JP5967660B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a slot machine that includes a main control unit that controls the progress of a game and a sub-control unit that controls the output of an effect, and transmits a command from the main control unit to the sub-control unit .

In a conventional slot machine, a main control means for controlling the progress of the game and a sub-control means for controlling the output of the effect are provided, the main control means transmits a command to the sub-control means, and the sub-control means receives There is known a slot machine that controls the output of an effect in response to a command (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-077952 A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to prevent a generated command from overflowing the command transmission buffer area without increasing the capacity of the memory used for the command transmission buffer area .

The present invention solves the above-described problems by the following means. Note that the corresponding embodiment is shown in parentheses.
The invention of claim 1
Main control means (50) for controlling the progress of the game;
And a sub-control means (80) for controlling the output of the effect,
The main control means includes
Means for determining whether an error has occurred (main-side error detection means 71);
Command generation means (73) for generating a command;
A buffer area (74) for storing the generated command ;
Command sending means (75) for sending the command stored in the buffer area to the sub-control means,
The main control means includes
The main process for the progress of the game can be repeatedly executed according to the player's operation, and the interrupt process is executed every predetermined time (2.235 ms)
In the main process, the command generation unit generates a plurality of commands to be transmitted from the main control unit to the sub-control unit, and the command generation unit includes the command generation unit during or after the command concentration period. Has a waiting time for the command transmission means to transmit the command stored in the buffer area without generating a command,
The interrupt processing includes a case where the command generation unit generates a predetermined command based on the determination that a predetermined error has occurred regardless of whether or not the waiting time is in progress. To do.

According to the present invention, a waiting time is provided during or after the command concentration section, and during this waiting time, a command stored in the buffer area is transmitted without generating a command. The generated command can be prevented from overflowing from the buffer area without increasing the memory capacity .

It is a block diagram which shows the outline of control of a slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of power activation. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an error handling process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a game progress process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of light emission control processing.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the slot machine 10 of the following embodiment, medals are used as game media. However, the present invention is not limited to medals and may be game balls or the like.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of control of the slot machine 10 in the present embodiment. The slot machine 10 includes a main control unit 50 and a sub control unit 80.

  The main control means 50 controls the progress of games such as winning lottery, reel 31 drive (rotation and stop) control, and payout when winning. The main control means 50 is provided on a main control board (not shown), and a CPU for performing calculations, a ROM for storing programs necessary for the progress of games, etc., and the CPU perform various controls. A RAM or the like is provided for temporarily storing data that is sometimes captured.

  The sub-control means 80 controls the selection / output of effects during the game and during the game standby. The sub-control means 80 is provided on a sub-control board (not shown). The CPU that performs calculations, the ROM that stores data for effects (such as effect patterns), and the CPU perform various effects. A RAM or the like for temporarily storing data taken in when outputting is provided.

  The sub control board is a control board belonging to a lower level of the main control board. The main control means 50 and the sub control means 80 are electrically connected, and transmit signals and information (commands) necessary for production output in one direction from the main control means 50 to the sub control means 80. It is formed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the input side (left side in FIG. 1) of the main control means 50, a bet switch 40, a start switch 41, and three operation switches that are operated by the player to advance the game. (Left, middle, right) stop switches 42 are electrically connected.
Further, on the input side of the main control means 50, a medal selector 43a, a first insertion detection sensor 43b, a second insertion detection sensor 43c, a payout detection sensor 44, a setting key switch 45, a setting change switch 46, a reset switch 47, a door An open / close detection sensor 48 and a cover open / close detection sensor 49 are electrically connected.

  The bet switch 40 is a switch operated when the player inserts a stored medal for the game. In this embodiment, in any gaming state, it is set to play a game by inserting three medals. Therefore, when the bet switch 40 is operated, three stored medals are electrically inserted, and a process of subtracting “3” from the number of stored medals (number of credits) is performed. The number of medals inserted is not limited to this, and may be one or two. A bet switch for one bet or two bets may be provided.

The medal slot 43 is a part where the player inserts an actual medal, and is provided on the front side (player side) of the front mask portion (front door).
A medal selector 43 a for selecting medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 43 is provided on the rear side (back side) of the front mask portion.
The medal inserted from the medal slot 43 reaches the medal selector 43a. The medal selector 43a switches the path of medals depending on whether or not the inserted medals are genuine and whether or not the medal insertion operation is in a valid state.

Specifically, the medal selector 43a guides the medal to the hopper 33a if the medal insertion operation is valid and the inserted medal is a regular one.
On the other hand, if the medal insertion operation is invalid, the medal selector 43a returns the medal to the player regardless of whether the inserted medal is genuine or not. Guide to the saucer.
Further, if the inserted medal is not genuine, the medal selector 43a guides the medal to the medal tray in order to return the medal to the player regardless of whether or not the medal inserting operation is in a valid state. .

Furthermore, a first insertion detection sensor 43b and a second insertion detection sensor 43c are provided in order from the upstream side in the middle of a medal path that passes through the medal selector 43a toward the hopper 33a.
Each of the first input detection sensor 43b and the second input detection sensor 43c has a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects light emitted from the light emitting element by the light receiving element. The medal passing through the passage passes between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. At this time, light incident on the light receiving element is blocked for a moment, thereby detecting the passage of the medal.

When the passage of medals is detected in the order of the first insertion detection sensor 43b and the second insertion detection sensor 43c, it is determined that a medal has been inserted.
On the other hand, when the passage of medals is detected in the order of the second insertion detection sensor 43c and the first insertion detection sensor 43b, it is determined that an error (a reverse flow of medals) has occurred.
Further, if the light blocking of the first insertion detection sensor 43b and / or the second insertion detection sensor 43c continues for a certain time or more, it is determined that an error (medal clogging) has occurred.

Then, inserting a medal from the medal insertion slot 43 plays the same role as operating the bet switch 40.
Further, in this specification, “inserting a medal” is used to include both putting an actual medal into the medal slot 43 and operating the bet switch 40.

Furthermore, the start switch 41 is a switch operated by the player when starting the reels 31 (all of left, middle, and right).
Further, three (left, middle, right) stop switches 42 are provided corresponding to the three (left, middle, right) reels 31, and are switches that the player operates when stopping the corresponding reels 31. It is.

The power supply unit is provided inside the housing of the slot machine 10 and includes a power supply board that supplies power to a main control board, a sub control board, and the like, and a power supply box that houses the power supply board.
The front of the power supply box is provided with a power switch for switching on / off of the power supply and a setting key insertion slot into which a setting key is inserted, and an openable / closable switch cover for covering these. It has been.

When the switch cover is opened, the power switch can be operated and the setting key can be inserted into the setting key insertion slot.
Further, when the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion slot and the setting key is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, the setting key switch 45 is turned on, and when the setting key is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from this state. The setting key switch 45 is turned off.

Furthermore, when the setting key switch 45 is turned on in a state where the power is off, and the power is turned on in this state, a setting change mode in which the setting value can be changed is entered.
Further, when the setting key switch 45 is turned on while the power is on, a setting confirmation mode is entered in which the setting value can be confirmed.

  The cover opening / closing detection sensor 49 is a sensor that detects opening / closing of the switch cover. For example, the switch cover is arranged to be turned on when the switch cover is opened, and is turned off when the switch cover is closed.

The setting change switch 46 is a switch operated when changing / setting the setting value of the slot machine 10. In the present embodiment, six levels from setting 1 to setting 6 are provided as setting values. The higher the set value, the more advantageous for the player.
The setting change switch 46 is not operated by the player but is operated on the store (hall) side of the slot machine 10. For this reason, the setting change switch 46 is arranged inside the housing of the slot machine 10 so that the player cannot operate it.

  The reset switch 47 is a switch that is operated when canceling an error or the like. Similarly to the setting change switch 46, the reset switch 47 is not operated by the player but operated by the store where the slot machine 10 is installed. For this reason, a reset switch 47 is arranged inside the housing of the slot machine 10 so that the player cannot operate it.

  The reset switch 47 may be provided with a dedicated switch, or may be shared with other switches. For example, one switch can be shared by the setting change switch 46 and the reset switch 47. In this case, for example, one switch can function as the setting change switch 46 during the setting change mode, and can function as the reset switch 47 at other times.

  The door opening / closing detection sensor 48 is a sensor that detects opening / closing of the front mask portion (front door). For example, it is arranged so that it is on when the front mask portion is open and off when the front mask portion is closed.

Three motors 32 and a payout driving unit 33b of the medal payout device 33 are electrically connected to the output side (right side in FIG. 1) of the main control means 50.
The motor 32 is for rotating the reels 31, is connected to the center of rotation of each reel 31, and is controlled by a reel control means 64 described later.
Here, the reel 31 includes a left reel 31, a middle reel 31, and a right reel 31, and a stop switch 42 that is operated when the left reel 31 is stopped is the left stop switch 42, and when the middle reel 31 is stopped. The stop switch 42 to be operated is the middle stop switch 42, and the stop switch 42 to be operated when stopping the right reel 31 is the right stop switch 42.

  The reel 31 is ring-shaped, and a reel tape on which a plurality of types of symbols (designs constituting a combination of symbols corresponding to the combination) is attached is attached to the outer peripheral surface thereof. In the present embodiment, for each reel 31, 21 symbol display areas (frames) are arranged at equal intervals, and predetermined symbols are displayed in the respective symbol display areas (frames).

The medal payout device 33 is provided inside the housing of the slot machine 10, and a hopper 33a for storing medals, a payout driving unit 33b for paying out medals stored in the hopper 33a, and a payout from the payout driving unit 33b. A payout detection sensor 44 that detects the medals that have been put out is provided.
The payout detection sensor 44 includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the light emitted from the light emitting element is detected by the light receiving element. The medal paid out from the payout driving unit 33b passes between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the payout detection sensor 44. At this time, the light incident on the light receiving element is blocked for a moment, thereby detecting that the medal has been paid out.

In addition, if the shading of the payout detection sensor 44 continues for a certain time or more, it is determined that an error (medal clogging) has occurred.
Furthermore, if the payout detection sensor 44 does not detect that a medal has been paid out even though the payout driving unit 33b is driven, it is determined that an error (the medal in the hopper 33a has been lost) has occurred. To do.

The slot machine 10 includes a housing having an opening on the front surface, and a front mask portion (front door) attached so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the front surface of the housing.
A display window (transparent window) is provided substantially at the center of the front mask portion. In this embodiment, three reels 31 (left reel 31, middle reel 31, and right reel 31) are provided in parallel in the horizontal direction in this embodiment. Furthermore, each reel 31 is arranged so that three symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction can be seen from the display window. Therefore, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols in total are displayed from the display window of the slot machine 10. A combination (arrangement) of 3 × 3 = 9 symbols visible from the display window is referred to as a “stop outcome”.

In addition, a symbol combination line is provided in a portion including the display window of the slot machine 10.
Here, the “symbol combination line” is a line of symbols when the reel 31 is stopped, and is a line that forms a combination of symbols.
The symbol combination line has an effective line and an invalid line.

Here, the “effective line” is a line for winning a winning combination when a combination of symbols corresponding to any of the winning combinations is stopped on that line.
On the other hand, an “invalid line” is a line that is not set as an effective line among symbol combination lines, and even if a combination of symbols corresponding to any combination stops on that line, This is a line that does not give profits (medal payout etc.). In other words, the invalid line is a line that is not a target of combination of symbols in the first place.

In the present embodiment, five symbol combination lines are provided. The game is performed by always inserting three medals, and five symbol combination lines are always set as effective lines.
The valid line and the invalid line may be set according to the number of inserted medals, the game state, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, on the output side (right side in FIG. 1) of the sub-control means 80, there are an effect lamp 21, a speaker 22, an image display device 23, and a bet LED 24 and a stop LED 25 as light emitters. Electrically connected.

  The effect lamps 21 are effect lamps of the slot machine 10 and light up in a predetermined pattern when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The effect lamp 21 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of each reel 31, and a back lamp (not shown) for illuminating from behind the symbols displayed on the reel 31 (three symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction visible from the display window). And an upper lamp and a side lamp (not shown) which are arranged on the front surface of the housing of the slot machine 10 and blink when a winning combination is made.

The speaker 22 outputs a predetermined sound when a predetermined condition is satisfied in order to perform various effects during the game.
Furthermore, the image display device 23 provides effect images, game information (for example, the number of medals stored, the number of medals paid out, the number of remaining games and the number of remaining payouts for special games, the order of pressing the stop switch 42, etc.), game results, etc. Is displayed. Examples of the image display device 23 include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an organic electroluminescence (organic EL) display, a dot display, and the like. In the present embodiment, the image display device 23 is configured by a liquid crystal display.

Furthermore, the light emitter is provided corresponding to each operation switch, and indicates to the player whether the operation of each operation switch is valid or invalid.
In the present embodiment, the light emitter is constituted by a color LED.
Further, as the light emitters, the bet LEDs 24 provided corresponding to the bet switches 40 and the three (left, middle, and right) stop switches 42 provided correspondingly (left, middle, and right) respectively. , Right) stop LED 25.

  Furthermore, the betting LED 24 emits red light when the operation of the bet switch 40 is valid, and turns off when the operation of the bet switch 40 is invalid. Thus, the player is shown whether the operation of the bet switch 40 is valid or invalid.

  Further, the stop LED 25 emits blue light when the operation of the stop switch 42 is valid, and emits red light when the operation of the stop switch 42 is invalid. Thus, the player is shown whether the operation of the stop switch 42 is valid or invalid.

In the present embodiment, special roles, replays, and small roles are provided roughly as roles.
A combination of symbols corresponding to each combination and the number of payouts at the time of winning are determined. As a result, when all the reels 31 are stopped, if a combination of symbols corresponding to any of the combinations stops on the active line, the combination is won, and the number of medals corresponding to the combination is paid out or automatically inserted. (However, special roles are excluded.)
In the present specification, for convenience of explanation, “the combination of symbols corresponding to any combination stops at any valid line” is referred to as “the combination“ wins ””.

In the combination, first, the special combination is a combination that shifts from the normal game to the special game.
In the present embodiment, 1BB (first type big bonus) and RB (regular bonus) are provided as special combinations.
When 1BB wins, no medal is paid out in the game, but the next game shifts to 1BB game which is one of the special games. The case where RB wins is the same as the case where 1BB wins.

