JP6287711B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes appropriate processing according to the situation when an error is detected.

In the conventional slot machine, when an abnormal state occurs during the set value display mode, the abnormal state is notified, the display of the set value is cleared, and a set value different from the set value stored at that time is set. A slot machine for displaying is known (see Patent Document 1).

JP2013-094359A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to execute an appropriate process according to the situation when an error is detected when an error is detected .

The present invention solves the above-described problems by the following means. Note that the corresponding embodiment is shown in parentheses.
The invention of claim 1
A main control board (main control means 50) for controlling the progress of the game,
As a mode controlled by the main control board,
A game mode in which the game can proceed,
And a setting confirmation mode in which the setting value related to the player's advantage can be confirmed.
When a predetermined error (payout sensor abnormality, inserted medal clogging, passage sensor abnormality, medal backflow, payout medal clogging, or medal outage) is detected during the gaming mode, a predetermined notification process corresponding to the predetermined error (Display the error code on the 7-segment display 34)
In the situation where the predetermined error is detected during the setting check mode, the setting check mode is continued without executing the predetermined notification process.

According to the present invention, when a predetermined error is detected, an appropriate process can be executed depending on whether the game mode or the setting confirmation mode.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline of control of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the content of the low-order 1 byte of a 1st-3rd status command. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of power activation. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an error handling process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a game progress process. It is a figure which shows the display content of the image display apparatus of the system menu in a setting change mode or a setting confirmation mode. It is a figure which shows the display content of the image display apparatus of the volume adjustment mode in setting change mode or setting confirmation mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the volume adjustment process in setting change mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the volume adjustment process in setting confirmation mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the volume adjustment process in game mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a speaker output process.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the like.
In the slot machine 10 of the following embodiment, medals are used as game media. However, the present invention is not limited to medals and may be game balls or the like.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of control of the slot machine 10 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 includes main control means 50 and sub control means (first sub control means 70 and second sub control means 80).

The main control means 50 controls the progress of games such as winning lottery, reel 31 drive (rotation and stop) control, and payout when winning.
The main control means 50 is provided on a main control board (not shown), and there are a main CPU that performs arithmetic operations, a ROM that stores programs necessary for the progress of games, and various types of main CPUs. RAM etc. which memorize | store temporarily the data etc. which were taken in when performing this control are provided.

The sub control means controls the effect. In the present embodiment, the sub control means includes a first sub control means 70 and a second sub control means 80.
The first sub-control unit 70 receives a command from the main control unit 50 and makes a determination regarding the output of the effect.
The second sub-control unit 80 receives a command from the first sub-control unit 70 and controls the output of the effect.

The first sub-control means 70 is provided on a first sub-control board (not shown), and stores a first sub-CPU that performs calculations and the like, a program and data for making a determination regarding the output of the production, and the like. A ROM for storing data, a RAM for temporarily storing data and the like taken in when the first sub CPU makes a decision regarding the output of effects.
The second sub-control unit 80 is provided on a second sub-control board (not shown), and performs a second sub-CPU for performing calculations, a lighting pattern of the lamp 21, a sound output from the speaker 22, and A ROM for storing image data to be displayed on the image display device 23, a RAM for temporarily storing data taken in when the second sub CPU controls the output of effects, and the like are provided.

The first sub control board is a control board belonging to the lower level of the main control board. The main control means 50 and the first sub-control means 70 are electrically connected, and information (signals) necessary for determining the production output is unidirectional from the main control means 50 to the first sub-control means 70. , Data, command).
Further, the second sub control board is a control board belonging to the lower order of the first sub control board. The first sub-control means 70 and the second sub-control means 80 are electrically connected, and the first sub-control means 70 and the second sub-control means 80 are bidirectional to control production output. It is configured to transmit necessary information (signals, data, commands).

As shown in FIG. 1, the main control means 50 includes a bet switch 40, a start switch 41, and three (left, middle, right) stop switches, which are operation switches operated by the player to advance the game. 42 is electrically connected.
In FIG. 1, the arrow indicates the direction in which the signal travels. The main control means 50 and the input peripheral device are connected by an arrow from the input peripheral device to the main control means 50, and the main control means 50 and the output peripheral device are output from the main control means 50. Connected with arrows pointing to the peripherals. The same applies to the first sub-control means 70 and the second sub-control means 80.

  The bet switch 40 is a switch operated when the player inserts a stored medal for the game. In this embodiment, in any gaming state, it is set to play a game by inserting three medals. Therefore, when the bet switch 40 is operated, three stored medals are electrically inserted, and a process of subtracting “3” from the number of stored medals (number of credits) is performed. The number of medals inserted is not limited to this, and may be one or two. A bet switch for one bet or two bets may be provided.

The start switch 41 is a switch operated by the player when starting the reels 31 (all of left, middle, and right).
(Left, middle, right) stop switches 42 are provided corresponding to three (left, middle, right) reels 31 and are operated by the player when the corresponding reels 31 are stopped. .

The medal slot 43 is a part where the player inserts an actual medal, and is provided on the front side (player side) of the front mask portion (front door).
A medal selector 44 through which medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 43 pass is provided on the rear side (back side) of the front mask portion.
The medal selector 44 further includes a passage sensor 44a, a blocker 44b, a first insertion sensor 44c, and a second insertion sensor 44c, which are electrically connected to the main control means 50.

The medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 43 is first configured to be detected by the passage sensor 44a.
A blocker 44b is provided on the downstream side of the passage sensor 44a. The blocker 44b is for permitting / not permitting the insertion of medals.
When the insertion of medals is not permitted, the blocker 44b forms a medal passage for returning medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 43 from the payout slot.
On the other hand, when the medal insertion is permitted, the blocker 44b forms a medal passage for guiding the medal inserted from the medal insertion port 43 to the hopper 33a.

Here, the blocker 44b disables the insertion of medals from the start of the rotation of the reels 31 until all the reels 31 are stopped and the payout corresponding to the winning combination is completed at the time of winning the winning combination. That is, the blocker 44b permits the insertion of medals at least when a game is not being performed.
Further, in the middle of the medal path from the blocker 44b to the hopper 33a, a first insertion sensor 44c and a second insertion sensor 44d are provided in order from the upstream side. Therefore, the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 43 is detected by the passage sensor 44a and then further detected by the first insertion sensor 44c (upstream side) and the second insertion sensor 44d (downstream side). Has been.

Each of the passage sensor 44a, the first closing sensor 44c, and the second closing sensor 44d has a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the light emitted from the light emitting element is detected by the light receiving element. The medal passing through the medal path passes between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. At this time, light incident on the light receiving element is blocked for a moment, thereby detecting the passage of the medal.
If the passage sensor 44a continues to be shielded from light for a certain period of time, it is determined that an error (passage sensor abnormality) has been detected.

Further, when the passage of medals is detected in the order of the first insertion sensor 44c and the second insertion sensor 44d, it is determined that the insertion of medals has been detected.
On the other hand, when the passage of medals is detected in the order of the second insertion sensor 44d and the first insertion sensor 44c, it is determined that an error (reverse flow of medals) has been detected.
Further, if the light blocking by the first insertion sensor 44c and / or the second insertion sensor 44d continues for a certain time or more, it is determined that an error (medal clogging) has been detected.

Inserting a medal from the medal insertion slot 43 plays the same role as operating the bet switch 40.
Further, in this specification, “inserting a medal” is used to include both putting an actual medal into the medal slot 43 and operating the bet switch 40.

As shown in FIG. 1, a setting key switch 45, a setting change switch 46, a reset switch 47, a door sensor 48, and a cover sensor 49 are electrically connected to the main control unit 50.
A power supply unit (not shown) is provided inside the housing of the slot machine 10, and a power supply board that supplies power to the main control board, the first sub control board, the second sub control board, and the like, And a power supply box for storing the power supply board.
On the front of the power supply box, there are provided a power switch for switching on / off of the power supply and a setting key insertion slot into which a setting key is inserted, and an openable / closable switch cover for covering these. Yes.

When the switch cover is opened, the power switch can be operated and the setting key can be inserted into the setting key insertion slot.
Also, when the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion slot and the setting key is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, the setting key switch 45 is turned on from off, and the setting key is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from this state. Then, the setting key switch 45 is turned from on to off.

When the setting key switch 45 is turned on from off in a state where the power is off, and the power is turned on from off in this state, a setting change mode in which the setting value can be changed is set. In other words, when the power is turned on from off while the setting key switch 45 is on, the setting change mode is entered.
In addition, when the setting key switch 45 is turned on from the off state while the power is on, the setting confirmation mode in which the setting value can be confirmed is entered.
The setting change mode and the setting confirmation mode are collectively referred to as “management mode”.
The management mode is a mode that can be shifted by a predetermined operation by an administrator of the slot machine 10 (such as a store manager of a hall), and is a mode that does not allow the game to proceed.

The setting change switch 46 is a switch operated when changing / setting the setting value of the slot machine 10. In the present embodiment, the setting value has six stages from setting 1 to setting 6. The higher the set value, the more advantageous for the player.
The setting change switch 46 is not operated by the player but operated by the administrator. For this reason, the setting change switch 46 is arranged inside the housing of the slot machine 10 so that the player cannot operate it.

The reset switch 47 is a switch that is operated when canceling an error or the like. Similarly to the setting change switch 46, the reset switch 47 is not operated by the player but operated by the administrator. For this reason, a reset switch 47 is arranged inside the housing of the slot machine 10 so that the player cannot operate it.
The reset switch 47 may be provided with a dedicated switch, or may be shared with other switches. For example, one switch can be shared by the setting change switch 46 and the reset switch 47. In this case, for example, one switch can function as the setting change switch 46 during the setting change mode, and can function as the reset switch 47 at other times.

The door sensor 48 is a sensor that detects opening and closing of the front mask portion (front door). For example, it is arranged so that it is on when the front mask portion is open and off when the front mask portion is closed.
The cover sensor 49 is a sensor that detects opening and closing of the switch cover. For example, the switch cover is arranged to be turned on when the switch cover is opened, and is turned off when the switch cover is closed.

As shown in FIG. 1, three motors 32, a medal payout device 33, and a 7-segment display 34 are electrically connected to the main control unit 50.
The motor 32 is for rotating the reels 31, is connected to the center of rotation of each reel 31, and is controlled by a reel control means 55 described later.

The reel 31 includes a left reel 31, a middle reel 31, and a right reel 31, and a stop switch 42 that is operated when the left reel 31 is stopped is a left stop switch 42, and a stop that is operated when the middle reel 31 is stopped. The switch 42 is the middle stop switch 42, and the stop switch 42 that is operated when stopping the right reel 31 is the right stop switch 42.
The reel 31 is ring-shaped, and a reel tape on which a plurality of types of symbols (designs constituting a combination of symbols corresponding to the combination) is attached is attached to the outer peripheral surface thereof. In the present embodiment, for each reel 31, 21 symbol display areas (frames) are arranged at equal intervals, and predetermined symbols are displayed in the respective symbol display areas (frames).

The medal payout device 33 is provided inside the housing of the slot machine 10, and a hopper 33a for storing medals, a hopper motor 33b for paying out medals stored in the hopper 33a, and medals are paid out. And a payout sensor 33c for detecting this.
The payout sensor 33c has a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects light emitted from the light emitting element by the light receiving element. The paid-out medal passes between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the payout sensor 33c. At this time, the light incident on the light receiving element is blocked for a moment, thereby detecting that the medal has been paid out.

If the shading of the payout sensor 33c continues for a certain time or more, it is determined that an error (medal clogging) has occurred.
If the payout sensor 33c does not detect that a medal has been paid out despite the hopper motor 33b being driven, it is determined that an error (the medal in the hopper 33a has been lost) has occurred.
The 7-segment display 34 displays the number of stored medals, the number of payouts, a set value, an error code, and the like.

The slot machine 10 includes a housing having an opening on the front surface, and a front mask portion (front door) attached so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the front surface of the housing.
A display window (transparent window) is provided substantially at the center of the front mask portion. In this embodiment, three reels 31 (left reel 31, middle reel 31, and right reel 31) are provided in parallel in the horizontal direction in this embodiment. Furthermore, each reel 31 is arranged so that three symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction can be seen from the display window. Therefore, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols in total are displayed from the display window of the slot machine 10. A combination (arrangement) of 3 × 3 = 9 symbols visible from the display window is referred to as a “stop outcome”.

In addition, a symbol combination line is provided in a portion including the display window of the slot machine 10.
Here, the “symbol combination line” is a line of symbols when the reel 31 is stopped, and is a line that forms a combination of symbols.
The symbol combination line has an effective line and an invalid line.

Here, the “effective line” is a line for winning a winning combination when a combination of symbols corresponding to any of the winning combinations is stopped on that line.
On the other hand, an “invalid line” is a line that is not set as an effective line among symbol combination lines, and even if a combination of symbols corresponding to any combination stops on that line, This is a line that does not give profits (medal payout etc.). In other words, the invalid line is a line that is not a target of combination of symbols in the first place.

In the present embodiment, five symbol combination lines are provided. The game is performed by always inserting three medals, and five symbol combination lines are always set as effective lines.
The valid line and the invalid line may be set according to the number of inserted medals, the game state, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the push button 25 and the cross key 26 are electrically connected to the first sub control means 70.
The push button 25 and the cross key 26 are switches used for effects and the like, and are operated when displaying information intended by the player or when the administrator makes various settings.
The cross key 26 includes a right switch 26a, a left switch 26b, an upward switch 26c, and a downward switch 26d.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lamp 21, the speaker 22, and the image display device 23 are electrically connected to the second sub control unit 80.
The lamp 21 is used for production or the like, and lights up or blinks in a predetermined pattern when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The lamp 21 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of each reel 31, and a back lamp (not shown) for illuminating a symbol (symbol visible from the display window) displayed on the reel 31 from behind, or the slot machine 10 An upper lamp and a side lamp (not shown) that are arranged on the front surface of the case and blink when a winning combination is included.

The speaker 22 is used for production and the like, and outputs a predetermined sound when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
Furthermore, the image display device 23 provides effect images, game information (for example, the number of stored medals, the number of paid out medals, the number of remaining games and the number of remaining games for special games, the pressing order of the stop switch 42, etc.), game results, etc. Is displayed. Examples of the image display device 23 include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an organic electroluminescence (organic EL) display, a dot display, and the like. In the present embodiment, the image display device 23 is configured by a liquid crystal display.

In the present embodiment, special roles, replays, and small roles are provided roughly as roles.
A combination of symbols corresponding to each combination and the number of payouts at the time of winning are determined. As a result, when all the reels 31 are stopped, if a combination of symbols corresponding to any of the combinations stops on the active line, the combination is won, and the number of medals corresponding to the combination is paid out or automatically inserted. (However, special roles are excluded.)
In the present specification, for convenience of explanation, “the combination of symbols corresponding to any combination stops at any valid line” is referred to as “the combination“ wins ””.

In the combination, first, the special combination is a combination that shifts from the normal game to the special game.
In the present embodiment, 1BB (first type big bonus) and RB (regular bonus) are provided as special combinations.
When 1BB wins, no medal is paid out in the game, but the next game shifts to 1BB game which is one of the special games. The case where RB wins is the same as the case where 1BB wins.
In addition, the replay is a re-game player who can perform a re-game while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the game (automatically inserting medals).
Furthermore, the small combination is a combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

Here, an outline of the progress of the game in the slot machine 10 is shown.
At the start of the game, the player operates the bet switch 40 to insert a previously stored medal, or inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 43, and operates (turns on) the start switch 41.
When the start switch 41 is operated, a signal generated at that time is input to the main control means 50.

When receiving this signal, the main control means 50 (specifically, the reel control means 55 described later) controls to drive all the motors 32 and rotate all the reels 31.
As the reel 31 is rotated by the motor 32 in this way, the symbols on the reel 31 are moved and displayed in the vertical direction in the display window at a predetermined speed.

Then, the player presses the stop switch 42 to stop the rotation of the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 (for example, the left reel 31 corresponding to the left stop switch 42).
When the stop switch 42 is operated, a signal generated at that time is input to the main control means 50.

When the main control means 50 (specifically, the reel control means 55 described later) receives this signal, the main control means 50 controls the drive of the motor 32 corresponding to the stop switch 42 and controls the stop of the reel 31 related to the motor 32. I do.
When all the reels 31 are stopped, when the symbol combination corresponding to any of the combinations stops on the active line (that is, when the winning combination of the combination is awarded), the medal corresponding to the winning combination is paid out. Etc. are performed.
In this way, the game in the slot machine 10 proceeds.

Further, the main control means 50 executes a main process for the progress of the game and executes an interrupt process different from the main process during the main process.
Here, the main process starts with the start of the game and ends with the end of the game. For this reason, the main process is executed once per game.
In this embodiment, the timer interruption is set every 2.235 ms. For this reason, the interrupt process is executed every 2.235 ms.
Furthermore, as a mode during the main process, there are a game mode in which a game can be advanced and a management mode (a setting change mode and a setting confirmation mode) in which the game can be advanced by a predetermined operation by the administrator and the game is not advanced. Have.

