Game machine

Abstract

To return from a custom performance to a default performance by simple processing in a game standby state.SOLUTION: A game machine can output a default performance corresponding to initial setting and a custom performance with a changed content. In a game standby state, the game machine repetitively outputs a demo performance whose length from a starting end to a terminal is "60,000" ms (steps S1463 and S1464 in the figure). In a case where it is set to output the custom performance, when a demo performance output frequency counter shows "5" (the demo performance is output "5" times), ("Yes" at step S1467 in the figure), the game machine returns from the custom performance to the default performance (step S1468 in the figure). Timing of the execution completion of the "5"th demo performance or timing of the execution start of the "6"th demo performance (execution timing of the step S1464 in the figure) is generally equal to timing of returning from the custom performance to the default performance (execution timing of the step S1468 in the figure).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 210

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Gaming machines that use electronic information (electronic medals) rather than physical (tangible) medals as gaming value (gaming medium) have been known (referred to as "smart gaming machines," "medalless gaming machines," "managed gaming machines," "enclosed gaming machines," etc.) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-053709 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable appropriate information processing to be performed in a gaming machine that uses electronic information as gaming value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by the following solving means (the configurations of the corresponding embodiments are shown in parentheses.) The invention according to the original claims of this application corresponds to original invention 3 among original inventions 1 to 5 described below. The present invention (12th embodiment) is It is possible to output a default presentation corresponding to the initial setting, or a custom presentation in which the content (such as the expectation of transition to the AT when the AT transition expectation presentation is executed) is changed based on a predetermined operation by the player (operation of the push button 86, the cross key 87, etc.), In the case where a custom effect is set to be output, when a predetermined condition is met (when the demo effect output counter is "5" or more, i.e., when the demo effect has been repeatedly output "5" times) ("Yes" in step S1467 in FIG. 210), control is performed to return from the custom effect to the default effect, In the game standby state, a demo performance corresponding to the game standby state and having a length from the beginning to the end of a predetermined time ("60000" ms) can be repeatedly output, The timing of the end of the execution of the "N"th (N≧2) (N=5 in the 12th embodiment) demo effect or the timing of the start of the execution of the "N+1"th demo effect (the timing at which the process of step S1464 in FIG. 210 is executed) is substantially the same as the timing at which control is performed to return from the custom effect to the default effect (the timing at which the process of step S1468 in FIG. 210 is executed). It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, appropriate information processing can be performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of control of a slot machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, in a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a power supply path in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a power supply path in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a list of commands (main control commands) transmitted from the main control board to the dispensing control board in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a list of commands (dispensing control commands) transmitted from the dispensing control board to the main control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a list of commands (management device commands) transmitted from the management device to the dispensing control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a list of commands (game machine commands) transmitted from a payout control board to a management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a main routine in the dispensing control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart showing the process of analyzing a main control command in step S110 of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control command analysis process in step S110 of FIG. 8, and is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 9 is a flowchart showing the process flow of lending in step S119 of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 9 is a flowchart showing the process flow of counting in step S117 of FIG. 8. [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of a main routine in a main control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of power-on processing in the main control board and the dispensing control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of setting change processing in the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a three coin bet process on the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a one-coin bet process on the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of game start processing on the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 19]11 is a flowchart showing the flow of game ending processing on the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the payout process in the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of return processing in the main control board and the dispensing control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of power-on processing in the dispensing control board and management device in the first embodiment. [Diagram 23] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of loan processing in the dispensing control board and management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 24] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of counting processing in the dispensing control board and management device in the first embodiment. [Diagram 25] 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the counting process in the dispensing control board and the management device in the first embodiment, and is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 24. [Figure 26] A diagram showing the waveforms of data signals and strobe signals in serial communication between the dispensing control board and the management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 27] 4 is a timing chart showing the on / off of each signal when an electronic medal is lent in the first embodiment. [Figure 28] 1 is a timing chart showing the on / off states of each signal during counting (refunding) of electronic medals in the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an outline of control of the gaming machine in the second embodiment. [Diagram 30] 13 is a diagram illustrating telegrams between a gaming machine and a rental unit in the second embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining gaming machine performance information, gaming machine installation information, hall control and fraud monitoring information in the second embodiment. [Diagram 32]10 is a time chart showing a basic communication sequence in the second embodiment. [Diagram 33] 13 is a time chart showing Example 1 of a start-up sequence (when the gaming machine is started first) in the second embodiment. [Diagram 34] 13 is a time chart showing example 2 of a startup sequence (when the rental unit starts up first) in the second embodiment. [Diagram 35] 13 is a time chart showing a basic sequence of a gaming machine information notification in the second embodiment. [Diagram 36] 13 is a time chart showing a counting notification sequence in the second embodiment. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart showing a counting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 38] 13 is a time chart showing a lending notification sequence in the second embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a gaming machine information notification timer and a gaming machine information notification request flag in the second embodiment. [Diagram 40] 13 is a time chart showing an update sequence of a gaming machine information notification timer in the second embodiment. [Diagram 41] 13 is a flowchart showing gaming machine information management in the second embodiment. [Diagram 42] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing the internal memory of main CPU 55 in the third embodiment, in which (A) shows an overview of the internal memory and (B) shows the internal register area. [Diagram 43] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of an F register. [Diagram 44] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a stack area in the third embodiment. [Diagram 45] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing main commands in the third embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing aspects of an LDF instruction and an LD instruction. [Figure 47] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an aspect of a CALLEX command. [Figure 48]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conventional CALL instruction and a RET instruction. [Figure 49] 13 is a flowchart showing a program start (M_PRG_SET) in the third embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of using a CALLEX instruction and a jump instruction. [Figure 51] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an outline of the control of a gaming machine in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a memory map of a built-in memory in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 53] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing division of regions in the fourth embodiment, where FIG. 13A shows Example 1 and FIG. [Figure 54] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating communication between areas in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example (example 1) of a program for control areas 1 to 3. [Figure 56] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a program example (example 2) of control areas 1 to 3. [Figure 57] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a program example (example 3) of control areas 1 to 3. [Figure 58] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing modified examples of the programs of control areas 1 to 3. [Figure 59] 13 is a flowchart showing a game media number awarding process by the main control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 60] 13 is a flowchart showing a game media number providing process of the game media number control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 61] 13 is a flowchart showing an interrupt process (I_INTR) of the game media count control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 62] 62 is a flowchart showing the input port read process (I_IN_READ) in step S801 of FIG. 61. [Figure 63] 62 is a flowchart showing the game machine information management (I_INF_CTL) in step S802 of FIG. 61. [Figure 64]64 is a flowchart showing a hole control / fraud monitoring information set (I_INF_INJ) in step S823 of FIG. 63. [Figure 65] A flowchart showing the gaming machine performance information set (I_INF_ABI) in step S824 of FIG. 63. [Figure 66] 64 is a flowchart showing the gaming machine installation information set (I_INF_INS) in step S825 of FIG. 63. [Figure 67] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an update sequence of a gaming machine information notification timer in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 68] 62 is a flowchart showing count control (I_CAL_CTL) in step S803 of FIG. 61. [Figure 69] 62 is a flowchart showing Example 1 of loan control (I_LEN_CTL) in step S805 of FIG. 61. [Figure 70] 62 is a flowchart showing Example 2 of the lending control (I_LEN_CTL) in step S805 of FIG. 61. [Figure 71] 62 is a flowchart showing Example 3 of the lending control (I_LEN_CTL) in step S805 of FIG. 61. [Figure 72] 62 is a flowchart showing Example 4 of the lending control (I_LEN_CTL) in step S805 of FIG. 61. [Figure 73] 23 is a flowchart showing a first example of threshold processing by the main control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 74] 23 is a flowchart showing a second example of threshold processing by the main control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 75] 13 is a flowchart showing a first example of a threshold notification process of the sub-control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 76] 23 is a flowchart showing a second example of a threshold notification process of the sub-control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 77] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a gaming machine in a sixth embodiment. [Figure 78]FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a memory area provided in the medal count control RWM in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 79] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a memory area provided in the medal count control RWM in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 80] 20 is a flowchart showing a ratio calculation process in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 81] 20 is a flowchart showing a ratio calculation process in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 82] This is a flowchart showing the calculation of the ratio for every 400 games in step S691 in FIG. [Figure 83] This is a flowchart showing the calculation of the ratio for every 400 games in step S691 in FIG. [Figure 84] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the transition of the difference number and MY in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 85] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the relationship between the transition of a difference number counter and a MY counter and power on / off in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 86] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow from when the power is turned on to the main processing in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 87] 87 is a flowchart showing the error processing in step S543 of FIG. 86. [Figure 88] 87 is a flowchart showing a complete function calculation process in step S555 of FIG. 86. [Figure 89] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an image notifying an operator of an activation of the complete function in the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of an image displaying the activation of the complete function. [Figure 90] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a memory area for transmitting gaming machine performance information and a memory area for transmitting gaming machine installation information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 91] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a memory area for transmitting hole control / fraud monitoring information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 92] 23 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the medal count control CPU in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 93] 23 is a flowchart showing interrupt processing by the medal count control CPU in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 94] This is a flowchart showing the gaming machine information management in step S244 in FIG. 93. [Figure 95] 23 is a time chart showing an update sequence of a gaming machine information notification timer in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 96] 23 is a time chart showing an update sequence of a gaming machine information notification timer in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 97] 23 is a flowchart showing generation of gaming machine performance information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 98] 23 is a flowchart showing the process for storing a ratio in a memory area for transmitting gaming machine performance information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 99] 99 is a flowchart showing the ratio update process in step S524 of FIG. 98. [Figure 100] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing transmission and reception of commands between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU in the seventh embodiment, where (a) shows an overview and (b) shows the contents of the commands. [Figure 101] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of transmission and reception of a bet request command and a bet request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 102] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of transmission and reception of a bet request command and a bet request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 103] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example in which a bet request command is not transmitted in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 104] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of sending and receiving a settlement request command and a settlement request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 105] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of sending and receiving a settlement request command and a settlement request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Fig. 106] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmitting and receiving an grant request command and a grant request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 107]FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmitting and receiving an grant request command and a grant request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 108] 23 is a flowchart showing a main control process in the seventh embodiment. [Fig. 109] 108. A flowchart showing the game start setting process in step S932 of FIG. [Figure 110] 109 is a flowchart showing the bet waiting process in step S933 of FIG. [Figure 111] 108. This is a flowchart showing the settlement process in step S935 of FIG. [Figure 112] 113 is a flowchart showing the waiting time for receiving a request response command from the medal count control CPU 520 in step S975 of FIG. [Figure 113] 109 is a flowchart showing the bet process in step S936 of FIG. [Fig. 114] 109 is a flowchart showing the assignment process in step S945 of FIG. [Fig. 115] 20 is a flowchart showing main control interrupt processing by a main control CPU in the seventh embodiment. [Fig. 116] 13 is a flowchart showing the main process (main process for controlling the medal count) of the medal count control CPU in the seventh embodiment. [Fig. 117] 117 is a flowchart showing the main control command receiving process in step S1062 of FIG. [Fig. 118] 117. FIG. 118 is a flowchart showing the bet request command receiving process in step S1077 of FIG. [Figure 119] 117. A flowchart showing the settlement request command receiving process in step S1078 of FIG. [Figure 120] 118 is a flowchart showing an grant request command receiving process in step S1079 of FIG. 117. [Figure 121] 23 is a flowchart showing medal count control interrupt processing by the medal count control CPU in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 122] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of image display when the VL signal is off and when a communication error occurs in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 123] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed when the complete function is activated with the VL signal off in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 124] 23 is a flowchart showing a main control program start process in the eighth embodiment. [Fig. 125] 23 is a flowchart showing a process of waiting for a response to a request from medal count control in the eighth embodiment. [Fig. 126] 127 is a flowchart showing the error display process in step S1164 of FIG. 125. [Figure 127] 23 is a flowchart showing main control interrupt processing in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 128] 13 is a flowchart showing medal count control program start processing in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 129] 128. A flowchart showing the medal count control error display processing in step S1183 of FIG. [Fig. 130] 23 is a flowchart showing a medal count control main process in the eighth embodiment. [Fig. 131] 130. FIG. 130 is a flowchart showing a main control command receiving process in step S1188 of FIG. [Fig. 132] 23 is a flowchart showing medal count control interrupt processing in the eighth embodiment. [Fig. 133] 132. FIG. 132. A flowchart showing the input port check process (counting switch process) in step S1211 of FIG. [Fig. 134] 133 is a flowchart showing the counting control process in step S1212 of FIG. [Fig. 135] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a gaming machine in a ninth embodiment. [Fig. 136] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of electrical connection between a gaming machine and a test firing machine in the ninth embodiment. [Fig. 137] FIG. 13 is a diagram (1) showing data stored in the master control RWM described in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 138] FIG. 22 shows data stored in the master control RWM described in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 139] FIG. 13 is a diagram (3) showing data stored in the master control RWM described in the ninth embodiment. [Fig. 140] 13 is a flowchart showing a main control process in the ninth embodiment. [Fig. 141] 140. A flowchart showing the game start setting process of step S932 of FIG. [Fig. 142] 140. FIG. 140 is a flowchart showing the bet waiting process in step S933. [Fig. 143] 140. A flowchart showing the settlement process in step S935 of FIG. [Fig. 144] 140. FIG. 140 is a flowchart showing the bet process in step S936. [Fig. 145] 140. This is a flowchart showing the start switch acceptance process in step S1241 in FIG. [Fig. 146] This is a flowchart showing the payout count signal setting process in step S1245 in FIG. 140. [Fig. 147] 140. This is a flowchart showing the assignment process in step S1246 in FIG. [Fig. 148] This is a flowchart showing the game end check processing of step S1247 in FIG. 140. [Figure 149] A flowchart showing the LED display control in step S1052 during the main control interrupt processing (Figure 127) in the ninth embodiment. [Fig. 150] 127] A flowchart showing test signal management in step S1053 during main control interrupt processing (FIG. 127) in the ninth embodiment. [Fig. 151]13 is a time chart showing the output of a payout count signal and an input request lamp signal, and the timing of a process for lighting the input request lamp and a process for outputting the lighting signal in the ninth embodiment. [Fig. 152] 13 is a time chart showing an example in which a prescribed number of bet processes are executed before the output of a payout count signal is completed in the ninth embodiment. [Fig. 153] 13 is a time chart showing an example of a case where the next game is started before the output of the payout count signal is completed in the ninth embodiment. [Fig. 154] 13 is a time chart showing an example of a case where the number of times the payout count signal is output for the next game is determined before the output of the payout count signal for the current game is completed in the ninth embodiment. [Fig. 155] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a gaming machine in a tenth embodiment. [Fig. 156] FIG. 23 is a front view of a gaming machine in a tenth embodiment. [Fig. 157] 23 is a time chart showing the relationship between the display of the medal count display unit and the start timing of count notification in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 158] 23 is a time chart showing the relationship between the display of the medal count display unit and the end timing of the count notification in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 159] 23 is a time chart showing how images and sounds are output for counting notification in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 160] 23 is a time chart showing the relationship between the operation of the bet switch and the settlement switch, the total number of medals, and the count notification in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 161] 23 is a time chart (1) showing the operation mode when the counting switch is pressed briefly and pressed for a long time in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 162] 23 is a time chart (2) showing the operation mode when the counting switch is pressed briefly and pressed for a long time in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 163] 23 is a time chart (1) showing the operation mode when the counting switch and the lending switch are operated in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 164] 23 is a time chart (2) showing the operation mode when the counting switch and the lending switch are operated in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 165] 23 is a time chart (1) showing an operation mode when the counting switch is pressed and held and when the door opening is detected in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 166] 23 is a time chart showing the relationship between the counting sound and the lending sound when the counting switch is pressed briefly in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 167] 23 is a time chart (1) showing the output mode of the lending sound when the lending switch is operated continuously in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 168] 23 is a time chart (2) showing the output mode of the lending sound when the lending switch is operated continuously in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 169] 23 is a time chart showing the relationship between the on / off of the settlement switch and the validity / invalidity of operation acceptance of the 3 bet switch and the like in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 170] 23 is a time chart showing the screen display mode when the counting switch, the lending switch, and the 3 bet switch are operated in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 171] A figure showing the relationship between the counting notification image and the recommended press order notification image in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 172] 23 is a time chart showing the relationship between a 1-bet sound, a 3-bet sound, and a payment settlement sound in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 173] 23A to 23C are diagrams showing a menu screen and a counting notification image in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 174] 23 is a time chart showing the display mode of the counting notification image and the menu screen when the 3-bet switch is operated in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 175] 23A to 23C are diagrams showing a volume change image and a counting notification image in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 176] 23 is a time chart showing the display mode of a counting notification image and a volume change image while a demo screen is being displayed in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 177]23 is a time chart showing a change in the counting sound when a volume change operation is performed while the counting sound is being output in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 178] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a gaming machine in an eleventh embodiment. [Fig. 179] A diagram showing the built-in memory of the main control chip 500A and the medal count control chip 500B in the 11th embodiment. [Fig. 180] In the eleventh embodiment, (A) is a diagram showing a signal transmission path between a main control board and a sub-control board, and (B) is a diagram showing a control status signal transmitted from the medal count control means to the main control means, and a control status signal transmitted from the medal count control means to the sub-control means. [Fig. 181] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a control status signal stored in the medal count control RWM in the eleventh embodiment. [Fig. 182] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a control state signal stored in the master control RWM in the eleventh embodiment. [Fig. 183] In the eleventh embodiment, (A) is a waveform diagram (upper part) of a signal from the main control means to the sub-control means, and a waveform diagram (lower part) of a signal from the medal count control means to the sub-control means. (B) is a diagram showing the main control CPU, medal count control CPU, and logic IC. [Fig. 184] In the eleventh embodiment, (A) is a timing diagram showing the change in the waveforms of the signals from the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU before and after passing through the logic IC. (B) is a waveform diagram in which the main control baud rate and the medal count control baud rate are not the same. [Fig. 185] 23 is a flowchart showing the interrupt processing of medal count control in the 11th embodiment. [Fig. 186] 23 is a flowchart showing the presentation (image display, audio output) processing during medal counting in the eleventh embodiment. [Fig. 187] 23 is a flowchart showing the presentation process when a medal is lent in the eleventh embodiment. [Fig. 188]This is a flowchart showing the input port check processing executed in step S1211 during the medal count control interrupt processing of Figure 132 in the 11th embodiment, particularly the processing of the count switch. [Fig. 189] 132 in the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 132 is a flowchart showing the counting control processing executed in step S1212 of the medal count control interrupt processing in the eleventh embodiment. [Fig. 190] 23 is a flowchart showing the counting performance processing of the sub-control in the 11th embodiment. [Fig. 191] This is a flowchart continuing from Figure 190. [Fig. 192] 192 is a flowchart showing a modified example of FIG. 191. [Fig. 193] A diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels in the twelfth embodiment. [Fig. 194] In the twelfth embodiment, (A) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the display window and each reel, and the pay lines, and (B) is a diagram showing the names of the symbol positions. [Fig. 195] A diagram showing the symbol combinations and payouts of the winning combinations in the 12th embodiment. [Fig. 196] A diagram showing a reel condition device in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 197] A diagram showing the winning and replay condition device in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 198] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a number setting table in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 199] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing RT transitions in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 200] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing RT variation conditions in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 201] A figure showing the benefits when moving to a favorable zone in the 12th embodiment when the play that determines the move to the favorable zone (the last play in the normal zone) is not inside the zone. [Fig. 202] A figure showing the benefits when moving to a favorable zone in the 12th embodiment when the play that determines the move to the favorable zone (the last play in the normal zone) is inside. [Fig. 203]A main game state transition diagram in the 12th embodiment. [Fig. 204] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the benefits for each lottery result of the role (condition device) in each main game state in the twelfth embodiment. [Fig. 205] A figure showing a stop table for small winnings 14 in the 12th embodiment. [Fig. 206] A figure showing a stop table for small winnings 15 in the 12th embodiment. [Fig. 207] A figure showing a stop table for small win 04 in the 12th embodiment. [Fig. 208] A figure showing a stop table for small winnings 12 in the 12th embodiment. [Fig. 209] 23 is a flowchart showing reel stop control when the 11th winning condition device or the 12th winning condition device is activated in the 12th embodiment. [Fig. 210] 23 is a flowchart showing the custom effect setting clear process in the twelfth embodiment. [Fig. 211] 23 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the custom effect setting clear process in the twelfth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In this specification, the meanings of the terms are as follows: "Game value (game medium)" refers to a medium used for games, and in this embodiment, is "electronic information (electronic medal)." In addition, "electronic information (electronic medal)" refers to money (banknotes) that, when inserted into the management device (CR unit) 200, is converted into electronic information corresponding to the amount, and some or all of that electronic information can be credited to the gaming machine as gaming value for playing on the gaming machine.

[0009] Furthermore, the "management device (CR unit) 200" is a device for managing the lending and refunding of electronic information as gaming value, and is provided for each gaming machine and placed adjacent to that gaming machine. In a hall, the management device 200 is called "sand" because it is placed between gaming machines. Moreover, a "gaming system" is composed of a gaming machine and the management device 200 corresponding to that gaming machine. Furthermore, "renting" refers to transferring electronic information representing a gaming value from the management device 200 to a gaming machine and crediting it inside the gaming machine.

[0010] Moreover, "counting" refers to returning electronic information as the gaming value credited inside the gaming machine to the management device 200. When the counting switch 47 is operated, electronic information as the gaming value credited inside the gaming machine is returned to the management device 200. At this time, the number of credits becomes "0", and the electronic information managed by the management device 200 is increased accordingly. Furthermore, "credit" refers to the storage of electronic information as gaming value inside a gaming machine. Furthermore, the term "bet" refers to placing a bet of electronic information as a gaming value in order to play a game. When the bet switch 40 is operated, electronic information as a credited gaming value is bet.

[0011] The "prescribed number" refers to the number of bets that can be made to start (execute) a game in question. Further, "payout" refers to adding electronic information representing a gaming value in an amount corresponding to the payout of a winning combination to the credit amount based on the winning combination. Furthermore, the term "bet medal" refers to electronic information representing the gaming value betted to play a game. Furthermore, "stored medals" refers to electronic information representing credited (stored) gaming value.

[0012] In addition, a "reserved bet" refers to betting a part or all of the electronic information representing the game value credited inside the gaming machine, within the range that can be bet for that game, by operating the bet switch 40, in order to play the game. Furthermore, "automatic bet" refers to the automatic betting of electronic information representing the game value of the amount bet in the previous game by the control processing of the slot machine 10 as a gaming machine when a replay is won.

[0013] Furthermore, "cancel" refers to returning the electronic information (bet medals) representing the betted game value to credits by operating the cancel switch 46. When the cancel switch 46 is operated, the electronic information representing the betted game value is returned to credits. At this time, the number of bet medals becomes "0" and is added to the number of credits. Moreover, "return" refers to storing electronic information as a game value stored inside the management device 200 onto a card (such as a magnetic card or IC card) and discharging the card from the card reader / writer 205. When the return switch 203 is operated, the electronic information is stored onto the card and the card is discharged from the card reader / writer 205.

[0014] In addition, when a game progresses from the "N-1" game, to the "N" game, to the "N+1" game, ... (where "N" is an integer of 2 or more), and the current game is the "N" game, the "N" game is referred to as the "current game." Furthermore, the "N-1" game is referred to as the "previous game." Furthermore, the "N+1" game is referred to as the "next game."

[0015] In this specification, a number with "(B)" added to the end (especially 8-bit) means a binary number. Similarly, a number with "(H)" added to the end means a hexadecimal number. Specifically, for example, a number showing "16" in decimal is written as "00010000(B)" in binary and "10(H)" in hexadecimal. Furthermore, a number showing a decimal number is written as "16(D)" as necessary. However, when it is clear whether the number is binary, decimal, or hexadecimal, the final symbols "(B)", "(D)", and "(H)" may be omitted.

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment The slot machine 10, which is an example of a gaming machine in the first embodiment, does not use physical (tangible) medals as gaming value (gaming medium) but uses electronic information (electronic medals). Therefore, the slot machine 10 of this embodiment does not include a medal insertion slot, a medal selector, a medal payout device, etc.

[0017] In the first embodiment, a management device (CR unit) 200 is disposed adjacent to the slot machine 10, and the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other in both directions. Electronic medals can be transferred between the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 through communication, and the slot machine 10 can play games using the electronic medals transferred from the management device 200.

