JP2014076169A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable collection of information on abnormality that occurs in a control part having no function for transmitting information to the outside.SOLUTION: A game machine includes second control means that causes notification means to perform notification on the basis of game information from first control means. The first control means can transmit information to the outside of the game machine, and the second control means can cause the notification means to perform abnormality notification when determining the abnormality. The abnormality notification at least partially includes notification for urging a prescribed operation to be done, which can be detected by the first control means. When detecting the prescribed operation, the first control means at least performs transmission of information to the outside of the game machine and transmission of information to the second control means.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a slot machine and a pachinko machine.

  A gaming machine such as a slot machine is known that includes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game and a sub-control unit that performs an effect process such as notification. When an error occurs in the main control unit, the sub control unit notifies the abnormality. When the main control unit accepts the release operation, the sub control unit outputs a release signal, and the sub control unit notifies the abnormality. A game console that ends is proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-230784 A

  If the sub-control unit tries to adopt a configuration in which an error is independently determined and an abnormality is notified, it becomes a problem to grasp the error on the hall side. In a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a main control unit and a sub control unit are generally configured to communicate in one direction, and the sub control unit is configured to follow the main control unit. The main control unit can transmit information to the hall computer, but the sub-control unit cannot transmit information to the hall computer. For this reason, errors generated in the sub-control unit cannot be collected by the hall computer and grasped on the hall side.

  An object of the present invention is to enable information collection of an abnormality that has occurred in a control unit that does not have an external information transmission function.

  According to the present invention, the gaming machine includes a second control unit that causes the notification unit to perform notification based on the game information transmitted by the first control unit, wherein the first control unit includes: Information can be transmitted to the outside of the gaming table, and the second control means can cause the notifying means to perform an abnormality notification when an abnormality is determined. The first control means includes at least a part of a notification that prompts a predetermined operation that can be detected by the operation, and the first control means sends a notification to the outside of the game table when the predetermined operation is detected. Transmitting at least information and transmitting information to the second control means, wherein the second control means, based on the information transmitted by the first control means, It is characterized by terminating abnormality notification. Gaming table is provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the information collection of the abnormality which arose in the control part which does not have the information transmission function to the outside can be enabled.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The circuit block diagram of a control part. Explanatory drawing of the detection content of the sensor provided in the lock apparatus. The figure which expanded and showed the symbol arrangement | sequence applied to each reel planarly. (A) is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations in normal games, corresponding winning symbol combinations, the number of medals to be paid out (dividend), and symbol lottery data (when three medals are inserted). , A figure showing the types of winning combinations in BB general games, the corresponding winning symbol combinations, the number of medals paid out (dividend), and symbol lottery data (when three medals are inserted), (c) is an RB game The figure which showed the kind of winning combination, corresponding winning symbol combination, the number of medals to be paid out (dividend), and symbol lottery data (when one medal is inserted). The flowchart which shows a main control part main process. The flowchart which shows a main control part timer interruption process. The figure which showed an example of the control command transmitted to a sub-control part from the main control part. The flowchart which shows a sub control part interruption process. The flowchart which shows a sub control part main process. The flowchart which shows a sub control part main process. (A) is a diagram showing a game progress effect data table, (b) is a diagram showing an error time data table, (c) is a diagram showing a setting change time data table, (d) is an error time data table. The figure shown, (e) is the figure which showed the kind of timer and the timer data table in which the content was defined. Explanatory drawing of the example of production at the time of an error. The figure which showed the example in which the unauthorized device was installed between the main control part and the sub-control part. Explanatory drawing of the processing content at the time of a sub error setting. Explanatory drawing of the example of alerting | reporting at the time of a sub error setting. Explanatory drawing of the sensor of another example. The flowchart which shows the sub control part main process of another example. Explanatory drawing of the example of alerting | reporting at the time of the sub error setting of another example. Explanatory drawing of the example of alerting | reporting at the time of the sub error setting of another example. Explanatory drawing of the example of alerting | reporting at the time of the sub error setting of another example. Explanatory drawing of the example of alerting | reporting at the time of the sub error setting of another example. Explanatory drawing of the example of alerting | reporting at the time of the sub error setting of another example. Explanatory drawing of the example of alerting | reporting at the time of the sub error setting of another example.

<First Embodiment>
<Overall configuration>
The overall configuration of the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows an external perspective view of the slot machine 100.

  The slot machine 100 includes a substantially box-shaped main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front opening of the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 of the slot machine 100, three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface for a predetermined number of frames are stored. It is configured to be able to rotate inside.

  In this embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed at equal intervals on the belt-like member, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular frame material. When viewed from the player, three symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed 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. In the present embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  Further, on the outer frame of the symbol display window 113, line display LEDs (not shown) for informing an effective line and a winning line, which will be described later, are arranged by lighting control such as blinking and lighting.

  Further, in the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor. A light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between them. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line 114.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates an effective winning line. An effective winning line is determined in advance by the number of medals inserted into the slot machine 100. Of the five winning lines 114, for example, when one medal is inserted, the middle horizontal winning line is valid, and when two medals are inserted, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added. When three medals are inserted and three medals are inserted, the five added with the right-down winning line and the upper-right winning line become effective as the winning line. Note that the number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five.

  The start lamp 121 is a lamp that informs the player that the reels 110 to 112 are in a state of being able to rotate. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal insertion is not required) when a replay game that is one of the winning games in the previous game is won. It is a lamp to inform. The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (for example, a bonus such as BB (Big Bonus) or RB (Regular Bonus)) is won internally in the internal lottery. The medal insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies that a medal can be inserted. The payout number display 125 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 game number display 126 is an indicator for displaying an error display when a medal is inserted, the number of games during the big bonus game (in the BB game), the number of winnings of a predetermined winning combination, and the like. The stored number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The medal insertion buttons 130 and 131 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, every time the medal insertion button 130 is pressed, a maximum of three are inserted one by one, and when the medal insertion button 131 is pressed, three are inserted. The medal slot 134 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the medal insertion button 130 or 131, or the actual medal can be inserted through the medal insertion slot 134. The payment button 132 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them to the medal tray 156 from the medal payout opening 155. The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed.

  The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for performing a game start operation. That is, when a desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 134 and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 are rotated as a trigger, and the game is started. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are buttons for performing a stop operation on the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are provided corresponding to the reels 110 to 112. When any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is operated, any one of the corresponding reels 110 to 112 is stopped.

  The locking device 140 is a device that is provided on the front door 102 and locks and unlocks the front door 102 with respect to the main body 101. The medal payout exit 155 is a payout exit for paying out medals. The medal tray 156 is a container for collecting medals paid out from the medal payout opening 155. In this embodiment, the medal tray 156 employs a tray that can emit light, and may be referred to as a tray lamp hereinafter.

  The upper lamp 150, the side lamp 151, the center lamp 152, the waist lamp 153, the lower lamp 154, and the saucer lamp 156 are decorative lamps for exciting the game. The effect device 157 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device having a door (shutter) 163 that can be freely opened and closed attached to the front surface. The effect device 157 displays various information such as a small role notification. The sound hole 160 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. These lamps, presentation devices (display devices), and sound outputs can be used for notification of occurrence of errors and the like. On the title panel 162, a pattern for decorating the slot machine 100 is drawn.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 includes a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game, a sub control unit 400 that controls various devices according to game information (also referred to as commands) transmitted from the main control unit 300, And a display control unit 500 that controls the effect device 157.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described.

