JP6718631B1 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine which does not cause a discrepancy between a player's recognition of whether a game medium can be accepted or not and an actual gaming machine state. A gaming machine of the present invention directs a first sensor and a second sensor capable of detecting passage of a game medium input from an input port, and a settlement process for paying out a stored game medium. And the main control means of the gaming machine does not allow acceptance of the game medium accompanied by detection by the second sensor even after the settlement processing based on the operation of the settlement operating section is completed. The sub-control means of the gaming machine controls so as to output the effect sound that notifies the completion of the adjustment process in the adjustment completion state. The time from to the end of the settlement completion state is longer than the time from when the game medium is detected by the first sensor to when it is detected by the second sensor. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

In gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko gaming machines, games are played using gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls. For example, in a slot machine, a game is played using medals inserted into a medal insertion slot, and a passage detection sensor for detecting passage of medals is provided in a medal passage communicating with the medal insertion slot. This passage detection sensor is composed of, for example, a photo interrupter type infrared sensor composed of a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other across a medal passage, and infrared light emitted from the light emitting portion and incident on the light receiving portion is medal. The passage of medals is detected by being blocked by the medals flowing down the passage.

Further, in the slot machine, when the passage of medals is detected in this way, the medals are bet and the game can be played, but it is detected that the number of medals inserted exceeds the prescribed number determined for one game. If the number of medals exceeds the specified number, medals will be credited. The credited medals are bet by pressing the bet button, or paid out by pressing, for example, a payment button as a payment operation unit.

By the way, in such a slot machine, there may be a case where a notification related to a settlement process in which medals are paid out by pressing a settlement button is performed. For example, in Patent Document 1, the settlement sound is continuously output until a predetermined time elapses after the settlement of medals is completed. Further, in Patent Document 2, a sound indicating that the settlement is in progress is output during settlement, and a voice indicating that the settlement is completed after the settlement is output. Further, in Patent Literature 3, the sound is changed according to the payment form, such as making the payment sound output when the number of credits is a predetermined number or more larger than the payment sound output when the number of credits is less than the predetermined number. This makes it easier to detect misconduct. Further, in Patent Document 4, the light detector and the voice alarm are activated when the settlement button is operated.

JP, 2009-34352, A JP, 2005-107193, A JP, 2009-090039, A JP, 2007-130283, A JP, 2014-158572, A

In this way, when outputting a sound effect such as a sound related to the payment process, in particular, in the case of outputting a payment end effect sound indicating that the payment has been completed at the end of the payment process, which is easy for the player to be aware of inserting medals, There may be a case where the player's recognition of whether or not to accept a medal insertion is shifted from the actual medal insertion acceptance state on the slot machine side.

That is, the slot machine is provided with a medal selector that selectively guides the medals inserted through the medal insertion slot to the medal payout slot side or the passage detection sensor side by a blocker capable of removing medals from the medal passage. Medals and non-standard medals thrown during periods other than the allowable throw-in period that can be thrown are guided to the medal payout opening by the blocker in the operating state (hereinafter, also referred to as "medal (gaming medium) acceptance not permitted state") , The medals inserted within the allowable insertion period are guided to the passage detection sensor by the blocker in the deactivated state, and the insertion of medals is detected (hereinafter, also referred to as the medal (game medium) acceptance permitted state). However, when the settlement end effect sound is output after the settlement process is completed, it is generally easy for the player to recognize that the medal acceptance is not permitted during the output of the settlement end effect sound (until the settlement end effect sound stops). Therefore, when the slot machine side is in the medal acceptance permission state during the output of the settlement completion effect sound, the player and the player who cannot recognize that it is in the medal acceptance permission state are actually in the medal acceptance permission state. There may be times when the slot machines do not coincide with each other regarding whether or not to accept medal insertion.
If the gaming machine accepts medals in such a situation that the player recognizes that the medal acceptance is not permitted, there is a risk of causing an unexpected disadvantage to the player. For example, when the player inserts a medal while the settlement completion effect sound is being output, even if the inserted medal is accepted and bet on the gaming machine side, The player, who recognizes that the medal acceptance is not permitted while the settlement completion effect sound is being output, mistakenly recognizes that the inserted medal is returned to the lower plate from the medal payout opening side by the blocker. , The game may be ended without paying out the inserted medals by operating the settlement button. Such a situation impairs the player's profit and is not desirable.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that does not cause a discrepancy between the player's recognition regarding whether or not to accept the insertion of a gaming medium and the actual gaming machine state. ..

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention,
Main control means for controlling the progress of the game,
A sub-control means for controlling the execution of production,
A first sensor and a second sensor capable of detecting passage of a game medium input from an input port;
A settlement operation unit for instructing a settlement process for paying out the stored game media,
Equipped with
The main control means performs control to bring about a settlement-in-progress state that does not allow acceptance of a game medium accompanied by detection by the second sensor even after the settlement processing based on the operation of the settlement operation unit is completed. ,
The sub-control unit controls so that an effect sound for notifying that the settlement process is completed is output in the settlement-in-progress state,
The time from the end of the notification of the effect sound to the end of the settlement-in-progress state is longer than the time from when the game medium is detected by the first sensor to when it is detected by the second sensor. It is characterized by

In the present invention, after the completion of the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement operation unit, in the situation where the effect sound for notifying the completion of the settlement process is output, the settlement end in which the acceptance of the game medium accompanied by the detection by the passage detection sensor is not permitted. Since it is in the middle state, it is possible for the game machine side to enter the game medium reception non-permission state during the output of the effect sound that is generally easily recognized by the player as the game medium reception non-permission state. It is possible not to cause a discrepancy between the recognition of the player regarding the acceptance of the insertion of the medium and the actual state of the gaming machine. In other words, it is possible to prevent the game machine from accepting the game medium in a situation where the player recognizes that the game medium is not permitted to be accepted. You don't have to give a profit to the player. In the above configuration, the "reserved game medium" refers to a game medium which is electronically stored in the game machine in association with the game.

It is preferable that the output of the effect sound by the sub-control unit ends within the period of the state in which the settlement is being completed. According to this, it is possible to reliably prevent the game medium reception permitting state from being output during the production sound output. Here, "the output of the effect sound by the sub-control means ends within the period of the settlement ending state" may mean that the output of the effect sound by the sub-control means ends at the same time as the end of the period of the settlement ending state. Including.

