JP2023139552A - slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a slot machine that is improved regarding control for outputting signals corresponding to progress of a game.SOLUTION: A slot machine includes a variable display part capable of variably displaying multiple kinds of respectively identifiable identification information, derives a display result after variably displaying the variable display part, and can generate winning according to a display result of the variable display part. In the slot machine, a signal generation process for generating signals is executed, the signal generation process is executed, then a delay process for delaying progress of a game is executed, and a process for progressing a game is executed after execution of the delay process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a slot machine on which games can be played.

For example, the slot machine described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-209193 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) tests a game based on a test signal from a test device, and

The slot machine described in Patent Document 1 performs processing for outputting a test signal to a test device at a predetermined opportunity during the progress of a game.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-209193

In the slot machine of Patent Document 1, after processing for outputting a test signal to the test device, the game is progressing before the test device recognizes the state of the slot machine, and the slot machine and the test device understand the state. There was a risk that discrepancies would occur between the two.

The present invention was devised in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a slot machine that is improved in terms of control for outputting signals in accordance with the progress of a game.

A variable display section (for example, reel 2L, 2C, 2R) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, each of which can be identified, is provided, a display result is derived after the variable display section is variably displayed, and the variable display section In a slot machine where winnings can occur depending on the displayed results,
A game control means (for example, the main control unit 161 shown in FIG. 2) that controls the progress of the game,
A start operation means (for example, a start switch 7) for starting the variable display of the variable display section,
The game control means is
In one game, a specific time (for example, 4 .1 second wait time) has elapsed, executes a fluctuation start process that starts the fluctuating display of the variable display section (for example, the reel rotation start process shown in Sb24 in FIG. 64).
A test signal generation process (for example, for generating a test signal for specifying information regarding the decision result of the predetermination means (for example, information indicating the predetermination result) based on the operation of the start operation means; Figure 64: Execute the test signal generation process shown in Sb13),
After executing the test signal generation process, execute a delay process that delays the progress of the game for a predetermined period (for example, a process of waiting for multiple interrupts shown in FIG. 64: Sbw2),
After the predetermined period has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the specific time has elapsed (for example, after the interrupt multiple wait process shown in FIG. 64: Sbw2 is executed, the judgment process shown in Sb19 is executed) )death,
When it is determined that the specific time has elapsed, the fluctuation start process (for example, the reel rotation start process shown in Sb24 in FIG. 64) is executed.

It is a front view of a card unit and a slot machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a card unit and a slot machine. It is a diagram showing the symbol arrangement of the reels. It is a diagram for explaining the transition of gaming states. It is a diagram for explaining types of winning combinations, symbol combinations of winning combinations, and awards at the time of winning. It is a diagram for explaining types of winning combinations, symbol combinations of winning combinations, and awards at the time of winning. It is a diagram for explaining types of winning combinations, symbol combinations of winning combinations, and awards at the time of winning. It is a diagram for explaining types of winning combinations, symbol combinations of winning combinations, and awards at the time of winning. It is a diagram for explaining combinations of winning combinations that are read out as lottery target combinations for each gaming state. It is a figure for explaining reel control at the time of winning a push order combination. It is a diagram showing a command at the time of game start that the main control section sends to the performance control section when the start switch is operated. This shows the command at the end of the game that the main control unit sends to the production control unit at the third stop. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the types of commands that the main control board sends to the medal number control board. It is a diagram explaining a gaming machine installation information command. It is a diagram showing details of gaming machine characteristics. It is a figure showing the structure of an accessory information command. It is a figure which shows the detail of accessory operation information. It is a figure showing the composition of an advantageous section information command. It is a figure showing the details of advantageous section information. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an input command. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a payment command. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a start time command. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end command. It is a figure showing the composition of a payout pulse command. It is a diagram showing the configuration of a jackpot command. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of a hall computer signal. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a gaming machine fraud 1 command. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of setting information. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game machine fraud 2 command. It is a figure showing the details of door information. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game machine fraud 3 command. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main control state command. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main control board error command. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a list of main control board errors. It is a diagram showing the structure of a gaming machine performance information (preliminary) command. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a list of commands sent from the medal number control board to the main control board. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a response command. It is a figure which shows the structure of a frame side information command. It is a figure which shows an example of the communication between a main control board and a medal number control board. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining communication of frame side information commands. 3 is a flowchart showing a process when the main control board receives a command. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of communication between the main control board and the medal number control board from power-on. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication when the serial number is normal. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication when a serial number mismatch error occurs. It is a diagram showing an example of communication when an error related to game medals occurs. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which communication occurs before sending and receiving a gaming machine installation information command. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of timeout during power-on. It is a diagram explaining a bet number setting operation and a settlement operation. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a new number of bets setting operation is performed after the number of bets setting operation and before receiving a response command. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a new payment operation is performed after a payment operation and before receiving a response command. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which a new settlement operation is performed after the bet number setting operation and before receiving a response command. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a new bet number setting operation is performed after the payment operation and before receiving the response command. It is a diagram explaining a serial number error in a bet number setting operation. It is a diagram explaining a serial number error in a payment operation. It is a figure explaining the confirmation process of frame side information. It is a figure explaining display control of the number of payout coins. It is a figure showing a role ratio monitor. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a role ratio monitor. It is a figure for explaining initialization processing of role ratio information. This is an address map of the memory area used by the main control unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a register bank included in a CPU of a main control unit. 3 is a flowchart showing startup processing of the main control unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating initial setting processing performed by the main control board. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating control details of main processing performed by the main control board. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating control details of RT information output processing performed by the main control board. It is a figure explaining the control content of the safety device related process performed by a main control board. 3 is a flowchart showing control details of error processing performed by the main control unit. It is a diagram explaining the control contents of the game start waiting process performed by the main control board. It is a figure explaining the control content of the number-of-bets setting operation reception process performed by the main control board. It is a figure explaining the control content of the payment operation acceptance process performed by a main control board. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a card unit and a slot machine when a main control section and a medal number control section are integrated. It is a diagram for explaining communication among the production control section, the main control section, the medal number control section, and the CU control section. It is a perspective view for explaining the operation surface of the switch provided in the S stand. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation promotion image that promotes operation of the MAXBET switch without suggesting the operation timing. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of an operation promotion image that suggests operation timing and promotes operation of a lower panel switch. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second example of an operation promotion image that suggests operation timing and promotes operation of a lower panel switch. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a slot machine when a performance switch is provided. It is a perspective view for explaining the operation surface of the effect switch provided on the S stand. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation promotion image that promotes operation of a production switch without suggesting the operation timing. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation promotion image that suggests operation timing and promotes operation of a stop switch. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation promotion image that promotes operation of a stop switch without suggesting the operation timing. It is a diagram showing the appearance of a game information display section. 3 is a flowchart showing external signal processing. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the lighting mode of the outer end signal lamp in the present embodiment. It is a figure for explaining the 1st modification of the lighting mode of an outer end signal lamp. It is a figure for explaining the 2nd modification of the lighting mode of an outer end signal lamp.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A mode for implementing a slot machine which is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on an embodiment.

Embodiment 1.
[Slot machine configuration]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a card unit and a slot machine.

Referring to FIG. 1, each of the plurality of game islands (not shown) arranged in a game hall (hall) is equipped with a slot machine (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as S machine) 2. At a lateral position on a predetermined side of the S stand 2, a card unit (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as CU) 3, which is an example of a gaming device, is installed in one-to-one correspondence with respect to the S stand 2. Note that the card unit is also referred to as a "gaming medal lending device."

The S machine 2 is a gaming machine in which a player does not pick up medals and insert them into an input slot, and medals are not paid out to the player's hand. Therefore, game value is directly added to credits (game points that can be used in games (hereinafter also referred to as "gaming medals")) in accordance with lending operations and the like.

Furthermore, unlike conventional slot machines, there is no need for not only a slot for inserting and paying out medals, but also a device for controlling the inserted medals, such as a medal selector or a hopper. Such slot machines that do not require any medals are called "managed gaming machines" or "medalless slot machines."

FIG. 1 shows the S stand 2 when viewed from the front side. Inside the S stand 2, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter also referred to as left reel, middle reel, and right reel) with multiple types of symbols arranged on the outer periphery are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. Three consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged in 2L, 2C, and 2R are arranged so that they can be seen through the transparent window 3W.

Each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is rotated by a correspondingly provided reel motor 32L, 32C, 32R shown in FIG. As a result, the symbols on each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed on the transparent window 3W while changing continuously. Furthermore, by stopping the rotation of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed as a display result in the transparent window 3W.

Reel LEDs 55 shown in FIG. 2 are provided inside the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. The reel LED 55 illuminates the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R shown in FIG. 1 from the back. The reel LED 55 is made up of 12 LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and can illuminate each symbol independently.

A display area of a liquid crystal display 51 is arranged at a position in front of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R (on the player's side). The liquid crystal display 51 is configured such that each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be viewed from the player side through a transparent area corresponding to the transparent window 3W of the display area and the transparent window 3W.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the symbol arrangement of the reels. As shown in Figure 3, each reel has multiple types of symbols ("Character", "Black 7", "White 7", "BAR", "Replay", "Plum", "Cherry" ”, “watermelon”, “moon”, and “orange”) are arranged in a predetermined order.

The protruding portion 94 protrudes toward the front side of the S stand 2. As the protrusion 94 protrudes toward the front side of the S stand 2, an upper surface 95 is formed on the protrusion 94. A MAXBET switch 6, a 1BET switch 20, a bet number clear switch 21, and a game information display section 90 are provided on the upper surface 95 of the protrusion 94, and a start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C are provided on the front side of the protrusion 94. , 8R, and a counting button 10 are provided. Note that the upper surface 95 may be an inclined surface that gently slopes from the back to the front from a position below the transmission window 3W.

The start switch 7 is a switch for starting the reels to rotate after the number of bets has been set. Stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are switches for stopping the rotating reels, and 8L corresponds to the left reel, 8C corresponds to the middle reel, and 8R corresponds to the right reel. The counting button 10 is a switch that is operated when counting the number of credits (the number of game medals) and converting it into the number of held medals.

A door open detection switch 25 shown in FIG. 2 is provided inside the front door of the S stand 2. The door open detection switch 25 detects the open state of the front door. Furthermore, a power supply box is provided inside the housing. A setting key switch 37, a reset/setting switch 38, etc. shown in FIG. 2 are provided on the front side of the power supply box. The setting key switch 37 switches to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state. The reset/setting switch 38 functions as a reset switch for canceling an error state or aborted state in normal times, and for changing the set value of the winning probability (ball output rate) of the internal lottery in a setting change state. functions as a setting switch.

In this embodiment, among the three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that have started rotating, the reel that stops first is called a first stop reel, and the stop is called a first stop. Similarly, the reel that stops second is called the second stop reel, the stop is called the second stop, the reel that stops third is called the third stop reel, and the stop is called the third stop reel. , is called a final stop or all reel stop.

Next, the flow of the game on S machine 2 will be explained. When playing a game on the S machine 2, first, a lending operation is performed on the CU 3 to secure credits (gaming medals). This lending operation corresponds to the two-step operation of "a medal lending operation" and "an operation of manually inserting the lent medals into the slot" in a conventional medal payout type slot machine.

When the MAXBET switch 6 is operated with credits present, the number of bets is additionally set to the maximum number within the credit range, and the number of credits is subtracted by the additional setting. When the number of bets is set, the winning line determined according to the number of bets and the gaming state among the winning lines L1 to L5 becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the game can be started. becomes.

Here, the winning line is a line set to determine whether the combination of symbols displayed on the transparent window 3W of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is a winning symbol combination. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the winning line L1 is set across the symbols arranged in the middle row of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, and the symbols arranged in the upper row of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. The winning line L2 is set across the winning line L2, the winning line L3 is set across the symbols lined up at the bottom of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R, the upper row of reel 2L, the middle row of reel 2C, the lower row of reel 2R, that is, downward to the right. There are 5 types of winnings: the winning line L4 set across the symbols arranged in a row, the winning line L5 set across the lower row of reel 2L, the middle row of reel 2C, and the upper row of reel 2R, that is, the winning line L5 set across the symbols arranged upward to the right. It is defined as a line.

When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R rotates, and the symbols on each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R fluctuate continuously. When any stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reel 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the transparent window 3W.

One game ends when all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop, and a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R on any of the activated pay lines L1 to L5. If the game stops as a result, a prize will be awarded. When a winning occurs, points determined according to the winning are awarded to the player. This score will be added to your credits.

Credits can be counted and converted into medals by operating the counting button 10. By converting the medals into held medals, it becomes possible to record the held medals on the card at the end of the game.

In this embodiment, when the counting button 10 is pressed once, all game balls currently owned by the player are counted, regardless of how long the button is pressed (regardless of whether it is a long press or not). . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the counting operation may be repeatedly executed depending on the length of time that the counting button 10 is held down (for example, 50 sheets are counted each time the counting button 10 is held down for 0.3 seconds). You can also do this. Furthermore, regardless of the duration of the press, when the button is pressed once, a predetermined number (for example, 50) of game balls may be counted from the medals held.

A credit display segment 7S and speakers 53 and 54 are provided above the liquid crystal display 51. The credit display segment 7S is formed from five 7 segments and displays the number of credits owned by the player. The credit display segment 7S is provided at the top of the S machine 2, so that it displays the number of credits stored in the S machine 2 to players or store staff other than the player playing on the S machine 2. can do. The speakers 53 and 54 emit sound effects matching the performance.

The lower panel switch 57 is provided approximately at the center of the lower panel located below the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. The lower panel switch 57 is a switch that protrudes toward the front side of the S stand 2. The player can operate the lower panel switch 57 by pressing the lower panel switch 57 from the front side to the back side of the S machine 2. The lower panel switch 57 includes an LED inside, and can notify whether or not the player's operation is effectively accepted by turning on and off.

For example, by lighting the lower panel switch 57, the player is notified that the operation of the lower panel switch 57 is effectively accepted. In this way, by lighting the lower panel switch 57, it is possible to prompt the player to perform a performance operation. On the other hand, by turning off the lower panel switch 57, the player is notified that the operation of the lower panel switch 57 cannot be effectively accepted.

Further, the lower panel switch 57 is provided at a position relatively close to the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and the operating direction of the lower panel switch 57 and the operating direction of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are the same. . Therefore, if the player presses the lower panel switch 57 too strongly, there is a risk that the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R may be touched by mistake and the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R may be pressed regardless of the player's will. . Therefore, in this embodiment, the performance operation of the lower panel switch 57 is performed only when the player's advantage (profit) is not affected even if the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated. It is designed to encourage you. That is, the lower panel switch 57 is a switch used for production.

As described above, the MAXBET switch 6 is a switch used to maximize the number of bets. That is, the MAXBET switch 6 is used to advance the game. Further, the MAXBET switch 6 in this embodiment is also used for presentation. That is, when the same operation is performed on the MAXBET switch 6, the processing to be executed is changed depending on whether the operation is a valid operation or an invalid operation. Thereby, the MAXBET switch 6 is used for both game progress and performance.

The valid operation and invalid operation of the MAXBET switch 6 will be explained below. A valid operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is an operation performed on the MAXBET switch 6 in a situation where the number of bets can be set in which the number of bets can be set. The situation in which the number of bets can be set is, for example, a period in which the number of bets can be accepted, such as "a situation where one or more credits remain and the number of bets less than three is set" or "a situation where the number of bets is less than 3 credits". 1 or more remain, and the number of bets has not been set. When the MAXBET switch is operated in a situation where 1 or more credits remain and the number of bets less than 3 is set on the BET counter, only the amount of remaining credits will be applied, with the upper limit being 3. , the number of bets is set. When the MAXBET switch is operated in a situation where 1 or more credits remain and the number of bets has not been set, the number of bets will be set for the amount of remaining credits, with a maximum of 3 credits. . In this way, the MAXBET switch 6 is used as a switch for proceeding with a game in which the number of bets is set by performing a valid operation in a situation where the number of bets can be set.

On the other hand, the invalid operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is an operation performed on the MAXBET switch 6 in a situation where the number of bets cannot be set. The situation in which it is impossible to set the number of bets includes "the period from the start of the game until the end of the game". That is, during the period when the reels are rotating and the game is being played, the operation on the MAXBET switch 6 becomes an invalid operation. In the present embodiment, in the S machine 2, an operation promotion image that prompts an invalid operation of the MAXBET switch 6 may be displayed during a period when the reels are rotating. At this time, when the player performs an invalid operation on the MAXBET switch 6, an effect is performed to display an image or the like that suggests the degree of advantage. In this way, the MAXBET switch 6 in this embodiment is used as a trigger for displaying an effect image when an invalid operation is performed in a situation where the number of bets cannot be set. That is, the MAXBET switch 6 is used for advancing the game during the acceptance period of valid operations, and is used for presentation during the acceptance period of invalid operations.

[Card unit configuration]
The configuration of the CU 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. This CU3 is a visitor card (also called a general card) with a prepaid function, which is a gaming storage medium issued to general players who have not registered as members, and member players who have registered as members at the gaming parlor. The company accepts membership cards, which are gaming storage media, issued by the company. Visitor cards and membership cards are composed of IC cards.

The CU 3 that has accepted those cards converts the gaming value owned by the player (for example, prepaid balance, number of medals held, number of stored medals (also referred to as "number of stored balls")) specified by the stored information of the card into the number of credits ( It has a function to convert into (number of game medals).

On the front side of the CU 3, there are a banknote insertion slot 302 for inserting banknotes, an overhang 305 formed to protrude from the front side of the device toward the front of the device, and a card insertion/ejection port 309 for inserting a membership card or visitor card. etc. are provided. The member card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion/ejection port 309 is accepted by a card reader/writer (not shown), and the information recorded on the card is read.

In the above-mentioned projecting portion 305, on the surface facing the player, there is a display 312 and, when a membership card is accepted, a membership card ID (simply referred to as card ID or C-ID) recorded on the membership card. ) and a replay button 319 for executing a replay game using the number of stored medals (number of stored balls) specified by the membership card ID, and an infrared signal from a remote control (not shown) owned by an attendant at the gaming hall. An IR photosensitive unit 320 is provided that receives the signal, converts it into an electronic signal, and outputs the signal.

The display 312 displays the prepaid balance (also referred to as card balance or simply balance) recorded on the inserted gaming recording medium (card), the number of medals you have, the number of credits (number of gaming medals), and other various information. The display is possible and the surface is made up of a transparent touch panel. It is configured such that various operations can be input by touching various display items displayed on the display section of the display 312 with a finger.

When the owned medals button 324 is operated, a part of the number of owned medals recorded on the inserted card is debited and converted into a number of credits (number of game medals). When the replay button 319 is operated and the number of medals the player has acquired is stored in the inserted card, a part of the number of medals the player has is debited and converted into credits, and based on the converted credits. It becomes possible to play games using the S machine 2.

On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and the number of medals held is not stored and the accumulated medals are stored in the hall management computer, a portion of the accumulated medals will be deducted from the credit card. , and it becomes possible to play games using the S machine 2. In other words, if both the stored medals and the held medals are stored in association with the inserted card, the held medals are preferentially withdrawn. In addition, apart from the replay button 319, a dedicated medal payout button for withdrawing the medals held may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be a button exclusively for withdrawing the stored medals.

Here, the "number of credits (number of game medals)" is data that can be used to set the number of bets and can be converted into the "number of medals held." The "number of credits" is generated in exchange for debiting the balance of the prepaid card, the number of medals held, or the number of stored medals.

The "number of medals held" is a numerical conversion of the number of credits (number of game medals) owned by the player as a result of the player playing a game on a gaming machine. This "number of medals held" is memorized so that it can be specified by the player's card. Note that the number of held medals may be managed by a management device for managing the number of held medals set in the gaming hall.

The "number of stored medals (number of stored balls)" is the number of held medals deposited at the gaming hall. The number of medals that a player has acquired through playing a game is managed as the number of medals he has during the day, but from the day after he acquires it, it is managed as the "number of stored medals." In other words, the number of credits (number of game medals) that a player has earned and counted on the day at the game parlor is called "points," and the number of medals that the player has earned and deposited at the game parlor before the previous day is called "storage points." number of medals." This "number of stored medals" is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed at the gaming parlor.

If we use arrows to indicate the directions in which each of the data above can be converted, such as "balance," "number of stored medals (number of stored medals)," "number of medals held," and "number of credits (number of game medals)," ``Number of medals held'' → ``Number of credits'' → ``Number of medals held'' → ``Number of stored medals''.

In this embodiment, data on the number of stored medals is not recorded directly on the membership card, but is stored in a host server such as a hall management computer in association with the membership card number, and the corresponding number of stored medals can be searched based on the membership card number. It is configured as follows. On the other hand, the number of medals held is recorded directly on the card.

However, both may be stored in the host server in association with the card number. In the case of visitor cards, the number of medals held is also recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the number of medals held may be stored in the host server in correspondence with the card number. When storing the card number in correspondence with the card number in the host server, data that can identify the time stored in the host server may be written on the card (membership card, visitor card) and discharged. In addition, prepaid balances are written directly onto cards (membership cards, visitor cards) and discharged.

Note that the timing at which the number of held medals is stored in the card (membership card, visitor card) or host server is, for example, the timing at which the counting button 10 is operated and counting processing is performed. However, instead of this, the information may be stored all at once when the card is returned.

Furthermore, when the player returns the card from the CU3 after finishing the game, the medals stored in the CU3 are temporarily stored in the hall server as accumulated medals, and the day when the player receives the card back is stored. When you insert a card into the same or another CU3 again on the same day, only the medals you have for that day, which were once stored as accumulated coins, will be stored in that CU3 again, and you can add credits within the range of the medals you have and play the game. You can also do this.

The banknote inserted into the banknote insertion slot 302 is taken in by a banknote validator (not shown), and its authenticity and banknote type are identified.

A lending button 321 and a card return button 322 are further provided on the front side of the CU3. The lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation to obtain the number of credits by withdrawing the balance recorded on the inserted card. Specifically, the number of credits is added according to the balance withdrawn by operating the lending button 321. The card return button 322 is operated by the player when finishing the game, and the number of medals the player has determined at the end of the game is added to the inserted card (the number of medals the player has at the time of card insertion - the number of medals he has to the number of credits). This is an operation button for storing and discharging the converted number + the number counted by the counting operation).

As described above, according to the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment, the number of held medals specified by the card is converted into the number of credits (the number of game medals), and furthermore, the number of credits is used to make bets. Since it is possible to set the number of bets, players who are accustomed to traditional slot machines, where you receive medals lent, insert the medals to secure credits, and then use those credits to set the number of bets. To provide a game using a new slot machine (managed game machine) that does not use medals without causing confusion.

[Internal configuration of card unit and slot machine]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card unit and slot machine. Referring to FIG. 2, the outline of the control circuit for the CU 3 and the S unit 2 will be explained.

The CU 3 is provided with a CU control board 32, and this CU control board 32 is provided with a CU control section 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. This CU control unit 323 is the main control function unit of the CU3, and includes a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for the CPU to operate, a RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU, and peripherals. Input/output interfaces are provided to maintain signal integrity with equipment.

The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external output terminal (not shown) for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server that performs security management. The CU 3 transmits the state of the CU 3 and the gaming machine state information received from the S machine 2 to the outside, such as a hall management computer (hall controller) or a hall server that performs security management, via an external output terminal. The CU control unit 323 communicates with the medal number control board 17 of the S machine 2 via the communication control IC 325. The communication control IC 325 and the medal number control board 17 are connected, for example, through an asynchronous serial communication port. Communication between the communication control IC 325 and the medal number control board 17 is performed via the connection terminal board 1000.

Communication between the CU control unit 323 and the medal number control board 17 includes lending information (information related to the operation for withdrawing the balance stored in the inserted card and using it for gaming on the S machine 2) and lending response information (lending information). (response information to the information) is carried out bidirectionally, and other counting information (information related to counting processing from credits to medals) and game machine information are carried out in one direction from the medal number control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. This is done through communication. Therefore, the S machine 2 side does not recognize whether the CU 3 has received the counting information and gaming machine information. The CU 3 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the S stand 2 side, and the S stand 2 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connecting parts are made up of, for example, connectors.

The CU control unit 323 manages and stores medals held by the player while the player is playing the game. The display 312 displays an image corresponding to data output from the CU control unit 323 such as the balance or the number of medals held. Furthermore, when the player operates a touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the lending button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. Note that the lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3 , but may be provided in the S stand 2 and configured to input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323 . When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

The S machine 2 includes a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game on the S machine 2, a medal number control board 17 that controls the credits owned by the player, and a performance control board that controls the performance according to the game state. A board 15 and a power supply board 101 are provided. The power supply board 101 generates power to drive the electrical components that make up the S stand 2, and supplies it to each part.

The power supply board 101 is supplied with AC 100V power from the outside, and from this AC 100V power supply, the DC voltage necessary to drive the electrical components that make up the S unit 2 is generated, and the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17 and the production control board 15.

A payout control microcomputer, which is a medal number control section 171, is mounted on the medal number control board 17. The medal number control unit 171 maintains signal integrity with a CPU 171a as a control center, a ROM 171b that stores programs and control data for the operation of the CPU 171a, a RAM 171c that functions as a work area for the CPU 171a, and peripheral devices. There are input/output interfaces for this purpose.

A RAM clear switch 293 for erasing information stored in the RAM 171c and a door open detection switch 25 are connected to the medal number control board 17, and detection signals from these connected switches are input. Further, a counting button 10 is connected to the medal number control board 17, and a detection signal of the counting button 10 is inputted.

A role ratio monitor 89 is connected to the medal number control board 17, and its display is controlled by a medal number control section 171. Further, a backup memory 294 is connected to the medal number control board 17, and backs up win ratio information for the medal number control board 17 to display on the win ratio monitor 89.

The winning ratio monitor 89 normally displays a numerical value (hereinafter also referred to as "winning ratio information") indicating the performance of the slot machine. Numerical values that indicate the performance of a slot machine include, for example, the instruction-inclusive accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number, the consecutive accessory payout ratio over the past 6,000 games, the accessory payout ratio over the past 6,000 games, and the continuous accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number. These are the accessory payout ratio, the accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative number of coins to be paid out, and the state ratio of accessory products, etc. to the total cumulative number of coins to be paid out. Details of this information will be explained later.

The main control board 16 is equipped with a game control microcomputer, which is the main control section 161. The main control unit 161 includes a CPU 161a as a control center, a ROM 161b storing programs and control data for the operation of the CPU 161a, a RAM 161c functioning as a work area for the CPU 161a, and a RAM 161c for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices. It is equipped with input/output interfaces, etc.

Reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are connected to the main control board 16 and are driven under the control of the main control section 161. Further, a setting key switch 37, a reset/setting switch 38, and a start switch 7 are connected to the main control board 16, and detection signals from these connected switches are input. Further, the game auxiliary display 12 is connected to the main control board 16, and the display is controlled by the main control section 161.

Further, the main control board 16 is connected to a bet number clear switch 21, a 1BET switch 20, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, a door open detection switch 25, and a MAXBET switch 6 via a relay board 1100. Detection signals from connected switches are input. Further, 1 to 3 BETLEDs 14 to 16 are connected to the main control board 16 via a relay board 1100, and the display is controlled by the main control unit 161. If the main control unit 161 detects that the MAXBET switch 6 has been operated during the reception period for an invalid operation of the MAXBET switch 6, the main control unit 161 sends an operation command indicating that the invalid operation of the MAXBET switch 6 has been performed to the production control unit 151. Send.

The performance control board 15 is equipped with a performance control microcomputer, which is a performance control section 151. The production control unit 151 includes a CPU 151a as a control center, a ROM 151b that stores programs and control data for the operation of the CPU 151a, a RAM 151c that functions as a work area for the CPU 151a, and a RAM 151c to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices. It is equipped with input/output interfaces, etc.

A lower panel switch 57 is connected to the production control board 15, and a detection signal of the lower panel switch 57 is input. Further, production devices such as a liquid crystal display 51, production effect LEDs 52, speakers 53, 54, reel LED 55, and credit display segment 7S are connected to the production control board 15, and these production devices are controlled by the production control unit 151. It is designed to be driven based on control.

Further, a light amount/volume adjustment board 111 is connected to the effect control board 15. Switches for adjusting the light amount and volume are connected to the light amount/volume adjustment board 111, and detection signals from these switches are input to the production control board 15 via the light amount/volume adjustment board 111. be done.

The main control section 161 transmits various commands to the production control section 151. Commands sent from the main control section 161 to the production control section 151 are sent only in one direction, and no commands are sent from the production control section 151 to the main control section 161. The effect control unit 151 receives commands sent from the main control unit 161 and performs various controls for performing effects.

The medal number control section 171 transmits various commands to the main control section 161. Further, the main control section 161 also transmits various commands to the medal number control section 171. That is, communication between the medal number control section 171 and the main control section 161 is bidirectional communication. Further, the medal number control board 17 supplies backup power to the main control board 16.

Further, the medal number control unit 171 stores credits in a predetermined area of the RAM 171c. Specifically, the number of credits is stored in a credit counter. The medal number control unit 171 updates the credits stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 171c in the credit addition process or the credit subtraction process.

The set bet amount is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c. Specifically, the set bet amount is stored as a BET counter. When the value stored in the BET counter is "3", a game can be started. Hereinafter, the value stored in the BET counter may be simply referred to as the "number of bets."

The medalless slot machine that does not require medals as described above is equipped with a medal number control board 17. The functions related to inserting and paying out medals in the conventional slot machine are concentrated on the medal number control board 17. In addition, if it is a conventional slot machine that requires medals, it is necessary to have devices related to inserting and paying out medals such as a medal selector or hopper, but in a medalless slot machine, such devices are not required. Not necessary.

Further, by configuring a medalless slot machine as in this embodiment, parts can be shared with conventional slot machines. Specifically, the function of updating credits (functions related to inserting and paying out medals) is concentrated in the medal number control board 17, so by replacing the medal number control board 17 of a medalless slot machine, it can be replaced with a conventional slot machine. Machines can be configured. When configuring a conventional slot machine, the medal number control board 17 is equipped with a function related to inserting and dispensing medals, and devices related to inserting and dispensing medals such as a medal selector and a hopper are used to control the number of medals. It may be connected to the board 17. With such a configuration, it is compatible with conventional slot machines, and by using common parts, it is possible to reduce costs in designing and manufacturing slot machines.

When the detection signal is input from the start switch 7, the main control unit 161 rotates the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, and performs a lottery for winning combinations.

The types of winning combinations are determined according to the gaming status, but they can be roughly divided into special roles that transition to big bonuses (BB) and regular bonuses (RB), and small roles that involve the payout of medals. There is a replay combination that allows you to start the next game without setting the number of bets.

The main control unit 161 draws winning combinations, rotates the reels, and then waits for the player to stop the reels. When any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated, the main control unit 161 stops the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R. The main control unit 161 executes a winning determination process that stops the three symbols and determines whether or not there is a winning prize. If it is determined that the player has won a prize, the number of credits corresponding to the type of prize won will be awarded to the player. A power supply switch 102 is connected to the power supply board 101, and a detection signal from the power supply switch 102 is input thereto.

