JP6650156B1 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a slot machine in which an effect control means can execute an operation confirmation control process when a power is turned on, so that a game involving an operation of an effect device according to a game content can be started early. A slot machine including a game control means for controlling a game, a plurality of effect devices, and an effect control means for controlling the effect devices, wherein a predetermined confirmation execution operation different from a power-on operation is performed. When the power is turned on in the state, the game production control means causes the production control unit to execute an operation confirmation control process for confirming the operation of the production device, and then operates the production device in a mode according to the game content. Start the process. Further, when the power is turned on in a state where the confirmation execution operation is not performed, the game production control unit is caused to start the game production control process without executing the operation confirmation control process. [Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine provided with effect control means for controlling a plurality of effect devices.

  The slot machine is provided with a rendering device such as a lamp, a speaker, an image display, and an accessory to excite the game. In a recent slot machine, there has been proposed a configuration in which it is possible to confirm whether or not each of the effect devices can operate normally when the power is turned on (for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, after turning on the power, a one-minute standby period is started, and when the effect switch is operated during the standby period, the effect device is controlled. The effect control means (sub-control board) performs an operation confirmation control process for confirming the operation of the effect device. In the operation check control processing, the effect control means operates a part or all of the effect devices with predetermined operation check control contents. A plurality of types of operation check control contents are prepared, and the effect control means switches the operation check control contents each time the effect switch is operated. Then, when the effect device is operated in all the operation check control contents, the operation check control process is completed, and thereafter, the game effect control process for operating the effect device according to the game content to excite the game is performed. Have been.

JP 2018-68933 A

  By the way, in the slot machine of Patent Document 1, before the effect control means starts the game effect control process, there is provided a standby period for receiving a start operation of the operation confirmation control process. Therefore, it takes time from when the power is turned on to when it becomes possible to start a game involving the operation of the effect device. There is no problem if the power is turned on outside the business hours of the amusement arcade. However, in the amusement arcade, the power may be turned on again during the business hours due to a malfunction of the machine or a power failure. In such a case, since the progress control of the game does not depend on the effect control of the effect control means, the game can be restarted immediately after the power is turned on again, but until the end of the standby period, the effect device is adjusted according to the game. Since the game does not work, the game becomes dull. As described above, in the slot machine of Patent Document 1, when the power is turned on again during business hours, there is a problem that the player has to wait for a long time until the effect device is normally operated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and in a slot machine in which the effect control means can execute the operation confirmation control process when the power is turned on, a game involving the operation of the effect device according to the game content can be quickly performed. The purpose is to provide a configuration that can be started.

The present invention is a slot machine including a game control means for controlling a game, a plurality of effect devices, and an effect control means for controlling the effect device, wherein the effect control means is in a mode according to the game content. A game production control process for operating the production device, and an operation confirmation control process for confirming the operation of the production device can be executed, and the power supply is performed in a state where a predetermined confirmation execution operation different from a power-on operation is performed. Is executed, the operation confirmation control process is executed, and after the operation confirmation control process is completed, the game effect control process is started, and the power is turned on in a state where the confirmation execution operation is not performed. The game production control process is started without executing the operation confirmation control process, and further, in the operation confirmation control process, any one of a plurality of types of operation confirmation control contents It is configured to operate a part or all of the effect device and to switch the plurality of types of operation confirmation control contents in a predetermined order based on a predetermined switching operation, and is different from the confirmation execution operation and the switching operation. The operation confirmation control process is terminated in response to a predetermined termination operation, and the plurality of types of operation confirmation control contents can be repeatedly executed in the predetermined order by the switching operation until the termination operation is performed. is configured, the termination operation, see contains at least insertion of medals, the said game control means, signals from an input sensor for detecting the insertion of medals is input, medals from said game control means to the effect control means A slot machine configured to transmit a command based on an input .