In the present invention, the time from the end of the output of the effect sound to the end of the state during the settlement is determined by the second sensor after the game medium is detected by the second sensor. It is longer than the time until it is detected. The time from the end of the output of the effect sound by the sub-control unit to the end of the state during the settlement is shorter than the time from the detection of the game medium by the first sensor to the detection of the second sensor. In this case, after the game medium input during the output of the production sound has passed the first sensor and before being detected by the second sensor, the period of the state in which the settlement is being completed ends and the game medium is Since it may be detected by the second sensor, as a result, it is possible to accept the insertion of the game medium during the output of the effect sound, but the state during the settlement from the end of the output of the effect sound by the sub control means. If the time until the end of is set to be longer than the time from when the game medium is detected by the first sensor to when it is detected by the second sensor, the game medium inserted during the output of the effect sound is accepted. It can be nullified without any, and a possible deviation between the player's recognition of whether or not the insertion of the game medium can be accepted and the actual state of the game machine can be avoided.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, after the state of performing the settlement, that is, after the completion of the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement operation unit, the passage detection sensor is output in the situation where the effect sound for informing the completion of the settlement process is output. Since it is in the state of the settlement completion in which the acceptance of the game medium accompanied by the detection is not permitted, it is possible to prevent the gap between the player's recognition and the actual state of the game machine regarding whether or not the acceptance of the insertion of the game medium is permitted. it can.

It is a perspective view showing an example of a game machine concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the game machine of FIG. Timing of the blocker position, the control state of the main control board (main control means), and the control state of the sub control board (sub control means) related to the settlement processing executed based on the operation of the settlement button of the gaming machine of FIG. It is a chart. It is a flowchart of the control operation on the main control board side related to the settlement processing of the gaming machine of FIG. It is a flowchart of the control operation on the sub-control board side related to the settlement processing of the gaming machine of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is one of the gaming machines will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the slot machine and is applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines. May be done. Further, in the following description, basically, "front and rear" means "front" on the player side and "rear" on the slot machine side when there is a player on the front side of the slot machine, and "up and down". The upper side of the slot machine means "upper", the lower side means "lower", the "left and right" means "left" on the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine, and the right hand side means "right". To do.

First, a schematic configuration of a slot machine M to which the invention is applied will be described.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the slot machine M.
The slot machine M includes a housing 1, and the housing 1 includes a bottom plate, left and right side plates, a top plate and a back plate, and a box having a front opening opening to the front side of the housing 1. It is formed into a shape. In addition, on the upper surface of the bottom plate, a power supply unit including a power supply device for supplying electric power to each component, a hopper device 150 as a payout device for storing medals as a game medium and paying out medals (see FIG. 2). Etc. are provided.

A front door 3 that opens and closes the front opening of the housing 1 is provided on the front surface of the housing 1. The front door 3 opens and closes the upper portion of the opening. A door 30 and a lower door 40 that closes the lower part of the opening so as to be opened and closed are provided.
An exchange unit (not shown) is detachably provided in the housing 1. This exchange unit includes a frame body which is a metal frame assembled in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a reel unit supported by the frame body, and a substrate unit fixed to the frame body.

The reel unit includes three stepping motors provided on a frame and three rotary reels 100a, 100b, 100c fixed to the output shafts of the stepping motors (see FIG. 2; not shown in FIG. 1). ) And. The board unit is a board case in which a board including electronic components such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I/O is housed. The board unit functions as a game control device for controlling the game of the slot machine M.

As shown in FIG. 1, a display window 31 is provided below the upper door 30. The display window 31 is provided so as to be inclined toward the rear side toward the upper side, and three rotating reels are provided in a row in the back of the display window 31. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of each rotating reel, and when the rotating reels stop, three symbols per reel are displayed through the display window 31. In the slot machine M, a total of five pay lines including three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines are set.
Then, it is displayed whether or not the winning combination is won by the combination of the symbols stopped on the winning effective line when the three rotating reels are stopped.

A display window 32, which is larger than the display window 31, is provided substantially vertically on the upper door 30. The display window 32 is provided for viewing the display surface of the image display device provided on the upper door 30. The image display device has a liquid crystal display panel, and the image display device displays an image for effect on the game machine on its display surface. Further, speakers 14 for outputting various effect sounds (music, sound effects, voices, etc.) are provided at both left and right sides of the upper door 30 positioned above the display window 32.

Further, a horizontally long top lens 33 is provided as a display unit in the upper center portion of the display window 32 of the upper door 30 so that the player can see the display of the logo sheet.
Further, between the display windows 32 and 31, laterally long illumination devices 34, 35, 34 for providing information and effects are provided adjacent to each other on the left and right.

In addition, on the left and right sides of the display window 31, an effect panel 61 for performing notification and effect is provided, and an effect button 62 is provided on the right effect panel 61. The effect button 62 is pressed and operated by the player, and when pressed, the mode of the effect image displayed on the image display device that is viewed through the display window 32 is changed, and the player can enter the game. It is intended to raise the sense of participation as well as the interest. For example, an effect image displayed on the image display device can be selected in synchronization with the operation of the effect button 62. Note that the arrangement of the effect buttons 62 is not limited to this, and may be provided at a position where the player can press and operate.
In addition, lighting devices 37 are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper door 30 for giving notifications and effects.

The upper door 30 is rotatably connected to the replacement unit provided in the housing 1 via a hinge, so that the upper opening of the housing 1 is opened and closed. Further, the lower door 40 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 via a hinge, so that the lower opening portion of the housing 1 is opened and closed.

The slot machine M has a detachable casing type structure, and when exchanging a model at a game shop, the exchange unit having the upper door 30 rotatably attached is exchanged. When the model is replaced, the housing 1, the lower door 40, the power supply unit in the housing 1, the hopper device 150 (see FIG. 2), and the like are still attached to the island facility of the game shop and are not replaced. .. Further, the slot machine M is not limited to the separable housing type, and the entire slot machine may be replaced when the model is replaced. In this case, the front door 3 may be an integral structure that is not divided into the upper door 30 and the lower door 40. When the upper door 30 and the lower door 40 are divided, the upper door 30 may be rotatably attached to the side plate of the housing 1 via a hinge.

