JP2012105827A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine in which a sub-control part can recognize a state of the game machine not through the reception of a command, a load of monitoring by the sub-control part can be reduced, processing thereof with the main control part can be synchronized, and the exertion of influence of voltage abnormality of one of the main control part and the sub-control part to the other can be reduced.SOLUTION: In the game machine in which only one way communication from the main control part to the sub-control part is possible, a sensor connected to both the main control part and the sub-control part and an insulated type one way communication circuit set at least in any one between the sensor and the sub-control part are provided. The sub-control part starts acquisition of detection result from the sensor triggered by receiving a predetermined command from the main control part to perform a process corresponding to the acquired detection result.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine (pachislot machine) and a pachinko machine.

  In general, in a gaming machine represented by a slot machine, the control unit is composed of a plurality of control units corresponding to functions. For example, a slot machine including a main control unit that executes processing for controlling the progress of a game and a sub-control unit that executes processing related to effects has been proposed. In the case of such a control unit configuration, the main control unit and the sub-control unit communicate in only one direction from the main control unit to the sub-control unit from the viewpoint of preventing fraud against the main control unit that affects the game result. Configured to be possible. Then, the sub control unit receives a command transmitted from the main control unit, and executes a process according to the received command (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-73271 A

  In the configuration in which the sub-control unit performs processing according to the command received from the main control unit, the status of the gaming machine that can be recognized by the sub-control unit is only the status indicated by the command, and the status is recognized by the reception of the command. Becomes slower. This hinders, for example, the prompt switching of the effect contents according to the situation of the gaming table.

  Therefore, for example, by connecting at least a part of various sensors connected to the main control unit to the sub-control unit, and allowing the sub-control unit to directly acquire the detection result of the sensor, the reception of the command can be made. It is conceivable that the sub-control unit can recognize the status of the gaming table without being connected. However, in the case of this configuration, the monitoring burden of the sensor by the sub-control unit and the synchronization of processing between the main control unit and the sub-control unit are problems. In addition, when the main control unit and the sub-control unit are electrically connected via the sensor wiring, the other control unit may be affected by the voltage abnormality occurring in one of the control units. If a voltage abnormality occurs, both control units may malfunction or fail. Note that voltage abnormalities include circuit faults and noise, as well as fraudulent acts caused by transmission of radio waves.

  The purpose of the present invention is to allow the sub-control unit to recognize the status of the gaming machine without going through command reception, and to reduce the monitoring burden on the sub-control unit and to synchronize the processing with the main control unit. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the influence of voltage abnormality of one of the unit and the sub-control unit on the other.

  According to the present invention, a main control unit that executes processing for controlling the progress of a game, and a sub-control unit that receives a command transmitted from the main control unit and executes processing according to the received command, The main control unit and the sub control unit are connected to both the main control unit and the sub control unit in a gaming machine capable of communicating in only one direction from the main control unit to the sub control unit. Arranged between the sensor and the main control unit and / or between the sensor and the sub-control unit, and only signal transmission from the sensor to the control unit side is performed. And the sub-control unit starts acquiring the detection result from the sensor when the predetermined command is received from the main control unit, and acquires the detection result. Perform processing according to the detection result Amusement machine is provided, characterized in that.

  According to the present invention, the status of the gaming machine can be recognized by the sub-control unit without passing through the command reception, the monitoring burden on the sub-control unit can be reduced, and the processing with the main control unit can be synchronized. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the influence of the voltage abnormality of one of the unit and the sub-control unit on the other.

1 is an external perspective view of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine 100. FIG. (A) is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) in a plan view, and (b) is the type of winning combination of the slot machine 100. Illustration. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. The exploded perspective view of a reel unit. The figure which shows the example of a connection circuit of a both-connection sensor. (A) is a flowchart of a main process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of a command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400, and (c) is a first sub control. 6 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the unit 400. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing of the production content at the time of reel rotation acceleration. (A) thru | or (c) is explanatory drawing of the production content at the time of reel rotation acceleration. Explanatory drawing of the production content at the time of reel constant speed rotation. (A) is a flowchart showing the lottery process of S5, (b) is a diagram showing a winning combination that is subject to rotation effect execution when the internal winning. The flowchart which shows the reel rotation start process of S7. The flowchart which shows the control content setting process of S25. The flowchart which shows the reel index sensor detection result acquisition process of S83. (A) thru | or (c) are explanatory drawings of a start lever repeated striking effect. (A) thru | or (c) are explanatory drawings of a start lever repeated striking effect. (A) thru | or (c) is explanatory drawing of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b. (A) is a flowchart showing a lottery process of S5, (b) is a diagram showing a winning combination that is subject to execution of the start lever repeated strike effect when an internal winning. (A) is a flowchart showing the control content setting process of S25, (b) is a flowchart of the start lever monitoring setting process of S123. The flowchart which shows the start lever sensor detection result acquisition process of S129. Explanatory drawing of failure determination of the start lever 135. FIG. (A) thru | or (c) is explanatory drawing of a max bet button repeated striking effect. The flowchart which shows the control content setting process of S25. The flowchart which shows the Max bet button sensor detection result acquisition process of S159. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing of the passage determination of a medal. Explanatory drawing of abnormality determination and alerting | reporting. (A) is a flowchart showing a medal insertion start operation acceptance process in S2, and (b) is a flowchart showing an error detection confirmation process in S172. (A) is a flowchart which shows the control content setting process of S25, (b) is a flowchart which shows the sensor MDS1 detection result acquisition process of S195. Explanatory drawing which shows another example of abnormality determination and alerting | reporting. (A) is explanatory drawing of the state change of the sensor at the time of start lever 135 operation, (b) is explanatory drawing of the example of the timing of effect lottery. Explanatory drawing of the moving direction control of the production | presentation medium by an operation direction. The figure which shows the example of a connection of a wiring cable. The figure which shows the example of a connection circuit of a both-connection sensor. The figure which shows the example of a connection circuit of a both-connection sensor. The figure which shows the example of a connection circuit of a both-connection sensor. The figure which shows the example of a connection circuit of a both-connection sensor. The figure which shows the circuit example of a power supply device.

<Overall configuration>
A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are arranged and stored in the direction of the rotation axis. The slot machine 100 is configured to be rotatable.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described later, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on a reel band at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the reel band to a predetermined annular body. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the reel unit, and shows a mechanism for rotating each reel 110 to 112 and the like. The reel unit includes a reel band 11 that constitutes each of the reels 110 to 112, and annular bodies 12 and 13. The reel band 11 is a band-shaped sheet having a plurality of kinds of symbols on its surface, and is wound in an annular shape with its end portions slightly overlapped as shown in FIG. The annular bodies 12 and 13 are members for supporting the reel band 11 in an annular shape. In the case of the present embodiment, the annular body 13 is a circular frame, and the annular body 12 is integrally connected to a circular frame similar to the annular body 13 with a cruciform frame integrally connected to the connecting portion 12 ′ at the center of rotation. The frame is configured.

  The output shaft of the motor 15 is connected to the connecting portion 12 ′ of the annular body 12, and the annular body 12 is rotated by the rotation of the motor 15, and thereby the reel is rotationally driven. In this embodiment, the motor 15 is a stepping motor. The motor 15 is supported on the mount 14.

  The mount 14 also supports an index sensor 16 that is an optical sensor that detects the rotational position of the reel. The index sensor 16 detects the passage of the light shielding piece 17 attached to the annular body 12. Each time the passage of the light shielding piece 17 is detected, it is determined that the reel has made one rotation and the current rotation position of the reel. Accordingly, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction can be determined, and the reels 110 to 112 can be stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The mounting table 14 also supports a backlight 18 via a support member 19. The backlight 18 and the support member 19 are positioned on the inner side of the reel band 11 (inside space surrounded by the reel band 11) in the assembled reel unit. The backlight 18 is a structure for illuminating individual symbols from the back side.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 to be valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are five pay lines 114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal pay line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal win line and the lower horizontal pay line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines. The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right Five lines, the down line and the upper right line, may be valid as the winning lines.

  The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal need not be inserted) when winning a replay which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, a maximum of 3 cards are inserted, 2 when the bet button 131 is pressed, and 3 when the bet button 132 is pressed. It has become so. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start is informed that the game can be started. The lamp 121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. is there. The medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 pass through a medal selector provided in the slot machine 100, and regular medals are selected and the passage of medals is detected.

  The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 135 constitutes a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 constitute button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed. The payment button 134 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

  Below the stop button unit 136, a title panel 162 for displaying a model name and pasting various types of certificate stamps is provided. At the lower part of the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

  The sound hole 180 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160.

  This effect device 160 has two right shutters 163a and 163b, which are movable bodies that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and a shutter (shielding device) 163 that is an operating device for operating them. An image display device 157 provided on the back side is provided, and when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction in front of the image display device 157, the display screen of the image display device 157 (not shown) is a slot. The structure appears on the front side (player side) of the machine 100.

