JP2013165741A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which is configured to reduce a load on a main substrate as well as volume of a program, relating to processing of the number of supplied tokens during automatic supply based on a bet switch and replay winning.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a supplied game media display part which displays the maximum number of tokens to be supplied during automatic supply; and a game media supply notification part which notifies a player of the number of the supplied game media by sound during the automatic supply. In displaying the number of supplied game media during automatic supply, the main substrate controls the maximum number of bets to be displayed at once. The sound is repeatedly emitted in accordance with the number of supplied tokens, thereby achieving natural operation during the automatic supply, while preventing a game player from feeling discomfort. According to the game machine, no timer processing is required on the main substrate, and thus the load on the main substrate and the program for the main substrate can be reduced.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

  A gaming machine such as a slot machine is provided with a slot for a medal (also referred to as a game medal or a game medium), and the player can enter a predetermined number of medals to enjoy the game. The medals necessary for the game can be borrowed with a medal lending machine provided in the game hall, and the game can be started by inserting it into the medal slot of a desired gaming machine.

The operation of the conventional gaming machine was as follows.
First, when the start switch is operated, the start switch is turned on. In response to this, a lottery process is performed by the winning determination means inside the gaming machine. Here, when a predetermined combination is won, a winning flag is set. The rotating reel starts to rotate. When the stop switch is operated, the stop switch is turned on. Then, the rotation of the corresponding rotating reel is stopped. After the stop switches corresponding to all the rotating reels are operated, whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the valid winning line while the winning flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed Is determined. When it is determined that the winning is confirmed, a medal corresponding to the winning symbol is paid out.

  For example, when the evaluation of the lottery process is out of place, it is set so that the predetermined symbols are not aligned (so-called kicking), and when winning, the predetermined symbols are aligned on the condition that the stop switch is pressed at a predetermined timing. (So-called pull-in). In other words, only when winning in the lottery process, medals are paid out by winning a winning pattern under a predetermined condition, but when not winning, medals are paid out regardless of how the stop switch is operated. There is no. This is to keep the medal payout at a certain probability. In order to realize this, a random number generator is used in the lottery process.

JP-A-11-290503 discloses that a sound corresponding to the maximum number of bets is produced when a max bet button is operated.

  This type of gaming machine is configured such that inserted medals can be credited, that is, electronically stored. Generally, 50 is set as the upper limit number of credits. That is, the slot machine can credit game medals in the range of 0, 1, 2, 3,.

  In addition, the gaming machine includes a bet switch that can be replaced by inserting a medal by subtracting a predetermined number from the number of medals stored electronically (number of credits). Among the bet switches, there is a MAX BET switch that can be replaced by inserting medals up to a predetermined upper limit number (usually three) in one operation. When the max bet switch (hereinafter referred to as “bet switch” unless otherwise specified) is operated, a predetermined upper limit number (three) is subtracted from the number of credits within a certain period, and the upper limit The number of medals is inserted. The gaming machine includes a display unit that displays the number of inserted medals (see FIG. 3 for the appearance of the bet switch and the inserted medal number display unit).

  In addition, when winning a so-called replay that enables replay, a predetermined number of medals are automatically inserted in response to this. Also at this time, the inserted medal number display section displays the number of inserted medals (more precisely, the same number as the number of medals required to make the game in the same state as that enabled by replay winning). To do.

  When a replay is won, a state where a predetermined number of medals are inserted is called automatic insertion. The term “automatic insertion” is used in the following, including this automatic insertion and a state in which a medal has been inserted by a betting operation such as a max bet. This “automatic insertion” includes both pressing of the bet switch and replay winning.

  The gaming machine is placed in a “bet state” by inserting a medal, operating a bet switch that replaces the medal insertion by reducing the number of medals stored in advance, or a replay winning that enables re-games. The game is ready.

  At the time of automatic insertion, regarding the display of the inserted medal number in the inserted medal number display section, the number of inserted medals is not displayed at once (for example, from 0 to suddenly 3), but is displayed to count up one by one. (For example, the numbers change in the order of 0, 1, 2, and 3). It is natural to operate in this way, and the player does not feel uncomfortable.

  In order to make the change interval constant, the timing of counting up one sheet at a time is managed by a timer. That is, a predetermined time is counted after counting up the first sheet, then the second sheet is counted up, the time is measured, and the third bed is counted up after the predetermined time. In order to perform such a count-up display, the processing unit (main board) that displays the number of inserted medals includes a timer. The timer is a software timer realized by a program, but can also be realized by hardware such as an IC.

  By the way, the processing related to automatic insertion is performed on the main board, but the main board is also related to processing related to medal insertion, processing related to medal payout, processing related to lottery, processing related to spinning control, and winning determination. Many processes such as processing are performed. The main board uses an 8-bit CPU due to regulatory restrictions, and its processing capability is not so high, and the usable memory capacity is not large. For this reason, it is necessary to reduce the processing load as much as possible and to make the capacity of the program as small as possible so that the main board can execute the various game processes without any problem.

  The above-described count-up display in automatic input is performed using a timer in the main routine of the program, but the load is not necessarily low, and there is a problem that the program becomes long. In addition, if an error occurs during automatic insertion, further processing is required to ensure consistency in the display of the number of inserted medals before and after the error occurs, further increasing the load and lengthening the program. Become. Such a situation is not preferable for the main board.

  Therefore, the present invention has an object to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the load on the main board and reduce the capacity of the program with respect to the processing of the number of inserted medals at the time of automatic insertion, and can have a preferable configuration for the main board. .

In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the game medium is inserted into the slot, the bet switch is replaced with the game medium by reducing the number of the game media stored in advance (credit), or the re-game is performed. Based on the replay winning that enables the game machine, the gaming machine is put into a game-ready state, a lottery is determined at a predetermined opportunity in the game-ready state, the winning is determined, and the game medium is paid out from the gaming machine according to the win A main board to control,
A sub board for performing a predetermined presentation based on a command from the main board;
Based on the operation of the bet switch and based on the winning of the replay (based on the operation of the betting switch and based on the winning of the replay, making the game ready state is referred to as “automatic insertion”) An input game medium number display section for displaying the number;
Based on a signal from the sub-board, a game medium input notifying unit for notifying that the game medium has been input by the automatic input, and
The main board includes an input game medium number display control unit that displays the maximum number of display on the input game medium number display unit at the time of the automatic input,
The sub-board is
A command receiving unit that receives at least a command related to a display start signal generated at the time of automatic input and a command related to the maximum number of displays from the main board,
A counter that counts the number of game media that have been put into a state of being put in by the automatic insertion, a timer that times a predetermined time,
A comparator for comparing the count value of the counter with the displayed maximum number;
A game medium input notification drive unit that causes the game medium input notification unit to perform notification based on the output of the counter;
The counter performs a counting operation when receiving the display start signal and performs a counting operation when the predetermined time is counted by the timer,
The timer starts timing when receiving the display start signal, repeats the timing operation, and stops the timing operation when the count value reaches the maximum display number based on the output of the comparator. Is,
The game medium input notification drive unit is configured to notify each time the count value of the counter changes.