  The microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as “Main CPU”) 310 serves as a center of control in the slot machine 100, and exchanges control signals and data with peripheral units via the bus 370.

  The random number generator 311 generates a random number, and includes a plurality of counters, a clock oscillator, a frequency divider, a latch circuit, and the like. The random value generated by the random number generator 311 is stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 313 via the bus 370 and is sent to the Main CPU 310 as necessary. There are a plurality of types of random number values, and each is used according to the processing content.

  The Main CPU 310 also includes a left stop button sensor 341 that detects which stop button is pressed when any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is pressed via the input interface 360 and the bus 370, and a middle stop button sensor. 342, the right stop button sensor 343, the start lever sensor 344 that detects the operation of the start lever 135, the one-sheet insertion button 608, the two-sheet insertion button 610, and the three-sheet insertion button 131 are pressed. 1 button insertion button sensor 345 for detecting which medal insertion button has been pressed, a three-sheet insertion button sensor 347, a lock device sensor 346, and a checkout button switch that operates when the checkout button 132 is pressed. 348 and the slot for the medal slot 134 The first medal sensor (medal sensor 1) 349 and the second medal sensor (medal sensor 2) 350 for detecting the inserted medal, the first payout sensor (payout sensor 1) 351 and the second for detecting the medal payout. A payout sensor (payout sensor 2) 352, a left reel index sensor 353 for detecting the symbol position in the rotation direction of each of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112, a middle reel index sensor 354, and a right Reel index sensors 355 are connected to each other.

  The lock device sensor 346 includes a lock / unlock sensor that detects locking / unlocking of the lock device 140 and a reset sensor. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the lock device sensor 346. In the case of the present embodiment, the lock device 140 is configured by a cylinder lock, and a key hole for inserting a key is provided in the movable portion 140a which is an inner cylinder thereof, and the movable portion 140a can be rotated by inserting the key into the key hole. It becomes. When the movable portion 140a is in the neutral position (the position shown in the figure), it is in the locked state, and when it is in the unlocked position rotated 90 degrees to the right from the neutral position, it is in the unlocked state. The locking device 140 also serves as a reset operation part, and can rotate the movable part 140a to a reset position rotated 90 degrees to the left from the neutral position (reset operation), and remains locked in this reset position.

  The sensor 1 is a locking / unlocking sensor, and transmits an OFF signal (locking detection information) to the main control unit 300 in the unlocked state and an ON signal (unlocking detection information) in the unlocked state, for example.

  The sensor 2 is a reset sensor, and transmits an OFF signal (reset non-detection information) at the neutral position and an ON signal (reset detection information) at the reset position, for example.

  A ROM (read-only memory) 312 is one of storage means for storing programs for performing various controls, various table data to be described later, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 313 has a work area for programs processed by the Main CPU 310 and is one of storage means for storing variable data and the like. In the present embodiment, the ROM and the RAM are employed as described above, but it goes without saying that other storage means can be employed. This also applies to the sub-control unit described later.

  Further, the main CPU 310 has a left reel motor drive unit for controlling a motor (not shown) that rotates the reels of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 via the output interface 332 and the bus 370. 321, a middle reel motor drive unit 322, a right reel motor drive unit 323, a hopper control unit 331 for controlling a medal payout device (so-called hopper: not shown), and a game lamp 380 (specifically, a winning line display) A lamp 120, a start lamp 121, a replay lamp 122, a notification lamp 123, a medal insertion lamp 124, and the like, and a 7-segment (SEG) display 390 (a payout number display 125, a game number display 126, a stored number display 127 And the information output circuit 391 are connected to each other.

  The main control unit 300 can transmit various information of the slot machine 100 (for example, gaming state, occurrence of error, etc.) to an information input circuit provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 391. It has become. The external hall computer can collect information on each slot machine 100 in the hall based on the received information.

  Further, the Main CPU 310 transmits various commands to the input interface 430 of the sub-control unit 400 via the output interface 332. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to transmit a signal such as a command to the sub control unit 400. The unit 400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as SubCPU) 410 receives various commands transmitted from the main control unit 300 via the input interface 430 and the bus 470, and controls the sub control unit 400 as a whole according to the contents of the received commands. To do.

  The ROM 411 is one of storage means for storing programs and data for controlling the sub-control unit 400 as a whole. The RAM 412 has a work area for programs processed by the SubCPU 410, and is one of storage means for storing variable data and the like.

  The effect light-emitting display unit 450 includes decoration lamps such as an upper lamp 150, a side lamp 151, a center lamp 152, a waist lamp 153, a lower lamp 154, and a pan lamp 156, and LEDs that illuminate stop buttons 137 to 139 from the inside. The mounted stop button illumination board, the start button illumination board on which the LED for illuminating the start button 135 from the inside, and the bet button illumination board 606 on which the LED for illuminating the bet button 600 from the inside are implemented (details will be described later). ) Etc. are collectively shown. The production light-emitting display unit 450 is connected to the SubCPU 410 via the output interface 420 and the bus 470, and is turned on / flashes / extinguishes according to an instruction from the SubCPU 410.

  The musical tone signal forming unit 460 forms a musical tone signal based on the control signal and data delivered from the SubCPU 410 and outputs the musical tone signal. The musical sound signal is amplified by an amplifier 461 and then output as a sound from a speaker (specifically, an upper speaker and a central speaker) 462.

  Further, the SubCPU 410 transmits various control data to the display control unit 500 via the output interface 440.

<Display control unit>
Next, the display control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as a second SubCPU) 510 receives various control data transmitted from the sub-control unit 400 via the input interface 530 and the bus 570, and the liquid crystal display device according to the contents of the received command (LCD) 157 is controlled.

  The ROM 511 is one of storage means for storing programs, data, and the like for controlling the entire display control unit 500.

  The VDP 550 transmits display data and the like to the liquid crystal display device 157 via the output interface 553 according to the instruction of the second SubCPU 510. The ROM 552 is one of storage means for storing display data and the like.

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the 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.

  A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on each reel 110 to 112 by a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 1 to 21 in this embodiment). Also, numbers 1 to 21 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 this embodiment, the number 2 frame on the left reel 110 has a “replay” symbol, the number 3 frame on the middle reel 111 has a “fruit (in this example) orange” symbol, On the frame number 2, a “bell” symbol is arranged.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The slot machine 100 employs a winning combination described below for each gaming state. Needless to say, the types of winning combinations in each gaming state are not limited to the winning combinations shown in the present embodiment, and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  Among the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a pattern that shifts to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) can be replayed without inserting a new medal. The symbols that can be distinguished from the winning combination may be referred to as “acting combination”. However, the “winning combination” in this embodiment includes a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are the operating combination. It is.

  Furthermore, the “winning” according to the present invention includes a case where a symbol combination of an operating role not accompanied by a medal payout is displayed on the activated winning line 114, for example, a big bonus, a regular bonus, Includes winnings for replays.

<Normal game>
FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations in a normal game, the corresponding winning symbol combinations, the number of medals paid out (payout), and symbol lottery data (when three medals are inserted).

  The symbol lottery data indicates the number of appearances of each winning combination in a predetermined number of games. The actual internal winning probability of each winning combination is a value obtained by dividing the numerical value of each symbol lottery data by the size of the range of random numbers acquired during the internal lottery of the winning combination (65536 in this embodiment). The random number value is divided into several numerical ranges (winning probability data) in advance, and each winning combination or lose is associated with each numerical range. In addition, the symbol lottery data exists from setting 1 to setting 6 (FIG. 5 shows only symbol lottery data in setting 1), and a clerk of the game shop can arbitrarily select and set any of them. it can.