Note that the "game" in this embodiment refers to the period from when the start switch 7 is operated until the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop. In addition, when playing a game, the number of bets is set before operating the start switch 7, and after the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped, medals are paid out and the gaming state is changed, so these incidental processes are necessary. shall also be included in "games" in a broad sense.

In addition, in this embodiment, the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is a MAXBET operation, the start switch 7 is a start operation, the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are a stop operation, the counting button 10 is operated a counting operation, and a lending button is operated. The operation of 321 is also called a lending operation, and the operation of the card return button 322 is also called a return operation.

Further, the S machine 2 has a configuration in which the payout rate of medals changes depending on a set value. Specifically, the payout rate of medals is changed by using a winning probability according to a set value in a lottery that affects the advantage to players, such as an internal lottery. The set value is comprised of six levels from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate, and decreasing values in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, the lower the payout rate. That is, when 6 is set as the setting value, the advantage is the highest for the player, and as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, the advantage gradually decreases.

In order to change the set value, it is necessary to turn on the setting key switch 37 and then turn on the power to the S unit 2. When the power is turned on with the setting key switch 37 in the ON state, the setting value read out from the RAM 161c is displayed on the setting value display as a display value, and the setting value can be changed by operating the reset/setting switch 38. transition to state. When the reset/setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change state, the displayed value displayed on the setting value display is updated by 1 (if the setting value is further operated from setting value 6, it returns to setting value 1). ). Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the displayed value is determined as the set value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the determined display value (setting value) is stored in the RAM 161c of the main control section 161, and the state shifts to a state where the game can proceed.

[state transition]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the transition of gaming states. As shown in FIG. 4, the states managed by the main control unit 161 include gaming states related to the ball payout rate.

The gaming states include non-internal, internal, and BB. Inside, the game is in a state where the game can be played and the payout rate of medals based on a predetermined design value is guaranteed. Note that in the S machine 2 of this embodiment, most of the games are allowed to be played by the player inside the machine.

On the other hand, when the player is not inside the game, the player does not play a game, or even if the player plays a game, the time for playing the game is extremely short. In the non-internal mode, when a BB is won and the winning of the BB is missed, the gaming state shifts to internal mode from the next game. In other words, the internal state is such that the winning of BB has been carried over.

A game in which you can win a BB (hereinafter also referred to as a "game in which you can win a BB") may be played both inside and outside the game. Specifically, in a non-internal game, if a BB symbol combination can be derived in accordance with the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in a game in which a BB is won, the player wins a BB. In this case, the gaming state is controlled to BB from the next game. In other words, during non-internal games, the game that wins the BB becomes the game that can win the BB.

Internally, the BB win has been carried over. Here, if BB and a small winning combination are won at the same time, reel control is performed so as to preferentially derive the symbol combination of the small winning combination. Furthermore, if the minor prize is a winning prize, in a game where the BB and the minor prize are won at the same time, the minor prize will always win and the BB will win regardless of the operation of stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. I can't. Similarly, if BB and a re-gaming combination are won at the same time, reel control is performed to preferentially derive the symbol combination of the re-gaming combination. In general, the replaying role is a winning role, so in a game where BB and the replaying role are won at the same time, the replaying role will always win regardless of the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and the BB cannot win a prize. Therefore, internally, it is possible to derive the BB symbol combination according to the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R only for games that are lost in the internal lottery (games that do not win any winning combinations). , won a BB prize. In this case, the gaming state is controlled to BB from the next game. In other words, internally, a game that loses in the internal lottery becomes a game that can win a BB prize.

During the BB, the game during the BB is played for a predetermined number of games (for example, 60G), but since the ball output rate during the BB is about 101%, the net increase in the number of coins hardly increases. Therefore, for the player, BB is simply a state in which a predetermined number of games (for example, 60G) are played. When BB ends, the gaming state shifts to non-internal mode again.

The internal state includes a normal section and an advantageous section. The normal section is a state in which navigation is not performed, and is a non-broadcasting state in which navigation information cannot be broadcast. The advantageous section is a state in which navigation can be executed and a notification state in which navigation information can be reported. In the present embodiment, among the advantageous sections, navigation is not normally performed in the advantageous section, but navigation may be performed in all of the high certainty state, AT1 state, AT2 state, and ending state. Note that the navigation may be executed even in the normal advantageous section, but in the high certainty state, AT1 state, AT2 state, and ending state, the main character is won when the winning combination is won in the advantageous section, compared to the normal advantageous section. The probability of navigating to do so is high. In this way, in the high certainty state, AT1 state, AT2 state, and ending state, navigation is performed with a higher probability than when the advantageous section is normal.

In the normal section, when the winning section is won in the advantageous section transfer lottery (advantageous section winning), the state is controlled to be the advantageous section. In addition, in this embodiment, since the win of most of the winning combinations that can be won during normal play is a condition for winning the advantageous section, the stay of the normal game is approximately 1G. Note that the conditions for winning an advantageous section may be satisfied when any one of all the winning combinations that can be won during normal play is won.

In the normal section, navigation is not executed in games where the winning combination is won, so the net increase in the number of medals that a player can earn per game is 0 or 1, considering the number of medals used to set the number of bets. becomes negative. Note that the net increase in the number of medals per game is the number obtained by subtracting the number of medals used for setting the number of bets per game from the number of medals paid out per game. In this embodiment, the normal ball payout rate is set to 40%. Thus, normally, the ball payout rate is 1 or less (100% or less) or less than 1 (less than 100%).

The advantageous section includes a normal advantageous section, a high certainty state, an AT1 state, an AT2 state, and an ending state. Advantageous section Normally, navigation is not executed in games where the winning combination is won, so the net increase in the number of medals that a player can earn per game is 0, considering the number of medals used to set the number of bets. Or become negative. In this embodiment, the normal ball payout rate in the advantageous section is set to 40%. In this way, in the normal advantageous section, the ball payout rate is 1 or less (100% or less) or less than 1 (less than 100%).

In this embodiment, the AT1 state ends when a predetermined number of games are played. In other words, as shown in the figure, it shifts to the normal section. The predetermined number of games in the AT1 state can be increased by winning a specific symbol (eg, watermelon, strong cherry). That is, in the present embodiment, the player's advantage increases when a specific symbol (watermelon, strong cherry) is won.

In the normal advantageous section, processing such as a lottery related to control to the high certainty state and AT1 state is performed. Note that in the normal advantageous section, the main control unit 161 performs a lottery to enter the AT1 state by a point acquisition lottery. The points updated by the point acquisition lottery are managed by the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 includes an internal point counter (not shown) for counting points. Further, when the value of the point counter reaches a specified value, the main control unit 161 executes an AT lottery to determine whether or not to control to the AT1 state. Note that the main control unit 161 may perform an AT lottery based on the fact that a specific symbol (watermelon, strong cherry) has been won without using points. The high probability state is a state in which the number of points awarded is larger than the normal number of points in the advantageous section. That is, the high certainty state is a state in which it is easier to shift to the AT1 state than in the normal advantageous section.

Control to the AT2 state can be performed when the advantageous section is in the normal and high certainty states. The AT2 state is a so-called pseudo bonus that allows the player to increase the net increase in the number of coins he or she can acquire by following the navigation. A win that is directly controlled from the advantageous section normal or high probability state to the AT2 state without going through the AT1 state is also referred to as a "direct pseudo bonus win." Furthermore, a winning that is controlled from the AT1 state to the AT2 state is also referred to as a "pseudo bonus winning." In pseudo bonuses, the navigation is executed in the game where the winning combination is won, so the net increase in the number of medals that the player can earn per game is It becomes a plus.

In the advantageous section, when the number of medals acquired during the advantageous section reaches a predetermined number of medals to be transferred to the ED, the ending state is controlled. The number of medals acquired during the advantageous section is the value obtained by subtracting the number of medals used by the player from the number of medals awarded to the player due to winnings after control to the advantageous section is started. The ending state is, for example, a state in which it is determined that the control to the advantageous section continues until the total number of medals acquired during the advantageous section reaches the upper limit number (for example, 2400 medals).

The number of sheets to be transferred to the ED is set when the normal section is transferred to the advantageous section. Note that the number of tickets to be transferred to the ED may be determined by lottery, or may be determined in advance. The number of sheets to be transferred to ED is managed by the main control section 161. That is, the RAM 161c of the main control unit 161 stores the number of sheets to be transferred to ED. The main control unit 161 cumulatively counts the number of sheets transferred to ED, and ends the advantageous section according to the counting process.

When the limiter condition is satisfied in an advantageous section, control is performed from the advantageous section to a normal section. Specifically, when the number of medals acquired during the advantageous section reaches 2400, the advantageous section ends and the control is returned to the normal section. Note that the number of medals acquired during the advantageous section is counted by a counter stored in the RAM 161c. That is, when the number of medals acquired during the advantageous section reaches the upper limit number, it is said that the "limiter condition" is satisfied.

When the control is changed from the advantageous section to the normal section, the number of medals earned during the advantageous section that was counted in the advantageous section and further the points that can be earned during the game are also initialized. The number of medals acquired during the advantageous section is updated not only during the advantageous section but also during the BB, and is not updated during the normal section.

In the S machine 2 of this embodiment, the payout rate of medals changes depending on a set value. Specifically, the payout rate of medals is changed by varying the winning probability in a predetermined lottery such as a point acquisition lottery according to a set value (for example, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6). . A clerk at a game parlor or the like can change this setting value by changing the settings.

In this way, the conditions for the state to shift from the advantageous section to the normal section include a limiter condition that is established based on the progress of the game, an arbitrary ending condition, and a condition that a setting change is performed.

Further, in the S machine 2 of the present embodiment, an upper limit of the number of games is set in the advantageous section normal. When the predetermined upper limit of the number of games is reached in the normal advantageous section, an AT right is granted for forcibly transitioning to the AT1 state regardless of the reached points. The upper limit of the number of games in the normal advantageous section is, for example, 1280 games. The upper limit of the number of games is called a "ceiling." The main control unit 161 has a lottery counter in the RAM 161c to determine whether the ceiling has been reached. That is, the main control unit 161 stores the number of games played in the advantageous section normal in the lottery counter in the RAM 161c. The main control unit 161 adds the value of the lottery counter every time a game in the normal advantageous section is executed. For example, if the upper limit of the number of games in the normal advantageous section is set as 700 games, when the value of the lottery counter reaches 700, the main control unit 161 grants the AT right. The upper limit of the number of games in the normal advantageous section is not limited to 700 games, and may be, for example, 1280 games.

[Winning role]
FIGS. 5 to 8 are diagrams for explaining types of winning combinations, symbol combinations of winning combinations, and awards at the time of winning. The name column in FIGS. 5 to 8 shows the name of the winning combination, and the symbol combination column shows the combination of symbols that will result in the winning combination. Further, the award column shows the value that will be awarded upon winning (number of medals paid out, replay award, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 5, Rip 1 to Rip 6 are provided as replay combinations. As shown in FIG. 6, BB is provided as a special winning combination. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the small winning combinations are plums 1 to 6, watermelon, and one-card winning combinations 1 to 33. Plums 1 to 6 are the main characters that can be won when the winning combination is won, and when a prize is won, 9 medals are paid out, which is more than the number of medals (3) used for the bet number. Plums 1 to 6 are collectively referred to as the "Plum Yaku". 1-card winning combinations 1 to 33 are secondary winning combinations that can be won when the winning combination is won, and when winning, 1 medal, which is smaller than the number of medals (3) used for the bet number, is paid out. One-card roles 1 to 33 are collectively referred to as a "one-card role."

As shown in FIG. 7, when "Chara-Chara-Black 7" is derived on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R among the symbol combinations that result in a winning combination of 1-card winning combination 22, three character symbols line up on the reels. Placed. Specifically, character symbols are derived in each of the lower row of the left reel 2L, the middle row of the middle reel 2C, and the upper row of the right reel 2R, so that the character symbols are arranged in a row upward to the right. Note that arranging character designs side by side is also referred to as "character arrangement".

As shown in FIG. 8, when "Chara-Chara-Plum" or "Chara-Plum-Plum" is derived on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R among the symbol combinations that result in a winning combination of 1 card 23, 7 symbols are drawn. Three are placed in a row on the reels. Specifically, seven symbols are derived in each of the upper row of the left reel 2L, the upper row of the middle reel 2C, and the upper row of the right reel 2R, so that the seven symbols are arranged side by side in the upper row. Note that the arrangement of seven symbols in a row is also referred to as a "set of seven".

[Lottery target role]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining combinations of winning combinations that are read out as lottery target combinations for each gaming state. The role number column in FIG. 9 shows the role number determined for each lottery target role, the flag category column shows the flag category assigned to each type of lottery target role, and the lottery target role column shows the flag category assigned to each type of lottery target role. indicates its name, and in the gaming status column, for each gaming status, a circle mark indicates that the winning combination is eligible for lottery, and the advantageous section winning column indicates whether or not the winning section has been won. ing. Further, in the combination column of winning combinations in FIG. 9, combinations of winning combinations included in each lottery target combination are shown.

As shown in FIG. 9, BB is provided as a lottery target winning combination for the special winning combination. As the winning combinations for re-gaming, there are a normal rip, a rip with a set of 7, a rip with an irregular set of 7, a rip with all characters, and a rip with an irregular set of characters. The winning combinations for the small winning combination are common plum, 213 selection combinations A to D, 231 selection combinations A to D, 312 selection combinations A to D, 321 selection combinations A to D, watermelon, set of 7, 1 piece 1, 2, There is one character set, a weak cherry, a strong cherry, and chance numbers A and B. As the small winning combination in BB, BB medium small winning combination and 1 piece in BB are provided. Note that 213 selection combinations A to D, 231 selection combinations A to D, 312 selection combinations A to D, and 321 selection combinations A to D are the combinations for which navigation can be executed when winning, so the selection combinations in the pressing order are It is one of a kind. 213 selection combinations A to D, 231 selection combinations A to D, 312 selection combinations A to D, and 321 selection combinations A to D are collectively referred to as a "push order bell." Further, the set of 7 sheets 1 and 2 are collectively referred to as "one set of 7 sheet".

In the non-internal mode, it is possible to win BB medium and small roles and all roles except BB medium 1 card, but in the internal mode, the winning of BB has already been carried over, so BB, BB medium small role, and BB medium 1 card can be won. Tickets are no longer eligible to be won.

Regarding the flag category, a common flag category is assigned to each role in all of non-internal medium, internal medium, and BB. Further, while the winning number is determined for each winning combination, the flag category is assigned for each type of winning combination. Therefore, the number of flag categories is smaller than the number of winning numbers. In addition, the point acquisition lottery in the normal advantageous section and the bonus lottery in the advantageous section (hereinafter collectively referred to as "lottery related to AT control") are both performed based on the flag category. Therefore, the processing load can be reduced compared to performing a lottery related to the control of these AT states based on the winning combination numbers.

In this embodiment, flag categories are also assigned to loses and BBs, and FC1 is assigned to BBs, which is the same as other winnings such as regular returns. Further, the common plum is assigned the same FC4 as the watermelon.

[Reel control of push order]
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the reel control when the push order winning combination is won. As described above, in the present embodiment, in a game in which a winning combination is won in an advantageous section, navigation is executed and the correct procedure is notified to the player. The player can win a winning combination (main character) that is advantageous to the player by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R according to the correct procedure according to the navigation.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, in a game in which any of the 213 selection combinations A to D, 231 selection combinations A to D, 312 selection combinations A to D, and 321 selection combinations A to D are won, the game stops at the correct answer step. When the switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, the main role, the plum winning combination, is won, while when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the incorrect answer procedure, the one-card winning combination, which is the secondary winning role, is won. Note that if the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in an incorrect answer procedure and the winning of the one-card winning combination, which is the secondary winning combination, is missed, no winning may occur.

While the "normal procedure" is not set as the "correct procedure", the "abnormal procedure" may be set as the "correct procedure". That is, in a game in which the player wins any of the 213 selections A to D, 231 selections A to D, 312 selections A to D, and 321 selections A to D, the player presses the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. As long as you operate in the normal procedure, you will not be able to win the main role of Plum. This may be a factor that induces the player to operate the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in an irregular procedure, but in this embodiment, if the player operates the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in an irregular procedure in a game where navigation is not performed, A penalty that is disadvantageous to the player is imposed on the player. Therefore, in games where navigation is not performed, the player is prompted to operate the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the normal procedure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game start command sent from the main control section 161 to the production control section 151 when the start switch 7 is operated. The main control unit 161 executes an internal lottery process when the start switch 7 is operated (start operation), and sends a command group containing predetermined information to the performance control unit according to the result of the internal lottery process. Send to 151. Hereinafter, the command group No. 1 to No. 13 shown in FIG. 11 will be simply referred to as "game start commands." The main control unit 161 transmits each command in the order of No. 1 to No. 13 as a command at the start of the game. Each command is assigned a serial number as a "setting serial number", which is the same as the number. Each command stores various information managed by the main control unit 161.

For example, No. The second command "instruction number" stores information regarding navigation. That is, No. The second command stores information that can specify the push order in the game in which the start switch 7 was operated. Specifically, the command "instruction number" stores information indicating the order in which the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are pressed. The production control unit 151 is the No. When the second command "instruction number" is received, a navigation effect is executed on the liquid crystal display 51 based on the operation procedure that can be specified from the command "instruction number". Note that, based on the operating procedure that can be specified from the command "instruction number," the production control unit 151 causes the speaker 53 to output a sound that notifies the player of the operating procedure.

For example, No. In the command 3 "minor role type", information that can specify whether the winning role won by the internal lottery is a minor role, a replay role, or a special role is stored. Also, No. The command "section state" of 6 stores information that can specify which of the internal states shown in FIG. 4 the game in which the start switch 7 was operated is in. Specifically, No. 6 command "section state" indicates whether the currently controlled state is a normal section or an advantageous section, and whether the advantageous section is normal or a high certainty state among the advantageous sections. Information indicating whether the state is the AT2 state or the ending state is stored. The production control unit 151 is the No. Based on the reception of the command "section state" of No. 6, it is possible to specify which section state the game in which the start switch 7 was operated is in. Also, No. Also in the command No. 4 "Ballet Out State", information that can specify the gaming state of the game in which the start switch 7 was operated can be stored. No. The number of games of continuous AT performance is stored in the command 9 "ART portent G number". No. in the command at the start of the game. The number of points earned in the previous game is stored in the 10th command "Point". Also, No. The command 11 "winning number" stores information that allows identification of the winning number of the winning combination in the internal lottery.

In addition, when transmitting a game start command, the main control unit 161 controls No. Information indicating that a medal has been bet is stored in the command 12 "Insert medal". No. If information indicating that a medal has been bet is stored in the command 12 "Insert medal", the production control unit 151 can determine that the game start command has been received.

FIG. 12 shows a command at the end of the game that the main control section 161 sends to the production control section 151 at the time of the third stop. The main control unit 161 sends the command group from No. 1 to No. 13 in the order of No. 1 to No. 13 not only when the start switch 7 is operated but also when the stop switch is at the third stop. It is transmitted to the production control section 151. Hereinafter, the command group No. 1 to No. 13 shown in FIG. 12 will be simply referred to as "gaming end commands." Note that among the commands transmitted at the third stop, No. 11 is different from the command No. 11 transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated. No. 11 is a command that stores information regarding winnings. That is, at the time of the third stop, the main control unit 161 transmits information regarding the winning prize instead of information regarding the winning number.

No. in the command at the end of the game. The number of points acquired in the point acquisition lottery process at the time of the third stop, which will be described later, is stored in the 10th command "Points". In addition, when transmitting the game end command, the main control unit 161 controls No. Information indicating that the reel is stopped is stored in the command 13 "Stop reel". No. If the information indicating that the reels are stopped is stored in the command 13 "spinning reel stop", the production control unit 151 can determine that the game end command has been received. That is, the production control unit 151 controls the No. 12 commands “Insert medal” and No. Based on the command No. 13 "stop rotation", it is determined whether the received command group is a command at the start of the game or a command at the end of the game. When transmitting a game start command, the main control unit 161 selects No. If you do not want to send the command ``stop rotation'' in No. 13, but instead send the command at the end of the game, select No. It is not necessary to send the command 12 "Insert medals".

[Transmission and reception mode between the main control board and the medal number control board]
The mode of transmission and reception between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17 will be explained. In this embodiment, communication using commands is performed between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17. The main control board 16 transmits a predetermined command to the medal number control board 17 every time an event occurs. Events include pressing the start switch 7, pressing the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6, stopping all reels, and the like.

If the predetermined command sent from the main control board 16 is a command that requires a predetermined response, the medal number control board 17 sends a response command to the main control board 16. For example, when the S machine 2 is installed in the gaming parlor and the power is turned on while it is electrically connected, the main control board 16 is installed in the gaming machine including the main chip ID (main control chip ID). The information command is sent to the medal number control board 17. Even when the power is turned on thereafter, gaming machine installation information including the main chip ID (main control chip ID) is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17. That is, when the S machine 2 is powered on, the main control board 16 transmits to the medal number control board 17 a gaming machine installation information command that can specify the main chip ID of the unique information held by the main control board 16. .

Both the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17 assign a "serial number" to the command and transmit it. Further, both the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17 store the received "serial number". In the S machine 2, a "serial number" is assigned to the command to prevent a person who attempts to obtain medals illegally (hereinafter referred to as an unauthorized person) from illicitly operating the S machine 2. Unauthorized operations include, for example, operations in which commands sent and received between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17 are altered, or operations in which an unauthorized person controls the main control board 16 or the medal number control board 17. etc. An unauthorized person performs an unauthorized operation by, for example, connecting a device or the like (hereinafter referred to as an unauthorized device) to perform an unauthorized operation to the main control board 16 or the medal number control board 17.

The initial value and additional value of the "serial number" are determined by each of the medal number control board 17 and the main control board 16. The medal number control board 17 determines the initial value and additional value of the "serial number" based on the gaming machine installation information command received from the main control board 16. The main chip ID included in the gaming machine installation information command includes a 4-byte long chip unique number register. Each byte included in the main chip ID stores a hexadecimal chip-specific value. The medal number control board 17 calculates a total value by adding the hexadecimal values stored in each byte included in the main chip ID. The medal number control board 17 determines a value obtained by converting the value indicated by the lower two bytes of the calculated total value into a decimal number as the initial value of the "serial number".

For example, if the total value is "189h" (h indicates that "189" is a hexadecimal number), the initial value of the serial number is "89h" expressed in decimal. That is, the initial value of the "serial number" is "137".

Further, the medal number control board 17 divides the initial value by a predetermined number. For example, if the predetermined number is "5", there are four types of remainders calculated as a result of division: "0", "1", "2", "3", and "4". . The medal number control board 17 predetermines and stores additional values corresponding to the four types of remainders. For example, the medal number control board 17 stores "7" in correspondence with "0", "11" in correspondence with "1", and "13" in correspondence with "2". , "19" is stored in correspondence with "3", and "23" is stored in correspondence with "4". After dividing the initial value by a predetermined number, the medal number control board 17 sets a stored value corresponding to the remainder of the division result as an addition value.

For example, when the initial value "137" is divided by 5, the remainder is "2". As described above, the medal number control board 17 stores "13" corresponding to "2" which is the remainder of the division result. Therefore, the medal number control board 17 determines the addition value for the serial number as "13". In this way, the medal number control board 17 sets the initial value of the serial number for determining whether the command transmitted from the main control board 16 is normal based on the main chip ID specified from the gaming machine installation information command. Generate an additive value. Further, the main control board 16 also generates an initial value and an added value by performing similar calculations. As a result, the same initial value and additional value are stored in both the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17.

As described above, in this embodiment, the main control board 16 sends a predetermined command to the medal number control board 17 upon the occurrence of an event. The main control board 16 assigns a serial number to the predetermined command. For example, after a gaming machine installation information command is sent to the medal number control board 17 and both the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17 determine the initial value and additional value for the serial number, a predetermined event A occurs. An example will be explained below.

Based on the occurrence of a predetermined event A, the main control board 16 transmits a command A to the medal number control board 17. At this time, after transmitting the gaming machine installation command, the main control board 16 assigns an initial value of the serial number to the command A that is transmitted for the first time. That is, the main control board 16 assigns the serial number "137" to the command A and transmits it.

The medal number control board 17 stores "137" as the initial value, and the serial number given to the command A received for the first time after receiving the gaming machine installation command is "137", so the communication is normal. I judge that there is.

Subsequently, when a new event B occurs, the main control board 16 transmits a command B to the medal number control board 17. At this time, the main control board 16 transmits a command B to which a value is added to the previously transmitted serial number value. That is, the main control board 16 adds "150", which is a value obtained by adding the additional value "13" to the previously transmitted "137", to the command B and transmits it. Before receiving the command B, the medal number control board 17 calculates in advance that the serial number to be given to the next command to be transmitted is "150". The medal number control board 17 determines that the communication with the main control board 16 is normal because the serial number given to the received command B is "150", which matches the serial number calculated in advance. .

That is, each time the main control board 16 sends a command, it assigns a value obtained by adding an additional value to the previously transmitted serial number value as a number. Since the medal number control board 17 also stores the initial value and the added value, it is possible to calculate in advance the value of the serial number to be given to the command to be received next, and the serial number is changed every time a command is received. It is possible to judge whether it is normal or not. If the serial number assigned to the received command does not match the calculated serial number value, the medal number control board 17 determines that a communication abnormality has occurred between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17. do.

If the value obtained by adding the added value to the value of the previously transmitted serial number exceeds 255, the main control board 16 subtracts 255 and transmits the value as the serial number. When the main control board 16 receives a response command indicating that an error has occurred from the medal count control board 17, the main control board 16 does not add an additional value to the serial number of the command transmitted after the response command, and repeats the same command again. Add a serial number and send.

[Command sent from main control board to medal number control board]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the types of commands that the main control board 16 sends to the medal number control board 17. In this embodiment, the main control board 16 includes, as shown in the command name column of FIG. Start command, payout pulse command, jackpot command, gaming machine fraud 1 command, gaming machine fraud 2 command, gaming machine fraud 3 command, main control status command, main control board error command, gaming machine performance information (spare) command, It is transmitted to the medal number control board 17. Further, the number column shows a command number preset for each command. Further, the message length column shows the message length, that is, the byte length, of each command.

The bidirectional column indicates whether or not the medal number control board 17 needs to send a response command after the main control board 16 sends the command. For example, when the medal number control board 17 receives a start command from the main control board 16, it does not transmit a response command in response to the start command. That is, the main control board 16 controls the reels, etc., without waiting for reception of a response command from the medal number control board 17.

On the other hand, when the medal number control board 17 receives an input command, a settlement command, and an end command from the main control board 16, it transmits a response command to the main control board 16 in response to receiving these commands. do. The input command, the settlement command, and the end command are commands that directly affect the number of credits managed by the medal number control board 17. Therefore, after transmitting the input command, the settlement command, and the end command, the main control board 16 performs the next control on the condition that the response command from the medal number control board 17 is received. In the following, commands sent from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 will be explained using FIGS. 14 to 35.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the gaming machine installation information command. As shown in FIG. 14, the gaming machine installation information command is a command having a length of 22 bytes. The first byte stores the message length of the gaming machine installation information command. A serial number is transmitted in the second byte. The gaming machine installation information command is a command that is sent after the power is turned on and before the medal number control board 17 determines the initial value and additional value of the serial number, so the value of "0" is fixed and stored as the serial number. Ru. The third to sixth bytes store values indicating the command number, gaming machine characteristics, gaming machine type, and identification code, respectively. The values of the 1st to 4th bytes of the unique number register of the main chip ID are stored in the 7th to 10th bytes. The medal number control board 17 determines the initial value and additional value of the serial number using the main chip ID values in the 7th to 10th bytes.

The manufacturer code is stored in the 11th to 13th bytes. The product code is stored in the 14th to 21st bytes. The 22nd byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 21st bytes.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing details of gaming machine characteristics. Below, details of the gaming machine characteristics shown in the 4th byte of the gaming installation information command will be explained. The gaming machine characteristics are 1 byte of data from the 0th bit to the 7th bit. The 0th bit indicates whether the S machine 2 is equipped with RB (regular bonus). If the S unit 2 is equipped with an RB, the 0th bit will be "1", and if the S unit 2 is not equipped with an RB, the 0th bit will be "0".

The first bit indicates whether the S machine 2 is equipped with a BB (big bonus). If the S unit 2 is equipped with a BB, the first bit will be “1”, and if the S unit 2 is not equipped with a BB, the first bit will be “0”. The second bit indicates whether or not S unit 2 is equipped with CT (Challenge Time). If the S unit 2 is equipped with a CT, the second bit is “1”, and if the S unit 2 is not equipped with a CT, the second bit is “0”. The third bit indicates whether the S unit 2 is equipped with a CB (challenge bonus). If the S unit 2 is equipped with a CB, the third bit will be “1”, and if the S unit 2 is not equipped with a CB, the third bit will be “0”.

The 4th bit indicates whether S machine 2 is equipped with SB (single bonus). If the S unit 2 is equipped with an SB, the 4th bit will be "1", and if the S unit 2 is not equipped with an SB, the 4th bit will be "0". The fifth bit indicates whether or not the S unit 2 is equipped with an instruction function. If the S unit 2 is equipped with the instruction function, the 5th bit will be "1", and if the S unit 2 is not equipped with the instruction function, the 5th bit will be "0". The 6th bit indicates the instruction type for S unit 2. When the instruction type of the S unit 2 is the 7P type, the 6th bit is “1”, and when the instruction type of the S unit 2 is the 7U type, the 6th bit is “0”. The 7th bit is not used and stores "0".

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the structure of the accessory information command. The accessory information command is a command for the medal number control board 17 to update the gaming machine performance information and the winning ratio monitor information. The accessory information command is sent to the medal number control board 17 after the end command is sent.

The accessory information command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the accessory information command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the accessory information command is "1".

Accessory object operation information is stored in the fourth byte. The accessory operation information stores information indicating whether or not the player is currently winning any bonus. The 5th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 4th bytes.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing details of accessory operation information. The accessory operation information is data stored in the fourth byte of the accessory information command. The accessory operation information is composed of 1 byte of data from the 0th bit to the 7th bit. The 0th bit stores "one type" of information indicating whether the RB is in operation. The first bit stores "one series" information indicating whether the BB is in operation. The second bit stores "two types" of information indicating whether the CT is in operation. The third bit stores "two types" information indicating whether the CB is in operation. The 5th bit stores "ordinary accessory" information indicating whether the SB is in operation. The 4th, 6th, and 7th bits are not used and store "0".

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the structure of the advantageous section information command. The advantageous section information command is a command for the medal number control board 17 to update the gaming machine performance information and winning ratio monitor information. The advantageous section information command is sent after the end command is sent.

The advantageous section information command is composed of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the accessory information command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the advantageous section information command is "2".

Advantageous section information is stored in the fourth byte. As the advantageous section information, data regarding replay and instruction information in the advantageous section is transmitted. The 5th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 4th bytes.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing details of advantageous section information. The advantageous section information is data stored in the fourth byte of the advantageous section information command, and is data indicating information regarding the game played before the advantageous section information command is transmitted.

