JP7403186B1 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve operability regarding input of gaming value while preventing fraudulent activities. [Solution] If an operation is performed on the checkout button that causes the checkout button to remain pressed for a longer time than the reference time in the checkout operation disabled state and the input permission state, the reference time has elapsed since the start of the operation. Until this time, the system is controlled to be in a state where input is not permitted, and when the reference time has elapsed, it is controlled to be in a state where input is permitted even if the payment button is pressed. [Selection diagram] Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines (reel type gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on their outer peripheral surfaces have been known. This type of gaming machine assigns a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and plays games to acquire such gaming media. In addition, in this type of gaming machine, when the player inserts gaming media into a predetermined slot and a prescribed number of gaming media are bet, the game can be started, and the player's rotation start operation is the trigger. As a result, an internal lottery is performed and a plurality of reels are started to rotate, and when a player's stop operation is triggered, control is performed to stop the plurality of reels in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery. The result of the game is determined by the symbol combinations displayed on the active line when the plurality of reels are stopped, and medals and the like are paid out in accordance with the result of the game.

Furthermore, in this type of gaming machine, medals inserted into a predetermined slot are returned without being accepted under certain circumstances.For example, if a specified number of medals are set to be inserted and If a medal is inserted into the medal slot MI when the number of credits has reached the upper limit number of credits, the inserted medal will not be accepted because the medal insertion switch 210 does not operate ( There is known a gaming machine that is returned from the medal payout port MO without being credited (see Patent Document 1).

JP2017-77434A

In the gaming machine as shown in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, it is desired to improve the operability regarding inserting medals.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can improve operability regarding input of gaming value while preventing fraudulent activities.

(1) The present invention provides an acceptance control means that performs control regarding a first state in which acceptance of gaming value is permitted and a second state in which acceptance of gaming value is not permitted, and a game system that stores accepted gaming values within a predetermined number range. A gaming machine comprising: a value storage means; and a payment means for controlling payment of the gaming value stored in the gaming value storage means based on an operation on a predetermined operation means, the reception control means However, when the operation on the operating means is started, the control is set to the second state, and in the non-settlement permission state where no gaming value is stored in the gaming value storage means, after the operation on the operating means is started. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that is controlled to the first state even when an operation is being performed on the operating means when a reference time for starting settlement of the gaming value has elapsed.

In the present invention, control regarding payment of gaming value is performed based on an operation on a predetermined operating means, and when the operation on the operating means is started, control is performed to a second state in which acceptance of gaming value is not permitted. While preventing fraudulent acts related to the input of gaming value, in a non-settlement permitted state where no gaming value is stored in the gaming value storage means, a reference time is set for starting the settlement of gaming value after the operation on the operating means is started. When the time period has elapsed, the control is set to the first state in which acceptance of gaming value is permitted even while the operation on the operating means is being executed, so that it is possible to input the gaming value even before the operation on the operating means is completed. This makes it possible to improve the operability regarding input of gaming value. This allows the game to be started as soon as possible.

1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image displayed in a menu presentation in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image displayed in a menu presentation in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a payment button and a blocker in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a payment button and a blocker in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are essential components of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is a so-called slot machine or a reel-type gaming machine, and is a type of gaming machine that plays games using medals as gaming media (gaming value).

The gaming machine of this embodiment has a box-shaped housing that includes a storage box BX (an example of the gaming machine main body), an upper front door UD (an example of a front door), and a lower front door (an example of a front door) DD. A reel unit consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (a plurality of reels) is housed. Further, at the bottom of the reel unit inside the housing, there is a built-in power supply unit (not shown) equipped with various switches such as a power switch and a reset switch, and a hopper unit 320 (not shown) as a medal dispensing device. is included. Furthermore, a CPU (an example of a calculation means), a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM (an example of a temporary storage means), etc. are installed in the housing of the gaming machine of this embodiment, and control the operation of the gaming machine. It also contains the control board. In this embodiment, the control board includes a main board that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-board that receives signals transmitted from the main board and performs control to execute game effects in accordance with the progress of the game. A plurality of types of electronic circuit boards are provided.

The upper front door UD and the lower front door DD, which open and close the front (an example of the front) of the storage box BX, are provided so as to be openable and closable individually, and the upper front door UD has the first reel R1 to the third reel R1 to the third reel. A display window DW is provided that allows observation of the rotating state and stopped state of R3.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row as display positions for observing symbols through the display window DW, and an effective line is set by a combination of display positions of each reel. Ru. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the number of medals required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of medals, is inserted (bet), each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is The valid line L1 constituted by the middle row is validated.

The game result is determined by the symbol combinations that are stopped and displayed on the active line in the display window DW, and if the symbol combination on the active line is a symbol combination that corresponds to a predetermined role, that role will win the prize. As a result, medals are paid out from the hopper unit.

Further, the upper front door UD is provided with a game information display section DS. The game information display section DS consists of LEDs, lamps, 7-segment displays, etc., and displays the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or acquired in one game (the difference between the number of medals paid out and the number inserted), and bonuses. Various game information such as the total number of medals paid out or the total number of medals acquired in the game is displayed.

Further, the upper front door UD is provided with a liquid crystal display LCD and an underframe lamp AL for performing game effects. This liquid crystal display LCD displays various images (or images) to assist and enliven the game, and the underframe lamp AL performs lighting and flashing operations to enliven the game. It will be done.

Further, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of speakers (not shown) for performing game effects are provided on the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD. This speaker outputs various sounds to assist the game or to enliven the game.

Further, the lower front door DD is provided with various operating means. The operation means include a bet button (insertion operation means, game operation means) B0 for inserting credited (internally stored) medals, and a game operation by rotating the first reel R1 to third reel R3. The start lever (game start operation means, game operation means) SL is used to perform the operation that triggers the start, and it serves as the trigger to stop each of the first reel R1 to third reel R3 that are rotationally driven by the stepping motor. Stop buttons (stop operation means, game operation means) B1 to B3 for performing operations, payment buttons (predetermined operation means, payment operation means, game operation means) for performing operations for payment of credited (internally stored) medals operation means) B4, a performance button (performance operation means) B5 for performing an operation that triggers a change in the performance performed on the gaming machine, an operation for starting or ending the display of the menu screen (display of the game screen and the menu Menu button (first performance operation means) B6 for performing operations related to transition with screen display), operations for changing performance settings performed on the gaming machine (predetermined changing operations), and checking game history. A cross key (second performance operation means) B7 and the like are provided for performing an operation (predetermined change operation) for changing the settings of the volume or the light amount. The cross key B7 includes an upper button B7A, a lower button B7B, a left button B7C, and a right button B7D.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the player inserts medals into the medal slot MI or presses the bet button B0, rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is started. is set to a ready state in which it is possible to press the start lever (enabled). Then, when the player presses the start lever SL, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 start rotating on the control board by driving the stepping motor, and an internal lottery using random numbers is performed, and the first reel R1 - Pressing of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted (validated) on the condition that the rotational speed of the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed.