In such a configuration, the presence or absence of the operation confirmation control process is selected depending on whether or not the confirmation execution operation is performed when the power is turned on. Therefore, a standby period for receiving the operation for starting the operation confirmation control process after the power is turned on is unnecessary. Therefore, in the present invention, if the power is turned on without performing the confirmation execution operation, the production control unit can promptly start the game production control process without going through the standby period or the operation confirmation control process. For this reason, according to the present invention, it is possible to start a game involving the operation of the effect device according to the game content without delay after turning on the power.
Further, the present invention has an advantage that the operation confirmation control process can be terminated at an arbitrary timing by the termination operation even before all the operation confirmation control contents are executed.
Further, in the present invention, since the switching operation allows all types of operation confirmation control contents to be repeatedly confirmed, it is possible to reconfirm the operation confirmation control contents for which the need for reconfirmation is felt without turning on the power again. There is an advantage.
Further, in the present invention, when a game is started by inserting a medal during the operation confirmation control process, the effect control means ends the operation confirmation control process upon the insertion of the medal, and executes the game effect control process. Since the game is started, it is possible to prevent a dull game without an effect from being executed after the medal is inserted. Further, according to this configuration, it is possible to confirm the operation of the sensor that detects the inserted medals by confirming whether or not the operation confirmation control process is completed at the time of inserting the medals.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the slot machine 1 with the front door 3 opened. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine 1. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game control processing which the main control means 20 performs. 4 is a chart showing a start pattern of the slot machine 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of a main control process executed by a main control means 20. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of a sub control process executed by a sub control means 21. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game effect control processing which the sub control means 21 performs. 9 is a table showing the contents of an operation check pattern. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of an operation confirmation control process executed by a sub control unit 21. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an execution example of an operation check control process.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described according to the following examples. In the following embodiments, the game control means according to the present invention corresponds to the main control means 20, and the effect control means according to the present invention corresponds to the sub-control means 21. The effect device according to the present invention corresponds to the effect switch lamp 9a, the image display 13, the accessory 14, the effect lamps 16a to 16f, and the speakers 17a to 17d. The operation check control content according to the present invention corresponds to an operation check pattern. Further, the power-on operation according to the present invention corresponds to switching the power switch 28 from OFF to ON, and the confirmation execution operation according to the present invention corresponds to pressing the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26. Further, the switching operation according to the present invention corresponds to pressing down the effect switch 9, and the ending operation according to the present invention corresponds to inserting a medal into the insertion slot 11 or betting number setting operation using the bet switches 5a and 5b. I do.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 1 of the embodiment. The slot machine 1 includes a housing 2 having an open front, and an openable front door 3 that covers the entire front of the housing 2. In the center of the front surface of the front door 3, a transparent display window 4 that allows the reel 12 disposed inside the housing 2 to be viewed is formed. On the front side of the front door 3, various switches such as a bet switch 5a, 5b, a start switch 6, a stop switch 7, an adjustment switch 8, an effect switch 9, and a cross key 10 are arranged below the display window 4. An insertion port 11 for inserting medals is also provided. Further, an image display 13 composed of a liquid crystal display device is provided at a position above the display window 4 of the front door 3, and an accessory 14 is provided above the image display 13. A plurality of effect lamps 16a to 16f are provided on both sides of the front door 3, and a cylinder lock 35 for locking the front door 3 is provided on the right side of the front door 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a main control unit 20 for controlling a game and a sub-control unit 21 for controlling an effect device are installed above the reel 12 in a state housed in a case. Further, below the reel 12, a power supply box 18, a hopper unit 19, and a door open / close sensor 36 are provided. As shown in FIG. 2, speakers 17 a to 17 d are arranged at four corners on the rear side of the front door 3. An image control means 22 for controlling the image display 13 is provided on the rear side of the image display 13 in a state housed in a case. Is arranged. On the back side of the sub-connection board 23, a volume setting switch 25 and a sub-clear switch 26 are arranged close to each other. A setting change switch 24, a medal selector 15, and an error canceling sensor 37 are disposed below the display window 4 on the back side of the front door 3.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine 1. Each configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The main control means 20 is configured by a board on which a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like are provided. The main control means 20 mainly executes control relating to the progress of the game. The ROM of the main control means 20 mainly stores fixed data such as programs related to game control. As shown in FIG. 3, the input ports of the main control means 20 include a power supply box 18, a setting change switch 24, a closing sensor 30, a door open / close sensor 36, an error release sensor 37, bet switches 5a and 5b, a start switch 6, The stop switch 7 and the settlement switch 8 are connected. The reel 12, the hopper unit 19, and the sub-control unit 21 are connected to the output port of the main control unit 20.

  The power supply box 18 is for supplying power to each device of the slot machine 1 and includes a power switch 28 and a setting key switch 29. The power switch 28 is a general rocker switch. When the power switch 28 is switched from ON to OFF, the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off, and when the power switch 28 is switched from OFF to ON, the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on. You. That is, switching the power switch 28 from OFF to ON corresponds to a power-on operation according to the present invention. In addition to the power-on operation, in the state where the power switch 28 is turned on, the power is supplied to the game island equipment which is the power supply source of the slot machine 1, or the plug of the slot machine 1 is connected to the power supply. However, the power can be turned on to the slot machine 1. The setting key switch 29 is a switch of a type that switches ON / OFF by inserting a dedicated key into a keyhole and turning it. As described later, the power to the slot machine 1 is turned on while the setting key switch 29 is turned ON. When turned on, the effective set value can be changed. When the setting key switch 29 is switched from OFF to ON after the power is turned on, a setting management state for setting the volume of the speaker, the date and time, and the like is set in the game arcade, and the hole management screen is displayed on the image display 13. The setting management state is ended by switching the setting key switch 29 from ON to OFF.

  The insertion sensor 30 detects the insertion of a medal into the slot machine 1. That is, the insertion sensor 30 is provided in the medal passage in the medal selector 15 provided on the back side of the front door 3, detects the medals passing through the medal passage one by one, and outputs the insertion signal every time the medal is detected. Is output.

  The bet switches 5a and 5b are used to set credited medals as a bet amount. As the bet switches 5a and 5b, a single bet switch 5a and a max bet switch 5b are provided. The single bet switch 5a sets the credited medals one by one to the bet amount. The max bet switch 5b sets the maximum number of bets per game.

  The three reels 12 have a cylindrical shape, and a total of 20 kinds of 10 kinds of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Each reel 12 is provided with a stepping motor. When the reel 12 is rotated by each stepping motor, the design of the outer peripheral surface is variably displayed with respect to the display window 4 and stopped at an arbitrary angle by the stepping motor. Is configured to be able to selectively stop and display the symbols on the outer peripheral surface. As shown in FIG. 1, the display window 4 is configured to have a size capable of displaying the design of each reel 12 in three upper and lower stages, and the portion where the lower design of each reel 12 is displayed is set as an effective line. .

  The start switch 6 is used to start the rotation of the reel 12. In the present embodiment, a lever-type switch is used, and by inclining the lever, the three reels 12 start rotating, and the symbols of the reels 12 are variably displayed on the display window 4.

  The stop switch 7 is used to stop the rotation of the reel 12. A total of three stop switches 7 are individually associated with the three reels 12. Specifically, pressing the left stop switch 7 stops the left reel 12, pressing the center stop switch 7 stops the center reel 12, and pressing the right stop switch 7 causes the right reel 12 to stop. It is configured to stop. That is, the three reels 12 stop one by one according to the operation order of the stop switch 7, and when all the stop switches 7 are pressed, all the reels 12 stop, and the symbol combination is displayed on the activated line. Stopped and displayed.

