JP6106221B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including an inserted medal sensor and a max bet operation means for instructing that a medal stored as credit is used for setting a predetermined number of bets.

JP 2014-33743 A

  In a gaming machine equipped with a spinning cylinder such as a slot machine, when the player inserts a medal into the medal slot and operates the start lever, the spinning cylinder starts to rotate accordingly. When the player presses the stop button, the spinning cylinder is stopped with a pattern corresponding to the timing.

  In gaming machines, there is a possibility that so-called medals may be swallowed due to various factors. When the medals are swallowed, the inserted medals are taken in without being detected or returned, which is disadvantageous for the player.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to prevent swallowing of medals.

In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and the display result of the variable display device capable of changing the display mode is derived and displayed. In order to use a medal inserted from a medal slot for setting the bet amount, the game machine has one game completed and a winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device. A take-in path for taking in, a first throw-in medal sensor arranged in the take-in path, a second throw-in medal sensor arranged in the downstream in the take-in path from the first throw-in medal sensor, and Insertion determination means for determining that a medal has been inserted when the detection mode of medals by the first inserted medal sensor and the second inserted medal sensor is normal, and the bet number is less than the predetermined number. The medal bet processing means for increasing the bet amount in response to the insertion determining means determining that the medal has been inserted in the absence state, and the medal stored as credit is the predetermined number of bets. A maximum bet operation means for instructing to be used for setting the number, and a predetermined bet number within a range allowed by the number of medals stored as the credit based on an operation on the maximum bet operation means. A maximum bet processing means for performing a maximum bet process for increasing until reaching the number, and the inserted medal bet processing means has the medal slot even when the max bet processing means is executing the max bet process. The medal insertion acceptance via the The first medal sensor during the max bet process is interrupted the max bet processing upon detecting a medal, restart the max bet processing after it is determined that the medal is inserted by the closing determination means If the bet number reaches the predetermined number during the interruption, the max bet process is terminated.

  Thereby, swallowing prevention of medals is achieved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent swallowing of medals.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a plan view (FIG. 2A) and a right side view (FIG. 2B) of the gaming machine. It is a rear view of the front panel with which a gaming machine is provided. It is a front view of the main body case with which the gaming machine is provided. It is a schematic block diagram of a control configuration inside the gaming machine. It is the figure which showed the circuit structure of the main control board with which a game machine is provided. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a medal selector. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a medal selector. It is the figure which showed typically the various sensors which relate to medal detection. It is explanatory drawing about the structure which concerns on an origin detection. It is explanatory drawing about a stepping motor. It is explanatory drawing about the pattern formed in the rotation reel (rotating drum). It is explanatory drawing about the area | region set to the memory of the main control board. It is explanatory drawing about the regulation defined in each area | region. It is a flowchart of a start process. It is a flowchart of a power supply return process. It is a flowchart of a setting change process. It is a flowchart of a power-off process. It is a flowchart of a main process. Similarly, it is a flowchart of the main process. It is a flowchart of the stop control process in a main process. It is explanatory drawing about a stop process possible position. It is a flowchart of the payout process of winning medals in the main process. It is a flowchart of a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart of the creation process of LED display data in a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart of an error release determination process in the timer interrupt process. It is a flowchart of medal insertion processing. Similarly, it is a flowchart of medal insertion processing. It is explanatory drawing about the detection method of an insertion medal error. It is explanatory drawing about the exception case of an insertion medal error. It is a flowchart of the transition in a medal insertion process, and a stay check process. It is the timing chart which showed the outline | summary of a max bet process. It is explanatory drawing about operation | movement at the time of inserting a medal during a max bet process. It is explanatory drawing about operation | movement when the max bet button is operated during medal insertion. It is a flowchart of the stored medal settlement process in the timer interrupt process. It is a flowchart of the medal payout process in the timer interrupt process. It is a flowchart of the spinning cylinder control process in a timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing about the various flags for showing the status which concerns on rotation / stop of a rotating cylinder. It is the figure which showed the example of the starting time table.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in the following order. In the embodiment, a slot machine is taken as an example.

<1. Structure of the spinning machine>
<2. Control configuration of spinning machine>
<3. Composition related to medal insertion>
<4. Configuration related to rotation of rotating cylinder and rotating reel>
<5. About memory area>
<6. Start processing>
<7. Power-off processing>
<8. Power recovery processing>
<9. Setting change processing>
<10. Main processing>
[10-1. Main processing]
[10-2. Stop control process]
[10-3. Winning medal payout process]
<11. Timer interrupt processing>
[11-1. Timer interrupt processing]
[11-2. LED display data creation process]
[11-3. Error release determination process]
[11-4. Medal insertion process]
[11-5. Settlement of stored medal]
[11-6. Medal payout process]
[11-7. Cylinder control processing]
<12. Summary of Embodiment>
<13. Summary and Modification>

<1. Structure of the spinning machine>

First, the external configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
1 is a front view of the slot machine, FIG. 2A is a plan view, FIG. 2B is a right side view, FIG. 3 is a rear view of the front panel 2, and FIG.

  In the slot machine of the present embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 2, a rectangular box-shaped main body case 1 and a front panel 2 equipped with various game members are connected via a hinge mechanism (not shown). 2 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body case 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, a symbol rotating unit 3 including three rotating reels (rotating drums) 4 a, 4 b, 4 c is arranged at the approximate center of the main body case 1. In addition, a medal payout device 5 is disposed on the lower side.
Each of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, 4c has various symbols to be described later, such as symbols for BB (Big Bonus) and RB (Regular Bonus), various fruit symbols, replay symbols, and the like.
The medal payout device 5 has a medal tank 5a for storing medals. Further, a payout motor 75, a payout connection board 73, a hopper board 74, a medal payout sensor 76 and the like which will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 are housed in the payout case 5b.
The medals stored in the medal tank 5a are led out from the payout opening 5c toward the front of the drawing based on the rotation of the payout motor 75. The medals stored exceeding the limit amount are configured to fall into the auxiliary tank 6 through the excess medal deriving unit 5d.
The auxiliary tank 6 is provided with an overflow sensor for detecting that the stored medal in the auxiliary tank 6 has reached the limit amount.

A power supply board 41 is disposed adjacent to the medal payout device 5. A main control board 40 is disposed above the symbol rotation unit 3, and a rotating drum setting board 71 is disposed adjacent to the main control board 40.
In addition, a rotating LED (Light Emitting Diode) relay board 56 and a rotating relay board 53 shown in FIG. 5 are provided inside the symbol rotating unit 3, and an external concentrated terminal plate 70 is adjacent to the symbol rotating unit 3. Has been placed.

  Further, the main body case 1 is provided with a door opening sensor 35 for detecting the opening of the front panel 2 (opening of the door) on the side of the symbol rotating unit 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) unit 7 is disposed on the front panel 2. Various characters are displayed on the LCD unit 7 in order to excite game operations.
A display window 8 is formed below the LCD unit 7 to expose the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c. Through the display window 8, about three symbols can be seen in the rotational direction of each of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, 4c. For example, two (or three) in the horizontal direction of a total of nine symbols and two in the diagonal direction are virtual stop lines.

  In addition, inside the symbol rotating unit 3, a spinning LED is arranged at a position where each of the nine symbols visually recognized when the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c are stopped can be irradiated from the inside (not shown). (Illustrated). Each of the spinning LEDs is turned on / off according to the rotation state, the stop state, or various effects of the respective rotation reels 4.

Below the display window 8, an LED group 9 indicating a gaming state, a payout display unit 10 for displaying the number of medals to be paid out as a game result, and a stored number display unit 11 are provided.
The LED group 9 includes, for example, an LED indicating the number of medals inserted into the game, an LED indicating the re-playing state, an LED indicating that the spinning cylinder is ready to rotate (a predetermined number of games required for the game) The LED indicates that the insertion of the medal has been completed: a so-called start lamp), the LED that indicates the acceptance state of the insertion of the medal, and the like.
The payout display unit 10 is configured by connecting two 7-segment LEDs. The payout display unit 10 specifies the number of payout medals, and also functions as an error indicator that displays abnormal contents when an abnormal situation occurs.
The stored number display unit 11 displays the number of medals stored as credits.

LED effect units 15a, 15b, and 15c are provided above, left, and right of the display window 8. The LED effect units 15a, 15b, and 15c are configured such that a predetermined design and design are applied, and an effect by light is executed by the LEDs arranged on the inner side. The effects executed by the LED effect units 15a, 15b, 15c are, for example, effects indicating that BB or RB has been won, effects indicating the status of AT (assist time), ART (assist replay time), etc., during AT And assist production during ART.
Although not described in detail, the front panel 2 is provided with various other LEDs as LEDs for presenting effects and operating states.

A medal insertion slot 12 for inserting medals is provided on the right side of the center of the front panel 2, and a return button 13 for returning medals filled in the medal insertion slot 12 is provided in the vicinity thereof. A key hole for inserting a dedicated key is provided on the right side of the return button 13. When the front panel 2 is closed with respect to the main body case 1, the front panel 2 is unlocked by turning the key inserted into the keyhole clockwise (hereinafter referred to as “unlocking operation”). The case 1 can be opened and closed. Further, by turning the key inserted into the keyhole counterclockwise, the game stop state due to the stop or error is canceled (hereinafter referred to as “cancel cancel operation”).
Also, on the left side of the center of the front panel 2, there are a credit check button 14 for paying out credit medals (medals stored as credits), and a max bet button 16 for artificially inserting three credit medals. Is provided.

The front panel 2 has a start lever 17 for starting rotation of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, 4c and stop buttons 18a, 18b, 18c for stopping the rotating reels 4a, 4b, 4c. Is provided.
When the player operates the start lever 17, the three rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c usually start rotating in the forward direction. However, in order to produce a reel effect informing the internal winning state, all or part of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, 4c rotate irregularly (so-called “effect rotation”) and start to rotate in the forward direction. There is also.
Various kinds of specific contents are considered for the reel production. For example,
・ Slow production that rotates extremely slowly in the forward direction (forward rotation) and stops still ・ After repeated forward and reverse rotation, reverse rotation that rotates backward for a predetermined time and stops still ・ For normal rotation for the first predetermined time The first swing effect that stops after repeating the reverse rotation ・ The second swing effect that stops still after repeating the normal rotation and reverse rotation for the second predetermined time ・ The normal rotation and reverse rotation for the second predetermined time Slow oscillating effect that stops still after repeating forward, and then stops still after very slowly rotating forward ・ Stops after repeating forward and reverse rotations for the second time, and then stops after rotating backwards for a predetermined time There are swinging reverse rotation effects and effects such as rotating in the normal direction or reverse rotation at a predetermined speed and then resting on a predetermined pattern. At the time of such a reel effect, all or a part of the character effect on the LCD unit 7, the lamp effect that blinks the LED lamp, and the sound effect that drives the speaker is appropriately selected and executed.

Below the front panel 2, a horizontally long tray 19 that stores medals and a medal discharge port 20 that communicates with the payout port 5 c of the payout device 5 are provided.
Speakers 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d are arranged on the upper left and right sides and the lower left and right sides of the front panel 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the back side of the front panel 2 has a medal selector 21 for selecting medals inserted in the medal slot 12 shown in FIG. A return passage 22 for guiding to the discharge port 20 is provided.
A substrate case 23 is disposed on the upper back side of the front panel 2. The board case 23 accommodates an effect control board 42, an effect interface board 43, a liquid crystal control board 44, a liquid crystal interface board 45, and the like described in FIG.
A game relay board 60 (described later in FIG. 5) for relaying signals between the various game members shown in FIG. 1 and the main control board 40 is provided on the side of the medal selector 21.

In the slot machine of the present embodiment, the number of bets can be set by inserting medals through the medal slot 12 or by operating the max bet button 16. In the slot machine, the game can be started and the display mode can be changed by setting a predetermined number of bets per game (in this example, “3”, which is the same as the number of rotating reels 4). A display result of a possible variable display device (in this example, the symbol rotation unit 3) is derived and displayed, so that one game is completed, and a winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device.

<2. Control configuration of spinning machine>

Next, the configuration of the control system of the slot machine of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the internal control configuration of the slot machine. The slot machine of the present embodiment has a control configuration centered on the main control board 40.
The main control board 40 is equipped with a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., a circuit for an interface, etc. Perform such overall control. For example, the main control board 40 controls the operation of various game members including the rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c, and grasps the operation status. In addition, an effect is executed according to the game operation.
The main control board 40 has various signals (commands) between the power supply board 41, the production interface board 43, the rotary relay board 53, the game relay board 60, the external concentration terminal board 70, the rotary setting board 71, and the payout connection board 73. And detection signals).

The power supply board 41 receives AC24V and rectifies and smoothes it to obtain a DC voltage. The power supply board 41 includes a converter circuit and generates a power supply voltage necessary for each part. In the figure, a main control power supply voltage V1 given to each part via the main control board 40 and an effect control power supply voltage V2 given to each part via the effect interface board 43 are shown.
The power supply board 41 is also provided with a power supply monitoring circuit for detecting a power cut-off state, a backup power supply circuit for supplying a backup power supply voltage to the main control board 40, and the like.

The effect control board 42 is equipped with a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., an interface circuit, and the like, and performs control related to the effect operation of the slot machine.
The effect control board 42 receives a command from the main control board 40 via the effect interface board 43. For example, the main control board 40 controls the effect control board 42 to realize sound effects by the speakers 30 (30a to 30d), lamp effects by LED lamps and cold cathode ray tube discharge tubes, and symbol effects by the LCD unit 7. The command is output, and the effect control board 42 performs effect control processing according to the control command.
In addition, when the production control board 42 receives a control command (game start command) for specifying the internal lottery result from the main control board 40, it executes AT lottery to determine whether or not to enter the assist time winning state corresponding to the internal lottery result. .
In addition, in a predetermined number of games (during the AT) after winning the AT lottery on the effect control board 42, the stop order of the three rotating reels 4 is played so that the symbols can be aligned with the stop line in the small role winning state. The person is informed.
In addition, when the effect control board 42 receives a control command indicating execution of the reel effect from the main control board 40, the effect control board 42 starts an effect operation corresponding to the reel effect executed on the main control board 40.
Due to such an effect control operation, the effect control board 42 performs necessary communication with each unit through the effect interface board 43.

The effect control board 42 is connected to the liquid crystal control board 44 via the effect interface board 43 and the liquid crystal interface board 45.
The liquid crystal control board 44 controls effects by displaying images on the LCD unit 7. On the liquid crystal control board 44, a VDP (Video Display Processor), an image ROM, a VRAM (Video RAM), a liquid crystal control CPU, a liquid crystal control ROM, a liquid crystal control RAM, and the like are mounted.
The VDP performs overall control of video output processing such as image development processing and image drawing.
The image ROM stores image data (effect image data) on which the VDP performs image expansion processing.
The VRAM is an image memory area that temporarily stores image data developed by the VDP.
The liquid crystal control CPU outputs control data necessary for the VDP to perform display control.
The liquid crystal control ROM stores a program describing the display control operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU and various data necessary for the display control.
The liquid crystal control RAM functions as a work area and a buffer memory.
Such a liquid crystal control board 44 receives a command related to a display effect from the effect control board 42 and generates a display drive signal accordingly. Then, a display drive signal is supplied to the LCD unit 7 via the liquid crystal interface board 45 to execute image display.

In addition, the effect control board 42 controls the speaker relay board 47 via the effect interface board 43 to execute sound effects using the speakers 30a to 30d.
The effect control board 42 realizes lamp effects by various LEDs via the effect interface board 43 and the LED board 48 and the spinning LED relay board 56.
On the LED board 48, for example, LEDs as the LED effect units 15a, 15b, and 15c shown in FIG. 1 are arranged.
The spinning LED relay board 56 relays the LED drive signal from the effect control board 42 for the first spinning LED board 50a, the second spinning LED board 50b, and the third spinning LED board 50c.
On the first spinning LED substrate 50a, the spinning LED for irradiating the design of the rotating reel 4a from the inside is arranged. On the second spinning LED substrate 50b, the spinning LED for irradiating the design of the rotating reel 4b from the inside is arranged. Further, on the third spinning LED substrate 50c, a spinning LED for irradiating the design of the rotating reel 4c from the inside is arranged.

The main control board 40 is connected to various game members of the slot machine through the game relay board 60 as shown in FIG.
The game display board 61 is equipped with an LED group 9 indicating a gaming state, a payout display unit 10 having a 7-segment LED, and a storage number display unit 11 having a 7-segment LED. The main control board 40 controls the game display board 61 to transmit a control command via the game relay board 60 to execute display according to the game state.

A start switch that is turned on in response to the operation of the start lever 17 is mounted on the start switch board 62.
The stop switch board 63 is provided with stop switches that are turned on in response to the operation of the stop buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c. Although not shown, the stop switch board 63 of this example is also provided with a stop button LED that is provided for each of the stop buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c and that causes the corresponding stop button 18 to emit light. Yes.
The storage medal insertion switch board 64 is equipped with an insertion switch that is turned on in response to an operation of the max bet button 16. Although not shown, the stored medal insertion switch board 64 of this example is also equipped with a Max Bet LED for causing the Max Bet button 16 to emit light.
A settlement switch that is turned on in response to the operation of the settlement button 14 is mounted on the settlement switch board 65.
The main control board 40 receives, via the game relay board 60, detection signals of player operations by the switches of these boards (61, 62, 63, 64, 65).

The door sensor 66 is a sensor provided for the aforementioned key hole of the front panel 2. The door sensor 66 is capable of recognizing the above-described game cancellation cancellation operation.
The selector sensor 67 and the inserted medal related sensor 68 are provided for detecting a medal inserted from the medal slot 12. The selector sensor 67 and the inserted medal related sensor 68 will be described later.
The main control board 40 receives the detection signals of these sensors (66, 67, 68) via the game relay board 60. Further, the main control board 40 detects the insertion time and passing direction of the medal inserted by the detection signal of the received sensor, and accepts it as an inserted medal only when it meets a predetermined rule, otherwise it is inserted Treat as a medal error.
The blocker solenoid 69 drives a blocker that prevents passage of illegal medals to ON / OFF. The main control board 40 controls the blocker solenoid 69 via the game relay board 60.

In addition, the main control board 40 has three stepping motors 54 (a first cylinder stepping motor 54a, a second cylinder stepping motor 54b, a second cylinder stepping motor 54b, The third cylinder stepping motor 54c) is connected.
Further, the main control board 40 is connected to the three index sensors 55 (first cylinder index) for detecting the origin position (origin position 101 described later) of the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c via the cylinder relay board 53. Sensor 55a, second cylinder index sensor 55b, and third cylinder index sensor 55c).
The main control board 40 realizes the rotating operation of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, 4c and the stopping operation at the target position by driving or stopping the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c. The main control board 40 can detect the origin positions of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c based on the detection signals of the index sensors 55a, 55b, and 55c.

The main control board 40 is also connected to a device unit for paying out medals via a payout connection board 73. A hopper board 74 for performing medal payout control, a payout motor 75, and a medal payout sensor 76 are provided as an apparatus unit for paying out medals.
The hopper board 74 rotates a payout motor 75 based on a control command from the main control board 40 and pays out a predetermined amount of medals.
The medal payout sensor 76 detects the passage of the payout medal. The detection signal from the medal payout sensor 76 is used to detect an abnormal payout state such as a shortage of payout medals or no payout operation.

  The main control board 40 is connected to the external concentration terminal board 70. The external concentration terminal board 70 is connected to, for example, a hall computer, and the main control board 40 outputs the number of inserted medals and the number of paid out medals to the hall computer through the external concentration terminal board 70.

The main control board 40 is also connected to the rotating drum setting board 71. A setting key switch 72a that is turned on / off in response to an operation of a setting key and a reset switch 72b that is turned on / off in response to an operation of a reset button are provided for the rotating drum setting board 71. The rotating drum setting board 71 outputs a signal indicating the setting value vd set by the staff using the setting key and the reset button.
Here, the set value vd is a value representing a stage regarding the winning probability of the lottery process executed in the slot machine, in other words, the probability of whether or not to win the gaming state advantageous to the player. It is set as appropriate based on the sales strategy of the game hall. In this example, the winning probability has six stages, and the set value vd can be set to a value representing an arbitrary stage among the six stages from setting “1” to setting “6”. At this time, “0” to “5” are assigned as the value of the setting value vd itself.
In this example, the winning probability is increased in the order of setting “1” to setting “6”.

  A hall attendant or the like can change the set value vd by a predetermined operation. Specifically, when changing the setting value vd, first, the front panel 2 is opened, and the power is turned on with the setting key switch 72a turned on (in this example, the setting key is turned to the right). To do. Then, a setting value (any one of “1” to “6”) indicating the currently set stage is displayed on the indicator provided for the rotating drum setting board 71, and the reset button is pressed in this state. Each time the reset switch 72b is turned ON, the display value is incremented by 1 (the display value “6” is followed by “1”). Further, after the value is selected with the reset button, the start lever 17 is operated to determine the set value vd according to the selected value, and then the setting key switch 72a is turned OFF (in this example, The setting value vd is changed by turning the setting key counterclockwise.