A sensor provided in the gaming machine for determining whether a predetermined error has occurred;
(The sensor includes, for example, a first sensor that detects opening and closing of a door provided in the gaming machine, a second sensor that detects the insertion of the gaming medium into the gaming machine, and the gaming medium from the gaming machine. 3rd sensor to detect payout
An error processing unit that outputs a predetermined error signal based on the output of the sensor,
(The error processing unit is a door opening signal indicating the opening of the door based on the output of the first sensor, and a game medium input indicating the occurrence of an error relating to the input of the game medium based on the output of the second sensor. Based on the error signal and the output of the third sensor, a game medium payout error signal indicating the occurrence of an error relating to the payout of the game medium is output)
The command receiving unit of the sub-board receives the error signal,
The sub-board further includes:
An error signal holding unit for holding the error signal received by the command receiving unit;
An error notification unit that performs error notification based on the error signal held by the error signal holding unit,
The error signal holding unit determines whether or not the error signal is held when the count value of the counter matches the maximum display number in the comparator, and the error notification is held when the error signal is held. You may make it make an error alert | report to a part.

  When the bet switch is operated, the door opening signal, the game medium input error signal, and the game medium payout error signal are selected, and these signals are given to the error signal holding unit, and the replay is won. It is preferable that an error signal selection unit that selects only the door opening signal and supplies the signal to the error signal holding unit is provided.

The input game medium number display control unit of the main board includes a counter that increases the maximum display number when the game medium is input based on the output of the second sensor;
When the game medium is inserted based on the output of the second sensor, the counter of the sub-board receives the display start signal and counts the predetermined time with the timer. Also performs the counting operation,
The sub-board may further include a second counter that increases the maximum number of displays when the game medium is inserted based on the output of the second sensor.

  According to the present invention, the display of the maximum display number at the time of automatic insertion is controlled by the main board, but the insertion notification corresponding to the maximum display number is performed by the sub board. With respect to the number of processes, the load on the main board can be reduced and the capacity of the program can be reduced, so that a configuration preferable for the main board can be achieved.

It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door 180 degree | times. It is a front view of a bet switch and a medal insertion number display part. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. It is a block diagram of the insertion medal number display control unit of the main board according to the embodiment of the invention. It is a insertion board number display processing flowchart of the main board concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram of the apparatus which performs the medal insertion alerting | reporting process of the sub board | substrate which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is another block diagram of the apparatus which performs the medal insertion alerting | reporting process of the sub board | substrate which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is another block diagram of the apparatus which performs the medal insertion alerting | reporting process of the sub board | substrate which concerns on embodiment of invention. FIG. 11A is an operation explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the inserted medal number display processing according to the embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 11B is an operation explanatory diagram (timing of the medal insertion notification processing according to the embodiment of the invention). Chart). It is a medal insertion notification process flowchart of the sub-board according to the embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram of the insertion medal number display control part of the modification which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a block diagram of the apparatus which performs the medal insertion alerting | reporting process of the modification which concerns on embodiment of invention. FIG. 15A is an operation explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the inserted medal number display process of the modified example, and FIG. 15B is an operation explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the medal inserted notification process of the modified example. FIG. 16A is another operation explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the inserted medal number display process of the modification, and FIG. 16B is another operation explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the medal insertion notification process of the modification. . It is a insertion medal number display process flowchart of the modification which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a medal insertion notification process flowchart of the modification which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a block diagram of the apparatus which performs the medal insertion alerting | reporting process of the other modification which concerns on embodiment of invention. FIG. 19A is an operation explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the inserted medal number display process of another modified example, and FIG. 19B is an operation explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the medal inserted notification process of another modified example. . It is a medal insertion alerting | reporting process flowchart of the other modification which concerns on embodiment of invention.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door opened 180 degrees.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a hinge or the like on the slot machine main body 120 and one side of the front surface of the slot machine main body 120. And a front door 130 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, a game display unit 131 is provided substantially in the center of the front door 130, and a medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided at the lower right corner of the game display unit 131. Provided below the medal insertion slot 132 is a reject button 133 for forcibly discharging a clogged medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132 to the outside of the slot machine 100.

  Further, a start switch 134 for starting a game is provided at the lower left of the game display unit 131, and three stop switches 140 are provided corresponding to the three spinning cylinders. A bet switch BET and a inserted medal number display portion MCD are provided on the upper right side of the start switch 134. A medal payout port 135 is provided at the center of the lower end of the front door. A liquid crystal display device LCD is provided above the game display unit 131. Arch lamps AH are provided on both sides thereof. The arch lamp AH performs a predetermined effect through blinking of the light emitting elements provided therein.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine main body 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals at a payout port 135 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. A hopper device 121 for paying out the sheets one by one is installed. An upper portion of the hopper device 121 is provided with a hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a plurality of medals therein. Inside the slot machine main body 120, a reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203 including three rotating cylinders is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the front door 130 is closed. The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders (first reel to third reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The game display unit 131 is provided with an opening through which the player can see the symbols of the rotating drums of the reel unit 203. A power supply unit 205 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 121.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the back side of the front button 130 on the back side of a reject button 133 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side and communicates with the payout port 135 of the front door 130 is provided below the medal selector 1. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port 135 via the derivation path 136.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of the bet switch BET and the inserted medal number display portion MCD (viewed from above). The bet switch BET is a substantially horizontally long trapezoidal pushbutton switch, and MAXBET is printed on the upper surface thereof. The inserted medal number display portion MCD is located above the bet switch BET and includes three light emitting elements (LEDs) CLED1 to CLED3 and six seven segment indicators (the seven segment indicator in FIG. 3 is the present invention). The symbol is not attached because it is not directly related to the operation of the embodiment.

  The inserted medal number display section MCD displays at least a predetermined number of inserted coins when the bet switch BET is operated and when a replay is won. The three light emitting elements CLED1 to CLED3 are turned on or off corresponding to the number of medals inserted. That is, if the inserted number = 0, all the three light emitting elements CLED1 to CLED3 are turned off. If the inserted number = 1, only one (for example, CLED1) is lit. One (for example, CLED1 and CLED2) is lit, and if the number of inserted sheets is 3, all three are lit.

  The lighting or extinguishing of the three light emitting elements CLED1 to CLED3 is the same in the case of automatic turning on.

FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100 according to the embodiment of the invention.
In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. Although not shown, the slot machine includes a power supply unit for generating a DC power supply (+5 V or the like) from a commercial power supply (AC 100 V).

  The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate (processing unit) 10 and a sub substrate (processing unit) 20 that receives a command from the main substrate (processing unit) 20 as main processing apparatuses. At least the main substrate 10 is accommodated inside the case so that it cannot be contacted from the outside, and when the main substrate 10 is removed, a sealing process is performed so that a trace remains in the case.

  The main board 10 is for performing an internal lottery in response to a player's operation, and performing processing (game processing) such as reel rotation / stop and medal payout. The main board 10 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub board 20 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 20 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  On the main board 10, a bet switch BET, a start switch 134, a stop button 140, a reel unit 203, a reel position detection circuit 71, a hopper drive unit 80, a hopper 81, and the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81 are counted. The medal detection unit 82 (the hopper driving unit 80, the hopper 81, and the medal detection unit 82 constitute the hopper device 121 described above) is connected. On the sub-board 20, a liquid crystal control board 200 for controlling the liquid crystal display device, a speaker board 201 that generates sound by driving the speaker SP, and a light emitting element of an illumination device such as an arch lamp AH are driven to blink. A peripheral substrate (local substrate) such as the LED substrate 202 is connected. Also, an inserted medal number display section MCD for displaying the number of inserted medals (including replay winning) is connected.