Thereafter, when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3 at any timing, the stop switches built in each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 (stop signal output means: e.g. photo sensor, continuity sensor, pressure (sensor, etc.) performs an on operation, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from an off state to an on state.

Furthermore, when the player releases the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 at any timing, the stop switches corresponding to each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turn off, turning on the reel stop signal input to the control board. to off state.

Then, the control board is set at a stop position according to the result of the internal lottery based on the change of the reel stop signal from the off state to the on state, the signal state of which changes according to the timing of pressing and releasing the stop buttons B1 to B3. The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped.

Further, a medal payout port MO and a medal tray MP are provided at the bottom of the lower front door DD, and the number of medals according to the result of the game is paid out from the medal payout port MO to the medal tray MP. There is. In addition, when medals are paid out according to the result of the game, if medal credits (internal storage) are allowed, medals equivalent to part or all of the number of medals paid out are used as the maximum number of credits (in this embodiment). (50 medals) as a limit, and the display value of the credit display consisting of the 7-segment display of the game information display section DS is changed in accordance with the change in the number of medal credits. In this way, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the operation on the predetermined operating means is enabled according to the progress of the game, and the game progresses based on the effective operation on the operating means.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of this embodiment is provided with a door sensor (detection means) 260 that detects the open/closed state of the upper front door UD, and a door sensor (detection means) 260 that detects the open/closed state of the lower front door DD. Based on the input signal (detection signal) inputted from the door sensor 260 to the control board (main board), the opening/closing of each of the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD can be detected.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board 10 and a sub board 20. The main board 10 receives input signals from input means such as a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a settlement switch 250, a door sensor 260, a passage detection sensor 356, and a throw detection sensor 357 to execute a game. Various calculations are performed, and the operation of output means such as the reel unit 310 and the hopper unit 320 is controlled based on the calculation results. The sub-board 20 also receives input signals from input means such as a production button switch 270, a menu button switch 280, an upper button switch 290A, a lower button switch 290B, a left button switch 290C, and a right button switch 290D, and input signals sent from the main board 10. Upon receiving the incoming signal, various calculations are performed to execute a performance that matches the progress of the game, and based on the calculation results, the operation of output means such as the performance display device 330 and the audio device 340 is controlled. In addition, the functions of each board such as the main board 10 and the sub-board 20 include hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and ROM. This is realized by software consisting of a given program stored in advance in, for example, a computer.

The main board 10 includes an input reception means 105 (reception control means), a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, and a communication control means 179. , and a main memory 190M.

The input reception means 105 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and starts the game with respect to the start lever SL (game start operation means) based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the prescribed number of inputs (for example, 3 medals). Performs controls to enable operations. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL, which is activated based on the insertion of a prescribed number of medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and the first reel R1 to the third reel This serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of R3, and also serves as an opportunity to execute an internal lottery. Furthermore, when the start lever SL is operated in a state where the game start operation on the start lever SL is enabled, the operation on the start lever SL is invalidated.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a medal is inserted into the medal slot MI (predetermined slot), the passage detection sensor 356 in the medal selector 350 shown in FIG. The means 105 performs a medal insertion process to set the inserted medals in an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified number of inserted medals (a predetermined number range). In the present embodiment, information indicating the number of medals set to be inserted (the number of medal bets) is stored in a bet number storage area provided in the bet number storage means 192 (game value storage means) of the main memory 190M. be done. In this way, the bet number storage means 192 stores the received medals up to the specified number of bets.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upper limit number of credits (a predetermined number range: 50 in this embodiment) is stored in the credit storage area provided in the credit storage means 191 (gaming value storage means) of the main memory 190M. It is possible to store medals in credit (storage memory), and when medals are inserted into the medal slot MI with a specified number of medals set to be inserted, the passage detection sensor 356 is activated. Along with this, credit addition processing is performed to store the inserted medals as credits. In this way, the credit storage means 191 stores accepted medals up to the upper limit number of credits.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, medals inserted from the medal slot MI are sent to the hopper unit 320 through the medal selector 350 shown in FIG. However, under certain conditions such as after starting a game, the blocker 355 (insertion regulating means) built into the medal selector 350 controls the channel toward the hopper unit 320 to be closed, and the inserted medals are transferred to the medal payout port. The flow path of the medals is switched so that the medals are returned from the MO. The blocker 355 is displaced between a permitted position (insertion permitted position) in which it is possible to accept the insertion of medals and a disallowed position (insertion prohibited position) in which it is not allowed to accept the insertion of medals.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the medal selector 350 is provided with an insertion detection sensor 357 and a passage detection sensor 356. When the insertion detection sensor 357 is installed on the upstream side and detects the insertion of medals, it outputs a detection signal to the main board 10, and if the insertion detection sensor 357 continues to be on for a certain period of time (for example, 0.6 seconds), it will detect jammed medals or insertion of foreign objects. Because of this possibility, error processing is performed on the main board 10. Further, the passage detection sensor 356 is provided on the downstream side of the blocker 355, and when it detects the insertion of a medal, it outputs a detection signal to the main board 10. , determines that medals have been inserted and performs medal insertion processing and credit addition processing. In this embodiment, when the blocker 355 is in the permission position, the medals inserted from the medal slot MI are guided by the blocker 355 to the passage detection sensor 356, and the insertion of the medal is detected. When it is in the permitted position, it is guided to the medal payout port MO by the blocker 355. Since the medals inserted at this time do not pass through the passage detection sensor 356, the insertion of the medals is not detected by the passage detection sensor 356 and is returned from the medal payout port MO.

In addition, when all the processing related to one game is completed, the input receiving means 105 performs control to enable the operation on the bet button B0 on the condition that medals are stored in credits in the gaming machine, and controls the operation on the bet button B0. When the bet button B0 is pressed in a state where the operation is enabled, the bet switch 220 is activated, and the input receiving means 105 stores credits in the credit storage area up to the specified number of inputs. Processing for setting medals in the inserted state (medal insertion processing and credit subtraction processing) is performed. Further, when the number of medals stored in the gaming machine as a credit reaches zero or when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, the operation on the bet button B0 is invalidated.

In addition, the input reception means 105 controls to start accepting medals (control to permit acceptance of medals) when all processing related to one game is completed, specifically, to position the blocker 355 of the medal selector 350 to the permission position. When the number of medals stored in the gaming machine reaches the upper limit number of credits or a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, Control for ending acceptance of medals (control for not allowing acceptance of medals), specifically control for positioning the blocker 355 in a disallowed position and control for disabling (invalidating) detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356. conduct. If medals are inserted from the medal input port MI in a state where no medals are accepted, the inserted medals are returned from the medal payout port MO without being accepted. Furthermore, even if the passage detection sensor 356 detects the insertion of a medal, the medal insertion process and the credit addition process are not performed while the passage detection sensor 356 is disabled.