Next, the circuit configuration of the main control board 40 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the main control board 40 includes a controller 80 using a one-chip microcomputer, an I / O port circuit 83 for inputting / outputting 8-bit parallel data, a counter circuit 81, and an interface unit for each unit. ing.

In addition to the CPU 80a, ROM 80b, and RAM 80c, the controller 80 includes an interrupt controller 80d, a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) 80e, and the like.
The CTC 80e is a circuit in which an 8-bit counter and a timer are integrated, and adds a periodic interrupt, a fixed-period pulse output generation function (bit rate generator), and a time measurement function in the processing of the CPU 80a. In this example, a timer interrupt is applied to the CPU 80a at a time interval of 1.49 ms (milliseconds) using the CTC 80e.

  The counter circuit 81 is a circuit that generates a random value in hardware. The controller 80 (CPU 80a) performs a lottery process using the random value generated by the counter circuit 81.

The main control board 40 is provided with an interface between the controller 80 and each board shown in FIG.
The power interface 82 is an interface with the power circuit of the power board 41.
The game interface 84 is an interface with the game relay board 60. The controller 80 inputs various switches and sensor detection signals, and transmits commands for LED control and blocker solenoid control via the game interface 84.
The rotating motor driving unit 85 is an interface with the rotating relay substrate 53. The controller 80 outputs motor drive signals (excitation data φ1 to φ4, which will be described later) to the stepping motors 54a, 54b, and 54c by the rotary motor driving unit 85 and is input via the rotary motor driving unit 85. Detection signals from the index sensors 55a, 55b, and 55c are acquired.
The effect control interface 86 is an interface for the controller 80 to transmit a command to the effect control board 42 via the effect interface board 43. Specifically, for example, an 8-bit parallel port.
The payout connection interface 87 is an interface with the payout connection board 73.

The external interface 88 is an interface with the hall computer via the external concentration terminal board 70.
The rotating drum setting interface 89 is an interface with the rotating drum setting board 71.

<3. Composition related to medal insertion>

Next, a configuration relating to medal insertion will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
7A and 8A are cross-sectional views showing the structure of the medal selector 21 provided in the slot machine of the present embodiment, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 7A, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the medal selector 21 has an insertion channel 21a through which medals inserted from the medal insertion port 12 flow down, and an intake side channel for guiding the medals flowing down the insertion channel 21a to the medal tank 5a. 21b is formed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the flow path switching plate 21d swinging around the shaft 21da as a fulcrum by the excitation of the blocker solenoid 69 and the flow path 21a fall below the flow path 21a. A discharge-side flow path 21 c for guiding medals to the medal discharge port 20 is provided.

In the state where the blocker solenoid 69 is not excited, the flow path switching plate 21d has a state in which its upper end 21db is housed in a recess 21e provided in the main body of the medal selector 21, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Then, since the input flow path 21a and the discharge side flow path 21c are in communication with each other, the medal flowing down the input flow path 21a falls into the discharge side flow path 21c and is discharged from the medal discharge port 20.
Further, in the state where the blocker solenoid 69 is excited, the flow path switching plate 21d is, as shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. Since the upper end portion 21db of the flow path switching plate 21d protrudes from the concave portion 21e, the medal flowing down the input flow path 21a is taken in along the upper end portion 21db of the flow path switching plate 21d. It flows down into the side channel 21b and is guided to the medal tank 5a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, the take-in flow path 21b is provided with a first throw-in medal sensor 68a and a second throw-in medal sensor 68b for detecting passage of medals flowing down the take-in flow path 21b. It has been. The first inserted medal sensor 68a and the second inserted medal sensor 68b are provided as the aforementioned inserted medal related sensor 68 (see FIG. 5).
As shown in the figure, the first insertion medal sensor 68a is provided upstream of the second insertion medal sensor 68b in the take-in flow path 21b, and passes through the disk-shaped medal flowing down the take-in flow path 21b. It is possible to detect in the order of the first inserted medal sensor 68a → the second inserted medal sensor 68b.
In the first inserted medal sensor 68a and the second inserted medal sensor 68b, when only one medal passes, only the first inserted medal sensor 68a is ON, and both the first inserted medal sensor 68a and the second inserted medal sensor 68b. Are in close proximity so that the state transitions in the order of ON and only the second inserted medal sensor 68b.
The first inserted medal sensor 68a and the second inserted medal sensor 68b are arranged so as to detect the end of the medal (in this example, the upper end of the medal). After the eye medal passes the second inserted medal sensor 68b and the second inserted medal sensor 68b is turned OFF, the subsequent medal passes the first inserted medal sensor 68a and the first inserted medal sensor 68a In this way, it is possible to reliably detect individual medals continuously inserted.

FIG. 9 schematically shows various sensors related to medal detection provided in the flow path from the medal slot 12 to the medal tank 5a, including the first inserted medal sensor 68a and the second inserted medal sensor 68b. Yes.
Although not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a selector sensor 67 is provided in the insertion channel 21 a in the medal selector 21. In addition, a post-pass sensor 68c is provided as one of the above-mentioned inserted medal-related sensors 68 on the medal flow path that connects the take-in flow path 21d and the medal tank 5a in the medal selector 21.

The selector sensor 67, the post-pass sensor 68c, the first inserted medal sensor 68a, and the second inserted medal sensor 68b are configured by, for example, photosensors, and each include a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, and the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit. The passage of the medal is detected by the light receiving unit detecting the blocking of the light from the light projecting unit when the medal passes between.
In the following description, the first inserted medal sensor 68a and the second inserted medal sensor 68b may be referred to as “sensor 1” and “sensor 2”, respectively.

<4. Configuration related to rotation of rotating cylinder and rotating reel>

The configuration for rotating the rotating reel 4 and the relationship between the symbols formed on the rotating reel 4 and the step position will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration relating to origin detection for the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c. The origin detection is detection of a specific position provided on each of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c, that is, the origin position 101.
Since the configuration relating to the origin detection is the same for each of the rotating reels 4a to 4c, only one rotating reel (denoted as rotating reel 4) is shown here as a representative. FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a configuration relating to origin detection, and FIG. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the detected portion 410 d formed on the rotating reel 4 and the origin position 101.

  In FIG. 10A, the center axis (represented as “rotation axis Ra”) of the rotor 54r provided in the stepping motor 54 that rotationally drives the rotary reel 4 is indicated by a one-dot chain line. The rotary reel 4 includes a reel drum 401 that is driven to rotate about the rotation axis Ra, a backlight unit 402 disposed inside the reel drum 401, and a base that directly or indirectly supports the reel drum 401. And a body 403.

The base body 403 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and includes a base plate 403b formed in a substantially plate shape, and a protruding portion 403t that protrudes from the base plate 403b in a direction along the rotation axis Ra. The base plate 403b is disposed along one side (here, the right side) of the reel drum 401 in the left-right direction. The stepping motor 54 is fixed to one surface side (here, the left surface side) of the base body 403 with the rotor 54r (rotation axis Ra) directed to one side (here, the left side) in the left-right direction.
In this case, the protruding portion 403t protrudes leftward from the base plate 403b.

The reel drum 401 includes two reel frames 410 and 411 and a belt-like reel sheet 420 that is mounted on the outer periphery of the reel frames 410 and 411 in a cylindrical shape. The reel frames 410 and 411 are made of, for example, black synthetic resin that does not have light transmittance or has extremely low light transmittance, and the outer peripheral portions are formed as rim portions 410r and 411r, respectively. The rim portion 410r of the reel frame 410 and the rim portion 411r of the reel frame 411 are formed in an annular shape along the left and right edges of the reel sheet 420, respectively.
The reel frame 410 has a hub portion 410h that is detachably fixed to the rotor 54r of the stepping motor 54, and a plurality of spoke portions 410s that connect the rim portion 410r and the hub portion 410h in the radial direction. .

  Here, in this example, the reel frame 411 is not directly connected to the reel frame 410, and the rim portion 411 r of the reel frame 411 is connected to the rim portion 410 r of the reel frame 410 via the reel sheet 420. (Of course, the rim portion 411r and the rim portion 410r can be integrally connected, for example, at one or a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction).

The reel sheet 420 is formed, for example, by a colorless and transparent synthetic resin sheet in a band shape having a certain width, is wound around the rim portions 410r and 411r of the reel frames 410 and 411, and is adhered by, for example, an adhesive. Although not shown in the drawing, a plurality of symbols are formed on the reel sheet 420 by printing.
The symbol forming area in the reel sheet 420 has a relatively high light transmittance, and when the LED in the backlight unit 402 is turned on, the light emitting area emits light brightly.

  The index sensor 55 is constituted by, for example, a transmissive photosensor, and is attached to the tip portion of the protruding portion 403t protruding from the base plate 403b to the reel drum 401 in this example as shown in the figure. The index sensor 55 includes a light emitting unit 551 and a light receiving unit 552 that are arranged such that the light emitting surface and the light receiving surface face each other in the radial direction of the reel frame 410.

  In the case of this example, a detected portion 410 d that protrudes in a direction facing the index sensor 55 is formed in a predetermined spoke portion 410 s of the reel drum 410. This detected portion 410 d is formed at a position that passes through the space between the light emitting portion 551 and the light receiving portion 552 of the index sensor 55 as the reel drum 401 rotates.

  With such a configuration, depending on the index sensor 55 as a transmissive photosensor, the detected portion 410d is interposed between the light emitting portion 551 and the light receiving portion 552 once per rotation of the reel drum 401 (rotary reel 4). As a result, a detection signal in which an ON pulse appears as the signal passes is obtained.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10B, the detected portion 410 d has one edge of both edges (end portions) in the direction parallel to the rotation direction R (forward rotation direction) positioned at the same rotation angle as the origin position 101. Positioned to do so. Specifically, the detected portion 410 d of this example is positioned so that the edge on the rotation traveling direction side in the positive rotation direction (R) is positioned at the same rotation angle as the origin position 101.

Note that the configuration for detecting the origin should not be limited to that described above. For example, instead of the protrusion-shaped detected portion 410d, a configuration in which a detected portion by a notch portion is provided may be employed. In this case, if the light emitting unit 551 and the light receiving unit 552 of the index sensor 55 are arranged so that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 551 is received by the light receiving unit 552 when the cutout portion arrives as the rotating reel 4 rotates. Good.
The index sensor 55 is not limited to a transmissive photosensor, and a reflective photosensor can also be used.

Next, stepping motors 54a, 54b, and 54c for rotationally driving the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c will be described.
In the present embodiment, the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c are unipolar driving stepping motors, each having two center-tapped drive windings. In the case of the present embodiment, the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c are driven by 1-2 phase excitation in which one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation are alternately repeated.

  FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a relationship between two stators included in each of the stepping motors 54a, 54b, and 54c, a drive winding wound around each stator, and a rotational position (arrow) of the rotor. . As shown in the figure, in the stepping motor of the unipolar drive, the drive winding is center-tapped, and one of the drive windings is divided into the winding part A and the winding part A bar. Is written. In addition, the respective winding portions divided and formed at the center tap in the other drive winding are referred to as winding portion B and winding portion B bar.

FIG. 11B shows a drive signal φ (drive current) applied to the winding portions A, A bar, B, and B bar in 1-2 phase excitation. As shown in the figure, the driving signal for the winding part B bar is expressed as φ1, the driving signal for the winding part A bar as φ2, the driving signal for the winding part B as φ3, and the driving signal for the winding part A as φ4.
As shown in FIG. 11B, in the 1-2 phase excitation, eight steps 0 to 7 in the figure are repeated for the driving mode by the driving signals φ1 to φ4. In particular,

・ 0th step: φ1 = on, φ2 = off, φ3 = off, φ4 = off
First step: φ1 = on, φ2 = off, φ3 = off, φ4 = on
Second step: φ1 = off, φ2 = off, φ3 = off, φ4 = on
Third step: φ1 = off, φ2 = off, φ3 = on, φ4 = on
4th step: φ1 = off, φ2 = off, φ3 = on, φ4 = off
5th step: φ1 = off, φ2 = on, φ3 = on, φ4 = off
6th step: φ1 = off, φ2 = on, φ3 = off, φ4 = off
7th step: φ1 = on, φ2 = on, φ3 = off, φ4 = off

Is repeated. Thus, in the 1-2 phase excitation, the two drive windings are driven simultaneously (that is, the two stators are excited simultaneously) (0, 2, 4, 6) and one of the drive windings. Steps (1, 3, 5, 7) in which only one is driven (only one stator is excited) are repeated alternately.

  The 1-2 phase excitation as described above causes the rotor to move intermittently to positions 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 0 as shown in FIG. The step angle can be halved compared with the case of two-phase excitation, that is, intermittent movement to the position of 0 → 2 → 4 → 6 → 0. Specifically, the step angles of the stepping motors 54a, 54b, and 54c are 360 ° ÷ 8 = 45 °.

  As can be understood from the above description, the “step” referred to here is the minimum rotational drive amount of the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c.

FIG. 11C is an explanatory diagram of an excitation data table that is referred to in order to realize the 1-2 phase excitation as described above.
In the excitation data table, excitation pointers (excitation phase pointers) 0 to 7 correspond to the above steps 0 to 7, respectively, and drive signals φ1 to φ7 correspond to the excitation pointers PT to 0 to 7, respectively. 4-bit excitation data representing on / off of φ4 is associated. In FIG. 11C, the hexadecimal notation of each excitation data and the two-phase excitation / one-phase excitation corresponding to each of 0 to 7 of the excitation pointer PT are also shown.
Hereinafter, for each of the drive signals φ1 to φ4, each 1-bit data indicating on / off of each drive signal φ is referred to as “excitation data”. The excitation data for the drive signal φ1 is expressed as “excitation data φ1”, and the excitation data for the drive signal φ2 is expressed as “excitation data φ2”. Similarly, excitation data for the drive signal φ3 is expressed as “excitation data φ3”, and excitation data for the drive signal φ4 is expressed as “excitation data φ4”.

As will be described later, the CPU 80a of the main control board 40 controls the driving of the stepping motors 54a, 54b, and 54c based on the result of referring to such an excitation data table. Specifically, stepping is performed based on the excitation data φ1 to φ4 corresponding to the current value of the excitation pointer PT while circulating the excitation pointer PT in the order of 0 → 1 → 2 →... → 7 → 0 →. Control is performed so that the motors 54a, 54b, and 54c are driven.
The shortest update period of the excitation pointer PT is a period for each timer interrupt process (FIG. 24) activated every 1.49 ms.
The excitation data table is stored in a storage unit such as the ROM 80b that can be read by the CPU 80a.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of symbols formed on the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c.
In this example, 21 frames of symbols are arranged on the surface of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, 4c along the rotating direction. In each of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c, there are 10 types of symbols (red 7, white 7, bar, character, cherry, watermelon, bell, replay, loss 1, loss 2). Arranged in order. In the drawing, the symbols of 21 frames formed on the rotating reel 4a are represented as symbols 4a1, 4a2,. Similarly, the symbols of 21 frames formed on the rotating reel 4b are represented as symbols 4b1, 4b2,..., 4b21, and the symbols of 21 frames formed on the rotating reel 4c are denoted as symbols 4c1, 4c2,. ing. The number given to the end of the symbol of each symbol represents the symbol number.

  In the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c, the symbols are arranged at equal intervals, and in the drawings, the positions of the symbols are indicated by broken lines. In the rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c, a predetermined symbol break position is set as the origin position 101. The origin position 101 in this example is set to a symbol break position between symbols 4a1, 4b1, 4c1, which are the first symbols, and symbols 4a21, 4b21, 4c21, which are the 21st symbols, respectively.

  An arrow R in the figure represents the rotation direction of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c during steady rotation (during forward rotation). As understood from this, the numbers given to the symbols represent the order in which the symbols transition during the steady rotation starting from the origin position 101.

Here, in this example, the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c and the rotation reels 4a, 4b, 4c are so arranged that the rotation reels 4a, 4b, 4c rotate 1/63 rotation when the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c make one rotation. The rotation ratio between is set. In other words, it is necessary to rotate the stepping motors 54a, 54b, and 54c 63 times to rotate the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c once.
For this reason, in this example, the number of driving steps of the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c necessary for rotating the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c once is 8 × 63 = 504.

Since the symbols of 21 frames are formed at equal intervals on the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c in this example, the number of steps per symbol frame is 504 ÷ 21 = 24 steps.
Accordingly, a total of 24 positions can be detected as step positions for each symbol. Here, the step position in the symbol can be detected when the symbol step number is decremented (−1) for each timer interruption by the processing in step S1511 described later in FIG. That is, the number of step positions detectable in each symbol is 24 (first step position) to 1 (last step position). At this time, in the process of FIG. 37, when the number of symbol steps = 0, that is, when the final step position of the symbol is reached, the number of symbol steps is immediately set to “24” in the subsequent step S1513. For this reason, the 0th step position is synonymous with the 24th step position in the next symbol.

In addition, for each symbol, a predetermined step position among the 24 (0) to 1st step positions is defined as a position (stop permission step position) where the symbol should be permitted to stop. Specifically, the 7th step position is defined as the symbol stop permission step position. When the rotating reel 4 is stopped, a stop symbol is determined and the rotating reel 4 is stopped at the stop symbol. At this time, the position at which the rotating reel 4 is stopped is not limited to any step position in the stop symbol. The stop is permitted in response to reaching the step position.

<5. About memory area>

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an area (memory area) set in the memory on the main control board 40. Specifically, it is an explanatory diagram of areas set in a memory accessible by the CPU 80a as the ROM 80b and the RAM 80c.

As the memory accessible by the CPU 80a, a first memory area and a second memory area are set. The first memory area is defined as an area for arranging a predetermined program and data used by the CPU 80a for the progress of the game operation (game). The second memory area is defined as an area for arranging programs and data permitted to be arranged outside the first memory area.
In this example, the arrangement in the second memory area is permitted to be programs and data for taking measures against fraud (so-called goto). Specifically, for example, there are a program and data for detecting illegal insertion and withdrawal of medals, a program and data for detecting an abnormality in the set value vd and random numbers, and the like.
Each of the first memory area and the second memory area includes a control area for storing a program, a data area for storing data used by the program, and various flags and timer values generated in the course of processing by the program. An R / W area (Read / Write area) for storing rewritable and the like is set.
The first memory area and the second memory area can hold stored information even after the power is shut off by a common backup power supply provided on the power supply board 41.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the regulations set for the first memory area and the second memory area.
In each of the first and second memory areas, the program in the control area is permitted to refer to and update (record) the data in the R / W area in its own area. On the other hand, in each of the first and second memory areas, the program in the control area is permitted to refer only to the data in the R / W area in the other memory area and is not permitted to update. For example, with respect to the flag recorded in the R / W area in the second memory area by the program in the second memory area, the program in the first memory area can only be referred to and updated. Can not.
Although illustration is omitted, for data in the data area, only programs in the same memory area are allowed to refer to. That is, a program in the first memory area refers to data in the data area in the second memory area, or a program in the second memory area refers to data in the data area in the first memory area. Is not allowed.

<6. Start processing>

Hereinafter, various processes executed by the CPU 80a of the main control board 40 will be described.
First, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 15, a start process that is executed in response to the slot machine being started (when power is turned on) will be described.
This start process is executed by the CPU 80a in response to a reset signal generated when the power is turned on and when the watchdog timer (WDT) in the controller 80 times out. In other words, the start process is executed when the controller 80 is activated when the slot machine is powered on and when the operation of the controller 80 is reactivated due to a stagnation of a predetermined time or more due to some trouble.

  In FIG. 15, the CPU 80a executes processing for setting the internal register in step S101. That is, a value to be set in the internal register at the start processing is read from, for example, the ROM 80b and set in the internal register.

In the subsequent step S102, the CPU 80a sets the stack initial value to the stack pointer, and checks the state (ON / OFF state) of the power interruption signal from the power supply board 41 in step S103. If the power interruption signal is ON, the CPU 80a returns to step S101 to redo the setting of the built-in register and the stack pointer.
On the other hand, if the power interruption signal is OFF, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S104, performs setting to permit access to the RAM 80c, and then determines whether the power interruption keyword is a predetermined value (eg, “5AA5h”) in step S105. Determine whether or not. The power interruption keyword is set in the process of step S404 (FIG. 18) described later at the time of power interruption. The fact that the power interruption keyword is a predetermined value indicates that data is reliably saved in the RAM 80c at the time of power interruption (see step S402 in FIG. 18).

If the power interruption keyword is a predetermined value, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S106 and confirms the state (ON / OFF state) of the setting key switch 72a. If the setting key switch 72a is OFF, the CPU 80a shifts to a power recovery process (FIG. 16) described later.
On the other hand, when the setting key switch 72a is ON, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S107 and determines whether or not the door (front panel 2) is in an open state based on a detection signal from the door open sensor 35. When the door is not in the open state, the CPU 80a shifts to the power recovery process.
If the door is in the open state, the CPU 80a proceeds to a setting change process to be described later.
As can be understood from the above description, even if the setting key switch 72a is ON in step S106, the setting change process is not performed unless the door is open in step S107. That is, the setting key operation in this case is treated as invalid. In this way, the setting key operation when the door is not opened is treated as invalid, thereby preventing an illegal act of falsifying the setting value vd (the same applies to steps S109 and S110 described later).