  In addition to displaying the effect image, the image display device 157 also functions as a notification device that displays an image for notifying an abnormality (error) in the slot machine 100. In addition to image display, such a notification device can employ a sound output device, or image display and sound output may be used in combination.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the image display device 157 is a liquid crystal display device. However, the image display device 157 may be configured to display various effect images and various game information without being a liquid crystal display device. (7-segment display), dot matrix display, organic EL display, plasma display, reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen may be used. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

  In the present embodiment, the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are employed as the movable bodies. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various movable bodies such as doll bodies and their operation devices can be employed.

<Control unit>
FIG. 2 describes in detail the circuit configuration of the control unit of the control unit of the slot machine 100. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit. The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control unit (first control unit) that receives a command transmitted by the main control unit 300 and executes a process according to the command. A sub-control unit 400 and a second sub-control unit 500). In the case of the present embodiment, the sub-control unit receives a command from the main control unit 300 and performs a process related to the control of the effect, and the command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel stop. ROM 306 for storing position, RAM 308 for temporarily storing data such as various setting information, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, and measuring time and frequency A counter timer 312 is installed. Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 described later.

  The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 314 as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314 is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms. WDT 313 is a watchdog timer.

  The basic circuit 302 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in a range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts a main control unit main process described later).

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 performs various sensors 318 (start lever 135 sensor, bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal selector for each interrupt time. Medal detection sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, each index sensor 16 of the reels 110 to 112, etc.) The status is monitored. The CPU 304 can acquire the state of each sensor from a predetermined port of the I / O 310.

  When the start operation is detected in a state where the start operation for the start lever 135 can be received, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  A plurality (two in this case) of the start lever 135 sensors are installed, and the start operation by the player is detected by detecting the movement of the start lever 135. A stop button 137 sensor, a stop button 138 sensor, and a stop button 139 are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

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

  The index sensor 16 of the reels 110 to 116 has the above-described configuration. In this embodiment, the index sensor 16 becomes L level each time the light shielding piece 17 passes. When detecting this signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The main control unit 300 is provided with a drive circuit 322 for driving the stepping motor 15 including the reels 110 to 112, and a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in the medal selector 336 for selecting inserted medals. In addition, a drive circuit 326 for driving a motor provided in the medal payout device 180 is provided, and various lamps 338 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a game medal insertable lamp 124, a re-game lamp 122, and a game medal are inserted). The lamp 129 is provided with a drive circuit 328 for driving the game start lamp 121, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127).

  Further, an information output circuit 334 (external concentration terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the slot machine 100 is output to the information input circuit 652 provided.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub control unit 400. However, the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 300. In order to achieve one-way communication, an insulating one-way communication circuit such as a photocoupler is provided in the middle of wiring between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400. According to this configuration, the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 can be electrically disconnected.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 measures the CPU 404, the RAM 408 for temporarily storing data such as various setting information, the I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and the time and the number of times. A counter timer 412 is installed. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock, and controls the control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, lighting of the backlight A ROM 406 in which data for controlling patterns and various displays is stored is provided.

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

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and the sound source IC 418 is provided with speakers 272 and 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls sound output from the amplifiers and speakers 272 and 277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which audio data is stored. The audio data acquired from the ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. Provided.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 controls the image display device 157 and the shutter 163. In this way, the performance is executed as the game progresses.

  Further, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 413, and some of the various sensors 318 connected to the main control unit 300 (hereinafter referred to as “bi-connection sensors”). The first sub control unit 400 is also connected. With this configuration, the first sub-control unit 400 can acquire the detection result of the two-connection sensor separately from the command from the main control unit 300.

<Circuit connection circuit for two-way connection sensor>
In the case of the configuration in which the double connection sensor is connected to the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400, the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 are electrically connected. For this reason, the other control unit may be affected by the voltage abnormality occurring in either one of the control units. If a voltage abnormality occurs in one of the control units, both control units may malfunction or break down. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the double connection sensor is connected to the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400, the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 are electrically disconnected. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the influence of the voltage abnormality of one of the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 on the other.

  In the following example, a case where the index sensor 16 is a two-way connection sensor is illustrated, but a sensor of the start lever 135 or the like can be adopted as the two-way connection sensor as described later.

<Circuit example 1>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection circuit of the double connection sensor. In the example shown in the figure, the index sensor 16 which is a two-way connection sensor is connected to the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 via the relay board 3 on the wiring. The relay board 3 relays the wiring between the index sensor 16 and each board provided with the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400, and main-controls sensor signals (ON / OFF signals) from the index sensor 16. To the unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400.

  The index sensor 16 includes a light emitting element 16a made of an LED and a light receiving element 16b. The light receiving element 16b includes a Schmitt circuit Ss and a transistor Ts. When light from the light emitting element 16a is received by the Schmitt circuit Ss, the transistor Ts is turned on.

  The index sensor 16 is supplied with power from the main control unit 300, the power supply voltage is Vddm that is the power supply voltage of the main control unit 300, and GND is GND 1 common to the main control unit 300. The collector of the transistor Ts is connected to Vddm via a resistor R1 that constitutes the sensor circuit 320. Therefore, the index sensor 16 outputs a sensor signal (ON / OFF signal) that changes in the range between GND1 and Vddm as a detection result.

  The sensor signal from the index sensor 16 is input to a predetermined input port of the I / O 310 of the main control unit 300, and the detection result of the index sensor 16 is recognized by the main control unit 300.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is branched from the wiring by the relay board 3 and receives a sensor signal from the index sensor 16, but the index sensor 16 and the first sub-control unit 400 are connected with the index sensor 16. The photocoupler 20 is provided as an isolated one-way communication circuit that can only transmit signals from the first sub-control unit 400 to the first sub-control unit 400 side.

  The photocoupler 20 includes a light emitting element 20a made of an LED and a light receiving element 20b. The light receiving element 20b is a phototransistor, and is turned on when receiving light from the light emitting element 20a. As with the index sensor 16, a Schmitt circuit may be provided in the light receiving element 20b.

  The light emitting element 20a is connected between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Ts, and a resistor R3 is provided in series with the light emitting element 20a. The collector of the light receiving element 20b is connected to the power supply (voltage Vdds) of the first sub control unit 400 via the resistor R2, and is also connected to a predetermined input port of the I / O 410 of the first sub control unit 400. Has been. The emitter of the light receiving element 20b is connected to GND2 of the second sub-control unit 400.

  When the transistor Ts is turned on, a current flows through Vddm → resistor R1 → resistor R3 → light emitting element 20 → GND1, and the light emitting element 20a emits light. As a result, the light receiving element 20b is also turned on, a current flows through Vdds → resistor R2 → resistor R3 → light receiving element 20b → GND2, and a signal whose ON-OFF relationship matches the sensor signal of the index sensor 16 is the first sub-control. Input to a predetermined input port of the I / O 410 of the unit 400. As a result, the detection result of the index sensor 16 is also recognized by the first sub control unit 400.

  In this example, the presence of the photocoupler 20 allows the detection result of the index sensor 16 to be recognized by both the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 with respect to the wiring relationship of the index sensor 16 while being electrically disconnected. .

  The power supply voltage Vddm of the main control unit 300 and the power supply voltage Vdds of the sub control unit 400 may be the same or different. For example, when the power supply voltage Vddm of the main control unit 300 is set to 5 V, the power supply voltage Vdds of the sub control unit 400 is set to a voltage lower than this (for example, 3.3 V), so that the first sub control unit 400 helps reduce power consumption. In any case, the main control unit 300 and the sub control unit 400 have power supply voltages (Vddm, Vdds) and GND (GND1, GND2), respectively.

  As described above, an insulated one-way communication circuit is provided for one-way communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400, and the photocoupler 20 is connected between the index sensor 16 and the first sub-control unit 400. By providing, the main control unit 300 and the sub-control unit 400 can be completely electrically separated, and it is possible to reliably avoid the influence of one voltage abnormality on the other.

  FIG. 32 shows a connection example of wiring cables among the index sensor 16, the relay substrate 3, the main control unit 300, and the first sub control unit 400. The relay board 3 is a wiring for connecting the connection part 31 that is a connector to which the wiring 16c for connecting the index sensor 16 and the relay board 3 is connected, and the main control board 1 including the relay board 3 and the main control part 300. A connecting portion 32a which is a connector to which 1a is connected. In the case of this embodiment, the connection part 32a also serves as a connection part to which the wiring 2a for connecting the relay board 3 and the sub control board 2 including the first sub control part 400 is connected, but may be separate. The above configuration has an advantage that the connection relationship of these components is visually easy to understand.

<Circuit example 2>
FIG. 33 shows another circuit example. In the example of the figure, the photocoupler 20 is disposed not on the relay board 3 but on the first sub-control unit 400 (more precisely, the sub-control board 2). Other configurations are the same as those of the circuit example 1.

<Circuit example 3>
FIG. 34 also shows another circuit example. In the example of the figure, the power supply of the index sensor 16 is not performed from the main control unit 300, and a power supply voltage Vddi is supplied via a resistor R5 by providing a unique power supply. This is a suitable circuit when it is desired to make the power supply voltage different from that of the main controller 300 due to the specifications of the index sensor 16. For example, the power supply voltage Vddi can be 12V, and the power supply voltage Vddm can be 5V.

