JP3792630B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a slot machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, three reels displaying a plurality of types of symbols on the outer peripheral surface are provided, and by rotating these reels, a variation display game (game) is displayed in which a plurality of types of symbols are variably displayed. As a result, a slot machine is known in which a predetermined value is given to a player in connection with deriving a winning result mode in which a stopped symbol becomes a predetermined symbol combination mode on a preset active line. ing.
[0003]
In such a slot machine, a player operates to insert a predetermined number (usually 1 to 3 in the case of medals) of game media (medals or game balls), or a bet button operation when there is a credit (bet operation). After inputting the number of bets based on the above, by operating the start lever, the reels are rotated to display the symbols in a variable manner, and a reel stop provided for each reel automatically or after a certain time has elapsed. By operating the button, the rotation of each reel is sequentially stopped to form a symbol combination mode (stop result mode). When the reels are stopped, the symbol combination form formed on the activated line activated in response to the input of the bet number becomes a predetermined symbol combination aspect (winning result mode) set in advance. In this case, a winning is established, and the number of game media corresponding to the winning type is given to the player.
[0004]
The above start lever and reel stop button are operated by the player, and the start switch and reel stop switch are used to confirm that some components of the start lever and reel stop button have shifted from the predetermined position (reference position). A signal is output based on this detection. The start lever and reel stop button are provided with a return spring, and when the player's hand is released by the biasing force of the return spring, some components of the start lever and the reel stop button are moved to a predetermined position. Return, the start lever and reel stop button return to the state before operation.
[0005]
Accordingly, the start switch and the reel stop switch, for example, start outputting an operation signal when some of the constituent members deviate from a predetermined position as described above (for example, the signal changes from HIGH to LOW or from LOW to HIGH). When a part of the structural members returns to a predetermined position by the return spring, the output of the operation signal is stopped (the signal returns from LOW to HIGH or from HIGH to LOW).
[0006]
The medal inserted into the medal slot is detected by a inserted medal detection sensor (coin selector) when a medal that satisfies a predetermined condition is inserted, and a medal detection signal is output.
[0007]
By the way, the start lever, the stop button, and the like may be operated violently and are operated frequently, so that the slot machine is a place where failure is likely to occur. In addition, in the inserted medal detection sensor, the medal passes, and therefore, the medal may be clogged in the medal path from the medal insertion slot to the inserted medal detection sensor.
[0008]
Therefore, there is known a slot machine that can monitor whether switches and sensors are operating normally. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, since it is difficult to freely inspect the gaming machine control circuit of the slot machine due to regulatory problems, when signals from switches and sensors are input to the board in advance, A monitor lamp that lights up is provided. In this slot machine, when a failure corresponding to the switches and sensors occurs, if the switches and sensors are activated and a signal is output and the monitor lamp lights, the switches and sensors If it is a failure on the game control circuit side, not a sensor failure, and the switch or sensor is activated and a signal is output, and the monitor lamp does not light, the failure on the switch or sensor side It is possible to judge that.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
Utility Model Registration No. 304036 (Page 7)
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the return force of the return spring of the start lever and the stop button is attenuated as the expansion and contraction are repeated. When the return force of the return spring becomes weak, the start lever or stop button may not return smoothly. If the start lever and stop button do not return smoothly, the operation signal continues to be output from the start switch and stop switch until the start lever and stop button return.
[0011]
  In the slot machine, the start lever becomes effective after the coin is inserted or the bet button is bet, and the stop button becomes effective after the start lever is operated and the reel rotates. In addition, multiple stop buttons corresponding to multiple reels are operated first when one stop button is operated, while the other stop buttons are disabled and multiple stop buttons are operated at the same time. Only stop buttons (stop switches) that output signals are not accepted.
  In other words, when the start lever or stop button continues to be operated and the operation signal is continuously output from the start switch or stop switch,NextIt will be in the state which does not accept operation of. Here, “effective / invalid” means, for example, when an operation signal is input to the control device from a start switch that detects that the start lever is operated, based on a predetermined condition. It is whether to accept or not. For example, even if an operation signal indicating that the start lever has been operated from the start switch is input to the control device when no bet is made, the control device makes a bet that validates the operation signal from the start switch. Since the condition that the operation is performed is not satisfied, the operation signal is not accepted, the operation signal is ignored, and the rotation of the reel is not started no matter how many times the start lever is operated. In addition, when an operation signal indicating that the stop button has been operated from one stop switch is input to the control device, if the input of the operation signal from the start switch or another stop switch is continued, The operation signal is not accepted by the device and is ignored.
[0012]
Therefore, if the return spring of the start lever or stop button becomes weak and the return is delayed and the operation signal from the start switch or stop switch is delayed, the game cannot proceed smoothly. Will gradually weaken, so it will not stop the game completely when it is getting weaker, but it will sometimes hinder the progress of the game (for example, the return of the start lever or stop button may be delayed) To some extent). Then, the frequency of hindering the progress of the game gradually increases as the return spring weakens.
[0013]
If the game cannot be progressed completely due to a malfunction of the start lever or stop button, the amusement store can easily detect the situation and deal with the malfunction, but the return spring will be weakened. Since the game is not completely incomplete during the game, that is, when the function is deteriorated, the player often does not inform the staff of the situation, and the game store side may detect the situation. Have difficulty. However, even if the game cannot be completely progressed, the progress of the game is temporarily hindered, so the player may feel uncomfortable and refrain from playing such a slot machine. In addition, since the progress of the game is hindered even temporarily, there is a possibility that the operating rate is lowered and disadvantageous to the game store side. Furthermore, even if there is no malfunction in the input operation device (start lever, stop button, etc.), for example, if the start lever is slowly returned (continues to be operated for a long time) by the player's operation, it is the same as the above malfunction. Since such a situation will occur, it is difficult to distinguish between them and find a defect.
[0014]
On the other hand, in the coin selector, for example, there is a problem that dust or the like adheres to the coin rail for deriving coins from the medal insertion slot to the inserted medal detection sensor and coins cannot be smoothly derived. However, these problems do not immediately mean that coins cannot be detected at all, and problems often occur gradually. For example, when the movement speed of the coin on the coin rail is slow, or when the coin starts to move again due to vibration after temporarily stopping on the coin rail, the coin detection may be slow.
[0015]
In such a case, it is more probabilistic or time efficient to run the game with the maximum bet number, so there are many players who run the game with this maximum bet number. In the process of operating the start lever immediately after consecutively inserting coins, if the above-mentioned coin selector malfunctions, the start lever will be operated before the maximum number of coins is detected. The situation is such that the game is executed with a bet number other than the desired bet number. In other words, if even one coin is detected, the start lever becomes effective. If the coin detection is delayed as described above, the start lever is operated at the usual timing after the coin is inserted. Then, the game is started before coins corresponding to the maximum number of bets are detected.
[0016]
Similar to the above-mentioned start lever and the like, if the coin selector completely fails and the game cannot be executed, the game shop can easily detect the state and deal with the problem. However, when the coin selector malfunction begins, the game is not completely impossible to execute, so the player often does not inform the staff of the situation, and the game store side may detect the situation. Have difficulty. However, even if the game is not completely impossible to execute, sometimes the game will be executed with an unwilling number of bets, so the player feels dissatisfied and shy away from playing in such a slot machine Is also possible.
[0017]
Further, in the conventional slot machine of Patent Document 1, the amusement shop notices a failure, and compares the operation of switches and sensors with the monitor lamp inside the slot machine to determine whether the failure is on the switch or sensor side. The game control circuit side can be determined. Basically, the monitor lamp is not used unless the game store is aware of the failure.
In addition, if the switch or sensor is abnormal and no signal is output, the monitor lamp will not light up. Therefore, when checking the slot machine, the monitor lamp can be used to find a failure. In addition, in a state where a failure sometimes occurs rather than a complete failure, the failure does not always occur during the inspection, and even if a monitor lamp is used during the inspection, there is a high possibility that the failure cannot be found. The above problems cannot be solved.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To solve the above problem,
  The invention according to claim 1 is a slot machine configured to advance a game in accordance with operations of a plurality of input operation devices.
  Monitoring means for monitoring that an input mode of an input signal from a predetermined input operation device becomes an input mode different from a preset specific input mode in the course of the game;
  An abnormality determining means for determining an abnormality of the predetermined input operation device based on a monitoring result of the monitoring means;
  Informing means for informing the abnormality determination result by the abnormality determining means;
  An interruption time measuring means for measuring the interruption time of the game in the slot machine,
  The abnormality determining means includes
  When the interruption time becomes a predetermined time or more indicating a change of player, the monitoring means makes an input different from the specific input mode in both the game before the game interruption and the game after the game interruption. The abnormality is determined based on a monitoring result indicating that an aspect has occurred.It is characterized by that.
[0019]
Here, the “predetermined input operation device” is not limited to one input operation device, and may be a plurality of input operation devices or a plurality of types of input operation devices. The input operation device includes, for example, a start lever (start switch), a stop button (stop switch), various buttons (switches) such as a max bet button (max bet switch) and a 1 bet button (1 bet switch). In addition, for example, a coin selector (insertion device) having an insertion medal detection sensor that detects insertion of a medal into a medal insertion slot by a player also corresponds to an input operation of a bet number (bet number) by the player. It is included in the input operation device.
[0020]
The “input mode” is as follows.
In other words, the input mode may be the number of input signals from the input operation device described above, and more specifically, the number of input signals (number of bets) corresponding to the detection of medals from the inserted medal detection sensor. .
Further, the input mode may be the input signal input timing from the above-described input operation device, and more specifically, a start lever (start switch), a stop button (stop switch), various bet buttons (bet switches) ) From an OFF signal (for example, a signal that is turned on at the time of operation of switches and turned off at the time of return, a signal in a rising or falling state when the signal is turned off).
Further, the input mode may be the input order of input signals from each input operation device, and more specifically the order of input signals from a plurality of stop buttons (stop switches).
[0021]
The specific input mode is, for example, an input mode based on an operation mode generally performed by a player, and various buttons set so that an operation signal is output when the normal player operates. When operating or pressing the lever, it is meaningless, and without stopping the operation forever, the operation of various buttons and levers is immediately ended and the operation is released, and the input mode based on this operation The input signal is turned off immediately after turning on.
In addition, the normal player generally inserts coins so that the winning probability setting for winning becomes the maximum bet number that is more advantageous to the player than other bet numbers, and the operation mode of this insertion The bet number as the input mode corresponds to the maximum bet number, and this is one of the specific input modes generally performed by the player, for example.
In addition, the normal player often presses forward (from the left reel to the right), which is often a condition for the appearance of the published reach (a sequence of symbols that appears only when the bonus prize is won). (Operation to stop the reels in turn toward the head) and scissor push (operation to stop the central reel after stopping the left and right reels) as the operation mode, and stop for each reel as an input mode corresponding to this operation mode For example, a specific input mode is that the input of the input signal from the stop switch for the central reel is the second or later in the order in which the signal is input from the switch.
[0022]
  Such an input mode different from the specific input mode is, for example, an input mode corresponding to an operation mode that is unlikely to be normally performed by a player.Take, Disadvantageous operation modes, meaningless or useless operation modes, operation modes that are not common to minority players when looking at the operation modes of many players, This is an input mode corresponding to an operation mode performed differently from normal. These different input modes are caused by the player's operation as described above, and the input operation device has a defect even though the player has performed an operation corresponding to the specific input mode.forIt is also an input mode that occurs without a specific input mode.
[0023]
That is, an input mode different from a specific input mode is, for example, an operation signal depending on an input mode in which the number of bets is smaller than the maximum bet number, an operation mode in which a start lever, a stop button, or a bet button is continuously pressed. Is an input mode in which an operation signal from a stop switch of the central reel is first input based on an input mode in which the timing of turning OFF is delayed or an operation mode in which the central reel is stopped first instead of the left and right reels. . In such an input mode, even when the player performs a normal operation without performing the above-described operation, when the number of medals corresponding to the maximum bet number is inserted, the detection of medals is delayed. This occurs when the start operation is performed before the medal is detected or when the return force of the start lever or the return spring of the stop button is weak and the return is delayed.
From the above, an input mode that is different from a specific input mode is an input mode that occurs due to a delay in the timing of an input signal from the input operation device even though the input mode is operated to be a specific input mode. it can.
[0025]
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, monitoring is performed to monitor whether the input mode of the input signal from the predetermined input operation device is different from the preset specific input mode in the course of the game. And monitoring results of the monitoring meansBased on the above, the abnormality determination means for determining abnormality of the predetermined input operation device, and the abnormality determination result by the abnormality determination meansAn informing means for informing, so that it is possible to grasp the occurrence status of the input mode different from the specific input mode by the informing information of the informing means, and to detect an abnormality (problem) of the input operation device Anomalies can be discovered without adding a hardware configuration. In particular, since it is monitored during the progress of the game, the game is ready to run,It becomes possible to detect abnormalities at an early stage,It is possible to find an abnormality in the input operation device at a time point before the game completely fails and the game cannot be executed.That isWhen the function before the input operating device completely fails is reduced, it is possible to detect and cope with the decrease in the function.
[0026]
  In addition, it comprises interruption time measuring means for measuring the interruption time of the game in the slot machine, and the abnormality determining means is configured to detect the interruption by the monitoring means when the interruption time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time suggesting a player change. The abnormality is determined based on the monitoring result that an input mode different from the specific input mode has occurred in both the game before the game interruption and the game after the game interruption. It is possible to determine abnormality by execution, and it is possible to accurately determine abnormality. For example, even if there is a player who performs an operation in the same way as an anomaly (such as playing a game in the hope of inserting one or two coins, or slowly returning the start lever) If it is determined that there is an abnormality at the time when the player is playing, there is a risk of misjudgment, so the game by the next player is monitored after the interruption of the game caused by the replacement of the player, for example, If multiple players play in a single slot machine, and if an input mode different from a specific input mode occurs due to any of the operations of the multiple players, it is possible to accurately determine the abnormality. Can be determined.
[0027]
  The invention according to claim 2 is the slot machine according to claim 1,
  Said monitoring meansComprises counting means for counting the number of times that an input mode different from the specific input mode has occurred in the game before the game in the slot machine and the game after the game has been interrupted,
The abnormality determining means includes
The counting result before the interruption of the game by the counting means is a predetermined first predetermined value, and the counting result after the interruption of the game by the counting means is set to be smaller than the first predetermined value. When the value exceeds the predetermined value, the abnormality is judged.It is characterized by that.