In addition, the replay is a re-game player who can perform a re-game while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the game (automatically inserting medals).
Furthermore, the small combination is a combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

Here, an outline of the progress of the game in the slot machine 10 is shown.
At the start of the game, the player operates the bet switch 40 to insert a previously stored medal, or inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 43, and operates (turns on) the start switch 41.
When the start switch 41 is operated, a signal generated at that time is input to the main control means 50.

When receiving this signal, the main control means 50 (specifically, the reel control means 64 described later) controls to drive all the motors 32 and rotate all the reels 31.
As the reel 31 is rotated by the motor 32 in this way, the symbols on the reel 31 are moved and displayed in the vertical direction in the display window at a predetermined speed.

Then, the player presses the stop switch 42 to stop the rotation of the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 (for example, the left reel 31 corresponding to the left stop switch 42).
When the stop switch 42 is operated, a signal generated at that time is input to the main control means 50.

When the main control unit 50 (specifically, a reel control unit 64 described later) receives this signal, the main control unit 50 controls the drive of the motor 32 corresponding to the stop switch 42 and controls the stop of the reel 31 related to the motor 32. I do.
When all the reels 31 are stopped, when the symbol combination corresponding to any of the combinations stops on the active line (that is, when the winning combination of the combination is awarded), the medal corresponding to the winning combination is paid out. Etc. are performed.

In this way, the game in the slot machine 10 proceeds.
Further, the main control means 50 repeatedly executes a main process for the progress of the game and executes an interrupt process at a predetermined time shorter than the time required for one main process in parallel with the main process.

Here, the main process starts with the start of the game and ends with the end of the game. For this reason, the main process is executed once per game.
In this embodiment, the timer interruption is set every 2.235 ms. Therefore, the interrupt process is executed every 2.235 ms.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, 1 is added to the count value every interrupt, the first interrupt counter 51 in which the count value makes a round by 8 interrupts, and 1 is added to the count value every interrupt, and 10 interrupts. And a second interrupt counter 52 in which the count value makes a round.
Specifically, the first interrupt counter 51 starts counting from 0, adds 1 to the count value every time the timer interrupt is performed, and when the count value reaches 7, the count value is set to 0 next. It is something to return.

The second interrupt counter 52 starts counting from 0, adds 1 to the count value every time the timer interrupt is performed, and when the count value reaches 9, the count value is reset to 0 next time. is there.
The main control means 50 makes various decisions in the main process and the interrupt process based on the count values of the first interrupt counter 51 and the second interrupt counter 52.

  The main control means 50 controls whether the operation of the operation switches, that is, the bet switch 44, the start switch 41, and the stop switch 42 is enabled or disabled according to the progress of the game.

  Specifically, the main control means 50 enables the operation of the bet switch 40 or the medal insertion operation from the medal insertion slot 43 before the game is started (when all the reels 31 are stopped), Control is performed so as to invalidate the operation of the start switch 41 and the operation of the stop switch 42.

  When the bet switch 40 is operated or three medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 43, the main control means 50 operates the bet switch 40 and the medals from the medal insertion slot 43 thereafter. Control to disable the input operation.

For example, even if the bet switch 40 is operated with three medals inserted, the main control means 50 does not permit any more medals to be inserted, and the operation of the bet switch 40 is invalid.
However, when one or two medals can be inserted, a bet switch for one bet or two bets can be changed even after three medals are inserted. Continue to enable the operation.

  When the medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 43 in a state where three medals are inserted, the main control means 50 selects the inserted medals as the medal selector 43a if the number of stored medals is less than 50. The medals are guided to the hopper 33a and stored inside, and if the number of stored medals reaches 50, the inserted medals are guided to the medal tray by the medal selector 43a and returned to the player.

  In addition, when a medal is inserted, the main control means 50 enables the operation of the start switch 41, and operates the bet switch 40, the medal insertion operation from the medal insertion port 43, and the operation of the stop switch 42. Control to disable.

  When the start switch 41 is operated and the reel 31 rotates, the main control unit 50 enables the operation of the stop switch 42, operates the bet switch 40, inserts a medal from the medal slot 43, and Control is performed so as to invalidate the operation of the start switch 41.

  At this time, even if the start switch 41 is operated again, the main control means 50 invalidates the operation of the start switch 41. Even if the bet switch 40 is operated while the reel 31 is rotating, the main control means 50 invalidates the operation of the bet switch 40. Furthermore, even if a medal is inserted from the medal slot 43 while the reel 31 is rotating, the main control means 50 invalidates the insertion of the medal and guides the inserted medal to the medal tray by the medal selector 43a. And return it to the player.

  Further, when the stop switch 42 is operated while the operation of the stop switch 42 is enabled, the reel control means 64 described later controls the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 to stop, and the main control means 50 controls to disable the operation of the stop switch 42. Accordingly, even if the stop switch 42 once operated is operated again during the game, the operation is invalidated.

When all the reels 31 are stopped and medals are paid out at the time of winning a winning combination, the main control means 50 enables the operation of the bet switch 40 or the medal insertion operation from the medal insertion slot 43. To control.
At the time of replay winning, the main control means 50 performs control so as to enable the operation of the start switch 41 without enabling the operation of the bet switch 40 or the operation of inserting a medal from the medal insertion slot 43.

  Further, the main control unit 50 performs control so that only one operation switch operation is accepted regardless of whether the operation is valid or invalid. In other words, the main control means 50 performs control so that when a plurality of operation switches are operated simultaneously, it is not accepted regardless of whether the operation is valid or invalid.

  Specifically, for example, when the operation of the start switch 41 is disabled and the operation of the stop switch 42 is enabled, the main control unit 50 operates the stop switch 42 while the start switch 41 is operated. When it is done, control is performed so that the operation of the stop switch 42 is not accepted.

  The main control unit 50 operates the middle stop switch 42 in a state where the left stop switch 42 is operated, for example, when the operation of the three (left, middle, right) stop switches 42 is enabled. In such a case, control is performed so that the operation of the left stop switch 42 is accepted but the operation of the middle stop switch 42 is not accepted.

  When the freeze is executed, the main control means 50 operates the bet switch 40, the medal insertion operation from the medal insertion slot 43, the operation of the start switch 41, and the stop switch 42 until the freeze ends. Control to disable the operation.

  When the freeze is executed after all the reels 31 are stopped, the main control means 50 operates the bet switch 40 or the medal insertion operation from the medal insertion slot 43 even when the freeze is being executed. When the operation of the bet switch 40 or the insertion operation of the medal from the medal insertion slot 43 is performed, control may be performed so as to cancel the freeze during execution. .

As described above, the main control unit 50 controls the operation switch to be effective when the freeze during execution can be canceled, and cancels the freeze during execution when the operation switch is operated at this time. May be.
Further, for example, the main control unit 50 enables the operation of the operation switch during the execution of the freeze, and when the operation switch is operated at this time, the current freeze is terminated and another freeze is executed. You may control. That is, the freeze may be changed.

In the present embodiment, the main game state controlled by the main control means 50 side includes normal games and special games, normal games include RT games and non-RT games, and special games include 1BB games and RB games. Is provided.
Furthermore, AT gaming and non-AT gaming are provided as sub gaming states controlled on the sub control means 80 side.

  The “RT (replay time) game” refers to a main game state in which the difference in number per game is greater than that in the non-RT game by setting the winning probability of replay higher than that in the non-RT game. In other words, if the player wins / wins the replay, the number of medals in the game is automatically inserted and the re-game can be performed, so that the number of medals consumed is reduced accordingly. Therefore, the RT game is a game that is more advantageous for the player than the non-RT game.

In addition, the main game state in which the winning probability of replay is different from the non-RT game may be referred to as an RT game. In addition, for “replay winning probabilities differ”, the combined value of the winning probabilities for multiple types of replays is the same, but the method for distributing the winning probabilities for each replay is different, or the types of replays to be drawn are different. Including cases. Furthermore, the winning probability of replay in a non-RT game may be set higher than that in an RT game. In this case, the non-RT game is more advantageous to the player than the RT game.
Thus, RT game means, in a narrow sense, a main game state in which a winning probability of replay is set higher than that of non-RT games, and in a broad sense, a main game in which the winning probability of replay is different from that of non-RT games. Means state.

In addition, “AT (assist time) game” includes a case where a game result advantageous to the player is displayed depending on an operation content (push order and / or operation timing) of the stop switch 42, and a case where the game result is not displayed. During AT games, game results that are advantageous to the player are displayed only by chance, but during AT games, the operation content of the stop switch 42 for displaying the game results that are advantageous to the player is notified. The player can obtain the most advantageous game result by operating the stop switch 42 in accordance with the notification (for example, the most advantageous symbol combination can be stopped on the active line, or the winning role Can be surely stopped at the active line).
If an AT game is executed during an RT game, the game becomes an RT game and an AT game (ART game).

Next, a specific configuration of the main control unit 50 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the main control means 50 includes the following set value changing means 60 and the like.
The following units in the present embodiment are examples, and the main control unit 50 is not limited to the units shown in the present embodiment.

The setting value changing means 60 is for changing and determining a setting value that determines the degree of advantage for the player.
In the present embodiment, six levels of setting 1 to setting 6 are provided as setting values.
The higher the set value, the higher the winning probability of the combination (particularly the special combination), and the higher the advantage for the player.
Further, the higher the set value is, the higher the probability of shifting to the AT game, and the higher the advantage for the player is set.

In addition, instead of increasing the probability of shifting to AT games, or increasing the probability of shifting to AT games, for example, increasing the probability of adding the number of games or payouts during AT games, The probability of continuing the process may be increased.
Further, the higher the set value, the higher the expected value of the number of acquisitions (the number of payouts) for the number of bets (inserted number) of medals, and the higher the advantage for the player may be.

In this embodiment, with the front mask (front door) and the switch cover of the power supply unit opened, turn off the power, insert the setting key into the setting key insertion slot, and rotate it 90 degrees clockwise. When the setting key switch 45 is turned on and then the power is turned on again, the setting change mode in which the setting value can be changed is entered. In this case, the startup process is not performed.
The setting key may be inserted into the setting key insertion slot, rotated 90 degrees clockwise to turn on the setting key switch 45, and in this state, the power may be turned off and then turned on again.

In the setting change mode, the setting value changing means 60 displays the current setting value on a predetermined display unit (for example, a 7-segment display (not shown)).
The set value change means 60 displays the set value every time the setting change switch 46 is operated... → “1” → “2” → “3” → “4” → “5” ”→“ 6 ”→“ 1 ”→“ 2 ”→...

Further, when the start switch 41 is turned on, the set value changing means 60 confirms the set value with the numerical value displayed on the display unit at this time and sets “0” indicating that the set value has been confirmed. Display on the display.
The set value changing unit 60 includes a set value storage unit 60a (memory such as a RAM) for storing the set value, and stores the determined set value in the set value storage unit 60a.

Next, when the setting key is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise and the setting key switch 45 is turned off, the setting change mode is terminated, and a start-up process is performed with the changed set value.
If the power is turned on with the setting key switch 45 turned off, the start-up process may be performed with the changed set value.

As described above, when the setting value is changed, the setting change switch 46 is operated after the setting change mode is set. Then, with the desired set value displayed on the display unit, the start switch 41 is turned on to confirm the set value. Thereafter, when the setting key switch 45 is turned off, the setting change mode is ended, and the start-up process is performed with the changed set value.
On the main control unit 50 side, when the setting change mode ends, a set value command indicating the set value stored in the set value storage unit 60a is generated and transmitted to the sub control unit 80.
Then, on the side of the sub-control means 80, a set value is set based on the received set value command, and the AT game is executed with a probability corresponding to this.

  The role lottery means 61 performs lottery for a role (the special role, the small role, and the replay described above). The role lottery means 61 is based on, for example, a random number generator for hardware lottery (hardware random number, etc.), a random number extractor for extracting a random number generated by the random number generator, and a random value extracted by the random number extractor. And determining means for determining the presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning combination.

  The random number generation means generates random numbers in a predetermined area (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation). The random number is a random number in which a counter that performs 1 count at 200 n (nano) sec continues to count as a cycle in the range of 0 to 65535, and continues to count the random number while the slot machine 10 is powered on. .

  The random number extraction means extracts the random number generated by the random number generation means at a predetermined time, in the present embodiment, when the start switch 41 is operated (turned on) by the player. The determination unit determines the combination corresponding to the region to which the random number value belongs by comparing the random number value extracted by the random number extraction unit with a combination lottery table 62 described later. For example, if the extracted random number value belongs to the 1BB winning area, it is determined to be 1BB winning, and if it belongs to the non-winning area, it is determined to be non-winning.

The role lottery table 62 defines the types of winning combinations (ratio lottery results) and the winning probabilities for each winning combination.
Here, in the combination lottery table 62, a plurality of combinations may be assigned to one winning area. When the extracted random number value belongs to a winning area to which a plurality of roles are assigned, it is determined that a plurality of roles are overlapped. That is, a plurality of winning combinations are simultaneously won in the game.
In the present embodiment, it is set to have a case where a plurality of small roles are won simultaneously and a case where a plurality of replays are won simultaneously.

  The role lottery table 62 is provided for each main game state. Each of the winning lottery tables 62 has a lottery area within a predetermined range. The lottery area is divided into a winning area and a non-winning area for each winning combination, and the winning combinations are set in advance. It is set to a predetermined ratio so as to be a winning probability.

The winning flag control means 63 controls the on / off of the winning flag 63a corresponding to each winning, based on the winning lottery result by the winning lottery means 61.
In the present embodiment, each of the special combination, small combination, and replay winning flags 63a is provided. When winning in the lottery of the combination by the combination lottery means 61, the winning flag 63a of the corresponding combination is turned on (the winning flag 63a is set).
Further, the winning flag control means 63 simultaneously turns on the winning flags 63a of a plurality of corresponding combinations when a plurality of winning combinations are simultaneously won in the game.

  When the reel control means 64 receives a rotation start command for the reel 31, especially in this embodiment, when the start switch 41 is operated (when a signal indicating that the start switch 41 is operated) is received ( The three reels 31 are controlled to start rotating.

