JP2022033508A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can reduce a possibility that a player is unsatisfied.SOLUTION: A top plate of an enclosure includes an attachment hole used in attachment to island equipment of the enclosure. The enclosure is provided with a main control board. A front door is provided with a sub control board. Directly under the attachment hole, neither the main control board nor the sub control board is disposed. When a first performance setting operation part is operated while a voice related to paying out of a game medium based on an operation of a settlement operation part is output, control means stops output of the voice related to the paying out and executes processing based on the operation of the first performance setting operation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

As a gaming machine, a slot machine provided with a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, a start lever, a stop button, and the like is known. In the slot machine, when it is detected that the start lever is operated after the game medium (medal) is bet, the rotation of a plurality of reels starts. Further, when it is detected that the stop button provided corresponding to each reel is operated, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop button is stopped. At this time, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the valid line to be paid out, a predetermined number of medals are paid out, and the player is given a game benefit.

Some slot machines are provided with a checkout button for executing the payout (payment process) of credited medals. Some such slot machines provide notifications related to the settlement process in which medals are paid out when the settlement button is pressed. For example, in the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, a settlement sound is output from the end of the settlement of medals until a predetermined time elapses.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-34552

By the way, some slot machines are equipped with a cross button (cross key) that enables transition to a menu screen or a volume change screen. If the cross-shaped button is operated while the settlement sound is being output and the operation is not accepted, the player may be dissatisfied.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the risk of a player being dissatisfied.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention
It is equipped with a box-shaped housing, a front door, a settlement operation unit used for settlement, an effect setting operation unit used for operations including setting of effects, and a control means for controlling execution of effects.
The effect setting operation unit includes a first effect setting operation unit and a second effect setting operation unit.
The top plate of the housing is provided with mounting holes used for mounting the housing to island equipment.
A main control board is provided in the housing, and the housing is provided with a main control board.
An auxiliary control board is provided on the front door.
Neither the main control board nor the sub control board is arranged directly under the mounting hole.
When the first effect setting operation unit is operated while the voice related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement operation unit is output, the control means stops the output of the voice related to the payout. However, it is characterized in that processing based on the operation of the first effect setting operation unit is performed.

Even if the first effect setting operation unit (for example, the left and right buttons of the cross key) is operated while the sound related to the payout of the game medium is being output, no processing is performed, and if the sound output is completed, the first effect setting operation unit (for example, the left and right buttons of the cross key) is operated. When the process based on the operation of the effect setting operation unit 1 is performed, the timing at which the process based on the operation of the first effect setting operation unit is performed is delayed by the amount of waiting for the end of the output of the sound. In the present invention, if the first effect setting operation unit is operated while the sound related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the payment operation unit is output, the output of the voice related to the payout is stopped and the first Since the processing based on the operation of the effect setting operation unit of the above is performed, the player can operate the cross-shaped button even while the voice is being output, and the player can make a desired setting. As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk that the player will be dissatisfied because the first effect setting operation unit cannot be operated without waiting for the output of the voice to finish.
In addition, since neither the main control board nor the sub control board is placed directly under the mounting hole, dust is generated when the fixing member (screw) is screwed into the mounting hole when mounting the gaming machine on the island equipment. Even if it is generated, the dust does not adhere to either the main control board or the sub control board. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects due to the adhesion of dust to the substrate.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk that the player will be dissatisfied.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the gaming machine. The timing chart of the blocker position related to the settlement process executed based on the operation of the settlement button of the gaming machine, the control state of the main control board (main control means), and the control state of the sub control board (sub control means). Is. The same is a flowchart of the control operation on the main control board side related to the settlement process of the gaming machine. The same is a flowchart of the control operation on the sub-control board side related to the settlement process of the gaming machine. It is a timing chart (No. 1) showing the processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. It is a timing chart (No. 2) showing the processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the error type of the gaming machine, an error code, and a cancellation method. It is a timing chart (No. 3) showing the processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. It is a timing chart (No. 4) showing the processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. It is a timing chart (No. 5) showing the processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The same is an external perspective view showing a state in which the front door is opened. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration. It is a figure for demonstrating the edge detection process. The same is a flowchart showing the edge detection process. The same is a flowchart showing the update process at the time of recovery from power failure. It is a figure for demonstrating the process at the time of the electric power failure. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of processing in the case of power failure. The same is a flowchart showing another example of the update process at the time of recovery from power failure. 6 is a timing chart (No. 6) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the gaming machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal lottery table. It is a diagram for explaining the correct batting order of the batting order bell. The same is a state transition diagram of the gaming state. It is a state transition diagram of the game section and the effect state. In the same, it is a figure for demonstrating the medal acquisition performance of each game state. The figure shows an example of the display displayed in the bonus state. It is a figure which shows an example of the display which is displayed in the 2nd effect state. It is a figure which shows an example of the display which is displayed in the 1st effect state. It is a figure for demonstrating the layer structure. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. The inside of the gaming machine housing is shown, and is a perspective view seen from the front right side. The same shows the outer surface of the gaming machine housing, and is a perspective view seen from the rear left side. The same is for explaining the attachment of the screw to the gaming machine housing, (a) is an exploded perspective view of the screw and the nut, and (b) is a perspective view showing the attachment state of the screw to the gaming machine housing. be. The same shows a state in which the handle is attached to the gaming machine housing, and is a cross-sectional view seen from the front side. It also shows the handle and is a perspective view thereof. Similarly, the power supply unit is shown, (a) is a perspective view seen from the front right side, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the rear left side. The same shows the state of attachment of the power supply unit to the gaming machine housing, and is a cross-sectional view seen from the right side. The same is for explaining attachment of the medal supply hole cover to the gaming machine housing, (a) is a perspective view showing a state before attachment, and (b) is a perspective view showing an attachment state. The same shows another example of the gaming machine housing, which is a perspective view seen from the rear left side. A gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a perspective view seen from the front right side, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the front right side showing the inside of the housing. It is a perspective view seen from the front right side showing the inside of the housing. It is a perspective view of the front door as seen from the rear left side. The same is a schematic view of the gaming machine as viewed from the front. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line YY shown in FIG. 46. It is a perspective view seen from the front right side showing the inside of the housing. It is a perspective view seen from the front left side showing the inside of the housing. The same is a view of the inside of the housing as viewed from the front. The same is a view of the inside of the housing as viewed from the front. It is a perspective view of the front door as seen from the rear left side. It is a figure explaining the inclination angle of the substrate. The same shows a predetermined board case unit, (a) is a perspective view of a board case unit, and (b) is a sectional view of a board case unit. Similarly, (a) is a perspective view showing a bottom plate, a base portion and a rail portion, and (b) is a perspective view showing a hopper unit. In the same, (a) is a view of the left rail portion from the side, (b) is a view of the left rail portion from the front, and (c) is a view of the base portion and the rail portion from the rear. Is. A gaming machine according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a perspective view of a state in which the front door is open as viewed from the front right side, and (b) is a view of the rotating body portion from the front right side. It is a perspective view. Similarly, (a) is a view of the frame body viewed from the front, and (b) is a view of the mounting holes of the frame body viewed from the rear right side. Similarly, (a) is a view of the inside of the housing as viewed from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the fastener as viewed from the front right side. Similarly, (a) is a perspective view of the inside of the housing as viewed from the front right side, and (b) is a perspective view of the rotating body portion as viewed from the front left side. It is the figure which shows the fixing member. It shows the gaming machine which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which looked at the top plate from the inside (back side).

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment will be described by taking the case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is one of the gaming machines as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the slot machine but is applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines. May be done. Further, in the following description, basically, "front and back" means "front" on the player side and "rear" on the slot machine side when the player is on the front side of the slot machine, and "up and down". Means "upper" on the upper surface side of the slot machine, "lower" on the lower surface side, and "left and right" means "left" on the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine, and "right" on the right hand side. do.

First, a schematic configuration of the slot machine M to which the invention is applied will be described.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine M.
The slot machine M includes a housing 1, which comprises a bottom plate, left and right side plates, a top plate, and a back plate, and has a front opening that opens to the front side of the housing 1. It is formed in a shape. In addition, on the upper surface of the bottom plate, a power supply unit having a built-in power supply device for supplying electric power to each component, and a hopper device 150 as a payout device for storing medals as a game medium (game value) and paying out medals ( (See FIG. 2) and the like are provided.

Further, on the front surface of the housing 1, a front door 3 for opening and closing the front opening of the housing 1 is provided, and the front door 3 closes the upper portion of the opening so as to be openable and closable. A door 30 and a lower door 40 that closes the lower part of the opening so as to be openable and closable are provided.
A replacement unit (not shown) is detachably provided in the housing 1. This exchange unit includes a frame body which is a metal frame assembled in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a reel unit supported by the frame body, and a substrate unit fixed to the frame body.

The reel unit includes three stepping motors provided on the frame and three rotary reels 100a, 100b, 100c fixed to the output shaft of each stepping motor (see FIG. 2; not shown in FIG. 1). ) And. Further, the board unit is a board containing electronic components such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I / O, which is housed in a board case. Then, the board unit functions as a game control device for controlling the game of the slot machine M.

As shown in FIG. 1, a display window 31 is provided below the upper door 30. The display window 31 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane toward the rear side toward the upper side, and three rotary reels are provided in a horizontal row at the back of the display window 31. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of each rotary reel, and when the rotary reel is stopped, three symbols per reel are displayed through the display window 31. In the slot machine M, a total of five winning valid lines consisting of three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines are set.
Then, it is displayed whether or not the winning combination has won a prize by the combination of the symbols stopped on the winning valid line when the three rotating reels are stopped.

Further, a display window 32 larger than the display window 31 is provided substantially vertically on the upper part of the upper door 30. The display window 32 is provided to see the display surface of the image display device provided on the upper door 30. The image display device has a liquid crystal display panel, and the image display device displays an image for effect on the gaming machine on the display surface thereof. Further, speakers 14 for outputting various production sounds (music, sound effects, sounds, etc.) are provided on the left and right side portions of the upper door 30 located above the display window 32.

Further, in the upper center portion of the display window 32 of the upper door 30, a horizontally long top lens 33 that allows the player to see the display of the logo sheet is provided as a display portion.
Further, horizontally long lighting devices 34, 35, 34 for performing notification, directing, and the like are provided adjacent to the left and right between the display window 32 and the display window 31.

Further, an effect panel 61 for performing notification and an effect is provided on both the left and right sides of the display window 31, and an effect button 62 is provided on the right side effect panel 61. The effect button 62 is pressed and operated by the player, and when pressed, the mode of the effect image displayed on the image display device, for example, which can be seen through the display window 32, is changed, and the player can play the game. It is intended to raise awareness of participation and enhance interest. For example, it is possible to select an effect image to be displayed on the image display device in conjunction with the operation of the effect button 62. The arrangement of the effect button 62 is not limited to this, and may be provided at a position where the player can press the button 62.
Further, lighting devices 37 for performing notification, directing, and the like are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper door 30.

Further, the upper door 30 is rotatably connected to the exchange unit provided in the housing 1 via a hinge to open and close the upper part of the opening of the housing 1. Further, the lower door 40 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 via a hinge to open and close the lower part of the opening of the housing 1.

In addition, this slot machine M has a structure of a separate type housing type, and when exchanging a model in a game store, the exchange unit to which the upper door 30 is rotatably attached is exchanged. When replacing the model, the housing 1, the lower door 40, the power supply unit in the housing 1, the hopper device 150 (see FIG. 2), etc. are still attached to the island equipment of the game store and are not replaced. .. Further, the slot machine M is not limited to the separate housing type, and the entire slot machine may be replaced when the model is replaced. In this case, the front door 3 may be an integral structure that is not divided into the upper door 30 and the lower door 40. Further, when the upper door 30 and the lower door 40 are separated, the upper door 30 may be rotatably attached to the side plate of the housing 1 via a hinge.

Further, an engaging portion is provided at the lower end of the upper door 30 so as to be rearward from the front surface of the lower door 40 and protrude below the upper end of the lower door 40, and the upper door 30 is in a state where the lower door 40 is closed. It has a structure that cannot be opened.

Further, in the lower part of the lower door 40, a medal payout port for ejecting medals from the inside of the slot machine M and a medal tray 43 for storing medals ejected from the medal payout port are formed. .. Further, an operation unit 50 for operating the slot machine M is provided on the upper part of the lower door 40, and a liquid crystal display panel 45 is attached between the operation unit 50 and the medal tray 43. Further, lighting devices 33d for performing notification and effect are provided on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display panel 45, respectively.

The operation unit 50 is provided with a settlement button 52 as a settlement operation unit for instructing a settlement process for paying out medals. In this case, in the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement button 52, the medals set in at least one of the bet and the credit are paid out. That is, the target of settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 52 in the present embodiment includes not only medals set for credits but also medals set for bets. Here, as a settlement pattern by operating the settlement button 52 when medals are set for both bets and credits, for example, the medals and credits set for bets by the first operation of the settlement button 52 are set. Only the medals set in the bet are paid out by the settlement pattern in which both of the medals that have been set are paid out at once, or the medals set in the bet are paid out by the first operation of the settlement button 52, and 2 after the medals set in the bet are settled. The settlement pattern in which the medal set in the credit is paid out by the operation of the settlement button 52 for the second time can be mentioned.
Further, the operation unit 50 further includes a start lever 53 for starting the game, three stop buttons 54 for stopping the rotation of each of the three rotating reels, and a medal insertion slot 42 for inserting medals. , Reject button 55 to clear the medal jam that occurred in the medal passage below the medal slot 42, MAX bet button 56 operated when betting the maximum number of 3 medals (bet button: bet operation unit) In addition to the above, an operation panel 57 for selecting a game effect and the like, and a display unit 58 are also provided. The operation panel 57 is arranged at a substantially central portion in the width direction (left-right direction) of the operation unit 50, and the display unit 58 is arranged on the right side of the medal insertion slot 42 and the reject button 55. The operation panel 57 has a cross key for selecting an effect, a decision button, a cancel button, and the like.

The MAX bet button 56 is arranged so as to face upward, and is formed so as to be pushed downward from above. The force required to operate the MAX bet button 56 (hereinafter referred to as an operating force) is about 1.0 N. Further, the MAX bet button 56 includes a pressing portion and an elastic member. The pressing portion is a member that is pushed in by a player's finger or the like, and is made of resin or the like. Further, the pressing portion is urged upward by an elastic member. The elastic member is a member that is formed so as to urge the pressing portion and elastically deform against the urging force when the pressing portion is pushed in, and a spring or the like is used.
Further, the stop button 54 is arranged so as to face forward, and is formed so as to be pushed from the front to the rear. The operating force of the stop button 54 is about 0.7N. That is, the operating force of the stop button 54 is smaller than the operating force of the MAX bet button 56.

Further, the effect button 62 described above is arranged so as to face forward, and is formed so as to be pushed from the front to the rear. The operating force of the effect button 62 is larger than or equivalent to the operating force of the MAX bet button 56. The operating force of the effect button 62 is, for example, about 3.0N.
Further, the stop button 54 and the effect button 62 include a pressing portion and an elastic member like the MAX bet button 56, and the pressing portion of the stop button 54 and the effect button 62 is urged forward by the elastic member. ing.
Further, as described above, the operating force of the MAX bet button 56 is about 1.0 N. That is, it is necessary to push the pressing portion to elastically deform the elastic member and move the pressing portion to a position where a switch ON signal (a signal indicating that the button is pressed) is output from the sensor provided in the MAX bet button 56. The load (sensor detection load) is about 1.0N. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a photo sensor is used as the sensor, but other sensors may be used as long as they can detect the pressing of the pressing portion. The photo sensor outputs a switch ON signal when it detects that the light directed from the light emitting element to the light receiving element has changed due to a detection object that moves by pushing the pressing portion, for example. When a load larger than the sensor-detected load is applied, the pressing portion moves further while elastically deforming the elastic member, and comes into contact with the mechanical stopper to stop. The moving distance (full stroke) from the initial position of the pressing portion of the MAX bet button 56 to the contact with the mechanical stopper is about 2.0 mm, which is about twice the ON stroke. Further, the load (maximum load) required to move the pressing portion of the MAX bet button 56 from the initial position until it comes into contact with the mechanical stopper is about 2.0 N, which is about twice the sensor detection load (operating force). It has become.
The stop button 54 (operating force of about 0.7 N) has the same configuration. Further, the ON stroke of the stop button 54 is about 1.0 mm, and the full stroke is about 2.0 mm, which is about twice that. Further, the sensor detection load (operating force) of the stop button 54 is about 0.7N, and the maximum load is about 1.4N, which is about twice that.
In the above description, the term "about" used for operating force, load, and stroke means to include a variation of about ± 10% due to a design error or an assembly error.

Here, the basic flow of the game in the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described. When the player presses the MAX bet button 56, the credited medal is inserted (bet) and the game can be started. Then, when the player presses the start lever 53 as an operation to start the game, the rotary reel starts to rotate, and when the rotary speed of the rotary reel rises to a predetermined speed, the push operation of the stop button 54 is effective. It becomes a state. After that, when the player presses the stop button 54 at an arbitrary timing, each rotating reel stops. Then, when all the rotating reels are stopped, a process of paying out medals, a process of making the game ready to start again without consuming new medals, and the like are performed according to the result of the game. The game ends.

Further, the effect button 62 is used to notify the player of something that is pleasing to the player, such as hitting a bonus or deciding to shift to a state that is advantageous to the player, or for the player. At a predetermined timing such as a game place, the pressing operation for changing the mode of the effect becomes effective. Then, when the effect button 62 is pressed while the pressing operation is valid, the mode of the effect image displayed on the image display device changes, or the movable accessory moves, and the mode of the effect changes. do.

As is clear from the above, it is necessary to press a plurality of stop buttons 54 according to the number of rotating reels for each game. At this time, since the operating force of the stop button 54 is set to be smaller than the operating force of the MAX bet button 56 and the effect button 62, the player obtains a light and comfortable operation feeling with respect to the operation of the stop button 54. At the same time, it is possible to press all the stop buttons 54 at a good tempo. Therefore, the player can comfortably play the game, and the playability is improved. Further, by setting the operating force of the frequently used stop button 54 to be small in this way, the accumulation of fatigue of the player is reduced, and the playability is improved.

Further, since the MAX bet button 56 is used for an operation for starting a game and can be operated by hitting it from above, it is often operated with a strong force, but a stop button. Since the operation force is set to be larger than that of 54, the player can obtain an operation feeling that is appropriately pressed, and the playability is improved.

Further, the effect button 62 is operated less frequently than the stop button 54 and the MAX bet button 56. Further, the effect button 62 is in a state in which a pressing operation for changing the mode of the effect is effective when notifying the player that the player is pleased as described above, or at a game place for the player. Therefore, it tends to be operated with a strong force by a player who is in an uplifting state. Since the operating force of the effect button 62 is set to be larger than the operating force of the stop button 54 and equal to or greater than the operating force of the MAX bet button 56, the player feels heavy and heavy. Can be obtained, and playability is improved.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the slot machine M, a main control board 70 as a main control means for determining a command related to a game and transmitting the command, and receiving the command from the main control board 70 and transmitting the command thereof. A sub-control board 72 is provided as a sub-control means for executing a process corresponding to the received command. The main control board 70 is from input means such as a bet button 56 including a MAX bet button, a start lever 53, a stop button 54, a passage detection sensor 89 for detecting the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 42, and a settlement button 52. In response to the input signal of, various calculations for executing the game are performed, and the output means such as the reel unit (reel 100a, 100b, 100c) and the hopper device 150 are controlled based on the calculation result. Further, the sub control board 72 receives a signal (command) sent from the main control board 70, performs various calculations for executing the effect, and corresponds to the display window 32 based on the calculation result. It controls a liquid crystal display D of an image display device including the above-mentioned liquid crystal display panel provided on the upper door 30 and another liquid crystal display panel 45, and a device for directing such as a speaker 14.

Further, the main control board 70 and the sub control board 72 are electrically connected to each other, and various information (command signals) such as information indicating the game state can be transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 72. However, information cannot be transmitted from the sub control board 72 to the main control board 70.
Further, the functions of each board such as the main control board 70 and the sub control board 72 are preliminarily applied to various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, hardware such as information storage media such as ROM and RAM, and ROM and the like. It is realized by software consisting of a predetermined program stored.

The main control board 70 performs a winning combination lottery with a selector control means 93 for controlling the operation of the medal selector 92 (see FIG. 2), an input receiving means 80, and a random number generating means 81, which will be described later, to determine the winning or losing of the winning combination. Winning combination lottery means 82, reel control means 83 for controlling the rotation of reels, winning combination determining means 84 for determining whether or not a winning combination has won when all reels are stopped, and game state control means 85. The information transmission means 86 for transmitting various information (command signals), the storage means 90, the payout control means 91, and the settlement control means 95 are provided.
Further, the sub-control board 72 is determined by the effect control means 73 that controls various effects, the winning combination determination means 74 that performs the winning combination determination process, and the winning combination determination means 74 that the winning combination is incorrect (error). The sub-control board 72 is provided with an initialization means 75 for resetting and initializing the sub-control board 72, and a sub-side storage means 76 for storing data related to the effect.

The insertion receiving means 80 of the main control board 70 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating the game start operation for the start lever 53 based on the insertion of a predetermined number of medals. Specifically, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 42, the passage detection sensor 89 detects the passage of the medal, and the insertion receiving means 80 inserts the inserted medal up to three medals. Set to the input state (bet state). Further, when the bet button 56 is pressed while the medals are credited, the insertion receiving means 80 sets the credited medals to the insertion state up to a maximum of three medals. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first pressing operation on the start lever 53 activated based on the insertion of three medals is accepted as the gaming start operation, and the reels 100a to 100c are triggered by the operation. As the rotation starts, a lottery such as a winning combination lottery is performed.

Further, the insertion receiving means 80 of the main control board 70 controls so that the medal owned by the player is not newly set in the insertion state in the next game of the game in which the replay wins. Specifically, when the replay wins in the previous game, even if a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 42 while the medal is being inserted, the inserted medal is not set to the inserted state. Credit the inserted medals up to the maximum number of credits (for example, 50). Further, the operation for the bet button 56 is not accepted in the state of accepting the insertion of medals, and the credited medal is not set in the insertion state even if the bet button 56 is pressed.

The random number generation means 81 of the main control board 70 generates a random number value for lottery. The random value can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate in a predetermined count range). It should be noted that the "random number" is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular, so that the "random number" substantially functions as a random number. Random values are also included.

The winning combination lottery means 82 of the main control board 70 performs a winning combination lottery using the winning combination lottery table based on the operation of the activated start lever 53 (that is, the start of the game). In the winning combination lottery table, each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535) is associated with various winning combinations and losses (unwinning) including small winning combinations, replays, and bonuses. It is stored in a plurality of winning combination lottery table storage areas provided in the ROM of the storage means 90. In the winning combination lottery, a random number value for lottery is acquired from the random number generation means 81, and this random number value is collated with the winning combination lottery table to determine whether or not the winning combination has been won, and is associated with the random number value. The winning combination will be won.

The reel control means 83 of the main control board 70 rotates the reels 100a, 100b, 100c as the start lever 53 activated under the control of the main control board 70 is operated (that is, the game starts). When the activated stop button 54 is operated, the reel stop control corresponding to the operated stop button 54 is performed.

That is, each time each button of the stop button 54 is operated, the reel control means 83 determines and determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 100a to the third reel 100c. Control is performed to stop the reel at the stopped position. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 100a to the third reel 100c changes depending on the operation order (batting order) of the three stop buttons 54.

The winning determination means 84 of the main control board 70 is operated when the rotation of the reels 100a to 100c is stopped, and determines whether or not the winning combination has been won based on the stopping mode of the reels 100a to 100c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stop display) on the effective line when the reels 100a to 100c are stopped is collated with the winning determination table (not shown) stored in the ROM of the storage means 90. .. In the winning judgment table, each winning form (a combination of symbols that will be won when stopped and displayed) is stored in each winning combination, and the presence or absence of winning and the type of winning combination can be determined by the above-mentioned collation. do. When the winning combination wins, the main control board 70 executes a winning process corresponding to the winning combination.

The game state control means 85 of the main control board 70 is between a plurality of states, for example, a normal state, a CBB established state (first bonus established state), a CBB state (first bonus state), and an RBB established state (second bonus established state). State), RBB state (second bonus state), RB1 established state (specific bonus established state), and RB1 state (specific bonus state), the game state transition control process is performed.

The information transmission means 86 of the main control board 70 has a signal for notifying the winning combination, a signal for notifying the gaming state at the time of the winning combination lottery for which the winning combination has been won, a signal for notifying the current gaming state, and the like, which will be described later. A command signal related to medal settlement is also transmitted to the sub control board 72.

Further, the payout control means 91 of the main control board 70 performs a payout control process for paying out medals according to the game result. Specifically, for example, when a small winning combination is won, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a predetermined dividend for each winning combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are transferred to the hopper device 150. Control to pay out.
Further, as described above, the selector control means 93 of the main control board 70 controls the operation of the medal selector 92, which will be described later. Specifically, the selector control means 93 receives signals from various sensors including the above-mentioned passage detection sensor 89 constituting the medal selector 92, and controls the operation of the blocker 99 constituting the medal selector 92. The selector control means 93 may also be used by the input receiving means 80 or the like without separately providing the selector control means 93.

Further, the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 pays out the stored medals, that is, the medals set in the credit and / or the bet, through the hopper device 150, based on the operation of the settlement button 52. Controls the execution of. The settlement control means 95 not only controls the execution of the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement button 52, but also accepts medals accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89 after the settlement process is completed for a predetermined period as described later. The operation of the blocker 99 may be controlled so as not to allow over. In such a control mode, the above-mentioned selector control means 93 for controlling the operation of the medal selector 92 including the blocker 99 may also be used by the settlement control means 95.

On the other hand, the effect control means 73 of the sub control board 72 cooperates with the RAM of the sub side storage means 76 based on the effect data stored in the effect data storage area provided in the ROM of the sub side storage means 76. The liquid crystal display D, the speaker 14, and the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37 and the like are controlled to perform the effect. Specifically, the display content of the liquid crystal display D may be changed or the display content of the liquid crystal display D may be changed from the speaker 14 according to the insertion of medals, the operation of the bet button 56, the settlement button 52, the start lever 53, the stop button 54, the change of the gaming state, and the like. By outputting a sound, the execution of the effect for enlivening the game or assisting the game is controlled according to the progress of the game. In particular, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, the effect control means 73 notifies the state of the settlement being executed and the settlement being completed, which will be described later, based on the operation of the settlement button 52. In order to output the effect sound, the effect light, and the effect image, the liquid crystal display D (45), the speaker 14, and the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37 and the like are controlled. There is.

Further, in the slot machine M of the present embodiment, medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 42 are selectively guided to the medal payout opening side or the passage detection sensor 89 side by the blocker 99 capable of removing medals from the medal passage. A medal selector 92 (see FIG. 2) is provided, and medals inserted during a period other than the allowable insertion period during which medals can be inserted or non-standard medals are operated in an unauthorized position that causes a medal acceptance disapproval state. The blocker 99 in the state guides the medal to the medal payout port, and the medal within the standard inserted within the allowable insertion period is sent to the passage detection sensor 89 by the blocker 99 in the deactivated state at the permitted position that brings the medal acceptance permission state. It is guided that the medal insertion is detected.
Specifically, the medal selector 92 has an insertion detection sensor 130 (first sensor: see FIG. 2) located in the vicinity of the medal insertion slot 42 in the medal passage leading from the medal insertion slot 42, and a downstream side of the blocker 99. It has a passage detection sensor 89 (second sensor: see FIG. 2) located at.
In this case, the insertion detection sensor 130 is a sensor located upstream of the blocker 99, unlike the passage detection sensor 89 located downstream of the blocker 99, and detects the insertion of medals through the medal insertion slot 42. The detection signal is sent to the main control board 70. The main control board 70 has an abnormality caused by, for example, a foreign object being illegally inserted into the medal passage from the medal insertion slot 42 when the ON state of the insertion detection sensor 130 has elapsed for a certain period of time (for example, 0.6 seconds) or more. It is designed to determine that there is.
Further, the passage detection sensor 89 detects the passage of medals within the standard inserted within the insertion allowable period in which the medals flow down without being excluded from the medal passage by the blocker 99, and sends the detection signal to the main control board 70. .. The passage detection sensor 89 is composed of, for example, a photointerruptor type infrared sensor composed of a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion facing each other across a medal passage, and infrared light emitted from the light emitting portion and incident on the light receiving portion is a medal. The passage of medals is detected by being blocked by the medals flowing down the passage. When the passage of the medal is detected by the passage detection sensor 89, the medal enables the game. That is, the bet or credit of the medal can be added.
Further, the blocker 99, which is located on the upstream side of the passage detection sensor 89 and constitutes the medal selector 92, may operate in conjunction with, for example, a solenoid. In that case, for example, when the solenoid is in the non-excited state, the blocker 99 receives the urging force of the coil spring to enter the operating state, and the blocker 99 can remove the medal from the medal passage. On the other hand, when the solenoid is in the excited state, the blocker is moved against the urging force of the coil spring to release the operation, and the medal is guided to the passage detection sensor 89 side to detect the insertion of the medal. The operation of such a medal selector 92 is controlled by the selector control means 93 of the main control board 70 as described above.
Although the position of the blocker 99 is controlled to move to the unauthorized position, the position of the blocker 99 is moved to the permitted position due to fraudulent acts or the like, and the medal is detected by the passage detection sensor 89. If so, the medal is not accepted and error handling is performed without any bets or credits being added. However, it is not always necessary to have such a configuration. That is, the medal acceptance disapproval state in which the acceptance of medals accompanied by the detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not permitted can be realized by, for example, setting the position of the blocker 99 to the disallowed position, but such a medal acceptance disapproval state. When a medal passes through the passage detection sensor 89 due to a malfunction or fraud, the passage detection sensor 89 may detect the medal and the medal may be bet or credited, and the passage detection sensor 89 detects the medal. The configuration may be such that the error processing is executed, or the passage detection sensor 89 may not detect (react) the medal.

Further, in the slot machine M of the present embodiment, after the settlement process based on the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 is completed, the settlement end effect sound such as a voice indicating that the settlement is completed, that is, the completion of the settlement process is notified. Along with the output of the effect sound, it is accompanied by a state in which the settlement is being completed, which does not allow the acceptance of medals accompanied by the detection by the passage detection sensor 89 for a predetermined period. This will be described in detail below.
Here, the "detection by the passage detection sensor 89" includes both the passage detection of an appropriate medal and the passage detection of an abnormal medal. Further, "acceptance of a medal (game medium) accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89" means that the passage of the medal is properly detected by the passage detection sensor 89 and a bet or a credit is placed. Further, the "state in which the settlement is completed in which the acceptance of the medal (game medium) accompanied by the detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not allowed for a predetermined period" means that the passage detection itself of the medal by the passage detection sensor 89 is blocked by the blocker 99. It is a concept including a hard meaning and a soft meaning that a bet or a credit is not made even when an abnormal medal passage is detected by the passage detection sensor 89.

FIG. 3 shows a timing chart of the position of the blocker 99 regarding the settlement process executed based on the operation of the settlement button 52, the control state of the main control board 70, and the control state of the sub control board 72. Further, FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the control operation on the main control board 70 side related to the settlement process, and FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the control operation on the sub control board 72 side related to the settlement process. There is.
As shown in FIG. 3, at the end of the predetermined game, the slot machine M is usually in the medal acceptance permission state A in which the blocker 99 is set to the permission position. At this time, assuming that the main control board 70 is in the non-settlement state C1 without the settlement process based on the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 (step S1 in FIG. 4), the discussion will proceed below.
This non-settlement state C1 is brought about by the control of the main control board 70. In this non-settlement state C1, since the blocker 99 of the medal selector 92 is in the permitted position as described above, the medal inserted through the medal insertion slot 42 is guided to the passage detection sensor 89 to be detected and bet or bet. Be credited. Further, in the medal acceptance permission state A, the sub-control board 72 controls to bring about the non-settlement effect state C1'(step S10 in FIG. 5), whereby the normal effect or the normal effect is performed through the liquid crystal display D and the speaker 14. A demo production that shifts from the production is executed.

Further, when the settlement button 52 is pressed in such a medal acceptance permission state A, the slot machine M is in the medal acceptance disapproval state B (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the settlement control means may also serve as the selector control means 93 by controlling the main control board 70 based on the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 exceeding a specific period (for example, 1 second). Under the control of 95, the blocker 99 of the medal selector 92 described above moves to the unauthorized position. Therefore, even if a medal is inserted through the medal insertion slot 42, the medal is guided to the medal payout opening by the operating blocker 99 in the unauthorized position and discharged to the medal tray 43. When the settlement process is started with the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 exceeding a specific period (for example, 1 second) in this way, the timing at which the blocker 99 moves to the unauthorized position is the pressing operation of the settlement button 52. It may be simultaneous. In this way, if the blocker 99 is moved to the unauthorized position in advance before the settlement process is started, the processing load that the settlement process and the bet or credit addition process are executed at the same time does not occur. Can be done.
Further, when the settlement button 52 is pressed in this way (when YES in step S2 of FIG. 4), the main control board 70 (settlement control means 95) subordinates the settlement start command via the information transmission means 86. Along with transmitting to the control board 72 (step S3 in FIG. 4), the hopper device 150 is activated so that the stored medals, that is, the medals set in the credit and / or the bet, are sent from the medal payout port to the medal tray 43. Control is performed to bring about the settlement executing state C2 discharged to (step S4 in FIG. 4).