In step S105, if the power interruption keyword is not a predetermined value, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S108, and performs a process of initializing all storage areas of the RAM 80c, for example, as a RAM clear process. Since the RAM is cleared in the next setting change process at power-on (see FIG. 17), the RAM clear process in step S108 can be omitted.
When the RAM clear process in step S108 is executed, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S109, confirms the state of the setting key switch 72a as in the previous step S106, and if the setting key switch 72a is ON, the previous step in step S110. As in S107, it is determined whether or not the door is open. If the door is open, the CPU 80a proceeds to a setting change process.

On the other hand, in each of the case where the setting key switch 72a is OFF in step S109 and the case where the door is not open in step S110, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S111 to perform a process of setting a RAM error, and an infinite loop state Migrate to When a RAM error is set in this RAM error setting process, a process for notifying an error is performed on the timer interrupt processing side described later. From the infinite loop state, the game can be started by setting a new set value vd after turning on the power again.

<7. Power recovery processing>

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the power recovery process.
In FIG. 16, the CPU 80a executes processing for clearing the power interruption keyword in step S201, and performs processing for returning the stack pointer at the time of power interruption in step S202. That is, the value of the stack pointer (see step S403 in FIG. 18) stored in the work area of the RAM 80c at the time of power interruption is read and reset to the stack pointer (this setting).

  In subsequent step S203, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the rotating reel 4 is being activated or rotating. That is, it is determined whether at least one of a startup flag FG1 or a rotation flag FG2 (see FIG. 38), which will be described later, is “1” indicating startup and rotation. The process in step S203 is sequentially performed for one target reel 4 among the three reels 4 (4a to 4c). If a negative result is obtained in step S205 described later, the target rotating reel 4 is switched.

In step S203, if the rotating reel 4 is being activated or rotating, the CPU 80a sets a sensor non-passing flag Fmt (sets “1” indicating that it has not passed) in step S204, and then step S205. Proceed with the process. The sensor non-passing flag Fmt is a flag for indicating whether or not the origin position 101 has not been detected by the index sensor 55 described above. Thus, by setting the sensor non-passing flag Fmt in step S204, the rotating reel 4 is restarted by a timer interruption process described later.
On the other hand, if the rotating reel 4 is not activated or rotating, the CPU 80a passes step S204 and proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the determination process of step S203 (and the flag setting process of step S204 as necessary) has been executed for all the rotation reels 4, and must be executed for all the rotation reels 4. If it is executed, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, the CPU 80a executes a process of setting a power recovery command in a predetermined area in the RAM 80c as a power recovery command setting process. This power return command is a command indicating that the power has been restored to the state when the power is cut off, and the set command is output to the effect control board 42 side in the timer interrupt processing described later with reference to FIG. 24 (see step S816).

In the subsequent step S207, the CPU 80a performs a process of returning the register state to the state immediately before the power-off process (FIG. 18) is executed as the all register return process. That is, the value of each register (see step S402) stored in the register save area in the RAM 80c at the time of power interruption is read and reset to each register.
In step S208, the CPU 80a sets an interrupt permission, and ends the power recovery process shown in FIG.
Thereafter, as a result of the CPU 80a executing the control program based on the stack pointer and registers after resetting, the slot machine returns to the state when the power is cut off.

<8. Setting change processing>

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the setting change process.
In FIG. 17, the CPU 80a executes a RAM clear process at the time of setting change in step S301. That is, a process of clearing the area (corresponding to the storage area for the setting value vd) determined in response to the setting change in the RAM 80c is performed.
In the subsequent step S302, the CPU 80a sets a setting flag for indicating whether the setting is being changed (sets “1” indicating that the setting is being changed), and is stored in the RAM 80c in the subsequent step S303. The set value vd is acquired.

  When the set value vd is acquired in step S303, the CPU 80a performs a process of clearing the set value vd to 0 if the set value vd is outside the range of “0” to “5” in step S304. This is because the setting value vd is set to “0” (setting “1”) when the setting value vd exceeds “5” as the setting value vd is incremented by 1 in response to the reset button operation in step S309 described later. This is a process for returning to the corresponding value.

  In subsequent step S305, the CPU 80a executes processing for displaying the set value vd in 7 segments. That is, a value (any one of “1” to “6”) corresponding to the current set value vd is displayed on the display (7-segment display) provided for the above-described rotating drum setting board 71. Process. Note that the current setting value vd referred to here means the setting value vd obtained in step S303 and after the processing in step S304.

  In the next step S306, the CPU 80a performs a standby process (1.49 ms × 2) for two timer interrupts. Interrupt processing is permitted during this standby processing.

In subsequent step S307, the CPU 80a confirms the state (ON / OFF state) of the start lever 17 (start switch). This is equivalent to checking whether or not the setting value vd is confirmed.
If the start lever 17 is OFF, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S308 to check the state of the reset switch 72b (ON / OFF state), that is, whether or not the setting value vd is being fed, and if the reset switch 72b is OFF, step S308 is performed. The process returns to the 2-interrupt standby process in S306.
Thus, the standby process in step S306 is repeatedly performed until either the setting value vd is confirmed by the start lever 17 or the setting value vd is fed by the reset button.

  If the reset switch 72b is ON in step S308, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S309 to increment (+1) the set value vd and then returns to the previous step S304.

  If the start lever 17 is ON in step S307, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S310 and saves (stores) the current set value vd in a predetermined area of the RAM 82c.

  When the setting value vd is stored in the RAM 82c in step S310, the CPU 80a performs processing for turning on the setting value confirmation LED in step S311, that is, for turning on the LED for representing the setting value confirmation provided on the rotor setting board 71. Process.

  In step S312, the CPU 80a executes a process for waiting for a setting value vd change end operation. That is, the state of the setting key switch 72a is confirmed. If it is ON, the process returns to step S312.

If the setting key switch 72a is OFF, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S313 and performs processing for setting a setting value command. The set value command is a command for notifying the effect control board 42 of the set value vd stored in the RAM 80c in step S310. The set command is output to the effect control board 42 side in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 24) (step S816).
In response to the execution of the command set process in step S313, the CPU 80a ends the setting change process shown in FIG.
In response to the end of the setting change process, the CPU 80a shifts to the main process shown in FIG.

<9. Power-off processing>

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of power-off processing.
This power-off process is an interrupt process that occurs in response to the input of a power-off signal (so-called INT interrupt). The priority order of interrupts is “timer interrupt> INT interrupt”.

  In FIG. 18, the CPU 80a confirms the state of the power-off signal from the power supply board 41 in step S401. When the power-off signal is OFF, the CPU 80a ends the power-off process.

  If the power-off signal is ON, the CPU 80a executes processing for saving all register values in the register saving area in the RAM 80c in step S402, and in step S403, sets the stack pointer (see the previous step S102) to the work in the RAM 80c. In step S404, the predetermined value described above is set as the power interruption keyword.

In step S405, the CPU 80a performs setting for prohibiting access to the RAM 80c. In step S406, the CPU 80a clears all the output ports and shifts to an infinite loop state.

<10. Main processing>
[10-1. Main processing]

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the main process.
The main process is an infinite loop process that is repeatedly executed for each game. In this example, the period of one game is a period until the rotating reel 4 is rotated and stopped in a stop mode based on the lottery result.

  In the main process, the CPU 80a sets a gaming state command in step S501. The game state command is a command for notifying the presentation control board 42 of the current game state such as an RB state or an RT state.

  In subsequent step S502, the CPU 80a confirms the state (ON / OFF state) of the overflow sensor provided for the auxiliary tank 6, and if the overflow sensor is ON, an error for indicating that the stored medal is in the overflow state. The flag is set, and the process returns to step S502. That is, as long as it is in an overflow state, the process loops in steps S502 → S503 → S502... And the progress of the main process is interrupted.

On the other hand, if the overflow sensor is OFF, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S504, performs various setting processes corresponding to the start of the game as an initial setting at the start of the game, and checks the re-game flag in step S505. The re-game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the re-game has been won (winned) in the previous game.
If the re-game flag is ON (for example, “1”) indicating winning of the re-game, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S506, and automatic medal for setting a predetermined number of bets as re-game automatic insertion processing. The input process (pseudo-input process) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S507.
On the other hand, when the re-game flag is OFF (for example, “0”) indicating that the re-game is not won, the CPU 80a passes the process of step S506 and advances the process to step S507.

  In step S507, the CPU 80a executes an interrupt standby process for a predetermined time (for example, 1.49 ms), and in the subsequent step S508, executes a setting confirmation process. In the setting confirmation process, when the reset button is operated with the door opened and the setting key turned on in the state where the power of the slot machine is ON, the display for confirming the setting value vd This is a process for displaying a value corresponding to the set value vd. Specifically, in the setting confirmation processing, the CPU 80a sets a value corresponding to the current setting value vd when the confirmation conditions (in this example, the door sensor 66, the setting key switch 72a, and the reset switch 72b are ON) are established. Set the information to be displayed on the above display. Specifically, the setting confirmation flag is set to ON. In response to the setting confirmation flag being set to ON, processing for displaying the set value vd is performed in LED data creation processing (step S802: see FIG. 25) in timer interrupt processing described later.

  Further, in the subsequent step S509, the CPU 80a turns on both the settlement button valid flag Fas and the input possible flag Fai. The settlement button validity flag Fas is a flag for indicating whether or not the acceptance of the settlement button 14 is validated, and the insertion possible flag Fai indicates whether or not the medal insertion acceptance through the medal insertion slot 12 is possible / impossible. It is a flag to represent. Acceptance of inserted medals and settlement button 14 are performed by timer interrupt processing described later.

In the next step S510, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the number of inserted medals (the number of bets) is the maximum number of inserted coins (predetermined number: “3” in this example as described above). For example, if the automatic loading process in step S506 is performed, it is determined in step S510 that the maximum number of loaded sheets is reached. Even when three medals are inserted through the medal slot 12, or when the maximum bet button 16 is operated with the number of credits being three or more, the maximum number of inserted coins is determined in step S510. It is determined that
If the CPU 80a determines in step S510 that it is not the maximum number of inserted sheets, it returns to the previous step S507, and again executes the waiting process in S507, the confirmation process in S508, and the flag setting process in S509. That is, these processes are repeated until it is determined that the maximum number of inserted sheets is reached.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum number of inserted sheets is reached, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S511 to execute the above-described processing for lighting the start lamp (LED in the LED group 9), and confirms the state of the start lever 17 in step S512. To do. Specifically, the state of the detection signal provided by the start switch provided on the start switch board 62 and turned on in response to the operation of the start lever 17 is confirmed. Note that ON edge detection of the detection signal of the start switch is executed by timer interrupt processing (see S804).
If the detection signal of the start switch is in the OFF state, the CPU 80a returns to step S511. If the detection signal is the ON edge, the random number (the random number value generated by the counter circuit 81) has been captured in step S513. It is determined whether or not.
In step S513, if the fetching of random numbers has not been completed, the CPU 80a returns to step S511. That is, even if it is detected that the start lever 17 is turned on, if the random number has not been taken in, the system waits until the start lever 17 is turned on again. The random number value of the counter circuit 81 is latched every time the start lever 17 is turned on. The random value latched with the latest ON of the start lever 17 is used for the lottery in the lottery process (S518) described later.

  On the other hand, if the random number acquisition is completed in step S513, the CPU 80a determines in step S514 whether or not a medal is being inserted. Whether or not a medal is being inserted is, for example, whether or not any of the first inserted medal sensor 68a (sensor 1) or the second inserted medal sensor 68b (sensor 2) is detecting a medal. Can be determined based on If a medal is being inserted, the CPU 80a returns to step S511. That is, even if the start lever 17 is turned on while a medal is inserted, the ON operation is treated as invalid and the apparatus waits until the start lever 17 is turned on again.

On the other hand, if the medal is not being inserted, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S515 to turn off both the settlement button valid flag Fas and the insertable flag Fai. By turning off these flags, the acceptance of the settlement button 14 and the acceptance of inserted medals on the timer interrupt processing side are prohibited.
Further, in the subsequent step S516, the CPU 80a sets the input number to the input signal counter. The insertion signal counter is a counter used for notifying the hall computer of the number of inserted medals (the set bet number) through the external concentration terminal board 70.

  In subsequent step S517, the CPU 80a executes a process of setting a game start command for performing notification corresponding to the start of the game on the side of the effect control board 42, and advances the process to step S518 shown in FIG.

  In step S518 shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 80a executes a lottery process (symbol lottery process) based on the random number described above. In the lottery process, it is determined whether or not the bonus symbol is won, whether or not the small role symbol is won, and whether or not the replay symbol indicating replay is won, and a control command indicating the determined lottery result is produced. It is set in a transmission buffer in the control interface 86, and is transmitted to the effect control board 42 side by a timer interruption process described later. Examples of the small role symbols include “cherry symbols” (4a10, 4b3, 4c9), “bell symbols” (4a4, 4b5, 4c3, etc.), “watermelon symbols” (4a9, 4b12, 4c1, etc.), etc. can do.

  In subsequent step S519, the CPU 80a executes a reel effect lottery process for determining whether or not to execute a reel effect. The effects that can be selected in the reel effect lottery process are determined in accordance with the result of the internal lottery process. For example, if a predetermined symbol such as “watermelon symbol” is in an internal winning state, a predetermined reel effect such as “a slow effect that rotates in a positive direction and stops still” can be selected based on a predetermined winning probability. Become.

  Further, in the next step S520, the CPU 80a executes a reel effect handling process. In the reel effect handling process, various setting processes for effecting rotation of the rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c are executed corresponding to the case where the reel effect lottery is won. If the reel effect is not won, the setting process is passed.

  When a reel effect is executed, the player can infer that a predetermined symbol corresponding to the type of the reel effect is won internally. The player performs a stop operation so that the symbols targeted from such reasoning are aligned on the stop line. Only when the reasoning is successful and the stop timing is appropriate, the internal winning state is made effective and a game value is given to the player.

In response to the execution of the reel effect handling process, the CPU 80a executes a 4.1 second standby process in step S521, and then executes a 4.1 second set process in step S522. 4.1 seconds is the minimum length of time that should be left as an interval between games. Thus, by setting the minimum interval as the interval between games, it is possible to prevent the player from excessively consuming medals.
In the standby process of step S521, the process waits until the value of the wait timer for 4.1 seconds set by the set process of step S522 executed one game before becomes “0”. Note that the value of the wait timer is sequentially decremented (subtracted) by timer interrupt processing described later.
Here, 4.1 seconds is an example, and the minimum time interval between games can be changed as appropriate.

  In response to the execution of the setting process in step S522, the CPU 80a performs a process of setting a rotation start command in the transmission buffer in the effect control interface 86 in step S523. The rotation start command is a command for notifying the presentation control board 42 of information corresponding to the start of rotation of the rotation reels 4a to 4c.

In subsequent step S524, the CPU 80a executes start setting processing for the rotating reels 4a to 4c. The activation setting process is a process of setting information necessary for activation of the rotating reels 4a to 4c in the spinning cylinder control process (see FIG. 37) in the timer interruption process. Specifically, in the activation setting process, at least a sensor non-passing flag Fmt and an activation request flag Frr are set (set to “1” indicating ON) for all the rotating reels 4.
The activation request flag Frr is a flag for requesting activation (rotation start) of the rotating reel 4 to the timer interruption processing (rotation control processing) side.

Furthermore, in the next step S525, the CPU 80a executes a standby process of 759.9 ms. This standby process is equivalent to 510 timer interrupt wait processes.
When the activation request flag Frr is set as described above, the activation processing of the rotating reels 4a to 4c is started by the rotation control processing in the timer interruption processing. The standby process in step S525 functions as a process for waiting until the rotating reels 4a to 4c are rotated by the rotation control process on the timer interrupt side. Note that the standby time in step S525 is not limited to the above time.

In subsequent step S526, the CPU 80a executes a process of waiting until the sensor non-passing flag Fmt or the error flag is turned off if either of them is ON. In the next step S527, the stop button LED (that is, the stop button) for all reels. A process for turning on each LED for causing the LEDs 18a to 18c to emit light is executed.
Here, in the slot machine, the reception of the corresponding stop button 18 is permitted on condition that the origin position 101 of the rotating reel 4 is detected by the corresponding index sensor 55 after the rotating reel 4 starts to rotate. Has been. Therefore, if the sensor non-passing flag Fmt is ON in step S526, the process does not proceed to the stop button LED ON process in step S527, but waits until the sensor non-passing flag Fmt is turned OFF. Yes.

Further, as understood from the above description, at the time when the process of step S526 is executed, the rotation of the rotating reels 4a to 4c is started (the rotating state before the operation of the stop button 18 is performed). The standby process in step S526 also functions as a process for dealing with errors that occur during rotation of the rotary reels 4a to 4c. That is, in the standby process in step S526, when an error is recognized while the rotating reels 4a to 4c are rotating (when the error flag is ON), the game operation is performed while maintaining the rotation of the rotating reels 4a to 4c. This function functions as a process for stopping the progress of the game operation and resuming the progress of the game operation in response to the cancellation of the error.
The error flags to be processed in step S526 include at least main board error (main control board 40 error), RWM error (error related to RAM 80c), inserted medal error (error related to medal insertion), and no payout medal. There are flags relating to errors, payout sensor errors (medal payout sensor 76 errors), unsuccessful winning errors, overflow errors, and door opening errors.

  In step S528 following step S527, the CPU 80a waits until the sensor non-passing flag Fmt or the error flag is turned off if either of them is turned on. At this time, the stop button LED is turned OFF during standby. The significance of the standby process in step S528 will be described later.

In response to the execution of the process in step S528, the CPU 80a determines in step S529 whether a valid stop button operation has been performed. That is, it is determined whether or not an effective stop button operation of pressing one of the stop buttons 18a to 18c is being performed.
If a valid stop button operation has not been performed, the CPU 80a returns to the previous step S528. Here, as a case where an error occurs while the rotating reel 4 is rotating, a case where an error occurs between the execution of the process of step S528 and the start of the process of step S529 can be considered. If an error has occurred at such a timing, if it is determined in step S529 that a valid stop button operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S528 and waits until the error flag is turned off. That is, the acceptance of the stop button operation in step S529 is interrupted.
As understood from this point, the process in step S528 functions as a process for interrupting the operation reception of the stop button 18 and waiting for the error to be canceled when an error occurs during rotation.

On the other hand, if a valid stop button operation has been performed, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S530, sets a stop information bit (stop information bit for the reel), and turns off the stop button LED for the reel in the next step S531. Process. Here, the reel means the rotating reel 4 on which an effective stop button operation has been performed.
In subsequent step S532, the CPU 80a sets stop order data. The stop order data is data for representing the stop order of the rotating reels 4a to 4c according to the stop operation.

  Further, in the next step S533, the CPU 80a executes a stop control process. The stop control process in step S533 is performed in order to set the stop position (stop symbol) of the rotating reel 4 in consideration of the maximum number of sliding frames, or to stop the rotation of the reel by the rotation control process on the timer interrupt processing side. Processing such as setting necessary information is performed, and details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In response to the execution of the stop control process in step S533, the CPU 80a determines in step S534 whether all the reels 4 have been stopped. When determining that all the rotating reels 4 are not stopped, the CPU 80a returns to the previous step S528.

Here, according to the standby process in step S528, after a stop button operation effective for a certain rotating reel 4 is detected (S529), the rotation of the rotating reel 4 is stopped by the stop control process in step S533. If the occurrence of an error is recognized before the error is made, the progress of the main process is interrupted until the error is cleared (the error flag is turned OFF). At this time, for the rotating reel 4 for which the stop operation has been performed, the stop control process is executed in step S533 regardless of whether or not the error has occurred, so that the rotation of the rotating reel 4 is stopped.
As can be understood from this point, the standby process in step S528 is performed when an error is detected after the stop button operation effective for the rotating reel 4 is performed until the rotation of the rotating reel 4 is stopped. In addition, the rotating reel 4 is stopped without interrupting the stop control, the progress of the gaming operation is interrupted after the rotating reel 4 stops, and the progress of the gaming operation is resumed in response to the cancellation of the error. It functions as a process.

If it is determined in step S534 that all the reels 4 have stopped, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S535, and executes a winning determination process after the stop. In the winning determination process, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols (winning roles) are aligned on the stop line, and the number of winnings according to the determination result (the number of medals to be awarded to the player according to the winning) is calculated. To do.
In the winning determination process, a winning information command is transmitted through the effect control interface 86 in order to transmit a control command (winning information command) indicating the determination result of whether or not the winning symbols are aligned on the stop line to the effect control board 42. Processing to set in the buffer is also performed.

  In response to the execution of the winning determination process in step S535, the CPU 80a executes a winning medal payout process in step S536. Details of the payout process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In subsequent step S537, the CPU 80a executes information management processing corresponding to the RB state, CB (chance bonus) state, and RT (replay time) state as necessary as state management processing.

In response to the execution of the state management process in step S537, the CPU 80a returns to step S101 shown in FIG. Thus, the main process is a loop process.

[10-2. Stop control process]

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the stop control process (step S533). As can be understood from the above description, the stop control process in step S533 is performed on the rotating reel 4 for which an effective stop button operation is detected in step S529.

