JP7491602B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Gaming machines (reel type gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with symbols arranged on the outer circumference have been known for some time. This type of gaming machine provides a fixed gaming value for gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and players play to acquire such gaming media. This type of gaming machine allows a player to start playing when the player inserts gaming media into a designated slot and bets a specified number of gaming media. When the player operates to start the rotation, an internal lottery is performed and the multiple reels start to rotate, and when the player operates to stop the rotation, the multiple reels are stopped in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery. The result of the game is determined by the combination of symbols displayed on the pay line when the multiple reels are stopped, and medals and the like are paid out according to the result of the game.

In addition, in this type of gaming machine, medals inserted into a specified insertion port are not accepted and are returned under certain circumstances. For example, when a medal is inserted into medal insertion port MI when a specified number of medals have been set to be inserted and the credit number has reached the upper credit limit, there is a known gaming machine in which the medal insertion switch 210 is not activated and the inserted medal is not accepted (credited) and is returned from the medal payout port MO (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-77434 A

In gaming machines such as the one shown in Patent Document 1 above, there is a demand for improved operability regarding coin insertion.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can improve operability regarding the insertion of gaming value while preventing fraudulent activities.

(1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a reception control means for controlling a first state in which reception of a game value is permitted and a second state in which reception of a game value is not permitted, a game value storage means for storing the received game value within a predetermined range, and a settlement means for controlling the settlement of the game value stored in the game value storage means based on an operation on a predetermined operation means, in which the reception control means controls the machine to the second state when an operation on the operation means is started, controls the machine to the first state when the settlement of the game value is completed even if an operation on the operation means is being performed in a settlement permitted state in which a game value is stored in the game value storage means, and controls the machine to the first state when the reference time for starting the settlement of the game value has elapsed since the operation on the operation means was started, even if an operation on the operation means is being performed in a non-settlement permitted state in which a game value is not stored in the game value storage means.

In the present invention, the settlement of game value is controlled based on operation of a specified operating means, and when operation of the operating means is started, control is made to a second state in which acceptance of game value is not permitted, thereby preventing fraudulent acts regarding the insertion of game value, while in a settlement permitted state in which game value is stored in the game value storage means, control is made to a first state in which acceptance of game value is permitted, once settlement of game value is completed, even if operation of the operating means is being performed, so that it is possible to insert game value even before operation of the operating means is completed, thereby improving operability regarding the insertion of game value.

In addition, in a non-settlement permitted state where no game value is stored in the game value storage means, once a reference time for starting settlement of game value has elapsed since operation of the operating means was started, control is performed to the first state which permits acceptance of game value even while operation of the operating means is being performed, so that game value can be inserted even before operation of the operating means is ended, improving operability regarding insertion of game value. This allows game play to begin as soon as possible.

1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. A figure showing an image displayed in a menu presentation in an gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A figure showing an image displayed in a menu presentation in an gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the settlement button and the blocker in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the settlement button and the blocker in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are necessarily 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 reel type gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine that uses medals as the gaming medium (gaming value).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a reel unit consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (multiple reels) is housed in a box-shaped housing consisting of a storage box BX (an example of a gaming machine body), an upper front door UD (an example of a front door), and a lower front door DD (an example of a front door). In addition, a power supply unit (not shown) with a built-in power supply device and various switches such as a power switch and a reset switch, and a hopper unit 320 (not shown) as a medal payout device are housed below the reel unit in the housing. In addition, a control board that is equipped with 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. and controls the operation of the gaming machine is also housed in the housing of the gaming machine of this embodiment. In this embodiment, multiple types of electronic circuit boards are provided as the control board, including a main board that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-board that receives a signal transmitted from the main board and controls the execution of a game presentation according to the progress of the game.

The upper front door UD and lower front door DD, which close the front of the storage box BX (an example of the front) in an openable and closable manner, are provided so as to be able to be opened and closed separately, and the upper front door UD is provided with a display window DW that allows the rotation and stopped states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to be observed.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display position for observing the patterns through the display window DW, and the winning lines are set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the number of medals required for one game, the so-called specified number of medals, is inserted (bet), the winning line L1 formed by the middle rows of each of the first reel R1 to third reel R3 is activated.

The game result is determined by the symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the winning line in the display window DW, and if the symbol combination on the winning line corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that winning combination is treated as a winning combination and medals are paid out from the hopper unit.

The upper front door UD is also provided with a game information display section DS. The game information display section DS is made up of LEDs, lamps, seven-segment displays, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game (the difference between the number of medals paid out and the number of medals inserted), the total number of medals paid out or won in bonus games, etc.

The upper front door UD is also equipped with a liquid crystal display LCD and a frame lamp AL for game presentation. The liquid crystal display LCD displays various videos (or images) to assist and liven up the game, and the frame lamp AL lights up and blinks to liven up the game.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, multiple speakers (not shown) for playing the game are provided on the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD. These speakers output various sounds to assist and liven up the game.

In addition, various operating means are provided on the lower front door DD. The operating means include a bet button (insertion operating means, game operating means) B0 for inserting credited (internal storage) medals, a start lever (game start operating means, game operating means) SL for performing an operation that triggers the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to start a game, stop buttons (stop operating means, game operating means) B1 to B3 for performing an operation that triggers the stopping of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that are driven to rotate by a stepping motor, and a settlement button for performing an operation to settle credited (internal storage) medals. (Predetermined operation means, settlement operation means, game operation means) B4, an effect button (effect operation means) B5 for performing an operation that triggers a change in the effect performed on the gaming machine, a menu button (first effect operation means) B6 for performing an operation to start or end the display of the menu screen (an operation related to the transition between the display of the game screen and the display of the menu screen), and a cross key (second effect operation means) B7 for performing an operation to change the settings of the effect performed on the gaming machine (predetermined change operation), an operation to check the game history, and an operation to change the settings of the volume or light intensity (predetermined change operation). The cross key B7 is composed of an up button B7A, a down button B7B, a left button B7C, and a right button B7D.

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

After that, when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3 at any timing, the stop switch (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turns on, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the OFF state to the ON state.

When the player releases any of the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to the stop buttons B1 to B3 turn off, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from on to off.

The control board then stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stop position that corresponds to the result of the internal lottery based on the change from OFF to ON of the reel stop signal, whose state changes depending on when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed and released.