  The settlement switch 8 is for returning credited medals and medals for which the number of bets has been set but which have not yet been used in the game.

  The setting change switch 24 is a push button switch provided on the back side of the front door 3 and is used for changing the effective set value together with the setting key switch 29 of the power supply box 18.

  The setting values will be described in detail. The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with setting values for defining game settings. The set values are provided in six stages of “1” to “6” according to the degree of advantage of the player, and any one set value is set as an effective set value, and the effective set value is defined. The game is configured to be played based on the game setting. When changing the effective set value, first, the power is turned on to the slot machine 1 with the setting key switch 29 turned on. As a result, the main control means 20 enters a setting change state. In the setting value change state, each time the setting change switch 24 is pressed, the valid setting value is updated, and when the start switch 6 is operated, the valid setting value is determined. The setting change state of the main control means 20 ends when the setting key switch 29 is turned off.

  The hopper unit 19 is for paying out medals, and includes a tank for storing medals and a sending mechanism for sending out medals of the tank toward a payout port. The sending mechanism includes a motor serving as a driving source and a payout sensor for detecting a sent medal. If the payout sensor does not detect a medal even though the motor of the sending mechanism has been driven for a certain period of time or more, the main control means 20 controls the hopper to an hopper empty error.

  The door opening / closing sensor 36 is for detecting the opening / closing state of the front door 3, and outputs a detection signal when the opening of the front door 3 is detected. The main control means 20 controls the door to be opened when the detection signal from the door open / close sensor 36 is received.

  The error release sensor 37 detects a release operation such as a door open state or a hopper empty error. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the act of inserting a key into the cylinder lock 35 of the front door 3 and turning it to the left is a release operation such as a door open state or a hopper empty error. , Detects the movement of the cylinder lock 35 when the key is turned to the left, and outputs a detection signal. Then, the main control means 20 is configured to release a door open state, a hopper empty error, and the like upon receiving a detection signal from the error release sensor 37.

  The sub-control means 21 is configured by a board on which a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like are arranged, and mainly executes control of the effect. The ROM of the sub-control means 21 stores fixed data relating to various effect patterns. The main control means 20 is connected to an input port of the sub-control means 21, and a control signal (command) including information on the progress of the game and the like is input from the main control means 20 to the sub-control means 21 in one direction. Further, a sub-connection board 23 which is a relay board is connected to an input / output port of the sub-control means 21. Switches such as the effect switch 9, the cross key 10, the volume setting switch 25, and the sub clear switch 26 are connected to the sub connection board 23, and outputs of these switches are sent to the sub control means 21 via the sub connection board 23. Is entered. Further, to the sub-connection board 23, effect devices such as effect lamps 16a to 16f, speakers 17a to 17d, effect switch lamp 9a, and the accessory 14 are connected. It is possible to control the operation of these effect devices via the control unit. Further, an image control means 22 for controlling the image display 13 is connected to the sub-connection board 23, and the sub-control means 21 outputs a display control command to the image control means 22 via the sub-connection board 23. By doing so, the required image is displayed on the image display 13. The sub-control means 21 realizes an effect that enlivens the game mainly by executing a game effect control process of operating the effect device in a mode according to the game content. Specifically, the sub-control unit 21 determines the operation pattern of each rendering device based on a control signal or the like from the main control unit 20 and controls each rendering device to execute the determined rendering pattern. , And sends a display control command to the image control means 22. In addition, as described later, under specific conditions, the sub-control unit 21 executes an operation confirmation control process for confirming the operation of the effect device.

  The effect switch lamp 9a is disposed inside the effect switch 9, and causes the effect switch 9 to emit light. As shown in FIG. 1, three effect lamps 16 a to 16 f are arranged on both left and right sides of the front door 3 so as to form a pair on the left and right. The effect switch lamp 9a and the effect lamps 16a to 16f can be selectively turned on and blinked in various colors, and the sub control means 21 turns on the effect switch lamp 9a and the effect lamps 16a to 16f. The modes can be individually controlled.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the speakers 17a to 17d are provided one at each of the four corners of the front door 3, and the sub control means 21 can individually control the output sound of each of the speakers 17a to 17d. I have.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the accessory 14 is disposed above the front door 3. The accessory 14 is a shutter device that opens and closes the display screen of the image display 13, and has a rectangular shape that can be converted into a shielding position that shields the display screen and a retracted position that retracts above the display screen. The vehicle includes a shielding member 14a and a accessory drive motor 14b that converts the shielding member 14a into a shielding position and a retracted position. The sub-control means 21 opens and closes the display screen of the image display 13 at an arbitrary timing by controlling the accessory driving motor 14b to displace the shielding member 14a.

  The effect switch 9 is a push button type switch mainly used in game effects. The effect switch 9 is also used for switching an operation confirmation pattern described later.

  The cross key 10 is a switch composed of up, down, left, right, and center push buttons, and is used when performing various settings in the above-described setting management state.

  The volume setting switch 25 is a push button type switch mainly used for adjusting the volume of the speakers 17a to 17d. The volume includes a manager setting volume set by the staff at the game hall and a player setting volume that can be adjusted by the player operating the cross key 10 in a playable state. The sound volume that can be adjusted by the operation of 25 is an administrator-set sound volume. Specifically, when the volume setting switch 25 is pressed, the sub control unit 21 enters a volume setting state, and a volume setting screen is displayed on the image display 13. In the volume setting state, the set volume can be increased or decreased by operating the cross key 10 up or down, and the set volume is determined by operating the center of the cross key 10. After the set volume is determined, when the front door 3 is closed and an operation of releasing the door open state is performed, the sub-control means 21 terminates the volume setting state and displays the normal game screen on the image display 13.