  If the time from the start of rotation of the reel 31 in the previous game to the time when the start switch 41 is operated in the game has not passed 4.1 seconds, the start switch 41 can be used for operation. Although the lottery is performed, the rotation of the reel 31 does not start at the moment (immediately after) the start switch 41 is operated, and the rotation of the reel 31 starts after 4.1 seconds. Thus, the time from when the start switch 41 is operated until the rotation of the reel 31 is referred to as “wait time”.

  Further, the reel control means 64 refers to the ON / OFF of the winning flag 63a in the game after the winning lottery is performed by the winning lottery means 61, and the stop position determination table corresponding to ON / OFF of the winning flag 63a. 65, and when the stop switch 42 is operated, the stop position of the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 is determined based on the timing when the stop switch 42 is operated, and the motor 32 is turned on. Drive control is performed to stop the reel 31 at the determined position.

  For example, in a game in which at least one winning flag 63a is on, the reel control means 64 has a symbol corresponding to the winning combination (the combination for which the winning flag 63a is on) within the range of stop control of the reel 31. The reel 31 is controlled so that the combination can be stopped on the effective line, and the reel 31 is controlled so that the combination of symbols corresponding to a combination other than the winning combination (the combination in which the winning flag 63a is off) is not stopped on the effective line. Stop control.

  Here, “within the range of stop control of the reel 31” means the time from the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 actually stops or the amount of rotation of the reel 31 (the number of moving frames (symbols)). Means within range.

  In the present embodiment, the time from when the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 is stopped is set within 190 ms. Thereby, in this embodiment, the maximum number of moving frames from the design at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated to the stop of the reel 31 is 4 (5 frames including the design at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated). It becomes.

  At the moment when the operation of the stop switch 42 is detected, when any of the symbols within the range of the stop control of the reel 31 is a symbol to be stopped at a predetermined effective line, when the stop switch 42 is operated In addition, the design is controlled to stop at a predetermined effective line.

  That is, if the reel 31 is stopped immediately at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated at the time of winning the winning combination, when the symbol related to the winning winning combination does not stop at a predetermined effective line, the reel 31 is stopped before stopping. By controlling the rotational movement of the reel 31 within the range of the stop control of the reel 31, the symbol related to the winning combination is controlled so as to be stopped on a predetermined effective line as much as possible (retraction stop control).

  On the other hand, if the reel 31 is stopped immediately at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination that has not been won stops on any of the effective lines, the reel 31 is stopped. Sometimes, the reel 31 is controlled to rotate and move within the range of stop control of the reel 31 so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is not stopped on the effective line (kicking stop control).

Further, the reel control means 64 includes a push order detection means 64a for detecting the push order (operation order) of the stop switch 42. The push order detection means 64a detects which one of the left, middle and right stop switches 42 is operated when the stop switch 42 is operated by the player.
When the stop switch 42 is operated, a signal indicating that the stop switch 42 has been operated is input to the push order detecting means 64a. By determining this signal, the push order detecting means 64a detects which stop switch 42 has been operated.

Here, in the present embodiment, the pressing order of the stop switch 42 includes the left middle right, left and right middle, middle left and right, middle right left, right left middle, and right middle left.
The left / right / right / left push order is called “forward push”, the left / right / middle push order is called “order pinch”, the right / left / left push order is called “reverse push”, and the right / left / right push order is “ This is called “reverse pinching”.

The pushing order (left middle right and left / right middle) in which the left stop switch 42 is operated first is referred to as “first left stop”, and the pushing order (middle left / right, and (Middle right / left) is referred to as “middle first stop”, and the push order (right middle left and right middle left) in which the right stop switch 42 is operated first is referred to as “right first stop”.
Further, the pressing order (middle left / right, middle right / left, right / left middle, and right / middle left) operated first except for the left stop switch 42 is referred to as “anomalous push”.

  The stop position determination table 65 is provided for each on / off state of the winning flag 63a, that is, for each lottery result of the combination by the combination lottery means 61, and the reel 31 at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated. The stop position of the reel 31 with respect to the position is determined. For example, when the stop switch 42 is operated at the moment when the first symbol passes through the upper stage (middle stage or lower stage), each stop position determination table 65 controls how many symbols are moved, The stop position is determined in advance so that the symbol is stopped at the upper stage.

  The stop position determination table 65 used at the time of independent winning of any of the combinations stops the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination within the effective line within the range of stop control of the reel 31, and also corresponds to the symbol corresponding to the winning combination When the combination cannot be stopped on the effective line, the stop position of the reel 31 is determined so that the combination of symbols corresponding to any combination is not stopped on the effective line.

In addition, even if the stop switch 42 is operated at any position where the reel 31 is located, the target symbol can be stopped on a desired effective line within the range of the stop control of the reel 31 (the player can always win a prize). ) Is referred to as “retraction ratio (PB) = 1”.
On the other hand, the fact that the target symbol cannot be stopped on the active line (not necessarily awarded) is not “PB ≠ 1” unless it is based on the player's intention.

The stop position determination table 65 used when a plurality of replays are overlapped wins, for example, when replay A (PB = 1) is always awarded at the left or middle first stop, and replay B (PB = 1) is at the first right stop. The stop position of the reel 31 is determined so as to always win.
As described above, when a plurality of replays are overlapped, the types of replays to be awarded differ depending on the pressing order of the stop switch 42.
In addition, when a plurality of replays are won simultaneously, replay can be performed when any replay wins.

For example, the stop position determination table 65 used when a plurality of small combinations are won simultaneously, for example, allows a small combination A (PB = 1, 9 medals to be paid out at the time of winning) at the first left stop, Within the range of the reel 31 stop control, the stop position of the reel 31 is determined so that the small combination B (PB ≠ 1, the payout of 3 medals at the time of winning a prize) is won.
As described above, when a plurality of small combinations are won simultaneously, the type of small combination to be drawn into the active line, the pull-in rate, and the number of medals to be paid out are different depending on the pressing order of the stop switch 42. That is, according to the operation of the stop switch 42, game results having different profits to be given to the player are displayed.

In addition, the push order in which a game result with a large profit to be given to the player is displayed (winning a winning combination with a large number of payouts) is called “correct answer push order”, and any push order other than the correct answer push order is “incorrect answer”. "Push order".
In the case of multiple winning replays, for example, a push order in which a replay that shifts (promotes) to a gaming state advantageous to the player wins, or a replay that grants a bonus (sub bonus) to the player is won. The pushing order to perform is referred to as “correct answer pushing order”, and the pushing order in which a replay that shifts (falls) to a gaming state unfavorable for the player wins is referred to as “illegal answer pushing order”.

Further, operating the stop switch 42 in the correct answer pressing order is referred to as “push order correct answer” or “correct answer in order of pressing”, and operating the stop switch 42 in the incorrect answer pressing order is referred to as “push order incorrect answer”.
Then, the reel control means 64 controls to stop the reel 31 so that a game result having a larger profit to be given to the player is displayed when the correct answer is in the pressing order than when the incorrect answer is in the pressing order.

When all the winning flags 63a are off, the non-winning table is used.
The non-winning table is used when all the winning flags 63a are off, and determines the symbol combination when the reel 31 is stopped so that the symbol combination corresponding to any combination does not stop on the active line. .

The stop symbol determination means 66 determines whether or not the symbol combination of the reel 31 stopped on the effective line matches the symbol combination corresponding to any combination when the reel 31 is stopped. The stop symbol determining means 66 determines a symbol on the active line by detecting, for example, the angle at which the motor 32 is stopped or the number of steps.
However, when the stop switch 42 is operated and the stop position is determined using the stop position determination table 65, the stop symbol determination means 66 determines the stop symbol regardless of whether or not the reel 31 has stopped. It is possible.

  The payout means 67 determines that the combination of symbols stopped on the active line when the reel 31 is stopped matches the combination of symbols corresponding to any of the combinations by the stop symbol determination unit 66 and the winning combination is won. In addition, a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player in accordance with the winning combination, or processing such as credit addition is performed. Also, when winning a replay, control is performed so that the number of medals inserted in the game (three) is automatically inserted without paying out medals.

The special game control means 68 controls the start of the special game, the progress of the game during the special game, and the end of the special game.
When the combination of symbols corresponding to 1BB is stopped on the active line, 1BB is won and the special game control means 68 controls to start 1BB game from the next game.
In 1BB games, the winning probability of a small role is greatly increased.

The end condition for the 1BB game is set such that the number of medals paid out during the 1BB game is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 300).
For this reason, in the 1BB game, the special game control means 68 continues to count the number of medals paid out, and when it is determined that the count value has reached the above value, the special game control means 68 controls to end the 1BB game with the game.

Similarly, when the combination of symbols corresponding to the RB stops on the active line, an RB win is made, and the special game control means 68 controls to start the RB game from the next game.
In RB games, the probability of winning a small role is greatly increased.

The RB game end condition is set to have consumed a predetermined number of games (for example, 8 games) during the RB game.
For this reason, in the RB game, the special game control means 68 continues to count the number of digestion games, and when it is determined that the count value has reached the above value, the special game control means 68 controls to end the RB game with the game.

In the present embodiment, the main game state includes a normal game and a special game, the normal game includes an RT game and a non-RT game, and the special game includes a 1BB game and an RB game.
Then, the main game state control means 69 displays a predetermined stop appearance, a predetermined replay prize, a predetermined number of games, a special role winning, a special role winning, a payout number of medals during a special game or a game Based on the number of times and the like, control is performed to shift the main game state.

The main control means 50 includes freeze control means 70.
The freeze control means 70 controls the execution and termination of the freeze that does not accept the operation of the operation switch (including the reception of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 43) for a predetermined time, and also controls the execution of the pseudo game during the freeze. To do. That is, the freeze control means 70 includes control during the pseudo game.

Here, “freeze” (also referred to as “freeze production” or “freeze operation”) generally means that a function of an operation switch of a gaming machine (slot machine 10) is temporarily stopped (or controlled as such). Period).
Furthermore, “putting the function of the operation switch to a pause state” means “the function of at least one operation switch is not effective for obtaining a game result by proceeding with the game” or “operation When the switch is operated, the detection processing of the operation or the processing based on the operation is not started for a predetermined time, that is, the processing corresponding to the operation is delayed for a predetermined time (after the predetermined time has elapsed). Etc.

“Proceeding with the game” means operating the bet switch 40 to insert medals, operating the start switch 41 to perform a lottery of the combination and starting the rotation of the reel 31, operating the stop switch 42. This means that the game operation of stopping the rotating reel 31 is advanced by the player's intention.
Therefore, the operations of the bet switch 40, the start switch 41, and the stop switch 42 are operations necessary for progressing the game.

The “game result” refers to a combination of a stop appearance when all reels 31 are stopped, a combination of symbols stopped on an active line (whether or not a winning combination of a winning combination and a type of winning combination).
Since the game result is determined by the combination of the lottery result of the combination, the operation of the stop switch 42, and the symbol when the reel 31 is stopped, the operation of the bet switch 40 and the start switch 41 for obtaining the lottery result of the combination, The operation of the stop switch 42 for obtaining a combination of symbols when the reel 31 is stopped is an operation necessary for obtaining a game result.

Therefore, as an aspect of freezing, for example,
a) accepting game media inserted from the medal slot 43, or setting the operation of the bet switch 40 for determining the number of inserted (betting) game media credited in advance to a pause state;
b) Suspending the operation of the start switch 41 for starting the game;
c) The operation of the stop switch 42 (stop operation of the reel 31) is temporarily stopped.

  Further, as a mode in which the function of the operation switch is temporarily stopped, a signal based on the player's operation (for example, a signal from a sensor that detects the insertion of a game medium, the bet switch 40, the start switch 41, or the stop switch 42) For example, not receiving a signal transmitted from the operation switch based on the operation for a predetermined period. In this case, when a signal transmitted based on the player's operation within a predetermined period is received, control processing for invalidating the received signal is performed, or transmission based on the player's operation is performed within the predetermined period. Even when the received signal is detected, the receiving process itself is not performed.

Furthermore, when a signal transmitted based on the player's operation is received within a predetermined period, the signal is received based on the player's operation, but the operation switch control process is performed based on the received signal. May be executed without starting for a predetermined period, and starting control processing based on a signal received after the predetermined period has elapsed.
Further, regarding the freeze of the start switch 41, even if the start switch 41 is operated, the reel 31 is not started to rotate based on the reception of the operation of the start switch 41 for a predetermined period, or the role lottery is not started for the predetermined period. Can be mentioned.

In addition, the freeze termination condition is that a predetermined time elapses, but even before the predetermined time elapses, the freeze is canceled in the middle by various operation signals input to the main control means 50. It is also possible to do.
In this case, the freeze can be canceled simply by accepting an operation input of the start switch 41, or a predetermined operation procedure (for example, “operating the start switch 41 five times”, “stop switch 42”). It is also possible to cancel the freeze on the condition that “operating in the order of middle, right, left”, “operating the bet switch 40 in accordance with a predetermined timing”, and the like are detected.

  In the present embodiment, when the start switch 41 is operated, the part lottery means 61 performs a part lottery. Next, the freeze control means 70 performs a lottery to determine whether to execute the freeze and the pseudo game. The lottery of the freeze and the pseudo game may be executed regardless of the lottery result of the combination, but in the present embodiment, at the time of winning the rare small role in which the winning probability is set lower than other small roles, Perform a lottery of pseudo games.

Here, “one game” and types of games will be described.
First, “one game” means a combination of symbols in which all the reels 31 are stopped (displaying the game result) from the time when the start switch 41 is operated, and the combination of symbols stopped on the active line corresponds to one of the roles. Is the time until payout corresponding to the combination of symbols is completed.

Note that when a replay is won, one game is performed until it is determined that the replay is won, and medals based on the replay winning are automatically inserted after the one game. Whether or not to include in the next game the time when the medal is automatically inserted or the time from when the medal is automatically inserted until the start switch 41 is operated is arbitrary.
Further, when the replay is not won in the previous game, it may or may not be included in “one game” from the time when the bet switch 40 is operated until the start switch 41 is operated.

In addition, the game types include a main game and a pseudo game.
The “main game” is the original function of the operation switch (the bet switch 40 is a function for inserting a medal to start the game, the start switch 41 is a function for starting the rotation of the reel 31 to start the game, stop The switch 42 is a game in which the function of stopping the rotating reel 31 within the range of the maximum number of moving frames based on the lottery result of the winning combination is effective as a game to obtain a game result. Point to.