A medal payout port MO and a medal tray MP are provided at the bottom of the lower front door DD, and a number of medals according to the result of the game are paid out from the medal payout port MO to the medal tray MP. When medals are paid out according to the result of the game, if crediting (internal storage) of medals is permitted, medals equivalent to some or all of the payout number are credited up to a credit limit (50 in this embodiment), and the display value of the credit indicator consisting of a 7-segment display of the game information display unit DS is changed in accordance with the change in the number of medal credits. In this way, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, operations on a specified operating means are enabled according to the progress of the game, and the game progresses based on the valid operations on the operating means.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is also 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, and is configured to be able to detect the open/closed state of each of the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD based on an input signal (detection signal) input from the door sensor 260 to the control board (main board).

Figure 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 the bet switch 220, start switch 230, stop switch 240, settlement switch 250, door sensor 260, passage detection sensor 356, and insertion detection sensor 357, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls the operation of output means such as the reel unit 310 and hopper unit 320 based on the calculation results. The sub-board 20 also receives input signals from input means such as the performance button switch 270, menu button switch 280, up button switch 290A, down button switch 290B, left button switch 290C, and right button switch 290D, as well as signals sent from the main board 10, performs various calculations to execute a performance according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of output means such as the performance display device 330 and sound device 340 based on the calculation results. The functions of each board, such as the main board 10 and the sub board 20, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROMs (an example of an information storage medium), or RAMs, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in a ROM or the like.

The main board 10 is configured to include an input receiving means 105 (reception control means), a random number generating 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, a communication control means 179, and a main memory 190M.

The insertion acceptance means 105 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and controls the activation of the game start operation for the start lever SL (game start operation means) based on the insertion of a specified number of medals (e.g., three medals). 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 specified number of medals, is accepted as the game start operation, which triggers the start of the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and also triggers the execution of an internal lottery. Furthermore, when the game start operation for the start lever SL is activated, if the start lever SL is operated, the operation for the start lever SL is disabled.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot MI (predetermined insertion slot), the passage detection sensor 356 in the medal selector 350 shown in FIG. 2 is activated, and the insertion acceptance means 105 performs a medal insertion process in which the inserted medals are set to an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified insertion number (predetermined number range). In this embodiment, information indicating the number of medals (number of medals bet) set to the inserted state 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. In this way, the bet number storage means 192 stores the accepted medals up to the specified insertion number.

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

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, medals inserted through the medal insertion port MI are sent to the hopper unit 320 through the medal selector 350 shown in FIG. 2. However, under certain conditions, such as after the start of play, a blocker 355 (insertion restriction means) built into the medal selector 350 controls the flow path toward the hopper unit 320 to be closed, and the medal flow path is switched so that the inserted medals are returned from the medal payout port MO. The blocker 355 is displaced between an allowed position (insertion permitted position) that allows the insertion of medals and an unallowed position (insertion unallowed position) that does not allow the insertion of medals.

2, the medal selector 350 is provided with an insertion detection sensor 357 and a passage detection sensor 356. The insertion detection sensor 357 is provided near the medal insertion port MI and upstream of the blocker 355. When it detects the insertion of a medal, it outputs a detection signal to the main board 10. If the insertion detection sensor 357 remains on for a certain period of time (e.g., 0.6 seconds) or more, there is a possibility of a medal jam or the insertion of a foreign object, and an error process is performed in the main board 10. The passage detection sensor 356 is provided downstream of the blocker 355. When it detects the insertion of a medal, it outputs a detection signal to the main board 10. The main board 10 determines that a medal has been inserted based on the detection signal from the passage detection sensor 356 and performs medal insertion process and credit addition process. In this embodiment, when the blocker 355 is in the permitted position, a medal inserted through the medal insertion port MI is guided by the blocker 355 to the passage detection sensor 356, and the insertion of the medal is detected, but when the blocker 355 is in the prohibited position, the medal is guided by the blocker 355 to the medal payout port MO. At this time, the inserted medal does not pass through the passage detection sensor 356, and is returned from the medal payout port MO without being detected by the passage detection sensor 356.

When all processing related to one game has been completed, the deposit acceptance means 105 performs control to enable operation of the bet button B0, provided that medals have been stored as credits in the gaming machine. When the bet button B0 is pressed while operation of the bet button B0 is enabled, the bet switch 220 is activated and the deposit acceptance means 105 performs processing to set the medals stored as credits in the credit memory area to a deposited state (medal deposit processing and credit subtraction processing), up to a specified deposit number. When the number of medals stored as credits in the gaming machine becomes 0 or a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, operation of the bet button B0 is disabled.

When all processing related to one game is completed, the insertion acceptance means 105 performs control to start accepting medals (control to permit acceptance of medals), specifically, control to position the blocker 355 of the medal selector 350 at the permitted position and control to permit (enable) detection of medals by the passing detection sensor 356. When the number of medals stored in the credits of the gaming machine reaches the credit upper limit number or a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, it performs control to end acceptance of medals (control to not permit acceptance of medals), specifically, control to position the blocker 355 at the non-permitted position and control to not permit (disable) detection of medals by the passing detection sensor 356. When a medal is inserted from the medal insertion port MI in a state where no medals are being accepted, the inserted medal is returned from the medal payout port MO without being accepted. Even if the passing detection sensor 356 detects the insertion of a medal, if the passing detection sensor 356 is disabled, the medal insertion process and credit addition process are not performed.

When all processing related to one game is completed, the deposit acceptance means 105 performs control to enable operation of the settlement button B4, provided that medals have been credit-stored in the gaming machine. When a valid operation is performed on the settlement button B4, the settlement switch 250 is activated, and the payout control means 150 (settling means) performs a process of paying out medals credit-stored in the credit memory area and medals set to the inserted state (a settlement process to settle medals). When all medals credit-stored and medals set to the inserted state have been paid out, the number of medals set to the inserted state is initialized to 0 and operation of the settlement button B4 is disabled. Operation of the settlement button B4 is also disabled when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL.