  There are big bonuses (BB), regular bonuses (RB), replays (replay), and small roles (small role 1, small role 2, small role 3).

  “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. The corresponding winning symbol combination is “red 7-red 7-red 7” in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the flag is carried over for BB. That is, when BB is won internally, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 of the main control unit 300), but even if the BB is not won in the game, the flag remains until winning. The standing state is maintained, and it is assumed that BB is in the internal winning state even after the next game.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding winning symbol combination is “white 7-white 7-white 7” in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, flag carryover is performed for RB as well as BB described above.

  “Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) that allows a game to be played without winning a medal in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. Note that the corresponding winning symbol combination is “replay-replay-replay” in the present embodiment.

  The “small role (small role 1, small role 2, small role 3)” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. In this embodiment, the small role 1 is “fruit-fruit-fruit”, The small role 2 is “bell-bell-bell”, and the small role 3 is “cherry-any-any”. The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-any-any”, the design of the left reel 110 may be “cherry”, and the design of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any design.

<BB general game>
FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations in the BB general game, the corresponding winning symbol combinations, the number of medals paid out (payout), and symbol lottery data (when three medals are inserted). .

  In the present embodiment, the BB general game winning combination includes a regular bonus (RB), a replay (replay), and a small role (small role 1, small role 2, small role 3). Is the same.

<RB game>
FIG. 5C shows the types of winning combinations in RB games, the corresponding winning symbol combinations, the number of medals paid out (payout), and symbol lottery data (when one medal is inserted).

  The winning combination in the RB game includes a small combination (small combination 1, small combination 2, small combination 3), which are the same as those in the normal game.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described.

  The gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a normal game, a BB game, and an RB game.

  Although there are a plurality of types of BB game contents, in this embodiment, the probability of RB internal winning is higher during a BB game than in a normal game. In this embodiment, the BB game ends when a predetermined number of medals is acquired (for example, when the number of medals acquired by winning a prize reaches 465). Other conditions may be added as end conditions for the BB game. For example, when the RB game is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, when the RB game is completed three times), the BB game is ended. May be.

  Although there are a plurality of types of RB games, in this embodiment, it is possible to win during a normal game or a BB game, and a predetermined number of times (12 times in this embodiment) is played. Or a game whose end condition is that one of the conditions of winning a winning combination (eight times in the present embodiment) is established.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, the main process of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit 300.

  Basic control of the game is performed mainly by the Main CPU 310 of the main control unit 300, and the Main CPU 310 repeatedly executes the main control unit main process of FIG.

  When power is turned on to the slot machine 100, first, various initialization processes are executed. Thereafter, in step S101 of the main control unit main process, a process related to medal insertion is performed. Here, after transmitting a “game start command” to the sub-control unit 400, it is checked whether or not medals have been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on according to the number of inserted medals. It is not necessary to insert a medal when winning the re-game in the previous game. In step S <b> 101, a “medal insertion command” is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400. The sub-control unit 400 recognizes that a medal has been inserted by receiving this medal insertion command.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the sub control unit 400. The “game information” transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the sub control unit 400 is not limited to the control command shown in FIG.

  The “normal return command” is a control command transmitted when the power is turned on when the slot machine 100 returns to normal. The “forced RAM clear command” is a control command transmitted when the power is turned on when the RAM 412 of the sub-control unit 400 is forcibly cleared (initialized). The “setting change start command” is a control command that is sent when the power is turned on when changing the setting value, and the “setting change end command” is a control command that is sent when the setting value change is finished. is there. The “setting confirmation start command” is a control command that is transmitted when the current setting value is confirmed, and the “setting confirmation end command” is a control command that is transmitted when the confirmation of the setting value is completed. .

  The “error occurrence command” is a control command that is transmitted when some abnormality occurs, and the “error release command” is a control command that is transmitted when the abnormality is resolved. In the present embodiment, when a reset operation is performed on the lock device 140, the main control unit 300 transmits an error release command.

  The “unlock detection command” is a control command indicating that an unlocking operation has been performed on the lock device 140, and the main control unit 300 transmits the unlock detection command when receiving the unlock detection information. The “locking detection command” is a control command indicating that the locking operation has been performed on the locking device 140, and the main control unit 300 receives the unlocking detection information after receiving the unlocking detection information. When the lock device 140 detects that the state has changed from the unlocked state to the locked state, it transmits a lock detection command. Other control commands in FIG. 8 will be described later.

  The slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of types of operation units. As the operation units that receive operations when the main control unit 300 advances one game, the medal insertion buttons 130 and 131 and the start lever 135 are mainly used. , There are stop buttons 137-139. Then, when the operation of the “operation unit used for the progress of the game” is accepted, the object that the main control unit 300 controls the operation differs depending on each operation unit. For example, when the stop button 137 is operated, the reel 110 that is the target of operation control stops rotating.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, by setting the operation reception order (medal insertion buttons 130, 131 → start lever 135 → stop buttons 137 to 139), operations are received in an operation order different from the set operation order. In the case (for example, when the medal insertion button 130 is operated after the stop button 137 is operated), the operation control corresponding to the operation unit received in a different operation order is not executed, and the game information is not transmitted. Is possible.

  In addition, with respect to an operation unit that is not the above-mentioned “operation unit used for the progress of the game” (for example, the adjustment button 132 that is not related to the progress of the game), the operation reception period of the operation unit is set to each operation unit. When the operation is accepted during a period other than the operation acceptance period, the operation control corresponding to the operation unit is not executed and the game information is not transmitted.

  With reference to FIG.6 and FIG.8, in step S102, the process regarding start operation of a game is performed. Here, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the number of inserted medals is determined. In step S102, a “start lever reception command” is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 based on the operation of the start lever 135. The sub-control unit 400 grasps the start of the game by receiving this “start lever reception command”.

  In step S103, a valid pay line 114 is determined. In step S104, the random number generated by the random number generator 317 is acquired. In step S105, the winning combination internal lottery is performed using the random value acquired in step S104 and the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 312. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination is won internally, the winning combination flag is internally turned ON. Note that the random value acquired in step S104 may be used not only for the winning combination internal lottery but also for the lottery when the reel stop control table is selected.

  In step S106, rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is started by a reel rotation start process. At this time, based on the internal lottery result in step S105, the stop position data selection table is referred to, and any one reel stop control table is selected. In step S106, a “reel rotation start command” is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 as the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. By receiving this “reel rotation start command”, the sub-control unit 400 grasps that the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 has started.

  In step S107, the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 137 to 139 are stopped from rotating by the reel stop control process. At this time, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped based on the reel stop control table selected in step S106. In step S107, based on the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, the “stop button reception 1 to 3 command” is transmitted to the sub control unit 400, and the sub control to the reels 110 to 112 is stopped. “Reel stop 1 to 3 command” is transmitted to the unit 400. The sub-control unit 400 recognizes that the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been performed by receiving the “stop button reception 1 to 3 command”, and receives the “reel stop 1 to 3 command”. It is grasped that the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

  In step S108, the winning determination of the symbols stopped when the stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed is performed. Here, it is determined that the winning combination is won when the winning winning combination 114 corresponding to the internal winning winning combination or the winning combination having the flag carried over is arranged (displayed). . For example, if “Replay-Replay-Replay” is arranged on the validated winning line 114, it is determined that the player wins the replay. In addition, the flag corresponding to the winning combination won is reset. In step S108, a “winning determination command” is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 along with the determination of winning. The sub-control unit 400 receives the “winning determination command” to grasp the presence / absence of a winning.