[0028]
  According to invention of Claim 2, the said monitoring meansIs provided with a counting means for counting the number of times that an input mode different from the specific input mode has occurred in the game before the game in the slot machine and the game after the game is interrupted, The counting result before the interruption of the game by the counting means becomes a first predetermined value set in advance, and the counting result after the interruption of the game by the counting means is set to be smaller than the first predetermined value. If it exceeds the predetermined value, the game is interrupted by determining the abnormality. ( Change of player ) After that, since the predetermined value (monitoring value) for judging abnormality from the number of inputs of the input mode different from the specific input mode is lowered, for example, 15 to 5 or 10 to 3, An abnormality can be determined in a short period after the game is interrupted.
[0041]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, a pachislot machine as an example of a slot machine according to the present invention will be described.
[0042]
The pachislot machine 100 as the slot machine of FIG. 1 is provided with various devices inside a box-shaped machine frame (not shown) whose front surface is open, and a front door 2 on the front surface of the machine frame. It is schematically configured by being openable and closable in an open form.
[0043]
  In the upper center of the front surface of the front door 2, there is formed a symbol display window 5 that can be seen through the back (for example, transparent). Two reels, that is, the first reel 20a (left reel), the second reel 20b (middle reel), and the third reel 20c (right reel).ArrangementHas been.
  Each of the reels 20a to 20c has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape, and around each of the reels 20a to 20c, for example, a symbol row (for example, symbol numbers 1 to 21) configured by arranging a plurality of types of symbols at regular intervals. The symbol arrangement for 21 frames) is displayed.
  And each reel 20a-20c is arrange | positioned so that the predetermined number (for example, three) of symbols which can be visually recognized through the symbol display window 5 among the symbols in each symbol row | line | column, A variation display unit 20 that displays a variation of symbols is configured.
[0044]
Further, as described above, the pachislot gaming machine 100 includes the reel motors 611 to 613 (FIG. 4) that rotationally drive the reels 20a to 20c.
Each of the motors 611 to 613 is composed of a stepping motor or the like, and operates under the control of a game control device 50 to be described later, and independently drives the corresponding reels 20a to 20c to rotate and stop rotation about the axis. It is possible.
Each of the motors 611 to 613 is rotated at a high speed so as to circulate a plurality of types of symbols in the back of the symbol display window 5, for example, from top to bottom by independently driving the corresponding reels 20 a to 20 c to rotate. (The design is displayed in a variable manner).
Furthermore, after starting the variable display, all the reels 20a to 20c are stopped by the motors 611 to 613 (based on a stop operation of the reel stop buttons 14a, 14b, and 14c described later), so that three rows vertically and horizontally In three rows, stop display is performed in which nine symbols are conveniently displayed on the variable display unit 20 in a stopped state.
[0045]
Here, a plurality of enabling lines are set in the fluctuation display unit 20.
That is, for example, an enabling line (middle horizontal line) crossing the middle symbols of the reels 20a to 20c in the variation display unit 20, and an enabling line (upper row) crossing the upper symbols of the reels 20a to 20c in the variation display unit 20. Horizontal line), an enabling line (lower horizontal line) across the lower symbols of the reels 20a to 20c in the fluctuation display section 20, and in the fluctuation display section 20, the first reel 20a lower stage-second reel 20b middle stage-third reel 20c. In the upper stage, an enabling line (diagonal line rising to the right) that crosses each reel diagonally, and in the variable display section 20, each reel is inclined diagonally from the upper stage of the first reel 20a-second stage of the second reel 20b-lower stage of the third reel 20c. Five enableable lines are set for convenience of crossing the enableable line (lower right diagonal line)
As will be described later, a predetermined number of enableable lines are activated in accordance with the number of bets, and each becomes an active line. When a symbol is stopped and displayed in a symbol combination mode corresponding to any one, a winning result mode is established, and a predetermined number of award medals (game values) corresponding to each winning result mode are paid out.
As described above, the enabling line is not effective when the game is not performed, but can be enabled to establish a winning when the game is performed.
[0046]
In addition, a reel back surface lamp 665 is provided in the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c (on the back surface side). Further, the reel back surface lamp 665 is arranged so as to be able to blink in every nine areas where the symbols of the symbol display window 5 are stopped. Note that, for example, a plurality of lamps having different colors may be arranged as the reel back surface lamps 665 for each of the nine regions, so that the lamps of the respective colors can be turned on and off independently.
[0047]
Further, on the front surface of the front door 2, a start lever 13 that is an input operation device for performing a start operation for starting one game is provided on one side below the symbol display window 5.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the start lever 13 is attached to the operation lever 131 operated by the player so as to rotate up and down, and the front door 2, and the operation lever 131 is operated. It consists of a case 132 that is pivotably supported up and down. The case 132 has a bottomed cylindrical lever case 13b that is fixed to the front door 2 with its front opening exposed from the front door 2, and a lever that is horizontally spanned in the space inside the lever case 13b. A rotating shaft 13c having both ends fixed to the case 13b, a cylindrical rear case 13d connected to the rear end portion of the lever case 13b so as to be continuous with the lever case 13b, and a bottom plate-like shape at the rear end portion of the rear case 13d And a rear cover 13f attached to the rear end of the rear case 13d so as to protect the start switch board 13e.
[0048]
The lever case 13b is fixed to a through hole (not shown) provided in the front door 2 of the pachislot gaming machine 100 by a nut (not shown). A through hole 13g through which the operation lever 131 passes is provided at the bottom of the lever case 13b. Moreover, the rotating shaft 13c is arrange | positioned so that it may become parallel with respect to the front surface of the front door 2. As shown in FIG. A photosensor including a light receiving element and a light emitting element is attached to and electrically connected to the start switch substrate 13e as a start switch 13a (detection means).
[0049]
An operation lever 131 serving as an operation unit of the input operation device includes a lever shaft 13h that is rotatably supported by the rotation shaft 13c, a substantially spherical gripping portion 13i provided at a tip portion of the lever shaft 13h, and a lever shaft. 13h, a light shielding plate 13j for turning ON / OFF the start switch 13a, the LED 13k disposed in the gripping portion 13i, and the axial direction of the operation lever 131 are the axial direction of the case 132 When rotating from a parallel state (for example, an overlapped state), it is provided with return means 13n for returning this to the original state.
The lever shaft 13h is arranged so as to penetrate the through hole 13g at the bottom of the lever case 13b, and is pivotally supported by the rotating shaft 13c so that the front end and the rear end can be rotated up and down in reverse directions. It has become.
[0050]
The grip portion 13i is translucent and shines when the LED 13k is lit. The LED 13k is lit when the start lever 13 is enabled as described later, and when the LED 13k is disabled. Turns off.
As shown in FIG. 2 (A), the light shielding plate 13j is a light receiving element of the start switch 13a facing each other in a state where the axial direction of the operation lever 131 is parallel to the axial direction of the case 132 (for example, overlapped). The light emitting element is disposed at a reference position between the light emitting element and the light emitting element to block light irradiation from the light emitting element to the light receiving element. Further, when operated by a player or the like and the axial direction of the operation lever 131 is deviated from the axial direction of the case 132 as shown in FIG. 2B, the light shielding plate 13j emits light from the light receiving element of the start switch 13a. The light-receiving element and the light-emitting element are moved from the element to a specific position where the light-receiving element and the light-emitting element are not obstructed. In addition, as a photosensor, a light receiving element and a light emitting element are not disposed opposite to each other but are disposed facing in the same direction, and the light shielding plate 13j is a reflecting plate, and at a reference position, the light is reflected by the reflecting plate. The light receiving element may receive the light of the light emitting element, and the light receiving element may not be able to receive the light of the light emitting element by eliminating reflection of the reflection plate at a specific position.
[0051]
The start switch 13a is turned OFF when the light shielding plate 13j of the operation lever 131 is at the reference position and blocks the light receiving element and the light emitting element, and the light shielding plate 13j of the operation lever 131 operates the operation lever 131. Accordingly, the detecting means is turned on when moving to a specific position that does not block the light receiving element and the light emitting element, and detects that the operation lever 131 is operated to move from the reference position to the specific position and from the specific position to the reference position. It has become.
The operation lever 131 has a reference position and a specific position corresponding to the reference position (position where the start switch 13a is turned off) and a specific position (position where the start switch 13a is turned on) of the light shielding plate 13j. The reference position of the operating lever 131 for turning off the start switch 13a is a state in which the axial direction of the operating lever 131 and the axial direction of the case 132 are substantially overlapped, and the specific position of the operating lever 131 for turning on the start switch 13a. Is a position where the tip of the operation lever 131 is moved up or down, and the light shielding plate 13j is removed from between the light receiving element and the light emitting element as described above.
[0052]
The return means 13n includes a tubular slider 13m that is movable in the axial direction of the lever shaft 13h along the outer periphery of the rear portion of the lever shaft 13h, and a spring stopper whose rearward movement from the lever shaft 13h is restricted by the C ring 13o. 13p and a coil spring 13q disposed between a flange portion 13m1 (to be described later) of the slider 13m and a spring stopper 13p, and disposed so as to surround a tube portion 13m2 (to be described later) of the slider 13m and the lever shaft 13h. I have.
[0053]
The slider 13m is a cylindrical tube portion 13m2 having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the columnar rear portion made thinner than the front portion of the lever shaft 13h, and the outer diameter of the front end portion of the tube portion 13m2 being expanded. And it has the disk-shaped flange part 13m1 by which the center was made into the opening part.
The rear portion of the lever shaft 13h penetrates the slider 13m, and the slider 13m is movable along the axial direction of the rear portion of the lever shaft 13h. Further, the flange portion 13m1 of the slider 13m is disposed rearward from the bottom portion of the lever case 13b and has a larger diameter than the through hole 13g in the bottom portion of the lever case 13b. The slider 13m is biased toward the tip of the lever shaft 13h by the coil spring 13q and is pressed against the bottom of the lever case 13b.
[0054]
In the return means 13n, since the slider 13m is larger than the through hole 13g at the bottom of the lever case 13b, the slider 13m does not pass through the through hole 13g, and always pushes the bottom of the slider 13m forward by the biasing force of the coil spring 13q. It is in the state. Here, as shown in FIG. 2A, by rotating the operating lever 131 (for example, by pushing it down) from the state where the axial direction of the case 132 and the axial direction of the operating lever 131 overlap. As shown in FIG. 2B, when the lever shaft 13h of the operating lever 131 is inclined with respect to the bottom of the lever case 13b, the flange portion 13m1 of the slider 13m is pushed rearward, and the biasing force of the coil spring 13q is exerted. Accordingly, the slider 13m moves rearward, and a larger biasing force acts on the slider 13m.
[0055]
In this state, when the operation on the operation lever 131 is stopped (when the operation is stopped and the free state is set), the slider 13m moves forward by the urging force of the coil spring 13q. At this time, the peripheral portion of the slider 13m moves forward while pushing the bottom of the lever case 13b, thereby generating a component of a force that pushes the lever shaft 13h along the axial direction of the case 132. 2 returns to overlap with the axial direction of the case 132 as shown in FIG.
[0056]
If the urging force (return force) by the coil spring is weakened due to rough operation or long-term use, or if the slider 13m or the coil spring 13q is deformed, the operation lever 131 may not be able to return smoothly after the operation. . That is, when the return means 13n is deteriorated, the return of the operation lever 131 is delayed after the operation of the operation lever 131, and the return takes time. Here, the start switch 13a is turned on in a state where the operation lever 131 is operated and moved to a specific position, the operation signal (detection signal) is output from the start switch 13a, and the operation lever 131 is moved to the reference position by the return means 13n. In the state of returning to, the start switch 13a is turned OFF and the output of the operation signal is stopped. Therefore, when the return of the operation lever 131 is delayed as described above, the output of the operation signal continues until the operation lever 131 returns to the reference position, the stop of the operation signal is delayed, and even when a normal operation is performed. Then, the operation signal is stopped at the timing when the operation lever 131 is kept pressed for a while (slowly operated).
[0057]
On the front surface of the front door 2, below the symbol display window 5, the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c are associated one-to-one, and the corresponding reels 20a to 20c are rotated. Stop buttons for respectively stopping and displaying the symbols are provided, that is, a first reel stop button 14a, a second reel stop button 14b, and a third reel stop button 14c. As shown in FIG. 3, the three stop buttons 14a to 14c are turned ON / OFF by the operation of the stop buttons 14a to 14c, and the first to third reel stop switches 14d to 14d corresponding to the reels 20a to 20c, respectively. In combination with 14f, it is attached to the front door 2 as a stop button switch unit which is an input operation device.
[0058]
A front cover 141 is attached to the front surface of a casing (not shown) whose front side of the stop button switch unit is open. The front cover 141 is provided with three cylinders 142 side by side that accommodate the stop buttons 14a to 14c so as to be movable back and forth. The front cover 141 is opened at the portion of the cylinder 142. ing.
[0059]
The cylindrical body 142 includes a front portion 142a and a rear portion 142b continuous after the front portion 142a. The front portion 142a and the rear portion 142b are coaxially arranged, and the front portion 142a has a larger inner diameter than the rear portion 142b. A step 142c is formed at the boundary between the front part 142a and the rear part 142b on the inner surface of the cylindrical body 142.
A locking portion 142d for locking a spring 143, which will be described later, is formed at the rear end of the rear portion 142b of the cylindrical body 142. The locking part 142d is in a state of protruding inward from the inner surface of the rear part 142b. In addition, a stop switch substrate 144 is attached to the locking portion 142d substantially parallel to the front surface of the front cover 141 so as to cover the opening on the rear side of the cylindrical body 142.
The stop switch board 144 is a photo sensor including a stop button lamp 140 that is turned on when the stop buttons 14a to 14c are activated and turned off when the buttons are deactivated, and a light sensor and a light emitting element. The switches 14d to 14f (detection means) are fixed and electrically connected.