Regarding the operation of pressing the settlement button 52 beyond the specific period for starting the settlement, the main control board 70 may press the bet button 56 during the specific period during which the settlement button 52 is pressed. , The process of setting the credited medal to the inserted state (bet process) may not be performed. That is, during the specific period, the medal may not be bet based on the operation of pressing the bet button 56. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent both betting and settlement, which are contradictory processes. In the case of such a configuration, even if the bet button 56 pressed during the specific period continues to be pressed until the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 is released or the settlement process is completed, the medal Bets may not be placed. Further, even if the settlement button 52 is pressed while the bet button 56 is pressed and the settlement button 52 is pressed for more than a specific period, the settlement process may not be performed.
Further, regarding the operation of pressing the settlement button 52 beyond the specific period for starting the settlement, the main control board 70 is the case where the bet button 56 is pressed during the specific period during which the settlement button 52 is pressed. In addition, a process (bet process) for setting the credited medal to the inserted state may be performed. According to such a configuration, contradictory processing can be compatible.

On the other hand, when the sub control board 72 receives the settlement start command from the main control board 70 (YES in step S11 of FIG. 5), the sub control board 72 displays an effect image for notifying that the settlement is being executed through the liquid crystal display D (45). Among the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37, the first effect sound (the effect sound during the settlement) that is displayed and notifies that the settlement is being executed by sounding a buzzer sound through the speaker 14 is output. Control is performed to bring about the settlement executing effect state C2', which outputs an effect light for notifying that the settlement is being executed through at least one of the above (step S12 in FIG. 5). In addition, in FIG. 3, the period of the settlement execution state C2 and the period of the settlement execution execution effect state C2'are both shown by P1.

Then, when the settlement process for ejecting the medals to the medal tray 43 with the operation of the hopper device 150 is completely completed (when YES in step S5 of FIG. 4), the main control board 70 (settlement control means 95) is subjected to. The settlement end command is transmitted to the sub-control board 72 via the information transmission means 86 (step S6 in FIG. 4), and the settlement end state C3 that does not allow the acceptance of medals accompanied by the detection by the passage detection sensor 89 for a predetermined period is performed. The control to bring is performed (step S7 in FIG. 4). That is, the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 still keeps the blocker 99 of the medal selector 92 in the disallowed position, so that the slot machine M is kept in the medal acceptance disallowed state B. Therefore, even if a medal is inserted through the medal slot 42, the medal is guided to the medal payout slot by the blocker 99 in the unauthorized position and discharged to the medal tray 43. Of course, this also applies to the above-mentioned settlement executing state C2. That is, even in the settlement executing state C2, the acceptance of medals accompanied by the detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not allowed.

On the other hand, when the sub control board 72 receives the settlement end command from the main control board 70 (when YES in step S13 of FIG. 5), the sub-control board 72 notifies that the settlement is being executed through the liquid crystal display D. While maintaining the output of the above-mentioned effect light for notifying that the settlement is being executed through the display and at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37, for example, the above-mentioned first for about 2 seconds. A second effect sound (settlement end effect sound) that notifies the completion of the settlement process, which is different from the effect sound of, specifically, in the present embodiment, a voice that notifies the completion of the settlement process (for example, "settlement completed" etc. (Sound) is output through the speaker 14 to bring about the effect state C3'during the end of settlement (step S14 in FIG. 5).
In the second production sound, the notification time (sound output period) is constant regardless of the settlement processing time (time required for medal payout). On the other hand, in the first effect sound, the notification time (sound output period) differs depending on the settlement processing time (time required for paying out medals).

Here, in the present embodiment, the output of the second effect sound ends within the period P2 (see FIG. 3) of the settlement in progress state C3. That is, the effect period C3'during the settlement is over the same period P2 as the period P2 of the period C3 during the settlement, while the period P3 for outputting the second effect sound and the second effect sound are output. It has a period of silence P4 and no. In other words, the period P2 of the settlement ending state C3 is set longer than the period P3 of the settlement ending effect state C3'that outputs the second effect sound. Further, in the present embodiment, the time from the end of the output of the second effect sound (the end of the period P3 of the effect state C3'during the settlement) to the end of the period P2 of the state C3 during the end of the settlement ( Period) P4, that is, the silent period P4 in which the second effect sound is not output, is the time until the medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 and detected by the passage detection sensor 89, that is, the second effect. The medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 during sound output is set longer than the period during which the medal may remain in the medal passage from the medal insertion slot 42 to the passage detection sensor 89. In the case of the present embodiment, the time until the medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 and detected by the passage detection sensor 89 is set to about 0.1 seconds to 0.65 seconds, for example, about 0.3 seconds. Alternatively, in the modified example, the time from the detection of the medal by the insertion detection sensor 130 to the detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is set to about 0.1 seconds to 0.65 seconds, for example, about 0.3 seconds. Therefore, the period P4 is set to, for example, about 0.7 seconds.

Specifically, as a flow of control operation, the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the settlement completion state C3 is reached, as shown in FIG. (Step S8 in FIG. 4). Of course, the "predetermined time" in this case (the period P2 of the state C3 during the settlement) is a longer period than the period P3 of the effect state C3'during the settlement, as described above, and in the present embodiment, the settlement is completed. Further than the period P3 of the effect state C3'during the end, the time exceeding the time until the medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 and detected by the passage detection sensor 89, for example, about 2.7 seconds. Then, when a predetermined time elapses (when YES in step S8 of FIG. 4) after the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 reaches the settlement completion state C3, the settlement is completed via the information transmission means 86. A command for ending the middle state is transmitted to the sub-control board 72 (step S9 in FIG. 4), and control is performed so as to return to the above-mentioned non-settlement state C1 (step S1 in FIG. 4). Therefore, the slot machine M is in the medal acceptance permission state A.

On the other hand, the sub-control board 72 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed as shown in FIG. 5 after entering the period P3 of the effect state C3'during the settlement for outputting the second effect sound. (Step S15 in FIG. 5). Of course, the "predetermined time" in this case (the period P3 of the effect state C3'during the settlement) is shorter than the period P2 of the state C3 during the settlement as described above. Then, when a predetermined time elapses (when YES in step S15 of FIG. 5) after entering the period P3 of the effect state C3'during the settlement, the sub control board 72 ends the output of the second effect sound. (Step S16 in FIG. 5), and control is performed so as to return to the above-mentioned non-settlement effect state C1'(step S10 in FIG. 5).

Here, the settlement end in progress end command transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 72 at the end of the settlement end state C3 acts as some trigger signal for the operation on the sub control board 72 side. May be good. For example, the sub-control board 72 passes through the liquid crystal display D, the lighting device, or the like from the end of the output of the second effect sound to the time when the main control board 70 receives the command to end the settlement end state, that is, during the period P4. Some effect of notifying the medal acceptance disapproval state B may be executed, and then an effect corresponding to the non-settlement in progress state (for example, a demo effect) may be executed when the settlement end in progress end command is received. Of course, it is not necessary to send the settlement completion state end command from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 72 at the end of the settlement end state C3. Further, in this embodiment, the passage of the predetermined time in step S15 is managed by the sub control board 72 itself, but the passage of the predetermined time in step S15 may be managed by the main control board 70, for example, the main. The output of the second effect sound in step S16 may be terminated by the command signal from the control board 70.

In addition, when a power failure (power cutoff) / power failure recovery occurs including a power failure and a momentary power failure during the control operation as described above, particularly during the output of the second production sound, the main control board 70 side. When the movement to return from the middle of the settlement end state C3, that is, when the measurement of the remaining time is restarted from the elapsed time of the settlement end state at the time of power failure, the settlement is being completed after the return for the time elapsed before the power failure. The period of state C3 is shortened. Therefore, if the sub-control board 72 side outputs the second effect sound again in that state, the period P3 of the effect state C3'during the settlement becomes longer than the period of the state C3 during the settlement after the return. There is a risk that it will end up. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the sub-control board 72 does not output the second effect sound after the power failure is restored, while the effect light and the effect image are restored in the initial state. This is because if the sound is restarted from the middle of the second effect sound, the player cannot be notified of appropriate information.
Alternatively, as another example of such measures against power failure, if the power failure / power failure recovery (including power failure and momentary power failure) is performed in the middle of the settlement executing state C2, the medal settlement process is already performed before the power failure. While resuming from the settlement of the remaining medals excluding the settled medals, the effect in the effect state C2'during the settlement is restarted from the output of the first effect sound (sound effect and buzzer sound), and the settlement is being executed. The lighting of the effect light (for example, lighting in red) for notifying the fact is also resumed, but the effect image may be restored by the demo effect which is the initial state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, after the settlement execution state C2, that is, after the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is completed, the second effect sound for notifying the completion of the settlement process is output. In this situation, the checkout in progress state C3, which does not allow the acceptance of medals accompanied by the detection by the passage detection sensor 89, is obtained. In the meantime, it is possible for the slot machine M to set the medal acceptance disapproval state B, and therefore, there is no discrepancy between the player's recognition and the actual state of the slot machine M regarding whether or not the medal insertion acceptance is possible. Can be done. That is, it is possible to prevent the slot machine M from accepting medals in a situation where the player recognizes that the medal acceptance is not permitted, and therefore, an unexpected disadvantage due to the above-mentioned misidentification. Do not have to be given to the player.

Further, in the present embodiment, the output of the second effect sound is terminated by the control of the sub control board 72 within the period P2 of the settlement in progress state C3 (that is, at the end of the period P3), so that the second effect is produced. It is possible to surely prevent the medal acceptance permission state from being entered during the sound output, and it is possible to ensure the above-mentioned action and effect.

Further, in the present embodiment, the time P4 from the end of the output of the second effect sound (the end of the period P3 of the effect state C3'during the settlement) to the end of the period P2 of the state C3 during the end of the settlement is set. It is set longer than the time until the medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 and detected by the passage detection sensor 89. The time from the end of the output of the second effect sound by the sub-control board 72 (the end of the period P3 of the effect state C3'during the settlement) to the end of the period P2 of the state C3 during the end of the settlement is the medal slot 42. If the time required to detect the medal inserted from is shorter than the time required by the passage detection sensor 89, the settlement is being completed by the time the medal inserted during the output of the second effect sound passes through the passage detection sensor 89. Since the medal may be detected by the passage detection sensor 89 after the period of C3 ends, as a result, it becomes possible to accept the insertion of the medal during the output of the second production sound. As in the form, the time P4 from the end of the output of the second effect sound by the sub control board 72 to the end of the period P2 of the state C3 in which the settlement is completed is the time P4 when the medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 and the passage detection sensor. If it is set longer than the time until it is detected by 89, the medal inserted during the output of the second effect sound can be completely invalidated without being accepted, and the player can accept the insertion of the medal. It is possible to reliably avoid the deviation that may occur between the recognition of and the actual state of the slot machine M. Further, as a modification, as described above, the medal is detected by the insertion detection sensor 130 as the time P4 from the end of the output of the second effect sound to the end of the period P2 of the settlement ending state C3. It is conceivable to set it longer than the time until it is detected by the passage detection sensor 89. Even with such a modification, it is possible to avoid a deviation that may occur between the player's recognition and the actual state of the slot machine M regarding whether or not to accept the insertion of medals. Further, according to such a modification, the length of the time P4 can be defined based on the passing time of the medal from the insertion detection sensor 130 to the passage detection sensor 89, so that the shape of the medal insertion slot 42 or the like can be specified. Instead, the length of the time P4 can be uniformly determined based on the distance between the input detection sensor 130 and the passage detection sensor 89, which facilitates the design.

Even after the settlement is in progress C3 and the output of the second effect sound is completed (that is, even in the period P4), the sub-control board 72 displays the effect image through the liquid crystal display D or / /. And the output of the effect light through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37 may be used to notify that the settlement is in the process of being completed C3. That is, for example, in the settlement ending state C3 (the settlement ending effect state C3'), the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37 are illuminated in red during the output of the second effect sound (period P3), so that the settlement is completed. Along with notifying that the state is C3 being completed, the lighting device 33d is also in the state C3 in which the settlement is being completed (the effect state C3'in the process of being settled) and even after the output of the second effect sound is completed (period P4). , 34, 35, 37 may be illuminated in red to notify that the settlement is in the process of being completed C3. As a result, the settlement is completed, and the output of the second effect sound for notifying the fact is also completed, but the settlement is still in the process of being completed C3, and the medal acceptance is not permitted (the medal is not detected by the passage detection sensor 89). The player can recognize that the state). In other words, the sub-control board 72 has the same effect light during the notification of the effect sound and from the end of the notification of the effect sound to the end of the end of the settlement end state in the settlement end state C3. May be controlled so that is emitted. Further, the notification that the settlement is in progress through the liquid crystal display D or the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37 is the end of the settlement end state C3 (the settlement end in effect state C3') (that is, the settlement end state C3'). It may end almost at the same time as the end of the period P4).

It should be noted that the effect light or effect image for notifying that the settlement is in progress C3 is the effect light or effect image for notifying that the settlement is in progress C2 (the effect when the medal is actually paid out). It may be similar to or different from the light or effect image). For example, when the former effect light is lit in red on the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37, the latter effect light may be lit in red on the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37 (lighting of the same system color). Often, white lighting (lighting of a different system color) may be used. That is, the effect light or the effect image for notifying that the settlement is in the process of being completed C3 is such that the player can recognize that the post-processing related to the settlement is being executed and the medal acceptance is not permitted yet. Just do it.

In general, when outputting an effect sound such as a voice related to the settlement process, especially when outputting a settlement end effect sound indicating that the settlement is completed at the end of the settlement process, which makes it easy for the player to be aware of the medal insertion, the medal. There may be a discrepancy between the player's recognition and the actual medal insertion acceptance state on the slot machine side regarding whether or not the insertion is accepted. The slot machine is provided with a medal selector that selectively guides medals inserted through the medal insertion slot by a blocker capable of removing medals from the medal passage to the medal payout opening side or the passage detection sensor side, and inserts medals. Medals and non-standard medals that have been inserted during a period other than the allowable insertion period are guided to the medal payout port by the blocker in the operating state (also referred to as a medal (game medium) acceptance disapproval state) and are allowed to be inserted. The medals within the standard inserted within the period are guided to the passage detection sensor by the blocker in the deactivated state, and the medal insertion is detected (also referred to as the medal (game medium) acceptance permission state). , When the settlement end effect sound is output after the settlement process is completed, it is generally easy for the player to recognize that the medal acceptance is not permitted during the settlement end effect sound output (until the settlement end effect sound stops), and therefore, this settlement end effect sound is output. If the slot machine M is in the medal acceptance permission state during the end effect sound output, the player who cannot recognize that the medal acceptance permission state is in the medal acceptance state and the slot machine M in which the medal acceptance permission state is actually in the medal acceptance state. There may be a time zone in which there is no agreement regarding whether or not to accept medal insertion.
If the gaming machine accepts medals in such a situation that the player recognizes that the medal acceptance is not permitted, there is a risk of causing an unexpected disadvantage to the player. For example, if the player inserts a medal while the settlement end effect sound is being output, the gaming machine will accept the inserted medal and bet it. The player who recognizes that the medal acceptance is not permitted during the settlement end production sound output misunderstands that the inserted medal is returned from the medal payout side to the lower plate by the blocker. , The game may end without paying out the inserted medals by operating the checkout button. Such a situation impairs the interests of the player and is not desirable.

In the slot machine M according to the present embodiment, there is no discrepancy between the player's recognition and the actual game machine state regarding whether or not the game medium can be input. That is, after the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement operation unit (payment button 52) is completed, the acceptance of the gaming medium accompanied by the detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is permitted in the situation where the effect sound notifying the completion of the settlement process is output. Since the settlement is in the process of being completed, it is possible for the gaming machine to disallow the acceptance of the gaming medium during the output of the effect sound, which is generally easily recognized by the player as the disapproval of the gaming medium. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a discrepancy between the player's recognition and the actual game machine state regarding whether or not the game medium can be input. That is, it is possible to prevent the gaming machine from accepting the gaming medium in a situation where the player recognizes that the gaming medium is not permitted, and therefore, an unexpected accident due to the above-mentioned misidentification. You don't have to give profits to the player. In the above configuration, the "stored gaming medium" refers to a gaming medium that is at least electronically stored in the gaming machine in connection with the game.

Further, it is preferable that the output of the effect sound by the sub control means (sub control board 72) is completed within the period during which the settlement is being completed. According to this, it is possible to surely prevent the game medium acceptance permission state from being entered during the production sound output. Here, "the output of the effect sound by the sub-control means ends within the period of the end of settlement" means that the output of the effect sound by the sub-control means ends at the same time as the end of the period of the end of settlement. include.

Further, the time from the end of the output of the effect sound to the end of the settlement in progress state is the time from when the game medium is detected by the first sensor (input detection sensor 130) to the second sensor (passage detection sensor 89). ) Shall be longer than the time until it is detected. The time from the end of the output of the effect sound by the sub control means (sub control board 72) to the end of the settlement in progress state is the second time after the game medium is detected by the first sensor (input detection sensor 130). If it is shorter than the time until it is detected by the sensor (passage detection sensor 89), the gaming medium input during the effect sound output passes through the first sensor and then is detected by the second sensor. In the meantime, the period in which the settlement is being completed may end and the game medium may be detected by the second sensor. As a result, it becomes possible to accept the input of the game medium during the production sound output. However, the time from the end of the output of the effect sound by the sub control means (sub control board 72) to the end of the settlement in progress state is detected by the second sensor after the game medium is detected by the first sensor. If it is set longer than the time until it is played, it can be invalidated without accepting the game medium input during the production sound output, and the player's recognition and the actual game machine regarding whether or not the input of the game medium can be accepted. It is possible to avoid possible deviations from the state.

As shown in FIG. 1, the effect panel 61 in the slot machine M is provided with an effect button 62 as an effect operation unit (first effect operation unit used for operations related to the effect) used for the effect. .. The effect button 62 may be provided on, for example, the operation unit 50 or the like. Further, the pressing portion of the effect button 62 is not limited to a circular shape, but may be a square shape or the like. Further, in the present embodiment, the effect operation unit is the effect button 62, but the effect operation unit is, for example, a lever capable of tilting operation, a touch panel capable of detecting touch (contact with a finger or the like), and shading by an object. Etc. may be used as a photoelectric sensor or the like capable of detecting the above.

Hereinafter, the term "3 stop" refers to an operation of pressing any one of the stop buttons 54, which is valid, in the state where any two of the stop buttons 54 are pressed in the game. In the present embodiment, for example, when the timing is such as a game place for the player, the sub-control board 72 is in a state where the effect button 62 can accept the pressing operation (that is, the pressing operation is enabled) after 3 stops. (It is in the state of being done). At this time, the sub-control board 72 displays a screen to that effect on the liquid crystal display D and turns on the effect button 62.

Further, hereinafter, the operation panel 57 shown in FIG. 1 is referred to as a cross-shaped button 57 as an effect setting operation unit (a second effect operation unit used for an operation related to the effect). The cross-shaped button 57 is used for operations including setting of effects. The production settings include, for example, volume adjustment, character selection, and the like.
The cross-shaped button 57 includes at least a main button arranged in the center and a selection button (direction operation button) arranged around the main button. The selection buttons include an up button, a left button, a down button, and a right button. The selection buttons may be composed of a plurality of buttons (the top, bottom, left, and right are independent) or may be integrated. Further, the effect setting operation unit is not limited to the cross button (cross key), and for example, one equipped with at least two buttons, one equipped with a main button and a jog dial, or a touch (touch of a finger or the like) is detected. It may be a possible touch panel or the like. When the cross button 57 (for example, the main button) is pressed during the non-game, the sub control board 72 displays the menu screen on the liquid crystal display D. In other words, the cross-shaped button 57 functions as a menu screen entry button. Further, when the cross button 57 (for example, the left and right buttons) is pressed during the non-game, the sub control board 72 displays the volume change screen on the liquid crystal display D. In other words, the cross-shaped button 57 functions as a volume change screen entry button.
From the menu screen, you can set the production mode (for example, the setting of the character that mainly appears in the production, the setting of the notification mode of winning such as a role or bonus), the reference of the game history, and the user terminal (player's smartphone). Etc.), and confirmation of the display mode of the combination is possible. Further, it may be possible to set the volume, the emission intensity of the lighting device, and the like from the menu screen. That is, the menu screen may also serve as the volume change screen.

When the main control board 70 detects that the settlement button 52 has been pressed, it transmits a settlement start command to the sub control board 72 and starts (executes) the settlement process (payout process).
When the sub control board (control means) 72 receives the settlement start command from the main control board 70, the sub control board (control means) 72 notifies the execution of the settlement process (payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52). The sub-control board 72 displays on the liquid crystal display D a screen for notifying that the settlement is in progress (hereinafter referred to as a settlement in progress notification screen) as a notification of the execution of the settlement process, and also an effect of notifying that the settlement is in progress. A sound (hereinafter referred to as a payment notification sound: for example, a sound effect or a buzzer sound) is output via the speaker 14. Further, the sub control board 72 outputs (lights up) the effect light (hereinafter referred to as a checkout lamp: for example, red) indicating that the checkout is in progress through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37. )do.

When the settlement process is completed, the main control board 70 transmits a settlement end command to the sub control board 72. Based on the fact that the sub-control board 72 receives the settlement end command from the main control board 70, the sub-control board 72 stops the notification of the execution of the settlement process, and the settlement process is completed (completion of the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52). Is notified. As a notification of the completion of the settlement process, the sub-control board 72 outputs an effect sound (hereinafter, referred to as a settlement completion voice) for notifying the completion of the settlement process via the speaker 14. As the settlement completion voice, for example, there is something like "payment completed". In the present embodiment, the sub-control board 72 displays the checkout notification screen and lights the checkout lamp as notification of the completion of the checkout process. The screen during the notification of the completion of the settlement process (the screen indicating the completion of the settlement) may be the same as or different from the screen during the settlement (the screen indicating the completion of the settlement).

Hereinafter, the period (period) during which the execution of the settlement process is notified is referred to as "payment notification in progress". During the settlement notification, the sub-control board 72 indicates the period from the reception of the settlement start command to the reception of the settlement end command. During this settlement notification, it can be said that the game medium is being paid out based on the operation of the settlement button 52.
Further, the period during which the completion of the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is notified, that is, the period during which the completion of the settlement process is notified (period) is referred to as "payment completion notification in progress". During the settlement completion notification, it refers to the period from the reception of the settlement end command to the end of the output of the settlement completion voice. During the settlement completion notification, after the settlement process is completed (after the sub-control board 72 receives the settlement end command), until the first sound of the settlement completion voice (for example, "se") is output. included. Further, the silence period P4 shown in FIG. 3 may be included in the settlement completion notification.

Next, using the timing chart shown in FIG. 6, a configuration example of the processing during and before and after the settlement processing will be described. Hereinafter, the "pressing operation" of the effect button 62, the cross button 57, the settlement button 52, etc. may be simply referred to as "pressing" or "operation".
(A5, A6) After 3 stops, the sub-control board 72 puts the effect button 62 in a state where it can be pressed (that is, a state in which the operation is valid), and a screen (operation) indicating that the effect button 62 can be pressed. The instruction screen) is displayed on the liquid crystal display D. Pressing the effect button 62 at this time triggers the progress of the effect, and when the effect button 62 is pressed, the result of the game is notified to the player. Specifically, for example, during a production in which a bonus is expected to be won (including a so-called pseudo-bonus (including a transition to an AT production state)), that is, in a production in which a player is expected to shift to an advantageous state. , The pressing of the effect button 62 becomes effective and the operation instruction screen is displayed, and when the effect button 62 is pressed, it is notified whether or not to shift to an advantageous state.
(A4) Since the game is in progress at the start of this timing chart, the cross-shaped button 57 is invalid.

(A1, A2) When the settlement button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a settlement start command to the sub control board 72 and starts the settlement process (payout process).
(A2, A3) The main control board 70 transmits a settlement end command to the sub control board 72 with the end of the settlement process, and the sub control board 72 receives the settlement end command from the main control board 70. , Starts the output of the settlement completion voice.

(A4) The sub control board 72 invalidates the operation of the cross-shaped button 57 during the settlement notification and the settlement completion notification. That is, the sub control board 72 controls so that even if the cross-shaped button 57 is pressed, the press is not accepted during the settlement notification and the settlement completion notification. In other words, even if the cross-shaped button 57 is pressed during the settlement notification and the settlement completion notification, the menu screen and the volume change screen are not displayed on the liquid crystal display D (the menu screen and the volume change screen are not displayed). The sub-control board 72 enables the operation of the cross-shaped button 57 with the end of the output of the settlement completion voice (during settlement completion notification).

In this way, by disabling the operation of the cross-shaped button 57 during the settlement notification, it becomes impossible to grasp that the notification of the execution of the settlement process is blocked (interfered) by the operation of the cross-shaped button 57 and the settlement is in progress. Or, for example, the menu screen and the screen indicating that the payment is being made are displayed at the same time, and since the menu screen has a large amount of information (number of characters), the problem that it is difficult to grasp that the payment is being made is avoided. As a result, the player can surely grasp the notification of the execution of the settlement process, and can prevent the player from misidentifying (for example, recognizing as if the settlement was interrupted). In addition, if the menu screen is opened during the settlement notification, it becomes difficult for the surroundings to know that the settlement notification is in progress, and there is a risk of fraud using this, but such a problem can be avoided. can.
Further, by disabling the operation of the cross button 57 during the settlement completion notification, the notification of the completion of the settlement process is blocked (interfered) by the operation of the cross button 57, and the notification of the settlement completion cannot be grasped. For example, since the menu screen and the screen indicating the completion of settlement are displayed at the same time and the menu screen has a large amount of information (number of characters), the problem that the screen indicating the completion of settlement is difficult to grasp is avoided. As a result, the player can surely grasp the notification of the completion of the settlement process, and can prevent the player from misidentifying (for example, recognizing as if the settlement was interrupted). In addition, if the menu screen is opened during the settlement completion notification, it becomes difficult for the surroundings to know that the settlement completion notification is in progress, and there is a risk of fraud using this, but such a problem is avoided. be able to.

(A5, A6) The sub-control board 72 displays a screen on the liquid crystal display D indicating that the effect button 62 can be pressed even when the settlement button 52 is pressed and the settlement notification and the settlement completion notification are in progress. At the same time, the effect button 62 remains valid. In other words, when the effect button 62 is pressed during the settlement notification or the settlement completion notification, the sub control board 72 accepts the pressing. Further, the effect button 62 is valid even after the settlement completion notification is completed. That is, when the effect button 62 is activated at the time of 3 stops, the effect button 62 is not canceled even if the settlement process is started and the settlement is completed.
If the effect button 62 is pressed during the settlement notification or the settlement completion notification, the effect proceeds, but during this period, the liquid crystal display D displays that the settlement is being executed or the settlement is completed. .. At this time, the display related to the settlement is prioritized, and the display related to the settlement hides a part of the effect related to the game.

As described above, by enabling the operation of the effect button 62 without invalidating it during the settlement notification, the player can press the effect button 62 to proceed with the effect. Therefore, the player does not have dissatisfaction due to the inability to press the effect button 62 during the settlement notification. For example, when the effect button 62 pressing instruction screen is displayed, the player may want to press the effect button 62 and see the result of the game before leaving the seat, but the settlement notification is in progress. However, since the effect button 62 is enabled, it becomes possible to smoothly proceed with the effect during the settlement notification and stand up after seeing the result. Since the press instruction screen does not have a large amount of information (number of characters) like the menu screen, it indicates that payment is in progress, but even if it is displayed at the same time as the screen, the player does not misidentify it.
Further, by enabling the operation of the effect button 62 without invalidating it during the settlement completion notification, the player can press the effect button 62 to proceed with the effect. Therefore, the player does not have dissatisfaction due to the inability to press the effect button 62 during the settlement completion notification. For example, when the effect button 62 press instruction screen is displayed, the player may want to press the effect button 62, see the result of the game, and then stand up, but the settlement completion notification is in progress. However, since the effect button 62 is enabled, it becomes possible to smoothly proceed with the effect during the settlement completion notification and to stand up after seeing the result. Since the pressing instruction screen does not have a large amount of information (number of characters) like the menu screen, the player does not misidentify it even if it is displayed at the same time as the screen indicating the completion of payment.

The sub-control board 72 turns off the effect button 62 while enabling the operation of the effect button 62 during the settlement notification or the settlement completion notification. That is, the effect button 62 is turned on, and the effectiveness of the operation is not positively notified, but when it is pressed, the press is accepted. By doing so, it is basically not recommended to proceed with the production during the settlement notification or the settlement completion notification, but if the production button 62 is pressed, the player's intention is prioritized and the player's intention is prioritized. It will be possible to proceed with the production. The sub-control board 72 may turn on the effect button 62 while enabling the operation of the effect button 62 during the settlement notification or the settlement completion notification.

FIG. 6 shows a case where the settlement button 52 is pressed while the effect button 62 is not pressed. In FIG. 7, a configuration example will be described in which the effective effect button 62 is pressed after 3 stops, and the settlement button 52 is pressed while the effect based on the press of the effect button 62 is being executed. ..

(B4, B5) The sub-control board 72 displays a screen indicating that the effect button 62 can be pressed on the liquid crystal display D, and enables the effect button 62.
(B6, B7, B8) When the activated effect button 62 is pressed, the sub-control board 72 starts outputting the (corresponding) liquid crystal effect and voice effect based on the press of the effect button 62. Specifically, the sub-control board 72 displays an effect image based on the pressing of the effect button 62 on the liquid crystal display D, and also displays a voice effect (BGM, dialogue, sound effect, etc.) based on the press of the effect button 62 as a speaker. Output via 14. The sub-control board 72 may output the effect light based on the pressing of the effect button 62 through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37.

(B1, B2) When the settlement button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a settlement start command to the sub control board 72 and starts the settlement process.
(B1, B7, B8) When the settlement button 52 is pressed during the output of the liquid crystal display and the voice effect based on the pressing of the effect button 62, the sub control board 72 receives the settlement start command from the main control board 70. Based on this, the output of the audio effect is stopped. However, the sub-control board 72 does not stop (continue) the output of the liquid crystal display even if it receives the settlement start command.

(B2, B3) The main control board 70 transmits a settlement end command to the sub control board 72 with the end of the settlement process, and the sub control board 72 receives the settlement end command from the main control board 70. , Starts the output of the settlement completion voice.

(B8) The sub-control board 72 starts the output of the voice effect (the sound effect based on the pressing of the effect button 62) with the end of the output of the settlement completion sound (waiting for the end of the output of the settlement completion sound). While the output of the audio effect is stopped, the sub control board 72 does not output the sound to the outside, and executes the audio effect behind the output of the settlement completed audio (the layer behind the settlement completed audio). ing. That is, when the sub-control board 72 receives the settlement start command during the output of the voice effect based on the pressing of the effect button 62, the sub-control board 72 is in a state of executing the sound effect but not outputting the sound, and the output of the settlement completed sound ends. Then, it is controlled to output the sound of the voice effect again. It can be said that the audio production is flying.

In this way, if the settlement process is executed while the audio effect based on the pressing of the effect button 62 is output, the output of the audio effect is stopped, and the notification related to the settlement (the notification sound during the settlement and the settlement completion sound) is displayed. By giving priority to the output, the player can grasp that the settlement process is being executed via the sound. However, since the liquid crystal display based on the pressing of the effect button 62 is continued even while the settlement notification sound and the settlement completion sound are being output, the player must visually proceed with the effect. Can be grasped.

FIG. 7 shows a case where the effective effect button 62 is pressed and the settlement button 52 is pressed while the effect based on the press of the effect button 62 is being executed. FIG. 21 shows a case where the settlement button 52 is pressed first and the effect button 62 is pressed while the settlement process is being executed.

(G4, G5) The sub control board 72 displays a screen indicating that the effect button 62 can be pressed on the liquid crystal display D, and enables the effect button 62.
(G1, G2) When the settlement button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a settlement start command to the sub control board 72 and starts the settlement process.

(G6, G7, G8) If the effect button 62 in the enabled state is pressed while the settlement process is being executed, the sub-control board 72 receives the information (signal) to that effect, and the effect button 62 The output of the liquid crystal display based on the pressing of is started. At this time, the sub control board 72 does not output the audio effect based on the pressing of the effect button 62. This "do not output the audio effect" is included in "stop the output of the audio effect". In other words, even if the sub-control board 72 receives the information (signal) that the effect button 62 is pressed while the notification related to the settlement (during the settlement notification and the settlement completion notification) is being executed, the sub-control board 72 is voiced. No production is output. That is, the notification regarding the settlement is prioritized over the voice effect based on the pressing of the effect button 62.

(G2, G3) The main control board 70 transmits a settlement end command to the sub control board 72 with the end of the settlement process, and the sub control board 72 receives the settlement end command from the main control board 70. , Starts the output of the settlement completion voice.
(G8) The sub-control board 72 starts the output of the audio effect with the end of the output of the settlement completion voice (waiting for the end of the output of the settlement completion voice). While the output of the audio effect is stopped, the sub control board 72 does not output the sound to the outside, and executes the audio effect behind the output of the settlement completed audio (the layer behind the settlement completed audio). ing. That is, even if the sub-control board 72 receives a signal indicating that the effect button 62 is pressed while the notification regarding the settlement is being executed, the sub-control board 72 executes the sound effect until the output of the settlement completion sound is completed. The sound is not output, and when the output of the settlement completion voice is completed, the sound of the voice effect is controlled to be output.

In the examples of FIGS. 7 and 21, in order to "prioritize" the settlement completion voice over the voice of the voice production, not only when the voice of the voice production is silenced, but also the voice of the voice production is compared with the voice of the payment completion. It includes making it smaller and outputting (flowing) it.