Further, at the lower end of the upper door 30, there is provided an engaging portion that is rearward of the front surface of the lower door 40 and protrudes downward from the upper end of the lower door 40. It has a structure that cannot be opened.

Further, a medal payout opening for ejecting medals from the inside of the slot machine M and a medal receiving tray 43 for accumulating the medals ejected from the medal payout opening are formed in the lower portion of the lower door 40. .. Further, an operation section 50 for operating the slot machine M is provided above the lower door 40, and a liquid crystal display panel 45 is attached between the operation section 50 and the medal tray 43. Further, lighting devices 33d for providing notifications and effects are provided on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display panel 45, respectively.

The operation unit 50 is provided with a payment button 52 as a payment operation unit for instructing a payment process for paying out medals. In this case, in the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement button 52, medals set for at least one of bet and credit are paid out. That is, the target of the settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 52 in the present embodiment includes not only the medals set in the credit but also the medals set in the bet. Here, as the settlement pattern by operating the settlement button 52 when medals are set for both bet and credit, for example, the medals and credits set for bet by the first operation of the settlement button 52 are set. The settlement pattern in which both of the set medals are paid out at once, or only the medals set to the bet by the operation of the first settling button 52 are paid out, and the medals set to the bet are set to 2 after the settlement. An example is a settlement pattern in which medals set as credits are paid out by operating the settlement button 52 for the second time.
Further, the operation unit 50 further includes a start lever 53 for starting a game, three stop buttons 54 for stopping the rotation of each of the three rotary reels, and a medal insertion slot 42 for inserting medals. , A reject button 55 for eliminating the clogging of medals generated in the medal passage below the medal insertion slot 42, and a MAX bet button 56 (bet button: bet operation part) operated when betting the maximum number of three medals. In addition to the above, an operation panel 57 for selecting a game effect and the like, and a display unit 58 are also provided. The operation panel 57 is arranged at a substantially central portion in the width direction (horizontal direction) of the operation section 50, and a display unit 58 is arranged on the right side of the medal slot 42 and the reject button 55. The operation panel 57 has a cross key for selecting effects and the like, a decision button, a cancel button, and the like.

The MAX bet button 56 is arranged so as to face upward, and is formed so as to be pushed downward from above. The force required to operate the MAX bet button 56 (hereinafter referred to as the operating force) is about 1.0N. Moreover, the MAX bet button 56 includes a pressing portion and an elastic member. The pressing portion is a member that is pressed by a player's finger or the like and is made of resin or the like. The pressing portion is biased upward by the elastic member. The elastic member is a member that biases the pressing portion and that is elastically deformed against the biasing force when the pressing portion is pushed in, and a spring or the like is used.
Further, the stop button 54 is arranged so as to face the front and is formed so as to be pushed in from the front to the rear. The operating force of the stop button 54 is about 0.7N. That is, the operating force of the stop button 54 is smaller than the operating force of the MAX bet button 56.

The effect button 62 described above is arranged so as to face forward and is formed so as to be pushed in from the front to the rear. The operating force of the effect button 62 is larger than or equal to the operating force of the MAX bet button 56. The operation force of the effect button 62 is, for example, about 3.0 N.
Further, the stop button 54 and the effect button 62, like the MAX bet button 56, are provided with a pressing portion and an elastic member, and the pressing portion of the stop button 54 and the effect button 62 are biased forward by the elastic member. ing.
Further, as described above, the operation force of the MAX bet button 56 is about 1.0N. That is, it is necessary to push the pressing portion to elastically deform the elastic member and move the pressing portion to a position where a sensor included in the MAX bet button 56 outputs a switch ON signal (a signal indicating that the button has been pressed). The load (sensor detection load) is about 1.0N. Note that in the game machine of this embodiment, a photo sensor is used as a sensor, but another sensor may be used as long as it can detect pressing of the pressing portion. The photo sensor outputs a switch ON signal when it detects that the light traveling from the light emitting element to the light receiving element is changed by a detection object that moves by pressing the pressing portion. When a load larger than the sensor detection load is applied, the pressing portion further moves while elastically deforming the elastic member and comes into contact with the mechanical stopper and stops. The moving distance (full stroke) from the initial position of the pressing portion of the MAX bet button 56 to the contact with the mechanical stopper is about 2.0 mm, which is about twice the ON stroke. Further, the load (maximum load) required to move the pressing portion of the MAX bet button 56 from the initial position until it abuts the mechanical stopper is about 2.0 N, which is about twice the sensor detection load (operating force). Has become.
The stop button 54 (operating force of about 0.7 N) has the same structure. The ON stroke of the stop button 54 is about 1.0 mm, and the full stroke is about 2.0 mm, which is twice the full stroke. Further, the sensor detection load (operating force) of the stop button 54 is about 0.7 N, and the maximum load is about twice that, about 1.4 N.
In the above description, the term "about" used for operating force, load, and stroke is meant to include variations of about ±10% due to design errors and assembly errors.

Here, a basic game flow in the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described. When the player presses the MAX bet button 56, the credited medals are inserted (bet), and the game can be started. When the player presses the start lever 53 as an operation to start the game, the rotary reel starts rotating, and when the rotation speed of the rotary reel rises to a predetermined speed, the stop button 54 is pressed down effectively. It becomes a state. After that, when the player presses the stop button 54 at an arbitrary timing, each spinning reel is stopped. Then, when all the spinning reels are stopped, according to the result of the game, a process of paying out a medal, a process of making the game re-startable without newly consuming the medal, and the like are performed. The game is over.

In addition, the effect button 62 is used for notifying the player of something that is pleasing to the player, such as hitting a bonus or having decided to shift to an advantageous state for the player, or for the player. The pressing operation for changing the mode of the effect becomes effective at a predetermined timing such as a game place. Then, when the effect button 62 is pressed while the pressing operation is valid, the mode of the effect image displayed on the image display device changes, or the movable accessory moves, and the effect mode changes. To do.