Further, in this embodiment, 1 is added to the count value for every interrupt, the first interrupt counter 51 in which the count value makes a round with 8 interrupts, and 1 is added to the count value for every interrupt, and the count is made with 10 interrupts. And a second interrupt counter 52 whose value makes a round.
Specifically, the first interrupt counter 51 starts counting from 0, adds 1 to the count value every time the timer interrupt is performed, and when the count value reaches 7, the count value is set to 0 next. It is something to return.

The second interrupt counter 52 starts counting from 0, adds 1 to the count value every time the timer interrupt is performed, and when the count value reaches 9, the count value is reset to 0 next time. is there.
The main control means 50 makes various decisions in the main process and the interrupt process based on the count values of the first interrupt counter 51 and the second interrupt counter 52.

The main control means 50 controls whether the operation of the operation switches, that is, the bet switch 44, the start switch 41, and the stop switch 42 is enabled or disabled according to the progress of the game.
Specifically, the main control means 50 validates the operation of the bet switch 40 before starting the game (when all reels 31 are stopped), permits the insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 43, and starts the game. Control is performed to invalidate the operation of the switch 41 and the operation of the stop switch 42.

Then, when the bet switch 40 is operated or three medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 43, the main control means 50 invalidates the operation of the bet switch 40 and thereafter from the medal insertion slot 43. Control to disallow medal insertion.
For example, even if the bet switch 40 is operated with three medals inserted, the main control means 50 does not permit any more medals to be inserted, and the operation of the bet switch 40 is invalid.

However, when one or two medals can be inserted, a bet switch for one bet or two bets can be changed even after three medals are inserted. Continue to enable the operation.
When the medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 43 in a state where three medals are inserted, the main control means 50 will insert the inserted medals into the blocker 44b if the number of stored medals is less than 50. If the number of stored medal reaches 50, the inserted medal is guided to the payout port by the blocker 44b and returned to the player.

When a medal is inserted, the main control means 50 enables the operation of the start switch 41, disables the operation of the bet switch 40 and the operation of the stop switch 42, and inserts the medal from the medal insertion slot 43. Control to disallow.
When the start switch 41 is operated and the reel 31 rotates, the main control means 50 enables the operation of the stop switch 42, disables the operation of the bet switch 40 and the operation of the start switch 41, and inserts the medal slot 43. It is controlled so that the insertion of medals from is not permitted.

  At this time, even if the start switch 41 is operated again, the main control means 50 invalidates the operation of the start switch 41. Even if the bet switch 40 is operated while the reel 31 is rotating, the main control means 50 invalidates the operation of the bet switch 40. Furthermore, even if a medal is inserted from the medal slot 43 during the rotation of the reel 31, the inserted medal is guided to the payout slot by the blocker 44b and returned to the player.

  Further, when the stop switch 42 is operated while the operation of the stop switch 42 is enabled, the reel control means 55 described later controls the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 to stop, and the main control means 50 controls to disable the operation of the stop switch 42. Accordingly, even if the stop switch 42 once operated is operated again during the game, the operation is invalidated.

When all the reels 31 are stopped, the medals are paid out when winning the winning combination, and the game end check process is executed, the main control means 50 validates the operation of the bet switch 40, and the medals from the medal insertion slot 43. Control to allow the input of.
At the time of replay winning, the main control means 50 stops all the reels 31, performs automatic insertion of medals, and executes a game end check process, without enabling the operation of the bet switch 40 and inserting medals. Control is performed so as to enable the operation of the start switch 41 without permitting the insertion of medals from the mouth 43.

Further, the main control unit 50 performs control so that only one operation switch operation is accepted regardless of whether the operation is valid or invalid. In other words, the main control means 50 performs control so that when a plurality of operation switches are operated simultaneously, it is not accepted regardless of whether the operation is valid or invalid.
Specifically, for example, when the operation of the start switch 41 is disabled and the operation of the stop switch 42 is enabled, the main control unit 50 operates the stop switch 42 while the start switch 41 is operated. When it is done, control is performed so that the operation of the stop switch 42 is not accepted.

The main control unit 50 operates the middle stop switch 42 in a state where the left stop switch 42 is operated, for example, when the operation of the three (left, middle, right) stop switches 42 is enabled. In such a case, control is performed so that the operation of the left stop switch 42 is accepted but the operation of the middle stop switch 42 is not accepted.
Further, when a freeze that delays the progress of the game (details will be described later) is executed, the main control means 50 operates the bet switch 40, the start switch 41, and the stop switch 42 until the freeze ends. The operation is disabled, and control is performed so that the insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 43 is not permitted.

  When the freeze is executed after all the reels 31 are stopped, the main control means 50 enables the operation of the bet switch 40 even when the freeze is being executed, and the medals from the medal insertion slot 43 are displayed. Control to allow input. Then, when the bet switch 40 is operated or when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 43, control may be performed so as to cancel the freeze during execution.

As described above, the main control unit 50 controls the operation switch to be effective when the freeze during execution can be canceled, and cancels the freeze during execution when the operation switch is operated at this time. May be.
Further, for example, the main control unit 50 enables the operation of the operation switch during the execution of the freeze, and when the operation switch is operated at this time, the current freeze is terminated and another freeze is executed. You may control. That is, the freeze may be changed.

In the present embodiment, the main game state controlled by the main control means 50 side includes normal games and special games, normal games include RT games and non-RT games, and special games include 1BB games and RB games. Is provided.
Furthermore, AT games and non-AT games are provided as sub game states controlled on the sub control means (first sub control means 70) side.

“RT (replay time) game” refers to a main game state in which the winning probability of replay is set higher than in non-RT games.
In addition, the main game state in which the winning probability of replay is different from the non-RT game may be referred to as an RT game. In addition, for “replay winning probabilities differ”, the combined value of the winning probabilities for multiple types of replays is the same, but the method for distributing the winning probabilities for each replay is different, or the types of replays to be drawn are different. Including cases.
Thus, RT game means, in a narrow sense, a main game state in which a winning probability of replay is set higher than that of non-RT games, and in a broad sense, a main game in which the winning probability of replay is different from that of non-RT games. Means state.

“AT (assist time) game” refers to whether or not a game result advantageous to the player is displayed depending on the operation content (push order and / or operation timing) of the stop switch 42, and non-AT game During the AT game, the game result advantageous to the player is displayed only by chance, but during the AT game, the operation content of the stop switch 42 for displaying the game result advantageous to the player is informed, If the person operates the stop switch 42 according to the notification, the player can obtain the most advantageous game result (for example, the most advantageous symbol combination can be stopped on the active line).
If an AT game is executed during an RT game, the game becomes an RT game and an AT game (ART game).

Next, a specific configuration of the main control unit 50 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the main control means 50 includes the following set value changing means 53 and the like.
The following units in the present embodiment are examples, and the main control unit 50 is not limited to the units shown in the present embodiment.

The set value changing means 53 is for changing / determining a set value for determining the advantage for the player.
In the present embodiment, six levels of setting 1 to setting 6 are provided as setting values.
The higher the set value, the higher the winning probability of the combination (particularly the special combination), and the higher the advantage for the player.
Further, the higher the set value is, the higher the probability of shifting to the AT game, and the higher the advantage for the player is set.

In addition, instead of increasing the probability of shifting to AT games, or increasing the probability of shifting to AT games, for example, increasing the probability of adding the number of games, the number of payouts, or the number of differences during an AT game. Or the probability of continuing the AT game may be increased.
Further, the higher the set value, the higher the expected value of the number of acquisitions (the number of payouts) for the number of bets (inserted number) of medals, and the higher the advantage for the player may be.

In this embodiment, with the front mask (front door) and the switch cover of the power supply unit opened, turn off the power, insert the setting key into the setting key insertion slot, and rotate it 90 degrees clockwise. When the setting key switch 45 is turned on and then the power is turned on again, the setting change mode in which the setting value can be changed is entered. In other words, when the power is turned on from off while the setting key switch 45 is on, the setting change mode is entered. In this case, the startup process is not performed.
The setting key may be inserted into the setting key insertion slot, rotated 90 degrees clockwise to turn on the setting key switch 45, and in this state, the power may be turned off and then turned on again.

In the setting change mode, the setting value changing means 53 displays the current setting value on a predetermined display unit (7-segment display 34).
The set value changing means 53 displays the set value every time the setting change switch 46 is operated... → “1” → “2” → “3” → “4” → “5” ”→“ 6 ”→“ 1 ”→“ 2 ”→...

Further, when the start switch 41 is turned on, the set value changing means 53 confirms the set value with the numerical value displayed on the 7-segment display 34 at this time and indicates that the set value has been confirmed. “0” is displayed on the 7-segment display 34.
The set value changing unit 53 includes a set value storage unit (memory such as a RAM) for storing the set value, and stores the determined set value in the set value storage unit.

Next, when the setting key is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise and the setting key switch 45 is turned off, the setting change mode is terminated, and a start-up process is performed with the changed set value.
If the power is turned off and then turned on again with the setting key switch 45 turned off, the start-up process may be performed with the changed setting value.

  As described above, when the setting value is changed, the setting change switch 46 is operated after the setting change mode is set. Then, with the desired set value displayed on the 7-segment display 34, the start switch 41 is turned on to confirm the set value. Thereafter, when the setting key switch 45 is turned off, the setting change mode is ended, and the start-up process is performed with the changed set value.

On the main control means 50 side, when the setting change mode ends, a set value command indicating the set value stored in the set value storage means is generated and transmitted to the sub control means (first sub control means 70).
Then, the sub control means (first sub control means 70) sets a set value based on the received set value command, and determines whether or not to shift to the AT game with a probability according to the set value command. Execute.

The role lottery means 54 performs lottery for a role (the special role, the small role, and the replay described above). The role lottery means 54 is based on, for example, a random number generation means (hardware random number, etc.) for a role lottery, a random number extraction means for extracting a random number generated by the random number generation means, and a random value extracted by the random number extraction means And determining means for determining the presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning combination.
The random number generation means generates random numbers in a predetermined area (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation). The random number is a random number in which a counter that performs 1 count at 200 n (nano) sec continues to count as a cycle in the range of 0 to 65535, and continues to count the random number while the slot machine 10 is powered on. .

  The random number extraction means extracts the random number generated by the random number generation means at a predetermined time, in the present embodiment, when the start switch 41 is operated (turned on) by the player. The determination unit determines the combination corresponding to the region to which the random number value belongs by comparing the random number value extracted by the random number extraction unit with a combination lottery table described later. For example, if the extracted random number value belongs to the 1BB winning area, it is determined to be 1BB winning, and if it belongs to the non-winning area, it is determined to be non-winning.

The role lottery table defines the types of winning combinations (role lottery results) and the winning probability of each winning combination.
Here, in the combination lottery table, a plurality of combinations may be assigned to one winning area. When the extracted random number value belongs to a winning area to which a plurality of roles are assigned, it is determined that a plurality of roles are overlapped. That is, a plurality of winning combinations are simultaneously won in the game.

In the present embodiment, it is set to have a case where a plurality of small roles are won simultaneously and a case where a plurality of replays are won simultaneously.
The role lottery table is provided for each main game state. Each of the winning lottery tables has a predetermined range of lottery areas. The lottery area is divided into a winning area and a non-winning area for each winning combination. It is set to a predetermined ratio so as to be a probability.

Further, on / off of the winning flag corresponding to each combination is controlled based on the combination lottery result by the combination lottery means 54.
In the present embodiment, each winning flag of special combination, small combination, and replay is provided. When winning in the lottery of the combination by the combination lottery means 54, the winning flag of the corresponding combination is turned on (a winning flag is set).
When a plurality of winning combinations are simultaneously won in the game, the winning flags for the corresponding winning combinations are simultaneously turned on.

When the reel control means 55 receives an instruction to start rotation of the reel 31, especially in this embodiment, when the start switch 41 is operated (when a signal indicating that the start switch 41 has been operated is received) ( The three reels 31 are controlled to start rotating.
If the time from the start of rotation of the reel 31 in the previous game to the time when the start switch 41 is operated in the game has not passed 4.1 seconds, the lottery of the combination is determined by operating the start switch 41. However, the rotation of the reel 31 does not start at the moment (immediately after) the start switch 41 is operated, and the rotation of the reel 31 starts after 4.1 seconds. Thus, the time from when the start switch 41 is operated until the rotation of the reel 31 is referred to as “wait time”.

  Further, the reel control means 55 selects a stop position determination table corresponding to ON / OFF of the winning flag with reference to ON / OFF of the winning flag in the game after the winning lottery means 54 performs the lottery. In addition, when the stop switch 42 is operated, the stop position of the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 is determined and the motor 32 is driven and controlled based on the timing when the stop switch 42 is operated. Then, the reel 31 is controlled to stop at the determined position.

  For example, in a game in which at least one winning flag is on, the reel control means 55 selects a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination (the combination with the winning flag turned on) within the range of the stop control of the reel 31. The reel 31 is stopped and controlled so as to be able to stop on the active line, and the reel 31 is stopped and controlled so as not to stop the combination of symbols corresponding to a combination other than the winning combination (the combination whose winning flag is off) on the effective line. .

Here, “within the range of stop control of the reel 31” means the time from the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 actually stops or the amount of rotation of the reel 31 (the number of moving frames (symbols)). Means within range.
In the present embodiment, the time from when the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 is stopped is set within 190 ms. Thereby, in this embodiment, the maximum number of moving frames from the design at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated to the stop of the reel 31 is 4 (5 frames including the design at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated). It becomes.

At the moment when the operation of the stop switch 42 is detected, when any of the symbols within the range of the stop control of the reel 31 is a symbol to be stopped at a predetermined effective line, when the stop switch 42 is operated In addition, the design is controlled to stop at a predetermined effective line.
That is, if the reel 31 is stopped immediately at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated at the time of winning the winning combination, when the symbol related to the winning winning combination does not stop at a predetermined effective line, the reel 31 is stopped before stopping. By controlling the rotational movement of the reel 31 within the range of the stop control of the reel 31, the symbol related to the winning combination is controlled so as to be stopped on a predetermined effective line as much as possible (retraction stop control).

  On the other hand, if the reel 31 is stopped immediately at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination that has not been won stops on any of the effective lines, the reel 31 is stopped. Sometimes, the reel 31 is controlled to rotate and move within the range of stop control of the reel 31 so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is not stopped on the effective line (kicking stop control).

Furthermore, the reel control means 55 is provided with a pressing order detecting means for detecting the pressing order (operation order) of the stop switch 42. The push order detecting means detects which one of the left, middle and right stop switches 42 is operated when the stop switch 42 is operated by the player.
When the stop switch 42 is operated, a signal indicating that the stop switch 42 has been operated is input to the pressing order detecting means. By discriminating this signal, the push order detecting means detects which stop switch 42 has been operated.

Here, in the present embodiment, the pressing order of the stop switch 42 includes the left middle right, left and right middle, middle left and right, middle right left, right left middle, and right middle left.
The left / right / right / left push order is called “forward push”, the left / right / middle push order is called “order pinch”, the right / left / left push order is called “reverse push”, and the right / left / right push order is “ This is called “reverse pinching”.

The pushing order (left middle right and left / right middle) in which the left stop switch 42 is operated first is referred to as “first left stop”, and the pushing order (middle left / right, and (Middle right / left) is referred to as “middle first stop”, and the push order (right middle left and right middle left) in which the right stop switch 42 is operated first is referred to as “right first stop”.
Further, the pressing order (middle left / right, middle right / left, right / left middle, and right / middle left) operated first except for the left stop switch 42 is referred to as “anomalous push”.

  The stop position determination table is provided for each on / off state of the winning flag, that is, for each lottery result of the combination by the combination lottery means 54. The stop position determination table corresponds to the position of the reel 31 at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated. The stop position of the reel 31 is determined. For example, when the stop switch 42 is operated at the moment when the first symbol passes through the upper stage (middle stage or lower stage), each stop position determination table controls how many symbols are moved, The stop position is determined in advance so that the symbol is stopped in the upper stage.

  The stop position determination table used at the time of winning only one of the winning combinations stops the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination within the effective line within the range of stop control of the reel 31 and also displays the symbol corresponding to the winning combination. When the combination cannot be stopped on the effective line, the stop position of the reel 31 is determined so that the combination of symbols corresponding to any combination is not stopped on the effective line.

In addition, even if the stop switch 42 is operated at any position where the reel 31 is located, the target symbol can be stopped on a desired effective line within the range of the stop control of the reel 31 (the player can always win a prize). ) Is referred to as “retraction ratio (PB) = 1”.
On the other hand, the fact that the target symbol cannot be stopped on the active line (not necessarily awarded) is not “PB ≠ 1” unless it is based on the player's intention.

In addition, as a replay, there are replays A and B, and both have a case of overlapping winning.
The stop position determination table used when the replays A and B are duplicated wins, for example, replay A (PB = 1) is always awarded at the left or middle first stop, and replay B (PB = 1) at the first right stop. The stop position of the reel 31 is determined so as to always win.
As described above, when a plurality of replays are overlapped, the types of replays to be awarded differ depending on the pressing order of the stop switch 42.
In addition, at the time of overlapping winning of a plurality of replays, replay can be performed even if any replay wins.