Next, a case where an error occurs during "payment" will be described.
First, each error detected (detected) by the main control board 70 will be described. Although not shown, the main control board 70 includes an error detecting means and an error management means. The error detection means is based on the signal status of various sensors, such as backflow error, empty error, payout jam error, payout error error, over error, retention error, backup error, door open error, input error error, display judgment error error. , RAM error error, set value error error is detected.

(1) The backflow error is an error caused by the backflow of the medal in the flow path.
(2) The empty error is an error caused by the fact that the medals stored in the hopper device 150 are exhausted. Specifically, it is detected when the signal state of the payout sensor is off (a state in which the medal to be paid out is not detected) and continues for a certain period (about 2100 ms) or more in a situation where medals are paid out. It is an error.
(3) The payout jam error is an error caused by the medals to be paid out in the hopper device 150 being jammed and not ejected. Specifically, in a situation where medals are being paid out, the signal state of the payout sensor (payout medal switch) is on (a state in which the medal to be paid out is detected) and continues for a certain period (about 172 ms) or more. This is an error detected when.

(4) The payout abnormality error is an error caused by the medal being paid out in a situation where the medal should not be paid out. Specifically, it is an error detected when the signal state of the payout sensor (payout medal switch) continues for a certain period (about 6 ms) or more in the on state in the situation where the medal is not paid out.
(5) The over error is an error caused by the excess medals stored in the cash box exceeding a predetermined amount. Specifically, it is an error detected when the signal state of the overflow sensor is on (a signal state indicating that the surplus medals exceed a predetermined amount) and continues for a certain period (about 100 ms) or more.
(6) The retention error is an error caused by the medals being jammed in the medal selector 92. Specifically, the signal state of the first medal passing sensor or the second medal passing sensor, which is downstream of the insertion detection sensor 130 and upstream of the blocker 99, is on (indicating that the presence of a medal is detected). It is an error detected when it continues for a certain period (about 113 ms) or more in the signal state).

(7) The backup error is an error caused by a problem in the backup of the RWM. Specifically, it is an error detected when an RWM backup abnormality is detected when the power is turned on. Alternatively, it is an error detected when the saved value of the stack pointer is not in a specific range when the power is turned on.
(8) The door opening error is an error caused by the lower door 40 (front door 3) being opened. Specifically, it is detected when the signal state of the door open / close switch operated by opening the lower door 40 continues for a certain period (about 48 ms) or more in the on state (signal state indicating that the lower door 40 is open). It is an error to be done.

(9) The insertion error error is that the medal is a regular flow path (here, medal payment) even though the flow path of the medal is switched by operating the blocker 99 to block the flow path to the medal chute. This is an error caused by passing through a flow path different from the flow path returned to the exit. Specifically, it is an error detected when the second medal passage sensor detects a medal flowing toward the medal shoot after passing through the medal selector 92 after the blocker 99 is activated. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, an error is detected when the second medal passing sensor is turned on after a certain period (about 250 ms) or more has elapsed since the blocker 99 is closed.
In addition, there is a shoot error in the input abnormality error. The shoot error is an error caused by a difference of a certain amount or more between the number of medals that have passed the medal selector 92 and the number of medals that have passed the medal shoot. Specifically, the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor are used between the time when the inserted medals pass through the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor in the correct order until a certain period of time elapses. The difference between the number of medals detected to have passed in the correct order and the number of times the signal state of the shoot sensor is turned on (the signal state detecting the presence of medals) is not within the predetermined range. In the case, or when a certain period of time has passed since the inserted medals passed through the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor in the correct order, the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor are passed in the correct order. It is detected when the difference between the number of medals detected as passing and the number of times the signal state of the shoot sensor is turned on (the signal state detecting the existence of the medal) becomes a predetermined number or more. This is an error.
In addition, there is an input detection error in the input abnormality error. The insertion detection error is an error caused by the medals being jammed near the medal insertion slot 42. Specifically, it is an error detected when the insertion detection sensor 130 in the medal selector 92 continues for a certain period (about 602 ms) or more in the ON state (signal state detecting the existence of the medal).

(10) The display determination abnormality error is an error detected when a symbol that is not a winning combination is displayed.
(11) The RAM abnormality error is an error detected when the RAM is read / written normally.
(12) The set value abnormality error is an error detected when the set value is out of the permissible range at the time of internal lottery.

As shown in FIG. 8, each error is assigned an error code from E1 to EC according to the type of error. When an error is detected by the error detecting means, the error management means executes a process of notifying the detected error via the liquid crystal display D or the main display (display unit 58 in FIG. 1). Specifically, the error management means sets an error code corresponding to the type of the detected error, and displays the set error code on the liquid crystal display D or the main display (display unit 58 in FIG. 1). Let me.

Further, the error management means performs a release process for clearing the error detection flag or the like based on the predetermined release operation (error release operation). The predetermined release operation (error release operation) includes, for example, an operation of inserting the door key into the door key cylinder and rotating (twisting) the door key counterclockwise, and an operation of pressing the setting change button. As shown in FIG. 8, an error canceling operation is set for each error type (error codes E1 to EC). When a signal is input from the setting change button or the door sensor by the error cancellation operation, the error management means determines that the error cancellation operation has been performed, and clears the information related to the error such as the error detection flag and the timing information of the timer ( Performs the release process.

When the main control board 70 detects an error, it transmits a command (error command) indicating that an error has occurred to the sub control board 72. When the sub control board 72 receives an error command from the main control device 70, the sub control board 72 controls to display an image corresponding to the error occurrence content (hereinafter referred to as an error screen) on the liquid crystal display D, and a warning sound corresponding to the error occurrence (hereinafter referred to as an error screen). Hereinafter, an error sound) is controlled to be output via the speaker 14.

Using the timing chart shown in FIG. 9, a configuration example of processing when an error occurs during settlement notification will be described. In the following, a case where a backflow error occurs as an error will be described, but other errors may be used.
(C1, C2) When the settlement button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a settlement start command to the sub control board 72 and starts the settlement process.
(C4) When the main control board 70 detects a backflow error (when the conditions for the backflow error are satisfied), the main control board 70 transmits a command indicating that a backflow error has occurred (backflow error command) to the sub control board 72.

(C2, C5) Even if the sub control board 72 receives the settlement start command and the error command (backflow error command), the backflow error command is received until the settlement end command is received from the main control board 70. Does not perform processing based on the reception of.
The sub control board 72 executes a process based on the reception of the backflow error command based on the reception of the settlement end command from the main control board 70. The sub-control board 72 notifies the backflow error as a process based on the reception of the backflow error command. The sub-control board 72 displays a screen corresponding to the backflow error (backflow error screen) on the liquid crystal display D as a notification of the backflow error, and outputs a warning sound (error sound) corresponding to the backflow error via the speaker 14. Then, an effect light (hereinafter referred to as an error lamp: for example, red) for notifying that an error is occurring is output (lighted) through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37.

In this way, even if the sub control board 72 receives the settlement end command from the main control board 70, if the error command is received first, the processing based on the error command (error notification) is prioritized. conduct. Then, as shown below, the sub-control board 72 performs a process (output of the settlement completion voice) based on the settlement end command after the error is cleared.

(C6) When an error clearing operation (error recovery process) corresponding to a backflow error is input (executed) by an operator or the like, the main control board 70 receives a command (backflow error clearing) indicating that the backflow error has been cleared. The command) is transmitted to the sub control board 72.
(C3, C5) The sub-control board 72 stops the notification of the backflow error and starts the output of the settlement completion voice (“settlement”) based on the reception of the backflow error release command. The sub-control board 72 shifts the display of the liquid crystal display D from the error screen to the normal screen, stops the output of the error sound, and turns off the error lamp as the notification of the backflow error is stopped. The sub-control board 72 may display a screen indicating the completion of settlement while the settlement completion voice is being output (during settlement completion notification), and then display a normal screen. Further, the sub-control board 72 may turn off the error lamp and turn on the settlement lamp during the settlement completion notification. In that case, for example, when the lighting pattern (lighting color) of the error lamp and the checkout lamp is the same, there is no apparent change.
The normal screen (normal image) is, for example, an image that is basically displayed (an image having the highest display ratio (probability)) in the effect state during the stay, or an image that is displayed at the start of the effect state. be. In other words, the normal image is an image displayed between the games in the production state during the stay.

Regarding C3, C5, and C6, the error notification is stopped at the rising edge of error cancellation and the output of the settlement completion voice is started, but these may be performed based on the falling edge of error cancellation.

In this way, when an error (for example, a backflow error) occurs during the settlement notification, the player is surely aware that the settlement has been completed because the error occurrence is notified after waiting for the settlement process to be completed. can. In other words, it is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying (for example, having the perception that the settlement has been interrupted). On the other hand, since the notification of the occurrence of an error is prioritized over the output of the settlement completion voice, the time from the occurrence of the error to the notification of the error can be further shortened, and the error can be dealt with at an early stage. .. Further, if the configuration is such that the occurrence of an error is notified during the settlement notification, the processing becomes complicated, but if the above-mentioned configuration is used, such processing is not complicated.

The process for notifying the occurrence of an error after the settlement process is completed and then outputting the settlement completion voice is not limited to the above-mentioned process. For example, in the above example, even if the sub control board 72 receives the error command, the sub control board 72 does not execute the process based on the reception of the error command until the settlement end command is received from the main control board 70. If an error occurs during the settlement process, the main control board 70 may send an error command to the sub control board 72 after the settlement process is completed. Further, the main control board 70 may transmit the settlement end command to the sub control board 72 after the error is cleared (after the error clear command is transmitted).

Next, using the timing chart shown in FIG. 10, a configuration example of processing when an error occurs during the settlement completion notification will be described.
(D1, D2) When the settlement button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a settlement start command to the sub control board 72 and starts the settlement process.
(D7) The sub control board 72 shifts the display of the liquid crystal display D from the normal screen to the checkout notification screen based on the reception of the settlement start command from the main control board 70.

(D2, D3) The main control board 70 transmits a settlement end command to the sub control board 72 with the end of the settlement process, and the sub control board 72 receives the settlement end command from the main control board 70. , Starts the output of the settlement completion voice.

(D4) When the main control board 70 detects a backflow error, it transmits a backflow error command to the sub control board 72.
(D3, D5) When the sub-control board 72 receives a backflow error command from the main control board 70 while executing the output of the settlement completion voice (that is, during the settlement completion notification), the sub-control board 72 makes a settlement based on the reception. Stop (cancel) the output of the completion voice ("payment") (for example, stop at "payment") and notify the backflow error. Specifically, the sub-control board 72 displays a backflow error screen on the liquid crystal display D, outputs an error sound, and turns on the error lamp.

(D6) When an error canceling operation corresponding to a backflow error is input (executed) by an operator or the like, the main control board 70 transmits a backflow error canceling command to the sub control board 72.
(D5, D7) The sub-control board 72 stops the notification of the backflow error (stops the output of the error sound and turns off the error lamp) based on the reception of the backflow error release command, and displays the liquid crystal display D. Move from the error screen to the normal screen.
(D3) In this example, even if the sub-control board 72 recovers from the error (even if the backflow error release command is received), the output of the settlement completion voice stopped according to the reception of the backflow error command is restarted (D3). Output) is not done. However, the sub-control board 72 may output the settlement completion voice together with the error recovery (shift to the normal screen). In that case, the sub-control board 72 may output the settlement completion voice from the beginning again instead of from the stopped location.

In D5 and D6, the error notification is stopped at the rising edge of error cancellation, but the error notification may be stopped at the falling edge of error cancellation.
Further, in D6 and D7, the transition to the normal screen is made at the falling edge of error cancellation, but the transition to the normal screen may be made at the rising edge of error cancellation.

In this way, if an error (for example, a backflow error) occurs during the settlement completion notification, the error occurrence notification is notified without waiting for the output of the settlement completion voice to end (even during the output of the settlement completion voice). Prioritize. That is, the notification of the error having a higher priority (urgency) is output with priority over the settlement completion voice. As a result, it is possible to take countermeasures against errors at an early stage. That is, it is possible to prevent the processing for the error from being delayed.

In D3 and D4, the case where an error occurred while the settlement completion voice was output was shown, but after the settlement processing is completed (after the settlement end command is received), the first sound of the settlement completion voice (for example). An error may occur before "se") is output. Even in such a case, the sub-control board 72 does not output the settlement completion voice (stops the output), and executes the error notification. That is, the sub-control board 72 gives priority to the notification of the error over the output of the settlement completion voice.

Next, using the timing chart shown in FIG. 11, a configuration example of processing when the cross-shaped button 57 is pressed during the settlement completion notification will be described.
(F1, F2) When the settlement button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a settlement start command to the sub control board 72 and starts the settlement process.
(F4, F7) The sub control board 72 stops lighting the lamp during the game (for example, white) and turns on the lamp during settlement (for example, red) based on receiving the settlement start command from the main control board 70. Start. In this embodiment, the lighting of the checkout lamp and the lighting of the error lamp have the same pattern.

(F2, F3) The main control board 70 transmits a settlement end command to the sub control board 72 with the end of the settlement process, and the sub control board 72 receives the settlement end command from the main control board 70. , Starts the output of the settlement completion voice.

(F3, F5) While the sub-control board 72 is executing the output of the settlement completion voice (that is, during the settlement completion notification) (while the voice related to the payout of the game medium is being output), the cross-shaped button 57 is pressed. When an operation (press) is performed, the operation (press) is accepted. In this example, the sub-control board 72 enables the operation of the cross-shaped button 57 during the settlement completion notification (that is, from the reception of the settlement completion command to the end of the output of the settlement completion voice). Then, when the sub-control board 72 receives the information (signal) (command) indicating that the cross-shaped button 57 is pressed while executing the output of the settlement completion voice, the settlement completion voice is based on the reception. Stop the output of (for example, stop at "Settlement").

(F5, F6, F7) Further, when the sub-control board 72 receives information (signal) (command) indicating that the cross-shaped button 57 is pressed while executing the output of the settlement completion voice, the sub-control board 72 is concerned. Based on the reception, the checkout lamp is turned off and the game play lamp is turned on, and the display of the liquid crystal display D is shifted from the checkout notification screen to the menu screen (note that the volume change screen may be used). That is, when the sub-control board 72 receives the information indicating that the cross-shaped button 57 has been pressed while executing the output of the settlement completion voice, the sub-control board 72 performs a process based on the pressing of the cross-shaped button 57 based on the reception. conduct.

In F3 and F5, the case where the cross-shaped button 57 is pressed while the settlement completion voice is being output is shown, but after the settlement processing is completed, the first sound (for example, "se") of the settlement completion voice is heard. The cross-shaped button 57 may be pressed before it is output. Even in such a case, the sub-control board 72 does not output the settlement completion voice (stops the output), and executes the process based on the pressing of the cross-shaped button 57. That is, the sub-control board 72 gives priority to the process based on the pressing of the cross-shaped button 57 over the output of the settlement completion voice.

Further, for F5 and F6, the menu screen is shifted to the rising edge of the cross-shaped button 57, but the menu screen may be shifted to the menu screen at the rising edge of the cross-shaped button 57.

In this way, when the cross-shaped button 57 is operated during the settlement completion notification, the operation of the cross-shaped button 57 is accepted without waiting for the output of the settlement completion voice to end (even during the output of the settlement completion voice). Since the operation of the cross-shaped button 57 is prioritized) and the processing based on the operation (transition to the menu screen, etc.) is executed, for example, the player opens the menu screen early without listening to the settlement completion voice to the end. The desired settings can be made. That is, it is possible to prevent the player from being dissatisfied (feeling stress) because the cross-shaped button 57 cannot be operated without waiting for the output of the settlement completion voice to finish.

Here, the broken line portion Z in F4 of FIG. 11 will be described. The broken line portion Z indicates the lighting of the checkout lamp that was originally scheduled to be executed. Here, consider a case where the cross-shaped button 57 is not pressed during the settlement completion voice output. In that case, even after the output of the settlement completion voice (“payment completed”) is completed, the lamp during settlement continues to be lit for a certain period of time. In other words, the sub-control board 72 outputs the settlement completion voice and lights the settlement lamp, which is a notification of the completion of the settlement process, but the latter (during settlement) even after the former (output of the settlement completion voice) is completed. (Lamp lighting) is continued for a certain period of time. The sub-control board 72 shifts the screen (liquid crystal display D) to the normal screen when the settlement completion voice output ends. In this way, by making the lighting of the settlement lamp longer than the output of the settlement completion voice, it is possible to recognize that the settlement process is completed for a certain period of time after the settlement process is completed. That is, after the settlement process is completed, the surroundings are notified that the settlement process has been completed for a certain period of time, so that, for example, the hall staff can easily recognize it.

In the above, the case where the cross-shaped button 57 is operated during the settlement completion notification is shown, but the same configuration may be performed for the case where the cross-shaped button 57 is operated during the settlement notification. In other words, when the settlement button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 starts the settlement process, but the sub control board 72 is outputting the settlement notification sound (that is, the settlement notification is in progress) (game medium). If the cross-shaped button 57 is operated (pressed) while the voice related to the payout is being output), the operation (pressed) may be accepted. When the sub-control board 72 receives a command indicating that the cross-shaped button 57 has been pressed while the output of the notification sound during settlement is being executed, the sub-control board 72 stops the output of the notification sound during settlement based on the reception. In this case, the subsequent settlement completion voice is not output either). The sub-control board 72 turns off the checkout lamp and the game lamp based on the fact that the sub-control board 72 receives a command indicating that the cross-shaped button 57 has been pressed while the checkout notification sound is being output. May be turned on to shift the display of the liquid crystal display D from the checkout notification screen to the menu screen (which may be a volume change screen). When the sub-control board 72 receives a command indicating that the cross-shaped button 57 has been pressed while the output of the notification sound during settlement is being executed, the sub-control board 72 performs a process based on the pressing of the cross-shaped button 57 based on the reception.

When the cross-shaped button 57 (effect setting operation unit) is operated while the voice related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is output, the sub control means 72 stops the output of the voice related to the payout. Then, processing is performed based on the operation of the cross-shaped button 57. Since the operation of the cross-shaped button 57 is accepted without waiting for the output of the voice related to the payout to be completed and the process based on the operation (transition to the menu screen, etc.) is executed, for example, the player is involved in the payout. You can quickly open the menu screen and make the desired settings without listening to the sound to the end. That is, it is possible to prevent the player from being dissatisfied (feeling stress) because the cross-shaped button 57 cannot be operated without waiting for the output of the voice related to the payout to be completed.

Here, the effect setting operation unit is the cross button 57 (cross key), the left and right buttons (left button and right button) are used as the first effect setting operation unit (first effect setting operation unit), and the up and down buttons (upper button). The lower button) is used as the second effect setting operation unit (second effect setting operation unit). The first effect setting operation unit may be a main button (decision button) in addition to the left and right buttons, and is provided separately from the effect button 62 (PUSH button: cross button 57) that functions as a decision button. It may be a button).

If the first effect setting operation unit is operated while the voice related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is being output, the sub control means 72 stops the output of the voice related to the payout, and the second 1 The process may be performed based on the operation of the effect setting operation unit. In other words, if the first effect setting operation unit is operated while the sound related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is output, the output of the sound related to the payout is stopped and the first effect setting is performed. Processing is performed based on the operation of the operation unit. On the other hand, even if the second effect setting operation unit is operated while the voice related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is output, the output of the voice related to the payout does not stop. , The processing based on the operation of the second effect setting operation unit is not performed.

As a process based on the operation of the first effect setting operation unit, there is a predetermined voice selection. Here, the voice (navigation sound) related to the batting order navigation effect performed in a predetermined effect state (AT effect state) by the operation of the first effect setting operation unit is selected from a plurality of types of sounds (voice corresponding to the character). It shall be possible to select (decide). The voice (character) selected by the operation may be used for other notifications (for example, settlement completion voice).
When the first effect setting operation unit (for example, the right button) is pressed during non-game, the image of the next character (second character) of the character set to the initial (default) is displayed at a predetermined position on the liquid crystal display D. At the same time as being displayed, the voice (line) corresponding to the second character is output. Then, when the right button is pressed again, the image of the third character next to the second character is displayed, and the voice (line) corresponding to the third character is output. Then, while the image of the predetermined character is displayed (that is, selected), the decision button as the first effect setting operation unit or the effect button 62 (PUSH button) as the first effect setting operation unit is pressed. Then, it is determined that the voice corresponding to the character is the voice related to the predetermined effect (batting order navigation effect, etc.).
In the above, the case of pressing the right button has been described, but when the left button is pressed from the initial setting state, for example, an image of the fifth character (the last character among the selectable characters) is displayed. The voice corresponding to the character is output.

Further, in this example, when the PUSH button is operated (pressed) during non-game (normal), the menu screen is displayed (shifts to the menu screen), and the second effect setting is performed with the menu screen displayed. When the operation unit (up / down button) is operated (pressed), the cursor moves. The player can select an icon for which he / she wants to make settings from a plurality of icons.

When the settlement button 52 is pressed, when the first effect setting operation unit (for example, the right button) is operated (pressed) while the voice related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is being output. , Audio output related to payout stops. Then, processing based on the operation of the first effect setting operation unit is performed, that is, an image of a predetermined character is displayed, and a voice corresponding to the character (a voice of the currently selected type) is output. At this time, when the first effect setting operation unit is pressed again, the next character image is displayed and the sound corresponding to the character is output. Then, when the decision button or the PUSH button as the first effect setting operation unit is pressed, it is determined that the selected sound is the sound related to the predetermined effect (batting order navigation effect, etc.).

Even if the second effect setting operation unit (up / down button) is operated (pressed) while the voice related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is being output, the output of the voice related to the payout is stopped. No processing is performed based on the pressing of the up and down buttons.

Further, the PUSH button while the voice related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is output functions as the decision button (first effect setting operation unit) as described above, but is another button. Does not work as (does not accept operations). In other words, when the PUSH button is pressed during non-game (normal), the menu screen is displayed (it is possible to move to the menu screen), but the voice related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52. Even if the PUSH button is pressed while is being output, the press is not accepted and the menu screen is not displayed. On the other hand, while the voice related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is being output, the left and right buttons are pressed, and the predetermined voice (predetermined character) is selected and then the PUSH button (decision). Pressing the button) is accepted.

The voice related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52 may be the same as the notification sound (error sound) output when an error occurs.
Here, it is assumed that a predetermined operation is performed and a menu screen including a volume adjustment icon is displayed. Further, the liquid crystal display D is a touch panel, and can be selected by operating (touching) an icon displayed on the screen. When the settlement button 52 is operated, the sound related to the payout of the game medium based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is output. Then, when the touch panel (volume adjustment icon displayed on the touch panel) as the first effect setting operation unit is operated (touched) while the sound related to the payout is being output, it is related to the payout of the game medium. The sound (error sound) output is stopped (cancelled), processing is performed based on the operation of the first effect setting operation unit, that is, the volume adjustment screen is displayed (shifts from the menu screen to the volume adjustment screen). ..

However, if the first effect setting operation unit (touch panel) is operated during the output of the sound related to the payout of the game medium and the screen shifts to the volume adjustment screen, until the settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is completed (the settlement process). The cross-shaped button 57 and the PUSH button are not enabled until the end of the operation or the output of the settlement completion voice. In other words, even if the cross button 57 and the PUSH button are pressed, the processing based on the pressing is not performed (the volume is not changed even if the cross key is pressed). Then, when the settlement is completed, the cross-shaped button 57 and the PUSH button are activated.
Even if the second effect setting operation unit (up / down button) is operated (pressed) while the voice related to the payout based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is being output, the output of the voice related to the payout does not stop. Processing based on pressing the up and down buttons is not performed.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, configurations having the same or equivalent functions as those described in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of the slot machine (game machine) 100 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the slot machine 100 includes a box-shaped housing 111 having an opening on the front side, which is a surface facing the player side, and a front door 112 that opens and closes the front side opening of the housing 111. ing.
The housing 111 houses a reel unit in which a rotatable reel 120a, a reel 120b, and a reel 120c are unitized, a hopper device for paying out medals, and the like. Further, the front door 112 is divided into an upper door 112a and a lower door 112b, and the upper door 112a and the lower door 112b can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 111, respectively.
FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the upper door 112a and the lower door 112b are opened.

Hereinafter, "front and back" means "front" on the player side and "rear" on the slot machine side when the player is on the front side of the slot machine 100, and "upper and lower" means the upper surface side of the slot machine 100. In "upper", the lower surface side means "lower", and "left and right" means "left" on the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine 100, and "right" on the right hand side.

The upper door 112a is provided with a liquid crystal display 113, an effect device such as a speaker 114, and a display window 116. Images (moving images, still images) for various effects are displayed on the liquid crystal display 113. Further, sounds for various effects (music, sound effects, voice, etc.) are output from the speaker 114. In addition to the liquid crystal display 113 and the speaker 114, the effect device may include an illumination device such as a lamp (LED), a movable accessory that can be operated by an actuator, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 13, the reel unit is arranged behind the display window 116 so that a part thereof can be visually recognized from the outside of the display window 116. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 120a to 120c. When each of the reels 120a to 120c is stopped, three symbols (upper symbol, middle symbol, lower symbol) can be visually recognized per reel through the display window 116. The display window 116 is provided with an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage as display positions for visually recognizing the symbols of the reels 120a to 120c, and an effective line is set by the combination of the display positions of the reels 120a to 120c. There is.

In the slot machine 100, the number (specified number) of game media (medals) required to start one game (one game) is set. In this embodiment, the specified number is 3. When a specified number of medals are inserted into the slot machine 100, the valid line is activated. When the number of medals exceeding the specified number is inserted, the number of medals exceeding the specified number is limited to a predetermined value (for example, 50) and is inside the slot machine 100 (main RAM 203 shown in FIG. 14). ) Is electrically stored.

In the slot machine 100, the reels 120a to 120c start to rotate with the start of the game, and the winning combination lottery is executed to determine whether the winning combination is won or not. Next, when each reel 120a to 120c is stopped, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the valid line, this winning combination becomes a prize, and the process corresponding to the winning combination is won. (Winning process) is executed.

In the lower door 112b, a medal insertion slot 122 for inserting medals, a bet button 123 for betting stored (credit) medals, a start lever 124 operated when starting a game, and a rotating start lever 124 are provided. Stop buttons 126a, 126b, 126c for stopping the reels 120a, 120b, 120c, a payout port 127 for paying out medals by a hopper device, and a medal tray 128 for receiving medals paid out from the payout port 127 are provided. .. Further, behind the medal insertion slot 122, a medal sensor 129 (see FIG. 2) for detecting the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 122 is provided.
When the bet button 123, the start lever 124, and the stop buttons 126a to 126c detect an operation, they output a signal indicating that the operation has been performed. Further, when the medal sensor 129 detects the insertion of a medal, it outputs a signal indicating that the medal has been inserted. The bet button 123 includes a 1-bet button and a MAX bet button. The 1-bet button is a button pressed when betting one medal from the stored medals. The MAX bet button is a button pressed when betting a specified number of medals from the stored medals. Hereinafter, the term "bet button 123" refers to either a 1-bet button or a MAX bet button.

Here, one game will be described.
In the slot machine 100, when a medal is inserted through the medal insertion slot 122 or a specified number of medals are bet by operating the bet button 123, the operation of the bet button 123 is invalidated and the start lever 124 is operated. Is enabled.
Next, when the slot machine 100 receives the operation of the activated start lever 124, the game is started (that is, the rotation of each reel 120a to 120c is started), and the winning combination lottery is performed.
Next, the slot machine 100 activates the operation of the stop buttons 126a to 126c when the rotation speed of each reel 120a to 120c reaches a constant speed and becomes a steady rotation.
Next, when the slot machine 100 receives the operation of the activated stop buttons 126a to 126c, the slot machine 100 stops the rotation of the reels 200a to 200c corresponding to the operated stop buttons 126a to 126c.
Next, the slot machine 100 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the valid line when the rotation of each reel 120a to 120c is stopped.

When the slot machine 100 determines that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the valid line, the slot machine 100 executes a winning process (for example, a medal payout process) and ends one game.
On the other hand, when the slot machine 100 determines that the result of the winning combination lottery is unsuccessful, or that the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is not won, the slot machines 100 stop when each reel 120a to 120c is stopped. End the game. When one game is completed, the operation of the bet button 123 is activated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a power switch 500 for turning on / off the power of the slot machine 100 is provided inside the housing 111. The power switch 500 is operated by an administrator or the like who manages the slot machine 100, and is used to switch between two states, a power OFF state (power cut state) and a power ON state. When the power switch 500 receives an operation for turning on the power, the power switch 500 outputs a power ON signal. Further, when the power switch 500 receives an operation for turning off the power, the power switch 500 outputs a power off signal.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram for showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine 100.
Inside the housing 111, a main control board (main control device) 200 and a sub control board (sub control device) 300 are provided. The main control board 200 acquires signals output from the bet button 123, the start lever 124, the stop buttons 126a to 126c, the medal sensor 129, the power switch 500, etc., performs various calculations for executing the game, and performs the calculations. The reel unit, hopper device, etc. are controlled based on the result.

The sub control board 300 performs various calculations for executing the effect based on the signal acquired from the main control board 200, and controls the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 113 and the speaker 114 based on the calculation results.

The main control board 200 and the sub control board 300 are electrically connected to each other, and various information (signals) such as information indicating a game state can be transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 300. Information cannot be transmitted from the sub control board 300 to the main control board 200. The functions of each board such as the main control board 200 and the sub control board 300 are stored in advance in various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, hardware such as information storage media such as ROM and RAM, and ROM and the like. It is realized by software consisting of a predetermined program.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, the main control board 200 includes a main CPU 201 which is a central processing unit, a main ROM 202 in which a program or the like is stored, a main RAM 203 (main storage unit) which functions as a work area, and the like. It has various semiconductor integrated circuits including. A backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 203 (built-in RAM), and even if the power is turned off, it is stored unless the settings are changed and the initialization process of the main RAM 203 is executed. The data is retained without being erased. The main RAM 203 may be composed of an internal RAM and an external RAM so that the backup data is stored in the backup area of the external RAM. In this case, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the external RAM. When recovering from the power failure after the power is turned off, the built-in RAM reads the backup data stored in the backup area of the external RAM and returns to the state before the power failure.

The main control board 200 has a functional unit in which the main CPU 201 functions by cooperating with the main RAM 203 based on a program stored in the main ROM 202. The functional unit includes a bet control unit 210 and the like, which will be described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, the sub control board 300 is a sub CPU 301 which is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 302 in which a program or the like is stored, and a sub RAM 303 (sub storage unit) which functions as a work area. It has various semiconductor integrated circuits including. Further, similarly to the main RAM 203, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the sub RAM 303, and even when the power supply is turned off, the data is retained without being erased.

The sub control board 300 functions by the sub CPU 301 collaborating with the sub RAM 303 based on the program stored in the sub ROM 302.

Next, the bet control unit 210 of the main control board 200 will be described.
The bet control unit 210 performs a process of invalidating the operation of the bet button 123 based on the bet of a predetermined number of medals for each game, and a process of enabling the game start operation for the start lever 124. conduct.

Further, when the bet button 123 is pressed, the bet control unit 210 sets the stored medals to the inserted state (bet state) up to the specified number. Hereinafter, setting a medal in a betting state is simply referred to as betting a medal.

When the main control board 200 acquires a signal (bet operation information) indicating that the bet button 123 is pressed while the power is on, the input current state of the main RAM 203 is set to the “ON state”. The input current state is information indicating whether or not the current bet button 123 is in the operating state, that is, whether or not the bet button 123 is currently being operated. When the bet button 123 is currently pressed, the input current state is "ON state". On the other hand, when the bet button 123 is currently not pressed, that is, when the main control board 200 has not acquired the bet operation information, the input current state is "OFF state". The input current state is information used in the edge detection process described later.

As shown in FIG. 14, the bet control unit 210 includes an edge detection unit 211, a bet setting unit 212, an information control unit 213, and the like.
The edge detection unit 211 periodically waits at regular intervals (for example, 1.49 ms) from the time when the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled until the operation of the bet button 123 is invalidated (bet acceptance period). Performs edge detection processing, which is processing (timer interrupt).

In the edge detection process, the ON edge is detected when the information indicating the operation state of the bet button 123 corresponds to a predetermined condition. Specifically, the input previous state and the input current state, which will be described later, are compared, and as shown in the thick line frame in FIG. 15A, the input previous state is the “OFF state” and the input current state is. When it is in the "ON state" (when the ON edge detection condition is satisfied), the ON edge (rising edge) is detected. The edge detection process includes an update process described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the previous input state is the “OFF state” and the current input state is the “OFF state” (when the ON edge detection condition is not applicable), the input is turned ON. No edges are detected. Further, when the input previous state is "ON state" and the input current state is "OFF state" (when the ON edge detection condition is not applicable), the ON edge is not detected. Further, when the input previous state is "ON state" and the input current state is "ON state" (when the ON edge detection condition is not applicable), the ON edge is not detected.

The bet setting unit 212 bets a medal when an ON edge is detected by the edge detection process performed by the edge detection unit 211. Specifically, the bet setting unit 212 bets one medal when the ON edge based on the pressing of the 1-bet button is detected, and when the ON edge based on the pressing of the MAX bet button is detected, the bet setting unit 212 bets. Bets the specified number (3) of medals.

The information control unit 213 performs the update process. The update process includes a process of determining information to be used in the next edge detection process. The information control unit 213 performs the update process, and sets the information indicated by the input current state stored in the main RAM 203 as the input previous state to be used for the next edge detection process. The input previous state is stored in the main RAM 203 in the same manner as the input current state.

FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining the edge detection process. As shown by an arrow in FIG. 15B, the information control unit 213 sets the information indicated by the n-1st input current state (n is an integer of 2 or more) as the nth input previous state. In other words, the nth input previous state is the n-1th input current state. The input previous state is determined based on the operation state of the bet button 123 at the time of the previous edge detection process, and can be said to be information used in the current edge detection process.

Next, the edge detection process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the edge detection unit 211 acquires the input current state from the main RAM 203 (step ST1). Next, the edge detection unit 211 acquires the previous input state from the main RAM 203 (step ST2).

Next, the edge detection unit 211 determines whether the previous input state is the "OFF state" and the current input state is the "ON state", that is, whether the ON edge detection condition is satisfied (step ST3). ..
In step ST3, when the edge detection unit 211 determines that the ON edge detection condition is satisfied (step ST3: YES), the edge detection unit 211 detects the ON edge (step ST4). When the ON edge is detected in step ST4, the bet setting unit 212 bets a medal.

On the other hand, in step ST3, when the edge detection unit 211 determines that the ON edge detection condition is not satisfied (step ST3: NO), the process proceeds to step ST5.

Next, the information control unit 213 performs the update process (step ST5). That is, the information control unit 213 sets the information indicated by the input current state stored in the main RAM 203 as the next input previous state. When the process of step ST5 is completed, the process returns to the process of step ST1 again. In FIG. 5, the process of step ST5 may be performed before the process of step ST3.

Next, a case where a power failure occurs between the second and third edge detection processes shown in FIG. 15B will be described. Hereinafter, the case where the power failure occurs when the bet button 123 is not pressed (OFF state) and then the bet button 123 recovers from the power failure when the bet button 123 is pressed (ON state) will be described. Since the operation of pressing the bet button 123 is not intended to bet a medal by the player, it is not preferable that the ON edge is detected by the third edge detection process.

The main control board 200 performs a recovery process when a power ON signal is acquired from the power switch 500 (when recovering from a power failure). The recovery process includes a process of returning the state of the main RAM 203 to the state before the power failure based on the backed up data.

If no measures are taken to prevent the detection of unintended ON edges, the input previous state used in the third edge detection process after the power failure is the same as when the power failure did not occur for the second time. The input current state is "OFF state". Further, the input current state used in the third edge detection process after the power failure is "ON state" because the bet button 123 is pressed. Therefore, an unintended ON edge is detected in the third edge detection process.

The main control board 200 according to the present embodiment performs an update process (referred to as an update process at the time of recovery from power failure) when recovering from a power failure in order to prevent detection of an unintended ON edge as described above.

It should be noted that the recovery from the power failure is not only caused by the ON operation of the power switch 500, but also in the case where the power of the slot machine 10 is temporarily turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, and then the power is supplied again to recover. be.

The update process at the time of recovery from power failure will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. At the start of the flowchart of FIG. 17, it is assumed that the main control board 200 has acquired the power ON signal from the power switch 500. Further, it is assumed that the main RAM 203 has returned to the state before the power failure.

The information control unit 213 acquires the input current state from the main RAM 203 (step ST11). Next, the information control unit 213 rewrites the input previous state of the main RAM 203 with the information indicated by the input current state acquired in step ST11 (step ST12). In other words, the information control unit 213 rewrites the input previous state with the actual operation state of the bet button 123 when returning from the power failure. It can be said that the information indicated by the input current state is set as the input previous state. Specifically, when the input current state is "ON state", the input previous state is set to "ON state", and when the input current state is "OFF state", the input previous state is set to "OFF state". do. The input previous state rewritten with the information indicated by the input current state is stored in the main RAM 203. When the process of step ST12 is completed, the update process at the time of recovery from the power failure is completed.

Further, in the above, the input current state is acquired from the main RAM 203 in step ST11, but the information control unit 213 directly inputs the information (bet operation information) indicating that the bet button 123 has been operated from the bet button 123. You may try to get it. In this case, in step ST12, the information control unit 213 rewrites the previous input state of the main RAM 203 based on the bet operation information. Specifically, when the bet operation information indicates "ON state", the input previous state is "ON state", and when the bet operation information indicates "OFF state", the input previous information is "OFF state". do.

In FIG. 18, between the second and third edge detection processes, a power failure occurs when the bet button 123 is not pressed (OFF state), and then an electric power is generated when the bet button 23 is pressed (ON state). It is a figure explaining the case which it recovered from the disconnection, and the update process at the time of the power failure recovery was performed. Since the operation state of the bet button 123 is "ON state" when recovering from the power failure, the information control unit 213 sets the previous state of the third input in the main RAM 203 to "ON state" as shown by an arrow F in FIG. Set to "ON state".

The edge detection process (third time) is executed after the update process at the time of recovery from the power failure. The edge detection process (third time) is executed, for example, 1.49 ms after the power failure recovery. In the edge detection process (third time), the edge detection unit 211 acquires the input current state “ON state” from the main RAM 203. Next, the edge detection unit 211 acquires the input previous state "ON state" from the main RAM 203. Next, the edge detection unit 211 determines that the ON edge detection condition does not apply because the previous input state is the "ON state" and the current input state is the "ON state". Therefore, an unintended ON edge that straddles the power failure is not detected.

Further, although not shown, if the operation state of the bet button 123 is "OFF state" when recovering from the power failure, the information control unit 213 sets the previous input state of the main RAM 203 to "OFF". .. Therefore, in the edge detection process (third time), the edge detection unit 211 acquires the input current state “OFF state” from the main RAM 203. Next, the edge detection unit 211 acquires the input previous state "OFF state" from the main RAM 203. Next, the edge detection unit 211 determines that the ON edge detection condition does not apply because the previous input state is the "OFF state" and the current input state is the "OFF state".

Further, in step ST1 of FIG. 16, in step ST1, the main CPU 201 waits at regular intervals (for example, 1.49 ms) from the time when the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled until the operation of the bet button 123 is invalidated. It can be said that periodic processing (timer interrupt) is performed to detect the current input state, that is, whether the operation state of the bet button 123 is the OFF state or the ON state. Hereinafter, the detection is referred to as periodic processing. Further, in steps ST1 to ST4 of FIG. 16, the main CPU 201 detects the "OFF state" of the bet button 23 at the n-1th periodic processing timing (referred to as the first periodic processing timing) in the periodic processing. When the "ON state" of the bet button 23 is detected at the nth periodic processing timing (referred to as the second periodic processing timing) after the first periodic processing timing, the "OFF state" is changed to the "ON state". It can be said that the ON edge is detected based on the change. For example, in the main CPU 201, when the operation state of the second time (first periodic processing timing) is "OFF state" and the operation state of the third time (second periodic processing timing) is "ON state", this "OFF state". The ON edge is detected based on the change from "state" to "ON state". When the main CPU 201 detects an ON edge, it bets a medal.

Further, the content shown in FIG. 18 is that after the main CPU 201 detects the "OFF state" at the first periodic processing timing, a power failure occurs and the bet button 123 is pressed to recover from the power failure. When the "ON state" is detected at the second periodic processing timing after the power failure is restored, the ON edge is not detected by updating the "OFF state" at the first periodic processing timing to the "ON state". It can be said. Therefore, the ON edge due to the operation not intended by the player is not detected across the power failure.

Note that FIG. 17 has described a case where the input previous state of the main RAM 203, which has returned to the state before the power failure, is rewritten with the information indicated by the input current state in step ST12. However, the previous input state does not necessarily need to be backed up, and if the previous input state is not backed up (cannot be restored), the current input state acquired when recovering from a power failure indicates. The information may be assigned (written) to the previous input state. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the detection of an unintended ON edge as in the case of rewriting.

Next, a case where a power failure occurs when the bet button 123 is in the “ON state” and then the bet button 23 recovers from the power failure in the “OFF state” will be described.
In FIG. 19, after the input previous state and the input current state are “ON state” in the second edge detection process, a power failure occurs, and then the bet button 123 recovers from the power failure in the “OFF state”. , It is a figure explaining the case where the update process at the time of recovery from a power failure is performed. As shown in FIG. 19, the operation state (input current state) of the bet button 23 when recovering from the power failure is the “OFF state”. Therefore, the update process at the time of recovery from the power failure is performed, and the "OFF state" is set in the previous state of the third input. As a result, in the third edge detection process, both the previous input state and the current input state are in the “OFF state”, so that it is possible to prevent unintended detection of the OFF edge (falling edge), for example. In reality, the configuration may not detect the OFF edge.

Further, in FIG. 17, in step ST12, the input previous state is rewritten to the input current state regardless of whether the input current state is the “ON state” or the “OFF state”. As another example of the update process, the rewriting may be performed only when the input current state is the "ON state". The other example will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the information control unit 213 acquires the input current state from the main RAM 203 (step ST21). Next, the information control unit 213 determines whether the input current state of the main RAM 203 is the “ON state” (step ST22).

In step ST22, when the information control unit 213 determines that the input current state of the main RAM 203 is "ON state" (step ST22: YES), the information control unit 213 inputs the input previous state of the main RAM 203 to the present. Rewrite in the state "ON state" (step ST23). That is, the information indicated by the input current state is set as the input previous state. By step ST23, the previous input state that was "OFF state" is rewritten to "ON state". When the process of step ST23 is completed, the update process at the time of recovery from the power failure is completed.
On the other hand, in step ST22, when the information control unit 213 determines that the input current state of the main RAM 203 is not the “ON state” (step ST22: NO), the information control unit 213 ends the update process at the time of recovery from power failure.

Further, in the update process at the time of recovery from power failure, the previous input state may be set to the "ON state" regardless of whether the current input state is the "ON state" or the "OFF state". Even with such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the detection of an unintended ON edge.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the main control board 200 for controlling the game and the bet button 123 for betting the game medium are provided, and the bet button 123 is pressed on the main control board 200. When the player recovers from the power failure in the state of being in the state, the bet of the game medium based on the pressing is not performed. Therefore, if the power is turned off when the bet button 123 is not pressed and then the power is turned on while the bet button 123 is pressed, the player does not want to bet a medal. Can be prevented.

Further, the main control board 200 executes a periodic process for detecting whether the operation state of the bet button 123 is an OFF state or an ON state at regular intervals, and in the periodic process, the OFF state is performed at the first periodic process timing. When the ON state is detected at the second periodic processing timing after the first periodic processing timing, the ON edge can be detected based on the change from the OFF state to the ON state, and the ON edge is detected. In this case, the game medium is bet, and after the OFF state is detected at the first periodic processing timing, a power failure occurs, and the bet button 23 is pressed to recover from the power failure after the power failure is restored. When the ON state is detected at the second periodic processing timing, the ON edge is not detected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detection of an unintended ON edge without causing a large increase in the processing load. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from executing an unintended bet of a medal.

Further, the main control board 200 has an edge detection unit 211 that performs an edge detection process for detecting an ON edge when the information indicating the operation state of the bet button 123 corresponds to a predetermined condition, and an edge detection process. The bet setting unit 212 for betting the game medium and the information control unit 213 for controlling the information used in the edge detection process are provided when the ON edge is detected, and the edge detection unit 211 has the previous edge detection. The input previous state determined based on the operation state of the bet button 123 at the time of processing and used in the current edge detection process is compared with the input current state determined based on the operation state of the current bet button 123. The ON edge is detected when the previous input state is the OFF state indicating that the bet button 123 is not pressed, and the current input state is the ON state indicating that the bet button is pressed. The information control unit 213 is characterized in that, when the bet button 123 is pressed and the bet button 123 is restored from the power failure, the input previous state used in the edge detection process after the restoration is set to the ON state. .. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detection of an unintended ON edge without causing a large increase in the processing load.

The update process shown in FIG. 17 is also performed at the end of one game (or at the start of one game). Therefore, even if the bet button 123 is pressed before the operation of the bet button 123 is activated, the medal based on the pressed operation is not bet. In other words, the operation of pressing the bet button 123 is started during the period in which the operation of the bet button 123 is invalidated, and the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled while the operation of the bet button 123 continues to be pressed. Even if it becomes, the bet of the medal based on the pressing operation is not made. The "state in which the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled" means a state in which the time until the operation of the bet button 123 is activated has elapsed.
For example, the operation of pressing the bet button 123 is started during the medal payout period (during medal payout), which is the period during which the operation of the bet button 123 is invalidated, and the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled as it is. Even in this case (even if the medal payout process is completed), the medal is not bet based on the pressing operation.
Further, the update process shown in FIG. 17 may be executed at the time of recovery from the error. In this case, when the operation of pressing the bet button 123 is started during the error period (during an error), which is the period during which the operation of the bet button 123 is invalidated, and the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled as it is. Even if there is (even if the error ends) (even if the error is cleared), the medal is not bet based on the pressing operation.

In the present embodiment, the slot machine 100 uses a gaming medium (medal), but the slot machine 100 is a gaming machine (so-called medalless gaming machine) capable of playing a game without using the gaming medium. ) May be. In this medalless gaming machine, game media such as medals are managed by digitized information (electronic information), and bets and payouts are made by this electronic information. That is, it is possible to play a game without using a game medium such as a medal. In the present embodiment, the concept including a game medium such as a medal and electronic information obtained by digitizing the game medium is defined as a game value.

In the above, the bet button 123 is pressed while the medal is being paid out (when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the valid line), and the medal is paid out while the bet button 123 is pressed. Even if the processing of is completed, the bet of the medal based on the pressing is not made.
Here, the settlement process will be described. The front door 112 shown in FIG. 12 is provided with a settlement button (settlement operation unit) 152. The settlement button 152 is formed so that it can be pressed and operated, and is used to execute a settlement process for paying out medals. In the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement button 152, the medal set in at least one of the bet or the credit is paid out. That is, the target of settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 152 in the present embodiment includes not only medals set for credits but also medals set for bets. There are, for example, two patterns as the settlement pattern by operating the settlement button 152 when medals are set for both bets and credits.
The first pattern is a settlement pattern in which both the medal set for the bet and the medal set for the credit are paid out at once by one operation of the settlement button 152.
In the second pattern, only the medals set in the bet are paid out by the operation of the first settlement button 152, and the credit is given by the operation of the second settlement button 152 after the settlement of the medals set in the bet. It is a settlement pattern in which the medals set in are paid out.

In the present embodiment, even if the bet button 123 is started to be pressed during the medal settlement (during the game value settlement) and the medal settlement process is completed in that state, the medal based on the pressing of the bet button 123 is pressed. No bets are placed. That is, even if the bet button 123 is pressed during the medal settlement and the medal settlement process is completed while the bet button 123 is pressed, the main control board 200 is a medal based on the pressing of the bet button 123. Control not to place a bet. As a result, it is possible to prevent the contradictory and complicated process of betting the medal during the medal settlement.
"Medal settlement" means that the blocker moves to the unauthorized position based on the pressing of the settlement button 152, the settlement process is completed, and after a predetermined period of time, the blocker moves to the permitted position ( The period of P1 and P2 shown in FIG. 3). After the settlement button 152 is pressed (or after the blocker moves to the disallowed position), the output of the voice (settlement completion voice) (for example, "settlement") notifying the completion of the settlement is completed. The medal may be settled during the period until the medal is settled (the period of P1 and P3 shown in FIG. 3). Further, after the settlement completion voice is output, a silent period for a certain period of time may be provided, and the medal settlement may be in progress until the silent period elapses (the period of P1, P2 and P3 shown in FIG. 3).

Further, in the main control board 200, even if the bet button 123 is pressed while the settlement button 152 is pressed and the settlement button 152 is pressed while the bet button 123 is pressed, the bet button 123 is pressed. Control not to bet on based medals. When the pressing of the settlement button 152 is completed, it means that the pressing of the settlement button 152 is released.
"Operating the settlement button 152" means that the settlement button 152 is being pressed, but the settlement process is not started because the press of the settlement button 152 is released before the lapse of a predetermined period (1 second). This includes the case where the settlement button 152 is continuously pressed even after the settlement process is completed and then the settlement button 152 is released. As a result, it is possible to prevent the contradictory and complicated process of betting the medal during the operation of paying the medal.

Here, the errors detected (detected) by the main control board 200 are the backflow error, the empty error, the payout jam error, the payout error error, the over error, the retention error, the backup error, and the door, as in the first embodiment. There are open error, input error error, display judgment error error, RAM error error, and setting value error error. The error clearing operation includes, for example, an operation of inserting the door key into the door key cylinder (reference numeral 153 in FIG. 12) and rotating (twisting) the door key counterclockwise, and an operation of pressing the setting change button. be.

When the main control board 200 detects an error, it transmits a command (error command) indicating that an error has occurred to the sub control board 300. When the sub control board 300 receives an error command from the main control board 200, the sub control board 300 controls to display an image (error screen) corresponding to the error occurrence content on the liquid crystal display D, and a warning sound (error sound) corresponding to the error occurrence. Is controlled to be output via the speaker 114.

The error detected by the main control board 200 may include an error other than the above. In the present embodiment, the door opening error is the first error, and a predetermined error other than the door opening error is the second error. The errors that can be detected by the main control board 200 include a plurality of errors including a first error and a second error.
In the above, even if the bet button 123 is started to be pressed during the error and the error ends (even if the error is canceled), the medal based on the press of the bet button 123 is not bet. However, this may be done if the error is a given error. That is, even if the bet button 123 is pressed during the second error and the second error ends while the bet button 123 is pressed (even if the second error is canceled), the main control board 200 is concerned. It is controlled not to place a medal bet based on the pressing of the bet button 123. This makes it possible to prevent the medal from being bet based on the pressing of the bet button 123 during the second error. When the bet button 123 is pressed during the first error and the first error is resolved while the bet button 123 is pressed, the main control board 200 bets a medal based on the pressing of the bet button 123. Control to do.

Further, the error canceling operation includes a door key operation (inserting the door key into the door key cylinder and rotating the door key counterclockwise, for example). The main control board 200 is based on the pressing of the bet button 123 even if the bet button 123 is pressed during the error and the error ends (even if the error is resolved) while the bet button 123 is pressed. Control to bet a medal based on the pressing of the bet button 123 when the bet button 123 is pressed during the operation of the door key for canceling the error after the error occurs, although the bet of the medal is not performed. do. The period during which the door key is being operated means that the door key ON is detected by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder. As a result, it is possible to shift to a gaming state in which betting is possible without detecting the door key OFF (that is, the state in which the operation of twisting the door key counterclockwise is completed), which leads to a reduction in capacity.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 22, the slot machine (game machine) 10 of the present invention opens and closes a box-shaped housing 11 having an opening on the front side, which is a surface facing the player side, and an opening on the front side of the housing 11. It is provided with a front door 12 to be used. The housing 11 houses a reel unit in which a rotatable first reel 20a, a second reel 20b, and a third reel 20c are unitized, a hopper device for paying out medals (game value), and the like. Further, the front door 12 is divided into an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, and the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 11, respectively.

The upper door 12a is provided with a liquid crystal display (display means) 13, a device for producing an effect such as a speaker 14, and a display window 16. The liquid crystal display 13 displays images (moving images, still images) for various effects. Further, the speaker 14 outputs sounds for various effects (music, sound effects, voice, etc.). In addition to the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14, an electric decoration device such as a lamp (LED), a movable accessory that can be operated by an actuator, or the like may be provided as the device for the effect.

At the back of the display window 16, a reel unit is arranged so that a part thereof can be visually recognized from the outside of the display window 16. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 20a to 20c, and when each reel 20a to 20c is stopped, three symbols per reel (upper symbol, middle symbol, lower row) are arranged through the display window 16. Design) is displayed. Further, the display window 16 is provided with an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage as display positions for visually recognizing the symbols of the reels 20a to 20c, and an effective line is set by the combination of the display positions of the reels 20a to 20c. Has been done. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, an effective line is configured by the middle stage of the first reel 20a, the middle stage of the second reel 20b, and the upper stage of the third reel 20c. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the number of medals (specified number of medals) required for one game is set to 3, and when the specified number of medals are inserted, the effective line is activated. To.

In the slot machine 10, each reel 20a to 20c starts to rotate with the start of the game, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations is won or lost (unwinned). Next, when the reels 20a to 20c are stopped, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the internal lottery is displayed on the valid line, this winning combination becomes a prize, and the process corresponding to the winning combination (winning). Processing) is executed.

Below the display window 16, a game information display unit 17 and an advantageous section display 18 are provided. The game information display unit 17 includes LEDs, lamps, a 7-segment display, and the like, and displays various game information such as the number of medals credited, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, and error information. Further, the advantageous section indicator 18 has an LED, and by turning on and off the LED, it is notified whether or not the user is staying in the advantageous section.

The lower door 12b has a medal insertion slot 22 for inserting medals, a bet button 23 for betting a credited medal, a start lever (game start operating means) 24 operated when starting a game, and a rotation. A stop button (stop operation means) 26a, 26b, 26c for stopping the current reel, a payout port 27 for paying out medals by a hopper device, and a medal tray 28 for receiving medals paid out from the payout port 27 are provided. .. Further, at the back of the medal insertion slot 22, a medal sensor 29 (see FIG. 23) for detecting the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 is provided.

In the slot machine 10, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled by inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 22 or operating the bet button 23 to bet a predetermined number of medals. Further, when the activated start lever 24 is operated, the game is started. When the game is started, the reels 20a to 20c start to rotate, and when the rotation speed of the reels 20a to 20c reaches a constant speed and becomes a steady rotation, the operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. Further, when the activated stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the operated stop buttons 26a to 26c are stopped.

As shown in FIG. 23, a main control board (main control device) 31 and a sub control board (sub control device) 32 are provided inside the slot machine 10. The main control board 31 receives input signals from input means such as the bet button 23, the start lever 24, the stop buttons 26a to 26c, and the medal sensor 29, performs various calculations for executing the game, and obtains the calculation results. Based on this, the output means such as the reel unit and the hopper device are controlled. Further, the sub control board 32 receives a signal sent from the main control board 31 and performs various calculations for executing the effect, and based on the calculation results, the sub control board 32 is used for the effect of the liquid crystal display 13, the speaker 14, and the like. Control the device.

Further, the main control board 31 and the sub control board 32 are electrically connected to each other, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game state can be transmitted from the main control board 31 to the sub control board 32. However, information cannot be transmitted from the sub control board 32 to the main control board 31.
Further, the functions of each board such as the main control board 31 and the sub control board 32 are preliminarily applied to various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, hardware such as information storage media such as ROM and RAM, ROM and the like. It is realized by software consisting of a predetermined program stored.

The main control board 31 includes an input receiving means 40, a random number generation means 41, an internal lottery means 42 that performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not a combination is successful, a reel control means 43 that controls the rotation of reels, and all reels. The winning determination means 44, the payout control means 45, the replay control means 46, the setting change means 47, the initialization means 48, and the game state control means for determining whether or not the winning combination has won when the game is stopped. It includes 49, an instruction function control means 51, an effect main control means 52, and a storage means 60. Further, the storage means 60 includes a ROM and a RAM.
Further, the sub control board 32 includes an effect sub control means 70 and a sub side storage means 72. Further, the sub-side storage means 72 includes a ROM and a RAM.

Further, the effect control means 100 is configured by the effect main control means 52 and the effect sub control means 70. The effect main control means 52 gives an instruction to the effect sub control means 70 based on the game state, the effect state, and the like. Further, the effect sub control means 70 is for effect stored in the sub-side storage means 72 based on the game state, the information regarding the effect state, or the information on whether or not to perform the instruction effect, which is transmitted from the effect main control means 52. The data is used to control the device for production. The control performed by the effect main control means 52 described in the present embodiment may be performed by the effect sub control means 70, and the control performed by the effect sub control means 70 may be performed by the effect main control means 52. Further, the control performed by the effect control means 100 described in the present embodiment may be performed by the instruction function control means 51, and the control performed by the instruction function control means 51 may be performed by the effect control means 100.

The insertion receiving means 40 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating the game start operation for the start lever 24 based on the insertion of a predetermined number of medals. Specifically, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 22, the medal sensor 29 detects the medal, and the insertion receiving means 40 inserts the inserted medals up to a specified number (a state in which the inserted medals are inserted. Bet status). Further, when the bet button 23 is pressed while the medals are credited, the insertion receiving means 40 sets the credited medals to the insertion state up to a specified number. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first pressing operation on the start lever 24 activated based on the insertion of a predetermined number of medals is accepted as the game start operation, and the reels 20a to 20c are triggered by the operation. As the rotation starts, a lottery such as an internal lottery is performed.

Further, the insertion receiving means 40 controls so that the medal owned by the player is not newly set in the insertion state in the next game of the game in which the replay wins. Specifically, when the replay wins in the previous game, even if a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 while the medal is being inserted, the inserted medal is not set to the inserted state. Credit the inserted medals up to the maximum number of credits (for example, 50). Further, the operation for the bet button 23 is not accepted in the state of accepting the insertion of medals, and the credited medal is not set in the insertion state even if the bet button 23 is pressed.

The random number generation means 41 generates a random number value for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate in a predetermined count range). In the present embodiment, the “random number” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but also is substantially irregular because the acquisition timing and the like are irregular even if the generation itself is regular. Also includes values that can function as random numbers.

The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using the internal lottery table based on the operation of the activated start lever 24 (that is, the start of the game).
In the internal lottery table, each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535) is associated with various winning combinations and losses (unwinning) including small wins, replays and bonuses. It is stored in a plurality of internal lottery table storage areas 61 provided in the ROM of the storage means 60. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as described later, the gaming states are the general medium state, the RBB internal medium state, the general medium state during RBB operation, the RB internal medium state during RBB operation, and the RB operation during RBB operation. The state can be set, and six setting values from setting 1 to setting 6 can be set as setting values. The internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the gaming state and the set value. An internal lottery will be held.
The small winning combination is a role in which a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the winning small winning combination. In addition, replay is a role in which a player can play a game again without consuming a new medal by winning a prize. When the replay wins, the operation of the start lever 24 is activated without using the player's medal, and the game can be started by operating the start lever 24.

In the internal lottery, a random number value for lottery is acquired from the random number generation means 41, the random number value is collated with the internal lottery table to determine whether or not the winning combination has been won, and the winning associated with the random number value is determined. The role is won. Specifically, the internal lottery table is provided with a plurality of winning areas as shown in FIG. 24, and each of the random number values acquired from the random number generating means 41 is associated with any of the winning areas. There is. In addition, the winning area includes a winning area that includes one or more winning combinations (corresponding to winning combinations) and a winning area that does not include any winning combination (corresponding to a loss). .. In addition, the combination of winning combinations included in each winning area is different. Then, all the winning combinations belonging to the winning area associated with the random number value acquired from the random number generating means 41 are won as a result of the internal lottery. In the following, in the internal lottery, winning a combination belonging to the winning area is also referred to as "winning area wins". In addition, when neither role is won, it is also referred to as "winning area" unwinning "is winning".

As shown in FIG. 24, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, small winning combination 1 to small winning combination 39 are prepared as small winning combination. In addition, as winning areas including small roles, "10-sheet ALL", "1-sheet ALL", "Batting order bell 1A" to "Batting order bell 6A", "Batting order bell 1B" to "Batting order bell 6B", "Batting order bell 1C""Batting order bell 6C" and "Batting order bell 1D"-"Batting order bell 6D" are available. In addition, small roles 1 to 6 are 10-card roles (an example of a specific role) in which 10 medals are paid out when a prize is won, and small roles 7 to 39 are paid out in 1 medal when a prize is won. It is a single role.
In the following, the winning areas "batting order bell 1A" to "batting order bell 6A" are referred to as batting order bell A, the winning areas "batting order bell 1B" to "batting order bell 6B" are referred to as batting order bell B, and the winning area "batting order bell 6B". "1C"-"Batting order bell 6C" is called batting order bell C, winning area "Batting order bell 1D"-"Batting order bell 6D" is called batting order bell D, and batting order bells A, B, C, D are collectively called batting order bell. I will do it.

The winning area "10-card ALL" is a winning area in which all 10-card roles (small roles 1 to 6) and a plurality of 1-card roles (small roles 8 to 39) are duplicated and won. In addition, the winning area "1 piece ALL" is a winning area in which all 1 piece roles (small role 7 to small role 39) are duplicated and won. In addition, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A-6A", "Batting Order Bell 1B"-"Batting Order Bell 6B", "Batting Order Bell 1C"-"Batting Order Bell 6C", "Batting Order Bell 1D"-"Batting Order Bell 6D" are 10 It is a winning area where one type of batting order and one batting order are won in duplicate.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, replays 1 to 16 are prepared as replays. In addition, "Replay 1"-"Replay 4", "Weak Cherry 1", "Weak Cherry 2", "Strong Cherry", "Chance Eye", "Watermelon" and "Watermelon Loss" are the winning areas that include replays. It is prepared.

Multiple replays are duplicated in the winning areas "Replay 1" to "Replay 4", "Weak Cherry 1", "Weak Cherry 2", "Strong Cherry", "Chance Eye", "Watermelon" and "Watermelon Loss". It is a winning area to win.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as bonuses, a big bonus (RBB: an example of a special role) and a regular bonus (RB: an example of a shift role) (1st regular bonus (RB1) to 4th regular bonus (RB4)). ) Is prepared. In addition, as the winning area to which the bonus is associated, the winning area "RBB" in which the big bonus (RBB) is independently won and the first regular bonus (RB1) to the fourth regular bonus (RB4) are individually won. Winning areas "RB1" to "RB4" are provided.
In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a so-called first-class special bonus (RB) is assumed to be a continuous operation device for a so-called first-class special bonus, and a regular bonus (RB) is a so-called first-class special bonus. Assumed, other bonuses may be used. In addition, other bonuses may be installed at the same time. In addition, the bonuses to be mounted may be set to be individually won, or may be set to be won in duplicate with a replay or a small role.

In addition, "unwinning" is prepared as a winning area to which a loss is associated.

Each winning area is set to be won or not to be won according to the gaming state. In other words, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and performs an internal lottery, whereby the winning combination changes. Further, in other words, in each game state, an internal lottery is performed using an internal lottery table in which the winning area that can be won in each game state is included in the lottery target. In each internal lottery table, the number of values (also referred to as the number of places) is set for each winning area. Here, the number of values is a numerical value indicating a winning range for the entire range of random values (for example, 65535). In other words, the number of values indicates the number of random numbers associated with each winning area. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the number of values of the winning area "batting order bell 1A" in the general medium state is 3082, which is about 4.7% (= 3082/65536) in the winning area "batting order bell 1A". It turns out that there is a probability of winning.

Each winning area to which the number of values is assigned in each gaming state (winning area in which the number of values is 1 or more) is a winning area that can be won in that gaming state. That is, the winning area "unwinning" is won when the gaming state is inside the RBB, and is not won in other gaming states. Further, the winning areas "10-card ALL" and "1-card ALL" are won when the gaming state is the RB operating state during the RBB operation, and are not won in the other gaming states. In addition, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A"-"Batting Order Bell 6A", "Batting Order Bell 1B"-"Batting Order Bell 6B", "Batting Order Bell 1C"-"Batting Order Bell 6C" and "Batting Order Bell 1D"-"Batting Order Bell 6D" Is won when the gaming state is in the general middle state, RBB internal middle state, RBB operating general middle state, or RBB operating RB internal middle state, and is not won in the RB operating state during RBB operation. It has become. In addition, the winning areas "Replay 1" to "Replay 4" are won when the gaming state is the general medium state, the RBB internal medium state, or the RB internal medium state during RBB operation, and the general medium state or RBB during RBB operation. It is designed not to win in the operating RB operating state. In addition, the winning areas "Weak Cherry 1", "Weak Cherry 2", "Strong Cherry", "Chance Eye", "Watermelon" and "Watermelon Loss" are in the general medium state or the RBB internal medium state. Winning is not possible when the RBB is in operation. Further, the winning areas "RB1" to "RB4" are won when the gaming state is the general middle state during the RBB operation, and are not won in the other gaming states. Further, the winning area "RBB" is won when the gaming state is in the general middle state, and is not won in other gaming states.

Further, in the general medium state, the RBB internal medium state, the general medium state during RBB operation, and the RB internal medium state during RBB operation, the winning areas "batting order bell 1A" to "batting order bell 6A" or "batting order bell 1B" to " The number of each value of "Batting order bell 6B" is 3082, while the number of each value of the winning area "Batting order bell 1C" to "Batting order bell 6C" or "Batting order bell 1D" to "Batting order bell 6D" is It is 490. In other words, in each of these game states, the total value of the batting order bell A and the batting order bell B (3082 × 12 = 36984) is the total value of the batting order bell C and the batting order bell D (490 ×). It is larger than 12 = 5880). In other words, in each of these game states, the probability of winning either batting order bell A or batting order bell B (36984/65536 = 56.4%) is to win either batting order bell C or batting order bell D. It is larger than the probability (5880/65536 = 9.0%).

Further, while the number of values of each of the winning areas "RB1" to "RB4" in the general medium state during RBB operation is 5668, the winning areas "Replay 1" to "Replay" in the RB internal medium state during RBB operation are performed. The number of each value of "4" is 5668. In other words, the total value (5668 × 4 = 22672) of the winning areas “RB1” to “RB4” in the general medium state during RBB operation is the winning area “Replay 1” in the RB internal medium state during RBB operation. It is equal to the total value (5668 × 4 = 22672) of the number of values of “Replay 4”. In other words, the probability of winning any of the winning areas "RB1" to "RB4" (22672/65536 = 34.6%) in the general medium state during RBB operation is in the RB internal medium state during RBB operation. , The probability of winning any of the winning areas "Replay 1" to "Replay 4" (22672/65536 = 34.6%) is equal. That is, the probability of winning the regular bonus (RB) in the general middle state during RBB operation is equal to the probability of winning the replay in the RB internal middle state during RBB operation. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the winning probability of the replay is the same in the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state. In addition, the replay is not won in the general medium state in which the RBB is operating. Further, in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation, the probability of winning the replay is higher than in other gaming states.