  The sub clear switch 26 is a push button type switch mainly used for initializing the sub control unit 21. Specifically, when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on while the sub clear switch 26 is pressed, the RAM of the sub control means 21 is initialized, and the settings such as the date and volume stored in the RAM are reset. The initialization of the sub-control unit 21 is executed when an abnormality is found in the operation of the effect device controlled by the sub-control unit 21.

  Further, as described later, in the present embodiment, by turning on the power while both the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 are pressed, the sub control unit 21 can execute the operation confirmation control process described later. Be composed. For this reason, the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 are arranged close to each other so that both switches 25 and 26 can be pressed down with one hand when the power is turned on.

  The image control unit 22 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and controls display of the image display 13. The ROM of the image control means 22 stores a large amount of data for generating an effect image to be displayed on the image display 13. When receiving the display control command from the sub-control means 21, the image control means 22 performs arithmetic processing in the CPU, writes the data of the effect image to the RAM, outputs the data to the image display 13, and selects the sub-control means 21. The effect image according to the effect pattern is displayed on the display screen of the image display 13.

  In the slot machine 1, a game in which the reel 12 is rotated to display the symbols in a variable manner, and then the reel 12 is stopped and the symbols are stopped and displayed on the payline is repeatedly executed. Specifically, one game includes (1) setting the number of bets required for starting the game, (2) operating a start switch, (3) rotating a reel, (4) operating a stop switch, and (5) operating a reel. Stopping and (6) winning processing based on the symbol combination stopped on the activated line are performed in this order.

FIG. 4 shows the control contents of the game control processing constituting the game contents in the control contents of the main control means 20. Details of steps S1 to S9 executed in the game control process are as follows.
S1: The bet amount setting operation is made valid after the last game or after power-on. Then, it is detected whether or not the number of bets required for one game has been set by inserting medals or operating the bet switches 5a and 5b, and waits until the required number of bets is set. When the setting of the required bet amount is detected, the start switch 6 is activated.
S2: Wait until the start switch 6 is operated.
S3: When the start switch 6 is operated, the rotation of each reel 12 is started. In addition, the lottery is executed when the start switch 6 is operated. In the role lottery, a lottery value is extracted from the random number generation device, and based on the extracted lottery value, it is determined whether or not various roles have been won. Then, the result of the role lottery is stored in the RAM, and a command for notifying the result of the role lottery is transmitted to the sub control means 21.
S4: Wait until the stop switch 7 is operated.
S5: When the stop switch 7 is operated, the rotation angle at which the corresponding reel 12 is stopped is determined, and the corresponding reel 12 is stopped at the rotation angle to stop and display the symbol of the reel 12 on the activated line. I do.
S6: Steps S4 and S5 are repeated until all reels 12 stop rotating.
S7: It is determined whether or not the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated line matches the combination of the symbols corresponding to the winning combination. If the symbol combination matches any of the combinations, it is determined that the combination has been won. Then, a command for notifying the determination result is transmitted to the sub-control unit 21.
S8: Processing related to payout of medals is performed according to the result of the winning determination processing. Specifically, when it is determined that the small winning combination has been won, the number of payouts according to the winning small winning combination is added to the credit, and when the credit exceeds a predetermined number (50), the excess amount is determined. Pay out medals. If it is determined that the player has won the replay, the next game can be executed without inserting a medal.
S9: The game state is shifted according to the result of the winning determination processing or the like. For example, when a bonus combination is won, the game is shifted to a bonus game state. If the player does not win the bonus combination in the game won as the bonus combination, the game is shifted to the carryover gaming state. When the condition for ending the bonus gaming state is satisfied, the bonus gaming state is terminated.

Hereinafter, a configuration according to a main part of the present invention will be described.
In this embodiment, as described above, the power is turned on to the slot machine 1 by switching the power switch 28 of the power box 18 from OFF to ON. When the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the main control means 20, the sub-control means 21, and the image control means 22 execute a start-up process for reading a program and necessary information into the RAM. Here, at the time of normal power-on, when each of the control means 20 to 22 ends the start-up processing, it becomes possible to execute a game involving the operation of the effect device. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the power is turned on while a specific switch is operated, the slot machine 1 can be started in a mode different from a normal mode. Specifically, at normal times, the main control means 20 starts the game control processing (see FIG. 4) related to the game execution control immediately after the start processing, and the sub control means 21 executes the start processing. Immediately after that, a game effect control process for operating the effect device in a mode according to the game content is started. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while the setting key switch 29 is ON, the main control means 20 executes a set value change process for changing the effective set value before starting the game control process. In addition, the sub-control means 21 executes a setting management process for controlling the slot machine 1 to a setting management state before starting the game effect control process. In addition, the sub-control means 21 normally starts the game effect control process for operating the effect device in a mode according to the game content immediately after the start-up process, but when the sub clear switch 26 is pressed, the power is turned off. If it is inserted, a sub-clear process for initializing the sub-control means 21 is executed before the game effect control process is started. When the power is turned on while the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 are pressed down, the sub-control means 21 confirms the operation for confirming the operation of the rendering device before starting the game rendering control process. Execute control processing. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the activation mode of the main control means 20 does not depend on ON / OFF of the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 at the time of turning on the power. On the other hand, the sub-control means 21 executes the sub-clear processing and the operation confirmation control processing based on the ON / OFF of the volume setting switch 25 and the sub-clear switch 26 irrespective of the ON / OFF of the setting key switch 29 when the power is turned on. . Here, when performing the sub-clear processing with the setting key switch 29 being ON, the sub-control unit 21 executes the sub-clear processing after the end of the start-up processing and executes the setting management processing after the end of the sub-clear processing. When the operation check control process is executed with the setting key switch 29 being ON, the sub-control unit 21 executes the operation check control process after the start-up process is completed, and performs the setting after the operation check control process is completed. The game effect control process is started without executing the management process.