As is clear from the above, it is necessary to press a plurality of stop buttons 54 according to the number of rotating reels for each game. At this time, the operating force of the stop button 54 is set to be smaller than the operating forces of the MAX bet button 56 and the effect button 62, so that the player obtains a light and comfortable operating feeling regarding the operation of the stop button 54. It is possible to press all the stop buttons 54 at a good tempo. Therefore, the player can play the game comfortably, and the playability is improved. Further, since the operating force of the frequently used stop button 54 is set to be small as described above, the accumulation of fatigue of the player is reduced and the playability is improved.

Further, since the MAX bet button 56 is used for an operation for starting a game and can be operated by hitting it from above, it is often operated with a strong force, but the stop button is also used. Since the operation force is set to be larger than 54, the player can obtain an operation feeling that is moderately crisp, and the playability is improved.

The effect button 62 is operated less frequently than the stop button 54 and the MAX bet button 56. Further, the effect button 62 is in a state in which the pressing operation for changing the mode of the effect is effective when informing the player that the player is pleased as described above, or at a game place for the player. Therefore, it tends to be operated with a strong force by a player who is in a high mood. Since the operating force of the effect button 62 is set to be larger than the operating force of the stop button 54 and equal to or more than the operating force of the MAX bet button 56, the player has a heavy and heavy operation feeling. Can be obtained, and the playability is improved.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the slot machine M, a main control board 70 as main control means for determining a command related to a game and transmitting the command, and receiving the command from the main control board 70 and receiving the command. A sub-control board 72 is provided as a sub-control unit that executes a process corresponding to the received command. The main control board 70 is provided with input means such as a bet button 56 including a MAX bet button, a start lever 53, a stop button 54, a passage detection sensor 89 for detecting passage of medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 42, and a settlement button 52. In response to the input signal, the CPU performs various calculations for executing the game, and controls the output means such as the reel units (reels 100a, 100b, 100c) and the hopper device 150 based on the calculation results. In addition, the sub control board 72 receives signals (commands) sent from the main control board 70, performs various calculations for executing effects, and responds to the display windows 32 based on the calculation results. The liquid crystal display D of the image display device including the above-described liquid crystal display panel provided on the upper door 30 and the other liquid crystal display panel 45 and the speakers 14 and other production devices are controlled.

Further, the main control board 70 and the sub control board 72 are electrically connected, and various information (command signals) such as information indicating a game state can be transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 72. However, information cannot be transmitted from the sub control board 72 to the main control board 70.
The functions of each board such as the main control board 70 and the sub-control board 72 are stored in advance in various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), IC, or hardware such as an information storage medium such as ROM or RAM, or ROM. It is realized by software including a predetermined stored program.

The main control board 70 determines a winning combination by performing a winning combination lottery with a selector controlling unit 93 for controlling the operation of a medal selector 92 (see FIG. 2) described later, an insertion receiving unit 80, a random number generating unit 81. Winning combination lottery means 82, reel control means 83 for controlling the rotation of reels, winning determination means 84 for determining whether or not the winning combination has won when all reels have stopped, and game state control means 85. An information transmitting unit 86 for transmitting various kinds of information (command signal), a storage unit 90, a payout control unit 91, and a settlement control unit 95.
Further, the sub-control board 72, the effect control means 73 for controlling various effects, the winning combination determining means 74 for performing the winning combination determining process, and the winning combination determining means 74 determines that the winning combination is incorrect (error). In this case, an initialization unit 75 for resetting and initializing the sub-control board 72, and a sub-side storage unit 76 for storing data regarding effects are provided.

The insertion acceptance means 80 of the main control board 70 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and based on the fact that a specified number of medals have been inserted, performs the processing for validating the game start operation for the start lever 53. Specifically, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 42, the insertion detection means 89 detects passage of the medal, and the insertion acceptance means 80 limits the number of inserted medals to three. Set to the throwing state (bet state). Further, when the bet button 56 is pressed while the medals are credited, the insertion acceptance means 80 sets the credited medals to the insertion state with a limit of three. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first pressing operation on the start lever 53 that is activated based on the insertion of three medals is accepted as a game start operation, and the reels 100a to 100c are triggered by the operation. When the rotation is started, a lottery such as a winning combination lottery is performed.

In addition, the insertion receiving means 80 of the main control board 70 controls so that the medal owned by the player is not newly set in the insertion state in the next game of the game in which the replay is won. Specifically, when the replay is won in the previous game, even if a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 42 while the medal insertion is accepted, the inserted medal is not set to the insertion state. The inserted medals are credited within the limit of the maximum number of credits (for example, 50). Further, the operation of the bet button 56 is not accepted while the insertion of medals is accepted, and the credited medals are not set to the insertion state even when the bet button 56 is pressed.

The random number generation means 81 of the main control board 70 generates a random number value for lottery. The random number value can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate in a predetermined count range). It should be noted that the "random number" is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing, etc. is irregular, so that it substantially functions as a random number. Possible values are also included.

The winning combination lottery means 82 of the main control board 70 performs the winning combination lottery using the winning combination lottery table based on the operation of the activated start lever 53 (that is, the start of the game). In the winning combination lottery table, various winning combinations including small wins, replays, and bonuses and losses (unwinning) are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535). A plurality of winning combination lottery table storage areas are provided in the ROM of the storage means 90. In the winning combination lottery, a random number value for lottery is obtained from the random number generating means 81, and this random number value is collated with the winning combination lottery table to determine whether or not the winning combination is won, and is associated with the random number value. The winning role will be elected.

The reel control means 83 of the main control board 70 rotates the reels 100a, 100b, 100c in accordance with the operation of the start lever 53 activated under the control of the main control board 70 (that is, the start of the game). When the activated stop button 54 is operated, the reel stop control corresponding to the operated stop button 54 is performed.

That is, the reel control means 83 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 100a to the third reel 100c, every time each button of the stop button 54 is operated, and the determination is made. The reels are controlled to stop at the designated stop position. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 100a to the third reel 100c changes depending on the operation order (striking order) of the three stop buttons 54.