[0018] 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of control of a slot machine 10, which is an example of a gaming machine in the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a management device (CR unit) 200 and a hall computer 300 are shown together with the slot machine 10. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the slot machine 10 includes, as representative control boards, a main control board 50, a sub-control board 80, and a payout control board 100 (a credit number management board).

[0019] In Fig. 1, the solid lines indicate communication lines for data exchange, and the direction of the arrows indicates the direction of data flow. For example, the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 are configured to be able to communicate in both directions. In contrast, the main control board 50 and the sub-control board 80 communicate in one direction, from the main control board 50 to the sub-control board 80. As shown in FIG. 1, the main control board 50 has an input port 51 and an output port 52, and is provided with an RWM 53, a ROM 54, a main CPU 55, etc. (this does not mean that it is provided with only those shown in FIG. 1).

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the main control board 50 and peripheral devices for progressing through the game, including operation switches such as the bet switch 40, are electrically connected via an input port 51 or an output port 52. The input port 51 is a connection portion for inputting signals from an operation switch or the like, and the output port 52 is a connection portion for transmitting signals to peripheral devices such as the motor 32 . In FIG. 1, input peripheral devices are represented by arrows pointing from the signals from the peripheral devices to the main control board 50, and output peripheral devices are represented by arrows pointing from the main control board 50 to the peripheral devices (the same applies to the sub-control board 80).

[0021] The RWM 53 is a storage medium capable of storing (updating) various data (variables) based on the progress of a game, etc. Furthermore, the ROM 54 is a storage medium for storing programs and various data (for example, data tables) necessary for the progress of the game. Furthermore, the main CPU 55 refers to a CPU (IC with calculation functions) provided on the main control board 50, which executes programs and performs calculations necessary for the progress of the game, and specifically performs the drawing of winning roles, drive control of the reels 31, and payouts when a prize is won.

[0022] Furthermore, an MPU including a RWM 53, a ROM 54, a main CPU 55, and a register is mounted on the main control board 50. The RWM 53 and the ROM 54 may be mounted inside the MPU, or may be provided externally. Incidentally, an MPU including a RWM 83, a ROM 84, and a sub-CPU 85 is also mounted on a sub-control board 80, which will be described later. Incidentally, the RWM 83 and the ROM 84 may be provided externally instead of being mounted inside the MPU.

[0023] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the slot machine 10 is provided with a bet switch 40, a start switch 41, (left, center, right) stop switches 42, a cancel switch 46, and a count switch 47 as operation switches operated by the player. The bet switches 40, start switch 41, (left, center, right) stop switches 42, and cancel switch 46 are electrically connected to a main control board 50, and the counting switch 47 is electrically connected not to the main control board 50 but to a payout control board 100 (credit number management board) described later.

[0024] Here, "operation switch (or simply "switch")" refers to a device (including an electrical circuit and / or electrical components) that switches an electrical signal on / off based on (receives external force) the operation of an operating object by a player (operator), and does not limit the shape of the operating object operated by the player. When the operation switch is in the OFF state, for example, light from the light-emitting element continues to be incident on the light-receiving element (when the light-receiving element continues to detect light, the operation switch is in the OFF state). Then, when the operation switch (the operating object) is operated by a player or the like, the state changes to one in which light from the light-emitting element does not enter the light-receiving element. When this state is detected, an electrical signal indicating that the operation switch has entered the ON state is sent to the main control board 50. Note that, conversely to the above, the operation switch may be configured so that when the operation switch is in the OFF state, light from the light-emitting element does not enter the light-receiving element, and the ON state occurs when light from the light-emitting element enters the light-receiving element.

[0025] In this embodiment, the operating body of the start switch 41 is shaped like a lever (rod) (for this reason, it is also referred to as the "start lever (switch) 41"), and the operating bodies of the bet switch 40, the stop switch 42, the cancel switch 46, and the counting switch 47 are shaped like push buttons (for this reason, they are also referred to as the "bet button (switch) 40", the "stop button (switch) 42", the "cancel button (switch) 46", and the "counting button (switch) 47").

[0026] Although not shown in Fig. 1, an LED (light emitting means) is provided on the operating body of the operation switch and / or around or near the operating body. When the operation acceptance of the operation switch is in an allowed state, the LED or the like corresponding to the operation switch emits blue light, for example, and when the operation acceptance of the operation switch is in a prohibited state, the LED or the like of the operation switch emits red light, for example, to show the permitted / prohibited state of the operation switch to the player.

[0027] The bet switch 40 is an operation switch that is operated by the player when placing a bet with electronic medals credited inside the slot machine 10 for the current game. In this embodiment, the bet switches 40 include a 1 bet switch 40a for betting one electronic medal with one operation, and a 3 bet switch 40b for betting three (the maximum number, the specified number) electronic medals with one operation. Alternatively, only one bet switch 40 may be provided, and three (the maximum number, a prescribed number) of credited electronic medals may be bet by operating the bet switch 40 once.

[0028] The start switch 41 is an operating switch that is operated by the player when starting up the reels 31 (left, center, and right reels 31) (to start the rotation of the reels 31). Furthermore, three stop switches 42 are provided corresponding to the three reels 31 (left, center, right), and are operation switches that are operated by the player when stopping the corresponding reel 31.

[0029] Furthermore, the cancel switch 46 is an operation switch that is operated by the player when returning the bet electronic medals (bet medals) to credits. When the cancel switch 46 is operated, the bet electronic medals are returned to credits. At this time, the number of bets becomes "0" and the number of credits is increased accordingly. For example, when three electronic medals have been bet, operating the cancel switch 46 changes the number of bets from "3" to "0" and "3" is added to the number of credits.

[0030] The power switch 11 is a switch that is operated to turn the power of the slot machine 10 on / off. The setting key switch 12 is a switch that is operated when changing or checking settings. When the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion port and rotated clockwise by 90 degrees, the setting key switch 12 is turned on. Furthermore, when the power switch 11 is turned off (power off state) and the setting key switch 12 is turned on, and then the power switch 11 is turned on in this state, the setting is being changed, that is, the setting change mode is entered. Furthermore, when the setting key switch 12 is turned on while the power switch 11 is on, the setting confirmation mode is entered, that is, the setting confirmation mode is entered.

[0031] The setting switch 13 is a switch that is operated when changing a setting value. Each time the setting switch 13 is operated while changing the setting, the setting value is incremented by "1." In this embodiment, the setting values ​​range from setting 1 to setting 6, and when the setting is being changed, each time the setting switch 13 is operated once, the setting value changes as follows: "1" → "2" →... → "6" → "1" →... During the setting change, one of the setting values ​​is displayed on a predetermined display device, and when the start switch 41 is operated, the displayed setting value is confirmed.

[0032] The reset switch 14 is a switch that is operated when initializing the RWM 53 or when removing an error. When the power switch 11 is turned on with the reset switch 14 being turned on, an initialization process is performed and the predetermined data stored in the RWM 53 is cleared. Moreover, when the cause of the error is removed and the reset switch 14 is operated (turned on), the error is cleared.

[0033] Furthermore, the main control board 50 outputs an external signal (outer end signal) from a portion of the output port 52 to the external centralized terminal board 190 . Here, the "external signal" is a signal to be outputted via the external terminal board 190 to the outside of the slot machine 10 (such as the hall computer 300 or a data counter installed in the hall). 1, the main control board 50 is electrically connected to the hall computer 300 via the external centralized terminal board 190. Then, signals are transmitted unidirectionally from the main control board 50 to the external centralized terminal board 190, and signals are transmitted unidirectionally from the external centralized terminal board 190 to the hall computer 300.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the slot machine 10 includes an acquired number display LED 78 and a credit number display LED 76 as coin number display devices. The acquired number display LED 78 is electrically connected to the main control board 50, and the credit number display LED 76 is electrically connected not to the main control board 50 but to a payout control board 100 (credit number management board) described later. The winning number display LED 78 is an LED that displays the number of electronic medals paid out (the number of medals won by the player) when a winning combination is achieved, and is composed of two digits, an upper digit and a lower digit. The acquired number display LED 78 may be controlled to turn off when there are no electronic medals to be paid out. Alternatively, the upper digits may be turned off and only the lower digits may display "0".

[0035] Furthermore, the acquired number display LED 78 normally displays the number of paid out electronic medals (acquired number), but when an error occurs, it functions as an LED that displays the content (type) of the error. Furthermore, in a game in which the pressing order is notified during the AT, the winning number display LED 78 functions as an LED that displays pressing order instruction information (notifies an advantageous pressing order). Therefore, the number of acquisitions display LED 78 in this embodiment is an LED that also displays the number of payouts (number of acquisitions), error contents, and push order instruction information. However, it is not limited to this, and it is of course possible to provide a dedicated LED for displaying push order instruction information. During the AT, notification of advantageous button pressing sequences is also performed by the image display device 23 connected to the sub-control board 80.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the main control board 50 is electrically connected to a motor 32 (a stepping motor in this embodiment) of the symbol display device and the like. The symbol display device includes reels 31 (three in this embodiment) that display symbols, motors 32 that drive each of the reels 31, and a reel sensor 33 that detects the position of the reels 31.

[0037] The motor 32 serves as a driving means for rotating the reels 31 , is connected to the rotation center of each reel 31 , and is controlled by a reel control means 65 . Here, the reels 31 consist of a left reel 31, a middle reel 31, and a right reel 31, and the stop switch 42 operated to stop the left reel 31 is the left stop switch 42, the stop switch 42 operated to stop the middle reel 31 is the middle stop switch 42, and the stop switch 42 operated to stop the right reel 31 is the right stop switch 42.

[0038] The reel 31 is ring-shaped, and has a reel tape attached to its outer periphery on which a number of types of symbols (symbols constituting symbol combinations corresponding to winning combinations) are printed. Each reel 31 is provided with one index (it may be two or more). The index is provided in a convex shape on the circumferential side of the reel 31, for example, and is used to detect whether the reel 31 has passed a predetermined position, whether it has made one rotation, etc. Each index is detected by a reel sensor 33.

[0039] The reel sensor 33 is electrically connected to the main control board 50. When the reel sensor 33 detects an index, the input signal is input to the main control board 50, and it is detected that the reel 31 has passed a predetermined position. Also, the symbol on the reference position at the moment when the reel sensor 33 detects the index of the reel 31 is stored in advance in the ROM 54. This makes it possible to detect the symbol on the reference position at the moment when the index is detected. Furthermore, it becomes possible to identify how many pulses the (stepping) motor 32 should be driven from the moment when the reel sensor 33 detects the index of the reel 31 to stop the symbol on the pay line, counting from the symbol on the reference position.

[0040] When starting a game, a player bets the credited electronic medals by operating the bet switch 40. Then, when the start switch 41 is operated with the specified number of electronic medals for that game bet, a signal generated at that time is input to the main control board 50. When the main control board 50 receives this signal, it performs a lottery using the role lottery means 61 (internal lottery means) and controls the driving of all the motors 32 to rotate all the reels 31. In this way, the reels 31 are rotated by the motors 32, and the symbols on the reels 31 are displayed moving up and down within the display window at a predetermined speed.

[0041] Then, the player operates a stop switch 42 to stop the rotation of the reel 31 corresponding to that 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 board 50. When the main control board 50 receives this signal, it drives and controls the motor 32 corresponding to that stop switch 42, and controls the stop of the reel 31 related to that motor 32 so as to correspond to the lottery result of the role selection means 61 (the result determined by the internal lottery means). Then, the game result of the current game is displayed based on the symbol combination when all the reels 31 stop. Furthermore, when a symbol combination corresponding to any role stops on an active line (when that role wins), the electronic medal corresponding to the winning role is paid out, etc.

[0042] Next, a specific configuration of the main control board 50 will be described. 1, the main CPU 55 of the main control board 50 includes the following role selection means 61, etc. The following means in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to the means shown in this embodiment. The role selection means 61 performs a lottery (determination, selection) of the winning number. Here, "the lottery of the winning number by the role selection means 61" is the same as "internal lottery" in the Amusement and Entertainment Business Act Regulations (regulations regarding the certification of gaming machines and the inspection of models, etc., hereinafter simply referred to as "the Regulations"). The lottery result by the role selection means 61 is the same as "the result determined by the internal lottery" in the Regulations. Therefore, the role selection means 61 is also referred to as "internal lottery means 61" in accordance with the Regulations.

[0043] When the winning number is determined by the role selection means 61, the winning and replay condition device number and the role condition device number are determined based on the winning number, and the winning and replay condition devices and the role condition devices that can be operated in the game are determined. For this reason, the role selection means 61 is also called a condition device number determination (lottery or selection) means, a winning role determination (lottery or selection) means, etc. The role selection means 61 includes, for example, a random number generation means for the lottery (such as a hardware random number), a random number extraction means for extracting the random numbers generated by the random number generation means, and a winning number determination means for determining the winning number based on the random number value extracted by the random number extraction means.

[0044] The random number generating means generates random numbers in a predetermined range (for example, "0" to "65535" in decimal). The random numbers are generated by a counter that performs one count every 200 n (nano) sec, and continues to count the range of "0" to "65535" as one cycle, and continues to count random numbers 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 this embodiment, when the start switch 41 is operated (turned on) by the player. The winning number determination means collates the random number extracted by the random number extraction means with a lottery table to determine the winning number corresponding to the area to which the random number belongs.

[0045] The winning flag control means 62 controls the on / off of a winning flag corresponding to each winning combination based on the lottery result by the winning combination selection means 61 . In this embodiment, a winning flag is provided for each role for all roles. When any role is selected by the role selection means 61, the winning flag for that role is turned on (the winning flag is set). The winning role may be selected when there is one winning role (single winning) or when there are multiple winning roles (multiple winning).

[0046] When the reel control means 65 receives a command to start rotating the reels 31, particularly in this embodiment when it detects that the start switch 41 has been operated (on), it controls all (three) reels 31 to start rotating. In addition, after the winning number is determined by the role selection means 61, the reel control means 65 refers to the on / off state of the winning flag in the current game and selects a stop position determination table corresponding to the on / off state of the winning flag, and when the stop switch 42 is operated, determines the stop position of the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 based on the timing when the operation (on) of the stop switch 42 is detected, and drives and controls the motor 32 to stop the reel 31 at the determined position.

[0047] For example, in a game in which at least one winning flag is on, the reel control means 65 controls the reel 31 to stop within the range of the reel 31 stop control so that a pattern combination corresponding to a winning role (a role for which the winning flag is on) can be stopped on an active line, and also controls the reel 31 to stop so that a pattern combination corresponding to a role other than the winning role (a role for which the winning flag is off) is not stopped on an active line. Here, "within the range of the stopping control of the reel 31" means within the range of the time from the moment the stop switch 42 is operated to the moment the reel 31 actually stops or the amount of rotation of the reel 31 (number of moving symbols (frames)).

[0048] In this embodiment, the reel 31 rotates at a constant speed of about 80 rotations per minute. When the stop switch 42 is operated, the time from the moment the stop switch 42 is operated to the moment the reel 31 is stopped is set to within 190 ms, except for a specific reel 31 during MB operation (for example, the center reel 31). As a result, in this embodiment, the maximum number of moving symbols from the symbol at the moment the stop switch 42 is operated to the moment the reel 31 is stopped is set to four symbols, except for a specific reel 31 during MB operation. On the other hand, for a specific reel 31 during MB operation, the time from the moment the stop switch 42 is operated to the moment the reel 31 is stopped is set to within 75 ms. As a result, for a specific reel 31 during MB operation, the maximum number of moving symbols from the symbol at the moment the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 stops is set to one symbol.

[0049] Then, at the moment when the operation of the stop switch 42 is detected, if any of the symbols within the range of the stop control of the reel 31 is a symbol that should be stopped on a predetermined effective line, the symbol is controlled to stop on the predetermined effective line when the stop switch 42 is operated. In other words, if the reel 31 is stopped immediately at the moment the stop switch 42 is operated and the symbol of the winning combination corresponding to the winning number does not stop on the specified pay line, the reel 31 is controlled to rotate and move within the range of the reel 31's stop control until the reel 31 is stopped, so that the symbol of the winning combination corresponding to the winning number stops on the specified pay line as much as possible (pull-in stop control).

[0050] Conversely, if the reel 31 is stopped immediately at the moment the stop switch 42 is operated, and a symbol combination of a winning combination that does not correspond to the winning number stops on an active line, the reel 31 is controlled to rotate and move within the range of the reel 31 stop control when the reel 31 stops, so that the symbol combination of a winning combination that does not correspond to the winning number does not stop on an active line (kick-off stop control). Furthermore, in a game in which multiple winning combinations are achieved (for example, when the push order bell is achieved), the priority of the winning combinations is predetermined according to the order of pushing the stop switch 42 and the timing of operating the stop switch 42, and the pulling-in stop control of the symbol associated with the most prioritized combination is performed according to the predetermined priority order.

[0051] The winning determination means 66 determines whether or not the symbol combination of the reel 31 that has stopped on the pay line corresponds to any winning combination when the reel 31 stops. Here, the winning determination means 66 does not actually detect whether the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination has stopped on an active line. Specifically, based on the condition device operated in the game and the pressing order of the stop switch 42 and / or the operation timing of the stop switch 42, the winning determination means 66 determines in advance the symbol combination that will stop on an active line before the reel 31 actually stops, or determines in advance the symbol combination that will stop on an active line after the reel 31 stops.

[0052] When the winning determination means 66 determines that the symbol combination that stops on the winning line when the reels 31 stop matches a symbol combination corresponding to any winning combination, and that winning combination results in a winning combination, the payout means 67 performs a process of adding the number of electronic medals corresponding to the winning combination to the credit amount. Furthermore, when a replay wins, the payout means 67 performs control so as to automatically insert (automatically bet) the number of electronic medals inserted in the current game without adding the electronic medals to the credit amount.

[0053] The main control board 50 transmits to the sub-control board 80 information (control commands) required for the performance to be output by the sub-control board 80. Control commands include, for example, information when the bet switch 40 is operated, information when the start switch 41 is operated, information regarding the results of the role selection (results determined by internal lottery), information when the stop switch 42 is operated, information regarding the winning role, etc.

[0054] The sub-control board 80 controls the selection and output of effects (information) during play and during game standby. Here, the main control board 50 and the sub-control board 80 are electrically connected, and the main control board 50 transmits information (control commands) required for outputting the performance unidirectionally to the sub-control board 80 via serial communication. The main control board 50 and the sub-control board 80 are not limited to being electrically connected, but may be connected using optical communication means. Furthermore, in both the electrical connection and the optical communication connection, the communication is not limited to serial communication, but may be parallel communication, or serial communication and parallel communication may be used in combination.

[0055] Similar to the main control board 50, the sub-control board 80 includes an input port 81, an output port 82, an RWM 83, a ROM 84, and a sub-CPU 85. The sub-control board 80 is electrically connected to the following performance peripheral devices such as the performance lamps 21 as shown in Fig. 1 via the input port 81 or the output port 82. However, the performance peripheral devices are not limited to these.

[0056] The RWM 83 is a storage medium capable of temporarily storing data etc. that is captured when the sub-CPU 85 controls the performance. The ROM 84 is a storage medium for storing programs and various data for performing lotteries related to effects, as data for effects. Furthermore, the sub-CPU 85 refers to a CPU (an IC having a calculation function) provided on the sub-control board 80, and executes programs and performs calculations necessary for outputting effects during play and during game standby.

[0057] The performance lamps 21 are, for example, LEDs, and light up or blink in a predetermined pattern when predetermined conditions are met. The performance lamps 21 include back lamps that are arranged on the inner circumference of each reel 31 to illuminate the patterns displayed on the reels 31 (three consecutive patterns visible from above and below through the display window) from behind, fluorescent lamps that illuminate the patterns on the reels 31 from above the reels 31, and frame lamps that are arranged in front of the front door of the slot machine 10 and flash when a winning combination is achieved, etc. Furthermore, the speaker 22 outputs a predetermined sound when a predetermined condition is satisfied in order to perform various effects during a game.

[0058] Furthermore, the image display device 23 consists of an LCD display, an organic EL display, a dot display, etc., and displays various presentation images during play (such as correct button presses, presentations corresponding to the conditional devices activated in the game), game information (such as the number of plays and number of coins won when the reels are activated or during the advantageous zone (AT)), etc. The sub-CPU 85 of the sub-control board 80 also includes a performance output control means 91. The performance output control means 91 determines what kind of performance is to be output and at what timing based on the control command transmitted from the main control board 50, and controls the output of various performances from the peripheral devices for performance based on this determination.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the slot machine 10 includes a payout control board 100 (a credit number management board). The payout control board 100 manages the number of credits of electronic medals. Here, the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 are electrically connected and configured to enable two-way communication. In addition, the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 are not limited to being electrically connected, and may be connected using optical communication means. In addition, in both the electrical connection and the optical communication connection, serial communication may be used, parallel communication may be used, or serial communication and parallel communication may be used in combination.

[0060] The payout control board 100, like the main control board 50 and the sub-control board 80, comprises an input port 101, an output port 102, a RWM 103, a ROM 104, and a credit number management CPU 105, etc. In addition, the payout control board 100 is electrically connected to the main control board 50, a counting switch 47 as an operation switch, a credit number display LED 76 as a number display device, and an external management device (CR unit) 200 of the slot machine 10 via an input port 101 or an output port 102.

[0061] The RWM 103 is a storage medium capable of temporarily storing data and the like captured by the credit number management CPU 105 when managing the credit number. The ROM 104 is a storage medium for storing programs for managing the number of credits, various data, and the like. Furthermore, the credit number management CPU 105 refers to a CPU (an IC having a calculation function) provided on the payout control board 100, and executes programs and performs calculations required for managing the credit number.

[0062] The counting switch 47 is an operation switch that is operated by the player when returning the electronic medals credited inside the slot machine 10 to the management device 200. When the counting switch 47 is operated, the electronic medals credited inside the slot machine 10 are returned to the management device 200. At this time, the number of credits becomes "0", and the number of electronic medals managed by the management device 200 is increased accordingly. For example, when 100 electronic medals are credited inside the slot machine 10, operating the counting switch 47 changes the credit number from "100" to "0," and "100" is added to the number of electronic medals managed by the management device 200.

[0063] Also, for example, when three electronic medals have been bet and 100 electronic medals have been credited, operating the cancel switch 46 returns the bet electronic medals to credits. At this time, the number of bets becomes "0" from "3", and the number of credits becomes "100" from "103". After that, when the counting switch 47 is operated, the number of credits becomes "0" from "103", and "103" is added to the number of electronic medals managed by the management device 200. In this manner, in this embodiment, if there are electronic medals bet on the player when the player stops playing, the player first operates the cancel switch 46 to return the bet electronic medals to credits, and then operates the counting switch 47 to return the credited electronic medals to the management device 200.

[0064] However, when a replay is won in the previous game and the number of electronic medals bet in the previous game is automatically bet, the setting is such that the automatically bet electronic medals cannot be returned to credits even if the cancel switch 46 is operated. In other words, the setting is such that the automatically bet electronic medals cannot be returned to credits even if the cancel switch 46 is operated. Incidentally, both the electronic medals bet based on the operation of the bet switch 40 and the electronic medals automatically bet based on a replay win may be returned to credits by operating the cancel switch 46.

[0065] Also, the bet and credited electronic medals may be returned to the management device 200 by operating the counting switch 47 . For example, when three electronic medals have been bet and 100 electronic medals have been credited, operating the counting switch 47 may cause the bet and credited electronic medals to be returned to the management device 200, the number of bets and the number of credits to become "0", and "103" is added to the number of electronic medals managed by the management device 200. In this case, the cancel switch 46 may or may not be provided.

[0066] The credit number display LED 76 is an LED that displays the number of electronic medals credited inside the slot machine 10. In this embodiment, a maximum of 10,000 electronic medals can be credited. That is, the upper limit of the number of credits is set to "10000." Therefore, the credit number display LED 76 is configured with five digits. The upper limit of the number of credits is not limited to "10,000", but may be, for example, "15,000", "30,000", or "50,000". Furthermore, the number of digits of the credit number display LED 76 is not limited to five digits, but can be set appropriately according to the upper limit of the credit number.