  In step S109, a medal payout process is performed. In this medal payout process, if a winning combination with a payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out. In step S 109, a “winning effect command” is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 as the medal is paid out. The sub-control unit 400 receives the “winning effect command” to grasp information related to the winning effect.

  In step S110, a game state control process is performed. In this gaming state control process, control for changing the gaming state is performed. For example, in the case of a BB winning or RB winning, a BB game or an RB game is prepared to be started from the next time. Prepare to start normal games from In step S110, a “gaming state command” is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 as the gaming state is updated. The sub-control unit 400 grasps the end of the game by receiving this “game state command”.

  Thus, one game is completed, and thereafter, the game proceeds by repeating the main control unit main process.

<Main control unit interrupt processing>
Next, interrupt processing of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the seed control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer (not shown) that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (for example, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S11, a timer interrupt start process is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 310 to the stack area is performed. In step S12, an input port state update process is performed. In this input port state update process, the detection signal of each sensor is input via the input port of the input interface 360 and stored in the signal state storage area provided for each sensor in the RAM 313.

  In step S17, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from each sensor), and processing according to this status is performed (for example, the acquired interrupt status of each stop button 137 to 139 is set). Based on this, stop button reception processing is performed).

  In step S14, timer update processing is performed. Various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step S15, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various control commands are transmitted to the sub-control unit 400.

  In step S16, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, various types of information stored in the RAM 313 are transmitted to the hall computer via the information output circuit 391.

  In step S17, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal state of each sensor stored in the signal state storage area in step S12 is read and an error is determined. Furthermore, the medal blocker, the game lamp 380, and the 7 segment (SEG) display 390 are set according to the current game state.

  In the process of determining an error, the presence / absence of an error relating to medal insertion abnormality, medal payout abnormality, door opening, etc. is monitored, and if an error is detected (not shown), error processing is executed. When such an error is detected, it is possible to notify the hall computer of the error immediately or in the next processing of S16.

  The error processing includes a case where the progress of the game is interrupted and a case where the progress of the game is not interrupted. In the case of an error that hinders the progress of the game, such as a medal insertion abnormality or a medal payout abnormality, the progress of the game is interrupted and an error occurrence command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 to notify the error. When the progress of the game is not necessarily an obstacle, such as when the door is opened, a command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 without interrupting the progress of the game, and an error is reported. The opening of the door can be determined based on the state of the locking device 140. In the case of this embodiment, when the unlocking is detected, it is determined that the door is being opened, and an unlock detection command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 40.

  In step S18, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S20, and when the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S11 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S20, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 313, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. Do.

<Sub-control unit interrupt processing>
Next, interrupt processing of the sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of sub-control unit interrupt processing.

  The sub-control unit 400 includes a counter timer (not shown) that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle. The SubCPU 410 starts an interrupt process at a predetermined cycle triggered by this timer interrupt signal.

  In step S201, it is determined whether a control command is received from the main control unit 300. If any control command has been received, the process proceeds to step S202. If no control command has been received, the process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S202, the control command received from the main control unit 300 is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 412.

  In step S203, the values of timers A to C described later are updated. In the present embodiment, the timer is configured to be updated by software in the interrupt process. However, the timer may be updated using a hardware timer, or may be updated by a process other than the interrupt process.

  In step S204, it is monitored whether or not the voltage of the power source supplied to the slot machine 100 is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, and it is determined whether or not the power source is cut off (power interruption). If there is a power interruption, the process proceeds to step S205. If not, the process ends.

  In step S205, a power interruption process is performed. In this power interruption process, before the power supplied to the CPU 410 is completely shut down, the current gaming state is saved, the input / output port of the CPU 410 is set, and the like.

<Sub control section main processing>
Next, the main process of the sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the sub-control unit 400.

  In step S301, initial processing is performed. In this initial process, in addition to various initialization processes, in the event of a power interruption, a process for restoring the gaming state before the power interruption stored in the power interruption process is also performed.

  In step S <b> 302, the control command stored in the RAM 412 is referred to in the sub control unit interrupt process to determine whether or not the control command is received from the main control unit 300. If any control command is received, the process proceeds to step S303, and if no control command is received, the control command is waited for.

  In step S303, it is determined whether or not the received control command is a “normal return command”. If it is a normal return command, the process proceeds to step S304, and if not, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S304, an effect return process is performed. In this effect return process, a process of returning the effect state before the power interruption based on the gaming state saved by the power interruption process described above is performed.

  In step S305, it is determined whether or not the received control command is a “forced RAM clear command”. If it is a forced RAM clear command, the process proceeds to step S306, and if not, the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S306, an effect initial state setting process is performed. In the effect initial state setting process, initialization of control data to be output to the device driver, initialization of effect data to be transmitted to the display control unit 500, preparation for transmission, and the like are performed.

  In step S307, it is determined whether or not the received control command is a “setting change start command”. If it is a setting change start command, the process proceeds to step S308; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S312.

  In step S308, the gaming state is cleared (initialized).

  Here, the various data tables used for effect control of the sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a game progress effect data table, FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an error time data table accompanied by interruption of game progress, and FIG. FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a data table at the time of change, and FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a data table at the time of an error relating to door opening without interruption of game progress. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a timer data table in which the contents are defined. These tables are stored in advance in a predetermined area of the ROM 411 of the sub control unit 400.

  The game progress effect data table in FIG. 5A is a data table that is referred to when an error occurs or a setting is not changed (during a normal game, a BB game, etc.). It is a data table in which the relationship of the name of the execution opportunity command which becomes, the kind of timer, effect data, and the transition destination of a gaming state is memorize | stored. The gaming state referred to here is the state of the main control unit 300 recognized by the sub control unit 400.

  The error time data table in FIG. 5B is a data table that is referred to when an error occurs that interrupts the progress of the game. The game state, the name of the execution trigger command that triggers the transition of the game state, and the timer It is a data table in which the type, effect data, and the relationship between the game state transition destinations are stored.

  The data table at the time of setting change in FIG. 5C is a data table that is referred to at the time of setting change. The game state, the name of the execution trigger command that triggers the transition of the game state, the type of timer, the effect data, This is a data table in which the relationship of the game state transition destination is stored.

  The error time data table in FIG. 4D is a data table that is referred to when the door is opened. The gaming state, the name of the execution trigger command that triggers the transition to the gaming state, the type of timer, the presentation data, It is a data table in which the relationship of the game state transition destination is stored.

  Returning to FIG. 10, in step S <b> 309, the setting change time data table is referred to, and “ST301” corresponding to the execution trigger command “setting change start” is set as the migration destination gaming state.

  In step S310, timer T3 and effect data corresponding to the execution trigger command “setting change start” are set. The timers T1 to T4 are set with reference to the timer data table shown in FIG. 12E, and the timers T1, T2, and T3 are set to the initial values corresponding to the timers 10 ms, 190 ms, and 800 ms. Each value is stored. When the timer T4 is set, an initial value corresponding to a time of 4100 ms is stored in the B timer, and when the timer T5 is set, an initial value corresponding to a time of 500 ms is stored in the C timer.

  In step S311, it is determined whether or not the received control command is an “error occurrence command”. If it is an error occurrence command, the process proceeds to step S312; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S315.