The winning determination means 84 of the main control board 70 is operated when the rotation of the reels 100a to 100c is stopped, and determines whether or not the winning combination is won based on the stop mode of the reels 100a to 100c. Specifically, the symbol combinations displayed (stopped) on the activated line by stopping the reels 100a to 100c are collated with a winning determination table (not shown) stored in the ROM of the storage unit 90. .. The winning determination table stores each winning pattern of each winning combination (symbol combination that becomes a winning when stopped and displayed), and by the above-mentioned collation, the presence or absence of winning and the type of winning winning combination are found. To do. When the winning combination is won, the main control board 70 executes a winning process corresponding to the winning combination.

The game state control means 85 of the main control board 70 has a plurality of states, for example, a normal state, a CBB established state (first bonus established state), a CBB state (first bonus state), and an RBB established state (second bonus established). State), RBB state (second bonus state), RB1 established state (specific bonus established state), and RB1 state (specific bonus state), a game state transition control process for transitioning the game state is performed.

The information transmission means 86 of the main control board 70 will be described later in addition to a signal for notifying the winning combination, a signal for notifying the gaming state at the time of winning the winning combination lottery, and a signal for notifying the current gaming state. A command signal related to medal settlement is also transmitted to the sub control board 72.

Further, the payout control means 91 of the main control board 70 performs payout control processing regarding payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, for example, when a small winning combination is won, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a dividend predetermined for each winning combination, and medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are set in the hopper device 150. Control the payout.
Further, as described above, the selector control means 93 of the main control board 70 controls the operation of the medal selector 92 described later. Specifically, the selector control means 93 receives signals from various sensors including the above-described passage detection sensor 89 configuring the medal selector 92, and controls the operation of the blocker 99 configuring the medal selector 92. It should be noted that the selector control means 93 may be combined with the insertion receiving means 80 or the like without separately providing the selector control means 93.

In addition, the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 pays out the stored medals, that is, the medals set as credits and/or bets through the hopper device 150 based on the operation of the settlement button 52. Control the execution of. Note that the settlement control unit 95 not only controls the execution of the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement button 52, but also receives a medal that is detected by the passage detection sensor 89 after the completion of the settlement process for a predetermined period, as described later. The operation of the blocker 99 may be controlled so as not to allow the above. In the case of such a control mode, the above-mentioned selector control means 93 for controlling the operation of the medal selector 92 including the blocker 99 may also be served by the settlement control means 95.

On the other hand, the effect control means 73 of the sub control board 72 cooperates with the RAM of the sub side storage means 76 based on the effect data stored in the effect data storage area provided in the ROM of the sub side storage means 76. Then, the liquid crystal display D, the speaker 14, and the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37, etc. are controlled to perform the effects. Specifically, the display content of the liquid crystal display D is changed or the speaker 14 is operated in accordance with the insertion of medals, the operation of the bet button 56, the settlement button 52, the start lever 53, the stop button 54, the variation of the game state, and the like. By outputting a sound, the execution of the effect for controlling the game or assisting the game is controlled according to the progress of the game. In particular, in the present embodiment, the effect control means 73 informs those states based on the operation of the settlement button 52, specifically, in the settlement executing state and the settlement ending state described later, as described later. In order to output the effect sound, the effect light, and the effect image, the liquid crystal display D (45), the speaker 14, and the effect devices such as the illumination devices 33d, 34, 35, 37 are controlled. There is.

Further, in the slot machine M of the present embodiment, the blocker 99 capable of removing medals from the medal passage selectively guides the medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 42 to the medal payout opening side or the passage detection sensor 89 side. A medal selector 92 (see FIG. 2) is provided, and medals inserted during periods other than the insertion allowable period in which medals can be inserted and non-standard medals are operated in a non-permitted position that causes a medal acceptance non-permitted state. The blocker 99 in the state is guided to the medal payout port, and the medals inserted within the standard during the insertion allowable period are passed to the passage detection sensor 89 by the blocker 99 in the operation release state in the permission position that brings the medal acceptance permission state. The medal insertion is detected.
Specifically, the medal selector 92 includes a detection sensor 130 (first sensor: see FIG. 2) located near the medal insertion opening 42 in the medal passage extending from the medal insertion opening 42 and a downstream side of the blocker 99. And a passage detection sensor 89 (second sensor: see FIG. 2). In this case, the insertion detection sensor 130 is a sensor on the upstream side of the blocker 99, unlike the passage detection sensor 89 on the downstream side of the blocker 99, and detects insertion of a medal through the medal insertion slot 42. The detection signal is sent to the main control board 70. When the ON state of the insertion detection sensor 130 elapses for a predetermined time (for example, 0.6 seconds) or more, the main control board 70 may be abnormal due to, for example, a foreign object being illegally inserted into the medal passage from the medal insertion slot 42. It is determined that there is. In addition, the passage detection sensor 89 detects passage of a medal within a standard thrown within a throwing-allowed period in which the medal passage is not removed from the medal passage by the blocker 99, and sends the detection signal to the main control board 70. .. The passage detection sensor 89 is, for example, a photo interrupter-type infrared sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that face each other across a medal passage, and infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit and incident on the light receiving unit is a medal. The passage of medals is detected by being blocked by the medals flowing down the passage. When the passage detection sensor 89 detects passage of a medal, the medal enables a game. That is, the bet or credit of the medal can be added.
Further, the blocker 99, which is located upstream of the passage detection sensor 89 and constitutes the medal selector 92, may be operated in conjunction with, for example, a solenoid. In that case, for example, when the solenoid is in the non-excited state, the blocker 99 receives the biasing force of the coil spring to be in the operating state, and the blocker 99 can remove the medal from the medal passage. On the other hand, when the solenoid is in the excited state, the blocker is moved against the urging force of the coil spring to be in the deactivated state, the medal is guided to the passage detection sensor 89 side, and the medal insertion is detected. The operation of such a medal selector 92 is controlled by the selector control means 93 of the main control board 70 as described above.
It should be noted that, even though the position of the blocker 99 is controlled so as to move to the disapproval position, the position of the blocker 99 is moved to the allowance position and the passage detection sensor 89 is caused to detect the medal due to an illegal act or the like. In this case, the acceptance of the medal is not permitted, and the error process is executed without adding the bet or the credit. However, it is not always necessary to have such a configuration. That is, the medal acceptance disapproval state in which the acceptance of medals accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not allowed can be realized by, for example, setting the blocker 99 to the disapproval position. In the case where a medal passes through the passage detection sensor 89 due to malfunction or fraud, the passage detection sensor 89 may detect the medal and bet or credit the medal. The passage detection sensor 89 detects the medal. However, an error process may be executed, or the passage detection sensor 89 may not detect a medal (do not react).