[0067] Also, an enable signal can be sent from the dispensing control board 100 to the main control board 50. And, the main control board 50 is set so that when the enable signal is on, various processes can be executed, and when the enable signal is off, predetermined processes cannot be executed. In this embodiment, when the number of credits reaches the upper limit, that is, when the display of the credit number display LED 76 reaches "10000", the enable signal is turned off. Then, when the enable signal is turned off, the main control board 50 controls the bet switch 40 and the start switch 41 so that the operation cannot be accepted. Alternatively, the enable signal may be turned off when the number of credits reaches "15,000," "30,000," or "50,000."

[0068] Also, for example, a normal game and a special game (1BB game; first type big bonus game; operation of a first type continuous role operating device) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game may be made executable, and when a transition is made from the normal game to the special game, the game may be stopped at the end of the special game, and the game may not be allowed to proceed. In other words, a stopping function may be provided. The condition for stopping the game is not limited to the end of the special game, and can be set as appropriate. Then, when the condition for stopping the game is met, the enable signal may be turned off.

[0069] In this case, a stoppage setting switch can be provided to set (switch) whether the stoppage function is enabled (with stoppage) or disabled (without stoppage). A stoppage release switch can also be provided to release the stoppage. When the conditions for a stoppage are met, the stoppage can be released by operating the stoppage release switch, allowing the game to proceed and turning on the enable signal. The stoppage release switch can also be used in combination with other switches, such as the setting switch 13 and the reset switch 14.

[0070] Moreover, the credit number management CPU 105 of the payout control board 100 includes a credit number management means 111. And, the credit number management means 111 manages (adds or subtracts) the credit number based on the control command transmitted from the main control board 50, the control command transmitted from the management device 200, and the operation of the counting switch 47, and controls the display of the credit number on the credit number display LED 76.

[0071] The management device (CR unit) 200 is a device for managing the lending and paying back of electronic medals. One management device 200 is installed for each slot machine 10. In a hall, the management devices 200 are placed between the slot machines 10, and are therefore called "sands." The slot machines 10 and the management devices 200 corresponding to those slot machines 10 constitute one gaming system.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 of the slot machine 10 are electrically connected to each other and configured to enable two-way communication. The payout control board 100 and the management device 200 are connected via a game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board. In addition, the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200 are not limited to being electrically connected, and may be connected using optical communication means. Furthermore, in both the electrical connection and the optical communication connection, serial communication may be used, parallel communication may be used, or serial communication and parallel communication may be used in combination.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing control board 100 is capable of two-way communication with the main control board 50, and is also capable of two-way communication with the management device 200. Furthermore, through communication between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, electronic medals can be transferred (lend) from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100, and the lent electronic medals can be credited to the payout control board 100.

[0074] In addition, through communication between the payout control board 100 and the main control board 50, it is possible to play the game by betting the electronic medals credited to the payout control board 100, and when a winning combination is achieved, the paid-out electronic medals can be credited to the payout control board 100. Furthermore, when a player stops playing, the electronic medals credited to the payout control board 100 can be transferred (refunded) to the management device 200 through communication between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 1, the management device 200 includes a bill insertion slot 201, a dispensing switch 202, a return switch 203, a credit display unit 204, a card reader / writer 205, and the like. The bill insertion slot 201 is an insertion slot for inserting bills (for example, 1,000 yen bills) required for lending electronic medals. When a bill inserted into the management device 200 through the bill insertion slot 201 is correctly recognized, the point value corresponding to the inserted bill is displayed on the point value display unit 204. The point value display unit 204 is, for example, configured with a three-digit seven-segment display. For example, when a 1,000 yen bill is inserted, the point value is displayed as "10," and when a 10,000 yen bill is inserted, the point value is displayed as "100."

[0076] The lending switch 202 is a switch that is operated by the player when lending out an electronic medal, on condition that the remaining number of points is displayed on the number display unit 204 . For example, it is possible to set it so that every time the lending switch 202 is pressed, electronic medals equivalent to a number "10" are lent out. For example, when a 1,000-yen bill is inserted into management device 200 through bill insertion slot 201, the number of points displayed on point display unit 204 is "10", and the number of electronic medals loaned out per point "1" is 5. In this case, if loan switch 202 is operated when point display unit 204 displays "10", 50 electronic medals are loaned out. Then, through communication between management device 200 and payout control board 100, the 50 loaned electronic medals are credited to payout control board 100.

[0077] The number of electronic medals credited to the payout control board 100 is displayed on the credit number display LED 76. For example, when the credit number is "0", if 50 electronic medals are lent, the display on the credit number display LED 76 changes from "0" to "50". Thus, in this embodiment, no physical (tangible) medals are loaned to players, but rather, through communication between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, the loaned electronic medals are transferred from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100 and credited.

[0078] The return switch 203 is a switch that is operated by the player when he or she wishes to stop playing. When the counting switch 47 of the slot machine 10 is operated, electronic medals are returned from the slot machine 10 to the management device. Then, when the return switch 203 of the management device 200 is operated, the number of electronic medals returned from the slot machine 10 to the management device 200 and the number of electronic medals corresponding to the degree displayed on the degree display unit 204 are stored as electronic data on a card (magnetic card, IC card, etc.), and the card is discharged from the discharge port of the card reader / writer 205.

[0079] For example, suppose that the number of electronic medals "10" (equivalent to 50 electronic medals) is displayed on the number display unit 204 of the management device 200. Furthermore, suppose that 150 electronic medals are returned from the slot machine 10 to the management device 200 by operating the counting switch 47 of the slot machine 10. At this time, if the return switch 203 of the management device 200 is operated, electronic data equivalent to 200 electronic medals is stored in a card and is discharged from the discharge port of the card reader / writer 205. 1, the management device 200 is electrically connected to a hall computer 300. Information relating to the lending and refunding of electronic medals is transmitted unidirectionally from the management device 200 to the hall computer 300.

[0080] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a power supply path. Although not shown in Fig. 1, as shown in Fig. 2, the slot machine 10 is equipped with a power supply board 150. In addition, the power supply board 150 is equipped with a capacitor 151 for storing electricity, and the payout control board 100 is also equipped with a capacitor 106 for storing electricity. Furthermore, the power supply board 150 and the main control board 50 are connected by a harness A161, and power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the main control board 50 through this harness A161.

[0081] Furthermore, the power supply board 150 and the dispensing control board 100 are connected by a harness C163, and power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the dispensing control board 100 through this harness C163. An AC power is supplied from the outside to the power supply board 150. The AC power is converted to DC by the power supply board 150, and the power is supplied to the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100. In addition, the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 are connected by a harness B162, and power can be supplied from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100, or from the dispensing control board 100 to the main control board 50, through this harness B162.

[0082] Furthermore, the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 are connected by a harness D164, and through this harness D164, command communication is possible in both directions between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100. The payout control board 100 is a control board that manages the number of credits of electronic medals, and since its stability has a significant impact on the player's profits, power is supplied directly to the payout control board 100 from the power supply board 150 through the harness C163.

[0083] In addition, if harness C163 is broken, power can be supplied from power supply board 150 to dispensing control board 100 via harness A161, main control board 50, and harness B162. Furthermore, the dispensing control board 100 is equipped with a capacitor 106 for storing electricity, so that when the power supply from the power supply board 150 is cut off, power can be supplied to the dispensing control board 100 from the capacitor 106.

[0084] Furthermore, when harness A161 and harness C163 are broken, power can be supplied from capacitor 106 to dispensing control board 100, and power can be supplied from dispensing control board 100 to main control board 50 through harness B162. In this way, in Example 1, the payout control board 100 is equipped with a capacitor 106 for a backup power supply, so that even if the power supply from the power supply board 150 is cut off due to, for example, the disconnection of harness A161 or harness C163, the payout control board 100 and the main control board 50 will be driven, and processing can be reliably executed in the event of a power outage, so that no disadvantage is caused to the player.

[0085] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a power supply path. As shown in FIG. 3, in Example 2, the power supply board 150 is not equipped with a capacitor, and the dispensing control board 100 is equipped with a capacitor A107 and a capacitor B108 for storing electricity. Furthermore, the power supply board 150 and the main control board 50 are connected by a harness E165, and power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the main control board 50 through this harness E165.

[0086] Furthermore, the power supply board 150 and the dispensing control board 100 are connected by a harness G167, and power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the dispensing control board 100 through this harness G167. Furthermore, the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 are connected by a harness F166, and power can be supplied from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100, or from the dispensing control board 100 to the main control board 50, through this harness F166.

[0087] In addition, the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 are connected by a harness H168, and through this harness H168, command communication is possible in both directions between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100. In the event that harness G167 is broken, power can be supplied from power supply board 150 to dispensing control board 100 via harness E165, main control board 50, and harness F166.

[0088] In addition, the dispensing control board 100 is equipped with capacitors A107 and B108 for storing electricity, and when the power supply from the power supply board 150 is interrupted, power can be supplied to the dispensing control board 100 from capacitors A107 and B108. Furthermore, when harness E165 and harness G167 are broken, power can be supplied from capacitor A107 and capacitor B108 to the dispensing control board 100, and power can be supplied from capacitor A107 to the main control board 50 through harness F166.

[0089] In example 2, as in example 1, when the power supply from the power supply board 150 is interrupted, power is supplied to the dispensing control board 100 and the main control board 50 from a backup power capacitor mounted on the dispensing control board 100. However, in Example 2, the capacitor B108 is used as a backup power source exclusively for the payout control board 100. As a result, even if the power supply from the power supply board 150 is cut off due to, for example, the disconnection of the harness E165 or harness G167, the payout control board 100 that manages the number of credits of electronic medals is reliably driven, and processing at the time of power interruption can be reliably executed, so that no disadvantage is caused to the player.

[0090] In Example 2, it is preferable to set the capacitance of the capacitor B108 to be larger than the capacitance of the capacitor A107. This ensures that backup power is supplied to the payout control board 100, which is closely related to the player's profit, and that processing can be performed reliably in the event of a power outage. In addition, in this embodiment, when the power is turned off, the program on the dispensing control board 100 is set to stop before the program on the main control board 50. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the power is restored after a power outage, the program on the dispensing control board 100 is set to start before the program on the main control board 50.

[0091] 4 to 7 are diagrams showing a command list. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a list of commands transmitted from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a list of commands transmitted from the dispensing control board 100 to the main control board 50. 6 is a diagram showing a list of commands transmitted from management device 200 to dispensing control board 100, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a list of commands transmitted from dispensing control board 100 to management device 200. As shown in FIG.

[0092] Here, the commands transmitted from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100 are collectively referred to as "main control commands." In addition, the commands transmitted from the dispensing control board 100 to the main control board 50 are collectively referred to as "dispensing control commands." Furthermore, commands transmitted from the payout control board 100 to the management device 200 are collectively referred to as "gaming machine commands." Furthermore, commands sent from the management device 200 to the dispensing control board 100 are collectively referred to as "management device commands."

[0093] In this embodiment, the main control command, payout control command, gaming machine command, and management device command are all made up of 16-bit (2-byte) data. Further, each of the main control command, payout control command, gaming machine command, and management device command is composed of a preceding command (upper 8 bits) and a subsequent command (lower 8 bits). That is, one main control command, payout control command, gaming machine command, or management device command is made up of 16-bit (2-byte) data consisting of a preceding command and a following command. Furthermore, the preceding command is data indicating the type of command, and the succeeding command is data indicating parameters (variables). In this embodiment, commands are sent and received between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100, and between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200, via serial communication.

[0094] 4 to 7, the data in the "Preceding" column indicates the preceding command (upper 8 bits), and the data in the "Subsequent" column indicates the subsequent command (lower 8 bits). Both the preceding command and the subsequent command are expressed in hexadecimal. The main control commands include eight types of commands listed in the "Contents" column in Fig. 4. Among these eight types of commands, the setting change start command, setting change end command, game start + RT state command, and game end + game state command are collectively referred to as "game information commands." Furthermore, the input request command, payout request command, and return request command are collectively referred to as "calculation request commands."

[0095] The payout control command can be any of the 12 types of commands listed in the "Contents" column in Figure 5. An ACK response to an input request command is also referred to as an "input repeat command," and a NAK response to an input request command is also referred to as an "input not possible command." Similarly, an ACK response to a payout request command, a NAK response to the payout request command, and an ACK response to a return request command, a NAK response to the payout request command are also referred to as a "payout repeat command," a "payout not possible command," a "return repeat command," and a "return not possible command," respectively. Furthermore, a NAK response in the event of an abnormality is also referred to as an "error command."

[0096] The management device commands include the five types of commands listed in the "Contents" column in Fig. 6. In addition, the ACK response to a lower-order count request command is also called a "lower-order count repeat command," and the ACK response to a higher-order count request command is also called a "higher-order count repeat command." The gaming machine commands include 13 types of commands listed in the "Contents" column in Fig. 7. The ACK response to the lending request command is also called a "lending repeat command."

[0097] In Figure 4, the startup confirmation command is a command for the main control board 50 to confirm whether communication between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 is normal, and is a command that is sent from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100 when the power is turned on. When the main control board 50 is powered on, it sends a startup confirmation command to the dispensing control board 100. When the dispensing control board 100 receives the startup confirmation command, it sends it back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the startup confirmation command shown in FIG. 5). Then, on the main control board 50 side, the startup confirmation command that was sent is sent back from the dispensing control board 100 as is, so that it can be determined that communication between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 is normal.

[0098] Also, as described above, when the power is cut off, the program on the dispensing control board 100 stops before the program on the main control board 50, and when the power is restored from the power cut, the program on the dispensing control board 100 starts before the program on the main control board 50. When the power is turned on, i.e., when the power is restored after being turned off, the main control board 50 sends a start-up confirmation command to the dispensing control board 100, but since the program on the dispensing control board 100 starts first, the start-up confirmation command can be received reliably. The main control board 50 is set to proceed with subsequent processing when it determines that communication between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 is normal by receiving the start-up confirmation command it sent back as is from the dispensing control board 100.

[0099] In Fig. 4, the setting change start command is a command for notifying the dispensing control board 100 that the setting change mode has been entered, and is a command sent from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100 when the setting change mode is entered. The following "01H" indicates that the setting key switch 12 is in the on state. When transitioning to the setting change mode, the main control board 50 transmits a setting change start command to the dispensing control board 100. Furthermore, when the dispensing control board 100 receives the setting change start command, it sends it back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the setting change start command shown in FIG. 5), and also transmits a setting change start command to the management device 200 (FIG. 7). In other words, the dispensing control board 100 transmits the setting change start command to both the main control board 50 and the management device 200.

[0100] This allows the dispensing control board 100 to determine that it has transitioned to the setting change mode. Also, the main control board 50 can determine that the transition to the setting change mode has been communicated to the dispensing control board 100, since the transmitted setting change start command is returned as is from the dispensing control board 100. Furthermore, the management device 200 can also determine that it has transitioned to the setting change mode.

[0101] In Fig. 4, the setting change end command is a command for notifying the dispensing control board 100 that the setting change mode has ended, and is a command sent from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100 when the setting change mode ends. The following "00H" indicates that the setting key switch 12 is in the off state. When the setting change mode ends, the main control board 50 transmits a setting change end command to the dispensing control board 100. Furthermore, when the dispensing control board 100 receives the setting change end command, it sends it back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the setting change end command shown in FIG. 5), and also transmits a setting change end command to the management device 200 (FIG. 7). In other words, the dispensing control board 100 transmits the setting change end command to both the main control board 50 and the management device 200.

[0102] This allows the dispensing control board 100 to determine that the setting change mode has ended. Also, the main control board 50 can determine that the end of the setting change mode has been communicated to the dispensing control board 100, since the sent setting change end command is returned as is from the dispensing control board 100. Furthermore, the management device 200 can also determine that the setting change mode has ended.

[0103] In Figure 4, the game start + RT status command is a command for transmitting the fact that the game has started and the RT status to the payout control board 100, and is a command sent from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 when the start switch 41 is turned on. When the start switch 41 is turned on, the main control board 50 transmits a game start + RT state command to the payout control board 100. Also, when the payout control board 100 receives the game start + RT state command, it sends it back to the main control board 50 as it is (ACK response of the game start + RT state command shown in FIG. 5), and further transmits the game start + RT state command to the management device 200 (FIG. 7). That is, the payout control board 100 transmits the game start + RT state command to both the main control board 50 and the management device 200.

[0104] This allows the payout control board 100 to determine that a game has started and the RT state. Also, the main control board 50 can determine that the game start and RT state have been transmitted to the payout control board 100 by sending back the game start + RT state command as it is from the payout control board 100. Furthermore, the management device 200 can also determine that a game has started and the RT state.

[0105] In Figure 4, the game end + game status command is a command for transmitting the end of the game and the game status to the payout control board 100, and is a command sent from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 when the third stop switch 42 (the stop switch 42 corresponding to the last reel 31 to stop) changes from on to off. When the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off (the player releases his / her hand from the third stop switch 42), the main control board 50 transmits a game end + game status command to the payout control board 100. Also, when the payout control board 100 receives the game end + game status command, it sends it back to the main control board 50 as it is (ACK response of the game end + game status command shown in FIG. 5), and further transmits the game end + game status command to the management device 200 (FIG. 7). That is, the payout control board 100 transmits the game end + game status command to both the main control board 50 and the management device 200.

[0106] This allows the payout control board 100 to determine that the game has ended and the game status. Also, the main control board 50 can determine that the game has ended and the game status has been transmitted to the payout control board 100 by sending back the sent game end + game status command as is from the payout control board 100. Furthermore, the management device 200 can also determine that the game has ended and the game status.

[0107] In FIG. 4, the deposit request command is a command requesting the payout control board 100 to subtract the bet number from the credit number, and is a command sent from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 when the bet switch 40 is turned on. Furthermore, the command following the input request command indicates the bet amount (the amount to be subtracted from the credit amount based on the operation of the bet switch 40).

[0108] In this embodiment, when the 1 bet switch 40a is turned on, the main control board 50 sends an input request command "2001H" (1 coin input request command) to the payout control board 100, requesting that the bet number "1" be subtracted from the number of credits. In addition, when the 3 bet switch 40b is turned on, the main control board 50 transmits to the payout control board 100 an input request command "2003H" (3-coin input request command) requesting that the bet number "3" be subtracted from the credit number. When the 3-bet switch 40b is turned on, a 1-coin insertion request command may be sent three times to the payout control board 100 as an insertion request command.

[0109] In addition, when the payout control board 100 receives an input request command, it determines whether or not the input request can be accepted, specifically, whether or not the number of credits is equal to or greater than the number of bets (the number indicated by the command following the input request command). Then, when it is determined that the input request can be accepted, i.e., when it is determined that the number of credits is equal to or greater than the number of bets, the payout control board 100 executes a process to subtract the number of bets from the number of credits, executes a process to update the display of the credit number display LED 76, and sends an input repeat command to the main control board 50 (it sends the received input request command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the input request command shown in Figure 5)).

[0110] For example, when the number of credits is "50" and a command requesting the insertion of three coins "2003H" is received, the payout control board 100 executes a process of subtracting the bet number "3" indicated by the command subsequent to the command requesting the insertion of three coins "2003H" from the number of credits "50", changes the display on the credit number display LED 76 from "50" to "47", and sends a repeat command to the main control board 50. On the other hand, when it is determined that the insertion request cannot be accepted, i.e., when it is determined that the number of credits is less than the number of bets (for example, when the number of credits is "2" and a command requesting insertion of 3 coins "2003H" is received), the payout control board 100 does not perform the process of subtracting the number of bets from the number of credits, but sends an insertion not allowed command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the insertion request command shown in FIG. 5).

[0111] Furthermore, when a deposit repeat command is received (the sent deposit request command is sent back as is from the payout control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that the request to subtract the bet number from the credit number has been permitted, and executes processing according to the electronic medal bet (for example, processing to light up the 1 bet display LED to 3 bet display LED, and processing to enable operation of the start switch 41). On the other hand, when an insertion prohibition command is received, the main control board 50 determines that the request to subtract the bet number from the credit number is not permitted, and does not execute the process according to the electronic medal bet. In addition, if a predetermined time has elapsed after sending the deposit request command and neither the deposit repeat command nor the deposit disallowed command is received, a timeout occurs and the main control board 50 sends the deposit request command again to the dispensing control board 100.

[0112] In this way, when the payout control board 100 is requested to subtract the number of bets from the number of credits, one round trip of command communication is performed between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 . As a result, processing related to electronic medal bets is reliably executed by both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is accurately managed, so that no disadvantage is inflicted on the player.

[0113] Also, as described above, when the power is cut off, the program on the dispensing control board 100 stops before the program on the main control board 50, and when the power is restored from the power cut, the program on the dispensing control board 100 starts before the program on the main control board 50. Furthermore, when the bet switch 40 is turned on, the main control board 50 sends a deposit request command to the dispensing control board 100, and when the dispensing control board 100 receives the deposit request command, if it is able to accept the deposit request, it sends a deposit repeat command to the main control board 50, and if it is unable to accept the deposit request, it sends a deposit not possible command to the main control board 50.

[0114] Furthermore, when the main control board 50 receives a deposit repeat command, it executes processing according to the electronic medal bet, and when it receives a deposit prohibition command, it does not execute processing according to the electronic medal bet, and if it receives neither a deposit repeat command nor a deposit prohibition command, it sends an deposit request command again to the payout control board 100. Here, let us assume that after the main control board 50 transmits a deposit request command to the dispensing control board 100, a power outage occurs and the program on the dispensing control board 100 stops before the dispensing control board 100 receives the deposit request command. In this case, the main control board 50 will not receive either the deposit repeat command or the dispensing disable command, and after the power is restored from the power outage, it will again transmit the deposit request command to the dispensing control board 100, so that commands can be transmitted and received reliably between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100.

[0115] Also, suppose that the main control board 50 transmits a deposit request command to the dispensing control board 100, and the dispensing control board 100 receives the deposit request command, but before the deposit repeat command or the dispensing prohibition command can be transmitted to the main control board 50, a power outage occurs and the program on the dispensing control board 100 stops. In this case, after the power is restored from the power outage, the dispensing control board 100 transmits the deposit repeat command or the dispensing prohibition command to the main control board 50, so that commands can be transmitted and received reliably between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100.

[0116] When the power is turned on, that is, when the power is restored from a power failure, the main control board 50 transmits a start-up confirmation command to the dispensing control board 100, and when the dispensing control board 100 receives the start-up confirmation command, it sends it back to the main control board 50 as is. When the main control board 50 receives the start-up confirmation command as is from the dispensing control board 100, it determines that the communication between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 is normal. The dispensing control board 100 then transmits a deposit repeat command or a deposit disable command to the main control board 50. Therefore, when the power is restored from a power failure, the program on the dispensing control board 100 starts before the program on the main control board 50, but the main control board 50 can reliably receive the deposit repeat command or the deposit disable command.

[0117] Also, suppose that a power outage occurs and the program on the dispensing control board 100 stops after the main control board 50 transmits a deposit request command to the dispensing control board 100, the dispensing control board 100 receives the deposit request command and transmits a deposit repeat command or a deposit disable command to the main control board 50. In this case, since the program on the dispensing control board 100 stops after the program on the main control board 50 stops, the main control board 50 can receive the deposit repeat command or the deposit disable command transmitted by the dispensing control board 100, and therefore commands can be transmitted and received reliably between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100.

[0118] In Figure 4, the payout request command is a command requesting the payout control board 100 to add the payout number to the credit amount, and is a command sent from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 when the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off. Furthermore, the command following the payout request command indicates the payout amount (the amount requested to be added to the credit amount based on the winning combination).

[0119] For example, when a 10-coin winning combination is achieved, the main control board 50 sends a payout request command "210AH" to the payout control board 100 when the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off, requesting that the payout number "10" be added to the credit amount. In addition, even when the combination is not a winning combination, when the third stop switch 42 is turned from on to off, the main control board 50 sends a payout request command to the payout control board 100. In this case, the payout number is "0", so the payout request command is "2100H".

[0120] In addition, when the payout control board 100 receives a payout request command, it determines whether or not it is possible to accept the payout request, specifically, whether or not the upper limit of the number of credits ("10,000" in this embodiment) will be exceeded by adding the number of payout coins (the number indicated by the command following the payout request command) to the number of credits. Then, when it is determined that the payout request can be accepted, that is, when it is determined that adding the payout number to the credit count still results in the credit count being below the upper limit, the payout control board 100 executes a process to add the payout number to the credit count, executes a process to update the display of the credit count display LED 76, and sends a payout repeat command to the main control board 50 (it sends the received payout request command back to the main control board 50 as is (the ACK response to the payout request command shown in FIG. 5)).