The advantageous section information is composed of 1 byte of data from the 0th bit to the 7th bit. The 0th bit stores information indicating whether or not the game played before the advantageous section information command was sent was during the advantageous section. If it is in an advantageous section, "1" is stored in the 0th bit. The first bit stores information indicating whether or not there was instruction information in a game played before the advantageous section information command was transmitted. If there is instruction information, "1" is stored in the first bit. The fourth bit stores information indicating whether or not a replay symbol combination was displayed in the game played before the advantageous section information command was transmitted. When a replay symbol combination is displayed, "1" is stored in the fourth bit. The 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th bits are not used and "0" is stored.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of the submission command. The input command is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 when the 1BET switch 20 is pressed or the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed. That is, the main control board 16 transmits an input command to the medal number control board 17 when receiving a bet number setting operation for setting the number of bets to start one game. Further, referring to FIG. 13, since the input command is a bidirectional command, when receiving the input command, the medal number control board 17 sends a response command in response to the input command to the main control board 16. Send. The input command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the input command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the input command is "3".

The number of inserted medals is stored in the fourth byte. When the 1BET switch 20 is pressed when the number of bets is 0, 1, or 2, the number of inserted medals is 1. If the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed with the number of bets being 0, the number of medals inserted will be 3, and if the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed with the number of bets being 1, the number of medals inserted will be 2. When the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed with the bet number being two, the number of inserted medals is one. When the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed and an input command is transmitted during the replay operation state, no data is stored in the number of input medals. The 5th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 4th bytes. The "re-gaming operating state" indicates the state after a re-gaming combination has been won.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the structure of the payment command. The settlement command is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 when the bet number clear switch 21 is pressed. That is, when the main control board 16 receives a payment operation for canceling the number of bets to start one game, it transmits a payment command to the medal number control board 17. Further, referring to FIG. 13, since the settlement command is a bidirectional command, when receiving the settlement command, the medal number control board 17 sends a response command in response to the settlement command to the main control board 16. Send. The settlement command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the settlement command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the settlement command is "4".

The number of settled medals is stored in the fourth byte. If the number of bets clear switch 21 is pressed with the number of bets being 1, the number of settled medals will be 1, and if the number of bets clear switch 21 is pressed with the number of bets with 2 medals, the number of settled medals will be 1. If the bet number clear switch 21 is pressed when the bet number is three, the settled medal number will be three. The 5th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 4th bytes.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the configuration of the start command. The start command is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 when the start switch 7 is pressed. That is, the main control board 16 transmits a start command to the medal number control board 17 when starting one game. The start command is transmitted even if the start switch 7 is pressed in the replay operation state. The start command is a command that does not directly affect the number of credits managed by the medal number control board 17. Therefore, when the medal number control board 17 receives the start time command, it does not transmit a response command to the start time command to the main control board 16, and performs control according to the start time command. The control according to the start time command includes, for example, a process of controlling the game to a waiting state for the end of the game, a preparation process for receiving the end time command, and the like. After transmitting the start command, the main control board 16 performs the next control without waiting for a response from the medal number control board 17. The next control is control for driving the reels, etc.

The start command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the start command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the start command is "6".

The fourth byte stores the number of input pulses from 1 to 3 to be sent to the hall computer. Even in the replay operation state, the number of input pulses equal to the specified number of input pulses is transmitted. The 5th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 4th bytes.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the configuration of the termination command. The end command is sent from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 when all the reels have stopped, that is, when the third stop has been made. In other words, the main control board 16 transmits an end command to the medal number control board 17 when ending one game. The end command includes the number of payout medals determined according to the combination of derived symbols. When medals are paid out to the player, the number of credits increases. Therefore, the end command is a command that directly affects the number of credits managed by the medal number control board 17. Therefore, when the medal number control board 17 receives the termination command, it transmits a response command to the main control board 16. Furthermore, after transmitting the termination command, the main control board 16 performs the next control on the condition that the response command is received. The next control corresponds to updating processing of data displayed on the game auxiliary display 12, etc.

In other words, when the medal number control board 17 receives the end command, it transmits a response command in response to the end command to the main control board 16, and performs control according to the end command. The control according to the end command is, for example, control to add the number of medals to be paid out to the number of credits.

The termination command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the end command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the end command is "5".

The number of payout medals is stored in the fourth byte. The maximum number of medals to be paid out is 15 medals. When a symbol combination for re-gaming is derived or when there is no number of payout medals, "0" is stored in the fourth byte. That is, the end command is a command that can specify the gaming value given to the player according to the result of the one game when the one game ends. The 5th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 4th bytes.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the dispensing pulse command. The payout pulse command is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 when all the reels are stopped, that is, when the third stop is made. The payout pulse command is a pulse signal for transmitting the number of medals to be awarded to the player in accordance with winnings to a hall computer (not shown) connected to the medal number control board 17. After receiving the payout pulse command, the medal number control board 17 transmits a payout pulse signal to a hall computer (not shown). Thereby, the hall computer can store the number of coins paid out in the S machine 2. The payout pulse command is transmitted to the medal number control board 17 even in the replay operation state. After transmitting the payout pulse command, the main control board 16 performs the next control without waiting for a response from the medal number control board 17.

The payout pulse command is composed of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the payout pulse command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the dispensing pulse command is "7".

The fourth byte stores the number of payout pulses to be sent to the hole computer. The maximum number of dispensing pulses is 15. When a symbol combination for re-gaming is derived or when there is no number of payout medals, "0" is stored in the fourth byte. The 5th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 4th bytes.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of the jackpot command. The jackpot command is sent from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 at the start and end of the jackpot. Further, the jackpot command is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 even in the case of hot start when the power is turned on. Thereby, in the S unit 2, the hall computer signal can be restored without backing up the hall computer signal.

The jackpot command consists of 5 bytes of data. The message length of the jackpot command is stored in the first byte. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the jackpot command is "8".

The hall computer signal is stored in the fourth byte. The hall computer signal is a signal for notifying the hall computer of the jackpot information of the S machine 2. Jackpot types such as RB, BB, AT, etc. are stored. The 5th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 4th bytes.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing details of the hall computer signal. The hole computer signal is data stored in the fourth byte of the jackpot command. The hall computer signal is composed of 1 byte of data from the 0th bit to the 7th bit. The 0th bit stores information indicating that the type of jackpot is RB. The first bit stores information indicating that the type of jackpot is BB. The second bit stores information indicating that the type of jackpot is AT. The third to seventh bits are not used, and "0" is stored.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the structure of the gaming machine fraud 1 command. The gaming machine fraud 1 command is sent from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 at the start and end of setting change/setting confirmation.

The gaming machine fraud 1 command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the gaming machine fraudulent 1 command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the gaming machine fraud 1 command is "9".

Setting information is stored in the fourth byte. The setting information is information used when settings are changed or confirmed, and information indicating whether or not fraud is detected at that time. The 5th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 4th bytes.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing details of the setting information. The setting information is data stored in the fourth byte of the game machine fraud 1 command. The setting information consists of 1 byte of data from the 0th bit to the 7th bit. The 0th bit stores data indicating whether or not settings are being changed. The first bit stores data indicating whether or not setting confirmation is in progress. The second to fourth bits store data indicating whether or not manufacturer-defined fraud has been detected. The 6th and 7th bits are not used and "0" is stored.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the structure of the game machine fraud 2 command. The game machine unauthorized 2 command is an unused command in the S machine 2. In the S machine 2, a door open detection switch 25 is connected to the medal number control board 17. Therefore, the main control board 16 does not need to transmit door information to the medal number control board 17. Therefore, "0" is stored in the fourth byte.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing details of door information. Since the medal number control board 17 detects whether the door is opened or closed, all bits included in the door information are not used and "0" is stored.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the structure of the game machine fraud 3 command. The gaming machine unauthorized 3 command is an unused command in the S machine 2. The game machine fraud 3 command is an expansion command, and is used when it becomes necessary to send a new command from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 in the future.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the structure of the main control state command. The main control status command is a command that indicates the status of the main control board 16. The main control state command is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 at a predetermined timing. The medal number control board 17 can acquire the state of the main control board 16 or the S machine 2 by receiving the main control state command.

The main control state command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the main control state command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the main control state command is "12". A gaming machine status signal is stored in the fourth byte. The 5th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 4th bytes.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the configuration of the main control board error command. The main control board error command is a command that indicates the type of error that has occurred in the main control board 16. The main control board error command is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the medal number control board 17 when an error occurs in the main control board 16 and when the error that has occurred is resolved.

The main control board error command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the main control state command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the main control board error command is "13". The error number is stored in the fourth byte. The error number is a number indicating the type of error occurring in the main control board 16. The 5th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 4th bytes.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a list of main control board errors. The error number shown in FIG. 34 is the error number stored in the fourth byte of the main control board error command. E6 is an error number indicating a reel rotation error. If the main control board 16 cannot detect the input from the origin sensor three times in a row, it determines that a reel rotation error has occurred. When a reel rotation error occurs, the main control board 16 transmits the value of the fourth byte of the main control board error command as "E6". The main control board 16 determines that the error has been resolved when an error release switch (not shown) is pressed. Even when the error is resolved, the main control board 16 transmits the main control board error command.

E7 is an error number indicating a game medal number overflow error. When the number of game medals exceeds 16,383, the main control board 16 determines that a number of game medal overflow error has occurred. When a game medal number overflow error occurs, the main control board 16 transmits the value of the fourth byte of the main control board error command as "E7". The main control board 16 determines that the error has been resolved when an error release switch (not shown) is pressed. Even when the error is resolved, the main control board 16 transmits the main control board error command.

E8 is an error number indicating a backup error. The main control board 16 determines that a backup error has occurred when the RAM is inspected after the power is turned on and the value does not match the value of the RAM that was backed up before the power was turned off. When a backup error occurs, the main control board 16 transmits the value of the fourth byte of the main control board error command as "E8". The main control board 16 determines that the error has been resolved by turning off the power to the S stand 2 and changing the settings again. Even when the error is resolved, the main control board 16 transmits the main control board error command.

E9 is an error number indicating a communication abnormality error. If the main control board 16 does not receive a response command within 40 ms after transmitting a command that requires a response command to the medal number control board 17, it determines that a communication abnormality error has occurred. When a communication abnormality error occurs, the main control board 16 transmits the value of the fourth byte of the main control board error command as "E9". The main control board 16 determines that the error has been resolved when an error release switch (not shown) is pressed. Even when the error is resolved, the main control board 16 transmits the main control board error command.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the structure of the gaming machine performance information (preliminary) command. The gaming machine performance information is information for the purpose of compiling performance information. The gaming machine performance information outputs results calculated based on games.

The gaming machine performance information (preliminary) command consists of 28 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the gaming machine performance information (preliminary) command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number of the gaming machine performance information (preliminary) command is "14". Gaming machine performance information can be stored in the 4th to 27th bytes. In this embodiment, "0" is stored in the spare area. The 28th byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the 1st to 27th bytes.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a list of commands sent from the medal number control board 17 to the main control board 16. The medal number control board 17 transmits two types of commands to the main control board 16.

The response command is a command for responding to a command received from the main control board 16. For example, when the medal number control board 17 receives an end command, it transmits a response command because the end command is a command that affects the number of credits. That is, the response command is a command that has bidirectionality because it responds in response to what it has received. Command numbers 3 to 5 can be set for the response command. The message length of the response command is 4 bytes.

The frame side information command is a command for transmitting system information including connection information between the medal number control board 17 and the CU 3. The medal number control board 17 transmits a frame side information command to the main control board 16 every 0.3 seconds. Note that the predetermined period during which the frame side information command is transmitted may be other than 0.3 seconds. The main control board 16 does not respond even if it receives the frame side information command. Therefore, the frame side information command is a command that continues to be transmitted in one direction from the medal number control board 17 to the main control board 16 without bidirectionality. The command number of the frame side information command is "81h" and the message length is 4 bytes.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the structure of a response command. The response command consists of 4 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the response command. The second byte stores a value indicating the command number. The command number in the response command stores the command number of the received command to which the response is directed. When transmitting a response command to the input command, the medal number control board 17 stores "3" as the command number. When transmitting a response command to the payment command, the medal number control board 17 stores "4" as the command number. When transmitting a response command to the end command, the medal number control board 17 stores "5" as the command number.

The third byte stores information indicating the result of receiving the response command. The third byte includes a data area of 1 to 4 bits. When the 0th bit in the data area of the 3rd byte is "1", the response command indicates "reception OK". “Reception OK” indicates that the reception command received by the medal number control board 17 is normal. Hereinafter, a response command in which the 0th bit in the data area of the third byte is "1" may be referred to as a "response command indicating receipt OK". That is, the response command is a command that notifies the main control board 16 that the received command has been successfully received. The received command is a command transmitted from the main control board 16 to which the response command was responded. If the first bit in the data area of the third byte is "1", the response command indicates that "serial number mismatch". "Serial number mismatch" indicates that the received command received by the medal number control board 17 is not normal. Hereinafter, a response command in which the first bit in the third byte data area is "1" may be referred to as a "response command indicating serial number mismatch." In other words, the response command indicates that the serial number of the received command to which the response is directed does not match the serial number calculated by the medal number control board 17.

If the second bit in the data area of the third byte is "1", the response command indicates that "the number of game medals is insufficient". If the medal number control board 17 receives the input command as a received command and is requested to subtract the number of credits, but the number of credits is insufficient, a response in which "1" is stored in the second bit. Command is sent.

When the third bit in the data area of the third byte is "1", the response command indicates that the number of game medals overflows. When the medal number control board 17 receives the settlement command as a received command and the number of credits (the number of game medals) is at the upper limit, a response command in which "1" is stored in the third bit is transmitted. The fourth byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the first to third bytes.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing the structure of the frame side information command. As described above, the frame side information command is transmitted from the medal number control board 17 to the main control board 16 every 0.3 seconds.

The frame side information command consists of 4 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the frame side information command. The second byte stores the command number. The command number of the frame side information command is "81h". Information indicating the system status of the medal number control board 17 is stored in the third byte. The system status of the medal number control board 17 includes information as to whether the counting button has been pressed and whether or not the CU 3 and the medal number control board 17 are normally connected. The fourth byte stores a checksum for determining whether an error has occurred in the information transmitted in the first to third bytes.

[About communication between the main control board and the medal number control board]
FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of communication between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17. Serial communication is used for communication between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17. As shown in FIG. 39, the main control board 16 transmits an input command when the number of bets is set. The bet amount setting operation includes pressing the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6.

When the medal number control board 17 receives the command from the main control board 16, it measures the elapsed time using a counter. If the reception of the command is not completed within 10ms from the time when the command is received from the main control board 16, the medal number control board 17 controls the communication between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17. Determine that a timeout error has occurred. In the example of FIG. 39, the reception of the input command is completed before 10 ms has elapsed since the medal number control board 17 received it, so no timeout error occurs.

The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command in response to receiving the input command. When the main control board 16 receives the command from the medal number control board 17, it measures the elapsed time using a counter. If the reception of the command is not completed within 2.24 ms from the time when the command is received from the medal number control board 17, the main control board 16 controls the connection between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17. It is determined that a timeout error has occurred in communication. In the example of FIG. 39, the reception of the response command is completed before 2.24 ms has elapsed since the main control board 16 received it, so no timeout error occurs.

In addition, when transmitting a command that requires a response command from the medal number control board 17, such as an input command, the main control board 16 also determines the progress since the number of bets setting operation that triggered the transmission of the input command. Measure the time using a counter.

If the reception of the response command from the medal number control board 17 is not completed by the time 40ms elapses from the time when an event such as a bet number setting operation occurs, the main control board 16 It is determined that a timeout error has occurred in communication with 17. In the example of FIG. 39, the reception of the response command is completed before 40 ms have passed since the bet amount setting operation, so no timeout error occurs.

After receiving the response command to the input command, the main control board 16 starts the control corresponding to the bet number setting operation.

Subsequently, the start switch 7 of the S machine 2 is pressed down by the player. The main control board 16 transmits a start command to the medal number control board 17 based on the start switch 7 being pressed. As described above, the start command is a command that does not require a response command from the medal number control board 17. Therefore, the medal number control board 17 does not transmit a response command.

Finally, when the player performs a third stop operation, all the reels stop. Based on the fact that all the reels have stopped, the main control board 16 transmits an end command to the medal number control board 17. In this example, although the termination command is a command that requires a response command, the medal number control board 17 does not transmit the response command. Therefore, the main control board 16 does not receive the response command until 40 ms has elapsed since all the reels stopped, and determines that a timeout error has occurred.

FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining communication of frame side information commands. As shown in FIG. 40, the medal number control board 17 transmits a frame side information command to the main control board 16 every 300 ms. The main control board 16 determines that a timeout error has occurred if a period exceeding 2.24 ms has elapsed from the start of reception of the frame side information command until the reception is completed.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a process when the main control board 16 receives a command. As shown in FIG. 36, the medal number control board 17 transmits two types of commands, a response command and a frame side information command, to the main control board 16.

Referring to FIG. 41, main control board 16 receives a command from medal number control board 17 (step S10). The main control board 16 determines whether the received command is a frame side information command (step S11). If the received command is a frame side information command (YES in step S11), the main control board 16 checks whether the frame side information command includes error information (step S12). The error information is information indicating whether or not the CU 3 is normally connected to the S unit 2. If the frame side information command includes error information (YES in step S12), the main control board 16 transmits the error information to the production control board 15, and ends the process. Thereby, the performance control board 15 can display on the liquid crystal display 51 that an error has occurred in which the CU 3 is not connected to the S stand 2. If the frame side information command does not include error information (NO in step S12), the process ends.

If the received command is not a frame side information command (NO in step S11), that is, if the received command is a response command, the main control board 16 executes the process according to the response command and ends the process. do.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing the flow of communication between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17 after power is turned on. In response to the power-on switch 102 being pressed and power being turned on to the main control board 16, the main control board 16 transmits a gaming machine installation information command. Thereafter, the main control board 16 transmits an input command in response to the number of bet setting operation being performed. Since the input command is a command that requires a response command, the medal number control board 17 transmits the response command to the main control board 16 based on receiving the input command. For example, the medal number control board 17 sets the 0th bit in the 3rd byte of the response command to "1" (acceptance OK) if there is a surplus in the number of game medals, and if the serial numbers do not match, the 3rd byte of the response command The first bit in the response command is set to "1" (serial number mismatch), and if the number of game medals is insufficient, the second bit in the third byte of the response command is set to "1" (insufficient number of game medals).

Next, the main control board 16 transmits a payment command to the medal number control board 17 based on the payment operation. The settlement operation is an operation indicating that the bet number clear switch 21 has been pressed. As a result, a process is executed in which the number of bets is returned to the number of credits. Since the payment command is a command that requires a response command, the medal number control board 17 transmits the response command to the main control board 16 based on receiving the payment command. For example, the medal number control board 17 sets the 0th bit in the 3rd byte of the response command to "1" (acceptance OK) if there is a surplus in the number of game medals, and if the serial numbers do not match, the 3rd byte of the response command The first bit in the response command is set to "1" (serial number mismatch), and if the number of game medals overflows, the third bit in the third byte of the response command is set to "1" (number of game medals overflow).

In FIG. 42, the bet number setting operation is performed again, and communication based on the bet number setting operation is performed. Subsequently, based on the fact that the start switch 7 has been pressed, the main control board 16 transmits a start command to the medal number control board 17. After transmitting the start command, the main control board 16 performs control to advance the game, such as control to drive the reels, without waiting for a response from the medal number control board 17. Upon receiving the start command from the main control board 16, the medal number control board 17 performs control in response to the start command to enter a game end wait state. Since the start command is a command that does not require a response command, the medal number control board 17 does not transmit a response command.

Based on the fact that all the reels have stopped, the main control board 16 transmits an end command to the medal number control board 17. The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command to the main control board 16 based on the reception of the termination command. For example, the medal number control board 17 sets the 0th bit in the 3rd byte of the response command to "1" (reception OK) if the end command is normal, and if the serial numbers do not match, the 3rd byte of the response command The first bit in is set to "1" (serial number mismatch). Subsequently, the main control board 16 transmits an accessory information command, an advantageous section command, and a payout pulse command to the medal number control board 17 in this order.

In this way, when starting a game, the main control board 16 does not affect the number of credits, so after transmitting the start command, it performs the next control without waiting for a response from the medal number control board 17. When executing and ending the first game, the number of credits may be affected, so after sending the end command, the next control is performed on the condition that the response command sent from the medal number control board 17 is received. Execute. By improving the communication between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17, the main control board 16 can proceed with the game while checking the status of the medal number control board 17.

[Example of processing in serial number]
As described above, the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17 communicate using serial numbers. That is, the medal number control board 17 executes a process of checking whether the serial numbers match in order to determine whether the command transmitted from the main control board 16 is normal. Below, examples of processing for serial numbers will be explained using FIGS. 43 to 45. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of communication when the serial number is normal.

When the power is turned on, the main control board 16 transmits a gaming machine installation information command to the medal number control board 17. As explained above, the serial number given to the gaming machine installation information command is "0". The medal number control board 17 determines the initial value and additional value of the serial number based on the main chip ID included in the gaming machine installation information command. In the example of FIG. 43, the medal number control board 17 determines the initial value of the serial number to be "137" and the additional value to be "13". Using a similar calculation method, the main control board 16 determines the initial value of the serial number to be "137" and the additional value to be "13" based on the main chip ID.

After transmitting the gaming machine installation information command, an operation for setting the number of bets is performed, and the main control board 16 transmits a placing command. The input command is a command that is sent to the medal number control board 17 for the first time after the gaming machine installation information command is sent. Therefore, the main control board 16 assigns the initial value "137" as a serial number to the input command and transmits it. The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command to the input command. At this time, since the communication was normal, the medal number control board 17 transmits a response command indicating that the reception is OK to the main control board 16. That is, when the medal number control board 17 determines that the input command sent from the main control board 16 is normal through the process of checking whether the serial numbers match, the medal number control board 17 executes the input command in response to the input command. A response command indicating that is normal is transmitted to the main control board 16.

Subsequently, when the start switch 7 is pressed, the main control board 16 transmits a start command. At this time, the main control board 16 assigns a value obtained by adding the additional value "13" to the previously transmitted serial number value "137" and transmits it. That is, the main control board 16 assigns "150" as the serial number to the start command and transmits it.

At the time when the medal number control board 17 receives the input command with the serial number "137", it calculates the serial number of the next received command to be "150" based on the added value. When the medal number control board 17 receives the start command, it checks whether the value of the serial number calculated before receiving the command matches the value of the serial number assigned to the actually received start command. Execute processing. Since the serial numbers match, the medal number control board 17 determines that the communication is normal.

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication when a serial number mismatch error occurs. The processing until the main control board 16 receives the response command corresponding to the betting number setting operation is the same as that in FIG. 42, and therefore the description will not be repeated. As described above, upon receiving the input command, the medal number control board 17 calculates that the serial number assigned to the next received command is "150".

In the example of FIG. 44, after the bet number setting operation is performed, an unauthorized operation is performed. As mentioned above, unauthorized operation is, for example, an operation in which commands sent and received between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17 are altered, or an unauthorized person manipulates the main control board 16 or the medal number control board 17. Indicates operations to control the. In FIG. 44, because the main control board 16 is controlled by an unauthorized person, the main control board 16 sends an end command even though all reels have not stopped. That is, in FIG. 44, an unauthorized operation is performed for the purpose of causing the medal number control board 17 to execute the payout process even though no winning has occurred. However, the unauthorized person cannot obtain the initial value and additional value of the serial number determined based on the main chip ID of the main control board 16, as well as the number of times the command has been sent and received. Unable to know serial number value. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 44, the unauthorized person assigns the serial number "78" to the end command and sends it, but the medal number control board 17 sends the command at the end with the serial number "150" and the actually received serial number "78". 78'' do not match, it is determined that a serial number mismatch error has occurred, and a response command indicating that the serial numbers do not match is transmitted to the main control board 16. That is, when the medal number control board 17 determines that the termination command sent from the main control board 16 is not normal through the process of checking whether the serial numbers match, the medal number control board 17 responds to the termination command and determines whether the termination command is correct. A response command indicating that the command is not normal is transmitted to the main control board 16. The main control board 16 that has received the response command indicating that the serial numbers do not match does not execute the payout control that is performed after the end command. This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized operations.

The fraudulent operations include not only the one shown in FIG. 44 in which the main control board 16 is caused to send an end command even though no prize has been won, but also the fraudulent operations shown below.

For example, as an unauthorized operation, it is conceivable that the main control board 16 sends a bet number cancellation command even though the bet number set in the BET counter of the RAM 161c in the main control board 16 is 0. Thereby, an unauthorized person can increase the number of credits stored in the medal number control board 17 even though the number of bets has not been set.

Further, as an unauthorized operation, it is possible to modify the response command sent by the medal number control board 17 in response to the input command sent by the main control board 16. For example, the fraudulent person causes the medal number control board 17 to send a response command indicating acceptance of receipt to the main control board 16 even though the number of credits is "0". This allows the fraudulent person to set the number of bets even though the number of credits is "0".

In this way, fraudulent operations can include fraudulent operations in which the commands transmitted by the main control board 16 are forged, and fraudulent operations in which the commands transmitted by the medal number control board 17 are forged. In the S unit 2 of this embodiment, all of the above-mentioned unauthorized operations can be prevented by using the "serial number."

Subsequently, a start command to which the serial number "150" is assigned is transmitted to the medal number control board 17. The serial number "150" given to the start command matches the serial number calculated by the medal number control board 17 in advance. When the medals match, the medal number control board 17 determines that the serial number mismatch error has been resolved, and sends a response command indicating receipt OK to the main control board 16. In this way, in the S machine 2, it can be easily determined that the serial number mismatch error has been resolved in the medal number control board 17.

As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, when the medal number control board 17 receives the command transmitted from the main control board 16, the medal number control board 17 uses the initial value of the serial number and the added value to send the medal from the main control board 16. Determine whether the transmitted command is normal. That is, when the medal number control board 17 receives a command that requires a response, it transmits a response command, and information indicating whether or not communication is normal is added to the response command. The main control board 16 can advance the game while checking the status of the medal number control board 17.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 44, it is possible to know that there is a possibility of unauthorized operation because the serial numbers do not match, and the exchange between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17 security is increased.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an example of communication when an error regarding game medals occurs. The process until the medal number control board 17 receives the start command is the same as that in FIG. 42, so the description will not be repeated. After transmitting the start command, the main control board 16 transmits an end command with a serial number "163" based on the fact that all the reels have stopped. At this time, although the number of medals to be paid out is given to the end command, since the number of credits is the upper limit value, an error regarding game medals occurs. Therefore, the medal number control board 17 transmits a response command indicating the overflow of the number of game medals to the main control board 16. As a result, the main control board 16 does not execute processing related to payout.

Thereafter, the number of credits is subtracted based on the operation of the counting button 10, etc., and the medal number control board 17 enters a state in which it can accept payout medals. That is, the error regarding game medals is resolved. Thereafter, the main control board 16 again transmits the termination command to which the serial number "163" is assigned to the medal number control board 17. In response, the medal number control board 17 transmits a response command indicating that the receipt is OK since no error related to the game medals has occurred.

[Communication before sending and receiving gaming machine installation information commands]
FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an example in which communication occurs before the transmission and reception of the gaming machine installation information command. As explained above, the main control board 16 transmits the gaming machine installation information command to the medal number control board 17 after the power is turned on.

In the example shown in FIG. 46, the main control board 16 sends an end command to the medal number control board 17 after the power is turned on and before sending the gaming machine installation information command. If the medal number control board 17 receives a command from the main control board 16 before receiving the gaming machine installation information command, it discards the command regardless of the type of the command or the assigned serial number. That is, the medal number control board 17 does not execute processing according to commands other than the gaming machine installation information command from the main control board 16 until at least it receives the gaming machine installation information command.

As a result, the medal number control board 17 does not communicate with the main control board 16 in a state where communication has not been established with the main control board 16 based on the gaming machine installation information command, so the main control Security can be improved regarding the exchange between the board 16 and the medal number control board 17. That is, it is possible to prevent unauthorized operations performed before receiving the gaming machine installation information command.

In the example of FIG. 46, after the termination command is discarded, the gaming machine installation information command A is sent to the medal number control board 17 in response to power-on. The medal number control board 17 determines an initial value and an additional value for the serial number based on receiving the gaming machine installation information command A.

Subsequently, in FIG. 46, the medal number control board 17 receives the gaming machine installation information command B from the main control board 16. At this time, since the medal number control board 17 has already received the gaming machine installation information command A, it does not update the initial value and the added value of the serial number based on the gaming machine installation information command B. That is, even if the gaming machine installation information command is sent again from the main control board 16 after receiving the gaming machine installation information command, the medal number control board 17 does not execute the process according to the gaming machine installation information command.

Thereby, the medal number control board 17 can prevent impersonation of the main control board 16 by, for example, an unauthorized board other than the main control board 16 connected to the medal number control board 17. That is, it is possible to prevent the initial value and the added value of the serial number from being illegally rewritten.

[Timeout at power-on]
FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating an example of timeout during power-on. The main control board 16 transmits a gaming machine installation information command based on power-on. The main control board 16 measures the elapsed time from when the power is turned on using a counter.

If the main control board 16 does not complete sending the gaming machine installation information command by the time 5000ms elapses after the main control board 16 is powered on, the main control board 16 It is determined that an error has occurred during communication with 17. That is, when the medal number control board 17 fails to receive the gaming machine installation information command within 5000 ms after the S machine 2 is powered on, it is controlled to an abnormal state. In the example shown in FIG. 47, since the gaming machine installation information command has not been sent by the time 5000 ms has elapsed since the main control board 16 was powered on, the medal number control board 17 determines that a communication error has occurred. do. The medal number control board 17 causes the display 312 of the CU 3 to display that a communication error has occurred.

As a result, after the S machine 2 is powered on, if communication cannot be established with the medal number control board 17 based on the gaming machine installation information command, the medal number control board 17 It is possible to notify the outside that there is an abnormality.

The medal number control board 17 is connected to the CU control board 32. Even if a communication error occurs in the main control board 16, the medal number control board 17 can communicate with the CU control board 32.

The communication error that occurred in the main control board 16 will be resolved when the power is turned on again, and the gaming machine installation information command will be successfully transmitted by the time 5000 ms has elapsed since the power was turned on to the main control board 16. The problem is resolved by sending a response command from 17 indicating that the reception is OK.

[About betting amount setting operation and settlement operation]
FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating the bet number setting operation and the settlement operation. As described above, the main control board 16 transmits the input command to the medal number control board 17 based on the bet number setting operation in which the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a settlement command to the medal number control board 17 based on a settlement operation in which the number of bets clear switch 21 is pressed.

As shown in FIG. 48, the main control board 16 transmits an input command to the medal number control board 17 based on the number of bets setting operation being performed. The input command is a command that includes the number of input medals. The medal number control board 17 reads the number of inserted medals included in the received input command, and performs a bet number setting process. Specifically, the number of inserted medals is subtracted from the number of credits managed by the number of medals control board 17, and the number of inserted medals is added to the number of bets. For example, if the number of bets before the number of bets setting process is executed is 0 and the MAXBET switch 6 is operated validly as the number of bets setting operation, the number of medals control board 17 subtracts three medals from the number of credits. Then, add 3 coins to the bet number. The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command to the main control board 16 based on receiving the input command.