  In FIG. 21, the CPU 80a sets a stop command in step S601. The stop command is a command for notifying the effect control board 42 that at least the stop operation has been accepted, and the CPU 80a sets the stop command in the transmission buffer in the effect control interface 86.

  In subsequent step S602, the CPU 80a performs initial setting at the start of stop control. Initial settings at the start of stop control include setting the value of the shortest stop interval timer, clearing the value of the number of frames to be drawn in, and setting the maximum number of sliding frames (4 frames). The shortest stop interval is a shortest interval from when a certain stop button 18 is operated until another stop button 18 can be accepted. In this example, the shortest stop interval is a value of the shortest stop interval timer. A value corresponding to 210.09 ms (for 141 timer interrupts) is set.

In response to the initial setting in step S602, the CPU 80a determines in step S603 whether or not the stop position can be stopped.
In this example, when the symbol step position is a symbol step position of No. 5 or less, the current symbol is not made the symbol at the time of stop operation (the symbol when the stop operation is performed), and the next symbol is stopped. Use as a design during operation. Therefore, in step S603, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the current symbol step position is a step position that can be stopped (No. 24 to No. 6) (hereinafter referred to as “stop processable position”). If not, the process of step S603 is executed again, and if it is a stop processable position, the process proceeds to step S604.
The current symbol step position (number of symbol steps) is acquired based on the value of a step counter described later. The value of the step counter is counted by the rotation control process (see FIG. 37) in the timer interrupt process.

For confirmation, the concept of the stop processable position will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, in this example, the step positions Nos. 24 to 6 are determined as stop processable positions, and the 5th to 1st step positions are determined as stop process impossible positions. If the symbol step position when the stop button operation is detected is a position where the stop process is possible, the current symbol is the symbol at the time of the stop operation, and if it is a position where the stop process is impossible, the current symbol is detected. The next symbol is the symbol for the stop operation.
In this example, when the current step position is a stop processing impossible position of No. 5 to No. 1, the current symbol is not used as a symbol at the time of stop operation, and the next symbol is set as a symbol at the time of stop operation. This is for the purpose of preventing the situation where the process of determining the number of sliding frames to be performed (S604) may be stopped due to an unintended symbol when the processing time is relatively long.

  In this example, the seventh step position is the stop permission step position described above. On the timer interrupt processing side, when the current symbol reaches the stop symbol described below (the symbol specified by "stop operation symbol + number of sliding symbols"), the step position has reached 7th. The brake control is permitted (see the rotating cylinder control process in FIG. 37).

Returning to FIG. 21, in step S604, the CPU 80a performs processing for determining the number of sliding frames. That is, the number of sliding symbols is determined based on the current symbol position (symbol during stop operation) and the lottery result of the symbol lottery process. The symbol specified by adding the number of sliding symbols determined here to the symbol number of the symbol at the time of the stop operation becomes a symbol (stop symbol) to stop the target rotating reel 4.
The current symbol position is acquired based on the value of a symbol counter described later. The value of the symbol counter is also counted by the spinning cylinder control process in the timer interrupt process.

In subsequent step S605, CPU 80a determines whether or not the stop symbol has been reached. That is, based on the value of the symbol counter, it is determined whether or not the current symbol position matches the symbol position as the stop symbol.
If the stop symbol has not been reached, the CPU 80a executes the process of step S605 again. If the stop symbol has been reached, the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S606, the CPU 80a turns on the stop request flag Frs corresponding to the reel (sets “1”). As will be described later, when the stop request flag Frs is turned ON, the brake control of the reel (the rotating reel 4 on which the stop button operation has been performed) is started in the rotation control process in the timer interrupt process.

  In subsequent step S607, the CPU 80a executes standby processing for one timer interrupt. This standby process functions as a process of waiting until a process (brake process) for turning on all phases of the stepping motor 54 is started on the timer interrupt process side (rotating cylinder control process).

  Further, in the next step S608, the CPU 80a confirms the state (ON / OFF state) of the second stop processing flag FG4. As will be described later, the second stop processing flag FG4 is a flag that is turned on when all phases of the stepping motor 54 are turned on in the turning control processing in the timer interrupt processing (that is, whether or not all phases are excited). Is a flag).

  If the second stop processing flag FG4 is OFF in step S608, the CPU 80a returns to step S607. That is, the standby process for one timer interrupt is repeated until the stop process flag FG4 is turned ON.

If the second stop processing flag FG4 is ON, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S609 and executes a process for transmitting a stop position command for notifying the stop position (stop symbol) of the reel to the effect control board 42 side. In subsequent step S610, it is determined whether or not the value of the shortest stop interval timer (set in the previous step S602) is “0”. If the value of the shortest stop interval timer is not “0”, the CPU 80a executes the determination process in step S610 again.
On the other hand, if the value of the shortest stop interval timer is “0”, the CPU 80a finishes the stop control process in step S533.

[10-3. Winning medal payout process]

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the payout process for winning medals (step S536).
First, in step S701, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the number of winning prizes is “0”. As described above, the number of winnings is set in the winning determination process in step S535. If the number of winning prizes is “0”, the CPU 80a ends the winning medal payout process.

If the number of winning prizes is not “0”, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S702 and determines whether an error is occurring. Note that the errors targeted in step S702 are various errors that can be detected by the slot machine, and at least the main board error, RWM error, inserted medal error, no payout medal error, payout sensor error, and unfair winning prize error described above. Including overflow error and door opening error.
If it is determined in step S702 that an error has occurred, the CPU 80a executes the determination process in step S702 again. That is, the progress of the main process (game progress) is interrupted until the error is cleared.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no error, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S703 and executes a process of setting a payout start command for notifying the start of payout to the effect control board 42 side in the transmission buffer.

  In subsequent step S704, the CPU 80a performs a timer interruption process waiting process. This waiting process is intended to prevent the timer interrupt process from entering during the credit addition process described below.

In response to the execution of the waiting process in step S704, the CPU 80a determines in step S705 whether or not the credit value is MAX (maximum value: “50” in this example). If the credit value is not MAX, the CPU 80a increments the credit value (+1), increments the value of the payout signal counter, and increments the payout display number by the processes of steps S706, S707, and S708, respectively. After performing a waiting process of 90 ms in S709, a process of decrementing (-1) the value of the winning number is performed in step S710.
In step S707, the payout signal counter is a counter used for notifying the payout number to the hall computer, that is, notifying the number of medals awarded to the player in response to winning (including replay). In the main process, the value of the payout signal counter is sequentially incremented as described above within the range of the number of winnings. On the other hand, in the “insertion and payout signal output process” (step S809) described later, the payout signal counter In response to a value other than “0”, processing for decrementing the value of the payout signal counter and outputting payout signal bits to the hall computer is performed. In the hall computer, the number of payouts of the slot machine can be managed based on the number of times of output of the payout signal bits.
In step S708, the payout display number means the payout number in the game to be displayed on the payout display unit 10 described above. In the present example, the number display on the payout display unit 10 is performed in such a manner that the value is incremented every time a prize is added in increments of one, so that the value of the payout display number is sequentially incremented in step S708. ing. Although not shown in the figure, the CPU 80a resets the value of the payout display number to “0” at a predetermined timing until the start of the next game such as insertion of medals or the start timing of the start lever 17 (that is, payout display). The number display in the section 10 is sequentially incremented from “0” to “winning number” and then cleared by the next game start timing). Note that the resetting of the value of the payout display number may be performed as the predetermined time elapses without the medal insertion or the start lever 17 being turned on.

  In response to the decrement of the value of the winning number in step S710, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the winning number is “0” in step S711. If the value of the winning number is not “0”, the CPU 80a returns to the previous step S704. That is, if the medal grant process for the number of winning prizes has not been completed, the process for waiting for execution of the timer interrupt process is performed, and then the credit MAX determination process in step S705 is performed again. If the credit value is not MAX, the processes in steps S706 to S711 described above are executed again.

  On the other hand, if the value of the number of winning prizes is “0” in step S711, the CPU 80a executes a process of setting a payout end command for notifying the effect control board 42 of the payout end in the transmission buffer in step S715. The medal payout process (S536) ends.

In step S705, if the credit value is MAX, the CPU 80a sets the payout request to ON in step S712.
Here, when the credit value is MAX, the medal payout using the medal payout device 5 (medal payout through the medal discharge port 20) is performed instead of the credit addition. Control processing for medal payout using such a medal payout device 5 is executed on the timer interrupt processing side (see medal payout processing in FIG. 36), and the payout request is for requesting execution of the control processing. is there.

  In the next step S713, the CPU 80a executes a process for waiting for execution of the timer interrupt process, and determines in step S714 whether or not the value of the number of winning prizes is “0”. As will be understood from the following description, in the medal payout process in the timer interrupt process, the value of the winning number is decremented every time one medal is paid out.

In step S714, if the value of the number of winning prizes is not “0”, the CPU 80a returns to step S712.
On the other hand, if the value of the number of winning prizes is “0”, the CPU 80a executes the command setting process of the previous step S715, and finishes the winning medal payout process.

<11. Timer interrupt processing>
[11-1. Timer interrupt processing]

Next, timer interrupt processing that is started at predetermined time intervals (in this example, every 1.49 ms) will be described.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process.
In FIG. 24, the CPU 80a first saves the register values in step S801 (register save processing), and then executes LED data creation processing in step S802. The LED data creation process is performed by the 7-segment LED as the payout display unit 10 and the stored number display unit 11 mounted on the game display board 61, and various LEDs provided as the LED group 9, that is, the number of inserted medals. LED display, replay state LED, start lamp LED, medal insertion acceptance status (insertion permission / non-permission), and 7-segment LED display for setting value display This is a process for creating data required for realizing the above. Details of the creation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In subsequent step S803, the CPU 80a executes a process of creating data of various commands and setting the data in the transmission buffer in the effect control interface 86 as a command creation process. The set command is output to the effect control board 42 side in an output process (S816) described later.

Further, in the next step S804, the CPU 80a performs input port reading processing. That is, input port data that receives various switch signals and sensor signals is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 80c, for example. The sensor signal includes the selector sensor 67, the inserted medal related sensor 68, the index sensor 55a of the first cylinder index sensor 55a, the index sensor 55b of the second cylinder index sensor 55c, the index sensor 55 of the third cylinder index sensor 55c, the door sensor 66, and the like. The detection signal from is included.
In the reading process in step S804, ON edge and OFF edge data of the switch signal and sensor signal is created and stored in the RAM 80c.

  In step S805, the CPU 80a performs subtraction of a predetermined timer value such as a demo timer or a wait timer as timer subtraction processing, and executes medal payout processing in step S806. The medal payout process is a process for paying out medals in response to a payment request (to be turned on in step S814 described later based on the operation of the payment button 14) or a payout request (see the previous step S712). Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In response to the execution of the medal payout process in step S806, the CPU 80a executes a process for incrementing (+1) the timer interrupt counter in step S807, and in step S808, the value of the timer interrupt counter is set to a predetermined value (in this example, “42” ]). If the timer interrupt counter value is a predetermined value, the CPU 80a executes step S809 input and payout signal output processing and proceeds to step S810. If the timer interrupt counter value is not the predetermined value, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S809. Pass and proceed to step S810.

The insertion and payout signal output process in step S809 is a process for outputting information (insertion signal bit and payout signal bit) for notifying the number of inserted medals and the number of payouts in the slot machine to the hall computer. .
By providing the processing in step S808 described above, the output processing in step S809 is executed with an interval of 42 timer interruption processing (62.58 ms in this example).
Although illustration is omitted, the value of the timer interrupt counter is reset to 0 in the output process of step S809 (that is, reset to 0 every time it reaches “42”).

  The error release determination process in step S810 is a process for determining whether or not an error state has been released in response to the occurrence of an error for various errors such as an inserted medal error, a payout sensor error, and a door opening error. . Details of the error cancellation determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In response to the execution of the error release determination process in step S810, the CPU 80a performs an error flag setting process and an external output terminal output process in accordance with the error type in step S811, and in subsequent step S812. Specifically, in step S811, the CPU 80a sets a door opening error flag when the generated error is a door opening error, and outputs a signal via a corresponding external output terminal on the external concentration terminal board 70. Execute the process. In step S812, the CPU 80a sets the corresponding error flag when the generated error is any one of the main board error, RWM error, inserted medal error, payout sensor error, and unfair prize winning error. A process for outputting a signal via a corresponding external output terminal in the terminal board 70 is executed.

  In response to the execution of the process in step S812, the CPU 80a executes a medal insertion process in step S813. The medal insertion process is a process of updating the number of inserted coins and the value of credit according to the insertion of medals through the medal insertion slot 12 and the operation of the max bet button 16, and details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In subsequent step S814, the CPU 80a executes a settlement medal settlement process. The stored medal settlement process is a process for turning on a settlement request by determining various conditions such as whether or not the settlement button 14 is operated, and the details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In addition, the CPU 80a executes the spinning cylinder control process in step S815 following step S814. In the rotation control process, a process related to the drive control of the stepping motor 54 for rotating / stopping the rotary reel 4 is performed, and details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In response to executing the spinning cylinder control process in step S815, the CPU 80a executes an output process in step S816. In this output processing, processing for outputting various set data to the corresponding output destination is performed. The output data includes the various commands described above (commands for the effect control board 42) and data for driving the stepping motor 54 (excitation data φ1 to φ4 described above).

In response to the execution of the output process of step S816, the CPU 80a executes a process of restoring the register value saved in the process of the previous step S801 as the register return process of step S817, and ends the timer interrupt process.

[11-2. LED display data creation process]

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of LED display data creation processing (S802).
As described above, the LED display data creation process includes the 7-segment LED as the payout display unit 10 and the stored number display unit 11, the LED indicating the number of inserted medals provided as the LED group 9, and the replaying state. This is a process of creating data for displaying an LED indicating, an LED as a start lamp, an LED indicating permission / non-permission of medal insertion, and a 7-segment LED for displaying a set value.

In this example, the lighting of these LEDs is controlled by so-called dynamic control. Specifically, in this example, the first-digit 7-segment LED (hereinafter “first payout number”) and the second-digit 7-segment LED (hereinafter “second payout number”) in the payout display unit 10 are stored. First-segment 7-segment LED (hereinafter “credit first digit”), second-digit 7-segment LED (hereinafter “credit second-digit”), and three LEDs (hereinafter referred to as the number of inserted medals) “Inserted number display 1-3”, LED indicating re-playing state (hereinafter “re-playing”), LED as start lamp (hereinafter “start LED”), LED indicating permission / non-permission of inserting medals (hereinafter referred to as “re-playing”) 7-segment LED (hereinafter referred to as “setting display”) for displaying the set value is classified as common 0 to common 6 as follows.

Common 0 ... Number of payouts 1st digit Common 1 ... Number of payouts 2nd digit Common 2 ... Credit 1st digit Common 3 ... Credit 2nd digit Common 4 ... Inserted number display 1-3
Common 5 ... INSERT, replay, start LED
Common 6 ... Setting display

Then, a control method is adopted in which the display data is output in common to the commons 0 to 6 while these commons 0 to 6 are sequentially turned on in the timer interrupt cycle. That is, only the common LEDs that are turned on are controlled to be lit according to the display data that is output in common.

Based on the above assumptions, the processing of FIG. 25 will be described.
In FIG. 25, the CPU 80a first determines in step S901 whether an error has occurred. If there is an error, the CPU 80a sets an error display code corresponding to the error type in the set area for displaying the number of payouts in the work of the RAM 82c, and proceeds to step S903.
On the other hand, if not in error, the CPU 80a passes the set process of step S902 and proceeds to step S903.

  In step S903, the CPU 80a sets data designating the current common in a predetermined area (common designation data set area) in the work of the RAM 82c. That is, for example, if the common to be subjected to lighting control this time is common 0, data for designating common 0 is set as the current common.

In subsequent step S904, the CPU 80a sets the output data corresponding to the current common number in a predetermined area (output data set area) in the work of the RAM 82c.
If the current common number is common 0 or common 1 (the first or second digit of the number to be paid out) and a determination result that an error has occurred is obtained in the previous step S901, the set process in step S904 is performed. Then, output data corresponding to the error display code set in the previous step S902 is set.

Further, in the next step S905, the CPU 80a confirms the state of the setting confirmation flag (see the previous step S508). If the setting confirmation flag is ON, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S906 and outputs corresponding to the current setting value vd. The data is set in the output data set area in the work of the RAM 82c, and the LED data creation process is completed.
On the other hand, if the setting confirmation flag is OFF, the CPU 80a passes the process of step S906 and ends the LED data creation process.

  Note that the signal output to the LED side based on the common designation data and the output data (display control data) set for the work in the above process is performed in the output process (step S816) shown in FIG.

Here, when an error occurs, an error display (error notification) is performed using a 7-segment LED as the first digit and the second digit of the payout number based on the above LED data creation process. At this time, error detection (detection of ON edge of detection signal) is performed by timer interrupt processing (refer to step S804 “input port read processing”). Based on the creation process). Therefore, error notification is executed immediately in response to the occurrence of an error.

[11-3. Error release determination process]

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the error cancellation determination process (S810).
In FIG. 26, in step S1001, the CPU 80a determines whether an error is occurring based on the error flag. If there is no error, the CPU 80a finishes the error release determination process.

On the other hand, if the error is in progress, the CPU 80a determines in step S1002 whether or not the error has been canceled. As described above, the error types include main board error, RWM error, inserted medal error, no payout medal error, payout sensor error, invalid prize error, overflow error, and door open error. In step S1002, for these errors, error cancellation determination is performed based on the following cancellation conditions.

Main board error ... Replacement of main control board 40 RWM error ... execution of setting change process (FIG. 17) Inserted medal error ... ON of reset switch 72b
No payout medal error: ON of the reset switch 72b and the door sensor 66 (detection of the above-described cancel release operation)
Dispensing sensor error ... ON of reset switch 72b
Unfair winning error ... Reset switch 72b ON
Overflow error: ON of the reset switch 72b and the door sensor 66 (detection of the above-described cancel release operation)
Door opening error ... Door sensor 66 (detection of the above-mentioned cancel release operation)

For the main board error and the RWM error, it is impossible to cancel the error based on the reset switch 72b and the door sensor 66.

  If the error is not canceled in step S1002, the CPU 80a ends the error cancellation determination process.

  On the other hand, if the error is released, the CPU 80a executes a process for clearing the error display in step S1003. Specifically, the process for clearing (for example, non-lighting) the error display using the 7-segment LED as the first payout number and the second payout number is performed.

In the subsequent step S1004, the CPU 80a executes a process for clearing the error flag, and in a subsequent step S1005, executes a process for returning the payout number display to finish the error release determination process.

[11-4. Medal insertion process]

27 and 28 are flowcharts of the medal insertion process (S813).
In FIG. 27, the CPU 80a executes a transition and stay check process in step S1101. The transition and stay check processing is processing for fraud detection related to medal insertion. The selector sensor 67, the insertion medal-related sensor 68 (first insertion medal sensor 68a, second insertion medal sensor 68b), and after passing This is a process of determining whether or not the medal passage mode with respect to the sensor 68c corresponds to a predetermined abnormal passing mode, and setting (turning on) the insertion error monitoring flag Fei in accordance with the fact that the abnormality has been recognized. .

Prior to the description of the transition and stay check processing, the inserted medal error detection method in this example will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 29A, the selector sensor 67, the first inserted medal sensor 68a (sensor 1), the second inserted medal sensor 68b (sensor 2), and the passage when one medal is normally inserted through the medal insertion slot 12. The transition of the detection signal of the rear sensor 68c is shown. As described with reference to FIG. 9, these sensors are arranged in the above order from the upstream side in the medal passage route from the medal slot 12 to the take-in channel 21b.

When the medal is normally inserted, the selector sensor 67, the sensor 1, the sensor 2, and the post-passage sensor 68c are sequentially turned on in the same order. At this time, the arrangement interval between the selector sensor 67 and the sensor 1 is set so that the sensor 1 is turned on after the selector sensor 67 is turned from ON to OFF. Further, the arrangement interval between the sensor 1 and the sensor 2 is set so that the sensor 2 is turned on during the period when the sensor 1 is turned on, and the OFF timing of the sensor 1 comes within the ON period of the sensor 2. . Furthermore, the arrangement interval between the sensor 2 and the post-pass sensor 68c is set so that the post-pass sensor 68c is turned on after the sensor 2 OFF timing.
Here, as shown in the figure, the time point when the selector sensor 67 turns ON is the time point t1, the time point when the selector sensor 67 turns OFF is the time point t2, the time point when the sensor 1 turns ON is the time point t3, and the time point when the sensor 2 turns ON is the time point t4. The time when 1 turns OFF is indicated as time t5, the time when sensor 2 turns OFF is indicated as time t6, the time when sensor 68c after passing turns ON is indicated as time t7, and the time when sensor 68c turns OFF is indicated as time t8.

  In the detection method of the inserted medal error in this example, the viewpoint of whether or not the order in which the medals pass through the sensors 1 and 2 is a predetermined order, the selector sensor 67, the sensor 1, the sensor 2, and the post-passing sensor 68c. The inserted medal error is detected based on whether or not the interval between the edges of the detection signal is within a predetermined time.