  FIG. 6 shows the control content of the main control process executed immediately after the power is turned on in the control content of the main control means 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the main control unit 20 first executes a startup process (S101). In the start-up process, the program is loaded, backup data is read into the RAM as necessary, and the state at the time of power-off is restored. That is, if the player is controlled to a state such as a bonus when the power is turned off, the state returns to the advantageous state. In the startup process, the main control unit 20 also determines whether there are various errors. This activation process is completed in a short time (about one second). When the main control unit 20 ends the startup process (S101), it checks the state of the setting key switch 29 (S102). Then, when it is determined that the setting key switch 29 is OFF, the above-described game control processing (S104) is started. Then, the main control means 20 repeats the game control process (S104) until the power is turned off or the interrupt process is executed. As described above, when the power is turned on normally (setting key switch OFF), the main control means 20 starts the execution of the game control process immediately after the start-up process, so that the game can be started in a short time. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the setting key switch 29 is ON, a setting change process (S103) is executed, and after the end of the setting change process, a game control process (S104) is started. In the control process of FIG. 6, the start-up process (S101) and the setting change process (S103) are well-known processes executed by the main control unit of the known slot machine, and thus the details of the process are omitted. The contents of the game control process (S104) are as described above (see FIG. 4).

  FIG. 7 shows the control contents of the sub-control processing executed immediately after the power is turned on in the control contents of the sub-control means 21. As shown in FIG. 7, the sub control unit 21 first executes a startup process (S201). In the start-up process, a program is loaded, backup data is read into the RAM as needed, and the state at the time of power-off is restored. That is, when the power is turned off, if the state is controlled to be advantageous to the player such as the AT, the state returns to the advantageous state. In the activation process, the sub-control unit 21 controls the accessory 14 to execute an initial operation for controlling the shielding member 14a to an initial position (a retracted position). In the startup process, the sub-control unit 21 also determines whether there are various errors. The sub-control unit 21 controls the accessory 14 so as to execute the initial operation also when the door is opened or when the setting change process is completed. Upon ending the start-up process, the sub control unit 21 checks the states of the sub clear switch 26 and the volume setting switch 25 (S202, S203). When it is determined that the sub clear switch 26 is not ON (pressed state), a game effect control process (S206) for operating the effect device in a mode according to the game content is executed. Then, the sub control means 21 repeats the game effect control process (S206) until the power is turned off or the interrupt process is executed. As described above, when the power is normally turned on (the sub clear switch 26 and the volume setting switch 25 are OFF), the sub control means 21 starts the execution of the game effect control process immediately after the start-up process. Can be started in a short time. On the other hand, when it is determined in steps S202 and S203 that only the sub clear switch 26 is ON (pressed state), a sub clear process (S205) for initializing the sub control means 21 is executed, and then the game effect control process (S205). S206) is started. When it is determined that the sub clear switch 26 and the volume setting switch 25 are ON (pressed state), an operation confirmation control process is executed, and then a game effect control process (S206) is executed. In this embodiment, since the startup process (S201) is completed in a short time (less than one second), the sub clear switch 26 and the volume setting switch 25 in the sub-control process of FIG. Although the state is checked (S202, S203), the state of the sub clear switch 26 and the volume setting switch 25 may be checked before executing the startup processing (S201).

FIG. 8 shows the control contents of the game effect control processing executed by the sub control means 21. As described above, such a game effect control process is repeatedly executed after the power is turned on.
In the game effect control process, first, the sub-control unit 21 determines whether or not a command including information on the progress of a game or the like has been received from the main control unit 20 (S301). Here, when it is determined that a command has been received from the main control means 20, an effect lottery is executed based on the received command, and an effect pattern to be executed next is determined (S302). Then, in order to display an effect image corresponding to the determined effect pattern on the image display 13, a display control command instructing display of the effect image is transmitted to the image control means 22 as necessary (S303). Then, the effect switch lamp 9a, the accessory 14, the effect lamps 16a to 16f, and the speakers 17a to 17d are controlled in accordance with the determined effect contents (S304), and the effect control process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that no command has been received from the main control means 20, the determined effect is to be continuously executed, and only the process of controlling each effect device (S304) is executed. The effect control processing ends.

Hereinafter, the operation confirmation control processing executed by the sub-control unit 21 will be described.
The operation confirmation control process is a process for causing staff of a manufacturing factory or a game arcade to confirm whether or not the effect device operates properly. As shown in FIG. 9, the effect devices to be confirmed in the operation confirmation control process are the image display 13, the effect lamps 16a to 16f, the effect switch lamp 9a, the speakers 17a to 17d, and the accessory 14. In the operation confirmation control process, the sub-control unit 21 selectively operates these effect devices using any of the five types of operation confirmation patterns. Five types of operation check patterns are prepared, and the lighting modes of the lamps 9a, 16a to 16f, the outputs of the speakers 17a to 17d, and the movement of the accessory 14 change according to the type of the operation check pattern. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the effect switch lamp 9a and the effect lamps 16a to 16f are turned on, blinking, or turned off in accordance with the type of the operation check pattern. To change the emission color. The speakers 17a to 17d change the speakers 17a to 17d that output sound according to the type of the operation check pattern. The accessory 14 changes the driving mode of the shielding member 14a according to the type of the operation check pattern. For example, in the operation confirmation pattern 2, the shielding member 14a repeats the reciprocation between the shielding position and the retreat position at a low speed, and slowly opens and closes the image display 13. In the operation check pattern 3, the image display 13 is quickly opened and closed by repeating the reciprocation between the shielding position and the retreat position at a high speed. In the operation check pattern 5, the shielding member 14a repeats an irregular reciprocating movement for about 4 seconds while changing the moving speed and the reversing position. The image display 13 displays a monochrome gradation image on the display screen regardless of the type of the operation check pattern.