  The speaker board 201 also notifies the insertion of medals at the time of automatic insertion by sound from the speaker SP according to the control of the sub board 20.

  It is also possible to provide a medal insertion display unit MCD2 for visually informing the medal insertion at the time of automatic insertion and to connect it to the LED substrate 202. The medal insertion display unit MCD2 is the same as the inserted medal number display unit MCD shown in FIG. 3, for example.

  Although FIG. 4 shows both the speaker SP and the medal insertion display unit MCD2, the medal insertion may be notified by either one, that is, by either sound or light emission. Either or either of the speaker SP and the medal insertion display unit MCD2 can be referred to as a game medium insertion notification unit that notifies the insertion of medals during automatic insertion.

  In the present specification, unless otherwise specified, “inserting medals” and “inserting medals” means displaying a predetermined number of insertions at the time of automatic insertion, and the actual medal to the medal insertion slot 132 is displayed. Does not mean the introduction of. In other words, it means a state where medals can be regarded as being automatically inserted.

  Further, medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1 are connected to the main board 10.

  The medal selector 1 is provided with medal sensors S1 and S2 for counting medals. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are provided on the downstream side (near the exit) of a medal passage (not shown) provided in the medal selector 1 (the upstream side of the medal passage communicates with the medal slot 132). The two medal sensors S1 and S2 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the medal traveling direction. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are, for example, photointerrupters that have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other, are formed in a U-shaped cross section, and are positioned so that the detection optical axis faces the medal passage from above. . Each photo interrupter detects the passage of a medal sent without being blocked on the way. The reason why two photo interrupters are adjacent is not only to detect the number of medals but also to monitor whether or not the passage of medals is normal. That is, by providing two photo interrupters adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, thereby detecting not only the number of medals but also the movement of the medals in the reverse direction such as backward flow. Can do. When the backflow is detected, an error notification is performed, and through this, the hall clerk can detect an illegal act.

  The hopper driving unit 80 rotates the hopper 81 and performs an operation of paying out medals of the payout number instructed by the main board 10. The gaming machine includes a medal detection unit 82 that operates every time a medal is paid out, and the main board 10 receives a medal actually paid out from the hopper 81 based on an input signal from the medal detection unit 82. You can manage the number.

  The insertion accepting means 1050 receives the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1, accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and based on the fact that medals corresponding to the prescribed number of insertions have been inserted, A process of permitting the rotation start operation of the first reel to the third reel is performed. Note that the pressing operation of the start switch 134 is an opportunity to start rotation of the first reel to the third reel and an opportunity to execute the internal lottery. Also, a prescribed number of throws is set according to the gaming state, the prescribed number of throws is set to 3 in the normal state and the bonus established state, and the prescribed number of throws is set to 1 in the bonus state.

  When medals are inserted, the inserted medals are set to the inserted state up to a specified number of insertions according to the gaming state. Alternatively, when the bet switch BET is pressed in a state where medals have been credited to the gaming machine, the credited medals are set to the inserted state by limiting the prescribed number of insertions according to the gaming state. That is, instead of inserting medals, the number of medals stored in advance is reduced. The main board 10 controls whether or not to accept a medal. When it is not in a state of accepting insertion of medals (when not permitted), even if medals are inserted, they are not counted by the medal sensors S1 and S2 and are returned as they are. Similarly, the main board 10 controls the validity / invalidity of the bet switch BET. When the bet switch BET is not valid (when not permitted), even if the bet switch BET is pressed, it is ignored.

  In this way, the insertion accepting means 1050 receives the bet switch BET pressing signal, sets the specified insertion number (three), and permits the start switch 134 to start the rotation of the first reel to the third reel. If the number of credits stored in the card does not reach the specified number of inputs, the existing number of credits is set as the number of inputs. Further, a display start signal for starting display of the inserted number (inserted number) on the inserted medal number display portion MCD is output based on the pressing signal of the bet switch BET. The display start signal is also output when a medal is actually inserted and counted by the medal sensors S1 and S2.

  The main board 10 incorporates random number generating means 1100. The random number generation means 1100 is a means for generating a random number for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The internal lottery means 1200 performs an internal lottery in which the player determines whether or not the winning combination is based on a start signal from the start switch 134. That is, a lottery table selection process for selecting a lottery table (not shown) stored in a memory (not shown) of the main board 10, a random number determination process for determining the winning of a random number obtained from the random number generating means 1100, The lottery flag setting process for setting a flag to that effect when a big win or the like is won by the determination result is performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, a lottery table (not shown) stored in a storage unit (ROM) (not shown) is used to determine which lottery table is used for internal lottery. In the lottery table, for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535), replay, small role (bell, cherry), regular bonus (RB: bonus), and big bonus (BB :), etc., are associated with each other. In addition, a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state can be set as the gaming state, and a replay lottery state, a replay low probability state, and a replay high probability state can be set as replay lottery states.

  In the random number determination process, a random value (lottery random number) is acquired from the random number generation means (not shown) for each game based on a start signal from the start switch 134, and the lottery table is referred to for the acquired random value. Then, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is won.

  In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag of the winning combination determined to be won based on the result of the random number determination process is changed from the non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to the winning state (second flag state, on Status). When two or more types of winning combinations are won, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning winning combinations is set to the winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in storage means (RAM).

  A lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry over the winning state for the next game until winning, and a lottery flag that is reset to the non-winning state without bringing the winning state to the next game regardless of winning Carry-over impossible flag) may be provided. In this case, there are a regular bonus (RB) and a big bonus (BB) as a combination to which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, and other combinations (for example, small role, replay) correspond to the latter carry-over impossible flag. It is attached. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, if a regular bonus is won by internal lottery, the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over until the regular bonus is won, and if the big bonus is won by internal lottery, the big bonus lottery A process of carrying over the winning state of the flag until the big bonus is won is performed. At this time, the main board 10 determines whether or not a role other than the regular bonus and the big bonus (small role and replay) is used even in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus or big bonus lottery flag is carried over by the internal lottery function. An internal lottery is performed. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won in the internal lottery, the regular bonus lottery flag and the internal lottery already won In a game in which the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations or replay lottery flags won in the win state are set to the winning state and the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over, it is small in the internal lottery When a winning combination or replay is won, a lottery flag corresponding to two or more kinds of winning combinations including a big bonus lottery flag that has already been won and a small bonus or replay lottery flag that has been won in an internal lottery is set to a winning state. Set.

  The replay processing unit 1600 may perform control to change the winning probability of replay in the internal lottery under a predetermined condition. The replay processing unit 1600 will be described later again. The replay lottery states include a replay no lottery state in which replay is excluded from the internal lottery, a replay low probability state in which the replay winning probability is set to about 1 / 7.3, and a replay winning probability of about 1 / A plurality of lottery states such as a high replay probability state set to 6 can be set. By changing the replay lottery state, the winning probability of the replay in the internal lottery is changed.

  The reel control means 1300 rotates the first to third reels by a stepping motor based on a start signal generated by the player pressing the start switch 134 (rotation start operation), and the first to third reels are driven. Control that permits the pressing operation (stop operation) of the three stop buttons 140 respectively corresponding to the rotating reels in a state in which the rotation speed of the motor reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotation speed of about 80 rotations per minute). And a control to stop the first reel to the third reel, which are rotationally driven by the stepping motor, according to the lottery flag setting state (result of the internal lottery).