FIG. 29B shows the order of changes in the ON / OFF states of sensor 1 and sensor 2 when medals are normally inserted.
In response to the normal insertion of medals, the state “0” in the order “sensor 1 = OFF, sensor 2 = OFF” → the state “1” in the order “sensor 1 = ON, sensor 2 = OFF” → “sensor 1” = ON, sensor 2 = ON "order" 2 "state →" sensor 1 = OFF, sensor 2 = ON "order" 3 "state, the ON / OFF state of sensor 1 and sensor 2 transition To do.
Therefore, when the order of change of the ON / OFF state of the sensor 1 and sensor 2 does not match such an order of “0” → “1” → “2” → “3”, it is treated as a throw-in medal error.

However, when the inserted medal is discharged through the discharge-side flow path 21c, as shown in FIG. 30A, the inserted medal is discharged after being detected by the sensor 1 (first inserted medal sensor 68a). It may happen that it falls to the side flow path 21c side. In this case, the order of changes in the ON / OFF state of the sensors 1 and 2 does not match the above order, and is detected as a inserted medal error.
Specifically, the order of changes in the ON / OFF state of sensor 1 and sensor 2 in this case is as follows: “Sensors 1 and 2 are both OFF” → “Sensor 1 = ON, Sensor 2 = OFF” → “ According to the order of “both sensors 1 and 2 are OFF”, that is, in the order of “0” → “1” → “0” according to the above-described order notation, the sensor is subject to error detection.
In the slot machine, a case where a medal is discharged through the discharge-side flow path 21c is not a case where it should be a special error. Therefore, the fact that the inserted medal error is detected as described above is the appropriateness of the inserted medal error detection. It is not desirable to keep

Therefore, in this example, when the order of the ON / OFF state change of the sensor 1 and sensor 2 is “0” → “1” → “0”, it does not match the normal order shown in FIG. 29B. However, it is assumed that the inserted medal error is not detected exceptionally.
Thereby, the appropriateness of the inserted medal error detection is ensured.

In this example, the first monitoring timer, the second monitoring timer, the third monitoring timer 67, the sensor 1, the sensor 2, and the post-passing sensor 68c are used to detect the inserted medal error based on the time between the edges of the detection signals. A monitoring timer, a fourth monitoring timer, a medal passing first counter, a medal passing second counter and a post-passing sensor ON timer are used.
The method of detecting the inserted medal error using these various timers and counters is as follows when described in light of each time point t shown in FIG. 29A. Each timer is subtracted (-1) for each timer interrupt.

[Time t1]
Set a predetermined value (for example, the number of timer interrupts equivalent to 402 ms) to the first monitoring timer.
When the first monitoring timer reaches 0, an insertion medal error is determined (this is an error because the continuous ON time of the selector sensor 67 is excessive).

[Time t2]
-Clear the medal passing first counter to 0-Set a predetermined value (for example, the number of timer interrupts equivalent to 250 ms) to the second monitoring timer.
When the second monitoring timer reaches 0, a medal error is determined (this is an error because the time from the passage through the selector sensor 67 until the sensor 1 is turned on is excessive).

[Time points t3 to t5]
Set a predetermined value (for example, the number of timer interrupts equivalent to 101 ms) to the third monitoring timer.
When the third monitoring timer reaches 0, a medal error is determined (it is an error because the continuous ON time of sensor 1 or sensor 2 is excessive).

[Time t6]
Set a predetermined value (for example, the number of timer interrupts equivalent to 150 ms) in the fourth monitoring timer.
When the fourth monitoring timer reaches 0, a medal error is determined (it is an error because the time from passing the sensors 1 and 2 to passing the sensor 68c after passing is excessive).
・ The medal passing first counter and the medal passing second counter are each incremented by +1.
When the medal passing first counter becomes “5”, an insertion medal error is determined (an error occurs when the difference between the number of passing medals of the selector sensor 67 and the number of passing medals of the sensors 1 and 2 reaches 5).
When the medal passing second counter becomes “5”, an insertion medal error is determined (an error occurs when the difference between the passing medal number of the sensor 68c after passing and the passing medal number of the sensors 1 and 2 reaches 5).
The error detection based on the number of passing medals assumes a case where medals are continuously inserted. In this example, the selector sensor 67 and the post-passage sensor 68c may continuously turn on when the medal is continuously inserted, whereas the sensors 1 and 2 detect each medal even if the medal is continuously inserted. It is configured to be able to.

[Time t7]
-While the post-pass sensor 68c is ON, the post-pass sensor ON timer is incremented by one.
When the post-pass sensor ON timer reaches a predetermined value (for example, the number of timer interrupts corresponding to 101 ms), a throw-in medal error is determined (this is an error because the continuous ON time of the post-pass sensor 68c is excessive).

[Time t8]
・ Clear medal passing 2nd counter.

Based on the above description, the transition and stay check process (S1101) will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 31, the CPU 80a executes a process of saving all register values in the register save area in the RAM 80c in step S1201, and executes a process of clearing the input error monitoring flag Fei in step S1202.

  Here, the transition and stay check process in step S1101 is a process for taking measures against fraud, and the program and data for realizing the transition and stay check process are stored in the second memory area ( 13 and 14). Since the input error monitoring flag Fei in step S1202 is a flag (data) to be updated by the transition and stay check processing, the input error monitoring flag Fei is used as the second memory area (R / R of the second memory area). W area). In addition, the first monitoring timer, the second monitoring timer, the third monitoring timer, the fourth monitoring timer, the medal passing first counter, the medal passing second counter, and the post-passing sensor ON timer described above are also updated by the transition and stay check processing. Since the data is to be processed, it is stored in the second memory area (also the R / W area).

When the input error monitoring flag Fei is cleared in step S1202, the CPU 80a executes sensor time monitoring processing in step S1203. That is, the values of the first monitoring timer, the second monitoring timer, the third monitoring timer, the fourth monitoring timer, and the post-passing sensor ON timer that have been set as the inserted medal error detection conditions based on time reach the predetermined values described above. Determine whether or not.
In subsequent step S1204, CPU 80a determines whether or not there is an error based on the result of the monitoring process in step S1203. That is, it is determined whether any of the values of the first monitoring timer, the second monitoring timer, the third monitoring timer, the fourth monitoring timer, and the post-pass sensor ON timer has reached a corresponding predetermined value.
If it is determined in step S1204 that there is an error, the CPU 80a sets the input error monitoring flag Fei in step S1205, and the process proceeds to step S1206.
If it is determined that there is no error, the CPU 80a passes step S1205 and advances the process to step S1206.

In steps S1206 to S1209, processing for detecting inserted medal errors based on the order of changes in the ON / OFF state of sensors 1 and 2 is performed.
In step S1206, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the detection signals input from the sensors 1 and 2 have changed. That is, it is determined whether an ON edge or an OFF edge has been detected in the detection signal of either sensor 1 or sensor 2. If there is no change in the detection signals of the sensors 1 and 2, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1210 described later.

On the other hand, if there is a change in the detection signals of the sensors 1 and 2, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the order of change is normal in step S1207, that is, the order of "0", "1", "2", and "3" described above. It is determined whether or not to do. Specifically, it is determined whether the order of changes in the ON / OFF state of the sensors 1 and 2 so far matches the order of “0” → “1” → “2” → “3”.
If the order of change is normal, the CPU 80a passes the flag setting process in step S1209 and advances the process to step S1210.

  On the other hand, if the change order is not normal, the CPU 80a corresponds to the exception order described above in step S1208, that is, the change order is “1” → “0” (“0” → “1” → “0”). It is determined whether or not. If the order of change corresponds to “1” → “0”, the CPU 80a passes the flag setting process in step S1209 and advances the process to step S1210. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the discharge of the medal from being erroneously detected as the inserted medal error, and to ensure the appropriateness of the inserted medal error detection.

  If the order of change does not correspond to “1” → “0” in step S1208, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1209, sets the input error monitoring flag Fei, and proceeds to step S1210.

In steps S1210 to S1218, processing for medal error detection based on the values of the first medal passing first counter and the medal passing second counter is performed.
First, in step S1210, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the detection signal of the selector sensor 67 is an OFF edge. If it is an OFF edge, the value of the medal passing first counter is cleared to 0 in step S1211 and the process proceeds to step S1212. If it is not the OFF edge, step S1211 is passed and the process proceeds to step S1212.

In step S <b> 1212, the CPU 80 a determines whether the sensors 1 and 2 have passed normally. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the medal has successfully passed the sensors 1 and 2 in terms of both the time element monitored in the previous step S1203 and the order element monitored in step S1207.
Since the timing when the medal passes through the sensor 2 is the timing when the detection signal of the sensor 2 turns OFF, it is determined in step S1212 that the “passing normally” is detected when the detection signal of the sensor 2 is OFF. Only in the timer interrupt process executed at the timing of turning (OFF edge is detected).

  If it is determined in step S1212 that the sensors 1 and 2 have passed normally, the CPU 80a increments (+1) the respective values of the medal passing first counter and the medal passing second counter in step S1213, and proceeds to step S1214. If it is determined that the sensors 1 and 2 are not normally passing, step S1213 is passed and the process proceeds to step S1214.

In step S1214, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the value of the medal passing first counter is 5 or more, and if not 5 or more (if 4 or less), the value of the medal passing second counter is 5 or more in step S1215. It is determined whether or not.
In these steps S1214 and S1215, if the value of the medal passing first counter and the value of the medal passing second counter are 5 or more, the CPU 80a sets the insertion error monitoring flag Fei in step S1216, and advances the process to step S1217.
If the value of the medal passing second counter is not 5 or more in step S1215, the CPU 80a passes step S1216 and advances the process to step S1217.

  In step S1217, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the detection signal of the post-pass sensor 68c is an OFF edge. If it is an OFF edge, the value of the medal passing second counter is cleared to 0 in step S1218, and all registers are registered in step S1219. The transition and stay check process is finished after executing the return process. On the other hand, if the detection signal of the post-pass sensor 68c is not an OFF edge, the CPU 80a passes step S1218, executes all register return processing in step S1219, and ends the transition and stay check processing.

The description returns to the medal insertion process (FIGS. 27 and 28).
When the transition and stay check process in step S1101 is completed, the CPU 80a checks the state (ON / OFF state) of the input error monitoring flag Fei in step S1102. If the input error monitoring flag Fei is ON, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1123 and sets the input error flag Fer (set to ON). Then, in the subsequent step S1124, the CPU 80a turns off the blocker solenoid and the “INSERT” LED (LEDs indicating permission / non-permission of medal insertion in the LED group 9 described above) in response to the case of the insertion medal error. Is executed (corresponding value update processing in the work of the RAM 80c), and the medal insertion process is completed.

Here, as understood from the above description, in the medal insertion process, a new insertion error flag Fer is set based on the insertion error monitoring flag Fei set in the transition and stay check process (program in the second memory area). It is set.
The processes other than the “transition and stay check process” in the medal insertion process do not correspond to programs for taking measures against fraud, and therefore the program for realizing these processes is stored in the first memory area. Has been.
As described above, the program in the first memory area can refer to and update the data in the R / W area in the first memory area, but is stored in the R / W area in the second memory area. The data can only be referenced and is not allowed to be updated. That is, in the medal insertion process (excluding transition and stay check process), it is only possible to refer to the insertion error monitoring flag Fei stored in the R / W area of the second memory area, but it is allowed to update it. Not.
Therefore, in this example, based on the result of referring to the input error monitoring flag Fei stored in the R / W area of the second memory area in step S1102, the input error flag Fer is set to R of the first memory area in step S1123. It is set in the / W area. That is, the program in the first memory area is set as a flag that can be updated by itself.

  The input error flag Fer is referred to in determining whether or not an error has occurred in the program in the first memory area, for example, step S901 in FIG. 25 or step S1001 in FIG. 26, and the error release determination in FIG. In the processing, it is cleared (OFF) in step S1004 according to the cancellation of the error. As understood from this, the error flag related to fraud detection requires that the program in the first memory area be updatable, and the processes in steps S1102 and S1123 are as follows. Such a first memory area program implements an updatable flag.

Here, since the storage capacity of the first memory area is finite, it is difficult to store all the programs in the first memory area in order to cope with the enhancement of processing contents of the slot machine in recent years. Therefore, it is required that a predetermined type of program, particularly an anti-fraud processing program, be placed outside the area.
The slot machine in this example realizes the cooperation between the out-of-area flag and the in-area flag required by placing the anti-countermeasure processing program out of the area in this way, so that the anti-countermeasure processing program We are trying to cope with putting out of the area. In other words, the implementation of such flag cooperation eliminates the need to place the anti-fraud processing program in the first memory area, so as to increase the program capacity that can be stored in the area. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the processing contents by the program in the area.

By the way, as described above, after the in-area error flag (injection error flag Fer) is set by the in-area program (S1123), the error in the error program by the in-area program is detected according to the detection of error cancellation. However, there is no processing for clearing the out-of-area error monitoring flag (the input error monitoring flag Fei) in response to detection of error cancellation.
For this reason, in the transition and stay check process (FIG. 31) by the out-of-area program, the error monitoring flag is cleared every time the process is started (S1202). Thereby, the appropriateness of error detection can be ensured.

  In the above, the error flag related to the insertion error is illustrated as an example of the error flag related to fraud countermeasures. However, other error flags such as a main board error, an RWM error, an insertion medal error, no payout medal error, a payout sensor error, Regarding error flags related to unfair prize error, overflow error, and door opening error, similarly, the second memory area program sets an error monitoring flag in the R / W area of the second memory area in response to error detection, A corresponding error flag can be set in the R / W area of the first memory area based on the result of the program in the first memory area referring to the error monitoring flag.

The description returns to FIG. 27 again.
If the insertion error monitoring flag Fei is OFF in step S1102, the CPU 80a updates the number of inserted coins (the number of bets) and credits according to the normal insertion of medals, the maximum bet button, and the processing in step S1103 and subsequent steps. The number of inserted cards (the number of bets) and the credit value are updated in accordance with the operation of 16.

At this time, a bet counter and a bet timer are used in the insertion process (max bet process) according to the operation of the max bet button 16.
FIG. 32 is a timing chart showing an outline of the maximum bet process of this example performed using the bet counter and the bet timer.
In the max bet processing of this example, in response to the max bet button 16 being turned on, a predetermined value (in this example, the number of timer interrupts corresponding to 50 ms) is set to the bet timer, and the value of the bet timer is consumed. When it becomes “0”, the insertion process (+1) for setting the number of bets is executed. In this way, the bet counter is a counter for defining the number of times that the betting timer = 0 and the insertion process is executed. In this example, when the max bet button 16 is turned on, the value of the bet counter is set within the range allowed by the credit value. Specifically, if the credit value is “3” or more, “3” is set, and if the credit value is “2” or less, the same value as the credit value is set.
Note that the maximum bet button 16 can be turned on even when the number of inserted coins is “1” or more. In this case, the number of times that the credit value allows should not be inserted (the upper limit of the betting amount). = “3”). In the medal insertion process (S813) of this example, even if the value of the bet counter is set based only on the credit value as described above, it is devised that the inserted number by the maximum bet process does not exceed the upper limit value of the bet number. This will be described later.

Based on the above description, the processing after step S1103 in FIG. 27 will be described.
In step S1103, the CPU 80a determines whether or not a medal is being inserted, specifically, whether or not a medal is passing either the sensor 1 or the sensor 2.
If a medal is being inserted, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1111 described later.

  On the other hand, if the medal is not being inserted, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1104 to determine whether or not the value of the bet counter is “0”. The value of the bet counter is set in step S1129 in response to the detection of the ON edge of the max bet button 16 in step S1128 described later. In step S1104, the value of the bet counter is “0”. "Not" means that the max betting process is in progress.

If the value of the bet counter is “0” in step S1104 (that is, if the maximum bet process is not in progress), the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1111.
On the other hand, if the value of the bet counter is not “0” (when the maximum bet process is in progress), the CPU 80a decrements (−1) the value of the bet timer in step S1105, and the value of the bet timer becomes “0” in step S1106. Is determined. This corresponds to determining whether or not the insertion process (+1) should be executed according to the bet timer = “0”.

If the value of the bet timer is “0”, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1107 and executes the process related to the insertion process.
Specifically, the CPU 80a first decrements the value of the bet counter in step S1107 (that is, consumes the number of insertions by 1).

In step S1108, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the number of inserted sheets is “3”. This corresponds to determining whether or not the insertion process using the maximum bet is unnecessary. Specifically, due to the influence of the medal insertion through the medal insertion slot 12, the insertion number = “3” in the state where the number of insertion processing by the maximum bet is less than “3”, the insertion processing by the maximum bet becomes unnecessary. It is determined whether or not this is the case.
By providing the determination process in step S1108, as described above, it is allowed to set a value based on only the credit value (a value not considering the inserted number) as the value of the bet counter.

If the number of inserted sheets is “3”, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1111 described later. That is, the maximum betting process (step S1110 described below) is not executed.
On the other hand, if the inserted number is not “3”, the CPU 80a sets a bet timer in step S1109, and in step S1110, decrements the credit value (−1), increments the inserted number, and sets the input sound command. Then, the process proceeds to step S1111. The insertion sound command is a command for instructing the production control board 42 to output a sound effect to be output when a medal is inserted.

The processing in steps S1111 to S1118 is processing for controlling ON / OFF of the “INSERT” LED in the blocker solenoid 69 and the LED group 9 based on the results of various condition determinations.
First, in step S1111, the CPU 80a determines whether or not an error is occurring (whether at least one of various errors has occurred). For executing the processing (processing for updating the corresponding value in the work of the RAM 82c). That is, when an error occurs, the medal inserted from the medal slot 12 is discharged from the medal outlet 20, and the player is not permitted to insert a medal by turning off the “INSERT” LED. (The medal insertion is not permitted).

On the other hand, if not in error, the CPU 80a confirms the input possible flag Fai (confirms ON / OFF) in step S1112. The insertable flag Fai is a flag that is turned on at the timing at which the main processing side should start accepting medals, and is turned off based on the operation of the start lever 17 (see FIG. 19).
If the input possible flag Fai is OFF, the CPU 80a executes the process of step S1118 described above. That is, if the insertion possible flag Fai is OFF, the medal insertion is not permitted.

On the other hand, if the insertion possible flag Fai is ON, the CPU 80a determines in step S1113 whether or not a medal is being paid out. Whether or not the payout is in progress can be determined, for example, based on whether or not a payout request or a payment request described later is ON.
If the medal is paying out, the CPU 80a executes the process of step S1118 described above to set the medal insertion not permitted, and if not paying out, the process proceeds to step S1114.

  In step S1114, the CPU 80a determines whether or not there are three bets (inserted number = “3”) and 50 credits. If the bet is 3 and the credit is 50, the CPU 80a executes the process of step S1118 described above to prohibit the medal insertion, and if not paying out, the process proceeds to step S1115.

  In step S <b> 1115, the CPU 80 a determines whether the bet is 3 and the credit is 50 with the passing medals taken into consideration. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is currently determined that there are 2 bets and 50 credits and that a medal is being inserted (passing either sensor 1 or sensor 2) in the previous step S1103. . This is equivalent to determining whether either sensor 1 or sensor 2 is detecting a medal in a state before accepting a medal when one more medal is taken in. To do.

  If it is determined in step S1115 that the number of bets is 3 and the credit is not 50 in consideration of the passing medals, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1116 and performs processing for turning on the blocker solenoid 69 and the “INSERT” LED. Run. That is, in this case, medal insertion is permitted.

  On the other hand, in the case of 3 bets and 50 credits in consideration of the passing medals, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1117 and performs processing for turning off the blocker solenoid 69 and turning on the “INSERT” LED. Run. That is, when either sensor 1 or sensor 2 is detecting a medal in the state before the medal acceptance prohibition, the medal inserted from the medal insertion port 12 is discharged from the medal discharge port 20. Thus, as the notification by the “INSERT” LED to the player, notification that the medal insertion is permitted is performed.

Here, in the slot machine of this example, processing is set up so that the blocker solenoid 69 is turned off and the reception of the max bet button 16 is disabled. More specifically, in the stored medal settlement process in the timer interrupt process (S814, see FIG. 35), if the blocker solenoid 69 is OFF, a process for turning off the max bet LED is executed (S1303 → S1307). ). Then, when the max bet LED is turned off, the acceptance of the max bet button 16 is invalidated by a process in step S1125 (FIG. 28) described later. Specifically, since the processing for confirming the ON edge detection of the max bet button 16 in step S1128 is passed, the operation acceptance of the max bet button 16 is invalidated.
As a result, in the slot machine of this example, when either sensor 1 or sensor 2 is detecting a medal in the state before the medal acceptance prohibition, the max bet button is interlocked with the blocker solenoid 69 being turned off. 16 operation acceptance is invalidated.

  On the other hand, according to the processing of steps S1103 and S1115 to S1117 described above, in a state other than the state before the medal acceptance prohibition (state other than the state of two bets and 50 credits), sensor 1 and sensor The blocker solenoid 69 is not turned off regardless of whether or not any of the two medals is being detected, and the acceptance of the operation of the max bet button 16 is not invalidated (however, in error (S1111), the insertion possible flag Fai = OFF (S1112), paying out (S1113), and medal reception prohibited state (S1114) are excluded). In other words, in a state other than the state before the medal acceptance prohibition, even if either the sensor 1 or the sensor 2 is detecting a medal, the operation acceptance of the max bet button 16 is not invalidated.