In addition, when all the processing related to one game is completed, the input receiving means 105 performs control to enable the operation on the settlement button B4, on the condition that the medals are stored in the gaming machine as credits, and controls the operation on the settlement button B4. When a valid operation is performed, the payment switch 250 is activated, and the payout control means 150 (settlement means) performs a process of paying out the medals stored in the credit storage area and the medals set in the inserted state ( When the payment process for paying out medals is performed and all medals stored in credits and medals set in the inserted state are paid out, the number of medals set in the inserted state is initialized to 0, and the button B4 is pressed against the payment button B4. Disable the operation. Further, even when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, the operation on the settlement button B4 is invalidated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the input accepting means 105 is in a checkout operation enabled state (checkout permission state) in which the operation of the checkout button B4 is enabled due to the medals being stored in credit or bet (set in the put-in state). When an operation is performed on the payment button B4, the operation on the payment button B4 is a long press operation that continues (maintains) the pressed state for a predetermined reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds). If there is (when the on state of the payment switch 250 continues for a reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds)), it is determined that the operation is valid for payment of medals, and the operation on the payment button B4 is shorter than the long press operation. If it is a short press operation that is an operation time operation (if the payment switch 250 is on for less than a reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds)), it is determined that the operation is invalid with respect to medal payment. . Therefore, even if the operation on the payment button B4 is enabled and the payment operation is enabled, if the operation on the payment button B4 is a short press operation, it will be an invalid operation and the payment process will not be performed. Even if the operation is a long press operation, if the operation on the payment button B4 is invalidated, the operation is invalid and the payment process is not performed.

Note that in this embodiment, when an operation is performed on the payment button B4, control is performed such that the insertion of medals is not accepted, so an "invalid operation" means that the original function (for example, payment of medals) is Even if it is an "invalid operation," processing other than the original function (for example, control to not accept the insertion of medals) may be performed.

The random number generation means 110 is means for generating random numbers for lottery. The random number value can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to cycle through a predetermined count range). Note that in this embodiment, "random value" includes not only a value that occurs randomly in a mathematical sense, but also a value that actually occurs even if the generation itself is regular, because the acquisition timing etc. are irregular. Also includes values that can function as random numbers.

The internal lottery means 120 selects replays, small winnings, bonuses, etc. based on a start signal from a start switch 230 activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL (first press operation on the activated start lever SL). An internal lottery will be held to determine the validity of multiple types of winning combinations. When winning in the internal lottery, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state).

The reel control means 130 starts rotationally driving the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 using a stepping motor based on a start signal from the start switch 230 activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL. - Stop operation by pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reel where the third reel R3 is steadily rotating at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: rotation speed of approximately 80 revolutions per minute) At the same time, control is performed to stop the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are rotationally driven by the stepping motor, in a manner corresponding to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery).

Then, when the stop switch 240 is actuated by the player pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 in a state where the stop operations for the stop buttons B1 to B3 are enabled, the reel control means 130 controls the operation of the operated stop button. At the same time, based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, a drive pulse for all-phase excitation is supplied to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310, thereby controlling each reel of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Performs control to stop.

The winning determining means 140 performs winning determining processing to determine whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopping manner of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a winning determination process is executed based on the determination result of the winning determining means 140. As the winning determination process, for example, the payout control means 150 performs a medal payout control process, and the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process.

The payout control means 150 performs payout control processing regarding payout of medals according to game results. Specifically, when a small role wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the payout determined in advance for each role, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are sent to the hopper unit 320 ( The dispensing device (dispensing device) controls dispensing.

The hopper unit 320 performs an operation of paying out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150. The hopper unit 320 is equipped with a put-out medal detection switch 325 that operates every time one medal is put out. The system is configured so that the number of medals paid out can be managed.

Note that when credit storage (storage storage) of medals is permitted, instead of actually dispensing medals using the hopper unit 320, the number of credits stored in the credit storage area provided in the main memory 190M ( A process of virtually paying out medals is performed by performing a credit addition process of adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals.

Further, when a valid operation is performed on the payment button B4, the payout control means 150 (payout means) pays the medals whose credits are stored in the credit storage area and the medals set to the input state to the hopper unit 320 (payout device). Performs control for issuing medals (control related to payment of medals). Specifically, when the operation on the settlement button B4 is performed in a state where the operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled, the medals whose credits are stored in the credit storage area, the number of medals set in the inserted state, and the inserted state The number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the number of medals set in , and the hopper unit 320 (payout device) is controlled to pay out medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts.

A replay processing means 160 performs replay processing (replay processing) for setting the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the insertion of medals owned by the player when the replay wins. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay wins, the automatic insertion automatically inserts the same number of medals as in the previous game without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The process is performed, and the game waits for the next game start operation on the start lever SL with the same active line as the previous game set.

The communication control means 179 controls the transmission of signals to the sub-board 20. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, only unidirectional communication from the main board 10 to the sub board 20 is possible between the main board 10 and the sub board 20, and communication from the sub board 20 to the main board 10 is possible. Communication connections are made such that signals cannot be transmitted.

Then, when the input reception means 105 sets the medals to the input state, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying that the medals have been set to the input state each time one medal is set to the input state. Then, when the input receiving means 105 or the payout control means 150 stores the medals as credits, it outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying that the medals have been stored as credits each time one medal is stored as credits, and the internal lottery means 120 When it performs an internal lottery, it outputs a signal to notify the result of the internal lottery to the sub-board 20, and when the winning determination means 140 performs the winning determination process, it outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 to notify the result of the winning determination. . Furthermore, when the hopper unit 320 performs an operation to pay out medals in response to winning a small winning combination, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to notify the start of payout, and sends a signal to the sub-board 20 each time one medal is paid out. A signal notifying that medals have been paid out is output, and when the hopper unit 320 pays out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150 (when the payout is completed), it notifies the sub-board 20 that the payout has ended. Output a signal. Furthermore, when the hopper unit 320 performs an operation of dispensing medals in response to an operation (long press operation) on the settlement button B4, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the start of dispensing (settlement processing). Then, each time one medal is paid out, a signal is output to the sub-board 20 to notify that medals have been paid out, and when the hopper unit 320 pays out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150 (settlement ), it outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying the end of payout (settlement processing). Furthermore, when all the processing related to one game is completed, a signal is output to the sub-board 20 to notify the end of one game.

The communication control means 179 also controls when a medal is inserted into the medal slot MI, when the bet button B0 is pressed to insert medals, when the pressed bet button B0 is released, or when the start lever SL is pressed. When the pressed start lever SL is released, the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed, or the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 are released, medals are inserted into the medal slot MI on the sub-board 20. In addition, the bet button B0 is pressed, the pressed bet button B0 is released, the start lever SL is pressed, the pressed start lever SL is released, and the pressed button B0 is released. It outputs a signal that notifies the player of operations performed by the player, such as the type of stop button that has been released and the type of stop button that has been released. Furthermore, when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened, or the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD in an open state is closed, the communication control means 179 detects that the upper front door UD has been opened; Opening/closing of the upper front door UD or lower front door DD, such as when the lower front door DD is opened, when the open upper front door UD is closed, or when the open lower front door DD is closed. Outputs a notification signal.