  In this game, a medal is inserted when the bet switch 40 is operated, the rotation of the reel 31 is started when the start switch 41 is operated, and a combination lottery means described later when the stop switch 42 is operated. The reel 31 is stopped based on the lottery result of the combination by 61, and the game result in the game is displayed by the combination of symbols when the reel 31 is stopped.

  Specifically, the bet switch 40 is a switch operated by the player when inserting a medal, the start switch 41 is a switch operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reel 31, and the stop switch Reference numeral 42 denotes a switch operated by the player when the rotating reel 31 is stopped. The game result is obtained by a combination of symbols when the reel 31 is stopped (stopped on the active line). In order to stop the reel 31, it is necessary to stop the reel 31 by operating the stop switch 42. is there.

  Further, in order to stop the reel 31, it is necessary to start the rotation of the reel 31 as a precondition. Therefore, the operation of the start switch 41 is a player's operation necessary for obtaining a game result. Furthermore, the operation of the bet switch 40 is an operation necessary when a medal (game medium) is inserted in order to start a game as a premise for obtaining a game result, except when a replay is won in the previous game.

On the other hand, operating the bet switch 40 to insert a medal, operating the start switch 41 to start the rotation of the reel 31, and operating the stop switch 42 to stop the rotating reel 31 Is an operation necessary for proceeding with this game.
Therefore, any of the above operations is an operation necessary for proceeding with the game and obtaining a game result.

  Therefore, no medal is inserted even if the bet switch 40 is operated, the reel 31 does not start rotating even if the start switch 41 is operated, and the reel 31 does not display the game result even if the stop switch 42 is operated (reel). 31 does not stop) means that the function of the operation switch is not frozen as a function for proceeding with the game and obtaining a game result in the game.

  The “pseudo game” is a game that is executed during the freeze. Unlike the main game, the function of at least one operation switch is to advance the main game and obtain a game result. Refers to games that are not valid.

Pseudo games always run during the freeze. Therefore, it is always frozen during the pseudo game. On the other hand, during freezing, it is not always in a pseudo game. There are a case where a part of the period during the freeze is a pseudo game and a case where the time is “freezing = in the pseudo game”.
When a pseudo game is executed in one game, the game is executed before obtaining the game result of the main game, and after completing the pseudo game, the main game for obtaining the game result is resumed.

  More specifically, the winning lottery means 61 performs lottery at the moment when the start switch 41 is operated, but at this point in time, the game is still in progress. After the role lottery, it is decided whether or not to execute the pseudo game (during this game), and when it is decided to execute the pseudo game, this game is interrupted at this moment (at this time) Start playing. From the moment when the start switch 41 is operated (at the start of this game), it is decided to perform a lottery of the combination and execute the pseudo game, and until the rotation of the reel 31 for starting the pseudo game is started. The interval is about several ms to several tens of ms.

Similarly, when it is decided to execute a pseudo game by the previous game, similarly, when determining whether or not to execute a pseudo game in the game, lottery of a combination accompanying the operation of the start switch 41 The game is played until the time of the determination, and then the game is interrupted and the pseudo game is started based on the determination up to the previous game.
Then, the rotation of the reel 31 is started. Therefore, at the time of starting the rotation of the reel 31 when executing the pseudo game, it is in the pseudo game.

Further, in the pseudo game, for example, the reel 31 can be reversely rotated.
Further, in the pseudo game, there is no restriction that the time from when the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 is stopped is set within 190 ms. Therefore, in the pseudo game, for example, even if the left stop switch 42 is operated first during rotation of the three (left, middle, right) reels 31 and the middle stop switch 42 is operated later, The middle reel 31 can be stopped and the left reel 31 can be stopped later.

  Moreover, when the end condition of the pseudo game is satisfied, the freeze control means 70 ends the pseudo game and ends the freeze. Thereafter, the main control means 50 starts the main game, and the reel control means 64 starts the rotation of the three (left, middle and right) reels 31 as the main game. When the rotation of the three reels 31 reaches a constant speed state, the main control unit 50 enables the operation of the operation switches (left, middle, and right stop switch 42).

The main-side error detecting means 71 detects an error on the main control means 50 side.
In this specification, “abnormal” means not normal or different from normal (different), and “injustice” means incorrect or contrary to justice. The term “error” is used to mean both abnormal and illegal.

  The main-side error detection means 71 detects the opening / closing of the front mask portion according to the on / off state of the door opening / closing detection sensor 48. Specifically, when the door opening / closing detection sensor 48 is on, it is detected that the front mask portion is open, and when the door opening / closing detection sensor 48 is off, the front mask portion is closed. Is detected.

  Further, the main-side error detection means 71 detects opening / closing of the switch cover according to the ON / OFF state of the cover opening / closing detection sensor 49. Specifically, when the cover open / close detection sensor 49 is on, it is detected that the switch cover is open, and when the cover open / close detection sensor 49 is off, it is detected that the switch cover is closed. To do.

Further, the main-side error detection means 71 detects an error (insertion) if the first insertion detection sensor 43b and / or the second insertion detection sensor 43c are shielded from light when the medal insertion operation from the medal insertion slot 43 is invalid. It is determined that a sensor abnormality) has been detected.
Furthermore, the main-side error detection means 71 determines that an error (medal backflow) has occurred when the passage of medals is detected in the order of the second insertion detection sensor 43c and the first insertion detection sensor 43b.

Further, the main-side error detection means 71 determines that an error (medal clogging) has been detected when the first insertion detection sensor 43b and / or the second insertion detection sensor 43c continues to be shielded for a certain period of time. Hereinafter, a medal clogging detected by the first insertion detection sensor 43b and / or the second insertion detection sensor 43c is referred to as “insertion medal clogging”.
The main-side error detecting means 71 detects an error (payout sensor abnormality) when the payout detection sensor 44 is shielded when the medal payout process is not being performed (the payout driving unit 33b is not driven). Judge that

Furthermore, the main-side error detection means 71 determines that an error (medal clogging) has been detected when the payout detection sensor 44 has been shielded from light for a certain period of time. Hereinafter, a clogged medal detected by the payout detection sensor 44 is referred to as “paid out medal clogged”.
Further, when the payout detection sensor 44 does not detect that the medal has been paid out even though the payout driving unit 33b is driven, the main-side error detecting means 71 detects an error (the medal in the hopper 33a is It is determined that the error occurred. Hereinafter, the lack of medals in the hopper 33a is referred to as “medal out of service”.

  Further, the error canceling means 72 is to turn off the power of the slot machine 10 and then turn it on again or to operate the reset switch 47. When an error is detected, the error canceling means 72 Clear the error, subject to what has been done.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a main-side error detection unit 71 that detects abnormality or fraud on the main control unit 50 side and a sub-side error detection unit 86 that detects abnormality or fraud on the sub-control unit 80 side are provided. . Then, both when the error is detected by the main-side error detection unit 71 and when the error is detected by the sub-side error detection unit 86, the error release unit 72 releases the error. The sub-side error detection means 86 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main control means 50 transmits a command generation means 73 for generating a command, a buffer area 74 for storing the generated command, and a command stored in the buffer area 74 to the sub-control means 80. And a sub-control unit 80 includes a command receiving unit 84 for receiving the transmitted command.
Various information is transmitted from the main control unit 50 to the sub-control unit 80 by the command generation unit 73, the buffer area 74, the command transmission unit 75, and the command reception unit 84.

Here, when the command generation unit 73 determines to generate a command in the main process or the interrupt process, the command generation unit 73 generates a command according to the determination.
The buffer area 74 stores the commands generated by the command generation unit 73 in the order of generation.

Further, the command transmission unit 75 transmits the commands stored in the buffer area 74 to the sub-control unit 80 in the stored order.
In this way, the generated commands are stored in the buffer area 74 in the order of generation, and the commands stored in the buffer area 74 are transmitted to the sub-control means 80 in the stored order. For this reason, the generated commands are transmitted to the sub-control means 80 in the order of generation.

  Further, the command transmission unit 75 transmits the command stored in the buffer area 74 to the sub-control unit 80 by serial communication. Therefore, in order to ensure the transmission of the command from the main control means 50 to the sub control means 80, the command transmission means 75 sends the same command stored in the buffer area 74 to the sub control means 80 twice. Send.

  Specifically, the command transmission unit 75 transmits the command stored in the buffer area 74 to the sub-control unit 80 once every time a timer interruption is performed. That is, the command transmission means 75 transmits a command once per interrupt (2.235 ms).

  Further, when the command transmission means 75 transmits the same command stored in the buffer area 74 twice, the command transmission means 75 determines that the transmission of the command has been completed and deletes the command from the buffer area 74. For this reason, the command transmission means 75 requires 2 interrupts (4.47 ms) to transmit one command stored in the buffer area 74. Therefore, one command is deleted from the buffer area 74 every two interrupts.

Further, when receiving the same command twice within 50 ms, the command receiving means 84 determines that the command has been received correctly. In this case, the sub-control unit 80 controls to perform processing according to the command.
On the other hand, if the command receiving means 84 does not receive the same command twice within 50 ms, it determines that the command has not been received correctly. In this case, the sub-control unit 80 performs control so as not to perform processing according to the command.

The buffer area 74 is provided on the RAM of the main control board, and can store a maximum of 32 commands.
Specifically, the buffer area 74 has 32 storage areas from the first storage area to the 32nd storage area as command storage areas. When the command is generated by the command generation means 73, the buffer area 74 stores the generated commands in order from the first storage area, and the first storage area is empty after the 32nd storage area. Then, control is performed so that the data is stored in the first storage area again.

  For example, when the command transmission means 75 transmits a command stored in the first storage area of the buffer area 74 twice, the command transmission means 75 deletes the command from the first storage area of the buffer area 74. At this time, even if there is a command stored in the second storage area, it is not moved to the first storage area. That is, the command stored in the 32nd storage area from the 1st storage area is not moved or rewritten. For this reason, all the storage areas from the first storage area to the 32nd storage area are repeatedly used sequentially.

  Here, as commands generated by the command generating unit 73, for example, a set value command indicating a set value of settings 1 to 6, a game state command 1 to 3 indicating a main game state, and a stop reel command indicating a stopped reel 31 A stop symbol command indicating a combination of symbols when all the reels 31 are stopped, an error display command indicating that an error has occurred and the type of error that has occurred, and turning on / off various sensors connected to the input side of the main control means 50 A first state command indicating an off state or the like, a second state command indicating a valid / invalid state of operation of various switches connected to the input side of the main control unit 50, and the input side of the main control unit 50 And a third state command indicating the on / off state of various switches.

  Of these, the set value command, the gaming state commands 1 to 3, the stop reel command, the stop symbol command, and the error display command are determined to be generated in the main process, and the first state command, The two-state command and the third state command are determined to be generated in the interrupt process.

  In addition, a command concentration section is provided at the beginning of the main process, and each time a game is performed in the command concentration section, including the set value command and the game state commands 1 to 3, the main control means 50 It is decided to generate a plurality of commands to be transmitted to the sub-control means 80. Then, the command generation unit 73 generates a plurality of commands including the set value command and the gaming state commands 1 to 3 in this command concentration section.

  Further, after the command concentration section has elapsed, there is a waiting time for transmitting the command stored in the buffer area 74 without determining whether or not to generate a command in the main process. This waiting time prevents the buffer area 74 from overflowing with commands.

Specifically, a waiting time of 32 interrupts (71.52 ms) is provided after the lapse of the command concentration section, and during that time, generation of commands is not determined in the main process.
Since the command transmission means 75 transmits one command with two interrupts (4.47 ms), it can transmit a maximum of 16 commands during the waiting time of 32 interrupts (71.52 ms). Is possible.

In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not an error is detected by the main-side error detection unit 71 during the main process, and during the interruption process, the main-side error detection unit 71 separates from the main process. Determine whether an error has been detected.
Furthermore, in the interrupt process, it is determined whether to generate a command regardless of whether the main process is waiting.

  Further, regarding the first status command and the second status command, whether or not the information included in the first status command and the second status command has changed every time the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7” (every 8 interrupts). When it is determined that there has been any change, it is determined to generate both the first state command and the second state command.

Here, the command transmission means 75 requires two interrupts (4.47 ms) to transmit one command.
Also, various switches connected to the input side of the main control means 50 usually require at least 25 ms to return from the off state to the on state when operated by a person. Similarly, for various sensors connected to the input side of the main control means 50, normally, when a person operates a detection target, it takes at least 25 ms from the OFF state to the ON state to return to the OFF state. .

For this reason, in the interrupt processing, it is determined every 8 interrupts (17.88 ms) whether or not there is a change in the information included in the first state command and the second state command. Decide to generate.
Thus, the command generation cycle is set to be longer than the command transmission cycle while preventing the detection of changes in the on / off states of various sensors and switches connected to the input side of the main control means 50. This is made longer to prevent the buffer area 74 from overflowing with commands.

  The information included in the first state command is not changed, but the information included in the second state command is not changed when the information included in the second state command is changed, but the information included in the first state command is not changed. When there is a change in both, it is decided to generate both the first state command and the second state command.

  Specifically, for example, it is determined whether the operation of the bet switch 40 is valid or invalid, and the result is different from the previous determination result (before 8 interrupts). In this case, both the first state command and the second state command are included in the information included in the first state command and the second state command, regardless of the determination result about information other than the validity / invalidity of the operation of the bet switch 40. Decide to generate.

  As described above, when it is determined in the interrupt processing that any of the information included in the first state command and the second state command has changed, it is determined to generate both the first state command and the second state command. To do. In this case, the command generation means 73 generates two commands in the order of the first state command and the second state command.

Further, the command generation means 73 does not generate only one of the first state command and the second state command, but always sets one command in the order of the first state command and the second state command. Generate as
On the other hand, when it is determined in the interrupt processing that there is no change in any of the information included in the first state command and the second state command, it is determined that neither the first state command nor the second state command is generated. To do. In this case, the command generation means 73 generates neither the first state command nor the second state command.

  As for the third status command, every time the count value of the second interrupt counter 52 becomes “9” (every 10 interrupts) in the interrupt processing, it is determined whether or not the information included therein has changed. If it is determined that there has been, it is determined to generate a third state command.