[0121] For example, when the number of credits is "50" and a payout request command "210AH" (payout of 10 coins) is received, the payout control board 100 executes a process to add the payout number "10" indicated by the command subsequent to the payout request command "210AH" to the number of credits "50", changes the display of the credit number display LED from "50" to "60", and sends a payout repeat command to the main control board 50.

[0122] On the other hand, when it is determined that the payout request cannot be accepted, that is, when it is determined that adding the payout number to the credit count would exceed the upper limit of the credit count (for example, when the credit count is 9995 and a payout request command "210AH" (payout of 10 coins) is received), the payout control board 100 does not execute the process of adding the payout number to the credit count, but sends a payout unacceptable command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the payout request command shown in FIG. 5).

[0123] Furthermore, when a payout repeat command is received (the sent payout request command is sent back as is from the payout control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that the request to add the payout number to the credit amount has been permitted, and executes processing according to the payout of electronic medals based on the winning combination (for example, processing to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out on the winning number display LED 78). On the other hand, when a payout not possible command is received, the main control board 50 determines that the request to add the payout number to the credit amount has not been permitted, and does not execute processing for the payout of electronic medals based on the winning combination.

[0124] In this way, when the payout control board 100 is requested to add the payout number according to the winning combination to the credit amount, one round trip command communication is performed between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 . This ensures that processing related to the payout of electronic medals based on winning combinations is executed reliably by both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is managed accurately, preventing any disadvantage to the player.

[0125] In FIG. 4, the return request command is a command requesting the payout control board 100 to return the bet electronic medals to credits, and is a command sent from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 when the cancel switch 46 is turned on. Furthermore, the command following the return request command indicates the number of medals to be returned (the number to be added to the credits based on the return of the medals). For example, if the cancel switch 46 is operated when three electronic medals have been bet, the main control board 50 will, when the cancel switch 46 is turned on, send a return request command "2203H" to the payout control board 100 requesting that the return number "3" be added to the credit amount.

[0126] In addition, when the payout control board 100 receives a return request command, it determines whether the return request can be accepted, specifically, whether the number of credits will exceed the upper limit ("10,000" in this embodiment) by adding the number of credits to the number of return coins (the number indicated by the command following the return request command). Then, when it is determined that the return request can be accepted, that is, when it is determined that the number of credits added to the return number is still below the upper limit of the number of credits, the payout control board 100 executes a process to add the number of credits to the return number, executes a process to update the display of the credit number display LED 76, and sends a return readback command to the main control board 50 (it sends the received return request command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the return request command shown in Figure 5)).

[0127] For example, when the number of credits is "100" and a return request command "2203H" is received, the payout control board 100 executes a process of adding the return number "3" indicated by the command subsequent to the return request command "2203H" to the number of credits "100", changes the display of the credit number display LED from "100" to "103", and sends a return repeat command to the main control board 50.

[0128] On the other hand, when it is determined that the return request cannot be accepted, that is, when it is determined that adding the return number to the credit count would exceed the upper limit of the credit count (for example, when the credit count is 9999 and a return request command "2203H" is received (a return request has been made for three electronic medals)), the payout control board 100 does not execute the process of adding the return number to the credit count, but sends a return not allowed command to the main control board 50 (a NAK response to the return request command shown in FIG. 5).

[0129] Furthermore, when a return repeat command is received (the returned request command that was sent is sent back as is from the payout control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that the request to add the returned number to the credit amount has been permitted, and executes processing in accordance with the return of the electronic medals (for example, processing to turn off the 1 bet display LED to 3 bet display LED, and processing to not accept operation of the start switch 41). On the other hand, when a non-returnable command is received, the main control board 50 determines that the request to add the returned number to the credit number is not permitted, and does not execute the process corresponding to the return of the electronic medals.

[0130] In this way, when a request is made to the payout control board 100 to return the bet electronic medals to credits, one round trip command communication is performed between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 . As a result, the process for returning the electronic medals is reliably executed by both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is accurately managed, so that the player is not disadvantaged.

[0131] In FIG. 6, the loan request command is a command requesting the dispensing control board 100 to add the loan number to the credit number, and is a command sent from the management device (CR unit) 200 to the dispensing control board 100 when the loan switch 202 is turned on. Furthermore, the command following the lending request command indicates the number of medals to be lent (the number to be added to the credit number based on the lending of electronic medals).

[0132] For example, when a 1,000 yen bill is inserted into the banknote slot 201 of the management device 200 and the degree display unit 204 displays the degree "10", and the loan switch 202 is operated, the management device 200, when the loan switch 202 is turned on, sends a loan request command "4032H" to the dispensing control board 100 requesting that the loan number "50" be added to the credit amount.

[0133] In addition, when the dispensing control board 100 receives a loan request command, it determines whether the loan request can be accepted, specifically, whether the credit number exceeds the upper limit value of the credit number ("10,000" in this embodiment) by adding the loan number (the number indicated by the command following the loan request command) to the credit number. Then, when it is determined that the loan request can be accepted, that is, when it is determined that the number of credits plus the number of loaned cards is still below the upper limit of the number of credits, the dispensing control board 100 sends a loan repeat command to the management device 200 (it sends the received loan request command back to the management device 200 as is (ACK response to the loan request command shown in Figure 7)).

[0134] In contrast, when it determines that the loan request cannot be accepted, that is, when it determines that adding the loan number to the credit count would exceed the upper limit of the credit count (for example, when the credit count is "9955" and a loan request command "4032H" (loan number "50") is received), the dispensing control board 100 sends an error command "E000H" to the management device 200 (a NAK response in an abnormal situation as shown in Figure 7).

[0135] In addition, when a loan repeat command is received (the loan request command that was sent is sent back as is from the dispensing control board 100), the management device 200 sends a loan instruction command to the dispensing control board 100 to instruct it to execute the loan request, and further performs a process to update the display of the point display unit 204 according to the number of cards loaned.

[0136] For example, when management device 200 transmits "4032H" (lend number "50") as a loan request command to dispensing control board 100, and then transmits "4032H" (ACK response to the loan request command) as a loan repeat command to management device 200, management device 200 transmits "4132H" as a loan instruction command to dispensing control board 100, instructing it to add the loan number "50" to the credit amount. Furthermore, management device 200 executes a process of subtracting "10" points corresponding to the loan number "50" from the value displayed on point display unit 204.

[0137] On the other hand, when an error command is received, the management device 200 controls the device to return to the standby state. Furthermore, when a lending instruction command is received, the payout control board 100 executes a process of adding the lending number to the credit number, and executes a process of updating the display of the credit number display LED 76. For example, when the number of credits is "50" and a loan instruction command "4132H" (number of credits to be loaned "50") is received, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process to add the number of credits "50" to the number of credits "50" by the loan number "50" indicated by the command subsequent to the loan instruction command "4132H", and changes the display of the credit number display LED from "50" to "100".

[0138] In this way, when the management device 200 lends out electronic medals to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10, one and a half round trips of command communication are carried out between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100. As a result, the process for lending electronic medals is reliably executed by both the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is accurately managed, so that no disadvantage is caused to the player.

[0139] In FIG. 7, the lower-order counting request command and the upper-order counting request command are commands that request the management device (CR unit) 200 to pay back electronic medals, and are commands that are sent from the payout control board 100 to the management device 200 when the counting switch 47 is turned on. Furthermore, the command following the lower-order count request command indicates the lower 8 bits of the payout number (number of credits) when expressed in 16 bits (2 bytes). Furthermore, the command following the higher-order count request command indicates the higher-order 8 bits when the payout number (number of credits) is expressed in 16 bits. That is, the number of coins to be paid out is determined from the command subsequent to the lower-order count request command and the command subsequent to the higher-order count request command.

[0140] As described above, in this embodiment, the upper limit of the number of credits is set to "10000(D)". Furthermore, the upper limit of the number of credits "10000(D)" is expressed as "10011100010000(B)" in binary, and "2710(H)" in hexadecimal. Thus, the upper limit of the number of credits "10000(D)" cannot be expressed in 8 bits (1 byte). For this reason, in this embodiment, the payout number (number of credits) is specified by 16 bits (2 bytes) of the command following the lower-order counting request command and the command following the higher-order counting request command.

[0141] For example, assume that the counting switch 47 is operated when 1000 electronic medals are credited to the payout control board 100 (credit number "1000(D)"). Here, the credit number "1000(D)" is expressed in binary as "1111101000(B)" and in hexadecimal as "03E8(H)". In this case, the lower counting request command is "50E8(H)" and the upper counting request command is "5103(H)". Then, when the counting switch 47 is turned on, the payout control board 100 transmits "50E8(H)" to the management device 200 as the lower counting request command.

[0142] Furthermore, when a lower-level counting request command is received, the management device 200 determines whether or not a withdrawal request can be accepted. Then, when it is determined that the withdrawal request can be accepted, the management device 200 sends a lower-level counting repeat command to the dispensing control board 100 (sends the received lower-level counting request command back to the dispensing control board 100 as is (ACK response to the lower-level counting request command shown in Figure 6)). On the other hand, if it is determined that the withdrawal request cannot be accepted, the management device 200 transmits an error command "E000H" to the dispensing control board 100 (NAK response in the event of an abnormality as shown in FIG. 6). In this case, the management device 200 controls the device to return to a standby state.

[0143] In addition, when a lower-order counting repeat command is received (the lower-order counting request command that was sent is sent back from the management device 200 as is), the dispensing control board 100 sends "5103(H)" to the management device 200 as a higher-order counting request command. In contrast, when an error command is received, the dispensing control board 100 controls the board to return to a standby state without sending a higher-level counting request command.

[0144] In addition, upon receiving a higher-order counting request command, the management device 200 sends a higher-order counting repeat command to the dispensing control board 100 (sends the received higher-order counting request command back to the dispensing control board 100 as is (ACK response to the higher-order counting request command shown in Figure 6)). Furthermore, when a higher-order counting repeat command is received (the higher-order counting request command that was sent is sent back as is from the management device 200), the payout control board 100 sends a counting instruction command to the management device 200, and further executes a process to clear the number of credits (set it to "0") and update the display of the credit number display LED 76 (set it to "0").

[0145] Furthermore, upon receiving a count instruction command, the management device 200 controls to execute a process to reflect the number of electronic medals to be paid out specified from the lower-level count request command and the upper-level count request command in the number of electronic medals managed by the management device 200. Thereafter, when the return switch 203 is operated, the management device 200 stores the number of electronic medals returned to the management device 200 from the slot machine 10 (payout control board 100) by operation of the counting switch 47, and the number of electronic medals corresponding to the degree displayed on the degree display unit 204, as electronic data on a card (magnetic card, IC card, etc.), and ejects the card from the ejection port of the card reader / writer 205.

[0146] In this way, when paying out electronic medals from the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 to the management device 200, one and a half round trips of command communication are carried out between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200. As a result, the process for paying back the electronic medals is reliably executed by both the payout control board 100 and the management device 200, and the number of credits is accurately managed, so that the player is not disadvantaged.

[0147] In this embodiment, a unique ID consisting of 4-byte data is set in the credit number management CPU 105. In Fig. 7, the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID are a command for transmitting the first to fourth bytes of the ID unique to the credit number management CPU 105 to the management device 200. When the dispensing control board 100 is powered on, it transmits the first byte to the fourth byte of the CPU unique ID to the management device 200 in sequence.

[0148] Furthermore, when the management device 200 receives the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID, it stores (preserves) them in a predetermined storage area and transmits them to the hall computer 300 in sequence. Furthermore, when the hall computer 300 receives the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID, it stores (preserves) them in a specified storage area. Furthermore, the management device 200 and the hall computer 300 are capable of keeping the first to fourth bytes of the stored CPU unique ID as history.

[0149] For example, if the payout control board 100 is fraudulently replaced, the credit number management CPU 105 mounted on the payout control board 100 will change, and the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID stored in the management device 200 and the hall computer 300 will also change at the time of replacement. Therefore, by checking whether the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID stored in the management device 200 and the hall computer 300 have not changed in the meantime, it is possible to determine whether the payout control board 100 has been fraudulently replaced.

[0150] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a main routine in the dispensing control board 100. In the main routine of the dispensing control board 100, when any signal is input to the input port 101 in step S101, the process proceeds to the next step S102, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process to determine whether the input signal is an on signal for the counting switch 47. If it is determined that the signal is an ON signal from the count switch 47, the process proceeds to the next step S103, where a process for turning on the count request flag is executed, and then the process proceeds to the next step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the signal is not an ON signal from the counting switch 47, step S103 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S104.

[0151] In step S104, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the VL signal is on or not. Here, if a VL signal (18V DC signal) is supplied from the management device (CR unit) 200 to the dispensing control board 100, in step S104, it is determined that the VL signal is on, and it is determined that the management device 200 and the dispensing control board 100 are normally connected, and the process proceeds to step S105, where the process clears the VL error flag. Then, the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the VL signal is not supplied from the management device 200 to the dispensing control board 100, in step S104, it is determined that the VL signal is off, and it is determined that the management device 200 and the dispensing control board 100 are not connected properly, and the process proceeds to step S106, where a process of setting a VL error flag is executed. Then, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0152] In step S107, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether or not the signal input (received) to the input port 101 is a main control command. Here, when it is determined that the input signal is a main control command, the process proceeds to the next step S108, where the dispensing control board 100 stores (saves) the input main control command in a predetermined storage area of ​​the RWM 103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S109. On the other hand, if it is determined that the input signal is not a main control command, step S108 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S109.

[0153] In step S109, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether or not the stored command is a main control command. Here, if it is determined that the stored command is a main control command, the process proceeds to the next step S110, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a main control command analysis process (FIGS. 9 and 10). The details of the main control command analysis process will be described later. Then, after executing the main control command analysis process, the process proceeds to the next step S111.

[0154] In step S111, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether or not the counting process (FIG. 12) is being executed. Here, the counting process is a process that starts when the result of step S116 described later becomes "Yes," and the details of which will be described later. Also, while the counting process is being executed, the main routine of the dispensing control board 100 can be executed in parallel with this counting process. Therefore, in step S111 of the main routine of the dispensing control board 100, a determination process is executed as to whether or not the counting process is being executed. When the counting process starts, the counting process in progress flag is set, and when the counting process ends, the counting process in progress flag is cleared. This makes it possible to determine whether the counting process is being executed or not by checking whether the counting process in progress flag is on or off.

[0155] If it is determined in step S111 that the counting process is being executed, the process according to this flowchart ends without executing the processes in and after step S113. If it is determined in step S111 that the counting process is being executed, the counting process being executed is continued thereafter. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S111 that the counting process is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S113, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of determining whether or not the lending process (FIG. 11) is being executed.

[0156] Here, the loan process is a process that starts when step S118, which will be described later, becomes "Yes," and its details will be described later. Also, while the loan process is being executed, the main routine of the dispensing control board 100 can be executed in parallel with this loan process. Therefore, in step S113 of the main routine of the dispensing control board 100, a process is executed to determine whether the loan process is being executed. When the lending process starts, the lending process in progress flag is set, and when the lending process ends, the lending process in progress flag is cleared. This makes it possible to determine whether the lending process is in progress by checking whether the lending process in progress flag is on or off.

[0157] If it is determined in step S113 that the lending process is being executed, the process according to this flowchart is terminated without executing the processes in and after step S115. If it is determined in step S113 that the lending process is currently being executed, the lending process is continued thereafter. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S113 that the lending process is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S115, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of determining whether or not a gaming machine command is being transmitted.

[0158] Here, the gaming machine command transmission process is a process executed when the result of step S118 described later is "No". In addition, while the gaming machine command transmission process is being executed, the main routine of the payout control board 100 can be executed in parallel with the gaming machine command transmission process. Therefore, in step S115 of the main routine of the payout control board 100, a process of determining whether or not the gaming machine command transmission process is being executed is executed. Then, when it is determined in step S115 that the gaming machine command transmission process is being executed, the process according to this flowchart is terminated without executing the processes in and after step S116. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S115 that the gaming machine command transmission process is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S116, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of determining whether or not the count request flag is on.

[0159] Also, when it is determined in step S116 that the counting request flag is on, the process proceeds to step S117, where the dispensing control board 100 starts the counting process (FIG. 12). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S116 that the counting request flag is off, the process proceeds to step S118, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process to determine whether the signal input (received) to the input port 101 is a loan request command or not.

[0160] Here, when it is determined that the input (received) signal is a loan request command, the process proceeds to step S119, and the dispensing control board 100 starts the loan process (FIG. 11). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input signal is not a lending request command, the process proceeds to step S120, where the payout control board 100 executes a gaming machine command transmission process. This process is a process for transmitting a gaming machine command to the management device 200. Then, the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0161] As described above, in step S111, it is determined whether or not the counting process is being performed, and if it is determined that the counting process is being performed, the counting process being performed is continued without performing the processes from step S113 onwards, and if it is determined that the counting process is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S113 to determine whether or not the lending process is being performed. Also, in step S116, it is determined whether or not the counting request flag is on, and if it is determined that the counting request flag is on, the process proceeds to step S117 to start the counting process, and if it is determined that the counting request flag is off, the process proceeds to step S118 to determine whether or not a loan request command has been received.

[0162] In this way, the payout control board 100 is capable of executing counting processing (processing related to the refund of electronic medals) and lending processing (processing related to the lending of electronic medals), and is configured to execute counting processing in priority to lending processing by performing the process of determining whether or not counting processing is being executed before the process of determining whether or not lending processing is being executed, and by performing the process of determining whether or not the counting request flag is on before the process of determining whether or not a lending request command has been received. Here, when the counting switch 47 is operated, the dispensing control board 100 executes the counting process. In addition, when the loan switch 202 is operated and a loan request command is sent from the management device 200 to the dispensing control board 100, the dispensing control board 100 executes the loan process.

[0163] Furthermore, when the counting switch 47 and the dispensing switch 202 are operated simultaneously, the dispensing control board 100 prioritizes the counting process, so that it executes the counting process and does not execute the dispensing process. If the electronic medals once lent out are returned and cannot be exchanged for currency at an equivalent value, the player is disadvantaged, but by prioritizing the counting process and executing the counting process without executing the lending process, the player is not disadvantaged.

[0164] Furthermore, when the counting switch 47 is operated while the loan process is being executed, the dispensing control board 100 accepts the operation of the counting switch 47, continues the loan process being executed, and executes the counting process when the loan process is completed. In other words, the payout control board 100 can accept operation of the counting switch 47 at any time, including while the lending process is being executed or while the reel 31 is spinning, and by accepting the operation of the counting switch 47, it can execute the counting process at an appropriate timing thereafter. This makes it possible to ensure that the electronic medals are paid out by operating the counting switch 47 once, and makes it unnecessary to operate the counting switch 47 again, thereby preventing the player from feeling bothered.

[0165] Figures 9 and 10 show the subroutine of the main control command analysis process in step S110 of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a flowchart continuing from Figure 9. As described above, the commands transmitted from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100 are collectively referred to as main control commands. Furthermore, the main control commands include the eight types of commands listed in the "Contents" column in FIG. Then, in the main control command analysis process, it is determined which of the eight types of commands has been received, and a process corresponding to the received command is executed.

[0166] Specifically, in the main control command analysis process, in step S131, a process of determining whether or not an error flag is on (whether or not an error has occurred) is executed. Then, when it is determined that the error flag is on, the process proceeds to step S132, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of transmitting an error command to the main control board 50. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the error flag is off, the process proceeds to step S133.

[0167] In step S133, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is a startup confirmation command or not. Then, when it is determined that the received command is a startup confirmation command, the process proceeds to step S134, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of sending the received startup confirmation command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the startup confirmation command). On the other hand, if it is determined that the received command is not a start confirmation command, the process proceeds to step S135.

[0168] When proceeding to step S135, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is a deposit request command, a return request command, or a dispensing request command, that is, whether it is a calculation request command. If it is determined that the received command is either an input request command, a return request command, or a withdrawal request command, that is, if it is determined that the command is a calculation request command, the process proceeds to step S138 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received command is neither an input request command, a return request command nor a withdrawal request command, that is, if it is determined that the command is not a calculation request command, the process proceeds to step S136.

[0169] If the received command is a start confirmation command, step S133 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step S134, and if the received command is a calculation request command (an input request command, a return request command, or a payout request command), step S135 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step S138 in Fig. 10. For this reason, step S135 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step S136 when a setting change start command, setting change end command, game start + RT state command, or game end + game state command is received among the eight types of commands shown in the "Contents" column in Fig. 4, that is, when a game information command is received.

[0170] Then, in step S136, the payout control board 100 executes a process of setting the received game information command (setting change start command, setting change end command, game start + RT state command, or game end + game state command) in the management device transmission command buffer, and in the next step S137, executes a process of sending the received game information command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response of the game information command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. In addition, when the process of setting the game information command in the command buffer for transmission to the management device is executed in step S136, the game information command stored in the command buffer for transmission to the management device will be transmitted to the management device 200 by the interrupt process on the payout control board 100 executed after this process.

[0171] Also, when proceeding to step S138 in FIG. 10, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether or not the received command is a deposit request command. If it is determined that the received command is a deposit request command, the process proceeds to step S139, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of masking the command following the deposit request command (the lowest 8 bits) with "03H (00000011B)". As mentioned above, the command following the input request command indicates the number of bets. The maximum number of bets is set to "3", and when three coins are input, the command following the input request command is "03H (00000011B)". In other words, the maximum number of bets can be represented by the D0 to D1 bits in the command following the input request command.

[0172] Therefore, in step S139, a process is executed to mask the command following the input request command with "03H (00000011B)." That is, an AND operation is performed on the command following the input request command and "03H (00000011B)." This allows all bits other than D0 to D1 in the command following the input request command to be set to "0". Even if noise causes bits D2 to D7 in the command following the input request command to contain a "1", this can be set to "0". This prevents a number greater than "3" from being mistakenly subtracted from the number of credits when inputting credits.

[0173] Furthermore, after executing the process of step S139, the process proceeds to step S140, where the payout control board 100 executes a process of determining whether or not "(the number of credits-the number of bets)<0", that is, whether or not the number of credits is less than the number of bets. Then, when it is determined that the number of credits is less than the number of bets, the process proceeds to step S141, where the payout control board 100 executes a process of sending an input disable command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the input request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0174] On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of credits is equal to or greater than the number of bets, the payout control board 100 proceeds to step S142, executes a process of subtracting the number of bets from the number of credits, and in the next step S143, executes a process of sending a deposit repeat command to the main control board 50 (sending the received deposit request command back to the main control board 50 as is) (ACK response to the deposit request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0175] Also, if it is determined in step S138 that the received command is not a deposit request command, the process proceeds to step S144, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of determining whether or not the received command is a dispensing request command. If it is determined that the received command is a dispensing request command, the process proceeds to step S145, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of masking the command following the dispensing request command (the lower 8 bits) with "0FH (00001111B)". As described above, the command following the dispense request command indicates the number of coins to be dispensed. The maximum number of coins to be dispensed is set to "15", and when dispensing 15 coins, the command following the dispense request command is "0EH (00001110B)". In other words, the maximum number of coins to be dispensed can be represented by the D0 to D3 bits in the command following the dispense request command.

[0176] For this reason, in step S145, a process is executed to mask the command following the payout request command with "0FH (00001111B)". That is, the command following the payout request command and "0FH (00001111B)" are ANDed. This makes it possible to set bits other than D0 to D3 in the command following the payout request command to "0". Even if "1" is included in bits D4 to D7 in the command following the payout request command due to noise, this can be set to "0", so that a number exceeding "15" is not erroneously added to the number of credits at the time of payout.

[0177] Furthermore, after executing the processing of step S145, the process proceeds to step S146, and the payout control board 100 executes a process to determine whether or not "(number of credits + number of payouts)>upper limit", that is, whether or not the number of credits plus the number of payouts exceeds the upper limit of the number of credits ("10,000" in this embodiment). If it is determined that the credit count exceeds the upper limit when the payout number is added to the credit count, the payout control board 100 proceeds to step S147 and executes a process of sending a payout unavailable command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the payout request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0178] On the other hand, if it is determined that the upper limit of the credit number will not be exceeded even if the payout number is added to the credit number, the payout control board 100 proceeds to step S148, and executes the process of adding the payout number to the credit number, and in the next step S149, executes the process of sending a payout repeat command to the main control board 50 (sending the received payout request command back to the main control board 50 as is) (ACK response to the payout request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0179] Also, if it is determined in step S144 that the received command is not a dispensing request command, the process proceeds to step S150, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of determining whether or not the received command is a return request command. If it is determined that the received command is a return request command, the process proceeds to step S151, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of masking the command following the return request command (the lowest 8 bits) with "03H (00000011B)". As mentioned above, the command following the return request command indicates the number of coins to be returned. Also, since the maximum number of bets is "3", the maximum number of coins to be returned is also "3". When returning three coins, the command following the return request command will be "03H (00000011B)". In other words, the maximum number of coins to be returned can be represented by the D0 to D1 bits in the command following the return request command, just like the maximum number of bets.