  In addition, the reel control means 1300 receives the reel stop signal when the player presses the three stop buttons 140 in a state where the pressing operation (stop operation) with respect to the three stop buttons 140 is permitted (validated). Based on this, by stopping the supply of drive pulses (motor drive signals) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 203, control is performed to stop each of the first to third reels.

  That is, each time the three stop buttons 140 are pressed, the reel control means 1300 determines the reel stop position corresponding to the pressed button among the first to third reels. The reel is stopped at the stop position. Specifically, referring to a stop control table (not shown) stored in the storage means (ROM), the first reel according to the pressing timing, pressing order, etc. (stop operation mode) of the three stop buttons. The stop position of the third reel is determined, and the first reel to the third reel are stopped at the determined stop position.

  Here, in the stop control table, the position of the first reel to the third reel (press detection position) at the time when the stop button 140 is operated and the actual stop position (or the slip from the press detection position) of the first reel to the third reel. (Number of frames) is set. Depending on the setting state of the lottery flag, a stop control table for determining the stop positions of the first reel to the third reel may be prepared.

  In the gaming machine, the reel unit 203 includes a reel index (not shown) made of a photosensor, and the reel control means 1300 is based on a reference position signal detected by the reel index every time the reel rotates once. By determining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation axis of the step motor) from the reel reference position (the frame detected by the reel index), the current rotation state of the reel can be monitored. . That is, the main board 10 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel.

  The reel control means 1300 performs so-called pull-in processing and kick-out processing as control for stopping the reel. The pull-in process is a control process for stopping the reel so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state is stopped on the winning determination line (so that the winning combination can be won). It is. On the other hand, the kicking process means that the reel corresponding to the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state does not stop on the valid winning determination line (so that the non-winning combination cannot be won) This is a control process to be stopped. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the lottery flag setting state, the stop button 140 pressing timing, the pressing order, the stop position of the reel that has already stopped (type of display symbol) in order to realize the above-described pull-in processing and kicking processing. ) Etc., the stop control table is set so that the stop position of each reel changes. In this way, the main board 10 can stop the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state is in the winning form. Control is performed to stop the first reel to the third reel so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first to third reels are set to a control state in which the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 140 is pressed. ing. That is, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating reel, the number of frames required from when the stop button 140 is pressed until each reel stops is in the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). Is set in

  The winning determination means 1400 performs a process of determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stop mode of the first reel to the third reel. Specifically, referring to the winning determination table stored in the storage means (ROM), the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line when all of the first reel to the third reel are stopped, It is determined whether or not it is a predetermined winning combination.

  The winning determination means 1400 executes a winning process based on the determination result. As a process at the time of winning a prize, for example, when a small role wins, the hopper 81 is driven to perform a medal payout control process, or a credit is increased (a predetermined maximum number is increased to 50, for example, When the replay is won, a replay process is performed. When a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, a game state transition control process for shifting the game state is performed.

  The payout control means 1500 performs payout control processing relating to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a payout predetermined for each combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are determined by the hopper driving unit 80. Then, the hopper 81 is driven to pay out. At this time, a current flows through a motor (not shown) built in the hopper 81.

  When medal credits (internal storage) are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper 81, the number of credits stored in a credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means (RAM) (not shown) A credit addition process for adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals is performed to virtually pay out medals.

  When the replay is won, the replay processing means 1600 performs a replay process (regame process) for setting the same preparatory state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the previous game is automatically set to the insertion state without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The game machine is set in a state of waiting for a rotation start operation (pressing operation of the start switch 134 by the player) in the next game in a state where the same winning determination line as the previous game is validated.

  The gaming machine is placed in a “bet state” by inserting a medal, operating a bet switch that replaces the medal insertion by reducing the number of medals stored in advance, or a replay winning that enables re-games. The game is ready.

  The replay processing unit 1600 outputs a display start signal for starting the display of the number of inserted medals (number of inserted medals) on the inserted medal number display unit MCD when automatically inserting medals.

  The error processing unit 1700 determines an error of the gaming machine based on the outputs of the door opening / closing detection sensor GS, the medal sensors S1 and S2, and the medal detection unit 82, and notifies the game machine when it determines that an error has occurred. A predetermined state (for example, a state in which an operation is not accepted) is set.

  The door open / close detection sensor GS is a sensor that detects that the door 130 is closed, and is an electrical switch such as a micro switch or a contact. When the door 130 is closed, the switch is turned on (or off) when the switch action part contacts the back side of the door 130, and when the door 130 is opened, the action part is separated and turned off (or on). ). The door opening / closing detection sensor GS may be an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter. The medal sensors S1 and S2 and the medal detection unit 82 have been described above.

Specifically, the error processing unit 1700 performs the following operation.
When the opening of the door 130 is detected based on the output of the door opening / closing detection sensor GS, error processing is performed.
-Based on the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2, the reverse flow of the medals (the detection order of the sensors S1 and S2 is reversed), the medal retention (the detection times of the sensors S1 and S2 are longer than a predetermined threshold) When error is detected, error processing is performed.
Based on the output of the medal detection unit 82, the medal clogging (the detection time of the medal detection unit 82 is longer than a predetermined threshold), hopper empty (the medal detection unit despite operating the hopper driving unit 80) When 82 detects no medal), error processing is performed.

  The inserted game medium number display control unit 1800 causes the inserted medal number display unit MCD to display the inserted number based on the display start signal generated at the time of automatic insertion. The configuration and operation of the input game medium number display control unit 1800 will be described in detail later.

  Further, the main board 10 may perform control to shift the gaming state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state (gaming state transition control function). As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are established, transitioning the gaming state to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied Can do.

  The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and a transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state is possible. The bonus establishment state is a gaming state that shifts when a big bonus or a regular bonus is won in the internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, when the big bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and the regular bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state Until the regular bonus is won, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in the winning state. In the bonus state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game, and medals exceeding a predetermined payout limit number are paid out according to the type of bonus won. The bonus state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the normal state.

  The reel unit 203 includes three reels (not shown), and one stepping motor is attached to each of the three reels. A stepping motor includes a gear-shaped iron core or permanent magnet as a rotor (rotor), a plurality of windings (coils) as a stator (stator), and is rotated by switching windings through which current flows. is there. That is, a current is passed through the windings of the stator to generate a magnetic force, and the rotor is rotated by attracting the rotor. Since the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle, it is used to drive the rotation of the reel of the slot machine. A plurality of windings constitute one phase. As the number of phases, for example, there are two (two phases), four (four phases), and five (five phases).

  The stepping motor can change its characteristics (excitation mode changes) by changing the way of applying current to the windings of each phase. The two-phase type is as follows.

• Single-phase excitation Always allow current to flow through only one phase of the winding. Positioning accuracy is good.

・ Two-phase excitation
Current flows in two phases. An output torque approximately twice that of single-phase excitation can be obtained. The positioning accuracy is good and the stationary torque is large when stopped, so that the stop position can be held reliably.

・ One-two-phase excitation
A current is passed by alternately switching between one phase and two phases. Since the step angle can be halved in the case of one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation, smooth rotation can be obtained.