[0060]
The stop buttons 14a to 14c serve as an operation unit that can be actually operated by the player in the input operation device, and cover the cylindrical button tube 145 and the front opening of the cylindrical button tube 145. By being fitted in this manner, the button front plate 146 constituting the front surface of the stop buttons 14a to 14c is formed.
The button front plate 146 is configured to transmit light emitted from the stop button lamp 140, and has a recess into which the front end of the button tube 145 is fitted on the back surface.
The button cylinder 145 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than that of the rear portion 142b of the cylindrical body 142, and is guided by the inner surface of the rear portion 142b of the cylindrical body 142 to move back and forth. Further, an annular stopper 145a that is a protrusion along the outer periphery is formed on the outer periphery of the button cylinder 145, and the diameter of the stopper 145a is larger than the inner diameter of the rear portion 142b of the cylindrical body 142, and the inner diameter of the front portion 142a. Slightly smaller. And the button cylinder 145 is guided by the front part 142a of the cylinder 142 at the stopper 145a portion, and moves back and forth. Further, the stopper 145a is restricted by a step 142c at the boundary between the front portion 142a and the rear portion 142b of the cylindrical body 142, and cannot move backward from the step 142c.
[0061]
A ring-shaped spring stopper 145b is provided inside the stopper 145a along the inner periphery of the button tube 145. The coil spring 143 is inserted into the button cylinder 145 between the spring stopper 145b and the locking portion 142d at the rear of the cylinder 142, and is arranged so that the button cylinder 145 substantially overlaps the axial direction. Yes.
Further, when the stop button 14a to 14c is pushed until the stopper 145a of the button cylinder 145 contacts the step 142c of the cylinder 142 at a position corresponding to the stop switch 14d to 14f of the button cylinder 145, the stop switch 14d. A light shielding plate 145c is provided to block between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of ˜14f.
[0062]
And the stop button 14a-14c makes the reference position the position where the button front board 146 protruded from the front cover 141 of the stop button switch unit. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the light shielding plate 145c is separated from the stop switches 14d to 14f, and the operation signal (detection signal) from the stop switch 14d is OFF.
[0063]
When the player presses the stop buttons 14a to 14c and the button cylinder 145 is guided to the inner periphery of the cylinder 142 and moves backward, the spring 143 is compressed and the light shielding plate 145c is moved to the stop switches 14d to 14f. By blocking between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the operation signals from the stop switches 14d to 14f are turned on. At this time, the stopper 145a of the button cylinder 145 of the stop buttons 14a to 14c is in contact with the step 142c of the cylinder 142 that houses the button cylinder 145, and the position of the stop buttons 14a to 14c in this state is the stop switch 14d. It is a specific position where -14f is ON. In other words, the stop switches 14d to 14f serve as detection means for detecting that the stop buttons 14a to 14c have moved from the reference position to the specific position and from the specific position to the reference position.
[0064]
Then, when the player releases the hand from the stop buttons 14a to 14c, the stop buttons 14a to 14c move to the front reference position by the elastic return of the compressed spring 143, and the spring 143 is stopped. This is return means for returning the buttons 14a to 14c from the specific position to the reference position.
[0065]
In addition, the liquid crystal display device 4 provided on the symbol display window 5 performs an effect display related to the lottery result by a change in the display state. As will be described later, the display device 4 functions as notifying means for notifying that there is a problem with the input operation device, and is a set value (determination criterion) used when determining whether the input operation device is abnormal. When a change is made, a display related to the change is made.
[0066]
The bet line display unit 31 has lamps arranged behind it, and displays the bet number of medals according to the lighting state of these lamps, and indicates an effective line corresponding to the bet number. The GAME OVER lamp unit 33 notifies the end of the big bonus (BB) by lighting of a lamp (a part of the game state display unit 650 (FIG. 4)) arranged in the back thereof. A lamp (a part of the game state display unit 650 (FIG. 4)) is arranged at the back of the WAIT lamp unit 34, and all the reels 20a to 20c start rotating after the start lever 13 is operated. Then, it lights up in a period until the stop operation by the reel stop buttons 14a, 14b, and 14c becomes possible, thereby notifying that the period is in progress. The REPLAY lamp unit 35 notifies the fact that the next game is replayed after the winning result mode of the replay winning is established by lighting a lamp (a part of the game state display unit 650 (FIG. 4)). To do. The INSERT MEDALS lamp unit 36 is one of the lamps (game state display unit 650 (FIG. 4)) arranged in the back when no game is performed and the medal can be received as a bet or credit. Part) repeats blinking to encourage the insertion of medals.
[0067]
The medal slot 6 is for placing a bet and placing a bet (betting), and is a part of a coin selector which is a medal insertion device. The credit number display unit 7 has a credit number display unit, for example, composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays the credit number of medals according to the lighting state of the credit number display unit. The number-of-payout display unit 8 has a number-of-payout indicator, such as a 7-segment LED, disposed in the back, and displays the number of medals paid out according to the lighting state of the number-of-payout indicator. The game progress display unit 11 has a game progress indicator, for example, composed of 7-segment LEDs arranged in the back thereof, and displays the progress of the bonus game according to the lighting state of the game progress indicator.
[0068]
Further, on the front surface of the front door 2, a maximum bet button 9 for placing a bet (betting) on a limit number (for example, three) of medals in a single operation, a credited medal, 1-bet button 10 for betting one by one each time an operation is performed, a credit selection button 12 for selecting a credit state / non-credit state of a medal, a key hole 15 into which a key for opening the front door 2 is inserted, Decoration display portions 661, 662, and 663 that are lit or blinked for decoration, a decorative plate portion 16 that constitutes a lower region of the front door 2, and the like are provided. A tray 18 for storing medals is provided.
As part of the decorative display, a WIN lamp 800 is provided on the left side of the display device 4. The WIN lamp 800 is lit when a special prize is won and established, and may be lit to notify the player of the special prize winning in a state where the won special prize has not yet been established.
[0069]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the pachislot machine 100 has a sound output unit 60 such as a speaker and a medal paying unit 80 (for example, a hopper) for paying out medals based on the establishment of the winning result mode. It has.
[0070]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the pachislot gaming machine 100 supervises a game control device (main control device) 50 for overall control of the game, and control related to game effects under the control of the game control device 50. And an effect control device (sub-control device) 700 that performs the operation in a controlled manner. In addition, the components of this control system are also arranged inside the machine casing.
[0071]
Among them, the game control device 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read only memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access memory) 53, an I / F (Interface) 54, a random number generation circuit 55, and the like. Has been.
[0072]
Among these, the CPU 51 includes a control unit and a calculation unit, and performs various types of calculation control as will be described later as a calculation processing device of the game control device 50.
[0073]
In the ROM 52, control programs and control data for executing various processes are written, and determination values for internal lottery are written.
In addition, the ROM 52 stores a stop table corresponding to each prize and a stop table corresponding to a loss when each prize is won when performing the above-described stop control in each game.
[0074]
The RAM 53 stores an internal lottery random number storage area generated by the random number generation circuit 55, various data (for example, medal credit number data, medal bet number data, various win flags (described later) data, And, when monitoring input / output of data related to payout based on a winning in which a winning result mode is established, and an operation signal (detection signal) from an input operation device (start lever 13, stop button switch unit, coin selector) to be described later Storage area for temporarily storing the monitoring data and the like, and a work area for the CPU 51.
[0075]
The I / F 54 is connected to a inserted medal detection sensor 6a, the start switch 13a, the first reel stop switch 14d, the second reel stop switch 14e, and the third reel stop switch 14f via a low-pass filter and a buffer gate (not shown). , First reel position detection sensor 601, second reel position detection sensor 602, third reel position detection sensor 603, 1 bet switch 10a, max bet switch 9a, credit selection switch 12a, payout medal detection sensor 640, probability setting device 630 Various signals output from the reset switch 15 a and the front door opening switch 670 are output to the CPU 51.
[0076]
Here, the inserted medal detection sensor 6a is a sensor for detecting the number of medals inserted from the medal slot 6, and detects an medal with a specific condition and outputs an operation signal (detection signal). It is a part of a coin selector that selects medals with specific conditions (size, weight, etc.).
The coin selector is provided with a coin rail having a gradient so as to guide the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 to the inserted medal detection sensor 6a. The medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 rolls or slides on the coin rail along the gradient to reach the inserted medal detection sensor 6a, and the inserted medal detection sensor 6a detects the medal and outputs a detection signal. It is designed to output.
[0077]
The number of medals detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 6a can be set as the number of bets, and medals are inserted from one to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, three) for the medal insertion slot 6. , And the detected medal detection sensor 6a detects the bet based on the number of medals inserted when an operation signal is input from the start switch 13a to the game control device 50 by operating the start lever 13. The number is to be determined. Therefore, the coin selector provided with the inserted medal detection sensor 6a is an input operation device when the player inputs the number of bets. The number of bets can also be determined by operating the max bet button 9 and the 1 bet button 10 when there is a medal credit. It is possible to input the number of bets even if they are combined.
[0078]
The first reel position detection sensor 601 indicates the rotation phase of the first reel 20a, the second reel position detection sensor 602 indicates the rotation phase of the second reel 20b, and the third reel position detection sensor 603 rotates the rotation of the third reel 20c. It is a sensor for detecting each phase.
[0079]
The 1 bet switch 10a is a switch for detecting that the 1 bet button has been operated, and the max bet switch 9a is a switch for detecting that the max bet button 9 has been operated. The credit selection switch 12a is a switch for detecting that the credit selection button 12 has been operated. The payout medal detection sensor 640 is a sensor for detecting the number of medals paid out to the tray 18 by the medal payout unit 80.
[0080]
The probability setting device 630 is a device for setting the winning probability for each game in the pachislot gaming machine 100 to any one of a plurality of levels (for example, 6 levels) based on the operation. The reset switch 15a detects that the key inserted into the keyhole 15 has been rotated counterclockwise (counterclockwise) when opening the front door 2, and resets the pachislot machine 100 based on this detection. It is a switch. Note that, for example, the error state of the pachislot gaming machine 100 is canceled based on the reset switch 15a outputting a detection signal to the game control device 50. The front frame opening switch 670 is a switch for detecting the open state of the front door 2.
[0081]
Further, the I / F 54 receives control signals input from the CPU 51 via an output port and a driver (not shown), an effect control device 700, a game progress display unit 11, a bet line display unit 31, a credit amount display unit 7, a payout. Number display section 8, gaming state display section 650, medal payout section 80, first reel motor 611, second reel motor 612, third reel motor 613, external signal output section 620, stop button lamp 140, etc. Is output.
The external signal output unit 620 relays an external signal output from the game control device 50 to the outside of the pachislot gaming machine 100.
[0082]
The random number generation circuit 55 updates (for example, +1) the random number every predetermined cycle time. As shown in FIG. 5, the game control device 50 calculates the random number at that time at the detection timing of the start switch 13a. A sampling circuit 55a for sampling is provided. That is, the operation signal output from the start switch 13a is output to the CPU 51 and the sampling circuit 55a, and the sampling circuit 55a samples the random number from the random number generation circuit 55 and outputs it to the CPU 51 when the operation signal is input.
[0083]
Based on the processing of the CPU 51, the game control device 50 generates (updates) a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 55 provided in the game control device 50, and samples the random number sampled by the sampling circuit 55a as a random number for internal lottery. Use the internal lottery. Instead of the random number generation circuit 55, the CPU 51 itself may perform a process of generating a random number for internal lottery.
[0084]
In addition, the game control device 50 performs stop control of the reels 20a to 20c when winning or not winning (in the case of losing) in accordance with a stop table corresponding to winning or losing of each winning.
[0085]
In the stop control, the reel stop switches 14d to 14f are operated by the stop operation of the first to third reel stop buttons 14a to 14c, and the output signals from the first to third reel stop switches 14d to 14f are played. When input to the control device 50, the game control device 50 detects the phases of the reels 20a to 20c output from the first to third reel position detection sensors, determines the symbols on the effective line, and Depending on the data in the stop table, the symbol on the active line is stopped on the active line as it is, or the rotation is extended so that the symbol ahead of the symbol on the active line is stopped on the active line during the stop operation (rotation stop) Control to delay). In order to prevent the predetermined symbol from stopping on the active line, the control for extending the rotation is referred to as kicking stop control, and the symbol corresponding to the winning prize is determined from the symbols on the active line by a predetermined number of frames ( For example, when there are within 4 frames), the control for extending the rotation until the symbol corresponding to the winning prize is on the active line and stopping the symbol corresponding to the winning prize on the active line is referred to as draw-in control.
[0086]
In addition, the game control device 50 receives input signals from the start lever 13 (start switch 13a), stop button switch units (stop switches 14d to 14f), and coin selector (inserted medal detection sensor 6a), which are the above-described input operation devices. The ON / OFF timing when the (operation signal, detection signal) is input is monitored, and a predetermined input mode (for example, the input signal is turned ON or OFF at a normal general timing) As a monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the input mode is different from the input mode (abnormal input mode, mode in which the input signal is turned on or off at a timing delayed from the normal general timing). It has a function.
In this example, as will be described later, the game control device 50 has a function of transmitting information indicating that the above-described different input modes exist to the effect control device 700.
[0087]
The effect control device 700 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 701, a read only memory (ROM) 702, a random access memory (RAM) 703, and the like, and is controlled under the control of the game control device 50 or unique control. Thus, an image signal is output to the display device 4. Therefore, the effect control device 700 and the display device 4 function as effect display means.
[0088]
In addition, the effect control device 700 outputs a sound signal to the sound output unit 60 under the control of the game control device 50 or by unique control.
In addition, the effect control device 700 turns on and off the lamps and LEDs provided in the frame decoration device 660 in the frame decoration device 660 (decoration display units 661 to 663) under the control of the game control device 50 or by unique control. The control signal for performing is output.
In addition, the effect control device 700 outputs a control signal for turning on and off each lamp of the reel back surface lamp 665 under the control of the game control device 50 or by unique control.
[0089]
The effect control device 700 causes the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform the effect display, and as described later, the monitoring result when monitoring that there is an input mode different from the specific input mode by the input operation device described above, Based on the monitoring result, the display device 4 has a graphic function for displaying whether or not there is an abnormality in the input operation device, and a video signal such as a VDC (Video Digital Controller) (not shown) is displayed. A circuit for outputting is provided. The production control device 700 has a sound function for outputting a sound signal, and includes a circuit for outputting a sound (not shown).