[0180] For this reason, in step S151, a process is executed to mask the command following the return request command with "03H (00000011B)". That is, an AND operation is performed on the command following the return request command and "03H (00000011B)". This makes it possible to set bits other than D0 to D1 in the command following the return request command to "0". Even if noise causes "1" to enter bits D2 to D7 in the command following the return request command, this can be set to "0", so that a number exceeding "3" is not erroneously added to the number of credits when returning.

[0181] Also, after executing the processing of step S151, the process proceeds to step S152, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether "(number of credits + number of returned coins) > upper limit", that is, whether the number of credits plus the number of returned coins exceeds the upper limit of the number of credits ("10,000" in this embodiment). If it is determined that adding the number of credits to the number of credits to be returned will exceed the upper limit of the number of credits, the process proceeds to step S153, where the payout control board 100 executes a process to send a non-returnable command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the return request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0182] On the other hand, if it is determined that adding the return number to the credit number does not exceed the upper limit of the credit number, the payout control board 100 proceeds to step S154, executes a process of adding the return number to the credit number, and in the next step S155, executes a process of sending a return readback command to the main control board 50 (sending the received return request command back to the main control board 50 as is) (ACK response to the return request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. When the process according to this flowchart is completed, the process proceeds to step S111 shown in FIG.

[0183] Fig. 11 shows a subroutine of the lending process in step S119 in Fig. 8. Note that "lending process 1" in Fig. 11 indicates a part of the lending process in step S119 in Fig. 8. Another part of the lending process is shown in Fig. 23 (referred to as "lending process 2") described later. If it is determined in step S118 of Fig. 8 that a loan request command has been received, the process proceeds to step S119 of Fig. 8. This starts the loan process of Fig. 11. Also, in the loan process, in step S161, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of sending a loan repeat command to the management device 200 (sending the received loan request command back to the management device 200 as is) (ACK response to the loan request command). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S162.

[0184] In step S162, the dispensing control board 100 repeatedly executes the process of determining whether or not the transmission of the loan recitation command has been completed until the result becomes "Yes", and when the result becomes "Yes" in step S162, the process proceeds to step S163. When the process proceeds to step S163, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of determining whether or not a management device command has been received. As described above, the management device command is a general term for a command transmitted from the management device 200 to the dispensing control board 100. If it is determined in step S163 that a management apparatus command has been received, the process proceeds to step S164, where a determination process is performed as to whether or not the received management apparatus command is a lending instruction command.

[0185] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S163 that the management device command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S168, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether a timeout has occurred (a predetermined time has elapsed since the loan repeat command was sent) or not. Here, when it is determined in step S168 that a timeout has occurred, the process proceeds to step S169, where the dispensing control board 100 sets an error flag, and the process according to this flowchart is then terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S168 that the timeout has not occurred, the process of step S163 is executed again.

[0186] Also, if it is determined in step S164 that the received management device command is a loan instruction command, the process proceeds to step S165, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the number of sheets to be loaned (the subsequent command (lower 8 bits) of the loan request command and the subsequent command (lower 8 bits) of the loan instruction command match). Here, if it is determined in step S165 that they do not match, the process proceeds to the next step S166, where the dispensing control board 100 stores (stores) the command following the lending instruction command (lower 8 bits) as the number of coins to be dispensed in a predetermined storage area of ​​the RWM 103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S167. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S165 that they match, step S166 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S167.

[0187] In step S167, the payout control board 100 executes a process of adding the loaned number to the credit number, and then ends the process according to this flowchart. Also, when it is determined in step S164 that the received management apparatus command is not a lending instruction command, the process proceeds to step S169, where the dispensing control board 100 sets an error flag, and the process according to this flowchart is then terminated. If the error flag is set in step S169, the process proceeds to step S132 in the main control command analysis process of FIG.

[0188] Fig. 12 shows a subroutine of the counting process in step S117 in Fig. 8. Note that "counting process 1" in Fig. 12 indicates a part of the counting process in step S117 in Fig. 8. Another part of the counting process is shown in Fig. 24 (referred to as "counting process 2") described later. If it is determined in step S116 of Fig. 8 that the counting request flag is on, the process proceeds to step S117 of Fig. 8. This starts the counting process of Fig. 12. Also, in the counting process, in step S181, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of sending a lower-level counting request command to the management device 200. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S182.

[0189] In step S182, the dispensing control board 100 repeatedly executes the process of determining whether or not the transmission of the lower-level count request command has been completed until the result becomes "Yes", and when the result becomes "Yes" in step S182, the process proceeds to step S183. When proceeding to step S183, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether or not a management device command has been received. Then, when it is determined in step S183 that a management device command has been received, the process proceeds to step S184, where a determination process is performed as to whether the received command matches the transmitted command. In other words, a determination process is performed as to whether the transmitted lower-order count request command has been sent back from the management device 200 as is (a lower-order count repeat command has been received).

[0190] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S183 that the management device command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S192, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether or not a timeout has occurred (a predetermined time has elapsed since the lower-level counting request command was sent). Here, when it is determined in step S192 that a timeout has occurred, the process proceeds to step S194, where the dispensing control board 100 sets an error flag, and the process according to this flowchart is then terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S192 that the timeout has not occurred, the process of step S183 is executed again.

[0191] Also, in step S184, when it is determined that the received command matches the transmitted command (the transmitted lower-level counting request command is returned from the management device 200 as is), the process proceeds to step S185, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of transmitting the upper-level counting request command to the management device 200. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S186. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S184 that the received command does not match the transmitted command, the process proceeds to step S194, where the dispensing control board 100 sets an error flag, and the process according to this flowchart is then terminated.

[0192] When proceeding to step S186, the dispensing control board 100 repeatedly executes the process of determining whether or not the transmission of the higher-level count request command has been completed until the result is "Yes", and when the result is "Yes" in step S186, the process proceeds to step S187. When proceeding to step S187, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether or not a management device command has been received. Then, when it is determined in step S187 that a management device command has been received, the process proceeds to step S188, where a determination process is performed as to whether the received command matches the transmitted command. In other words, a determination process is performed as to whether the transmitted higher-order count request command has been sent back from management device 200 as is (a higher-order count repeat command has been received).

[0193] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S187 that the management device command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S193, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether or not a timeout has occurred (a predetermined time has elapsed since the higher-level counting request command was sent). Here, when it is determined in step S193 that a timeout has occurred, the process proceeds to step S194, where the dispensing control board 100 sets an error flag. Then, the process according to this flowchart is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S193 that the timeout has not occurred, the process of step S187 is executed again.

[0194] Also, in step S188, when it is determined that the received command matches the transmitted command (the transmitted higher-level count request command is returned from the management device 200 as is), the process proceeds to step S189, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of transmitting a count instruction command to the management device 200. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S190. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S188 that the received command does not match the transmitted command, the process proceeds to step S194, where the dispensing control board 100 sets an error flag, and the process according to this flowchart is then terminated.

[0195] When proceeding to step S190, the dispensing control board 100 repeatedly executes the process of determining whether or not the transmission of the count instruction command has been completed until it becomes "Yes", and when it becomes "Yes" in step S190, it proceeds to step S191. When the process proceeds to step S191, the payout control board 100 executes a process of clearing the number of credits (setting the number of credits to "0"). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. If the error flag is set in step S194, the process proceeds to step S132 in the main control command analysis process of FIG.

[0196] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a main routine in the main control board 50. When power is applied to the main control board 50, a power-on process is performed in step S201. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S202. In step S202, a determination is made as to whether the setting key switch 12 is on.

[0197] If it is determined in step S202 that the setting key switch 12 is on, the process proceeds to step S203, where the setting change process is executed, and when the setting change process is completed, the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S202 that the setting key switch 12 is off, the process proceeds to step S204, where a game return process is executed. Then, when the game return process is completed, the process proceeds to step S211. When the process proceeds to step S211, a process of determining whether to bet 3 coins or 1 coin is performed. If it is determined that a 3 coin bet is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S205, and if it is determined that a 1 coin bet is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0198] When the process proceeds to step S205, a three-bet process (FIG. 16) is executed. This process is a process for betting three of the credited electronic medals based on the operation of the three-bet switch 40b. The three-bet process will be described in detail later. Then, when the three-bet process is completed, the process proceeds to step S212. When the process proceeds to step S206, the 1-coin bet process (FIG. 17) is executed. This process is a process for betting one of the credited electronic medals based on the operation of the 1-coin bet switch 40a. The 1-coin bet process will be described in detail later. Then, when the 1-coin bet process is completed, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0199] When the process proceeds to step S212, a process of determining whether to start or cancel is executed. If the process determines that the process should start, the process proceeds to step S207, and if the process determines that the process should be cancelled, the process proceeds to step S210. When the process proceeds to step S207, a game start process (FIG. 18) is executed. This process is a process for starting a game based on the operation of the start switch 41. The game start process will be described in detail later. Then, when the game start process ends, the process proceeds to the next step S208.

[0200] In step S208, a game end process (FIG. 19) is executed. This process is a process for ending the game when the stop switch 42 is operated and the rotation of all the reels 31 has stopped. The game end process will be described in detail later. Then, when the game end process is ended, the process proceeds to the next step S209, where a payout process (FIG. 20) is executed. This process is a process for paying out electronic medals based on the winning combination. Then, when the payout process is ended, the process returns to step S211. When the process proceeds to step S210, a return process (FIG. 21) is executed. This process is a process for returning the bet electronic medals to credits based on the operation of the cancel switch 46. Then, when the return process is completed, the process returns to step S211.

[0201] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the power-on process in the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100. In Figure 14, the flowchart on the left shows the flow of the power-on process in the main control board 50, and the flowchart on the right shows the flow of power-on process 1 in the dispensing control board 100. Note that "power-on process 1" in Figure 14 indicates that this is a part of the power-on process in the dispensing control board 100. Another part of the power-on process is illustrated in Figure 22 (referred to as "power-on process 2"), which will be described later. Also, in Figure 14, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts indicate the transmission direction of commands sent and received between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 during the power-on process. 14 and FIGS. 15 to 21 which will be described later, show command transmission and reception status between main control board 50 and dispensing control board 100. FIG. 23 to 25, which will be described later, show command transmission and reception status between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200. FIG.

[0202] When the slot machine 10 is powered on, power is supplied from the power supply board 150 to the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. Then, the program on the main control board 50 is started, and the program on the payout control board 100 is started. At this time, the power-on process is executed on the main control board 50, and the power-on process 1 is executed on the payout control board 100.

[0203] First, there will be described the power-on process in the main control board 50 shown on the left side of Fig. 14. The flow chart shown on the left side of Fig. 14 shows the subroutine of the power-on process in step S201 of Fig. 13. In step S301, the main control board 50 executes an initialization process. Then, when the initialization process ends, the process proceeds to the next step S302. When the process proceeds to step S302, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a startup confirmation command to the dispensing control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S303. In step S303, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for an ACK response of the start-up confirmation command from the dispensing control board 100.

[0204] Then, when the transmitted start confirmation command is returned as is from the dispensing control board 100 (there is an ACK response), the process according to this flowchart ends. When the process according to this flowchart ends, the process proceeds to step S202 shown in FIG. In contrast, if a predetermined time has passed since the start-up confirmation command was sent and there is no ACK response to the start-up confirmation command (a timeout occurs), or an error command is sent from the dispensing control board 100 (a NAK response is received), the process proceeds to step S304 and the main control board 50 executes a process to decrement the retransmission counter. The resend counter is a counter for counting the number of times the start confirmation command is resent, and is set to an initial value of "2" when the start confirmation command is first transmitted. The initial value of the retransmission counter is not limited to "2", but may be, for example, "3".

[0205] Furthermore, when the process of decrementing the resend counter is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S305, where the main control board 50 executes a process of determining whether the resend counter is "0" or not. If it is determined that the retransmission counter is "0", the process proceeds to the next step S306, where the main control board 50 executes error processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the retransmission counter is not "0", step S302 is executed again.

[0206] Next, the power-on process 1 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the right side in FIG. 14 will be described. In step S401, the dispensing control board 100 executes an initialization process. Then, when the initialization process is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S402. In step S402, the dispensing control board 100 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a startup confirmation command transmitted from the main control board 50. Then, when the startup confirmation command is received, the process proceeds to the next step S403, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process for sending the received startup confirmation command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the startup confirmation command). Then, when the received startup confirmation command is sent back to the main control board 50 as is, the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0207] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the setting change processing in the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100. In Fig. 15, the left flowchart shows the flow of the setting change processing in the main control board 50, and the right flowchart shows the flow of the setting change processing in the dispensing control board 100. Also, in Fig. 15, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts show the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 during the setting change processing.

[0208] First, there will be described the setting change processing in the main control board 50 shown on the left side of Fig. 15. The flow chart shown on the left side of Fig. 15 shows the subroutine of the setting change processing in step S203 of Fig. 13. If the setting key switch 12 is on when the power is turned on, the main control board 50 executes a setting change process. In this setting change process, in step S311, a process is executed to send a setting change start command to the dispensing control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S312. In step S312, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for an ACK response to the setting change start command by the payout control board 100. Here, when the sent setting change start command is returned as is from the dispensing control board 100, the main control board 50 determines that there has been an ACK response to the setting change start command from the dispensing control board 100, and proceeds to the setting value change in progress processing in step S203. This processing switches the display of the setting value from "1" → "2" → ··· → "6" → "1" → ··· each time the setting switch 13 is operated, and when the start switch 41 is operated, the displayed setting value is confirmed. Then, when the setting value change in progress processing ends, the processing proceeds to step S313.

[0209] In contrast, if a predetermined time has passed since the setting change start command was sent and there is no ACK response to the setting change start command (a timeout occurs), or an error command is sent from the dispensing control board 100 (a NAK response is received), the process returns to step S311 and the main control board 50 again executes the process of sending the setting change start command to the dispensing control board 100. Also, when the process proceeds to step S313, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a setting change end command to the dispensing control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S314.

[0210] In step S314, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for an ACK response to the setting change end command from the payout control board 100. Here, when the transmitted setting change end command is sent back as it is from the dispensing control board 100, the main control board 50 judges that there is an ACK response of the setting change end command from the dispensing control board 100, and ends the processing according to this flowchart. When the processing according to this flowchart ends, the processing proceeds to step S211 shown in FIG. In contrast, if a predetermined time has passed since the setting change end command was sent and there is no ACK response to the setting change end command (a timeout occurs), or an error command is sent from the dispensing control board 100 (a NAK response is received), the process returns to step S313 and the main control board 50 again executes the process of sending the setting change end command to the dispensing control board 100.

[0211] Next, the flow of the setting change process in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the right side of FIG. 15 will be described. In step S411, the dispensing control board 100 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a setting change start command transmitted from the main control board 50. Then, when the setting change start command is received, the process proceeds to the next step S412, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process for sending the received setting change start command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the setting change start command). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S413.

[0212] When proceeding to step S413, the dispensing control board 100 executes a command receiving process. This process is a process for receiving a setting change end command transmitted from the main control board 50. Then, when the setting change end command is received, the process proceeds to the next step S414, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process for sending the received setting change end command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the setting change end command). Then, when the received setting change end command is sent back to the main control board 50 as is, the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0213] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the flow of a three coin bet process in the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In Fig. 16, the flowchart on the left side shows the flow of three-coin bet processing in the main control board 50, and the flowchart on the right side shows the flow of three-coin bet processing in the payout control board 100. Also, in Fig. 16, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts show the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 during three-coin bet processing.

[0214] Also, FIG. 16 shows an example in which, during a three-coin bet process, a one-coin insertion request command ("2001H") requesting that the bet amount "1" be subtracted from the credit amount is transmitted three times as an insertion request command. In addition, when processing a three-coin bet, it is not limited to sending a one-coin insertion request command three times, but it is also possible to send a three-coin insertion request command ("2003H") once to request that the bet number "3" be subtracted from the number of credits.

[0215] First, there will be described the three-coin bet process in the main control board 50 shown on the left side of Fig. 16. The flow chart shown on the left side of Fig. 16 shows the subroutine of the three-coin bet process in step S205 of Fig. 13. In step S321, the main control board 50 executes a process of determining whether or not a specified number of electronic medals have been bet. If it is determined that the specified number of electronic medals have been bet, the process according to this flowchart ends. In contrast, if it is determined that the specified number of electronic medals have not been bet, the process proceeds to the next step S323 when the operation (ON) of the 3-bet switch 40b is detected in the next step S322. In step S323, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a one-coin insertion request command to the dispensing control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S324.

[0216] In step S324, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for a one-coin insertion repeat command to be transmitted from the dispensing control board 100 (an ACK response to the one-coin insertion request command). Then, when the one-coin insertion repeat command is received (the sent one-coin insertion request command is sent back as is from the dispensing control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that an ACK response to the one-coin insertion request command has been received from the dispensing control board 100, and proceeds to step S325.

[0217] In contrast, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the one-coin insertion request command was sent in step S323 but the one-coin insertion repeat command is not received (a timeout occurs), or an error command is sent from the dispensing control board 100 (a NAK response is received), the process returns to step S323 and the main control board 50 again executes the process of sending the one-coin insertion request command to the dispensing control board 100. After that, the main control board 50 executes the same processes as steps S323 and S324 in steps S325 and S326, and steps S327 and S328. That is, the same processes as steps S323 and S324 are executed three times. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. When the process according to this flowchart ends, the process proceeds to step S212 shown in FIG. 13.

[0218] Next, a three coin bet process in the payout control board 100 shown on the right side of FIG. 16 will be described. In step S421, the dispensing control board 100 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a one-coin insertion request command transmitted from the main control board 50. Then, when the one-coin insertion request command is received, the process proceeds to the next step S422, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process for sending a one-coin insertion repeat command to the main control board 50 (sending the received one-coin insertion request command back to the main control board 50 as is) (ACK response to the one-coin insertion request command). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S423. After that, the dispensing control board 100 executes the same processes as steps S421 and S422 in steps S423 and S424, and steps S425 and S426. That is, the same processes as steps S421 and S422 are repeatedly executed three times. Then, the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0219] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the flow of one-coin bet processing in the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In Fig. 17, the flowchart on the left side shows the flow of one-coin bet processing in the main control board 50, and the flowchart on the right side shows the flow of one-coin bet processing in the payout control board 100. Also, in Fig. 17, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts show the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 during one-coin bet processing.

[0220] First, there will be described the one-coin bet process in the main control board 50 shown on the left side of Fig. 17. The flowchart shown on the left side of Fig. 17 shows the subroutine of the one-coin bet process in step S206 of Fig. 13. In step S331, the main control board 50 executes a process of determining whether or not a specified number of electronic medals have been bet. If it is determined that the specified number of electronic medals have been bet, the process according to this flowchart ends. In contrast, if it is determined that the specified number of electronic medals have not been bet, the process proceeds to the next step S333 when the operation (ON) of the 1 bet switch 40a is detected in the next step S332. In step S333, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a one-coin insertion request command to the dispensing control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S334.

[0221] In step S334, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for a one-coin insertion repeat command to be transmitted from the dispensing control board 100 (an ACK response to the one-coin insertion request command). Then, when the one-coin insertion repeat command is received (the one-coin insertion request command sent is returned as is from the dispensing control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that there has been an ACK response to the one-coin insertion request command from the dispensing control board 100, and ends the processing according to this flowchart. Note that when the processing according to this flowchart ends, the processing proceeds to step S212 shown in FIG.

[0222] In contrast, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the one-coin insertion request command was sent in step S333 but the one-coin insertion repeat command is not received (a timeout occurs), or an error command is sent from the dispensing control board 100 (a NAK response is received), the process returns to step S333 and the main control board 50 again executes the process of sending the one-coin insertion request command to the dispensing control board 100.

[0223] Next, the one-coin bet process in the payout control board 100 shown on the right side in FIG. 17 will be described. In step S431, the dispensing control board 100 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a one-coin insertion request command transmitted from the main control board 50. Then, when the one-coin insertion request command is received, the process proceeds to the next step S432, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process for sending a one-coin insertion repeat command to the main control board 50 (sending the received one-coin insertion request command back to the main control board 50 as is) (ACK response to the one-coin insertion request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0224] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of game start processing in the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In Fig. 18, the left flowchart shows the flow of game start processing in the main control board 50, and the right flowchart shows the flow of game start processing in the payout control board 100. Also, in Fig. 18, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts show the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 during game start processing.

[0225] First, there will be described the game start processing in the main control board 50 shown on the left side of Fig. 18. The flowchart shown on the left side of Fig. 18 shows the subroutine of the game start processing in step S207 of Fig. 13. In step S351, the main control board 50 executes a process of determining whether or not a specified number of electronic medals have been bet. If it is determined that the specified number of electronic medals have not been bet, the process according to this flowchart ends. In contrast, if it is determined that the specified number of electronic medals have been bet, the process proceeds to the next step S353 when the operation (ON) of the start switch 41 is detected in the next step S352. In step S353, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a game start + RT state command to the payout control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S354. In step S354, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for a game start + RT state command to be sent back from the payout control board 100 (ACK response).

[0226] Then, when the game start + RT state command that was sent is returned from the payout control board 100 as it is, the main control board 50 judges that there is an ACK response from the payout control board 100, and ends the processing according to this flowchart. When the processing according to this flowchart ends, the processing proceeds to step S208 shown in FIG. In contrast, if a predetermined time has elapsed since sending the game start + RT status command in step S353 and there is no ACK response (a timeout occurs), or an error command is sent from the payout control board 100 (a NAK response is received), the process returns to step S353 and the main control board 50 again executes the process of sending the game start + RT status command to the payout control board 100.

[0227] Next, a game start process in the payout control board 100 shown on the right side of FIG. 18 will be described. In step S451, the payout control board 100 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a game start + RT state command transmitted from the main control board 50. Then, when the game start + RT state command is received, the payout control board 100 proceeds to the next step S452, and executes a process for sending the received game start + RT state command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0228] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game ending process in the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In Fig. 19, the left flowchart shows the flow of game end processing in the main control board 50, and the right flowchart shows the flow of game end processing in the payout control board 100. Also, in Fig. 19, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts show the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 during game end processing.

[0229] First, there will be described the game ending process in the main control board 50 shown on the left side of Fig. 19. The flow chart shown on the left side of Fig. 19 shows the subroutine of the game ending process in step S208 of Fig. 13. In step S361, the main control board 50 executes a process to determine whether the third stop switch 42 (the stop switch 42 corresponding to the reel 31 that stops last) has changed from on to off. If it is determined that the third stop switch 42 has not been turned off, the process according to this flowchart ends. In contrast, if it is determined that the third stop switch 42 has been turned off, the process proceeds to step S362. In step S362, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a game end + game status command to the payout control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S363. In step S363, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for the game end + game status command to be sent back from the payout control board 100 (ACK response).

[0230] Then, when the transmitted game end + game status command is returned as is from the payout control board 100), the main control board 50 judges that there is an ACK response from the payout control board 100, and ends the processing according to this flowchart. When the processing according to this flowchart ends, the processing proceeds to step S209 shown in FIG. In contrast, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the game end + game status command was sent in step S362 and there is no ACK response (a timeout occurs), or an error command is sent from the payout control board 100 (a NAK response is received), the process returns to step S362 and the main control board 50 again executes the process of sending the game end + game status command to the payout control board 100.

[0231] Next, the game ending process in the payout control board 100 shown on the right side in FIG. 19 will be described. In step S461, the payout control board 100 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a game end + game status command transmitted from the main control board 50. Then, when the game end + game status command is received, the payout control board 100 proceeds to the next step S462, and executes a process for sending the received game end + game status command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response). Then, the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0232] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the payout process in the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In Fig. 20, the flowchart on the left side shows the flow of the dispensing process in the main control board 50, and the flowchart on the right side shows the flow of the dispensing process in the dispensing control board 100. Also, in Fig. 20, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts show the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 during the dispensing process.