  The power supply GND3 for the index sensor 16 is connected to GND1 of the main control unit 300, and the power supply for the index sensor 16 and the power supply of the main control unit 300 are not electrically disconnected, but the first The sub control unit 400 is electrically disconnected from both the index sensor 16 and the main control unit 300.

  When the transistor Ts is turned on, a current flows through Vddm → resistor R4 → light emitting element 20 → transistor Ts → GND1, 3 and the light emitting element 20a emits light.

<Circuit example 4>
FIG. 35 also shows another circuit example. The example shown in the figure is a combination of the circuit example 3 and the circuit example 2. In the circuit example 3, the photocoupler 20 is not the relay board 3 but the first sub-control unit 400 (more precisely, the sub-control board). 2). Other configurations are the same as those of the circuit example 3.

  In the circuit examples 1 to 4, the photocoupler 20 that is an insulated unidirectional communication circuit is provided between the index sensor 16 and the first sub-control unit 400, but between the index sensor 16 and the main control unit 300. May be provided. In this case, the power supply to the index sensor 16 is performed by the power supply voltage Vdds of the first sub-control unit 400 or has its own power supply and its GND (GND 3 in the circuit examples 3 and 4) is the first sub-control. What is necessary is just to set it as the structure connected with GND2 of the part 400. FIG.

<Circuit example 5>
FIG. 36 also shows another circuit example. In the example shown in the figure, a photocoupler 20 that is an insulated one-way communication circuit is provided between the index sensor 16 and the first sub-control unit 400, and a photocoupler 20 ′ having the same configuration as the photocoupler 20 is provided with an insulated one A directional communication circuit is also provided between the index sensor 16 and the main control unit 300.

  Also in this example, the power supply of the index sensor 16 is not performed from the main control unit 300, but a unique power supply is provided to supply the power supply voltage Vddi via the resistor R5. However, in this example, the emitter of the transistor Ts is connected to GND3 and is not connected to GND1. That is, the index sensor 16, the main control unit 300, and the first sub control unit 400 are electrically disconnected without connecting the power supply GND 3 for the index sensor 16 and the GND 1 of the main control unit 300.

  The light emitting element 20a 'of the photocoupler 20' has its anode connected to the power supply voltage Vddi via resistors R5 and R6, and its cathode connected to the collector of the transistor Ts. The light emitting element 20a of the photocoupler 20 has its anode connected to the power supply voltage Vddi via resistors R5 and R7, and its cathode connected to the collector of the transistor Ts.

  The collector of the light receiving element 20b ′ of the photocoupler 20 ′ is connected to the power supply (voltage Vddm) of the main control unit 300 via the resistor R4, and a predetermined input port of the I / O 310 of the main control unit 300 It is connected to the. The emitter of the light receiving element 20 b ′ is connected to GND 1 of the main control unit 300.

  The light receiving element 20b of the photocoupler 20 has a collector connected to the power supply (voltage Vdds) of the first sub-control unit 400 via the resistor R2, and a predetermined I / O 410 of the first sub-control unit 400. Connected to the input port. The emitter of the light receiving element 20b is connected to GND2 of the second sub-control unit 400.

  When the transistor Ts is turned on, Vddi → resistor R5 → resistor R6 → light emitting element 20a ′ → transistor Ts → GND3 and current flows through the light emitting element 20a ′, and Vddi → resistor R5 → resistor R7 → A current flows through the light emitting element 20a → the transistor Ts → GND3, and the light emitting element 20a also emits light.

  As a result, the light receiving element 20b ′ is turned ON, and a signal in which the current flows through Vddm → resistor R4 → light receiving element 20b ′ → GND1 and the ON / OFF relationship with the sensor signal of the index sensor 16 matches the I / O of the main control unit 300. It is input to a predetermined input port of O310.

  In addition, the light receiving element 20b is also turned on, and a signal in which the current flows through Vdds → resistor R2 → light receiving element 20b → GND2 and the ON / OFF relationship with the sensor signal of the index sensor 16 matches the I / O of the first sub-control unit 400. It is input to a predetermined input port of O410.

  As a result, the detection result of the index sensor 16 is recognized by both the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400.

  In this example, due to the presence of the photocouplers 20 ′ and 20, the main controller 300, the first sub controller 400, and the index sensor 16 are electrically disconnected with respect to the wiring relationship of the index sensor 16. Therefore, not only between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 but also between these and the index sensor 16, they are not affected by the voltage abnormality. Nevertheless, the detection result of the index sensor 16 can be recognized by both the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400.

  FIG. 37 shows a circuit example of a power supply device that generates power supply voltages Vddm, Vdds, and Vddi separately from each other's GND. The power supply apparatus shown in the figure includes four voltage generation circuits 31 to 34.

  The voltage generation circuit 31 is an AC-DC converter (for example, AC 100 V → DC 24 V) that converts a commercial power supply (AC voltage) into a DC voltage, and the DC voltage generated by the voltage generation circuit 31 is converted into the voltage generation circuits 32 to 34. To be supplied. Each of the voltage generation circuits 32 to 34 is a DC-DC converter, the voltage generation circuit 32 is a power supply voltage (Vddm-GND1) for the main control unit 300, and the voltage generation circuit 33 is a power supply for the first sub control unit 400. The voltage generation circuit 34 generates a power supply voltage (Vddi-GND3) for the index sensor, and generates a voltage (Vdds-GND2). The power supply voltage for the second sub-control unit 500 can be the power supply voltage for the first sub-control unit 400.

<Pattern arrangement>
A symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram in which the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) is developed in a plane.

  In each reel 110 to 112, a plurality of types (eight types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged in a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. For example, in the present embodiment, the “replay” symbol for the number 1 frame on the left reel 110, the “bell” symbol for the number 0 frame on the middle reel 111, and the “bell” symbol for the number 2 frame on the right reel 112. "Watermelon" design is arranged respectively.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination.

  Of the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is a replay without newly inserting a medal. Each winning combination is sometimes distinguished from a winning combination and sometimes called an “acting combination”. However, in the “winning combination” in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are operating combinations are included. included. In addition, the “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without a medal payout) is displayed on the active line, for example, a big bonus, a regular Includes bonuses and replay wins.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 100 includes a big bonus (BB1, BB2), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay (replay). Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “BB”) is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning a prize. . Corresponding symbol combinations are “white 7-white 7-white 7” for BB1, and “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” for BB2. Further, flag carryover is performed for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 and BB2 are won internally, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300), but even if BB1 and BB2 are not won in the game, a prize is won. Until then, the flag indicating the internal winning is maintained, and even after the next game, BB1 and BB2 are being internally selected, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 “white 7-white 7-white 7”, the symbol corresponding to BB2 The combination “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is in a state of winning a prize.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination is “bonus-bonus-bonus”. Note that the RB carries over the flag as well as the above-mentioned BB. However, in the big bonus game (BB game) (details will be described later), the regular bonus game (RB game) is won internally and the combination of symbols is displayed on the winning line. In addition, the regular bonus game is started after the start of the big bonus game, and when the regular bonus game is finished once, the regular bonus game is automatically started so that the next regular bonus game is immediately started. It is good.

  “Short (cherry, watermelon, bell)” (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cherry”, “watermelon”, “bell”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. The symbol combinations are “cherry-ANY-ANY” for cherry, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” for watermelon, and “bell-bell-bell” for bell. The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the symbol of the left reel 110 may be “cherry”, and the symbol of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol.

  “Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The corresponding symbol combination is “replay-replay-replay” for replay.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal winning game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, it may be divided into a general game, a BB game, and an RB game.

<Normal game>
The winning combinations that are internally won for normal games include a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay), and small roles (cherry, watermelon, bell). “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. “Regular Bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The “replay” (replay) is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without a medal being inserted in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning.

  In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is a range of random values obtained at the time of internal lottery from numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each combination from lottery data prepared for normal games. It is calculated by the value divided by the numerical data (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for the normal game is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  In normal games, the result of the internal lottery is set to be largely lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small role won), and the medal to be won The total number is less than the total number of medals inserted. Therefore, it is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state that may be changed to increase the probability of internal winning of replaying. In this case, When a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small role, there are cases where the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted, resulting in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player.

<BB game>
The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and an RB game (described later) can be continuously executed repeatedly, and a predetermined number (for example, during the game) The process ends when more than 465 medals are obtained. However, the BB game does not allow the RB game to be executed continuously and repeatedly, and sets the role to start the RB game (the symbol combination is, for example, replay-replay-replay), and if this role is won internally, or The RB game may be set to start when winning. Furthermore, in the BB game, when the BB general game excluding the RB game during the BB game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), or the number of the RB games executed during the BB game is a predetermined number of times. It may be made to end when it reaches (for example, three times).

<RB game>
The RB game is set so as to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and one predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” “normal game”). Increase the internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2 which is a predetermined value) and win a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is. A BB game ends when a predetermined number of wins are made (for example, 8 times) or when the number of RB games executed during the RB game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times). You may make it do.