Each winning area has a different winning area number. Each winning area can be identified by the winning area number.

The internal lottery means 42 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the internal lottery from the non-winning state (off state) to the winning state (on state). If a plurality of winning combinations are won in duplicate, the winning flag corresponding to each of the winning combinations is set from the non-winning state to the winning state. Further, the winning flag setting information is stored in the winning flag storage area 62 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60.

In addition, the winning flag includes a winning flag (carry-over possible flag) that allows the winning state to be carried over to the next and subsequent games until a prize is won, and a non-winning state because the winning state is not carried over to the next and subsequent games regardless of the winning. There is a winning flag (non-carryover flag) that is reset to. There are bonuses (big bonus (RBB) and regular bonus (RB)) as the role to which the carry-over flag is associated. In addition, there are small roles and replays as the roles to which the carry-over impossible flag is associated. For example, when the bonus is won in the internal lottery, the internal lottery means 42 carries over the winning state of the winning flag of the bonus until the bonus is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not the small winning combination and the replay are successful even in the game in which the winning state of the bonus winning flag is carried over. That is, in a game in which the winning state of the bonus winning flag is carried over, if a small winning combination or replay is won, the winning bonus flag that has already been won and the small winning combination or replay winning flag that has been won in the internal lottery. Set the winning flag corresponding to two or more types of combinations to the winning state.

Further, in the slot machine 10, the winning probability of the winning combination differs depending on the difference in the set values for the six set values from the setting 1 to the setting 6. Specifically, when the setting is changed, the internal lottery table group consisting of a plurality of internal lottery tables selected according to the game state is changed to the internal lottery table group associated with each setting. Depending on the setting, the winning probability of small wins, replays, and bonuses will change to a group of internal lottery tables.

The setting changing means 47 controls to change the set value stored in the set value storage area 63 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, the setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder provided inside the slot machine 10, and the slot is in a state where the setting change key (setting change key cylinder) is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position. When the power of the machine 10 is turned on, the setting changing means 47 starts the slot machine 10 in the setting changing mode. The set value can be selected from 6 levels of setting values from setting 1 to setting 6, and an internal lottery is made so that the expected value of the payout rate increases in order from setting 1 to setting 6. The winning probability of is fluctuating. The setting changing means 47 is set in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... setting 6 → setting 1 → ... each time the setting change button provided inside the slot machine 10 is pressed in the setting change mode. When the set value is changed and the start lever 24 is pressed, the set value is fixed and the fixed set value is stored in the set value storage area 63. In addition, the setting change mode can be switched to the game mode by returning the setting change key inserted in the setting change key cylinder to the initial position.
In this embodiment, the height of the set value is expressed in the order of setting 1 <setting 2 <setting 3 <setting 4 <setting 5 <setting 6.

Further, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the slot machine 10 is started in the game mode. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the game can be played in the game mode, but the set value cannot be changed, and the set value can be changed in the setting change mode, but the game cannot be played. It is not possible.

The initialization means 48 performs an initialization process for initializing at least a part of the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 when the set value is changed. Specifically, when the set value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs a process of returning the game state, the game section, and the effect state, which will be described later, to the initial state. That is, when the set value is changed, the game state becomes the general middle state, the game section becomes the non-advantageous section, the effect state becomes the normal effect state, and these states are the same as when the power is first turned on after the factory shipment. It becomes the state of. In addition, the initialization means 48 also initializes information and the like related to the effect stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 in the initialization process. Further, the sub control board 32 also has an initialization means (not shown), and when a signal notifying that the set value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub control board 32 becomes available. The information about the effect stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 51 is initialized.
Even if the set value is changed, the game state, the game section, and the effect state may not be returned to the initial state.

The reel control means 43 starts the rotation of each reel 20a to 20c and activates it when the start lever 24 activated under the control of the main control board 31 is operated (that is, the game starts). When the stopped buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the stop control of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is performed.

That is, each time the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c. , Controls to stop the reel at the determined stop position. In the slot machine 10, when the stop button 26a is operated, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, and when the stop button 26b is operated, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped and the stop button 26c is operated. Then, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c changes depending on the operation order (batting order) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c.

In the following, regarding the order of stop operations (operation order of stop buttons 26a to 26c), the order of one group of stop operations in which all the stop buttons of the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated is referred to as "batting order". Of the stop operations that make up the batting order, the first stop operation is the "first stop operation", the second stop operation is the "second stop operation", and the third stop operation is the "third stop operation". ".

Further, in the following, the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c for stopping the rotary reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "beating order 1", and the first reel 20a and the third reel The operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c for stopping the rotary reels in the order of 20c and the second reel 20b is set to "beating order 2", and the rotary reels are stopped in the order of the second reel 20b, the first reel 20a, and the third reel 20c. The operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c is set to "hit order 3", and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c for stopping the rotating reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the third reel 20c, and the first reel 20a is "hit order 4". The operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c for stopping the rotary reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the first reel 20a, and the second reel 20b is set to "beating order 5", and the third reel 20c, the second reel 20b, The operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c for stopping the rotary reels in the order of the first reel 20a is referred to as "beating order 6".

In the stop control when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel control means 43 stops each reel 20a to 20c so that the winning combination whose winning flag is set to the winning state wins. Specifically, when the winning flag of one winning combination is set to the winning state, the stop control of each reel 20a to 20c is performed so that the winning combination wins. Further, in a state where the winning flags of a plurality of winning combinations are set to the winning state in duplicate, each reel 20a to 20c is stopped so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order determined for each combination. Let me. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the priority is determined in the order of "replay> small winning combination> bonus". Then, the reel control means 43 arranges the reel 20a so that the symbol constituting the winning form of the winning combination having a high priority is displayed on the effective line in preference to the symbol constituting the winning form of the winning combination having a low priority. ~ 20c is stopped.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the winning area "unwinning" is won in the internal lottery in the situation where the winning flag of the big bonus (RBB) is set to the winning state, the reel control means 43 is the big bonus ( Stop control is performed so that the symbols constituting the winning form of RBB) are preferentially displayed on the effective line. Therefore, if the winning area "unwinning" is won in the situation where the winning flag of the big bonus (RBB) is set to the winning state, the symbol combination showing the winning form of the big bonus (RBB) is displayed on the valid line. It is possible.

In addition, when multiple types of small winning combinations are won in the internal lottery, the priority order for the stop position candidates is the case where the priority is obtained according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line, and the case where the small winning combination is previously selected. There are cases where the priority is obtained according to the number of medals to be paid out based on the specified dividend. When determining the priority of stop position candidates according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line, the stop position that has a larger number of symbol combinations that indicate the winning form that can be displayed on the valid line has priority. The priority of each stop position candidate is obtained so that the order is high. When the priority of the stop position candidates is calculated according to the number of medals paid out, the number of medals paid out based on the payout of the small winning combination corresponding to the symbol displayed at the display position on the valid line increases. The priority of each stop position candidate is obtained so that the position (the stop position where a small winning combination with a large payout can be won) has a higher priority. However, when seeking priority for candidates for stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, if small wins with the same payout are won in duplicate, the stop positions where each small win can be won. The priorities of the candidates are treated as the same.

The batting order bell has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order, respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, when one of the batting order bells is won, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, the 10-card winning combination is won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, the 1-card combination is won. Can win a prize (10 cards do not win). The contents in parentheses in FIG. 25 indicate the winning rate of the one-card combination when the stop operation is performed in the batting order. For example, in the notation "1 card combination (1/4)", assuming that the timing of the stop operation is random, the 1 card combination wins with a probability of 1/4, and 1 card has a probability of 3/4. It indicates that the role is missed (one piece does not win). In addition, for the part not written in parentheses, the winning combination (10-card combination or 1-card combination) is always written regardless of the timing of the stop operation. For example, if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1A" is won in the general middle state, a 10-card winning combination will be won if the batting order 1 is stopped, and a 1-card winning combination will be won if the batting order 2 is stopped. When the stop operation is performed in any of the batting orders 3 to 6, one card combination is won with a probability of 1/4, and one combination is missed with a probability of 3/4.

Then, when any of the batting order bells is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority of the stop position candidate that can win the small winning combination 1 to 6 is the highest. When the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the wrong batting order, the priority is so that the candidate for the stop position that can win the small winning combination 8 to 39 has the highest priority. Is required.

In addition, when the batting order bell is won and the stop operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, and the stop operation is performed at the timing when one card combination is missed, the winning flag of the big bonus (RBB) is set to the winning state. If it is set, a big bonus (RBB) may be awarded.

In addition, there are batting order bells in which the correct batting order changes depending on the game state and those in which the batting order does not change. Specifically, for batting order bell A and batting order bell B, the correct batting order is set to one (1 type) regardless of the game state, and the other 5 batting orders (5 types) are the incorrect batting order. Has been done. Further, each of the batting order bells A has a different batting order set in the correct batting order, and each of the batting orders B has a different batting order set in the correct batting order.

On the other hand, in the batting order bell C and the batting order bell D, the number of correct batting orders changes according to the game state. Specifically, when the batting order bell C and the batting order bell D are in the general medium state, the RBB internal medium state, or the general medium state during the RBB operation, the correct batting order is defined in one way. The other five batting orders are considered to be incorrect batting orders. Further, when the gaming state is the general middle state, the RBB internal middle state, or the general middle state during the RBB operation, each of the batting order bells C has a different batting order set in the correct batting order, and each of the batting orders D. The batting order different from each other is set in the correct batting order. Further, in the batting order bell C and the batting order bell D, when the gaming state is the RB internal middle state during the RBB operation, all six batting orders are determined in the correct batting order. In other words, in the batting order bell C and the batting order bell D, when the gaming state is a specific gaming state (RB internal medium state during RBB operation), the number of correct batting orders is larger than in other gaming states. ing. In other words, in a specific game state, there is no distinction between the correct batting order and the incorrect batting order.

That is, in the general middle state, the RBB internal middle state, and the general middle state during RBB operation, the batting order bell A, the batting order bell B, the batting order bell C, and the batting order bell D all have 6 choices (probability of 1/6). Although it is a winning area where 10 cards are paid out, in the RB internal medium state during RBB operation, batting order bell A and batting order bell B are paid out with 6 choices (probability of 1/6). While it is a winning area, batting order bell C and batting order bell D are winning areas where 10 cards are paid out with a 100% probability.

The winning determination means 44 is activated when the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c is stopped, and determines whether or not the winning combination has won a prize based on the stopping mode of the reels 20a to 20c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stop display) on the effective line when the reels 20a to 20c are stopped is collated with the winning determination table stored in the ROM of the storage means 60. In the winning judgment table, each winning form (a combination of symbols that will be won when stopped and displayed) is stored in each winning combination, and the presence or absence of winning and the type of winning combination can be determined by the above-mentioned collation. do. When the winning combination is won, the main control board 31 executes the winning process corresponding to the winning combination. Specifically, as the winning process, if a small winning combination is won, a payout process is performed, if a replay is won, a replay process (replay process) is performed, and if a bonus is won, the game state is displayed. Performs the process of transition (game state transition control process).

Here, the payout process is a process of paying out a number of medals determined based on the dividend determined for each winning combination when a small winning combination is won, and is performed by the payout control means 45. When a small winning combination is won, the payout control means 45 determines the number of medals to be paid out based on the dividend determined for each winning combination, and causes the hopper device to pay out the determined number of medals to be paid out. If credits are permitted, the number of credits stored in the credit storage area provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 (the number of credited medals) instead of actually paying out the medals by the hopper device. ), The credit addition process for adding the number of payouts is performed, and the medals are virtually paid out.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, 10 medals are paid out when the small winning combination 1 to 6 are won, and one medal is paid out when the small winning combination 7 to 39 are won.

Further, the replay process is a process of setting the same game start standby state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert a medal owned by the player for the next game when the replay wins, and the replay control means 46. Do. If the replay wins, the same number of medals as the number set in the input state in the previous game (the game that the replay won) will be given to the player's own medals (including credited medals). The automatic insertion process for automatically inserting medals without using the medals is performed, and the game start operation for the next start lever 24 is waited for with the effective line corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process set. Further, when the automatic insertion process is performed, additional medals cannot be inserted.

As shown in FIG. 26, the game state control means 49 is between a general medium state (an example of a normal state), an RBB internal medium state (a bonus established state), and an RBB operating state (a bonus state: an example of a special state). Performs a game state transition control process for shifting the game state. As the transition condition of the gaming state, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are set, the gaming state may be changed based on the fact that one of the plurality of predetermined conditions is satisfied, and a plurality of the plurality of predetermined conditions or a plurality of predetermined conditions may be set. The gaming state may be changed based on the fact that everything is established.

The gaming state is a general medium state in the initial state. In the general middle state, batting order bell, winning area "Replay 1"-"Replay 4", "Weak Cherry 1", "Weak Cherry 2", "Strong Cherry", "Chance Eye", "Watermelon", "Watermelon Loss" "And" RBB "are set as the lottery target, and the internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table. In addition, it is possible to shift from the general medium state to the RBB internal medium state. The game state control means 49 shifts the game state to the RBB internal middle state when the big bonus (RBB) is won in the general middle state.

The RBB internal middle state is a gaming state that shifts when a big bonus (RBB) is won in an internal lottery. In the middle state inside the RBB, the winning area "unwinning", batting order bell, winning area "replay 1" to "replay 4", "weak cherry 1", "weak cherry 2", "strong cherry", "chance eye", An internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table in which "watermelon" and "watermelon loss" are set as lottery targets. In other words, in the internal RBB state, the internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table in which the big bonus (RBB) is excluded from the lottery target. In addition, in the RBB internal medium state, the winning flag corresponding to the big bonus (RBB) is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus (RBB) is won, and the symbol combination showing the winning form of the big bonus (RBB) is on the effective line. When displayed in, the game state control means 49 shifts the game state from the RBB internal medium state to the RBB operating state.

The RBB operating state is a gaming state in which the game shifts when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus (RBB) is displayed on the valid line. In the RBB operating state, the internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table in which the big bonus (RBB) is excluded from the lottery target. As shown in FIG. 26, the game state control means 49 has a general medium state during RBB operation (an example of the first game state) and an RB internal medium state during RBB operation (second game state) in the RBB operating state. A process of shifting the gaming state between the RB operating state during the RBB operation (an example of the third gaming state) and the RB operating state (an example of the third gaming state) is performed.

The general medium state during RBB operation is a gaming state set when the RBB operating state is started by winning a big bonus (RBB). In the general middle state during the RBB operation, the internal lottery is performed with reference to the batting order bell and the internal lottery table in which the winning areas "RB1" to "RB4" are set as the lottery targets. Further, it is possible to shift from the general medium state during RBB operation to the RB internal medium state during RBB operation. When any one of the first regular bonus (RB1) to the fourth regular bonus (RB4) is won in the general middle state during the RBB operation, the game state control means 49 changes the game state to the RB internal middle state during the RBB operation. Move to.

The RB internal medium state during the RBB operation is a gaming state that shifts when the regular bonus (RB) is won in the internal lottery in the RBB operating state. In the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation, an internal lottery is performed with reference to the batting order bell and the internal lottery table in which the winning areas "Replay 1" to "Replay 4" are set as lottery targets. In other words, in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation, the internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table in which the regular bonus (RB) is excluded from the lottery target. Further, in the RB internal medium state during RBB operation, the winning flag corresponding to the regular bonus (RB) is maintained in the winning state until the regular bonus (RB) is won, and the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the regular bonus (RB) is maintained. Is displayed on the effective line, the gaming state control means 49 shifts the gaming state from the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation to the RB operating state during the RBB operation.

The RB operating state during the RBB operation is a gaming state in which the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the regular bonus (RB) is displayed on the valid line in the RBB operating state. In the RB operating state during the RBB operation, the internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table in which the winning areas "10-sheet ALL" and "1-sheet ALL" are set as the lottery targets. In other words, in the RB operating state during the RBB operation, the internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table in which the regular bonus (RB) is excluded from the lottery target.

Further, in the RB operating state during the RB operation, it is determined whether or not the end condition of the RB operating state is satisfied based on the number of winnings of the small winning combination and the number of games. Specifically, when the number of winning small wins reaches 8 times or the number of games reaches 12 times, it is determined that the end condition of the RB operating state is satisfied. If the end condition of the RBB operating state is not satisfied when the ending condition of the RB operating state is satisfied, the gaming state control means 49 changes the gaming state from the RB operating state during the RBB operation to the general during the RBB operation. Move to the medium state.

Further, in the RBB operating state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the game in the RBB operating state, and the number exceeds a predetermined predetermined number (for example, 200). When the medal is paid out, the game state control means 49 controls to end the RBB operating state and return the game state to the general middle state. In the present embodiment, the count information about the number of payouts in the RBB operating state is stored in the storage means 60. Further, in the present embodiment, even if the winning flag of the regular bonus (RB) is set to the winning state at the end of the RBB operating state, the winning flag of the regular bonus (RB) is set with the ending of the RBB operating state. It will be reset to the non-winning state.

The instruction function control means 51 includes a game section control means 80, an effect state control means 81, and a privilege granting means 82. The instruction function control means 51 performs a process related to the operation of the instruction function that assists the winning of a predetermined combination in the advantageous section. Specifically, when a predetermined combination is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction effect to assist the winning of this combination. More specifically, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction effect (batting order navigation effect) that notifies the correct batting order and assists the winning of the 10-card combination when the batting order bell is won. .. Then, based on this determination, the effect control means 100 causes the liquid crystal display 13 to execute the batting order navigation effect.

As shown in FIG. 27, the game section control means 80 performs a game section shift control process for shifting a game section between a non-advantageous section and an advantageous section according to the progress of the game. The non-advantageous section is a game section corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game sections. In the non-advantageous section, the privilege granting means 82 performs the advantageous section transition lottery, and when the advantageous section transition lottery is won, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section to the advantageous section. Further, the advantageous section is a game section in which an upper limit value (here, 1500 times) is provided for the number of times the game can be played. Further, the instruction effect cannot be performed when the game section is set to the non-advantageous section, and the instruction effect can be performed only when the game section is set to the advantageous section. The game section control means 80 ends the advantageous section when the number of times the game is played in the advantageous section reaches the upper limit of 1500 times, and shifts the game section to the non-advantageous section.

In the non-advantageous section, the privilege granting means 82 performs a lottery (advantageous section transition lottery) for determining whether or not the transition to the advantageous section is possible at a predetermined opportunity. Specifically, the privilege granting means 82 has a predetermined role (for example, winning area "watermelon", "weak cherry 1", "weak cherry 2", "strong cherry", "chance eye", etc .: Based on the winning of the winning area (the winning area is called a rare role), a lottery (lottery for shifting to the advantageous section) is performed to determine whether or not the transition to the advantageous section is possible. Then, when the advantageous section transition lottery is won, the gaming section control means 80 shifts the gaming section from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section.

Further, the game section control means 80 stores the advantageous section game number counter 65 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60, triggered by the game start operation with respect to the start lever 24, each time a game is played in the advantageous section. Increment processing is performed to add "1" to the value as a value corresponding to one game. The game section control means 80 does not add to the advantageous section game number counter 65 in the non-advantageous section. Further, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, the stored value of the advantageous section game number counter 65 is "0". Then, when the stored value of the advantageous section game number counter 65 reaches the threshold value (upper limit value) "1500", the game section control means 80 considers that the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied, and sets the game section from the advantageous section. Move to an advantageous section. That is, the upper limit of the number of games played in the advantageous section is set to 1500, and the games exceeding 1500 times are not continuously performed in the advantageous section.

Further, the game section control means 80 updates the stored value of the difference number counter 64 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 by the difference number of medals in the advantageous section, and the value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, 10). If one medal is paid out, it will be set to "10", and if no winning combination is made and no payout is made, it will be set to "0"), which corresponds to the number of medals used in the game. The value (for example, "3" when three cards are input) is subtracted to obtain the calculation result of the difference number in the game, and this calculation result is added to the stored value of the difference number counter 64. Perform update processing. The game section control means 80 does not add to the difference number counter 64 in the non-advantageous section. Further, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, the stored value of the difference number counter 64 is "0". Then, the game section control means 80 determines that the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied when the stored value of the difference number counter 64 exceeds the threshold value (for example, “2400”), and sets the game section from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous. Move to the section. The storage value of the difference number counter 64 is controlled so as not to fall below the initial value "0". For example, the storage value of the difference number counter 64 at the start of the game is "2", and as a result of playing the game, anytime If the winning combination is not won and the medal is not paid out, the calculation result of the difference number in the game becomes "-3", and when the calculation result of the difference number is added to the storage value of the difference number counter 64, the initial value is obtained. Although it falls below "0", the stored value of the difference number counter after the update is counted and stopped with the initial value "0" as the lower limit value. That is, an upper limit is set for the number of medals that can be obtained in the advantageous section, and the number of medals increased from the standard exceeds 2400, with the time when the number of medals decreases most in the advantageous section as the standard "0". In that case, the advantageous section ends. In addition, if there is a replay prize in a game, it will be treated as if the medals corresponding to the specified number of medals for the game were paid out in the replay prized game, and the difference will be calculated, and the replay prize will be free of charge. The next game to be provided may be treated as if medals corresponding to the specified number of medals inserted in the game have been inserted even if the actual medals have not been inserted, and the difference number may be calculated.

Further, the advantageous section indicator 18 is turned off in the non-advantageous section and turned on in the advantageous section.
It should be noted that the advantageous section indicator 18 does not need to be turned on at the same time as the transition to the advantageous section, and may be turned on before the first instruction effect is performed. Moreover, once it is turned on, it is not turned off until the advantageous section ends.

As shown in FIG. 27, the effect state control means 81 includes a plurality of types including a normal effect state, a non-AT effect state, a chance effect state, an AT effect state (instructed effect state), a low expected value effect state, and a special effect state. The effect state transition control process for shifting the effect state between the effect states is performed. As the transition condition of the effect state, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are set, the effect state may be changed by satisfying one of the plurality of predetermined conditions, and the plurality or all of the plurality of predetermined conditions may be set. The production state may be changed based on the establishment.

The normal effect state is an effect state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of effect states. In the non-advantageous section, the effect state control means 81 sets the effect state to the normal effect state. In the normal effect state (non-advantageous section), the privilege lottery means performs the advantageous section transition lottery as described above, and when the transition to the advantageous section is determined in the advantageous section transition lottery, the effect state control means 81 , The effect state is changed to the non-AT effect state.

The non-AT effect state is an effect state that basically shifts when the advantageous section starts, and at the start of the advantageous section, the probability of shifting to the non-AT effect state is higher than the probability of shifting to another effect state. Is also set high. In the non-AT effect state, the privilege granting means 82 performs a lottery (CZ lottery) to determine whether or not to shift to the chance effect state. Specifically, the privilege granting means 82 performs a CZ lottery when a rare role is won in a non-AT production state. Then, when the transition to the chance effect state is determined based on the CZ lottery, the effect state control means 81 shifts the effect state to the chance effect state.

In the chance effect state, the privilege granting means 82 performs a lottery (AT lottery) for determining whether or not to shift to the AT effect state. Specifically, the privilege granting means 82 performs an AT lottery when a rare role is won in the chance production state. Then, when the transition to the AT effect state is determined based on the AT lottery, the effect state control means 81 shifts the effect state to the AT effect state. Specifically, when the AT lottery is won and it is decided to shift the effect state to the AT effect state, the privilege granting means 82 is a storage value of the AT set number counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Is set to a value "1" corresponding to one set of the AT effect state, and the right to shift to the AT effect state is given. The number of sets given by winning the AT lottery is not limited to one set, and may be two or more sets, and may be selected from a plurality of types of sets at the time of winning the AT lottery.

The effect state control means 81 shifts the effect state to the AT effect state when the value of the AT set number counter 67 is “1” or more in the chance effect state. Further, the effect state control means 81 performs a process of subtracting "1" from the stored value of the AT set number counter 67 when starting the AT effect state. Further, when the effect state control means 81 starts the AT effect state, the navigation number counter 66 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 is set with a predetermined value corresponding to the number of batting order navigations for one set of the AT effect state. Set. The number of batting order navigations set here may be selected from a plurality of types of times, and in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, "10", "20", "30", "50". "Or" 100 "is determined at a predetermined opportunity.

Further, in the AT effect state, the privilege granting means 82 determines whether or not to increase the number of sets in the AT effect state (for example, when the rare role is won) (the duration of the AT effect state is determined). A lottery (additional lottery) is performed (determining whether to increase or not), and when an increase in the number of sets is determined based on the lottery result, a value corresponding to a predetermined number of sets is added to the AT set number counter 67. ..

When the batting order bell is won in the AT effect state, the instruction function control means 51 determines the execution of the batting order navigation effect that notifies the correct batting order. Further, when the execution of the batting order navigation effect is determined, the effect control means 100 causes the liquid crystal display 13 to display the correct batting order. Further, the instruction function control means 51 performs a process of subtracting "1" from the stored value of the navigation count counter 66 each time the batting order navigation effect is executed. Then, when the stored value of the navigation count counter 66 reaches the threshold value "0", the effect state control means 81 terminates one set of the AT effect state, assuming that the end condition of one set of the AT effect state is satisfied. ..

When the end condition of one set of the AT effect state is satisfied, the effect state control means 81 shifts the effect state to the low expected value effect state. In the low expected value production state, the privilege granting means 82 performs a lottery to determine whether or not to increase the number of sets in the AT production state at a predetermined opportunity (for example, when a rare role is won), and the lottery result is obtained. When an increase in the number of sets is determined based on this, a value corresponding to a predetermined number of sets is added to the AT set number counter 67.

In the low expected value production state, even if the batting order bell is won, the batting order navigation effect that notifies the correct batting order is not performed, and the number of medals decreases as the game is played. On the other hand, in the AT effect state, a batting order navigation effect that notifies the correct batting order when the batting order bell is won is performed, so that the player can increase the number of medals by performing a stop operation according to the batting order navigation effect. In other words, in the low expected value production state, the expected value regarding the increase number of medals is lower than the AT production state.
Although the batting order navigation effect may be performed even in the low expected value effect state, it is preferable to set the frequency of occurrence of the batting order navigation effect lower than that in the AT effect state.

Further, in the low expected value effect state, a predetermined number of games are executed. Here, the number of games played in the low expected value effect state may be determined based on a lottery or a predetermined condition. If the stored value of the AT set number counter 67 is "1" or more at the end of the predetermined number of games, the effect state control means 81 shifts the effect state to the AT effect state and the AT set number counter 67. Subtract "1" from the stored value of. On the other hand, if the stored value of the AT set number counter 67 is "0" at the end of the predetermined number of games, the effect state control means 81 shifts the effect state to the normal effect state. Further, when the effect state shifts to the normal effect state, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section.

Further, the effect state control means 81 shifts the effect state to the special effect state when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the advantageous section. Specifically, the privilege granting means 82 performs a lottery to determine whether or not to shift to the special production state in the advantageous section. Then, when the transition to the special effect state is determined based on the lottery, the effect state control means 81 shifts the effect state to the special effect state.

In the special effect state, the privilege granting means 82 determines whether or not to increase the number of sets in the AT effect state at a predetermined opportunity, and when the increase in the number of sets is determined, a value corresponding to the predetermined number of sets is set. Add to the AT set number counter 67. Further, in the special effect state, the expected value for the increase in the number of sets of the AT effect state is set higher than the non-AT effect state, the chance effect state, the AT effect state, and the low expected value effect state.

Further, when the state shifts to the special effect state, the privilege giving means 82 always increases the stored value of the AT set number counter 67 by 1 or more. Then, when the special effect state ends, the effect state control means 81 shifts the effect state to the AT effect state.

In addition, it may be possible to directly shift from the normal effect state to the chance effect state or the AT effect state. For example, in the advantageous section transition lottery, instead of simply deciding whether or not to shift to the advantageous section (non-AT effect state), the effect state is transferred to the AT effect state, the chance effect state, or the non-AT. It may be a lottery whether to shift to the production state or not to shift to the normal production state. In other words, the CZ lottery may be performed in an effect state other than the non-AT effect state (for example, a normal effect state), and the AT lottery may be performed in an effect state other than the chance effect state (for example, a normal effect state or a non-AT effect state). You may go.

In the chance effect state, the probability of transition to the AT effect state is higher than that in the normal effect state and the non-AT effect state, and the effect state is more advantageous for the player than the normal effect state and the non-AT effect state. Further, in the chance effect state, the frequency at which the batting order navigation effect is performed is lower than that in the AT effect state, and the batting order navigation effect is hardly performed or is not performed at all. Further, in the non-AT effect state, the frequency at which the batting order navigation effect is performed is lower than that in the chance effect state, and the batting order navigation effect is hardly performed or is not performed at all.

In addition, even if the player wins the AT lottery and shifts from the chance production state to the AT production state, the transition from one production state to another production state may be performed after passing through another production state. good. For example, when the AT lottery is won, the AT effect state is not started immediately, but the chance effect state is changed to the AT effect state ready state (AT preparation effect state), and then the AT effect state is changed. May be

Further, the AT effect state may be set according to the game state that shifts based on the winning or winning of the bonus. For example, it may be possible to shift to the AT effect state when the gaming state is the general middle state or the RBB internal middle state, and it may not be possible to shift to the AT effect state when the RBB is in operation. In other words, in the RBB operating state, for example, even if the AT lottery is won, the AT effect state may not be entered, or the AT lottery may not be performed. That is, in the RBB operating state, the process related to the instruction function (lottery related to the instruction function, etc.) may not be performed. It is not necessary to completely perform the processing related to the instruction function in the RBB operating state, and the processing may be performed less frequently than in the general middle state or the RBB internal middle state. Alternatively, the process related to the instruction function executed in the RBB operating state may be less advantageous to the player than the process related to the instruction function executed in the general medium state or the RBB internal medium state (. For example, the probability of acquiring the AT production state in the AT lottery is set to be low).

In addition, if a bonus is won when the effect state is the AT effect state and the game state is the RBB internal medium state, after the end of the RBB operating state that shifts due to the winning of this bonus, the general medium state is used again. The AT effect state may be interrupted until the state shifts to the RBB internal medium state. That is, when the bonus is won, the processing related to the instruction function (batting order navigation effect, etc.) may be stopped, and when the state shifts to the RBB internal medium state again, the processing related to the instruction function may be restarted.

The instruction function control means 51 initializes the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as the information related to the instruction function when the advantageous section ends and the game section shifts to the normal section. Perform processing. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 includes a storage value of the advantageous section game number counter 65, a storage value of the difference number counter 64, a flag related to the lottery related to the instruction function (lottery result), and a storage value of the AT set number counter 67. And the storage value of the navigation count counter 66 and the like are initialized. That is, the information related to the instruction function is not carried over across a plurality of advantageous sections. Further, when the initialization means 48 performs the above-mentioned initialization process performed when the set value is changed, the information related to the instruction effect shown here is also initialized.

When the batting order bell is won, the effect control means 100 notifies the correct batting order and provides an instruction effect (navigation effect) to assist the winning of the 10-card combination in the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14. Controls to be executed by the production device such as. When the batting order bell is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed according to the correct batting order notified by the instruction effect, the 10-card combination wins and 10 medals can be obtained. ..
When performing an instruction effect, information indicating the correct batting order is also displayed on the 7-segment display of the game information display unit 17.

(Ability to acquire game value)
In the present embodiment, the instruction is given by lowering the expected value of the payout rate (the ratio of the number of medals inserted to the number of medals to be paid out) in the RB operating state during the RBB operation, which shifts due to the winning of the regular bonus in the RBB operating state. A method is adopted to improve the medal acquisition performance (in the AT production state) by production.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the gaming states include a general medium state, an RBB internal medium state, and an RBB operating state (general medium state during RBB operation, RB internal medium state during RBB operation, and RBB operation. RB internal medium state) can be set, but in the general medium state, RBB internal medium state, general medium state during RBB operation, and RB internal medium state during RBB operation, a small winning combination is possible. The lottery mode is the same, and the lottery mode of the small winning combination is different from the other gaming states in the RB operating state during the RBB operation. This is because the RB operating state during the RBB operation is the gaming state in which the first-class special accessory defined in the technical standard is operating, and the accessory is activated in other gaming states. This is due to the fact that the lottery mode of the small winning combination cannot be changed.

Then, in the present embodiment, by devising a lottery mode of the 10-card small winning combination in the RB operating state during the RB operating, the expected ball output rate is expected even in the situation where the first-class special winning combination is operating. The value can be lowered, and there are 6 types of small winning combination 1 to 6 in the general medium state, the RBB internal medium state, the general medium state during RBB operation, and the RB internal medium state during RBB operation. While the 10-card combination of the above is designed to win without overlapping each other in each winning mode of the batting order bell, in the RB operating state during the RBB operation, the winning area "10-card ALL" has 6 types of 10-cards. The probability of winning the winning combination in duplicate and obtaining the winning area "10-card ALL" is lower than the probability of obtaining the winning area of any batting order bell in other gaming states. As a result, the chances of winning a 10-card combination in the RB internal medium state while the RBB is operating are reduced compared to other gaming states, so the expected value of the ball output rate even in the situation where the first-class special accessory is operating. Can be lowered.

Here, in a gaming machine called a slot machine as in the present embodiment, the expected value of the payout rate is within a predetermined range in the technical standard in order to prevent the shooting performance from being significantly increased due to the medal acquisition performance. It is stipulated that it should be designed to fit in. Regarding this point, in the game specification in which the instruction effect is performed as in the present embodiment, by lowering the expected value of the payout rate of the game in which the accessory is operating, the game is performed in a situation where the accessory is not operating. By improving the medal acquisition performance based on the instruction and production, it is possible to meet the upper limit of the payout rate set by the technical standard.