In addition, in this embodiment, when an operation is performed on the settlement button B4 in a settlement operation enabled state (settlement permitted state) in which operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled because medals have been credit stored or bet (set to a deposited state), the deposit acceptance means 105 determines that the operation on the settlement button B4 is a long press operation, which is an operation that continues (maintains) the pressed state for a predetermined reference time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) (when the on state of the settlement switch 250 continues for the reference time (e.g., 0.5 seconds)), as a valid operation with respect to the settlement of medals, and determines that the operation on the settlement button B4 is a short press operation, which is an operation with an operation time shorter than a long press operation (when the on state of the settlement switch 250 is less than the reference time (e.g., 0.5 seconds)), as an invalid operation with respect to the settlement of medals. Therefore, even if the operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled and the settlement operation is enabled, if the operation on the settlement button B4 is a short press operation, it becomes an invalid operation and the settlement process is not performed. Even if the operation on the settlement button B4 is a long press operation, if the operation on the settlement button B4 is disabled, it becomes an invalid operation and the settlement process is not performed.

In this embodiment, when the settlement button B4 is operated, control is performed to prevent the insertion of medals, so an "invalid operation" means that the original function (e.g., medal settlement) is not executed, and even an "invalid operation" may involve processing other than the original function (e.g., control to prevent the insertion of medals).

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

The internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not multiple types of roles, such as replays, small roles, and bonuses, have been won, based on a start signal from the start switch 230, which is activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL (the first press of the activated start lever SL). When a win is obtained in the internal lottery, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning role 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 the rotation drive of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by the stepping motor based on a start signal from the start switch 230, which is operated by the start lever SL to start playing, and controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to start rotating at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotation speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute) by pressing the stop button B1 to B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reel, and controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are rotated by the stepping motor, to stop in a manner according to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery).

When the player presses the stop button B1 to B3 and the stop switch 240 is activated while the stop operation for the stop buttons B1 to B3 is enabled, the reel control means 130 disables the operation for the operated stop button, and based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, supplies a full-phase excitation drive pulse to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310, thereby controlling the stopping of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

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

The payout control means 150 performs a payout control process for the payout of medals according to the game results. Specifically, when a minor winning combination is achieved, the payout number of medals in the game is determined based on the payout amount predetermined for each combination, and the payout number of medals corresponding to the determined payout number is controlled to be paid out to the hopper unit 320 (payout device).

The hopper unit 320 performs the operation of paying out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150. The hopper unit 320 is equipped with a payout medal detection switch 325 that is activated each time a medal is paid out, and the payout control means 150 is configured to be able to manage the number of medals actually paid out from the hopper unit 320 based on the input signal from the payout medal detection switch 325.

When credit storage (accumulation storage) of medals is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper unit 320, a credit addition process is performed to add the payout number to the credit number (number of credited medals) stored in the credit storage area of the main memory 190M, and a process of virtually paying out medals is performed.

When a valid operation is performed on the settlement button B4, the payout control means 150 (settling means) controls the hopper unit 320 (payout device) to pay out the medals credit-stored in the credit memory area and the medals set to the inserted state (control over medal settlement). Specifically, when the settlement button B4 is operated while the operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled, the payout number of medals in the game is determined based on the medals credit-stored in the credit memory area and the number of medals set to the inserted state and the number of medals set to the inserted state, and controls the hopper unit 320 (payout device) to pay out medals equivalent to the determined payout number.

When a replay wins, the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (replay process) that sets the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any medals owned by the player. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed that automatically inserts the same number of medals as in the previous game without using any medals (including credit medals) owned by the player, and the machine waits for the start lever SL to start the next game with the same pay line set as the previous game.

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 one-way communication from the main board 10 to the sub-board 20 is possible between the main board 10 and the sub-board 20, and the communication connection is such that signals cannot be transmitted from the sub-board 20 to the main board 10.

When the deposit acceptance means 105 sets a medal to the deposited state, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying that a medal has been set to the deposited state each time a medal is set to the deposited state, and when the deposit acceptance means 105 or the payout control means 150 stores a medal as credit, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying that a medal has been stored as credit each time a medal is stored as credit, and when the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying the result of the internal lottery, and when the winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying the result of the winning determination. In addition, when the hopper unit 320 performs an operation to pay out medals in response to the winning of a small prize, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the start of payout, outputs a signal notifying the sub-substrate 20 that the medals have been paid out each time a medal is paid out, and when the hopper unit 320 pays out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150 (when payout is completed), outputs a signal notifying the sub-substrate 20 that the payout is completed. In addition, when the hopper unit 320 performs an operation to pay out 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 payout (settlement process), outputs a signal notifying the sub-substrate 20 that the medals have been paid out each time a medal is paid out, and when the hopper unit 320 pays out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150 (when settlement is completed), outputs a signal notifying the sub-substrate 20 that the payout (settlement process) is completed. When all processing for one game is completed, a signal is output to the sub-board 20 to notify the end of one game.

In addition, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot MI, when the bet button B0 is pressed to insert a medal, when the pressed bet button B0 is released, when the start lever SL is pressed, when the pressed start lever SL is released, when one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is pressed, or when one of the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 is released, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 to notify the player of the operation performed by the player, such as that a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot MI, that the bet button B0 has been pressed, when the pressed bet button B0 has been released, that the start lever SL has been pressed, when the pressed start lever SL has been released, the type of stop button that was pressed, or the type of stop button that was released. In addition, when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened, or when the open upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is closed, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the opening or closing of the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD, such as when the upper front door UD is opened, 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.

In this way, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the performance control means 180 of the sub-substrate 20 can cause the display device 330 and the audio device 340 to execute performances according to the results of the internal lottery, the results of the winning judgment, the operation performed by the player, the opening and closing of the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD, etc., based on various notifications from the main substrate 10. Note that in this embodiment, with regard to the start lever SL, the bet button B0, and the stop buttons B1 to B3, a signal notifying the sub-substrate 20 that they have been pressed and a signal notifying the release of the pressed state are output only when a valid operation is performed, and no signal is output to the sub-substrate 20 when an invalid operation is performed. Also, with regard to the settlement button B4, a signal notifying the sub-substrate 20 that an operation has been performed is output only when a valid operation (long press operation) is performed, and for example, a signal notifying the sub-substrate 20 that an operation has been performed is output to the sub-substrate 20 at the timing determined to be a valid operation, and no signal is output to the sub-substrate 20 when an invalid operation is performed. In addition, when a medal is inserted, the passage detection sensor 356 outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying the insertion of a medal only when the passage detection sensor 356 detects the insertion of a medal while the medal is being accepted, and does not output a signal to the sub-board 20 while the medal is not being accepted.