Next, the main control board 16 transmits a payment command to the medal number control board 17 based on the payment operation. The settlement command is a command that includes the number of settlement medals. The medal number control board 17 reads the number of settled medals included in the received settlement command, and performs a bet number cancellation process. Specifically, the number of settled medals is subtracted from the number of bets managed by the number of medals control board 17, and the number of settled medals is added to the number of credits. For example, if the bet number before the bet number cancellation process is executed is 3 and the bet number clear switch 21 is pressed, the medal number control board 17 subtracts 3 medals from the bet number and changes it to the number of credits. Add 3 pieces. The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command to the main control board 16 based on receiving the payment command.

Here, the medal number control board 17 transmits a common response command to the input command and the settlement command. That is, the medal number control board 17 transmits a common response command to the main control board 16 when receiving the input command and when receiving the settlement command. Specifically, the medal number control board 17 transmits a response command to the main control board 16 both when receiving the input command and when receiving the settlement command. Here, when the medal number control board 17 receives the input command, it does not execute the process of adding up the number of credits (the number of game medals), so an overflow of the number of game medals cannot occur. Therefore, the medal number control board 17 does not store "1" in the third bit of the third byte of the response command to the input command and transmit it.

Further, when the medal number control board 17 receives the settlement command, it does not execute the process of subtracting the number of credits, so a shortage in the number of game medals cannot occur. Therefore, the medal number control board 17 does not store "1" in the second bit of the third byte of the response command to the input command and transmit it.

In this way, the medal number control board 17 uses the data stored in the third byte depending on when it receives the input command and when it receives the settlement command, thereby preventing a shortage of game medals or an overflow of the number of game medals. is notified to the main control board 16. As a result, the medal number control board 17 can share a response command when the number of bets is set and when the number of bets is canceled, thereby reducing the processing load. I can do it.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing an example in which a new number of bets setting operation is performed after the number of bets setting operation and before receiving the response command. As shown in FIG. 49, the main control board 16 transmits the input command based on the bet number setting operation A. The main control board 16 controls the input command so that the transmission is completed before 40 ms has elapsed from the start of transmission so that a timeout error does not occur. The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command in response to receiving the input command.

In the example of FIG. 49, after the bet number setting operation A is received and before the response command to the input command based on the bet number setting operation A is received, a new bet number setting operation B is performed. The main control board 16 does not accept the bet number setting operation B. That is, after the main control board 16 transmits the input command to the medal number control board 17, it does not accept a new bet number setting operation until it receives a response command from the medal number control board 17. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a new number of bets setting operation B from being accepted in a situation where the process corresponding to the number of bets setting operation A has not been determined on the medal number control board 17.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing an example in which a new payment operation is performed after the payment operation and before receiving the response command. As shown in FIG. 50, the main control board 16 transmits a payment command based on payment operation A. The main control board 16 controls the payment command so that the transmission is completed before 40 ms have elapsed from the start of transmission so that a timeout error does not occur. The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command in response to receiving the payment command.

In the example of FIG. 50, after the payment operation A is received, but before receiving the response command to the input command based on the payment operation A, a new payment operation B is performed. The main control board 16 does not accept payment operation B. That is, after the main control board 16 transmits the payment command to the medal number control board 17, it does not accept a new payment operation until it receives a response command from the medal number control board 17. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a new payment operation B from being accepted in a situation where the process corresponding to the payment operation A has not been determined on the medal number control board 17.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing an example in which a new settlement operation is performed after the bet amount setting operation and before receiving the response command. As shown in FIG. 51, the main control board 16 transmits the input command based on the bet number setting operation. The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command in response to receiving the input command.

In the example of FIG. 51, a new settlement operation is performed after receiving the bet number setting operation and before receiving the response command to the input command based on the bet number setting operation. The main control board 16 does not accept the payment operation. That is, after the main control board 16 transmits the input command to the medal number control board 17, it does not accept a new payment operation until it receives a response command from the medal number control board 17. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a new settlement operation from being accepted in a situation where the process corresponding to the bet number setting operation has not been determined on the medal number control board 17.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an example in which a new betting number setting operation is performed after the payment operation and before receiving the response command. As shown in FIG. 52, the main control board 16 transmits the input command based on the payment operation. The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command in response to receiving the input command.

In the example of FIG. 52, a new bet amount setting operation is performed after receiving the settlement operation and before receiving a response command to the settlement command based on the settlement operation. The main control board 16 does not accept the bet number setting operation. That is, after the main control board 16 transmits the settlement command to the medal number control board 17, it does not accept a new bet number setting operation until it receives a response command from the medal number control board 17. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a new number of bet setting operation from being accepted in the medal number control board 17 in a situation where the processing corresponding to the settlement operation has not been determined.

[Betting amount setting operation and serial number]
FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating a serial number error in the bet amount setting operation. As shown in FIG. 53, the medal number control board 17 determines the initial value of the serial number to be "137" based on receiving the gaming machine installation information command.

Thereafter, on the S machine 2, an operation for setting the number of bets is performed. The main control board 16 transmits an input command based on the bet number setting operation. The input command is given a serial number of "78". That is, the serial number assigned to the input command does not match the initial value of the serial number. Therefore, the medal number control board 17 transmits a response command indicating the serial number mismatch to the main control board 16. The main control board 16 does not accept a new betting number setting operation after receiving the response command indicating the serial number mismatch. That is, when the main control board 16 receives a response command indicating that it is not normal, it does not resume accepting bet number setting operations.

FIG. 54 is a diagram illustrating a serial number error in a payment operation. As shown in FIG. 54, the medal number control board 17 determines the initial value of the serial number to be "137" based on receiving the gaming machine installation information command.

Thereafter, on the S machine 2, an operation for setting the number of bets is performed. The main control board 16 transmits an input command based on the bet number setting operation. The input command is given a serial number of "137". That is, the serial number given to the input command matches the initial value of the serial number. Therefore, the medal number control board 17 transmits a response command indicating that the receipt is OK to the main control board 16. The main control board 16 receives the bet number setting operation based on receiving the response command indicating acceptance, and performs the following control.

Subsequently, in FIG. 54, a payment operation is performed. The main control board 16 transmits a payment command based on the payment operation. The payment command is given a serial number of "78". That is, the serial number given to the payment command does not match the serial number calculated by the medal number control board 17. Therefore, the medal number control board 17 transmits a response command indicating the serial number mismatch to the main control board 16. The main control board 16 does not accept a new payment operation based on receiving the response command indicating the serial number mismatch. That is, when the main control board 16 receives a response command indicating that it is not normal, it does not resume accepting payment operations.

With reference to FIGS. 53 and 54, the main control board 16 performs a new bet setting operation or a bet cancellation in a situation where the process corresponding to the bet setting operation or settlement operation has not been determined in the medal number control board 17. It is possible to prevent the operation from being accepted.

[Confirmation process of frame side information]
FIG. 55 is a diagram illustrating the frame side information confirmation process. As explained above, the medal number control board 17 transmits the frame side information command to the main control board 16 at regular intervals. The system information included in the frame side information command includes information indicating a connection status indicating whether or not the medal number control board 17 and the CU control board 32 are normally connected.

In the example of FIG. 55, the connection between the medal number control board 17 and the CU control board 32 is disconnected. After the disconnection, the medal number control board 17 transmits a frame side information command indicating a connection abnormality to the main control board 16. After the main control board 16 receives the frame side information command indicating a connection abnormality, the start switch 7 is pressed. At this time, the main control board 16 does not transmit the start command.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 55, even after the main control board 16 receives the frame side information command indicating a connection abnormality, if the number of bets setting operation and the settlement operation are performed, the main control board 16 , send input commands and checkout commands. That is, when the main control board 16 receives a bet number setting operation for setting the number of bets to start one game, the main control board 16 determines whether the connection between the medal number control board 17 and the CU 3 is normal. Regardless, the input command is sent to the medal number control board 17. Furthermore, when the main control board 16 receives a settlement operation for canceling the number of bets for starting a game, the main control board 16 determines whether the connection between the medal number control board 17 and the CU 3 is normal or not. First, a settlement command is sent to the medal number control board 17. Furthermore, after the connection between the medal number control board 17 and the CU control board 32 is restored and the main control board 16 receives the frame side information command indicating that the connection is normal, the main control board 16 transmits a start command. That is, the main control board 16 checks the connection status between the medal number control board 17 and CU3 based on the frame side information command at the start of a game, and also checks whether the connection between the medal number control board 17 and CU3 is normal. The first game is started when . Further, after transmitting the start command, the main control board 16 performs the next control without waiting for a response from the medal number control board 17. The next control is reel drive control for starting the game.

As a result, the main control board 16 starts the first game on the condition that the connection between the medal number control board 17 and the CU 3 is normal, so the game progresses while checking the status of the medal number control board 17. be able to. Furthermore, when starting a first game, the main control board 16 executes the next control without waiting for a response from the medal number control board 17 after transmitting the start command, since it does not affect the gaming value. be able to.

In addition, the main control board 16 can send an input command in response to a bet number setting operation, regardless of whether the connection between the medal number control board 17 and the CU 3 is normal or not, and can send an input command in response to a payment operation. Payment commands can be sent.

[About the display of the number of payouts]
FIG. 56 is a diagram illustrating display control of the number of coins to be paid out. After all the reels have stopped, the main control board 16 transmits an end command to the medal number control board 17. The end command shown in FIG. 56 is a command accompanied by at least one payout medal. The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command based on receiving the termination command. Further, the medal number control board 17 performs, for example, adding the number of credits according to the number of payout medals indicated by the end command. After receiving the response command, the main control board 16 displays the number of coins to be paid out on the game auxiliary display 12. That is, after transmitting the termination command, the main control board 16 displays the number of payout medals on the game auxiliary display 12 on the condition that a response command is received. Thereby, the main control board 16 can display the number of coins to be paid out on the game auxiliary display 12 while checking the status of the medal number control board 17.

After transmitting the response command, the main control board 16 transmits an accessory information command, an advantageous section command, and a payout pulse command. In other words, the main control board 16 transmits the bonus information command and advantageous section that can specify whether or not the special prize is controlled to be in a winning state, on the condition that the response command is received after transmitting the end command. The command is sent to the medal number control board 17. As a result, the main control board 16 can notify the medal number control board 17 whether or not the control is being performed in an advantageous section while checking the status of the medal number control board 17. While confirming this, the medal number control board 17 can output the ratio of the number of payout medals awarded in the advantageous section.

[About the role ratio monitor]
FIG. 57 is a diagram showing the role ratio monitor 89. FIG. 57 shows the role ratio monitor 89 when the light is off. As shown in FIG. 57, the role ratio monitor 89 includes the first segment A, the second segment B, the third segment C, the fourth segment D, the fifth segment E, the sixth segment F, the seventh segment G, and the eighth segment. The medal number control board 17 consists of five winning ratio information displays 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e that can turn on and off the segment DP, respectively. This is a display device that can display various information by setting display data for and turning on or off the first to eighth segments A to DP.

FIG. 58 is a diagram showing a display example of the role ratio monitor 89. The medal number control board 17 displays on the role ratio monitor 89 (1) the instruction-inclusive accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative number of payouts, (2) the continuous accessory payout ratio over the past 6,000 games, and (3) the ratio over the past 6,000 games. (1) The accessory payout ratio, (4) the continuous accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative number of coins, (5) the accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative number of coins, (6) the accessory condition ratio to the total cumulative number of coins, (1) Display in the order of ~(6). Below, the information shown in (1) to (6) may be referred to as display content.

The accessory payout ratio indicates the ratio of the number of accessory items paid out when winning a special winning combination (BB) to the number of coins paid out in a predetermined period. The continuous bonus item ratio indicates the ratio of the number of bonus items paid out when a special winning combination (RB) is won to the number of coins paid out in a predetermined period. Further, the instruction-included accessory payout ratio indicates the ratio of the number of accessory objects paid out to the number of coins paid out in a predetermined period, when the number of payouts at the time of instruction (navi) is included in the number of accessory objects paid out. That is, it is the ratio of the total number of medals paid out when the navigation notification is made and the number of medals paid out at BB or RB to the total cumulative number of medals paid out. The state ratio of accessories, etc. indicates the ratio of the number of games played when special winning combinations (BB, RB, CB, and SB) are won to the number of games played during a predetermined period. That is, the winning ratio monitor 89 outputs the ratio of the number of paid out medals awarded in the state of winning the special winning combination among all the number of paid out medals that have already been awarded. The display content displayed on the winning ratio monitor 89 is calculated by the medal number control board 17.

When the medal number control unit 171 switches and displays the display contents every predetermined period in the display order of (1) to (6) shown in FIG. Even if these values can be updated to new values as the game progresses, updating to new values is restricted and the display is cycled using the original values.

Specifically, if the game is progressing and these values can be updated to new values within one period until these displays complete one cycle, the new values are calculated and stored in the RAM 171c. However, by setting the original value without setting the new value in the output buffer for displaying the display contents on the role ratio monitor 89, the display on the role ratio monitor 89 can be changed to the original value set in the output buffer. It is also possible to make one cycle using the value of , and set a new value in the output buffer after one cycle of display is completed, so that the new value can be displayed thereafter. In addition, if these values can be updated to new values within one period until the display completes one cycle, calculations to obtain the new values will be restricted and the role ratio will be reduced. The display on the monitor 89 may be made to go through one cycle, and when one cycle of display is completed, calculations may be performed to obtain a new value, and then the new value may be used to display on the win ratio monitor 89. . By doing so, it is possible to prevent values calculated at different times from being mixed together during the period until the display contents on the winning ratio monitor 89 complete one cycle.

In addition, the medal number control board 17 displays a display mode different from normal when the continuous accessory payout ratio over the past 6000 games or the consecutive accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative number of coins exceeds a specified ratio (for example, 60%). (For example, if the normal is always lit, the higher two digits of the winning ratio monitor 89 are blinking) to display the continuous winnings payout ratio. In addition, the medal number control board 17 displays a display mode different from normal (for example, when the accessory payout ratio for the past 6000 games or the accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative number of medals) exceeds a specified ratio (for example, 70%). , if the normal is always lit, the prize payout ratio is displayed by blinking the upper two digits of the winning ratio monitor 89, etc.).

In this way, when the continuous accessory payout ratio or accessory payout ratio exceeds the specified ratio, it is displayed in a different display format than usual, and there is a possibility that it is controlled to be highly gambling. It is now possible to warn you of this.

In addition, when displaying the continuous role payout ratio and the role payout ratio for the past 6000 games on the role ratio monitor 89, the medal number control board 17 controls the number of medals when the total number of games in the past has reached 6000 games since the power was turned on. When the number of games has not reached 6000 games, for example, all digits on the hand ratio monitor 89 are controlled to blink, so that it can be recognized that the total has not reached 6000 games. It has become. That is, in the process of calculating the display content to be displayed on the role ratio monitor 89, the medal number control board 17 determines whether the winning role is calculated or not when the period in which 6000 games have been played has not elapsed since the start of accumulation of data used in the process. All digits on the ratio monitor 89 are made to blink. In addition, in the process of calculating the display content to be displayed on the role ratio monitor 89, the medal number control board 17 determines whether the role is displayed when the period in which 6000 games have been played has not elapsed since the start of accumulation of data used for the process. Some digits on the ratio monitor 89 may be made to blink. This makes it possible to recognize the possibility that the displayed proportions and ratios are biased, and the medal number control board 17 monitors the successive role payout ratio and the role play ratio on the role ratio monitor 89. When displaying, it is possible to notify the outside that there is a risk of data shortage.

Note that the medal number control board 17 displays "00" in the lower two digits of the winning ratio monitor 89 when the number of games has not reached 6000, and displays "00" in the lower two digits of the winning ratio monitor 89 after reaching 6000 games. The ratio or ratio to be displayed may be displayed in the lower two digits. That is, in a state where the 6000th game has not been reached, it is preferable to configure the display mode of the lower two digits of the hand ratio monitor 89 to be different from the display mode after the 6000th game. With this configuration, in a state where 6000 games have not been reached, the total of consecutive role payout ratios specified by the display of the upper two digits of the role ratio monitor 89 (for example, "1C") will be 6000. It is possible to recognize that the game has not been reached, and it is possible to recognize that there may be a bias in the displayed ratio. In addition, in a state where 6000 games have not been reached, "00" is displayed in the lower two digits of the role ratio monitor 89, so that when 6000 games have not been reached, the lower two digits of the role ratio monitor 89 are always displayed. Data will be displayed in two digits, and for example, if data is not displayed on one of the lower two digits of the winning ratio monitor 89, an abnormality in the winning ratio monitor 89 can be recognized.

In addition, when the medal number control board 17 displays the consecutive accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative number of coins to be paid out on the winning ratio monitor 89, the number of past games is such that the consecutive accessory payout ratio converges to the design value of the slot machine. When the specified number of games has not been reached (for example, 175,000 games), the consecutive winnings can be changed by controlling the display mode to be different from normal, such as making the display of the upper two digits of the winning ratio monitor 89 blink. It is now possible to recognize that the payout ratio has not reached the specified number of games that converges to the slot machine's design value, and it is now possible to recognize that the displayed ratio and ratio may be biased. It has become.

In addition, when the medal number control board 17 displays the accessory payout ratio with respect to the total cumulative number of medals to be paid out on the winning ratio monitor 89, the number of past games is a specified game in which the accessory payout ratio converges to the design value of the slot machine. When the number (for example, 175,000 games) has not been reached, the prize payout ratio is controlled by controlling the display mode to be different from normal, such as blinking the display of the upper two digits on the prize ratio monitor 89. It has become possible to recognize that the number of games has not reached the specified number of games that generally converges to the design value of the slot machine, and it has become possible to recognize that there may be a bias in the displayed ratio. There is.

In addition, when the medal number control board 17 displays the instruction-inclusive accessory payout ratio with respect to the total cumulative payout number on the winning ratio monitor 89, the medal number control board 17 determines that the number of past games is approximately equal to the design value of the slot machine. When the predetermined number of games to converge (for example, 175,000 games) has not been reached, for example, by controlling the display mode to be different from normal, such as by blinking the display of the upper two digits of the hand ratio monitor 89, It is now possible to recognize that the specified number of games has not been reached in which the payout ratio of accessories including instructions generally converges to the design value of the slot machine, and there is a possibility that the displayed ratio and ratio are biased. It is now recognizable.

In addition, the medal number control board 17 determines whether the data used to calculate the continuous accessory payout ratio and accessory payout ratio for the past 6000 games is normal or not, and if it is determined to be abnormal (the stored If the detected value is in a certain data format (such as 01 repetition), the data determined to be abnormal and the data related to the data are initialized, and a notification indicating that an abnormality has been detected is displayed on the role ratio monitor 89. A display (for example, "FFFF") is displayed to notify that fact, so that it can be recognized that the calculation of these data is not performed normally.

In addition, when initializing data determined to be abnormal and data related to the data, for example, any one of the consecutive accessory payout ratio or accessory payout ratio over the past 6000 games is determined to be abnormal. In this case, data related to all of these items may be initialized, or only some of the data may be initialized.

In addition, it is determined whether the data used to calculate the continuous accessory payout ratio, accessory payout ratio, and instructed accessory payout ratio for the total cumulative payout number over the past 6000 games or the total cumulative payout number is normal. If it is determined that there is an abnormality, a notification will be made to that effect, and thereafter, predetermined operations (for example, switches such as the start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and setting key switch 37 will be operated in a predetermined procedure). Initialization of the data may be performed by performing the following steps.

Furthermore, in order to notify that an abnormality has been determined, as described above, the role ratio monitor 89 may display a message indicating that an abnormality has been detected (for example, "FFFF"). When an abnormality is determined, a command that can identify the fact is transmitted to the production control section 151, and the production control section 151 side is configured to notify that an abnormality has been determined on the liquid crystal display 51 or the like. It's okay.

In addition, in this embodiment, during the period after the power is turned on until the power supply is stopped, the instruction-inclusive accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative number of coins paid out, the continuous accessory payout ratio for the past 6000 games, and the consecutive accessory payout ratio for the past 6000 games. The accessory payout ratio, the continuous accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative number of coins paid out, the accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative number of coins paid out, and the accessory status ratio to the total cumulative number of coins are now switched and displayed every predetermined period. However, it may be displayed only when the open state of the front door 1b is detected, or may be displayed only when the operation of a predetermined operation switch (for example, the reset/setting switch 38) is detected. , it may be displayed when the game is not in progress, it may be displayed while changing or confirming settings, or it may be displayed only for a predetermined period of time after the power is turned on. Furthermore, instead of automatically switching at every predetermined period, the displayed content may be switched every time a predetermined operation is performed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the role ratio monitor 89 indicates that an abnormality has been determined in the data used to calculate the display content of the role ratio monitor 89 or that there is insufficient data for calculating the display content. Although the configuration is such that a command that can specify this fact is sent to the production control unit 151, it may be possible to confirm it on the liquid crystal display 51 or production device controlled by the production control unit 151. .

In addition, in this embodiment, the instruction-inclusive accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number, the continuous accessory payout ratio for the past 6000 games, the accessory payout ratio for the past 6000 games, and the continuous accessory payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number. The ratio, the payout ratio of accessories to the total cumulative number of coins to be paid out, and the status ratio of accessories, etc. to the total cumulative number of coins to be paid out are displayed on the winning ratio monitor 89, but in addition to these displays, the RAM 171c is initialized by setting changes. Even if the function ratio monitor 89 displays content that makes it possible to recognize when a disconnection in the wiring installed in the S unit 2 (backup power supply wiring, etc.) is detected, etc. good.

In particular, if the settings are changed during a bonus, advantageous period, or carryover of the bonus and the bonus or advantageous period is forcibly ended, or if the bonus that is being carried over is cleared, the game will continue to be regulated while the bonus is being carried over. If the game is played more than once, or if an operation to intentionally end the advantageous section is performed, that is, if the player intentionally moves from a relatively advantageous gaming state to a disadvantageous gaming state, and the hand ratio monitor 89 If it is detected that there is a possibility that the connection is not normal due to a disconnection, etc., this fact will be notified in a specifiable manner. By doing so, it is possible to recognize that there is a possibility that the correct information such as the accessory payout ratio, the continuous accessory payout ratio, the instructed accessory payout ratio, etc. has been fraudulently manipulated so that it is not displayed.

In addition, in order to avoid overflow of the total cumulative number of games and the total cumulative number of coins paid out, in a configuration that initializes the total cumulative data, etc., it is possible to specify the above-mentioned accessory payout ratio, continuous accessory It is preferable to notify in a manner different from that in the case where there is a possibility of unauthorized manipulation so that correct information such as the payout ratio, instruction-inclusive accessory payout ratio, etc. is not displayed. By doing this, the total cumulative number of games played, the total cumulative number of coins paid out, etc. have been initialized, rather than the processing to avoid overflow, and unauthorized operations to prevent correct information from being displayed as the accessory payout ratio, etc. It can be recognized separately from the initialization by .

Furthermore, as mentioned above, if there is a possibility that the information has been fraudulently manipulated so that correct information such as the accessory payout ratio, continuous accessory payout ratio, instructed accessory payout ratio, etc. is not displayed, this will be detected. The history of the detection is recorded on the medal number control board 17 side, and the history is recorded on the medal number control board 17 side by performing a predetermined operation after that without notifying at the time of the detection. A display device (for example, the role ratio monitor 89, etc.), a display device provided on the production control unit 151 side (for example, the liquid crystal display device 51, etc.), a display device external to the S stand 2 (for example, the display device 312), etc. It may be possible to confirm it.

In addition, if settings have been changed, a disconnection has been detected, or a connection failure has occurred in the role ratio monitor 89, correct information is displayed as the accessory payout ratio, continuous accessory payout ratio, instructed accessory payout ratio, etc. As mentioned above, production controls may have been used to prevent correct information from being displayed, such as the accessory payout ratio, continuous accessory payout ratio, instructed accessory payout ratio, etc. The information may be confirmed on a display or presentation device controlled by the section 151. In addition, settings may be changed during a bonus, an advantageous period, or a carryover of bonuses, and the bonus or advantageous period is forcibly terminated, or the bonus that is being carried over is cleared, resulting in the payout ratio of bonuses, continuous bonuses, etc. The performance control unit 151 records the history of detecting that there is a possibility of unauthorized operation so that correct information such as the payout ratio and instruction-included accessory payout ratio is not displayed. You may also be able to check the history.

[Initialization process of role ratio information]
FIG. 59 is a diagram for explaining the initialization process of the role ratio information. As shown in FIG. 59, after the power is turned on, the main control board 16 transmits the gaming machine installation information command A to the medal number control board 17. Thereafter, the game is repeated, and the main control board 16 transmits an advantageous section command and a payout pulse command to the medal number control board 17.

The medal number control board 17 executes a backup process to store the win ratio information in the backup memory 294 based on receiving the payout pulse command. The win ratio information is data used to calculate the data to be displayed on the win ratio monitor 89, and is included in the accessory information command, advantageous section command, and payout pulse command. Each time the medal number control board 17 receives a command including winning ratio information, it may cause the winning ratio information to be stored in the backup memory 294.

In the example of FIG. 59, after the backup process is executed, an unauthorized operation is performed on the main control board 16. As mentioned above, "unauthorized operation" refers to an operation that alters the commands exchanged between the main control board 16 and the medal number control board 17, or an unauthorized control of the main control board 16 or the medal number control board 17. Indicates operations, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 44, the main control board 16 is controlled by the illegally connected device due to an unauthorized operation, and the main control board 16 sends the gaming machine installation information command B to the medal number control board 17. . At this time, the medal number control board 17 executes backup initialization to initialize the win ratio information stored in the backup memory 294 based on receiving the gaming machine installation information command again. That is, when the main chip ID specified from the gaming machine installation information command is different from the main chip ID specified from the gaming machine installation information command received last time, the medal number control board 17 changes the display on the role ratio monitor 89. Initialize the data used.

As a result, the medal number control board 17 initializes the data used for displaying role ratio information based on the main chip ID of the main control board 16 if the main control board 16 is not valid, so that each slot It is possible to ensure that a normal winning ratio corresponding to the machine is output.

[About gaming programs and non-gaming programs]
The main control unit 161 of the S machine 2 of this embodiment executes a gaming program and a non-gaming program. The game program is a program in which commands related to the progress of the game, such as internal lottery processing, are written. The non-gaming program is a program in which commands that are not directly related to the progress of the game, such as output processing of data to the winning ratio monitor, are written. If data is unintentionally mixed between gaming programs and non-gaming programs, problems may occur. For example, if the data in the non-gaming RAM area is rewritten even though the data in the gaming RAM area should be rewritten according to the command of the gaming program, this may cause a problem with the program. In order to prevent such problems, the main control section 161 distinguishes between gaming programs and non-gaming programs and executes the programs to advance the game.

Below, the areas where non-gaming programs and gaming programs are stored will be explained using FIG. 60. FIG. 60 is an address map of the memory area used by the main control unit 161. As shown in FIG. 60, the memory area used by the main control unit 161 includes a memory area (0000H to EFFFH) allocated to the ROM 161b and a memory area (F000H to FFFFH) allocated to the RAM 161c.

The memory area of the ROM 161b consists of a program/data area where programs and fixed data are stored, an unused area to which access is prohibited, and other areas. Other areas include a ROM comment area where arbitrary data such as program title and version can be set, and a vector table area where the upper address of the CALLV instruction subroutine and the start address of timer interrupt processing (main) are set. , an HW parameter area in which parameters for setting internal functions of the main control unit 161 in terms of hardware are set, and an unused area to which access is prohibited.

The memory area of the RAM 161c consists of a usable area (F000H to F400H) that can be used as work and other areas (F401H to FFFFH). Other areas include an internal function register area (FE00H to FEACH) in which a group of registers for controlling each function installed in the main control unit 161 is stored. Each function installed in the main control unit 161 includes, for example, a function of a serial communication circuit, which will be described later. That is, the internal function register area of the RAM 161c includes a storage area for setting functions of the serial communication circuit.

The program/data area in the ROM 161b includes a game program area where game programs related to the progress of the game are stored, a game data area where game data used by the game program is stored, and an unused area 1. It includes a non-gaming program area where a non-gaming program is stored, a non-gaming data area where non-gaming data used by the non-gaming program is stored, and an unused area 2.

The progression of a game is the progression of a series of processes that make up a game, and in the case of a slot machine, there are two stages: setting the number of bets and starting the game, and starting the game and spinning the reels. , a step of stopping the reels and deriving a display result, and a step of assigning value such as medals according to the display result.

Note that in the above, the front and back of a storage area refers to the magnitude relationship of the address values assigned to the storage area, with the smaller address being the front and the larger address being the rear. Therefore, the storage area allocated after the first storage area corresponds to the storage area with a larger address value than the first storage area, and the storage area allocated before the first storage area corresponds to the storage area allocated after the first storage area. , a storage area whose address value is smaller than that of the first storage area corresponds to the storage area.

The RAM 161c includes a gaming RAM area used by gaming programs as work, an unused area 3, a stack area where gaming programs save data, a non-gaming RAM area used as work by non-gaming programs, and an unused area 4. It includes a stack area in which non-gaming programs save data.

The gaming RAM area is composed of areas A to D. Here, areas A to D are referred to as all initialization target areas, areas B to D are referred to as initialization target areas at the end of setting change, areas C to D are referred to as initialization target areas at the end of bonus (BB), Area D is called the area to be initialized at the end of each game. The entire initialization target area is an area that is initialized by performing a predetermined operation when a RAM error occurs. The area to be initialized upon completion of setting change is an area that is initialized when setting change is completed. The bonus end initialization target area is an area that is initialized when the bonus ends. The area to be initialized at the end of every game is an area that is initialized every time a game ends.

Below, the gaming program area, gaming data area, and gaming RAM area may be collectively referred to as the gaming area, and the non-gaming program area, non-gaming data area, and non-gaming RAM area may be collectively referred to as the non-gaming area. .

The non-gaming RAM area is composed of areas E and F. Here, area E is called an area to be initialized at the end of each game, and area F is called an area to be initialized at power-on. The area to be initialized at the end of every game in the non-gaming RAM area (area E) is initialized every time a game ends, similar to the area to be initialized at the end of every game in the gaming RAM area (area D). This is the area where The power-on initialization area (area F) is an area that is initialized when the power is turned on again after the power to the S stand 2 is turned off. Area F stores variables used in safety device processing, which will be described later. Further, in area E, a termination flag used in safety device processing, which will be described later, is stored.

[Instructions used by the program]

The program executed by main control unit 161 includes a main routine that manages the progress of the entire program, and subroutines that are called during the execution of other programs.

The main control unit 161 includes an LD instruction as an instruction to read data stored in the program/data area. The LD instruction is an instruction for reading 1-byte data stored at a specified address in a main routine or subroutine into a specified register. The main control unit 161 reads the data stored at the address specified by the LD command, and stores the read data in the register specified by the LD command.

LD instructions include normal LD instructions and LDQ instructions, which are special LD instructions. A normal LD instruction is an instruction that specifies both an upper address and a lower address and reads data stored in a specific area of the ROM 161b or RAM 161c using the specified upper address and lower address. On the other hand, by specifying only the lower address, the LDQ instruction specifies the address using the upper address preset in the special register (Q register) in the internal function register area of the RAM 161c and the specified lower address. This is an instruction that specifies and reads data stored in a specific area of the ROM 161b or RAM 161c and stores the read data in a specified register, and specifies the specified data with a smaller amount of data than a normal LD instruction. It becomes possible to store it in the register.