  In step S312, the gaming state is cleared.

  In step S313, referring to the data table at the time of error, “ST201” corresponding to the execution trigger command “error occurrence” is set as the gaming state of the transfer destination.

  In step S314, a timer T4 and effect data corresponding to the execution trigger command “error occurrence” are set.

  In step S315, it is determined whether or not the received control command is a “setting confirmation start command”. If it is a setting confirmation start command, the process proceeds to step S316; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S320.

  In step S316, the gaming state is cleared.

  In step S317, referring to the setting data table, “ST302” corresponding to the execution trigger command “setting confirmation start” is set as the game state of the transfer destination.

  In step S318, the timer T3 and effect data corresponding to the execution trigger command “setting confirmation start” are set.

  In step S320, it is determined whether or not the sub error flag is ON. If the sub error flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S329. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S321. Here, the sub error flag is a flag that is turned ON when the sub control unit 400 independently determines an abnormality (sub error) of the sub control unit 400 and determines that it is abnormal, and uses a predetermined area of the RAM 412. Flag. In the present embodiment, the target of the sub error is the control command reception order. Of course, the target of the sub error may be other contents, and there may be a plurality of targets. For example, the target of the sub error is set as an opportunity to start a control command related to privilege grant among the control commands (for example, an assist time (so-called “AT”) for notifying a player operation performed by the sub control unit 400). (Special control command) transmission frequency may be used. In this case, if the game interval from receipt of a special command to receipt of the next special command was within 5 games, the sub-error It is good. Further, for example, the target of the sub error may be the control command reception interval. In this case, the interval between the reception of the reel stop 2 command and the reception of the reel stop 3 command is 1 minute or longer. In addition, a sub error may be used. The following S321 and S322 are processes for determining this sub error.

  In step S321, it is determined whether or not the received control command is an execution trigger command corresponding to the current gaming state, that is, the control command reception order and the operation unit (start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.). It is determined whether or not the operation order is a predetermined order. If it is a corresponding execution trigger command (if the control command reception order or the operation unit operation order is a predetermined order), the process proceeds to step S322; otherwise (control command reception order or operation order). If the operation order of the parts is not a predetermined order), the process proceeds to step S326.

  For example, when the current game state is “ST102” in the game progress effect data table, the execution trigger command corresponding to the game state “ST102” is the “start lever reception command”. Therefore, if the received control command is a “start lever acceptance command”, the process proceeds to step S322, and if not, the process proceeds to step S326 to set the sub error flag to ON.

  In step S322, whether or not the set AC timer has timed out, that is, whether the reception interval time from receiving the previous control command until receiving a new control command is less than a predetermined determination time, It is judged whether it is more than the judgment time. If the timers A to C have timed out (when the control command reception interval time is equal to or longer than the predetermined determination time), the process proceeds to step S323; otherwise (the control command reception interval time is predetermined). If it is less than the determination time (too early), the process proceeds to step S326.

  For example, when the current game state is “ST102” in the game progress effect data table, the timers corresponding to the game state “ST102” are “T1 (= 10 ms)” and “T4 (= 4100 ms)”. . Therefore, if the A timer is 10 ms or more and the B timer is 4100 ms or more, the process proceeds to step S323, and if the A timer is less than 10 ms or the B timer is less than 4100 ms, the process proceeds to step S326 and the sub error flag is turned ON. To do.

  In step S323, the gaming state is cleared. In step S324, a timer and effect data corresponding to the execution trigger command scheduled to be received next time are set. In step S325, the gaming state corresponding to the received execution trigger command is set as the transition destination gaming state.

  In step S326, the sub error flag is turned ON. In steps S327 and S328, an error flag ON setting process is performed. First, in step S327, the gaming state is cleared. In step S328, control data for error production 1 is set as an abnormality notification for notifying the occurrence of a sub error. FIG. 13 exemplifies error production 1, and anomaly is notified by the sound output “Communication error has occurred” and the light emission of the lamp and the image display 1 on the production device 157.

  In step S329, it is determined whether or not the received control command is an “unlock detection command”. If it is an unlock detection command, the process proceeds to step S330; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S336.

  In step S330, it is determined whether the sub error flag is ON. If it is ON, the process proceeds to S331, and if it is OFF, the process proceeds to S333. In step S331, the sub error flag is turned OFF, and in step S332, a setting for ending the error effect 1 is performed in order to end the notification of the sub error. In the present embodiment, the sub-error notification is terminated when the lock device 140 is unlocked, that is, when the front door 102 is opened. Details will be described later.

  In step S333, the gaming state is cleared. In step S334, referring to the error data table, “ST401” corresponding to the execution trigger command “unlock detection command” is set as the game state of the transfer destination. In step S335, control data for the timer T5 and the error effect 2 corresponding to the execution trigger command “unlock detection command” is set.

  The error effect 2 is an effect for notifying that the opening operation of the front door 102 has been performed. FIG. 13 exemplifies error production 2 and, along with the sound output “door opened”, the lamp is emitted, and the image display 2 on the production device 157 notifies the door opening or door opening operation. .

  In S336, processing related to other control commands is performed. For example, when the “locking detection command” is received, the error effect 2 set in S335 is ended. If the “error cancel command” is received, the effect set in S314 is terminated.

  In step S337, it is determined whether there is control data to be output to the device driver. If there is control data, the process proceeds to step S338. If not, the process proceeds to step S339.

  In step S338, control data is output to the device driver. For example, the control data is output to the speaker 462 and the effect light emission display unit 450.

  In step S339, it is determined whether there is a command to be output to display control unit 500. If there is a command, the process proceeds to step S340, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated. In step S340, a command is transmitted to the display control unit 500, and the process ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 400 has a function of determining an error of the sub-control unit 400 itself, so that a failure of the main control unit 300 or an illegal act on the sub-control unit 400 is detected. Is possible.

  As an illegal act, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, an unauthorized device is installed between the main control unit 300 and the sub-control unit 400, and an unauthorized control command is sent to the sub-control unit 400 by the unauthorized device. It may be transmitted.

<Sub-error notification>
Next, matters related to sub-error notification will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, as described above, the sub-control unit 400 uniquely determines the abnormality and performs notification by the game lamp, the effect device 157, or audio output.

  Here, as described with reference to FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 300 and the sub control unit 400 are one-way communication, and transmitting information from the sub control unit 400 to the main control unit 300 is not possible. Can not. Although the main control unit 391 includes the information output circuit 391, the sub control unit 400 does not include the information output circuit 391 and does not have a configuration for transmitting information to an external hall computer. Further, in the present embodiment, there is no operation unit that can instruct the sub-control unit 400 from the outside without going through the main control unit 300.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the abnormality notification performed by the sub-control unit 400 includes at least a part of a notification that prompts a predetermined operation that can be detected by the main control unit 300, and the abnormality notification is terminated on the condition of this operation. It was decided. As a result of receiving a notification and performing a predetermined operation by a hall clerk or the like, information is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the hall computer or the like, and as a result, it can be recognized externally that the sub-control unit 400 has determined an abnormality. It becomes. In this way, it may be possible to collect information on an abnormality that has occurred in the sub-control unit 400 that does not have an external information transmission function.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined operation is the door opening operation (unlocking operation for the locking device 140). As described above, in this embodiment, when the unlocking operation is detected, the main control unit 300 notifies the hall computer that there is an error as an error. As a result, the sub error in the sub control unit 400 is recognized and recorded as a door opening error.