In addition, there are cases where there are small roles A and B as the small roles, and both of them win a duplicate.
The stop position determination table used when overlapping winning of the small roles A and B, for example, always wins the small role A (PB = 1, 9 medal payouts when winning) at the middle or right first stop, The stop position of the reel 31 is determined so that the small role B (PB ≠ 1, one payout of medal at the time of winning) is won within the range of the stop control of the reel 31 at the first left stop.
As described above, when a plurality of small combinations are won simultaneously, the type of small combination to be drawn into the active line, the pull-in rate, and the number of medals to be paid out are different depending on the pressing order of the stop switch 42. That is, according to the operation of the stop switch 42, game results having different profits to be given to the player are displayed.

Note that a game result with a large profit to be given to a player (to win a role with a large number of payouts) is called “correct answer push order”, and any push order other than the correct answer push order is “invalid. It is called “correct answer push order”.
In the case of multiple winning replays, for example, a push order in which a replay that shifts (promotes) to a gaming state advantageous to the player wins, or a replay that grants a bonus (sub bonus) to the player is won. The pushing order to perform is referred to as “correct answer pushing order”, and the pushing order in which a replay that shifts (falls) to a gaming state disadvantageous to the player wins is referred to as “illegal answer pushing order”.

When all the winning flags are off, the non-winning table is used.
The non-winning table is used when all the winning flags are off, and determines the symbol combination when the reel 31 is stopped so that the symbol combination corresponding to any combination does not stop on the active line.

The winning determination means 56 determines whether or not the combination of symbols on the reel 31 stopped on the active line matches the combination of symbols corresponding to any combination when the reel 31 is stopped (whether any combination has won a prize). Or not). The winning determination means 56 determines the symbol on the active line by detecting, for example, the angle when the motor 32 is stopped, the number of steps, and the like.
However, when the stop switch 42 is operated and the stop position is determined using the stop position determination table, the winning determination means 56 can determine the stop symbol regardless of whether or not the reel 31 has stopped. Is possible.

  The payout means 57 determines that the winning combination determining means 56 determines that the combination of symbols stopped on the active line when the reel 31 is stopped matches the combination of symbols corresponding to any of the winning combinations, and has won the winning combination. Depending on the winning combination, a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player, or credits are added. Also, when winning a replay, control is performed so that the number of medals inserted in the game (three) is automatically inserted without paying out medals.

In the present embodiment, the main game state includes a normal game and a special game, the normal game includes an RT game and a non-RT game, and the special game includes a 1BB game and an RB game.
Then, the main game state control means 58 displays a predetermined stop appearance, a predetermined replay prize, a predetermined number of games, a special role winning, a special role winning, a payout number of medals during a special game or a game Based on the number of times and the like, control is performed to shift the main game state.

Here, when the symbol combination corresponding to 1BB stops on the active line, 1BB is won, and the main game state control means 58 controls to shift to 1BB game.
Moreover, in 1BB game, the winning probability of a small role is significantly increased.
Further, the termination condition for the 1BB game is set such that the number of medals paid out during the 1BB game is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 300).
For this reason, in the 1BB game, the main game state control means 58 continues to count the number of medals to be paid out, and when it is determined that the count value has reached the above value, the main game state control means 58 controls to end the 1BB game with the game.

Similarly, when the combination of symbols corresponding to RB stops on the active line, RB is won and the main game state control means 58 controls to shift to RB game.
In RB games, the winning probability of a small role is significantly increased.
Further, the RB game end condition is set to have consumed a predetermined number of games (for example, 8 games) during the RB game.
For this reason, in the RB game, the main game state control means 58 continues to count the number of digestion games, and when it is determined that the count value has reached the above value, the main game state control means 58 controls to end the RB game with the game.

In addition, when a special combination is won, the special combination is controlled to be carried over from the next game until the combination of symbols corresponding to the special combination stops on the active line (the special combination wins).
In addition, during a game that has been overtaken by winning a special role (the special combination was won in the game before the game, but the combination of symbols corresponding to the selected special role has not stopped on the active line) It's called "medium".
On the other hand, a game that does not carry over the winning of special role (not win the special role) is called “non-inside”.

Further, the main control means 50 includes freeze control means. The freeze control means controls execution of the freeze that does not accept the operation of the operation switch (including acceptance of a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 43) for a predetermined time.
Here, “freeze” (also referred to as “freeze production” or “freeze operation”) generally means that a function of an operation switch of a gaming machine (slot machine 10) is temporarily stopped (or controlled as such). Period).

  Furthermore, “putting the function of the operation switch to a pause state” means “the function of at least one operation switch is not effective for obtaining a game result by proceeding with the game” or “operation When the switch is operated, the detection processing of the operation or the processing based on the operation is not started for a predetermined time, that is, the processing corresponding to the operation is delayed for a predetermined time (after the predetermined time has elapsed). Etc.

“Proceeding with the game” means operating the bet switch 40 to insert medals, operating the start switch 41 to perform a lottery of the combination and starting the rotation of the reel 31, operating the stop switch 42. This means that the game operation of stopping the rotating reel 31 is advanced by the player's intention.
Therefore, the operations of the bet switch 40, the start switch 41, and the stop switch 42 are operations necessary for progressing the game.

The “game result” refers to a combination of a stop appearance when all reels 31 are stopped, a combination of symbols stopped on an active line (whether or not a winning combination of a winning combination and a type of winning combination).
Since the game result is determined by the combination of the lottery result of the combination, the operation of the stop switch 42, and the symbol when the reel 31 is stopped, the operation of the bet switch 40 and the start switch 41 for obtaining the lottery result of the combination, The operation of the stop switch 42 for obtaining a combination of symbols when the reel 31 is stopped is an operation necessary for obtaining a game result.

Therefore, as an aspect of freezing, for example,
a) accepting game media inserted from the medal slot 43, or setting the operation of the bet switch 40 for determining the number of inserted (betting) game media credited in advance to a pause state;
b) Suspending the operation of the start switch 41 for starting the game;
c) The operation of the stop switch 42 (stop operation of the reel 31) is temporarily stopped.

  Further, as a mode in which the function of the operation switch is temporarily stopped, a signal based on the player's operation (for example, a signal from a sensor that detects the insertion of a game medium, the bet switch 40, the start switch 41, or the stop switch 42) For example, not receiving a signal transmitted from the operation switch based on the operation for a predetermined period. In this case, when a signal transmitted based on the player's operation within a predetermined period is received, control processing for invalidating the received signal is performed, or transmission based on the player's operation is performed within the predetermined period. Even when the received signal is detected, the receiving process itself is not performed.

Furthermore, when a signal transmitted based on the player's operation is received within a predetermined period, the signal is received based on the player's operation, but the operation switch control process is performed based on the received signal. May be executed without starting for a predetermined period, and starting control processing based on a signal received after the predetermined period has elapsed.
Further, regarding the freeze of the start switch 41, even if the start switch 41 is operated, the reel 31 is not started to rotate based on the reception of the operation of the start switch 41 for a predetermined period, or the role lottery is not started for the predetermined period. Can be mentioned.

In addition, the freeze termination condition is that a predetermined time elapses, but even before the predetermined time elapses, the freeze is canceled in the middle by various operation signals input to the main control means 50. It is also possible to do.
In this case, the freeze can be canceled simply by accepting an operation input of the start switch 41, or a predetermined operation procedure (for example, “operating the start switch 41 five times”, “stop switch 42”). It is also possible to cancel the freeze on the condition that “operating in the order of middle, right, left”, “operating the bet switch 40 in accordance with a predetermined timing”, and the like are detected.

  In the present embodiment, when the start switch 41 is operated, the part lottery means 54 performs a part lottery. Next, the freeze control means performs a lottery on whether or not to execute the freeze. The freezing lottery may be executed regardless of the winning lottery result, but in the present embodiment, the freezing lottery is performed at the time of winning a rare small role whose winning probability is set lower than other small roles. .

The main-side error detection unit 61 detects an error on the main control unit 50 side.
In the present embodiment, the main-side error detection means 61 determines whether an error has been detected by main processing and interruption processing in the game mode.
In the management mode, the main-side error detection means 61 determines whether an error has been detected by interrupt processing.
In this specification, “abnormal” means not normal or different from normal, and “injustice” means not correct or contrary to justice. The term “error” is used to mean both abnormal and illegal.

  The main-side error detection means 61 detects opening / closing of the front mask portion according to the on / off state of the door sensor 48. Specifically, when the door sensor 48 is on, it is detected that the front mask portion is open, and when the door sensor 48 is off, it is detected that the front mask portion is closed.

  Further, the main-side error detection means 61 detects opening / closing of the switch cover according to the ON / OFF state of the cover sensor 49. Specifically, when the cover sensor 49 is on, it is detected that the switch cover is open, and when the cover sensor 49 is off, it is detected that the switch cover is closed.

Furthermore, the main-side error detection means 61 determines that an error (path sensor abnormality) has been detected when the passage sensor 44a continues to be shielded for a certain period of time.
Further, the main-side error detection means 61 detects an error (insertion sensor abnormality) if the first insertion sensor 44c and / or the second insertion sensor 44d are shielded from light when the insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 43 is not permitted. ) Is detected.
The main-side error detection means 61 determines that an error (medal backflow) has been detected when the passage of medals is detected in the order of the second insertion sensor 44d and the first insertion sensor 44c.

Furthermore, the main-side error detection means 61 determines that an error (medal clogging) has been detected when the first insertion sensor 44c and / or the second insertion sensor 44d continues to be shielded for a certain period of time. Hereinafter, the medal clogging detected by the first insertion sensor 44c and / or the second insertion sensor 44d is referred to as “insertion medal clogging”.
Further, when the payout sensor 33c is shielded from light when the main-side error detection means 61 is not performing medal payout processing (the hopper motor 33b is not driven), it is detected that an error (payout sensor abnormality) has been detected. to decide.

Further, the main-side error detection means 61 determines that an error (medal clogging) has been detected when the payout of the payout sensor 33c continues for a certain time or longer. Hereinafter, a clogged medal detected by the payout sensor 33c is referred to as “paid out medal clogged”.
Furthermore, the main-side error detection means 61 has detected an error (medal runout) when the payout sensor 33c does not detect that a medal has been paid out despite the hopper motor 33b being driven. to decide.
When the main-side error detection means 61 determines that an error has been detected, it sets a flag (error flag) indicating that fact.

The error handling means 62 executes processing corresponding to error detection (error handling processing).
Here, when an error is detected by the main process or the interrupt process in the game mode, the main-side error detection means 61 sets an error flag. Then, the error handling means 62 executes an error handling process based on the error flag at a predetermined timing during the game mode (step S37 or S41 in FIG. 4 described later).

  When an error is detected by interrupt processing in the management mode, the main-side error detection unit 61 sets an error flag, but the error handling unit 62 does not execute error handling processing in the management mode. Then, the error handling means 62 executes an error handling process based on the error flag at a predetermined timing (step S37 in FIG. 4 described later) after shifting from the management mode to the game mode.

  Specifically, during the setting change mode (steps S16 to S22 in FIG. 3 to be described later), it is not determined whether an error is detected in the main process, but whether an error is detected in the interrupt process. Make a decision. When it is determined that an error has been detected by interrupt processing during the setting change mode, an error flag is set, but error handling processing is not executed during the setting change mode. Then, at a predetermined timing after the transition from the setting change mode to the game mode (step S37 in FIG. 4 described later), an error handling process is executed based on the error flag.

  Similarly, during the setting confirmation mode (steps S45 to S50 in FIG. 4 described later), the main process does not determine whether an error has been detected, but the interrupt process determines whether an error has been detected. Run. If it is determined that an error has been detected by interrupt processing during the setting check mode, the error flag is set, but error handling processing is not executed during the setting check mode. Then, at a predetermined timing after the transition from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode (step S37 in FIG. 4 described later), an error handling process is executed based on the error flag.

Further, the error handling means 62 prevents the game from proceeding until the error is canceled as error handling processing (repeats step S103 in FIG. 6 described later) and notifies that an error has occurred (error code). Is displayed on the 7-segment display 34).
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, turning off the power of the slot machine 10 and then turning it on again, or operating the reset switch 47 is a release operation for canceling the error. Then, when the error handling process is executed, the error canceling unit 63 cancels the error and clears the error flag on the condition that the canceling operation has been performed.

  In the present embodiment, a main-side error detection unit 61 that detects abnormality or fraud on the main control unit 50 side, and a sub-side error detection unit 73 that detects abnormality or fraud on the sub-control unit (first sub-control unit 70) side. With. Then, both when the error is detected by the main-side error detection unit 61 and when the error is detected by the sub-side error detection unit 73, the error cancellation unit 63 cancels the error. The sub-side error detection means 73 will be described later.

The main-side command control means 64 transmits a command generation means for generating a command, a buffer area for storing the generated command, and a command stored in the buffer area to the sub-control means (first sub-control means 70). Command transmission means.
The sub-control means (first sub-control means 70) includes first sub-side command control means 77, thereby receiving a command transmitted from the main control means 50. In this way, various information is transmitted from the main control means 50 to the first sub-control means 70.

Here, when the command generation means determines to generate a command in the main process or the interrupt process, it generates a command according to the determination.
The buffer area stores the commands generated by the command generation means in the order of generation.

Further, the command transmission means transmits the commands stored in the buffer area to the first sub-control means 70 in the stored order. In the present embodiment, the command transmission means executes a command transmission process (step S79 in FIG. 5 described later) in the interrupt process.
As described above, the generated commands are stored in the buffer area in the order in which they are generated, and the commands stored in the buffer area are transmitted to the first sub-control means 70 in the order in which they are stored. For this reason, the generated commands are transmitted to the first sub-control means 70 in the order of generation.

The command transmission means transmits the command stored in the buffer area to the first sub-control means 70 by serial communication. Therefore, in order to ensure transmission of a command from the main control means 50 to the first sub control means 70, the command transmission means sends one command stored in the buffer area to the first sub control means 70. Send once.
Specifically, the command transmission unit transmits one command stored in the buffer area to the first sub-control unit 70 once every time the command transmission process during the interrupt process is executed once. That is, the command transmission means transmits one command once for every interrupt (2.235 ms).

  Further, when the command transmission means transmits one command stored in the buffer area to the first sub-control means 70 twice, the command transmission means determines that the transmission of the command is completed, and sends the command from the buffer area. to erase. For this reason, the command transmission means requires two interrupts (4.47 ms) to complete transmission of one command stored in the buffer area. Therefore, transmission of one command is completed every two interrupts, and the command is deleted from the buffer area.

Further, when the first sub-command control means 77 receives the same command twice within 50 ms, it determines that the command has been received correctly. In this case, the first sub-control means 70 controls to perform processing according to the command.
On the other hand, if the first sub-command control means 77 does not receive the same command twice within 50 ms, it determines that the command has not been received correctly. In this case, the first sub-control means 70 performs control so as not to perform processing according to the command.

The buffer area is provided on the RAM of the main control board, and is formed so as to be able to store up to 32 commands.
Specifically, the buffer area has 32 storage areas from the first storage area to the 32nd storage area as command storage areas. When a command is generated by the command generation means, the buffer area stores the generated commands in order from the first storage area, and the first storage area is free after the 32nd storage area. Then, the control is performed so that the data is stored in the first storage area again.

  For example, when the command transmission means transmits a command stored in the first storage area of the buffer area twice, the command transmission means deletes the command from the first storage area of the buffer area. At this time, even if there is a command stored in the second storage area, it is not moved to the first storage area. That is, the command stored in the 32nd storage area from the 1st storage area is not moved or rewritten. For this reason, all the storage areas from the first storage area to the 32nd storage area are sequentially used repeatedly.

  Here, as commands generated by the command generating means, for example, a setting value command indicating setting values of setting 1 to setting 6, a gaming state command indicating the main gaming state, a stopping reel command indicating the stopped reel 31, and all reels 31 A stop symbol command indicating a combination of symbols at the time of stopping, an error command indicating that an error has occurred and the type of error that has occurred, a first on state of various sensors connected to the main control means 50, etc. A second command indicating a status command, a valid / invalid state of operations of various switches connected to the main control means 50, and a third status indicating an on / off status of various switches connected to the main control means 50 Examples include status commands.

  Of these, the set value command, gaming state command, stop reel command, stop symbol command, and error command are determined to be generated in the main process, and the first state command, second state command, The third state command is determined to be generated in the interrupt process.

In addition, at the beginning of the main process, the command generating means generates a plurality of commands including a set value command and a gaming state command. Thereafter, a waiting time is provided for transmitting the command stored in the buffer area. This waiting time prevents the buffer area from overflowing with commands.
Specifically, a waiting time of 32 interrupts (71.52 ms) is provided, and during that time, command generation is not determined in the main process.
Then, the command transmission means can complete transmission of a maximum of 16 commands during the waiting time of 32 interrupts.

In the present embodiment, during the main process, it is determined whether or not an error has been detected by the main-side error detection unit 61, and during the interruption process, the main-side error detection unit 61 separates from the main process. Determine whether an error has been detected.
Furthermore, in the interrupt process, it is determined whether to generate a command regardless of whether the main process is waiting.

  Further, regarding the first status command and the second status command, whether or not the information included in the first status command and the second status command has changed every time the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7” (every 8 interrupts). When it is determined that there has been any change, it is determined to generate both the first state command and the second state command.

  Here, the various switches connected to the main control means 50 usually require at least 25 ms to return from the off state to the on state when turned on by a person. Similarly, various sensors connected to the main control means 50 usually require at least 25 ms to return from the off state to the on state when a person operates the detection target.

