end command) transmitted from the main control board 50. It is distinguished whether it is. Therefore, the MPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 controls the light emission of the upper lamp 21 so as not to start the second coin discharge notification even if the reference coin number is reached in the process of paying out the coins won by winning the winning combination. Output control of the notification sound of the speaker 22 is performed.

  In general, the selector goto is performed in an attempt to obtain a large number of coins as efficiently as possible without being known to the surroundings. In the case of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, the MPU 51 is made to recognize 50 storable coins in the coin count storage area 54a of the RAM 54 using a light emitter, and the coins are actually obtained by operating the credit check button 35. The act is repeated. As a result, when coins are to be obtained by the selector got, coins are normally discharged exceeding the reference number of coins to be discharged.

  Accordingly, every time a coin recognized by the MPU 51 based on the selector got is discharged, a second coin discharge notification of a notification form different from the first coin discharge notification is started and recognized in the surroundings, so that it is repeatedly performed. It becomes a deterrent to a selective selector and can prevent the selector.

  Further, when the second coin discharge notification is started, the second coin discharge notification is continuously performed over the reference coin discharge notification time. can do.

  The second coin discharge notification is performed so that the notification sound output from the speaker 22 is output with a different notification sound from that output based on the first coin discharge notification. Therefore, the deterrence effect of fraud against the selector 40 can be further enhanced. At this time, in addition to outputting the notification from the speaker 22, starting the light emission control of the LED of the upper lamp 21 based on the second coin discharge notification further facilitates the illegal act on the selector 40. Can be identified.

  Then, along with the start of the second coin discharge notification, by outputting an unauthorized notification signal to the management terminal (hall computer) via the external concentration terminal board 68, the game hall manager gives the selector 40 Therefore, it is possible to identify the slot machine that has been fraudulently performed, so that it is possible to recognize the fraudulent act at an early stage and to promptly respond thereafter.

  Further, when the number of coins stored in the coin number storage area 54a is discharged by operating the credit check button 35, the main control board 50 performs only the control processing related to the coin discharge as usual, and the sub control board. Since the 60 side determines whether to start the second coin discharge notification based on the command transmitted from the main control board 50, the load on the main control board 50 side is not increased. There is an effect. Note that the determination of whether to start the second coin discharge notification may be performed on the main control board 50 side.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, a detail is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol, and a different part is mainly demonstrated.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the main control board 80 in the second embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the sub control board 90. 20 and 21 are stored in the ROM 93 as a part of the control program.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the MPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 is equipped with a discharge coin number counter 65, and the second coin discharge notification is started based on the count number of the discharge coin number counter 65. In the second embodiment, the elapsed time measuring timer 95 forming the elapsed time measuring unit of the present invention is mounted on the sub-control board 90. The elapsed time measuring timer 95 measures the time elapsed from the receipt of the settlement discharge start command transmitted from the main control board 80 until the receipt of the settlement discharge end command. Whether the second coin discharge notification is to be performed or not is determined based on the comparison with the elapsed time as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, when the MPU 81 of the main control board 80 recognizes the operation of the credit settlement button 35, the settlement discharge start command is transmitted to the sub control board 90. The elapsed time measuring timer 95 is a timer that measures the elapsed time after receiving the settlement discharge start command based on the elapsed time measurement program stored in the ROM 93 and ends the measurement when the settlement discharge end command is received.

  The elapsed time measuring unit of the present invention is configured by mounting the elapsed time measuring timer 95 on the MPU 91 of the sub-control board 90, but is not limited to such a configuration. For example, in the timer interrupt process performed every predetermined period, the elapsed time after receiving the settlement discharge start command by the number of timer interrupt processes by the MPU 91 may be measured. By forming the elapsed time measurement unit in software in this way, it is possible to measure the elapsed time based on normal processing without adding new components in hardware. The substrate 90 can be reduced in size.

  Next, the coin discharge from the hopper 14 accompanied by the coin discharge notification will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the payout type information command process, and FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the stored coin settlement process. The payout type information command process of FIG. 20 is the same as the payout type information command process of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the “reserved coin discharge” command (settlement discharge start command) transmitted from the main control board 80 is received by the payout type information command processing of FIG. 20, it is determined whether or not the discharge of the stored coins is started in step S1301. To do. When it is determined that the stored coin is discharged (Yes in step S1301), the elapsed time measurement timer 95 starts measuring elapsed time, and in steps S1302 and S1303, the first coin discharge notification is started based on the notification control program 93b. Is done.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S1304, and it is determined whether or not it is the first settlement discharge start command after the end of the BB as in the first embodiment. If it is the first payment start command after the end of BB (Yes in step S1304), the first coin discharge notification is continued as in the first embodiment, and the process skips to step S1306 without performing step S1305. The stored coin discharge flag is set on.

  On the other hand, if it is not the first payment start command after the end of BB (No in step S1304), the measurement by the elapsed time measurement timer 95 is continued, and in step S1304, the stored coin discharge flag is set on.