  On the hall computer side, it cannot be distinguished whether the door opening error is only due to the unlocking operation for the locking device 140 or the unlocking operation based on the result of the sub-control unit 400 determining and informing the sub-error, By confirming the notification of the sub error, the hall clerk can recognize that the unlocking operation is caused by the sub error.

  In addition, as described above, the door opening error does not interrupt the progress of the game, so by making this a condition for terminating the sub-error notification, the discomfort given to the player is reduced, and a dedicated error termination for abnormal notification ends. There is no need to add an operating device, and the sub-error can be canceled by suppressing the cost increase.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a time series of a series of flows related to the sub error. First, as shown by the state ST1, the sub-control unit 400 determines a sub-error related to the control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the sub-control unit 400. Then, the sub-control unit 400 performs abnormality notification including notification for urging the door to open (S328 in FIG. 11). In the example of the figure, in addition to notifying the content of the error “There is a communication error”, the effect production device 157 is notified that the door is to be opened “Please open the door”.

  State ST2 shows a state in which the hall clerk has opened the door (a state in which the unlocking operation of the lock device 140 has been performed). The main control unit 300 generates a door opening error and transmits an error to the hall computer and also transmits an error control command (unlock detection command in FIG. 8) to the sub-control unit 400. Receiving this, the sub-control unit 400 ends the notification of the sub-error (S332 in FIG. 11), and starts notification of the door opening error (S335 in FIG. 11). In the example of FIG. 15, the effect device 157 is notified of the error content that “the door is open”.

  FIG. 16 shows more specific notification examples in the state ST1 and the state ST2.

  In the state ST1, the rendering device 157 displays “A communication error has occurred” and “Please open the door to cancel” depending on the image. In addition, the voice repeatedly informs that “a communication error has occurred”. Further, the upper lamp 150 and the side lamp 151 are all turned on, while the central lamp 152 and the like are all turned off, thereby adopting a notification mode unique to the notification of the sub error.

  When the door opening operation (unlocking operation with respect to the lock device 140) is performed, the state ST2 is entered, and this is detected by the main controller 300, and a door opening signal is transmitted as error information to the hall computer via the information output circuit 391. The Also, the unlock detection command is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the sub control unit 400, the notification of the sub error is terminated, and the notification of the door opening error is started. A hall clerk or the like can recognize that the unlocking operation has been performed properly by notifying the door opening error, and the front door 102 can be opened (unlocked). It becomes possible to make a store clerk recognize.

  In the example shown in the drawing, “the door has been opened” is displayed on the rendering device 157 by an image. In addition, the user is notified by voice that “the door has been opened” a plurality of times (here, twice). Furthermore, while the upper lamp 150 and the side lamp 151 blink, the central lamp 152 and the like are all turned on, thereby adopting a notification mode unique to the door opening error. Note that the game can be continued during this notification.

  When the closing of the front door 102 is detected (locking operation on the lock device 140), the lock detection command of FIG. 8 is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the sub control unit 400, and the notification of the door opening error is ended.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the opening / closing of the front door 102 is determined by detecting the operation on the lock device 140. However, the opening / closing of the front door 102 may be directly detected. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the sensor 10 is provided inside the main body 101 to detect opening and closing of the front door 102. The sensor 10 is, for example, a push-type sensor that is pressed by the front door 102 when the front door 102 is closed and is turned on when the front door 102 is opened, and is turned off when the front door 102 is opened.

<Third Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the notification of the sub error is terminated on the condition that the front door 102 is opened. However, the notification of the sub error may be terminated on the condition that the front door 102 is closed.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the sub-control unit main process in the present embodiment, and extracts processes that are different from those in the first embodiment.

  In step S329, it is determined whether or not the received control command is an “unlock detection command”. If it is an unlock detection command, the process proceeds to step S333, and if not, the process proceeds to step S401. The processing in steps S333 and S334 is the same as that in the first embodiment. In step S350, it is determined whether the sub error flag is ON. If it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S351. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S352. Step S351 is the same process as step S335 of the first embodiment, and a door opening error notification is started. The same applies to step S352, but notification including not only a door opening error but also a sub error notification is started.

  In S401, it is determined whether or not the received control command is a “locking detection command”. And if it is a lock | rock detection command, it will progress to step S402, and if that is not right, it will progress to step S336 (FIG. 11).

  In step S402, it is determined whether the sub error flag is ON. If it is ON, the process proceeds to S403, and if it is OFF, the process proceeds to S405. In step S403, the sub error flag is set to OFF, and in step S404, a setting for ending the error effect 1 is made to end the notification of the sub error. As a result, the sub-error notification is terminated when the locking device 140 is locked, that is, when the front door 102 is closed.

  In step S405, the error effect 2 set in S335 is terminated. Thereby, the notification of the door opening error ends. In step S406, effect data for returning to the original effect content is set. The original effect content is the effect content that was performed before the occurrence of the sub error or before the door was opened.

  FIG. 19 shows more specific notification examples in the state ST1 and the state ST2 of the present embodiment. Here, the notification example of the state ST2 is a notification example when the sub error flag is ON (error effect 2 'in S352).

  The notification content in state ST1 is the same as the notification content in state ST1 of FIG. On the other hand, in the notification in the state ST2, the notification device 157 displays “A communication error has occurred” by an image and continues to notify the sub error, and also notifies the door opening error that “the door has been opened”. Has been done.

  In the voice notification, “the door has been opened” is notified a plurality of times (here, twice). It is assumed that the upper lamp 150 and the side lamp 151 blink during the voice notification, and then are all turned on to mix the notification of the door opening error and the sub error.

  When the closing of the front door 102 is detected (locking operation with respect to the locking device 140), the lock detection command of FIG. 8 is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the sub control unit 400, and a door open error notification and a sub error notification are sent. Both ends. Thereafter, the original production content is restored.

  As described above, even when another notification (door opening error) is performed, it is also possible to continuously perform the notification of the sub error. As a result, the occurrence of a sub-error may be surely recognized by a hall clerk or the like.

<Fourth embodiment>
From the viewpoint of suppressing fraud, it is not preferable that the fraudster knows how to cancel the sub-error notification. In addition, it is assumed that the hall clerk is often informed of the release method in advance. Therefore, a notification mode that does not include a notification that prompts an operation to cancel the sub error notification may be employed. In addition, a notification mode in which a door opening error is not performed when a sub error occurs can be employed.

  FIG. 20 shows more specific notification examples in the state ST1 and the state ST2 of the present embodiment. Here, the notification example of the state ST2 is a notification example when the sub error flag is ON (error effect 2 'in S352).

  The notification content in the state ST1 is basically the same as the notification content in the state ST1 in FIG. 16, but the effect device 157 does not display “Please open the door to release” and the release method. Is not included.

  Further, in the notification in the state ST2, “the command is abnormal” is displayed on the effect device 157 by an image, the specific type of the sub error is notified, and there is no notification regarding the door opening error. Thus, instead of notifying the door opening error, a new notification of a sub error may be performed.

  Depending on the specific type of sub error, it may take time to confirm. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is set as the structure which does not perform notification by a game lamp or an audio | voice in state ST2.

  When the closing of the front door 102 is detected (locking operation with respect to the locking device 140), the lock detection command of FIG. 8 is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the sub control unit 400, the sub error notification ends, and the original effect content Return to. However, at the time of return, the effect device 157 displays “Continue command monitoring” to emphasize that the control command is being monitored. This display is performed, for example, for a certain period (for example, 5 seconds). This is a check against fraudsters.