<Big winning (BB) and regular bonus (RB) internal winning games>
The winning combination that is internally won for the internal winning game of the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) includes a replay and a small role. The big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are not won internally, and are game states in which a symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) can be won.

  However, the probability of the internal winning of the replay may be changed from the next game internally won in the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB). Until the symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) wins, the total number of medals to be acquired is almost the same as the total number of inserted medals, and is compared with the normal game. The gaming state may be beneficial to the player.

<Main control unit main processing>
A main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit. As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG. 4 according to the control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are performed in S1. In this initial setting, setting of the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt inhibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 313, and initial setting Set the value.

  In S2, a medal insertion / start operation acceptance process is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Further, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If there is an operation of the start lever 135, the process proceeds to S3.

  In S3, the number of inserted medals is determined and an effective winning line is determined. In S4, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired. In S5, a lottery process is performed. Here, at least an internal lottery for drawing whether or not the winning combination is won is performed. Moreover, you may perform the lottery (for example, the lottery which selects the content of production from multiple types) regarding an effect.

  In the internal lottery of the winning combination, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and the lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in S4. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination is won internally, the internal winning flag of the winning combination is turned ON. In S6, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In S7, reel control for starting rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is performed. In S8, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any of the stop buttons is pressed, any of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is selected as the reel stop control data selected in S6. Stop based on. The reel stop control basically allows the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination to be displayed when there is an internal winning winning combination, and the symbol corresponding to any combination in the case of a loss, etc. Reel stop control such as so-called pull-in and kick-out is performed so that combinations are not displayed.

  When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to S9. In S9, a winning determination is performed. Here, when a picture combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell-bell-bell” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the player has won the bell. Also, the internal winning flag is reset unless the flag is carried over.

  In S10, if any winning combination with payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines. In S11, a game state control process is performed. In the game state control process, a process related to transition of each game state of normal game, BB game, RB game, and internal winning game is performed, and the game state is shifted when those start conditions and end conditions are satisfied. Thus, in this embodiment, a privilege is given to the player based on the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, the game proceeds by returning to S2 and repeating the above-described processing.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
The processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is a flowchart of a main process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 7C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in S21 of FIG. 7A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in S11. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed. In S22, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to S23.

  In S23, 0 is substituted for the timer variable. In S24, command processing is performed. In command processing, the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 extracts one unprocessed command received from the main control unit 300 and analyzes it.

  In S25, a control content setting process is performed. Here, in accordance with the analysis result of the command processing in S24, setting processing mainly related to effects is performed, and the contents of effects to be executed are selected from these, and effects such as reading effect data from the ROM 406 are performed. When the production data needs to be updated, the production data is updated.

  In S26 to S27, processing of each device is performed according to the setting content of S25. In S26, sound control processing based on the setting result of S25 is performed. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in S25, this command is output to the sound source IC 418. In S27, lamp control processing based on the setting result in S25 is performed. For example, if there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read in S25, this command is output to the drive circuit 422. In S28, an information output process for performing setting to transmit a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the setting result in S25 is performed. For example, when there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in S25, a setting is made to output this control command. Thereby, the display content of the image display device 157 is changed, or the operation of the shutter 163 is changed. Thereafter, the process returns to S21.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In S31 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408 as an unprocessed command. In S24 described above, unprocessed commands are extracted from the command storage area in order from the oldest one.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is performed by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In S32, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in S22 in the first sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. 7A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Accordingly, in S22, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In S33, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 set in S28, update processing of a random number for production, and the like are performed.

<Example of double-connection sensor>
<Example of using an index sensor as a two-way connection sensor>
An example of an effect produced by the sub-control unit 400 using the index sensor 16 as a double connection sensor and using the detection result will be described. As described above, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate with the start operation on the start lever 135 as a trigger. The reels 110 to 112 (that is, the motor 15) are subjected to acceleration control until reaching a target rotation speed, and then controlled at a constant speed. During the acceleration control, the main control unit 300 performs a process of continuously changing the cycle of the drive pulse, and thus the processing load is heavy. In the present embodiment, during this acceleration control, the first sub-control unit 400 acquires the detection result of the index sensor 16 and changes the effect mode.

  FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are explanatory diagrams of effect contents at the time of reel rotation acceleration. FIG. 8A shows the flow of processing during production. First, the main control unit 300 transmits a start command to the first sub control unit 400 in response to a start operation on the start lever 135, and starts acceleration control of the reels 110 to 112. The first sub-control unit 400 that has received the start command starts monitoring the index sensor 16 (acquisition of detection results). The monitoring burden on the first sub-control unit 400 can be reduced by monitoring the index sensor 16 only when it is not necessary. In addition, by starting monitoring with a command as a trigger, processing with the main control unit 300 can be synchronized.

  The first sub-control unit 400 changes the effect mode when the detection result of the index sensor 16 changes to the detection state during the reel acceleration control period. Since the first sub-control unit 400 can recognize the detection result of the index sensor 16 without receiving a command, it is possible to produce an effect that responds quickly to the situation of the slot machine 100 and to reduce the processing load on the main control unit 300. . FIGS. 8B and 9A to 9C show an example in which the production mode changes every time the detection result is in the detection state. The display content of the image display device 157 is changed, sound or lamp is changed. The change of the aspect of is illustrated. In addition, you may change the aspect of a movable body (the right shutter 163a, the left shutter 163b), for example, these are open | released, closed, half open, etc. are mentioned.

  When the reel acceleration control period ends, the first sub-control unit 400 ends the monitoring of the index sensor 16 (acquisition of detection results). Thereafter, the detection result of the index sensor 16 is recognized in the command from the main control unit 300, and the effect mode is changed. FIG. 10 shows an effect mode when the first sub-control unit 400 receives a command indicating that the detection result of the index sensor 16 has changed to the detection state from the main control unit 300, and FIG. It can be seen that the production mode is different from the production mode (image display content) shown in FIG. In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, the effects during the acceleration control period shown in FIG. 8B and FIG. 9 are precursors indicating that something will happen, and the constant speed control period shown in FIG. The effect in the middle is an effect that suggests or informs definitely the internal winning of the bonus, and the meaning or role of the effect is also different.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the detection result of the index sensor 16 is acquired directly from the index sensor 16 by the first sub-control unit 400 (acceleration control), or is acquired by a command (during constant speed control). The first sub-control unit 400 can recognize the situation of the slot machine 100 without receiving the command by executing the process of changing the production mode (during acceleration control). The situation on the part 300 side can also be reflected in the first sub-control part 400 (during constant speed control). In other words, when the processing load is high in acceleration control, the first sub-control unit 400 directly acquires the detection result of the index sensor 16 and develops the effect. Since the production can be developed by a command from the control unit 300, the production can be continued while the processing burden is accurately shared.

  Next, a processing example of the control unit for executing such an effect will be described. First, processing of the main control unit 300 will be described. FIG. 11A is a flowchart showing the lottery process in S5.

  In S41, an internal lottery for a winning combination is performed. The contents of the internal lottery for the winning combination are as described above. In S42, an effect lottery is performed. Here, a lottery is performed as to whether or not an effect (referred to as a rotation effect) from the above-described acceleration control to constant speed control is performed. The rotation effect lottery is preferably related to the result of the internal lottery of the winning combination in S41. By associating, the rotation effect is positioned as an effect that suggests or reports the internal lottery result of the winning combination. As the related winning combinations, for example, four types of winning combinations shown in FIG. 11B can be cited. Only when these winning combinations are internally won, the lottery of the rotation effect can be won. .

  In S43, as a result of the lottery in S42, it is determined whether or not the rotation effect is won. If applicable, the process proceeds to S45, and if not, the process proceeds to S44. In S45, the type of rotation effect is selected by lottery. In the case of the present embodiment, three types of rotation effects 1 to 3 are assumed. These effects are set so that the time of the acceleration period is different. It is preferable that the lottery of the type of rotation effect is also related to the result of the internal lottery of the winning combination in S41. By associating, it is positioned as an effect that suggests or notifies the internal lottery result of the winning combination depending on the type of the rotation effect.

  In S46, the type of rotation effect according to the lottery result in S45 is set as an effect to be executed from these. In S44, normal rotation (no rotation effect is performed) is set. In S47, other processes are executed, and the lottery process for one unit is completed.

  FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing the reel rotation start process of S7. In S51, an acceleration condition is set according to the setting content of S44 or S45. For example, when the normal rotation is set, the acceleration period is shortened, and when the effect rotations 1 to 3 are set, it is lengthened. Further, for example, the acceleration period is lengthened in the order of production rotations 1, 2, and 3. By doing so, it is possible to make the player have a strong sense of expectation with respect to the effect of the result depending on the type of rotation.