  Note that “driving” a stepping motor includes rotating the motor by the above-described excitation and exciting each phase in order to stop at a desired position and hold the position.

  In the slot machine, for example, a four-phase stepping motor having a basic step angle of 1.43 degrees is used, and one-two-phase excitation is adopted as a pulse output method.

Next, game processing in the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG.
Generally, in a gaming machine, one game is started from the insertion of medals (insertion of credits) until the end of payout (or until the increase in the number of credits is completed). There is a rule that it is not possible to proceed to the next game until one game is finished.

  First, when a prescribed number of medals are inserted (or by the automatic insertion described above), the start switch 134 is activated, and the process of FIG. 4 is started.

  In step S1, the start switch 134 is turned on by operating the start switch 134. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2.

  In step S2, a lottery process is performed by the main board 10. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

  In step S3, rotation of the first cylinder to the third cylinder starts. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S4.

  In step S4, when the stop button 140 is operated, the stop button 140 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S5.

  In step S5, rotation stop processing is performed for the rotating cylinder corresponding to the pressed stop button 140 among the first to third cylinders. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button 140 corresponding to the three spinning cylinders has been performed. If it is determined that all the three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the three spinning cylinders have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S7.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the lottery flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the lottery flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S8. If the winning is not confirmed, no medals are paid out even if the lottery flag is established.

  In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out.

  The process from the insertion of the medal to the completion of the execution of step S8 is one game. When the standby process in step S8 ends, the process returns to the beginning of the flowchart. In other words, the next game is possible (transition to the next game).

  The operation of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention, in particular, the operation of the inserted medal number display control unit 1800 of the main board 10 and the contents of the medal insertion notification process of the sub board will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the inserted medal number display control unit 1800. For convenience of explanation, the light emitting elements CLED1 to CLED3 of the inserted medal number display unit MCD not included in the inserted medal number display control unit 1800 are also shown.

  1800A is the inserted medal number display section based on the display start signal output from the replay processing means 1600 with the input maximum display number (this corresponds to, for example, the prescribed insertion number (three) set by the insertion receiving means 1050). It is a converter that converts data so that it can be displayed on the MCD and appropriately displayed on the inserted medal number display section MCD. The maximum number of displays is 3, for example, but may be 1 or 2 when the number of credits is insufficient. When the binary data 001, 010, and 011 are directly lit, only CLED1 is lit when the number of inserted sheets = 1, and CLED1 and CLED2 are lit when the number of inserted sheets = 2. Not all 3 lights up when the number of inserted sheets = 3. Therefore, the converter 1800A converts the binary data 010 and 011 into 011 and 111, respectively (the binary data 001 can be used as it is without conversion). When the number of inserted sheets = 0, all the three light emitting elements CLED1 to CLED3 are turned off. The converter 1800A can be realized by a shift register or a logic circuit, for example.

  In addition, it can replace with the light emitting elements CLED1-CLED3 of the insertion medal number display part MCD, and a 7 segment display can be used. Also in this case, the 7-segment display SEG-LED cannot be appropriately displayed if the input maximum display number is used as it is, and therefore a converter 1800A 'is provided between them. Since a known decoder IC or the like can be used as the converter 1800A ', its operation description is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the inserted medal number display process.

S100: A maximum display number is set.
When the bet switch BET is pressed, the insertion accepting unit 1050 sets the credited medals in the inserted state up to a prescribed number of inserted (displayed maximum number) according to the gaming state. When a medal corresponding to the specified insertion number (maximum number of displays) is inserted (insertion state), the rotation start operation of the three reels with respect to the start switch 134 is permitted, and the game becomes possible. The specified insertion number (maximum display number) is set according to the gaming state, the specified insertion number (maximum display number) is set to 3 in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, and the specified insertion number is set to 1 in the bonus state Is done. For example, in the normal state, if the number of credits is 3 or more, the maximum display number is displayed as “3” on the inserted medal number display section MCD, but if the number of credits is less than 3, the maximum display number is displayed. “2” is displayed on the inserted medal number display section MCD.

  The point is that if the number of inputs inserted at the time of automatic input is 3, the maximum display number is “3”, and if the input number is 2, the maximum display number is “2”. It is only necessary to set the number of thrown in at the time as the maximum display number.

  In this embodiment, when the number of automatic insertions is “2”, which is less than the specified number of insertions, when the player actually inserts one medal and counts it with the medal sensors S 1 and S 2, the maximum display number is “ It is needless to say that “3” is set and “3” is displayed in S101 described later. "

  At the time of replay winning, the replay processing means 1600 sets the maximum display number.

S101: The maximum display number is displayed.
Converter 1800A converts the display maximum number into lighting data of light emitting elements CLED1 to CLED3, and lights the light emitting elements based on this. Specific examples of the conversion have been described above.

  Upon receiving the display start signal, converter 1800A displays the maximum display number (lights up the light emitting element). The process of counting up at regular intervals as in the conventional example is not performed. For this reason, the inserted medal number display control unit 1800 of the main board 10 does not require a timer. As a result, the program becomes smaller and the processing load on the main board 10 is reduced.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the sub-board 20, and a plurality of sounds are generated at regular intervals according to the maximum number of displays based on commands from the main board 10 (or light emitting elements are lit / flashed at regular intervals). FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an apparatus that performs processing related to display (hereinafter, “medal insertion notification processing”) for pseudo-informing a player to count up medals one by one at the time of automatic insertion. The apparatus of FIG. 8 is realized by software or a hardware such as an IC by a CPU (not shown) of the sub-board 20 executing a predetermined program. For convenience of explanation, the speaker SP not included in the sub-board 20 is also shown.

  A command receiving unit 210 receives a command from the main board 10 and decodes it to output a predetermined signal. The command receiving unit 210 receives at least a command related to the display start signal and the maximum number of displays at the time of automatic input, and outputs a display start signal and a signal of the maximum number of displays.

  A counter 211 counts the number of inputs. The counter 211 operates (counts up and increments by 1) at two occasions. That is, (1) a counting operation is performed when the display start signal is received, and (2) a counting operation is performed in which a predetermined time is counted by the timer 212. Then, when the count value reaches the maximum display number in the comparator 213, the counting operation is stopped. Note that the counter 211 can be operated only at the timing of (2).

  A timer 212 measures a predetermined time (for example, 30 ms). The timer 212 starts timing when (1) the display start signal is received and (2) when the timing operation is completed (however, when the count value has not reached the maximum display number in the comparator 213). The timer 212 repeats the time counting operation unless the operation is stopped by the comparator 213. For example, it repeats that it operates for 30 ms, outputs a signal, and operates again for 30 ms.

  Reference numeral 213 denotes a comparator that compares the count value of the counter 211 with a predetermined maximum display number (for example, the specified input number).

  Reference numeral 214 denotes an acoustic generator that generates an acoustic signal according to the counting result of the counter 211 and generates sound from the speaker SP. The sound generator 214 may be provided on the speaker substrate 201.

  In FIG. 8, the medal insertion notifying unit is configured to artificially notify medal insertion by using the speaker SP, but using the light emitting element as in the inserted medal number display control unit 1800 of the main board 10. You can also FIG. 9 shows a block diagram thereof.

  The light emitting elements CLED2-1 to 2-3 are provided in the medal insertion display unit MCD2. By turning on the light emitting elements CLED2-1 to 2-3 with the converter 215, it is possible to make it appear to the player to count up medals one by one at the time of automatic insertion. The converter 215 is the same as the converter 1800A of FIG.