For this reason, in the interrupt processing, it is determined every 8 interrupts (17.88 ms) whether or not there is a change in the information included in the first state command and the second state command. Decide to generate.
Thus, a cycle (2) for completing the transmission of one command while preventing the detection of changes in the on / off states of various sensors and switches connected to the main control means 50. The period for generating commands (every 8 interrupts) is longer than that for each interrupt, so that the buffer area does not overflow with commands.

  The information included in the first state command is not changed, but the information included in the second state command is not changed when the information included in the second state command is changed, but the information included in the first state command is not changed. When there is a change in both, it is decided to generate both the first state command and the second state command.

  Specifically, for example, it is determined whether the operation of the bet switch 40 is valid or invalid, and the result is different from the previous determination result (before 8 interrupts). In this case, both the first state command and the second state command are included in the information included in the first state command and the second state command, regardless of the determination result about information other than the validity / invalidity of the operation of the bet switch 40. Decide to generate.

  As described above, when it is determined in the interrupt processing that any of the information included in the first state command and the second state command has changed, it is determined to generate both the first state command and the second state command. To do. In this case, the command generation means generates two commands in the order of the first state command and the second state command.

In addition, the command generation means does not generate only one of the first state command and the second state command, and always sets two commands as one set in the order of the first state command and the second state command. Generate.
On the other hand, when it is determined in the interrupt processing that there is no change in any of the information included in the first state command and the second state command, it is determined that neither the first state command nor the second state command is generated. To do. In this case, the command generation unit generates neither the first state command nor the second state command.

As for the third status command, every time the count value of the second interrupt counter 52 becomes “9” (every 10 interrupts) in the interrupt processing, it is determined whether or not the information included therein has changed. If it is determined that there has been, it is determined to generate a third state command.
Here, in the present embodiment, the information included in the first state command and the second state command is more important for controlling the slot machine 10 than the information included in the third state command. .

For this reason, in the interrupt processing, it is determined every 10 interrupts (22.35 ms) whether or not there is a change in the information included in the third state command, and when it is determined that there is a change, the third state command is generated. Decide on.
This gives priority to the generation of the first state command and the second state command, and fails to detect the change in the on / off state of various sensors and switches connected to the main control means 50. In order to prevent the buffer area from overflowing, the command generation cycle (every 10 interrupts) is longer than the cycle of completing transmission of one command (every 2 interrupts). Yes.

Specifically, for example, it is determined whether the bet switch 40 is on or off, and the result is different from the previous determination result (before 10 interruptions). In this case, it is determined to generate the third state command regardless of the determination result regarding information other than the on / off of the bet switch 40 among the information included in the third state command.
As described above, when it is determined in the interrupt processing that the information included in the third state command has changed, it is determined to generate the third state command. Then, the command generation means generates a third state command.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of the lower 1 byte of the first to third status commands.
In the present embodiment, each command generated by the command generation means is composed of information of 2 bytes (16 bits), the upper 1 byte (8 bits) indicates the type of command, and the lower 1 byte (8 bits). Indicates the contents of commands such as ON / OFF states of various sensors and switches.

In this embodiment, the seventh bit of the upper 1 byte of each command is always set to “1”, and the seventh bit of the lower 1 byte of each command is always set to “0”.
Thereby, even if a command is transmitted from the main control unit 50 to the first sub-control unit 70 by serial communication, the upper 1 byte and the lower 1 byte of each command can be reliably distinguished.

The upper 1 byte of the first status command is set to “10011010” in binary (“9A” in hexadecimal).
Furthermore, for the lower 1 byte of the first status command, the 0th bit indicates the on / off state of the door sensor 48, and the 1st bit indicates the on / off state of the cover sensor 49. The second bit indicates the on / off state of the setting key switch 45, and the third bit indicates the on / off state of the setting change switch 46 (also used as the reset switch 47). The 4th to 6th bits are unused. The seventh bit is always set to “0” for distinction from the upper 1 byte.

Furthermore, when the 0th bit of the lower 1 byte of the first status command is “1”, this indicates that the door sensor 48 is on (the front mask portion is opened), and when it is “0”. Indicates that the state is OFF (the front mask portion is closed).
Further, when the first bit of the lower 1 byte of the first status command is “1”, it indicates that the cover sensor 49 is on (switch cover is opened), and when it is “0”. Indicates that the switch is off (the switch cover is closed).

Furthermore, when the second bit of the lower 1 byte of the first status command is “1”, it indicates that the setting key switch 45 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off. Show.
Furthermore, when the third bit of the lower 1 byte of the first status command is “1”, it indicates that the setting change switch 46 (also used as the reset switch 47) is on, and when it is “0”, it is off. It shows that it is the state of.

The upper 1 byte of the second status command is set to “10011011” in binary (“9B” in hexadecimal).
Furthermore, in the lower 1 byte of the second status command, the 0th bit indicates the valid / invalid status of the operation of the bet switch 40. The first bit indicates the validity / invalidity of the operation of the left stop switch 42, the second bit indicates the validity / invalidity of the operation of the middle stop switch 42, and the third bit indicates the validity of the operation of the right stop switch 42 / Indicates invalid status. The fourth bit indicates whether a passage sensor abnormality is detected, the fifth bit indicates whether a payout sensor abnormality is detected, and the sixth bit indicates whether a inserted medal clogging is detected. The seventh bit is always set to “0” for distinction from the upper 1 byte.

Further, when the 0th bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that the operation of the bet switch 40 is valid, and when it is “0”, it indicates that the operation is invalid. Show.
Further, when the first bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that the operation of the left stop switch 42 is valid, and when it is “0”, it is invalid. Indicates.

Furthermore, when the second bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that the operation of the middle stop switch 42 is valid, and when it is “0”, it is invalid. It shows that.
Furthermore, when the third bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that the operation of the right stop switch 42 is valid, and when it is “0”, it is invalid. Indicates.

Further, when the fourth bit of the lower 1 byte of the second state command is “1”, it indicates that a passage sensor abnormality has been detected, and when it is “0”, it has not been detected.
Furthermore, when the fifth bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that a payout sensor abnormality has been detected, and when it is “0”, it has not been detected.
Further, when the sixth bit of the lower 1 byte of the second status command is “1”, it indicates that a inserted medal clogging has been detected, and when it is “0”, it has not been detected.

For example, the operation of the bet switch 40 is invalid, and the operation of the three (left, middle, right) stop switches 42 is valid, and the passage sensor abnormality, the payout sensor abnormality, and the inserted medal are clogged. It is assumed that none of these are detected.
In this case, the second status command is “1001101100001110” in binary and “9B0E” in hexadecimal.

Further, the upper 1 byte of the third status command is set to “10011100” or “10011101” in binary (“9C” or “9D” in hexadecimal).
Furthermore, for the lower 1 byte of the third state command, the 0th bit indicates the on / off state of the bet switch 40, and the 1st bit indicates the on / off state of the start switch 41. The second bit indicates the on / off state of the left stop switch 42, the third bit indicates the on / off state of the middle stop switch 42, and the fourth bit indicates the on / off state of the right stop switch 42. . The fifth to sixth bits are unused. The seventh bit is always set to “0” for distinction from the upper 1 byte.

Further, when the 0th bit of the lower 1 byte of the third state command is “1”, it indicates that the bet switch 40 is in an on state, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is in an off state.
Further, when the first bit of the lower 1 byte of the third state command is “1”, it indicates that the start switch 41 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off.

Furthermore, when the second bit of the lower 1 byte of the third state command is “1”, it indicates that the left stop switch 42 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off. Show.
Further, when the third bit of the lower 1 byte of the third state command is “1”, it indicates that the middle stop switch 42 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off. .
Further, when the fourth bit of the lower 1 byte of the third state command is “1”, it indicates that the right stop switch 42 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off. .

In the present embodiment, the command generation means always generates the first state command and the second state command as one set. Then, the command transmission means always transmits the second status command twice after transmitting the first status command twice.
For this reason, for example, it is assumed that the bits constituting the command are broken by noise during the transmission of the first status command, and the first sub-command control means 77 receives the first status command only once. In this case, the first sub-command control means 77 can determine that the reception of the first status command has failed (the first status command has not been received twice) when the second status command is received.

On the other hand, the command generation means does not generate the third state command as a set with other commands.
For this reason, for example, it is assumed that the command generation unit generates the third state command twice in succession, and the command transmission unit transmits these twice each. Then, it is assumed that the previous third state command is broken during transmission, and the first sub-command control unit 77 receives the previous third state command only once. In this case, if the upper 1 byte of the previous third status command is the same as the upper 1 byte of the subsequent third status command, the first sub-command control means 77 receives the previous third status command. It is not possible to determine that the failure has occurred at the time of receiving the subsequent third state command.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as the upper 1 byte of the third state command, two numbers of “10011100” in binary (“9C” in hexadecimal) and “10011101” in binary (“9D” in hexadecimal) are used. Each time the command generation means generates a third state command, the command generation means switches between the two types of upper 1 bytes alternately.

For example, if the command generation unit previously generated the third state command “10011100 ******” (hexadecimal “9C ##”) in binary number, this time, the command generation means “ The third status command “10011101 *******” (hexadecimal “9D ##”) is generated, and the next time again, “10011100 *******” (hexadecimal) The third state command “9C ##”) is generated.
“*” Means an arbitrary value of “0” or “1”, and “#” means an arbitrary value of “0” to “F”.

  As a result, when the command generation means generates the third state command twice in succession, and the command transmission means transmits them twice, respectively, the first sub-side command control means 77 When the three-state command is received only once, the reception of the previous third-state command has failed (the previous third-state command has not been received twice). It can be determined when it is received.

The upper 1 byte of the error command is set to “10011110” in binary (“9E” in hexadecimal).
Furthermore, the lower 1 byte of the error command includes information indicating that an error such as a passage sensor abnormality, insertion sensor abnormality, insertion medal clogging, medal backflow, payout sensor abnormality, payout medal clogging, or medal outage has been detected. It is set as follows.

As described above, the main control unit 50 executes the main process and also executes the interrupt process during the main process.
Further, in the main process, it is determined whether or not an error has been detected by the main side error detection means 61, and a specific error (path sensor abnormality, payout sensor abnormality, or inserted medal clogging) among a plurality of types of errors, In the interrupt process, separately from the main process, it is determined whether or not an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 61.
Even when it is determined whether an error is detected in the interrupt process, the process corresponding to the error detection (error handling process) is executed in the main process.

Here, in the main process, during the waiting time or during rotation of the reel 31, it is not determined whether or not an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 61. Then, it is determined whether or not an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 61.
In the main process, when it is determined that an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 61, it is determined to execute an error handling process and generate an error command. Specifically, when it is determined that the passage sensor abnormality is detected, data for preventing the game from progressing and displaying an error code corresponding to the passage sensor abnormality on the 7-segment display 34, and It is determined to generate an error command including information indicating that a passage sensor abnormality has been detected.

On the other hand, in the interrupt processing, regardless of whether the waiting time or the reel 31 is rotating or not, the main value every time the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7” (every 8 interrupts). It is determined whether or not an error has been detected by the side error detection means 61.
In the interrupt process, when it is determined that an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 61, it is determined to generate a first status command and a second status command including information indicating that a specific error has been detected. Specifically, when it is determined that the passage sensor abnormality is detected, it is determined to generate the first state command and the second state command including information indicating that the passage sensor abnormality is detected.

  For this reason, an error command is first generated for a specific error, and the subsequent error command is generated because of the relationship between the timing of error detection by the main-side error detection means 61 and the timing when the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7”. There is a possibility that a case where the first state command and the second state command are generated and a case where the first state command and the second state command are generated first and an error command is generated later are mixed. This confuses the processing on the first sub-control means 70 side.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when it is determined in the interrupt processing that the main-side error detection means 61 has detected an error, the first status command and the second status command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected are immediately displayed. In the main process, when it is determined that an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 61, the error command is generated after waiting for the generation of the first state command and the second state command. To decide.

Specifically, in the interrupt processing, every time the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7”, it is determined whether or not an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 61, and it is determined that an error has been detected. If so, it is immediately decided to generate the first status command and the second status command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected.
On the other hand, in the main process, when it is determined that an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 61, the error handling process is executed when the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “0”. At the same time, it decides to generate an error command.

As described above, the first interrupt counter 51 starts counting from 0, adds 1 to the count value every time the timer interrupt is performed, and when the count value reaches 7, the count value is set to 0 next time. It is something to return.
For this reason, when an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 61, it is decided to generate a first status command and a second status command including information indicating that a specific error has been detected in the interrupt processing. In addition, in the main process, it is determined to execute an error handling process and generate an error command.

Thereby, when an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 61, the command generation means always generates commands in the order of the first status command, the second status command, and the error command, and the command transmission means always Commands are transmitted to the first sub-control means 70 in the order of the 1-state command, the second-state command, and the error command.
Therefore, since the first sub-control means 70 always receives the commands in the order of the first status command, the second status command, and the error command, it is possible to prevent the processing from being confused.

  In the main process, when an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 61 at the start of the game, it is decided to generate an error command and control is performed so that the game does not proceed until the error is cleared. In addition, control is performed so that the main control means 50 continuously notifies that an error has occurred (displays an error code on the 7-segment display 34).

Furthermore, in the main process, during the waiting time or while the reel 31 is rotating, even if an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 61, it is determined that an error command is not generated and the game proceeds. And control not to notify that an error has occurred. That is, control is performed so that error handling processing is not executed.
Further, in the main process, when an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 61 after the waiting time has elapsed or after all the reels 31 are stopped, it is determined that an error command is generated in the same manner as at the start of the game. At the same time, control is performed so that the game does not proceed until the error is canceled and the main control means 50 continuously notifies that the error has occurred.

Further, when it is decided to generate an error command in the main process, the command generation means generates an error command and stores it in the buffer area, and the command transmission means stores the error command stored in the buffer area. Transmit to one sub-control means 70.
On the other hand, in the interrupt process, regardless of whether it is during the waiting time or the reel 31 is rotating, when an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 61, information indicating that a specific error has been detected is included. Decide to generate a first status command and a second status command. Further, in response to this determination, the command generation means generates a first state command and a second state command and stores them in the buffer area, and the command transmission means stores the first state command stored in the buffer area. And the second state command is transmitted to the first sub-control means 70.

  On the sub-control means (first sub-control means 70 and second sub-control means 80) side, when receiving the first status command and the second status command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected, the waiting time is Regardless of whether the reel 31 is rotating or not, a notification is made that an error has been detected. Thereafter, when an error command is received, the notification that an error has been detected is switched to the notification that an error has occurred.

  In particular, when an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 61 during the rotation of the reel 31, the first status command and the second status command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected are immediately generated. The error command is generated and transmitted after all reels 31 are stopped. For this reason, the sub-control means (the first sub-control means 70 and the second sub-control means 80) notify that an error has been detected during the rotation of the reel 31, and after all the reels 31 have stopped, The notification that the error has been detected is switched to the notification that an error has occurred.

  In this embodiment, when the reels 31 are stopped, the command generation unit generates a stop reel command indicating which reel 31 is stopped, stores this in the buffer area, and the command transmission unit The stop reel command stored in the buffer area is transmitted to the first sub-control means 70.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the power is turned on.
In step S <b> 11, the main control unit 50 sets “0” to the first interrupt counter 51. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S12.
In step S12, a first state command is generated, and in the next step S13, a second state command is generated and stored in the buffer area in the order of generation. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S14. Thus, when the power is turned on, the first state command and the second state command are sequentially generated regardless of whether the information included in the first state command and the second state command has changed.

In step S14, the main control means 50 starts an interrupt process. As a result, in step S14 and subsequent steps, interrupt processing is executed every 2.235 ms. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S15.
In step S15, the set value changing means 53 is in a state where the door sensor 48 is on (the front mask portion is opened) and the cover sensor 49 is on (a state where the switch cover is opened). Further, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 45 is in an ON state.

If it is determined that the door sensor 48, the cover sensor 49, and the setting key switch 45 are all turned on, the process proceeds to the next step S16 (the mode is changed to the setting change mode).
On the other hand, when it is determined that at least one of the door sensor 48, the cover sensor 49, and the setting key switch 45 is in an off state, the process according to this flowchart is terminated without shifting to the setting change mode.

In step S16, the set value changing means 53 determines whether or not the setting change switch 46 has been operated (from the off state to the on state and then to the off state again).
If it is determined that the setting change switch 46 has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S17, where the set value changing means 53 changes the set value (in order to display the changed set value on the 7-segment display 34). To generate data). Then, the process proceeds to next Step S18. In addition, the process which displays the setting value after a change on the 7 segment display 34 is performed by an interruption process (step S60 of FIG. 5 mentioned later).
On the other hand, when it is determined that the setting change switch 46 has not been operated, the setting value is not changed (step S17 is skipped), and the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the set value changing means 53 determines whether or not the start switch 41 has been operated (turned on).
If it is determined that the start switch 41 has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S19, where the set value changing means 53 determines the set value with the numerical value displayed on the 7-segment display 34 at this time, and The set value thus stored is stored in the set value storage means. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S20.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the start switch 41 is not operated, the process returns to step S16.

In step S20, the setting value changing unit 53 continues to determine whether or not the setting key switch 45 has been turned off. That is, it waits until the setting key switch 45 is turned off. When the setting key switch 45 is turned off, the process proceeds to the next step S21.
In step S21, the command generation unit continues to determine whether or not the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 is “0”. That is, it waits until the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “0”. When the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “0”, the process proceeds to the next step S22.