Next, we will explain the sub-substrate 20. The sub-substrate 20 is configured to include a performance control means 180 and a sub-memory 190S.

The performance control means 180 controls the performance device to execute 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, it controls display performance such as turning on or blinking the frame lamp AL (performance display device 330, performance device) and displaying a performance image on the liquid crystal display LCD (performance display device 330, performance device) and sound performance such as outputting a performance sound from the speaker (performance device, sound device 340).

When a specific role (such as a bonus) is won in the internal lottery, the performance control means 180 controls the operation of the performance button B5 to be enabled, and displays a button image on the liquid crystal display LCD that instructs or prompts the operation of the performance button B5. When the operation of the performance button B5 is enabled and the player presses the performance button B5 to activate the performance button switch 270, the performance control means 180 controls the operation of the performance button B5 to be disabled, and causes the performance device to execute a chance performance suggesting the winning of a specific role. In the chance performance, a chance image suggesting the winning of a bonus is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD.

In addition, the performance control means 180 causes the performance display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a standby performance (demo performance) when a game is not played continuously for a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) under a predetermined situation. In this embodiment, the time during which a game is not played continuously is measured by the monitoring timer 199 (time measuring means) of the sub-memory 190S, and the performance control means 180 operates the monitoring timer 199 at all times while the power of the gaming machine is turned on, and initializes (resets) the measurement value of the operating monitoring timer 199 to the initial value "0" and resumes timing every time a signal from the main board 10, the performance button switch 270, or the menu button switch 280 is input. Then, when the monitoring timer 199 has timed a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds), it is determined that a game has not been played continuously for the predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds). With regard to the effect button B5 and the 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 not initialized when an invalid operation is performed. With regard to the cross key B7, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized whether a valid operation or an invalid operation is performed. In this embodiment, the time count by the monitoring timer 199 is reset when a medal is inserted when the insertion of a medal is being accepted or when a valid operation is performed on any of the various operating means, and the time count by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset when a medal is inserted when the insertion of a medal is not being accepted or when an invalid operation is performed on any of the various operating means.

In addition, during the standby mode, a demo image (demonstration video, demo screen) is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, the frame lamp AL is lit or blinks in a demo performance pattern, and the speaker volume is muted.

In addition, when the monitoring timer 199 counts a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds), the performance control means 180 controls to enable operation of the performance button B5, and when the standby performance ends, controls to disable operation of the performance button B5.

The presentation control means 180 also terminates the standby presentation and returns to the game presentation if a valid operation is performed on any of the various operating means while the standby presentation is in progress. However, if the menu button B6 or cross key B7 is operated while the standby presentation is in progress, the presentation control means 180 terminates the standby presentation and transitions to a menu presentation in which a menu is displayed, as described below. In this manner, in this embodiment, the standby presentation can be terminated not only by operations for progressing the game, such as inserting a medal, operating the bet button B0, or operating the start lever SL, but also by operations on the presentation button B5, menu button B6, or cross key B7 that are not related to the progress of the game. Note that in this embodiment, the standby presentation can also be terminated by opening or closing the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD.

In this embodiment, the presentation control means 180 enables operation of the menu button B6 and cross key B7 based on a signal from the main board 10 notifying the end of one game, disables operation of the menu button B6 and cross key B7 when a game start operation is performed using the start lever SL, and performs a menu display in which the menu screen 400 (a specified menu screen) is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD as shown in FIG. 3 when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 or cross key B7. When the menu screen 400 is displayed, the image that was displayed up until that point is hidden.

As shown in FIG. 3, the menu screen 400 displays the options "Volume," "Light Intensity," "Performance Customization," "Game History," and "Exit." When the user operates the cross key B7 to move the cursor to select one of the options and presses the menu button B6 to confirm, the screen moves to the screen corresponding to the selected option.

When "Volume" is selected and confirmed on the menu screen 400, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the screen moves to a volume setting screen 410 for setting the volume of the sound output from the speaker. When "Light Intensity" is selected and confirmed on the menu screen 400, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the screen moves to a light intensity setting screen 430 for setting the light intensity of the outer perimeter lamp AL and the liquid crystal display LCD. When "Performance Customization" is selected and confirmed on the menu screen 400, the screen moves to a performance customization screen (not shown) for setting the performance mode. When "Game History" is selected and confirmed on the menu screen 400, the screen moves to a game history screen (not shown) for checking the game history such as the number of times the bonus has been won. In this embodiment, the volume can be set in five stages from "1" to "5". On the volume setting screen 410, as shown in FIG. 4(A), a volume bar image 420 corresponding to the five levels of volume is displayed, and the volume is changed by increasing or decreasing the scale of the volume bar by operating the left button B7C or the 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". As shown in FIG. 4(B), the light intensity setting screen 430 displays a light intensity bar image 440 corresponding to the five levels of light intensity. The light intensity can be changed by increasing or decreasing the scale of the light intensity bar by operating the left button B7C or right button B7D, and the light intensity is determined by operating the menu button B6. The performance customization screen also allows the selection of a performance mode corresponding to a specific character.

When the menu button B6 is operated on the volume setting screen 410, the light intensity setting screen 430, the presentation customization screen, or the game history screen, the screen returns to the menu screen 400, and when "Exit" is selected and confirmed on the menu screen 400, the menu screen 400 is closed and the game presentation (game screen) is restored (the menu display is ended).

In addition, when a medal is inserted through the medal insertion slot MI, a valid operation is performed on the bet button B0, a valid operation is performed on the settlement button B4, or a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL on the menu screen 400, the volume setting screen 410, the light intensity setting screen 430, the presentation customization screen, or the game history screen, these displays will end and the game presentation will be restored.

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

2. Method of the present embodiment The control method adopted in the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be specifically described below with reference to Figures 5 to 6. Figures 5 to 6 are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the settlement button and the blocker in the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

First, in this embodiment, the deposit acceptance means 105 controls the acceptance of medals between a deposit permitted state (first state) and a deposit not permitted state (second state). The deposit permitted state is a state in which medals can be accepted by permitting their acceptance, and the deposit acceptance means 105 positions the blocker 355 at the permitted position, enables the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, and enables operation of the bet button B0 on the condition that medals have been credit-stored in the gaming machine, thereby making it possible to accept medals in the deposit permitted state.