That is, in the game specification for executing the instruction effect, the medal acquisition performance based on the instruction effect can be improved as the expected value of the payout rate of the game in which the accessory is operating is lowered. However, the problem is the lower limit of the ball output rate limit defined by the above technical standards.

Specifically, since the first-class special bonus to which the regular bonus in this embodiment corresponds is the original purpose of improving the medal acquisition performance by changing the lottery mode of the small bonus. It is not permitted to design so that the expected value of the payout rate in the game in which the first-class special bonus is operating is lower than the expected value of the payout rate in the game in the general medium state. For this reason, if the expected value of the ball ejection rate in the game in which the accessory is operating is lowered too much, the ball ejection rate in the game in the general medium state will be further lowered, and as a result. , It has become difficult to meet the lower limit of the payout rate stipulated by technical standards.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a method is adopted in which the expected value of the ball ejection rate is increased by different the mode of stop control from the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation.

Specifically, in the general medium state, the RBB internal medium state, the general medium state during RBB operation, and the RB internal medium state during RBB operation, the batting order bell A and batting order are the winning areas in which 10 cards can be won. A bell B, a batting order bell C, and a batting order bell D are provided. Among them, in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation, the mode of stop control is changed with respect to the winning area belonging to the batting order bell C or the batting order bell D. In the general middle state, the RBB internal middle state, and the general middle state during the RBB operation, there is one type of correct batting order for each winning area belonging to the batting order bell C or the batting order bell D, whereas in the RB internal state during the RBB operation. In the state, the correct batting order of each winning area belonging to the batting order bell C or the batting order bell D is increased to 6 types (all batting order) (see FIG. 25).

In the present embodiment, the lottery mode of the small winning combination cannot be changed by increasing the winning rate of the 10-card combination in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation by changing the stop control for the winning area belonging to the batting order bell C or the batting order bell D. Even in the situation, it is possible to improve the expected value of the ball output rate compared to the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state.

Further, in the present embodiment, the range of random value assigned to the winning areas "RB1" to "RB4" in the general middle state during RBB operation is set to the winning area "RB internal middle state during RBB operation". By assigning to "Replay 1" to "Replay 4", the winning probability of the replay in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation is increased, and the expected value of the ball output rate is improved by this.

Here, FIG. 28 shows a design example of each gaming state to which the method of the present embodiment is applied. In the present embodiment, the expected value of the ball ejection rate in the general medium state and the internal medium state of the RBB is set to about 50%. In addition, the expected value of the ball ejection rate in the general medium state during RBB operation is set to about 65%. Further, the expected value of the ball ejection rate in the RB operating state during the RBB operation is set to about 60%. Then, by setting the expected value of the ball ejection rate in the RB internal medium state during RBB operation to 100% or more (about 103%), the expected value of the ball ejection rate throughout the RBB operating state is set to about 100%. At the same time, the expected value of the ball output rate through all games has been raised to 60% or more. That is, even if the expected value of the ball ejection rate in the general medium state and the internal medium state of the RBB is set to be lower than the lower limit regulation (60%) defined by the technical standard, the inside of the RB during the RBB operation By using the state, the expected value of the ball output rate through all games is raised, and it is possible to realize a design that meets the lower limit regulation.

In this embodiment, the stop control of the winning area belonging to the batting order bell C or the batting order bell D is changed (increasing the types of correct batting order) only in the RB internal middle state during the RBB operation, and the winning rate of 10-card combination. However, even in the general middle state during RBB operation, the stop control of the winning area belonging to batting order bell C or batting order bell D is changed (increasing the types of correct batting order), and the winning rate of 10 cards. You may raise it. In this case, the winning rate of the 10-card combination is higher in the RB internal medium state during RBB operation than in the general medium state during RBB operation. The number of types of correct batting order in the winning area belonging to the batting order bell C or batting order bell D may be smaller than that in the medium state (for example, 4 types), and the batting order bell C or batting order bell D may be used in the general medium state during RBB operation. It is also possible to change the stop control for only one of the above (increase the types of correct batting order).

Further, in the present embodiment, as an example of a method for increasing the stay rate in the internal medium state of the RB during the operation of the RBB, four types of regular bonuses (RB1 to RB4) are being operated by lottery in the general medium state during the operation of the RBB. A selection factor is generated regarding the winning of the regular bonus in the state inside the RB. As described above, in the present embodiment, the stay rate in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation is increased by increasing the difficulty of transitioning to the RB operating state during the RBB operation. It is also possible to deal with this by lowering the stay rate in the general medium state during RBB operation. For example, by increasing the winning probability of the regular bonus in the general medium state during RBB operation, the inside of the RB during RBB operation By facilitating the transition to the medium state, it is possible to increase the stay rate in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation as a result of making it difficult to stay in the general medium state in the RBB operating state.

Further, in the present embodiment, the loss (winning of the winning area "unwinning") does not occur in the internal lottery in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation, but the loss occurs in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation. May occur.

In the present embodiment, the probability of winning the replay is the same in the general middle state and the RBB internal middle state, but in the RBB internal middle state, the replay winning probability may be higher than in the general middle state. Further, in the present embodiment, the replay is excluded from the lottery target in the general medium state during the RBB operation, but even if the internal lottery is performed with the replay as the lottery target even in the general medium state during the RBB operation. good.

The gaming machine of the present embodiment has a general medium state (normal state) in which an internal lottery for a big bonus (special role) is performed and an RBB operating state (special state) in which the game shifts based on the winning of the big bonus. The game state control means 49 includes a game state control means 49 for shifting the game state between a plurality of types of game states including the state) and an instruction function control means 51 for controlling the instruction effect, and the game state control means 49 operates the RBB. In the middle state, the general middle state (first game state) during RBB operation where the internal lottery for the regular bonus (shift role) is performed and the state where the regular bonus is won are maintained until the regular bonus is won. Making a game state between the RB internal medium state during RBB operation (second game state) and the RB operating state during RBB operation (third game state) that shifts based on the winning of the regular bonus. When shifting from the general medium state during RBB operation to the RB internal medium state during RBB operation, the performance for acquiring game value increases, and from the RB internal medium state during RBB operation to the RB internal medium state during RBB operation. When the game shifts to, the performance of acquiring the game value deteriorates, and the internal lottery means 42 can acquire a larger number of game values than the game value bet for one game when a prize is won (specific role: small role 1). As winning modes in which a plurality of small winning combinations including the small winning combination 6) are won in duplicate, batting order bell A and batting order bell B (first winning mode), batting order bell C and batting order bell D (second winning mode) are used. The internal lottery is performed so that it exists, and if the batting order bell C or the batting order bell D is won in the RB internal middle state while the RBB is operating, the probability that the 10-card winning combination will be won is the batting order bell C or the batting order bell D in the general medium state. Is higher than the probability that a 10-card winning combination will be won if is won, and is higher than the probability that a 10-card winning combination will be won if batting order bell A or batting order bell B is won in the RB internal medium state during RBB operation. It's getting higher. Further, in the internal lottery in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation, the probability that the batting order bell A or the batting order bell B is won is higher than the probability that the batting order bell C or the batting order bell D is won. Here, if the medal acquisition performance in the RBB operating state or the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation becomes too large, there is a risk that the game will be aggressive. However, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the total value (490 × 12 = 5880) of the batting order bell C and the batting order bell D in the RB internal medium state during the RBB operation is set to the batting order bell A and the batting order bell B. By making it smaller than the total value of the number of values (3082 × 12 = 36984), the winning probability of batting order bell C and batting order bell D can be suppressed to an appropriate range, and the winning performance of medals can be made appropriate. can.

The display device 13 executes the effect by displaying the effect image on the display surface thereof. Further, the effect image displayed on the display device 13 is a composite image formed by superimposing a plurality of layers on which drawing materials (material images) are arranged. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the concept of a layer in which drawing materials corresponding to each effect are arranged.

The effect screen displayed on the display device 13 is composed of, for example, 30 frames per second (hereinafter referred to as frames) (so-called frame rate of 30 fps). Therefore, for example, in the case of an effect pattern having a length of 1 minute, the effect screen is composed of a total of 1800 frames of 60 seconds × 30 frames in total. FIG. 32 shows a layer structure constituting one frame corresponding to the minimum unit.

When drawing one frame, the drawing material with the lowest priority is drawn one by one on the corresponding layer. For example, when one frame is composed of five drawing materials, the drawing material having the lowest priority (fifth priority) is first arranged in the lowest layer and drawn at a predetermined position. .. Next, the drawing material having the second lowest priority (fourth priority) is arranged in a layer higher than the layer on which the drawing material having the fifth priority is drawn and drawn at a predetermined position. In this way, the drawing materials are drawn one after another according to the priority, and finally the drawing material having the highest priority (first priority) is higher than the layer on which the drawing material having the second priority is drawn. It is arranged on the layer and drawn in a predetermined position. When all the drawing materials have been drawn on each layer, a composite image of these layers viewed from the upper side (front side) is displayed on the display device 13 as a composite image corresponding to the frame. In other words, when the composite image is viewed on the display device 13, the drawing material arranged on the lower layer is covered with the drawing material arranged on the upper layer. In other words, it can be said that the higher the layer, the higher the priority on the display in the display device 13. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, each frame has N layers of layers 1 to N, the lower the number, the lower the display priority, and the higher the number, the higher the display priority. Is high.

The drawing process of each composite image is executed by using the frame buffer which is one area in the VRAM of the sub-side storage means 72. Drawing the new drawing material on the upper layer means drawing the new drawing material on top of the image buffered in the frame buffer. The drawing materials constituting a certain frame are drawn in the frame buffer in order from the lowest priority, and when all the drawing materials have been drawn, the completed composite image on the frame buffer is displayed as the image of the frame. Will be displayed in. The drawing material is stored in the drawing material storage area (ROM) of the sub-side storage means 72.

The number of layers is not particularly limited, and for example, tens to hundreds of layers may be specified. Further, each composite image is not always composed of drawing materials arranged on all layers, and unused layers may be generated as appropriate. Further, in the present embodiment, when the drawing material having a lower priority is drawn on top of the drawing material having a higher priority, the overlapped portion cannot be visually recognized. Transparency can be set, and this is not the case if the transparency set for the drawing material to be overlaid on top is not 0 (completely opaque), and there is a drawing material hidden behind it according to the degree of transparency. May be visible in the frame image.

Here, by considering a plurality of layers (aggregates of a plurality of drawing materials) arranged at close positions as one group, one frame is composed of N layers and at the same time, a plurality of layers. It can also be seen as being composed of groups. For example, the frame shown in FIG. 32 is composed of three layer groups, and the layer group LG2 is superimposed on the layer group LG1 arranged at the bottom (the rearmost side when viewed from the display device 13). One frame image is completed by arranging the layer group LG3 on the top (the frontmost side when viewed from the display device 13).

The images constituting the effect screen are divided into, for example, background images, broadcast information, important information, and the like, and are arranged in each layer group LG1 to LG3 for each type of image. The priority of each image is generally the highest for important information, and is set lower in the order of notification information and background image. Drawing of one frame is performed in order from the lowest priority, and one frame image is synthesized by superimposing an image showing broadcast information on a background image and an image showing important information on the background image. The priorities shown here are just the main examples, and there are cases where the order is different.

For example, a background image having the lowest priority is drawn on the layer group LG1 located at the bottom. This background image is not a single drawing material as a whole, but a plurality of drawing materials are superimposed in order from the lowest priority to form one background image. The images arranged in the other layer groups LG2 and LG3 described below are configured in the same manner.

The layer group LG2 is superposed on the layer group LG1. A plurality of drawing materials constituting the broadcast information are drawn on the layer group LG2. Specifically, for example, an image of a counter display, an image of a batting order navigation display, and the like are arranged.

The layer group LG3 is superposed on the layer group LG2. A plurality of drawing materials showing important information are drawn on the layer group LG3. The important information refers to, for example, information for notifying the prevention of immersiveness, a system message (error message), and the like. Since this information is particularly important for the game, it is set to have a high priority, and is drawn on the uppermost layer group LG3 so that it can be reliably visually recognized without being hidden by other images.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the effect state control means 81 includes a normal effect state, a non-AT effect state, a chance effect state, an AT effect state, a low expected value effect state, and a special effect state. Performs the effect state transition control process to transfer the effect state between a plurality of types of effect states. Here, the normal effect state or the non-AT effect state is set as the first effect state, and the AT effect state is set as the second effect state. In the second effect state, the probability that a privilege related to the instruction function (for example, an increase in the number of sets in the AT effect state) is given is higher than in the first effect state. It should be noted that the second effect state may be any one in which the degree of advantage regarding the instruction function is higher than that of the first effect state. For example, the second effect state may be a chance effect state in which the probability of transition to the AT effect state is higher than that of the normal effect state or the non-AT effect state. Hereinafter, a case where the first effect state is set to the normal effect state and the second effect state is set to the AT effect state will be described.

The effect control means 100 causes the effect device (display device 13, etc.) to execute a predetermined effect, triggered by the third stop operation of the game in which the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus is displayed on the effective line. Specifically, the effect control means 100 causes the display device 13 to display a display indicating that the RBB is in operation (hereinafter, RBB operation display) triggered by the third stop operation. The RBB operating display is a predetermined effect in the bonus state (display of a specific image that can be recognized as being in the bonus state). By displaying the RBB operating display on the display device 13, the player can recognize that the RBB is currently operating. FIG. 29 shows an example of the RBB operating display, and the introduction image of the character is displayed on the display device 13. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the RBB operating display is not displayed (the introduction image of the character is not displayed) in the gaming state other than the RBB operating state. In the example of the RBB operating display shown in FIG. 29, a predetermined counter display (display showing the number of stored medals stored in the credit storage area of the storage means 60 and the number of medals paid out when a small winning combination is won) is displayed. Has been done.

Here, the game in the state where the RBB is operating will be described. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the gaming state is the general middle state or the RBB internal middle state, a predetermined rare role may be won (see FIG. 24), and the privilege granting means 82 is the rare role. Taking the opportunity of winning, a lottery related to the instruction function will be held. On the other hand, when the gaming state is the RBB operating state, the predetermined rare combination is not won (see FIG. 24), and the lottery related to the instruction function is not performed. In the RBB operating state, the lottery related to the instruction function may be performed at a predetermined trigger, but the frequency at which the lottery related to the instruction function is executed is higher than that in the general medium state or the RBB internal medium state. It shall be low. Therefore, when the gaming state is the RBB operating state, the lottery related to the instruction function is performed less frequently (including the case where it is not performed at all) as compared with the general medium state or the RBB internal medium state. In other words, the RBB operating state has a lower degree of advantage regarding the instruction function than the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state (it is a disadvantageous state regarding the instruction function). Therefore, in the RBB operating state, the player must play a predetermined number of games until the RBB operating state ends, in a state where the lottery related to the instruction function is performed infrequently.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, "1" is subtracted from the stored value of the navigation count counter 66 every time the batting order navigation effect is executed in the AT effect state, and the stored value of the navigation count counter 66 is the threshold value "0". When it reaches, the end condition of one set of the AT effect state is satisfied. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following may be used. That is, a counter (AT game number counter) for storing the number of games in the AT effect state is provided, and "1" is subtracted from the stored value of the AT game number counter each time a game is played in the AT effect state, and the AT game is played. When the stored value of the number counter reaches the threshold value "0", the end condition of one set of the AT effect state may be satisfied. In other words, the end condition of the AT effect state may not be managed based on the number of batting order navigation effects, but may be managed based on the number of games in the AT effect state.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the AT effect state in the RBB operating state, the processing related to the following predetermined instruction function is not performed, or even if the processing is performed, the frequency at which the processing is performed is the general medium state or the RBB. It is lower than the internal medium state.

In the AT effect state in which the RBB is operating, the batting order navigation effect is not performed. If the batting order navigation effect is not performed, the process related to the display of the batting order navigation by the effect control means 100 may not be performed, but as will be described later, an image of the batting order navigation display (an image that informs the correct batting order). May be arranged in a lower layer, and an image of the RBB operating display may be displayed in a layer higher than that, and the image of the batting order navigation display may be covered (hidden).

Further, in the AT effect state in which the RBB is in operation, the effect control means 100 (instruction function control means 51) does not change the stored value of the predetermined counter related to the instruction function. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the stored values of the navigation number counter 66 and the AT gaming number counter are not changed. In other words, since the batting order navigation effect is not performed in the AT effect state in the RBB operating state, the stored value of the navigation count counter 66 does not change. However, even in the AT effect state in which the RBB is operating, the stored values of the advantageous section game number counter 65 and the difference number counter 64 are changed.

Further, in the AT effect state in which the RBB is operating, the effect state control means 81 does not shift the effect state to the low expected value effect state or the special effect state. In other words, in the AT effect state in which the RBB is operating, the end condition of the AT effect state is not satisfied (because the batting order navigation effect is not performed), so that the AT effect state does not end.

FIG. 30 shows an example of a display (this is referred to as an AT display) displayed on the display device 13 by the effect control means 100 when the effect state is the AT effect state (one of the second effect states). There is. The AT display is a display that can recognize that the player is staying in the AT effect state, and is a display in a state where the batting order navigation effect can be performed. In other words, the AT in-progress display is a display normally displayed in the AT effect state (display displayed when the game state is the general middle state or the RBB internal middle state), and the correct batting order when the batting order bell is won. Refers to the display that notifies.

In the example of the AT display shown in FIG. 30, a predetermined counter display related to the AT effect state is displayed. The predetermined counter display related to the AT effect state includes a display regarding the number of batting order navigation effects in the AT effect state, a display regarding the number of sets in the AT effect state, and a display regarding the number of medals acquired in the AT effect state. It has been.

When the effect state is the AT effect state and the AT in-time display is displayed and it is determined that the game state shifts to the RBB operating state, the effect control means 100 is the first of the games that won the big bonus. 3 Triggered by the stop operation, the RBB operating display is displayed. Specifically, the effect control means 100 uses the material image (image) of the RBB operation display as a higher layer (for example, layer group LG2) having a higher priority than the layer on which the image displayed during AT is arranged. Place it on that layer). More specifically, the images related to the AT display include a background image, a batting order navigation display image, a predetermined counter display image related to the AT effect state, and the like, and these are appropriately layers based on the priority. However, the images displayed during RBB operation are arranged on a layer higher than the layer on which those images are arranged. As a result, the RBB operating display shown in FIG. 29 is displayed, and the AT in-time display shown in FIG. 30 is in a hidden state (invisible state).
It should be noted that the material image of the RBB operation display may be arranged on a layer higher than at least the background image of the images related to the AT display. That is, if the batting order navigation display image is not placed on any layer in the RBB operating state, the material of the RBB operating display is placed on a layer lower than the layer on which the batting order navigation display image is placed in other states. Images may be placed.

When it is determined that the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state in the AT effect state, the effect control means 100 displays the RBB operating display (FIG. 29). That is, it is notified that the gaming state is the RBB operating state. Therefore, the player can recognize that the gaming state has changed to the RBB operating state while the AT effect state is being executed.

When the end condition of the RBB operating state is satisfied, the effect control means 100 hides the RBB operating display (that is, visually recognizes the RBB operating display, triggered by the third stop operation of the last game in the RBB operating state. (It cannot be done), and the AT status display is displayed again. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the image of the RBB operating display is arranged on a layer higher than the layer on which the image of the AT in-display is arranged, and while the RBB operating display is displayed, the lower layer thereof. Then, the display of the AT in-time display is continued. However, while the RBB operating display is displayed, the display of the AT display may be interrupted (that is, the image of the AT display may not be arranged (drawn) on the layer).

Further, when the effect state is the AT effect state, the effect control means 100 causes the lighting device to execute light emission (light emission during AT) in the mode of the AT effect state. When it is determined that the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state in that state, the effect control means 100 triggers the third stop operation of the game that has won the big bonus, and the RBB has a higher priority than the light emission during AT. The illuminating device is made to perform light emission (light emission during RBB operation) in the mode in the operating state. That is, the light emitting mode of the lighting device is changed with the transition to the RBB operating state. As a method of changing the light emission mode of the lighting device, the effect control means 100 executes light emission during RBB operation (for example, a color different from the light emission during AT) in addition to the light emission during AT, and the light emission color of the lighting device. May be changed. Further, the effect control means 100 may stop the light emission during AT and execute only the light emission during RBB operation (the color is different from the light emission during AT). Further, in that case, the light emission during RBB operation may be to turn off the lighting device.

When the end condition of the RBB operating state is satisfied, the effect control means 100 stops the light emission during the RBB operation and executes the AT light emission to the lighting device again, triggered by the third stop operation of the last game in the RBB operating state. Let me.

In addition to displaying the RBB operating display, the light emission during the RBB operation makes it easier for the player to recognize that the gaming state has changed to the RBB operating state (special state).

It should be noted that the light emission during RBB operation is performed in association with the above-mentioned RBB operation display. Even if the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state, the RBB operating display may not be performed (details will be described later), but in that case, the RBB operating light emission is not performed.

The gaming machine of the present embodiment is a lighting device depending on whether the gaming state is the RBB operating state or the gaming state is the general middle state or the RBB internal middle state even if the effect state is the AT effect state. The light emission mode is different.

Further, when the effect state is the AT effect state, the effect control means 100 causes the speaker to output the sound (music) (AT sound) in the mode of the AT effect state. When it is determined that the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state in that state, the effect control means 100 does not output any sound other than the predetermined sound from the speaker, triggered by the third stop operation of the game that has won the big bonus. (Sound output during RBB operation).

The predetermined sound is a sound effect (stop sound) output when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are stopped, a sound effect (payout sound) output when the medal is paid out, and the like. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the sound to be output is assigned to each of a plurality of tracks for each type of sound, and the plurality of types of sounds can be output in parallel on the plurality of tracks. That is, for example, the stop sound, the payout sound, and the BGM (effect sound for enlivening the game) in the AT effect state can be assigned to different tracks and output in parallel. In addition, it is possible to adjust the volume for each track. The effect control means 100 sets the volume of tracks of sounds other than predetermined sounds to "0" (minimum volume: silent state). For example, the volume of the BGM track in the AT effect state is set to "0". In this case, the BGM is flowing at a volume of "0".

When the end condition of the RBB operating state is satisfied, the effect control means 100 causes the sound other than the predetermined sound to be output via the speaker, triggered by the third stop operation of the last game in the RBB operating state. Control. That is, for tracks of sounds other than predetermined sounds, those volumes are set to the original volume (the same volume as before the transition to the RBB operating state). In this embodiment, since the volume of the track is controlled, that is, the volume of the track is set to "0" and the sound output is continued in the state where the RBB is operating, so that the AT effect state is restarted. , There is no need to reconstruct (reset) the production.

In addition to displaying the RBB operating display, the voice output during the RBB operation makes it easier for the player to recognize that the gaming state has changed to the RBB operating state.

The audio output during RBB operation is executed in association with the above-mentioned RBB operating display. Even if the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state, the RBB operating display may not be performed (details will be described later), but in that case, the voice output during the RBB operating is not executed either.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, even if the effect state is the AT effect state, there are cases where the game state is the RBB operating state and the game state is the general middle state or the RBB internal middle state. The output mode is different.

When it is determined that the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state in the AT effect state, a predetermined number of games are played in the RBB operating state, and the effect (display, lighting, and sound) in the RBB operating state is executed. However, during that time, the batting order navigation effect in the AT effect state is not performed (the stored value of the navigation count counter 66 is not subtracted). That is, when the state shifts to the RBB operating state, the batting order navigation effect in the AT effect state is not executed, and after the end of the RBB operating state, the batting order navigation effect in the AT effect state is executed (executable). .. When the end of the AT effect state is managed not by the number of batting order navigation effects but by the number of games in the AT effect state, the stored value of the AT game number counter 68 is stored with the transition to the RBB operating state. The state is not subtracted, and after the end of the RBB operating state, the stored value of the AT game number counter 68 is subtracted (subtractable).

If the state shifts to the RBB operating state during the execution of the AT effect state, and if the AT effect state ends before the RBB operating state ends, even if the AT effect state ends. The effect of the RBB operating state may be continued until the RBB operating state ends.

FIG. 31 shows a display displayed on the display device 13 by the effect control means 100 when the effect state is the normal effect state (one of the first effect states) (this is the normal display (normal effect)). ) Is shown. In the above description, when it is determined that the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state in the AT effect state, the effect control means 100 displays the RBB operating display (FIG. 29), but the game of the present embodiment. Even if the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state in the normal effect state, the effect control means 100 does not display the RBB operating display. In other words, even if the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state in the normal effect state, the effect control means 100 displays the normal medium display without displaying the RBB operating display (general medium state or RBB internal medium state). Continue to display in).

However, in the normal display displayed in the RBB operating state, the counter display displayed at a predetermined position (for example, the position on the upper right of the display surface in the display device 13) does not change even when the game is played. There is. This counter display indicates the number of games executed in a predetermined period (for example, the number of games executed after the normal effect state is started), and is stored in the normal game number counter 69 each time a game is played. As the value increases by "1", the number part is incremented by "1". The normal game number counter 69 stores, for example, the number of games since the start of the normal effect state, and the stored value of the normal game number counter 69 is a predetermined trigger (for example, transition to the AT effect state). (Take the opportunity), it is reset to "0".

When the gaming machine of the present embodiment shifts to the RBB operating state in the normal effect state, the effect control means 100 (instruction function control means 51) does not change (increase) the stored value of the normal game number counter 69. ing. Therefore, the counter display in the normal display does not change even if the game is played. That is, even if the game is played, the number part of the counter display remains a constant value (for example, "0"). In other words, the counter display does not change in the normal display in the RBB operating state.

The RBB operating state has a lower degree of advantage regarding the instruction function than the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state. That is, the frequency of lottery related to the instruction function for assisting the winning of a predetermined role is lower than that in the general middle state and the RBB internal middle state. Therefore, based on the determination that the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state in the normal effect state, when the RBB operating display is displayed, the player can easily recognize that the gaming state is the RBB operating state. , There is a risk of stopping playing on slot machines and leaving your seat. Further, if the RBB operating display is still displayed, the player who sees the display recognizes that the gaming state is the RBB operating state and avoids the game in the slot machine. Probability is high.

The gaming machine of the present embodiment can recognize that it is in the RBB operating state when the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state (bonus state) in the first effect state (normal effect state or non-AT effect state). Image (RBB operating display) is not displayed on the display device 13. Specifically, the image of the RBB operating display is not arranged on the layer higher than the layer on which the image of the normal medium display is arranged, and the display of the normal medium display is continued.

Therefore, it is less likely that the player recognizes that the gaming state is the RBB operating state, and the possibility of stopping the game in the slot machine 10 and leaving the seat can be reduced. Further, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a player who is considering which slot machine to play the game will avoid playing the game on the slot machine 10 by looking at the display of the display device 13 of the slot machine 10.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the gaming state shifts to the RBB operating state (bonus state) in the second effect state (for example, the AT effect state) in which the degree of advantage regarding the instruction function is higher than that of the first effect state. , A specific image (RBB operating display) that can be recognized as being in the RBB operating state is displayed on the display device 13. Specifically, the image of the RBB operating display is arranged on a layer higher than the layer on which the AT-in display image is arranged, and the RBB operating display is displayed.

In the AT effect state in which the number of medals can be increased, it is unlikely that the player will stop playing in the slot machine even if the transition to the RBB operating state is notified in the middle of the AT production state. By displaying the RBB operating display in the AT effect state in this way, the player can grasp that the gaming state has changed to the RBB operating state.

Since the number on the counter display does not change in the normal display in the RBB operating state, the player may recognize that the gaming state is the RBB operating state when the game is actually played. However, in the state before the start of the game (only by appearance), it is impossible to notice that the game state is the RBB operating state, so that the player can avoid the game in the slot machine 10. The sex can be reduced. That is, it is possible to increase the probability that the player will play a game on the slot machine 10.

Further, when the gaming state is the RBB operating state, the power may be cut off (power cutoff). When the power is restored in this state, the state before the power failure is restored by the recovery process, and either the RBB operating display or the normal display (the counter display does not change) is displayed. In this case, the player may recognize that the gaming state is the RBB operating state and avoid the game in the slot machine 10 on which the display is displayed.

Therefore, the gaming machine of the present embodiment is powered off when the gaming state is in the RBB operating state, and when the gaming state recovers from the power failure, a predetermined period (for example, about 5 minutes) from the time of the recovery from the power failure. The effect control means 100 causes some or all of the lighting devices to emit light in a predetermined color (for example, red). This is a notification that the game state has returned to power failure while the RBB is in operation, and prompts the clerk of the game field to perform a predetermined process. As a predetermined process, there is a setting change operation. When the setting change operation is performed, the setting change means 47 changes the set value, and the initialization means 48 returns the game state to the initial state (general middle state) accordingly. As a result, the gaming state is no longer in the RBB operating state, and the display in the RBB operating state is not displayed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the player can avoid playing the slot machine 10. The above-mentioned predetermined operation may be the execution of the game a predetermined number of times. By playing the game a predetermined number of times, the end condition of the RBB operating state is satisfied, and the display in the RBB operating state is not displayed.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the effect state is the first effect state, even if the game state shifts to the RBB operating state, the RBB operating display is not displayed. On the other hand, when the effect state is the second effect state (for example, the AT effect state), when the game state shifts to the RBB operating state, the RBB operating display is displayed. Therefore, the RBB operating display is displayed only when the effect state is the second effect state (for example, the AT effect state). Therefore, for the player who knows this, the RBB operating display informs that the effect state is the second effect state (advantageous state).

In the present embodiment, a case where a big bonus (RBB: continuous operation device for a special character of the first kind) is adopted as a bonus has been described as an example, but this bonus can be referred to as a regular bonus (RB: the first kind), for example. It may be read as a special bonus). That is, the game state control means 49 performs the game state transition control process for shifting the game state between the general middle state, the RB internal middle state (bonus established state), and the RB operating state (bonus state). Whether or not the above-mentioned RBB operating display (RB operating display) is displayed in the RB operating state may be different depending on whether the effect state is the first effect state or the second effect state. When the gaming state is the RB operating state, the lottery related to the instruction function for assisting the winning of a predetermined combination is performed less frequently than in the general middle state or the RB internal middle state.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the schematic configuration of the gaming machine will be described. Although the slot machine, which is one of the gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.
Further, in the following description, "front and back" basically means "front" on the player side and "rear" on the slot machine side when the player is on the front side of the slot machine, and "up and down". Means "top" on the top side of the slot machine, "bottom" on the bottom side, and "left and right" means "left" on the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine and "right" on the right hand side. do.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the slot machine X. Further, FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing the inside of the housing 1 of the slot machine X. This slot machine X includes a housing (game machine housing) 1. Further, the housing 1 includes a top plate 2, a back plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and left and right side plates 5, 6 and is formed in a box shape having a front opening opening on the front side of the housing 1. Further, the back plate 3 is thinner than the top plate 2, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5 and 6. In the present embodiment, the housing 1 is made of wood, but may be made of synthetic resin, metal, or the like.
In the following, the lower surface of the top plate 2, the front surface of the back plate 3, the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, the right surface of the left side plate 5 and the left surface of the right side plate 6, that is, the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, and the side plate 5 Alternatively, the plate surface of the side plate 6 facing the inside of the housing 1 is also referred to as an inner surface. Further, the upper surface of the top plate 2, the back surface of the back plate 3, the lower surface of the bottom plate 4, the left surface of the left side plate 5 and the right surface of the right side plate 6, that is, the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5 or the side plate 6 The plate surface facing the outside of the housing 1 in the above is also referred to as an outer surface.

On the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, a power supply unit 10 for supplying electric power to each component, a hopper unit 11 as a payout device for storing medals and paying out medals, and medals stored in the hopper unit 11 reach a certain amount. A cash box 12 or the like is provided to send out surplus medals at the time of the event.

Further, a reel unit 14, a board unit 16, and the like are provided in the housing 1. The reel unit 14 includes three reels 15a, 15b, 15c having a plurality of symbols displayed around them, a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 15a to 15c, these reels 15a to 15c, a drive motor, and the like. Has a reel frame (frame member) 13 to which the reel frame (frame member) 13 is attached and integrally supports them. Further, the substrate unit 16 is a substrate case 18 in which an electronic circuit board including electronic components such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I / O is housed. The electronic circuit board of the board unit 16 is a main control board (main control device), and is input from input means such as a bet button 35, a start lever 990, a stop button 33 (stop buttons 33a, 33b, 33c), and a medal sensor, which will be described later. In response to the input signal, various calculations for executing the game are performed, and the output means such as the reel unit 14 and the hopper unit 11 are controlled based on the calculation results. A sub-control board that receives signals sent from the main control board, performs various calculations for executing the effect, and controls devices for the effect such as a liquid crystal display and a speaker 27 based on the calculation results. (Sub-control device) is provided on the back side of the front door 20.

Further, on the front side of the housing 1, a front door 20 that closes the front opening of the housing 1 so as to be openable and closable is provided. Specifically, the front door 20 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 via a hinge 29 so as to open and close the opening of the housing 1.
The front door 20 may be divided into a plurality of doors, such as being divided into an upper portion and a lower portion. Further, in the slot machine X, when the model is replaced at the game store, the housing 1, the lower portion of the front door 20, the power supply unit 10 in the housing 1, the hopper unit 11, and the like remain attached to the island equipment of the game store. , The upper portion of the front door 20, the reel unit 14, and the like may be replaceable so-called separate housing type.

A flat plate-shaped panel 21 is provided in the center of the upper part of the front door 20. Further, the panel 21 includes a transparent display window 22 formed in the central portion thereof, and a design portion 23 formed so as to surround the display window 22 and on which a pattern is drawn (printed).