As described above, the command transmission unit 75 requires two interrupts (4.47 ms) to transmit one command, and various sensors and switches connected to the input side of the main control unit 50 are It takes at least 25 ms to return from the off state to the off state via the on state.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the information included in the first state command and the second state command is more important for controlling the slot machine 10 than the information included in the third state command. Yes.

  For this reason, in the interrupt processing, it is determined every 10 interrupts (22.35 ms) whether or not there is a change in the information included in the third state command, and when it is determined that there is a change, the third state command is generated. Decide on.

  As a result, priority is given to the generation of the first state command and the second state command, and it is detected that various sensors and switches connected to the input side of the main control means 50 have changed on / off states. The command generation cycle is made longer than the command transmission cycle so that the buffer area 74 is not overflowed with commands while preventing the failure.

Specifically, for example, it is determined whether the bet switch 40 is on or off, and the result is different from the previous determination result (before 10 interruptions). In this case, it is determined to generate the third state command regardless of the determination result regarding information other than the on / off of the bet switch 40 among the information included in the third state command.
As described above, when it is determined in the interrupt processing that the information included in the third state command has changed, it is determined to generate the third state command. Then, the command generation unit 73 generates a third state command.

  In the present embodiment, each command generated by the command generation unit 73 is composed of information of 2 bytes (16 bits), and the upper 1 byte (8 bits) indicates the type of command, and the lower 1 byte ( (8 bits) indicates command contents such as ON / OFF states of various sensors and switches.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the 7th bit of the upper 1 byte of each command is always set to “1”, and the 7th bit of the lower 1 byte of each command is always set to “0”. Thereby, even if a command is transmitted from the main control unit 50 to the sub-control unit 80 by serial communication, the upper 1 byte and the lower 1 byte of each command can be reliably distinguished.

The upper 1 byte of the first status command is set to “10011010” in binary (“9A” in hexadecimal).
Furthermore, in the lower 1 byte of the first state command, the 0th bit indicates the on / off state of the door open / close detection sensor 48, and the 1st bit indicates the on / off state of the cover open / close detection sensor 49. The bit indicates the on / off state of the setting key switch 45, and the third bit indicates the on / off state of the setting change switch 46 (also used as the reset switch 47). The fourth to sixth bits also indicate the on / off state of a predetermined sensor or switch, respectively. The seventh bit is always set to “0” for distinction from the upper 1 byte.

Further, when the 0th bit of the lower 1 byte of the first status command is “1”, this indicates that the door open / close detection sensor 48 is on (the front mask portion is opened), and “0”. In the case of, it indicates an off state (a state where the front mask portion is closed).
Further, when the first bit of the lower 1 byte of the first status command is “1”, it indicates that the cover open / close detection sensor 49 is on (the switch cover is opened) and is “0”. Indicates that the switch is off (the switch cover is closed).

Furthermore, when the second bit of the lower 1 byte of the first status command is “1”, it indicates that the setting key switch 45 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off. Show.
Furthermore, when the third bit of the lower 1 byte of the first status command is “1”, it indicates that the setting change switch 46 (also used as the reset switch 47) is on, and when it is “0”, it is off. It shows that it is the state of.

The upper 1 byte of the second status command is set to “10011011” in binary (“9B” in hexadecimal).
Furthermore, in the lower 1 byte of the second status command, the 0th bit indicates the valid / invalid status of the operation of the bet switch 40. The first bit indicates the validity / invalidity of the operation of the left stop switch 42, the second bit indicates the validity / invalidity of the operation of the middle stop switch 42, and the third bit indicates the validity of the operation of the right stop switch 42 / Indicates invalid status. The fourth bit indicates whether or not an insertion sensor abnormality is detected, the fifth bit indicates whether or not a payout sensor abnormality is detected, and the sixth bit indicates whether or not an insertion medal clogging is detected. The seventh bit is always set to “0” for distinction from the upper 1 byte.

Further, when the 0th bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that the operation of the bet switch 40 is valid, and when it is “0”, it indicates that the operation is invalid. Show.
Further, when the first bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that the operation of the left stop switch 42 is valid, and when it is “0”, it is invalid. Indicates.

Furthermore, when the second bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that the operation of the middle stop switch 42 is valid, and when it is “0”, it is invalid. It shows that.
Furthermore, when the third bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that the operation of the right stop switch 42 is valid, and when it is “0”, it is invalid. Indicates.

Further, when the fourth bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that a closing sensor abnormality has been detected, and when it is “0”, it has not been detected.
Furthermore, when the fifth bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that a payout sensor abnormality has been detected, and when it is “0”, it has not been detected.

  Further, when the sixth bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that a inserted medal clogging has been detected, and when it is “0”, it has not been detected.

For example, the operation of the bet switch 40 is invalid, and the operation of the three (left, middle, and right) stop switches 42 is valid, and the insertion sensor abnormality, the dispensing sensor abnormality, and the insertion medal clogging. It is assumed that none of these are detected.
In this case, the second status command is “1001101100001110” in binary and “9B0E” in hexadecimal.

The upper 1 byte of the third status command is set to “10011100” or “10011101” (“9C” or “9D” in hexadecimal) in binary.
Furthermore, for the lower 1 byte of the third state command, the 0th bit indicates the on / off state of the bet switch 40, and the 1st bit indicates the on / off state of the start switch 41. The second bit indicates the on / off state of the left stop switch 42, the third bit indicates the on / off state of the middle stop switch 42, and the fourth bit indicates the on / off state of the right stop switch 42. . The fifth to sixth bits also indicate the on / off state of a predetermined switch. The seventh bit is always set to “0” for distinction from the upper 1 byte.

Further, when the 0th bit of the lower 1 byte of the third state command is “1”, it indicates that the bet switch 40 is in an on state, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is in an off state.
Further, when the first bit of the lower 1 byte of the third state command is “1”, it indicates that the start switch 41 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off.

Furthermore, when the second bit of the lower 1 byte of the third state command is “1”, it indicates that the left stop switch 42 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off. Show.
Further, when the third bit of the lower 1 byte of the third state command is “1”, it indicates that the middle stop switch 42 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off. .
Further, when the fourth bit of the lower 1 byte of the third state command is “1”, it indicates that the right stop switch 42 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off. .

  Here, the command transmission means 75 transmits the same command stored in the buffer area 74 to the sub-control means 80 twice. Further, when the command receiving means 84 receives the same command twice within 50 ms, the command receiving means 84 determines that the command has been correctly received. When the command receiving means 84 does not receive the same command twice within 50 ms, the command receiving means 84 Is not received correctly.

Here, the command generation means 73 always generates the first state command and the second state command as one set. And the command transmission means 75 always transmits a 2nd status command twice, after transmitting a 1st status command twice.
For this reason, for example, it is assumed that the bits constituting the command are broken by noise during the transmission of the first status command, and the command receiving unit 84 receives the first status command only once. In this case, the command receiving means 84 can determine that the reception of the first status command has failed when the second status command is received.

On the other hand, the command generating means 73 does not generate the third state command as a set with other commands.
For this reason, for example, it is assumed that the command generation unit 73 generates the third state command twice in succession and the command transmission unit 75 transmits them twice each. Then, it is assumed that the previous third state command is broken during transmission, and the command receiving means 84 has received the previous third state command only once. In this case, if the upper 1 byte of the previous third status command is the same as the upper 1 byte of the subsequent third status command, the command receiving means 84 has failed to receive the previous third status command. Cannot be determined when a subsequent third state command is received.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as the upper 1 byte of the third state command, two numbers of “10011100” in binary (“9C” in hexadecimal) and “10011101” in binary (“9D” in hexadecimal) are used. Each time the command generation means 73 generates a third state command, the command generation means 73 switches between the two types of upper 1 bytes alternately.

For example, if the command generation unit 73 previously generated the third state command “10011100 *******” (hexadecimal “9C ##”) in binary, this time in binary A third state command “10011101 *******” (hexadecimal “9D ##”) is generated, and the next time again, “10011100 *******” (16 A third state command “9C ##”) is generated in decimal.
“*” Means an arbitrary value of “0” or “1”, and “#” means an arbitrary value of “0” to “F”.

  As a result, when the command generation unit 73 generates the third state command twice in succession, and the command transmission unit 75 transmits them twice each, the command reception unit 84 performs the previous third state. When the command is received only once, it can be determined that the reception of the previous third state command has failed when the subsequent third state command is received.

The upper 1 byte of the error display command is set to “10011110” in binary (“9E” in hexadecimal).
Furthermore, the lower 1 byte of the error display command is set to include information indicating that an error such as an insertion sensor error, a inserted medal jam, a medal backflow, a payout sensor error, a payout medal jam, or a medal expired is detected. Has been.

As described above, the main control means 50 executes the main process and executes the interrupt process in parallel with the main process.
Further, in the main process, it is determined whether or not an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 71, and a specific error (insertion sensor abnormality, payout sensor abnormality, or inserted medal clogging) among a plurality of types of errors, In the interrupt process, separately from the main process, it is determined whether or not an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71.
Even when it is determined whether an error has been detected in the interrupt process, the process corresponding to the error detection is executed in the main process.

Here, in the main process, during the waiting time or during rotation of the reel 31, it is not determined whether or not an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 71. Then, it is determined whether or not an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71.
In the main process, when it is determined that the error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71, it is determined to execute a process corresponding to the error detection and generate an error display command. Specifically, when it is determined that the insertion sensor abnormality is detected, the progress of the game is stopped, an error code corresponding to the insertion sensor abnormality is displayed on the 7-segment display, and the insertion sensor abnormality is detected. It is decided to generate an error display command including the information.

On the other hand, in the interrupt processing, regardless of whether the waiting time or the reel 31 is rotating or not, the main value every time the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7” (every 8 interrupts). It is determined whether or not an error is detected by the side error detection means 71.
In the interrupt process, when it is determined that the main-side error detection unit 71 has detected an error, it is determined to generate a first status command and a second status command including information indicating that a specific error has been detected. Specifically, when it is determined that the making sensor abnormality is detected, it is determined to generate the first state command and the second state command including information indicating that the making sensor abnormality has been detected.

  For this reason, an error display command is first generated for a specific error in relation to the timing of error detection by the main-side error detection means 71 and the timing when the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7”. There is a possibility that the case where the first state command and the second state command are generated later and the case where the first state command and the second state command are generated first and the error display command is generated later are mixed. is there. This confuses the processing on the sub-control means 80 side.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is determined in the interrupt processing that the main-side error detection means 71 has detected an error, the first status command and the second status command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected are immediately displayed. In the main process, when it is determined that an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 71, an error display command is generated after waiting for the generation of the first state command and the second state command. Decide on.

Specifically, in the interrupt processing, every time the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7”, it is determined whether or not an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 71, and it is determined that an error has been detected. If so, it is immediately decided to generate the first status command and the second status command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected.
On the other hand, in the main process, when it is determined that the error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71, the error detection is supported when the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “0”. While executing the processing, it is determined to generate an error display command.

As described above, the first interrupt counter 51 starts counting from 0, adds 1 to the count value every time the timer interrupt is performed, and when the count value reaches 7, the count value is set to 0 next time. It is something to return.
For this reason, when an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71, it is decided to generate a first status command and a second status command including information indicating that a specific error has been detected in the interrupt processing. In addition, in the main process, it is determined to execute a process corresponding to the error detection and generate an error display command.

Thereby, when an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71, the command generation means 73 always generates commands in the order of the first status command, the second status command, and the error display command, and the command transmission means 75 Commands are always transmitted to the sub-control means 80 in the order of the first status command, the second status command, and the error display command.
Therefore, the sub control means 80 always receives the commands in the order of the first status command, the second status command, and the error display command, so that the processing can be prevented from being confused.

  Also, in the main process, when an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71 at the start of the game, it is decided to generate an error display command, and the progress of the game is stopped until the error is released. In addition, control is performed so that the main control means 50 continuously reports that an error has occurred (for example, an error code is displayed on a 7-segment display not shown).

  Furthermore, in the main process, during the waiting time or while the reel 31 is rotating, even if an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71, it is not determined to generate an error display command, and the game progresses. Control is performed so as not to stop and not to notify that an error has occurred. That is, control is performed so that processing corresponding to error detection is not executed.

  Further, in the main process, when an error is detected by the main-side error detecting means 71 after the elapse of the waiting time or after all the reels 31 are stopped, an error display command is generated in the same manner as at the start of the game. Control is performed so that the progress of the game is stopped until the error is canceled, and the main control means 50 continuously notifies that the error has occurred.

  If it is decided to generate an error display command in the main process, the command generation means 73 generates an error display command and stores it in the buffer area 74, and the command transmission means 75 stores it in the buffer area 74. The error display command is transmitted to the sub-control means 80.

  On the other hand, in the interrupt processing, regardless of whether or not the waiting time or the reel 31 is rotating, when an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71, information indicating that a specific error has been detected is included. Decide to generate a first status command and a second status command. Further, in response to this determination, the command generation means 73 generates the first state command and the second state command and stores them in the buffer area 74, and the command transmission means 75 stores them in the buffer area 74. The first status command and the second status command are transmitted to the sub-control means 80.

  When the sub-control unit 80 receives the first status command and the second status command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected, it depends on whether the reel 31 is rotating or not. Notify that an error has been detected. Thereafter, when an error display command is received, the notification that an error has been detected is switched to the notification that an error has occurred.

  In particular, when an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71 while the reel 31 is rotating, the first status command and the second status command including information indicating that a specific error has been detected are immediately generated. The error display command is generated and transmitted after all the reels 31 are stopped. For this reason, the sub-control unit 80 side notifies that an error has been detected while the reel 31 is rotating, and notifies that an error has occurred from the notification that an error has been detected after all the reels 31 have stopped. Will be switched to.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the reel 31 is stopped in both the main game and the pseudo game, the command generating means 73 generates a stop reel command indicating which reel 31 is stopped. Is stored in the buffer area 74, and the command transmission means 75 transmits the stop reel command stored in the buffer area 74 to the sub-control means 80.