  More specifically, at the start of the operation confirmation control process, the sub-control unit 21 controls each effect device with the operation confirmation pattern 1. Then, the sub-control means 21 changes the operation check pattern of each effect device from “1” → “2” → “3” → “4” every time the effect switch 9 is pressed during execution of the operation check control process. Switching is performed in the order of → 5 → 1 → 2 →. Basically, the sub-control means 21 continues the operation of the effect device in each operation check pattern until it switches to the next operation check pattern, and when the effect switch 9 is pressed, the control in the next operation check pattern starts. Switch. However, regarding the control of the accessory 14 in the operation check pattern 5, exceptionally, the above-mentioned irregular driving is executed for about 4 seconds, and then the shielding member 14a is stopped. Further, even when the operation confirmation pattern is switched from “5” to “1” before the display screen of the image display 13 is opened and closed twice, the sub-control unit 21 performs the irregular driving to the end, 14a is stopped. This is because if the control is changed during the complicated movement, the accessory 14 may be broken. Further, even when the operation confirmation pattern is switched from “5” to “2” by continuous hitting of the effect switch 9, the sub-control unit 21 does not interrupt the irregular driving and ends the irregular driving to the end. In this case, the accessory 14 may be stopped without performing the low-speed drive of the operation check pattern 2 to prevent the irregular drive from being confused with the low-speed drive. Alternatively, the low-speed drive may be performed after the end of the irregular drive so that the operation of the low-speed drive can be confirmed. As described above, in the operation confirmation control process, the sub control unit 21 operates the effect device in a plurality of modes, so that the staff of the manufacturing factory or the amusement arcade can strictly check whether or not the operation of the effect device is abnormal.

  Basically, the sub-control means 21 continues the operation check control process until a predetermined end operation is performed, ends the operation check control process when the end operation is performed, and executes the game effect control process. Start. In the present embodiment, a medal insertion into the slot 11 and a bet number setting operation by the bet switches 5a and 5b are set as end operations. Specifically, when a medal is inserted into the insertion slot 11 and the insertion sensor 30 outputs a detection signal, a command related to medal insertion is transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the sub-control unit 21 and the command is received. At this point, the sub control means 21 ends the operation confirmation control processing. When the bet switches 5a and 5b are pressed in a valid state, a command related to the setting of the number of bets is transmitted from the main control means 20 to the sub-control means 21, and when the command is received, the sub-control means 21 Ends the operation check control processing. As described above, the operation confirmation control process can be actively terminated at an arbitrary timing by the termination operation. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the operation confirmation control process can be terminated before executing all types of operation confirmation patterns, and the operation of the effect switch 9 is repeated before the termination operation is performed. It is also possible to end the operation check control process after repeatedly executing the type of operation check pattern many times in the above order.

  Basically, the door is opened when the power is turned on, but the sub-control means 21 is configured to execute the operation confirmation control process even when the door is opened when the operation confirmation control process is started. Also, after the door open state is released, even if the door open state occurs again during the operation check state, the sub-control unit 21 continues the operation check control processing. However, regarding the accessory 14, the control of the accessory 14 in the operation check pattern is interrupted in order to give priority to the initial operation when the door is opened. When an error such as a medal jam in the medal selector 15, a medal jam in the hopper unit 19, a medal shortage, an auxiliary tank full, or the like occurs, the main control means 20 controls the payout indicator (not shown) of the front door 3. Displays a code indicating the content of the error, and the sub-control means 21 terminates the operation confirmation control process being executed, and notifies the image display 13 of the error. Then, after the occurrence of the error is eliminated, the sub-control unit 21 starts the game effect control process without restarting the operation confirmation control process, and displays the normal game screen on the image display 13. As described above, the present embodiment is configured to end the operation check control when an error occurs. However, if the error is eliminated without turning off the power, the operation check control process is restarted after the error is released. You may make it do. When the door open state occurs, the operation confirmation control process continues, but the main control means 20 displays code information indicating the door open state on the payout display.

  Further, when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off during the operation confirmation control process, the sub-control means 21 is configured to end the operation control process being executed at the time when the power is turned off. That is, if the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 are not operated at the next power-on, the sub-control means 21 starts the game effect control process without executing the operation confirmation control process after the start-up process. According to such a configuration, when the game hall is closed, and when it is desired to check only a part of the operation check pattern, the power is simply turned off after the check, and the next time the power is turned on, the operation check control processing is not performed. The game effect control process can be started. If medals are inserted or a bet process is performed to end the operation check control process, it is necessary to settle the account for opening the store, but such a work can be omitted.

  FIG. 10 shows the control contents of the operation confirmation control processing executed by the sub-control means 21. In the operation check control process, first, the sub-control unit 21 sets the operation check pattern 1 as the first operation check pattern (S401). Subsequently, the set operation check pattern is executed (S402). That is, the effect switch lamp 9a, the accessory 14, the effect lamps 16a to 16f, and the speakers 17a to 17d are controlled with the contents according to the set operation check pattern, and the display control command is image-controlled as necessary. To the means 22. Next, the operation state of the effect switch 9 is determined (S403). If it is determined that the effect switch 9 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S405. If it is determined that the effect switch 9 has been pressed, the next step is performed. An operation check pattern is set (S404), and the process proceeds to step S405. That is, in step S404, if the operation check pattern 1 is being set, the operation check pattern 2 is set, and if the operation check pattern 5 is being set, the operation check pattern 1 is set. In step S405, it is determined whether an operation for ending the operation check control process has been performed. More specifically, it is determined whether or not a command indicating medal insertion or a command relating to bet amount setting has been received from the main control unit 20, thereby determining whether or not an end operation has been performed. Then, when it is determined that the end operation has been performed, the operation confirmation control process ends, and when it is determined that the end operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S402.