When reading data stored in a specific area of the ROM 161b or RAM 161c in the main routine or subroutine, by using the LDQ instruction, which is a special LD instruction, all addresses (upper part and lower part) indicating the specific area can be read. It is possible to read data in a specific area by specifying only the lower part of the address instead of specifying the address. By using the LDQ instruction, it is possible to read data with a smaller amount of data compared to the normal LD instruction, which reads data by specifying both the upper address and lower address, and it is possible to read data with a smaller amount of data. It is possible to reduce program waste.

In addition, among the game data stored in the game RAM area of the RAM 161c, particularly frequently used game data is stored in an area of the game RAM area where the start address has a specific value, and the specific value is stored in a special register. (Q register) as the upper address of the game data, and when the main control unit 161 reads the game data, only the lower address is specified using the LDQ command, so that the game data is read out. Compared to a normal LD instruction that reads data by specifying both the upper address and lower address, it is possible to read gaming data with a smaller amount of data, and it is possible to read out gaming data with a smaller amount of data. Program waste can be reduced.

In addition, the main control unit 161 can change the value set in a special register (Q register) in the main routine or subroutine, and can change the value set in the built-in register in the initial setting process performed at startup as described later. In the settings, a specific value indicating the start address of gaming data that is frequently used by gaming programs is set in a special register (Q register). In this embodiment, the special register (Q register) includes two registers, the first Q register and the second Q register, but below, the first Q register and the second Q register will be collectively referred to as , simply referred to as the "special register (Q register)". For example, "F0" is stored in a special register (Q register). As a result, when a game program is being executed, a specific value indicating the start address of game data that is frequently used by the game program is set in a special register (Q register), and the game program Frequently used game data can be read using the LDQ command.

Note that the upper address used when reading with the LDQ instruction as a special LD instruction may be set in a predetermined storage area other than a special register (for example, the Q register), for example, in the vector table area. A special LD instruction is used in which a part of the address is specified using a value stored in a predetermined storage area such as , and the data storage address can be specified by specifying the remaining part of the address by a program. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the waste of programs for specifying addresses when reading data. Also, for example, by assigning an identification value with a smaller amount of data than the address to each of the multiple areas that make up the vector table area, and setting a data storage address to each of these multiple areas and specifying the identification value. To reduce the waste of a program for specifying an address when reading data even in a configuration that uses a special LD instruction that can specify the storage address of data stored in an area corresponding to an identification value. I can do it.

Further, a CALL instruction (calling instruction) is included as an instruction for causing the main control unit 161 to execute a program stored in the program/data area. The CALL instruction is an instruction that calls and executes a subroutine stored at a specified address in a main routine or subroutine. When calling a subroutine using a CALL instruction, the main control unit 161 stores the address of the calling source in the stack area, calls and executes the subroutine stored at the specified address. When the subroutine ends, a RET instruction (return instruction) is used to return to the address of the calling source stored in the stack area, that is, to the program of the main routine or subroutine of the calling source that executed the CALL instruction.

Furthermore, a CALLEX instruction (calling instruction) is included as an instruction for causing the main control unit 161 to execute a program stored in the program/data area. In addition to calling a subroutine stored at a specified address in a main routine or subroutine, the CALLEX instruction switches register banks. FIG. 61 is a diagram for explaining register banks included in the CPU 161a of the main control section 161. As shown in FIG. 61, the CPU 161a has a first register bank R1 and a second register bank R2.

The first register bank R1 has 10 registers: 1st Q register, 1st U register, 1st A register, 1st B register, 1st C register, 1st D register, 1st E register, 1st F register, 1st H register, and 1st L register. Contains registers. Similarly, the second register bank R2 includes a second Q register, a second U register, a second A register, a second B register, a second C register, a second D register, a second E register, a second F register, a second H register, and a second register. Contains 10 registers of 2L registers.

When the main control unit 161 in this embodiment executes an instruction according to the program written in the gaming program area, it uses the first register bank R1 and executes the instruction according to the program written in the non-gaming program area. If so, the second register bank R2 is used. In other words, when executing an instruction according to the program written in the gaming program area, the main control unit 161 executes the instruction according to the program written in the non-gaming program area without using the second register bank R2. In this case, the first register bank R1 is not used. Thereby, in the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent data from being unintentionally mixed between gaming programs and non-gaming programs, thereby preventing problems from occurring. Note that hereinafter, the program written in the game program area will be simply referred to as a "gaming program", and the program written in the non-gaming program area will simply be referred to as a "non-gaming program".

That is, the main control unit 161 uses the first register bank R1 when executing a gaming program as a main routine, but when a non-gaming program is called as a subroutine by a CALLEX instruction, the main control unit 161 uses the first register bank R1. to the second register bank R2. More specifically, when calling a non-gaming program area as a subroutine using a CALLEX command, the main control unit 161 stores the address of the calling source in the stack area, and calls the subroutine stored at the specified address. Execute. Then, at the end of the subroutine, the RETEX instruction (return instruction) returns to the address of the caller stored in the stack area, that is, the game program of the caller that executed the CALLEX instruction. 1. Switch to register bank R1. As a result, in the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment, different register banks can be used when executing a gaming program and when executing a non-gaming program. It is possible to prevent the content from being mixed with the processing content in the non-game program area on the register.

[Q register setting]
FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing the startup process of the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 is realized, for example, as a control computer such as a microcomputer. Before the user program is executed, the main control unit 161 executes a startup process for setting, for example, the hardware functions of the microcomputer. The user program is a program for controlling game progress, is stored in the ROM 161b, and means a program designed by a gaming machine manufacturer or the like. On the other hand, the startup process is a process provided in the main control section 161 itself, and is automatically executed when the main control section 161 starts up.

The main control unit 161 executes the activation process of the main control unit 161 shown in FIG. 62 based on the fact that power is supplied to the main control unit 161. In FIG. 62, initial values are set in the first Q register and the second Q register as an example of a setting process regarding the hardware functions of the main control unit 161 (step Sj1). After executing step Sj1, although not shown, the main control unit 161 can perform setting processing regarding the hardware functions of the main control unit 161 and the like. Setting processing related to the hardware functions and the like includes, for example, setting the functions of a serial communication circuit.

In step Sj1 of the present embodiment, the initial value of the first Q register is, for example, "F0", and the initial value of the second Q register is, for example, "F3". As a result, the main control unit 161 can reduce the waste of the program for specifying addresses when performing the process of calling the gaming RAM area, which is frequently referenced and written when executing the gaming program. can. Similarly, the main control unit 161 reduces the waste of programs for specifying addresses when performing a process of calling a non-gaming RAM area that is frequently referenced and written when a non-gaming program is executed. be able to. Thereby, the main control unit 161 of this embodiment can reduce the program capacity when executing instructions in each of the gaming program and the non-gaming program.

The main control unit 161 sets initial values in the first Q register and the second Q register in step Sj1, and then executes the user program (step Sj2). The user program includes initial setting processing, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 63, main processing, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 66, and the like. In this way, before starting control of the game by the user program, an initial value is set in the first Q register, and an initial value is also set in advance in the second Q register. Thereby, the main control unit 161 can preset initial values in the first Q register and the second Q register before starting control of the game, thereby simplifying the process. Further, with such a configuration, there is no need to set the values of the first Q register and the second Q register in the user program. That is, the processing performed by the user program can be reduced. Note that in this embodiment, the initial value of the first Q register and the initial value of the second Q register are different values, but the same value may be set as the initial value.

[About the initial setting process of the main control board 16]
FIG. 63 is a diagram illustrating the initial setting process performed by the main control board 16. The initial setting process is a process included in the user program and written in the game program area of the ROM 161b.

When the power supply to the S unit 2 is started, the main control board 16 is started with timer interrupts set to disabled due to the occurrence of a reset, and the program stored in the ROM 161b included in the main control board 16 is activated. Perform various processing according to the following. After starting up, first, all output ports 0 to 9 are initialized and the initial setting process included in the game program is performed.

The initial setting process is started with timer interrupts disabled, and as shown in FIG. It is determined whether the power interruption detection signal is in the ON state (Sa2). If the power interruption detection signal is in the ON state, the controller waits until the power interruption detection signal becomes OFF. Thereafter, after the power supply voltage of the S unit 2 becomes normal and the power failure detection signal is turned off, the main control unit 161 sets values in the first Q register and the second Q register (Sa2Q). In step Sa2Q, "F0" is set in the first Q register, and "F3" is set in the second Q register. That is, in step Sa2Q, the same process as step Sj1 in FIG. 62 is performed. In other words, the same value is reset to the first Q register and the second Q register.

In this way, the main control unit 161 sets a value in the first Q register and a value in the second Q register not only in the startup process but also in the user program. Thereby, the main control unit 161 can set arbitrary values in the first Q register and the second Q register in the user program. Furthermore, even if an abnormality occurs in the start-up process of the main control unit 161 and the initial values are not set for the first Q register and the second Q register in step Sj2, the first Q register is set in the user program. Since values are set in the first Q register and the second Q register, it is possible to prevent an abnormality from occurring in the user program due to values not being set in the first Q register and the second Q register. Note that in the S unit 2 of this embodiment, values are set in the first Q register and the second Q register in both the process of step Sj1 in FIG. 62 and the process of step Sa2Q in FIG. The stand 2 may be configured to perform only one of the processing in step Sj1 in FIG. 62 and the processing in step Sa2Q in FIG. 63.

Next, the main control unit 161 calculates the parity of a predetermined area of the RAM 161c (Sa3), and sets a predetermined initial address in the stack pointer (Sa4). Then, it is determined whether the parity calculated in step Sa3 is normal or not (Sa5), and if the parity is normal, the fixed data for RAM destruction diagnosis set in a predetermined area of RAM 161c at the time of power outage is acquired. Then, based on the fixed data for RAM destruction diagnosis, it is diagnosed whether or not the storage contents of the RAM 161c are destroyed (Sa7).

If it is determined that the parity is normal in step Sa5, and if the memory contents of the RAM 161c are diagnosed in step Sa7, data is stored in the RAM 161c based on the RAM parity calculated in step Sa3 and the diagnosis result in Sa7. It is determined whether or not there is an abnormality (Sa8). Note that the case where there is an abnormality in the RAM 161c is a case where the parity is not normal, or a case where the parity is normal but it is diagnosed that there is an abnormality in the stored content.

If there is an abnormality in the RAM 161c, the value of the flag register in which the calculation result is stored among the registers included in the main control board 16 is saved by storing it in the game stack area of the game RAM area in a predetermined order. After that, the non-gaming RAM area initialization process included in the non-gaming program is called and executed (Sa10). That is, the process of step Sa10 is a process of calling a non-gaming program from a gaming program. Therefore, the words "(non-gaming)" are added to the beginning of the process name of step Sa10. In the initial setting process shown in FIG. 63 and the main process shown in FIG. 66, the word "(non-gaming)" is attached to the beginning of the process name of the process of calling a non-gaming program from a gaming program. Specifically, steps Sa10, SaF1, and Sa30 in FIG. 63 and steps Sb2, Sb13, Sb36, and Sb50 in FIG. 66 correspond to the process of calling a non-gaming program from a gaming program. Hereinafter, such a process of calling a non-gaming program from a gaming program will be simply referred to as a "non-gaming program calling process." The CALLEX command described above may be used for the non-game program calling process.

The main control unit 161 changes the register bank used by the CPU 161a from the first register bank R1 to the second register bank R2 when a non-gaming program calling process such as the non-gaming RAM area initialization process shown in step Sa10 is executed. The process of switching to the second Q register and the process of setting the value of the second Q register are executed at the beginning of the process corresponding to the non-gaming program calling process. At this time, "F3" is set in the second Q register. That is, in the non-game program calling process, the value of the second Q register is reset, similar to step Sj1 in FIG. 62 and step Sa2Q in FIG. 63.

In this way, the main control unit 161 sets a value in the first Q register in step Sj1 in FIG. 62 and step Sa2Q in FIG. The value of the second Q register is set every time the non-gaming program calling process is executed. As a result, in the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment, even if an unintended value is set in the second Q register of the second register bank R2, each time a non-gaming program is called, the Since the value of the 2Q register can be reset, trouble prevention can be ensured. Note that the main control unit 161 does not have to set the value of the second Q register every time the non-gaming program is called. That is, as described above, in the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment, before the game progress is controlled, the first Q This is because the values are set in the register and the second Q register, so the value is already set in the second Q register without having to set the value in the second Q register every time the non-gaming program is called.

Furthermore, in the process of step Sj1 in FIG. 62 and the process of step Sa2Q in FIG. When called, the value of the second Q register may be set. At this time, the main control unit 161 may set the value of the second Q register only when the non-game program is called for the first time after the power is turned on. In other words, as mentioned above, in order to prevent problems, the value of the 2nd Q register is not reset every time a non-gaming program is called, but the value of the 2nd Q register is set only when the non-gaming program is called for the first time after the power is turned on. By setting the value of the register, processing can be simplified.

Thereafter, the non-gaming RAM area is initialized, which is the purpose of the non-gaming RAM area initialization process. More specifically, the main control unit 161 specifies the start address (the first address of the unused area) and the end address (the last address of the non-gaming RAM area) of the RAM to be initialized, and specifies the start address. By repeatedly executing the process of updating the specified address to the next address after clearing the data of the specified address as the initial value of the address until the specified address reaches the corresponding end address, it is possible to move from the start address of the RAM to be initialized to the end address. (in this embodiment, the area from the beginning of the unused area to the end of the non-gaming RAM area) is initialized. Then, processing is executed to switch the register bank used by the CPU 161a from the second register bank R2 to the first register bank R1. After initializing the non-gaming RAM area of the RAM 161c, the process returns to the initial setting process.

In addition, in the non-gaming RAM area initialization process, by specifying the start address and end address of the RAM to be initialized, the capacity of the RAM to be initialized is calculated, and the RAM area corresponding to the capacity is allocated to the RAM area to be initialized. A configuration may be adopted in which the area from the start address to the end address of the RAM to be initialized is initialized by sequentially clearing from the start address.

If it is determined that there is no abnormality in the RAM 161c in step Sa8, the fixed data for RAM destruction diagnosis set in the RAM 161c is cleared (Sa12), and if there is an abnormality in the RAM 161c, the game is subject to initialization processing. A RAM destruction initialization start address is set to specify the address of the RAM area (Sa13).

Subsequently, in the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment, area F initialization processing, which is non-gaming program calling processing, is executed (SaF1). The area F initialization process is a process for initializing area F included in the non-gaming RAM area shown in FIG. 60. Details of the area F initialization process will be explained later. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state with reference to the input port 2 (Sa14).

If it is determined in step Sa14 that the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state, a gaming machine installation information command is transmitted to the medal number control board 17 (Sa14a), and a setting change process is performed. In the setting change process, the setting value is confirmed by operating the reset/setting switch 38 and the start switch 7 in a predetermined procedure, and when it is detected that the setting key switch 37 has been turned OFF, the setting change process starts. , and move the game to a state where it can proceed. In addition, in the setting change process, when starting the setting change process, a setting command (start) indicating that the setting change process is to be started is transmitted to the production control unit 151, and when ending the setting change process, A setting command (end) indicating that the setting change process is to be ended is issued. In the setting change process, when the setting change process is ended, the start address of the RAM area to be initialized at the time of setting change is specified, and the process returns to step Sb47 of the main process, which will be described later. Then, by performing the RAM initialization process in step Sb47, the area from the start address of the RAM area to be initialized at the time of setting change to the end address of the gaming RAM area, that is, all gaming RAM areas, is initialized. It has become so. It should be noted that a configuration may be adopted in which all gaming RAM areas except the currently used stack area of the RAM 161c are initialized.

If it is determined in step Sa14 that the setting key switch 37 is not in the ON state, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 161c based on the RAM parity calculated in step Sa3 and the diagnosis result in Sa7 (Sa15). , if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the RAM 161c, the output buffer for outputting the external output signal is cleared (Sa16). It also clears a reel error counter, which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c and is used to count the number of times a reel rotation error is detected in the main process described later (Sa17). Thereafter, by setting the address at the time of power outage in the stack pointer SP based on the storage contents of the RAM 161c, the stack pointer is returned to the state at the time of power outage (Sa18). Thereafter, a gaming machine installation information command is transmitted to the medal number control board 17 (Sa15a), and port input processing is performed twice in succession (Sa19, Sa20).

Port input processing is performed using input state data related to input states such as detection signals of various switches that are input to the parallel input port (input data that indicates the current input state of various switches, and whether the previous and current input data are in the same state). This is a process of updating (determined data indicating that there is a change, edge data indicating that the determined data has changed from the previous time). In a predetermined area of the gaming RAM area of the RAM 161c, port input buffers 0 to 2 for storing input status data of various switches are provided, and the input status data of various switches updated by port input processing is Each type is stored in a predetermined bit of a predetermined port input buffer. In port input processing, input ports 0 to 2 of the parallel input port are used.

The detected states (ON state or OFF state) of various switches are stored as input data in predetermined bits of the port input buffer. Also, by comparing the detection state (ON state or OFF state) in the previous and current port input processing, if the current and previous input data are in the same state, the detection state of the current input data is displayed. On the other hand, if the current and previous input data are in different states, the previous confirmed data is maintained. Also, by comparing the current and previous confirmed data, if the confirmed data changes from an OFF state to an ON state, ON edge data indicating that the confirmed data has changed from an OFF state to an ON state is transferred to the port input buffer 0. -2, and when the fixed data changes from ON state to OFF state, OFF edge data indicating that the fixed data has changed from ON state to OFF state is stored in the predetermined bits of port input buffers 0 to 2. Store in bits. The input data, final data, and edge data of various switches stored in the port input buffer can be referenced from gaming programs and non-gaming programs.

In addition, in the initial setting process, by performing the port input process twice in succession, when the port input process is performed thereafter, the input state of various switches after the initial setting process is performed, that is, the S unit 2 Since input state data related to input states such as detection signals of various switches is created based on the input states of various switches after power supply is resumed, unintended input situations may be identified. can be prevented. Further, in the port input process, the final data may be created based on input data obtained through three or more port input processes (for example, current, previous, and two previous input data). In such a configuration, the initial setting process is performed by performing the port input process one consecutive time less than the number of port input processes required to create the final data. When port input processing is performed after the initial setting processing is performed, input state data can be created based on the input states of various switches after the initial setting processing is performed.

After performing the port input processing in steps Sa19 and Sa20, a predetermined input port is referred to (Sa21), it is determined whether the reset/setting switch 38 is in the ON state (Sa22), and the reset/setting is performed. When the switch 38 is in the ON state, status data indicating that the reset/setting switch 38 is in the ON state is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c (Sa23).

If it is determined in step Sa22 that the reset/setting switch 38 is not in the ON state, and after setting the status data in step Sa23, the production control unit 151 issues a return command indicating that the control state has returned to the state before the power cut. (Sa24), in the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process (main), a door command transmission flag indicating that a door command indicating the detection state of the door open detection switch 25 is to be transmitted is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c. (Sa25). In the command transmission process, a door command is normally transmitted when the detection state of the door open detection switch 25 changes, but if the door command transmission flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c, the door open detection switch 25 Regardless of whether the detection state of the door open detection switch 25 has changed, a door command indicating the detection state of the door open detection switch 25 is transmitted.

After setting the door command transmission flag in step Sa25, all registers are restored to the state before the power cut stored in the RAM 161c (Sa26), and timer interrupts are set to be enabled (Sa27). After finishing the initial setting process and moving to the timer interrupt process (main), the process returns to the main process that was being executed before the power supply to the S unit 2 was stopped.

On the other hand, in step Sa15, if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the RAM 161c, a gaming machine installation information command is sent to the medal number control board 17 (Sa15b), a gaming RAM initialization process is performed (Sa28), and Sa13 The area from the RAM destruction initialization start address set in the step to the end of the gaming RAM area of the RAM 161c is initialized. Thereafter, similar to the process at Sa10, the main control unit 161 executes a non-gaming RAM area initialization process which is a non-gaming program calling process (Sa30). That is, at the beginning of the process, the main control unit 161 executes the process of switching the register bank used by the CPU 161a from the first register bank R1 to the second register bank R2, and the process of setting the value of the second Q register. Next, after initializing the non-gaming RAM area, the main control unit 161 executes a process of switching the register bank used by the CPU 161a from the second register bank R2 to the first register bank R1. Next, the main control unit 161 sets a door command transmission flag (Sa32), sets timer interrupt to enable (Sa33), and prepares a RAM abnormality error number indicating that there is an abnormality in the RAM 161c in a predetermined register. (Sa34), the initial setting process is ended and the process proceeds to error processing.

The error process is a process for controlling the game to an error state in which the progress of the game is disabled. An error command that can identify the error number prepared in a predetermined register is sent to the production control unit 151, and the error number is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c during other processing (for example, sensor monitoring processing described later). Set as a referenceable error flag. Further, the error number is controlled to be displayed on the game auxiliary display 12. Thereafter, the error state is controlled until it is specified that the error state release condition corresponding to the error number prepared in a predetermined register is satisfied. If the RAM abnormality error number is prepared in a predetermined register and the state is shifted to the error state, by turning on the power switch with the setting key switch 37 turned ON, the state will be shifted to the setting change state and all games will be changed. By initializing the RAM area, it is possible to reliably eliminate abnormalities in the data in the RAM 161c and release the error state. On the other hand, if the power switch is turned on without turning on the setting key switch 37, an abnormality in the RAM 161c is detected again, and the error state occurs again.

In this way, after the power supply to the S unit 2 is started, the main control board 16 executes the startup process of the main control unit 161 shown in FIG. 62, and then executes the user program including the initial setting process. In the initial setting process, either timer interrupt processing (main), setting change processing, or error processing is performed depending on the state of the main control board 16 when power supply to the S unit 2 is started. to be transferred to Then, when transitioning to these processes, a command that can specify the type of process to be transitioned to is sent to the production control unit 151, and when transitioning to the timer interrupt process (main), that is, S When returning to the control state before the power supply to the stand 2 was stopped, a return command is sent to the production control unit 151, and when setting change processing is started and the state is changed to the setting change state, , a setting command (start) is transmitted to the production control unit 151, and when error processing is started due to an abnormality in the RAM 161c and the transition to an error state occurs, an error command is transmitted to the production control unit 151.

In addition, after the main control board 16 transitions from the initial setting process to the setting change process, the main control board 16 goes through the setting change state and returns to the state in which the game can be played. When returning to the state, a setting command (end) that can specify that the setting change state is ended is sent to the production control unit 151, but a return command is not sent. In addition, after transitioning to error processing due to an abnormality in the RAM 161c, the process transitions to setting change processing as described above and the error state is canceled, returning the game to a state where it is possible to proceed. Even when the error processing is completed and the game returns to a state in which it is possible to proceed, a return command is not sent to the production control section 151.

In this way, the main control board 16 of this embodiment is activated when power supply to the S unit 2 is started, and initializes all output ports 0 to 9. Further, after initializing the output ports 0 to 9, the main control board 16 performs initial setting processing included in the gaming program. In the initial setting process, when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the RAM 161c, a non-gaming RAM area initialization process included in the non-gaming program is called to initialize a predetermined area of the non-gaming RAM area of the RAM 161c. In addition, in the initial setting process, a RAM initialization process included in the gaming program is called to initialize a predetermined area of the gaming RAM area of the RAM 161c, and the gaming RAM area is initialized by the gaming program and The RAM area is configured to be initialized by a non-gaming program.

[About safety device processing]
In the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment, after the number of medals given to the player starts to increase throughout the day, an upper limit is set on the increase in the number of medals given to the player, so that the player acquires medals excessively. Safety device processing is implemented to limit this. The number of medals awarded in the safety device process is a value indicating the number of medals awarded to the player due to winning.

The main control unit 161 determines whether the number of awarded medals has turned to an increasing trend, for example, by determining whether the number of awarded medals within a predetermined number of games (for example, 50 games) is equal to or greater than a threshold value. stipulate. The main control unit 161 may determine whether the number of awarded medals has turned to an increasing trend using other methods. The safety device process executed by the main control unit 161 is a process that disables the progress of the game when the number of awarded medals after turning to an increasing trend reaches the limit number. By executing the safety device process, it is possible to prevent the number of medals awarded to the player from increasing excessively. Thereby, the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment can prevent medals from being excessively paid out from the slot machine due to unauthorized operation. Furthermore, if the number of awarded medals increases, a situation may arise that may significantly arouse the desire for gambling. Therefore, by setting an upper limit to limit the number of medals to be awarded, it is possible to prevent the S machine 2 from becoming extremely tempting to gamble. The safety device process is executed within the safety device related process of the main process.

FIG. 64 is a diagram illustrating the control details of the main processing performed by the main control board 16. Note that the main process is repeatedly executed for each unit of play (one game). One period of the main processing corresponds to one unit of the game. Further, the main process is included in the game program and includes a plurality of processes. As explained above, in the main process shown in FIG. 64 as well, the process name of the process corresponding to the non-gaming program calling process has the words "(non-gaming)" attached at the beginning.

As shown in FIG. 64, the main control unit 161 first performs RT information output processing included in the non-gaming program (Sb2). The main control unit 161 outputs RT information to a test board or the like based on the fact that the game has ended by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the previous game. FIG. 65 is a diagram illustrating the control details of the RT information output processing performed by the main control board 16. As described above, in the non-game program calling process, register bank switching (SQ4, SQ6) and setting of the value of the second Q register (SQ2) are first executed.

The main control unit 161 sets the stack pointer to the non-gaming RAM area (step Si2) and acquires the RT status (step Si3). Specifically, information regarding the gaming status (RT status) of the S machine 2 set in a predetermined area of the gaming RAM area is referred to, and information regarding the gaming status (for example, RT status) is output as an external output signal. Set it to output from the port.

That is, in step Si3, the number of the external output signal to be output is read into a register, and external output signal processing is also performed to output the external output signal to external equipment such as a call lamp or hall computer. The external output signal includes, for example, a signal indicating whether or not control is being performed in an advantageous section. Thereby, it is possible to notify external equipment such as a test board and a hall computer whether or not the control is being performed in an advantageous range. Furthermore, in the main processing, the external output signal processing for outputting RT information is executed before the interrupt multiple wait processing (Sbw1), which will be described later. Furthermore, when transmitting RT information to the test board, the main control unit 161 transmits the RT information to the test board as a test signal.

Next, the main control unit 161 initializes the termination flag (step Si4). Thereafter, the register bank is switched to the first register bank R1, and the RT information output process ends. The main control unit 161 then executes a multiple interrupt wait process (Sbw1). The multiple interrupt wait process is executed to ensure the output time of the information output in the RT information output process. That is, the main control unit 161 executes interrupt waiting processing multiple times for the purpose of delaying the progress of the game for a predetermined period of time. The process of waiting for multiple interrupts is also called delay process. As a result, the main control unit 161 generates a test signal when the previous game ends, and then waits for a predetermined period of time, thereby ensuring that an external device such as a test board receives the test signal. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information discrepancies from occurring between the external device and the main control unit 161.

After that, the main control unit 161 performs a game start waiting process to be described later (Sb5), and performs a process from the end of the control of the previous game to the start of the next game. In the game start waiting process, acceptance of bet number settings is started, processing is performed to set the bet number in accordance with the bet number setting operation, and operation of the start switch 7 is detected with the prescribed number of bets set. By doing so, processing for starting the next game is performed.

Then, an internal lottery process is performed to determine whether or not to allow the occurrence of a prize (internal lottery) (Sb6). In the internal lottery process, winnings are allowed to occur based on preset values (1 to 6) in the S machine 2 and random numbers for the internal lottery acquired at the same time as the start of the game by detection of the start switch 7. An internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not to do so (that is, whether or not to allow the derivation of display results).

After that, after the AT lottery etc. are executed, a performance control process (Sb12), a test signal generation process (Sb13), a control state command group transmission process (Sb14), and a freeze control execution process (Sb16) are performed in sequence. In the production control process, a production flag that is referred to when the main control board 16 performs production control is set. The test signal generation process corresponds to a non-gaming program calling process. In the test signal generation process, a test signal is transmitted so that information indicating the control state of the S machine 2 can be confirmed by a test device provided outside the gaming machine. The information indicating the control state of the S machine 2 includes the lottery result of the internal lottery process in step Sb6. In the control state command group transmission process, a control state command group including a plurality of commands that can specify various control states at the start of one game is transmitted to the production control unit 151. That is, the main control section 161 outputs information regarding the internal lottery results and information regarding the gaming state to the performance control section 151. In the freeze control execution process, regarding the freeze control that delays the progress of the game until a predetermined end condition is satisfied, it is checked whether there is a request to perform the freeze control, and if there is a request, the type of freeze control and the freeze control The control timing is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c.

Freeze execution processing is performed to execute freeze control based on the type of freeze control and the execution timing of freeze control set in the RAM 161c (Sb16). In the freeze execution process, if the freeze control is set to be performed at the start of the game in step Sb13, the freeze control is executed to delay the game control for a predetermined period of time. In addition, if the type of freeze control is set to a type of freeze control that involves effects using reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter referred to as reel effects), reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are excited. An acceleration pattern for performance as an excitation pattern (for example, an acceleration pattern that rotates the reels in a direction different from the rotation of the reels in the game, or a reel that starts rotating in the same direction as the rotation in the game at a slower speed than the rotation of the reels in the game) (acceleration pattern for vibrating the reels, acceleration pattern for vibrating the reels, etc.) is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c, and the reel performance is controlled to be performed within the period during which freeze control is performed. Thereafter, the main control unit 161 executes a multiple interrupt wait process (Sbw2). The multiple interrupt wait process is executed to ensure the output time of the information output in the test signal generation process. That is, the main control unit 161 executes interrupt waiting processing multiple times for the purpose of delaying the progress of the game for a predetermined period of time. The multiple interrupt wait process in Sbw2 and the multiple interrupt wait process in Sbw1 are common processes. That is, the main control unit 161 generates a common interrupt when the start switch 7 is operated to start the rotation of the reels, and when the game is finished by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. Execute wait processing multiple times. Thereby, the storage capacity can be reduced by making the delay processing performed at the start of the game and at the end of the game common. In this embodiment, a delay of approximately 130 milliseconds (0.13 seconds) occurs due to execution of the multiple interrupt wait process in Sbw2.

In addition, the main control unit 161 does not execute the process of determining whether or not to control the state of the S unit 2 to an error state in the interrupt multiple wait process that is commonly executed. The process of determining whether to control to an error state is, for example, the error transition process shown in Sb32. As a result, the main control unit 161 is controlled to an error state during the delay process, and there is a discrepancy between the information of the test signal sent to the test board and the information of the S stand 2 that is in the error state. can be prevented from occurring.

After performing the interrupt waiting process multiple times in step Sbw2, a timer for one game time management set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c is referred to in order to measure the elapsed time from the start of reel rotation in the previous game. (Sb18) Based on the timer for managing one game time, it is determined whether the specified time for one game (4.1 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed from the start of reel rotation in the previous game (Sb19 ). At this time, the main control unit 161 determines whether the specified time for one game (4.1 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed, taking into consideration that the interrupt waiting process is performed multiple times in Sbw2. do. Depending on the timing when the start switch 7 is operated, the main control unit 161 executes the multiple-time waiting process at a timing where the multiple-time interrupt waiting process ends before the specified time (4.1 seconds) for one game has elapsed. Execute. More specifically, if the start switch 7 is operated at a timing at which the interrupt multiple wait process can be executed before 3.97 seconds have elapsed from the start of reel rotation in the previous game, The execution of the multiple interrupt wait process is started before at least 3.97 seconds have elapsed.