In step S22, the command generation unit generates a setting change end command including information indicating that the setting change mode has ended and information indicating a setting value at the end of the setting change mode, and stores this in the buffer area. . And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished (a setting change mode is complete | finished and it returns to game mode).
Note that the error handling process is not executed during the setting change mode (steps S16 to S22 in FIG. 3). For this reason, when it is determined that an error has been detected by the interrupt process during the setting change mode, the error handling process is executed at a predetermined timing (step S37 in FIG. 4 described later) after transition from the setting change mode to the game mode. To do.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main process.
In step S31, a set value command is generated, and in the next step S32, a game state command is generated and stored in the buffer area in the generation order. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S33.

In step S33, the main control means 50 continues to determine whether or not a waiting time of 32 interrupts (71.52 ms) has elapsed. When it is determined that the waiting time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step S34.
In step S34, the main control means 50 determines whether or not a medal has been inserted. Here, when it is determined that the medal has not been inserted (betted), the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, when it is determined that the medal has been inserted, the process proceeds to step S36.

In step S35, the main control means 50 is in a state where the door sensor 48 is on (a state where the front mask portion is opened), and a state where the cover sensor 49 is on (a state where the switch cover is opened), and It is determined whether or not the setting key switch 45 is in an on state.
If it is determined that at least one of the door sensor 48, the cover sensor 49, and the setting key switch 45 is in an off state, the process proceeds to step S36.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the door sensor 48, the cover sensor 49, and the setting key switch 45 are all turned on, the process proceeds to step S45 (shifts to the setting confirmation mode).

In step S36, the main control means 50 determines whether or not an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 61 (whether or not an error flag is set).
If it is determined that an error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S37, and the main control unit 50 executes an error handling process. The error handling process will be described later. When the error handling process ends, the process proceeds to step S38.
On the other hand, when it is determined that no error is detected, the error handling process is not executed (step S37 is skipped), and the process proceeds to step S38.

In step S38, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the start switch 41 has been operated.
Here, when it is determined that the start switch 41 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S39, and the main control means 50 executes a game progress process. The game progress process will be described later. Then, when the game progress process ends, the process proceeds to step S40.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the start switch 41 is not operated, the process returns to step S34.

In step S40, the main control means 50 determines whether or not an error has been detected by the main-side error detection means 61 (whether or not an error flag is set).
If it is determined that an error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S41, and the main control unit 50 executes an error handling process. When the error handling process ends, the process proceeds to step S42.
On the other hand, when it is determined that no error is detected, the error handling process is not executed (step S41 is skipped), and the process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, the main control means 50 determines whether or not a winning combination has been won.
Here, when it is determined that a winning combination has been won, the process proceeds to step S43, and the main control means 50 pays out medals in accordance with the winning combination. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S44.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning combination has not been won, the process proceeds to step S44 without skipping medals (skip step S43).
In step S44, the main control means 50 executes a game end check process. A description of the specific contents of the game end check process is omitted. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.

If it is determined in step S35 that the door sensor 48, the cover sensor 49, and the setting key switch 45 are all on, the process proceeds to step S45 (transition to the setting change mode), and the main control unit 50 sets the set value. (Data for displaying the set value on the 7-segment display 34 is generated). Then, the process proceeds to next Step S46. The process for displaying the set value on the 7-segment display 34 is executed by an interrupt process (step S60 in FIG. 5 described later).
In step S46, it is determined whether or not the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 is “0”. That is, it waits until the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “0”. When the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “0”, the process proceeds to the next step S47.

In step S47, a setting value display start command including information indicating that the setting value display has been started is generated and stored in the buffer area. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S48.
In step S48, the main control means 50 continues to determine whether or not the setting key switch 45 has been turned off. That is, it waits until the setting key switch 45 is turned off. When the setting key switch 45 is turned off, the process proceeds to the next step S49.

In step S49, it is determined whether or not the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 is “0”. When the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “0”, the process proceeds to the next step S50.
In step S50, a set value display end command including information indicating the end of display of the set value is generated and stored in the buffer area. Then, the process proceeds to step S36 (ends the setting confirmation mode and returns to the game mode).
Note that error handling processing is not executed during the setting confirmation mode (steps S45 to S50 in FIG. 4). For this reason, when it is determined that an error has been detected by the interrupt process during the setting confirmation mode, the error handling process is executed at a predetermined timing (step S37 in FIG. 4) after the transition from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of interrupt processing.
In step S61, the main control means 50 performs a process of displaying characters or numerical values on the 7-segment display 34 (turning on or off each LED constituting the 7-segment display 34). Then, the process proceeds to next Step S62.

In step S62, the main control means 50 checks the random number generation means, and in the next step S63, determines whether or not an abnormality has been detected in the random number generation means.
In the present embodiment, a random number generating IC that repeats the counting operation in the range of 0 to 65535 is provided on the main control board, and this is used as the random number generating means. Then, for example, when the count value of the random number generation IC is not updated or when the clock of the random number generation IC is stopped, it is determined that an abnormality has been detected in the random number generation means.

If it is determined that no abnormality is detected in the random number generation means, the process proceeds to the next step S64.
On the other hand, when it is determined that an abnormality has been detected in the random number generation means, the process proceeds to step S80, and an unrecoverable error process is executed. Further, when the non-recoverable error processing is executed, the non-recoverable error is not canceled even if the reset switch 47 is operated, and the non-recoverable error is canceled on the condition that a specific cancel operation is performed. To control. In the present embodiment, the operation for changing the setting value is a specific release operation.

In step S64, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 ("0" to "7" is looped) is less than "7".
If it is determined that the value is less than “7”, the process proceeds to step S 65, and the main control unit 50 adds “1” to the first interrupt counter 51. Then, the process proceeds to step S70.
On the other hand, when it is determined that it is “7”, the process proceeds to step S 66, and the main control means 50 sets “0” to the first interrupt counter 51. Then, the process proceeds to step S67.

In step S67, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the information included in the first state command and the second state command has changed. For example, it is determined whether the valid / invalid state of the operation of the bet switch 40 is different from the previous time (before 8 interrupts).
If it is determined that there is a change (different from the previous time), the process proceeds to step S68. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no change (same as the previous time), the process proceeds to step S70.

In step S68, a first state command is generated, and in the next step S69, a second state command is generated and stored in the buffer area in the order of generation. Then, the process proceeds to step S70.
As described above, the information included in the first status command and the second status command every time the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7” (every 8 interrupts) in the interrupt processing by the processing of steps S64 to S69. It is determined whether or not there has been a change, and if it is determined that there has been any change, both the first state command and the second state command are generated.

In step S70, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the count value of the second interrupt counter 52 ("0" to "9" as a loop) is less than "9".
If it is determined that the value is less than “9”, the process proceeds to step S 71, and the main control unit 50 adds “1” to the second interrupt counter 52. Then, the process proceeds to step S79.
On the other hand, when it is determined that it is “9”, the process proceeds to step S 72, and the main control means 50 sets “0” in the second interrupt counter 52. Then, the process proceeds to step S73.

In step S73, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the information included in the third state command has changed. For example, it is determined whether or not the on / off state of the bet switch 40 is different from the previous time (before 10 interrupts).
If it is determined that there is a change (different from the previous time), the process proceeds to step S74. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no change (same as the previous time), the process proceeds to step S79.
In step S74, the main control means 50 determines whether or not the upper byte switching flag (“0” or “1”) is “0”.

Here, when it is determined that the upper byte switching flag is “0”, the process proceeds to step S75, and a third status command in which the upper 1 byte is “9C” in hexadecimal is generated and stored in the buffer area. . Then, the process proceeds to step S76, "1" is set in the upper byte switching flag, and the process proceeds to step S79.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the upper byte switching flag is not “0” (“1”), the process proceeds to step S77, and a third state command in which the upper 1 byte is “9D” in hexadecimal is generated. This is stored in the buffer area. Then, the process proceeds to step S78, "0" is set in the upper byte switching flag, and the process proceeds to step S79.

As described above, whether or not the information included in the third state command has changed every time the count value of the second interrupt counter 52 becomes “9” (every 10 interrupts) in the interrupt processing by the processing of steps S70 to S78. If it is determined that there is a change, a third state command is generated. Each time the third state command is generated, the upper 1 byte is alternately switched.
In step S <b> 79, the main side command control unit 64 transmits the command stored in the buffer area to the first sub control unit 70. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of error handling processing in step S37 or S41 of FIG.
In step S91, the main control means 50 determines whether or not a specific error (payout sensor abnormality, inserted medal clogging, passage sensor abnormality) has been detected. If it is determined that no specific error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S92. On the other hand, when it is determined that a specific error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S94.

In step S92, the main control means 50 generates data for displaying the error code corresponding to the detected error on the 7-segment display 34, and in the next step S93, generates an error command corresponding to the detected error. This is then stored in the buffer area. The process for displaying the error code on the 7-segment display 34 is executed by an interrupt process (step S60 in FIG. 5).
In step S94, the main control means 50 continues to determine whether or not the first interrupt counter 51 is “0”. When the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “0”, the process proceeds to step S95, and the main control unit 50 determines whether or not a payout sensor abnormality is detected.

If it is determined that the payout sensor abnormality is detected, the process proceeds to step S96, and the main control unit 50 generates data for displaying an error code on the 7-segment display 34 indicating that the payout sensor abnormality is detected. To do. Further, in the next step S97, an error command including information indicating that the payout sensor abnormality is detected is generated and stored in the buffer area. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the payout sensor abnormality is not detected, the process proceeds to step S98, and the main control means 50 determines whether or not the inserted medal clogging is detected.

  If it is determined that the inserted medal clogging is detected, the process proceeds to step S99, and the main control unit 50 generates data for displaying an error code indicating that the inserted medal clogging is detected on the 7-segment display 34. To do. Further, in the next step S100, an error command including information indicating that the inserted medal clogging has been detected is generated and stored in the buffer area. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the inserted medal clogging has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S101, where the main control means 50 displays an error code on the 7-segment display 34 indicating that a passage sensor abnormality has been detected. Data is generated, and in the next step S102, an error command including information indicating that the passage sensor abnormality has been detected is generated and stored in the buffer area. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the main control means 50 continues to determine whether or not a release operation has been performed. As a result, the game is prevented from proceeding until the error is cleared, and the notification that the error has occurred is continued. If it is determined that the canceling operation has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step S104, where the main control unit 50 cancels the error and clears the error flag. Thus, the game can be advanced and the notification that an error has occurred is terminated. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.

  Thus, by generating an error command when the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “0” in step S94, the first state command and the second state command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected are generated. After that, an error command is generated. As a result, commands can always be generated in the order of the first state command, the second state command, and the error command.

  For errors other than the specific error (medal backflow, payout medal clogged, or medal out), the corresponding information is not included in the first status command and the second status command. Therefore, when an error other than the specific error is detected, an error command is generated without determining whether or not the first interrupt counter 51 has become “0”.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game progress process in step S39 of FIG.
In step S111, the part lottery means 54 performs a part lottery. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S112.
In step S112, a role lottery result command is generated, and in the next step S113, an effect-related command is generated and stored in the buffer area in the generation order. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S114.

  In step S114, the main control means 50 determines whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of rotation of the reel 31 in the previous game. Further, the main control means 50 repeats step S114 until it is determined that 4.1 seconds have elapsed. While this process is repeated, the start of rotation of the reel 31 is delayed. When it is determined that 4.1 seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step S115.

When rotation of all the reels 31 is started in step S115, the process proceeds to the next step S116, where a rotation start command is generated and stored in the buffer area. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S117.
In step S117, the main control means 50 continues to determine whether or not the stop switch 42 is turned on. When it is determined that the stop switch 42 has been turned on, the process proceeds to the next step S118, and the reel control means 55 controls to stop the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 that has been turned on. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S119.

In step S119, a stop reel command indicating the stopped reel 31 is generated and stored in the buffer area. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S120.
In step S120, the main control means 50 determines whether all the reels 31 have stopped.
If it is determined that all the reels 31 are stopped, the process proceeds to the next step S121, and a stop symbol command indicating a combination of symbols when all the reels 31 are stopped is generated and stored in the buffer area. And a process is complete | finished by this flowchart.
On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a rotating reel 31, the process returns to step S117.

  In this way, in the game progress process during the main process, while the reel 31 is rotating, even if an error is detected, the game progresses and no notification is made that an error has occurred. That is, the error handling process is not executed. Then, after stopping all the reels 31, the process proceeds to step S40 in FIG. 4, and if it is determined that an error has been detected at this time, the error handling process in step S41 in FIG. 4 is executed. This prevents the game from progressing and notifies that an error has occurred.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first sub control means 70 includes sub gaming state control means 71, effect control means 72, sub-side error detection means 73, error notification means 74, volume adjustment means 75, power consumption control means 76, And first sub-side command control means 77.
The first sub-side command control means 77 receives the command transmitted from the main control means 50 (main-side command control means 64) and communicates with the second sub-control means 80 (second sub-side command control means 84). Commands are sent and received between them.

The sub gaming state control means 71 controls transition between sub gaming states (between AT gaming and non-AT gaming).
In the present embodiment, the sub game state control means 71 executes an AT game with a predetermined number of games (50 games) as one set. Further, when the predetermined additional condition is satisfied, the predetermined number of games is added (added) to the remaining number of AT games, and when the predetermined continuation condition is satisfied, the next AT Continue playing the game. When it is determined that the end condition of the AT game is satisfied, control is performed so as to shift from the next game to the non-AT game.

  Here, the sub-gaming state control means 71 uses the role lottery means 54 during the non-AT game to make a rare small role (a small role whose winning probability is set lower than other small roles) or a rare replay (the winning probability is other). When a replay set lower than the replay of (1) is won, an AT lottery for determining whether or not to grant an AT game execution right is performed. And when winning by AT lottery, the sub game state control means 71 grants the right to execute AT games.

  Further, when the sub game state control means 71 grants the right to execute an AT game, the sub game state control means 71 determines that the AT game execution condition is satisfied, and starts the AT game after the predetermined number of games (10 games) have been consumed. When the predetermined number of games (50 games) are consumed during the AT game, the sub game state control means 71 determines that the AT game end condition is satisfied, and shifts from the next game to the non-AT game. To control.

Further, in the present embodiment, the sub game state control means 71 includes an execution right counter that counts the number of AT game execution rights, and when the AT game execution right is granted, A numerical value corresponding to the grant is added to the count value of the execution right counter.
Then, when the AT game is executed, the sub game state control means 71 subtracts a numerical value corresponding to the execution of the AT game from the count value of the execution right counter.

Specifically, the sub game state control means 71 adds “1” to the count value of the execution right counter and grants three AT game execution rights when, for example, one AT game execution right is granted. When granted, “3” is added to the count value of the execution right counter.
As a result, the AT game execution right can be stored (stocked), and when the AT game execution right is granted, if there is an AT game execution right already stored, the AT game execution right is stored. The number (stock number) can be added (added).

Further, when the count value of the execution right counter is “1” or more, the sub game state control means 71 executes AT game and subtracts “1” from the count value of the execution right counter at the start of the AT game. To do.
Then, the sub game state control means 71 repeatedly executes the AT game until the count value of the execution right counter becomes “0”.

That is, when the AT game execution right is stored (stock), the AT game is continued (continuous) until the storage number (stock number) becomes zero. At this time, the sub game state control means 71 once ends one AT game and then starts the next AT game.
Further, when the sub game state control means 71 wins a rare small role or rare replay during an AT game, the sub game state control means 71 performs an extra lottery to determine whether or not to add the remaining number of games of the AT game and to determine the number of extra games. Then, when winning in the extra lottery, the sub game state control means 71 adds (adds) the extra number determined in the extra lottery to the remaining number of games in the AT game.

Furthermore, the sub game state control means 71 performs a continuous lottery to determine whether or not to continue the AT game when the remaining number of games of the AT game reaches a predetermined number of games (5 games). When it is decided to continue the AT game, the next AT game is continuously executed immediately after the remaining number of games of the AT game is digested. On the other hand, when it is decided not to continue the AT game, the AT game is ended when the remaining number of games of the AT game is consumed.
Further, the sub gaming state control means 71 has three stages of 10%, 30%, and 50% as the winning probability of the AT lottery, and three stages of 30%, 50%, and 70% as the winning probability of the extra lottery. The winning probability of the continuous lottery has three stages of 50%, 70%, and 90%.

Further, when the sub game state control means 71 wins a rare small role or rare replay, the sub game state control means 71 performs a mode-up lottery that determines whether or not the winning probability of the AT lottery, the extra lottery or the continuous lottery is increased.
On the other hand, when the sub game state control means 71 wins the replay, the sub game state control means 71 performs a mode down lottery to determine whether or not the winning probability of the AT lottery, the extra lottery, or the continuous lottery is lowered.
Then, the sub gaming state control means 71 sets the winning probability of the AT lottery, the extra lottery, or the continuous lottery according to the result of the mode up lottery or the mode down lottery.

The effect control means 72 performs a determination regarding the output of the effects from the lamp 21, the speaker 22, and the image display device 23 described above.
The effect control means 72 performs lottery using software random numbers in accordance with commands received from the main control means 50 (for example, a third state command indicating the on / off state of the operation switch, a role lottery result command, etc.). Whether to output an effect and the content of the effect to be output are determined.