[0233] First, there will be described the payout process in the main control board 50 shown on the left side of Fig. 20. The flowchart shown on the left side of Fig. 20 shows the subroutine of the payout process in step S209 of Fig. 13. In step S371, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a dispensing request command to the dispensing control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S372. In step S372, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for a dispensing repeat command to be transmitted from the dispensing control board 100 (ACK response to the dispensing request command).

[0234] Then, when the dispensing repeat command is received (the dispensing request command sent is returned as is from the dispensing control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that there is an ACK response to the dispensing request command from the dispensing control board 100, and ends the processing according to this flowchart. When the processing according to this flowchart ends, the processing returns to step S211 shown in FIG. In contrast, if a predetermined time has elapsed since sending the dispensing request command in step S371 and the dispensing repeat command is not received (a timeout occurs), or an error command is sent from the dispensing control board 100 (a NAK response is received), the process returns to step S371 and the main control board 50 again executes the process of sending a dispensing request command to the dispensing control board 100.

[0235] Next, the dispensing process in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the right side in FIG. 20 will be described. In step S471, the dispensing control board 100 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a dispensing request command transmitted from the main control board 50. Then, when a dispensing request command is received, the process proceeds to the next step S472, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process for transmitting a dispensing repeat command to the main control board 50 (sending the received dispensing request command back to the main control board 50 as is) (ACK response to the dispensing request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0236] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the return process in the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100. In Fig. 21, the flowchart on the left side shows the flow of the return process in the main control board 50, and the flowchart on the right side shows the flow of the return process in the dispensing control board 100. Also, in Fig. 21, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts show the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 during the return process.

[0237] First, there will be described the return process in the main control board 50 shown on the left side of Fig. 21. The flow chart shown on the left side of Fig. 20 shows the subroutine of the return process in step S210 of Fig. 13. In step S341, the main control board 50 executes a process of determining whether or not there are any electronic medals that have been bet. If it is determined that there are no electronic medals that have been bet, the process according to this flowchart ends. In contrast, if it is determined that there are electronic medals that have been bet, the process proceeds to the next step S343 when the operation (ON) of the cancel switch 46 is detected in the next step S342. In step S343, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a return request command to the dispensing control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S344. In step S344, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for a return repeat command to be transmitted from the dispensing control board 100 (ACK response to the return request command).

[0238] Then, when the return repeat command is received (the returned request command is returned as is from the dispensing control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that there is an ACK response to the return request command from the dispensing control board 100, and ends the process according to this flowchart. When the process according to this flowchart ends, the process returns to step S211 shown in FIG. In contrast, if a specified time has elapsed since sending the return request command in step S343 and the return repeat command is not received (a timeout occurs), or an error command is sent from the dispensing control board 100 (a NAK response is received), the process returns to step S343 and the main control board 50 again executes the process of sending a return request command to the dispensing control board 100.

[0239] Next, the return process in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the right side in FIG. 21 will be described. In step S441, the dispensing control board 100 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a return request command transmitted from the main control board 50. Then, upon receiving the return request command, the process proceeds to the next step S442, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process for transmitting a return readback command to the main control board 50 (sending the received return request command back to the main control board 50 as is) (ACK response to the return request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0240] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the power-on process in the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200. In Fig. 22, the left flowchart shows the flow of power-on processing 2 in the dispensing control board 100, and the right flowchart shows the flow of power-on processing in the management device 200. Also, in Fig. 22, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts show the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200 during the power-on processing. When the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 are powered on, a program on the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 is started, and a program on the management device 200 is started. At this time, a power-on process is executed on the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10, and a power-on process is executed on the management device 200.

[0241] Here, the power-on process 1 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the right side of Fig. 14 and the power-on process 2 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the left side of Fig. 22 are both processes executed in the dispensing control board 100 when the power is turned on, and some of the processes overlap. And, the same step numbers are given to processes with the same content. However, in the power-on process 1 for the dispensing control board 100 shown on the right side of Figure 14, only the processes necessary to explain the sending and receiving of commands between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 are extracted and illustrated, and other processes are omitted from the illustration. In contrast, in the power-on process 2 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the left side of Figure 22, the processes necessary to explain the sending and receiving of commands between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200 are extracted and illustrated, and other processes are omitted from the illustration.

[0242] First, the power-on process 2 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the left side in FIG. 22 will be described. In step S401, the dispensing control board 100 executes an initialization process. Then, when the initialization process is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S502. Note that step S401 in FIG. 22 and step S401 in FIG. 14 are the same process. When proceeding to step S502, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of sequentially transmitting the first byte to the fourth byte of the CPU unique ID to the dispensing control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S503. In step S503, the main control board 50 executes a process to determine whether or not the transmission of the fourth byte of the CPU unique ID has been completed. If it is determined that the transmission of the fourth byte of the CPU unique ID has been completed, the process according to this flowchart ends. In contrast, if it is determined that the transmission of the fourth byte of the CPU unique ID has not been completed, the process returns to step S502, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of transmitting the first byte to the fourth byte of the CPU unique ID to the dispensing control board 100 again in sequence.

[0243] Next, the power-on process in the management device 200 shown on the right side in FIG. 22 will be described. In step S601, the management device 200 executes an initialization process. Then, when the initialization process ends, the process proceeds to the next step S602. In step S602, the management device 200 executes a command reception process. This process is a process of receiving the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID transmitted from the dispensing control board 100. Then, when the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID are received, the process proceeds to the next step S603, and the management device 200 executes a process of determining whether the received command is a CPU unique ID.

[0244] If it is determined in step S603 that the received command is a CPU unique ID, the process proceeds to the next step S604, where the management device 200 executes a process of storing (saving) the first to fourth bytes of the received CPU unique ID in a predetermined storage area, and then proceeds to the next step S605. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S603 that the received command is not a CPU unique ID, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0245] In step S605, the management device 200 executes a process of determining whether or not reception of the fourth byte of the CPU unique ID has been completed. Then, when it is determined in step S605 that reception of the fourth byte of the CPU unique ID has been completed, the process proceeds to the next step S606, where the management device 200 executes a process of transmitting the first byte through the fourth byte of the CPU unique ID to the hall computer 300. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S605 that reception of the fourth byte of the CPU unique ID has not been completed, step S606 is skipped and the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0246] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of the lending process in the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200. In Fig. 23, the left flowchart shows the flow of the lending process 2 in the dispensing control board 100, and the right flowchart shows the flow of the lending process in the management device 200. Also, in Fig. 23, the arrow between the left and right flowcharts shows the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200 during the lending process.

[0247] Here, the lending process 1 in the dispensing control board 100 shown in Fig. 11 and the lending process 2 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the left side in Fig. 23 both show subroutines of the lending process in step S119 in Fig. 8, and some of the processes are overlapping. And, the same step numbers are given to processes with the same content. However, in the lending process 1 in the dispensing control board 100 shown in FIG. 11, the processing during the lending process is illustrated in detail. In contrast, in the loan process 2 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the left side of Figure 23, the processes necessary to explain the sending and receiving of commands between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200 are extracted and illustrated, and other processes are omitted from the illustration.

[0248] First, the lending process in the management device 200 shown on the right side of FIG. 23 will be described. In step S611, when the operation (ON) of the lending switch 202 is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S612, where the management device 200 executes a process of turning off the lending possible LED, a process of invalidating (not accepting) the operation of the lending switch 202, and a process of invalidating (not accepting) the operation of the return switch 203. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S613. The loanable LED is an LED that indicates whether or not the electronic medal can be loaned. When lit, it indicates that the electronic medal can be loaned, and when off, it indicates that the electronic medal cannot be loaned.

[0249] In step S613, the management device 200 transmits a lending request command to the dispensing control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S614. In step S614, the management device 200 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for a loan repeat command to be transmitted from the dispensing control board 100 (ACK response to the loan request command).

[0250] Then, when the loan repeat command is received (the loan request command that was sent is returned as is from the dispensing control board 100), the management device 200 determines that an ACK response to the loan request command has been received from the dispensing control board 100, and proceeds to the next step S615. Also, if an error command is sent from the dispensing control board 100 (a NAK response is received), proceed to step S617. Furthermore, if the lending repeat command is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the lending request command was sent in step S613 (timeout occurs), the process proceeds to step S618, and the management device 200 executes error processing.

[0251] In step S615, the management device 200 transmits a lending instruction command to the dispensing control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to step S616. In step S616, the management device 200 executes a process of subtracting the number of sheets lent, and then proceeds to the next step S617. In step S617, the management device 200 executes a process of turning on the lending available LED, a process of enabling (enabling) the operation of the lending switch 202, and a process of enabling (enabling) the operation of the return switch 203. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0252] Next, the lending process 2 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the left side in FIG. 23 will be described. In step S511, the dispensing control board 100 executes a command receiving process. This process is a process for receiving a lending request command transmitted from the management device 200. Then, when the lending request command is received, the process proceeds to step S118.

[0253] When the process proceeds to step S118, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of determining whether the received command is a lending request command. Note that step S118 in FIG. 23 and step S118 in FIG. 8 are the same process. If it is determined that the received command is a loan request command, the process proceeds to step S513, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of storing (saving) the received loan request command in a predetermined storage area of ​​the RWM 103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S514. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received command is not a loan request command, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0254] When proceeding to step S514, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process to determine whether or not the loan request can be accepted, specifically, whether or not adding the number of credits to the number of loans (the number indicated by the command following the loan request command) will exceed the upper limit of the number of credits. Here, if it is determined in step S514 that the loan request can be accepted, that is, if it is determined that the credit count plus the loan number is equal to or less than the upper limit of the credit count, the process proceeds to step S161, where the payout control board 100 executes a process of sending a loan repeat command to the management device 200 (sending the received loan request command back to the management device 200 as is) (ACK response to the loan request command).Then, the process proceeds to step S164.

[0255] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S514 that the loan request cannot be accepted, that is, if it is determined that adding the loan number to the credit number would exceed the upper limit of the credit number, the process proceeds to step S515, where the payout control board 100 transmits an error command to the management device 200 (NAK response). Then, the process proceeds to step S169, where the payout control board 100 executes a process to set an error flag. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0256] When proceeding to step S164, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process to determine whether or not a lending instruction command has been received. Here, when it is determined in step S164 that a lending instruction command has been received, the process proceeds to step S167, where the payout control board 100 executes a process of adding the lending number to the credit number, and then ends the process according to this flowchart.

[0257] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S164 that the lending instruction command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S169, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of setting an error flag, and then ends the process according to this flowchart. It should be noted that steps S161, S164, S167, and S169 in FIG. 23 and steps S161, S164, S167, and S169 in FIG. 11 are identical in content to each other.

[0258] 24 and 25 are flow charts showing the flow of the counting process in the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200. FIG. 25 is a flow chart continuing from FIG. 24 and 25, the left-hand flow chart shows the flow of the counting process in the dispensing control board 100, and the right-hand flow chart shows the flow of the counting process in the management device 200. Also, in Fig. 24 and 25, the arrows between the left-hand and right-hand flow charts show the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200 during the counting process.

[0259] Here, counting process 1 in the dispensing control board 100 shown in Fig. 12 and counting process 2 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the left side in Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 both show subroutines of the counting process in step S117 in Fig. 8, and some processes are overlapping. And, the same step numbers are given to processes with the same content. However, in counting process 1 in the dispensing control board 100 shown in FIG. 12, the processing during counting is illustrated in detail. In contrast, in counting process 2 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the left side of Figures 24 and 25, the processes necessary to explain the sending and receiving of commands between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200 are extracted and illustrated, and other processes are omitted from the illustration.

[0260] First, the counting process in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the left side in Figures 24 and 25 will be described. In step S181, the dispensing control board 100 transmits a lower-level counting request command to the management device 200. Then, the process proceeds to step S533. In step S533, the dispensing control board 100 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for a lower-order counting repeat command to be transmitted from the management device 200 (ACK response to the lower-order counting request command).

[0261] Then, when the lower counting repeat command is received (the sent lower counting request command is sent back as is from the management device 200), the dispensing control board 100 determines that an ACK response to the lower counting request command has been received from the management device 200, and proceeds to step S185. Moreover, if an error command is sent from the management device 200 (a NAK response is received), the process according to this flowchart ends. Furthermore, if the lower count repeat command is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the lower count request command was sent in step S181 (timeout occurs), the process proceeds to step S194, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process to set an error flag. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0262] In step S185, the dispensing control board 100 transmits a higher-level count request command to the management device 200. Then, the process proceeds to step S535 in FIG. In step S535, the dispensing control board 100 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for a higher-order counting repeat command to be transmitted from the management device 200 (ACK response to the higher-order counting request command).

[0263] Then, when the higher-order counting repeat command is received (the higher-order counting request command that was sent is sent back as is from the management device 200), the dispensing control board 100 determines that an ACK response to the higher-order counting request command has been received from the management device 200, and proceeds to step S189. In response to this, if an error command is sent from the management device 200 (there is a NAK response), or if a predetermined time has passed since the sending of the higher-order count request command in step S185 of Fig. 24 and the higher-order count repeat command has not been received (timeout occurs), the process proceeds to step S194, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process to set an error flag. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. The error processing in step S538 in FIG. 24 and the error processing in step S538 in FIG. 25 are the same processing.

[0264] When proceeding to step S189, the dispensing control board 100 sends a counting instruction command to the management device 200, and proceeds to step S191. In step S191, the amount of credits is cleared (set to "0"), and the process according to this flowchart ends. 24 and 25 and steps S181, S185, S189, S191 and S194 in FIG. 12 are identical in content to the processes in steps S181, S185, S189, S191 and S194 in FIG.

[0265] Next, the counting process in the management device 200 shown on the right side in FIGS. 24 and 25 will be described. In step S631, the management device 200 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a lower-level counting request command transmitted from the dispensing control board 100. Then, when the lower-level counting request command is received, the process proceeds to the next step S632.

[0266] In step S632, the management device 200 executes a process of determining whether the received command is a lower-level count request command. If it is determined in step S632 that the received command is a lower-level counting request command, the process proceeds to the next step S633, where the management device 200 executes a process of storing (saving) the received lower-level counting request command in a predetermined storage area, and then proceeds to the next step S634. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S632 that the received command is not a lower-order count request command, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0267] In step S634, the management device 200 executes a process of determining whether or not a counting (withdrawal) request can be accepted. Here, when it is determined in step S634 that the counting (refund) request can be accepted, the process proceeds to step S636, where the management device 200 executes a process of turning off the lending possible LED, a process of invalidating (not accepting) the operation of the lending switch 202, and a process of invalidating (not accepting) the operation of the return switch 203. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S637. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S634 that the counting (withdrawal) request cannot be accepted, the process proceeds to step S635, where the management device 200 transmits an error command to the dispensing control board 100 (NAK response). Then, the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0268] In step S637, the management device 200 executes a process of transmitting a lower count repeat command to the dispensing control board 100 (sending the received lower count request command back to the dispensing control board 100 as is) (ACK response to the lower count request command). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S638. In step S638, the management device 200 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a higher-order count request command transmitted from the dispensing control board 100. Then, when the higher-order count request command is received, the process proceeds to step S639 in FIG.

[0269] In step S639, the management device 200 executes a process of determining whether the received command is a higher-order count request command. If it is determined in step S639 that the received command is a higher-order counting request command, the process proceeds to step S641, where management device 200 executes a process of storing (saving) the received higher-order counting request command in a predetermined storage area, and then proceeds to step S642. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S639 that the received command is not a higher-order counting request command, the process proceeds to step S640, where the management device 200 transmits an error command to the dispensing control board 100 (NAK response). Then, the process proceeds to step S647, where the management device 200 executes error processing.

[0270] In step S642, the management device 200 executes a process of transmitting a higher-order counting repeat command to the dispensing control board 100 (sending the received higher-order counting request command back to the dispensing control board 100 as is) (ACK response). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S643. In step S643, the management device 200 executes a command receiving process. This process is a process for receiving a counting instruction command transmitted from the dispensing control board 100. Then, when the counting instruction command is received, the process proceeds to the next step S644.

[0271] In step S644, the management device 200 executes a process of determining whether the received command is a counting instruction command. If it is determined that the received command is a count instruction command, the process proceeds to the next step S645, where the management device 200 executes a process of reflecting the payout number specified from the lower-level count request command and the upper-level count request command in the number of electronic medals managed by the management device 200. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S646. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received command is not a count instruction command, the management device 200 proceeds to step S647 and executes error processing.

[0272] In step S646, the management device 200 executes a process of turning on the lending available LED, a process of enabling (enabling) the operation of the lending switch 202, and a process of enabling (enabling) the operation of the return switch 203. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0273] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing waveforms of data signals and strobe signals in serial communication between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200. Figures 23 to 25 show a loan request command, a lower counting request command, a higher counting request command, etc. as commands sent and received between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200, but as described above, these commands are composed of a preceding command (upper 8 bits) and a subsequent command (lower 8 bits).

[0274] In FIG. 26, the preceding command and the following command that make up these commands are treated as one unit, and the waveforms of the data signals and strobe signals are shown. As shown in Figure 26, data signals are transmitted one bit at a time between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200, from D0 bit (DB0) to D7 bit (DB7), and these are read one bit at a time when the strobe signal is on.

[0275] FIG. 27 is a timing chart showing the on / off states of each signal when an electronic medal is lent. Figure 23 shows the commands sent and received between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 when an electronic medal is lent, while Figure 27 shows the on / off timing of each signal of the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 when an electronic medal is lent.

[0276] As shown in FIG. 27, when the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 are powered on, the management device 200 is then ready to accept operation of the return switch 203 . After that, the data signals of the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 become "0", and the strobe signals of the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 turn off. After that, the management device 200 becomes able to accept the operation of the lending switch 202, and the operating state changes from the standby state to the normal state. Note that the normal state means a state in which the management device 200 is able to lend out electronic medals, and the game on the slot machine 10 is able to proceed.

[0277] Then, when the operation (ON) of the loan switch 202 of the management device 200 is detected, first, the operation of the loan switch 202 and the return switch 203 of the management device 200 becomes unacceptable, and then the preceding command and the succeeding command of the loan request command are sequentially transmitted from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10. Thereafter, the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 sequentially transmits the preceding command and the succeeding command of the loan replay command to the management device 200 . Thereafter, the management device 200 sequentially transmits the preceding command and the succeeding command of the lending instruction command to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 . Then, when the transmission of the lending instruction command is completed, the management device 200 becomes ready to accept operations of the lending switch 202 and the return switch 203 .

[0278] FIG. 28 is a timing chart showing the on / off states of each signal during counting (refunding) of electronic medals. Figures 24 and 25 show the commands sent and received between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 when counting electronic medals, while Figure 28 shows the on / off timing of each signal of the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 when counting electronic medals.

[0279] As shown in FIG. 28, when the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 are powered on, the management device 200 is then ready to accept operation of the return switch 203 . After that, the data signals of the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 become "0", and the strobe signals of the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 turn off. After that, the management device 200 becomes ready to accept operations of the lending switch 202, and the operating state changes from the standby state to the normal state. Up to this point, the process is the same as in FIG.

[0280] Then, when operation (ON) of the counting switch 47 of the slot machine 10 is detected, first, operation of the loan switch 202 and the return switch 203 of the management device 200 is rendered unacceptable, and then the preceding command and the succeeding command of the lower-level counting request command are sequentially transmitted from the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 to the management device 200. Thereafter, the management device 200 sequentially transmits the preceding command and the succeeding command of the lower count replay command to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 .

[0281] Thereafter, the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 sequentially transmits the preceding command and the succeeding command of the higher-order count request command to the management device 200 . Thereafter, the management device 200 sequentially transmits the preceding command and the succeeding command of the higher-order count replay command to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 . Thereafter, the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 sequentially transmits the preceding command and the succeeding command of the count instruction command to the management device 200 . Then, when the transmission of the counting instruction command is completed, the management device 200 becomes ready to accept operations of the lending switch 202 and the return switch 203 .

[0282] Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and various modifications such as those described below are possible. (1) In this embodiment, the various commands shown in Figures 4 to 7 are composed of 16 bits of data consisting of a preceding command (upper 8 bits) and a subsequent command (lower 8 bits). However, this is not limited to this and may be, for example, 8 bits or 32 bits.

[0283] (2) In this embodiment, commands are sent and received via serial communication between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100, and between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200, but this is not limited to this and parallel communication may also be used, or serial communication and parallel communication may be used together. (3) In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the main control board 50 sends a one-coin insertion request command three times to the payout control board 100 when the 3-bet switch 40b is turned on, but this is not limited to this, and the main control board 50 may also send a three-coin insertion request command once.

[0284] (4) In this embodiment, the main control board 50 sent a payout request command to the payout control board 100 when the third stop switch 42 changed from on to off, but this is not limited to this, and a payout request command may also be sent when all reels 31 have stopped. (5) In this embodiment, when the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off, the main control board 50 sends a payout request command with the number of coins to be paid out of “0” to the payout control board 100, even when no winning combination is achieved. However, this is not limited to the above, and it is not necessary for the main control board 50 to send a payout request command when no winning combination is achieved.

[0285] (6) In this embodiment, the slot machine 10 is taken as an example of one of the gaming machines, but the slot machine 10 is not limited to a "reel type gaming machine" (so-called "pachislot gaming machine") installed in a type 4 business hall subject to the Entertainment and Amusement Act, and can also be applied to, for example, a casino machine. In addition, the present invention may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine. (7) All of the embodiments and various modified examples described in this specification are not limited to being implemented alone, but can be implemented in any suitable combination.

[0286] <Second embodiment> The gaming machine 10 of the second embodiment is a medal-less gaming machine that does not use medals as tangible objects, similar to the first embodiment. Here, the term "medalless gaming machine" refers to a machine that does not use medals as physical objects. For this reason, even though it is a "medalless gaming machine," it is similar to conventional gaming machines in that it uses gaming media (gaming value) for play, and the gaming media used for play in a medalless gaming machine are sometimes simply referred to as "medals." Therefore, when referring to a "medal," it does not only refer to a tangible object, but may also refer to an intangible object (for example, electronic data). Furthermore, medals as intangible objects may be referred to as game media, game value, points (or simply "points"), electronic medals, electronic data, electronic information, electronic game media, electronic game value, etc. In the following description of the second embodiment, "medals" as intangible objects used in the gaming machine 10 (medalless gaming machine) are referred to as "game media".

[0287] "Renting" refers to transmitting gaming media necessary for playing a game from the rental unit 200 to the gaming machine 10. The term "credit" refers to storing (accumulating, crediting) gaming media in the gaming machine 10. The term "credited gaming media" corresponds to data stored in the RWM 103 of the gaming media count control board 100. A "bet" refers to placing a bet on gaming media to play a game. When the bet switch 40 (the 1 bet switch 40a or the 3 bet switch 40b) is operated, a predetermined number of gaming media is bet from among the gaming media corresponding to the data stored in the RWM 103 of the gaming media count control board 100. "Bet" is also called "insertion." Note that "insertion" does not only refer to inserting actual medals into the gaming machine through the medal insertion slot, but also includes betting gaming media (electronic medals) by operating the bet switch 40.

[0288] "Settlement" refers to returning the bet game media to the RWM 103 of the game media count control board 100 (to credits), and is performed by operating the settlement switch 46. "Settlement" may also be called "return" or "cancellation." Therefore, the "settlement switch 46" may also be called the "return switch 46" or the "cancellation switch 46." When the bet switch 40 is operated in a situation where game media are stored as data (credits) in the RWM 103 of the game media count control board 100, a predetermined number of game media are bet (added as the number of bets), and the data (number of credits) of the RWM 103 of the game media count control board 100 is subtracted by the number of bets. On the other hand, when the settlement switch 46 is operated in a situation where game media have been bet, the number of bets (number of game media) up to that point becomes "0", and the number of bets up to that point is added to the RWM 103 of the game media count control board 100 (returned to credits).

[0289] The term "award" refers to adding a number of gaming media corresponding to the payout of a winning combination to the credit amount stored in the gaming machine 10 based on the winning combination. "Giving" is also called "paying out." Note that "paying out" does not only mean discharging actual medals from the medal return port, but also includes the process of adding the number of gaming media stored in the RWM 103 of the gaming media count control board 100, the number of gaming media corresponding to the winning of the minor winning combination, to the number of gaming media stored in the RWM 103 of the gaming media count control board 100, when the minor winning combination is won. In the second embodiment, the "payout means 67" in the first embodiment is referred to as "amount-of-award control means 67". "Counting" refers to returning (credited) gaming media stored in the gaming machine 10 (RWM 103 of the gaming media count control board 100) to the lending unit 200, and is performed by operating the counting switch 47. When the counting switch 47 is operated, a predetermined number of gaming media stored in the gaming machine 10 is subtracted, and the subtracted amount of gaming media is added to the lending unit 300 side.