  As described above, in the pseudo game, there is no restriction that the time from when the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 is stopped is set within 190 ms. Therefore, in the pseudo game, for example, even if the left stop switch 42 is operated first during rotation of the three (left, middle, right) reels 31 and the middle stop switch 42 is operated later, The middle reel 31 may be stopped and the left reel 31 may be stopped later.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, when the reel 31 is stopped, not only the reel 31 is stopped, but also a stop reel command indicating which reel 31 is stopped is generated, and this is used as the sub-control means 80. Send to. As a result, the sub-control unit 80 can determine which reel 31 has stopped, and can output an appropriate effect according to the stopped reel 31.

Next, the flow of processing when the power is turned on will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step S <b> 11 of FIG. 2, the main control unit 50 sets “0” in the first interrupt counter 51. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S12.

In step S <b> 12, the command generation unit 73 generates a first state command and stores it in the buffer area 74. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S13.
In step S <b> 13, the command generation unit 73 generates a second state command and stores it in the buffer area 74. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.
When the power is turned on, the first state command and the second state command are sequentially generated regardless of whether the information included in the first state command and the second state command has changed.

Next, the flow of interrupt processing will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step S21 of FIG. 3, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 ("0" to "7" is looped) is less than "7".
If it is determined that the value is less than “7”, the process proceeds to step S 22, and the main control unit 50 adds “1” to the first interrupt counter 51. Then, the process proceeds to step S27.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the value is “7”, the process proceeds to step S 23, and the main control unit 50 sets “0” to the first interrupt counter 51. Then, the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the information included in the first state command and the second state command has changed. For example, it is determined whether the valid / invalid state of the operation of the bet switch 40 is different from the previous time (before 8 interrupts).
If it is determined that there is a change (different from the previous time), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no change (same as the previous time), the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S <b> 25, the command generation unit 73 generates a first state command and stores it in the buffer area 74. Then, the process proceeds to step S26.
In step S <b> 26, the command generation unit 73 generates a second state command and stores it in the buffer area 74. Then, the process proceeds to step S27.

  Thus, the information included in the first status command and the second status command every time the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7” (every 8 interrupts) in the interrupt processing by the processing of steps S21 to S26. It is determined whether or not there has been a change, and if it is determined that there has been any change, both the first state command and the second state command are generated.

In step S27, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the count value of the second interrupt counter 52 ("0" to "9" is looped) is less than "9".
If it is determined that the value is less than “9”, the process proceeds to step S 28, and the main control unit 50 adds “1” to the second interrupt counter 52. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.
On the other hand, when it is determined that it is “9”, the process proceeds to step S 29, and the main control means 50 sets “0” in the second interrupt counter 52. Then, the process proceeds to step S30.

In step S30, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the information included in the third state command has changed. For example, it is determined whether or not the on / off state of the bet switch 40 is different from the previous time (before 10 interrupts).
If it is determined that there is a change (different from the previous time), the process proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no change (same as the previous time), the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

In step S31, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the upper byte switching flag (“0” or “1”) is “0”.
Here, when it is determined that the upper byte switching flag is “0”, the process proceeds to step S 32, and the command generation means 73 generates a third state command in which the upper 1 byte is “9C” in hexadecimal. Is stored in the buffer area 74. In step S33, the main control unit 50 sets “1” in the upper byte switching flag. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the upper byte switching flag is not “0” (“1”), the process proceeds to step S34, and the command generation unit 73 sets the third higher byte of “9D” in hexadecimal. A status command is generated and stored in the buffer area 74. In step S35, the main control unit 50 sets “0” in the upper byte switching flag. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.

  As described above, whether or not the information included in the third state command has changed every time the count value of the second interrupt counter 52 becomes “9” (every 10 interrupts) in the interrupt processing by the processing of steps S27 to S35. If it is determined that there is a change, a third state command is generated. Each time the third state command is generated, the upper 1 byte is alternately switched.

Next, the flow of the main process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
Steps S41 to S44 in FIG. 4 are command concentration sections, and the command generating means 73 receives a set value command in step S41, a gaming state command 1 in the next step S42, a gaming state command 2 in the next step S43, In the next step S44, the game state commands 3 are sequentially generated and stored in the buffer area 74 in the order of generation. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S45.

In step S45, the main control means 50 continues to determine whether or not a waiting time of 32 interrupts (71.52 ms) has elapsed. If it is determined that the waiting time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step S46.
In step S46, the main control means 50 determines whether or not an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 71.

If it is determined that an error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S47, and the main control means 50 executes an error handling process. The error handling process will be described later. When the error handling process ends, the process proceeds to step S48.
On the other hand, if it is determined that no error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S48 without executing the error handling process.

In step S48, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the start switch 41 has been operated.
Here, when it is determined that the start switch 41 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S49, and the main control means 50 executes a game progress process. The game progress process will be described later. When the game progress process ends, the process proceeds to step S50.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the start switch 41 is not operated, the process returns to step S46.

In step S <b> 50, the main control unit 50 determines whether an error is detected by the main-side error detection unit 71.
If it is determined that an error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S51, and the main control unit 50 executes an error handling process. When the error handling process ends, the process proceeds to step S52.
On the other hand, when it is determined that no error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S52 without executing the error handling process.

In step S52, the main control means 50 determines whether or not a winning combination has been won.
If it is determined that the winning combination has been won, the process proceeds to step S53, and the main control means 50 pays out medals according to the winning combination. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning combination has not been won, the processing according to this flowchart is terminated without paying out medals or the like.

Next, the flow of error handling processing will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step S61 of FIG. 5, the main control means 50 determines whether or not a specific error (payout sensor abnormality, inserted medal clogging, or insertion sensor abnormality) has been detected. If it is determined that no specific error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S62. On the other hand, when it is determined that the specific error is detected, the process proceeds to step S64.

  In step S62, the main control unit 50 displays an error code corresponding to the detected error on the 7-segment display, and in the next step S63, the command generation unit 73 generates an error display command corresponding to the detected error. Then, this is stored in the buffer area 74. Then, the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S64, the main control means 50 continues to determine whether or not the first interrupt counter 51 is “0”. When the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “0”, the process proceeds to step S65, and the main control means 50 determines whether or not a payout sensor abnormality is detected.

If it is determined that a payout sensor abnormality has been detected, the process proceeds to step S66, where the main control means 50 displays an error code indicating that a payout sensor abnormality has been detected on the 7-segment display, and in the next step S67. The command generation means 73 generates an error display command including information indicating that the payout sensor abnormality is detected, and stores this in the buffer area 74. Then, the process proceeds to step S73.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the payout sensor abnormality is not detected, the process proceeds to step S68.

In step S68, the main control means 50 determines whether a inserted medal clogging is detected.
Here, when it is determined that the inserted medal clogging is detected, the process proceeds to step S69, where the main control means 50 displays an error code indicating that the inserted medal clogging is detected on the 7-segment display, and in the next step S70. The command generation means 73 generates an error display command including information indicating that the inserted medal clogging is detected, and stores this in the buffer area 74. Then, the process proceeds to step S73.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the inserted medal clogging is not detected, the process proceeds to step S71.

  In step S71, the main control means 50 displays an error code indicating that the making sensor abnormality is detected on the 7-segment display. In the next step 72, the command generating means 73 indicates that the making sensor abnormality has been detected. An error display command including information is generated and stored in the buffer area 74. Then, the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S73, the main control means 50 continues to determine whether or not a release operation has been performed. Thereby, the progress of the game is stopped and the notification that the error has occurred is continued until the error is cleared. If it is determined that the canceling operation has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step S74, and the main control unit 50 cancels the error. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.

  Thus, by generating an error display command when the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “0” in step S64, the first status command and the second status command including information indicating that a specific error has been detected are obtained. After the generation, an error display command is generated. As a result, the commands are always generated in the order of the first state command, the second state command, and the error display command.

  For errors other than the specific error (medal backflow, payout medal clogged, or medal out), the corresponding information is not included in the first status command and the second status command. Therefore, when an error other than the specific error is detected, an error display command is generated without determining whether or not the first interrupt counter 51 has become “0”.

Next, the flow of the game progress process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step S81 of FIG. 6, the part lottery means 61 performs a part lottery. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S82.
In step S82, the reel control means 64 starts to rotate all the reels 31. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S83.

  In step S83, the main control means 50 continues to determine whether or not the stop switch 42 is turned on. When the stop switch 42 is turned on, the process proceeds to the next step S84, and the reel control means 64 controls to stop the reel 31 corresponding to the turned on stop switch 42. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S85.

In step S85, the command generation means 73 generates a stop reel command indicating the stopped reel 31, and stores this in the buffer area 74. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S86.
In step S86, the main control means 50 determines whether all the reels 31 have stopped.

If it is determined that all the reels 31 are stopped, the process proceeds to the next step S87, where the command generating means 73 generates a stop symbol command indicating a combination of symbols when all the reels 31 are stopped. Store in the buffer area 74. And a process is complete | finished by this flowchart.
On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a rotating reel 31, the process returns to step S83.

  As described above, in the game progress process during the main process, even if an error is detected while the reel 31 is rotating, the progress of the game is not stopped and the fact that an error has occurred is not notified. That is, the process corresponding to the error detection is not executed. Then, after all the reels 31 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S50 in FIG. 4. When an error is detected at this time, the progress of the game is stopped and a notification that an error has occurred is given.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sub control unit 80 includes a sub gaming state control unit 81 and a notification control unit 82.
As described above, the present embodiment includes AT games (notification games) and non-AT games (non-notification games) as sub game states.
Here, the AT game is a stop switch for displaying a game result advantageous to the player in a game in which a plurality of small roles are won simultaneously (to stop a combination of symbols having a large profit received by the player). This refers to a game in which the pressing order of 42 (correct answer pressing order) is notified.

On the other hand, the non-AT game means that the stop switch 42 is pressed in order to display a game result that is advantageous to the player even if it is a game in which a plurality of small roles are won simultaneously. A game that is not informed.
Then, the sub gaming state control unit 81 controls transition between sub gaming states (between the AT game and the non-AT game), and the notification control unit 82 controls notification of the pressing order of the stop switch 42.

  In the present embodiment, the sub game state control means 81 executes an AT game with a predetermined number of games (50 games) as one set. Further, when the predetermined additional condition is satisfied, the predetermined number of games is added (added) to the remaining number of AT games, and when the predetermined continuation condition is satisfied, the next AT Continue playing the game. When it is determined that the end condition of the AT game is satisfied, control is performed so as to shift from the next game to the non-AT game.

  Here, the sub-gaming state control means 81 is a rare small combination (a small combination whose winning probability is set lower than other small combinations) or rare replay (the winning probability is other in the non-AT game). When a replay set lower than the replay of (1) is won, an AT lottery for determining whether or not to grant an AT game execution right is performed. And when winning by AT lottery, the sub game state control means 81 grants the right to execute AT games.

  Further, when the sub game state control means 81 grants the AT game execution right, the sub game state control means 81 determines that the AT game execution condition is satisfied, and starts the AT game after the predetermined number of games (10 games) is consumed. When the predetermined number of games (50 games) are consumed during the AT game, the sub game state control means 81 determines that the AT game end condition is satisfied, and shifts from the next game to the non-AT game. To control.

Further, in the present embodiment, the sub gaming state control means 81 is provided with an execution right counter for counting the number of AT game execution rights, and when the AT game execution right is granted, the AT game execution right is determined. A numerical value corresponding to the grant is added to the count value of the execution right counter.
Then, when the AT game is executed, the sub game state control means 81 subtracts a numerical value corresponding to the execution of the AT game from the count value of the execution right counter.

Specifically, for example, when the sub game state control means 81 grants one AT game execution right, the sub game state control means 81 adds “1” to the count value of the execution right counter and gives three AT game execution rights. When granted, “3” is added to the count value of the execution right counter.
As a result, the AT game execution right can be stored (stocked), and when the AT game execution right is granted, if there is an AT game execution right already stored, the AT game execution right is stored. The number (stock number) can be added (added).

Further, when the count value of the execution right counter is “1” or more, the sub gaming state control means 81 executes the AT game and subtracts “1” from the count value of the execution right counter at the start of the AT game. To do.
Then, the sub game state control means 81 repeatedly executes the AT game until the count value of the execution right counter becomes “0”.
That is, when the AT game execution right is stored (stock), the AT game is continued (continuous) until the storage number (stock number) becomes zero. At this time, the sub game state control means 81 once ends one AT game and then starts the next AT game.

  In addition, the sub game state control means 81, when winning a rare small role or rare replay by the winning lottery means 61 during an AT game, determines whether or not to add the remaining number of games of the AT game and an additional number for determining the additional number. Make a lottery. Then, when winning in the extra lottery, the sub game state control means 81 adds (adds) the extra number determined in the extra lottery to the remaining number of games in the AT game.

  Furthermore, the sub game state control means 81 performs a continuous lottery to determine whether or not to continue the AT game when the remaining number of games of the AT game reaches a predetermined number of games (5 games). When it is decided to continue the AT game, the next AT game is continuously executed immediately after the remaining number of games of the AT game is digested. On the other hand, when it is decided not to continue the AT game, the AT game is ended when the remaining number of games of the AT game is consumed.

Further, the sub gaming state control means 81 has three stages of 10%, 30% and 50% as the winning probability of the AT lottery, and three stages of 30%, 50% and 70% as the winning probability of the extra lottery. The winning probability of the continuous lottery has three stages of 50%, 70%, and 90%.
Further, when the sub game state control means 81 wins a rare small role or rare replay by the winning lottery means 61, it determines whether or not to increase the winning probability of the AT lottery, the extra lottery, or the continuous lottery. I do.

On the other hand, the sub game state control means 81 performs a mode-down lottery to determine whether or not to lower the winning probability of the AT lottery, the extra lottery, or the continuous lottery when the winning combination lottery means 61 wins the replay.
Then, the sub gaming state control means 81 sets the winning probability of the AT lottery, the extra lottery, or the continuous lottery according to the result of the mode up lottery or the mode down lottery.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sub control unit 80 includes an effect control unit 83.
The production control unit 83 controls production output from the production lamp 21, the speaker 22, and the image display device 23 described above.