  FIG. 11 is a timing chart illustrating an execution example of the operation check control process. In this execution example, when the power is turned on while the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 are pressed down, the sub control unit 21 starts the operation confirmation control process immediately after the start process is completed. Further, the main control means 20 starts the game control process immediately after the end of the startup process, as in the case of the normal startup. As shown in FIG. 11, the activation processing of the main control means 20 and the activation processing of the sub-control means 21 end at substantially the same timing, and the game control processing and the operation confirmation control processing are started at substantially the same timing. Then, in such an execution example, at the start of the operation confirmation control process, the sub-control means 21 causes the effect device to operate in the operation confirmation pattern 1 and displays the operation confirmation pattern of the effect device every time the effect switch 9 is pressed. Switching is performed in the order of “1” → “2” → “3” → “4” → “5” → “1” → “2”. In this example of execution, a medal is inserted during the execution of the second operation check pattern 2, and the sub-control unit 21 ends the operation check control process immediately after the medal insertion and starts the game effect control process. . As described above, when the operation confirmation control process is executed, the operation confirmation pattern is switched every time the effect switch 9 is pressed until the end operation is performed, and the game effect control process starts when the end operation is performed. Is done. Further, in the execution example of FIG. 11, if the power is turned on without turning on the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 at the time of turning on the power, the game effect control process is started immediately after the start process is completed. Therefore, immediately after the end of the activation process, it is possible to execute an effect according to the game content.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the power is turned on, the operation check control process is selected depending on whether or not the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 are pressed. There is no waiting period for accepting a process start operation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, if the power is turned on without pressing the volume setting switch 25 or the sub clear switch 26, the sub-control means 21 can promptly start the game effect control processing. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to start a game involving operation of the effect device according to the game content without delay after turning on the power.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to repeat the five types of operation check patterns by operating the effect switch 9 until the end operation is performed. Can be re-checked without re-input. Further, by performing the termination operation early, the operation confirmation control process can be terminated early without executing the operation confirmation pattern that does not need to be confirmed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when an operation related to the start of a game (medal insertion or an operation for setting the number of bets by the bet switches 5a and 5b) is performed during the operation confirmation control process, the sub control unit 21 performs the operation confirmation control. Since the processing is ended and the control of the effect device is started in a mode according to the game content, there is an advantage that a dull game without an effect can be prevented from being performed during the operation confirmation control processing. Further, in the present embodiment, the operation of the insertion sensor 30 can be confirmed by confirming whether or not the operation confirmation control process is completed at the time of medal insertion. Further, the operation of the bet switches 5a and 5b can be confirmed by confirming whether or not the operation confirmation control process is completed at the time of the bet amount setting operation by the bet switches 5a and 5b. In particular, regarding the bet switches 5a and 5b, if the number of credits is less than the bet number necessary for starting the game, the bet number setting operation by the max bet switch 5b becomes invalid, and thus the max bet switch 5b is turned off in this situation. Operation does not end the operation check state. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the operation confirmation control processing, it can be confirmed whether or not the same bet amount setting control as in a normal game situation can be performed. In addition, when the operation of the effect device is checked by the operation check control processing as part of maintenance when the game hall is closed, the staff at the game hall may execute a game after the operation of the operation check control processing is completed, or may perform a settlement switch. For example, it is necessary to clear the bet amount and the credit amount increased by the end operation by opening the store 8 when the store is opened. For this reason, according to such a configuration, it is also possible to motivate the staff of the game arcade to check whether or not the game can be executed normally and whether or not the settlement switch 8 operates normally.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the operation confirmation control process is not started unless the power is turned on while both the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 are pressed, so that the operation confirmation control process is executed unintentionally. In addition, it is possible to prevent the start of the game effect control process from being delayed. Further, the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 are used to cause the sub control means 21 to execute a process different from the operation confirmation control process by being operated individually. There is an advantage that the cost of arranging a dedicated switch for executing the confirmation control process can be reduced. Further, in this embodiment, since the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 are arranged close to each other on the back side of the front door 3, both the volume setting switch 25 and the sub clear switch 26 are pressed with one hand. Meanwhile, the power switch 28 can be turned on with the other hand. That is, in the present embodiment, the operation for starting the operation confirmation control process can be independently executed. Further, in this embodiment, the effect switch 9 used for switching the operation check pattern is disposed on the front side of the front door 3, so that the operation check pattern can be switched without keeping an eye on the effect device to be checked. There is an advantage.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the game is controlled to a game state such as bonus or AT which is advantageous for the player when the power is turned off, even if the operation confirmation control process is executed when the power is turned on, the game is performed in the advantageous state. Configured to be started. For this reason, even if the operation confirmation control process is executed during business hours of the game arcade, there is no disadvantage to the player. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the power is turned off, if a game state (normal state) that is not advantageous to the player is controlled, a special effect (such as a continuous effect) is executed when the power is turned off. However, regardless of whether or not the operation confirmation control process is performed, the game in the normal state is started in a predetermined initial effect state. For this reason, even if the operation confirmation control process is executed when the game hall is closed, the game effects immediately after the store is opened can be prepared with the same model, so that there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

  The slot machine of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the operations of the image display 13, the effect lamps 16a to 16f, the effect switch lamp 9a, the speakers 17a to 17d, and the accessory 14 are confirmed in the operation confirmation control process. The effect device whose operation is confirmed in the control processing can be appropriately changed according to the effect device provided in the slot machine. In addition, the object to be checked in the operation check control processing according to the present invention is not limited to all effect devices provided in the slot machine, but may be some effect devices.