  Instead of the light emitting elements CLED2-1 to 2-3, a 7-segment display can be used. An example of this is shown in FIG. Since the 7-segment display SEG-LED cannot be properly displayed with the output of the counter 211 as it is, a converter 215 'is provided between them. Since a known decoder IC or the like can be used as the converter 215 ', the description of its operation is omitted.

  Next, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 11, the operation of the apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 8 to 10 will be described. 11A shows an operation timing chart of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 11B shows an operation timing chart of the apparatus shown in FIGS.

  In FIG. 11A, a display start signal is generated at time t1. Since the maximum display number has already been input at this time, converter 1800A immediately displays the maximum display number on inserted medal number display section MCD. If the maximum number of displays = 3, all the three light emitting elements CLED1 to CLED3 are lit after time t1 as shown in FIG.

  The inserted medal number display section MCD displays the maximum number of displays at a time, and does not display a count-up display that increases one by one as in conventional gaming machines, so that the maximum number of displays can be displayed at a time. The player may feel unnatural with only the medal number display portion MCD, but such a fear is eliminated because the count-up is performed in a pseudo manner by turning on the sound / light emitting element as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11B, a display start signal is generated at time t1. As a result, the timer 212 starts measuring time, and the counter 211 counts up so that the counter value = 1. The sound generator 214 receives the output of the counter 211 (change in the count value) and outputs an acoustic signal (pulse for a predetermined time). Therefore, every time the output of the counter 211 changes, a beeping sound is generated, and the player can feel the insertion of a medal.

  Note that there is a time lag (delay) corresponding to the command propagation time (including decoding time) from the main board 10 to the sub-board 20 between t1 in FIG. 11A and t1 in FIG. However, this is sufficiently small as compared with the timing operation, and can be ignored (based on this, both t1 are matched in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b)).

  When the time measuring operation ends at time t2 (time counting for a predetermined time is completed), the timer 212 outputs a signal, and the counter 211 counts up in response to the signal, so that the counter value = 2. Sound is generated here. At the same time, the timer 212 starts the second time measurement.

  When the time counting operation ends at time t3, the timer 212 outputs a signal, and the counter 211 counts up in response to this signal, so that the counter value = 3. Sound is generated here. As can be seen from FIG. 11B, the sound is generated as many times as the maximum number of displays = 3. Since the counter value = 3 coincides with the predetermined maximum display number, the comparator 213 outputs a signal, and the timer 212 stops its operation in response to this. In FIG. 11B, the H level of the comparator output indicates that the count value of the counter 211 is equal to the maximum number displayed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the medal insertion notification process.

S110: Based on the command received by the command receiving unit 210, a maximum display number and a display start signal are generated.
The maximum number of displays and the display start signal are those described in S100 of FIG. 7, and these are sent from the main board 10 as commands. Based on the command, the command receiving unit 210 generates a display maximum number and a display start signal.

S111: The acoustic generator 214 generates an acoustic signal and drives the speaker SP.
By outputting an acoustic signal (pulse for a predetermined time), a sound such as a beep is generated.

S112: The number of inserted medals is set to +1.
The counter 211 is operated. Note that it is assumed that the counter 211 has been reset and the count value = 0 before starting the processing of FIG.

  The counter 211 operates when the display start signal and the timer 212 complete the timing operation.

S113: It is determined whether the number of inserted medals matches the maximum display number.
The comparator 213 compares the output of the counter 211 with the maximum display number. If the two match (YES), the processing in FIG. 12 is terminated. If they do not match, the processing from S114 is executed.

S114: Start the timer.
In response to the display start signal, the timer 212 starts measuring time.

S115: It is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed.
The timer 212 makes this determination. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to S111, and the counter 211 is operated to increment the inserted medal number by one.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, although the display of the number of sheets to be inserted at the time of automatic loading is controlled by the main board, the loading notification is performed by the sub board, thereby reducing the load and program on the main board. On the other hand, a natural operation can be realized at the time of automatic insertion so that the player does not feel uncomfortable. That is, during automatic loading, the timer control is not required in the processing relating to the notification of the loading state on the main board, so the processing load on the main board can be reduced. In addition, in the notification of the sub-board, which is more easily recognized by the player than the display on the main board, the automatic charging is performed so as to notify the loading state in a count-up manner familiar to the player in conventional gaming machines. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

  FIG. 13 shows a modification of FIG. 6, and FIG. 14 shows a modification of FIG. 8 (the same modifications are possible for FIGS. 9 and 10, but the drawings of these modifications are omitted).

  13 and 14, the same or corresponding parts as those in FIGS. 6 and 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is provided with a counter 1800B that captures (presets) the maximum number of displays with a display start signal, and operates the counter 1800B when a medal is detected, thereby correctly displaying the result of the medal insertion on the inserted medal number display unit MCD. It is something to be made.

  FIG. 14 is provided with a counter 216 that captures (presets) the maximum number of displays received as a command, and operates the counter 216 when a medal detection signal as a command is received, so that even when a medal is additionally inserted. The medal insertion is properly notified.

  The medal selector 1 is provided with medal sensors S1 and S2 for counting medals. The medal detection signal is a signal output when the medal sensors S1 and S2 detect passage of medals. .

  The player may insert medals during automatic insertion (particularly when the bet switch BET is pressed). For example, it is a case where the number of credits has not reached the specified number of inserted coins. In such a case, when a player inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 132, the medal sensor S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1 are detected and a medal detection signal is output. According to FIGS. 13 and 14, since the medal detection signal is input to the counter 211, the counting is performed even when the player inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 132, so that such a case can be handled. it can.

  The operation of the apparatus of FIGS. 13 and 14 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. FIG. 15A shows an operation timing chart of the apparatus of FIG. 13, and FIG. 15B shows an operation timing chart of the apparatus of FIG.

  In FIG. 15A, a display start signal is generated at time t1. Since the maximum display number has already been input at this time, converter 1800A immediately displays the maximum display number on inserted medal number display section MCD. Usually, the maximum number of displays is 3, but in this case, the number of credits is insufficient and the maximum number of displays is 2, so that the two light emitting elements CLED1 and CLED2 are lit at time t1. When the player inserts a medal upon noticing the lack of credit and a medal detection signal is generated at time t1a, the counter 1800B operates and the maximum number of displays input to the converter 1800A is 3. Therefore, after time t1a, all of the light emitting elements CLED1 to CLED3 are lit.

  In FIG. 15B, a display start signal is generated at time t1. As a result, the timer 212 starts measuring time, and the counter 211 counts up so that the counter value = 1. The sound generator 214 receives the output of the counter 211 (change in the count value) and outputs an acoustic signal (pulse for a predetermined time). Therefore, every time the output of the counter 211 changes, a beeping sound is generated, and the player can feel the insertion of a medal.

  As described above, since the maximum display number = 2 at time t1, the maximum display number input to the comparator 213 (the count value fetched (preset) in the counter 216) is 2. However, when a medal detection signal is generated at time t1a, the counter 216 operates and the maximum number of displays input to the comparator 213 is 3. As a result, the notification is performed three times, which matches the display on the inserted medal number display portion MCD. In the case of FIG. 15B, since the medal detection signal is generated and the counter 216 is operating before t2 before t2 when the comparator 213 is scheduled to be output, the timer 212 counts the time at t2. Start timing as soon as it ends. This is the same processing as in FIG.