The effect control unit 83 controls the output of the effect according to the received command (for example, a third state command including information indicating whether the operation switch is in the on state or the off state).
In addition, for each game, the production control unit 83 selects the production by lottery using software random numbers based on the lottery result of the combination by the combination lottery unit 61 at the start of the game.
Specifically, as the game progresses, at what timing (when the start switch 41 is operated, when each stop switch 42 is operated, etc.), what kind of effect is output (the lamp 21 for the effect is displayed) The sound is turned on, blinked, or turned off, what kind of sound is output from the speaker 22, what kind of image is displayed on the image display device 23, and the like. Then, an effect is output according to this selection.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, an effect switch 20 used for effects is electrically connected to the input side of the sub-control means 80.
Then, when the production control unit 83 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, the number of additions is determined), when the production switch 20 is operated, a predetermined image (for example, an image showing the determined number of additions). Is displayed on the image display device 23.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sub control unit 80 includes a light emission control unit 85.
The light emission control means 85 controls the output of the betting LED 24 and three (left, middle, right) stop LEDs 25 as light emitters in accordance with commands received from the main control means 50 side.

Specifically, when the light emission control means 85 receives a command (second state command) including information indicating that the operation of the bet switch 40 is valid, the betting LED 24 emits light in red. When a command (second state command) including information indicating that the operation of the bet switch 40 is invalid is received, the bet LED 24 is controlled to be turned off.
Thus, the player is shown whether the operation of the bet switch 40 is valid or invalid.

  In addition, when the light emission control unit 85 receives a command (first state command) including information indicating that the setting key switch 45 is in the on state, the operation of the bet switch 40 is in a valid state or a invalid state. The bet LED 24 is controlled to emit blue light regardless of whether or not a command (second state command) including information indicating such is received.

  That is, when the light emission control unit 85 receives a command (first state command) including information indicating that the setting key switch 45 is in the on state, it indicates that the operation of the bet switch 40 is in a valid state. Even when a command including information (second state command) is received, the bet LED 24 is controlled not to emit red light but to emit blue light.

That is, the operation of the bet switch 40 is in an effective state, and when the bet LED 24 emits red light, it emits blue light. Further, when the bet switch 40 is operated in this state, three stored medals are electrically inserted and “3” is subtracted from the number of credits.
Thereafter, since the operation of the bet switch 40 becomes invalid, the second state command including information to that effect is transmitted from the main control means 50 side. Even if this is received by the sub control means 80 side, the setting key If the switch 45 remains in the ON state, the light emission control means 85 does not turn off the betting LED 24 but controls to continuously emit blue light.

Further, when the light emission control unit 85 receives a command (first state command) including information indicating that the setting key switch 45 is in the on state, it indicates that the operation of the bet switch 40 is in an invalid state. Even when a command including information (second state command) is received, the bet LED 24 is not turned off, but is controlled to emit blue light.
For this reason, when the setting key switch 45 is in the on state, the betting LED 24 always emits blue light, which indicates that the setting key switch 45 is in the on state. (Hall) side can be notified.

  In addition, the light emission control means 85 is information indicating whether the operation of the bet switch 40 is valid or invalid when a rare replay (replay whose winning probability is set lower than other replays) wins. Regardless of whether or not a command (second state command) is received, the bet LED 24 is controlled to emit light in rainbow color.

Here, at the time of replay winning, since the number of medals inserted in the game is automatically inserted, the bet switch 40 is normally turned off.
However, as described above, in the present embodiment, at the time of rare play winning, an AT lottery is performed. For this reason, when the rare replay is won, the betting LED 24 emits light in a rainbow color to increase the player's expectation for the AT game.

  It should be noted that an AT lottery is performed at the time of the rare replay win, and when the AT lottery is won, the light emission control means 85 has a command (second display) including information indicating whether the operation of the bet switch 40 is in a valid state or invalid state. Regardless of whether or not the status command is received, the betting LED 24 may be controlled to emit light in a rainbow color.

Further, the light emission control means 85 may control the bet LED 24 to be extinguished and returned to the original state when a certain time has elapsed since the bet LED 24 was made to emit light in rainbow color.
Further, when the light emission control means 85 receives the third state command including information indicating that the bet switch 40 or the start switch 41 is on after the betting LED 24 emits light in rainbow color, The LED 24 may be turned off and returned to the original state.

  However, when the light emission control means 85 receives a command (first state command) that includes information indicating that the setting key switch 45 is in the on state, the light emission control means 85, regardless of whether or not the rare replay wins, The bet LED 24 is controlled to emit blue light regardless of whether or not the AT lottery is won.

  That is, the light emission control means 85 gives the highest priority to the blue light emission of the betting LED 24 when the setting key switch 45 is in the on state, and then turns on the betting LED 24 at the time of rare replay winning or AT lottery winning. Give priority to the rainbow color. Then, the lowest priority is set for the betting LED 24 to emit light in red or turn off in accordance with whether the operation of the bet switch 40 is valid / invalid.

  Further, the light emission control means 85 controls the stop LED 25 to emit light blue when receiving a command (second state command) including information indicating that the operation of the stop switch 42 is in an effective state. When a command (second state command) including information indicating that the operation of the stop switch 42 is invalid is received, the stop LED 25 is controlled to emit red light.

  In the present embodiment, three (left, middle, and right) stop switches 42 are provided, and three (left, middle, and right) stop LEDs 25 are provided corresponding to these, respectively. Generates a second status command for each of the three stop switches 42 so as to include information indicating whether the operation is valid or invalid.

Then, the light emission control means 85 controls each of the three stop LEDs 25 to emit light in blue or red according to the received second state command.
Thereby, each of the three stop switches 42 is shown to the player as to whether the operation is valid or invalid.

Next, the flow of light emission control processing will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step S91 of FIG. 7, the light emission control means 85 determines whether or not the setting key switch 45 is in an on state.
If it is determined that the setting key switch 45 is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S92, and the light emission control unit 85 causes the betting LED 24 to emit blue light. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the setting key switch 45 is not in the on state (is in the off state), the process proceeds to step S93.

In step S93, the light emission control means 85 determines whether or not the rare replay has been won.
If it is determined that the rare replay has been won, the process proceeds to step S94, and the light emission control means 85 causes the betting LED 24 to emit light in a rainbow color. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the rare play has not won, the process proceeds to step S95.

In step S95, the light emission control means 85 determines whether or not the operation of the bet switch 40 is in a valid state.
If it is determined that the operation of the bet switch 40 is in an effective state, the process proceeds to step S96, and the light emission control unit 85 causes the bet LED 24 to emit red light. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the bet switch 40 is not in a valid state (invalid state), the process proceeds to step S97, and the light emission control means 85 turns off the bet LED 24. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the sub-control unit 80 includes a sub-side error detection unit 86 and an error notification unit 87.
The sub-side error detection means 86 detects an error on the sub-control means 80 side based on the command received from the main control means 50 side, and the error notification means 87 indicates that when an error is detected. It is to inform.

In the present embodiment, the sub-side error detection unit 86 detects an error based on information included in the received first state command.
As described above, in the lower 1 byte of the first state command, the 0th bit indicates the on / off state of the door open / close detection sensor 48, and the 1st bit indicates the on / off state of the cover open / close detection sensor 49. The second bit indicates the on / off state of the setting key switch 45, and the third bit indicates the on / off state of the setting change switch 46.

When the 0th bit is “1”, it indicates that the door open / close detection sensor 48 is on (the front mask portion is opened), and when it is “0”, the door open / close detection sensor 48 is off (front mask). Part is closed).
Further, when the first bit is “1”, it indicates that the cover open / close detection sensor 49 is on (switch cover is opened), and when it is “0”, it is off (switch cover). Indicates a closed state).

Further, when the second bit is “1”, it indicates that the setting key switch 45 is in an on state, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is in an off state.
When the third bit is “1”, it indicates that the setting change switch 46 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off.

Here, the front mask portion is open (the first bit is “1”), the switch cover is open (the first bit is “1”), and the setting key switch 45 is turned on. (2nd bit is “1”), it is normal.
However, the front mask is closed (the 0th bit is “0”), the switch cover is opened (the first bit is “1”), and the setting key switch 45 is on. When the second bit is “1”, it is not normal (abnormal).

In addition, the front mask portion is open (the 0th bit is “1”), the switch cover is closed (the first bit is “0”), and the setting key switch 45 is on. Even when (the second bit is “1”), it is not normal.
Further, the front mask portion is closed (the 0th bit is “0”), the switch cover is closed (the first bit is “0”), and the setting key switch 45 is turned on ( Even when the second bit is “1”), it is not normal.

Therefore, the sub-side error detection means 86 determines that an error occurs when the 0th bit is “0”, the 1st bit is “1”, and the 2nd bit is “1” in the lower 1 byte of the received first status command. Is detected. Similarly, when the 0th bit is “1”, the 1st bit is “0”, the 2nd bit is “1”, and the 0th bit is “0”, the 1st bit is “0”, and the 2nd bit is Even when “1”, it is determined that an error has been detected.
When an error is detected by the sub-side error detection means 86, the error notification means 87 notifies the display by displaying that fact on the image display device 23.

  Further, when the error notification means 87 receives the first state command and the second state command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected, the error notification means 87 detects an error regardless of whether or not the reel 31 is rotating. Notify that it has been done. Thereafter, when an error display command is received, the error notification means 87 switches from notification that an error has been detected to notification that an error has occurred.

Here, it is assumed that an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71 while the reel 31 is rotating. In this case, the first status command and the second status command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected are immediately generated and transmitted by the interrupt process even while the reel 31 is rotating. However, the error display command is generated and transmitted by the main process, and the progress of the game is stopped after all the reels 31 are stopped.
For this reason, the error notification means 87 notifies that an error has been detected while the reels 31 are rotating, and after notifying all the reels 31 that the error has been detected, notifies the fact that an error has occurred. Will be switched.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the betting LED 24 as a light emitter is electrically connected to the output side of the sub-control means 80, and the light emission control means 85 for controlling the output of the light emitter is provided on the sub-control means 80 side. .
On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the bet LED 24 as a light emitter is electrically connected to the output side of the main control means 50, and the light emission control means 85 for controlling the output of the light emitter is the main control means 50. On the side.

Then, the light emission control means 85 determines whether the operation of the bet switch 40 is in an effective state or an invalid state, and when it is determined that the operation is in an effective state, controls the bet LED 24 to emit light in red. If it is determined that the state is invalid, the bet LED 24 is controlled to be turned off.
Thus, the player is shown whether the operation of the bet switch 40 is valid or invalid.

  Further, the light emission control means 85 determines whether the setting key switch 45 is in an on state or an off state. When it is determined that the setting key switch 45 is in an on state, the operation of the bet switch 40 is in a valid state or The bet LED 24 is controlled to emit blue light regardless of the invalid state.

That is, when it is determined that the setting key switch 45 is in the on state, the light emission control means 85 causes the bet LED 24 to emit red light even if it is determined that the operation of the bet switch 40 is in an effective state. Instead, control is performed to emit blue light.
Further, when the light emission control means 85 determines that the setting key switch 45 is in the on state, the light emission control means 85 does not turn off the betting LED 24 even if the operation of the bet switch 40 is determined to be invalid. Control to emit blue light.

That is, when the setting key switch 45 is in the on state, the light emission control means 85 gives priority to emitting the bet LED 24 in blue, and when the setting key switch 45 is in the off state, the bet switch 40 The bet LED 24 is controlled to emit red light or to be turned off according to the valid / invalid state of the operation.
For this reason, when the setting key switch 45 is in the on state, the betting LED 24 always emits blue light, which indicates that the setting key switch 45 is in the on state. (Hall) side can be notified.

Also, if the setting key switch 45 is turned on while the operation of the bet switch 40 is enabled, the operation of the bet switch 40 is disabled, the setting confirmation mode is entered, and the betting LED 24 emits blue light. To do.
Furthermore, when the setting key switch 45 is turned on and the power is turned on, the operation of the bet switch 40 becomes invalid, the mode is changed to the setting change mode, and the betting LED 24 emits blue light.

  Further, when the setting key switch 45 is turned on while the operation of the bet switch 40 is invalid, the operation of the bet switch 40 is maintained in an invalid state, and neither the setting change mode nor the setting confirmation mode is entered. The betting LED 24 emits blue light.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, The following various deformation | transformation are possible.

(1) In the above embodiment, the main-side error detection means 71 and the sub-side error detection means 86 are provided. That is, an error detection unit is provided separately on the main control unit 50 side and the sub control unit 80 side.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the error detection means may be provided only on the main control means 50 side, or may be provided only on the sub control means 80 side, for example.

(2) In the above embodiment, the error canceling means 72 is provided only on the main control means 50 side.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the error canceling means may be provided only on the sub control means 80 side, for example, as with the error detection means, and separately on the main control means 50 side and the sub control means 80 side. You may prepare for.
However, since a command is transmitted from the main control means 50 to the sub-control means 80 in one direction, for example, when an error detection means is provided on the main control means 50 side, an error release means must also be provided on the main control means 50 side. There is.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the main-side error detection means 71 and the sub-side error detection means 86 detect errors based on various sensors, switch ON / OFF combinations, ON / OFF state durations, and the like. That is, the error detection means is configured by software.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the error detection means may be configured by hardware, for example.

(4) In the above embodiment, the timer interruption is set every 2.235 ms. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the timer interruption period can be set as appropriate.
In the above embodiment, the first status command and the second status command are generated every 8 interrupts, and the third status command is generated every 10 interrupts. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and how many interrupts these commands are generated should be set as appropriate within the range where the buffer area 74 does not overflow without losing the on / off detection of various sensors and switches. Can do.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the first to third state commands are generated every 8 interrupts or 10 interrupts on the condition that the information included in these commands has changed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first to third status commands may always be generated every predetermined time (for example, 8 interrupts or 10 interrupts) regardless of whether or not the information included therein has changed. .

(6) In the above embodiment, the command generating means 73 transmits the same command twice, and the command receiving means 84 correctly receives the command when it does not receive the same command twice within a predetermined time. Judged that it was not received. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and how many times the same command is transmitted can be appropriately set as long as it is twice or more. Similarly, the number of times the same command is received can be determined as appropriate as long as it is determined that the command has been correctly received.
In addition, the number of command transmissions may be only once.

  (7) In the above embodiment, the information indicating whether the setting key switch 45 is on or off is included in the first state command, and the operation of the bet switch 40 (operation switch) is valid or invalid. The information indicating whether the state is the second state command is included.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and information indicating whether the setting key switch 45 is on or off and information indicating whether the operation of the operation switch is valid or invalid are included in one command. You may make it. Then, according to the information included in this one command, the betting LED 24 (light emitting body) is controlled to emit blue light, emit red light, or turn off, and the operation switch is in an active state. Alternatively, an invalid state may be indicated, or the setting key switch 45 may be indicated as being on.