Further, in the slot machine M of the present embodiment, after the settlement process based on the operation of pressing the settlement button 52 is completed, a settlement completion effect sound such as a sound indicating that the settlement is completed, that is, the settlement process completion is notified. The effect sound is output, and the settlement completion state in which acceptance of medals accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not allowed for a predetermined period is accompanied. Hereinafter, this will be described in detail.
Here, “detection by the passage detection sensor 89” includes both proper medal passage detection and abnormal medal passage detection. Further, “accepting a medal (game medium) accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89” means that a passage of a medal is properly detected by the passage detection sensor 89 to bet or credit. Furthermore, “a state in which the settlement detection is not completed for accepting a medal (game medium) accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89 for a predetermined period” means that the blocker 99 blocks the passage detection itself of the medal by the passage detection sensor 89. It is a concept including a hardware meaning and a soft meaning that no bet or credit is made even when the passage detection sensor 89 detects passage of an abnormal medal.

FIG. 3 shows a timing chart of the position of the blocker 99, the control state of the main control board 70, and the control state of the sub control board 72 relating to the settlement processing executed based on the operation of the settlement button 52. Further, FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the control operation on the main control board 70 side relating to the settlement processing, and FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the control operation on the sub control board 72 side relating to the settlement processing. There is.
As shown in FIG. 3, at the end of the predetermined game, the slot machine M is normally in the medal acceptance permission state A in which the blocker 99 is set at the permission position. At this time, assuming that the main control board 70 is in the non-payment-in-progress state C1 that does not involve the payment processing based on the pressing operation of the payment button 52 (step S1 in FIG. 4), the following will be described.
This non-payment-in-progress state C1 is brought about by the control of the main control board 70. In the non-payment-in-progress state C1, since the blocker 99 of the medal selector 92 is at the permission position as described above, the medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 42 are guided to the passage detection sensor 89 and detected, and the bet or Be credited. Further, in the medal acceptance permission state A, the sub-control board 72 performs control to bring about the non-payment-in-progress production state C1′ (step S10 in FIG. 5), whereby normal production or normal production is performed through the liquid crystal display D and the speaker 14. A demonstration effect that shifts from the effect is executed.

Further, when the settlement button 52 is pressed in such a medal acceptance permission state A, the slot machine M enters the medal acceptance non-permission state B (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the settlement control means, which may also serve as the selector control means 93 in the present embodiment, is controlled by the main control board 70 based on the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 over a specific period (for example, 1 second). Under the control of 95, the blocker 99 of the medal selector 92 described above moves to the non-permission position. Therefore, even if a medal is inserted through the medal insertion slot 42, the medal is guided to the medal payout opening by the blocker 99 in the operation state in the non-permitted position and is ejected to the medal receiving tray 43. In addition, when the settlement process is started in response to the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 exceeding the specific period (for example, 1 second), the timing at which the blocker 99 moves to the non-permitted position is the operation of pushing the settlement button 52. It may be simultaneous. As described above, if the blocker 99 is moved to the non-permission position in advance before the settlement process is started, the settlement process and the bet or credit addition process are not executed at the same time. You can
Further, when the settlement button 52 is pushed down in this way (YES in step S2 of FIG. 4), the main control board 70 (settlement control means 95) issues a settlement start command via the information transmission means 86. At the same time as transmitting to the control board 72 (step S3 in FIG. 4), the hopper device 150 is operated to store the stored medals, that is, the medals set in the credit and/or bet from the medal payout opening 43. The control is performed to bring the state C2 during the settlement execution discharged to (step S4 in FIG. 4).

Regarding the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 over the specific period for starting the settlement, the main control board 70 may press the bet button 56 during the specific period during which the settlement button 52 is pressed. The process of setting the credited medal to the inserted state (bet process) may not be performed. That is, during the specific period, betting of medals based on the pressing operation of the bet button 56 may not be performed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent both conflicting processes of betting and settlement. In the case of such a configuration, even if the bet button 56 pressed during the specific period continues to be pressed until the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 is released or the settlement process is completed, Bet may not be made. In addition, the settlement process may not be performed even if the settlement button 52 is pushed while the bet button 56 is pushed and the settlement button 52 is pushed for a period exceeding a specific period.
Further, regarding the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 exceeding the specific period for starting the settlement, the main control board 70, when the bet button 56 is pressed during the specific period in which the settlement button 52 is being pressed. In addition, a process (bet process) of setting the credited medal to the inserted state may be performed. According to such a configuration, conflicting processes can be compatible.

On the other hand, when the sub-control board 72 receives the settlement start command from the main control board 70 (YES in step S11 of FIG. 5), an effect image is displayed through the liquid crystal display D (45) to inform that the settlement is being performed. While displaying and outputting a first buzzing sound (accompaniment running effect sound) for notifying that the payment is being performed by, for example, sounding a buzzer sound through the speaker 14, among the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37 Through at least one of the above, a control is performed to bring about a production state C2' during settlement execution that outputs a production light for notifying that the settlement is being performed (step S12 in FIG. 5). Note that, in FIG. 3, both the period of the settlement-in-progress state C2 and the period of the settlement-in-progress performance state C2' are indicated by P1.

Then, when the settlement process for ejecting the medals to the medal tray 43 is completed with the operation of the hopper device 150 (YES in step S5 of FIG. 4), the main control board 70 (the settlement control means 95) A settlement completion command is transmitted to the sub-control board 72 via the information transmission means 86 (step S6 in FIG. 4), and a settlement completion state C3 is set in which the acceptance of medals detected by the passage detection sensor 89 is not permitted for a predetermined period. The control to bring about is performed (step S7 of FIG. 4). That is, the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 keeps the blocker 99 of the medal selector 92 still in the non-permission position, so that the slot machine M is kept in the medal acceptance non-permission state B. Therefore, even if a medal is inserted through the medal insertion slot 42, the medal is guided to the medal payout slot by the blocker 99 in the non-permitted position and discharged to the medal tray 43. Of course, this also applies to the settlement-in-progress state C2 described above. That is, even in the settlement-in-progress state C2, acceptance of medals accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not permitted.