The insertion disallowed state is a state in which the acceptance of medals is not permitted, thereby preventing the acceptance of medals. The insertion acceptance means 105 positions the blocker 355 in the disallowed position, disables the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, and disables operation of the bet button B0, thereby preventing the acceptance of medals in the insertion disallowed state.

In this embodiment, during the medal acceptance period during which medals are accepted, the system is generally controlled to an insertion-permitted state except when the number of medal credits is at the upper credit limit and the specified number of medals has been bet (set to an inserted state), but even during the medal acceptance period, the system is controlled to a insertion-prohibited state under certain circumstances.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5(A), when a short press operation (for example, 0.25 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in a settlement operation enabled state (settlement permitted state in which a game value is stored in the game value storage means) in which operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled by credit storage or betting of medals, and in a deposit permitted state, the deposit is prohibited while the short press operation is being performed, and is controlled to a deposit permitted state when the short press operation ends. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(A), when the settlement button B4 is pressed, the blocker 355 is displaced from the permitted position to the unpermitted position, and when the settlement button B4 in the pressed state is released, the blocker 355 is displaced from the unpermitted position to the permitted position. In this case, while the settlement button B4 is being short-pressed, 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, and are enabled when the short press operation ends. For example, if a short press (e.g., for 0.25 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 when operation of the start lever SL is enabled because a specified number of medals have been bet, operation of the start lever SL is disabled while the short press is being performed, and if a short press (e.g., for 0.25 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 when operation of the bet button B0 is enabled because medals stored as credits can be bet, operation of the bet button B0 is disabled while the short press is being performed. Note that in this example, operation of the settlement button B4 is enabled but the short press is an invalid operation, so settlement processing is not performed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5(B), when a short press operation (for example, 0.25 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in a settlement operation invalid state (a non-settlement permitted state in which no game value is stored in the game value storage means) in which operation on the settlement button B4 is invalidated because no medals have been credit-stored or bet, and in a deposit permitted state, the deposit is prohibited while the short press operation is being performed, and is controlled to a deposit permitted state when the short press operation ends. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(B), while the settlement button B4 is being short-pressed, the blocker 355 is positioned in a non-permitted position, and when the short press operation ends, it is displaced to a permitted position, and the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356 is also made invalid according to the behavior of the blocker 355, and is enabled when the short press operation ends. In this example, since operation on the start lever SL and operation on the bet button B0 are invalidated because no medals have been credit-stored or bet, the invalid state continues while the short press operation is being performed, and the invalid state is maintained even after the short press operation ends. Also, in this example, operation of the settlement button B4 is disabled and a short press operation is an invalid operation, so settlement processing is not performed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5(C), when the settlement button B4 is pressed and held (for example, for 0.5 seconds) in the settlement operation invalid state and the insertion permitted state, the state is controlled to the insertion prohibited state while the long press operation is being performed, and when the long press operation is ended, the state is controlled to the insertion permitted state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(C), while the settlement button B4 is pressed and held for a long time, the blocker 355 is positioned in the unauthorized position, and when the long press operation is ended, it is displaced to the permitted position, and the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356 is also made invalid according to the behavior of the blocker 355, and is enabled when the long press operation is ended. Note that in this example, because the medals are not credit-stored or bet, the operation of the start lever SL and the operation of the bet button B0 are invalid, the invalid state continues while the long press operation is being performed, and the invalid state is maintained even after the long press operation is ended. Also, in this example, the operation of the settlement button B4 is invalid, so the settlement process is not performed even if the long press operation is performed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6(A), when the settlement button B4 is pressed and held (for example, 0.5 seconds) in the settlement operation valid state and the insertion permitted state, the state is controlled to the insertion prohibited state from the start of the long press operation until a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the end of the settlement process, and when the predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the end of the settlement process, the state is controlled to the insertion permitted state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(A), when the settlement button B4 is pressed, the blocker 355 is displaced from the permitted position to the unauthorized position, and when the pressing time (operation time) of the settlement button B4 reaches a reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds), it is determined to be a valid operation and the settlement process is started, and the blocker 355 is maintained in the unauthorized position even during the execution of the settlement process, and when a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the end of the settlement process, the blocker 355 is displaced from the unauthorized position to the authorized position. In this case, while the blocker 355 is displaced to the unauthorized position, the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, the operation of the start lever SL, and the operation of the bet button B0 are also disabled in accordance with the behavior of the blocker 355, and when a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the settlement process is completed, the detection of medals by the overdetection sensor 356 is enabled, but the operation of the start lever SL and the operation of the bet button B0 remain disabled because all medals have been settled by the settlement process. For example, when the settlement button B4 is pressed for a long time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) in a state in which the operation of the start lever SL is enabled because a specified number of medals have been bet, the operation of the start lever SL is disabled while the blocker 355 is displaced to the unauthorized position, and the disabled operation of the start lever SL is maintained even if the blocker 355 is displaced from the unauthorized position to the permitted position. When the settlement button B4 is pressed for a long time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) in a state in which the operation of the bet button B0 is enabled because the medals stored in the credit can be bet, the operation of the bet button B0 is disabled while the blocker 355 is displaced to the unauthorized position, and the disabled operation of the bet button B0 is maintained even if the blocker 355 is displaced from the unauthorized position to the permitted position. In this way, in the example shown in FIG. 6(A), the insertion is prohibited from being performed from the start of the long press operation until at least the end of the settlement process, and when the settlement process is ended, the insertion is permitted.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), when a specific long press operation (specific operation) is performed on the settlement button B4 in a settlement operation enabled state and a deposit-permitted state, which is an operation of holding the settlement button B4 down for a longer period (e.g., 5 seconds) than a reference time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), the deposit-permitted state is controlled from the start of the specific long press operation until a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process, and when the predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process, the deposit-permitted state is controlled. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), when the settlement button B4 is pressed, the blocker 355 is displaced from the permitted position to the unauthorized position, and when the pressing time (operation time) of the settlement button B4 reaches a reference time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), it is determined to be a valid operation and the settlement process is initiated. The blocker 355 is maintained in the unauthorized position even while the settlement process is being executed, and when a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the settlement process was completed, the blocker 355 is displaced from the unauthorized position to the permitted position even if the settlement button B4 is in the pressed state. In this case, as in the example shown in FIG. 6(A), while the blocker 355 is displaced to the unauthorized position, the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, the operation of the start lever SL, and the operation of the bet button B0 are also disabled in accordance with the behavior of the blocker 355, and when a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the settlement process is completed, the detection of medals by the overdetection sensor 356 is enabled, and the operation of the start lever SL and the operation of the bet button B0 are maintained in an invalid state because all medals have been settled by the settlement process. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 6(B), the insertion is prohibited from the start of the specific long press operation at least until the settlement process is completed, and when the settlement process is completed, the insertion is permitted even if the settlement button B4 is pressed.