  (8) In the above embodiment, a color LED is provided as a light emitter, and this is made to emit light in red, blue or rainbow colors. However, if it is possible to indicate whether the operation of the operation switch is enabled or disabled or indicate that the setting key switch 45 is turned on according to the output of the light emitter, the light emitter is a color LED. The emission color is not limited to red, blue and rainbow colors.

  (9) In the embodiment described above, the output of the light emitter (blue light emission) indicates that the setting key switch 45 is on. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, whether the front mask portion is open, the switch cover is open, or the setting change switch 45 is on, It may be indicated by output.

(10) In the above embodiment, the waiting time for transmitting the command stored in the buffer area 74 is provided after the command concentration section elapses. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a waiting time may be provided in the middle of the command concentration section.
In the above embodiment, the waiting time is set to 32 interrupts (71.52 ms), but is not limited thereto and can be set as appropriate.
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the set value command and the gaming state commands 1 to 3 are generated in the command concentration section. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the type and number of commands generated in the command concentration section can be appropriately set according to the model of the slot machine 10.

  (11) In the above embodiment, the waiting time is set longer than the time required to transmit a command generated between the start of the command concentration interval and the start of the waiting time. May be set to be shorter than the time required to transmit the command generated between the waiting time and the start of the waiting time.

Alternatively, the waiting time may be controlled until all commands stored in the buffer area 74 are transmitted (erased), that is, until the buffer area 74 becomes empty.
Further, the waiting time may be controlled to continue until the number of commands stored in the buffer area 74 becomes a predetermined number or less.
That is, the waiting time is not limited to a fixed time, but may be varied according to the number of commands stored in the buffer area 74.

  (12) For example, a light emitter (for example, a start LED) corresponding to the start switch 41 may be provided, and this may be electrically connected to the output side of the sub-control means 80. Further, the command transmitted from the main control unit 50 side to the sub control unit 80 side may include information indicating the valid / invalid state of the operation of the start switch 41. Then, on the side of the sub-control means 80, the output of the start LED may be controlled based on the information indicating the valid / invalid state of the operation of the start switch 41 included in the received command.

(13) In the above embodiment, in the interrupt processing, every time the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7” (every 8 interrupts) regardless of whether the waiting time or the reel 31 is rotating or not, It was determined whether an error was detected by the main-side error detection means 71.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the interrupt processing, whether or not an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 71 is determined for each interrupt regardless of whether the waiting time or the reel 31 is rotating. May be. Then, on condition that an error has been detected, the generation of the first and second status commands including the information indicating that the specific error has been detected (determination to generate) may be performed every 8 interrupts.
Even in this case, in the interrupt processing, the first and second status commands can be generated every 8 interrupts on the condition that the information included therein has changed.

(14) The commands shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the type and number of commands to be generated and the information included in each command can be set as appropriate according to the model of the slot machine 10.
In addition, each modification of said (1)-(14) is not restricted to the case where it applies individually, respectively, These can also be applied in combination suitably.
<Appendix>
Problems to be solved by the invention (original invention) according to the initial claims of the present application, means for solving the problems related to the original invention, and effects of the original invention are as follows.
(A) Problems to be solved by the original invention
The initial invention comprises an operation switch operated by a player and a light emitter provided corresponding to the operation switch, and outputs the light emitter according to whether the operation of the operation switch is valid or invalid. It relates to a slot machine to be controlled.
In conventional slot machines, as operation switches operated by a player, a bet switch operated when inserting a stored medal, a start switch operated when rotating a reel, and a stop switch operated when stopping a reel There is also known a slot machine provided with a lamp that is provided corresponding to each operation switch and indicates whether the operation of each operation switch is valid or invalid (Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2012-040048). See the official gazette).
Such a slot machine includes main control means for controlling the progress of the game, and each operation switch and each lamp are electrically connected to the main control means.
The main control means controls whether or not the operation of each operation switch is enabled or disabled according to the progress of the game, and whether or not the operation of each operation switch is enabled according to this control. Or the output of each corresponding lamp is controlled so as to indicate the invalid state.
Here, in the conventional slot machine, the lamp provided corresponding to the operation switch only indicates whether the operation of the operation switch is valid or invalid.
In addition to the main control means, a sub-control means for controlling the output of the effect is provided. By this sub-control means, for example, a slot for controlling an AT game for notifying operation information of a stop switch which is advantageous to the player The machine is known.
Such a slot machine is configured so that a signal is transmitted in one direction from the main control means to the sub-control means for security reasons, and a signal cannot be transmitted from the sub-control means to the main control means. It has become.
For this reason, in the conventional slot machine, the output of the lamp provided corresponding to each operation switch cannot be controlled according to the determination on the sub-control means side.
Therefore, the problem to be solved by the original invention is that the light emitter provided corresponding to the operation switch informs whether the operation of the operation switch is valid or invalid, and that the specific operation has been performed. It is to inform.
Further, the problem to be solved by the invention is to make it possible to control the output of the light emitter provided corresponding to the operation switch in accordance with the determination on the sub-control means side.
(B) Means for Solving the Problems Related to the Initial Invention (Note that the corresponding embodiment is shown in parentheses)
The first solution is
Main control means (50) for controlling the progress of the game;
Sub-control means (80) for controlling the output of the production;
Specific operation detecting means for detecting that a specific operation has been performed;
An operation switch (bet switch 40) electrically connected to the main control means and operated by a player;
A light emitter (bet LED 24) electrically connected to the sub-control means and provided corresponding to the operation switch;
With
The main control means includes
In accordance with the progress of the game, controlling whether to enable or disable the operation of the operation switch,
A command C1 (second state command) including information indicating whether the operation of the operation switch is valid or invalid, and a command C2 (information indicating that the specific operation has been detected by the specific operation detection unit) Command generation means (73) for generating commands including the first status command),
Command transmitting means (75) for transmitting the generated command to the sub-control means;
With
The sub-control means includes
When receiving the command C1, according to the received command C1, the output of the light emitter is controlled so as to indicate whether the operation of the operation switch is valid or invalid.
When the command C2 is received, regardless of whether the command C1 is received, the output of the light emitter is controlled to indicate that the specific operation has been performed.
It is characterized by that.
The second solving means is the first solving means,
The sub-control means includes
When entering the specific gaming state, regardless of whether the command C1 is received or not, controlling the output of the light emitter to indicate that the specific gaming state has been entered,
When the command C2 is received, the output of the light emitter is controlled to indicate that the specific operation has been performed, regardless of whether or not the specific gaming state has been entered.
It is characterized by that.
The third solution is
Main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Sub-control means for controlling the output of the production;
Specific operation detecting means for detecting that a specific operation has been performed;
An operation switch electrically connected to the main control means and operated by a player;
A light emitter electrically connected to the sub-control means and provided corresponding to the operation switch;
With
The main control means includes
In accordance with the progress of the game, controlling whether to enable or disable the operation of the operation switch,
Including a specific command including operation switch information indicating whether the operation of the operation switch is valid or invalid, and specific operation information indicating whether the specific operation is detected by the specific operation detection unit, Command generation means for generating a command;
Command transmitting means for transmitting the generated command to the sub-control means;
With
The sub-control means includes
When the specific command is received, according to the operation switch information, the output of the light emitter is controlled to indicate whether the operation of the operation switch is enabled or disabled,
When the specific command is received, when the specific operation information indicates that the specific operation has been detected, the light emitting body is indicated to indicate that the specific operation has been performed regardless of the operation switch information. Control the output
It is characterized by that.
The fourth solution is
Main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Specific operation detecting means for detecting that a specific operation has been performed;
An operation switch operated by the player;
A light emitter provided corresponding to the operation switch;
With
The operation switch and the light emitter are electrically connected to the main control means,
The main control means includes
In accordance with the progress of the game, controlling whether to enable or disable the operation of the operation switch,
A light emission control means for controlling the output of the light emitter;
The light emission control means includes
In response to the control of enabling or disabling the operation of the operation switch, the output of the light emitter is controlled so as to indicate whether the operation of the operation switch is enabled or disabled,
When the specific operation is detected by the specific operation detecting means, the light emission is performed to indicate that the specific operation has been performed regardless of whether the operation of the operation switch is enabled or disabled. Control body output
It is characterized by that.
(Function)
The first solving means includes an operation switch operated by the player, a light emitter provided corresponding to the operation switch, and a specific operation detecting means for detecting that a specific operation has been performed. .
The operation switch is electrically connected to the main control means, and the light emitter is electrically connected to the sub-control means.
Furthermore, the main control means controls whether the operation of the operation switch is enabled or disabled according to the progress of the game.
Further, on the main control means side, the command generation means generates a command C1 including information indicating validity / invalidity of operation of the operation switch, and a command C2 including information indicating that the specific operation is detected by the specific operation detection means. At the same time, the generated command is transmitted to the sub-control unit by the command transmission unit.
Then, the sub-control means controls the output of the light emitter so as to indicate whether the operation of the operation switch is valid / invalid according to the command C1, and when the command C2 is received, the specific operation is performed regardless of the command C1. The output of the light emitter is controlled to indicate that has been performed.
For this reason, the illuminator provided corresponding to the operation switch can notify the validity / invalidity of the operation of the operation switch, and the specific operation can be performed regardless of the validity / invalidity of the operation of the operation switch. You can tell what happened.
For example, a color LED is provided corresponding to the bet switch. When the bet switch operation is valid, the color LED emits red light. When the bet switch operation is invalid, the color LED is turned off, and the setting key switch When turned on, the color LED emits blue light regardless of whether the bet switch operation is valid / invalid.
Accordingly, the color LED provided corresponding to the bet switch can notify the validity / invalidity of the operation of the bet switch, and the setting key switch is turned on regardless of the validity / invalidity of the operation of the bet switch. I can let you know.
In addition, the output of the light emitter provided corresponding to the operation switch can be controlled according to the determination on the sub-control means side.
Therefore, for example, at the time of winning a rare replay in which the winning probability is set lower than other replays, an AT lottery is performed on whether or not the AT game is executed on the sub-control means side, and when winning in this AT lottery Variations in production can be made more diversified than in the past, such as causing the color LEDs provided corresponding to the bet switches to emit light in rainbow colors.
(Relationship between original invention and embodiment)
The “specific operation” corresponds to “the setting key switch 45 is turned on” in the embodiment, and the “specific operation detection unit” is “interrupt processing in the setting key switch 45 and the main control unit 50” in the embodiment. Is equivalent to.
The “specific game state” corresponds to “when a rare play is won” in the embodiment.
“Controlling the output of the light emitter so as to indicate whether the operation of the operation switch is in an effective state or an ineffective state” means that “when the operation of the bet switch 40 is in an effective state, the bet LED 24 is controlled. This corresponds to “light emission in red and turning off the bet LED 24 when the operation of the bet switch 40 is invalid”.
“Controlling the output of the light emitter to indicate that a specific operation has been performed” corresponds to “lighting the betting LED 24 in blue” in the embodiment.
“Controlling the output of the light emitter so as to indicate that a specific gaming state has been reached” corresponds to “lighting the betting LED 24 in a rainbow color” in the embodiment.
“Information indicating whether the operation of the operation switch is valid or invalid” corresponds to “the 0th bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command” in the embodiment. When the 0th bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, the operation of the bet switch 40 is in a valid state, and when it is “0”, it is in an invalid state.
“Information indicating whether or not a specific operation has been detected by the specific operation detection means” corresponds to “the second bit of the lower 1 byte of the first status command” in the embodiment. When the second bit of the lower 1 byte of the first status command is “1”, it indicates that the setting key switch 45 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off.
Note that “controlling the output of the light emitter” is not limited to the sub-control unit, and may be performed by, for example, the light-emission control unit 85 in the embodiment or other units included in the sub-control unit.
(C) Effects of the original invention
According to the first invention, the light emitter provided corresponding to the operation switch can notify whether the operation of the operation switch is valid or invalid, and can also inform that the specific operation has been performed.
In addition, the output of the light emitter provided corresponding to the operation switch can be controlled according to the determination on the sub-control means side.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Slot machine 11 Display window 20 Production switch 21 Production lamp 22 Speaker 23 Image display device 24 Bet LED
25 Stop LED
31 reel 32 motor 33 medal payout device 33a hopper 33b payout drive unit 40 bet switch 41 start switch 42 stop switch 43 medal insertion port 43a medal selector 43b first input detection sensor 43c second input detection sensor 44 payout detection sensor 45 setting key switch 46 Setting change switch 47 Reset switch 48 Door open / close detection sensor 49 Cover open / close detection sensor 50 Main control means 51 First interrupt counter 52 Second interrupt counter 60 Set value change means 60a Set value storage means 61 Role lottery means 62 Role lottery table 63 Winning flag control means 63a Winning flag 64 Reel control means 64a Push order detection means 65 Stop position determination table 66 Stop symbol judgment means 67 Dispensing means 68 Special game control Stage 69 Main game state control means 70 Freeze control means 71 Main side error detection means 72 Error release means 73 Command generation means 74 Buffer area 75 Command transmission means 80 Sub control means 81 Sub game state control means 82 Notification control means 83 Effect control means 84 Command receiving means 85 Light emission control means 86 Sub-side error detection means 87 Error notification means

Claims (1)

Main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
And a sub-control means for controlling the output of the effect,
The main control means includes
Means for determining whether an error has occurred;
Command generation means for generating a command;
A buffer area to store the generated commands ;
Command transmitting means for transmitting the command stored in the buffer area to the sub-control means,
The main control means includes
The main process for the progress of the game can be repeatedly executed according to the player's operation, and the interrupt process is executed every predetermined time,
In the main process, the command generation unit generates a plurality of commands to be transmitted from the main control unit to the sub-control unit, and the command generation unit includes the command generation unit during or after the command concentration period. Has a waiting time for the command transmission means to transmit the command stored in the buffer area without generating a command,
The interrupt processing includes a case where the command generation unit generates a predetermined command based on the determination that a predetermined error has occurred regardless of whether or not the waiting time is in progress. Slot machine to be.

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