[0090]
The ROM 702 stores various image data for displaying images on the display device 4, font data for displaying characters, and the like. The ROM 702 stores sound data such as sound effects, music, and voice.
In such an effect control device 700, various effects are displayed using the display device 4, the lamps, LEDs, and the like of the frame decoration device 660, the reel back surface lamp 665, and the like. In addition, the production control device 700 produces an effect with sound effects, music, voice, and the like using the sound output unit 60 in addition to the display.
The image data stored in the ROM 702 for the display device 4 includes image data for displaying the above-described monitoring results and abnormality determination results.
From the above, the effect control device 700 and the display device 4 function as effect display means and also function as notification means for notifying the above-described monitoring results and determination results.
[0091]
In addition, when information indicating that the above-described different input modes are transmitted from the game control device 50, an area as a counter for counting the number of times is secured in the RAM 703, and the effect control device 700 is provided. Has a function as a counting means for counting the number of occurrences of an input mode different from the specific input mode in a predetermined period, and differs from the specific input mode together with the game control device 50 It has a function as an input mode monitoring means.
[0092]
The pachislot gaming machine 100 is configured as described above, and performs game control described below by a control system such as the game control device 50.
First, the main flow of one game in the game control device (main control device) 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, an initialization process is performed when the power is turned on (step S1). In the initialization process, for example, each storage area of the RAM 53 is initialized.
The initialization of each area of the RAM 53 is basically performed by updating or erasing the default data stored in the ROM 52.
[0093]
The initialization process is performed only when the power is turned on, and after each game is finished (after the discharging process in step S8), the betting process in step S2 is started. The data in the RAM 53 is also updated after each game ends or at the start of the game. In the RAM 53, there are storage areas that are updated for each game and storage areas that are updated when a specific condition is satisfied. Yes, for example, a special winning flag or the like is not updated for each game, but is updated when the special winning is established.
[0094]
  Initialization processNextIn addition, the following betting process is performed (step S2). In the betting process, first, when a “non-credit state” is selected by the credit selection button 12, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 6, the inserted medal detection sensor 6a detects the inserted medal. A detection signal is input to the game control device 50.
  Then, the game control device 50 adds the memorized bet number of the medals based on the detection signal and displays the bet number on the bet line display unit 31. However, since a predetermined upper limit value (for example, 3) is set for the bet number, when medals exceeding the upper limit value are inserted, the surplus medals are not added to the bet number. It is returned to the tray 18.
[0095]
On the other hand, when the “credit state” is selected by the credit selection button 12 (credit selection switch 12a), when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 6, the inserted medal detection sensor 6a detects the medal and outputs the detection signal. Input to the game control device 50.
Similarly in this case, the game control device 50 adds the memorized bet number based on the medal detection signal and displays the bet number on the bet line display unit 31.
Further, when medals exceeding the upper limit (three) of the bet number are inserted, the medal credit number is added one by one without adding the surplus medals to the bet number. The addition result is displayed on the credit number display unit 7 as the credit number.
However, a predetermined upper limit value (for example, 50) is set for the number of credits, and when medals exceeding the upper limit value are inserted, the extra medals are not added to the credit number 18 To return to.
Further, when the 1-bet button 10 or the max-bet button 9 is operated in a state where there is a medal credit, the number of medals according to the operation is bet and the memory of the credit number is subtracted by the bet number. .
[0096]
In the case of paying out medals based on a prize in the “non-credit state”, the total number of medals is paid out to the tray 18, while in the “credit state”, medals are based on the prize. When the number of credits is paid out, medals are added to the number of credits without being paid out to the tray 18 until the number of credits reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, 50). It pays out to the tray 18 without adding to the number.
[0097]
Further, the number of activated lines among the plurality of enableable lines changes according to the number of bets (the number of bets) of medals.
That is, for example, when the bet number is 1, only one enabling line (for example, the middle horizontal line) is enabled, and when the bet number is 2, three enabling lines (for example, the upper line) , Middle and lower horizontal lines) are activated, and when the number of bets is 3, it is set to activate all the enabling lines.
Then, a winning is established only when a valid winning line activated according to the number of bets, that is, a predetermined winning result mode corresponding to winning is formed on the active line, and a medal is paid out. On the other hand, even if a winning result mode is formed on a line other than this active line, no winning is established, so that no medal corresponding to the winning is paid out.
[0098]
In addition, when the number of bets is changed from 0 to 1 or more during the betting process, the start switch 13 a that detects the operation of the start lever 13 and outputs an operation signal to the game control device 50 becomes effective. Also, if the previous game has a replay winning result mode (replay winning result mode), the game starts after the previous game bet number is automatically set (no operation such as coin insertion). The switch 13a is activated.
The player replays in a state where a bet is made by inserting a medal from the medal insertion slot 6, or a bet is made by operating the max bet button 9 or the 1 bet button 10, or in the previous game. If the winning result mode is established, the start lever 13 is operated without making a bet.
[0099]
If the start switch 13a is valid at this time, the start switch 13a detects the operation of the operation lever 131 of the start lever 13, and this detection signal is input to the CPU 51 of the game control device 50. A winning lottery process is performed (step S3). Note that the number of bets is determined when the start switch 13a is operated.
[0100]
When three medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 6, the inserted medals are guided and moved from the medal insertion slot 6 to the coin rail and detected by the insertion medal detection sensor 6a of the coin selector. The number of medals is counted. Next, when the start lever 13 is operated, the number of bets is determined. However, when the time from the medal insertion to the medal count becomes longer than usual because the medal does not move smoothly due to dirt on the coin rail, etc., the three If the start lever 13 is operated at a normal timing without confirming that the medals have been counted and bet, the start lever 13 is counted before the third or second and third medals are counted. May be manipulated.
[0101]
In this case, when one or two of the three medals inserted are counted, an operation signal is output from the start switch 13a to the game control device 50, and the number of bets is determined to be 1 or 2. Will be. Then, after the operation signal from the start switch 13a is output, even if the inserted medal detection sensor 6a detects the third or second and third medals and the detection signal is output to the game control device 50. The detection signal after the operation signal from the start switch 13a is input is invalidated, and the third or second and third medals are returned to the tray 18.
[0102]
Here, in the pachislot machine 100, the winning probability of each winning is different depending on the number of bets, as will be described later, and is most advantageous to the player when the number of bets is the upper limit (for example, 3). The probability of winning a prize is determined so that For example, in the BB winning, the winning probability when the bet number is 3 is greater than three times the winning probability when the bet number is 1, and more than 1.5 times the winning probability when the bet number is 2 It has been enlarged. Further, for example, the effective line for 1 bet is 1, the effective line for 2 bets is 3, and the effective line for 3 bets is 5. If the number of bets increases as described above, the number of bets Since the winning probability of winning a prize is higher at a ratio larger than the above ratio, if the number of bets increases, it becomes almost the same as playing many games during the time of one game, and the upper limit is the number of bets This increases the time efficiency.
[0103]
Therefore, for example, if a normal player confirms the winning of a special prize and performs a stop operation aiming to stop the bonus symbol corresponding to the special prize on the active line, even if the timing is slightly shifted, the withdrawal is stopped. When the bonus symbol can be stopped on the active line by the control, the input operation is performed so that the bet number is set to the upper limit of 3, except that the bet number is set to 1. By such a player's input operation (for example, insertion of three medals into the medal slot 6), the game control device 50 is input with the upper limit of 3 bets. Here, the input mode with the upper limit of 3 bets is set as the specific input mode, and the input mode in which the bet number is set to 1 or 2 due to the dirt on the coin rail as described above is different from the specific input mode. A mode (abnormal input mode) is set.
[0104]
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, in the winning lottery process, the winning lottery process waits until a detection signal is output from the start switch 13a by operating the start lever 13 (whether there was a start operation). (Step S31), and when the detection signal is input from the start switch 13a, the winning lottery process is started by the interrupt process.
[0105]
  The detection signal from the start switch 13a is also input to a random number sampling circuit 55a provided in the game control device 50. The sampling circuit 55a is internally connected from the random number generation circuit 55 at the timing of this input signal (detection signal). A random number for lottery is extracted, and the extracted random number is transmitted to the CPU 51. The CPU 51 stores the input random number in the random number storage area for winning lottery in the RAM 53 (step S32).
  NextThen, the random number extracted as described above and stored in the RAM 53 is compared with the determination value of the winning determination table stored in the ROM 52 (step S33).
  Note that a different winning determination table is used for each bet number and gaming state. That is, as a winning determination table when the game state is a normal game (normal game state) (other than big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB)), for example, from the minimum bet number to the maximum bet number, for example, 1 to 3 Up to three types are stored in the ROM 52 in advance. Also, during the BB, except for the RB in the BB, as the winning determination table, for example, three types from the minimum bet number to the maximum bet number, for example, 1 to 3 are stored in the ROM 52 in advance. Further, during the RB (including the RB in the BB), for example, the number of bets is only 1, so that the winning determination table is one type. Also, depending on the gaming state, there are cases where the types of winnings that occur are different. Each winning determination table is set such that the greater the number of bets, the higher the winning probability of winning, and the higher the winning probability of winning than the increasing rate of bets.
[0106]
In addition, during a normal game, if there is a small role winning high probability state in which the winning probability of winning a small role winning is higher than normal, the winning determination table for the small role winning high probability state is set according to the number of bets. A plurality of ROMs 52 are stored. Note that the high probability of winning a small role is, for example, a case where a small role winning is often not established even though the small role winning is won in a normal game (when there is a lot of missing small role winnings). In addition, in order to keep the proportion of winning of the small part winning as constant as possible, the probability of winning the small part winning is raised. In addition, when the small role winning high probability state is reached and the number of small role winnings is increased, the winning probability of the small role winning in the normal state (low winning state of small role winning state) is returned again.
[0107]
In each winning determination table, one or more determination values are determined for each winning with respect to the number of types of random numbers that may occur, so that winning is established with a predetermined probability for each winning. ing. Note that the pachislot machine 100 has a probability setting device 630 that can change the probability of a predetermined prize (for example, a special prize, etc.) during a normal game step by step, and is based on the number of bets described above. A plurality of sets of winning determination tables are further stored in the plurality of sets ROM 52 for each stage of changeable probability.
[0108]
Then, the CPU 51 compares the random number described above with the determination value in the winning determination table, and if the random number extracted and stored in the RAM 53 matches the determination value corresponding to any winning in the winning determination table, The winning prize corresponding to the matching judgment value is won. On the other hand, if any of the winning determination values does not match the extracted random number, the determination is lost.
Then, based on the comparison between the random number and the determination value as described above, it is determined whether or not there is a winning prize (step S34).
When there is a winning winning combination, the CPU 51 sets a winning flag winning in the storage area corresponding to the winning winning in the storage area of the flag corresponding to each winning in the RAM 53 (step S35). For example, in a normal game, a lottery is made as described above to determine whether to win a small bonus, a big bonus, a regular bonus, or a replay, and the lottery result is a win. Data indicating that a winning flag (for example, a small bonus winning flag, a big bonus winning flag, a regular bonus winning flag, or a replay winning flag is established (established) corresponding to the selected winning is established. Is temporarily stored in the RAM 53. As described above, the game control device 50 functions as a lottery means.
On the other hand, in the case of deviation, the flag is not set.
[0109]
  NextThen, it is determined whether or not a bonus flag (Big Bonus winning flag, Regular bonus winning flag) is set (step S36).
  NextOn the other hand, if the bonus flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the coin is a bet (step S37). That is, it is determined whether or not a bet has been made by operating the max bet button 9 or the 1 bet button 10 and placing a coin without placing a bet from credit.
  NextThen, it is determined whether or not the number of bets is an upper limit (for example, 3) (whether it is a maximum bet) (step S38).
  If the bonus flag is not set and a bet is made by inserting a coin and the number of bets is less than the upper limit, coin failure information is transmitted from the game control device 50 to the effect control device 700.
[0110]
  Here, the coin selector defect information is, as described above, when the bet is made by inserting coins when the bonus flag is not set, and the bet number as the input mode is not the upper limit value that is the specific input mode, This is information indicating that the numerical value is smaller than the upper limit, which is an input mode different from the specific input mode.
  Here, when the player knows that the bonus flag is set through bonus notification or so-called reach eyes, the player may set the bet number to 1 as described above. There is a high possibility that the number of bets has become less than the upper limit due to defects such as dirt on the coin rail of the coin selector. In this case, the coin selector failure information is not output even if the number of bets is less than the upper limit. It has become. Note that the bonus flag here is basically until the bonus winning that the bonus flag is won is established.NextBefore the current game, because the player will not know the winning of the bonus prize when determining the number of bets before the lottery where the bonus winning prize has been decided. Bonus flag set in the game. In order to simplify the process, the bonus flag in the flowchart of FIG. 7 may include a bonus flag set in the current game.
[0111]
In addition, when a bet is made using credits instead of coin insertion, it is natural that there is no relation to the malfunction of the coin selector even if the number of bets is smaller than the upper limit. That is, if the bonus flag is not set and a bet is made by inserting a coin, if the number of bets is less than or equal to the upper limit, the coin selector is likely to be defective. It is supposed to send.
On the other hand, when the bonus flag is set, when a bet is made with credit, or when the input bet number is the upper limit value, coin selector failure information is not transmitted. If the bonus flag is not set and the player deliberately sets the number of bets below the upper limit, defect information is transmitted. However, if only the number of transmissions of defect information is simply notified, this is not a problem. In addition, as will be described later, it is possible to prevent the malfunction from being erroneously determined by not reporting the malfunction unless the number of times of transmission of the malfunction information exceeds a predetermined number. Then, at the stage where the above processing is completed, the winning lottery processing returns to the initial standby state.
[0112]
  NextIn addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 51 performs the fluctuation start process (step S4) based on the input of the operation signal from the start switch 13a to each of the reels 20a to 20 with respect to the first to third reel motors 611 to 613. A control signal for instructing the rotation start of 20c is sent (control to start the rotation of each reel 20a to 20c is performed). Thereby, it will be in the state which performs the change display of a symbol.
  That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, in the variation start process, when an operation signal is input from the start switch 13a to the game control device 50 while waiting for an input of the operation signal by the start switch 13a.Next(Step S41).