At the back of the display window 22, three reels 15a to 15c are provided in a horizontal row. A part of the reels 15a to 15c can be visually recognized through the display window 22. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 15a to 15c, and when the reels 15a to 15c are stopped, three symbols (upper symbol, middle symbol, lower symbol) are displayed per reel through the display window 22. Will be done. Then, whether or not the winning combination has won is displayed by the combination of the symbols displayed through the display window 22 when the three rotating reels are stopped. Further, a light source (LED) for lighting is provided on the back side of the design unit 23, and the pattern drawn on the design unit 23 is illuminated from behind by the light from this light source.

A lighting device 24 for performing notification, directing, and the like is provided on the upper part of the panel 21 of the front door 20. Further, lighting devices 25, 25 for performing notification, directing, and the like are provided at both left and right ends of the front door 20. By providing the decorative member 26 having a luminescent or non-luminous three-dimensional shape including these lighting devices 24 and 25 in a predetermined portion of the front door 20, the outer shape of the front side of the gaming machine is uneven. It has become. The gaming machine is decorated with these decorative members 26. Further, the side surface of the front door 20 provided with such an uneven decorative member 26 is located slightly inside the outer surfaces of the left and right side plates 5 and 6 in the left-right direction. Further, the upper surface of the front door 20 provided with such an uneven decorative member 26 is located slightly inside (lower side) than the outer surface of the top plate 2.

Further, a plurality of speakers 27 are provided at the upper and lower portions of the front door 20. The speaker 27 outputs sounds for various effects (music, sound effects, voice, etc.). In addition to the lighting device 24 and the speaker, a liquid crystal display for displaying various effects images (moving images, still images), a movable accessory that can be operated by an actuator, or the like may be provided as the effect device. good.

An operation unit 30 for operating the slot machine X is provided at the center of the front door 20 in the vertical direction. The operation unit 30 has a settlement switch 31 for paying out credited medals, a start lever 990 for starting a game, and three stop buttons 33 for stopping the rotation of each of the three reels 15a to 15c. , Medal insertion slot 821 for inserting medals (game media), Reject button for clearing medal jams that occur below the medal insertion slot 821, Bet button 35 operated when investing (bet) medals in the game Etc. are provided.

Further, at the lower end of the front door 20, a medal payout port for ejecting medals from the inside of the slot machine and a medal tray 38 for storing medals ejected from the medal payout port are formed. Further, a lower panel 39 for decorating the appearance of the gaming machine is provided between the operation unit 30 and the medal tray 38. Further, a light source (LED) for lighting is provided on the back side of the lower panel 39, and the lower panel 39 is illuminated from behind by the light from this light source.

As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the board case 18, the reel unit 14, the power supply unit 10, the hopper unit 11, the front door 20 (hinge 29), etc. containing the main control board are screw 50 (screws 50a, 50b, etc.). It is fixed to the housing 1 by (50c, 50d, 50e: male screw). Specifically, the substrate case 18 is screwed to the back plate 3 with a plurality of screws 50a. Further, the reel unit 14 is fixed to the housing 1 by screwing the reel frame 13 provided with the reels 15a to 15c to the back plate 3 and the left and right side plates 5 and 6 with a plurality of screws 50b. There is. Further, the power supply unit 10 is in contact with or close to the inner surface of the back plate 3 with the back surface in contact with or close to the inner surface of the left side plate 5, and with respect to the back plate 3 and the left side plate 5 with the left surface in contact with or close to the inner surface of the left side plate 5. It is screwed by a plurality of screws 50c. Further, the hopper unit 11 is screwed to the bottom plate 4 by a plurality of screws 50d. Further, the hinge 29 for connecting the front door 20 to the housing 1 is screwed to the left side plate 5 by a plurality of screws 50e. In addition to this, an external centralized terminal board that sends a signal notifying the state of the gaming machine to an external device such as a hall computer that monitors the status of the gaming machine, and the above-mentioned input device or output device and the main control board or sub-control Various electronic circuit boards such as a relay board that connects to the board, and parts such as the frame 52 that reinforces the front door 20 side of the housing 1 are screwed to the housing 1 with screws 50. The frame 52 is provided with an engaged portion in which the engaging portion of the front door 20 that closes the front opening of the housing 1 is engaged, and the engaged portion engages with the engaged portion. By fitting, the front door 20 is fixed in a state where the front opening of the housing 1 is closed.

The attachment of the screw 50 to the housing 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 36 by taking one screw 50 as an example. The other screws 50 are also attached to the housing 1 in the same manner. The screws 50 are inserted into each of the plurality of holes 55 provided in the housing 1. Further, the outer surface 1a of the housing 1 is countersed at a position corresponding to the hole 55 to form a recess 56. That is, the outer surface 1a of the housing 1 is provided with a recess 56 that is coaxial with each of the holes 55 and has a diameter larger than that of the hole 55. The screw 50 is screwed into a nut (female screw) 58, whereby each component fixed by the screw 50 is fixed to the housing 1. That is, each of the parts is fixed to the housing 1 by a fastening member (fixing member) composed of a screw 50 and a nut 58. Here, the heads of all the screws (male screws) 50a to 50e attached to the housing 1 in the present embodiment are arranged inside the housing 1 (inner surface 1b side), and the tip portion (opposite to the head). The end portion on the side) is attached to the housing 1 in a state of facing the outside (outer surface 1a side) of the housing 1. By arranging the heads of all the screws 50 inside the housing 1 in this way, the mounting work of the screws 50 can be collectively performed from the inside of the housing 1, and the efficiency of the mounting work is improved. Further, the nut (female screw) 58 is arranged so as to fit inside the recess 56. The housing 1 is sandwiched between the heads of the screws 50a to 50e and the nuts 58.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a nut with a claw is used as the nut 58. By using the nut with a claw in this way, the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced. Further, since damage to the peripheral portion of the hole 55 and the like can be suppressed, it becomes easy to remove the screw 50 and then reattach it, and the reusability of the gaming machine can be improved. As the nut 58, a nut other than the nut with a claw may be used. Further, the nut 58 may not be used, and the screw (male screw) 50 as a fastening member may be directly screwed into the hole 55. Specifically, the wooden housing 1 may be screwed into the housing 1 by using a wood screw as a screw as a fastening member. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the hole 55 may have a female screw shape, and the screw 50 as a fastening member may be screwed into the female screw shape inner peripheral surface.

All the screws 50 attached to the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4 or the side plates 5 and 6 are more than the outer surface (outer surface of the housing 1) of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4 or the side plates 5 and 6. It is in a state where it does not protrude to the outside. Specifically, in the screw 50, the head of the screw 50 is arranged inside the housing 1, and the tip of the screw 50 (the end opposite to the head) is 1 mm from the outer surface of the housing 1. It is in a state of being recessed by about 2 mm (a state of being located inside). The tip of the screw 50 may be flush with the outer surface of the housing 1. Further, a part or all of the plurality of screws 50 may be arranged so that the head of the screws 50 faces the outside of the housing 1. Further, in this case, it is preferable that the head of the screw 50 is arranged so as to fit inside the recess 56. That is, even when the head of the screw 50 faces the outside of the housing 1, the apex of the head of the screw 50 is flush with the outer surface of the housing 1 or recessed by, for example, about 1 mm to 2 mm from the outer surface. It is preferable that the screw is in a state (located inside). Further, all the nuts 58 attached to the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4 or the side plates 5 and 6 do not protrude from the outer surface of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4 or the side plates 5 and 6. It has become. Specifically, the nut 58 is arranged inside the recess 56, and the surface of the nut 58 facing the outside of the gaming machine is recessed by 1 mm to 2 mm from the outer surface of the housing 1 (state located inside). It has become.

Next, the handle 60 and the handle mounting portion 61 to which the handle 60 is mounted will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38. A handle mounting portion 61 is provided on each of the left and right side plates 5 and 6, and a handle 60 is mounted on each of the handle mounting portions 61. A person who carries a gaming machine can put his / her hand inside the handle 60 to lift the gaming machine. Since the configurations of the handle mounting portion 61 and the handle 60 are the same for the left and right side plates 5 and 6, the right side plate 6 will be described here, and the left side plate 5 will be omitted.

The handle 60 includes a handle main body portion 65, a flange portion 66, and a locking portion 67, and is made of synthetic resin. Further, the handle main body portion 65 has a bottomed tubular shape. Further, the handle main body portion 65 constitutes a cylindrical first straight line portion 68 that constitutes a bottomed cylindrical opening 65a side and extends in the left-right direction, and a bottomed tubular bottom 65b side and is formed on the first straight line portion 68. On the other hand, a tubular second straight line portion 69 extending upward and a tubular bent portion 70 connecting the first straight line portion 68 and the second straight line portion 69 are provided. Further, the bent portion 70 has a curved surface whose inner surface smoothly bends from the first straight line portion 68 side toward the second straight line portion 69 side.

A flange portion 66 is provided at the end edge of the handle body portion 65 on the opening 65a side. Further, the locking portion 67 is a portion for locking the handle 60 with respect to the housing 1, and is provided below the handle main body portion 65. Further, on the outer surface of the handle main body portion 65, in the vicinity of the boundary between the first straight line portion 68 and the second straight line portion 69, the handle abuts on the inner surface of the side plate 6 so as to project upward from the first straight line portion 68. Alternatively, an adjacent contact surface 71 is formed.

The handle 60 is arranged with the opening 65a side of the handle main body 65 facing the outside (right side) of the side plate 6. The handle 60 has a substantially L-shape in cross-sectional shape and outer shape in front view. Further, the opening 65a has a rectangular shape that is long in the front-rear direction and short in the vertical direction.

The handle 60 includes a first member 75 and a second member 76 having a shape in which the handle 60 is divided by a plane (a plane extending in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction) passing through the central axis of the bottomed tubular handle main body portion 65. Is formed by. The first member 75 and the second member 76 each have a plurality of locking portions 77 such as claws and locked portions 78 such as holes to which the locking portions 77 are locked. Each of them is provided, and each locking portion 77 is integrated by being locked to each corresponding locked portion 78. The handle 60 is not divided into the first member 75 and the second member 76, and may be integrally molded of synthetic resin or the like.

The handle mounting portion 61 includes a handle hole 62 formed slightly below the center of the side plate 6 in the vertical direction and slightly rearward of the center in the front-rear direction, and a flange fitting recess 63. The flange fitting recess 63 is a recess formed on the outer surface of the side plate 6. The flange fitting recess 63 is formed so as to surround the peripheral edge of the handle hole 62 on the outer surface side of the side plate 6. In other words, the handle hole 62 is formed so as to penetrate the bottom surface of the flange fitting recess 63, leaving the outer peripheral portion. Further, the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the handle hole 62 substantially matches the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the first straight line portion 68 of the handle 60. Further, the inner circumference of the handle hole 62 is smaller than the outer circumference of the flange portion 66. Further, the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the flange fitting recess 63 substantially matches the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 66. Further, the length of the flange fitting recess 63 in the left-right direction (the amount of the recess from the outer surface of the side plate 6) is about 1 mm to 2 mm longer than the length (thickness) of the flange portion 66 in the left-right direction.

Here, the attachment of the handle 60 to the handle attachment portion 61 will be described. The handle 60 is inserted into the handle hole 62 from the bottom 65b side of the handle main body portion 65, and is inserted until the back surface of the flange portion 66 (the surface facing the side plate 6 side) abuts on the bottom surface of the flange fitting recess 63. When the back surface of the flange portion 66 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the flange fitting recess 63, the movement of the handle 60 to the left is restricted, and the handle 60 is prevented from being further inserted into the side plate 6. When the handle 60 is inserted into the handle hole 62, the locking portion 67 is elastically deformed in a direction in which the length of the handle 60 in the vertical direction becomes shorter, so that the insertion is not hindered. When the handle 60 is inserted until the back surface of the flange portion 66 abuts on the bottom surface of the flange fitting recess 63, the elastically deformed locking portion 67 returns to its original position and the locking portion 67 hangs on the inner surface of the side plate 6. It has become. Further, in a state where the back surface of the flange portion 66 is in contact with the bottom surface of the flange fitting recess 63, the contact surface 71 of the handle 60 is in contact with or close to the inner surface of the side plate 6. That is, when the handle 60 is attached to the handle mounting portion 61, the side plate 6 is sandwiched between the flange portion 66, the locking portion 67, and the contact surface 71, whereby the handle 60 falls off ( Movement in the left-right direction) is prevented. Further, in the state where the handle 60 is attached to the handle mounting portion 61, the first straight line portion 68 is in contact with or close to the inner peripheral surface of the handle hole 62, and the handle 60 is in the vertical direction and the front-back direction. Movement is restricted. Further, when the handle 60 is attached to the handle mounting portion 61, the surface of the flange portion 66 (the surface facing the right side (outside of the side plate 6)) is about 1 mm to 2 mm from the outer surface of the side plate 6 (housing 1). It is in a dented state (positioned inside). The surface of the flange portion 66 may be flush with the outer surface of the side plate 6 (housing 1).

Next, the power supply unit 10 provided inside the housing 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 39, the power supply unit 10 includes a power supply housing 90, a power supply device (not shown) housed inside the power supply housing 90, and a power supply switch 92 for switching ON / OFF of the power supply device. And a connector 94, and a front cover 95 that covers the front surface of the power supply housing 90. Further, the front cover 95 is provided with a power switch cover 95a that can be opened and closed to cover the power switch 92 exposed from the front cover 95.

A power cable (not shown) connected to an outlet for supplying commercial power (AC100V) is connected to the connector 94. Specifically, the connector provided at one end of the power cable is connected to the connector 94, and the plug provided at the other end of the power cable is connected to the outlet. The power supply device creates a DC power supply (for example, 5V, 12V, 24V, etc.) from the electric power transmitted from the outside of the gaming machine via the power cable, and supplies electric power to each component of the gaming machine.

The power supply housing 90 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape. Further, the power supply housing 90 is provided with a plate-shaped portion 96 that is continuously provided on the left surface of the power supply housing 90 and projects forward from the upper portion of the front edge of the left surface. Further, the left surface of the plate-shaped portion 96 is flush with the left surface of the power supply housing 90. Further, the plate-shaped portion 96 is provided with screw insertion holes 96a and 96a through which the above-mentioned screw 50c is inserted. Further, the power supply housing 90 is continuously provided on the right surface of the power supply housing 90, and is provided with a plate-shaped portion 97 projecting to the right from the lower portion of the trailing edge of the right surface. That is, the plate-shaped portion 96 and the plate-shaped portion 97 are provided at positions diagonal to each other of the power supply housing 90. Further, the back surface of the plate-shaped portion 97 is located behind the back surface of the power supply housing 90 and is parallel to the back surface of the power supply housing 90. Further, the plate-shaped portion 97 is provided with a screw insertion hole 97a into which the above-mentioned screw 50c is inserted. Further, the power supply housing 90 has protrusions 98, 98 formed so as to project the upper edge of the back surface and the upper portion of the right edge rearward. The rear ends of the protruding portions 98, 98 are flush with the back surface of the plate-shaped portion 97.

The power switch 92 is provided on the front side of the power supply housing 90. When the power switch 92 is turned on, the power supply device supplies power to each part of the gaming machine, and when the power switch 92 is turned off, the power supply device supplies power to each part of the gaming machine. It is designed to stop. Even when the power switch 92 is OFF, the power supply device may supply power to some parts.

The connector 94 is provided below the center of the back surface of the power supply housing 90 so as to project rearward from the back surface. Further, the connector 94 is a male connector and includes three pins 100 and a wall portion 101 surrounding the three pins 100. Further, the three pins 100 and the wall portion 101 project rearward from the back surface of the power supply housing 90, but the wall portion 101 has a larger amount of protrusion from the back surface than the three pins 100. Further, the amount of protrusion of the three pins 100 and the wall portion 101 from the back surface of the power supply housing 90 is larger than the amount of protrusion of the plate-shaped portions 97 and the protrusions 98, 98 from the back surface of the power supply housing 90. ..

As shown in FIG. 40, the back plate 3 of the housing 1 is provided with an opening 105 for exposing the connector 94 of the power supply unit 10 to the rear. That is, the connector 94 is visible from the outside of the gaming machine when viewed from the rear, and when the connector of the power cable is inserted into the connector 94 of the power supply unit 10, it can be inserted straight from the rear. Further, the opening cross section of the opening 105 is larger than the outer shape of the connector 94 in the rear view.

In the power supply unit 10, the screws 50c inserted into the screw insertion holes 96a and 96a of the plate-shaped portion 96 are fixed to the side plate 5 of the housing 1, and the screws 50c inserted into the screw insertion holes 97a of the plate-shaped portion 97. Is fixed to the housing 1 by being fixed to the back plate 3 of the housing 1. Further, the left surface of the power supply housing 90 and the left surface of the plate-shaped portion 96 are in contact with or close to the side plate 5 of the housing 1. Further, the rear ends of the protruding portions 98, 98 and the back surface of the plate-shaped portion 97 are in contact with or close to the back plate 3 of the housing 1, and are in contact with or close to the back plate 3 of the power supply housing 90 and the back plate 3 of the housing 1. A gap is formed between them. Further, a screw 99 for fixing each component of the power supply unit 10 to each other is attached to the back surface of the power supply housing 90 with its head protruding rearward from the back surface of the power supply housing 90. The head is adapted to fit in the gap between the back surface of the power supply housing 90 and the back plate 3 of the housing 1.

Further, the connector 94 is in a state where the rear end portion is inserted inside the opening 105 portion (the area surrounded by the opening 105). In other words, the rear end of the connector 94 is located behind the inner surface of the back plate 3 (inner surface of the housing 1). Further, the rear end of the connector 94 is recessed by about 1 mm to 2 mm from the outer surface of the back plate 3 (outer surface of the housing 1) (positioned in the front (inside)). The rear end of the connector 94 may be flush with the outer surface of the back plate 3.

Next, the medal supply hole 110 and the medal supply hole cover 112 that closes the medal supply hole 110 will be described with reference to FIG. 41. The back plate 3 of the housing 1 is provided with a medal supply hole 110 and a medal supply hole cover 112. The medal supply hole 110 is a hole that allows medal to be supplied from the rear side of the slot machine X in a store or the like, and the medal can be supplied to the hopper unit 11 through the medal supply hole 110. Further, the medal supply hole cover 112 is a cover for closing the medal supply hole 110 when the medal supply hole 110 is not used (when the medal is not supplied through the medal supply hole 110).

The back plate 3 is provided with a hole (cover mounting hole) 120 on the left side of the medal supply hole 110. Further, on the outer surface of the back plate 3, a recess 122 is formed by performing counterbore processing at a position corresponding to the hole 120. That is, the outer surface of the back plate 3 is provided with a recess 122 that is coaxial with the hole 120 and has a diameter larger than that of the hole 120. Further, the back plate 3 is formed with a recess (locking recess) 124 so as to partially cut out a portion adjacent to the right edge of the medal supply hole 110.

The medal supply hole cover 112 has a substantially rectangular plate shape. Further, on the left side of the back surface of the medal supply hole cover 112, a locking protrusion 126 that protrudes rearward is provided. The locking protrusion 126 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a locking claw 126a is formed at the tip in the protruding direction. The locking protrusion 126 is designed to be inserted into the hole 120, and when the claw 126a portion is inserted, the diameter of the claw 126a is reduced and the claw 126a is inserted into the hole 120, and when the claw 126a is inserted, the diameter is reduced. The portion of the claw 126a that had been used is returned to its original position and is locked to the edge of the return hole 120. Further, on the right side of the back surface of the medal supply hole cover 112, a locking piece 128 projecting rearward is provided. The locking piece 128 has a shape that fits the recess 124. Further, the amount of protrusion of the locking piece 128 from the back surface of the medal supply hole cover 112 is smaller than the amount of protrusion of the locking protrusion 126 from the back surface of the medal supply hole cover 112. Further, a hole 129 into which a finger can be inserted is provided on the upper right side of the medal supply hole cover 112, and an operator inserts a finger into the hole 129 when attaching or detaching the medal supply hole cover 112. The medal supply hole cover 112 can be held or the medal supply hole cover 112 can be pushed down.

The medal supply hole cover 112 is attached from the inside of the housing 1 so as to cover and close the medal supply hole 110 from the inside. Further, in the medal supply hole cover 112, the back plate 3 is in a state where the locking protrusion 126 is inserted into the hole 120 and locked to the edge of the hole 120, and the locking piece 128 is locked to the recess 124. It is designed to be attached to. At this time, in the medal supply hole cover 112, the locking protrusion 126 is locked to the edge of the hole 120 to prevent deviation from the back plate 3, and the locking protrusion 126 is a hole. It is inserted into the 120 and the locking piece 128 is locked in the recess 124 so that the back plate 3 is positioned.

The back surface of the medal supply hole cover 112 is in contact with the inner surface of the back plate 3. Further, the rear end of the locking protrusion 126 is in a state of not protruding from the outer surface of the back plate 3. Specifically, the claw 126a of the locking protrusion 126 is arranged inside the recess 122, and the rear end of the locking protrusion 126 is recessed by about 1 mm to 2 mm from the outer surface of the back plate 3. It is in a state (positioned inside). That is, the medal supply hole cover 112 is formed and attached so as not to have a portion protruding outward from the outer surface of the housing 1. A part of the medal supply hole cover 112, such as the rear end of the locking protrusion 126, may be flush with the outer surface of the housing 1.

According to the game machine of the present embodiment, the game machine housing 1 provided with a top plate 2, a back plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and two side plates 5 and 6 and formed in a box shape, and the game machine housing 1 The handle 60 includes a handle 60 to be attached, a plurality of screws 50, and a power supply unit 10 having a connector 94 to which a power cable is connected, housed in the game machine housing 1, and supplying power to a predetermined component. Since the connector 94 and all the screws 50 attached to the top plate 2, the back plate 3, or the side plates 5 and 6 do not protrude outward from the game machine housing 1, when packing the game machine, etc. It is possible to prevent the handle 60, the connector 94, the screw 50, and the like from being caught and difficult to pack, and the handle 60, the connector 94, the screw 50, and the like from being damaged. Further, since at least a part of the connector 94 protrudes outward from the inner surface of the gaming machine housing 1, the work of connecting the power cable from the outside of the gaming machine housing 1 to the connector 94 becomes easy. Further, by arranging the connector 94, that is, a part of the power supply unit 10 so as to project outward from the inner surface of the gaming machine housing 1, the power supply unit 10 is arranged closer to the left back of the housing 1. This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized operation of the power supply unit 10.

The board unit 16 or the power supply unit 10 may include a setting change button (button switch) and a setting change key switch that are operated when changing the setting related to the lottery related to the game. In particular, when the power supply unit 10 is provided with a setting change button or a setting change key switch, the effect of preventing the setting from being changed illegally by arranging the power supply unit 10 closer to the left back of the housing 1 However, even if the board unit 16 is equipped with a setting change button or a setting change key switch, basically, the power switch 92 is also operated when the setting is changed. Even in this case, by arranging the power supply unit 10 closer to the left back of the housing 1, it is possible to prevent an illegal setting change operation.

The handle 60, the connector 94, and the screw 50 attached to the top plate 2, the back plate 3, or the side plates 5 and 6 have an outer end thereof on the outer surface (top plate 2, back plate 3 or) of the housing 1. It may be arranged so as to be located inside about 1 mm to 2 mm from the outer surface of the side plates 5 and 6). With this configuration, even if there is a manufacturing error of each member, a mounting error to the housing 1, etc. (even if it deviates to the maximum tolerance), the handle 60 and the connector It is possible to prevent the 94 and the screw 50 from protruding to the outside of the housing 1. It is not necessary to arrange all the handles 60, the connector 94, and the screws 50 so as to be located about 1 mm to 2 mm inside the outer surface of the housing 1, and only the members that are particularly prone to error are about 1 mm to 2 mm. It suffices if it is arranged so as to be located inside.

Further, the connector of the power cable connected to the connector 94 may be an L-shaped connector. That is, the connector of the power cable may have a shape in which the power cable extends in the left-right direction, for example, in a state of being connected to the connector 94. According to such a configuration, even if the connector 94 is configured like the game machine of the present embodiment arranged at a position close to the outer surface of the back plate 3, the power cable is loaded at the connector portion of the power cable. (For example, it is possible to prevent the connection point between the connector part of the power cable and the cable part from being pressed against the wall behind the game machine and applying a load to the connection point). It is possible to prevent the power cable from breaking. When the connector of the power cable is an L-shaped connector, a part of the L-shaped connector may project outward from the outer surface of the housing 1 so as not to project. You may.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the rear end of the connector 94 is located behind the front surface of the back plate 3, but the rear end of the other parts of the power supply unit 10 is located behind the front surface of the back plate 3. May also be located behind. For example, the rear end of the power supply housing 90 may be located behind the front surface of the back plate 3. Further, a heat sink for radiating heat generated by the power supply unit 10 may be provided on the back surface of the power supply housing 90, and the heat sink may be located behind the front surface of the back plate 3. Further, in these cases, the rear end of the connector 94 may be located in front of or behind the front surface of the back plate 3. That is, at least a part of the power supply unit 10 is located inside the opening 105 (the area surrounded by the opening), and the part of the power supply unit 10 protrudes rearward from the front surface of the back plate 3. good. According to such a configuration, the power supply unit 10 can be arranged as far back as possible, and more specifically, on the far left side, and the possibility of unauthorized operation can be reduced. Further, the heat dissipation of the power supply unit 10 is enhanced by arranging the power supply housing 90 or the heat sink so that at least a part of the heat sink protrudes rearward from the front surface of the back plate 3 so as to be inserted inside the opening 105. Can be done. The size of the opening 105 may be appropriately set according to the size of the member arranged inside the opening 105, or a plurality of openings 105 may be provided. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the inner surface of the housing 1 and the protruding portions 98, 98 and the plate-shaped portion 97 of the power supply housing 90 are in contact with each other or close to each other. The inner surface of the back plate 3 and the back surface of the power supply housing 90 may be in contact with each other. Further, the power supply housing 90 (power supply unit 10) does not have to be in contact with the back plate 3 and / or the side plates 5 and 6 of the housing 1, but the connector 94 is as close to the opening 105 as possible and as much as possible. The power supply unit 10 is arranged at a position away from the player or the like (in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the power supply unit 10 is arranged as far back as possible and is arranged so as to be close to or in contact with the back plate 3 of the housing 1). It is desirable to be done. By moving the connector 94 as close to the opening 105 as possible, it is possible to facilitate the connection of the power cable to some extent even if a part of the connector 94 does not protrude outward from the inner surface of the housing 1.

Further, the slot machine X may not be provided with the medal supply hole cover 112, but if it is provided, the medal supply hole cover 112 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the housing 1 as described above. It is preferably formed and attached so as not to have a portion. That is, the gaming machine is configured so that there is no member (except for the power cable) protruding from the outer surface of the housing 1 (the outer surface of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5 or the side plate 6). Is preferable.

Next, the housing 141, which is a modification of the housing 1, will be described with reference to FIG. 42. Similar to the housing 1, the housing 141 includes a top plate 142, a back plate 143, a bottom plate 144, and left and right side plates 145, 146, and has a box shape having a front opening opening on the front side of the housing 141. It is formed. Further, the top plate 142, the bottom plate 144, and the rear end surfaces 142a, 144a, 145a, 146a of the left and right side plates 145, 146 project rearward from the outer plate surface 143a of the back plate 143. Further, the top plate 142, the bottom plate 144, and the rear end surfaces 142a, 144a, 145a, 146a of the left and right side plates 145, 146 are flush with each other. The rear end surfaces 142a, 144a, 145a, and 146a may not be completely flush with each other, or may be substantially flush with each other.

In a gaming machine provided with such a housing 141, at least a part of a member attached to the back plate 143 such as a screw 50 or a medal supply hole cover 112, or a power supply unit 10 (connector 94) is the front surface of the back plate 143. The member protruding rearward from the top plate 142, the bottom plate 144, and the left and right side plates 145, 146 may not protrude from the virtual plane passing through the rear end surfaces 142a, 144a, 145a, 146a. That is, even if a part of the screw 50, the medal supply hole cover 112, the power supply unit 10 (connector 94), or the like protrudes outward from the outer surface 143a of the back plate 143, the top plate 142, the bottom plate 144, and the left and right side plates 145. It suffices if it fits within the area surrounded by, 146. Specifically, for example, the head of the screw 50 attached so that the head is located on the outside, the nut 58, or the like may protrude outward from the outer surface 143a of the back plate 143. According to such a configuration, the cardboard box or the like as a packing material is directed toward the outer surface 143a of the back plate 143 by the rear end surfaces 142a, 144a, 145a, 146a of the top plate 142, the bottom plate 144, and the left and right side plates 145, 146. If the screw 50, the medal replenishment hole cover 112, the power supply unit 10 (connector 94), or the like does not protrude rearward from the virtual plane, the screw 50, the medal replenishment hole cover 112, or the power supply unit can be prevented from coming. It is possible to prevent the packing material or the like from being caught in the 10 (connector 94) or the like. The top plate 142, the bottom plate 144, and the rear end surfaces 142a, 144a, 145a, 146a of the left and right side plates 145, 146 do not have to be flush with each other. Further, among the top plate 142, the bottom plate 144, or the left and right side plates 145, 146, the rear end surfaces 142a, 144a, 145a, 146a may not protrude rearward from the outer surface 143a of the back plate 143. Of the top plate 142, the bottom plate 144, or the left and right side plates 145, 146, at least one rear end surface 142a, 144a, 145a, 146a protrudes rearward from the outer surface 143a of the back plate 143, and the screw 50 and the medal supply hole cover If the rear end of the 112 or the power supply unit 10 (connector 94) or the like does not protrude rearward from the end faces 142a, 144a, 145a, 146a projecting rearward from the outer surface 143a of the back plate 143, the screw 50, as described above. If the packing material or the like is caught on the medal supply hole cover 112 or the power supply unit 10 (connector 94) or the like, the screw 50, the medal supply hole cover 112 or the power supply unit 10 may be damaged or interfere with packing. Can be prevented.

(Fifth Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the schematic configuration of the gaming machine will be described. Although the slot machine, which is one of the gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.
Further, in the following description, "front and back" basically means "front" on the player side and "rear" on the slot machine side when the player is on the front side of the slot machine, and "up and down". Means "top" on the top side of the slot machine, "bottom" on the bottom side, and "left and right" means "left" on the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine and "right" on the right hand side. do.

FIG. 43A is a perspective view showing the slot machine X. Further, FIG. 43B is a perspective view showing the inside of the housing 1 of the slot machine X. This slot machine X includes a housing (game machine housing) 1. Further, the housing 1 includes a top plate 2, a back plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and left and right side plates 5, 6 and is formed in a box shape having a front opening opening on the front side of the housing 1. Further, the back plate 3 is thinner than the top plate 2, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5 and 6.
In the following, the lower surface of the top plate 2, the front surface of the back plate 3, the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, the right surface of the left side plate 5 and the left surface of the right side plate 6, that is, the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, and the side plate 5 Alternatively, the plate surface of the side plate 6 facing the inside of the housing 1 is also referred to as an "inner surface". Further, the upper surface of the top plate 2, the back surface of the back plate 3, the lower surface of the bottom plate 4, the left surface of the left side plate 5 and the right surface of the right side plate 6, that is, the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5 or the side plate 6 The plate surface facing the outside of the housing 1 in the above is also referred to as an "outer surface". The housing 1 is made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Further, the material of the housing 1 is not limited to one type, for example, a part (top plate 2) is made of wood, and the others (back plate 3, bottom plate 4 and left and right side plates 5 and 6) are made of resin. May be good.

On the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, a power supply unit 10 for supplying electric power to each component, a hopper unit 11 as a payout device for storing medals and paying out medals, and medals stored in the hopper unit 11 reach a certain amount. A cash box 12 or the like is provided to send out surplus medals at the time of the event.

Further, a reel unit 14 and the like are provided in the housing 1. The reel unit 14 includes three reels 15a, 15b, 15c having a plurality of symbols displayed around them, a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 15a to 15c, these reels 15a to 15c, a drive motor, and the like. Has a reel frame (frame member) 13 to which the reel frame (frame member) 13 is attached and integrally supports them.

Further, on the front side of the housing 1, a front door 20 that closes the front opening of the housing 1 so as to be openable and closable is provided. Specifically, the front door 20 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 via a hinge 29 so as to open and close the opening of the housing 1. The front door 20 may be divided into a plurality of doors, such as being divided into an upper portion and a lower portion. Further, in the slot machine X, when the model is replaced in the game hall, the housing 1, the lower part of the front door 20, the power supply unit 10 in the housing 1, the hopper unit 11, and the like remain attached to the island equipment of the game hall. , The upper portion of the front door 20, the reel unit 14, and the like may be replaceable so-called separate housing type.

A flat plate-shaped panel 21 is provided in the center of the upper part of the front door 20. Further, the panel 21 includes a transparent display window 22 formed in the central portion thereof, and a design portion 23 formed so as to surround the display window 22 and on which a pattern is drawn (printed).

At the back of the display window 22, three reels 15a to 15c are provided in a horizontal row. A part of the reels 15a to 15c can be visually recognized through the display window 22. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 15a to 15c, and when the reels 15a to 15c are stopped, three symbols (upper symbol, middle symbol, lower symbol) are displayed per reel through the display window 22. Will be done. Then, whether or not the winning combination has won is displayed by the combination of the symbols displayed through the display window 22 when the three rotating reels are stopped. Further, a light source (LED) for lighting is provided on the back side of the design unit 23, and the pattern drawn on the design unit 23 is illuminated from behind by the light from this light source.