Specifically, the production control unit 72 outputs what production (when the start switch 41 is operated, each stop switch 42 is operated, etc.) at what timing as the game progresses ( It is determined how the lamp 21 is turned on, blinked, or turned off, what kind of sound is output from the speaker 22, what kind of image is displayed on the image display device 23, and the like.
Then, a command according to the determination of the effect control means 72 is transmitted to the second sub control means 80 by the first sub-side command control means 77, and the second sub-control means 80 side determines the lamp based on the received command. 21, the output of the speaker 22 and the image display device 23 is controlled.

  For example, the effect control means 72 determines the content of the sound output from the speaker 22 based on the command received from the main control means 50, and sends a phrase command indicating the determined sound content to the first sub-side command control means. 77 to the second sub-control means 80. Then, the second sub-control means 80 side performs control so that the sound having the content corresponding to the received phrase command is output from the speaker 22.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the push button 25 is electrically connected to the first sub-control means 70.
Then, when the predetermined control condition 72 is satisfied (for example, the number of additions is determined), when the push button 25 is operated, the effect control unit 72 displays a predetermined image (for example, an image indicating the determined number of additions). It is decided to display on the image display device 23.

The sub-side error detection unit 73 detects an error on the sub-control unit (first sub-control unit 70) side based on the command received from the main control unit 50 side, and the error notification unit 74 detects the error. When it is detected, the fact is notified.
In the present embodiment, the sub-side error detection unit 73 detects an error based on information included in the received first state command.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the lower 1 byte of the first state command, the 0th bit indicates the on / off state of the door sensor 48, and the first bit indicates the on / off state of the cover sensor 49. The third indicates the on / off state of the setting key switch 45, and the third bit indicates the on / off state of the setting change switch 46.
When the 0th bit is “1”, it indicates that the door sensor 48 is on (the front mask portion is opened), and when it is “0”, the door sensor 48 is off (the front mask portion is closed). State).

Furthermore, when the first bit is “1”, it indicates that the cover sensor 49 is on (the switch cover is opened), and when it is “0”, it is off (the switch cover is closed). State).
Further, when the second bit is “1”, it indicates that the setting key switch 45 is in an on state, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is in an off state.
When the third bit is “1”, it indicates that the setting change switch 46 is on, and when it is “0”, it indicates that it is off.

Here, the front mask portion is open (the first bit is “1”), the switch cover is open (the first bit is “1”), and the setting key switch 45 is turned on. (2nd bit is “1”), it is normal.
However, the front mask is closed (the 0th bit is “0”), the switch cover is opened (the first bit is “1”), and the setting key switch 45 is on. When the second bit is “1”, it is not normal (abnormal).

In addition, the front mask portion is open (the 0th bit is “1”), the switch cover is closed (the first bit is “0”), and the setting key switch 45 is on. Even when (the second bit is “1”), it is not normal.
Further, the front mask portion is closed (the 0th bit is “0”), the switch cover is closed (the first bit is “0”), and the setting key switch 45 is turned on ( Even when the second bit is “1”), it is not normal.

  Therefore, the sub-side error detection means 73 determines that an error occurs when the 0th bit is “0”, the 1st bit is “1”, and the 2nd bit is “1” in the lower 1 byte of the received first status command. Is detected. Similarly, when the 0th bit is “1”, the 1st bit is “0”, the 2nd bit is “1”, and the 0th bit is “0”, the 1st bit is “0”, and the 2nd bit is Even when “1”, it is determined that an error has been detected.

When an error is detected by the sub-side error detection unit 73, the error notification unit 74 determines to display that on the image display device 23.
Further, when the error notification means 74 receives the first state command and the second state command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected, the fact that the error has been detected regardless of whether or not the reel 31 is rotating. After that, when an error command is received, it is determined to notify that an error has occurred.
Then, a command according to the determination of the error notification unit 74 is transmitted to the second sub control unit 80, and the second sub control unit 80 side, based on the received command, the lamp 21, the speaker 22, and the image display device 23. Control the output of.

  Here, it is assumed that an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 61 while the reel 31 is rotating. In this case, the first status command and the second status command including information indicating that the specific error has been detected are immediately generated and transmitted by the interrupt process even while the reel 31 is rotating. However, the error command is generated and transmitted by the main process and the game does not proceed after all the reels 31 are stopped.

For this reason, the error notification unit 74 determines to notify that an error has been detected while the reel 31 is rotating, and determines to notify that an error has been detected after all the reels 31 have stopped.
Therefore, while the reels 31 are rotating, a notification that an error has been detected is performed, and after all the reels 31 have stopped, a notification that an error has been detected is switched to a notification that an error has occurred.

The volume adjusting means 75 adjusts the volume of the sound output from the speaker 22.
As described above, in the present embodiment, a game mode in which a game can be advanced, and a management mode (a setting change mode and a setting confirmation mode) that can be shifted by a predetermined operation by an administrator and do not advance the game. have.

The volume adjusting means 75 includes a first volume level 75a that can be set by a predetermined operation by the administrator, and a second volume level 75b that can be set by another predetermined operation by the player.
In the present embodiment, each of the first volume level 75a and the second volume level 75b has 15 levels from level 1 to level 15. Level 1 is the minimum value (MIN), level 8 is the standard value, and level 15 is the maximum value (MAX).

Further, the volume adjusting means 75 sets an initial value to the first volume level 75a when the power is turned on for the first time (at the first activation), and then the value of the first volume level 75a is set to the second volume level 75b. Set. Thereafter, the first sub-side command control means 77 transmits a volume command indicating the second volume level 75 b to the second sub-control means 80.
In this embodiment, the initial value is set to level 8. When the power is turned on for the first time, the volume adjusting means 75 sets level 8 to the first volume level 75a and then sets level 8 to the second volume level 75b. Thereafter, the first sub-side command control means 77 transmits a volume command indicating that the second volume level 75 b is level 8 to the second sub-control means 80.

The volume adjusting means 75 sets the value of the first volume level 75a to the second volume level 75b when the power is turned on for the second time and thereafter, and then the first sub-side command control means 77 sets the second volume level 75b. Is sent to the second sub-control means 80.
For example, assume that level 5 is set for the first volume level 75a and level 10 is set for the second volume level 75b. In this case, when the power is turned on, the volume adjusting unit 75 sets the second volume level 75b to level 5, and then the first sub-side command control unit 77 indicates that the second volume level 75b is level 5. The volume command is transmitted to the second sub control means 80.

Further, in the game mode, the volume adjusting unit 75 is configured to push the push button 25 within a period before the start switch 41 is operated (step S38 in FIG. 4) after the game end check process (step S44 in FIG. 4) ends. Based on the operation of, a transition is made to a volume adjustment mode in which the volume can be adjusted.
Further, after the game end check process is finished, the volume adjusting means 75 is not connected to the push button 25 even during the replay winning or after the operation of the bet switch 40 within a period before the start switch 41 is operated. When is operated, the mode is switched to the volume adjustment mode.

Also, here, at the time of replay winning, the winning combination is replay, but the combination of symbols indicating the winning of the small role is stopped and the freeze that delays the progress of the game is executed, thereby reducing the replay winning in a pseudo manner. It may be shown in a winning combination.
Then, after the game end check process is finished, if it is within the period before the start switch 41 is operated, it is a time when the replay winning is shown as a small role winning (freeze is executed). Even when the push button 25 is operated, the volume adjusting unit 75 shifts to the volume adjusting mode.

  However, even after the end of the game end check process and before the start switch 41 is operated, when it is determined that an error has been detected by the interrupt process, or a predetermined effect (the effect using the push button 25) When the push button 25 is operated, the volume adjustment means 75 does not shift to the volume adjustment mode. .

Further, in the volume adjustment mode in the normal mode, the volume adjustment means 75 increases the value of the second volume level 75b by one step each time the right switch 26a of the cross key 26 is operated once, and the cross key 26 Each time the left switch 26b is operated once, the value of the second volume level 75b is decreased by one step.
For example, in the volume adjustment mode during the game mode, when level 8 is set as the second volume level 75b, when the left switch 26b of the cross key 26 is operated once, the volume adjustment means 75 Lower the second volume level 75b from level 8 to level 7.

In the volume adjustment mode during the game mode, when the second volume level 75b is set to level 8, and the right switch 26a of the cross key 26 is operated twice, the volume adjustment means 75 The second volume level 75b is increased by two steps from level 8 to level 10.
When the push button 25 is operated in the volume adjustment mode during the game mode, the volume adjustment unit 75 determines the value of the second volume level 75b.
For example, when the push button 25 is operated in a state where the second volume level 75b is increased from the level 8 to the level 10, the volume adjustment unit 75 determines the second volume level 75b at the level 10. That is, level 10 is set to the second volume level 75b.

On the other hand, when the start switch 41 is operated without operating the push button 25 with the second volume level 75b raised from the level 8 to the level 10, the volume adjusting means 75 The volume level 75b is not fixed at level 10 but is maintained at level 8, and the volume adjustment mode is terminated.
When the second volume level 75b is raised from the level 8 to the level 10 and when it is determined that an error has been detected by the interrupt process before the push button 25 is operated, the volume adjustment means 75 The second volume level 75b is not fixed at level 10, but is maintained at level 8, and the volume adjustment mode is terminated.

Furthermore, the volume adjustment means 75 measures the elapsed time after shifting to the volume adjustment mode in the game mode, and ends the volume adjustment mode when the measured elapsed time reaches the specified time.
Specifically, the volume adjustment means 75 includes an elapsed time timer that measures an elapsed time after shifting to the volume adjustment mode in the game mode. The elapsed time timer starts measuring the elapsed time when the volume adjustment mode is changed to the game mode, and ends the measurement of the elapsed time when the volume adjustment mode is ended in the game mode.

In this embodiment, the specified time is set to 3 minutes. Then, when the time measured by the elapsed time timer becomes 3 minutes, the volume adjustment unit 75 ends the volume adjustment mode.
This prevents the volume adjustment mode in the game mode from continuing indefinitely when the player or the manager accidentally shifts to the volume adjustment mode in the game mode.
For example, when the second sound volume level 75b is raised from level 8 to level 10 and the elapsed time after shifting to the sound volume adjustment mode reaches the specified time before the push button 25 is operated. The sound volume adjusting means 75 does not determine the second sound volume level 75b at the level 10 but maintains the sound volume level 8 at the level 10, and ends the sound volume adjustment mode.

When the value of the second volume level 75b is confirmed, the first sub-command control unit 77 transmits a volume command indicating the value of the second volume level 75b to the second sub-control unit 80.
For example, when the second volume level 75b is confirmed to be raised from level 8 to level 10, the first sub-side command control means 77 outputs a volume command indicating that the second volume level 75b is level 10 to the second level. Transmit to sub-control means 80.

In the management mode, the volume adjustment unit 75 selects the volume adjustment mode in the system menu regardless of whether or not it is within the period before the start switch 41 is operated after the end of the game end check process. Based on the operation of the push button 25 in the state, the mode is shifted to the volume adjustment mode. The system menu will be described later.
Further, in the volume adjustment mode in the management mode, the volume adjustment means 75 increases the value of the first volume level 75a by one step each time the right switch 26a of the cross key 26 is operated once, and the cross key 26 Each time the left switch 26b is operated once, the value of the first volume level 75a is decreased by one step.

For example, when the level 8 is set as the first volume level 75a in the volume adjustment mode in the management mode, when the left switch 26b of the cross key 26 is operated twice, the volume adjustment means 75 Lower the first volume level 75a from level 8 to level 6.
In the volume adjustment mode in the management mode, when level 8 is set as the first volume level 75a, when the right switch 26a of the cross key 26 is operated once, the volume adjustment means 75 The first volume level 75a is increased by one step from level 8 to level 9.

When the push button 25 is operated in the volume adjustment mode during the management mode, the volume adjustment unit 75 determines the value of the first volume level 75a.
For example, when the push button 25 is operated in a state where the first volume level 75 a is raised from the level 8 to the level 9, the volume adjustment unit 75 determines the first volume level 75 a at the level 9. That is, level 9 is set to the first volume level 75a.
On the other hand, when the setting key switch 45 is turned off without operating the push button 25 with the first volume level 75a raised from the level 8 to the level 9, the volume adjustment means 75 The first volume level 75a is not fixed at level 9 but is maintained at level 8, and the volume adjustment mode is terminated.

In the volume adjustment mode in the management mode, when the setting key switch 45 is turned off, the management mode (setting change mode or setting confirmation mode) ends at the same time as the volume adjustment mode ends.
Further, in the volume adjustment mode during the management mode, even if it is determined that an error has been detected by the interrupt process, the volume adjustment unit 75 continues without ending the volume adjustment mode.

Further, when the first volume level 75a is fixed, the volume adjusting means 75 sets the value of the first volume level 75a to the second volume level 75b. Thereafter, the first sub-side command control unit 77 transmits a volume command indicating the value of the second volume level 75 b to the second sub-control unit 80.
For example, assume that level 8 is set for each of the first volume level 75a and the second volume level 75b. In this case, when the first volume level 75a is increased from the level 8 to the level 9 and confirmed, the volume adjustment unit 75 sets the level 9 to the second volume level 75b. Thereafter, the first sub-side command control means 77 transmits a volume command indicating that the second volume level 75 b is level 9 to the second sub-control means 80.

Thus, when the first volume level 75a is confirmed, the value of the first volume level 75a is once set to the second volume level 75b, and then the volume command indicating the value of the second volume level 75b is set to the second volume command. By transmitting to the sub control means 80, the first sound volume level 75 a is transmitted to the second sub control means 80.
Also, the volume adjusting means 75 measures the game standby time, and when the measured game standby time reaches a predetermined time, sets the value of the first volume level 75a to the second volume level 75b, and thereafter The 1 sub-side command control means 77 transmits a volume command indicating the value of the second volume level 75b to the second sub control means.

Specifically, the sound volume adjusting means 75 includes a game standby time timer for measuring the game standby time. When the game end check process (step S44 in FIG. 4) ends, the game waiting time timer starts measuring the game waiting time, and when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 43 or the bet switch 40 is operated. Then, the game waiting time measurement ends.
In other words, in the present embodiment, the game standby time means the time from when the game end check process is completed to when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 43 or when the bet switch 40 is operated.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined time is set to 10 minutes. Then, when the time measured by the game standby time timer becomes 10 minutes, the volume adjusting means 75 sets the value of the first volume level 75a in the same manner as when the operation for determining the first volume level 75a is performed. The second volume level 75b is set. Thereafter, the first sub-side command control unit 77 transmits a volume command indicating the value of the second volume level 75 b to the second sub-control unit 80.

  For example, assume that level 10 is set for the first volume level 75a and level 5 is set for the second volume level 75b. In this case, when the time measured by the game standby time timer becomes 10 minutes, the volume adjustment means 75 sets the second volume level 75b to level 10, and then the first sub-side command control means 77 causes the first sub-side command control means 77 to 2 A volume command indicating that the volume level 75 b is level 10 is transmitted to the second sub-control means 80.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the display contents of the image display device 23 of the system menu in the setting change mode or the setting confirmation mode.
When shifting to the setting change mode, a command indicating that is transmitted from the main control means 50 to the first sub-control means 70.
Similarly, when shifting to the setting confirmation mode, a command indicating that is transmitted from the main control means 50 to the first sub-control means 70.

In response to this, the first sub-control means 70 transmits a command to the second sub-control means 80 indicating that the setting change mode or the setting confirmation mode has been entered.
When the second sub-control unit 80 receives a command indicating that the mode has changed to the setting change mode or the setting confirmation mode, the second sub-control unit 80 displays an image of the system menu shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, “volume adjustment mode”, “game standby lamp color selection mode”, and “side lamp test mode” are provided as the contents of the system menu.

In addition, when the up direction switch 26c or the down direction switch 26d of the cross key 26 is operated in the system menu of FIG. 8, the cursor is moved to “volume adjustment mode”, “game standby lamp color selection mode”, or “side lamp test mode”. In any of the above. In this way, any one of “volume adjustment mode”, “game standby lamp color selection mode”, or “side lamp test mode” is selected. Then, when the push button 25 is operated in the mode where the cursor is located, control is performed so as to shift to the mode.
In FIG. 8, when the push button 25 is operated in a state where the cursor is positioned in the “volume adjustment mode” with the cross key 26, the mode shifts to the volume adjustment mode in the management mode.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating display contents of the image display device 23 in the volume adjustment mode in the setting change mode or the setting confirmation mode.
When the right switch 26a or the left switch 26b of the cross key 26 is operated, the cursor can be placed at any one of the levels 1 to 15. When the push button 25 is operated at the level where the cursor is located, the first volume level 75a is determined at that level, the volume adjustment mode in the management mode is terminated, and the system menu of FIG. 8 is restored.

Note that the image display in the volume adjustment mode during the game mode is the same as the image display in the volume adjustment mode during the management mode.
However, the image in the volume adjustment mode during the game mode is displayed so as to be superimposed on the effect image being output.

The power consumption control means 76 controls the power consumption of the slot machine 10.
In the present embodiment, as modes related to power consumption, there are a normal mode and a power saving (economy) mode in which power consumption is less than that in the normal mode.
Then, the power consumption control unit 76 performs control so that the normal mode and the power saving mode can be switched in the management mode (setting confirmation mode).