On the other hand, when the sub-control board 72 receives the settlement completion command from the main control board 70 (YES in step S13 of FIG. 5), the sub-control board 72 informs that the settlement is being executed through the liquid crystal display D. While maintaining the display and the output of the above-described effect light for notifying that the settlement is being performed through at least one of the illumination devices 33d, 34, 35, 37, for example, the above-mentioned first for about 2 seconds. The second effect sound (settlement end effect sound) for notifying the settlement process completion different from the effect sound, specifically, in the present embodiment, a sound for notifying the settlement process completion (for example, “account adjustment end”, etc. (Voice) is output through the speaker 14 to bring about the effect state C3' during settlement completion (step S14 in FIG. 5).
The second effect sound has a constant notification time (sound output period) regardless of the payment processing time (time taken to pay out medals). On the other hand, the first effect sound has a different notification time (sound output period) depending on the payment processing time (time to pay out medals).

Here, in the present embodiment, the output of the second effect sound is completed within the period P2 (see FIG. 3) of the settlement-completed state C3. That is, while the settlement-in-completion effect state C3′ extends for the same period P2 as the settlement-in-commitment state C3, the period P3 in which the second effect sound is output and the second effect sound are output. With no silence period P4. In other words, the period P2 of the settlement-in-progress state C3 is set longer than the period P3 of the settlement-in-progress production state C3' in which the second effect sound is output. Further, in the present embodiment, the time from the end of the output of the second effect sound (the end of the period P3 of the finalizing settlement effect state C3′) to the end of the period P2 of the finalizing settlement state C3 ( (Period) P4, that is, a silent period P4 in which the second effect sound is not output, is the time until the medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 and detected by the passage detection sensor 89, that is, the second effect. It is set to be longer than the period during which the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 during the sound output may remain in the medal passage from the medal insertion slot 42 to the passage detection sensor 89. In the case of the present embodiment, the time until the medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 and detected by the passage detection sensor 89 is set to about 0.1 seconds to 0.65 seconds, for example, about 0.3 seconds, Alternatively, in a modification, the time from the detection of the medal by the insertion detection sensor 130 to the detection of the passage detection sensor 89 is set to about 0.1 seconds to 0.65 seconds, for example, about 0.3 seconds. Therefore, the period P4 is set to about 0.7 seconds, for example.

Specifically, as the flow of the control operation, the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed after the state C3 during settlement is completed, as shown in FIG. (Step S8 in FIG. 4). Of course, the “predetermined time” in this case (the period P2 of the state C3 during settlement completion) is longer than the period P3 of the presentation state C3′ during settlement completion as described above, and in the present embodiment, the settlement Further, the time period over the time period from the time when the medal is inserted from the medal insertion port 42 to the time when it is detected by the passage detection sensor 89, for example, about 2.7 seconds, is longer than the period P3 of the production state C3′ during ending. Then, the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 ends the settlement via the information transmission means 86 when a predetermined time elapses after the settlement completion state C3 (YES in step S8 of FIG. 4). An intermediate state end command is transmitted to the sub-control board 72 (step S9 in FIG. 4), and control is performed to return to the non-payment in-progress state C1 (step S1 in FIG. 4). Therefore, the slot machine M is in the medal acceptance permission state A.

On the other hand, the sub-control board 72 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 5, after entering the period P3 of the settlement-in-progress production state C3′ for outputting the second production sound. (Step S15 of FIG. 5). Of course, the “predetermined time” in this case (the period P3 of the effect state C3′ during settlement completion) is shorter than the period P2 of the state C3 during settlement completion as described above. Then, the sub-control board 72 ends the output of the second effect sound when a predetermined time elapses (YES in step S15 of FIG. 5) after entering the period P3 of the effect state C3' during settlement. (Step S16 in FIG. 5), control is performed to return to the above-described non-payment-in-progress state C1' (step S10 in FIG. 5).

Here, the settlement ending state end command transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 72 at the end of the settlement ending state C3 acts as a trigger signal for an operation on the sub control board 72 side. Good. For example, the sub-control board 72, through the liquid crystal display D, the illumination device, or the like, after the completion of the output of the second effect sound and until receiving the settlement-completion-state end command from the main control board 70, that is, during the period P4. It is also possible to execute some effect for notifying the medal acceptance disapproval state B, and then execute an effect (for example, a demonstration effect) corresponding to the non-accounting adjustment effect state at the time of receiving the adjustment completion status ending command. Of course, at the end of the settlement completion state C3, the settlement completion state end command may not be transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 72. Further, in this embodiment, the passage of the predetermined time in step S15 is managed by the sub control board 72 itself, but the passage of the predetermined time in step S15 may be managed by the main control board 70. The output of the second effect sound in step S16 may be ended by a command signal from the control board 70.

In the meantime, during the control operation as described above, particularly when the second effect sound is being output, if a power failure (power interruption)/power failure recovery occurs, including a power failure and a momentary power failure, on the main control board 70 side, When the movement to recover from the middle of the settlement completion state C3, that is, when the measurement of the remaining time is restarted from the settlement completion state elapsed time at the time of power failure, the settlement after return is completed for the time elapsed before the power failure. The period of state C3 becomes shorter. Therefore, if the sub-control board 72 side outputs the second effect sound again in that state, the period P3 of the finalized settlement state C3' becomes longer than the period of the finalized settlement state C3 after restoration. There is a risk that it will end up. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that after the power is restored, the sub control board 72 does not output the second effect sound, but the effect light and the effect image are restored in the initial state. This is because the player cannot be notified of appropriate information if the second effect sound is restarted midway.
Alternatively, as another example of such measures against power failure, when the power is cut/recovered (including a power failure and a momentary power failure) in the middle of the settlement-in-execution state C2, the medal settlement process is already performed before the power failure. Resuming from the settlement of the remaining medals excluding the settled medals, the production in the settlement-in-progress production state C2′ is resumed from the output of the first production sound (effect sound or buzzer sound), and the settlement is being performed. Lighting of the effect light (for example, red lighting) for notifying that there is is also restarted, but the effect image may be restored in the demonstration effect which is the initial state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, after the settlement execution state C2, that is, after the settlement processing based on the operation of the settlement button 52 is completed, the second effect sound for notifying the completion of the settlement processing is output. In this situation, the settlement completion state C3 in which the acceptance of medals accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not permitted, and thus the second effect sound that is generally easily recognized by the player as being in the medal acceptance disapproval state is output. During this time, it becomes possible to set the medal acceptance non-permission state B on the side of the slot machine M, so that there is no discrepancy between the recognition of the player regarding acceptance/non-acceptance of medal insertion and the actual state of the slot machine M. You can That is, it is possible to prevent the slot machine M from accepting medals in a situation where the player recognizes that the medal acceptance is not permitted, and therefore, the unexpected disadvantage associated with the above-mentioned misidentification. It is not necessary to give to the player.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the output of the second effect sound is ended by the control of the sub-control board 72 within the period P2 of the settlement completion state C3 (that is, at the end of the period P3). It is possible to reliably prevent the medal acceptance permission state from being output during sound output, and to ensure the above-described operational effects.