A lighting device 24 for performing notification, directing, and the like is provided on the upper part of the panel 21 of the front door 20. Further, lighting devices 25, 25 for performing notification, directing, and the like are provided at both left and right ends of the front door 20. By providing the decorative member 26 having a luminescent or non-luminous three-dimensional shape including these lighting devices 24 and 25 in a predetermined portion of the front door 20, the outer shape of the front side of the gaming machine is uneven. It has become. The gaming machine is decorated with these decorative members 26. Further, the side surface of the front door 20 provided with such an uneven decorative member 26 is located slightly inside the outer surfaces of the left and right side plates 5 and 6 in the left-right direction. Further, the upper surface of the front door 20 provided with such an uneven decorative member 26 is located slightly inside (lower side) than the outer surface of the top plate 2.

Further, a plurality of speakers 27 are provided at the upper and lower portions of the front door 20. The speaker 27 outputs sounds for various effects (music, sound effects, voice, etc.). In addition to the lighting device 24 and the speaker, a liquid crystal display for displaying various effects images (moving images, still images), a movable accessory that can be operated by an actuator, or the like may be provided as the effect device. good.

An operation unit 30 for operating the slot machine X is provided at the center of the front door 20 in the vertical direction. The operation unit 30 has a settlement switch 31 for paying out credited medals, a start lever 990 for starting a game, and three stop buttons 33 for stopping the rotation of each of the three reels 15a to 15c. , Medal insertion slot 821 for inserting medals (game media), Reject button for clearing medal jams that occur below the medal insertion slot 821, Bet button 35 operated when investing (bet) medals in the game Etc. are provided.

Further, at the lower end of the front door 20, a medal payout port for ejecting medals from the inside of the slot machine and a medal tray 38 for storing medals ejected from the medal payout port are formed. Further, a lower panel 39 for decorating the appearance of the gaming machine is provided between the operation unit 30 and the medal tray 38. Further, a light source (LED) for lighting is provided on the back side of the lower panel 39, and the lower panel 39 is illuminated from behind by the light from this light source.

The top plate 2 in the housing 1 is made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. The top plate 2 may have a structure in which, for example, two plate-shaped resins (outside) and two plate-shaped metals (inside) are stacked. As shown in FIG. 44, the top plate 2 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 201. The mounting hole 201 is a hole (island fixing hole) used when the gaming machine is mounted on the island equipment of the game hall. That is, the mounting hole 201 is used for mounting the housing 1 to the island equipment.

With the front door 20 open, the operator screwed a screw (for example, a wood screw) as a fixing member (fastening member) into the mounting hole 201 from the bottom to the top, and further mounted the screw. The gaming machine is fixed to the island equipment by screwing it into the mating member (member on the island side). As a result, the head of the screw is arranged inside the housing 1. The mounting hole 201 is formed so that a screw can be screwed, and the diameter of the mounting hole 201 is, for example, the diameter of a portion (thread portion) in which a thread is formed (thread portion) in the screw (outer diameter of the screw portion). Is smaller than. In the present embodiment, the mounting hole 201 has a circular shape (round hole), but it may be an ellipse, an elongated hole, or the like as long as it has a shape in which a screw can be screwed. Further, the mounting hole 201 is not limited to the through hole and may be a non-penetrating hole. That is, the mounting hole 201 may have a concave shape having a certain depth provided on the inner surface side of the top plate 2. Further, although screws are used as the fixing member, other fixing members such as nails may be used.

In the present embodiment, mounting holes 201 are provided on the left side and the right side of the top plate 2 so as to be lined up in a row at predetermined intervals along the front-rear direction (depth direction). In this embodiment, mounting holes 201 are provided at three locations on the left side and three locations on the right side, for a total of six locations. Not all of the six mounting holes 201 need to be used for mounting (fixing) the gaming machine. That is, the mounting holes 201 may be provided at least once on the left side and the right side of the top plate 2. However, when the mounting holes 201 are provided at six locations as in the present embodiment, the operator can appropriately select the mounting holes 201 to be used. That is, the mounting hole 201 at any one of the three locations on the left side and the mounting hole 201 at any one of the three locations on the right side can be selected. By providing the plurality of mounting holes 201 in this way, the position of the mounting holes 201 to be used can be changed in the front-rear direction when screw tightening is difficult due to deterioration of the mounting partner member or the like. The mounting hole 201 can be said to be a temporary hole provided for screwing the fixing member (screw), and serves as a guide when screwing the fixing member (screw).

<Main control board and sub control board>
As shown in FIG. 44, a main control board unit 220 is provided on the upper side (top plate side) inside the housing 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 45, an auxiliary control board unit 230 is provided on the upper side on the back side (rear side) of the front door 20. Further, FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line YY shown in FIG. 46. As shown in FIG. 47, the main control board unit 220 includes a main control board 221 and a main control board case 222 that covers the main control board 221 (accommodates the main control board 221 inside). A plurality of electronic components (CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, etc.) are mounted on the main control board 221. The main control board 221 receives input signals from input devices such as a bet button 35, a start lever 990, a stop button 33 (stop buttons 33a, 33b, 33c), and a medal sensor, and performs various calculations for executing a game. Is performed, and the output devices such as the reel unit 14 and the hopper unit 11 are controlled based on the calculation result. Further, the main control board case 222 is formed of a transparent resin or the like to protect the main control board 221.

Further, the sub-control board unit 230 includes a sub-control board 231 and a sub-control board case 232 that covers the sub-control board 231 (accommodates the sub-control board 231 inside). A plurality of electronic components are mounted on the sub-control board 231. The sub control board 231 receives a signal sent from the main control board 221 and performs various calculations for executing the effect, and controls the effect device (liquid crystal display, speaker 27, etc.) based on the calculation result. conduct. Further, the sub-control board case 232 is formed of a transparent resin or the like to protect the sub-control board 231.

Here, the problems that may occur when the gaming machine is attached to the island equipment will be described. The operator tightens the screws using the mounting holes 201 provided in the top plate 2, but at that time, dust (waste, powder, etc. of wood, resin, metal, etc.) may be generated. If this dust (foreign matter) adheres to the main control board 221 or the sub control board 231, problems such as malfunction and failure may occur. In particular, if the dust is metal dust, it may cause a short circuit or the like.

The broken line a, the broken line b, and the broken line c in FIG. 47 are broken lines drawn in the vertical direction (vertically downward and directly below) from the respective mounting holes 201 (three locations). In the present embodiment, in order to suppress the occurrence of the above problem, the main control board 221 and the sub control board 231 are not provided (arranged) at positions vertically below (directly below) the mounting hole 201. .. In other words, the main control board 221 and the sub control board 231 are arranged at positions that are not vertically below the mounting holes 201. In other words, the positional relationship between the mounting hole 201, the main control board 221 and the sub control board 231 is such that the main control board 221 and the sub control board 231 do not exist vertically below the mounting hole 201. With this configuration, even if dust is generated by screw tightening when fixing the gaming machine to the island equipment, the dust that falls vertically downward from the mounting hole 201 will be the main control board 221 and the sub-control. It does not adhere to any of the substrates 231. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects such as malfunctions and failures.

Further, the main control board case 222 that covers the main control board 221 is not arranged vertically below the mounting holes 201 provided at the rearmost position in the front-rear direction (also vertically below any of the mounting holes 201). Further, the sub-control board case 232 that covers the sub-control board 231 is not arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201 provided in the frontmost direction in the front-rear direction (also vertically below any of the mounting holes 201). Therefore, dust during screw tightening does not adhere to either the main control board case 222 or the sub control board case 232. Therefore, the dust does not enter the inside through the main control board case 222 and the sub control board case 232. By configuring the board case (main control board case 222 and sub control board case 232) so as not to be arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201, the probability of failure can be further reduced.

<Main back box board and sub back box board>
As shown in FIG. 44, a main back box board unit 223 and a sub back box board unit 224 are provided on the upper side (top plate side) inside the housing 1. The main back box board unit 223 is attached to the back plate 3. The sub back box board unit 224 is attached to the left side plate 5. FIG. 48 shows a state in which the board case of each board unit is removed (a state in which the board is exposed). The main back box board unit 223 includes a main back box board 223a (FIG. 48) and a main back box board case 223b (FIG. 44) that covers the main back box board 223a. Further, the sub back box board unit 224 includes a sub back box board 224a (FIG. 48) and a sub back box board case 224b (FIG. 44) that covers the sub back box board 224a. As shown in FIG. 48, neither the main back box substrate 223a nor the sub back box substrate 224a is arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201. Therefore, dust at the time of screw tightening does not adhere to the main back box substrate 223a and the sub back box substrate 224a, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as malfunction and failure. Further, as shown in FIG. 44, the main back box board case 223b and the sub back box board case 224b are not arranged at positions vertically below the mounting hole 201. Therefore, dust at the time of screw tightening does not adhere to the main back box board case 223b and the sub back box board case 224b, and the probability that a problem occurs can be further reduced.

<External terminal board (external centralized terminal board)>
As shown in FIG. 49, an external terminal board unit 225 is provided inside the housing 1. In this embodiment, the external terminal board unit 225 is attached to the right side board 6. The external terminal board unit 225 includes an external terminal board 225a and an external terminal board case 225b that surrounds the outer terminal board 225a. The external terminal board case 225b may be a case that covers the entire external terminal board 225a. The external terminal board 225a is provided for connecting the gaming machine to an external electronic device (data display device, hall computer, etc.), and various external information signals indicating the state of the gaming machine and the like are transmitted from the external terminal board 225a. It is output to an external electronic device. In the present embodiment, the external terminal board 225a is not arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201. Therefore, dust at the time of screw tightening does not adhere to the external terminal board 225a, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem. Further, the external terminal board case 225b is not arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201. Therefore, the probability that a defect will occur can be further reduced. In the present embodiment, the external terminal board unit 225 is attached to the right side plate 6, but the external terminal board unit 225 may be attached to, for example, the left side plate 5. Even in that case, the external terminal board unit 225 is not arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201.

<Power supply unit>
As shown in FIG. 44, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box-shaped power supply unit 10 is arranged on the lower side (bottom plate side) inside the housing 1. The power supply unit 10 is placed on the bottom plate 4 and fixed to the left side plate 5. The power supply unit 10 includes a power supply board case 251, a power supply switch cover 252, a power supply switch (not shown), a power supply board 254 (see FIG. 48), and the like. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 48, the power supply board 254 is not arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201. Therefore, dust at the time of screw tightening does not adhere to the power supply board 254, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as malfunction and failure.

Further, as shown in FIG. 51, the power supply unit 10 itself is not arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201. Therefore, dust at the time of screw tightening does not adhere to the power supply unit 10 (power supply board case 251). Therefore, the dust does not travel through the power supply board case 251 and enter the inside. As a result, the probability that a defect will occur can be further reduced.

<Board provided on the front door>
FIG. 52 is a view of the front door 20 as viewed from the back side, in which the board case and the like of each board unit are removed to expose the board. On the back side of the front door 20, a sub-control board 231, a plurality of LED boards 234, and a plurality of relay boards 233 are provided. The LED substrate 234 is a substrate on which at least one light source (LED) is mounted. Further, the relay board 233 includes a relay board that connects a predetermined board (main back box board, etc.) and a predetermined device (input device, output device, etc.), or a predetermined board (sub control board, etc.) and a predetermined board. There is a relay board or the like that connects to (LED board or the like). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, the sub-control board 231 is arranged on the rearmost side among the boards provided on the front door 20. In other words, the boards other than the sub-control board 231 provided on the front door 20 are arranged on the front side of the sub-control board 231.

In the present embodiment, none of the substrates provided in the front door 20 is arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201. The substrate other than the sub-control board 231, the LED board 234, and the relay board 233 provided on the front door 20 includes a liquid crystal control board and the like. With this configuration, dust during screw tightening does not adhere to any of all the substrates provided on the front door 20. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects such as malfunctions and failures.

Further, there may be a board provided on the front door 20 other than the sub-control board 231 that is covered with the board case (the one housed in the board case). For example, the two relay boards 233 shown in FIG. 52 are each covered with the relay board case 233a as shown in FIG. 45. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, the sub-control board case 232 is arranged on the rearmost side of the board cases provided on the front door 20. In other words, the board cases other than the sub-control board case 232 provided on the front door 20 are arranged on the front side of the sub-control board case 232. In the present embodiment, none of all the board cases covering the board provided in the front door 20 is arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201. As a result, the probability that a defect will occur can be further reduced.

<Reel LED board (reel backlight board)>
As shown in FIG. 44, a plate-shaped middle plate 7 (constituting the reel frame 13) is attached to a substantially central portion in the vertical direction inside the housing 1. Further, a reel unit 14 is arranged on the middle plate 7. The middle plate 7 can be said to be a support member for the reel unit 14. Each reel 15a to 15c in the reel unit 14 is a reel LED board (reel backlight board) 228 (see FIG. 48) on which a light source (LED) that irradiates light on three symbols of the upper symbol, the middle symbol, and the lower symbol is mounted. ) Is provided. As shown in FIG. 47, in the present embodiment, the reel backlight substrate 228 is not arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201. Therefore, dust at the time of screw tightening does not adhere to the reel backlight substrate 228, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as malfunction and failure.

<All boards>
In the present embodiment, not all the substrates are arranged at the positions vertically below the mounting holes 201. All the substrates include a substrate provided inside the housing 1 and a substrate provided on the front door 20. Therefore, dust at the time of screw tightening does not adhere to any of the boards, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as malfunction and failure.

<All board cases>
In the present embodiment, none of all the board cases covering each board is arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201. All the board cases include a board case provided inside the housing 1 and a board case provided on the front door 20. Therefore, dust at the time of screw tightening does not adhere to any of the board cases, and the probability that a defect occurs can be further reduced.

<Modification 1>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, the main control board 221 and the sub control board 231 are not arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201 in the front-rear direction, but the configuration is as follows. May be good. As shown in FIG. 50, the left-right distance between the left mounting hole 201 and the right mounting hole 201 is defined as the left-right distance A. Further, the left-right length of the main control board 221 is defined as the left-right length B. Further, as shown in FIG. 52, the left-right length of the sub-control board 231 is defined as the left-right length C. In this modification, the left-right distance A of the mounting holes 201 is set to be wider than both the left-right length B of the main control board 221 and the left-right length C of the sub-control board 231. In other words, the main control board 221 (horizontal length B) and the sub control board 231 (horizontal length C) are arranged inside the left-right spacing A.

With this configuration, even if the main control board 221 is arranged on the front side or the sub control board 231 is arranged on the rear side, the mounting hole 201 is arranged on the main control board 221. Since it is provided on the left-right side outer side of the left-right direction end and the left-right direction end side of the sub-control board 231 (because the mounting hole 201 escapes in the left-right direction), it is mainly located vertically below the mounting hole 201. The control board 221 and the sub control board 231 are not arranged. Therefore, dust at the time of screw tightening does not adhere to the main control board 221 and the sub control board 231, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as malfunction and failure.

<Modification 2>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, it is assumed that the reel backlight substrate 228 is not arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201, but the reel back is located at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201. The light substrate 228 may be arranged. As shown in FIG. 47, the reel 15b includes a reel main body portion 229, a reel tape 226, a reflector 227, a reel backlight substrate 228, and the like. The reel tape 226, which is a strip-shaped sheet member, is wound around a reel main body portion 229. Although the description is omitted, the reels 15a and 15c have the same configuration. Therefore, even when the reel backlight substrate 228 is arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201, the reel tape 226 is always present on the upper side of the reel backlight substrate 228. In other words, the upper side of the reel backlight substrate 228 is covered with the reel tape 226. In other words, a reel tape 226 is arranged (intervened) between the mounting hole 201 and the reel backlight substrate 228.

With this configuration, even if dust is generated during screw tightening, the dropped dust hits the reel tape 226 and does not invade the inside of the reel tape 226. Therefore, the dropped dust does not adhere to the reel backlight substrate 228. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects such as malfunctions and failures.

<Modification 3>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51, the reels 15a and the reels 15c are arranged at positions vertically below the mounting holes 201, but at positions vertically below the mounting holes 201. It may be configured so that the reels (reels 15a to 15c) are not arranged. Here, the left-right width from the left end of the reel 15a to the right end of the reel 15c is defined as the left-right width D. (1) The width D in the left-right direction is made smaller than the distance A in the left-right direction without changing the space A in the left-right direction. In other words, the left-right width D from the left end of the left reel to the right end of the right reel is smaller than the left-right distance A of the mounting holes 201. As a method of reducing the width D in the left-right direction, there is a method of reducing the width of each reel. Or (2) the left-right distance A is made larger than the left-right width D without changing the left-right width D. In other words, the left-right distance A of the mounting holes 201 is larger than the left-right width D from the left end of the left reel to the right end of the right reel. Although it is divided into (1) and (2), both the left-right direction width D and the left-right direction interval A may be changed.
Each of the reels 15a to 15c is configured by winding a reel tape around the outer peripheral side of the frame body. The horizontal width of the reel tape is smaller than the horizontal width of the frame. In the above, the width D in the left-right direction is from the left end of the frame body in the reel 15a to the right end of the frame body in the reel 15c, but the width D in the left-right direction is from the left end of the reel tape in the reel 15a to the right end of the reel tape in the reel 15c. May be up to. In the case of the latter left-right width D, the width is, for example, about 2 to 3 mm smaller than in the case of the former left-right width D.

By configuring the reels 15a to 15c so as not to be arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201, dust at the time of screw tightening does not adhere to any of the reels 15a to 15c (reel tapes). Therefore, dust does not enter inside along the reels 15a to 15c. As a result, the dust does not adhere to the reel backlight substrate 228, and the probability that a problem occurs can be further reduced.

<Modification example 4>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51, the hopper unit 11 is arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201, but in the vertical direction of the mounting hole 201, the top plate 2 (mounting hole 201) and the hopper unit 11 are arranged. A middle plate 7 is arranged between the hopper unit 11 and the hopper unit 11. The middle plate 7 prevents dust during screw tightening from entering the inside of the hopper unit 11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dust from entering the inside of the hopper unit 11 and causing a problem.

In this modification, it is further configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 51, the left-right width of the hopper unit 11 is defined as the left-right width E. (1) The left-right width E of the hopper unit 11 is reduced without changing the left-right distance A of the mounting holes 201, and the hopper unit 11 is arranged inside the left-right distance A of the mounting holes 201. In other words, the width E in the left-right direction is smaller than the distance A in the left-right direction. Or (2) without changing the left-right width E of the hopper unit 11, the left-right distance A of the mounting holes 201 is made larger than the left-right width E of the hopper unit 11, and the position of the mounting holes 201 is set from the hopper unit 11. Is also outside in the left-right direction. In other words, the left-right distance A is larger than the left-right width E. Although it is divided into (1) and (2), both the left-right direction width E and the left-right direction interval A may be changed.

By configuring the hopper unit 11 so as not to be arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201, dust during screw tightening is less likely to enter inside the hopper unit 11. As a result, the probability that a defect will occur can be further reduced.

<Modification 5>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51, the cash box 12 is arranged on the lower side (bottom plate side) inside the housing 1. The cash box 12 is arranged on the right side above the bottom plate 4. The cash box 12 is arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201, but the middle plate 7 is arranged between the top plate 2 (mounting hole 201) and the cash box 12 in the vertical direction of the mounting hole 201. .. The middle plate 7 prevents dust during screw tightening from entering the inside of the cash box 12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dust from invading the inside of the cash box 12 and causing a problem. The bottom plate 4 is arranged in the vertical direction of the mounting hole 201.

In this modification, it is further configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 51, the left-right width of the cash box 12 is defined as the left-right width F. (1) The width F in the left-right direction of the cash box 12 is reduced and the cash box 12 is arranged closer to the right side without changing the distance A in the left-right direction of the mounting holes 201. Or (2) the left-right distance A of the mounting holes 201 is reduced without changing the left-right width F of the cash box 12. Although it is divided into (1) and (2), both the left-right direction width F and the left-right direction interval A may be changed.

By configuring the cash box 12 so as not to be arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201, dust during screw tightening is less likely to enter inside the cash box 12. As a result, the probability that a defect will occur can be further reduced.

<Modification 6>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51, it is assumed that the power supply unit 10 is not arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201, but the power supply unit 10 is located vertically below the mounting hole 201. It may be configured to be arranged. Even if the power supply unit 10 is arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201, the middle plate 7 is arranged between the top plate 2 (mounting hole 201) and the power supply unit 10 in the vertical direction of the mounting hole 201. There is. The middle plate 7 prevents dust from adhering to the power supply unit 10 when tightening the screws. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dust from entering the inside of the power supply unit 10 and causing a problem.

<Modification 7>
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that not all the boards are arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201, but the board may be arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201 depending on the specifications and the like (however, the board may be arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201). , At least the main control board 221 and the sub control board 231 are not arranged). In this modification, even when a predetermined substrate is arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201, it is assumed that the substrate with the plate surface of the substrate facing upward is not arranged. A substrate with the plate surface facing upward is not limited to a substrate in which the plate surface of the substrate is perpendicular to the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the plate surface of the substrate is tilted by a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane. It may be a thing. As shown in FIG. 53, assuming that the angle formed by the plate surface of the substrate and the horizontal plane is the inclination angle α of the substrate, in this modification, the inclination angle α of the substrate is 0 ° to 45 ° vertically below the mounting hole 201. Do not place a board (upward-facing board) that has a certain degree.

When the plate surface of the substrate faces upward, the dust adhering to the plate surface does not fall downward and continues to stay in that place. Therefore, it causes a defect of the board. In this modification, since the substrate with the plate surface facing upward is not arranged at a position vertically below the mounting hole 201, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of such a problem.

<Modification 8>
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that all the board cases are not arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201, but the board case may be arranged vertically below the mounting hole 201 depending on the specifications and the like. .. FIG. 54 shows an example of the substrate unit 330. The board unit 330 includes a board 310 on which the connector 311 is mounted, and a board case 320 that covers the board 310. As shown in FIG. 54 (a), the board case 320 is provided with a connector opening 321 that exposes the connector 311. FIG. 54B shows a state (cross section) in which the substrate 310 is arranged so that the plate surface faces upward (so that the plate surface of the substrate 310 is substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction), and is above the substrate 310. The substrate case 320 is provided with a connector opening 321 which is a through hole in the vertical direction. Such a connector opening 321 is said to have an opening facing upward (opening upward). The board case 320 is arranged so that the connector opening 321 faces upward. Note that in FIG. 54 (b), hatching indicating that the cross section is used is omitted. Although not shown, the substrate case 320 may be arranged so that the connector opening 321 faces downward.

In this modification, the board case 320 is arranged so that the direction of the connector opening 321 is in the vertical direction, but even if the board case 320 is arranged vertically below (directly below) the mounting hole 201, The connector opening 321 is not arranged. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent dust that has fallen vertically downward from the mounting hole 201 from entering the inside of the board case 320 through the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 321 and the side surface of the connector 311. .. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects.

<Hopper rail>
As shown in FIG. 55 (a), a metal base portion 401 is arranged on the upper surface of the bottom plate 4. Further, a rail portion 410 is provided on the upper surface of the base portion 401. The rail portion 410 is fixed to the bottom plate 4 by screw tightening so as to sandwich the base portion 401. The rail portion 410 includes a pair of rail portions, that is, a left rail portion 420 and a right rail portion 430. The left rail portion 420 and the right rail portion 430 extend in the front-rear direction and are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The bottom plate 4 is also provided with a plurality of mounting holes 202 for the island equipment. Further, as shown in FIG. 55 (b), slide portions 11a made of metal and formed in the shape of a long plate are provided on both lower left and right sides of the hopper unit 11. The rail portion 410 holds the slide portion 11a so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

Hereinafter, the description will be given using the left rail portion 420. Since the right rail portion 430 has the same configuration as the left rail portion 420, the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 56A is a view showing only the left rail portion 420 from the P direction shown in FIG. 55A. FIG. 56 (b) is a view showing only the left rail portion 420 from the Q direction (front) shown in FIG. 55 (a). Further, FIG. 56 (c) is a view of the left rail portion 420 and the base portion 401 viewed from the R direction shown in FIG. 55 (a).

As shown in FIG. 56B, the left rail portion 420 has a crank shape when viewed from the front, and includes a mounting portion 421, a side guide portion 422, and an upper guide portion 423. The mounting portion 421 is a portion used for fixing to the housing 1 (bottom plate 4). The side guide portion 422 has a surface substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate 4, and is a portion that restricts the movement of the slide portion 11a in the left-right direction. The upper guide portion 423 has a surface substantially parallel to the bottom plate 4, and is a portion that restricts the upward movement of the slide portion 11a. Further, the upper guide portion 423 forms a predetermined gap (larger than the thickness of the slide portion 11a) with the upper surface of the base portion 401.

Further, as shown in FIG. 56 (a), the left rail portion 420 is L-shaped when viewed from the side, and is a stopper formed so as to extend downward from the rear end of the upper guide portion 423. The unit 424 is provided. As shown in FIG. 56 (c), the stopper portion 424 is inserted into a hole provided in the base portion 401, and its tip is housed in a recess (not shown) provided in the bottom plate 4.

Here, as shown in FIG. 56B, the length of the stopper portion 424 in the left-right direction is defined as the length Z in the left-right direction. The left-right length Z of the stopper portion 424 is the end surface of the stopper portion 424 opposite to the side guide portion 422 side (located inside the housing 1) from the inner surface of the side guide portion 422. The length to the end face). In this example, the left-right gap β is provided between the inner surface of the side guide portion 422 and the stopper portion 424, but the left-right gap β may not be provided (lateral). The rear end side of the guide portion 422 and the stopper portion 424 may be connected to each other). The left-right length Z of the stopper portion 424 is less than half (1/2) the diameter of the medal.

Here, with the medal present between the base portion 401, the side guide portion 422, and the upper guide portion 423 (the state in which the medal is sandwiched), the slide portion 11a of the hopper unit 11 is directed to the rear side. Consider the case of moving. The medal is pushed by the slide portion 11a and gradually moves to the rear side. Then, the medal comes into contact with the stopper portion 424. At this time, since the length Z in the left-right direction of the stopper portion 424 is less than half (1/2) the diameter of the medal, the medal is pushed out to the rear side as it is without stopping, and the rail. Is discharged from. If the left-right length Z of the stopper portion 424 is more than half the diameter of the medal, the medal is caught between the stopper portion 424 and the slide portion 11a and stopped, and the hopper unit 11 moves further to the rear side. It will be in a state where it does not. In this case, the hopper unit 11 must be pulled out toward you to remove the medal, and the hopper unit 11 must be moved from the front to the rear again. In this example, since the length Z in the left-right direction of the stopper portion 424 is less than half (1/2) the diameter of the medal, it is possible to prevent such time-consuming work from occurring.

<Deformation example of mounting hole>
FIG. 62 is a view of the top plate 2 as viewed from the back surface. In the present embodiment, the mounting hole 201 having a small diameter is shown, but as shown in FIG. 62, the mounting hole 350 having a predetermined range may be used. The mounting hole 350 is provided in the frame member 352, and the frame member 352 is attached to the wooden plate portion 351 from below. The upper side of the mounting hole 350 is covered (closed) by the plate portion 351. The frame member 352 is made of metal, resin, or the like. In this modification, substantially square mounting holes 350 are provided at six locations along the left-right direction. The top plate 2 includes at least a plate portion 351 and a frame member 352. The mounting holes 350 allow screws to be screwed inside the range. In FIG. 62, the mounting holes 350 are provided at six locations, but the number may be more or less than the six locations.

The operator can select any location (position) inside the mounting hole 350 and screw in the screw. When moving a gaming machine in a game hall, the gaming machine is removed and attached to another place (island equipment), but if the hole (through hole) once provided at that time is used again, the hole diameter has expanded. Insufficient fixing may occur due to deterioration of the mounting partner side or the like. As in the present modification, the mounting hole 350 having a predetermined range gives the operator more freedom in selecting the position where the screw is screwed. As a result, the screw tightening position can be changed as appropriate, and the gaming machine can be reliably fixed even when the gaming machine is repeatedly attached and detached.

(Sixth Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, configurations having the same or equivalent functions as those described in the fifth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

As shown in FIG. 57 (a), the slot machine M according to the present embodiment includes a rotating body portion 500. As shown in FIG. 57B, the rotating body portion 500 includes a frame body 521 as a support formed so that various parts can be installed, and a reel unit 530 and a substrate unit 540 fixed to the frame body 521. , A frame base 510 provided on the frame body 521 is provided. The frame body 521 is made of resin, and the frame base 510 is made of metal.

As shown in FIG. 58 (a), mounting holes 522 used for mounting the housing 1 inside are provided on both the left and right sides of the frame body 521. The mounting hole 522 is an elongated hole. Further, FIG. 58 (b) is a view of the frame body 521 viewed from the back surface side, and a first contact surface 523 formed so as to project one step from the other surface is formed around the mounting hole 522. It is provided. By providing the first contact surface 523, it becomes easy to manage and adjust the dimensions.

As shown in FIG. 59 (a), fasteners 550 are provided on both the left and right sides inside the housing 1. As shown in FIG. 59 (b), the fastener 550 includes a main body portion 551 and a knob portion 552 rotatably supported by the main body portion 551. The most front side (knob portion 552 side) surface of the main body portion 551 is the second contact surface 553. Further, the tip shape of the knob portion 552 is a rib shape having a predetermined thickness, and is a shape that can be inserted into the mounting hole 522 of the frame body 521.

When assembling the rotating body portion 500 to the housing 1, first, work A is performed. In the work A, the rotating body portion 500 is pressed to the back side while the two knob portions 552 are inserted into the two mounting holes 522. Next, the two knobs 552 are rotated by 90 °. When this work A is performed, the frame body 521 is sandwiched between the back surface of the knob portion 552 and the second contact surface 553 of the main body portion 551. At this time, the first contact surface 523 of the frame body 521 and the second contact surface 553 of the main body portion 551 come into contact with each other. As a result, the position of the rotating body portion 500 in the front-rear direction (depth direction) is restricted. At this time, the rotating body portion 500 can be slightly moved in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 60 (a), a third contact surface 5a is provided on the inner surface of the left side plate 5 of the housing 1. Further, on the inner surface of the left side plate 5, screw holes 5b are provided at two locations along the vertical direction. A female screw portion is provided in the screw hole 5b.

As shown in FIG. 60 (b), a fourth contact surface 524 is provided on the outer surface of the left side wall (left wall) of the frame body 521. Further, on the left side wall of the frame body 521, through holes 525 are provided at two locations along the vertical direction. The through hole 525 is provided at a position corresponding to the screw hole 5b.

As shown in FIG. 61, the fixing member 560 includes a male screw portion 561 and a head portion 562. The head 562 has two thin plate-shaped protrusions protruding outward in the radial direction. By providing such a head 562, the fixing member 560 can be manually tightened without using a tool.

In the work B performed after the above-mentioned work A, the fixing member 560 having the male screw portion 561 is inserted into the through hole 525 and screwed into the screw hole 5b. When this work B is performed, the frame body 521 (rotating body portion 500) is pressed against the left side plate 5 of the housing 1, and the third contact surface 5a of the left side plate 5 and the fourth contact surface 524 of the frame body 521 are pressed against each other. Contact. As a result, the position of the rotating body portion 500 in the left-right direction is restricted. At this time, a predetermined gap is formed between the right side wall of the frame 521 and the right side plate 6 of the housing 1.

According to the present embodiment, the positions of the rotating body portion 500 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction are regulated by the relationship in which the contact surfaces are in contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to reduce an assembly error when assembling the rotating body portion 500 to the housing 1. As a result, the misalignment of the reel unit can be suppressed, and the possibility that the player feels uncomfortable due to the misalignment of the reel can be suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the rotating body portion 500 is fixed only on one side (left side). That is, the rotating body portion 500 is positioned only on one side (left side). If the rotating body portion 500 is configured to be fixed on both the left side and the right side, there arises a problem that the rotating body portion 500 is closer to the left or right side that is first tightened by the fixing member 560. In the present embodiment, since the rotating body portion 500 is fixed only on one side (left side), it is possible to prevent such a problem from occurring.

Further, by using the fastener 550 and the fixing member 560 so that the rotating body portion 500 can be easily attached to the housing 1, it is possible to prevent the assembly position from being scattered by the operator. That is, no matter who performs the work, the same assembly position can be obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the game control mode and configuration of the slot machine are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment. Further, the control operation described above can be applied not only to slot machines but also to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and medalless gaming machines. The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine, and the gaming machine includes a slot machine, a pachinko gaming machine, a medalless gaming machine, and the like.

It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, any combination of embodiments can be freely combined, any component of each embodiment can be modified, or any component can be omitted in each embodiment. ..

1 Housing 2 Top plate 20 Front door 52 Settlement button (Settlement operation unit)
57 Operation panel (cross button) (Production setting operation unit)
72 Sub control board (control means)
201 Mounting hole 221 Main control board 231 Sub control board 310 Board 311 Connector 320 Board case 321 Connector opening 330 Board unit

Claims (1)

It is equipped with a box-shaped housing, a front door, a settlement operation unit used for settlement, an effect setting operation unit used for operations including setting of effects, and a control means for controlling execution of effects.
The effect setting operation unit includes a first effect setting operation unit and a second effect setting operation unit.
The top plate of the housing is provided with mounting holes used for mounting the housing to island equipment.
A main control board is provided in the housing, and the housing is provided with a main control board.
An auxiliary control board is provided on the front door.
Neither the main control board nor the sub control board is arranged directly under the mounting hole.
When the first effect setting operation unit is operated while the voice related to the payout of the gaming medium based on the operation of the settlement operation unit is output, the control means stops the output of the voice related to the payout. However, the gaming machine is characterized in that processing is performed based on the operation of the first effect setting operation unit.

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