  At this time, the MPU 91 of the sub-control board 90 performs the stored coin settlement process shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S1401, it is determined whether the stored coin discharge flag is set on. If the stored coin discharge flag is not set on (No in step S1401), this routine ends without being performed.

  On the other hand, if the stored coin discharge flag is set on (Yes in step S1401), the process proceeds to step S1402, and the elapsed time after receiving the settlement discharge start command has reached a preset reference elapsed time. A determination is made as to whether or not. Specifically, the MPU 91 of the sub control board 90 reads the measured value (elapsed time) stored in the elapsed time storage area 94 a of the RAM 94 and compares it with the reference elapsed time stored in advance in the ROM 93.

  Here, the reference elapsed time is a threshold value that triggers changing the coin discharge notification according to the elapsed time when coin discharge from the hopper 14 is started. The time required for discharging a predetermined number of coins is set. For example, in the present embodiment, the elapsed time required for discharging 30 coins is set as the reference elapsed time.

  When the elapsed time read by the MPU 91 reaches the reference elapsed time (Yes in step S1402), the process proceeds to step S1403, and a control process for starting the second coin discharge notification is performed based on the notification control program 93b. Specifically, the processing similar to the processing in step S1203 in the first embodiment is performed, and for example, the notification sound data is transmitted to the notification sound output controller 22a so that the notification sound from the speaker 22 is output at a high volume. Is set.

  Also in the present embodiment, it is preferable to gradually increase the volume of the notification sound output from the speaker 22 as the second coin discharge notification is started and time passes. Further, instead of changing the volume of the notification sound, the type of the notification sound may be changed. As in the first embodiment, when the second coin discharge notification is started, the first coin discharge notification may be continuously performed as it is.

  Then, since it is necessary to reliably recognize the second coin discharge notification to the surroundings, the second coin discharge notification is performed after the payment discharge end command is received, as in the first embodiment. It may be performed over a period of time. Thereby, even when the measurement time is obtained as a time close to the reference measurement time, the second coin discharge notification is continuously performed without ending immediately after the elapsed time is measured.

  Further, after the start of the second coin discharge notification, for example, even when the accumulation of the number of coins in the coin number storage area 84a of the RAM 84 is started due to the insertion of coins from the coin insertion slot 34, etc., it is interrupted. Alternatively, it may be performed continuously. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of a selector go can be alert | reported reliably with respect to the circumference | surroundings.

  Then, not only the notification sound is changed as in the first embodiment, but also the light emission method of the upper lamp 21 is changed, or the fraud notification signal is output to the hall computer of the game hall via the external concentration terminal board 98. Anyway.

  Returning to the explanation of the payout type information command processing in FIG. 20, when the stored coin discharge flag is set to ON in step S1305 or when the storage coin discharge is not started (No in step S1301), the process proceeds to step S1306. It is determined whether or not the stored coin discharge has ended. Whether or not the storage coins have been discharged is determined based on whether or not the settlement discharge end command has been received on the sub-control board 90 side, as in the first embodiment. If it is determined that the stored coin discharge has not ended (No in step S1306), this routine ends and the process returns to step S1301.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the stored coin discharge has been completed (Yes in step S1306), the process proceeds to step S1307, the elapsed time measurement timer 95 finishes measuring the elapsed time, and the elapsed time storage area 94a is cleared. A command is output to the notification sound output controller 22a so as to stop the output of the notification sound based on the second coin discharge notification. In step S1308, the notification sound data set in the notification sound output controller 22a of the speaker 22 is changed to notification sound data related to the first coin discharge notification in the 1 ms timer process. In step S1309, the LED of the upper lamp 21 is turned off, and the light emission data of the LED forming the upper lamp 21 is also changed to the light emission data related to the first coin discharge notification.

  Then, after step S1307 to step S1309, the process proceeds to step S1310, the stored coin discharge flag is set to OFF in order to prevent coins from being paid out, and this routine is ended.

  According to the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment described above, whether or not to start the second coin discharge notification is determined based on the time elapsed after receiving the settlement discharge start command transmitted from the main control board 80. Is measured on the sub-control board 90 side, and the elapsed time is compared with the reference elapsed time. According to this, since only the adjustment discharge start command related to the coin discharge start is transmitted on the main control board 80 side, the burden on the main control board 80 can be reduced. On the side of the sub control board 90, it is only necessary to measure the time that has elapsed since the command transmitted from the main control board 80 is received, so the second coin discharge notification is started with a simple control process. Judgment can be made.

It is a perspective view which shows the state which the front door of the slot machine in 1st Embodiment closed. Similarly, it is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the front door of the slot machine. It is a figure explaining the internal structure of a selector similarly. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the main control board of a slot machine similarly. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the sub control board of a slot machine similarly. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the NMI interruption process in a main control board. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the timer interruption process in a main control board. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the power-on process in a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process in a main control board similarly. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the timer interruption process in a sub control board. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the command interruption process in a sub control board. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the power failure process in a sub control board. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the main process in a sub control board. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the timer process in a sub control board. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the payout classification information command process in a sub control board. 12 is a flowchart showing a discharge number command process on the sub control board. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the storage coin adjustment process in a sub control board | substrate. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the main control board in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of a sub control board | substrate similarly. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the payout classification information command process in a sub control board. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the storage coin adjustment process in a sub control board | substrate.