  In S52, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started, and a start command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. This start command includes the result of the internal lottery of the winning combination, information on the rotation type being set, and the like. In S53, acceleration processing is executed. Here, the drive pulses of the motor 15 are sequentially changed to accelerate the reels 110 to 112 to a predetermined speed. The period of the drive pulse is changed according to the acceleration condition set in S51, so that the acceleration time required to achieve a constant speed varies depending on the type of rotation. In particular, when any one of the effect rotations 1 to 3 is set, the effect shown in FIG. 8B and FIG. 9 is performed during that time, so that the effect time is set.

  In S54, constant speed processing is executed. Here, the period of the drive pulse of the motor 15 is set to a predetermined period, and the reels 110 to 112 are rotated at a constant speed. One unit of reel rotation processing ends due to an abnormality. Although not particularly illustrated, the main control unit 300 transmits a command indicating the detection result to the first sub-control unit 400 every time the index sensor 16 is in a detection state during constant speed rotation of the reels 110 to 112.

  Next, processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the control content setting process in S25. In S71, it is determined whether or not the received command is a start command. If applicable, the process proceeds to S72, and if not, the process proceeds to S82. In S72, it is determined whether or not effect rotation 1 is set in the start command. If applicable, the process proceeds to S73, and if not, the process proceeds to S75. In S73, sensor monitoring is set. As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 starts acquiring the detection result of the index sensor 16. Although there are three index sensors 16 in accordance with the number of reels 110 to 112, only one index sensor 16 is a target for obtaining detection results. In S73, an initial value of a timer that determines the end of the monitoring period is set. The timer is set according to the execution time of the acceleration period of the effect rotation 1. In 74, execution rotation 1 is set.

In S75, it is determined whether or not effect rotation 2 is set in the start command. If applicable, the process proceeds to S76, and if not, the process proceeds to S78. In S76, sensor monitoring is set. As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 starts acquiring the detection result of the index sensor 16. In S76, an initial value of a timer that determines the end of the monitoring period is set. The timer is set according to the execution time of the acceleration period of the effect rotation 2. In S77, execution rotation 2 is set.

In S78, it is determined whether or not effect rotation 3 is set in the start command. If yes, go to S79, otherwise go to S81. In S79, sensor monitoring is set. As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 starts acquiring the detection result of the index sensor 16. In S79, an initial value of a timer that determines the end of the monitoring period is set. The timer is set according to the execution time of the acceleration period of the effect rotation 3. In S80, execution of rotation 3 is set.

  In S81 and S82, other processes are executed. In S82, for example, when a command indicating the detection result of the index sensor 16 is received during the constant speed period of the reel, processing related to other commands, such as effect setting (FIG. 10), is performed. In S83, reel index sensor detection result acquisition processing is executed. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the reel index sensor detection result acquisition process in S83.

  In S91, it is determined whether execution of effect rotation 1 and sensor monitoring are set. If applicable, the process proceeds to S92, and if not, the process proceeds to S94. In S92, the detection result of the index sensor 16 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not it is in a detection state. If applicable, the process proceeds to S93, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated. In S93, effect setting for effect rotation 1 is performed. Each time the detection result of the index sensor 16 indicates a detection state, the effect content illustrated in FIG. 8B and FIG. 9 is developed by updating the effect setting.

  In S94, it is determined whether execution of effect rotation 2 and sensor monitoring are set. If applicable, the process proceeds to S95, and if not, the process proceeds to S97. In S95, the detection result of the index sensor 16 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not it is in a detection state. If applicable, the process proceeds to S96, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated. In S96, effect setting for effect rotation 2 is performed. Each time the detection result of the index sensor 16 indicates a detection state, the effect content illustrated in FIG. 8B and FIG. 9 is developed by updating the effect setting. Of course, it goes without saying that the content of the production is different from the case of production rotation 1.

  In S97, it is determined whether execution of the effect rotation 3 and sensor monitoring are set. If applicable, the process proceeds to S98, and if not, the process proceeds to S100. In S98, the detection result of the index sensor 16 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not it is in a detection state. If applicable, the process proceeds to S99, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated. In S99, effect setting for effect rotation 3 is performed. Each time the detection result of the index sensor 16 indicates a detection state, the effect content illustrated in FIG. 8B and FIG. 9 is developed by updating the effect setting. Of course, it goes without saying that the contents of the effects are different from those of the effect rotations 1 and 2.

  In S100, it is determined whether or not the timer set in S73, S76 or S79 has been consumed. The timer is counted by interrupt processing or the like. If applicable, the process proceeds to S101, and if not applicable, one unit of processing is terminated. In S101, sensor non-monitoring is set. As a result, the first sub control unit 400 ends the acquisition of the detection result of the index sensor 16. In the present embodiment, the end of the sensor monitoring period is determined based on the time, but other conditions such as reception of a specific command or execution of scheduled performance contents may be used as conditions. As long as the planned contents of the production can be executed, it is sufficient.

<Example where the start lever sensor is a two-way connection sensor>
The two-way connection sensor may be a sensor configured to accept a player's operation. Here, a case where the sensor of the start lever 135 is a double connection sensor will be described. In this case, the index sensor 16 may also be a double connection sensor, or only the sensor of the start lever 135 may be a double connection sensor.

  17A to 17C are explanatory diagrams of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b. The start lever 135 and the start lever sensors 135a and 135b constitute a start switch for accepting a player's start operation and starting the reel rotation. In the present embodiment, a plurality of start lever sensors are provided (two), and the movement of the start lever 135 in different directions is detected.

  As shown in FIG. 17 (a), the start lever 135 can be turned up and down (tilted) about the shaft as a turning center, and is biased to the neutral position shown in FIG. 17 (a) by the bias of the spring. ing. The start lever sensors 135a and 135b are optical sensors that detect the position of the start lever 135, particularly the position of the rear end thereof. In the state of FIG. 17A, both the sensors 135a and 135b are in a non-detection state. When the start lever 135 is tilted downward as shown in FIG. 17B, the sensor 135a is in a detection state, and when the start lever 135 is tilted upward as shown in FIG. 17C, the sensor 135a is detected. It becomes a state.

  That is, the sensor 135a detects the player's downward operation on the start lever 135, and the sensor 135b detects the player's upward operation on the start lever 135. In this embodiment, the sensors 135a and 135b are provided corresponding to the movement of the start lever 135 in two directions, but various configurations such as four sensors corresponding to the movement in the four directions of up, down, left, and right can be employed. It is.

  Hereinafter, an effect example using the detection results of the sensors 135a and 135b of the start lever 135 will be described.

<Overview>
The main control unit 300 determines that there is a start operation when any of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b detects the movement of the start lever 135 in the process of S2 of FIG. In the reel rotation start process, a start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400. These processes are the same as in the example described above for the index sensor 16.

  After receiving the start command from the main control unit 300, the sub-control unit 400 executes effect processing related to the effect by the effect device 160 according to the detection result acquired from the start lever sensors 135a and 135b. By doing in this way, the sub-control unit 400 can recognize the status of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b without receiving the command, and by performing the rendering process after receiving the start command from the main control unit 300, Processing of the sub-control unit 400 and the main control unit 300 can be synchronized. Hereinafter, a specific example of the effect process will be described.

<Consecutive production>
In this example, processing according to the number of player operations on the start lever 135 will be described. In this example, after the start operation on the start lever 135 is performed, a continuous hit effect that requests the player to repeatedly hit the start lever 135 is performed. During this repeated striking effect, the first sub-control unit 400 acquires the detection results of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b and changes the effect mode.

  15 and 16 are explanatory diagrams of the start lever repeated striking effect. FIG. 15A shows a flow of processing at the time of production. First, the main control unit 300 transmits a start command to the first sub control unit 400 in response to a start operation on the start lever 135, and the reels 110 to 112 start rotating. The first sub control unit 400 that has received the start command starts monitoring the start lever sensors 135a and 135b (acquisition of detection results). Then, as will be described later, the start is performed during the period from the reception of the start command until the reception of the first stop operation command output based on the reception of the first stop button among the stop buttons 137 to 139. The lever sensors 135a and 135b are monitored. The monitoring burden on the first sub-control unit 400 can be reduced by not monitoring the start lever sensors 135a and 135b at all times, but only when necessary. In addition, by starting monitoring with a command as a trigger, processing with the main control unit 300 can be synchronized.

  When the first sub-control unit 400 receives the start command, the first sub-control unit 400 changes the effect mode, and during the subsequent reel rotation, the first sub-control unit 400 changes the effect mode every predetermined number of times that the start lever sensor 135a or 135b detects an operation. The predetermined number of times may be one, but is preferably a plurality of times, such as five times or more.

  Since the first sub-control unit 400 can recognize the detection results of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b without passing through the command reception, it is possible to produce an effect that quickly corresponds to the situation of the slot machine 100, and the processing load of the main control unit 300 Can also be reduced.

  FIG. 15 (b) shows an effect mode when a start command is received, which is an initial effect that prompts the start lever 135 to be repeatedly hit, and FIGS. 15 (c) and 16 (a) to (c). ) Shows an example in which the effect mode changes every predetermined number of times that the start lever sensor 135a or 135b detects an operation. All of them illustrate changes in display contents of the image display device 157 and changes in sound or lamp mode.