As described above, in the slot machine of this example, when one of the sensors 1 or 2 is detecting a medal in a state before accepting a medal when one more medal is taken in, the medal is not accepted. Invalidates the acceptance of the operation of the max bet button 16, while in the state other than the state before the acceptance prohibition, the acceptance of the operation of the max bet button 16 even if either the sensor 1 or the sensor 2 is detecting a medal. Processing is performed so as not to invalidate.
If either the sensor 1 or the sensor 2 is detecting a medal in the state before the medal acceptance prohibition, and the operation acceptance of the max bet button 16 is validated, so-called medal swallowing (the medal is not detected and returned) May be taken in without being).
In the slot machine of this example, swallowing of medals is prevented by the above-described processing.

  In FIG. 27, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1119 shown in FIG. 28 in response to the execution of the process of step S1116, S1117, or S1118 described above.

  The processing of steps S1119 to S1129 shown in FIG. 28 is mainly performed by incrementing the number of inserted coins or credits according to the normal passing of medals, and by the betting counter or betting timer described above according to the operation of the max betting button 16. This is a process for setting a value.

  First, in step S1119, the CPU 80a determines whether the sensor 1 and the sensor 2 have passed normally. The processing in step S1119 is the same as that in step S1212 (FIG. 31) described above, and “normally passing” is determined when the detection signal from the sensor 2 is turned OFF. This is only in the timer interrupt processing executed in step 1. In other words, in the case where it is determined in step S1119 that it has not passed “normally”, the case where a medal is passing either sensor 1 or sensor 2 is also included.

  If it is determined in step S1119 that the sensors 1 and 2 have passed normally, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1120 to check ON / OFF of the “INSERT” LED. If the “INSERT” LED is OFF, the CPU 80a described above. The process proceeds to step S1123 (FIG. 27). That is, after the throwing error flag Fer is set corresponding to the case where it is judged in the previous step S1119 that the passing through the sensor 1 and the sensor 2 has been normally passed but it is judged that the throwing is not permitted. (S1123), the medal insertion is not permitted (S1124).

  On the other hand, if the “INSERT” LED is ON, the CPU 80a executes a process of incrementing the inserted number or credit value and setting an input sound command in step S1121. In step S1121, the value of the inserted number is incremented when the value of the number of inserted sheets is “2” or less, and the increment of the credit value is performed when the value of the number of inserted sheets is “3”.

In subsequent step S1122, the CPU 80a executes update processing of the display LED data. That is, in response to the increment of the inserted number or the credit value in step S1121, the corresponding display LED data in the work of the RAM 82c, that is, if the inserted number is incremented, the above-described common 4 (inserted number display 1-3: FIG. The data to be set as the LED display data is updated). If the credit is incremented, the data to be set as the commons 2 and 3 is updated.
When the update process of step S1122 is executed, the CPU 80a ends the medal insertion process (S813).

On the other hand, if the CPU 80a determines that the sensors 1 and 2 have not normally passed in step S1119, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1125.
In step S <b> 1125, the CPU 80 a confirms whether the max bet LED is on or off. If the max bet LED is off, the medal insertion process ends. That is, as described above, the processing for confirming the ON edge detection of the max bet button 16 (S1128) is not executed in conjunction with the max bet LED being turned off, and the operation acceptance of the max bet button 16 is invalidated. It is.

  On the other hand, if the max bet LED is ON, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1126, and determines whether or not the value of the inserted number is “3”. If the value of the inserted number is “3”, the CPU 80a finishes the medal insertion process. This is because the maximum bet processing is unnecessary if the value of the number of inserted sheets is “3”.

  If the value of the inserted number is not “3”, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1127, determines whether or not the bet counter is “0”, and ends the medal insertion process if the bet counter is not “0”. . If the bet counter is not “0”, it means that the max bet process is being performed. In this case, the ON edge detection confirmation of the max bet button 16 (S1128) and the bet counter and bet timer are set (S1129). Since the processing is unnecessary, these processing is passed and the medal insertion processing is finished.

  If the bet counter is “0”, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the ON edge of the max bet button 16 (ON edge of the detection signal by the insertion switch in the stored medal insertion switch board 64 described above) is detected. If the ON edge of the maximum bet button 16 is not detected, the CPU 80a finishes the medal insertion process.

On the other hand, if the ON edge of the max bet button 16 is detected, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1129, and executes a process of setting a bet counter and a bet timer if the credit can be inserted. Specifically, when the credit value is “2” or less, the bet counter is set to the same value as the credit value and the bet timer is set. When the credit value is “3” or more, the bet is set. Set “3” to the counter and set the bet timer.
The CPU 80a finishes the medal insertion process in response to executing the process of step S1129.

  When the bet counter and the bet timer are set in response to the ON operation of the max bet button 16 as described above, in the medal insertion process in the timer interrupt process to be executed later, in the previous step S1104 (FIG. 27). It is determined that the bet counter is not “0”, and the bet timer is consumed in step S1105. Then, in response to the bet timer becoming “0” (S1106), the processing from step S1107 described above is executed, and insertion from credit (S1110: credit is −1, and the number of inserted coins is +1). Is realized.

  Here, according to the medal insertion process shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, in the slot machine of this example, the insertion of medals through the medal insertion slot 12 is permitted even during the max bet process. This is also clear from the fact that the inserted number or credit can be incremented in step S1121 even if it is determined in step S1104 that the bet counter is not “0”.

  In the medal insertion process of this example, when a medal is inserted during the max bet process, the max bet process is interrupted while either sensor 1 or sensor 2 is detecting a medal. The max bet process is resumed after it is determined that it has been inserted normally. Further, when the number of inserted sheets reaches “3” (predetermined number) during the interruption of the maximum bet process, the maximum bet process is terminated.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of the operation when a medal is inserted during the max bet process.
In FIG. 33, immediately after a bet for one sheet is made (the value of the bet counter is “1” is consumed) during the max bet process in which the bet counter is set to “3” when the inserted number = “0”. Fig. 6 illustrates an operation when the insertion of a medal is detected (either sensor 1 or sensor 2 detects a medal).

  While the medal inserted through the medal insertion slot 12 is detected by either the sensor 1 or the sensor 2, it is determined that the medal is being inserted in step S1103 shown in FIG. 27, so the processing in steps S1105 to S1110 is performed. Is not executed, and the value of the bet timer and the value of the bet counter are not consumed. That is, the max bet process is interrupted. In the example of FIG. 33, the bet timer subtraction is interrupted during a period in which medals pass immediately after one bet.

  When the medal has passed the sensors 1 and 2, the bet timer subtraction is resumed (S1105). When the bet timer = “0” (S1106), the value of the bet counter is subtracted (S1107). If it has not reached "3" (S1108), the bet timer is set (S1109), and the credit is inserted (S1110).

At this time, after the maximum bet processing is resumed by resuming the betting timer subtraction, the inserted number may reach “3” even though the value of the bet counter has not reached “0”. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 33, since the medal insertion via the medal insertion slot 12 is performed between the first insertion and the second insertion by the max bet processing, the second insertion is performed. At this point, the inserted number reaches “3” even though the value of the bet counter has not reached “0”.
In such a case, in the medal insertion process shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, at the start timing of the second insertion, that is, at the timing when the bet timer = “0” when the bet counter = “2”. The process proceeds from step S1106 to S1107, the bet counter is decremented to “1”, and it is determined in S1108 that the inserted number is not “3” (the inserted number is “2” at this time), and the bet timer is determined in S1109. In step S1110, credits are inserted (the number of inserted sheets reaches “3”).
After the next timer interruption, the value of the bet timer is gradually consumed by the processing of step S1105 with the bet counter = “1” and the inserted number of “3”. When the bet timer = “0” is consumed, the process proceeds from step S1106 to S1107, the bet counter is decremented from “1” to “0”, and the inserted number = “3” is determined in S1108. The That is, the insertion from the credit (S1110) is not executed.

  As a result of the above process, after the second sheet is inserted by the maximum bet process (the number of sheets to be inserted reaches “3”), as shown in FIG. 33, the bet set according to the second sheet is inserted. Although the timer is consumed, the inserted number is not added even if the bet timer reaches “0”.

Further, according to the medal insertion process shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, when the inserted number = “3” while the max bet process is interrupted by the medal insertion, the max bet process is ended. .
In this regard, for example, a case where one medal is normally inserted in a state where the inserted number = “2”, the bet counter = “1”, and the bet timer ≠ “0” will be described as an example.
First, when a medal is normally inserted (S1119), the number of inserted coins is changed to “3” by the process of step S1121. In the subsequent timer interruption, since it is not determined that a medal is being inserted (S1103), the bet timer is consumed (S1105). When the bet timer = “0”, the process proceeds from S1106 to S1107, and the bet counter changes from “1” to “0”. In this case, since it is determined in step S1108 that the inserted number = “3”, the setting of the bet timer (S1109) and the insertion from the credit (S1110) are not performed.
Further, in subsequent timer interruptions, since the bet counter = “0” is determined in step S1104, the processes in steps S1105 to S1110 are not performed, and the max bet process ends.

Here, as understood from the above description, in the slot machine of this example, even when the max bet processing is being executed, the medal insertion acceptance through the medal insertion slot 12 is valid, and either of the sensors 1 and 2 is enabled. When a medal is being detected, the max bet processing is interrupted, and it is determined that the medal has been inserted, and then the max betting processing is resumed. ), The max bet process is terminated.
This prevents the swallowing of medals.

Further, according to the medal insertion process shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, in the slot machine of this example, the operation of the max bet button 16 is accepted even when the medal is inserted through the medal insertion slot 12.
This is also clear from the fact that the ON edge detection confirmation process in step S1129 can be performed even when it is determined in step S1103 that a medal is passing through one of the sensors 1 and 2.

  In the medal insertion process of this example, when the max bet button 16 is operated during the medal insertion, the max bet process is performed after it is determined that the medal has been normally inserted.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when the max bet button is operated while a medal is inserted.
In FIG. 34, it is assumed that medals are inserted in a state where the inserted number = “0”.

First, when a medal is passing through one of the sensors 1 and 2, in the medal insertion process shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the process transitions from step S1103 to S1111. Even if the ON edge is confirmed, the initial setting at the time of the max bet operation in step S1129 is executed, but the processes in steps S1106 to S1110 are not executed and the max bet process is not started (the bet set in step S1129). Timer is not consumed).
If it is determined from this state that the medal has passed normally in step S1119, the number of inserted coins is added (S1121), and “0” → “1”. In the next and subsequent timer interruptions, since it is determined in step S1103 that a medal is not being inserted due to the passage of the inserted medal, consumption of the bet timer (S1105) is started. That is, the maximum bet process is started.

Thereafter, the bet counter is subtracted (S1107), the bet timer is set (S1109), and the credit is inserted (S1110) at the timing of the bet timer = “0” by the started max bet processing. When the number of inserted coins reaches “3” as shown in FIG. 8, no credit is inserted by the processing in step S1108.
In this case, since the value of the bet counter reaches “1” in step S1107 and the second insertion is performed as the insertion from the credit in step S1110, the inserted number reaches “3”. In such a case, as described above, according to the processing shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the bet timer set in response to the second insertion is consumed, but the bet timer is “0”. The number of inserted sheets is not added even if the value is reached.

In the slot machine of this example, the operation of the max bet button 16 is accepted while the medal is inserted as described above, and further, when the max bet button 16 is operated while any one of the sensors 1 and 2 detects the medal. The maximum bet process is performed after it is determined that the medal has been inserted normally.
This prevents the swallowing of medals.

[11-5. Settlement of stored medal]

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of the stored medal settlement process (S814).
As described above, the settlement medal settlement process is a process for turning on a settlement request by determining various conditions such as whether or not the settlement button 14 is operated.
In FIG. 35, the CPU 80a determines in step S1301 whether or not the settlement button valid flag Fas is ON. The settlement button valid flag Fas is a flag that is turned on at the timing at which reception of the credit settlement button 14 is to be validated on the main processing side, and is turned off based on the operation of the start lever 17 (see FIG. 19).
If the settlement button valid flag Fas is not ON, the CPU 80a finishes the stored medal settlement process.

On the other hand, if the settlement button valid flag Fas is ON, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1302. The processing in steps S1302 to S1307 is processing for controlling ON / OFF of the max bet LED according to various condition determinations.
First, in step S1302, the CPU 80a confirms whether the max bet button 16 is on or off. If the max bet button 16 is on, the CPU 80a executes processing for turning off the max bet LED in step S1307. That is, the max bet LED is turned off while the max bet button 16 is being pressed.

  In the above description, it is mentioned that the operation of the max bet button 16 is invalidated when the max bet LED = OFF (see S1125). However, as can be seen with reference to FIG. Since the medal insertion process is executed before the settlement medal settlement process, when the max bet button 16 is operated, the max bet LED is turned off in S1307, and the max bet is turned off in S1128. The ON edge detection of the bet button 16 is confirmed. Therefore, even if the process transitions from S1302 to S1307 as described above, there is no problem in starting the max bet process in response to the operation of the max bet button 16.

  If the max bet button 16 is OFF in step S1302, the CPU 80a confirms ON / OFF of the blocker solenoid 69 in step S1303. If the blocker solenoid 69 is OFF, the MAX bet LED OFF process is performed in step S1307 described above. Run. As described above with reference to FIG. 27 (medal insertion processing), when the blocker solenoid 69 has 3 bets and 50 credits in consideration of the insertion (S1117), various errors occur, and the insertion possible flag Fai is OFF. In this case, the MAX bet LED is OFF (that is, the operation of the MAX bet button 16 is operated). The reception is invalid).

  If the blocker solenoid 69 is ON in step S1303, the CPU 80a determines whether or not credit = “0” in step S1304, and if the credit = “0”, executes the MAX bet LED OFF process in step S1307. . That is, if there are no credits, there is nothing to be inserted, and the operation acceptance of the max bet button 16 is invalidated.

  If credit = “0” is not determined in step S1304, the CPU 80a determines in step S1305 whether the inserted number = “3”. If the inserted number = “3”, the MAX bet LED OFF process in step S1307 is performed. Run. That is, when the inserted number reaches the maximum inserted number, the operation acceptance of the max bet button 16 is invalidated.

  If the number of inserted sheets is not “3” in step S1305, the CPU 80a executes processing for turning on the max bet LED in step S1306. That is, when the conditions of steps S1302 to S1305 are satisfied, the operation reception of the max bet button 16 is validated.

The CPU 80a advances the process to step S1308 in response to executing the process of step S1306 or S1307. Each determination process in steps S1308 to S1315 is various condition determination processes for determining whether or not the settlement request is to be turned ON.
First, in step S1308, the CPU 80a determines whether or not an error is occurring. If the error is in error, the stored medal settlement process is terminated. That is, during the error, the settlement button ON / OFF determination process in step S1312 and the settlement request ON process in step S1316 are not executed, and therefore the settlement button 14 is invalidated and the settlement is disabled.

  On the other hand, if not in error, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1309 to determine whether or not a medal is being inserted (determining whether or not any of the sensors 1 and 2 is passing as in the previous step S1103). If the medal is being inserted, the settlement medal settlement process is completed. That is, when any of the sensors 1 and 2 is detecting a medal, the settlement button 14 is invalidated.

Here, when the medal settlement process (medal payout process according to the settlement request) is started when any one of the sensors 1 and 2 is detecting a medal, the number of medals to be paid out is being detected. This may cause a situation where it is uncertain whether or not a medal is included, and the medal currently being detected may be swallowed.
Therefore, in the slot machine of the present example, as described above, when any of the sensors 1 and 2 is detecting a medal, the settlement button 14 is invalidated to prevent the medal from being swallowed.

If the CPU 80a determines in step S1309 that a medal is not being inserted, it is determined in step S1310 whether or not the bet counter ≠ “0”, that is, the max bet process is being performed in the medal insertion process shown in FIGS. It is determined whether or not.
If the bet counter is not “0” in step S1310, the CPU 80a finishes the stored medal settlement process. That is, when the maximum bet process is being executed, the settlement button 14 is invalidated.

Here, if the medal settlement process is executed while the max bet process is being executed, a situation in which it is uncertain whether or not the number of medals to be paid out includes the medal inserted in the max bet process, There is a risk of swallowing medals.
Therefore, in the slot machine of this example, the medals are prevented from being swallowed by invalidating the settlement button 14 when the max bet processing is being executed as described above.

If it is determined in step S1310 that the bet counter is not “0”, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1311 and determines whether payout (settlement) is in progress. Whether or not the payout is in progress can be determined by whether or not a payout control signal for which ON / OFF is managed in a medal payout process (S806: see FIG. 36) described later is ON.
If it is determined in step S1311 that the payout is in progress, the CPU 80a finishes the stored medal settlement process. That is, the settlement button 14 is invalidated and the settlement is not permitted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1311 that the payout is not in progress, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1312, determines whether or not the settlement button 14 is ON. If the settlement button 14 is not ON, the stored medal settlement process is terminated.

  If the checkout button 14 is ON, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1313 and determines whether or not credit ≠ “0”. If credit ≠ “0”, the CPU 80a determines whether or not replaying is in progress in step S1314. If the game is being replayed, the stored medal settlement process is terminated. That is, when the credit is “0” and the game is being replayed (that is, the actual number of inserted coins = “0”), it means that the number of medals to be paid out is “0”. Even if it is said, the settlement request is not turned ON.

  If it is determined in step S1314 that the game is not being replayed, the CPU 80a determines in step S1315 whether or not the inserted number = “0”. If the inserted number = “0”, the stored medal settlement process ends.

In each of the case where the number of inserted sheets = “0” in step S1315 and the case where credit ≠ “0” in the previous step S1313, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1316 and turns on the settlement request.
In the subsequent step S1317, the settlement command is set, and the settlement medal settlement processing is completed. Note that the settlement command is a command for notifying the effect control board 42 that at least payout by settlement is performed.

[11-6. Medal payout process]

FIG. 36 is a flowchart of the medal payout process (S806).
The medal payout process is a process for driving and controlling the payout motor 75 in the medal payout device 5 in accordance with the above-described payout request (request for medal payout by winning: see FIG. 23) or the payment request.

  36, in step S1401, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the medal sensor passing timer = “0”. The medal sensor passing timer is a timer for measuring time for detecting an error in which the above-described medal payout sensor 76 continues to be turned on. Step S1412 described later in response to the medal payout sensor 76 being turned on. A predetermined value is set at. The initial value of the medal sensor passing timer is “0”. Therefore, the medal sensor passing timer = “0” before the payout motor 75 is driven in response to the payout request or the payment request.

If the medal sensor passing timer = “0”, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1402 to determine whether or not the payout request or the checkout request is ON. If the payout request or the checkout request is ON, in step S1403. It is determined whether an error is occurring (other than a door error). That is, it is determined whether any of the various errors excluding the door error is occurring.
If it is determined in step S1403 that there is no error, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1405 and confirms whether the medal payout sensor 76 is ON / OFF. Note that when it is determined that the payout request or the payment request is ON, a payout control signal (a signal for instructing driving of the payout motor 75) to be described later has not been turned ON, so that the medal payout sensor 76 is OFF. It is.

  If the medal payout sensor 76 is OFF in step S1405, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1406 and confirms whether the payout busy flag Fbe is ON / OFF. Since the payout busy flag Fbe is a flag that is turned on in conjunction with the turning on of the payout control signal (see step S1407), the payout busy flag Fbe is OFF in the timer interrupt immediately after the payout request or the settlement request is changed to ON. .

If the payout busy flag Fbe is OFF in step S1406, the CPU 80a turns ON the payout control signal and turns ON the payout busy flag Fbe in step S1407. In a subsequent step S1408, a predetermined value (the number of timer interruptions corresponding to 2.5 seconds in this example) is set in the timer without a hopper medal, and the process proceeds to step S1409.
The hopper medal-free timer is a timer for measuring a time when a medal is not paid out even though the payout control signal is turned ON and the payout motor 75 is driven, and a medal is stored in the medal tank 5a. It functions as a timer for detecting the absence. Specifically, as described below, when the value of the timer without hopper medal is consumed to “0”, a payout medal absence error is set (see step S1411).

  If the payout busy flag is ON in step S1406, the CPU 80a passes the above steps S1407 and S1408 and proceeds to step S1409.

In step S1409, the CPU 80a decrements the value of the hopper medal-free timer (−1), and in subsequent step S1410, determines whether the hopper medal-free timer is “0”. If the hopper medal-free timer is not “0”, the CPU 80a finishes the medal payout process.
On the other hand, if the hopper medal absence timer = “0”, the CPU 80a sets a payout medal absence error in step S1411.