[0113]
Then, it is determined whether or not the variation start restriction timer set as a program in the CPU 51 of the game control device 50 has expired, that is, whether or not the variation start restriction time has elapsed (step S42). In other words, in the pachislot machine 100, the reels 20a to 20c are restricted from rotating (starting the fluctuation display) until a predetermined fluctuation start restriction time (for example, 7.7 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the previous game. Has been. When the start of variation of the previous game is started, the variation start restriction timer is operated after being reset, and when the start lever 13 is operated, the variation start restriction timer is timed up (the variation start restriction time has elapsed). If not, it will be in a state of waiting for the fluctuation start regulation time to elapse.
When the variation start regulation time has elapsed, the variation start regulation timer is reset and activated again to regulate the start of the next game variation display. Then, the variable display is started by rotating the reels 20a to 20c.
[0114]
After starting the display of the symbols on the reels 20a to 20c in this way, the game control device 50 performs a change stop process as shown in FIG. 6 (step S5).
Here, before explaining the variation stop process, referring to the timing charts of FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the operation signal from the start lever 13, the rotation of each reel 20a to 20c, and each stop button. The timing with the operation signal from 14a-14c (stop button switch unit) is demonstrated.
10 to 12 show ON / OFF timing of input of an operation signal from a start lever 13 (start switch 13a) which is an input operation device, a left first reel 20a, and a second reel in the left. 20b and the right third reel 20c start and stop timing, left first reel stop button 14a (first stop switch 14d), middle second reel stop button 14b (second stop switch 14e) The timing chart shows ON / OFF timing of input of an operation signal from the right third reel stop button 14c (third stop switch 14f).
[0115]
The timing chart of FIG. 10 is a timing chart when a general operation is performed. When the player operates the start lever 13 by a general method, the operation lever 131 is moved as described above. The control lever 131 is pushed down to move to a specific position from the state where the photosensor of the start switch 13a blocks light at the reference position, and the operation signal is not blocked by the photosensor of the start switch 13a. When the player immediately turns off the finger, the operation lever 131 is returned to the reference position by the return means 13n having the coil spring 13q, and the operation signal is turned off by blocking the light of the photosensor. .
[0116]
  That is, according to the normal operation of the start lever 13, the operation signal from the start lever 13 is turned off immediately after being turned on, and at least the operation signal from the start lever 13 is turned on. The reels 20a to 20c start to rotate, and then a stop invalid time (stop switch invalid period) elapses (predetermined game progress time) and the stop buttons 14a to 14c are activated (preset) At a time other than the game progress time), the operation signal of the start lever 13 is already OFF. If the player deliberately continues to operate the start lever 13, it does not turn OFF, but the player does not need to keep pressing the start lever 13 and is meaningless, so the player presses the start lever 13. It is unlikely to continue to push.
  10 to 12, the operation of the start lever 13 is illustrated as being performed after the fluctuation start restriction time (game number restriction time) has elapsed. Also, for example, when the previous game is overNextIf you bet from credits when you bet on this game, even if the bet ends and the start lever 13 becomes valid, there will be a considerable amount of time until the fluctuation start regulation time expires. There is a high possibility that the fluctuation start regulation time has elapsed before the start lever 13 becomes effective, and the remaining time is small even if it has not elapsed. Accordingly, when the operation signal from the start lever 13 is turned ON, the reels 20a to 20c start to rotate.
[0117]
When the stop buttons 14a to 14c are sequentially operated after the above-described stop invalid time has elapsed and the stop buttons 14a to 14c are enabled, operation signals are output from the stop switches 14d to 14f. Here, a case is shown in which the left first reel stop button 14a, the middle second reel stop button 14b, and the right third reel stop button 14c are operated in this order. Also, in the stop switches 14d to 14f of the stop button switch unit that is an input operation device, if the player releases the finger immediately after the player presses the stop buttons 14a to 14c, the stop button 14a that is an operation unit is performed. -14c is the reference position described above, moves from a state where the light of the photosensors of the stop switches 14d-14f is blocked to a position where the light of the photosensor which is the specific position is not blocked, and is output from the stop switches 14d-14f. When the operation signal is turned on and then the finger is released from the stop buttons 14a to 14c, the stop button 14a to 14c is returned to the reference position where the light of the photosensor is blocked by the spring 143 as a return means, and the operation signal is It becomes OFF.
[0118]
  That is, according to the normal operation of the stop buttons 14a to 14c, the operation signals from the stop switches 14d to 14f are turned off immediately after turning on. Further, since the player usually operates the stop buttons 14a to 14c with one finger of one hand, after operating the one stop button 14a to 14c,NextWhen operating the stop buttons 14a to 14c, it is necessary to release the finger from the previously operated stop buttons 14a to 14c. In the operation of the first and second stop buttons 14a to 14c,NextBefore operating the stop buttons 14a to 14c, the operation signals from the stop switches 14d to 14f by the previous operation are turned OFF.
[0119]
Accordingly, the operation signals output from the stop switches 14d to 14f are, as shown in FIG. 10, after the first operation signal is turned on and turned off, the second operation signal is turned on and the second operation signal is turned on. After the signal is turned off, the third operation signal is turned on.
[0120]
Here, when there is an abnormality in the return means 13n of the start lever 13, for example, since a rough operation has been performed for a long time, the restoring force of the coil spring 13q of the return means 13n is weakened or deformed. When the operation lever 131 of the start lever 13 does not smoothly return from the specific position to the reference position and it takes time to return, the time from when the operation signal from the start lever 13 is turned on until it is turned off. Becomes longer.
As shown in FIG. 11, after the operation signal from the start lever is turned on, the reels 20a to 20c start to rotate, and the operation signal is not turned off even after the stop switch invalid time has elapsed. The player starts the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c and stops without confirming whether the stop button lamp 140 of the stop buttons 14a to 14c is turned on (change of emission color) or the like. Even if it is determined that the invalid time has elapsed and the stop buttons 14a to 14c are operated, if the operation signal from the start lever is not OFF, the stop switches 14d to 14f are invalid. For example, the left stop button Even if an operation signal is output from the stop switch 14d of 14a as indicated by a broken line, it is ignored.
[0121]
Accordingly, when the stop buttons 14a to 14c are pressed in the order of left, middle, and right when the stop buttons 14a to 14c are disabled as described above, the left first reel stop button 14a or the left first reel In some cases, an operation signal generated by operating the stop button 14a and the second reel stop button 14b is invalidated. Then, when the second reel stop button 14b and the right third reel stop button 14c or the right third reel stop button 14c operated after that are operated, the left first reel stop button 14a is operated. Alternatively, the left first reel stop button 14a and the middle second reel stop button 14b are operated again.
[0122]
Then, even though the player tried to set the pushing order (stop operation order) to left, middle, and right, the pushing order was middle, right, left, or right, left, It becomes the order in the middle. Here, many players generally advance a game in the order of left, middle, and right, so-called forward push as the push order. In addition, the player may advance the game by pushing the left, right, middle order, so-called scissors. In addition, in the reach that is a sequence of symbols that appear only when a special winning prize is won, for example, in the variable stop control, it may appear only in a specific pushing order, and it is generally open to the public. Reached eyes appear when you press forward or forward and scissors. Therefore, the player often performs forward push or scissor push.
In addition, since a player is generally less likely to push the middle reel 20b first, for example, when the middle reel 20b is pushed first, as described above, There is a possibility that the operation signal from the start lever 13 has been delayed.
[0123]
  On the other hand, in the stop buttons 14a to 14c, as described above, the restoring force of the spring 143, which is a return means for returning the stop button from the specific position where the operation signal is ON to the reference position where the operation signal is OFF, becomes weak. In such a case, the stop buttons 14a to 14c may not return smoothly. In this case, even if the player finishes the operation of the stop buttons 14a to 14c and releases the hand, the stop buttons 14a to 14c are turned on. The operation signal does not turn off immediately.
  In such a state, as shown in FIG. 12, in the operation of the three stop buttons 14a to 14c, the player releases his hand from the left first reel stop button 14a which has been operated first,NextEven if the second reel stop button 14b is operated, the operation signal from the first reel stop switch 14d based on the operation of the left first reel stop button 14a is not turned OFF. The operation signal from the second reel stop switch 14e based on the operation is invalidated.
  That is, in the state where the operation signal from one stop button 14a is ON, the operation of the other stop buttons 14b and 14c is invalid, so that the previously operated stop button 14a is the reference from the specific position. The reels 20b and 20c corresponding to the other stop buttons 14b and 14c cannot be stopped until the position is returned.
[0124]
  In this case as well, the reels 20a to 20b may stop in an order different from the stop operation order intended by the player. For example, when stopping by forward pressing, after the first reel stop button 14a is first operated, the return of the first reel stop button 14a is delayed,NextWhen the second reel stop button 14b operated in the above state is disabled and the first reel stop button 14a is restored when the third reel stop button 14c is last operated, the operation of the third reel stop button 14c is Valid. Here, when the disabled second reel stop button 1 is operated, the pressing order is left, right, and center scissors. Therefore, when a player who always operates by forward pressing operates the pachislot machine 100 having an abnormality in the first stop button 14a, the input mode corresponding to the stop operation sequence is basically forward pressing every time. When the stop button 14a does not operate smoothly, scissor pressing may be mixed. Note that the specific input mode of the present invention is shown in the timing chart of FIG. 10, and the input mode shown in the timing charts of FIGS. 11 and 12 is different from the specific input mode (abnormal input mode). It becomes.
[0125]
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the variable stop process performed based on the operation of the above-described stop buttons 14a to 14c determines whether or not a predetermined stop invalid time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation (step S5a). . In other words, the variable stop invalid time elapses from the start of the fluctuation, and the system enters a state of waiting until the stop invalid timer operated at the start of the fluctuation times out. Until the variable stop invalid time elapses, the stop buttons 14a to 14c are invalidated, and the reels 20a to 20c do not stop even if the stop buttons 14a to 14c are operated. Further, the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c is accelerated during the variable stop invalid time, and a stable high-speed rotation is achieved.
[0126]
Then, after the stop invalid time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the operation signal output from the start switch 13a (start lever) is OFF (step S5b). If the normal operation, that is, the release of the finger immediately after operating the start lever 13 as described above, as long as there is no abnormality in the start lever 13, as shown in FIG. 10, the stop invalid time (the stop switch invalid period of FIG. 10) The operation signal based on the operation of the start lever 13 should be OFF before the time elapses.
[0127]
Accordingly, in step S5b performed at the timing after the variable stop invalid time has elapsed, if the operation signal input from the start switch 13a to the game control device 50 is not OFF, the start switch 13a (start lever 13) is turned on. Information indicating that there is a defect is transmitted to the effect control device (sub-control device) 700 (step S5c). That is, in this example, as the output timing of the operation signal (detection signal) output when the start switch 13a detects that the operation lever 13l of the start lever 13 has moved from the reference position to the specific position, in this example, the variable stop invalid time The time before the elapse of time is set as a game progress time set in advance. If the operation signal is output even after the variable stop invalid time has elapsed and the time other than the preset game progress time is detected (detection that the operation lever 13l is in a specific position) When the signal is generated), it is determined that the operation lever 13l does not return to normal and is a return abnormality.
Then, until the operation signal from the start switch 13a is turned off, it is determined whether or not the start switch in step S5b is turned off, and the operation waits until the operation signal is turned off. It is determined whether or not the stop time has elapsed (step S5d). If the automatic stop time has elapsed, the reels 20a to 20c are automatically stopped (step S5e).
[0128]
In the state of waiting for the operation signal from the start switch 13a to be turned off, an operation for transmitting the above-described start lever malfunction information and an operation for determining whether or not the automatic stop time has elapsed are performed. However, the process of transmitting the failure information of the start lever is performed only once while waiting for the start switch 13a to be turned off, and thereafter whether or not the automatic stop time has elapsed. The reel automatic stop process is performed only when the automatic stop time has elapsed. That is, the defect information of the start lever is not transmitted more than once in one game, and the defect information is transmitted as many times as the number of games having the problem of the start lever in a plurality of games played.
[0129]
The automatic stop time is set in advance to prevent the game from being ended when the stop buttons 14a to 14c are not operated by the player. The automatic stop time depends on the reels 20a to 20c. Even if an automatic stop time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the variable display, if the player does not perform the variable display stop operation, the game control device 50 has not performed the variable stop operation. A control signal for stopping the reel motors 611 to 613 corresponding to the reels 20a to 20c is output to stop the variable display. At this time, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped based on the stop control including the above-described pull-in stop control and kick-off stop control using a stop table corresponding to a gaming state, winning a prize, or the like.
[0130]
Further, when the operation signal from the start switch 13a is not turned off even after the automatic stop process of each reel 20a to 20c is completed, for example, under the control of the effect control device 700 as an error process after a predetermined time elapses. In addition, an error may be reported using the liquid crystal display device 4.
[0131]
On the other hand, when the start switch 13a is turned off, it is determined whether or not the stop switches 14d to 14f (stop switches) are turned off (step S5f). Here, as shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not there are stop switches 14d to 14f that are turned on without being turned off as they are by an operation signal of the stop switches 14d to 14f that are once turned on. Is.
[0132]
And when there is what the operation signal inputted into game control device 50 is not OFF in stop switch 14d-14f, it is not OFF, ie, malfunction information of malfunctioning stop switches 14d-14f That is, information indicating that the malfunctioning stop switches 14d to 14f are abnormal is transmitted to the effect control device (sub control device) (step S5g). This processing is also performed while waiting for the operation signal to be turned off when there are stop switches 14d to 14f for which the operation signal is not turned off. The trouble information for the stop switches 14d to 14f is only once.
[0133]
In addition, after the operation signal of the start switch 13a is turned off, one of the stop buttons 14a to 14c is operated, and it is determined that the operation signal of the start switch 13a is turned on in step S5j described later, and step S5k. When it is simply determined whether or not the operation signals of the stop switches 14d to 14f are turned off after the processing of step S5n is performed, the processing time of steps S5k to S5n is short in FIG. As shown in the figure, even when the stop buttons 14a to 14c are operated and the operation signal is turned on only for a short time, the failure information may be transmitted. For example, the operation signal is turned on (OFF). If the operation signal is ON for more than a preset time after sending In the case where it is determined that the stop switches 14d to 14f are turned ON / OFF at every predetermined cycle time, the stop switches 14d to 14f are not turned OFF for a preset number of times. The defect information may be transmitted.