  Further, the content of the operation check control according to the present invention is not limited to the operation check pattern of the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the operation confirmation control content may include control content for stopping all of the target effect devices. Further, in the above embodiment, when the power is turned on, the accessory 14 is caused to execute an initial operation for controlling the shielding member 14a to the initial position, but the same operation as the initial operation is executed in the operation check pattern. Is also good. Further, the irregular driving of the accessory 14 in the operation check pattern 5 may be executed in the initial operation. In the operation check control processing of the above embodiment, the image display 13 displays a black-and-white gradation image on the display screen regardless of the type of the operation check pattern. You may make it change according to the kind of operation check pattern. Further, an image of a predetermined object may be displayed regardless of a pattern image such as a gradation image. The image displayed on the image display 13 in the operation check pattern is not limited to a still image, but may be a moving image. For example, it is proposed that a pattern image or an object image displayed on a display screen be slid and displayed in an operation check pattern. In the case of such a configuration, it is easy to find the dot omission of the image display 13, and it is also easy to find the flaws on the display screen or the protection panel covering the display screen.

  In the above-described embodiment, the sub-control unit 21 ends the operation confirmation control process when the end operation is performed. However, at the time of the end operation, the sub-control unit 21 controls the shielding member 14a of the accessory 14 to a position other than the retreat position. In such a case, the operation confirmation control process may be terminated after returning the shielding member 14a to the initial position (retreat position). When returning the shielding member 14a to the initial position, the accessory 14 may be caused to perform an initial operation. Further, regardless of the position of the shielding member 14a at the time of the end operation, the accessory 14 may always be caused to perform the initial operation at the end of the operation confirmation control process. In addition, the initial operation may be started after returning the shielding member 14a to the initial position, or the position of the shielding member 14a at the time of the end operation may be determined, and the initial operation may be started from the middle position at the position. It may be.

  In the above-described embodiment, each time the effect switch 9 is pressed during the operation confirmation control process, the five types of operation confirmation patterns (operation confirmation control contents) are switched in a predetermined order. Alternatively, the operation confirmation pattern may be switched by operating the cross key 10. When switching with the cross key 10, five types of operation check patterns are assigned to the five push buttons at the top, bottom, left, right, and center, respectively, and the operation check pattern is switched to a type corresponding to the pressed button. Is proposed.

  In the above embodiment, the sub-control means 21 executes the game effect control process immediately after the start process at the time of the normal start-up of the slot machine 1. It includes a process that executes a third process different from the operation confirmation control process. In the above embodiment, the sub-control unit 21 executes the operation confirmation control process immediately after the activation process and executes the game effect control process immediately after the operation confirmation control process when executing the operation confirmation control process. The present invention includes those that execute the third process between the activation process and the operation confirmation control process or between the operation confirmation control process and the game effect control process.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the medal insertion and the bet number setting operation by the bet switches 5a and 5b are set as the end operation of the operation confirmation control process, but the end operation according to the present invention is only the medal insertion. It may include a third operation other than the bet amount setting operation. Further, in the above embodiment, when the bet number setting via the bet switches 5a and 5b is invalid due to insufficient credit or the like, even if the bet switches 5a and 5b are operated, the operation confirmation control process is not completed, but the operation is not completed. When the bet switches 5a and 5b are operated during the confirmation control processing, the operation confirmation control processing may be terminated even if the bet amount setting is invalid. Even in such a configuration, it is possible to confirm whether or not the bet switches 5a and 5b operate normally at the end of the operation confirmation control processing.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operation confirmation control process is configured to end when the bet amount setting required for starting the game is executed. Is executed. When the game can be executed in parallel with the operation confirmation control process, it is possible to confirm whether the process relating to the progress of the game can be performed normally while confirming the operation of the effect device. In addition, if the operation of the slot machine 1 has to be stopped after the operation device has found a failure in the operation check, it is possible to operate the stop switch 6, stop the reels 12, settle, pay out, etc. You can return the profit.

  In the above embodiment, the effect control means according to the present invention is constituted by the sub-control means 21, but the effect control means according to the present invention may be constituted by a plurality of control devices.

1 slot machine 5a, 5b bet switch 9 effect switch 9a effect switch lamp (effect device)
10 Cross key 13 Image display (directing device)
14 Characters (production equipment) 16a-16f Production lamp (production equipment)
17a to 17d Speaker (production device) 18 Power supply box 20 Main control means (game control means) 21 Sub-control means (production control means)
22 image control means 23 sub-connection board 24 setting change switch 25 volume setting switch 26 sub clear switch 28 power switch 29 setting key switch 30 closing sensor

Claims (1)

Game control means for controlling the game,
A plurality of directing devices,
It is a slot machine comprising an effect control means for controlling the effect device,
The effect control means,
It is possible to execute a game effect control process for operating the effect device in a mode according to the game content, and an operation confirmation control process for confirming the operation of the effect device,
When the power is turned on in a state where a predetermined confirmation execution operation different from the power-on operation has been performed, the operation confirmation control process is executed, and after the operation confirmation control process ends, the game effect control process starts. ,
When the power is turned on in a state where the confirmation execution operation is not performed, the game production control process is started without executing the operation confirmation control process,
Further, in the operation confirmation control processing, a part or the whole of the effect device is operated in one of a plurality of types of operation confirmation control contents, and the plurality of types of operation confirmation control contents are determined based on a predetermined switching operation. It is configured to be able to switch in the order of
The operation execution control process is terminated by a predetermined termination operation different from the confirmation execution operation and the switching operation, and until the termination operation is performed, the switching operation performs the plurality of types of operation confirmation control contents until the termination operation is performed. It is configured to be able to be repeatedly executed in the predetermined order,
The termination operation, seen including at least insertion of medals,
A signal is input to the game control unit from an insertion sensor that detects insertion of a medal,
A slot machine, wherein a command based on medal insertion is transmitted from the game control means to the effect control means .