As a result, the specific time from the start of the reel rotation of the previous game until the reel rotation of the next game can start is appropriately 4.1 seconds, excluding the 0.13 seconds caused by the delay process. It is possible to determine whether or not the period has elapsed. In other words, in the predetermined game, the main control unit 161 executes the reel rotation start command transmission process after 4.1 seconds have elapsed from the operation of the start switch 7 in the game before the predetermined game. Further, after executing the delay process, the main control unit 161 performs the process of step Sb19 in which it is determined whether the prescribed time for one game has elapsed. That is, the main control unit 161 executes the delay process so that the delay process ends before the end of the specified time for one game.

If it is determined that the specified time for one game has not elapsed, the system waits until the specified time for one game has elapsed based on the timer for managing one game time, and then plays one game based on the timer for managing one game time. After the specified time has elapsed, a predetermined value (in this embodiment, a value corresponding to 4.1 seconds) is set in the timer for managing one game time, and a new elapsed time from the start of reel rotation is calculated. Starts time measurement (Sb20), controls wait lamp 93 to OFF state (lights out) (Sb21), and produces a reel rotation start command that can be specified to start rotation control of reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. A reel rotation start command transmission process is performed to be transmitted to the control unit 151 (Sb22). On the other hand, if it is determined in step Sb19 that the prescribed time for one game has elapsed, the processing in steps Sb20 to Sb22 is immediately performed. In addition, after the predetermined value is set in the step Sb20, the timer for managing one game time is subtracted every predetermined time, and the timer for managing one game is subtracted every predetermined time, and the timer for managing one game is subtracted from the time when the reels start rotating in the game. .1 second) has elapsed, it becomes 0, and it is now possible to determine whether the specified game time has elapsed based on whether the timer for managing one game time is 0 or not. There is.

In this way, the main control unit 161 in this embodiment executes the test signal generation process in Sb13, and then executes the multiple interrupt wait process in Sbw2, which delays the progress of the game for a predetermined period. Further, the main control unit 161 executes a reel rotation start process shown in Sb24, which starts the rotation of the reels after being delayed for a predetermined period by the multiple interrupt wait process of Sbw2. As a result, the main control unit 161 generates a test signal at the start of the game and then enters a waiting state for a predetermined period of time through delay processing, thereby ensuring that, for example, external equipment including a test board receives the test signal. It is possible to prevent information discrepancies from occurring between the external device and the main control unit 161.

In addition, the main control unit 161 executes a control state command group transmission process that outputs information regarding the internal lottery result and information regarding the gaming status to the performance control unit 151 in Sb14, and then executes a reel rotation start process shown in Sb24. . As a result, the main control unit 161 generates a test signal at the start of the game, outputs information regarding the internal lottery results to the performance control unit 151, and then enters a waiting state for a predetermined period, thereby allowing the It is possible to ensure that the external device reliably receives the test signal and that the performance control unit 151 reliably receives information regarding the internal lottery results, and the communication between the external device, the main control unit 161, and the performance control unit 151 is ensured. It is possible to prevent information discrepancies from occurring between the two.

After performing the reel rotation start command transmission process in step Sb22, a normal acceleration pattern for controlling the rotation of the reels at a predetermined speed for gaming is stored in the RAM 161c as an excitation pattern when controlling the excitation of the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R. A predetermined area is set (Sb23), and a reel starting process is performed to start the rotation of the reel by controlling the excitation of the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R based on the excitation pattern set in the RAM 161c (Sb24). The main control unit 161 executes external signal processing to transmit information such as the status of the gaming machine to the outside, such as a hall management computer (Hall Control) or a hall server that performs security management (Sb24a).

Then, navigation notification processing is performed (Sb25). In the navigation notification process, AT is controlled, and if the notification target winning combination is won in the internal lottery, the navigation number is used to identify a stopping mode that is advantageous for the player according to the notification target winning combination. is controlled to be displayed on the game auxiliary display 12, while the navigation number is controlled not to be displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 when AT is not controlled.

Reel stop initial setting processing (Sb26) is performed to set various information necessary for reel stop control according to the RT state and the lottery result of the internal lottery. Then, freeze control processing is performed (Sb27), and if it is set to perform freeze control at the relevant timing, the set type of freeze control is performed.

After the freeze control process is performed in step Sb27, a reel stop control process is performed to control the reels to stop (Sb28). In the reel stop control process, it is determined whether the reel under rotation control is being rotated at a predetermined constant speed, and if there is a reel that is not being rotated at a constant speed, a reel error is detected and the corresponding reel is detected. An excitation pattern is set to accelerate the reels to constant speed rotation, and all reels under rotation control are controlled to rotate at constant speed. On the other hand, if all the reels under rotation control are being rotated at a constant speed, acceptance of a stop operation for the reels under rotation control is enabled, and the system waits until a stop operation is performed using a stop switch. Then, when a valid stop operation is detected for a reel for which a stop operation is enabled (ON edge data is detected for a stop switch for which a stop operation is enabled), the reel on which a valid stop operation was performed is detected. Reel stop control is performed to stop the reel at a predetermined stop position based on information set in the reel stop initial setting process. Such reel stop control is repeatedly performed on the reels whose rotation is being controlled to stop the rotation of all the reels, thereby ending the reel stop processing.

After finishing the reel stop processing, freeze control processing is performed (Sb29), and if it is set to perform freeze control at that timing, the set type of freeze control is performed.

Thereafter, RT status check processing (Sb30) and winning determination processing (Sb31) are performed. In the RT state check process, it is determined whether or not the combination of RT transition symbols that causes a transition to the RT state on the reels has stopped, and if the combination of RT transition symbols has stopped, it is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c. The current RT state is updated to the RT state corresponding to the combination of RT transition symbols. In the winning determination process, it is determined whether or not an illegal winning has occurred based on the internal lottery results and the symbol combinations stopped on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R.

After performing the winning determination process in step Sa31, an input/payout error check process is performed (Sb32), and a winning ratio monitor data process corresponding to the non-gaming program call process is performed (Sb36).

In the winning ratio monitor data processing, first, in the same manner as the above-mentioned RT information output processing, etc., the register bank used by the calling game program is switched and the value of the second Q register is set. Each state count process included in the non-gaming program is performed to determine whether the game is advantageous to the player for a predetermined period (for example, a period from the current game to 6,000 games ago, a period from the current game to 175,000 games ago). Updates data regarding the number of medals to be paid out in a state-controlled section (advantageous section, etc.).

After that, the replay LED is controlled to be OFF (lights out) (Sb39), the replay flag indicating that the replay is in progress is cleared (Sb40), and the display of the navigation number on the game auxiliary display 12 is cleared. After that (Sb41), an end command is sent to the medal number control board 17 (Sb42a), and freeze control processing is performed (Sb43). Performs some types of freeze control.

Then, the accessory information command is transmitted to the medal number control board 17 (Sb43a), and the advantageous section command is transmitted (Sb43b). After that, a game end setting process is performed (Sb44), and it is determined whether or not the symbol combination of the re-gaming combination is stopped on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and if the symbol combination of the re-gaming combination is stopped. , a process of setting the number of bets for replaying in the next game (in this embodiment, 3 is set as a replay medal in a replay medal counter set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c). ), processing to set a replaying flag in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c, and processing to control the replaying LED to an ON state (lit state). In the game end setting process, it is determined whether the number of acquired medals during the advantageous section has reached 2400 (limiter condition). At this time, when the number of medals acquired during the advantageous section reaches 2400, the main control unit 161 ends the advantageous section and controls the control to the normal section. Further, the main control unit 161 executes external signal processing to transmit information such as the gaming machine status to the outside, such as a hall management computer (hole controller) or a hall server that performs security management (Sb43c).

Then, a payout pulse command is transmitted to the medal number control board 17 (Sb44a), and a jackpot command is transmitted (Sb44b). After that, after performing a ball output control process to control the ball output at the end of the game (Sb45), the start address of the area of the RAM 161c to be initialized at the end of the game is set (Sb46), and the RAM initialization process is performed. (Sb47), the area from the start address to the end of the RAM 161c is initialized.

After clearing the winning flag, which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c and indicates the lottery result of the internal lottery in the game (Sb48), the production control unit issues a game end command that can specify that one game has ended. 151 is executed (Sb49).

That is, in Sb49, the main control unit 161 outputs information regarding the result of the internal lottery and information regarding the gaming state to the performance control unit 151 based on the fact that the game has ended by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. After the game end command transmission process of Sb49 is executed, the main control unit 161 executes the multiple interrupt wait process of step Sw1 which delays the progress of the game for a predetermined period. The main control unit 161 executes a game start waiting process to start accepting bet number settings after a predetermined period of delay due to the multiple interrupt waiting process in step Sw1. As a result, the main control unit 161 generates a test signal at the end of the game, outputs information regarding the results of the internal lottery to the performance control unit 151, and then enters a waiting state for a predetermined period, so that, for example, the external device It is possible to ensure that the test signal is reliably received and that the production control section 151 receives information regarding the internal lottery results, and between the external device, the main control section 161, and the production control section 151. It is possible to prevent discrepancies in information from occurring.

Then, the main control unit 161 executes safety device related processing as the last processing of the main processing (Sb50). FIG. 66 is a diagram illustrating the control contents of safety device-related processing performed by the main control board 16. The safety device related process corresponds to the non-gaming program calling process. Therefore, the main control unit 161 executes register bank switching processing in steps SQ7 and SQ9, and sets the value of the second Q register in step SQ8. After executing the process of step SQ8, the main control unit 161 executes the safety device process (Sk1).

In the safety device process, the main control unit 161 determines whether the number of medals awarded to the player has started to increase. Specifically, the main control unit 161 determines whether or not the AT1 state is controlled. When the main control unit 161 determines that the AT1 state is not controlled, the main control unit 161 ends the safety device processing. When determining that the main control unit 161 is controlled to the AT1 state, the main control unit 161 obtains the number of medals acquired by the player after being controlled to the AT1 state.

The main control unit 161 determines whether the number of acquired medals since the AT1 state is controlled exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 19,000 medals). If the number of medals acquired since the AT1 state is controlled has not exceeded the limit (for example, 19,000 medals), the main control unit 161 ends the safety device process. When the number of medals acquired since the AT1 state is controlled exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 19,000 medals), the main control unit 161 turns on the stop flag and ends the safety device process.

Returning to FIG. 66, the main control unit 161 determines whether the termination flag is ON (Sk3). That is, the main control unit 161 determines whether the termination flag has been updated to ON in Sg21 of the safety device process. If the termination flag is not ON (NO in Sk3), the main control unit 161 returns the register bank to the first register bank R1 (SQ9), and ends the safety device related processing. If the termination flag is ON (Sk3: YES), the RWM abnormality release flag is turned OFF (Sk4). The RWM abnormality release flag is a flag for determining whether to permit RAM clearing when RAM clearing processing is executed. When the RWM abnormality release flag is OFF, the main control unit 161 cannot clear the RAM even if RAM clear processing is executed. Therefore, by turning the RWM abnormality release flag OFF and restricting RAM clear processing when the abort flag is turned ON, the abort flag that was turned ON in Sg21 can be updated to OFF due to a malfunction or fraud. prevent.

Next, the main control unit 161 sets an abort error number (Sk5) and then executes error processing (Sk6). By executing the error process, the main control unit 161 controls the state of the S machine 2 to a state in which it is impossible to proceed with the game. That is, referring to the main process in FIG. 64, the process in which the game progress is disabled due to the number of acquired medals reaching the limit number since the control was controlled to the AT1 state is the safety device related process (step Sb50). ).

As shown in FIG. 64, the safety device-related processing (step Sb50) includes external output signal processing (step Sbw3) that notifies external equipment such as a hall computer whether or not control is being performed in an advantageous section; This process is performed at the end of all processes such as the game end setting process (step Sb44) that determines whether the number of acquired medals in the section has reached 2400 (limiter condition).

In this way, the safety device-related process (Sb50) that can disable the progress of the game due to the number of acquired medals since the AT1 state has reached the limit number is performed at the end of the main process, so that the game Since the game end setting process is performed before the game is controlled to a state where progress is impossible, if the limiter condition is met, it is possible to control the game to a state where it is impossible to progress after controlling to the normal section. .

In addition, since external output signal processing is performed in step Sb2 before controlling the game to a state in which it is impossible to proceed, the game can proceed after notifying the external device whether or not the control is in an advantageous period. can be controlled to an impossible state. In this way, even if the main control unit 161 disables the progress of the game because the number of medals acquired since the AT1 state has reached the limit, the main control unit 161 can appropriately transmit information regarding advantageous sections. After processing, the progress of the game can be disabled. Thereby, it is possible to prevent inconsistency from occurring regarding the information regarding the advantageous section after the disabling of the progress of the game is lifted.

FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing the control details of error processing performed by the main control unit 161. As shown in FIG. 67, in error processing, first, an error number (error number) set before error processing is executed is stored (Sf1). When the error process is called in step Sk6 of the safety device related process, a termination error number is set as the error number. The error number includes a number indicating an error other than the abort error number. For example, when the error process is called from the input/output error check process, the error number E4 or E5 is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c.

The main control unit 161 executes error start command transmission processing to transmit an error command that can specify an error number (Sf2). The main control unit 161 acquires the error factor corresponding to the error number (Sf3), and performs error number display processing to control the error number to be displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 (Sf3). Thereafter, the error state is controlled until it is specified that the error state release condition corresponding to the error number prepared in a predetermined register is satisfied (Sf5).

If a termination error number is set because the number of medals acquired since the AT1 state has reached the limit, when the error state is entered, the setting key switch is set as a condition for canceling the error state. is in the ON state and waits until the S unit 2 is powered on. That is, until the setting change process is executed, the S machine 2 is in a state in which it is impossible to proceed with the game. As another example, when the error number (E5) is prepared in the register and the state is shifted to the error state, the detection state of the inserted medal sensors 31a to 31c is OFF state as a condition for canceling the error state, and The process waits until the reset/setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is turned on.

If the condition for canceling the error state is satisfied (YES in Sf5), the process advances to Sf6 and one-time interrupt wait processing is performed. Then, the input buffers 1 and 2 are acquired (Sf7), and based on the acquired input buffers 1 and 2, it is determined whether the payout sensor, the inserted medal sensor, and the full tank sensor are normal (Sf8). If it is determined in Sf8 that it is normal, the process advances to Sf9. On the other hand, if it is determined at Sf8 that it is not normal, the process returns to Sf6 and the steps from Sf6 to Sf8 are repeated until it is determined that it is normal at Sf8.

In step Sf9, acquire the ON edge state of input buffer 0, wait until the reset/setting switch 38 or reset switch 23 is in the ON edge state (until it is operated) (NO in Sf10), and reset/setting. When the switch 38 or the reset switch 23 enters the ON edge state (YES in Sf9), the process proceeds to Sf11.

In step Sf11, the payout number display data is stored, the error number is cleared (Sf12), and an error cancellation command transmission process (Sf13) is executed. In the error clearing command transmission process, an error clearing command to clear the error state is transmitted. In step Sf14, one-time interrupt wait processing is performed, and the error processing is ended.

In this way, when the setting change process is performed, the main control unit 161 controls the state of the S machine 2 from a state in which it is impossible to proceed with the game to a state in which it is possible to proceed with the game. The setting change process is a process in which information related to control of the advantageous section, AT, and BB is initialized, and cannot be executed unless the setting key switch is turned on by the store clerk. Thereby, the main control unit 161 can prevent medals from being awarded excessively.

In this way, when the error process is executed based on the fact that the number of medals acquired since the control was controlled to the AT1 state has reached the limit number, the error process shown in FIG. 67 is performed by performing the setting change process. is completed, and the safety device related processing shown in FIG. 66 is completed. Further, the main control unit 161 ends step Sb50 of the main processing shown in FIG. 64 based on the completion of the safety device related processing.

Thereby, the main control unit 161 returns the process to step Sb2 and repeats the steps from Sb2 again. When the main process completes one cycle, the process related to the control of one unit of game ends, and the main process is repeatedly executed for each unit of game.

In this way, the main processing performed by the main control board 16 of this embodiment is included in the gaming program, and the processing included in the non-gaming program, for example, RT information output processing, winning information output processing, role ratio monitor It is designed to call functions such as data processing. When calling a process included in a non-gaming program, each time the process of the corresponding non-gaming program is called, the calling game program side sets the value of the flag register among the registers provided in the main control board 16. The value of the stack pointer SP used in the gaming program is stored and saved in the non-gaming RAM area on the called non-gaming program side, and all the information provided in the main control board 16 Processing is performed to store and save the value of the register in the non-gaming stack area. Processing corresponding to the called non-gaming program (for example, processing to initialize the non-gaming RAM area in the non-gaming RAM area initialization process, each state counting process in the role ratio monitor data processing described later, non-gaming program described below) Sensor monitoring processing, test signal generation processing, winning ratio monitor display data selection processing, etc. in game-related processing are performed.

In addition, after processing the non-gaming program, the main control board 16 transfers the values of all registers saved to the non-gaming stack area at the start of the non-gaming program to the corresponding registers. At the same time, the value of the stack pointer SP stored in the non-gaming RAM area at the start of the non-gaming program is set to the stack pointer SP, and the register is returned to the state at the start of the non-gaming program. The stack pointer SP is restored to the state at the start of the game program, and the value of the flag register stored in the game stack area before calling the non-game program is stored in the corresponding flag register on the calling game program side. A process is performed to read the register and restore the register to the state before the non-gaming program was called.

In addition, when performing various processes according to the non-gaming program, the main control board 16 calls the non-gaming program from the gaming program using the above-mentioned CALLEX command, performs various processes according to the non-gaming program, and When each process corresponding to the non-game program is completed, the game program returns to the calling source game program.

[About the game start waiting process]
FIG. 68 is a diagram illustrating the control contents of the game start waiting process performed by the main control board 16. Note that the game start waiting process is included in the game program and is a subroutine called in the main process included in the game program.

As shown in FIG. 68, in the game start waiting process, first, the number of bets is displayed (Sc1), and the 1 to 3 BETLEDs 14 to 16 are controlled to be in the ON state (lit state) according to the number of medals set as the number of bets. do. After that, the process advances to step Sc5. The value of the replay medal counter set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c is read into a predetermined register (Sc5). In addition, the replay medal counter is set to a value according to the result of the previous game by the game end setting process in the previous main process, and if the replay combination is won in the previous game and the replay is performed. If a replay is awarded, a number corresponding to the specified number of bets required to play the game (for example, 3) is set, but if a replay was not awarded in the previous game. is set to 0.

Thereafter, the replay medal counter in the RAM 161c is cleared (Sc6), and it is determined whether the value of the replay medal counter read in step Sc5 is greater than 0, that is, whether or not a replay is granted. (Sc7), and if replay is granted, a bet number setting process is performed (Sc8). In the bet number setting process, the value of the medal counter for replaying is set to the bet number, and the 1 to 3 BETLEDs 14 to 16 are set to the ON state (lit state) to set the specified number of bets (in this embodiment, 3 ) is set. In addition, a number of inserted medals command that can specify the number of medals used to set the number of bets is transmitted to the production control unit 151.

If the value of the replay medal counter is 0 in step Sc7, that is, it is determined that replay is not granted, and after the number of bets setting process is performed because replay is granted in step Sc8. performs one-time interrupt wait processing (Sc10). By performing the one-time interrupt wait processing, the timer interrupt processing (main) is performed and the detection status of various switches, LED lighting status, various timers, etc. are updated, and the detection status of these various switches is updated. You can perform subsequent processing in the updated state.

After one timer interrupt is performed by waiting for one interrupt in step Sc10, various switch operations are enabled to accept operations, and the switches for which operations are enabled are operated. An operation input reception process is performed to accept an operation using a switch (Sc14).

In the operation input acceptance process, when the number of credits set in the predetermined area of the RAM 171c is 1 or more, acceptance of operations by the 1BET switch 20 and the MAXBET switch 6 is enabled. Further, when the number of bets set in the predetermined area of the RAM 171c is a specified number, acceptance of the operation by the start switch 7 is enabled. Further, acceptance of operations by the bet number clear switch 21 and the setting key switch 37 is enabled.

In addition, in the operation input reception process, if the operation of the start switch 7 is detected while the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, a start flag indicating that the start switch 7 has been operated is set in a predetermined register. conduct. Further, when an operation by the setting key switch 37 is detected while the operation by the setting key switch 37 is in a valid state, a setting value display process is performed to display the setting value on the setting value display 24. In addition, if the operation of the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6 is detected while the operation of the 1BET switch 20 and the MAXBET switch 6 is valid, the number of medals up to the specified number will be bet to the extent possible based on the credit. The number of medals set as the number of bets is subtracted from the credit. After performing processing according to the switch whose operation was detected, the operation input reception processing is ended.

After performing the operation input acceptance process in step Sc14, it is determined whether a valid operation with the start switch 7 has been detected based on the start flag (Sc15). If it is determined that the start flag is not set in the predetermined register and a valid operation by the start switch 7 is not detected, proceed to step Sc16 and perform LED display processing to control the lighting state of the start valid LED. .

In the LED display process, when the operation of the start switch 7 is set to be valid by the operation input acceptance process of step Sc14, and no operation of any switch other than the reset switch is detected, the start enable LED is turned on ( (lighting state), and when the operation of any switch other than the reset switch is detected in a state where the operation by the start switch 7 is set to be valid, or when the operation by the start switch 7 is not set to be valid. Then, the start valid LED is controlled to be in the OFF state (extinguished state), and the lighting state of the start valid LED notifies whether the operation by the start switch 7 is valid or invalid.

In step Sc15, if it is determined that the start flag is set in a predetermined register and a valid operation of the start switch 7 has been detected, a random value for internal lottery is obtained from the random number circuit and stored in a predetermined value in the RAM 161c. The area is set (Sc17). After that, bet number setting state data that can identify the set bet number is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c (Sc18), the start valid LED is set to the OFF state (extinguished state) (Sc19), and the medal maintenance permission flag is set. is cleared from a predetermined area of the RAM 161c (Sc20), and the display of the payout number on the game auxiliary display 12 is controlled to be cleared (Sc21), the game start waiting process is ended, and the process returns to the main process. After that, in the main process, an internal lottery is performed using the random numbers obtained in step Sc17, and rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is started in response to the detection of the operation of the start switch 7. Then, one game is started.

FIG. 69 is a diagram illustrating the control content of the bet number setting operation acceptance process performed by the main control board 16. The main control board 16, in the operation input acceptance process of FIG. 69, when an operation by the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6 is detected after the operations by the 1BET switch 20 and the MAXBET switch 6 become valid, The betting amount setting operation reception process shown in FIG. 69 is executed.

The main control board 16 obtains the number of bets from 0 to 3 set in the BET counter of the RAM 161c (Sd1). The main control board 16 calculates the number of inserted medals based on the acquired number of bets and whether the switch whose operation was detected is the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6 (Sd2). For example, if an operation with the MAXBET switch 6 is detected when the number of bets is 0, the number of inserted medals will be 3, and if an operation with the 1BET switch 20 is detected when the number of bets is 0 to 2, the number of inserted medals will be 3. The number is 1.

The main control board 16 transmits an insertion command including the calculated number of inserted medals to the medal number control board 17 (Sd3). The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command to the input command. The main control board 16 executes a bet number setting process in response to receiving the response command (Sd4). That is, the main control board 16 adds up the number of bets stored in the BET counter of the RAM 161c.

FIG. 70 is a diagram illustrating the control details of the payment operation acceptance process performed by the main control board 16. The main control board 16 performs a settlement operation reception process when an operation by the bet number clear switch 21 is detected after the operation by the bet number clear switch 21 becomes valid in the operation input reception process shown in FIG. Execute.

The main control board 16 determines whether or not the replay operation is in progress (Se1). If the replay operation is in progress, the main control board 16 ends the process. If the replay operation is not in progress, the main control board 16 determines whether the number of bets is set to 1 or more (Se2). If the number of bets is not set to 1 or more, the main control board 16 ends the process. If the number of bets is set to 1 or more, the main control board 16 acquires the number of bets of 1 to 3 set in the BET counter of the RAM 161c (Se3).

The main control board 16 transmits a settlement command including the acquired number of bets as the number of settled medals to the medal number control board 17 (Se4). The medal number control board 17 transmits a response command to the input command. The main control board 16 executes the payment operation process in response to receiving the response command (Se5). That is, the main control board 16 subtracts the number of bets.

Below, communication between the production control section 151, the main control section 161, the medal number control section 171, and the CU control section 323 will be explained. In the first embodiment, the main control unit 161 is included in the main control board 16, and the medal number control unit 171 is included in the medal number control board 17. In the S machine 2 in which the main control section 161 and the medal number control section 171 are integrated, a configuration in which the medal number control section 171 is included in the main control board 16 together with the main control section 161 will be described.

FIG. 71 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card unit and slot machine when the main control section 161 and the medal number control section 171 are integrated. As shown in FIG. 71, the main control section 161 includes both a medal number control section 171 and a main control section 161. That is, the main control section 161 and the medal number control section 171 are mounted on the same board. Thereby, there is no need to connect the main control section 161 and the medal number control section 171 using a connector or the like, and security can be improved. Furthermore, by reducing the number of parts, the probability of occurrence of defects can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 71, the main control unit 161 is connected to the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, the setting key switch 37, the reset/setting switch 38, the start switch 7, and the gaming auxiliary display 12. There is. The main control unit 161 controls the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, the setting key switch 37, the reset/setting switch 38, the start switch 7, the game auxiliary display 12, and the medal number control unit 171. , may be connected. That is, the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, the setting key switch 37, the reset/setting switch 38, the start switch 7, and the game auxiliary display 12 may be connected to the medal number control section 171.

Further, the medal number control section 171 is connected to the counting button 10, the RAM clear switch 293, and the role ratio monitor 89. Note that the medal number control section 171 may be configured to be connected to the counting button 10, the RAM clear switch 293, and the role ratio monitor 89 via the main control section 161. The counting button 10, RAM clear switch 293, and role ratio monitor 89 may be connected to the main control unit 161.

FIG. 72 is a diagram for explaining communication among the performance control section 151, main control section 161, medal number control section 171, and CU control section 323. As shown in FIG. 72, the main control board 16 in the case where the main control section 161 and the medal number control section 171 are integrated is equipped with the medal number control section 171 and the main control section 161. The main control unit 161 includes a first serial communication circuit SR1, a second serial communication circuit SR2, and a third serial communication circuit SR3. The first to third serial communication circuits SR1 to SR3 are serial communication circuits installed in the main control section 161, which is implemented as a control computer such as a microcomputer. The medal number control unit 171 includes a fourth serial communication circuit SR4, a fifth serial communication circuit SR5, and a sixth serial communication circuit SR6. The fourth serial communication circuit SR4 to the sixth serial communication circuit SR6 are also serial communication circuits installed in the medal number control section 171 realized as a control computer such as a microcomputer.

The first serial communication circuit SR1 and the third serial communication circuit SR3 of the main control unit 161 have a transmitting function and a receiving function. As shown in FIG. 72, the first serial communication circuit SR1 has a transmission terminal Tx1 and a reception terminal Rx1 as terminals for connecting to other devices. Further, the first serial communication circuit SR1 includes a transmission buffer Tb1 that is a buffer for transmission, and a reception buffer Rb1 that is a buffer for reception. Further, the third serial communication circuit SR3 also includes a transmitting terminal Tx3, a receiving terminal Rx3, a transmitting buffer Tb3, and a receiving buffer Rb3.

On the other hand, the second serial communication circuit SR2 of the main control unit 161 has only a transmitting function out of the transmitting function and the receiving function. That is, the second serial communication circuit SR2 is a serial communication circuit dedicated to transmission. As shown in FIG. 72, the second serial communication circuit SR2 has only a transmission terminal Tx2 and a transmission buffer Tb2, which is a buffer for transmission, as terminals for connecting to other devices. Therefore, the second serial communication circuit SR2 is configured such that it cannot receive signals (commands) from other devices. Thereby, it is possible to suitably transmit signals when transmitting signals in one direction. That is, the second serial communication circuit SR2 can be suitably used for communication between the main control section 161 and the production control section 151, which requires transmission of signals in one direction.

The fifth serial communication circuit SR5 and the sixth serial communication circuit SR6 of the medal number control section 171 have a transmitting function and a receiving function similarly to the first serial communication circuit SR1 and the third serial communication circuit SR3. That is, the fifth serial communication circuit SR5 has a transmission terminal Tx5, a reception terminal Rx5, a transmission buffer Tb5, and a reception buffer Rb5. Further, the sixth serial communication circuit SR6 has a transmission terminal Tx6, a reception terminal Rx6, a transmission buffer Tb6, and a reception buffer Rb6. Further, the fourth serial communication circuit SR4 of the medal number control section 171 has only a transmission function, similar to the second serial communication circuit of the main control section 161. That is, the fourth serial communication circuit SR4 has a transmission terminal Tx4 and a transmission buffer Tb4.

As shown in FIG. 72, the main control section 161 and the medal number control section 171 communicate signals using the first serial communication circuit SR1 and the fifth serial communication circuit SR5. As described above, bidirectional commands such as input commands and settlement commands are transmitted between the medal number control section 171 and the main control section 161. That is, communication between the medal number control section 171 and the main control section 161 includes bidirectional communication. In this way, bidirectional communication is realized by using the first serial communication circuit SR1 and the fifth serial communication circuit SR5, which have a transmitting function and a receiving function.

Further, since the communication between the medal number control unit 171 and the CU control unit 323 is bidirectional communication, the medal number control unit 171 has both a transmission function and a reception function for communication with the connection terminal board 1000. A sixth serial communication circuit SR6 is used. The medal number control section 171 is connected to the CU control section 323 via the connection terminal board 1000. Further, the frame side information command is a command that does not have bidirectionality and continues to be sent in one direction from the medal number control board 17 to the main control board 16. The medal number control section 171 transmits the frame side information command to the third serial communication circuit SR3 of the main control section 161 using the fourth serial communication circuit SR4 having only a transmission function. The third serial communication circuit SR3 transmits a test signal to the test board 300. In this way, in the S unit 2 where the main control section 161 and the medal number control section 171 are integrated, one-way communication is performed using a serial communication circuit having only a transmission function, and two-way communication is performed using a serial communication circuit having only a transmission function. By using a serial communication circuit that has both a sending function and a receiving function, it is possible to use the serial communication circuit separately for sending commands in one direction and sending commands in both directions, which is preferable. It is possible to communicate various data.

The test board 300 is configured to convert various types of test signals into specific signals and output them to the test device. As a result, by using the test board 300, the slot machine does not need to generate a specific signal tailored to the test device, and by using the test board 300, the test device can be used from various types of slot machines. Test signals can now be received. This eliminates the need to generate test signals for each slot machine that match the specified test equipment.

In addition, the main control unit 161 receives a bidirectional command such as an input command from the medal number control unit 171 using the reception terminal Rx1 of the first serial communication circuit SR1, and also sends a response command to the first serial communication circuit SR1. Transmission is performed using the transmission terminal Tx1 of the circuit SR1. Thereby, the transmission and reception of bidirectional commands between the main control unit 161 and the medal number control unit 171 can be completed only by the first serial communication circuit SR1, and security can be improved.