[0134]
When each of the stop switches 14d to 14f is OFF, the operation signal input from the stop switches (stop switches) 14a to 14c corresponding to the unstopped reels 20a to 20c is validated (step S5h). That is, when there are no stop buttons 14a to 14c that are currently pressed by the player or stop buttons 14a to 14c that are not returned after being pressed, the stop buttons 14a to 14c corresponding to the unstopped reels 20a to 20c Immediately after the start switch 13a is turned OFF, all the stop buttons 14a to 14c are enabled.
[0135]
  Further, the stop button lamp 140 corresponding to the enabled stop buttons 14a to 14c is turned on (step S5i), and the enabled stop buttons 14a to 14c are notified. Immediately after the start switch 13a is turned off, the stop button lamps 140 corresponding to all the stop buttons 14a to 14c are turned on.
  NextThen, it is determined whether or not the operation signal from the stop switches 14d to 14f is turned on (step S5j).
  If there is no stop switch 14d to 14f whose operation signal is ON, it is determined whether or not the above-described automatic stop time has elapsed (step S5k). The reels 20a to 20c that are not stopped are automatically stopped (step S51).
[0136]
  Further, when there are stop switches 14d to 14f whose operation signals are turned ON, the input of new operation signals from the respective stop switches 14d to 14f is invalidated (step S5m).
Further, the stop button lamp 140 corresponding to each of the stop switches 14d to 14f is turned off (step S5n) to notify that the stop buttons 14a to 14c are disabled.
  NextIn addition, a stop process for stopping the reel motors 611 to 613 that rotationally drive the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop switches 14d to 14f in which the input of the operation signal is detected is performed (step S5o). In this case, the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c is stopped under the stop control including the pull-in stop control and the kick-off stop control according to the stop table based on the gaming state and winning of each prize as described above. .
[0137]
  NextThen, it is determined whether or not all the reels 20a to 20c are stopped (step S5p), and when all the reels 20a to 20c are stopped, the variation stop process is finished and the reels are still rotating. If there are reels 20a to 20c, the process returns to the process of step S5f, and the processes after the process of determining whether or not the stop switches 14d to 14f turned on are normally turned off are repeated.
  Here, the progress of a preset game is performed from when the stop switches 14d to 14f are turned on as described above until the reels 20a to 20c are stopped and it is determined whether or not all the reels are stopped. It's time. That is, a period during which the reels 20a to 20c are stopped is set in advance after the operation signals are turned ON by operating the stop switches 14d to 14f, and after the stop processing of the reels 20a to 20c is set in advance. It is time other than the progress time that was made. In the present invention, when a signal (operation signal is ON) indicating that the stop buttons 14a to 14c are in a specific position is output from the stop switches 14d to 14f at a time other than the progress time, this is monitored ( Transmission of defect information).
[0138]
  NextNext, a winning determination process (step S6) shown in FIG. 6 is performed.
  That is, as described above, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped based on the operation of the reel stop buttons 14a to 14c by the player and the symbols on the reels 20a to 20c are stopped and displayed, so that the winning result mode is derived and displayed. In the case of winning, it is assumed that a winning is achieved. In other words, when the reels 20a to 20c are stopped, the CPU 51 determines the symbols instructed to stop the reels 20a to 20c, and the predetermined line of symbols is on the active line. The control device 50 determines that a winning has been established, and determines that no winning has been achieved when a predetermined symbol arrangement is not on the active line.
[0139]
Then, when the winning is established, the game control device 50 performs control to cause the medal paying unit 80 to pay out a predetermined number of medals according to the kind of the established winning (Step S7). At this time, the medal payout unit 80 is controlled while confirming the number of medals paid out by the detection signal from the payout medal detection sensor 640. As described above, in the credit state, until the number of credits reaches a predetermined upper limit value, medals are added to the number of credits without being paid out to the tray 18, and medals exceeding the upper limit value are added. It pays out to the tray 18 without adding to the number of credits.
[0140]
In the above description, whether or not there is an input mode (abnormal input mode) different from the specific input mode during the control of the game (game) by the game control device 50 during the game, The process of transmitting the above-described defect information to the effect control device 700 when there are different input modes has been described, but the following is performed in the effect control device 700 based on the defect information transmitted from the game control device 50, Processing for monitoring defect information transmitted from the game control device 50 and notifying the result of counting the number of times of reception of the monitored defect information as information related to the monitoring result will be described.
[0141]
In the effect control device 700, the defect information monitoring process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 is performed. The defect information monitoring process is performed by the game control device 50 to the effect control device 700, including the coin selector (inserted medal detection sensor 6a), start lever 13 (start switch 13a), and stop button switch unit (stop switches 14d to 14f). When failure information indicating a failure based on a signal delay from any of the above is transmitted, it is performed as an interrupt process.
[0142]
In the defect information monitoring process, it is determined whether or not the defect information of the coin selector has been input (step SS1). When the defect information of the coin selector is input, that is, in the state where the bonus winning is not won, When the bet is made after the insertion, if the bet number is lower than the upper limit value, the count value of the coin selector malfunction information monitoring counter is incremented by 1 (step SS2).
When the coin selector failure information is not input, the count value of the coin selector failure information monitoring counter is left as it is.
[0143]
Further, it is determined whether or not failure information of the start switch 13a is input (step SS3). When failure information of the start switch 13a is input, that is, an operation signal from the start switch 13a is turned on, and each reel 20a. If the operation signal from the start switch 13a is not turned off even after the stop invalid period of the stop switches 14d to 14f elapses, the count value of the start switch failure information monitoring counter is set to one. Increase (step SS4).
Further, when the failure information of the start switch 13a is not input, the count value of the start switch failure information monitoring counter is left as it is.
[0144]
Further, it is determined whether or not failure information of the stop switches 14d to 14f is input (step SS5), and when failure information of the stop switches 14d to 14 is input, that is, an operation from one stop switch 14d to 14f. If the signal is turned ON and the operation signal from the stop switches 14d to 14f is not turned OFF even after the process of stopping the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the one stop switch 14d to 14f is performed, stop switch failure information The count value of the monitoring counter is incremented by one (step SS6).
Further, when failure information of the stop switches 14d to 14f is not input, the count value of the stop switch failure information monitoring counter is left as it is. Note that there are three stop switches 14d to 14f, and a counter is set for each stop switch 14d to 14f. The counter is assigned to each failure switch 14d to 14f and assigned to each stop switch 14d to 14f. The corresponding counter counts the corresponding defect information. That is, monitoring is performed for each of the stop switches 14d to 14f, and the number of inputs of defect information is counted separately.
[0145]
  NextThen, it is determined whether or not the reset switch is ON (step SS7). For example, the reset switch is arranged on the board on which the effect control device 700 is provided, and when the reset switch is turned on, the fault information monitoring process is performed as an interrupt process in the same manner as when fault information is input. Is done.
  When the reset switch is turned on, the values of the counters are cleared (step SS8), and the date and time when the reset switch is turned on (for example, in the game control device 50 or the effect control device 700). The date and time of the set clock (calendar) is acquired) is stored (step SS9), the defect information monitoring process is terminated, and an interrupt instruction wait state is entered.
[0146]
The count value of each counter is stored in, for example, the RAM 703 of the effect control device 700, but this data needs to be stored even when the power of the pachislot machine 100 is turned off. The RAM 703 may be backed up by a battery, or may be stored in a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory instead of the RAM 703.
In addition, since the count value of each counter is cleared when the reset switch is turned on, the count period is the period from when the count value is cleared by turning on the reset switch until the present time.
[0147]
Further, in the effect control device 700, an initial image display process shown in a flowchart in FIG. 14 is performed as a part of the initialization process when the power is turned on.
In the initial image display processing, for example, as shown in the display screen 4a of FIG. 15 of the liquid crystal display device 4 under the control of the effect control device 700, the information regarding the monitoring result of the monitoring means is obtained by the above-described defect information monitoring processing. In addition, the above-described coin selector (inserted medal detection sensor 6a), start lever 13 (start switch 13a), and stop button switch unit (stop switches 14d to 14f) are input with the number of times of failure information, respectively, "coin selector", " Corresponding to the display of “start switch”, “stop switch (left)”, “stop switch (middle)”, “stop switch (right)”, it is displayed as the number of times.
[0148]
In addition, the date and time acquired in step SS9 and the current date and time are displayed as a period (from reset to the present) in which the number of times defect information is input. Note that this display includes the count value data of each counter stored in the RAM 703 counted as described above, the date data described above, the text data of characters displayed in the ROM 702, and the font data of characters. The image data generated by the effect control device 700 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 based on the layout data.
[0149]
A coin indicating the number of games for which the bet number is not the upper limit when a bet is made by inserting a coin when a bonus game is not won as described above when a person on the game store side sees this display. When the number of selectors is large (for example, when the number is larger than a predetermined position determined in advance), there is a possibility that the coin rail of the coin selector has a defect such as dirt, and the medal is not moving smoothly on the coin rail. Is suggested and prompts the coin selector to check.
[0150]
In addition, as described above, the operation signal from the start switch 13a is turned on and the variable display is started. Even if the stop invalid period of the stop switches 14d to 14f elapses, the operation signal from the start switch 13a is turned off. First, when the stop switches 14d to 14f have a large number of start switches indicating the number of games that have not become effective immediately after the stop invalid period has elapsed (for example, when there are more start switches than a predetermined position), the return means 13n is started. The possibility that there is a problem that the lever 13 does not return smoothly is suggested, and the check of the start lever 13 is urged.
[0151]
In addition, as described above, after one stop switch 14d to 14f is operated and the operation signal is turned ON, and the fluctuation stop processing for the corresponding reels 20a to 20c is performed, the operation from the stop switches 14d to 14f is performed. The stop button switch unit when the number of stop switches indicating that the signal is not turned OFF and the remaining non-operated stop switches 14d to 14f are not valid is large (for example, when there are more than a predetermined position). This suggests that there is a possibility that the stop switch 14d to 14f does not return smoothly to the spring 143 serving as the return means, and prompts the stop buttons 14a to 14c to be checked.
[0152]
The display shown in FIG. 15 ends when the effect display is started by another process for controlling the effect display performed by the liquid crystal display device 4, for example, and the initial image display process is also ended.
As described above, according to this example, it is not a problem that the game cannot be executed, but when there is a problem that is inconvenient for the player's operation in the coin selector, the start lever 13, and the stop button switch unit, Notification can be made early.
[0153]
According to this example, the input mode of the input signal from a predetermined input operation device (coin selector, start lever 13, stop button switch unit) is different from a preset specific input mode in the course of the game. Monitoring means (game control device 50 and effect control device 700) for monitoring the occurrence of the mode (abnormal input mode), and notification means (effect control device 700) for notifying information related to the monitoring result of the monitoring means. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the occurrence status of the winning mode (abnormal input mode) different from the specific input mode by the notification information of the notification means, and a hardware configuration for detecting an abnormality (problem) of the input operation device Anomalies can be found without adding. In particular, since the game is monitored during the progress of the game, the input operation in a state where the function of the input operation device is deteriorated when the game is in an executable state, that is, before the game cannot be executed due to a complete failure. Can detect device abnormalities.
[0154]
The predetermined input operation device (start lever 13, stop button switch unit) includes an operation unit (operation lever 131, stop buttons 14a to 14c) that can be operated by the player, and the operation unit is operated by the operation unit. Detection means (start switch 13a, stop switches 14d to 14f) for detecting movement from the reference position to the specific position and from the specific position to the reference position, and return means (return means 13n, springs) for returning the operation unit to the reference position 143), and the monitoring means monitors the generation of a detection signal from the detection means at a time other than a preset game progress time, and based on the monitoring result of the monitoring means, It is possible to determine the return abnormality that the operation unit of the input operation device does not return normally, and to reliably detect problems due to weakening of the return means It is possible.
[0155]
In addition, the monitoring means monitors the execution of a game when the number of inserted game media (medals) to bet on one game is other than a preset maximum bet number, and based on the monitoring result of the monitoring means. Therefore, it is possible to determine the insertion abnormality of the insertion device related to the insertion of the game medium, and to detect a malfunction of the coin selector at an early stage.
[0156]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the present invention may be modified as follows, and a first modification of the above example will be described here.
In the above example, the input mode different from the specific input mode is monitored, the number of times that the different input mode is generated is counted, and the number of times counted is notified, but in the first modification example, When the number of occurrences of different input modes is greater than or equal to a preset number, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the abnormality is notified.
[0157]
The difference between the above-described example and the first modification is that the failure information monitoring process is different, and the notification regarding the monitoring result using the liquid crystal display device 4 is not in the initial image display process at the time of power-on but in operation. And the point where the trouble image display processing is performed, and the addition of the monitoring value change processing that allows the setting value (monitoring value) used as the determination criterion for abnormality to be changed. Since the example and the first modification are the same, the defect information monitoring process, the defect image display process, and the monitoring value change process of the first modification will be described below.
Further, in the first modification, a predetermined input operation device is used even in a state where the game can be executed based on a monitoring result of an input mode different from a specific input mode, based on the defect image display process described later by the effect control device 700. It functions as an abnormality determination means for determining the abnormality of the.
[0158]
Hereinafter, the defect information monitoring process of the first modification will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In the defect information monitoring process, as described above, in the effect control device 700, defect information corresponding to each of the stop switches 14d to 14f of the coin selector, the start lever 13, and the stop button switch unit is input from the game control device 50. When the power is turned on, the interruption process is started when the reset switch on the board of the effect control device 700 is turned on.
[0159]
Then, it is determined whether the interrupt is caused by power-on (step SS11) or the reset switch is turned on (step SS12). If the power is turned on or the reset switch is turned on, the coin selector malfunction information monitoring counter, the start switch malfunction information The count values of the monitoring counter and stop switch failure information monitoring counter are cleared (step SS13). Accordingly, the count processing period of each counter, which will be described later, is a period from when the power is turned on to the present or from when the reset switch is turned on until the present.