6(C), when a specific long press operation (e.g., 5 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in the settlement operation invalid state and the insertion permitted state, the insertion is prohibited from the start of the specific long press operation until the pressing time (operation time) of the settlement button B4 has passed a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), and when the pressing time (operation time) of the settlement button B4 has passed a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), the insertion is permitted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(C), the blocker 355 is positioned in the unauthorized position from the start of the specific long press operation until the pressing time (operation time) of the settlement button B4 has passed a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), and when the predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has passed, the blocker 355 is displaced from the unauthorized position to the permitted position even if the settlement button B4 is pressed. In this case, the predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) is the reference time until the operation on the settlement button B4 is determined to be valid (reference time for starting the settlement of the game value: e.g., 0.5 seconds). In this case, while the blocker 355 is displaced to the unauthorized position, the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356 is also made invalid in accordance with the behavior of the blocker 355, and is made valid when a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has passed since the specific long press operation was started. In this example, since the medals have not been credited or bet, the operation on the start lever SL and the operation on the bet button B0 are invalidated, so the invalid state continues until a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has passed since the specific long press operation was started, and the invalid state is maintained even after the predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has passed. In this example, since the operation on the settlement button B4 is invalidated, the settlement process is not performed even if the specific long press operation is performed.

As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5(A) to 5(C) and 6(A) to 6(C), when operation of the settlement button B4 is started, the machine is controlled to a state in which insertion is not permitted, thereby preventing fraudulent acts regarding the insertion of medals.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 (A) and 5 (B), when a short press is performed on the settlement button B4 in a settlement operation enabled state or a settlement operation disabled state and the insertion is permitted state, the state is controlled to a non-insertion permitted state while the short press is being performed, thereby preventing fraudulent acts regarding the insertion of medals, and when the short press on the settlement button B4 ends (when the operation on the settlement button B4 ends before the reference time for starting medal settlement has elapsed after the operation on the settlement button B4 was started), the state is controlled to an insertion permitted state, so that the insertion of medals is not accepted for the minimum necessary time, allowing the insertion of medals quickly, thereby improving operability regarding the insertion of medals.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5(C), if the settlement button B4 is pressed and held (for example, 0.5 seconds) while the settlement operation is disabled and the insertion is permitted, the state is controlled to a state where the insertion is not permitted while the long press is being performed, thereby preventing fraudulent acts regarding the insertion of medals. When the long press of the settlement button B4 ends, the state is controlled to a state where the insertion is permitted, so that the insertion of medals is not accepted for the minimum necessary time, allowing the insertion of medals quickly, thereby improving operability regarding the insertion of medals.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(A), when the settlement button B4 is pressed and held (for example, 0.5 seconds) while the settlement operation is enabled and the insertion is permitted, the state is controlled to a state where the insertion is not permitted from the start of the long press until a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process, thereby preventing fraudulent acts regarding the insertion of medals, and once a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process (when the settlement of medals is completed), the state is controlled to a state where the insertion is permitted, thereby enabling the insertion of medals quickly and improving operability regarding the insertion of medals.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(B), when a specific long press operation (e.g., 5 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in a settlement operation enabled state and in a medal insertion permitted state, the state is controlled to a medal insertion prohibited state from the start of the specific long press operation until a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the end of the settlement process, thereby preventing fraudulent acts regarding the insertion of medals, and once a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the end of the settlement process (when medal settlement has been completed), even if the settlement button B4 is in a pressed state (when an operation on the settlement button B4 is being performed), the state is controlled to a medal insertion permitted state, making it possible to insert medals even before releasing the settlement button B4 in a pressed state, thereby improving operability regarding the insertion of medals.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(C), when a specific long press operation (e.g., 5 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in a settlement operation disabled state and a medal insertion permitted state, the state is controlled to a medal insertion prohibited state for the period from the start of the specific operation until a reference time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) for starting medal settlement has elapsed, thereby preventing fraudulent acts related to medal insertion, and once the reference time has elapsed, the state is controlled to a medal insertion permitted state even if the settlement button B4 is in a pressed state (an operation on the settlement button B4 is being performed), so that medals can be inserted even before the pressed settlement button B4 is released, improving operability regarding medal insertion. These allow you to start playing as soon as possible.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the example shown in Figures 6 (A) and 6 (B), the state is controlled to be one in which insertion is permitted when a predetermined time has elapsed after the settlement process is completed. Since the time required for the settlement process varies depending on the number of medals to be settled, it is possible to prevent the player from controlling the timing of the transition from the non-insertion-permitted state to the insertion-permitted state, thereby preventing fraudulent behavior regarding the insertion of medals as much as possible.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the examples shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), control is performed to allow insertion at the same timing (when the settlement button B4, which is in a pressed state, is released), so that processing can be standardized for medal acceptance control, thereby improving design efficiency.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the example shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), when a predetermined time has elapsed after the settlement process is completed, the machine is controlled to a state where insertion is permitted regardless of whether or not the settlement button B4 has been operated, so that the process for medal acceptance control can be standardized, thereby improving design efficiency.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the examples shown in Figures 5(A), 5(B), 5(C), and 6(C), the operation on the settlement button B4 is an invalid operation, so the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" by pressing and releasing the settlement button B4. However, in the examples shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" when a valid operation on the settlement button B4 is performed (when it is determined to be valid and the settlement process starts) and when the settlement process ends. Note that in the examples shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the monitoring timer 199 may be initialized (reset) only when a valid operation on the settlement button B4 is performed or when the settlement process ends.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6, the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (resets) to the initial value "0". For example, when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 during the execution of a game presentation or standby presentation to transition to the menu display (start the menu display), or when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 while the menu is displayed to return to the game presentation (end the menu display), the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (resets) to the initial value "0".