  Moreover, this embodiment is also an example in which notification of a sub error is continuously performed even when other notification (door opening error) is performed, as in the third embodiment, and the occurrence of a sub error is detected by a hall clerk or the like. May be able to be recognized more reliably.

  FIG. 21 shows another example of the present embodiment, and shows more specific notification examples in the state ST1 and the state ST2.

  The notification content in the state ST1 is the same as the notification content in the state ST1 in FIG. 20, and the effect device 157 does not display “Please open the door to release” and does not include the release method. . In the notification in the state ST2, “Please close the door” is displayed on the rendering device 157 by an image, and a method for solving the door opening error is presented. This is also a notification that the sub-error notification cancellation has been established. Even in the example of FIG. 21, in the state ST <b> 2, the game lamp or voice notification is not performed, but may be performed.

<Fifth Embodiment>
The notification of the sub-error may set a minimum execution period, and the notification may be terminated after the minimum execution period has elapsed even if a release operation is performed within this period. This is because, for example, even if a fraudster who knows the notification release method performs a release operation immediately after the notification, the notification can continue to be recognized by a hall clerk for a certain period of time. There is a case.

  FIG. 22 shows more specific notification examples in the state ST1 and the state ST2 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the door opening is a notification release operation, and the notification by the image of the rendering device 157 is continued for at least 10 seconds.

  The notification contents in the state ST1 are the same as the notification contents in FIGS. 20 and 21, and the effect device 157 does not display “Please open the door to release” and does not include the release method.

  When the door opening is detected within 10 seconds from the start of the sub-error notification and the state ST2 is entered, the notification by the game lamp or voice is the same as the notification of the door opening error in FIG. Continues to report sub-errors. Thereafter, when the front door 102 is closed within 10 seconds from the start of the sub error notification, the game lamp or voice notification ends the door opening error notification, but the image of the effect device 157 continues the sub error notification. doing. Then, after the elapse of 10 seconds, the original content is restored.

  When 10 seconds elapse while the door is open, the image of the effect device 157 can be, for example, a notification of the door opening error illustrated in FIG. In addition, when the notification release operation is performed after 10 seconds, the sub error notification can be continued until the notification release operation.

<Sixth Embodiment>
The error notification canceling operation on the main side, which is the sub error notification canceling operation, may require a plurality of operations. For example, it is assumed that the notification release of the door opening error when the sub error occurs is established when the door is closed a plurality of times. The notification release of a normal door opening error is one door closing. Then, on the hall computer side, it may be easy to determine whether the door opening error is caused by a sub error or not.

  FIG. 23 shows a notification example in the present embodiment. After the sub error occurs, the sub error is notified in the state ST1, and the notification cancellation condition is displayed as “opening / closing: twice”. When the door opening is detected, the process shifts to the state S2 to notify the door opening error. Subsequent door closing detection results in state ST1 again, and a sub-error notification is made. When door opening is detected, the process proceeds to state S2 and door opening error notification is made. After that, the notification is terminated when the door is closed, and the original content is restored. In the case of this example, the hall clerk or the like who cancels the notification operates the movable unit 140a in the neutral position with respect to the lock device 140 by operating the unlock position → the neutral position → the unlock position → the neutral position. The notification ends. Since multiple signals will be output from the game console to the external hall computer, it is possible to confirm events that are not likely to be normal on the hall computer side, and determine that it is caused by a sub error. May be possible.

  In the first state ST2, for example, the game lamp and the sound output may be restored to the original effect contents, and only the image display of the effect device 157 may be the sub error notification image. Thereby, it may be possible to make it easier for the operator to recognize that the release operation has been established up to an intermediate stage.

<Seventh embodiment>
In each of the above embodiments, the sub-error notification is canceled based on the door opening and closing operations. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various operations on the slot machine 100 may be targeted for sub-error notification cancellation. it can. In this case, it is preferable that the operation involves transmission of information to the hall computer or an operation without interruption of the progress of the game.

  For example, a reset operation on the lock device 140 may be used as a reference. FIG. 24 shows a notification example in the present embodiment.

  When a sub error occurs, notification of the sub error is started. In the example in the figure, the notification example is the same as in FIG. 16 and the like, but the effect device 157 displays “Please operate the door key twice to the left” as a notification of the sub-error notification canceling operation. ing. And if reset operation with respect to the locking device 140 is performed twice, alerting | reporting of a suberror will be complete | finished and it will return to the original content of production. That is, the hall clerk or the like who cancels the notification operates the movable unit 140a in the neutral position with respect to the lock device 140 as follows: reset position → neutral position → reset position → neutral position. Of course, the number of operations may be once or three or more times.

  The reset operation is not accompanied by interruption of the progress of the game. In addition, the information output circuit 391 transmits a reset operation detection signal, and the hall computer can recognize the occurrence of the sub error.

  As an operation for canceling the sub-error notification other than the reset operation, for example, a touch sensor that detects contact with the lock device 140 is provided from the viewpoint of crime prevention, and contact of any object with the lock device 140 is detected by the touch sensor. In this case, the sub error notification may be canceled. The detection result of the touch sensor may be received by the main control unit 300, and when the main control unit 300 detects the operation, the main control unit 300 may transmit that fact to the hall computer. In addition, examples of the notification that prompts the user to cancel the notification of the sub error include a display “Please operate the key”.

<Eighth Embodiment>
The game table to which the present invention can be applied is “a plurality of reels provided with a plurality of types of symbols, a start lever for starting rotation of the reels, and a reel rotation corresponding to each reel. A stop button for individually stopping the reel, lottery means for determining whether or not the internal winning of a predetermined role is determined by lottery, and a reel for stopping the reel based on the determination result of the lottery means and operation of the stop button Stop control means, and is configured to win the winning combination when the combination of symbols displayed by the reel at the time of stopping is a predetermined symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination internally Although it is suitable for the “slot machine”, it is not limited to the structure of the slot machine as shown in the above embodiment.

  Therefore, for example, in the above embodiment, an example of a slot machine using medals (coins) as a game medium has been shown. However, for example, a slot machine (so-called parrot) using game balls (for example, pachinko balls) as game media, The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine or the like.

  Here, as a pachinko machine, for example, a variable display device that variably displays a predetermined design (identification information) is provided, and the variable display device changes the design when a game ball enters the winning prize opening and wins a prize. An example is a pachinko machine that is stopped and displayed to notify the game state transition.

  In such a pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the start winning opening, a lottery is performed and it is determined whether or not the lottery result is a win. When winning the jackpot in this lottery, the variable display device displays a combination (a jackpot symbol; for example, 777) based on a specific symbol and shifts to a jackpot state. In the big hit state, for example, the big prize opening is kept open for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times, so that the game ball is easy to enter and a state advantageous to the player is realized. In addition, when the combination of a specific symbol (hit jackpot symbol) is a jackpot symbol (probability variation symbol) with a probability variation, the probability of the next jackpot increases, and a more advantageous state for the player is realized. .

<Summary of Embodiment>
A1. The gaming table of the above-described embodiment is based on the game information (for example, FIG. 8) transmitted by the first control means (for example, 300), and the second control unit (for example, 157, 450, 462) for informing the notification unit (for example, FIG. 8). 400), the first control means is capable of transmitting information to the outside of the game machine (eg, 391, S16), and the second control means is When the abnormality is determined, the notification means can be notified of the abnormality (for example, S328), and the abnormality notification is a notification that prompts a predetermined operation that can be detected by the first control means. At least partly (for example, FIG. 16), and when the first control unit detects the predetermined operation, the first control unit transmits information to the outside of the game table and sends the information to the second control unit. At least transmission of information (for example, S16, S15) , Said second control means, based on said information transmitted by said first control means, the one in which to terminate the abnormality notification (e.g. S332), characterized in that.