  Since the operation after time t1a is the same as that in FIG. 11, the description thereof is omitted.

  Other operations of the apparatus of FIGS. 13 and 14 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. FIG. 16A shows an operation timing chart of the apparatus of FIG. 13, and FIG. 16B shows an operation timing chart of the apparatus of FIG.

  FIG. 16 shows a case where a medal detection signal is generated after the notification operation of the apparatus of FIG.

  In FIG. 16A, a display start signal is generated at time t1. Since the maximum display number has already been input at this time, converter 1800A immediately displays the maximum display number on inserted medal number display section MCD. Usually, the maximum number of displays is 3, but in this case, the number of credits is insufficient and the maximum number of displays is 2, so that the two light emitting elements CLED1 and CLED2 are lit at time t1. When the player inserts a medal after noticing the lack of credit and a medal detection signal is generated at time t2a (where t2a> t2), the counter 1800B operates and the maximum number of displays input to the converter 1800A is 3. . Therefore, after time t2a, all of the light emitting elements CLED1 to CLED3 are lit.

  In FIG. 16B, a display start signal is generated at time t1. As a result, the timer 212 starts measuring time, and the counter 211 counts up so that the counter value = 1. The sound generator 214 receives the output of the counter 211 (change in the count value) and outputs an acoustic signal (pulse for a predetermined time). Every time the output of the counter 211 changes, a beeping sound is generated. In the case of FIG. 16B, since the counter 216 is operated because the medal detection signal is generated after t2 output from the comparator 213, the timer 212 does not output the comparator 213 at t2a. At the same time, timing is started.

  As described above, since the maximum display number = 2 at time t1, the maximum display number input to the comparator 213 (the count value fetched (preset) in the counter 216) is 2.

  When the time measuring operation ends at time t2 (time counting for a predetermined time is completed), the timer 212 outputs a signal, and the counter 211 counts up in response to the signal, so that the counter value = 2. Sound is generated here. Since the counter value = 2 coincides with the given maximum number of displays, the comparator 213 outputs a signal, and the timer 212 stops operating in response to this. The H level of the comparator output from time t2 to time t2a in FIG. 16B indicates that the count value of the counter 211 = the maximum number of displays = 2.

  When a medal detection signal is generated at time t2a, the counter 216 operates and the maximum number of displays input to the comparator 213 is 3. As a result, the H level of the comparator output returns to the L level, and the timer 212 measures time again.

  When the time counting operation ends at time t3, the timer 212 outputs a signal, and the counter 211 counts up in response to this signal, so that the counter value = 3. Sound is generated here. As can be seen from FIG. 16B, sound is generated the same number of times as the maximum number of displayed medal display portion MCD = 3. The comparator 213 outputs a signal, and the timer 212 stops operating in response to this signal.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the inserted medal number display process of the apparatus of FIG. In FIG. 17, the same or corresponding parts as in FIG.

S102: The converter 1800A determines whether the maximum display number is less than the maximum (three).
If the maximum display number is the maximum (NO), the process is terminated. If the maximum display number is less than the maximum (YES), the process proceeds to S103.

S103: The counter 1800B determines whether or not a medal detection signal is input.
When the medal detection signal is input (YES), the process proceeds to S104, the maximum number of displays is increased, and the processes after S101 are repeated. When the medal detection signal is not input (NO), monitoring of the input of the medal detection signal is continued for a predetermined display period (NO in S105). The reason for continuing the predetermined display period is to reduce the load on the CPU by terminating the processing of FIG. 17 at an appropriate time. Note that NO may continue in S103 because the player leaves the seat with the displayed number of inserted medals less than the specified number of inserted medals. Even in such a case, when the inserted medal number display process is validated, the process of S105 may be omitted. When the display period ends, the process ends. The monitoring period of S105 ends, for example, when the start switch 134 is pressed.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the medal insertion notification process of the apparatus of FIG. In FIG. 18, the same or corresponding parts as those in FIG.

S116: The timer 212 determines whether or not the maximum display number is less than a predetermined maximum (three).
If the maximum display number is the maximum (NO), the process is terminated. If the maximum display number is less than the maximum (YES), the process proceeds to S117.

S117: The counter 216 determines whether or not a medal detection signal is input.
When the medal detection signal is input (YES), the process proceeds to S118, the maximum number of displays is increased, and the processes after S111 are repeated. When no medal detection signal is input (NO), monitoring of the medal detection signal input is continued for a predetermined notification period (during NO in S119). The reason for continuing for a predetermined display period is to reduce the load on the CPU by terminating the processing of FIG. 18 at an appropriate time. Note that NO may continue in S117 because the player has left the seat in a state where the displayed number of inserted medals is less than the specified number of inserted medals. Even in such a case, when the inserted medal number display process is validated, the process of S119 may be omitted. The monitoring period of S119 ends, for example, when the start switch 134 is pressed.

  As described above, according to the apparatus shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the number of inserted medals can be correctly displayed and the medal insertion can be correctly notified even when there are additional medals inserted. In this way, the player can be relieved by notifying that the additionally inserted medal has been accepted. If the number of inserted coins does not increase and medals are not returned, it may be misunderstood that the medals have been lost.

  FIG. 19 shows a modification of FIG. 8 (similar modifications are possible for FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, but the drawings of these modifications are omitted).

  In FIG. 19, the same or corresponding parts as in FIG.

  Reference numeral 217 denotes a plurality of error signals (sent as commands) output by the error processing unit 1700 based on the trigger of the notation start signal (either pressing of the bet switch BET (bet signal) or replay winning (replay signal)). Is an error signal selection unit that selects (accepts). As an error signal, an error signal from the door opening / closing detection sensor (first sensor) GS is a door opening signal, an error signal from the medal sensors (second sensors) S1 and S2 is a medal insertion error signal (game medium insertion error signal), and medal detection An error signal from the unit (third sensor) 82 is a medal payout error signal (game medium payout error signal).

  For example, when the bet switch is operated, the error signal selection unit 217 receives all of the door opening signal, the game medium input error signal, and the game medium payout error signal, and sends these signals to the error signal holding unit 218. Giving only accept the door opening signal when winning a replay. In other words, the door open signal, the game medium input error signal, or the game medium payout error signal are held by the error signal holding unit 218 when the bet switch is operated, but only the door open signal is set when the replay is won. Hold. Note that a game medium payout error signal may also be accepted at the time of replay winning. In short, it is possible to appropriately select an error to be accepted according to the situation.

  Which error is accepted when a bet switch is operated or when a replay is awarded may vary depending on the specifications of each model. The type of error is not limited to the above, and there may be other errors.

  The reason for selecting in this way is that the type of error involved differs between when the bet switch is operated and when a replay is won. A medal-related error may occur when the bet switch is operated, but no medal-related error occurs when the replay is won. By limiting the types of errors, it is possible to prevent abnormal operation (for example, performing error notification in a case where notification should not be performed originally).

  An error signal holding unit 218 holds the error signal selected by the error signal selection unit 217 until at least the medal insertion notification operation is finished.

  An error notification unit 219 performs error notification after the medal insertion notification operation is finished. The error notification unit 219 notifies an error by sound, light emission, or the like.