In this way, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, based on various notifications from the main board 10, the performance control means 180 of the sub board 20 determines the results of the internal lottery, the results of the winning determination, the operations performed by the player, the top It is possible to cause the display device 330, the audio device 340, etc. to perform effects corresponding to the opening and closing of the front door UD or the lower front door DD. In this embodiment, with respect to the start lever SL, bet button B0, and stop buttons B1 to B3, a signal notifying that the sub-board 20 has been pressed and a pressed state are released only when a valid operation is performed. If an invalid operation is performed, the signal is not output to the sub-board 20. Regarding the payment button B4, a signal is output to the sub-board 20 to notify that the operation has been performed only when a valid operation (long press operation) is performed, and for example, the timing when the operation is determined to be valid is output. A signal is output to the sub-board 20 to notify that an operation has been performed, and no signal is output to the sub-board 20 if an invalid operation has been performed. Regarding the insertion of medals, only when the passing detection sensor 356 detects the insertion of a medal in a state in which medals are being accepted, a signal notifying that a medal has been inserted is output to the sub-board 20, and the medal is not accepted. No signal is output to the sub-board 20 when it is not present.

Next, the sub-board 20 will be explained. The sub-board 20 is configured to include a production control means 180 and a sub-memory 190S.

The performance control means 180 controls the performance device to perform a performance according to the progress of the game in response to a signal from the main board 10. Specifically, based on the performance data stored in the performance data storage means 197 of the sub-memory 190S, the underframe lamp AL (performance display device 330, performance device) is turned on or blinked, and the liquid crystal display LCD (performance display device) is turned on or blinked. It controls display effects such as displaying effect images on a display device 330, effect device), sound effects such as outputting effect sounds from speakers (presentation device, sound device 340), and the like.

In addition, when a specific combination (for example, a bonus) is won in the internal lottery, the performance control means 180 performs control to enable the operation on the performance button B5, and also provides a button image that instructs or prompts the operation on the performance button B5. is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD. When the production button switch 270 is actuated by the player pressing the production button B5 in a state where the operation on the production button B5 is enabled, control is performed to disable the operation on the production button B5, and the specific combination is To cause a performance device to execute a chance performance suggesting winning. In the chance performance, a chance image suggesting winning of a bonus is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD.

Furthermore, the performance control means 180 causes the performance display device 330 and the audio device 340 to execute a standby performance (demonstration performance) when the game is not played continuously for a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds) under a predetermined situation. . In this embodiment, a monitoring timer 199 (clocking means) of the sub-memory 190S measures the time during which a game is not played continuously, and the performance control means 180 The monitoring timer 199 is always activated, and each time a signal from the main board 10, the production button switch 270, or the menu button switch 280 is input, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 in operation is set to the initial value "0". Initialize (reset) and restart timekeeping. When the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds), it is determined that the game has not been played continuously for the predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds). Regarding the production button B5 and menu button B6, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized only when a valid operation is performed, and the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized when an invalid operation is performed. It is designed not to. Further, regarding the cross key B7, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized even if a valid operation is performed or an invalid operation is performed. In this embodiment, when a medal is inserted or a valid operation is performed on any of the various operating means while medal insertion is being accepted, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is reset and the medal insertion is stopped. If medals are inserted or invalid operations are performed on various operating means in a state where medals are not accepted, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset.

In the standby performance, a demonstration image (demonstration video, demo screen) is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, the underframe lamp AL is turned on or flashed in a demonstration performance pattern, and the volume of the speaker is controlled to be muted.

Further, the production control means 180 performs control to enable the operation on the production button B5 when the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds), and disables the operation on the production button B5 when the standby production ends. control.

Further, the performance control means 180 terminates the standby performance and returns to the game performance when effective operations are performed on various operating means during execution of the standby performance. However, if the menu button B6 or the cross key B7 is operated while the standby effect is being executed, the standby effect is ended and the transition is made to a menu effect in which a menu is displayed, which will be described later. In this way, in this embodiment, not only operations for advancing the game such as inserting medals, operating the bet button B0, operating the start lever SL, but also performing operations that are not related to the progress of the game, such as the performance button B5, the menu button B6, and the cross The standby performance can also be ended by operating the key B7. In this embodiment, the standby effect is also terminated by opening or closing the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the performance control means 180 enables operations on the menu button B6 and cross key B7 based on a signal from the main board 10 notifying the end of one game, and starts a game on the start lever SL. When an operation is performed, the operation on the menu button B6 and the cross key B7 is invalidated, and when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 or the cross key B7, the menu screen 400 (predetermined menu screen ) is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD. When the screen moves to the menu screen 400, the image that has been displayed up to that point is hidden.

On the menu screen 400, as shown in FIG. When one of the items is selected by moving , and the menu button B6 is pressed to confirm the selection, a screen corresponding to the selected item is displayed.

When "Volume" is selected on the menu screen 400, the screen moves to a volume setting screen 410 for setting the volume of the sound output from the speaker, as shown in FIG. ” is selected, the screen moves to a light intensity setting screen 430 for setting the light intensity of the peripheral lamp AL and the liquid crystal display LCD, as shown in FIG. 4(B), and “Customize Effect” is selected on the menu screen 400. Once determined, the screen moves to a performance customization screen (not shown) for setting the performance mode, and when "gaming history" is selected and determined on the menu screen 400, it is used to check the gaming history such as the number of bonus wins The screen shifts to the game history screen (not shown). In this embodiment, the volume can be set in five levels from "1" to "5", and on the volume setting screen 410, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the volume can be set in five levels. The bar image 420 is displayed, the volume is changed by increasing or decreasing the scale of the volume bar by operating the left button B7C or right button B7D, and the volume is determined by operating the menu button B6. The light intensity can also be set in five levels from "1" to "5", and on the light intensity setting screen 430, as shown in FIG. 4(B), a light intensity bar image 440 corresponding to the five levels of light intensity is displayed. is displayed, the light amount is changed by increasing or decreasing the scale of the light amount bar by operating the left button B7C or right button B7D, and the light amount is determined by operating the menu button B6. Additionally, on the performance customization screen, you can select the performance mode that corresponds to a specific character.

When the menu button B6 is operated on the volume setting screen 410, the light intensity setting screen 430, the production customization screen, or the game history screen, the screen returns to the menu screen 400, and when "End" is selected on the menu screen 400, the menu screen 400 and returns to the game performance (game screen) (ends menu display).

Also, on the menu screen 400, volume setting screen 410, light intensity setting screen 430, production customization screen, or game history screen, medals are inserted from the medal slot MI, a valid operation is performed on the bet button B0, or the payment button is pressed. When a valid operation is performed on B4 or a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, these displays are ended and the game performance returns.