1 slot machine (game machine)
2 Housing 3 Front door 4 Body 11 Rotating drum 13 Power supply box 14 Hopper 14c Coin detection sensor (coin detection unit)
21 Upper lamp 21a Light emission control controller 22 Speaker 22a Notification sound output controller 22a
35 Credit checkout button (Settlement discharge start means)
40 selector 45 inserted coin passage detection unit 45a first inserted coin passage detection sensor 45b second inserted coin passage detection sensor 50, 80 main control board 51, 81 MPU
52, 82 I / O ports 53, 83 ROM
54, 84 RAM
60, 90 Sub control board 65 Ejected coin counter (coin count section)
70, 100 Power supply board 95 Elapsed time measurement timer (elapsed time measurement unit)

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine comprising: storage means capable of storing game value medium; and discharge means for discharging the game value medium stored in the storage means by a player's operation.
When the game value medium discharged by the discharging means is less than or equal to a preset number, the first game value medium notification is executed,
When the game value medium discharged by the discharge means exceeds the preset number, the second game value medium notification is executed ,
The second game value medium notification is not executed when the game value medium is discharged by the first discharging means after the game based on the special role in which more game value media can be acquired than the general role is completed. A gaming machine characterized by that. In a gaming machine comprising: storage means capable of storing game value medium; and discharge means for discharging the game value medium stored in the storage means by a player's operation.
When the discharge time of the game value medium discharged by the discharge means is equal to or less than a preset time, the first game value medium notification is executed,
When the discharge time of the game value medium discharged by the discharge means exceeds the preset time, the second game value medium notification is executed ,
The second game value medium notification is not executed when the game value medium is discharged by the first discharging means after the game based on the special role in which more game value media can be acquired than the general role is completed. A gaming machine characterized by that. A main control unit that performs a main control process of the game, and an auxiliary control process other than the main control process of the game that is provided separately from the main control unit and is transmitted from the main control unit A sub-control unit,
The main control unit transmits a coin settlement discharge start command to the sub-control unit based on an operation of a settlement discharge start means for instructing coin discharge, and when the coin discharge is completed, the settlement control end command is transmitted to the sub-control. A special game control end command to the effect that the game based on the special combination set so that more coins can be acquired than the general combination is transmitted to the sub-control unit,
The sub-control unit sends a control signal to start the first coin discharge notification to the coin discharge notification unit that notifies that the coin discharge is started based on the payment discharge start command, and sends the control signal to the payment discharge end command. In a gaming machine that sends out a control signal for ending the first coin discharge notification based on:
The main control unit
Each time the coin is discharged, a coin discharge command is transmitted to the sub-control unit,
The sub-control unit
A coin number counting unit which starts counting the number of coins discharged based on the coin discharging command when receiving the payment discharging start command and ends counting the number of coins when receiving the payment discharging end command; ,
When the count number is less than a preset reference number of coins to be discharged, when the settlement discharge end command is received, the first coin discharge notification is ended based on a control signal for ending the first coin discharge notification. When the count number becomes equal to or greater than the reference number of coins to be ejected before receiving the settlement discharge end command, the count number reaches the reference number of coins to be discharged and is different from the first coin discharge notification. 2 coin discharge notification is started, the coin discharge notification unit is controlled to end the second coin discharge notification based on the payment discharge end command ,
A gaming machine characterized in that the second coin discharge notification is not performed when the first payment start command after receiving the special game control end command is received . A main control unit that performs a main control process of the game, and an auxiliary control process other than the main control process of the game that is provided separately from the main control unit and is transmitted from the main control unit A sub-control unit,
The main control unit transmits a coin settlement discharge start command to the sub-control unit based on an operation of a settlement discharge start means for instructing coin discharge, and when the coin discharge is completed, the settlement control end command is transmitted to the sub-control. A special game control end command to the effect that the game based on the special combination set so that more coins can be acquired than the general combination is transmitted to the sub-control unit,
The sub-control unit sends a control signal to start the first coin discharge notification to the coin discharge notification unit that notifies that the coin discharge is started based on the payment discharge start command, and sends the control signal to the payment discharge end command. In a gaming machine that sends out a control signal for ending the first coin discharge notification based on:
The sub-control unit
An elapsed time measuring unit that measures the time elapsed from receiving the settlement discharge start command to receiving the settlement discharge end command;
When the elapsed discharge time has not reached a preset reference elapsed time and the payment settlement end command is received, the first coin discharge notification is ended based on a control signal for ending the first coin discharge notification. If the elapsed time exceeds the reference elapsed time before receiving the settlement discharge end command, the second coin different from the first coin discharge notification when the elapsed time reaches the reference elapsed time Starting the discharge notification, controlling the coin discharge notification unit to end the second coin discharge notification based on the settlement discharge end command ,
A gaming machine characterized in that the second coin discharge notification is not performed when the first payment start command after receiving the special game control end command is received .

Images