[0160]
On the other hand, if the interrupt process is neither the operation of the reset switch nor the power-on, it is determined whether or not defect information of the coin selector has been input (step SS14), and if the defect information of the coin selector has been input. Then, the count value of the coin selector defect information monitoring counter is incremented by 1 (step SS15).
When the coin selector failure information is not input, the count value of the coin selector failure information monitoring counter is left as it is.
[0161]
Further, it is determined whether or not failure information of the start switch 13a has been input (step SS16), and when the failure information of the start switch 13a is input, the count value of the start switch failure information monitoring counter is incremented by one ( Step SS17).
Further, when the failure information of the start switch 13a is not input, the count value of the start switch failure information monitoring counter is left as it is.
[0162]
Further, it is determined whether or not failure information of the stop switches 14d to 14f has been input (step SS18). When the failure information of the stop switches 14d to 14 is input, the count value of the stop switch failure information monitoring counter is incremented. (Step SS19).
Further, when failure information of the stop switches 14d to 14f is not input, the count value of the stop switch failure information monitoring counter is left as it is. As described above, monitoring is performed for each of the stop switches 14d to 14f, and the number of input defect information is counted separately.
Then, the defect information monitoring process as the interrupt process is completed, and the apparatus enters a state of waiting for power-on, reset switch ON, and defect information input.
[0163]
Further, in the effect control device 700, for example, a fault image display process is performed as an interrupt process when a predetermined interrupt signal is input based on the counter value being increased by the fault information monitoring process.
This defect image display process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
It is determined whether or not the count value of the coin selector defect information monitoring counter is 10 (monitor value) (step SS21).
When the count value of the coin selector failure information monitoring counter is 10, coin selector failure occurrence information is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 (step SS22).
[0164]
It is determined whether or not the count value of the start switch failure information monitoring counter is 3 (monitor value) (step SS23).
When the count value of the start switch failure information monitoring counter is 3, the start switch failure occurrence information is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 (step SS24).
It is determined whether the count value of the stop switch malfunction information monitoring counter (corresponding to each of the stop switches 14d to 14f of the stop button switch unit) is 3 (monitor value) (step SS25).
When the count value of the stop switch failure information monitoring counter is 3, the stop switch failure occurrence information is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 (step SS26).
[0165]
For example, in the case of the start switch 13a, the display of the failure occurrence information as the information related to the monitoring result of the monitoring means is, for example, as shown in FIG. Please display "or other characters. In the case of a coin selector, characters such as “Check coin selector” are displayed, and in the case of a stop button switch unit, a message such as “Check stop switch” is displayed. Further, when it is determined that there is a defect in a plurality of the stop switches 14d to 14 of the coin selector, the start lever 13, and the stop button switch unit (the count value of each defect information monitoring counter is equal to the count value described above). In the case of exceeding, a display corresponding to each defective part is performed. In addition to the character display, a drawing indicating the positions of the coin selector, the start lever 13, the stop buttons 14a to 14c, and the like may be displayed.
In the case of a coin selector, when the count value reaches 10, it is determined that there is a malfunction (abnormality) and notification is made, whereas the start lever 13 and stop buttons 14a to 14c are notified. In this case, when the count value becomes 3, it is determined that there is a problem (abnormality).
[0166]
This indicates that the defect information of the coin selector indicates that the number of bets due to the insertion of medals is less than or equal to the upper limit value. As described above, most of the players usually have the bet number as the upper limit value. When the game ends, if the number of remaining medals is less than the upper limit of the bet, it is common to play the game without setting the upper limit of the bet number. Since the player who plays the game may play a game without setting the bet number due to the insertion of medals as the upper limit value, the monitoring value (10) used for determining the malfunction of the coin selector is used as the monitoring value of the start switch 13a and the stop switches 14d to 14f. If the same as (3), there will be many judgment errors. Therefore, the monitoring value (10) used for determining the malfunction of the coin selector is larger than the monitoring value (3) used for determining the start switch 13a and the stop switches 14d to 14f. It is desirable to display the failure occurrence information continuously until each counter is cleared by an operation of a reset switch or the like.
[0167]
  NextNext, the monitoring value changing process for changing the monitoring value, which is the count value (determination criterion) used in the above-described determination, performed by the setting changing means will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
  The monitoring value change process is performed, for example, in the effect control device 700 when the power is turned on. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the power is turned on under the control of the effect control device 700. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 as an initialization image of “Please operate the start lever when changing the monitoring value”.
  Here, it is determined whether or not there is a monitoring value change request (step SS31). That is, when the operation signal is input from the start switch 13a to the game control device 50 by operating the start lever 13 while the above display is made on the screen 4a of the liquid crystal display device 4, the game control device 50 Information indicating that the start lever 13 has been operated is transmitted to the effect control device 700, and whether or not there is a change request depending on whether or not the above information is transmitted from the game control device 50. Judgment is made.
[0168]
For example, when the start lever 13 is not operated during the display of the screen 4a shown in FIG. 20A for a predetermined time, the monitoring value changing process is terminated, and the start lever 13 is operated. As shown in FIG. 20B, under the control of the production control device 700, the characters “coin selector: 10”, “start switch: 3”, and “stop switch: 3” The buttons are displayed side by side, and a display in which these buttons can be selected by an image of the cursor is performed. The cursor can be moved by operating the start lever 13 by displaying “Select with lever, confirm with left button”, and corresponding to each button by operating the first reel stop button 14a on the left. It is instructed that it is possible to determine which one of “coin selector: 10”, “start switch: 3”, and “stop switch: 3” is to be changed.
[0169]
Further, the display of the characters “End of the setting change process by betting” indicates that the setting change process, that is, the monitoring value change process can be ended by operating the bet button (the max bet button 9 or the 1 bet button 10). ing.
Here, by operating the start lever 13, for example, the cursor is moved downward step by step corresponding to the buttons arranged vertically, and the start lever 13 is operated after the cursor has moved to the bottom button. Then, the cursor moves to the position corresponding to the top button.
[0170]
Then, by operating the start lever 13, the cursor is moved to one of the buttons "Coin selector: 10", "Start switch: 3", and "Stop switch: 3", and the left first reel stop button 14a is pressed. Thus, it is possible to determine to change one of the monitoring values of the coin selector (inserted medal detection sensor 6a), start switch 13a (start lever 13), and stop switch (stop switches 14d to 14f).
[0171]
When an operation signal is input from the start switch 13a to the game control device 50 by operating the start lever 13, information indicating the input of the operation signal from the start switch 13a is input to the effect control device 700, and the effect control device. In 700, every time an operation signal is input from the start lever 13, "coin selector: 10", "start switch: 3", and "stop switch: 3" are selected in order, and the first reel stop button is selected. When an operation signal from the first reel stop switch 14d corresponding to 14a is input to the game control device 50, and information indicating the input of the operation signal from the stop switch 14d is transmitted from the game control device 50 to the effect control device. , “Coin selector: 10”, “Start switch: 3”, “Stop switch: 3” Decides to change the monitoring value corresponding to the button has been.
[0172]
Then, based on the processing corresponding to the screen 4a shown in FIG. 20B, the effect control device 700 determines whether or not a change related to the coin selector has been selected (step SS32). At this time, if the “coin selector: 10” button has been selected by the above-described operation, the coin selector monitoring value is changed (step SS33).
At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 20C, the screen 4a of the liquid crystal display device 4 displays the characters “coin selector”, the characters “setting value: 10”, and “ “Select with the lever, confirm with the left button” is displayed. Here, when the start lever 13 is operated, information indicating that the operation signal from the start switch 13 a is input is transmitted from the game control device 50 to the effect control device 700. And in the production | presentation control apparatus 700, whenever the information which shows the input of the above-mentioned operation signal is received, the monitoring value (setting value for abnormality determination) of a coin selector is changed in steps for every one or more numbers, for example. Alternatively, a plurality of predetermined setting values are selected in order. For example, the set value increases every time the above information is received, and when the set value reaches the maximum value, the set value becomes the minimum value.
[0173]
When the set value is changed by operating the start lever 13, the number "10" in the display "setting value: 10" is changed and displayed. When the first reel stop button 14a is operated while the screen 4a shown in FIG. 20C is displayed, the set value at that time is stored in, for example, the RAM 703 or the nonvolatile memory instead of the conventional set value. The
[0174]
If it is not the coin selector that is selected as the monitoring value change target, it is determined whether or not the monitoring value related to the start switch 13a is changed.
When the change of the monitoring value related to the start switch 13a is selected, the start switch monitoring value changing process is performed as in the case of the coin selector. At this time, the monitored value is not related to the coin selector but related to the start switch 13a, the “coin selector” portion of the display on the screen 4a in FIG. 20C is set to “start switch”, and the setting value is displayed. The set value of the start switch 13a is displayed.
[0175]
In addition, when it is not the start switch 13a that is selected as the monitoring value change target, it is determined whether or not the monitoring value related to the stop switches 14d to 14f (stop switches) is changed.
And when the change of the monitoring value regarding the stop switches 14d-14f is selected, the monitoring value change process of the stop switches 14d-14f is performed similarly to the case of the coin selector. At this time, the monitoring value is not related to the coin selector but related to the stop switches 14d to 14f, and the “coin selector” portion of the display on the screen 4a in FIG. The display becomes a display of the set values of the stop switches 14d to 14f.
[0176]
Note that if any button is selected and determined on the screen 4a for selecting a button in FIG. 20B, among the set positions regarding the coin selector, the start switch 13a, and the stop switches 14d to 14f described above. A process for changing one of the above is performed. Note that when no button is selected, for example, when the max bet button 9 is pressed, the monitoring value changing process ends as described later.
[0177]
  NextThen, it is determined whether or not the change is completed. That is, when the max bet button 9 is pressed while the button selection screen 4a shown in FIG. 20B is displayed, an operation signal is input from the max bet switch 9a to the game control device 50, and the game control device 50 Information indicating that the operation signal of the max bet switch 9a has been input is transmitted to the effect control device 700. And in the production | presentation control apparatus 700, when the above-mentioned information is received, the monitoring value change process is complete | finished and the liquid crystal display device 4 will be in the state which performs a normal production display.
[0178]
When one monitor value change is selected, the max bet button 9 is not operated, and one monitor value change is completed, the screen returns to the button selection screen 4a again. As shown in FIG. 20D, for example, when the monitoring value of the coin selector is changed from 10 to 15, the display of the coin selector button changes from “coin selector: 10” to “coin selector: 15”. It is changed and displayed. If any button is selected and determined in this state, the process returns to step SS32 to change the monitoring value. If the button is operated and the max bet button 9 is operated without selecting the button, the monitoring is performed. The value change process ends.
[0179]
According to the first modification as described above, when the coin selector, the start lever 13 and the stop button switch unit are abnormal as described above, if the bet number is not the upper limit value, the operation signal of the start switch 13a. When the switch is delayed after being turned ON, the case where the operation signal of the stop switches 14d to 14f is delayed after being turned ON is counted, and the count value is determined in advance. When the set value (monitoring value) is reached, a notification is issued to instruct the coin selector, the start lever 13 and the stop button switch unit to be inspected. Can cope with abnormalities.
[0180]
That is, based on the monitoring results of the monitoring means (game control device 50 and effect control device 700), an abnormality determination means (effect control device) that determines an abnormality (failure) of the predetermined input operation device even in a state where the game can be executed. ) And the notification means (the effect control device 700, the liquid crystal display device) notifies the abnormality determination result by the abnormality determination means, so that the input operation device (coin selector, start lever 13, stop button switch unit) Abnormality can be determined at the time when the function is lowered, that is, before the game cannot be executed, and the fact can be notified when it is determined as abnormal.
[0181]
Further, the monitoring means includes a counting means (effect control device) that counts the number of times that an input mode different from the specific input mode has occurred in a predetermined period, and the abnormality determination unit includes the counting unit. Since abnormality is determined when the count result reaches a predetermined value, an abnormality of the input operation device can be reliably detected. Further, for example, even if an input mode similar to an abnormality is generated due to an operation error of the start lever 13, the abnormality is determined based on the number of occurrences within a predetermined period, so that a determination error can be prevented.
[0182]
In addition, setting change means (production control device 700, liquid crystal display device 4, start lever 13 (start switch 13a), first reel stop button 14a (stop switch) capable of setting and changing the determination criterion (monitoring value) of the abnormality determination means. 14d) Since the maximum bet button 9 (the maximum bet switch 9a)) is provided, for example, an abnormality can be determined according to a request from a game shop. In other words, if the monitoring value is reduced, an abnormality in the input operation device can be found quickly, or an abnormality can be found even when the input operation device is still in a poor state. However, there is a possibility that an abnormality will be notified even if repair or replacement is not necessary, and there is a possibility that misjudgments will increase. On the other hand, when the monitoring value is increased, the determination of abnormality is ensured, but the notification of abnormality may be delayed.
[0183]
  NextNext, a second modification of the above example will be described. The second modification is a modification of the first modification obtained by modifying the above example, and is a modification of the defect information monitoring process and the defect image display process of the first modification. . In the second modification, in the defect information monitoring process, when the defect information is monitored and the defect information is input for the first predetermined number of times (monitoring value) or more, an abnormality is notified. If the game has been interrupted for a predetermined time or longer, which suggests that the person has changed, and the defect information is input both before and after the interruption, the number of input of the defect information is less than the first predetermined number of times. If the second predetermined number of times or more, an abnormality is notified.
[0184]
  In other words, in the present invention, when a signal input from the input operation device is delayed (an input mode in which the input is delayed), or a situation (an input mode caused by a delay in the input) occurs due to a delay in the signal input. In this case, it is determined that there is a high possibility that there is an abnormality in the input operation device, but the input operation device is operated so as to delay the signal intentionally, or input is performed in the same manner as when the signal is delayed. Since there are also players who perform, in the second modified example, it is assumed that the determination is ensured by determining the abnormality based on both the input modes before and after the player changes.BothWhen the player changes, the time required for determination can be shortened.
[0185]
Hereinafter, the defect information monitoring process and the defect image display process of the second modified example different from the above-described example and the first modified example will be described.
As shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 21 and 22, the defect information monitoring process of the second modification corresponds to the coin selector, start lever 13, and stop button switch units 14d to 14f of the stop button switch unit from the game control device 50, respectively. When the defect information to be input is input, when the reset switch on the board of the above-described effect control device 700 is turned on, the process starts as an interrupt process.