Further, as described with reference to FIG. 41, when the main control unit 161 receives a bidirectional command that is sent irregularly such as an input command, it indicates to the medal number control unit 171 that the command has been received. Send a response command. Thereby, the medal number control unit 171 can determine that the input command and the like have been normally received by the main control unit 161.

Further, the main control section 161 receives the frame side information command from the medal number control section 171 using the reception terminal Rx3 of the third serial communication circuit SR3 different from the first serial communication circuit SR1. Thereby, the main control section 161 can receive commands from the medal number control section 171 using the third serial communication circuit SR3 even if an abnormality occurs in the first serial communication circuit SR1.

Further, communication of frame-side information commands that are periodically transmitted is performed using the fourth serial communication circuit SR4 of the medal number control section 171 and the third serial communication circuit SR3 of the main control section 161. On the other hand, for communications such as input commands that are not regular, the medal number control unit 171 uses the fifth serial communication circuit SR5 instead of the fourth serial communication circuit SR4, and the main control unit 161 uses the fifth serial communication circuit SR5 instead of the fourth serial communication circuit SR4. The first serial communication circuit SR1 is used instead of SR3. Thereby, it is possible to prevent overflow from occurring due to overlapping of frame-side information commands that are sent periodically and input commands that are sent based on operations by the player.

Next, the capacity of the transmission buffer will be explained. The transmission buffer Tb2 of the second serial communication circuit SR2 and the transmission buffer Tb4 of the fourth serial communication circuit SR4 used for one-way communication are 128 bytes. On the other hand, the transmission buffer Tb1 of the first serial communication circuit SR1, the transmission buffer Tb3 of the third serial communication circuit SR3, the transmission buffer Tb5 of the fifth serial communication circuit SR5, and the sixth serial communication circuit SR6 are used for bidirectional communication. The transmission buffer Tb6 is 64 bytes. This makes overflow less likely to occur in a serial communication circuit for one-way communication even when many commands are transmitted.

Next, a storage area for setting functions of each serial communication circuit included in the internal function register area will be explained. The internal function register area of the RAM 161c explained in FIG. Contains an area to set. Similarly, in the internal function register area (not shown) of the RAM 171c, the functions of the fourth to sixth serial communication circuits SR4 to SR6 installed as functions of the medal number control unit 171, which is a control computer such as a microcomputer, are stored. Contains an area to set.

The capacity of a function setting area of a serial communication circuit used for one-way communication is smaller than the capacity of a function setting area of a serial communication circuit used for two-way communication. This eliminates the need for complicated settings in the serial communication circuit for one-way communication, and can simplify the settings. That is, the capacity of the function setting area of the second serial communication circuit SR2 in the RAM 161c is smaller than the capacity of the function setting area of the first serial communication circuit SR1 in the RAM 161c.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 72, it is connected to the main control section 161, the number of medals control section 171, the performance control section 151, and the connection terminal board 1000 through a serial communication circuit. This makes it easier to route the wiring patterns. In other words, compared to parallel communication, the number of wires can be reduced, making it easier to arrange the wiring patterns.

<About deleting operation promotion images>
In the S machine 2 of this embodiment, an operation promotion image that prompts the player to perform an operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The operation promotion image prompts the player to operate the lower panel switch 57 or disable the MAXBET switch 6, for example. The performance control unit 151 performs various performances when it is detected that the player has performed an operation as prompted by the operation promotion image. For example, the production control unit 151 changes the display of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 based on the detection of the operation by the player, outputs production sound from the speaker 53, or causes the accessory to operate. do.

The arrangement of the plurality of switches operated by the player will be explained using FIG. 73. FIG. 73 is a perspective view for explaining the operation surface of the switch provided on the S stand 2. In FIG. 73, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown. As shown in FIG. 73, the liquid crystal display 51 and the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are provided facing the direction D1, which is the same direction as the positive direction of the X axis. In other words, the normal direction of the liquid crystal surface (display surface) of the liquid crystal display 51 is the same direction as the positive direction of the X axis. A player sits on the positive side of the X-axis of the S machine 2 and faces the liquid crystal display 51 to play the game.

Further, as shown in FIG. 73, the MAXBET switch 6 is provided on the upper surface 95 of the protrusion 94. The MAXBET switch 6 is provided facing direction D2, which is the same direction as the positive direction of the Z-axis. In other words, the normal direction of the operation surface of the MAXBET switch 6 is the same direction as the positive direction of the Z-axis. The operation surface is a surface of a switch such as the MAXBET switch 6 that is touched by a player. The operation surface may have a planar shape or a curved surface such as a hemisphere. In the case of a hemispherical shape, the direction D2 means the normal direction of the apex of the hemisphere.

Stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R and a lower panel switch 57 are provided on the surface of the protrusion 94 on the positive side of the X axis. The stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are provided facing direction D3, which is the same direction as the positive direction of the X-axis, and the lower panel switch 57 is provided facing direction D4, which is the same direction as the positive direction of the X-axis. It is set towards. In other words, the normal direction of each operation surface of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R and the lower panel switch 57 is the same direction as the positive direction of the X-axis.

As shown in FIG. 73, the MAXBET switch 6 is provided facing the positive direction of the Z-axis, whereas the MAXBET switch 6 is provided facing the positive direction of the Z-axis. , the lower panel switch 57 is provided toward the positive direction of the X-axis. That is, the direction D2 and the directions D1, D3, and D4 are orthogonal to each other. As described above, in the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment, the performance control unit 151 performs operations to prompt the player to operate the MAXBET switch 6, the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and the lower panel switch 57. The promotion image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

FIG. 74 is a diagram showing an example of an operation promotion image that promotes operation of the MAXBET switch 6 without suggesting the operation timing. 74(A) to (D) show transitions of screens displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Note that in the following, with regard to figures showing the liquid crystal display 51 such as FIGS. It may be displayed only on a part of 51. For example, in FIG. 74(A), an operation promotion image Ms1 and a switch image Im1 are displayed so as to be superimposed on a background image of a mountain, the sun, clouds, etc., but these images are , may be displayed at a position that does not overlap with reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. More specifically, these images are shown in FIG. may be displayed. Thereby, on the S machine 2, the reels 2L, 2C, 2R and the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 can both be viewed by the player at the same time.

At the bottom of FIG. 74, a time axis indicating the timing at which FIGS. 74(A) to 74(D) are displayed is shown. As shown on the time axis in FIG. 74, first, the start switch 7 is operated by the player. The performance control unit 151 starts displaying the screen shown in FIG. 74(A) at timing Tm1 based on the operation of the start switch 7. The screen shown in FIG. 74(A) is displayed during a period from timing Tm1 to timing Tm2.

In FIG. 74(A), a background image of a mountain, the sun, a cloud, etc., an operation promotion image Ms1, and a switch image Im1 are displayed. The operation promotion image Ms1 displays the words "Press the button!". Furthermore, an image showing the appearance of the MAXBET switch 6 is displayed in the switch image Im1. In FIG. 74(A), the transparency of the operation promotion image Ms1 and the switch image Im1 is 0%. Note that the production control unit 151 may display the words "Press the MAXBET switch!" on the operation promotion image Ms1 without displaying the switch image Im1.

By displaying the operation promotion image Ms1 and the switch image Im1 on the liquid crystal display 51, the performance control unit 151 prompts the player to operate the MAXBET switch 6. On the other hand, the operation promotion image Ms1 in FIG. 74 is an image that does not suggest operation timing. Suggesting the operation timing means the timing at which the operation should be performed, and is different from suggesting the remaining operation time. Suggestion of operation timing will be explained in detail later.

The performance control unit 151 causes the liquid crystal display 51 to start erasing the operation promotion image Ms1 by detecting the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 while displaying the operation promotion image Ms1. That is, the performance control unit 151 increases the transparency of the operation promotion image Ms1 in stages based on the player operating the MAXBET switch 6 at timing Tm2. The effect control unit 151 gradually increases the transparency of the operation promotion image Ms1 from 0% to 100%. FIGS. 74(B) and 74(C) show screens showing the progress of the transmittance increasing.

FIG. 74B shows the operation promotion image Ms1 and the switch image Im1 with a transparency of 40% at timing Tm3. FIG. 74(C) shows the operation promotion image Ms1 and the switch image Im1 with a transparency of 80% at timing Tm4. FIG. 74(D) shows that at timing Tm5, the transparency of the operation promotion image Ms1 and the switch image Im1 becomes 100%, and they are erased from the screen of the liquid crystal display 51. As a result, during the erasure period of the operation promotion image Ms1, the operation promotion image Ms1 is gradually transmitted, thereby increasing the production effect.

Further, the production control unit 151 causes the speaker 53 to output an operation sound based on detecting the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 in FIG. 74(A). The operation sound in FIG. 74(A) is, for example, an electronic sound for notifying the player that the MAXBET switch 6 has been appropriately operated, and is output at a predetermined volume.

The effect control unit 151 displays the effect result image 96 based on the transparency of the operation promotion image Ms1 and the switch image Im1 reaching 100%. The effect result image 96 in FIG. 74 shows the words "Unfortunate...!". Note that the performance result image 96 may be an image indicating, for example, "Chance!", "Suspicious...", "Settlement!", "Bonus confirmed", etc. In this way, the liquid crystal display 51 displays the performance result image 96 based on the operation of the MAXBET switch 6.

In the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment, the operation promotion image Ms1 that does not suggest the operation timing but prompts an invalid operation of the MAXBET switch 6 starts to be erased at timing Tm2, and is completed at timing Tm5. That is, in FIG. 74, the period from the start of erasing of the operation promotion image Ms1 until the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms1 is completed is the period Dr1, as shown on the time axis of FIG. The period Dr1 is, for example, 1 to 3 seconds.

Next, a description will be given of an operation promotion image that suggests operation timing. FIG. 75 is a diagram showing a first example of an operation promotion image that suggests operation timing and promotes operation of the lower panel switch 57. Similar to FIG. 74, FIG. 75 shows the screen of the liquid crystal display 51 shown as FIGS. 75(A) to 75(D) and a time axis showing the timing at which FIGS. 75(A) to 75(D) are displayed. It is shown. As shown in FIG. 75, the operation promotion image Ms2 and the effect area Im2 are displayed at timing Tm1 based on the operation of the start switch 7.

The operation promotion image Ms2 shows the words "Press the lower panel switch at the correct timing!". A target image Tg1 and an aiming image Ar1 are shown in the effect area Im2. The target image Tg1 is a UFO that moves randomly within the production area Im2. On the other hand, the aim image Ar1 is displayed fixed at approximately the center within the effect area Im2. In the effect shown in FIG. 75, the player is encouraged to operate the lower panel switch 57 at the timing when the target image Tg1 overlaps with the aim image Ar1. Note that the target image Tg1 may not move randomly, but may move within the production area Im2 with a periodic or regular movement such as a sine wave, for example.

Since the target image Tg1 is displayed as a moving image so as to move within the production area Im2, as shown in FIG. 75(B), at the timing Tm2, the target image Tg1 has moved from the position of the target image Tg1 at the timing Tm1. As shown in FIG. 75(C), the target image Tg1 further moves from the position shown in FIG. 75(B) and overlaps with the aim image Ar1 at timing Tm3. In the example of FIG. 75, the player operates the lower panel switch 57 at timing Tm3 when the target image Tg1 and aim image Ar1 overlap. Thereby, the effect control unit 151 erases the operation promotion image Ms2, the aiming image Ar1, and the effect area Im2 including the target image Tg1. The effect control unit 151 displays the effect result image 97 when the operation promotion image Ms2 and the effect area Im2 are erased. The performance result image 97 is an image showing the words "EXCELLENT!".

Further, the effect control unit 151 causes the speaker 53 to output an operation sound based on detecting the operation of the lower panel switch 57 in FIG. 75(C). The operation sound in FIG. 75(C) is an electronic sound for notifying the player that the lower panel switch 57 has been appropriately operated, and is output at a predetermined volume. In this embodiment, the operation sound in FIG. 75(C) is the same as the operation sound in FIG. 74(A). That is, the output period and output volume of the operation sound in FIG. 75(C) are the same as the output period and output volume of the operation sound in FIG. 74(A). Note that the operation sound in FIG. 74(A) and the operation sound in FIG. 75(C) may be the same in only one of the output period and the output volume. Thereby, regardless of whether the MAXBET switch 6 or the lower panel switch 57 is operated, it is possible to notify the player that the operation has been performed effectively.

The effect control unit 151 changes the characters displayed in the effect result image 97 depending on whether or not the operation of the lower panel switch 57 is detected at the timing when the target image Tg1 and the aim image Ar1 overlap. For example, when the effect control unit 151 detects the operation of the lower panel switch 57 at a timing when the target image Tg1 and the aiming image Ar1 do not overlap, the effect control unit 151 may display the characters "BAD...". In addition, when the effect control unit 151 detects the operation of the lower panel switch 57 at a timing when the target image Tg1 and the aiming image Ar1 do not overlap, the effect control unit 151 does not display any image and displays the target image Tg1 and the aiming image Ar1. If the operation of the lower panel switch 57 is detected at a timing that overlaps with the above, a specific character may be displayed. Note that whether or not the timing at which the player operates the lower panel switch 57 is the timing at which the target image Tg1 and the aim image Ar1 overlap does not affect the progress of the game such as the internal lottery. As shown in FIG. 75, the period from the start of erasing of the operation promotion image Ms2 until the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms2 is completed is a period Dr2. The period Dr2 is, for example, 0.03 seconds to 0.3 seconds. When the frame rate of the S machine 2 is set to 30 fps, the effect control unit 151 may set, for example, 1 frame to 10 frames as the timing at which the target image Tg1 and the aim image Ar1 overlap.

In this way, in FIG. 75, unlike the example of FIG. 74 which does not suggest the operation timing, the operation promotion image Ms2 that suggests the operation timing is displayed. The operation promotion image Ms2 is an image that suggests that the lower panel switch 57 be pressed at the timing when the target image Tg1 moving within the production area Im2 overlaps with the aim image Ar1. Further, the target image Tg1 does not overlap the aiming image Ar1 at the timing Tm1 when the display of the target image Tg1 is started. Further, the entire period during which both the target image Tg1 and the aiming image Ar1 are displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 is, for example, 10 seconds.

That is, for all the periods in which both the target image Tg1 and the aiming image Ar1 are displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, the period during which the target image Tg1 and the aiming image Ar1 overlap is relatively short. In the production shown in FIG. 75, out of 10 seconds in which both the target image Tg1 and the aiming image Ar1 are displayed, the game is played between 0.03 seconds and 0.3 seconds when the target image Tg1 and the aiming image Ar1 overlap. Users are encouraged to operate the system. In this way, the suggestion of the operation timing refers to a specific operation timing that starts at a timing different from the start timing of the predetermined period within a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds during which the target image Tg1 and the aiming image Ar1 are displayed). (for example, from 0.03 seconds to 0.3 seconds when the target image Tg1 and the aiming image Ar1 overlap), the image suggesting the operation of a production switch is It is different from the one that is displayed and indicates the operation validity period of the production switch.

In this way, the operation at the operation timing required for the effect shown in FIG. 75 is an operation with a higher degree of difficulty than the operation performed on the effect switch within the operational validity period of the effect switch. Therefore, in the S machine 2, after the player operates the lower panel switch 57, it is preferable to notify at what timing the S machine 2 recognizes and accepts the player's operation. In other words, it is desirable to have the timing of the player's operations appropriately understood.

Comparing FIG. 74 and FIG. 75, the period Dr1 from when the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms1 in FIG. The period from the start until the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms2 is completed is longer than Dr2. As a result, the period Dr2 from when the operation of the lower panel switch 57 is detected until the operation promotion image Ms2 and the production area Im2 are erased, and the period Dr2 from when the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected to the time when the operation promotion image Ms1 is erased. Since the period until the operation is performed is shorter than Dr1, it is easy for the player to experience the timing at which the lower panel switch 57 is actually operated in response to the suggestion of the operation timing.

FIG. 76 is a diagram illustrating a second example of an operation promotion image that suggests operation timing and promotes operation of the lower panel switch 57. Similar to FIGS. 74 and 75, FIG. 76 shows the screen of the liquid crystal display 51 shown as FIGS. Axes are shown. As shown in FIG. 76, the operation promotion image Ms3 and the effect area Im3 are displayed at timing Tm1 based on the operation of the start switch 7.

The operation promotion image Ms3 shows the words "Press the lower panel switch at the correct timing!". In the production area Im3, the words "Press when the gauge is full!" are displayed together with the gauge. Referring to the time axis of FIG. 76, the value shown on the gauge in the production area Im3 gradually increases from timing Tm1. As shown in FIG. 76(B), the gauge value has increased compared to the state in FIG. 76(A). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 76(C), the gauge value has further increased compared to the state in FIG. 76(B).

In the example of FIG. 76, as shown in FIG. 76(C), the lower panel switch 57 is operated by the player at timing Tm3 before the gauge becomes full. The performance control unit 151 erases the performance area Im3 including the operation promotion image Ms3 and the gauge based on the player's operation at timing Tm3. The effect control unit 151 displays the effect result image 98 when the operation promotion image Ms3 and the effect area Im3 are erased. The performance result image 98 is an image showing the characters "GOOD!". If the effect control unit 151 detects that the lower panel switch 57 has been operated at the timing when the gauge is full, it may display an effect result image showing the words "EXCELLENT!".

In this way, also in the second example of FIG. 76, the operation promotion image Ms3 that suggests the operation timing is displayed. The period during which the gauge is full is shorter than the entire period during which the effect area Im3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. For example, if the entire period during which the production area Im3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 is 10 seconds, the period during which the gauge is full is 0.03 to 0.3 seconds.

In this way, in the performance shown in FIG. 76 as well, the operation at the operation timing required of the player is a more difficult operation for the player than the operation of the performance switch performed within the operation validity period of the performance switch. It is. Therefore, as in FIG. 75, it is desirable to have the timing of the player's operations appropriately understood. Comparing FIG. 74 and FIG. 76, the period Dr1 from when the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms1 in FIG. The period from the start until the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms3 is completed is longer than Dr3. As a result, the period Dr3 from when the lower panel switch 57 provided toward the front side of the S machine 2 is operated until the operation promotion image Ms3 is erased is reduced to the MAXBET provided on the upper surface 95 of the protrusion 94. Since the period from when the switch 6 is operated to when the operation promotion image Ms1 is deleted is shorter than the period from when the switch 6 is operated to when the operation promotion image Ms1 is erased, the operation of the lower panel switch 57 performed by the player in response to the suggestion of the operation timing is performed. It is easy for players to experience the timing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the production control board 15 is connected to the MAXBET switch 6 via the main control board 16 and the relay board 1100. On the other hand, the production control board 15 is directly connected to the lower panel switch 57. That is, in order to detect that the effect switch 56 has been operated to invalidate the MAXBET switch 6, it is necessary to relay the main control board 16 and the relay board 1100. A control command that indicates the SW signal of the MAXBET switch 6 from when the MAXBET switch 6 is actually pressed, rather than the period from when the lower panel switch 57 is actually pressed until the SW signal of the lower panel switch 57 is received. The period for receiving the information from the main control board 16 becomes longer. Therefore, as described above, in the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment, during the period Dr1 from when the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms1 is started until the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms1 is completed, the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms2 is The period from the start until the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms2 is completed is set to be longer than the period Dr2. Thereby, performance control can be performed in accordance with the period required for the performance control section 151 to actually detect the operation signal, so that it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

Further, as described with reference to FIG. 73, the lower panel switch 57 and the liquid crystal display 51 are both provided facing the positive direction of the X-axis. As a result, the period Dr2 from when the lower panel switch 57 facing the same direction as the liquid crystal display 51 is operated until the operation promotion image Ms2 is erased is changed from when the MAXBET switch 6 is operated to when the operation promotion image Since the period until Ms1 is erased is shorter than Dr1, it is easy for the player to experience the actual timing of the operation of the lower panel switch 57 performed by the player in response to the suggestion of the operation timing.

<Configuration including production switch 56>
In the above-mentioned S machine 2, an example has been described in which an invalid operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is used as a switch that accepts an operation for production. That is, the performance control unit 151 detects, via the main control board 16, that the player has performed an operation for the performance by detecting that the MAXBET switch 6 is operated to invalidate the MAXBET switch 6.

A slot machine in which a performance switch 56 is provided and the main control unit 161 detects only the valid operation of the MAXBET switch 6 will be described below. FIG. 77 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the slot machine when the production switch 56 is provided. As shown in FIG. 77, the effect switch 56 is directly connected to the effect control board 15 without going through the main control board 16. That is, the effect switch 56 outputs the SW signal to the effect control board 15. Further, the MAXBET switch 6 and the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R output SW signals to the main control board 16 via the relay board 1100.

Moreover, FIG. 78 is a perspective view for explaining the operation surface of the production switch 56 provided on the S stand 2. As shown in FIG. 78, the operation surface of the production switch 56 is decorated with the word "PUSH". The production switch 56 is provided facing direction D5, which is the positive direction side of the Z-axis. More specifically, the normal direction of the operation surface of the production switch 56 is the positive direction of the Z axis.

FIG. 79 is a diagram showing an example of an operation promotion image that promotes operation of the production switch 56 without suggesting the operation timing. Similar to FIG. 74, FIG. 79 shows transitions of screens displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as FIGS. 79(A) to 79(D). Further, in FIG. 79, a time axis is shown at the bottom of FIG. 79, similar to FIG. 74.

As shown on the time axis in FIG. 79, first, the start switch 7 is operated by the player. The performance control unit 151 starts displaying the screen shown in FIG. 79(A) at timing Tm1 based on the operation of the start switch 7. The screen shown in FIG. 79(A) is displayed during a period from timing Tm1 to timing Tm2.

In the operation promotion image Ms4 shown in FIG. 79(A), the words "Press the button!" are displayed. Moreover, an image showing the appearance of the production switch 56 is displayed in the switch image Im4. Note that the production control unit 151 may display characters such as "Press the PUSH button!" on the operation promotion image Ms4 without displaying the switch image Im4.

By displaying the operation promotion image Ms4 and the switch image Im4 on the liquid crystal display 51, the performance control unit 151 prompts the player to operate the performance switch 56. The operation promotion image Ms4 in FIG. 79 is an image that does not suggest operation timing, similar to the operation promotion image Ms1 in FIG. 74.

The production control unit 151 causes the liquid crystal display 51 to start erasing the operation promotion image Ms4 by detecting the operation of the production switch 56 while displaying the operation promotion image Ms4. That is, the performance control unit 151 displays the effect image Ef1 superimposed on the operation promotion image Ms4 based on the player operating the performance switch 56 at timing Tm2. That is, the effect control unit 151 erases the operation promotion image Ms4 and the switch image Im4 while generating the effect Ef1.

FIG. 79(B) shows the operation promotion image Ms4, the switch image Im4, and the effect Ef1 at timing Tm3. The effect Ef1 is, for example, an explosion, fireworks, flash, or the like, and is a moving image that changes so as to cover up the operation promotion image Ms4 and the switch image Im4. FIG. 74(C) shows the operation promotion image Ms4, the switch image Im4, and the effect Ef1 at timing Tm4. As shown in FIGS. 79B and 79C, the effect Ef1 gradually expands and covers the operation promotion image Ms4 and the switch image Im4. After that, the effect Ef1 is deleted, and the effect result image 99 shown in FIG. 79(D) is displayed. The performance result image 99 in FIG. 79 shows the words "Chance!", but examples include "Unfortunate...", "Premonition...?", "Suspicious...", "Settlement!", and "Bonus Confirmed" may also be indicated.

In this way, in the S stand 2 according to the present embodiment, the operation promotion image Ms4 that does not suggest the operation timing but prompts the operation of the production switch 56 starts to be erased at the timing Tm2, and ends at the timing Tm5. . That is, the period from when the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms4 is started until the erasure of the operation promotion image Ms4 is completed is the period Dr4 shown in FIG. 79. The period Dr4 is, for example, 1 to 3 seconds.

FIG. 80 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation promotion image that suggests operation timing and promotes operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. Similar to FIG. 74, FIG. 80 shows the screen of the liquid crystal display 51 shown as FIGS. 80(A) to 80(D) and a time axis showing the timing at which FIGS. 80(A) to 80(D) are displayed. It is shown. As shown in FIG. 80, the operation promotion image Ms5 is displayed at timing Tm1 based on the operation of the start switch 7.

The operation promotion image Ms5 shows the words "Aim for 7!". The text "Aim for 7!" has no background image attached, but only the text. As shown in FIG. 80(A), the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed while they are rotating. The player operates the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R at the special timing when black 7 is derived, as shown in the operation promotion image Ms5.

In FIG. 80(B), the main control unit 161 stops the left reel 2L with the black 7 drawn out based on the left stop switch 8L being operated at the timing Tm2 when the black 7 is pulled in. In addition, in FIG. 80(C), the main control unit 161 stops the middle reel 2C with the black 7 drawn out based on the middle stop switch 8C being operated at the timing Tm3 when the black 7 is pulled in. . As shown in FIGS. 80(B) and 80(C), when the reels 2L and 2C are stopped, the operation promotion image Ms5 remains displayed.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 80(D), when the right stop switch 8R is operated at timing Tm4 when black 7 is drawn in, the main control unit 161 determines that the right stop switch 8R has been operated. is sent to the production control unit 151 as a control command, and the production control unit 151 changes the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 to the mode shown in FIG. 80(D). That is, as shown in FIG. 80(D), the effect control unit 151 erases the operation promotion image Ms5 at timing Tm4. Immediately after that, the effect control unit 151 displays flashing lights of seven colors on the entire liquid crystal display 51 at timing Tm5. As shown on the time axis in FIG. 80, the erasure period of the operation promotion image Ms5 is a period Dr5 from timing Tm4 when the right stop switch 8R is pressed to timing Tm5. The period Dr5 is, for example, 0.01 seconds, which is shorter than either the period Dr1 or the period Dr4.

As a result, the period Dr5 from when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R provided toward the front side of the S stand 2 are operated until the operation promotion image Ms5 is erased is set on the upper surface 95 of the protruding portion 94. Regarding the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that the player performs in response to the suggestion of the operation timing, the period from when the production switch 56 is operated until the operation promotion image Ms4 is erased is shorter than Dr4. , it is easy for the player to experience the actual timing of the operation.

FIG. 81 is a diagram showing an example of an operation promotion image that promotes operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R without suggesting the operation timing. Similar to FIG. 74, FIG. 81 shows transitions of screens displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as FIGS. 81(A) to 81(D). Further, in FIG. 81, a time axis is shown at the bottom of FIG. 81, similar to FIG. 74.

As shown on the time axis in FIG. 81, first, the start switch 7 is operated by the player. The performance control unit 151 starts displaying the screen shown in FIG. 80(A) at timing Tm1 based on the operation of the start switch 7.

The operation promotion image Ms6 in FIG. 80(A) is an image used for navigation presentation, and is an image that suggests the order of operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. That is, in the operation promotion image Ms6 in FIG. 80(A), images indicating "1", "2", and "3" are displayed in correspondence with the positions of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. In the example of FIG. 80, the left stop switch 8L is associated with the order suggestion image Ms6L indicating "1", and the middle stop switch 8C is associated with the order suggestion image Ms6C indicating "2". An order suggestion image Ms6R indicating "3" is associated with the left stop switch 8R. Thereby, the main control unit 161 prompts the player to operate the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the order of the left stop switch 8L, the middle stop switch 8C, and the right stop switch 8R through the navigation effect.

The player presses the left stop switch 8L at timing Tm2. The main control section 161 detects that the left stop switch 8L has been operated, and transmits a control command to the production control section 151. The effect control unit 151 starts erasing the order suggestion image Ms6L based on receiving the control command indicating that the left stop switch 8L has been operated. As shown in FIG. 80(B), similarly to the example of FIG. 79, display of the effect Ef2 superimposed on the order suggestion image Ms6L is started at timing Tm2. Thereafter, at timing Tm3, the display range of effect Ef2 is expanded. Further, at timing Tm4, the order suggestion image Ms6L is erased together with the effect Ef2. That is, in the example of FIG. 81, the erasure period of the order suggestion image Ms6L is a period Dr6 from timing Tm2 to timing Tm4. The period Dr6 is, for example, 1 to 3 seconds.

In this way, in the S machine 2 according to the present embodiment, the period Dr5 from when the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are operated until the operation promotion image Ms5 is erased is the same as when the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are operated. The period from when the operation promotion image Ms6 is deleted until the operation promotion image Ms6 is deleted is shorter than Dr6. This makes it easy for the player to experience the timing at which the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are actually operated in response to the suggestion of operation timing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 81, a decoration image ImB1 is attached to each of the order suggestion images Ms6L, Ms6C, and Ms6R included in the operation promotion image Ms6. As a result, the deletion period of the order suggestion images Ms6L, Ms6C, and Ms6R to which the decoration image ImB1 is attached is made longer than the deletion period of the operation promotion image Ms5 to which the decoration image is not attached, thereby enlivening the performance and increasing interest. can be increased. Referring to FIGS. 74, 79, and 81, periods Dr1, Dr4, and Dr6 are periods for erasing operation suggestion images that do not suggest operation timing. Further, referring to FIGS. 75, 76, and 80, periods Dr2, Dr3, and Dr5 are periods during which operation suggestion images suggesting operation timing are deleted.

<About the game information display section>
In the S stand 2 in this embodiment, a game information display section 90 is provided on the upper surface 95 of the protrusion 94. The game information display section 90 provides notification regarding advantageous states such as AT1 state, AT2 state, or high probability state. FIG. 82 is a diagram showing the appearance of the game information display section 90.

The gaming information display section 90 includes a 1BETLED 14, a 2BETLED 15, a 3BETLED 16, and a gaming auxiliary display 12.

The game auxiliary display 12 displays the number of medals paid out when a winning occurs, operation information (navigation notification) corresponding to the operation mode, and the like. Hereinafter, the number of paid-out medals displayed by the game auxiliary display 12 may be referred to as the "number of paid-out medals." That is, the game auxiliary display 12 displays the game value given to the player according to the result of one game. The game auxiliary display 12 is composed of a 7-segment LED display, and is controlled by the main control section 161.

The 1BET LED 14 notifies you that the number of bets is set to 1 by lighting. The 2BET LED 15 notifies you that the number of bets is set to 2 by lighting. The 3BET LED 16 notifies you that the number of bets is set to 3 by lighting. The replay lamp 91 indicates that a replay prize has been won by being lit. When the outer end signal lamp 92 is turned on, it indicates that the S unit 2 shifts to the AT1 state or the AT2 state. The weight lamp 93 is lit to indicate that a weight is being applied. That is, the wait lamp 93 indicates that it is within the period of one game time management timer.

As described above, the S stand 2 according to the present embodiment can be controlled to the advantageous section normal, high accuracy state, AT1 state, and AT2 state. Advantageous section Normally, navigation is not executed. The high certainty state is a state in which the number of points awarded is larger than the normal advantageous section, and is a state in which it is easy to shift to the AT1 state. The AT1 state is a state in which the navigation is displayed, and ends when a predetermined number of games are played. The AT2 state is a so-called pseudo-bonus state in which the player can increase the net increase in the number of coins he or she can obtain by following the navigation.