In response to the setting of the no payout medal error in step S1411, the CPU 80a turns off the payout control signal in step S1426, turns off the payout busy flag Fbe in step S1427, and clears the medal sensor passing timer in step S1428. Finish the medal payout process.
In the medal payout process executed by the timer interruption after the payout medal no error is set, the process goes through steps S1401 → S1402 → S1403, and it is determined in S1403 that the error is in progress. Therefore, the CPU 80a performs step S1404. To check ON / OFF of the payout busy flag Fbe. Since the payout busy flag Fbe is turned off in response to the setting of the no payout medal error as described above (S1427), it is determined in step S1404 that the payout busy flag Fbe is OFF, and the process transitions to step S1426. . As can be understood from this point, after the payout medal no error is set, the process for driving the payout motor 75 is passed and the medal payout process is stopped.
If the payout busy flag Fbe is ON in step S1404, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1405 described above.

In the above description, it has been described that the payout control signal is turned ON in response to the payout request or the payment request (S1407). However, when one payout is paid out by the payout motor 75 in response to the ON of the payout control signal, the medal payout is made. The sensor 76 is turned on.
If it is determined in step S1405 that the medal payout sensor 76 is ON, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1412, sets a predetermined value (in this example, the number of timer interrupts equivalent to 98.34 ms) to the medal sensor passing timer, and step S1413. Proceed to
In step S1413, the CPU 80a confirms ON / OFF of the medal payout sensor 76 (that is, checks whether the payout medal is passing / completed), and if the medal payout sensor 76 is ON (passing), the process proceeds to step S1423. To proceed.

  Here, when a predetermined value is set in the medal sensor passing timer, in the medal payout process executed in the subsequent timer interruption, it is determined in the previous step S1401 that the medal sensor passing timer is not “0”. The process proceeds to step S1413. At this time, if the medal payout sensor 76 is kept on, the process proceeds to step S1423.

Processing in steps S1423 to S1425 is processing for detecting an error in which the medal payout sensor 76 is kept on for a predetermined time or more.
Specifically, in step S <b> 1423, the CPU 80 a decrements the value of the medal sensor passing timer (−1), and in subsequent step S <b> 1424, determines whether the medal sensor passing timer = “0”. If the medal sensor passing timer = “0”, a payout sensor error is set in step S1425, and the process proceeds to step S1426 described above.
In this case as well, the processing flow after the error is set is the same as the flow after the above-described payout medal error is set, and therefore, a duplicate description is avoided.

  On the other hand, if the medal sensor passing timer is not “0”, the CPU 80a finishes the medal payout process. That is, while the ON duration of the medal payout sensor 76 is within the normal range, the error setting process in step S1425 is not executed, and if the medal payout sensor 76 is still ON in the next timer interruption, the process proceeds to S1401. The process proceeds from S1413 to S1423 to S1424, and it is determined again whether or not the value of the medal sensor passing timer after the subtraction is “0”. Through such a processing flow, the ON duration of the medal payout sensor 76 (the time during which it is detected that the medal is passing) is monitored.

When there is no abnormality in the medal payout sensor 76 and the payout medal passes through the medal payout sensor 76, it is confirmed in the previous step S1413 that the medal payout sensor 76 is OFF, and the process proceeds to step S1414.
The processing in steps S1414 to S1421 is processing for updating the value to be updated according to the payout of medals corresponding to each of the case where the request type is a payout request and the case where it is a payment request.
First, in step S1414, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the request confirmed in the previous step S1402 is a payout request. If it is a payout request, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1415, and if not a payout request (that is, if it is a payment request), advances the process to step S1418.

  In step S1415, the CPU 80a increments the value of the payout signal counter, increments the value of the payout display number, and decrements the value of the winning number. Each process of incrementing the value of the payout signal counter, incrementing the value of the payout display number, and decrementing the value of the winning number is the same as the process of steps S707, S708, and S710 in FIG. Therefore, duplicate explanation is avoided.

In response to the execution of the process in step S1415, the CPU 80a determines in step S1416 whether the payout has ended. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the number of winning prizes = “0”.
If the payout has not ended, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1420 to determine whether an error is occurring (other than a door error). If not in error, the payout busy flag Fbe is turned OFF in step S1427, and the medal sensor passing timer is set in step S1428. After clearing 0, the medal payout process is completed.
Thus, when one medal is paid out and the corresponding value is updated, the payout busy flag Fbe is turned OFF, and the medal sensor passing timer is cleared. As a result, in the next timer interrupt, the process proceeds in steps S1401 → S1402 → S1403 → S1405 → S1406. In S1406, the payout busy flag Fbe is determined to be OFF, and in S1407, the payout control signal and the payout busy flag Fbe are turned ON. Is done. As a result, the medal payout and the update of the corresponding value in step S1415 are repeated until the number of winning prizes = “0”.

  If it is determined in step S1420 that an error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S1426. Since the flow of processing after proceeding to step S1426 in response to the fact that an error has occurred in this way has already been described, redundant description is avoided.

On the other hand, if the payout is completed in step S1416, the CPU 80a turns off the payout request in step S1417, and proceeds to step S1426.
As described above, when the payout request is turned OFF and the process proceeds to step S1426, the process proceeds from step S1401 to S1402 at the next timer interruption, and it is determined in step S1402 that the payout request or settlement request is not ON. Then, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1422 and confirms whether the medal payout sensor 76 is ON / OFF.
If the medal payout sensor 76 is ON in step S1422 (that is, the medal payout sensor 76 is ON while the payout request and the payment request are OFF), the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1425 and sets a payout sensor error. Then, the process proceeds to step S1426.
On the other hand, if the medal payout sensor 76 is OFF in step S1422, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1426 without setting a payout sensor error. That is, in this case, in the subsequent timer interruption, the processing is executed in steps S1401 → S1402 → S1422 → S1426 to S1428 until the payout request or the settlement request is turned ON.

If it is determined in step S1414 that the request is not a payout request (that is, if it is determined as a payment request), the CPU 80a decrements (-1) the value of the credit or the inserted number in step S1418. That is, for example, if the inserted number is not “0”, the value of the inserted number is decremented, and if the inserted number = “0”, the value of the credit is decremented.
Note that, since the number of inserted coins by re-game is not a target for settlement, the number of inserted coins is not decremented even if the number of inserted coins ≠ “0” after the re-game.

  In subsequent step S1419, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the settlement is completed, that is, whether or not the settlement for the number of medals that can be settled is completed. If the settlement is not finished, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1420 described above. If it is determined in step S1420 that an error has occurred, or if it is determined that an error has not occurred, the flow of each process has already been described, and therefore a duplicate description is avoided. If it is not determined in S1420 that an error has occurred, in the case of a settlement request, the payout of medals and the update of the corresponding value in step S1418 are repeated until the settlement is completed.

If it is determined in step S1419 that the settlement is complete, the CPU 80a turns off the settlement request in step S1421, sets a settlement termination command, and advances the process to step S1426. That is, even when the payout by payment is completed, the process is executed in the order of steps S1401 → S1402 → S1422 → S1426 to S1428 until the payout request or the payment request is turned ON.
The settlement end command is a command for notifying the effect control board 42 that at least the payout process by settlement has been completed.

[11-7. Cylinder control processing]

FIG. 37 is a flowchart of the spinning cylinder control process (S815) in the timer interrupt process.
First, prior to description of specific processing contents, various flags representing the status of the rotating reel 4 used in the spinning cylinder control processing will be described. Specifically, it is the following seven flags.

・ Start-up request flag Frr
・ Starting flag FG1
-Sensor non-passing flag Fmt
・ Rotating flag FG2
Stop request flag Frs
・ First stop processing flag FG3
-Second stop processing flag FG4

These seven flags are provided for each rotating reel 4, and the CPU 80a can grasp the status of each rotating reel 4.

FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the status relating to rotation / stop of the rotary reel 4 and the various flags.
First, the activation request flag Frr in the figure is set on the main processing side described above in response to the start lever 17 being turned on (see FIGS. 19 and 20). When the activation request flag Frr is set on the main processing side, the activation flag FG1 is set by a subsequent timer interrupt (S1502), and the rotation rotation of the rotary reel 4 is started.
In this example, the start-up rotation (acceleration rotation) of the rotary reel 4 is performed for a time determined by a start-up time table to be described later. When the start-up rotation ends, the rotary reel 4 maintains a constant speed rotation (the above-described steady rotation). In response to the end of the start rotation, the rotating flag FG2 is set (S1507). The rotating flag FG2 functions as a flag indicating whether or not the rotating reel 4 is in a status after starting constant speed rotation.

  The sensor non-passing flag Fmt is a flag that is set together with the activation request flag Frr on the main processing side in response to the start lever 17 being turned on. Represents that the origin position 101 of the rotary reel 4 has not passed through the corresponding index sensor 55. When the origin position 101 of the rotating reel 4 after startup passes through the corresponding index sensor 55, the sensor non-passing flag Fmt is cleared (set to “0”), and the current symbol position by the symbol counter and step counter is accordingly changed. The counting of the number of symbol steps is started (S1510, S1511).

  The stop request flag Frs is a flag that is set on the main processing side according to the operation of the stop button 18 (see FIGS. 20 and 21). Specifically, the stop request flag Frs is set to the corresponding reel 4 (the rotation with which the stop button 18 is operated) after the number of sliding symbols is determined according to the operation of the stop button 18 as described above (S604). The reel 4) is set (S606) in response to reaching the stop symbol (S605).

The first stop processing flag FG3 is a flag that is set when a predetermined stop step condition is satisfied after the stop request flag Frs is set (that is, after the stop symbol is reached). Specifically, in this example, the first stop processing flag FG3 is set under the condition that the current symbol step position is 7 or less (the stop permission step position described above) and the stepping motor 54 is in the two-phase excitation state. (S1517 to S1519).
In this example, in response to the current symbol step position reaching the stop permission step position, the brake control by all-phase ON is not immediately started, and the two-phase ON hold state corresponding to the predetermined number of timer interruptions is set. It is assumed that the brake control by all-phase ON is started after maintaining. Thereby, the rotation reel 4 is stopped smoothly. Specifically, it is possible to prevent an unnatural operation such as the rotating reel 4 becoming clogged at the beginning of the stop.

The second stop processing flag FG4 is a flag that is set in response to the end of the two-phase ON hold (S1523). When the second stop processing flag FG4 is set, the brake control is started by turning on the corresponding phase of the corresponding stepping motor 54 (S1524). This all-phase ON state is continued for a predetermined time, and then the excitation state of the stepping motor 54 transitions to the all-phase OFF state.
In this example, the start request flag Frr excluding the sensor non-pass flag Fmt, the start flag FG1, the rotation flag FG2, the stop request flag Frs, the first stop processing flag FG3, and the second stop processing flag FG4. These flags are simultaneously cleared at the timing when the all-phase OFF is started (see S1529).

Based on the above description, the spinning cylinder control process of FIG. 37 will be described.
First, in step S1501, the CPU 80a checks the status of the target reel (processing target rotating reel 4). That is, the status of the target reel is the activation request state (activation request flag Frr = “1”), the activation state (activation flag FG1 = “1”), the rotation state (rotation flag FG2 = “1”), One of the stop processing state (first stop processing flag FG3 = “1”), the second stop processing state (second stop processing flag FG4 = “1”), or all the flags are OFF. To check.
Specifically, in step S1501, whether or not the flag is “1” in the order of the second stop processing flag FG4, the first stop processing flag FG3, the rotating flag FG2, the starting flag FG1, and the starting request flag Frr. Are determined in order, and when the determination is “1”, the status corresponding to the flag determined as “1” is set as the current status. Alternatively, if the last determined activation request flag Frr is “0”, a determination result that corresponds to the status of all flags OFF is obtained.

Here, in this example, for status determination from the start of the rotating cylinder to the second stop process, the flags are checked in the reverse order to the process order from the start process to the second stop process as described above. The status corresponding to the flag confirmed to be ON is determined as the current status.
As a status determination method, for example, a method for confirming whether or not only the target flag is “1” (for example, whether or not the active flag FG2 is “1” is determined as to whether or not it is in the active state). However, in this case, it is necessary to clear the flag of the previous status in accordance with the status transition. According to the above-described status determination method, there is an advantage that the sequential clear processing of the previous status flag according to such status transition can be omitted.

  In step S1501, if all flags are OFF status, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1533 and sets all phase OFF data as excitation data φ1 to φ4, and sets these excitation data φ1 to φ4 in the output buffer in step S1531. Then, the process proceeds to step S1532, which will be described later. In other words, the stepping motor 54 is maintained in the OFF state for the rotating reels 4 in the all flag OFF status.

  In step S1501, if the status of the target reel is the activation request state (in the drawing, activation request flag = “1”), the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1502, and sets the activation flag FG1 and clears the symbol counter. And proceed to step S1505.

  In step S1505, the CPU 80a sets the value of the phase update timer based on the startup time table. The activation time table is a table that stores time information for realizing the activation rotation of the rotary reel 4.

FIG. 39 shows an example of the activation time table.
As shown in the figure, the activation time table is table information in which timer values to be set in the phase update timer are stored for each index value. The CPU 80a sequentially acquires timer values in ascending order of index values (obtained whenever the phase update timer value becomes “0”: refer to S1504), and sets the acquired timer value in the phase update timer. The initial value of the index value is “0”.

  In FIG. 37, the processing in step S1505 is processing for acquiring a corresponding timer value from the activation time table in accordance with the current index value for the target reel, and setting the acquired timer value in the phase update timer.

Here, after the activation flag FG1 is set in step S1502 as described above and the timer value corresponding to the index = “0” is set from the activation time table in step S1505 as described above, It is decremented in step S1503. That is, the phase update timer value is sequentially decremented for each timer interrupt.
As understood from this point, the timer value stored in the activation time table represents time information in a timer interrupt unit (in this example, 1.49 ms unit).

In the activation time table, the time information in units of timer interrupts stored for each index functions as information that defines the maintenance time of the two-phase excitation state and the one-phase excitation state of the stepping motor 54 at the time of activation. .
Specifically, as described above with reference to FIG. 11, the stepping motor 54 of this example is driven by 1-2 phase excitation, and a specific excitation mode is an excitation pointer (excitation phase pointer). ) Indicated cyclically by the value of PT. As will be apparent from the following description, the value of the excitation pointer PT is “1” corresponding to the timer interrupt in which the activation flag FG1 is turned ON in step S1502 (that is, the index = “0” in the activation time table in step S1505). In step S1530 and S1531, first, a value for one-phase excitation (any one of 1, 3, 5, and 7) is set. Thereafter, in a timer interruption during activation (while activation flag FG1 is ON), the value of excitation pointer PT is sent to the next value every time the value of the phase update timer becomes “0” in step S1504 (S1530). . That is, every time the value of the phase update timer becomes “0” in step S1504, the excitation data φ1 to φ4 are alternately set as data for two-phase excitation → data for one-phase excitation → data for two-phase excitation. It will be done.

  As understood from this point, the timer value corresponding to the even index (including “0”) in the activation time table represents the maintenance time of the one-phase excitation state, and the timer value corresponding to the odd index is It represents the maintenance time of the two-phase excitation state.

In FIG. 37, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the phase update timer value = “0” in step S1506 in response to the execution of the timer value setting process in step S1505. This corresponds to determining whether or not the timer value set in the immediately preceding step S1505 is “0”.
In the activation time table of this example, “0” is stored as a timer value corresponding to the final index (“19” in this example), and the end of the activation process is represented by “0”. Accordingly, when the index value reaches “19” and the timer value set in step S1505 becomes “0”, it is determined in step S1506 immediately after that that the phase update timer value = “0”.
If it is determined in step S1506 that the phase update timer value = “0”, the CPU 80a sets the rotating flag FG2 in step S1507, and the process proceeds to step S1508.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1506 that the phase update timer value is not “0”, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1530 and increments (+1) the excitation pointer PT to obtain excitation data φ1 to φ4 corresponding to the excitation pointer PT. In subsequent step S1531, excitation data φ1 to φ4 are set in the output buffer.
In step S1530, the excitation pointer PT is incremented by +1, so that the excitation state at the start can be started from the one-phase excitation state (in this example, the excitation pointer PT at the time of stop is changed to the two-phase excitation state as will be described later). To be the corresponding value).

  In response to the execution of the excitation data φ1 to φ4 set processing in step S1531, the CPU 80a determines in step S1532 whether or not all reels have been completed. That is, it is determined whether or not the processing from step S1501 has been executed for all the rotating reels 4 (4a to 4c) in the current timer interruption. If all reels are not finished, the CPU 80a sets the target reel as the next rotating reel 4 and returns to step S1501. If all reels are finished, the rotation control process is finished.

  According to the processing flow described above, the activation flag FG1 is turned on in response to the activation request flag Frr being turned on, and the timer value corresponding to the activation time table index = “0” is set in the phase update timer in step S1505. In the timer interruption, excitation data φ1 to φ4 corresponding to one-phase excitation is set, and the activation of the target reel is started from the one-phase excitation state.

In the timer interruption immediately after the activation flag FG1 is turned ON, it is confirmed in the status confirmation process in step S1501 that the activation is in progress, and the process proceeds to step S1503. In step S1503, the CPU 80a decrements (-1) the value of the phase update timer, and determines in step S1504 whether or not the phase update timer value = “0”.
Since the phase update timer value = “1” is set in the timer interrupt in which the activation flag FG1 is turned on, the phase update timer value = “0” is determined in step S1504 in the immediately following timer interrupt.
As described above, when it is determined in step S1504 that the phase update timer value = “0”, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1505 described above. Thereby, a timer value corresponding to the value of the next index in the startup time table is newly set in the phase update timer.

  In subsequent step S1505, it is determined whether or not the timer value set in S1505 is “0” as described above. If not “0”, the process proceeds to step S1530 as described above. Thereby, in the timer interruption immediately after the activation flag FG1 is turned ON, the excitation state of the stepping motor 54 is changed from the one-phase excitation state to the two-phase excitation state.

Further, in subsequent timer interrupts during activation, the process transitions from step S1501 → S1503 → S1504 → S1532 until the phase update timer value after decrement in step S1503 becomes “0”. That is, by this, the excitation state of the stepping motor 54 is maintained in the excitation state corresponding to the excitation data φ1 to φ4 set in step S1531 over the time length corresponding to the timer value set in the phase update timer.
In addition, in the timer interruption after the excitation state is maintained for the time length corresponding to the set timer value in this way, if it is determined in step S1504 that the phase update timer value = “0”, the process proceeds to step S1505. Further, the timer value corresponding to the value of the next index is set in the phase update timer. Thereafter, the stepping motor 54 responds to the set timer value depending on the new excitation state among the one-phase excitation state / two-phase excitation state. Driven over time.
As described above, the one-phase excitation state / two-phase excitation state of the stepping motor 54 is alternately repeated a predetermined number of times according to the stored information of the activation time table, thereby realizing the activation rotation of the target reel.

  At the end of the start rotation of the target reel, the process proceeds in steps S1501 → S1503 → S1504 → S1505 → S1506 → S1507 → S1508. The processing after step S1508 (S1508 to S1515 and S1530 to S1532) is processing corresponding to the constant speed rotation.

First, in step S1508, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the stop request flag Frs is ON. If the stop request flag Frs is not ON, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the ON edge of the index sensor 55 (for the target reel) is detected in step S1509.
If the ON edge of the index sensor 55 is detected, the CPU 80a clears the sensor non-passing flag Fmt, clears the symbol counter (sets “1”), and sets “25” (24 + 1) to the step counter in step S1510. Do the set.
The value of the step counter set to “25” is decremented in step S1511 subsequent to step S1510 to become “24”. For this reason, according to the passage of the origin position 101, the value of the symbol counter is “1” and the value of the step counter is “24”. That is, the 24th symbol step position of the symbol 1 is indicated.

  On the other hand, if the ON edge of the index sensor 55 is not detected, the CPU 80a passes step S1510 and proceeds to step S1511.

  In step S1511, the CPU 80a decrements the value of the step counter (−1), and in the next step S1512, determines whether or not the value of the step counter = “0”. That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the step counter set to “24” in accordance with the passage of the origin position 101 is subtracted in step S1511 and reaches “0” for each timer interruption.

  In step S1512, if the value of the step counter is not “0” (that is, if it is not the symbol break position), the CPU 80a executes the processing after step S1530 described above. As a result, the stepping motor 54 is driven in such a manner that the one-phase excitation state and the two-phase excitation state are alternately repeated even during constant speed rotation. However, during constant speed rotation, the switching cycle between the one-phase excitation state and the two-phase excitation state is a timer interrupt cycle (switching for each timer interrupt).

If the value of the step counter = “0” in step S1512, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1513, sets “24” to the step counter, and increments (+1) the value of the symbol counter. In step S1514, it is determined whether the value of the symbol counter is “22” or more. This is equivalent to determining whether or not the symbol counter shows an abnormal value (the number of symbols on the rotating reel 4 is “21”).
If the value of the symbol counter is “22” or more, the CPU 80a performs processing for restarting the rotating reel 4 in step S1515. Specifically, the sensor non-passing flag Fmt and the activation request flag Frr for the target reel are set, and the rotation flag FG2 and the activation flag FG1 are cleared. As a result, in the next timer interrupt, the process is executed via steps S1501 → S1502, and the target reel is restarted.
When the process of step S1515 is executed, the CPU 80a advances the process to step S1530.

  On the other hand, if the value of the symbol counter is not “22” or more in step S1514, the CPU 80a passes the process of step S1515 corresponding to the time of abnormality and executes the processes after step S1530.