For example, when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 to determine the volume on the volume setting screen 410, when a valid 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 to determine the presentation mode on the presentation customization screen, or when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 to return to the menu screen 400 on the volume setting screen 410, the light intensity setting screen 430, the presentation customization screen, or the game history screen, the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0". Note that in these cases, the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 may not be initialized (reset) to the initial value "0".

In addition, in this embodiment, the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" by a valid operation on the cross key B7. For this reason, even if 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, a valid operation (predetermined change operation) is performed on the cross key B7 to change the volume on the volume setting screen 410, a valid operation (predetermined change operation) is performed on the cross key B7 to change the light amount on the light amount setting screen 430, or a valid operation (predetermined change operation) is performed on the cross key B7 to change the performance mode on the performance customization screen, the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0".

As described above, according to this embodiment, the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" by an invalid operation of the settlement button B4 as in the examples shown in Figures 5(A), 5(B), 5(C), and 6(C), so that players who want to view the demo screen are not forced to wait unnecessarily.

In addition, 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 presentation, the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (resets) to the initial value "0" and the timing by the monitoring timer 199 is restarted, so that a player who wants to end the menu display and start playing can be prevented from unnecessarily being shown the demo screen, and their motivation to play can be minimized.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the monitoring timer 199 counts a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) while the menu is displayed, the menu display transitions to a demo screen, and the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" (does not start over) depending on a valid operation of the cross key B7, so that players who want to see the demo screen are not forced to wait unnecessarily, and their motivation to play is not diminished as much as possible.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a medal is inserted in the insertion permitted state or when a valid operation is performed on an operating means such as the bet button B0, start lever SL, or settlement button B4, the time counting by the monitoring timer 199 is reset, and when a medal is inserted in the insertion prohibited state or when an invalid operation is performed on an operating means such as the bet button B0, start lever SL, or settlement button B4, the time counting by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset, so that the time during which play is not being continued can be appropriately counted.

The invention of this embodiment also relates to a gaming machine that includes a settlement means for controlling the settlement of game value based on an operation on a predetermined operation means, a first presentation operation means for performing an operation to end the display of a predetermined menu screen, a second presentation operation means for performing a predetermined change operation, a timing means for measuring the time during which play is not being continued, and a presentation control means for controlling the execution of a standby presentation when the timing means has measured the predetermined time, in which the presentation control means restarts timing by the timing means when an operation is performed on the first presentation operation means, and does not restart timing by the timing means when an operation is performed on the second presentation operation means.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and modifications are introduced below. Note that the above embodiment and the various methods described below as modifications can be appropriately combined and adopted as a control method for realizing the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the example shown in Figures 6 (A) and 6 (B) was described taking as an example a case where control is performed to disallow cash insertion from the time when operation of the settlement button B4 is started until a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the settlement process is completed. However, it is sufficient to control to a state where cash insertion is disallowed from the time when operation of the settlement button B4 is started until at least the time when the settlement process is completed, and it may also be possible to control to a state where cash insertion is permitted immediately after the settlement process is completed.

In the above embodiment, the example shown in FIG. 5(A) was used to explain a case in which, while the settlement button B4 is being pressed briefly, the operation on the start lever SL and the operation on the bet button B0 are also disabled in accordance with the behavior of the blocker 355, but they do not necessarily have to be disabled and one or both operations may be enabled.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which settlement processing is not performed when an invalid operation is performed on the settlement button B4, but settlement processing may be performed to settle 0 medals. In this case, when a long press operation or a specific long press operation is performed on the settlement button B4 in the settlement operation invalid state, the operation may be determined to be a valid operation for medal settlement, and settlement processing may be performed to settle 0 medals.

In the above embodiment, an example was given of a case in which in the insertion permitted state, operation of the bet button B0 is valid on the condition that medals are stored as credits in the gaming machine, but in the insertion permitted state, operation of the bet button B0 may be valid regardless of whether medals are stored as credits. In this case, if an operation is performed on the bet button B0 in a state in which no medals are stored as credits in the insertion permitted state, the operation may be treated as an invalid operation based on the fact that no medals are stored as credits, or the operation may be treated as a valid operation and a process (medal insertion process and credit subtraction process) may be performed to set the inserted state to 0 medals stored as credits.

In the above embodiment, the example shown in FIG. 6(A) and FIG. 6(B) is used to explain the case where the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" at the timing of the start and end of the settlement process, but the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 may be initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" at the timing of the blocker 355 being displaced from the unauthorized position to the authorized position. In this case, the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 may be initialized to the initial value "0" at either or both of the timing of the start and end of the settlement process, or may not be initialized. In this case, a signal notifying that the blocker 355 has been displaced from the authorized position to the unauthorized position or a signal notifying that the blocker 355 has been displaced from the unauthorized position to the authorized position may be output from the main board 10 to the sub-board 20, and the monitoring timer 199 may be initialized based on the signal.

In the above embodiment, the settlement process was described taking as an example a case where medals stored as credits and medals set to an inserted state are settled, but if medals are stored as credits and set to an inserted state, the settlement process based on a single valid operation of the settlement button B4 may settle only medals set to an inserted state, and if there are no medals set to an inserted state, the medals stored as credits may be settled. The invention of the above embodiment can be applied in this case as well.

In the above embodiment, the operation of the menu button B6 and the cross key B7 is enabled when not playing, and disabled when playing. However, the operation of the menu button B6 and the cross key B7 may be enabled even during playing. In this way, it becomes possible to change the volume, light intensity, etc. while playing. In this example, the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" simply by performing an operation (operation of the cross key B7) that is likely to be performed frequently, such as changing the volume or light intensity. This makes it possible to prevent a player who wants to view a demo screen in the middle of playing a game from having to wait in vain, and to minimize the loss of motivation to play.

In the above embodiment, the example was described in which the menu screen 400 was switched to the volume setting screen 410 or the light intensity setting screen 430 when changing the volume or light intensity, but the volume or light intensity may be changed without going through the menu screen 400. For example, the operation of the menu button B6 and the cross key B7 may be enabled even during play, and when the up button B7A or the down button B7B is operated during play, the volume may be changed and the volume bar image 420 may be displayed to display the current volume, and when the left button B7C or the right button B7D is operated during play, the light intensity may be changed and the light intensity bar image 440 may be displayed to display the current light intensity. Similarly, when the up button B7A or down button B7B is operated during a non-play game presentation (game screen) or standby presentation (demo screen), the volume may be changed and the volume bar image 420 may be displayed to show the current volume, and when the left button B7C or right button B7D is operated during a non-play game presentation (game screen) or standby presentation (demo screen), the light intensity may be changed and the light intensity bar image 440 may be displayed to show the current light intensity.