[0290] The "return" of game media from the lending unit 200 means that the number of game media stored in the lending unit 200 is stored in a game media number storage medium (magnetic card, IC card, IC coin, etc.) and discharged to the outside (player). When the number of game media stored in the lending unit 200 is stored in the game media number storage medium, a reader / writer is used (the lending unit 200 has a built-in reader / writer). As mentioned above, "settlement" may be referred to as "return," but in the second embodiment, "return" refers to storing the number of gaming media stored in the lending unit 200 in a gaming media number storage medium and discharging it to the outside (player).

[0291] The LEDs of the set value display means 73 and the role ratio monitor 113 used in the second embodiment are configured with 7 segments for each digit. And, "7 segments" means that in addition to the 7 segment elements, they have a DP (decimal point) segment.

[0292] "Notification" corresponds to sending (outputting) a message from the gaming machine 10 to the rental unit 200, or from the rental unit 200 to the gaming machine 10, and is synonymous with "transmission" and "output." In the following, for example, the gaming machine information notification may be referred to as "sending" the gaming machine information notification, or, for example, the gaming machine information may be referred to as "notifying" the gaming machine information.

[0293] At least a part of the storage area of ​​the RWM or ROM may be referred to as a "storage area" or a "storage means", both of which have the same meaning. Also, the control board (main, sub, etc.) may be referred to as the "control means." Furthermore, the CPU may be referred to as the "control means."

[0294] 29 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 10 (slot machine) in the second embodiment. Note that, although the first embodiment was referred to as the "slot machine 10", the second embodiment will be referred to as the "gaming machine 10". Also, in the first embodiment, it is referred to as the "main control board 50", but in the second embodiment, it is referred to as the "main control board 50". Similarly, in the first embodiment, it is referred to as the "sub-control board 80", but in the second embodiment, it is referred to as the "sub-control board 80". However, the main control board may be referred to as the main control board, and the sub-control board may be referred to as the sub-control board (both have the same meaning). In addition, in the first embodiment, it is called the "payout control board 100", but in the second embodiment, it is called the "game media number control board 100". However, the game media number control board may be called the payout control board, and both have the same meaning.

[0295] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, it is called the "credit number display LED 76", but in the second embodiment, it is called the "game media number display unit 121." Both have the same function and are composed of, for example, a five-digit LED. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, it is called "acquired number display LED 78", but in the second embodiment, it is called "award number display unit 78". Both have the same function and are composed of, for example, a two-digit LED.

[0296] When the main control board 50 is regarded as one of the main control boards, the game media number control board 100 is the other of the main control boards. For this reason, the RWM 53, ROM 54, and CPU 55 of the main control board 50 may be referred to as the first main control RWM 53, the first main control ROM 54, and the first main control CPU 55, respectively. Furthermore, the RWM 103, the ROM 104, and the CPU 105 of the game media number control board 100 may be referred to as a second main control RWM 103, a second main control ROM 14, and a second main control CPU 105, respectively.

[0297] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, it is called a "management device (CR unit) 200", but in the second embodiment, it is called a "rental unit 200". Both have the same function. Also, the lending unit 200 may be called a "dedicated unit 200". One lending unit 200 is provided for one gaming machine 10. In other words, one lending unit 200 is a device dedicated to one gaming machine 10. In contrast, the hall computer 300 electrically connected to the rental unit 200 may be provided for each rental unit 200, or one hall computer 300 may be provided for multiple rental units 200. Similarly, a management computer 400 electrically connected to the lending unit 200 may be provided for each lending unit 200 (the lending unit 200 and the management computer 400 may be connected one-to-one), or one management computer 400 may be provided for multiple lending units 200.

[0298] The hall computer 300 is a computer for collecting data for the operation of the hall. For example, it tally up the number of games played on the day, the number of ins (inserts), the number of outs (awarded), MY (number of differences, number of coins difference), the number of times the device was activated, the number of loans, etc. The control computer 400 is a computer for transmitting information to the outside (for example, an external center outside the hall). Like the hall computer 300, the control computer 400 is also installed in the hall. In FIG. 29, the hall computer 300 and the management computer 400 are provided separately, but these may also be integrated into one computer.

[0299] In the main control board 50, as a part of the storage area of ​​the RWM 53, a bet number storage means 53a and an award number storage means 53b are provided. The bet number storage means 53a stores the current number of bets. Meanwhile, a bet number display unit 77 is connected to the main control board 50. The bet number display unit 77 is a device that displays the bet number stored in the bet number storage means 53a, and is composed of, for example, a two-digit LED. The awarded number storage means 53b stores the number of awarded game media when a predetermined number of game media are awarded based on the winning of a minor combination. Meanwhile, a grant number display unit 78 is connected to the main control board 50. The grant number display unit 78 is a device that displays the grant number stored in the grant number storage means 53b, and is composed of, for example, a two-digit LED.

[0300] Furthermore, although not shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 1), a set value display means 73 is mounted on the main control board 50. The set value display means 73 is composed of, for example, a single-digit LED, and can display the current set value in a setting change state or a setting confirmation state. Meanwhile, a role ratio monitor 113, which will be described later, is mounted on the game media number control board 100, not on the main control board 50. However, this is not limiting, and the role ratio monitor 113 may be mounted on the main control board 50.

[0301] The game media number control board 100 is also referred to as a second main control board (means), a payout control board (means), a medal count control board (means), a medal count display control board (means), or a game media number display control board (means), etc. Like the main control board 50, the game media number control board 100 requires security to prevent fraud, and is therefore housed in a board case and sealed with a crimp (sealing member) so that it is difficult to open the board case (access to the game media number control board 100).

[0302] The game media number control board 100, like the main control board 50, includes an independent RWM 103, a ROM 104, and a CPU 105. The RWM 103, the ROM 104, and the CPU 105 may be built into one chip. The game media number control board 100 is configured to control the display of the game media number display unit 121, transmit information to the lending unit 200 via the connection terminal board 130, and receive information from the lending unit 200 via the connection terminal board 130. The game media number control board 100 is also configured to transmit information to the main control board 50 and receive information from the main control board 50. In FIG. 29, the direction of the arrow between each board indicates the direction of transmission and reception of information. Therefore, the main control board 50 and the game media number control board 100 are configured to be able to perform two-way communication.

[0303] 29, the main control board 50 and the game media number control board 100 are configured as separate bodies, but it is also possible to configure them from a single main control board. In this case, however, the first main control RWM 53, the first main control ROM 54, the first main control CPU 55, the second main control RWM 103, the second main control ROM 104, and the second main control CPU 105 are provided on one board.

[0304] The RWM 103 of the game media count control board 100 is provided with game media count storage means 103a (also referred to as "game media count storage area (_NB_MEDAL)") that stores the number of game media (number of credits). When game media are awarded due to the winning of a minor prize, the number of game media (data) in the game media count storage means 103a is updated (added). Furthermore, when gaming media are bet to start a game, the gaming media (data) in the gaming media number storage means 103a are updated (subtracted) by the number of gaming media corresponding to the number of bets.

[0305] A game media number display board 120 is electrically connected to the game media number control board 100. A game media number display unit 121 is mounted on this game media number display board 120. The game media number display unit 121 displays the number of game media stored in the game media number storage means 103a, and is composed of, for example, a five-digit LED. For example, assume that the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means 103a is "100." In this case, the game medium number display unit 121 displays "100."

[0306] When the 3 bet switch 40b is operated to start a game, the bet operation signal is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the number of gaming media control board 100. The number of gaming media control board 100 judges whether or not the bet is possible based on the number of gaming media stored in the number of gaming media storage means 103a, and transmits a bet signal to the main control board 50 when it judges that the bet is possible. When the main control board 50 receives the bet signal, it executes a bet process and stores the number of bets in the number of bets storage means 53a. When the number of bets stored in the number of bets storage means 53a is updated from "0" to "3", the display (lowest digit) of the number of bets display unit 77 is also updated from "0" to "3".

[0307] Furthermore, when the gaming media number control board 100 transmits a bet signal to the main control board 50 as described above, it updates the number of gaming media stored in the gaming media number storage means 103a. In this example, the number of gaming media is updated from "100" to "97". When the number of gaming media stored in the gaming media number storage means 103a is updated from "100" to "97", the display on the gaming media number display unit 121 is also updated from "100" to "97".

[0308] A settlement switch 46 is connected to the main control board 50. The settlement switch 46 is a switch that is operated when returning the gaming media that have been bet (in other words, when resetting the number of bets to "0"). When the number of bets is stored in the bet number storage means 53a and displayed on the bet number display unit 77, if the settlement switch 46 is operated before the start switch 41 is operated (before the game begins), the number of bets is returned (returned to the original state). For example, as in the above example, when "3" is stored in the bet number storage means 53a and "97" is stored in the game media number storage means 103a, when the settlement switch 46 is operated, the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is updated from "3" to "0." As a result, the display on the bet number display unit 77 is updated from "3" to "0."

[0309] Furthermore, based on the operation of the settlement switch 46, a settlement signal (a signal corresponding to returning the bet number "3") is sent from the main control board 50 to the number of gaming media control board 100. Upon receiving this settlement signal, the number of gaming media control board 100 updates the number of gaming media stored in the number of gaming media storage means 103a from "97" to "100". As a result, the display on the number of gaming media display unit 121 is updated from "97" to "100".

[0310] In this way, the settlement switch 46 is used to reset the bet game media (to reset the bet number to "0"). Therefore, even if the settlement switch 46 is operated, the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means 103a is not subtracted. In addition, even if the settlement switch 46 is operated when the number of bets is not stored in the bet number storage means 53a, the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a remains "0", and the number of gaming media stored in the gaming media number storage means 103a also remains the same. In order to start such a settlement process, it is determined whether or not the settlement switch 46 has been operated, and if the settlement switch 46 has not been operated, the settlement process is not started, and if the settlement switch 46 has been operated, it is determined whether or not the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is "0". Furthermore, if the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is "0", the settlement process is not started, and if the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is not "0", the settlement process is started. As a result, when comparing a situation in which the settlement switch 46 is operated with a situation in which the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is "0", the number of situations in which the settlement switch 46 is operated is relatively fewer, so by first determining whether or not the settlement switch 46 is operated, it is possible to reduce the processing burden.

[0311] When the start switch 41 is operated under the condition that the number of bets is "3", the number of bets for the game is confirmed and the game starts (the reels 31 start spinning). In this case, the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a may be cleared when the start switch 41 is operated (at the start of the game), or may be cleared when all the reels 31 stop. When the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is cleared, the display on the bet number display unit 77 is also updated to "0".

[0312] In the game, for example, when a minor role with a prize number of "8" is won, the main control board 50 stores "8" in the prize number storage means 53b. When the value stored in the prize number storage means 53b is updated to "8", the display (lowest digit) of the prize number display unit 78 is also updated from "0" to "8". Furthermore, when game media are awarded, an award (payout) signal is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the game media count control board 100. When the game media count control board 100 receives the award signal, it adds the number of game media corresponding to the award signal to the number of game media stored in the game media count storage means 103a. In this example, the number of game media stored in the game media count storage means 103a is updated from "97" to "105". When the number of game media stored in the game media count storage means 103a is updated from "97" to "105", the display on the game media number display unit 121 is also updated from "97" to "105".

[0313] In addition, after the award number is stored in the award number storage means 53b, the award number stored in the award number storage means 53b is cleared when the start switch 41 of the next game is operated (at the start of the game) or when all the reels 31 of the next game are stopped. When the award number stored in the award number storage means 53b is cleared, the display of the award number display unit 78 is also updated to "0".

[0314] The game medium number display unit 121 is configured to display error information corresponding to the error that has occurred. In this case, error information may be displayed instead of the number of game media displayed on the game medium number display unit 121, or the number of game media and the error information may be displayed alternately. For example, the number of game media may be displayed for "3" seconds → error information may be displayed for "3" seconds → number of game media may be displayed for "3" seconds → .... In addition, when the game medium number display unit 121 is composed of a five-digit LED, if the error information to be displayed is, for example, "E1", it may be displayed as "000E1", "---E1", "E1000", "E1---", etc.

[0315] Here, in the case where the number of game media display unit 121 is not caused to display error information corresponding to the error that has occurred, the error information corresponding to the error that has occurred may be displayed on the number of granted display unit 78. In this case, the number of granted display unit 78 may display the error information after displaying the number of granted game media. For example, as described above, in the case where the number of granted game media is "8", the number of granted display unit 78 may display (count up) "00" → "01" → "02" →... "07" → "08", and then display "E1" (an example of an error code).

[0316] The counting switch 47 is electrically connected to the game media number control board 100. Although not shown, the counting switch 47 is provided on the control panel of the gaming machine 10, for example, in the same manner as the bet switch 40. When the counting switch 47 is operated, the game media (information) stored in the game media number storage means 103a can be transmitted to the lending unit 200 via the connection terminal board 130. For example, when the counting switch 47 is operated in a situation where the game media number "200" is stored in the game media number storage means 103a, the information "200" is transmitted as a count value to the connection terminal board 130, and then the information "200" can be transmitted as a count value to the lending unit 200. Then, the counting switch 47 is operated, and "0" is stored in the game media number storage means 103a after the count value is transmitted.

[0317] In addition, when the counting switch 47 is operated while the gaming medium number display unit 121 displays "200" before the counting switch 47 is operated and the information "200" is sent to the lending unit 200 as a count value, the display on the gaming medium number display unit 121 is updated to "0."

[0318] The game media number control board 100 is provided with a total game media number clear switch 112. When the total game media number clear switch 112 is operated, the (total) number of game media stored in the game media number storage means 103a of the game media number control board 100 can be cleared ("0" is stored). When the number of game media stored in the game media number storage means 103a is cleared, the number of game media displayed on the game media number display unit 121 is also updated to "0". It should be noted that the information cleared by operating the total number of game media clear switch 112 is only the total number of game media stored in the game media number storage means 103a, and other information is not cleared.

[0319] For example, when the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is "3" and the number of gaming media stored in the gaming media number storage means 103a is "1000," if the total number of gaming media clear switch 112 is operated, the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a remains "3," but the number of gaming media stored in the gaming media number storage means 103a becomes "0." In other words, the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is not cleared by operating the total number of gaming media clear switch 112. Similarly, when "50" is stored as the number of lendable game media in the lendable game media number storage means 206 of the lending unit 200 and the number of game media stored in the game media number storage means 103a is "1000," if the total game media number clear switch 112 is operated, the number of lendable game media stored in the lendable game media number storage means 206 remains "50," but the number of game media stored in the game media number storage means 103a becomes "0." In other words, the number of lendable game media stored in the lendable game media number storage means 206 is not cleared by operating the total game media number clear switch 112.

[0320] The total game media number clear switch 112 may be operated by pressing it once, by pressing it for a predetermined period of time, or by turning on the power while the switch is pressed. The total game media number clear switch 112 is located in a position where the player cannot operate it, such as on the game media number control board 100, inside the cabinet of the gaming machine 10, or on the back of the front door of the gaming machine 10. When the number of game media is cleared by operating the total game media number clear switch 112, the total game media number clear status is turned on, the on status is maintained until one game is completed, and the total game media number clear status is turned off after the one game is completed. Information on the total number of game media clear status may be transmitted to the lending unit 200. When the lending unit 200 receives information that the total number of game media clear status is on, it clears the total number of game media stored in the lending unit 200. In addition, when lending game media are granted from the lending unit 200 in a situation where the total number of game media clear status is on in the gaming machine 10, the total number of game media clear status remains on and the number of loaned game media is newly added to the number of game media storage means 103a.

[0321] Furthermore, the total game media number clear switch 112 is invalid even if it is operated during play, and is valid when it is operated during game standby (before the game starts or after the game ends). In this case, the game media number control board 100 determines whether or not a game is being played based on the game start information and game end information transmitted from the main control board 50, and invalidates the operation of the total game media number clear switch 112 when a game is being played.

[0322] However, the total game media number clear switch 112 may be enabled by operation during a game. In this case, the total game media number clear status is changed from ON to OFF based on the end of the next game of the game in which the total game media number clear switch 112 was operated. In other words, the total game media number clear status is maintained ON at the end of the game in which the total game media number clear switch 112 was operated, and the total game media number clear status is turned OFF when the next game ends. This makes it possible to maintain the total game media number clear status ON for the next game even if the total game media number clear status is only ON for a short time (the total game media number clear switch 112 is operated just before the end of the game), thereby preventing fraud such as clearing the total game media number.

[0323] In addition, the total game media count clear status may be turned off after the end of a game in which the total game media count clear switch 112 is operated. In this case, it is possible to reduce capacity by standardizing the program that updates the total game media count clear status.

[0324] The role ratio monitor 113 displays a predetermined ratio, and is composed of, for example, a 4-digit LED (7 segments (with DP segments)). In the second embodiment, the interrupt period of the game media number control board 100 is set to "1" ms. The interrupt period of the main control board 50 is "2.235" ms. Four interrupts constitute one cycle, and the four-digit LED of the role ratio monitor 113 is dynamically lit. Specifically, for example, an LED display counter is provided, and for each interrupt, "00000001(B)" "00000010(B)" "00000100(B)" "00001000(B)" Configure it to cycle through.

[0325] When the LED display counter is "00000001(B)", the LED in the ones digit of the role ratio monitor 113 can be lit (other LEDs are off), when the LED display counter is "00000010(B)", the LED in the tens digit of the role ratio monitor 113 can be lit (other LEDs are off), when the LED display counter is "00000100(B)", the LED in the hundreds digit of the role ratio monitor 113 can be lit (other LEDs are off), and when the LED display counter is "00001000(B)", the LED in the thousands digit of the role ratio monitor 113 can be lit (other LEDs are off).

[0326] Of the four LEDs that make up the winning ratio monitor 113, the two LEDs on the left (thousands and hundreds) are called "identification segments" and display the type of information. The two LEDs on the right (tens and ones) are called "ratio segments" and display the calculated ratio. In the second embodiment, the role ratio monitor 113 repeatedly displays the following six items of information (1) to (6) as ratios at predetermined time intervals. (1) Indicated role ratio (cumulative) (7P.), or advantageous zone ratio (cumulative) (7U.) (2) Ratio of consecutive games (6000 games) (6 years) (3) Ratio of gimmicks (6000 games) (7 years) (4) Ratio of consecutive features (cumulative) (6A.) (5) Ratio of special features (cumulative) (7A.) (6) Ratio of the condition of the accessories, etc. (cumulative) (5H.)

[0327] When displaying a ratio using the discrimination segment and the ratio segment, the DP segment in the ones digit of the discrimination segment is lit to clearly distinguish the boundary between the discrimination segment and the ratio segment. In this case, the DP segments in the tens digit of the discrimination segment and the tens and ones digits of the ratio segment are not lit. In the above notation, for example, "P." means that "P" is displayed using the 7-segment unit digit of the identification segment, and the DP segment of that 7-segment is lit.

[0328] For example, when displaying the cumulative ratio of instructed reels, if the ratio is "50"%, the symbol "7P." indicating the cumulative ratio of instructed reels is displayed in the identification segment, and "50" is displayed in the ratio segment. Here, "cumulative" refers to the sum of the values ​​that have been counted up to that point, and in this embodiment, the count continues until the number of games reaches at least "175,000." Even after the number of games reaches "175,000," the counter continues to add until it reaches a value (upper limit) that can be stored in the storage area of ​​a predetermined address of the RWM 103. In addition, "6000 games" refers to the total number of games played over 15 sets, with one set being "400" games played.

[0329] The ratios of the above six items are explained below. (1) Ratio of accessories including instructions (cumulative total) "Ratio of game devices including instructions (cumulative)" is a ratio with the cumulative number of awards ("number of awards" refers to the number of gaming media awarded; the same applies below) as the denominator and the sum of the cumulative number of awards when game devices are activated that are awarded by the operation of the game devices (RB, CB, SB) and the cumulative number of instruction awards that are awarded by the operation of the instruction function as the numerator. The above "sum" refers to, first, when a memory area for storing the number of points awarded when the reel is activated and a memory area for storing the number of points awarded by command are provided separately, the sum of the values ​​stored in both memory areas. Also, second, when a single memory area (a reel counter with command) is provided for storing both the number of points awarded when the reel is activated and the number of points awarded when the command function is activated (hereinafter referred to as the "number of points awarded by command-included reel"), the sum of the values ​​in the single memory area.

[0330] For example, if the number of plays is "175,000" or more, the cumulative number of awarded points is "200,000," and the cumulative number of awarded command-included features is "100,000," the ratio of awarded command-included features is calculated as "50." Note that "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative total for all plays. For example, if the cumulative number of awarded points reaches a predetermined upper limit (e.g., "1,677,215") or if the cumulative number of plays is added to the number of plays of the current play and the result exceeds the upper limit, the cumulative number of awarded points and the sum of the cumulative number of awarded points when features are activated and the cumulative number of awarded command are not updated in subsequent plays.

[0331] In addition, the "operation of the instruction function" corresponds to a game in which the operation mode of the stop switch 42 for obtaining a favorable game result is notified (instructed) in a game in which a winning combination (winning number) that gives an advantageous / disadvantageous game result is obtained according to the operation mode of the stop switch 42. For example, it corresponds to a game in which the correct push order is notified when the so-called push order bell is won. In addition, in a gaming machine 10 that is not equipped with a special feature, the "special feature ratio including instructions" is the cumulative number of instructions granted by the operation of the instruction function divided by the total number of instructions granted.

[0332] Regarding the "number of awards in a game in which the instruction function is activated," when a small prize of, for example, "15" is won based on the stop switch 42 being operated in the displayed push order in a game in which the instruction function is activated, "15" is added to the number of awards of the instructed feature and the total number of awards. In contrast, in a game in which the instruction function is activated, if the stop switch 42 is operated in a different pressing sequence from that displayed, resulting in a small win with an award number of, for example, "3," "3" is added to the number of instructed role awards and the total number of awards. In addition, in a game in which the instruction function is activated, if the stop switch 42 is operated in a different pressing sequence from that displayed, causing a winning combination to be missed (when the combination is not a winning combination), the number of instructed combinations awarded and the total number of combinations awarded will be the same as in the previous game.

[0333] In addition, in a game in which the instruction function is activated, if the stop switch 42 is operated in a different pressing order from that displayed and a winning combination is missed, the values ​​of both the number of awarded symbols (counters) can be made the same as in the previous game by executing a process of adding "0" to the number of awarded symbols with instruction and the total number of awarded symbols.

[0334] (2) Favorable Zone Ratio (Cumulative) "Advantageous zone ratio (cumulative)" is the ratio of the cumulative number of times played to the cumulative number of times played in the advantageous zone as the numerator. For example, if the cumulative number of times played is "20,000" and the cumulative number of times played in the advantageous zone is "18,000", the advantageous zone ratio is calculated as "90". In addition, "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative total of all games. For example, when the cumulative number of games reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "65535"), the cumulative number of games and the number of games in the advantageous zone are not updated in subsequent games. Either the "Instruction-included feature ratio (cumulative)" or the "Advantageous zone ratio (cumulative)" is displayed depending on the specifications of the gaming machine 10. Specifically, a gaming machine equipped with an instruction function displays the "Instruction-included feature ratio (cumulative)" and does not need to display the "Advantageous zone ratio (cumulative)." In contrast, a gaming machine not equipped with an instruction function displays the "Advantageous zone ratio (cumulative)" and does not display the "Instruction-included feature ratio (cumulative)."

[0335] (3) Continuous feature ratio (6000 games), Continuous feature ratio (cumulative) "Continuous feature ratio (6000 plays)" is the ratio in which the number of prizes awarded for 6000 plays is the denominator and the number of prizes awarded when continuous features (RB) are activated during 6000 plays is the numerator. In addition, the "continuous feature ratio (cumulative)" is a ratio in which the number of bonuses awarded in the cumulative number of games is the denominator, and the number of bonuses awarded when the continuous feature (RB) is activated in the cumulative number of games is the numerator. For example, if the cumulative number of games is a predetermined number (for example, 17,500 times) or more, the number of bonuses awarded in the cumulative number of games is "20,000", and the cumulative number of bonuses awarded when the continuous feature is activated is "10,000", the continuous feature ratio (cumulative) is calculated as "50". In addition, "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative total for all games. For example, if the cumulative total number of awards reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "65535"), or if the cumulative total number of awards added to the current game exceeds the upper limit, the cumulative total number of awards and the cumulative number of game media awarded when consecutive features are activated are not updated in subsequent games.