Note that the functions of this embodiment can be virtually realized by a computer system (including a game system). In these systems, programs for making a computer function as the main board 10 or the sub board 20 of this embodiment are downloaded via a network from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or from a web server on the Internet. can be realized. In addition, in the above computer system, the medal insertion switch 210, bet switch 220, start switch 230, stop switch 240, etc. can virtually perform their functions on operating means such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, etc.), or controller. This can be achieved by assigning. In addition, in the above computer system, the reel unit 310, hopper unit 320, etc. are not essential components, and these device units virtually realize their functions by controlling the image displayed and output on the display (display device). can do.

2. Method of this embodiment The control method employed in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be specifically explained below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the payment button and the blocker in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

First, in the present embodiment, the input accepting means 105 performs control regarding the input permission state (first state) and the input disallowance state (second state) regarding the reception of medals. The insertion permission state is a state in which medals can be accepted by permitting the reception of medals, and the insertion reception means 105 positions the blocker 355 at the permission position, enables the passage detection sensor 356 to detect medals, By validating the operation on the bet button B0 on the condition that medals are stored as credits in the gaming machine, medals can be accepted in the insertion permission state.

In addition, the insertion disallowed state is a state in which medals are not accepted by not allowing the acceptance of medals, and the insertion acceptance means 105 positions the blocker 355 at the disallowed position and detects the medals by the passage detection sensor 356. By invalidating the button B0 and invalidating the operation on the bet button B0, medals are not accepted in a state where insertion is not permitted.

In this embodiment, during the medal acceptance period, which is the period during which medals are accepted, insertion is generally allowed unless the number of medal credits is the maximum number of credits and the prescribed number of medals to be inserted is bet (set to the inserted state). However, even during the medal acceptance period, it is controlled to a state in which insertion is not permitted under a predetermined situation.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a payment operation valid state in which the operation on the payment button B4 is enabled due to medals being stored as credits or bets (playing value is stored in the gaming value storage means). If a short press operation (for example, 0.25 seconds) is performed on the payment button B4 in the input permission state) and input permission state, the input disable state is controlled while the short press operation is performed. , When the short press operation is completed, the control is set to the input permission state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the payment button B4 is pressed, the blocker 355 is moved from the permitted position to the disallowed position, and the pressed payment button B4 is released. Then, the blocker 355 is displaced from the prohibited position to the permitted position. In this case, while the short press operation is being performed on the settlement button B4, the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, the operation on the start lever SL, and the operation on the bet button B0 are also in an invalid state according to the behavior of the blocker 355. and activates when the short press operation is completed. For example, if a short press operation (for example, 0.25 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in a state where the operation on the start lever SL is enabled due to the prescribed number of medals being bet, While the short press operation is being performed, the operation on the start lever SL is disabled, and the settlement button B4 is activated in a state where the operation on the bet button B0 is enabled due to the fact that it is possible to bet on medals in which credits are stored. When a short press operation (for example, 0.25 seconds) is performed on the bet button B0, the operation on the bet button B0 is made invalid while the short press operation is performed. Note that in this example, the operation on the payment button B4 is enabled, but the short press operation is an invalid operation, so the payment process is not performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the payment operation is disabled (the game value is not stored in the game value storage means), in which the operation on the payment button B4 is invalidated because no medals are stored as credits or bets are placed. If a short press operation (for example, 0.25 seconds) is performed on the payment button B4 in the input permission state (non-payment permission state) and input permission state, the control is controlled to the input disallowance state while the short press operation is performed. When the short press operation is completed, the input permission state is established. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the blocker 355 is positioned at the disallowed position while a short press operation is being performed on the payment button B4, and when the short press operation is completed, it is moved to the permissible position. The detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356 is also disabled in accordance with the behavior of the blocker 355, and is enabled when the short press operation is completed. Note that in this example, the operations on the start lever SL and the operation on the bet button B0 are disabled because the medals are not stored in credits or bets are made, so the operation on the start lever SL and the operation on the bet button B0 are disabled. It continues and remains invalid even after the short press operation ends. Further, in this example, since the operation on the payment button B4 is disabled and the short press operation is an invalid operation, the payment process is not performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5(C), if a long press operation (for example, 0.5 seconds) is performed on the payment button B4 in the payment operation disabled state and the input permission state, the long press operation is not performed. While the button is pressed, the input is not permitted, and when the long-press operation is completed, the input is permitted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(C), the blocker 355 is positioned at the disallowed position while the long press operation is being performed on the payment button B4, and is moved to the permitted position when the long press operation ends. The detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356 is also disabled according to the behavior of the blocker 355, and is enabled when the long press operation ends. Note that in this example, since the medals have not been credited or bet, the operations on the start lever SL and the operation on the bet button B0 are invalidated, so the invalid state remains even while the long press operation is performed. It continues and remains disabled even after the long press operation ends. Further, in this example, since the operation on the payment button B4 is disabled, the payment process is not performed even if a long press operation is performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6(A), when a long press operation (for example, 0.5 seconds) is performed on the payment button B4 in the payment operation enabled state and the input permission state, the long press operation is started. From then until a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the payment process, the input is not permitted, and when the predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the payment process, Control to input permission state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(A), when the payment button B4 is pressed, the blocker 355 is moved from the permitted position to the disallowed position, and the pressing time (operation time) of the payment button B4 is changed. When the reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is reached, it is determined that the operation is valid and the payment process is started, and the blocker 355 is maintained in the disallowed position while the payment process is being executed, and the payment process is completed. When a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed, the blocker 355 is moved from the disallowed position to the allowed position. In this case, while the blocker 355 is displaced to the disallowed position, the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, the operation on the start lever SL, and the operation on the bet button B0 are also disabled according to the behavior of the blocker 355. When a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process, the detection of medals by the over-detection sensor 356 is enabled, and the operations on the start lever SL and the bet button B0 are controlled by the settlement process. Since all medals have been settled, they will remain invalid. For example, if a long press operation (for example, 0.5 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in a state where the operation on the start lever SL is enabled due to the specified number of medals being bet, While the blocker 355 is displaced to the disallowed position, the operation on the start lever SL is disabled, and even if the blocker 355 is displaced from the disallowed position to the allowed position, the operation on the start lever SL is maintained disabled; If a long press operation (for example, 0.5 seconds) is performed on the payment button B4 in a state where the operation on the bet button B0 is enabled because it is possible to bet on the medals stored in the credit memory, the blocker is activated. While the blocker 355 is displaced to the disallowed position, the operation on the bet button B0 is made invalid, and even if the blocker 355 is displaced from the disallowed position to the permitted position, the operation on the bet button B0 remains invalid. In this way, in the example shown in FIG. 6(A), from the start of the long press operation until at least the end of the payment processing, the control is set to the dispensing state, and when the payment processing is completed, the state is controlled to the dispensing permission state. do.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6(B), in the checkout operation enabled state and input permission state, the checkout button B4 is held down for a longer time (for example, 5 seconds) than the reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds). When a specific long-press operation (specific operation) is performed, which is an operation to be continued, the period from the start of the specific long-press operation until a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the payment process. For a certain period of time, the system is controlled to be in a state where input is not permitted, and when a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the payment process, it is controlled to be in a state where input is permitted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(B), when the checkout button B4 is pressed, the blocker 355 is displaced from the permitted position to the disallowed position, and the press time (operation time) of the checkout button B4 is changed. When the reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is reached, it is determined that the operation is valid and the payment process is started, and the blocker 355 is maintained in the disallowed position while the payment process is being executed, and the payment process is completed. When a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed, the blocker 355 is moved from the disallowed position to the allowed position even if the payment button B4 is pressed down. In this case, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 6(A), while the blocker 355 is displaced to the disallowed position, the passage detection sensor 356 detects medals, operates the start lever SL, and operates the bet button B0. is set to an invalid state according to the behavior of the blocker 355, and when a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the settlement process is completed, the detection of medals by the over-detection sensor 356 is enabled, and the operation on the start lever SL is disabled. The operation on the bet button B0 remains invalid because all medals have been settled through the settlement process. In this way, in the example shown in FIG. 6(B), from the start of the specific long press operation until at least the end of the payment processing, the input is not permitted, and when the payment processing is completed, the payment button B4 is turned off. Even if it is in the pressed state, it is controlled to be in the input permission state.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6(C), when a specific long press operation (for example, 5 seconds) is performed on the payment button B4 in the checkout operation disabled state and the input permission state, the specific long press operation is started. The input is not permitted until the time when the payment button B4 is pressed (operation time) elapses for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). For example, after 0.5 seconds have elapsed, control is made to allow input. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(C), from the start of the specific long press operation until the press time (operation time) of the payment button B4 elapses for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). , the blocker 355 is placed in the disallowed position, and when a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed, the blocker 355 is moved from the disallowed position to the allowed position even if the payment button B4 is in the pressed state. In this case, the predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is the reference time until it is determined that the operation on the settlement button B4 is valid (the reference time for starting the settlement of gaming value: for example, 0.5 seconds). seconds). In this case, while the blocker 355 is displaced to the disallowed position, the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356 is also disabled according to the behavior of the blocker 355, and for a predetermined period of time after the start of the specific long press operation. (For example, 0.5 seconds) will be activated. Note that in this example, since the operation on the start lever SL and the operation on the bet button B0 are disabled because no medals have been credited or bet, the operation for a predetermined period of time (for example, The invalid state continues until a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed, and the invalid state is maintained even after a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed. Further, in this example, since the operation on the payment button B4 is disabled, the payment process is not performed even if a specific long press operation is performed.