As shown in FIG. 4, the AT2 state can be controlled from the AT1 state. For example, if the remaining number of games in the AT1 state is not 0 and the AT2 state is controlled, the AT1 state is maintained and the AT2 state is controlled. For example, when the AT1 state is controlled to the AT2 state with 30 games remaining, after the game in the AT2 state ends, the game in the AT1 state with 30 games remaining is restarted.

The S stand 2 in this embodiment is provided with an external output terminal for communicating with a hall management computer, a hall server that performs security management, an external display device, and the like. As explained in the flowchart of the main processing, the main control unit 161 uses the gaming machine status information received from the S machine 2 via the external output terminal to perform security management on the hall management computer (hall controller). Send to an external location such as a hall server. That is, the main control unit 161 notifies whether the state of the S unit 2 is controlled to be in the advantageous section normal state, the high accuracy state, the AT1 state, or the AT2 state by lighting the outer end signal lamp 92.

FIG. 83 is a flowchart showing external signal processing. In the external signal processing (Sb24a, Sb43c) of the main processing, the main control unit 161 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 83. The main control unit 161 acquires the advantageous state in which the S stand 2 is being controlled, and determines whether the advantageous state is controlled to the AT1 state (step St1). In step St1, as described above, if the gaming state is controlled to the AT2 state with the remaining number of games remaining in the AT1 state, the main control unit 161 determines that the game is controlled to the AT1 state. Furthermore, even if the device is controlled only to the AT1 state, the main control unit 161 determines that it is controlled to the AT1 state. When determining that the AT1 state is controlled (YES in step S11), the main control unit 161 controls the outer end signal lamp 92 to emit light (step St2). After that, the main control unit 161 starts outputting the external signal 1 (Step St3). External signal 1 is a signal indicating that the control is in the AT1 state. If the external signal 1 has already been output, the main control unit 161 maintains the state in which the external signal 1 is output.

The main control unit 161 further acquires the advantageous state in which the S stand 2 is being controlled, and determines whether the advantageous state is the AT2 state (step St4). That is, in step St4, the main control unit 161 determines whether or not the AT2 state is controlled while the AT1 state is maintained. If it is determined that the AT1 state is maintained while being controlled to the AT2 state (YES in step St4), the main control unit 161 starts outputting the external signal 2 (step St5). External signal 2 is a signal indicating that it is controlled to the AT2 state. If the external signal 2 has already been output, the main control unit 161 maintains the state in which the external signal 2 is being output. If it is determined that the AT1 state is not controlled to the AT2 state (NO in step St4), the main control unit 161 ends outputting the external signal 2 (step St5). If the external signal 2 has not been output yet, the main control unit 161 maintains the state in which the external signal 2 is not output.

Returning to step St1, if it is determined that the AT1 state is not controlled (No in step St1), then the main control unit 161 stops outputting the external signal 1 (step St7). If the external signal 1 has not been output yet, the main control unit 161 maintains the state in which the external signal 1 is not output. Thereafter, the main control unit 161 controls the outer end signal lamp 92 in the normal mode (Step St8). The normal mode of the outer end signal lamp 92 means a mode in which no light is emitted.

The main control unit 161 determines whether the advantageous state is controlled to be the AT2 state (step St9). When determining that the AT2 state is controlled (YES in step St9), the main control unit 161 controls the outer end signal lamp 92 to emit light (step St10). After that, the main control unit 161 starts outputting the external signal 2 (step St11). If the external signal 2 has already been output, the main control unit 161 maintains the state in which the external signal 2 is being output. When determining that the AT2 state is not controlled (NO in step St9), the main control unit 161 stops outputting the external signal 2 (step St12). If the external signal 2 has not been output yet, the main control unit 161 maintains the state in which the external signal 2 is not output. Thereafter, the main control unit 161 controls the outer end signal lamp 92 in the normal mode (Step St13). The main control unit 161 causes the outer end signal lamp 92 to turn on as shown in FIG. 84 by following the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 84 is a diagram for explaining the lighting mode of the outer end signal lamp 92 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 84, at timing t1, the outer end signal lamp 92 is controlled to be lit by being controlled from the high accuracy state or advantageous section normal to the AT2 state. Further, at timing t2, the outer end signal lamp 92 is controlled to the normal state by being controlled from the AT2 state to the high accuracy state or the advantageous section normal state. Subsequently, at timing t3, the outer end signal lamp 92 is controlled to be in the lit state by being controlled from the high accuracy state or advantageous section normal to the AT1 state. Furthermore, at timing t4, the AT1 state is maintained and the AT2 state is controlled. At this time, the outer end signal lamp 92 remains lit. Further, at timing t5, when the AT2 state is controlled to the AT1 state, the outer end signal lamp 92 maintains the lighting state. Finally, at timing t6, the outer end signal lamp 92 is controlled to the normal state by being controlled from the AT1 state to the normal section.

In this way, the S unit 2 in this embodiment outputs external signal 1 when controlled to the AT1 state, and outputs external signal 2 when controlled to the AT2 state. Based on the output, it is possible to prevent the player from determining whether the S machine 2 is controlled in the AT1 state or the AT2 state. Furthermore, the main control unit 161 controls the outer end signal lamp 92 to emit light before outputting either the external signal 1 or the external signal 2 to the outside. As a result, it is possible to notify that the specific light emitting means has been controlled to the first advantageous state or the second advantageous state before outputting a signal regarding the advantageous state to the external device, so that it can be notified before the gaming machine It is possible to prevent an advantageous state from being reported by an external device.

Furthermore, the main controller 161 controls the outer end signal lamp 92 in the normal mode after stopping the output of the external signal 1 as shown in steps St7 and St8 in FIG. 83 and timing t6 in FIG. After stopping the output of the external signal 2 as shown in steps St12 and St13 and timing t2 in FIG. 84, the outer end signal lamp 92 is controlled in a normal manner. As a result, the outer end signal lamp 92 is controlled in a normal manner after stopping the output of the external signal related to the advantageous state to the external device, so that the external device is not notified of the AT1 state or the AT2 state. Despite this, the S unit 2 can be prevented from being controlled to an advantageous state other than the AT1 state or AT2 state. Further, the main control unit 161 controls the specific light emitting means in the specific mode during a period in which either one of the external signal 1 and the external signal 2 is output. Thereby, by controlling the outer end signal lamp 92 in a light emitting mode, it is possible to make an external determination that the outer end signal lamp 92 is controlled to either the AT1 state or the AT2 state.

As shown at timing t4 and timing t5 in FIG. 84, main control unit 161 may start and stop outputting external signal 2 during the period in which external signal 1 is being output. The main control unit 161 maintains the light emission mode of the outer end signal lamp 92 regardless of whether outputting the external signal 2 has started or whether outputting the external signal 2 has ended. Thereby, by controlling the outer end signal lamp 92 to emit light, it is possible to make it possible to determine to the outside that at least the AT1 state is controlled.

[Main configuration]
The S stand 2 according to the present embodiment has been described above. The main configuration of the S stand 2 according to the present embodiment will be explained below.

(1) A gaming machine capable of playing games,
Display means (for example, a process for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 51);
a first operation detection means (for example, a process for detecting an operation on the MAXBET switch 6) that detects a first operation by the player (for example, an operation on the MAXBET switch 6 shown in FIG. 74);
a second operation detection means (for example, a process for detecting an invalid operation on the lower panel switch 57) for detecting a second operation by the player (for example, an operation on the lower panel switch 57 shown in FIG. 75);
The display means is
A first operation promotion image (for example, operation promotion image Ms1 shown in FIG. 74) that does not suggest the operation timing but prompts the first operation is displayed, and when the first operation promotion image is displayed, the first operation promotion image is displayed. Based on the first operation being detected by the first operation detection means, the first operation promotion image is erased (for example, the operation promotion image Ms1 is erased in response to the operation as shown in FIG. 74). (started)
A second operation promotion image (for example, operation promotion image Ms2 shown in FIG. 75) that suggests operation timing and prompts the second operation is displayed, and when the second operation promotion image is displayed, the second operation promotion image is displayed. The second operation promotion image is erased based on the detection of the second operation by the operation detection means (for example, erasure of the operation promotion image Ms2 is started in response to the operation as shown in FIG. 75). )
During the period from when erasure of the first operation promotion image is started until erasure of the first operation promotion image is completed (for example, period Dr1 in FIG. 74), erasure of the second operation promotion image is started. A gaming machine in which the period is longer than the period from when the second operation promotion image is completely erased (for example, period Dr2 in FIG. 75). (For example, as shown in FIGS. 74 and 75, the period Dr1 for erasing the operation promotion image Ms1 that does not suggest operation timing is longer than the period Dr2 for erasing the operation promotion image Ms2 that suggests operation timing.)

Specifically, the period from when the second operation is detected until the second operation promotion image is deleted is longer than the period from when the first operation is detected until the first operation promotion image is deleted. This also makes it easier for the player to experience the actual timing of the second operation performed by the player in response to the suggestion of the operation timing.

(2) a first operation means (for example, MAXBET switch 6 shown in FIG. 73) that accepts the first operation;
a second operation means (for example, the lower panel switch 57 shown in FIG. 73) that is provided toward a predetermined direction (for example, the direction D3 shown in FIG. 73) and receives the second operation;
The display means is
provided toward the predetermined direction (for example, direction D1 as shown in FIG. 73),
When prompting the first operation, the first operation promotion image is displayed, and the first operation promotion is performed based on the fact that the first operation means is operated while the first operation promotion image is being displayed. Erase the image (for example, display and erase the operation promotion image Ms1 shown in FIG. 74)
Displaying the second operation promotion image when prompting the second operation, and promoting the second operation based on the fact that the second operation means was operated while the second operation promotion image was being displayed. Erase the image (for example, display and erase the operation promotion image Ms2 shown in FIG. 75)
During the period from when erasure of the first operation promotion image is started until erasure of the first operation promotion image is completed (for example, period Dr1 in FIG. 74), erasure of the second operation promotion image is started. (For example, as shown in FIGS. 74 and 75, the effect control unit 151 suggests the operation timing.) (Quickly delete images that promote operations).

Specifically, the period from the time when the second operation means facing the same direction as the display surface is operated until the second operation promotion image is erased is the period from when the first operation means is operated to the time when the first operation means is operated. Since the period is shorter than the period until the operation promotion image is deleted, it is easy for the player to experience the actual timing of the second operation performed by the player in response to the suggestion of the operation timing.

(3) The display means is an effect display section provided toward the front side of the gaming machine (for example, a liquid crystal display 51 provided toward the direction D1 as shown in FIG. 73),
The first operating means is provided on the upper surface (for example, the upper surface 95 shown in FIG. 73) of a protrusion (for example, the protrusion 94 shown in FIG. 73) that protrudes toward the front side of the gaming machine. (for example, MAXBET switch 6 oriented in direction D2),
The second operating means is provided toward the front side of the gaming machine (for example, a lower panel switch 57 facing in direction D4),
The performance display section is
A specific image (for example, a performance result image 96 of “Unfortunate” shown in FIG. 74) can be displayed based on the operation of the first operation means,
Displaying the first operation promotion image (for example, the operation promotion image Ms1 of “Press the button!” shown in FIG. 74) that prompts the operation of the first operation means when the first operation means is operable. death,
A special image (for example, the images 97 and 98 of "EXCELLENT!" and "GOOD!" shown in FIGS. 75 and 76) can be displayed based on the second operation means being operated at a special timing,
When the second operation means is operable, the second operation promotion image (shown in FIGS. 75 and 76) that prompts the operation of the second operation means at the special timing ("Press the lower panel switch at the same time") !” operation promotion images Ms2, Ms3) are displayed.

Specifically, the period from when the second operation means provided toward the front side of the gaming machine is operated to when the second operation promotion image is erased is longer than the time period from when the second operation means provided toward the front side of the gaming machine is erased. Since the period from when the operating means is operated to when the first operation promotion image is deleted is shorter, the actual timing of the second operation performed by the player in response to the suggestion of the operation timing is Easy for players to experience.

(4) The display means:
an effect display section provided toward the front side of the gaming machine (for example, a liquid crystal display 51 oriented in direction D1 as shown in FIG. 78);
A variable display section provided toward the front side of the gaming machine and capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (for example, as shown in FIG. 78, reels 2L and 2C oriented in direction D1) , 2R),
The first operating means is provided on the upper surface (for example, the upper surface 95 shown in FIG. 78) of the protrusion (for example, the protrusion 94 shown in FIG. 78) that protrudes toward the front side of the gaming machine (for example, the upper surface 95 shown in FIG. 78). , a production switch 56) directed in the direction D5,
The second operation means is provided toward the front side of the gaming machine, and is a derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R directed in direction D3) for stopping the variable display of the variable display section. and
The variable display section is capable of displaying a specific display result (for example, a set of "7") based on the derivation operation means being operated at a specific timing (for example, a pull-in timing when "7" is pulled in),
The performance display section is
A specific image (for example, a result display image 96B of "Chance!" shown in FIG. 79) can be displayed based on the operation of the first operating means,
Displaying the first operation promotion image (for example, the operation promotion image Ms4 of “Press the button!” shown in FIG. 79) that prompts the operation of the first operation means when the first operation means is operable. death,
Displaying the second operation promotion image (operation promotion image Ms5 "Aim for 7!" shown in FIG. 80) that prompts the operation of the derivation operation means at the specific timing when the derivation operation means is operable. .

Specifically, the period from the time when the derivation operation means provided toward the front side of the gaming machine is operated until the second operation promotion image is erased is the period from when the derivation operation means provided toward the front side of the gaming machine is operated, to the time when the first operation provided on the upper surface of the protrusion Since the period from when the means is operated to when the first operation promotion image is deleted is shorter than the period from when the means is operated to when the first operation promotion image is deleted, the timing at which the player actually operated the second operation performed by the player in response to the suggestion of the operation timing is It is easy for people to experience it.

(5) The display means:
an effect display section provided toward the front side of the gaming machine (for example, a liquid crystal display 51 oriented in direction D1 as shown in FIG. 78);
A variable display section provided toward the front side of the gaming machine and capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (for example, as shown in FIG. 78, reels 2L and 2C oriented in direction D1) , 2R),
Each of the first operating means and the second operating means is provided toward the front side of the gaming machine, and each of the first operating means and the second operating means is provided with a deriving operating means (for example, directed in the direction D3) for stopping the variable display of the variable display section. stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R),
The variable display section is capable of displaying a specific display result (for example, a set of "7") based on the derivation operation means being operated at a specific timing (for example, a pull-in timing when "7" is pulled in). ,
The performance display section is
displaying the first operation prompting image (for example, order suggestion images Ms6L, Ms6C, Ms6R shown in FIG. 81) that prompts the operation of the deriving operation means during the variable display of the variable display section;
Based on the fact that the derivation operation means is operated while the first operation promotion image is being displayed, the first operation promotion image is erased (for example, the start of erasure in FIG. 81(B));
When the derivation operation means is operable, displaying the second operation promotion image (operation promotion image Ms5 "Aim for 7!" shown in FIG. 80) that prompts the operation of the derivation operation means at the specific timing. death,
Based on the fact that the derivation operation means is operated while the second operation promotion image is being displayed, the second operation promotion image is erased (eg, the start of erasure in FIG. 80(D)).

Specifically, the period from when the derivation operation means is operated until the second operation promotion image is deleted is longer than the period from when the derivation operation means is operated until the first operation promotion image is deleted. This also makes it easier for the player to experience the actual timing of the second operation performed by the player in response to the suggestion of the operation timing.

(6) A game control means (for example, the main control unit 161 shown in FIG. 2) that controls the progress of the game;
A production control means (for example, production control unit 151 shown in FIG. 2) that controls production,
The first operation means (for example, MAXBET switch 6) outputs a first operation signal (for example, a SW signal to the main control unit 161 shown in FIG. 4) to the game control means,
The second operation means (for example, the effect switch 56) outputs a second operation signal (for example, the SW signal to the effect control section 151 shown in FIG. 4) to the effect control means,
The game control means transmits an operation command (for example, the control command shown in FIG. 2) to the production control means based on the first operation signal being input from the first operation means,
The performance control means is
displaying the first operation promotion image (for example, operation promotion image Ms1 shown in FIG. 74) on the display means when prompting the operation of the first operation means;
If the operation command is received while the first operation promotion image is being displayed, the first operation promotion image is erased (for example, the operation control unit 151 erases the operation promotion image Ms1 shown in FIG. 74). ),
displaying the second operation promotion image (for example, operation promotion image Ms2 shown in FIG. 75) on the display means when prompting the operation of the second operation means;
While the second operation promotion image is being displayed, the second operation promotion image is erased based on the input of the second operation signal from the second operation means (for example, when the effect control unit 151 deletion of the operation promotion image Ms2 shown in FIG. 75),
During the period from when erasure of the first operation promotion image is started until erasure of the first operation promotion image is completed (for example, period Dr1 shown in FIG. 74), erasure of the second operation promotion image is started. This period is longer than the period from when the second operation promotion image is deleted until the deletion of the second operation promotion image is completed (for example, the period Dr2 shown in FIG. 75).

Specifically, the production control means changes the erasure period of the first operation promotion image based on the operation of the first operation means via the game control means to the second period based on the operation of the second operation means not via the game control means. By making the period longer than the erasure period of the operation promotion image, it is possible to control the effect in accordance with the period required for the effect control means to actually detect the operation signal, so that the player does not feel any discomfort. It can prevent you from having to worry about it.

(7) The display means:
Displaying the first operation promotion image (for example, the operation promotion image Ms6 with the decoration image shown in FIG. 81) with a decoration image (for example, the decoration image ImB1 shown in FIG. 81) on the back side;
Based on the fact that the first operation means is operated while the first operation promotion image is being displayed, the first operation promotion image is erased (for example, the display with the decorative image in FIG. 81(B) (Start of erasing the operation promotion image Ms6L)
Displaying the second operation promotion image (for example, the operation promotion image Ms5 "Aim for 7!" shown in FIG. 80) without a decorative image on the back side;
Based on the fact that the second operation means is operated while the second operation promotion image is displayed, the second operation promotion image is erased (for example, the operation promotion image in FIG. 80(D) Start of deletion of Ms5)
During the period from when erasure of the first operation promotion image is started until erasure of the first operation promotion image is completed (for example, period Dr6 shown in FIG. 81), erasure of the second operation promotion image is started. This period is longer than the period from when the second operation promotion image is deleted until the erasure of the second operation promotion image is completed (for example, the period Dr5 shown in FIG. 80).

Specifically, the erasing period of the first operation promoting image with the decorative image attached is made longer than the erasing period of the second operation promoting image without the decorative image attached, thereby enlivening the performance and increasing interest. be able to.

(8) The display means increases the transparency of the first operation promotion image in stages (for example, the transparency of the operation promotion image Ms1 shown in FIG. 74) as the first operation promotion image starts to be erased. gradually increases).

Specifically, the presentation effect can be enhanced by gradually transmitting the first operation promotion image during the erasure period of the first operation promotion image.

(9) The production control means:
outputting a first operation sound (for example, the operation sound in FIG. 74(A)) based on the first operation means being operated while the first operation promotion image is being displayed;
outputting a second operation sound (for example, the operation sound in FIG. 75(C)) based on the second operation means being operated while the second operation promotion image is being displayed;
The first operation sound is output in the same output period or output volume as the second operation sound.

Specifically, regardless of whether either the first operating means or the second operating means is operated, it is possible to notify the player that the operation has been performed effectively.

(10) Pre-determining means for determining display results that are allowed to be derived (for example, internal lottery processing by the main control unit 161);
A start operation means (for example, a start switch 7) for starting the variable display of the variable display section,
The game control means is
A test for specifying information regarding a decision result of the predetermining means (for example, information indicating a predetermined result) based on the start operation means being operated to start variable display on the variable display section. Executing a test signal generation process (for example, the test signal generation process shown in Sb13 in FIG. 64) that generates a signal,
After executing the test signal generation process, execute a delay process that delays the progress of the game for a predetermined period (for example, a process of waiting for multiple interrupts shown in FIG. 64: Sbw2),
After the predetermined period has elapsed, a variation start process (for example, a reel rotation start process shown in Sb24 in FIG. 64) for starting the variation of the variable display section is executed.

Specifically, after generating a test signal at the start of a game, the game control means enters a waiting state for a predetermined period of time, thereby making it possible to ensure that the external device receives the test signal reliably, and It is possible to prevent discrepancies in information from occurring between the equipment and the game control means.

(11) The game control means includes:
A test for specifying information regarding a decision result of the predetermining means (for example, information indicating a predetermined result) based on the start operation means being operated to start variable display on the variable display section. Executing a test signal generation process (for example, the test signal generation process shown in Sb13 in FIG. 64) that generates a signal,
Executing a performance output process (for example, a control state command group execution process shown in Sb14 in FIG. 64) for outputting information regarding the determination result of the advance determination means and information regarding the gaming state to the performance control means;
After executing the test signal generation process and the performance output process, execute a delay process to delay the progress of the game for a predetermined period (for example, a process of waiting for multiple interrupts shown in FIG. 64: Sbw2),
After the predetermined period has elapsed, a variation start process (for example, a reel rotation start process shown in Sb24 in FIG. 64) for starting the variation of the variable display section is executed.

Specifically, the game control means generates a test signal at the start of the game, outputs information regarding the decision result of the pre-determination means to the performance control means, and then enters a waiting state for a predetermined period. It is possible to ensure that the player reliably receives the test signal and that the performance control means reliably receives information regarding the decision result of the advance determination means, and between the external device, the game control means, and the performance control means. It is possible to prevent discrepancies in information from occurring.

(12) The game control means includes:
A game state output process (for example, the RT information output process shown in Sb2 in FIG. Execute the RT status acquisition and transmission processing shown in Si3 of 65),
After the game state output process is executed, a delay process that delays the progress of the game for a predetermined period (for example, a process of waiting for multiple interrupts shown in FIG. 64: Sbw1) is executed,
After the predetermined period has elapsed, a process (for example, a game start waiting process shown in Sb5 in FIG. 64) for starting acceptance of bet number settings is executed.

Specifically, after generating the test signal at the end of the game, the game control means enters a waiting state for a predetermined period of time, so that, for example, it is possible to ensure that the external device receives the test signal reliably, It is possible to prevent discrepancies in information from occurring between the external device and the game control means.

(13) The game control means includes:
An effect output process (for outputting information regarding the determination result of the advance determining means and information regarding the gaming state (for example, RT information) to an effect control means based on the fact that the game has been completed by the operation of the deriving operation means; For example, execute the command sending process at the end of the game shown in FIG. 64: Sb49),
After the production output process is executed, a delay process that delays the progress of the game for a predetermined period (for example, a process of waiting for multiple interrupts shown in FIG. 64: Sbw1) is executed,
After the predetermined period has elapsed, a process (for example, a game start waiting process shown in Sb5 in FIG. 64) for starting acceptance of bet number settings is executed.

Specifically, the game control means generates a test signal at the end of the game, outputs information regarding the determination result of the advance determination means to the performance control means, and then enters a waiting state for a predetermined period, so that, for example, external It is possible to ensure that the equipment reliably receives the test signal and that the performance control means reliably receives information regarding the determination result of the advance determination means, and between the external equipment, the game control means, and the performance control means. This can prevent discrepancies in information from occurring.

(14) The game control means performs a common delay process (for example, , FIG. 64: Sbw1 and Sbw2 are common processes).

Specifically, by standardizing the delay processing performed at the start of the game and at the end of the game, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity.

(15) In a predetermined game, the game control means controls the fluctuation after a specific time (for example, a wait time of 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the start operation means was operated in a game before the predetermined game. Execute the start process (for example, the reel rotation start process shown in FIG. 64: Sb24)
After executing the delay process, it is determined whether the specific time has elapsed. (For example, after the interrupt multiple wait process shown in Figure 64: Sbw2 is executed, the determination process shown in Sb19 is executed)

Specifically, whether the specified time has elapsed appropriately from when the previous game's fluctuation started to when the next game's fluctuation can start, excluding the prescribed period that occurs due to delay processing. You can judge whether or not.

(16) The game control means does not execute a process for determining whether or not to control the state of the gaming machine to an error state during the predetermined period. (For example, FIG. 64: Error transition processing is performed at Sb32.)

Specifically, it is possible to prevent discrepancies from occurring between the information of the transmitted test signal and the information of the gaming machine that has entered the error state due to being controlled to an error state during delay processing. .

(17) The game control means can be connected to a conversion means (for example, the test board 300) that converts the test signal generated in the test signal generation process into a specific signal (for example, a common test signal).

Specifically, there is no need to generate a test signal for each gaming machine that is compatible with a specified test device.

(18) The game control means includes:
In an advantageous section including a plurality of types of advantageous states with different advantage degrees, the state of the gaming machine is divided into a first advantageous state (for example, the AT1 state shown in FIG. 4) and a second advantageous state (for example, the AT2 state shown in FIG. 4). state) and can be controlled to
A first signal (for example, external signal 1) can be outputted to the outside when the gaming machine is in the first advantageous state;
A second signal (for example, external signal 2) can be outputted to the outside when the gaming machine is in the second advantageous state;
The specific light emitting means (for example, the outer end signal lamp 92) is controlled in a specific manner when either the first signal or the second signal is output.

Specifically, it is possible to prevent the player from determining whether the gaming machine is controlled to the first advantageous state or the second advantageous state by outputting an external signal.

(19) The game control means controls the specific light emitting means in the specific mode before outputting either the first signal or the second signal to the outside. (For example, as shown in FIG. 83, before the output processing of the external signals of St3 and St11, a process of controlling the light emission mode of St2 and St10 is executed.)

Specifically, before outputting a signal regarding the advantageous state to an external device, it is possible to notify that the specific light emitting means has been controlled to the first advantageous state or the second advantageous state. It is possible to prevent an advantageous state from being reported by an external device first.

(20) The game control means controls the specific light emitting means to the normal mode after stopping the output of either the first signal or the second signal. (For example, as shown in FIG. 83, before the external signal output processing of St7 and St12, the processing of controlling to the normal mode of St8 and St13 is executed.)

Specifically, after stopping the output of the signal related to the advantageous state to the external device, the specific light emitting means is controlled in a normal manner, so that the external device can detect that it is in the first advantageous state or the second advantageous state. Despite the notification, the gaming machine can be prevented from being controlled to an advantageous state other than the first advantageous state or the second advantageous state.

(21) The game control means controls the specific light emitting means in the specific mode only during a period in which either the first signal or the second signal is output. (For example, as shown in FIG. 84, the outer end signal lamp 92 is lit only during the output period of external signal 1 or external signal 2.)

Specifically, by controlling the specific light emitting means in a specific manner, it is possible to externally determine that the specific light emitting means is controlled to the first advantageous state or the second advantageous state.

(22) The game control means controls the specific light emitting means in a specific manner during a period in which either the first signal or the second signal is output. (For example, as shown in FIG. 85, the outer end signal lamp 92 can be lit even during the output period of external signal 1 or external signal 2 and during the high accuracy state.)

Specifically, by controlling the specific light emitting means in a specific manner, it can be determined externally that there is a possibility that the specific light emitting means is being controlled to the first advantageous state or the second advantageous state.

(23) The game control means includes:
During the period in which the first signal is being output, the output of the second signal may be started and stopped;
Regardless of whether output of the second signal has started or whether output of the second signal has ended, the specific light emitting means is maintained in a specific mode. (For example, as shown in FIG. 84, during the output period of external signal 1, outer end signal lamp 92 remains lit, and output of external signal 2 is started and stopped.)

Specifically, by controlling the specific light emitting means in a specific manner, it is possible to make an external determination that the specific light emitting means is controlled to at least the first advantageous state.

[Modified example]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications are possible. Modifications of the above embodiments applicable to the present invention will be described below.

[About the value set in the second Q register]
In Embodiment 1, it is explained that "F0" is set to the first Q register and "F3" is set to the second Q register regarding the first Q register and the second Q register as registers used for the LDQ instruction. did. That is, as shown in the address map of the memory area used by the main control unit 161, "F0" which is the upper address of the gaming RAM area is set in the first Q register used for executing the gaming program, and the non-gaming program "F3", which is the upper address of the non-gaming RAM area, is set in the second Q register used for execution. This is because it is considered that when executing a gaming program, the gaming RAM area is frequently referred to, and when a non-gaming program is executed, the non-gaming RAM area is frequently referred to.

However, in a modified example, for example, "F0", which is the upper address of the gaming RAM area, may be set in both the first Q register and the second Q register. When "F0" is set in the second Q register, the LDQ instruction can be used when referencing the gaming RAM area from a non-gaming program. Further, since the same high-order address is set in both the first Q register and the second Q register, program design is facilitated. In other words, it is possible to design a program without distinguishing the handling of LDQ commands between gaming programs and non-gaming programs.

[About serial communication circuit]
Regarding the configuration in which the main control section 161, the medal number control section 171, the production control section 151, and the connection terminal board 1000 are connected by a serial communication circuit when the main control section 161 and the medal number control section 171 are integrated. explained. However, at least part of the communication between the main control section 161, the number of medals control section 171, the performance control section 151, and the connection terminal board 1000 may be parallel communication. Thereby, communication speed can be increased.

[About the lighting mode of the outer end signal]
FIG. 85 is a diagram for explaining a first modification of the lighting mode of the outer end signal lamp 92. In the first modification, the control is performed in a highly accurate state from timing t2 to timing t3. As shown in Modification 1, the main control unit 161 controls the outer end signal lamp 92 to emit light between timing t2 and timing t3. That is, the main control unit 161 controls the outer end signal lamp 92 to emit light during the period in which either the external signal 1 or the external signal 2 is output. Thereby, the main control unit 161 can externally determine that the outer end signal lamp 92 may be controlled to the AT1 state or the AT2 state by controlling the outer end signal lamp 92 to emit light.

FIG. 86 is a diagram for explaining a second modification of the lighting mode of the outer end signal lamp 92. In the second modification, the main control unit 161 does not continuously output the external signal 2 during the period in which it is controlled to the AT2 state, and transmits only one pulse of the external signal 2 to the external device. Thereby, the amount of communication in external signal processing can be reduced.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and any changes or additions that do not depart from the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention. Needless to say.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims are included.

2 S machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reel, 6 MAXBET switch, 7 start switch, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 51 liquid crystal display, 16 main control board, 17 medal number control board.

Claims (1)

Equipped with a variable display section that can variably display multiple types of identification information, each of which can be identified, a display result is derived after the variable display section is variably displayed, and prizes can be won according to the display results of the variable display section. In a slot machine,
a game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
and a start operation means for starting a variable display of the variable display section,
The game control means is
including a pre-determining means for determining a display result that is permitted to be derived; and a variable display on the variable display unit in one game, on the condition that a specific time has elapsed from a predetermined timing in a game before the one game. Execute the fluctuation start process to start the
Based on the operation of the start operation means, executing a test signal generation process for generating a test signal for specifying information regarding the determination result of the advance determination means;
After executing the test signal generation process, executing a delay process to delay the progress of the game for a predetermined period,
After the predetermined period has elapsed, determining whether the specific time has elapsed;
A slot machine that executes the fluctuation start process when it is determined that the specific time has elapsed.