In the above embodiment, the example was described where a standby display is entered when play has not continued for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 60 seconds) under a predetermined circumstance. However, the standby display (demo screen) may also be entered when a valid operation is performed on the settlement button B4, or the standby display (demo screen) may be entered when the payout process (settlement process) associated with a valid operation on the settlement button B4 is completed.

In the above embodiment, the monitoring timer 199 is always operated while the power of the gaming machine is turned on. However, the monitoring timer 199 may be interrupted or stopped. For example, the monitoring timer 199 may be interrupted when the door sensor 260 detects that the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened, and the monitoring timer 199 may resume the interrupted timing when the door sensor 260 detects that the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD in the open state is closed. In other words, the monitoring timer 199 may be temporarily stopped during a door opening error (during an error state) associated with the opening of the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD. 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 a standby performance is started while the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is open, different performances will be performed before and after the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened and closed, which may create a sense of incongruity. However, with this modified example, it is possible to prevent the sense of incongruity caused by different performances being performed before and after the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened and closed.

For example, the monitoring timer 199 may be operated when all processing related to one game has been completed, and the monitoring timer 199 may be stopped when a medal is set to the inserted state. In this way, a transition to a standby presentation can be made in a game situation where a medal is not set to the inserted state, and a transition to a standby presentation can be prevented in a game situation where a medal is set to the inserted state.

For example, when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 during a game presentation (game screen) or a standby presentation (demo screen) to transition to a menu screen, the measurement value of the monitoring timer 199 may be initialized (reset) to an initial value of "0" and timing by the monitoring timer 199 may be temporarily stopped, and when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 while the menu is displayed to return to the game presentation, timing by the initialized (reset) monitoring timer 199 may be resumed (restarted).

In the above embodiment, the time count by the monitoring timer 199 is reset each time a signal is input from the main board 10. However, the time count by the monitoring timer 199 may not be reset when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened, or when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD that is in an open state is closed.

In the above embodiment, the time count by the monitoring timer 199 is reset only when a valid operation is performed on the performance button B5, and the time count by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset when an invalid operation is performed. However, the time count by the monitoring timer 199 may be reset even when an invalid operation is performed on the performance button B5. In other words, the time count by the monitoring timer 199 may be reset every time a signal is input from the performance button switch 270.

In the above embodiment, the case was described as an example in which the time count by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset whether a valid operation is performed on the cross key B7 or an invalid operation is performed, but the time count by the monitoring timer 199 may be reset only when a valid operation is performed on the cross key B7, and may not be reset when an invalid operation is performed.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which operation of the effect button B5 is enabled when the standby effect is entered, but operation of the effect button B5 does not have to be enabled, and the standby effect may be cancelled when a signal is input from the effect button switch 270 regardless of whether it is enabled or not.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the game presentation is restored when the standby presentation ends, but the game presentation being performed may be interrupted when the game presentation transitions to the standby presentation, and the interrupted game presentation may be resumed when the game presentation is restored from the standby presentation.

In the above embodiment, if the monitoring timer 199 counts a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) while any of the reels are spinning, a reel stop warning effect may be executed instead of the standby effect. In this case, the speaker volume may be muted or reduced in volume in conjunction with the execution of the reel stop warning effect.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a performance button B5 is provided and the standby performance can be ended by operating the performance button B5, but the performance button B5 does not necessarily have to be provided.

The invention of the above embodiment is not limited to slot machines that use medals (game value) as tangible objects to play, but can also be applied to smart pachislots (also called "smart slots" or "medalless gaming machines"), which are gaming machines that use electronic medals (game value), which are electronic information, as a gaming medium to play without using medals as tangible objects.

In a smart pachislot, the main board 10 is connected to a medal lending machine (not shown) as an external unit so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally, and electronic medals, which are electronic information lent from the medal lending machine, are credit-stored in the credit storage area of the credit storage means 191, and the credit-stored electronic medals are bet on by operating the bet button B0 to play a game, and all medals paid out according to the game results are credit-stored. For this reason, a smart pachislot does not require a medal insertion port MI, a medal selector 350 (blocker 355, passage detection sensor 356, and insertion detection sensor 357), a hopper unit HP, etc. Also, in a smart pachislot, for example, a game medal count display device that is set to be able to store 16,383 electronic medals as credits and can display a five-digit number is provided, and the credit number of the electronic medals is displayed on the game medal count display device.

In addition, in smart pachislots, when the settlement button B4 is operated while operation of the settlement button B4 is enabled, the settlement process will return all electronic medals set to inserted state to credits if replay is not activated.

And in smart pachislots, since there is no blocker 355 or passage detection sensor 356, when the insertion is permitted, operation of the bet button B0 can be made valid, and when the insertion is not permitted, operation of the bet button B0 can be made invalid.

BX storage box, UD upper front door, DD lower front door, DW display window,
L1: active line, DS: game information display, LCD: liquid crystal display,
AL Frame lamp, R1 1st reel, R2 2nd reel, R3 3rd reel,
SL Start lever, B0 Bet button, B1-B3 Stop buttons,
B4 Settlement button, B5 Performance button, B6 Menu button, B7 Cross key,
B7A up button, B7B down 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 acceptance 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 performance 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 settlement switch, 260 door sensor, 270 performance 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 amount setting screen, 440 Light amount bar image

Claims (1)

an acceptance control means for controlling a first state in which acceptance of a gaming value is permitted and a second state in which acceptance of a gaming value is not permitted;
a game value storage means for storing the received game value within a predetermined range;
A settlement means for controlling the settlement of the game value stored in the game value storage means based on an operation of a predetermined operation means,
The reception control means
When an operation on the operating means is started, the operating means is controlled to the second state,
In a settlement permitted state in which a game value is stored in the game value storage means, when settlement of the game value is completed, control is performed to the first state even if an operation is being performed on the operation means,
A gaming machine characterized in that, in a non-settlement permitted state in which no game value is stored in the game value memory means, when a reference time for starting settlement of the game value has elapsed since operation on the operating means was started, the gaming machine is controlled to the first state even if operation on the operating means is being executed.