As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5(A) to 5(C) and FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C), when the operation on the payment button B4 is started, By controlling the system to a state in which insertion is not permitted, fraudulent acts related to the insertion of medals are prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), when the payment operation is enabled or the payment operation is disabled and the input is permitted, the payment button B4 is pressed briefly. If an operation is performed, while the short press operation is being performed, fraudulent acts related to inserting medals are prevented by controlling the insertion disallowed state, and when the short press operation on the payment button B4 is completed (payment If the operation on the payment button B4 ends before the reference time for starting the payment of medals has elapsed after the operation on the button B4 is started, the medal entry is allowed for the minimum amount of time necessary. It is possible to quickly insert medals by not accepting inputs, and it is possible to improve the operability regarding inserting medals.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, when a long press operation (for example, 0.5 seconds) is performed on the payment button B4 in the payment operation disabled state and the input permission state, While the long-press operation is performed, it is controlled to be in a state in which the insertion is not permitted, thereby preventing fraudulent acts related to the insertion of medals, and when the long-press operation on the payment button B4 is completed, it is controlled in the state in which the insertion is permitted, which is necessary. By not accepting the insertion of medals for a minimum period of time, it is possible to quickly insert medals, and it is possible to improve the operability of inserting medals.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, when a long press operation (for example, 0.5 seconds) is performed on the payment button B4 in the payment operation enabled state and the input permission state, From the start of the long press operation until a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the payment process, the system is controlled to be in a state where insertion is not permitted, thereby preventing fraudulent acts related to the insertion of medals. When a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the payment process (once the medal payment has been completed), the control is set to the insertion permission state. It is possible to improve the operability regarding input.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(B), when a specific long press operation (for example, 5 seconds) is performed on the payment button B4 in the payment operation enabled state and the input permission state, While preventing fraudulent acts related to medal insertion by controlling the system to be in a state where insertion is not permitted for a period from the start of a specific long press operation until a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the completion of payment processing. , when a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the settlement process is completed (once the medal settlement is completed), even if the settlement button B4 is pressed (the operation on the settlement button B4 is being executed). Since the control is performed in the insertion permission state, medals can be inserted even before the payment button B4 in the pressed state is released, and the operability regarding medal insertion can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(C), when a specific long press operation (for example, 5 seconds) is performed on the payment button B4 in the payment operation disabled state and the input permission state, From the start of a specific operation until the reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds) for starting medal settlement has elapsed, the system is controlled to be in a state where insertion is not permitted, thereby preventing fraudulent acts related to medal insertion. However, when the reference time has elapsed, even if the payment button B4 is in the pressed state (while an operation on the payment button B4 is being performed), the input permission state is controlled. It is also possible to insert medals, and it is possible to improve the operability regarding inserting medals. These allow you to start playing the game as soon as possible.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the examples shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the input permission state is controlled at the timing when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the end of the payment process, but the time required for the payment process is Since the amount varies depending on the number of medals to be inserted, it is possible to prevent the player from being able to control the timing of transition from a state in which insertion is not permitted to a state in which insertion is permitted, and fraudulent acts regarding the insertion of medals can be prevented as much as possible.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the examples shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the medal acceptance control is performed to enter the insertion permission state at the same timing (when the payment button B4 in the pressed state is released). This makes it possible to standardize the processing and improve design efficiency.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the examples shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the operation on the payment button B4 is not performed even when the predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of the payment process. In this case, the control is made to allow the insertion of medals, so it is possible to standardize the processing regarding the medal acceptance control, and it is possible to improve the design efficiency.

Further, in this embodiment, in the examples shown in FIGS. 5(A), 5(B), 5(C), and 6(C), the operation on the payment button B4 is an invalid operation, so the payment is The measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" by pressing the button B4 and releasing the button B4, but as shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) In the example shown, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized at the timing when a valid operation is performed on the payment button B4 (the timing at which the payment process is started, which is determined to be valid) and the timing at which the payment process is completed. Initialize (reset) to the value "0". In the examples shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) only at one of the timing when a valid operation is performed on the payment button B4 and the timing when the payment processing is completed. You may also do so.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0". When a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 during the execution of a game performance or standby performance in order to start (start), or when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 while the menu is displayed in order to return to the game performance (end the menu display) When this is performed, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0".