  In addition, you may change the aspect of a movable body (the right shutter 163a, the left shutter 163b), for example, these are open | released, closed, half open, etc. are mentioned. At that time, a plurality of types of operation patterns of the movable body are prepared. For example, after receiving the command from the main control unit (for example, S124 in FIG. 19 described later), the operation pattern of the movable body is selected and selected. The mode of the movable body may be changed according to the detection result of the start lever sensor 135a or 135b based on the operation pattern. As an operation pattern, a pattern in which the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are changed from a closed state to an open state can be cited. Depending on the number of times the player's operation is detected by the start lever sensor 135a or 135b from the closed state. Can be changed to the open state.

  16 (b) and 16 (c) show variations of the change from FIG. 16 (a), and FIG. 16 (b) shows a suggestion or confirmation notification of the internal winning of the bonus, FIG. c) shows the loss notification.

  Note that the second sub-control unit 500 may include a ROM (first storage device) that pre-compresses and stores image data and a RAM (second storage device) that temporarily stores image data. When the display content of the image display device 157 is changed, the image data to be displayed after the change is determined after the execution of the effect scheduled to change the display content of the image display device 157 is determined. Is temporarily stored in the RAM, and when there is a change in the detection state of the start lever sensor 135a or 135b, the image data to be displayed after the change stored temporarily in the RAM is used. A display image may be generated. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as processing failures due to the rapid increase in image processing.

  In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 starts the operation period of the movable body that is the period from the start of the operation of the movable body (the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b) to the stop of the operation of the movable body. The detection state of the lever sensor 135a or 135b may be monitored, and when the detection state changes, the movement of the movable body may be changed or the movement of the movable body may be changed. Thereby, even when the operation period of the movable body is a short period, the operation reflecting the player's operation can be executed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when the detection result of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b is acquired by a command (start command), and when the first sub-control unit 400 directly acquires from the start lever sensors 135a and 135b ( By executing the process of changing the production mode, the first sub-control unit 400 can recognize the situation of the slot machine 100 without receiving the command (repetitive strike production). The situation on the main control unit 300 side can also be reflected in the first sub control unit 400 (start command).

  Next, a processing example of the control unit for executing such an effect will be described. First, processing of the main control unit 300 will be described. FIG. 18A is a flowchart showing the lottery process of S5 in the present embodiment.

  In S110, an internal lottery for a winning combination is performed. The contents of the internal lottery for the winning combination are as described above. In S111, an effect lottery is performed. Here, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to perform repeated hitting effects and the like. It is preferable that the lottery for the consecutive hit effect is related to the result of the internal lottery of the winning combination in S110. By associating with each other, the repetitive striking effect is positioned as an effect that suggests or reports the internal lottery result of the winning combination. As the related winning combinations, for example, four types of winning combinations shown in FIG. 18 (b) can be cited. Only when these winning combinations are won internally, it is possible to win a lottery for consecutive effects. . In addition, as shown in the figure, two types of consecutive hit effects may be prepared, and the type and winning combination may be associated with each other.

  In S112, as a result of the lottery in S111, it is determined whether or not the consecutive hit effect has been won. If applicable, the process proceeds to S113, and if not, the process proceeds to S114. In S113, the continuous hit effect is set as an effect to be executed. This setting is included in the start command and transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 as in the first embodiment. In S114, other processes are executed, and the lottery process for one unit is completed.

  Next, processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described. FIG. 19A is a flowchart showing the control content setting process of S25 in the present embodiment. In S121, it is determined whether or not the received command is a start command. If applicable, the process proceeds to S122; otherwise, the process proceeds to S126.

  In S122, it is determined whether or not a continuous hit effect is set in the start command. If applicable, the process proceeds to S123, and if not, the process proceeds to S125. In S123, start lever sensor monitoring setting processing is performed. FIG. 19B is a flow chart thereof. In S132, a delay timer is set. This delay timer is a timer for delaying the start of continuous hit acceptance for a certain period of time from the start operation in order to distinguish the operation on the start lever 135 from the start operation and the operation on the continuous hit effect. For example, 100 ms is set as the delay timer. If it is determined that the start lever sensor 135a is monitored immediately after it is determined that the start command has been received, the execution of the production based on the operation of the start lever 135 once that triggered the start command is started. This is prevented because there is a possibility that the command will be executed twice when the command is received and when the operation is received by monitoring the start lever sensor 135a or 135b. In S133, sensor monitoring is set. As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 starts acquiring the detection results of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b.

  Returning to FIG. 19A, in S124, setting to execute a continuous hit effect is performed, and an effect setting of an initial effect that prompts the start lever 135 to be repeatedly hit, such as the effect of FIG. 15B, is performed. The effect setting may be different between the repeated hit effects 1 and 2. In S125, other processing is executed.

  In S126, it is determined whether or not the received command is a first stop operation command (indicating that the first reel stop operation has been performed). If applicable, the process proceeds to S127. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S130. In S127, it is determined whether monitoring of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b is currently set. If applicable, the process proceeds to S128, and if not, the process proceeds to S129.

  In S128, sensor non-monitoring is set. Thereby, the first sub-control unit 400 ends the acquisition of the detection results of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b. In other words, in the present embodiment, the period from the start of rotation of the reels 110 to 112 to the stop of one of the rotations is set as a period of repeated hitting effects. In S129, other processing is performed.

  In S130, another process is executed. In S131, a start lever sensor detection result acquisition process is executed. FIG. 20 is a flowchart thereof.

  In S141, it is determined whether sensor monitoring is set. If applicable, the process proceeds to S142, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated. In S142, it is determined whether or not the delay timer set in S132 has been consumed. The timer is counted by interrupt processing or the like. If applicable, the process proceeds to S143, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S143, the detection results of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b are acquired, and it is determined whether or not at least one of them detects the player's operation on the start lever 135. The detection of the player's operation on the start lever 135 may be based on either the case where the detection result changes from the detected state to the detected state or the case where the detected state changes from the detected state to the detected state. In either case, the previous detection result is required, but the previous detection result may be stored in the RAM 408. If applicable, the process proceeds to S144, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S144, the number of consecutive hits is incremented by one. In S145, it is determined whether the number of consecutive hits after the addition in S144 exceeds a specified number. If applicable, the process proceeds to S146, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S146, effect setting is performed. If the specified number is set to 5 times, for example, the player will hit the start lever 135 5 times, and the effect setting will be updated once. When the number of consecutive hits exceeds the specified number, the effect settings illustrated in FIG. 15C and FIG. 16 are developed by updating the effect setting. It is assumed that the production setting is different between the continuous production 1 and 2. In S147, the number of consecutive hits is reset, and then one unit of processing is completed.

<Operation detection criteria>
When determining the presence or absence of a player's operation on the start lever 135, the main control unit 300 and the sub control unit 400 may use different criteria for changes in the detection results of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b.

  FIG. 30A is an explanatory diagram of the state change of the sensor 135a (or 135b) when the start lever 135 is operated. For example, when there is a player's downward operation with respect to the start lever 135 and the operation is completed (the hand is released), the state of the sensor 135a changes from a non-detection state → a detection state → a non-detection state. Accordingly, whether or not the player has operated may be determined to have been operated when the state of the sensor 135a has changed from the non-detection state to the detection state, or when the player has changed from the detection state to the non-detection state. It may be determined that there is.

  Therefore, the main control unit 300 determines that there is an operation on the start lever 135 on the condition that the detection result of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b has changed from the non-detection state to the detection state, and the sub-control unit 400 It is preferable to determine that there is an operation on the start lever 135 on the condition that the detection results of the lever sensors 135a and 135b have changed from the detection state to the non-detection state.

  By doing in this way, detection of one operation by the player is a sequence that is first detected by the main control unit 300 and then detected by the sub control unit 400. Therefore, when the main control unit 300 always wants to perform the operation detection first, the main control unit 300 surely performs the operation detection first.

<Direction lottery>
In the processing example of FIG. 18A, the main control unit 300 performs the process of selecting the content of the effect produced by the effect device 160 by lottery (S111), but the sub-control unit 400 draws the content of the effect produced by the effect device 160. You may perform the process selected by. In this case, the start command does not include information related to the setting of the effect, and the sub-control unit 400 draws the presence / absence of the effect and the type of effect based on the internal winning lottery result included in the start command.

  It is preferable that the lottery of the production contents by the sub-control unit 400 is triggered when the operation is first detected by the start lever sensor 135a or 135b after receiving the start command. In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 30 (a), the main control unit 300 determines that the detection result of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b has changed from the non-detection state to the detection state. Internal lottery in which the winning of the winning combination is determined by one operation by determining that there is an operation on the start lever 135 on the condition that the detection results of 135a and 135b have changed from the detection state to the non-detection state And the drawing lottery will be held, so the fun of the game can be enhanced. FIG. 30B is an explanatory diagram thereof.