Note that the game control device 50 to the production control device 700, for example, each operation and operation at the timing of the operation of the start lever 13, the stop buttons 14a to 14c, the start of rotation of the reels 20a to 20c, and the rotation stop, etc. In the effect control device 700, for example, it is possible to measure, for example, the time between games (for example, the time from the stop of the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c to the next start of rotation of the reels 20a to 20c). The production control device 700 has a function as interruption time measuring means for measuring the time between games.
[0186]
Then, it is determined whether or not the reset switch is turned on (step SS41). If the reset switch is turned on, the values of the coin selector malfunction information monitoring counter, the start switch malfunction information monitoring counter, and the stop switch malfunction information monitoring counter are determined. Is cleared (step SS42), and a coin selector failure flag, a start switch failure flag, and a stop switch failure flag, which will be described later, are cleared (step SS43). Therefore, the count processing period of each counter, which will be described later, is a period from when the reset switch is turned on to the present time.
[0187]
On the other hand, if the interrupt process is not a reset switch operation, it is determined whether or not coin selector failure information has been input (step SS44). If coin selector failure information has been input, coin selector failure information monitoring is performed. The count value of the counter is increased by 1 (step SS45). When the coin selector failure information is not input, the count value of the coin selector failure information monitoring counter is left as it is.
[0188]
Further, when the coin selector defect information is input and the count value of the coin selector defect information monitoring counter increases, it is determined whether or not the count value becomes 15 (step SS46). In this case, a coin selector malfunction flag is set (step SS47), and if the count value is less than 15, the flag is not set.
[0189]
  NextThen, it is determined whether or not the failure information of the start switch 13a has been input (step SS48). When the failure information of the start switch 13a is input, the count value of the start switch failure information monitoring counter is incremented by one ( Step SS49). Further, when the failure information of the start switch 13a is not input, the count value of the start switch failure information monitoring counter is left as it is.
[0190]
Further, when the failure information of the start switch 13a is input and the count value of the start switch failure information monitoring counter increases, it is determined whether or not the count value becomes 10 (step SS50). In this case, a start switch failure flag is set (step SS51). If the count value is smaller than 10, the flag is not set.
[0191]
Further, it is determined whether or not failure information of the stop switches 14d to 14f (stop switch) is input (step SS52), and when the failure information of the stop switches 14d to 14 is input, the stop switch failure information monitoring counter is set. The count value is increased by one (step SS53). Further, when failure information of the stop switches 14d to 14f is not input, the count value of the stop switch failure information monitoring counter is left as it is.
[0192]
Further, when failure information of the stop switches 14d to 14f is input and the count value of the stop switch failure information monitoring counter increases, it is determined whether or not the count value becomes 10 (step SS54). Is 10, the stop switch failure flag is set (step SS55). If the count value is less than 10, the flag is not set.
As described above, monitoring is performed for each of the stop switches 14d to 14f, the number of inputs of defect information is counted separately, and a flag is set for each of the stop switches 14d to 14f.
[0193]
  NextIn addition, it is determined whether or not the game has been interrupted for a predetermined time or more (for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes or more) between the previous trouble information monitoring process and the current trouble information monitoring process (step SS56). . This is because, as described above, the production control device 700 measures the interruption time of the game as the interruption time measuring means, and sets the game interruption flag in a memory such as the RAM 703 when the interruption time is a predetermined time or more, for example. When the information monitoring process ends, the game interruption flag may be cleared.
  When the game interruption flag is set, it is determined that the game has been interrupted for a predetermined time.
[0194]
If the game is not interrupted for a predetermined time, the defect information monitoring process is terminated. On the other hand, in the case of a game after interruption for a predetermined time, it is determined whether or not the current interruption process is due to the input of coin selector defect information (step SS57). It is determined whether or not the count value of the defect information monitoring counter is 5 or more (step SS58). That is, in the process of step SS45, it is determined whether or not the count value has increased to 5 or more when the count value is increased by 1.
If the count value is 5 or more, a coin selector malfunction flag is set (step SS59), and if it is less than 5, the flag is not set.
If the flag is set, the count value is cleared (step SS60).
[0195]
  NextNext, it is determined whether or not the current interrupt processing is due to the input of start switch failure information (step SS61). If the start switch failure information is input, the count value of the start switch failure information monitoring counter is 3 or more. It is determined whether or not (step SS62). That is, in the process of step SS49, it is determined whether or not the count value is 3 or more when the count value is increased by 1.
If the count value is 3 or more, a start switch failure flag is set (step SS63), and if it is less than 3, the flag is not set.
If the flag is set, the count value is cleared (step SS64).
[0196]
  NextThen, it is determined whether or not the current interrupt processing is due to the input of stop switch failure information (step SS65). If the stop switch failure information is input, whether the count value of the stop switch failure information monitoring counter is 3 or more. It is determined whether or not (step SS66). That is, in the process of step SS53, it is determined whether or not the count value has increased to 3 or more when the count value is increased by 1.
  If the count value is 3 or more, a stop switch failure flag is set (step SS67), and if it is less than 3, the flag is not set.
If the flag is set, the count value is cleared (step SS68).
  Then, the defect information monitoring process as the interrupt process is completed, and the system enters a state where the reset switch is turned on or the defect information is input.
[0197]
  NextIn addition, in the effect control device 700, for example, a fault image display process is performed as an interrupt process when a predetermined interrupt signal is input based on a case where any flag is set by the fault information monitoring process. In the defect image interruption process of the second modification, the process of step SS21 in the defect image display process shown in FIG. 17 is replaced with a process of determining whether or not the above-described coin selector defect flag is set. Instead of determining whether the start switch failure flag is set, the process in step SS25 is replaced with determining whether the stop switch failure flag is set.
[0198]
That is, when the coin selector failure flag is set, the coin selector failure occurrence information is displayed at step SS22, and when the start switch failure flag is set, the start switch failure occurrence information is displayed at step SS24. When the stop switch failure flag is set, stop switch failure occurrence information is displayed in step SS22. The display of the defect occurrence information can be performed by the same method as in the first modification.
[0199]
According to the second modified example as described above, the abnormality determination means (the effect control device 700) monitors the game over a predetermined period of time by the monitoring means (the game control device 50 and the effect control device 700). Since the abnormality is determined based on the result, it is possible to determine the abnormality by executing the game by different players, and the abnormality can be accurately determined. For example, even if there is a player who performs the same operation as an abnormality (such as playing a game in hopes of inserting one or two coins, or slowly lowering the start lever) If it is determined that there is an abnormality at the time when the player is playing, there is a risk of erroneous determination, so the next player's game can be monitored to accurately determine the abnormality.
[0200]
In addition, after the game is interrupted, a setting value (monitoring value) for determining abnormality from the number of times of input of defect information is set when there is no game interruption, for example, 15 to 5 or 10 to 3. In comparison, since it is low, it is possible to determine abnormality after a game interruption in a short period of time.
[0201]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and modifications thereof,
In the above example, in order to monitor the malfunction of the start lever, the start switch 13a is in the ON state at the operation timing of the stop buttons 14a to 14c (the start switch 13a after the stop invalid period has passed after the reels 20a to 20c start to rotate) Is monitored), but other methods may be used.
For example, the monitoring means (the game control device 50 and the effect control device 700) monitors the stop operation order (input mode) of the stop switches 14d to 14f at the end of the game, and determines a predetermined stop operation order (left, The occurrence of inputs of the stop switches 14d to 14f in a stop operation sequence (anomalous press) different from the above-described forward press in the middle and right) is monitored. That is, when the return of the start lever 13 is delayed, the start of the activation of the stop switches 14d to 14f is delayed. Therefore, even if the left stop button 14a is operated at that time, the operation becomes invalid, and the player is fixed. As a result of performing the stop operation at the rhythm, the operation of the stop button (for example, the second reel stop button 14b) at the time when the start lever 13 is returned becomes effective first, and as a result, irregular pressing occurs. By monitoring such irregular pressing, it is possible to monitor the malfunction of the start lever.
[0202]
That is, when the stop buttons 14a to 14c are operated so as to perform the stop operation in the order of left, middle, and right, the return of the start lever 13 is delayed and the stop operation of the left stop button 14a is performed. When the start lever 13 is subsequently restored, the middle stop button 14b is first operated, and as a result, an irregular pressing input mode is formed.
Therefore, the above-described forward pressing or scissor pressing is set to a specific input mode, the number of times such irregular pressing is performed is counted, and the number of times of irregular pressing is predetermined while a predetermined number of games are executed. When the number is reached, the abnormality determination means may determine that there is an abnormality.
[0203]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the pachislot gaming machine 100 of this embodiment. For example, other slot machines, slot machines for playing games using game balls instead of coins, pachinko gaming machines, arrange ball gaming machines It can also be applied to a ball game machine such as a sparrow ball game machine.
In addition, it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[0204]
【The invention's effect】
  Based on the monitoring result of the monitoring means for monitoring that the input mode of the input signal from the predetermined input operation device becomes an input mode different from the preset specific input mode in the course of the game, Since the abnormality determination means for determining abnormality of the predetermined input operation device and the notification means for notifying the determination result of the abnormality by the abnormality determination means, the specific input mode is defined by the notification information of the notification means. It is possible to grasp the occurrence status of different input modes, and abnormalities in the input operation device ( Malfunction ) An abnormality can be found without adding a hardware configuration for detecting the error. In particular, since the game is monitored during the progress of the game, it is possible to detect the abnormality at an early stage during the game execution, that is, before the game becomes impossible due to a complete failure. Can detect abnormalities. In other words, when the function before the input operating device completely fails is in a lowered state, it is possible to detect and cope with the decrease in the function.
  In addition, it comprises interruption time measuring means for measuring the interruption time of the game in the slot machine, and the abnormality determining means is configured to detect the interruption by the monitoring means when the interruption time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time suggesting a player change. The abnormality is determined based on the monitoring result that an input mode different from the specific input mode has occurred in both the game before the game interruption and the game after the game interruption. It is possible to determine abnormality by execution, and it is possible to accurately determine abnormality. For example, even if there is a player who performs an operation in the same way as an anomaly (such as playing a game in the hope of inserting one or two coins, or slowly returning the start lever) If it is determined that there is an abnormality at the time when the player is playing, there is a risk of misjudgment, so the game by the next player is monitored after the interruption of the game caused by the replacement of the player, for example, If multiple players play in a single slot machine, and if an input mode different from a specific input mode occurs due to any of the operations of the multiple players, it is possible to accurately determine the abnormality. Can be determined.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachislot machine as a preferred example of a slot machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a start lever of a pachislot machine.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a stop button of the pachislot machine.
FIG. 4 is a main control block diagram of the pachislot machine.
[Figure 5]
It is a block diagram of a portion related to extraction of random numbers used for winning a winning of a pachislot machine.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a main control flow performed by the game control device of the pachislot gaming machine during a game.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a winning lottery process in a main control flow performed by the game control device of the pachislot machine during a game.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a change start process in the main control flow performed by the game control device of the pachislot machine during a game.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a change stop process in a main control flow performed by the game control device of the pachislot machine during a game.
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the timing of input of operation signals for operating the start lever and stop button and the start and stop of rotation of each reel in a pachislot machine.
FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing the timing of input of operation signals for operating the start lever and stop button and the start and stop of rotation of each reel in a pachislot machine.
FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing the timing of input of an operation signal for operating a start lever and a stop button and the start and stop of rotation of each reel in a pachislot machine.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing defect information monitoring processing performed by the effect control device for a pachislot machine.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an initial image display process performed by an effect control device for a pachislot machine.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display screen of a liquid crystal display device based on the initial image display process.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing defect information monitoring processing performed by an effect control device for a pachislot machine according to a first modification.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a defect image display process performed by an effect control device for a pachislot machine according to a first modification.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display screen of a liquid crystal display device based on the defect image display process.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a monitoring value change process performed by an effect control device for a pachislot machine according to a first modification.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a display screen of a liquid crystal display device accompanying the monitoring value changing process.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing defect information monitoring processing performed by an effect control device for a pachislot machine according to a second modification.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing defect information monitoring processing performed by an effect control device for a pachislot machine according to a second modification.
[Explanation of symbols]
4. Display device (notification means, setting change means)
6 medal slot (inserting device, input operation device)
6a Insertion medal detection sensor (insertion device, input operation device)
9 Max bet button (setting change means)
9a Mac bet switch (setting change means)
13 Start lever (input operation device, setting change means)
13a Start switch (input operation device, detection means)
13n Return means
13q coil spring (return means)
131 Control lever (control unit)
14a First reel stop button (operation unit, input operation device, setting change means)
14b Second reel stop button (operation unit, input operation device)
14c Third reel stop button (operation unit, input operation device)
14d 1st reel stop switch (detection means, input operation device, setting change means)
14e Second reel stop switch (detection means, input operation device)
14f Third reel stop switch (detection means, input operation device)
143 Spring (return means)
50 Game control device (monitoring means, setting change means)
100 pachislot machines (slot machines)
700 Production control device (monitoring means, notification means, counting means, abnormality determination means, setting change means)

Claims (2)

In a slot machine configured to advance a game in accordance with operations of a plurality of input operation devices,
Monitoring means for monitoring that an input mode of an input signal from a predetermined input operation device becomes an input mode different from a preset specific input mode in the course of the game;
An abnormality determining means for determining an abnormality of the predetermined input operation device based on a monitoring result of the monitoring means;
Informing means for informing the abnormality determination result by the abnormality determining means;
An interruption time measuring means for measuring the interruption time of the game in the slot machine,
The abnormality determining means includes
When the interruption time becomes a predetermined time or more indicating a change of player, the monitoring means makes an input different from the specific input mode in both the game before the game interruption and the game after the game interruption. A slot machine , wherein the abnormality is determined based on a monitoring result that an aspect has occurred . The monitoring means includes a counting means for counting the number of times that an input mode different from the specific input mode has occurred in a game before the game is interrupted in the slot machine and a game after the game is interrupted,
The abnormality determining means includes
The counting result before the game is interrupted by the counting means is a first predetermined value, and the counting result after the game is interrupted by the counting means is set to be less than the first predetermined value. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality is determined when the predetermined value is exceeded .

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