Specifically, the power consumption control means 76 varies the power consumption by varying the type of the lamp 21 that is lit during the game standby and the game, the brightness of the lamp 21, the volume during the game, and the like according to the mode. Are controlled to be different.
The power consumption control means 76 sets the normal mode to the power saving mode by turning the left and right stop switches 42 on and off when the setting key switch 52 is turned off from on in the setting confirmation mode.

Specifically, it is as follows.
1) Left stop switch 42 off, right stop switch 42 off: no mode transition 2) Left stop switch 42 on, right stop switch 42 off: transition to normal mode 3) Left stop switch 42 off, right stop switch 42 on: saving Transition to power mode 4) Left stop switch 42 on, right stop switch 42 on: no mode transition

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the volume adjustment process in the setting change mode.
In step S <b> 131, the sub control means (the first sub control means 70 and the second sub control means 80) displays a system menu on the image display device 23. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S132.
In step S132, the volume adjusting means 75 determines whether or not the setting key switch 45 has been turned off. If it is determined that the setting key switch 45 is turned off, the process proceeds to step S148. On the other hand, when it is determined that the setting key switch 45 has not been turned off (it remains on), the process proceeds to step S133.

  In step S133, the volume adjustment unit 75 determines whether or not the push button 25 has been operated in a state where the volume adjustment mode is selected in the system menu. Here, when it is determined that the push button 25 is operated in a state where the volume adjustment mode is selected in the system menu, the process proceeds to the next step S134. On the other hand, when it is determined that the push button 25 has not been operated with the volume adjustment mode selected in the system menu, the process returns to step S132.

In step S134, the volume adjustment means 75 shifts to the volume adjustment mode. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S135.
In step S135, the volume adjusting means 75 determines whether or not the right switch 26a of the cross key 26 has been operated. If it is determined that the right switch 26a has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S136. On the other hand, when it is determined that the right switch 26a is not operated, the process proceeds to step S138.

In step S136, the volume adjusting means 75 determines whether or not the first volume level 75a is the maximum value (level 15). If it is determined that the first volume level 75a is not the maximum value, the process proceeds to the next step S137. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first volume level 75a is the maximum value, the process proceeds to step S138.
In step S137, the volume adjusting means 75 increases the value of the first volume level 75a by one level. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S138.

  In step S138, the volume adjusting means 75 determines whether or not the left switch 26b of the cross key 26 has been operated. If it is determined that the left switch 26b has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S139. On the other hand, when it is determined that the left switch 26b is not operated, the process proceeds to step S141.

In step S139, the volume adjusting means 75 determines whether or not the first volume level 75a is the minimum value (level 1). If it is determined that the first volume level 75a is not the minimum value, the process proceeds to the next step S140. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first volume level 75a is the minimum value, the process proceeds to step S141.
In step S140, the volume adjusting means 75 decreases the value of the first volume level 75a by one level. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S141.

In step S141, the volume adjusting unit 75 determines whether or not the setting key switch 45 is turned off. If it is determined that the setting key switch 45 is turned off, the process proceeds to step S142. On the other hand, when it is determined that the setting key switch 45 is not turned off (it remains on), the process proceeds to step S143.
In step S142, the volume adjustment unit 75 ends the volume adjustment mode. Then, the process proceeds to step S148.

  If it is determined in step S141 that the setting key switch 45 is not turned off, the process proceeds to step S143, and the volume adjusting means 75 determines whether or not the push button 25 has been operated. If it is determined that the push button 25 has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S144. On the other hand, when it is determined that the push button 25 is not operated, the process returns to step S135.

In step S144, the volume adjusting unit 75 determines the first volume level 75a, and in the next step S145, the volume adjusting unit 75 sets the value of the first volume level 75a to the second volume level 75b. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S146.
In step S146, the first sub-side command control unit 77 transmits a volume command indicating the second volume level 75b to the second sub-control unit 80, and in the next step S147, the volume adjustment unit 75 sets the volume adjustment mode. finish. Then, the process returns to step S131.
In step S148, the setting change mode is terminated. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the volume adjustment process in the setting confirmation mode.
Here, steps S161 to S177 in FIG. 11 are the same as steps S131 to S147 in FIG. Therefore, the description from step S161 to step S177 in FIG. 11 is omitted, and in the following, step S178 and subsequent steps different from FIG. 10 will be described.

  In step S178, the power consumption control means 76 determines whether or not the left stop switch 42 is on when the setting key switch 45 is turned off. If it is determined that the left stop switch 42 is on when the setting key switch 45 is off, the process proceeds to step S179. On the other hand, when it is determined that the left stop switch 42 is off when the setting key switch 45 is off, the process proceeds to step S181.

In step S179, the power consumption control means 76 determines whether or not the right stop switch 42 is on when the setting key switch 45 is turned off.
If it is determined that the right stop switch 42 is OFF when the setting key switch 45 is OFF, the process proceeds to the next step S180, and the power consumption control means 76 shifts the mode related to power consumption to the normal mode. Then, the process proceeds to step S183.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the right stop switch 42 is on when the setting key switch 45 is off, step S180 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S183. In this case, the mode related to power consumption is not shifted.

In step S181, the power consumption control means 76 determines whether or not the right stop switch 42 is on when the setting key switch 45 is turned off.
Here, when it is determined that the right stop switch 42 is on when the setting key switch 45 is off, the process proceeds to the next step S182, and the power consumption control means 76 shifts the mode related to power consumption to the power saving mode. Then, the process proceeds to step S183.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the right stop switch 42 is OFF when the setting key switch 45 is OFF, step S182 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S183. In this case, the mode related to power consumption is not shifted.
In step S183, the setting confirmation mode is terminated. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the volume adjustment process during the game mode.
In step S191, the first sub-control means 70 determines whether or not the game end check process (step S44 in FIG. 4) has ended. If it is determined that the game end check process has ended, the process proceeds to the next step S192. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game end check process has not ended, the process according to this flowchart ends.

In step S192, the first sub-control unit 70 determines whether or not the start switch 41 has been operated. If it is determined that the start switch 41 is not operated, the process proceeds to the next step S193. On the other hand, when it is determined that the start switch 41 has been operated, the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.
In step S193, the first sub-control unit 70 determines whether an error is detected by the main process or the interrupt process. If it is determined that no error has been detected, the process proceeds to the next step S194. On the other hand, when it is determined that an error has been detected, the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

  In step S194, the first sub-control means 70 determines whether or not a predetermined effect is being produced (the effect using the push button 25, the effect using the cross key 26, or the effect that continues even after all reels 31 are stopped). Determine whether. If it is determined that the predetermined performance is not being performed, the process proceeds to the next step S195. On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined production is being performed, the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

In step S195, the volume adjusting unit 75 determines whether or not the push button 25 has been operated.
Here, when it is determined that the push button 25 has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S196, where the volume adjustment means 75 shifts to the volume adjustment mode, and in the next step S197, measurement of the elapsed time by the elapsed time timer is started. To do. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S198.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the push button 25 is not operated, the process returns to step S191.

In step S198, the volume adjusting means 75 determines whether or not the right switch 26a of the cross key 26 has been operated. If it is determined that the right switch 26a has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S199. On the other hand, when it is determined that the right switch 26a is not operated, the process proceeds to step S201.
In step S199, the volume adjusting means 75 determines whether or not the second volume level 75b is the maximum value (level 15). If it is determined that the second volume level 75b is not the maximum value, the process proceeds to the next step S200. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second volume level 75b is the maximum value, the process proceeds to step S201.

In step S200, the volume adjusting means 75 increases the value of the second volume level 75b by one level. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S201.
In step S201, the volume adjusting unit 75 determines whether or not the left switch 26b of the cross key 26 has been operated. If it is determined that the left switch 26b has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S202. On the other hand, when it is determined that the left switch 26b is not operated, the process proceeds to step S204.

In step S202, the volume adjusting means 75 determines whether or not the second volume level 75b is the minimum value (level 1). If it is determined that the second volume level 75b is not the minimum value, the process proceeds to the next step S203. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second volume level 75b is the minimum value, the process proceeds to step S204.
In step S203, the volume adjusting means 75 decreases the value of the second volume level 75b by one step. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S204.

In step S204, the volume adjusting unit 75 determines whether an error is detected by the main process or the interrupt process.
If it is determined that no error has been detected, the process proceeds to the next step S205.
On the other hand, when it is determined that an error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S211, the volume adjustment mode is terminated, and the process according to this flowchart is terminated. As a result, even if the second volume level 75b is increased or decreased, the volume adjustment mode is terminated without confirming this, and then an error handling process (step S37 in FIG. 4) is executed.

In step S205, the volume adjusting unit 75 determines whether or not the start switch 41 has been operated.
If it is determined that the start switch 41 is not operated, the process proceeds to the next step S206.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the start switch 41 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S211, the volume adjustment mode ends, and the process according to this flowchart ends. As a result, even if the second volume level 75b is increased or decreased, the volume adjustment mode is terminated without confirming this, and then the game progress process (step S39 in FIG. 4) is executed.

  In step S206, the volume adjusting means 75 determines whether or not the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time timer has reached a specified time (3 minutes). If it is determined that the specified time has not been reached, the process proceeds to the next step S207. On the other hand, when it is determined that the specified time has been reached, the process proceeds to step S210. As a result, even if the second volume level 75b is increased or decreased, the volume adjustment mode is terminated without determining this. In this case, it is possible to shift to the volume adjustment mode again.

  In step S207, the volume adjusting unit 75 determines whether or not the push button 25 has been operated. If it is determined that the push button 25 has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S208. On the other hand, when it is determined that the push button 25 is not operated, the process returns to step S198. In this case, it is possible to continue to increase or decrease the second volume level 75b.

  In step S208, the volume adjusting means 75 determines the second volume level 75b, and in the next step S209, the first sub-side command control means 77 sends the volume command indicating the second volume level 75b to the second sub-control means. 80, and in the next step S210, the volume adjustment means 75 ends the volume adjustment mode. Then, the process returns to step S191.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second sub control unit 80 includes a lamp output control unit 81, a speaker output control unit 82, an image display control unit 83, and a second sub side command control unit 84.
The second sub-side command control unit 84 transmits / receives commands to / from the first sub-control unit 70 (first sub-side command control unit 77).

Furthermore, the lamp output control means 81 controls the output of the lamp 21 (how to turn on, blink or extinguish which lamp 21) based on the command received from the first sub-control means 70. It is.
Further, the speaker output control means 82 controls the output of the speaker 22 (what sound is output in what manner, etc.) based on the command received from the first sub-control means 70. .

Specifically, when receiving the volume command, the speaker output control means 82 sets the master volume based on the received volume command.
For example, when level 8 is set in the master volume and the volume command indicating that the second volume level 75b is level 15 is received, the speaker output control means 82 sets level 15 in the master volume. To do. In this way, the master volume is raised from level 8 to level 15.

Further, when receiving the phrase command, the speaker output control means 82 outputs the sound having the content corresponding to the received phrase command from the speaker 22 at the volume corresponding to the set master volume.
For example, when the master volume is set at level 15 and the phrase command indicating explosion sound is received, the speaker output control means 82 outputs the explosion sound from the speaker 22 at the level 15 volume.
The image display control means 83 controls the output of the image display device 23 (what kind of image is to be displayed, etc.) based on the command received from the first sub-control means 70. .

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of speaker output processing.
In step S221 of FIG. 13, the speaker output control means 82 determines whether or not a volume command has been received. If it is determined that a volume command has been received, the process proceeds to the next step S222. On the other hand, when it is determined that the volume command has not been received, step S222 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S223.
In step S222, the speaker output control means 82 sets a master volume based on the received volume command. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S223.

In step S223, the speaker output control means 82 determines whether a phrase command has been received. If it is determined that the phrase command has been received, the process proceeds to the next step S224. On the other hand, when it is determined that the phrase command has not been received, the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.
In step S224, the speaker output control means 82 outputs the sound having the content corresponding to the received phrase command from the speaker 22 at the volume corresponding to the set master volume. And the process by this flowchart is complete | finished.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, whether or not an error is detected by interrupt processing is determined in both the game mode and the management mode.
Then, in the volume adjustment mode during the game mode, when it is determined that an error has been detected by the interrupt process, the volume control mode is controlled to end.
Further, in the volume adjustment mode in the management mode, control is performed so that the volume adjustment mode is not terminated even if it is determined that an error has been detected by interrupt processing.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, control is performed so as to determine whether or not an error has been detected in the interrupt processing during the game mode, but whether or not an error has been detected in the interrupt processing during the management mode. Control not to judge.
Further, when the sound volume adjustment means 75 shifts to the sound volume adjustment mode during the game mode, if it is determined that an error has been detected by the interruption process in the sound volume adjustment mode, the sound volume adjustment means 75 controls to end the sound volume adjustment mode.

Further, when the sound volume adjusting unit 75 shifts to the sound volume adjusting mode during the management mode, the sound volume adjusting unit 75 controls the sound volume adjusting mode so as not to end the sound volume adjusting mode even in a situation where an error has occurred.
That is, in the second embodiment, it is not determined whether or not an error has been detected in the interrupt process during the management mode. For this reason, even in the situation where an error has occurred in the volume adjustment mode in the management mode, this is not detected by the interrupt process, and the volume adjustment means 75 continues without ending the volume adjustment mode. .

  When the volume adjustment unit 75 shifts to the volume adjustment mode during the management mode, the volume adjustment unit 75 performs an operation for confirming the volume (operation of the push button 25) or an operation for ending the management mode (the setting key switch 45 is pressed). The control for ending the volume adjustment mode based on the fact that the operation to turn off is performed is the same as in the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether an error is detected by interrupt processing in both the gaming mode and the management mode.
Further, during the game mode, it is determined whether or not an error is detected by the main process.
Further, whether or not an error has been detected is determined by the main-side error detection means 61 and the sub-side error detection means 73.

In the third embodiment, when the sound volume adjustment unit 75 shifts to the sound volume adjustment mode during the game mode, if an error is detected in the sound volume adjustment mode, the sound volume adjustment unit 75 interrupts the sound volume adjustment mode, and then the error is detected. When is released, control is performed so as to be able to return to the volume adjustment mode in the game mode.
In the third embodiment, when the volume adjustment unit 75 shifts to the volume adjustment mode during the management mode, if an error is detected in the volume adjustment mode, the volume adjustment unit 75 interrupts the volume adjustment mode, and then performs an error. When is released, control is performed so that the sound volume adjustment mode in the management mode can be restored.

Here, in the first embodiment, even if the volume adjusting unit 75 detects an error in the volume adjusting mode in the management mode, it continues without ending the volume adjusting mode.
In the second embodiment, it is not determined whether an error has been detected during the management mode. For this reason, since the volume adjusting means 75 does not detect this even in the situation where an error has occurred in the volume adjusting mode during the management mode, the volume adjusting means 75 is continued without ending the volume adjusting mode.

On the other hand, in the third embodiment, when an error is detected in the volume adjustment mode in the management mode, the volume adjustment unit 75 interrupts the volume adjustment mode.
Further, while the volume adjustment mode is interrupted, the volume adjustment means 75 does not increase or decrease the first volume level 75a even if the right switch 26a or the left switch 26b of the cross key 26 is operated. The first volume level 75a is controlled so as not to be determined even when the push button 25 is operated.

When the error is canceled during the interruption of the volume adjustment mode, the volume adjustment unit 75 controls to be able to return to the volume adjustment mode in the management mode.
Specifically, the operation of the reset switch 47 is a release operation, and when the error is canceled during the interruption of the volume adjustment mode, the volume adjustment means 75 automatically returns to the volume adjustment mode in the management mode. Control.

Note that the volume adjustment unit 75 may return to the volume adjustment mode in the management mode on condition that the push button 25 is operated after the error is released. That is, the volume adjusting unit 75 can be controlled to return to the volume adjustment mode in the management mode when the error is canceled during the interruption of the volume adjustment mode and the push button 25 is operated thereafter.
In addition, the interruption, error release, and return control in the volume adjustment mode during the management mode have been described, but these controls are the same for the interruption, error release, and return in the volume adjustment mode during the game mode. is there.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, The following various deformation | transformation are possible.
(1) In the above embodiment, the main-side error detection unit 61 and the sub-side error detection unit 73 are provided. In other words, error detection means are separately provided on the main control means 50 side and the sub control means (first sub control means 70) side.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the error detection means may be provided only on the main control means 50 side, or may be provided only on the sub control means (first sub control means 70) side, for example.

(2) In the above embodiment, the error canceling means 63 is provided only on the main control means 50 side. However, similarly to the error detection means, for example, it is provided only on the sub control means (first sub control means 70) side. Alternatively, they may be separately provided on the main control means 50 side and the sub control means (first sub control means 70) side.
However, since a command is transmitted in one direction from the main control means 50 to the sub-control means (first sub-control means 70), for example, when the error detection means is provided on the main control means 50 side, the error release means is also the main It is necessary to provide on the control means 50 side.

(3) In the above embodiment, the main-side error detection means 61 and the sub-side error detection means 73 detect errors based on various sensors, switch ON / OFF combinations, ON / OFF state durations, and the like. That is, the error detection means is configured by software.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the error detection means may be configured by hardware, for example.