Further, for example, an effective operation is performed on the menu button B6 to determine the volume on the volume setting screen 410, an effective operation is performed on the menu button B6 to determine the volume on the light intensity setting screen 430, When a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 in order to determine the production mode on the customization screen, or in order to return to the menu screen 400 on the volume setting screen 410, light intensity setting screen 430, production customization screen, or game history screen, the menu button is pressed. When a valid operation is performed on B6, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0". Note that in these cases, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 may not be initialized (reset) to the initial value "0".

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" by an effective operation on the cross key B7. Therefore, for example, a valid operation (predetermined change operation) is performed on the cross key B7 to select an option such as "Volume" on the menu screen 400, or a cross key is used to change the volume on the volume setting screen 410. A valid operation (predetermined change operation) is performed on B7, a valid operation (predetermined change operation) is performed on cross key B7 to change the light intensity on the light intensity setting screen 430, or a effect is changed on the effect customization screen. Even if a valid operation (predetermined change operation) is performed on the cross key B7 to change the mode, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0".

As described above, according to the present embodiment, as shown in the examples shown in FIG. 5(A), FIG. 5(B), FIG. 5(C), and FIG. 6(C), the invalid Since the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" depending on the operation, it is possible to prevent unnecessary waiting time from being given to the player who wants to see the demo screen.

Further, in this embodiment, when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 while the menu is displayed in order to return to the game performance, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0". To prevent a demo screen from being shown to a player who is about to finish the menu display and start playing the game in order to restart the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199, and to prevent the player's desire to play from being lost as much as possible. Can be done.

Further, in this embodiment, when the monitor timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) while the menu is displayed, the menu display shifts to the demo screen, and depending on the effective operation on the cross key B7, the monitor timer 199 starts counting. Since the value is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" (does not start over), it is possible to avoid unnecessary waiting time for players who want to see the demo screen, and to keep their desire to play as low as possible. You can do it like this.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is reset when a medal is inserted in the insertion permission state or when a valid operation is performed on the operation means such as the bet button B0, start lever SL, or settlement button B4. If medals are inserted or an invalid operation is performed on the operation means such as the bet button B0, start lever SL, or settlement button B4 in a state where the insertion is not permitted, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset, so the game is stopped. It is possible to appropriately time the time that is not continuously performed.

The invention of the present embodiment also provides a payment means for controlling payment of gaming value based on an operation on a predetermined operation means, and a first performance operation for performing an operation for ending display of a predetermined menu screen. means, a second effect operation means for performing a predetermined change operation, a timer for counting the time during which no game is played continuously, and a standby effect when the timer measures a predetermined time. a performance control means for performing control, the performance control means, when an operation is performed on the first performance operation means, restarts the time measurement by the timekeeping means, This invention relates to a gaming machine in which the clocking means does not re-measure the time when an operation is performed on the performance operating means.

3. Modifications The present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and modifications will be introduced below. Note that the embodiments described above and various methods described below as modified examples can be employed in appropriate combinations as control methods for realizing the present invention.

In the above embodiment, in the examples shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), the time period from when the operation on the payment button B4 is started until a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the completion of the payment processing is The explanation has been given using an example in which the input is not permitted for a period of time, but it is only necessary to control the input to the disallowed state from the start of the operation on the payment button B4 until at least the end of the payment processing. The input permission state may be controlled immediately after the completion of the process.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, while the short press operation is being performed on the settlement button B4 in the example shown in FIG. Although the explanation has been given using an example where the operation is disabled, it is not necessarily necessary to disable it and one or both operations may be enabled.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the settlement process is not performed when an invalid operation is performed on the settlement button B4 has been explained as an example, but the settlement process may be performed to settle 0 medals. . In this case, if a long-press operation or a specific long-press operation is performed on the payment button B4 in the payment operation invalid state, the operation is determined to be a valid operation for payment of medals, and 0 medals are paid. A settlement process may also be performed.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was explained in which, in the insertion permission state, the operation on the bet button B0 is made valid on the condition that medals are stored as credits in the gaming machine, but in the insertion permission state, The operation on the bet button B0 may be made valid regardless of whether or not medals are stored as credits. In this case, if an operation is performed on bet button B0 in a state where medals are not stored as credits in the insertion permission state, the operation is treated as an invalid operation based on the fact that medals are not stored as credits. Alternatively, processing (medal insertion processing and credit subtraction processing) may be performed to treat the zero medals stored in the credit as a valid operation and set them in the inserted state.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the example shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" at the timing of starting and ending the payment process. Although the explanation has been given using the example, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 may be initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" at the timing when the blocker 355 is displaced from the disallowed position to the allowed position. In this case, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 may be initialized to the initial value "0" at one or both timings of the start and end of the payment process, or may not be initialized. Furthermore, in this case, a signal notifying that the blocker 355 has been displaced from the permitted position to the prohibited position or a signal notifying that the blocker 355 has been displaced from the prohibited position to the permitted position is transmitted from the main board 10 to the sub board 20. The monitoring timer 199 may be initialized based on the signal.

In addition, in the above embodiment, in the payment process, the case where the payment is made for medals with credits stored and medals set in the inserted state was explained as an example, but when the medals are set in the credit stored and inserted state In the payment process based on one valid operation on the payment button B4, only the medals set to the inserted state are paid, and if there are no medals set to the inserted state, the credit is stored. It is also possible to settle the medals. The invention of the above embodiment can also be applied to this case.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was explained in which operations on the menu button B6 and cross key B7 are enabled while not playing a game, and operations on the menu button B6 and cross key B7 are disabled during a game. Alternatively, operations on the menu button B6 and the cross key B7 may be enabled. In this way, it becomes possible to change the volume, light intensity, etc. during the game. In addition, in this example, the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" simply by performing operations that are likely to be performed frequently (operations on the cross key B7) such as changing the volume or light intensity, so the game It is possible to avoid unnecessary waiting time for a player who wants to see a demo screen during the game, and it is possible to prevent the player's desire to play from being lost as much as possible.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the menu screen 400 is changed to the volume setting screen 410 or the light intensity setting screen 430 is explained as an example when changing the volume or light intensity. may be changeable. For example, by enabling operations on the menu button B6 and cross key B7 even during the game, and changing the volume and displaying the volume bar image 420 when the upper button B7A or the lower button B7B is operated during the game. The current volume may be displayed, and when the left button B7C or right button B7D is operated during the game, the light amount may be changed and the light amount bar image 440 may be displayed to display the current light amount. . Similarly, when the upper button B7A or the lower button B7B is operated during the execution of a game effect (game screen) or standby effect (demo screen) during non-gaming, the volume is changed and the volume bar image 420 is displayed. The current volume is displayed by displaying the current volume, and the light intensity is changed when the left button B7C or right button B7D is operated during the execution of a game effect (game screen) or a standby effect (demo screen) during non-gaming. At the same time, the current amount of light may be displayed by displaying a light amount bar image 440.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the transition to the standby effect is made when the game is not played continuously for a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds) under a predetermined situation has been explained as an example. The standby effect (demonstration screen) may be displayed even when an operation is performed, or the standby effect (demonstration screen) may be displayed when the payout process (settlement process) is completed due to a valid operation on the payment button B4. It may also be possible to shift to .