Further, in the present embodiment, the time P4 from the end of the output of the second effect sound (the end of the period P3 of the finalizing settlement state C3′) to the end of the period P2 of the finalizing settlement state C3 is: It is set to be longer than the time taken for a medal to be inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 and detected by the passage detection sensor 89. The time from the end of the output of the second effect sound by the sub-control board 72 (the end of the period P3 of the adjustment-in-completion effect state C3') to the end of the period P2 of the adjustment-in-completion state C3 is the medal slot 42. When it is shorter than the time until the passage detection sensor 89 detects the inserted medals, the state in which the settlement is completed before the inserted medals pass the passage detection sensor 89 during the output of the second effect sound. There is a possibility that the medal is detected by the passage detection sensor 89 after the period of C3 ends, and as a result, it is possible to accept the insertion of the medal during the output of the second effect sound. As in the embodiment, the passage detection sensor when the medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 for the time P4 from the end of the output of the second effect sound by the sub control board 72 to the end of the period P2 of the state C3 during the settlement completion. If it is set longer than the time until it is detected by 89, it is possible to completely invalidate the medal inserted during the output of the second effect sound without accepting it, and whether or not to accept medal insertion It is possible to surely avoid a deviation that may occur between the recognition of the slot number and the actual state of the slot machine M. Further, as a modified example, as described above, the medal insertion detection sensor 130 detects the time P4 from the end of the output of the second effect sound to the end of the period P2 of the settlement completion state C3. It is conceivable to set the time longer than the time from when the vehicle is detected by the passage detection sensor 89. Even with such a modification, it is possible to avoid a gap that may occur between the player's recognition regarding whether or not to accept the insertion of medals and the actual state of the slot machine M. Further, according to such a modified example, the length of the time P4 can be defined based on the passage time of the medal from the insertion detection sensor 130 to the passage detection sensor 89. Instead, the length of the time P4 can be uniformly determined based on the interval between the closing detection sensor 130 and the passage detection sensor 89, which facilitates the design.

In addition, in the state C3 during the settlement, even after the output of the second effect sound is completed (that is, also in the period P4), the sub control board 72 displays the effect image through the liquid crystal display D or/ The output of the effect light through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37 may notify the fact that the settlement-in-progress state C3 is reached. That is, for example, in the state C3 during settlement completion (production state C3′ during settlement completion), and while the second effect sound is being output (period P3), the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37 are settled by lighting red. In addition to notifying that it is in the ending state C3, the lighting device 33d is also in the settlement ending state C3 (settlement finishing rendering state C3′) and after the output of the second rendering sound is finished (period P4). , 34, 35, and 37 may be illuminated in red to notify that the state is C3. As a result, the settlement is completed, and the output of the second effect sound for notifying the fact is finished, but the settlement is still in the completed state C3, and the medal acceptance is not permitted (the passage detection sensor 89 does not detect the medal. It is possible for the player to recognize that it is in the (state). In other words, the sub-control board 72, in the settlement-in-progress state C3, produces the same effect light during notification of the effect sound and between the end of the notification of the effect sound and the end of the adjustment-in-progress state. You may make it control so that it is emitted. In addition, the notification that the liquid crystal display D or the lighting device 33d, 34, 35, 37 is in the settlement completion state is used to notify the completion of the settlement completion state C3 (the settlement completion production state C3′) (that is, The end of the period P4) may be ended almost at the same time.

The effect light or effect image notifying that the state C3 is being settled is an effect light or effect image notifying that the state C2 is being settled (effect when actually paying out medals. It may be similar to or different from the light or effect image). For example, if the former effect light is used to turn on the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37 in red, the latter effect light may be applied to turn on the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37 in red (lights of the same system color). Of course, white lighting (lighting of different system color) may be performed. That is, the effect light or effect image notifying that it is in the state C3 of completing payment is any one that the player can recognize that post-processing related to payment is being executed and that the medal acceptance is not permitted yet. Good.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the game control mode and configuration of the slot machine M are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment. Further, the control operation described above can be applied not only to slot machines but also to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines.

42 medal insertion slot
52 Settlement Button (Settlement Operation Section)
70 Main control board (main control means)
72 Sub control board (sub control means)
89 Passage detection sensor (second sensor)
130 Input detection sensor (first sensor)
M slot machine (game machine)

Claims (1)

Main control means for controlling the progress of the game,
A sub-control means for controlling the execution of production,
A first sensor and a second sensor capable of detecting passage of a game medium input from an input port;
A settlement operation unit for instructing a settlement process for paying out the stored game media,
Equipped with
The main control means performs control to bring about a settlement-in-progress state that does not allow acceptance of a game medium accompanied by detection by the second sensor even after the settlement processing based on the operation of the settlement operation unit is completed. ,
The sub-control unit controls so that an effect sound for notifying that the settlement process is completed is output in the settlement-in-progress state,
The time from the end of the notification of the effect sound to the end of the settlement-in-progress state is longer than the time from when the game medium is detected by the first sensor to when it is detected by the second sensor. A gaming machine characterized by that.

Images