  According to this configuration, as a result of the predetermined operation being performed, information is transmitted from the first control means to the outside of the game machine, and as a result, it is possible to recognize externally that an abnormality has been determined by the second control means. It becomes. Therefore, it may be possible to collect information on an abnormality that has occurred in a control unit that does not have an external information transmission function.

  A2. The gaming table of the above embodiment is the gaming table of A1, and the second control unit performs operation notification to the notification unit based on the information transmitted by the first control unit (for example, S335). ) Is performed.

  According to this configuration, the hall clerk may be able to recognize that the predetermined operation has been appropriately performed.

  A3. The gaming table of the above embodiment is the gaming table of A1 or A2, and the second control unit may perform other notification in the first period after the start of the abnormality notification. The abnormality notification is continuously performed by the notification means (for example, FIGS. 19, 20, and 22).

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to make the hall clerk recognize the abnormality notification more reliably.

  B1. The gaming table of the above embodiment includes a front door (for example, 102) attached to a main body (for example, 101), a lock device (for example, 140) for locking the front door, and first control means for controlling the progress of the game. (E.g., 300) and second control means (e.g., 400) that can cause notification means (e.g., 157, 450, 462) to perform notification based on the game information (e.g., FIG. 8) transmitted by the first control means. ), And a detection means (eg, 346) for detecting locking / unlocking of the locking device, and the second control means is configured to detect an abnormality. It is possible to cause the notification means to perform abnormality notification (for example, S328), and the first control means, when the detection result by the detection means is the unlocking, The unlocking information is transmitted to the control means (for example, S12, S15, FIG. 8) The first control means does not interrupt the control of the progress of the game when the result detected by the detection means is the unlocking, and the second control means The abnormality notification is terminated based on the unlock information transmitted by one control means (for example, S332).

  According to this configuration, the progress of the game is not interrupted when the abnormality notification is canceled, and it is not necessary to add a dedicated operation device by terminating the abnormality notification on the condition that the lock device is unlocked. Therefore, it may be possible to realize release of error notification that can reduce discomfort given to the player and can suppress an increase in cost.

  B2. The gaming table of the above embodiment is the gaming table of B1, and the second control unit notifies the notification unit of the door opening based on the unlocking information transmitted by the first control unit. (Eg, S335).

  According to this configuration, the hall clerk may be able to recognize that the unlocking operation has been performed appropriately. In addition, the hall clerk may be able to recognize that the front door is openable.

  B3. The gaming table of the above embodiment includes a front door (for example, 102) attached to a main body (for example, 101), a lock device (for example, 140) for locking the front door, and first control means for controlling the progress of the game. (E.g., 300) and second control means (e.g., 400) that can cause notification means (e.g., 157, 450, 462) to perform notification based on the game information (e.g., FIG. 8) transmitted by the first control means. ), And a detection means (eg, 346) for detecting locking / unlocking of the locking device, and the second control means is configured to detect an abnormality. It is possible to cause the notification means to perform abnormality notification (for example, S328), and when the result detected by the detection means is the lock, the first control means performs the second control. Lock information is transmitted to the means (for example, S12, S15, FIG. 8) The first control means does not interrupt the control of the progress of the game when the result detected by the detection means is the lock, and the second control means On the basis of the locking information transmitted by the control means, the abnormality notification is terminated (for example, S332).

  According to this configuration, the progress of the game is not interrupted when the abnormality notification is canceled, and it is not necessary to add a dedicated operation device by terminating the abnormality notification on condition that the locking device is locked. Therefore, it may be possible to realize release of error notification that can reduce discomfort given to the player and can suppress an increase in cost.

  B4. The gaming table of the above embodiment is transmitted by the front door (for example, 102) attached to the main body (for example, 101), the first control means (for example, 300) for controlling the progress of the game, and the first control means. Based on the game information (for example, FIG. 8), a game table (for example, 100) provided with second control means (for example, 400) capable of notifying the notification means (for example, 157, 450, 462). And detecting means (for example, 10) for detecting the open / closed state of the front door, and the second control means can cause the notification means to perform an abnormality notification when an abnormality is determined. (For example, S328), and when the result detected by the detection means is the open state, the first control means transmits open state information to the second control means ( For example, S12, S15), the first control means is connected to the detection means. When the detected result is the open state, the game progress control is not interrupted, and the second control means transmits the open state information transmitted by the first control means. Based on the above, the abnormality notification is terminated (for example, S332).

  According to this configuration, the progress of the game is not interrupted when the abnormality notification is canceled, and it is not necessary to add a dedicated operation device by terminating the abnormality notification on condition that the front door is opened. Therefore, it may be possible to realize release of error notification that can reduce discomfort given to the player and can suppress an increase in cost.

  B5. The gaming table of the above embodiment is the gaming table of B1 to B3, and the second control means determines that there is an abnormality when at least the reception order of the gaming information is different from the predetermined reception order. (For example, S321).

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to detect a failure of the first control means or detect an illegal act.

B6. The game table of the above embodiment is
A front door (eg 102) attached to the main body (eg 101), a lock device (eg 140) provided on the front door, a first control means (eg 300) for controlling the progress of the game, A game comprising: second control means (for example, 400) capable of causing notification means (for example, 157, 450, 462) to perform notification based on game information (for example, FIG. 8) transmitted by the first control means. A table (e.g., 100), wherein the locking device includes a movable part (e.g., 140a) that can be rotated by inserting a key, and detecting means that detects that the movable part is in a predetermined position ( 346), for example, and the second control means can cause the notification means to perform abnormality notification when an abnormality is determined (for example, S328), and the first control means includes the first control means, That the movable part is at the predetermined position by the detecting means. If known, information is transmitted to the second control means (for example, S12, S15, FIG. 8), and the first control means is configured such that the movable portion is moved to the predetermined position by the detection means. When it is detected that there is a game, the control of the progress of the game is not interrupted, and the second control means notifies the abnormality notification based on the information transmitted by the first control means. It is to be terminated (for example, S332).

  According to this configuration, the progress of the game is not interrupted when the abnormality notification is canceled, and it is not necessary to add a dedicated operation device by terminating the abnormality notification on the condition that the lock device is operated. Therefore, it may be possible to realize release of error notification that can reduce discomfort given to the player and can suppress an increase in cost.

Claims (3)

Based on the game information transmitted by the first control means, a gaming machine provided with a second control means for notifying the notification means,
The first control means is capable of transmitting information outside the gaming table,
The second control means is capable of causing the notification means to perform abnormality notification when an abnormality is determined,
The abnormality notification includes at least part of a notification that prompts a predetermined operation that the first control means can detect.
The first control means performs at least the transmission of information to the outside of the gaming table and the transmission of information to the second control means when detecting the predetermined operation,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the second control means terminates the abnormality notification based on the information transmitted by the first control means. The game stand according to claim 1,
The second control means causes the notification means to perform an operation notification based on the information transmitted by the first control means.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1 or 2,
In the first period from the start of the abnormality notification, the second control means is to cause the notification means to continue the abnormality notification even when performing other notifications.
A game stand characterized by that.

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