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the monitoring timer 199 is always activated while the power of the gaming machine is turned on has been explained as an example, but there may be a case where the monitoring timer 199 is interrupted or stopped. There may be. For example, when the door sensor 260 detects that the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is interrupted, and the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD that is in the open state is closed. When the door sensor 260 detects this, the interrupted monitoring timer 199 may restart the time measurement. That is, during a door opening error (in an error state) due to opening of the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may be temporarily stopped. In this way, it is possible to prevent the standby performance from starting while the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is open. Here, if the standby effect is started while the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is open, different effects will be executed before and after opening and closing the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD, which may give a sense of discomfort. However, according to this modification, it is possible to avoid giving a sense of discomfort due to different effects being performed before and after opening and closing the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD.

Further, for example, the monitoring timer 199 may be activated when all the processing related to one game is completed, and the monitoring timer 199 may be stopped when the medals are set to be inserted. In this way, it is possible to shift to the standby effect in a game situation where the medals are not set in the inserted state, and prevent the shift to the standby effect in the game situation where the medals are set in the inserted state.

For example, if a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 during execution of a game effect (game screen) or a standby effect (demo screen) in order to move to the menu screen, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is set to the initial value "0". ” to temporarily stop the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199, and when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 while the menu is displayed in order to return to the game production, the initialized (reset) monitoring The time measurement by the timer 199 may be restarted (restarted).

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is reset every time a signal from the main board 10 is input has been explained as an example, but when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened or When the open upper front door UD or lower front door DD is closed, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may not be reset.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is reset only when a valid operation is performed on the production button B5, and the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset when an invalid operation is performed. As described above, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may be reset even when an invalid operation is performed on the production button B5. That is, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may be reset every time a signal from the production button switch 270 is input.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the case where the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset even when a valid operation or an invalid operation is performed on the cross key B7 has been explained as an example. The time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may be reset only when an invalid operation is performed, and the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may not be reset when an invalid operation is performed.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when transitioning to the standby effect, the explanation was given using the case where the operation on the effect button B5 is enabled, but it is not necessary to enable the operation on the effect button B5, regardless of whether it is enabled or not. The standby performance may be canceled when a signal from the performance button switch 270 is input without any delay.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the game performance is returned to when the standby performance ends is explained as an example, but if the game performance that is being executed is interrupted due to the transition to the standby performance and the game performance is returned from the standby performance, , the interrupted game performance may be resumed.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) while any of the reels is rotating, a reel stop warning effect is executed instead of a standby effect. Good too. In this case, in addition to executing the reel stop warning performance, the volume of the speaker may be controlled to mute or the volume of the speaker may be reduced.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the performance button B5 is provided and the standby performance can be ended by operating the performance button B5 has been described as an example, but the performance button B5 does not necessarily have to be provided.

Furthermore, the invention of the above embodiment is not limited to a slot machine in which games are played using medals (gaming value) as tangible objects, but electronic medals (gaming value) that are electronic information without using medals as tangible objects. The present invention can also be applied to smart pachislot (also referred to as "smart slot" or "medalless gaming machine"), which is a gaming machine that plays games using pachislot as a gaming medium.

In the smart pachislot, the main board 10 is connected to a medal lending machine (not shown) as an external unit for two-way communication, and stores electronic medals, which are electronic information lent from the medal lending machine, in the credit storage means 191. Credits are stored in a storage area, electronic medals stored in credits are betted by operating a bet button B0 to play a game, and all medals paid out according to the result of the game are stored in credits. Therefore, the smart pachi-slot machine does not require the medal slot MI, the medal selector 350 (blocker 355, passage detection sensor 356, and insertion detection sensor 357), hopper unit HP, etc. Furthermore, in smart pachislot, for example, 16,383 electronic medals can be stored as credits, and a game medal number display device that can display a 5-digit number is provided, and the number of electronic medal credits is displayed on the game medal number display device. be done.

In addition, in the smart pachislot, if the operation on the settlement button B4 is performed while the operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled, the electronic medals set to be inserted will be inserted in the settlement process when the replay is not activated. Process to return everything to credit.

In the smart pachislot, since there is no blocker 355 and passage detection sensor 356, the operation on the bet button B0 is valid in the insertion permission state, and the operation on the bet button B0 is invalid in the insertion disallowed state. be able to.

BX storage box, UD upper front door, DD lower front door, DW display window,
L1 active line, DS game information display section, LCD liquid crystal display,
AL Underframe lamp, R1 1st reel, R2 2nd reel, R3 3rd reel,
SL start lever, B0 bet button, B1~B3 stop button,
B4 payment button, B5 production button, B6 menu button, B7 cross key,
B7A upper button, B7B lower button, B7C left button, B7D right button,
MI medal slot,
MO medal payout port, MP medal tray, 10 main board, 20 sub board,
105 input reception means, 110 random number generation means, 120 internal lottery means,
130 reel control means, 140 winning determination means, 150 payout control means,
160 replay processing means, 179 communication control means, 180 production control means,
190M main memory, 190S sub memory 191 credit storage means, 192 bet number storage means,
197 Performance data storage means, 199 Monitoring timer,
220 bet switch, 230 start switch, 240 stop switch,
250 payment switch, 260 door sensor, 270 production button switch,
280 menu button switch,
290A upper button switch, 290B lower button switch,
290C left button switch, 290D right button switch,
310 reel unit, 315 reel index,
320 hopper unit, 325 payout medal detection switch,
330 performance display device, 340 sound device,
350 medal selector, 355 blocker,
356 Passage detection sensor, 357 Insertion detection sensor,
400 Menu screen, 410 Volume setting screen, 420 Volume bar image,
430 Light intensity setting screen, 440 Light intensity bar image

Claims (1)

acceptance control means for controlling a first state in which acceptance of gaming value is permitted and a second state in which acceptance of gaming value is not permitted;
a gaming value storage means for storing accepted gaming values within a predetermined number range;
A gaming machine comprising: a payment unit that controls payment of gaming value stored in the gaming value storage unit based on an operation on a predetermined operating unit,
The reception control means,
When the operation on the operating means is started, controlling to the second state,
In the non-settlement permitted state where no gaming value is stored in the gaming value storage means, when the reference time for starting the settlement of gaming value has elapsed after the start of the operation on the operating means, the operation on the operating means is not allowed. A game machine characterized in that the game machine is controlled to the first state even during execution.