(4) In the above embodiment, the timer interruption is set every 2.235 ms. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the timer interruption period can be set as appropriate.
In the above embodiment, the first status command and the second status command are generated every 8 interrupts, and the third status command is generated every 10 interrupts. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and how many interrupts these commands are generated can be set as appropriate within the range where the on / off state of various sensors and switches is not lost and the buffer area does not overflow. it can.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the first to third state commands are generated every 8 interrupts or 10 interrupts on the condition that the information included in these commands has changed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first to third status commands may always be generated every predetermined time (for example, 8 interrupts or 10 interrupts) regardless of whether or not the information included therein has changed. .

(6) In the above embodiment, the command generation means transmits the same command twice, and the first sub-command control means 77 does not receive the same command twice within a predetermined time. Judged that the command was not received correctly. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and how many times the same command is transmitted can be appropriately set as long as it is twice or more. Similarly, the number of times the same command is received can be determined as appropriate as long as it is determined that the command has been correctly received.
In addition, the number of command transmissions may be only once.

(7) In the above embodiment, at the beginning of the main process, a plurality of commands including a set value command and a gaming state command are generated, and then the waiting time for transmitting the command stored in the buffer area is set. Provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a waiting time may be provided in the middle of a section in which a plurality of commands are generated.
In the above embodiment, the waiting time is set to 32 interrupts (71.52 ms), but is not limited thereto and can be set as appropriate.
Furthermore, the type and number of commands generated at the beginning of the main process can be appropriately set according to the model of the slot machine 10.

(8) In the above embodiment, the waiting time is set longer than the time required to complete the transmission of the command generated at the beginning of the main process, but the transmission of the command generated at the beginning of the main process is completed. It may be set shorter than the time required for this.
The waiting time may be continued until transmission of all commands stored in the buffer area is completed, that is, until the buffer area becomes empty. Further, the waiting time may be continued until the number of commands stored in the buffer area becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number. That is, the waiting time is not limited to a fixed time, but may be varied according to the number of commands stored in the buffer area.

(9) In the above embodiment, in the interrupt processing, every time the count value of the first interrupt counter 51 becomes “7” (every 8 interrupts) regardless of whether the waiting time or the reel 31 is rotating or not, It was determined whether or not an error was detected by the main-side error detection means 61.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the interrupt processing, whether or not an error is detected by the main-side error detection means 61 is determined for each interrupt regardless of whether the waiting time or the reel 31 is rotating. May be. Then, on condition that an error has been detected, the generation of the first and second status commands including the information indicating that the specific error has been detected (determination to generate) may be performed every 8 interrupts.

  (10) The commands shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the type and number of commands to be generated and the information included in each command can be set as appropriate according to the model of the slot machine 10.

(11) In the above embodiment, on the condition that the on / off state of the setting key switch 45, the setting change switch 46, and the like has changed due to the interrupt processing regardless of whether or not the management mode is in effect. A first status command including information indicating the on / off status of the setting key switch 45, the setting change switch 46, and the like is generated every 8 interrupts.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, regardless of whether or not the management mode is in effect, and whether or not the setting key switch 45, the setting change switch 46, or the like has changed in the on / off state, A first state command including information indicating on / off states of the setting key switch 45, the setting change switch 46, and the like may be generated every predetermined time.

(12) In the above embodiment, when the same command stored in the buffer area is transmitted twice, it is determined that the transmission of the command is completed, and the command is deleted from the buffer area.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the command transmission means may determine that the transmission of the command is completed when the command stored in the buffer area is transmitted once. That is, in the above-described embodiment, transmission is not completed in one transmission, and transmission is completed in two transmissions, but transmission may be completed in one transmission.
Further, even if the command transmission is completed, the command may be left without being erased from the buffer area. Then, the newly generated command may be overwritten in the area where the transmitted command is stored.

(13) In the above embodiment, the volume adjusting means 75 is controlled to shift to the volume adjusting mode based on the fact that a specific operation is performed within a predetermined period in the game mode. Further, the predetermined period is the time before the start switch 41 is operated after the end of the game end check process, and the specific operation is the operation of the push button 25.
However, it is not limited to this. The predetermined period may be, for example, waiting for a game. In the game standby state, after the game end check process is completed, medals are inserted (introduction of medals from the medal insertion slot 43, insertion of medals by operating the bet switch 40, or automatic insertion of medals by replay winning). Means before. In this case, for example, the volume adjusting means 75 performs control so as not to shift to the volume adjusting mode after winning a replay or operating the bet switch 40.

The specific operation may be, for example, an operation of the right switch 26a or the left switch 26b of the cross key 26.
That is, in the normal mode, the volume adjusting unit 75 controls to shift to the volume adjusting mode when the right switch 26a or the left switch 26b is operated within a predetermined period. In the volume adjustment mode, the second volume level 75b is increased when the right direction switch 26a is operated, and the second volume level 75b is decreased when the left direction switch 26b is operated.

Furthermore, the specific operation may be, for example, an operation of the upward switch 26c or the downward switch 26d of the cross key 26 or an operation of the stop switch 42.
That is, in the normal mode, the volume adjustment unit 75 may be controlled to shift to the volume adjustment mode when the up direction switch 26c or the down direction switch 26d is operated within a predetermined period. When the stop switch 42 is operated, it may be controlled to shift to the volume adjustment mode.

Furthermore, the volume adjusting means 75 may control to shift to the volume adjustment mode when the right direction switch 26a and the left direction switch 26b are operated simultaneously within a predetermined period. It may be controlled to shift to the volume adjustment mode when the stop switch 42 is operated simultaneously.
Thus, a predetermined period and a specific operation for shifting to the volume adjustment mode in the game mode can be set as appropriate.

(14) In the above embodiment, the volume adjusting unit 75 shifts to the volume adjustment mode based on the fact that another specific operation is performed in the management mode regardless of whether or not it is within a predetermined period. Controlled to let Another specific operation is that the push button 25 is operated in a state where the volume adjustment mode is selected in the system menu.
However, it is not limited to this. Another specific operation may be, for example, that the right switch 26a and the left switch 26b are simultaneously operated in a state where the volume adjustment mode is selected in the system menu. That is, in the management mode, the volume adjustment unit 75 is controlled to shift to the volume adjustment mode when the right switch 26a and the left switch 26b are operated at the same time with the volume adjustment mode selected in the system menu. May be.

(15) In the above embodiment, in the management mode, the volume adjusting means 75 determines the first volume level 75a when the push button 25 is operated after increasing or decreasing the first volume level 75a, and playing the game In the mode, when the push button 25 is operated after increasing or decreasing the second volume level 75b, the second volume level 75b is confirmed.
That is, the volume level is determined on the condition that the push button 25 is operated.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the management mode, the volume adjusting means 75 increases or decreases the first volume level 75a and operates the push button 25 when the right switch 26a or the left switch 26b is operated. The first volume level 75a may be controlled so as to be confirmed without requiring. Further, the sound volume adjusting means 75 may perform control so as to determine the first sound volume level 75a when the management mode ends.
Similarly, in the game mode, the volume adjusting means 75 increases or decreases the second volume level 75b and does not require operation of the push button 25 when the right switch 26a or the left switch 26b is operated. The second volume level 75b may be controlled to be confirmed.

(16) In the above embodiment, when the first volume level 75a is set, the volume adjusting means 75 sets the value of the first volume level 75a to the second volume level 75b, and then sets the second volume level 75b. The volume command indicated is transmitted to the second sub-control means 80. However, when the first volume level 75a is set, the volume command indicating the first volume level 75a may be transmitted to the second sub-control means 80.
The same applies when the power is turned on and when the game standby time reaches a predetermined time.

That is, the volume adjusting unit 75 may transmit a volume command indicating the first volume level 75a to the second sub-control unit 80 when the power is turned on.
Further, the volume adjusting means 75 may transmit a volume command indicating the first volume level 75a to the second sub-control means 80 when the game standby time reaches a predetermined time.
Then, on the second sub-control means 80 side, when a volume command indicating the first volume level 75a is received, the master volume may be set based on this.

(17) The volume adjustment means 75 sets a level range that can be adjusted in the volume adjustment mode of the management mode, and makes the level adjustable within the set range in the volume adjustment mode of the game mode. Good.
Specifically, for example, in the volume adjustment mode of the management mode, it is assumed that the adjustable level range is set to the level 5 to level 10 range. In this case, in the volume adjustment mode of the game mode, the second volume level 75b can be set within the range of level 5 to level 10, and control can be performed so that it cannot be set to level 1 or level 15.

  Further, for example, whether or not volume adjustment in the game mode is enabled may be set in the management mode. That is, assume that the volume adjustment in the game mode is set to be possible in the volume adjustment mode in the management mode. In this case, in the volume adjustment mode of the game mode, control is performed so that the second volume level 75b can be increased or decreased. On the other hand, it is assumed that the volume adjustment in the game mode is disabled in the management mode volume adjustment mode. In this case, in the game mode, control is performed so that the second volume level 75b cannot be adjusted even if the volume adjustment mode is not changed or the volume adjustment mode is changed.

(18) When the error is detected, the speaker output control means 82, at the specified volume, regardless of the first volume level 75a and the second volume level 75b set by the volume adjustment means 75 (regardless of the master volume) Control may be performed so as to output a notification sound indicating that the sound is detected from the speaker 22.
(19) In the above embodiment, the power consumption control means 76 is controlled to be able to switch between the normal mode and the power saving mode in the setting confirmation mode.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the power consumption control unit 76 may perform control so that the normal mode and the power saving mode can be switched in both the setting change mode and the setting confirmation mode.

(20) In a model in which the time required from when the power is turned on to when the second sub-control unit 80 starts up is longer than the time required from when the power is turned on to when the first sub-control unit 70 starts up, Until the second sub-control unit 80 starts up, control is performed so as not to shift to the volume adjustment mode even if an operation for shifting to the volume adjustment mode is performed.
In addition, when an operation for shifting to the volume adjustment mode is performed before the second sub control unit 80 starts up, the volume adjustment unit 75 enters the volume adjustment mode after the second sub control unit 80 starts up. It can be controlled to shift.

  (21) In the first embodiment, during the management mode, it is determined whether or not an error has been detected by interrupt processing. If an error is detected by interrupt processing during the management mode, the error flag is set, but error handling processing is not executed during the management mode. Then, at a predetermined timing after the transition from the management mode to the game mode (step S37 in FIG. 4), an error handling process is executed based on the error flag. However, when an abnormality is detected in the random number generation means by interrupt processing during the management mode, non-recoverable error processing is executed even during the management mode.

  In the second embodiment, it is not determined whether an error has been detected during the management mode. However, even during the management mode, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has been detected in the random number generation means by interrupt processing. When an abnormality is detected in the random number generator by interrupt processing during the management mode, non-recoverable error processing is executed even during the management mode.

  In the third embodiment, during the management mode, it is determined whether or not an error has been detected by the interrupt process, and whether or not an abnormality has been detected in the random number generation means. When an error is detected by interrupt processing during the management mode, an error flag is set and error handling processing is executed. In addition, when an abnormality of the random number generation means is detected by interrupt processing during the management mode, non-recoverable error processing is executed.

In addition, each modification of said (1)-(21) is not restricted to the case where each is applied independently, It can also apply combining these suitably.
Moreover, these can be combined suitably also about 1st-3rd embodiment.

<Appendix>
Problems to be solved by the invention (original invention) according to the initial claims of the present application, means for solving the problems related to the original invention, and effects of the original invention are as follows.
(A) Problem to be Solved by the Initial Invention As a conventional slot machine, a slot machine is known in which a player can arbitrarily adjust the volume by operating a predetermined switch provided on the front surface ( JP, 2008-104763, A).

However, if the player can arbitrarily adjust the volume, the volume and power consumption of the entire slot machine store (hall) will increase when the volume is increased in many slot machines, and the residents in the neighborhood This will cause noise and load the environment.
Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable a player to play a game with an appropriate volume and allow an administrator to play a game with an appropriate volume and power consumption. Is to do so.

(B) Means for Solving the Problems Related to the Initial Invention (Note that the corresponding embodiment is described in parentheses)
The first solution is
Main control means (50) for controlling the progress of the game;
Sub-control means (first sub-control means 70) for receiving a command from the main control means and controlling the production,
The main control means includes
A game mode in which the game can proceed,
Transition is possible by a predetermined operation by the administrator (turning the power from OFF to ON while the setting key switch 45 is ON, or turning the setting key switch 45 from OFF while the power is ON). It has a management mode (setting change mode or setting confirmation mode) that does not advance the game,
The sub-control means includes volume adjustment means (75) for adjusting the volume of sound output from the speaker (22),
The volume adjusting means is
In the game mode, a specific operation has been performed (the push button 25 has been operated) within a predetermined period (after the end of the game check process and before the start switch 41 is operated). Based on the, control to shift to the volume adjustment mode that can adjust the volume,
In the management mode, regardless of whether or not it is within the predetermined period, another specific operation has been performed (the push button 25 has been operated with the volume adjustment mode selected in the system menu). ) To shift to the volume adjustment mode based on
The sub-control unit has a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode as modes relating to power consumption, and can switch between the normal mode and the power saving mode in the management mode. It is characterized by control.

The second solving means is the first solving means,
The predetermined period is a game standby (after completion of the game end check process and before a medal is inserted).

The third solution means in the first or second solution means,
A first switch (push button 25) and a second switch (right direction switch 26a and left direction switch 26b of the cross key 26) that can be operated by the player are provided.
The volume adjusting means is
When the first switch is operated within the predetermined period, control is performed to shift to the volume adjustment mode,
In the volume adjustment mode, when the second switch is operated, the volume is controlled to increase or decrease.

The fourth solving means is the first to third solving means,
A mode changeover switch (setting key switch 45) that is electrically connected to the main control means and is operated by an administrator when changing or confirming setting values having different advantages for the player,
The management mode has a setting change mode and a setting confirmation mode,
The setting change mode is a mode in which the setting value can be changed by turning the power supply from off to on while the mode changeover switch is on.
The setting confirmation mode is a mode in which the setting value can be confirmed by turning the mode changeover switch from off to on while the power is on.

(Function)
In the game mode, when a specific operation is performed within a predetermined period, the game mode is shifted to the volume adjustment mode. Thereby, the player can play a game with an appropriate volume by adjusting the volume.
In the management mode, when another specific operation is performed regardless of whether or not it is within a predetermined period, the sound volume adjustment mode is entered. As a result, the manager can cause the player to play a game at an appropriate volume.
Furthermore, in the management mode, it is possible to switch between the normal mode and the power saving mode. Thereby, the administrator can make a player play a game with appropriate power consumption.

(Relationship between original invention and embodiment)
The “sub-control means” corresponds to “first sub-control means 70 and second sub-control means 80” in the embodiment.
The “first switch” corresponds to the “push button 25” in the embodiment.
Furthermore, the “second switch” corresponds to the “right switch 26a and left switch 26b of the cross key 26” in the embodiment.

Furthermore, the “mode change switch” corresponds to the “setting key switch 45” in the embodiment.
Note that the switching control between the normal mode and the power saving mode is not limited to the sub-control unit, and for example, the power consumption control unit 76 included in the first sub-control unit 70 in the embodiment, and the first sub-control unit 70. It may be performed by other means provided.

(C) Effects of the original invention According to the original invention, when the player performs a specific operation in the game mode and when the administrator performs another specific operation in the management mode, the mode shifts to the volume adjustment mode. To do. In the management mode, the normal mode and the power saving mode can be switched. Accordingly, the player can play the game with an appropriate volume, and the manager can cause the player to play the game with an appropriate volume and power consumption.

10 slot machine 21 lamp 22 speaker 23 image display device 25 push button 26 cross key 26a right switch 26b left switch 26c up switch 26d down switch 31 reel 32 motor 33 medal payout device 33a hopper 33b hopper motor 33c payout sensor 34 7 segment indicator 40 Bet switch 41 Start switch 42 Stop switch 43 Medal insertion slot 44 Medal selector 44a Passage sensor 44b Blocker 44c First input sensor 44d Second input sensor 45 Setting key switch 46 Setting change switch 47 Reset switch 48 Door sensor 49 Cover Sensor 50 Main control means 51 First interrupt counter 52 Second interrupt counter 53 Setting value changing means 54 Selection means 55 Reel control means 56 Winning judgment means 57 Payout means 58 Main game state control means 61 Main side error detection means 62 Error handling means 63 Error release means 64 Main side command control means 70 First sub control means 71 Sub game state control Means 72 Production control means 73 Sub-side error detection means 74 Error notification means 75 Volume adjustment means 75a First volume level 75b Second volume level 76 Power consumption control means 77 First sub-command control means 80 Second sub-control means 81 Lamp Output control means 82 Speaker output control means 83 Image display control means 84 Second sub-side command control means

Claims (1)

It has a main control board that controls the progress of the game,
As a mode controlled by the main control board,
A game mode in which the game can proceed,
And a setting confirmation mode in which the setting value related to the player's advantage can be confirmed.
In a situation where a predetermined error is detected during the game mode, a predetermined notification process corresponding to the predetermined error is executed,
A gaming machine , characterized in that the setting confirmation mode is continued without executing the predetermined notification process under a situation where the predetermined error is detected during the setting confirmation mode.

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