  The operation of the apparatus of FIG. 19 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 20A shows an operation timing chart of the apparatus of FIG. 13, and FIG. 20B shows an operation timing chart of the apparatus of FIG. Note that FIG. 20A is substantially the same as FIG. 11A, but is reprinted to show the relationship with the error signal generation timing.

  In FIG. 20A, a display start signal is generated at time t1, and all of the light emitting elements CLED1 to CLED3 are turned on.

  It is assumed that an error occurs at time t1b (t1b> t1) and continues until time t1c. Since the error occurs after the inserted medal number display, the display is not affected. If an error occurs before displaying the inserted medal number, automatic insertion cannot be performed due to an error, so the inserted medal number display process and the medal inserted notification process are not started.

  In FIG. 15B, a display start signal is generated at time t1. As a result, the timer 212 starts measuring time, and the counter 211 counts up so that the counter value = 1. The sound generator 214 receives the output of the counter 211 (change in the count value) and outputs an acoustic signal (pulse for a predetermined time). Therefore, every time the output of the counter 211 changes, a beeping sound is generated.

  Although an error occurred at time t1b and continued until time t1c, the error signal is held in the error signal holding unit 218, but does not affect the operations of the counter 211 and the timer 212. Therefore, the medal insertion notification proceeds in the same manner as in FIG. As a result, even when an error occurs, notification is performed three times, which matches the display on the inserted medal number display portion MCD.

  When the time counting operation ends at time t3, the timer 212 outputs a signal, and the counter 211 counts up in response to this signal, so that the counter value = 3. Since the counter value = 3 coincides with the predetermined maximum display number, the comparator 213 outputs a signal, and the timer 212 stops its operation in response to this.

  In response to the output of the comparator 213 becoming H level, the error signal holding unit 218 sends an error signal to the error notification unit 219 to notify the error. As shown in FIG. 20B, the error notification is performed after the medal insertion notification ends.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the medal insertion notification process of the apparatus of FIG. In FIG. 21, the same or corresponding parts as in FIG.

  When the number of inserted medals is equal to the maximum display number in S113 (when the medal insertion notification is finished), the process of S121 is executed.

S121: It is determined whether the error signal holding unit 218 holds an error signal.
If the error signal is held (YES), the process proceeds to S122 to notify the error, and if not held (NO), the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the apparatus shown in FIG. 19, when an error occurs, the error notification is not immediately performed, and it waits until the notification of the medal insertion is completed. Therefore, the number of inserted medals is correctly displayed, and the player Error notification can be performed while notifying the user of the medal insertion without giving a sense of incongruity.

  The method of FIGS. 19-21 is suitable compared with the other methods as described below.

(A) When an error occurs, immediately notify the error.
In FIG. 20, an error notification is immediately performed at time t1b. Since the gaming machine stops operating in an error state, the medal insertion notification is resumed after the error state is released. In the example of FIG. 20, a beep is made only once and an error state occurs, and after this is released, a beep is made twice. Since the sound is made only once before the error, the player is anxious about whether or not the automatic insertion has been performed correctly. There will be a second sound after an error, but it takes time to clear the error, so the meaning of the sound after the error may not be grasped. In any case, there is a high possibility that the player will misunderstand the result of the automatic insertion.

(A) All medals are notified once the error is cleared.
If this is applied to the example of FIG. 20, there will be a sound once before the error and a third sound after the error, but it may still be impossible to grasp the meaning of the sound after the error. It is difficult to understand because it is not linked to the display of the number of inserted medals. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the player will misunderstand the result of the automatic insertion.

  Although it is possible to link with the display of the number of inserted medals, it is necessary to have a program for redoing the display on the main board 10 in order to do so, increasing the load on the CPU of the main board 10, There arises a problem that the program occupies a memory area and adversely affects other processes.

  Compared with the above (a) and (b), according to the embodiment of the present invention, such a problem does not occur while realizing a natural operation.

  In addition, it is possible to combine the said modification. For example, FIG. 14 and FIG. 19 can be combined to perform additional insertion of medals and notification processing (error delay) in the event of an error.

  In the above description, the description has been given by taking as an example the max bet switch that can be replaced with the insertion of medals up to a predetermined upper limit number (usually 3) in one operation, but the embodiment of the present invention is a max bet. The present invention can also be applied to other switches for 1 bet and 2 bets. The maximum bet switch may be treated as three medal insertions, and the one bet and two bet switches may be treated as one medal insertion and two medal insertions, respectively. The switches for 1 bet and 2 bets also correspond to the bet switches in the description according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

10 Main board (processing section)
82 Medal detection unit (third sensor)
210 Command reception unit 211 Counter 212 Timer 213 Comparator 214 Sound generator (game medium input notification drive unit)
215 Converter (game medium input notification drive unit)
216 counter (second counter)
217 Error signal selection unit 218 Error signal holding unit 219 Error notification unit 1700 Error processing unit 1800 Inserted medal (game medium) number display control unit 1800A Converter 1800B Counter GS Door opening / closing detection sensor (first sensor),
MCD inserted medal (game media) number display section MCD2 medal insertion display section (game media input notification section)
S1 and S2 Medal sensor (second sensor)
SP speaker (game media input notification unit)

Claims (2)

A gaming machine based on the insertion of a gaming medium into the slot, the operation of a bet switch that replaces the loading of the gaming medium by reducing the number of the gaming media stored in advance, or the replay winning that enables re-gaming A main board that controls the game media to be paid out, determined by winning at a predetermined opportunity in the playable state, determining a winning, and paying out the game medium from the gaming machine according to the win,
A sub board for performing a predetermined presentation based on a command from the main board;
Based on the operation of the bet switch and based on the winning of the replay (based on the operation of the betting switch and based on the winning of the replay, making the game ready state is referred to as “automatic insertion”) An input game medium number display section for displaying the number;
Based on a signal from the sub-board, a game medium input notifying unit for notifying that the game medium has been input by the automatic input, and
The main board is
An input game medium number display control unit for displaying the maximum display number on the input game medium number display unit at the time of the automatic input;
The sub-board is
A command receiving unit that receives at least a command related to a display start signal generated at the time of automatic input and a command related to the maximum number of displays from the main board,
A counter that counts the number of game media that have been put into a state of being put in due to the automatic insertion;
A timer for measuring a predetermined time;
A comparator that compares the count value of the counter with the displayed maximum number;
A game medium input notification drive unit that causes the game medium input notification unit to perform notification based on the output of the counter;
The counter performs a counting operation when receiving the display start signal and performs a counting operation when the predetermined time is counted by the timer,
The timer starts timing when receiving the display start signal, repeats the timing operation, and stops the timing operation when the count value reaches the maximum display number based on the output of the comparator. Is,
The gaming machine insertion notification driving unit causes notification each time the count value of the counter changes. A sensor provided in the gaming machine for determining whether a predetermined error has occurred;
An error processing unit that outputs a predetermined error signal based on the output of the sensor,
The command receiving unit of the sub-board receives the error signal,
The sub-board further includes:
An error signal holding unit for holding the error signal received by the command receiving unit;
An error notification unit that performs error notification based on the error signal held by the error signal holding unit,
The error signal holding unit determines whether or not the error signal is held when the count value of the counter matches the maximum display number in the comparator, and the error notification is held when the error signal is held. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein an error notification is made to the unit.

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