  When the player operates (presses) the start lever 135, the detection result of the start lever sensor 135a or 135b changes from the non-detection state to the detection state. The main control unit 300 determines that there has been a start operation on the start lever 135 in response to this change, advances the processing such as an internal lottery for lottery of internal winning of the winning combination, and sends a start command to the sub-control unit 400. Send. Receiving the start command, the sub-control unit 400 monitors the detection result of the start lever sensor 135a or 135b.

  When the player finishes (releases) the operation of the start lever 135, the detection result of the start lever sensor 135a or 135b changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. The sub-control unit 400 determines that there has been an operation triggered by this change, and performs an effect lottery.

  Thus, in this example, an internal lottery is performed in which the player presses the start lever 135 to determine whether or not the internal winning of the winning combination is successful, and when the start lever 135 is released, an effect lottery is performed. Since the game is influenced by pressing and releasing, the fun of the game can be enhanced. In particular, if the lottery of the contents of the winning combination is a lottery to determine whether or not to perform a notification effect on the internal winning lottery result, whether or not the player can know the result of the internal winning or not Therefore, when the start lever 135 is released, the interest of the game can be enhanced.

<Moving direction control of effect medium according to operation direction>
In the present embodiment, the sensor 135a detects the player's downward operation on the start lever 135, and the sensor 135b detects the player's upward operation on the start lever 135. Therefore, the moving direction of the effect medium of the effect device 160 may be controlled by the operation direction with respect to the start lever 135.

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an example thereof. In the example shown in the figure, the start lever 135 is operated three times downward as indicated by an arrow. The three operations are detected by the start lever sensor 135a, and the image (character 7) of the image display device 157 as the effect medium moves three times downward indicated by the arrows. In this example, the letter 7 presses the Tono-sama character three times from above.

  By such an effect, the player's operation direction and the direction of movement of the effect medium coincide with each other, so that the interest of the game can be enhanced. FIG. 31 illustrates the case where the start lever 135 is operated downward, but the same applies when the start lever 135 is operated upward.

  In the example of FIG. 31, the display image of the image display device 157 is exemplified as the effect medium, but it may be a movable body. For example, a start lever sensor is provided so as to detect the movement of the start lever 135 in the left-right direction. When the start lever 135 is operated to the left, the left shutter 163b of the closed right shutter 163a and left shutter 163b is moved to the left. When operated to the right, the right shutter 163a may be moved in the right direction.

<Failure determination of start lever 135>
In the above example, the first sub-control unit 400 uses the detection results of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b for production, but a failure determination of the start lever 135 may be performed. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of failure determination of the start lever 135. As described with reference to FIG. 17, the start lever 135 is biased to the neutral position by the bias of the spring. If the spring falls, the return to the neutral position of the start lever 135 becomes worse and maintenance is required.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21A, the first sub-control unit 400 monitors the start lever sensors 135a and 135b for a predetermined time 1s when the start command is received from the main control unit 300. Meanwhile, when the detection results of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b do not return to the non-detection state (when the detection state is maintained), one counter is added, and when the detection result returns to the non-detection state, the counter is reset. . When the value of the counter reaches a predetermined number (for example, 5), the start lever sensors 135a and 135b continue to be poorly returned for that number of times, and it is determined that maintenance is necessary. The unit 400 performs a predetermined notification. For example, a maintenance notification period (3 minutes) is provided for the store clerk after the power is turned on, and notification is performed during this period. The notification allows the hall staff to know that maintenance is required.

<Example where the bet button sensor is a double connection sensor>
Here, a case will be described in which a sensor (not shown; hereinafter referred to as a button sensor) that detects an operation on the max bet button 132 is a double connection sensor. The button sensor is a sensor that detects the position of the button portion of the max bet button 132, and is, for example, a mechanical switch. A configuration in which the index 16 and the start lever sensors 135a and 135b are both connected sensors can also be employed.

  In this example, the repeated hitting effect similar to the above-described repeated hitting effect is performed by operating the max bet button 132. In the present embodiment, after a bet operation is performed on the max bet button 132, a continuous hit effect that requests the player to repeatedly hit the max bet button 132 is performed. During this repeated striking effect, the first sub-control unit 400 acquires the detection result of the button sensor and changes the effect mode.

<Consecutive production>
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the maximum bet button repeated striking effect. FIG. 22 (a) shows the flow of processing during production. First, the main control unit 300 transmits a max bet command to the first sub control unit 400 in response to a bet operation on the max bet button 132. The first sub-control unit 400 that has received the Max Bet command starts button sensor monitoring (acquisition of detection results). As will be described later, the button sensor is monitored during the period from the reception of the max bet command to the reception of the start command output based on the reception of the start lever sensors 135a and 135b. The monitoring burden on the first sub-control unit 400 can be reduced by monitoring the button sensor only when it is not necessary. In addition, by starting monitoring with a command as a trigger, processing with the main control unit 300 can be synchronized.

  The first sub-control unit 400 changes the effect mode when receiving the max bet command, and then changes the effect mode every time the detection result of the button sensor changes to the detection state a predetermined number of times. Since the first sub-control unit 400 can recognize the detection result of the button sensor without passing through the reception of the command, it is possible to produce an effect corresponding to the situation of the slot machine 100 quickly and to reduce the processing load of the main control unit 300. FIG. 22 (b) shows the effect mode when receiving the max bet command, which is an initial effect that prompts the user to repeatedly hit the max bet button 132, and FIG. 22 (c) shows that the detection result is in the detected state. An example of an effect mode that changes every time it changes a predetermined number of times is shown. All of them illustrate changes in display contents of the image display device 157 and changes in sound or lamp mode. In addition, you may change the aspect of a movable body (the right shutter 163a, the left shutter 163b), for example, these are open | released, closed, half open, etc. are mentioned.

  Thus, in this example, when the detection result of the button sensor is acquired by a command (Max Bet command), and when the first sub-control unit 400 is directly acquired from the button sensor (continuous hit effect), an effect mode By executing the process of differentiating, the first sub-control unit 400 can recognize the status of the slot machine 100 without receiving the command (continuous striking effect). It can be reflected in the first sub-control unit 400 (Max Bet command).

  Next, a processing example of the control unit for executing such an effect will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the control content setting process of S25 in the present embodiment. In S151, it is determined whether or not the received command is a max bet command. If applicable, the process proceeds to S152; otherwise, the process proceeds to S156.

  In S152, it is determined whether the bonus is currently being won (whether the BB or RB flag is being carried over). If applicable, the process proceeds to S153, and if not, the process proceeds to S156. In S153, sensor monitoring is set. As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 starts acquiring the detection result of the button sensor. In the present embodiment, the continuous hitting effect is performed during the bonus internal winning in this way, but it may be performed by lottery during the bonus internal winning or may be performed under other conditions.

  In S154, the execution setting of the continuous effect is set, and the effect setting of the initial effect that prompts the user to repeatedly hit the max bet button 132 as shown in FIG. 22B is set. In S155, other processing is executed.

  In S156, it is determined whether the received command is a start command. If applicable, the process proceeds to S157, and if not, the process proceeds to S160. In S157, it is determined whether or not the button sensor monitoring is currently set. If applicable, the process proceeds to S158, and if not, the process proceeds to S159.

  In S158, sensor non-monitoring is set. Thus, the first sub control unit 400 ends the acquisition of the button sensor detection result. That is, in this example, the period from the bet operation on the max bet button 132 to the start of reel rotation (start operation on the start lever) is set as a period of repeated hitting effects. In S159, other processing is performed.

  In S160, other processing is executed. In S161, a max bet button sensor detection result acquisition process is executed. FIG. 24 is a flowchart thereof.

  In S162, it is determined whether sensor monitoring is set. If applicable, the process proceeds to S163, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated. In S163, the detection result of the button sensor is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the detection state is changed from the non-detection state. The previous detection result may be stored in the RAM 408. If applicable, the process proceeds to S164. If not, one unit of processing is terminated. In S164, the number of consecutive hits is incremented by one. In S165, it is determined whether the number of consecutive hits after the addition in S164 exceeds a specified number. If applicable, the process proceeds to S166, and if not applicable, one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S166, effect setting is performed. If the specified number is set to five times, for example, the player will tap the max bet button 132 five times, and the effect setting is updated once. When the number of consecutive hits exceeds the specified number, the effect contents illustrated in FIG. 22B are developed by updating the effect setting. In S167, the number of consecutive hits is reset, and then one unit of processing is completed.

<Example in which a sensor for detecting an abnormality of the slot machine 100 is a double connection sensor>
Here, a case will be described in which a sensor for detecting an abnormality of the slot machine 100, particularly a sensor for detecting an illegal act upon insertion of a medal, is a double connection sensor. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the index 16, the start lever sensors 135a and 135b, or the max bet button 132 are both connected sensors. First, with reference to FIG. 25A, a configuration of a sensor that detects medals inserted into the slot machine 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 25A, a medal passage is formed in the slot machine 100 by a medal selector (not shown) in the medal insertion slot (medal insertion slot 141 in FIG. 1). The sensors MDS1 to MDS3 are sensors that detect passage of medals, and are, for example, optical sensors. The sensor MDS1 is arranged on the upstream side of the medal passage, and the sensors MDS2 and MDS3 are arranged side by side on the downstream side of the medal passage.