  Note that the process for restart in step S1515 is executed when it is determined in step S1508 that the stop request flag Frs is OFF. As understood from this point, in the slot machine of this example, the rotating reel 4 is not restarted after the start of the process for stopping.

Next, processing that is executed after the stop request flag Frs is set on the main processing side will be described. In other words, this process is executed after the arrival of the stop symbol is detected.
In the timer interruption immediately after the stop request flag Frs is set, it is determined in step S1508 that the stop request flag Frs = “ON”, and the processing from step S1516 is executed.

First, in step S1516, the CPU 80a decrements the value of the step counter, and in step S1517, determines whether the value of the step counter is less than “8”. This is whether or not the current step position has reached the symbol step position (step position whose step number is 7 or less) after the aforementioned “stop permission step position” (in this example, the seventh step position) in the stop symbol. This corresponds to the determination.
If the value of the step counter is not less than “8”, the CPU 80a executes processing subsequent to step S1530. That is, in this case, the target reel is maintained in a constant speed rotation state.
On the other hand, if the value of the step counter is less than “8”, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1518 and executes a process for stopping described below.

Here, it is confirmed that the processing of the above step S1517 has the stop request flag Frs = ON in step S606 shown in FIG. 21 (in other words, the stop symbol has been reached in step S605). To be executed according to the above). At this time, when the symbol step position at the time when the process transitions from step S602 to step S603 (when the stop operation is performed) is sufficiently nearer than 7th (step number is larger) or 5 If the number is less than or equal to the number of sliding symbols determined in step S604, or if the number of sliding symbols determined in step S604 is 1 or more, the stop symbol is reached in step S606. The symbol step position when is confirmed is well before 7th. Therefore, in these cases, the symbol step position at the time when the process transitions from step S1516 to step S1517 is No. 7 or more.
On the other hand, if the symbol step position is No. 6 and the number of sliding symbols determined in step S604 is “0” when the process transitions from step S602 to step S603, the stop symbol is entered in step S606. The symbol step position when the arrival is confirmed is No. 6, so that the symbol step position at the time when the process transitions from Step S1516 to Step S1517 is No. 6 or less.
Therefore, the brake start timing is basically set to the symbol step position of No. 7 or less in the stop symbol, but in the latter case, that is, the symbol step position at the time of the stop operation is No. 6, and the number of sliding symbols is “0”. In the case of "", the symbol step position is No. 6 or less.

  In step S1518, the CPU 80a determines whether the value of the excitation pointer PT is an odd number. This corresponds to determining whether the excitation state of the stepping motor 54 for the target reel is the two-phase excitation state (see FIG. 11C). As described with reference to FIG. 38, in this example, in order to apply the brake by all-phase excitation while maintaining the two-phase excitation state for a predetermined time when the rotating reel 4 is stopped, the determination process of step S1518 is provided.

If the value of the excitation pointer PT is not an odd number in step S1518, the CPU 80a executes the processing after step S1530 (that is, the constant speed rotation state is maintained).
On the other hand, if the value of the excitation pointer PT is an odd number, the CPU 80a sets the first stop processing flag FG3 in step S1519 and then sets the phase update timer in step S1520. Specifically, in this example, the number of timer interrupts (“2”) corresponding to 2.98 ms is set in the phase update timer as the time for maintaining the two-phase excitation state.

In subsequent step S1521, CPU 80a decrements the phase update timer value, and determines in step S1522 whether or not phase update timer value = “0”. If the phase update timer value is not “0”, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1532. That is, this maintains (holds) the two-phase excitation state.
On the other hand, when the phase update timer value = “0”, that is, when the hold of the two-phase excitation state for two timer interrupts is completed, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1523 and sets the second stop processing flag FG4. Further, in subsequent step S1524, CPU 80a sets data corresponding to all-phase ON as excitation data φ1 to φ4, sets the timer value for all-phase ON to the phase update timer, and proceeds to step S1531. Thereby, the brake control by all-phase ON is started about the object reel.
In this example, the timer value set in step S1524 for all-phase ON hold is “255”. That is, the time length of the all-phase ON hold is about 380 ms.

  In the timer interruption after all-phase ON is set as described above, the process proceeds from step S1501 to S1525 in response to the setting of the second stop processing flag FG4. In step S1525, the CPU 80a decrements the phase update timer value, and determines in step S1526 whether or not the phase update timer value = “0”. If the phase update timer value is not “0”, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1532. That is, the all-phase ON state is maintained until the phase update timer value = “0”.

  On the other hand, if the phase update timer value = “0”, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1527 and adds a predetermined value to the value of the excitation pointer PT. Specifically, “4” is added in this example. The significance of adding a predetermined value to the value of the excitation pointer PT after the end of the brake control by all-phase excitation will be described again.

  After that, the CPU 80a sets data corresponding to all-phase OFF as excitation data φ1 to φ4 in step S1528, and clears the status in step S1529, specifically, the activation request flag Frr, the activation flag FG1, and the rotation in progress. Processing for clearing the flag GF2, the stop request flag Frs, the first stop processing flag FG3, and the second stop processing flag FG4 is executed, and the excitation data set processing in step S1531 is executed. Thereby, according to the end of the brake control by the all-phase excitation, the excitation state of the stepping motor 54 is shifted to the all-phase OFF state, and various flags relating to the start / stop of the rotary reel 4 are switched to OFF. By turning off these various flags, the excitation state of the stepping motor 54 is maintained in an all-phase OFF state (see the path S1501 → S1533 → S1531).

Here, even if the brake control for the stepping motor 54 is started, the rotating reel 4 does not stop at the step position where the brake is applied, but stops at a step position advanced to some extent. Specifically, in the slot machine of this example, the rotating reel 4 stops at the step position advanced by 4 steps from the step position where the brake is applied (step position where all phases are turned on) (when stopped from the steady rotation).
For this reason, in this example, the value of the excitation pointer PT is set to “+4” after the rotating reel 4 is stopped according to the brake control. Specifically, according to the processing in step S1527 described above, the value of the excitation pointer PT is “+4” at the timing when the all-phase ON hold for a predetermined time is completed.

  As a result, the position of the excitation pointer PT can be advanced in accordance with the difference between the step position where the brake is applied and the step position where the rotary reel 4 is actually stopped, so that accurate reel control can be realized.

In the above example, the timing for updating the position of the excitation pointer PT to a position advanced by a predetermined number is given as the end point of the all-phase ON hold, but this timing is the time after the next start rotation of the target reel is updated. The timing may be set so as to start with the position of the excitation pointer PT as a reference. For example, the timing may be other timing such as the timing of step S1502.

<12. Summary of Embodiment>

As described above, in the gaming machine (slot machine) according to the embodiment, the take-in route (take-in channel 21b) for taking in the medal inserted from the medal slot (12) and the slot from the medal slot. Switching means for switching the return path (discharge side flow path 21c) for returning the selected medal and the flow path of the medal inserted from the medal slot to either the return path or the intake path (The flow path switching plate 21d, the blocker solenoid 69), the first insertion medal sensor (68a) arranged in the take-in path, and the second arranged in the downstream in the take-in path from the first input medal sensor. An error determination unit that makes an error determination on medal insertion based on the medal detection mode by the inserted medal sensor (68b) and the first inserted medal sensor and the second inserted medal sensor. And a (CPU80a).
Then, the error determination means is configured such that the medal detection mode is a first state in which both the first and second inserted medal sensors do not detect the medal (order “0”), and the first inserted medal sensor detects the medal. The second state where the second inserted medal sensor does not detect the medal (order “1”), the third state where both the first and second inserted medal sensors detect the medal (order “2”), the second If the medal has passed normally in the detection mode in which the first medal sensor detects no medal and the second medal sensor detects the medal in the fourth state (order "3"), the order changes. And a detection order determination means for determining an error when the detection mode is based on a state transition different from the above order, and the detection order determination means transits to the first state next to the second state. If there is no error It is a constant (see Figure 31, etc.).

  Thereby, the adequacy of the inserted medal error detection is ensured, and an appropriate medal insertion error determination can be performed.

In addition, the gaming machine of the embodiment can start a game by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and can change a display mode (a symbol rotation unit 3). ) Display result is derived and displayed, and the game is completed, and a winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device. A take-in path for taking in for use in setting the number, a first throw-in medal sensor arranged in the take-in path, and a second throw-in medal arranged downstream in the take-in path from the first throw-in medal sensor Bet operation means (Max bet button 16 for instructing that medals taken in through the medal insertion slot and stored as credits are used for setting the number of bets. When, an operation and reception control means (CPU 80a) to enable or disable controls operation acceptance of the bet operation means.
Then, the operation reception control unit is configured to detect a medal when either the first or second inserted medal sensor is in a pre-reception prohibition state where reception of a medal is prohibited when one more medal is taken in. While accepting operation of the bet operation means is disabled, in any state other than the state before acceptance prohibition, even if either the first or second inserted medal sensor is detecting a medal, the operation acceptance of the bet operation means is accepted. Is not invalidated (see FIG. 27, etc.).

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent swallowing of medals.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the embodiment includes a take-in route for taking in medals inserted from a medal slot, a plurality of inserted medal sensors arranged along the take-in route, and a medal stored as credits. A medal settlement operation means (the settlement button 14) for instructing settlement is provided, and a settlement processing means (CPU 80a) for performing a process for the medal settlement based on an operation on the medal settlement operation means.
Then, the settlement processing unit invalidates the medal settlement operation unit when any of the plurality of inserted medal sensors is detecting a medal (see FIG. 35 and the like).

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent swallowing of medals.

In addition, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment, the game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets per game, and the display result of the variable display device capable of changing the display mode is derived. A game machine in which one game is ended by being displayed, and a winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device, in order to use a medal inserted from a medal insertion slot for setting a bet number. , A first insertion medal sensor arranged in the acquisition route, a second insertion medal sensor arranged downstream of the first insertion medal sensor, and a first insertion Insertion determination means (CPU 80a) for determining that a medal has been inserted when the medal detection mode by the medal sensor and the second insertion medal sensor is normal, and the bet number is less than a predetermined number In the state, the inserted medal bet processing means (CPU 80a) for performing a process of increasing the bet number in response to the determination that the medal has been inserted by the insertion determining means, and a predetermined number of bets of medals stored as credits Based on the maximum bet operation means for instructing to be used for setting the value and the operation on the maximum bet operation means, the bet number is increased until the predetermined number is reached within the allowable range of the number of medals stored as credits. And a maximum bet processing means (CPU 80a) for performing a maximum bet process.
The max bet processing means, when either the first or second inserted medal sensor is detecting a medal and the max bet operation means is operated, after the insertion determining means determines that the medal has been inserted. Max bet processing is performed (see FIG. 34, etc.).

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent swallowing of medals.

In addition, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment, the game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets per game, and the display result of the variable display device capable of changing the display mode is derived. A game machine in which one game is ended by being displayed, and a winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device, in order to use a medal inserted from a medal insertion slot for setting a bet number. A betting route for taking in, a max bet operating means for instructing that a medal taken through a medal slot and stored as credit is used for setting a predetermined number of bets, When the maximum bet operation means is operated in a state where the number is less than the predetermined number, until the bet number reaches the predetermined number within the range allowed by the number of medals stored as credits Max bet processing means for performing max bet processing for adding, medal settlement operating means for instructing settlement of medals stored as credits, and processing for medal settlement based on operations on the medal settlement operation means And a settlement processing means for performing.
The settlement processing unit invalidates the medal settlement operation unit when the maximum bet processing unit is executing the maximum bet processing (see FIG. 35 and the like).

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent swallowing of medals.

In addition, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment, the game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets per game, and the display result of the variable display device capable of changing the display mode is derived. A game machine in which one game is ended by being displayed, and a winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device, in order to use a medal inserted from a medal insertion slot for setting a bet number. , A first insertion medal sensor arranged in the acquisition route, a second insertion medal sensor arranged downstream of the first insertion medal sensor, and a first insertion Insertion determination means for determining that a medal has been inserted when the medal detection mode by the medal sensor and the second insertion medal sensor is normal, and insertion determination in a state where the bet number is less than the predetermined number The inserted medal bet processing means for performing a process of increasing the bet number in response to the determination that the medal has been inserted by the stage, and the medal stored as credit is used for setting the predetermined number of bets. Max bet operation means for increasing the bet number until reaching a predetermined number within a range permitted by the number of medals stored as credits based on an operation on the max bet operation means Max bet processing means for performing
The inserted medal bet processing means validates the medal insertion acceptance through the medal insertion slot even when the max bet processing means is executing the max bet processing. If any of the inserted medal sensors is detecting a medal, the max betting process is interrupted, and the max betting process is resumed after it is determined by the inserting determining means that the medal has been inserted. When the predetermined number is reached, the max betting process is finished (see FIGS. 27 and 28).

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent swallowing of medals.

In addition, the gaming machine of the embodiment minimizes a predetermined step angle by using a rotating drum (rotary reel 4) on which a plurality of symbols are displayed in the rotation direction and a motor having a plurality of excitation phases. Rotation drive means (stepping motor 54, rotating motor drive section 85) for rotating and driving as a rotation unit, and control means (CPU 80a) for executing processing for advancing the game operation are provided.
Then, the control means includes a rotating cylinder starting means for performing a starting process for starting to gradually accelerate the rotating cylinder according to a rotation starting command for the rotating cylinder, and a steady rotating means for rotating the rotating cylinder after the starting process. In response to the effective rotation stop operation of the rotating cylinder during steady rotation, the stop position is determined within a predetermined maximum sliding piece range based on the symbol position when the rotation stop operation is performed. Stop position determining means for performing stop control for stopping the rotating cylinder in response to reaching a specific stop step position of the symbol corresponding to the stop position determined by the stop position determining means. Including.
Further, the rotation starting means and the steady rotation means use the excitation phase pointer (excitation pointer PT) that cyclically points to the excitation data to be set for each excitation phase of the motor, and the excitation data indicated by the excitation phase pointer. The drive signal based on this is sequentially output to the motor to rotate the rotating drum.
Further, the control means further includes pointer position updating means for updating the position of the excitation phase pointer to a position advanced by a predetermined number from the position at the time when the stop control is started after the stop means starts the stop control. The spinning cylinder starting means starts the starting process based on the position of the excitation phase pointer updated by the pointer position updating means (see FIG. 37 and the like).

  Thereby, the position of the excitation phase pointer can be advanced in accordance with the deviation between the step position where the brake is applied and the step position where the rotating cylinder actually stops, and accurate reel control can be realized.

In addition, the gaming machine of the embodiment includes a plurality of spinning cylinders on which a plurality of symbols are displayed along the rotation direction, a plurality of rotation driving units that are provided for each spinning cylinder and that rotationally drive the corresponding spinning cylinders, Control means for executing a process for advancing the game operation.
Then, the control means includes a rotation starting means for performing a starting process for starting to gradually accelerate the rotating cylinder according to a rotation start command for the rotating cylinder, and a steady rotation for rotating the rotating cylinder after the starting process. And a stop position within a predetermined maximum sliding piece range based on the symbol position when the rotation stop operation is performed in response to an effective rotation stop operation of the rotating drum during the normal rotation. Stop position determining means for determining, and stop means for performing stop control for stopping the rotating drum at a symbol position corresponding to the stop position determined by the stop position determining means.
An error monitoring unit that monitors an error in timer interrupt processing and sets an error flag according to the presence of an error, and an error notification unit that executes processing for error notification in accordance with the error flag in timer interrupt processing Including.
Further, based on the error flag, when an error is recognized while the rotating cylinder is rotating, the progress of the game operation is stopped with the rotation of the rotating cylinder maintained, and the error is released. Based on the first game progress control means for resuming the progress of the game operation and the error flag, the stop control is performed when an error is recognized between the rotation stop operation and the corresponding rotating cylinder being stopped. A second game progress control means for stopping the spinning cylinder without interrupting, interrupting the progress of the gaming operation after the spinning cylinder stops, and restarting the progress of the gaming action in response to the error being released; (See FIGS. 20, 24, 25, 27, 31 and the like).

According to the above configuration, when an error occurs during rotation of the rotating drum, the game operation is interrupted while the rotation of the rotating drum is maintained. On the other hand, if an error occurs after the stop operation is accepted until the spinning cylinder is stopped (sliding), the spinning cylinder is stopped without interrupting the stop control, and the game operation is interrupted after the stopping. The In any of the above cases, when the error is released, the game operation is resumed, and an error notification is immediately performed in response to the occurrence of the error (both error flag setting and error notification are both performed by timer interrupt processing). To be done).
Thereby, it is possible to realize an appropriate error handling according to the rotation state of the rotating drum.

  Further, in the gaming machine described above, the first game progress control means stops accepting the rotation stop operation for instructing the rotation stop of the spinning cylinder as stop of the progress of the game operation (see S526 and S529). The second game progress control means interrupts the acceptance of the rotation stop operation of the spinning cylinder other than the stopped spinning cylinder as the suspension of the progress of the game operation (see S528 and S529).

  As described above, by stopping and interrupting the acceptance of the rotation stop operation as the stop and stop of the progress of the game operation, the progress of the game operation (game progress) can be reliably stopped and interrupted.

In addition, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment, the game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets per game, and the display result of the variable display device capable of changing the display mode is derived. Control means (CPU 80a) for executing a process for advancing the game, which is a gaming machine in which one game is ended by being displayed and winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device. The control means can read / write information, and includes a storage means having a first area (first memory area) and a second area (second memory area).
Then, the control means monitors the error and sets the error monitoring flag in the second area in the storage means according to the presence or absence of the error, and when the error is recognized by reading the error monitoring flag, It includes confirmation means for setting an error flag in the first area in the storage means, and notification means for executing processing for error notification in accordance with the error flag (FIGS. 13, 14, 27, 31). Etc.).

This eliminates the need to place the anti-fraud processing program in the first memory area, expands the capacity of the program that can be stored in the area, and enhances the processing contents of the program in the area. There can be no new gaming machines.

<13. Summary and Modification>

By the processing of the CPU 80a described above, the progress of the game operation can be efficiently realized while reducing the control load. In addition, the memory capacity required for the progress of the game operation can be reduced.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the examples given in the embodiment, and various modifications and application examples are conceivable.
For example, in the above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine has been shown, but the present invention can be applied to a wide range of gaming machines.

  In the above description, the maximum bet button 14 is illustrated as an operation means for instructing the setting of the bet number. However, a bet button capable of instructing the setting of the bet number in units of one sheet may be provided. The invention can be suitably applied.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main body case 2 ... Front panel 3 ... Symbol rotation unit 4a-4c ... Rotary reel (rotating cylinder)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Medal payout device 5a ... Medal tank 5b ... Payout case 5c ... Discharge outlet 5d ... Excess medal derivation part 6 ... Auxiliary tank 9 ... LED group 10 ... Discharge display part 11 ... Stored number display part 12 ... Medal slot 13 ... Return Button 14 ... Settlement button 16 ... Max bet button 17 ... Start lever 18a-18c ... Stop button 19 ... Dish 20 ... Medal outlet 21 ... Medal selector 21a ... Input channel 21b ... Intake channel 21c ... Discharge channel 21d ... Channel switching plate 21da ... Shaft 21db ... Upper end 21e ... Recess 22 ... Return passage 40 ... Main control board 54a ... First cylinder stepping motor 54b ... Second cylinder stepping motor 54c ... Third cylinder stepping motor 54r ... Rotor 55a ... 1st cylinder index sensor 55b ... 2nd cylinder index sensor 5c ... 3rd cylinder index sensor 67 ... selector sensor 68 ... inserted medal related sensor 68a ... first inserted medal sensor 68b ... second inserted medal sensor 68c ... post-pass sensor 69 ... blocker solenoid 75 ... payout motor 76 ... medal payout sensor 80 ... Controller 80a ... CPU
80b ... ROM
80c ... RAM
85: Spindle motor drive unit 101: Origin position

Claims (1)

By setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, the game can be started, and the display result of the variable display device capable of changing the display mode is derived and displayed. A gaming machine in which a winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
A take-in route for taking in medals inserted from a medal slot for use in setting the number of bets;
A first inserted medal sensor arranged in the take-in path, and a second inserted medal sensor arranged in the downstream in the take-in path from the first inserted medal sensor;
Insertion determining means for determining that a medal has been inserted when the detection mode of the medal by the first insertion medal sensor and the second insertion medal sensor is normal;
Inserted medal bet processing means for performing a process of increasing the bet number in response to a determination that the insert determining means has inserted a medal in a state where the bet number is less than the predetermined number;
Max bet operating means for instructing that medals stored as credits are used for setting the predetermined number of bets;
Max bet processing means for performing max bet processing for increasing the bet number until reaching the predetermined number within a range allowed by the number of medals stored as the credit based on an operation on the max bet operation means. With
The inserted medal bet processing means includes:
Even when the max bet processing means is executing the max bet processing, the medal insertion acceptance through the medal insertion slot is enabled,
The max bet processing means is:
The first medal sensor during the max bet process is interrupted the max bet processing upon detecting a medal, restart the max bet processing after it is determined that the medal is inserted by the closing determination means When the number of bets reaches the predetermined number during the interruption, the max betting process is terminated.

Images