  FIG. 25B shows a timing sequence of detection results of the sensors MDS1 to MDS3 when one medal normally passes through the medal path. As shown in the figure, the upstream sensor MDS1 first detects medals, and then the downstream sensors MDS2 and MDS3 detect medals.

  The sensors MDS2 and MDS3 are mainly used for determination of acceptance of medal insertion. When the detection result of the sensors MDS2 and 3 changes at the timing shown in FIG. 25B, one medal insertion is normally accepted. . On the other hand, the sensor MDS1 is mainly used to determine fraudulent acts such as insertion of an illegal instrument into the medal passage.

  In this example, the sensors MDS1 to MDS3 are connected to the main control unit 300, but the sensor MDS1 is also connected to the first sub-control unit 400. Therefore, the first sub-control unit 400 can directly acquire the detection result of the sensor MDS1.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of abnormality determination and notification. In the example shown in the figure, the timing sequence of the detection results of the sensors MDS2 and MDS3 is normal, but the detection result of the sensor MDS1 is still in the detected state, and there is a possibility of unauthorized instrument insertion. The main control unit 300 measures the time during which the detection result of MDS1 is in the detection state. Then, when the measured time reaches the specified time T, an error is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and an error command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400, and the game is interrupted.

  The first sub-control unit 400 that has received the error command performs error notification (notification 1) by image display or sound by the image display device 157 and starts monitoring the detection result of the sensor MD1. Then, when the sensor MD1 enters a non-detection state, the notification content is changed (notification 2). The change of the notification content includes a change of the display content of the image or a change of the type of sound.

  In this example, if the cause of the error is the insertion of a fraudulent instrument, whether the fraudulent person has inserted the fraudulent instrument depending on whether or not there is a change from notification 1 to notification 2 or There is an advantage that it can be distinguished. In particular, the main control unit 300 normally suspends the processing after the error determination, so that it is difficult to check the state of the sensor thereafter. In this example, after the error determination, the first sub-control unit 400 solves this problem by monitoring the sensor state. The first sub-control unit 400 does not constantly monitor the sensor MDS1, but monitors only when necessary, so that the monitoring burden on the first sub-control unit 400 can be reduced. In addition, by starting monitoring with a command as a trigger, processing with the main control unit 300 can be synchronized.

  Next, a processing example of the control unit for executing such processing will be described. First, processing of the main control unit 300 will be described. FIG. 27A is a flowchart showing the medal insertion start operation acceptance process of S2 in this example. In S171, the number of medals inserted is set. Here, the number of medals that can be bet in the current game is set according to the game state. In S172, an error detection confirmation process is performed. FIG. 27B is a flowchart thereof.

  In S181, the detection result of the sensor MDS1 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not it is in a detection state. If applicable, the process proceeds to S183, and if not, the process proceeds to S182. In S182, an initial value (= corresponding to the specified time T) is set in the determination timer for measuring the specified time T described in FIG. 26, and one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S183, one determination timer is subtracted. In S184, it is determined whether or not the determination timer after the subtraction is 0, that is, whether or not the specified time T is consumed. If applicable, the process proceeds to S185, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated. In S185, an error is set and an error command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Thereafter, the process can be interrupted so that the process does not return until a reset operation is performed by an attendant.

  Returning to FIG. 27A, the settlement button process is performed in S173. In this case, when the settlement button 134 is operated, a process for settlement of medals (credits) stored electronically is performed. In S174, it is determined whether or not a medal has been inserted (bet) based on the detection results of the sensors MDS2 and MDS3 and the detection results of operations on the bet buttons 130 to 132. If applicable, the process proceeds to S175, and if not, the process returns to S172. In S175, a medal insertion-related command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. In S176, it is determined whether or not an operation on the start lever 135 has been detected. If applicable, one unit of processing is terminated, and if not, the process returns to S172.

  Next, processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described. FIG. 28A is a flowchart showing the control content setting process of S25 in this example. In S191, it is determined whether or not the received command is an error command. If applicable, the process proceeds to S192, and if not, the process proceeds to S194.

  In S192, monitoring of the sensor MDS1 is set. As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 starts acquiring the detection result of the sensor MDS1. In S193, fraud notification 1 is set. Thereby, the notification 1 shown in FIG. 26 is started.

  In S194, other processing is executed. In S195, a sensor MDS1 detection result acquisition process is executed. FIG. 28B is a flowchart thereof.

  In S196, it is determined whether or not the monitoring of the sensor MDS1 is set. If applicable, the process proceeds to S197. If not, one unit of processing is terminated. In S197, the detection result of the sensor MDS1 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the detection result has changed (whether the detection state has changed to the non-detection state). The previous detection result may be stored in the RAM 408. If applicable, the process proceeds to S198, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated. In S198, fraud notification 2 is set. Thereby, the notification 2 shown in FIG. 26 is started. Thereafter, one unit of processing is completed. Note that the condition for disabling the monitoring setting of the sensor MDS1 can be the time when the notification 2 is started or the time of resetting. Further, monitoring may be continued after the notification 2 and the notification may be changed from the notification 2 to the notification 1 when the detection result of the sensor MDS1 returns to the detection state again.

<Other notification examples>
In the above example, the first sub-control unit 400 starts monitoring the sensor MDS1 when the error command is received. For example, when the input command is received, the first sub-control unit 400 starts monitoring the sensor MDS1 before the main control unit 300 determines an error. Monitoring may be started. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of abnormality determination and notification.

  In the example of the figure, the first sub-control unit 400 starts monitoring the sensor MDS1 upon receipt of the input command, and starts counting the uniquely specified time T2. If the detection result of the sensor MDS1 remains in the detected state even after the lapse of the specified time T2, preliminary notification is performed prior to notification 1. The processing after receiving the error command is the same as the above example.

  Here, if the intensity of the notification, that is, the warning intensity to the surroundings, is set as preliminary notification <notification 1 <notification 2, there is a possibility that the notification may be fraudulent → there is fraudulent action → escape from unauthorized equipment. A series of situations can be suggested.

<Other embodiments>
The game table of each of the above embodiments is provided with a plurality of types of symbols, a plurality of reels that are rotationally driven, a start lever for instructing the rotation of the reels, and each reel. A stop button for individually stopping the rotation, a lottery means for determining whether or not an internal winning of a plurality of types of winnings is won by lottery, and a reel stop for performing stop control related to the reel rotation stoppage based on the lottery result of the lottery means A determining means for determining whether or not the symbol combination displayed by the reels stopped based on the lottery result of the lottery means is a predetermined symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination internally; When the symbol stop mode is a predetermined winning mode, a slot machine is provided with payout control means for performing game medium payout processing for paying out game media corresponding to the predetermined winning mode.

  However, the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention inserts a bill into the bill insertion slot, executes a lottery based on a bet and a start operation, displays the lottery result on a lottery result display device, and at the time of winning, the number of bonus coins Can be added to the remaining credit number, and when cash-out is selected, a casino machine that issues a receipt in which a code corresponding to the remaining credit number is written from the receipt issuing machine can be used.

  The present invention also includes a plurality of reels that are provided with a plurality of types of symbols and are rotationally driven, and when a predetermined symbol combination is displayed by the plurality of reels, a privilege (for example, granting of game media) is given to the player. This is suitable for a gaming table to which a gaming state advantageous to the player is given), and examples of such a gaming table include a pachinko machine in addition to a slot machine.

Claims (3)

A main control unit that executes a process for controlling the progress of the game; and a sub-control unit that receives a command transmitted from the main control unit and executes a process according to the received command. And the sub-control unit is capable of communicating in only one direction from the main control unit to the sub-control unit.
A sensor connected to both the main control unit and the sub-control unit;
An insulation type that is arranged between at least one of the sensor and the main control unit and between the sensor and the sub-control unit and can only transmit signals from the sensor to the control unit side. A directional communication circuit,
The sub-control unit
A game machine characterized by starting acquisition of a detection result from the sensor upon receiving a predetermined command from the main control unit and executing processing according to the acquired detection result. A main control board comprising the main control unit;
A sub control board comprising the sub control unit;
A relay board that relays wiring between the sensor and the main control board and the sub control board, and transmits a signal from the sensor to the main control section and the sub control section;
The relay board is
The insulated unidirectional communication circuit;
A first connecting portion to which wiring for connecting the sensor and the relay substrate is connected;
A second connecting portion to which a wiring connecting the relay board and the main control board is connected;
A third connecting portion to which wiring for connecting the relay board and the sub control board is connected;
The game table according to claim 1, further comprising: A first voltage generation circuit that generates a first voltage that is a power supply voltage of the main control unit with respect to the first GND;
A second voltage generation circuit for generating a second voltage, which is a power supply voltage of the sub-control unit, with respect to the second GND;
A third voltage generation circuit for generating a third voltage, which is a power supply voltage of the sensor, with respect to the third GND,
2. The insulated one-way communication circuit is disposed between the sensor and the main control unit and between the sensor and the sub control unit, respectively. Amusement stand.