[0336] (4) Ratio of features (6,000 games), Ratio of features (cumulative) "Feature Ratio (6000 games)" is the ratio in which the number of prizes awarded for 6000 games is the denominator and the number of prizes awarded when the features (RB, CB, SB) are activated during 6000 games is the numerator. In addition, the "reel ratio (cumulative)" is a ratio in which the number of awards in the cumulative number of times played is the denominator and the number of awards when the reels (RB, CB, SB) are activated in the cumulative number of times played is the numerator. For example, if the cumulative number of times played is a predetermined number (for example, 17,500 times) or more, the cumulative number of awards is "20,000", and the cumulative number of awards when the reels are activated is "10,000", the reel ratio (cumulative) is calculated as "50". In addition, "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative total for all games. For example, if the cumulative total number of awarded items reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "65535"), or if the cumulative total number of awarded items added to the current game exceeds the upper limit, the cumulative total number of awarded items and the cumulative number of awarded game media when the game device is activated are not updated in subsequent games.

[0337] (5) Ratio of the condition of accessories, etc. (cumulative) The "Ratio of the state of the reels, etc. (cumulative)" is a ratio in which the cumulative number of plays is the denominator and the number of plays in which the reels (RB, CB, SB) are activated or the number of plays in which the consecutive reels (1BB, 2BB) are activated is the numerator. For example, if the cumulative number of plays is "20,000" and the cumulative number of plays when the reels are activated or when the consecutive reels are activated is "5,000", the ratio of the state of the reels, etc. (cumulative) is calculated as "25". In addition, the cumulative total does not necessarily mean the cumulative total of all games. For example, when the cumulative number of games reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "175,000"), the cumulative number of games and the number of games when the special feature is activated and when the consecutive special feature is activated are not updated in subsequent games.

[0338] In addition, for gaming machines that do not have the function corresponding to any of the above six items, the ratio segment will be displayed as "--". For example, if the machine is not equipped with an "RB (first type special feature)", there is no continuous feature ratio, so when the "continuous feature ratio (6000 games)" and "continuous feature ratio (cumulative)" are displayed, the ratio segment is displayed as "--".

[0339] Furthermore, if the ratio calculation result has decimal places, the decimal places are rounded down before displaying. For example, if the ratio calculation result is "49.99", it will be displayed as "49". Furthermore, when the ratio is calculated and the result is "100", it will be displayed as "99". In addition, if the ratio is calculated to be less than 10, a 0 will be displayed in the tens place. For example, if the ratio is calculated to be 9%, it will be displayed as 09.

[0340] The identification segment and ratio segment of the role ratio monitor 113 may be displayed flashing. First, if the ratio is equal to or greater than a threshold, the ratio segment is displayed blinking. The thresholds (%) for each ratio are as follows: (1) Indicated role ratio (cumulative) or advantageous zone ratio (cumulative): 70 (2) Continuous feature ratio (6000 games): 60 (3) Ratio of gimmicks (6000 games): 70 (4) Continuous feature ratio (cumulative): 60 (5) Role ratio (cumulative): 70 (6) Status ratio of accessories (cumulative): 50 Therefore, for example, when the command-included reel ratio (cumulative) is "69," the "69" in the ratio segment will be lit when the command-included reel ratio (cumulative) is displayed, but when it is "70," it will be flashing.

[0341] Secondly, when the cumulative number of games does not reach the reference number of games, the identification segment is displayed in a flashing manner. The standard number of plays for each ratio is as follows: (1) Indicated role ratio (cumulative) or advantageous zone ratio (cumulative): 175,000 (2) Continuous feature ratio (6000 games): 6000 (3) Ratio of bonuses (6000 games): 6000 (4) Continuous feature ratio (cumulative): 17,500 (5) Gadget ratio (cumulative): 17,500 (6) Status ratio of accessories, etc. (cumulative): 175,000

[0342] Therefore, for example, when the cumulative number of plays is "6000", the identification segment (6y.) is displayed in a lit state when the consecutive feature ratio (6000 plays) is displayed. On the other hand, when the cumulative number of plays is "5999", the identification segment (6y.) is displayed in a blinking state when the consecutive feature ratio (6000 plays) is displayed. In addition, if the cumulative number of plays is less than "400" per set of counting units, "00" is displayed in the ratio segment.

[0343] Furthermore, when the identification segment or ratio segment is displayed in a flashing manner, it is preferable that one flashing cycle, consisting of a lighting time of 0.3 seconds and an off time of 0.3 seconds, be 0.6 seconds, with a tolerance of ±10%. In the second embodiment, switching between on and off in the blinking display is managed (controlled) as follows. First, the RWM 103 is provided with "blink switching time (_TM_CHG_FLS)" (2 bytes) as a timer area for managing the blink switching time.

[0344] The blinking switching time is initialized (stores "0") when the gaming machine 10 is powered on, and is incremented by "1" for each interrupt. As described above, one interrupt time is "1" ms. Furthermore, the blinking switching time is configured to cycle between "0" and "299". In addition, the RWM 103 includes a "blinking switch flag (_FL_CHG_FLS)" (1 byte) as a flag for determining whether the light is on or off. The blinking switch flag is initialized (stores "0") when the power is turned on, and then switches between "0" and "1" every "300" ms. "0" means the light is on, and "1" means the light is off.

[0345] To update the blinking switching time, the process subtracts "299" from the current timer value. Specifically, it is as follows. Example 1) When the initial value is "0" and an update process is performed, the result becomes "0-299=298". At this time, a carry flag becomes "1" because a borrow occurs. Example 2) When the blinking switching time is "298", if an update process is performed, the result will be "298-299=1". At this time, a borrow occurs, so the carry flag becomes "1". Example 3) When the blinking switching time is "299", if an update process is performed, the result will be "299-299=0". In this case, since no borrow occurs, the carry flag will be "0".

[0346] Then, as a result of updating the blinking switching time, if the carry flag is "1", the blinking switching flag is not updated, and if the carry flag is "0", the blinking switching flag is updated. This causes the blinking switching flag to switch every "300" ms. Specifically, it is as follows. Example 1) When the blinking switch flag is "0" (on), performing an update process changes it to "1" (off). Example 2) When the blinking switch flag is "1" (off), performing an update process changes it to "0" (on).

[0347] Furthermore, the role ratio monitor 113 displays a test pattern to enable confirmation of whether or not each LED segment element operates normally. After the power is turned on, the test pattern displays "8.8.8.8." (all segment elements of all LEDs (including segment DP)) until the number of times the carry flag above becomes "0" reaches "16," i.e., until "300 ms x 16 times = 4,800 ms" has elapsed. In addition, since each of the four digit LEDs of the role ratio monitor 113 is dynamically lit for each interrupt (1 ms), strictly speaking, all four LEDs are not lit at the same time.

[0348] After the test pattern is displayed for 4800 ms, the display transitions to the above-mentioned (1) advantageous zone ratio (cumulative) or instructed feature ratio (cumulative) through (6) feature, etc. state ratio (cumulative), with (1) through (6) being displayed for 4800 ms each and then repeated. Therefore, Power on ↓ (0) Test pattern display (4800ms) ↓ (1) Display of the ratio of the indicated role (cumulative) or the ratio of the advantageous zone (cumulative) (4800 ms) ↓ (2) Continuous feature ratio (6000 plays) display (4800ms) ↓ (3) Display of the ratio of the winning combination (6000 games) (4800 ms) ↓ (4) Continuous feature ratio (cumulative) display (4800ms) ↓ (5) Display of role ratio (cumulative) (4800 ms) ↓ (6) Display of the status ratio of reels, etc. (cumulative) (4800 ms) ↓ (1) Display of the ratio of the indicated role (cumulative) or the ratio of the advantageous zone (cumulative) (4800 ms) ↓ : It becomes. As with the test pattern, each of the ratios (1) to (6) above is displayed until the number of times the carry flag becomes "0" reaches "16" (300 ms x 16 times = 4800 ms).

[0349] Here, as described above, when the discrimination segment or the ratio segment is displayed in a blinking manner, the segment is repeatedly turned on for "300" ms and turned off for "300" ms (one period is "600" ms). Let the time for turning the light on or off be T1 and the time for displaying the test pattern or ratio be T2. T2 = T1 × 2 × n (n is a natural number) By setting this, the timing of switching between on and off can be made to coincide with the timing of switching between the test pattern display or the ratio display, resulting in a good-looking display and preventing people looking at the role ratio monitor 113 from mistakingly thinking that there may be a malfunction. In the above, when "T1" is set to "300" ms, "T2" is a multiple of "600" ms. However, to set each ratio display time to "5000 ms ±10%, "T2" should be set to "4800" ms.

[0350] For example, if you want to flash the favorable zone ratio after flashing the test pattern, Test pattern (lights for 300 ms. Cumulative time 300 ms.) ↓ Test pattern (lights off for 300 ms. Total 600 ms.) ↓ : ↓ Test pattern (lights for 300 ms. Total 4500 ms.) ↓ Test pattern (lights off for 300 ms. Total 4800 ms. Test pattern display completed.) ↓ Advantageous zone ratio (lights on for 300 ms) ↓ Advantageous zone ratio (light off for 300 ms) ↓ : It becomes.

[0351] In this way, when lighting up some information, the lighting state can be maintained for 300 ms. In other words, it is possible to prevent the lighting up of some information from going out before 300 ms has elapsed after the lighting up of some information has started. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the lighting up of some information from going out immediately after the lighting up of some information has started (leading to the mistaken belief that there may be a malfunction).

[0352] Returning to the block diagram of FIG. The sub-control board 80 is similar to the sub-control board 80 of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), and therefore description thereof will be omitted. However, the RWM 83, ROM 84, and CPU 85 of the sub-control board 80 may be referred to as the sub-control RWM 83, the sub-control ROM 84, and the sub-control CPU 85, respectively. The performance lamps 21, the speakers 22, and the image display devices 23 electrically connected to the sub-control board 80 are also similar to those in the first embodiment. The connection terminal board (also referred to as the “game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board”) 130 serves as a relay board for two-way communication between the gaming machine 10 and the lending unit 200.

[0353] The lending unit 200 corresponds to the management device 200 in the first embodiment (FIG. 1). As in the first embodiment, a lending switch 202, a return switch 203, and the like are provided. In addition, the loanable gaming media number display unit 204 corresponds to the degree display unit 204 in the first embodiment, and displays the maximum number of gaming media that can be loaned from the loan unit 200 to the gaming machine 10, and is composed of, for example, a three-digit LED.

[0354] Furthermore, the lendable game media number storage means 206 stores the maximum number of game media that can be lent from the lending unit 200 to the gaming machine 10, and is composed of, for example, an RWM provided inside the lending unit 200. The number of lentable game media stored in the lendable game media number storage means 206 is displayed on the lendable game media number display unit 204.

[0355] In a situation where the number of lendable game media "400" is stored in the number of lendable game media storage means 206, when the lending switch 202 is operated and the number of game media "50" is lent from the lending unit 200 to the gaming machine 10 with one operation of the lending switch 202, after the lending notification is transmitted, "50" is added to the number of game media stored in the number of game media storage means 103a. Meanwhile, the number of lendable game media in the number of lendable game media storage means 206 is updated from "400" to "350".

[0356] In addition, when the return switch 203 is operated, the number of gaming media stored in the lendable gaming media number memory means 206 of the lending unit 200 is stored in a gaming media number storage medium (magnetic card, IC card, IC coin, etc.), and the gaming media number storage medium is ejected from the lending unit 200. In addition, in a situation where a number of game media exceeding "0" is stored in the game media number storage means 103a of the game media number control board 100 and no number of game media is stored in the lendable game media number storage means 206 of the lending unit 200, the game media number storage medium will not be discharged even if the return switch 203 is operated. In other words, even if the number of game media is stored in the game media number storage means 103a of the game media number control board 100, if the number of game media is not stored in the lendable game media number storage means 206 of the lending unit 200, the game media number storage medium will not be discharged even if the return switch 203 is operated.

[0357] Therefore, in the above case, by operating the counting switch 47, the number of game media stored in the number of game media storage means 103a is transmitted to the lending unit 200, and the number of game media is stored in the number of lendable game media storage means 206. Thereafter, by operating the return switch 203, the number of game media stored in the number of lendable game media storage means 206 is stored in the game media number storage medium, and is discharged from the lending unit 200. When the number of game media stored in the number of lendable game media storage means 206 is stored in the game media number storage medium, the number of lendable game media stored in the number of lendable game media storage means 206 is updated to "0".

[0358] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining messages used in communication between the gaming machine 10 and the rental unit 200. As shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 30, the types of messages are as follows: 1. Gaming machine information notification 2. Counting Notification 3. Loan Notice 4. Loan acceptance result response is provided. Of these messages, the gaming machine information notification, counting notification, and rental receipt result response are messages transmitted from the gaming machine 10 to the rental unit 200. On the other hand, the rental notice is a message transmitted from the rental unit 200 to the gaming machine 10.

[0359] Each telegram is composed of the following five pieces of data: (1) Message length (2) Command (3) Serial number, counting serial number, or loan serial number (4) Data section (5) Checksum The data group consisting of the above five items is called a "message" and is sent in one transmission. In other words, it is not sent in parts.

[0360] (1) Message length "Message length" refers to the length of the data consisting of five items: message length, command, serial number (serial number, count serial number, or loan serial number), data section, and checksum, and is composed of 1 byte of data. For example, if the message length is 1 byte, the command is 1 byte, the serial number is 1 byte, the data section is 14 bytes, and the checksum is 1 byte, the message will be 18 bytes, and the message length will be the data corresponding to the 18 bytes (12h).

[0361] (2) Command A "command" is data for notifying the type of message among gaming machine information notification, counting notification, loan notification, and loan receipt result response, and is composed of 1 byte of data. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the command for gaming machine information notification is set to "01h", the command for counting notification is set to "02h", the command for loan notification is set to "13h", and the command for loan receipt result response is set to "03h". The receiver of the message can identify the type of message by determining the command value.

[0362] (3) Serial number "Serial number" is data that refers to the number contained in the gaming machine information notification, counting notification, loan notification, and loan receipt result response. The serial number contained in the gaming machine information notification is called the "serial number," the serial number contained in the counting notification is called the "counting serial number," the serial number contained in the loan notification is called the "loan serial number," and the serial number contained in the loan receipt result response is called the "loan serial number." These various serial numbers are numbers in the range of "0" to "FFh," and consist of 1 byte of data. When the gaming machine 10 is powered on, the serial number is controlled to notify "00h". In addition, after the power is turned on, the serial number is updated (+1) every time a notification is sent. The next value after the serial number is "FFh" will be updated to "01h" (+1 twice) (it will never become "0").

[0363] (4) Data section The "data portion" corresponds to data corresponding to the gaming machine information notification, the counting notification, the loan notification, and the loan receipt result response. The data portion of each message will be described in detail later. (5) Checksum A "checksum" is a value indicating the lowest byte of the total obtained by adding up five pieces of data: message length, command, serial number, data section, and checksum. Using this checksum, the receiving side can ascertain data corruption during communication, and for example, the gaming machine 10 or the lending unit 200 can count the number of messages with checksums that do not match and check communication malfunctions, etc. For example, in the gaming machine 10, the number of messages with checksums that do not match may be displayed on the image display device 23 or the like in a specified situation (during a setting confirmation mode in which the setting values ​​can be confirmed or during a setting change mode in which the setting values ​​can be changed).

[0364] Next, each of the data sections of the gaming machine information notification, the counting notification, the loan notification, and the loan receipt result response will be explained. 1. Data section for gaming machine information notification As shown in FIG. 30, the data portion of the gaming machine information notification is made up of gaming machine type, gaming machine information type, and gaming machine information. a) Type of gaming machine The "game machine type" is information for identifying the type of the game machine 10. This information is data for notifying, for example, the management medium, the group classification, the game machine type, and the like.

[0365] b) Gaming machine information type "Machine information type" is information for identifying whether the gaming machine information in the gaming machine information notification being notified this time is gaming machine performance information, gaming machine installation information, or hall control / fraud monitoring information. When notifying gaming machine performance information, "00h" is notified, when notifying gaming machine installation information, "01h" is notified, and when notifying hall control / fraud monitoring information, "02h" is notified.

[0366] c) Gaming machine information "Machine information" consists of machine performance information, machine installation information, and hall control / fraud monitoring information. As machine information, any one of machine performance information, machine installation information, and hall control / fraud monitoring information is transmitted. Here, the hall control / fraud monitoring information is generally transmitted every 300 ms (each time a gaming machine information notification is transmitted). In addition, gaming machine installation information is transmitted every 60 seconds. Furthermore, gaming machine performance information is generally transmitted every 180 seconds. In the above, "as a general rule" means that when the transmission timing of multiple pieces of gaming machine information overlaps, the gaming machine information with the higher priority is transmitted. In other words, when the transmission timing of gaming machine performance information, gaming machine installation information, and hall control / fraud monitoring information overlaps, one of them is transmitted according to the priority. As shown in FIG. 30, the gaming machine installation information transmitted every "60" seconds has the first priority, and the gaming machine performance information transmitted every "180" seconds has the second priority.

[0367] Furthermore, the transmission period of the hole control / irregularity monitoring information, 300 ms, may be within the range of 300 to 310 ms. Similarly, the transmission cycle of the gaming machine installation information, "60" seconds, may be within the range of "60" to "62" seconds. Similarly, the transmission period of the gaming machine performance information, 180 seconds, may be within the range of 180 to 186 seconds. However, the above-mentioned range of the transmission cycle does not take a random value each time, but is a predetermined value.

[0368] FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a specific configuration of the gaming machine performance information, gaming machine installation information, and hall control / fraud monitoring information, which are the gaming machine information in the gaming machine information notification. (A) Gaming machine performance information The gaming machine performance information is composed of the following information such as the total number of coins inserted. a) Total number of inputs The "total number of insertions" is the cumulative number of insertions of gaming media since the power was turned on. If a power outage occurs and the power is turned on afterwards, "0" may be output as the total number of insertions. For example, if the cumulative number of insertions of gaming media is "2000" in a cumulative total of "1000" games, the total number of insertions will be "2000", and "2000" may be output as the total number of insertions. If a power outage occurs and the power is turned on afterwards, "0" may be output as the total number of insertions. If a replay is won by the role drawing and a symbol combination corresponding to the replay is stopped and displayed, the number of bets for the next game of that game is not included in the total number of insertions.

[0369] b) Total number of grants The "total number of awarded games" is the number of game media that have been awarded since the power was turned on. If a power outage occurs and the power is then turned on, "0" may be output as the total number of awarded games. For example, if the cumulative number of awarded game media is "2000" after a total of "1000" games, the total number of awarded games will be "2000," and "2000" may be output as the total number of awarded games. If a power outage occurs and the power is then turned on, "0" may be output as the total number of awarded games. In addition, when gaming media equivalent to the bet number for a game are automatically bet based on the stopped display of a symbol combination corresponding to a replay, the automatically bet gaming media are not included in the "number awarded."

[0370] c) MY (number of differences) "MY" is also called "difference number" or "difference number of sheets." "MY" is information on the maximum difference that can be calculated from the number of game media given and the number of game media inserted since the power was turned on. If a power outage occurs and the power is turned on afterwards, "0" may be output as MY. Specifically, the maximum difference is the increase in the number of game media from the reference (the total number given minus the total number inserted) based on the reference value of the number of game media that was the smallest when the game result was obtained. For example, in a total of "1000" games, if the "100th" game has the smallest difference in the number of game media, and the number of game media at that time is "-200", and the "800th" game from that time has the largest difference in the number of game media, and the number of game media at that time is "+800", then MY becomes "+1000", and "1000" may be output as MY. If a power outage occurs and the power is turned on afterwards, "0" may be output as MY.

[0371] d) Total number of bonuses The "total number of game devices awarded" is the total number (cumulative number) of game media awarded by the operation of the game devices (single bonus (SB), regular bonus (RB), and challenge bonus (CB)) since the power was turned on. If a power outage occurs and the power is then turned on, "0" may be output as the total number of game devices awarded. For example, if the total number of game media obtained by the operation of the game devices is "100" after a total of "1000" games have been played, the total number of game devices awarded will be "100," and "100" may be output as the total number of game devices awarded. If a power outage occurs and the power is then turned on, "0" may be output as the total number of game devices awarded.

[0372] e) Total number of consecutive bonuses The "total number of consecutive roles awarded" is the total number (cumulative number) of game media awarded by the operation of consecutive roles (first type special roles, also called regular bonus (RB)) since the power was turned on. If a power outage occurs and the power is turned on afterwards, "0" may be output as the total number of consecutive roles awarded. For example, if the total number of game media obtained by the operation of consecutive roles is "100" in a cumulative total of "1000" plays, the total number of consecutive roles awarded will be "100", and "100" may be output as the total number of consecutive roles awarded. If a power outage occurs and the power is turned on afterwards, "0" may be output as the total number of consecutive roles awarded. In addition, the number of game media awarded by the operation of the first type special feature by the first type special feature continuous operation device (also referred to as "Type 1 BB") is also accumulated as the total number of consecutive feature awards.

[0373] f) Ratio of special features As described above, it is the value of the combination ratio (cumulative) displayed by the combination ratio monitor 113. When the cumulative number of games is less than a predetermined number (for example, 17,500), it is configured to output "FFh" as the combination ratio (cumulative). g) Continuous feature ratio As described above, it is the value of the consecutive feature ratio (cumulative) displayed by the feature ratio monitor 113. When the cumulative number of games is less than a predetermined number (for example, 17,500), it is configured to output "FFh" as the consecutive feature ratio (cumulative).

[0374] h) Favorable Zone Ratio As described above, it is the value of the advantageous zone ratio (cumulative) displayed by the winning combination monitor 113. When the cumulative number of games is less than a predetermined number (for example, 175,000), it is configured to output "FFh" as the advantageous zone ratio. Also, even in gaming machines that do not have an advantageous zone, it is configured to output "FFh". i) Ratio of accessories including instructions As described above, it is the value of the instruction-included role ratio (cumulative) displayed by the role ratio monitor 113. When the cumulative number of games is less than a predetermined number (for example, 175,000 times), it is configured to output "FFh" as the instruction-included role ratio. Also, even in gaming machines that do not have roles or instruction functions, it is configured to output "FFh".

[0375] j) Ratio of accessories, etc. As described above, it is the value of the bonus item state ratio (cumulative) displayed by the bonus item ratio monitor 113. When the cumulative number of games is less than a predetermined number (for example, 175,000), it is configured to output "FFh" as the bonus item state ratio. Also, even in gaming machines that are not equipped with bonus items, it is configured to output "FFh". k) Number of games played The "number of games played" is the cumulative number of games played since the power of the gaming machine 10 was turned on. It is cleared ("0" is stored) when the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on. l)Other Other than the above, there are several types of information, such as information used in the rental unit 200, but description thereof will be omitted in this embodiment.

[0376] (a) Gaming machine installation information The gaming machine installation information consists of the following information, such as the main control chip ID number. a) Main control chip ID number The "main control chip ID number" is information including an individual chip number for identifying the main control chip which is an integrated unit of the CPU 55, RWM 53, and ROM 54 provided on the main control board 50, and is different information for each gaming machine 10 even if they are of the same model. b) Main control chip manufacturer code "Main control chip manufacturer code" is information indicating the gaming machine manufacturer stored in the built-in memory of the main control chip.

[0377] c) Main control chip product code The "main control chip product code" is information indicating the model name of the gaming machine 10 stored in the built-in memory of the main control chip. The above-mentioned main control chip ID number, main control chip manufacturer code, and main control chip product code are configured to be transmitted from the main control board 50 to the gaming media count control board 100 during power-on processing when the gaming machine 10 is powered on. The main control chip ID number, main control chip manufacturer...

Claims

[Claim 1] It is possible to output a default effect corresponding to the initial setting, or a custom effect whose content has been changed based on a predetermined operation by the player, In a case where a custom effect is set to be output, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, control is performed so as to return from the custom effect to a default effect; In the game standby state, a demo presentation having a content corresponding to the game standby state and a length from the beginning to the end of a predetermined time can be repeatedly outputted; The timing of the end of the execution of the "N"th (N≧2) demo effect or the timing of the start of the execution of the "N+1"th demo effect is substantially the same as the timing of control to return from the custom effect to the default effect. A gaming machine characterized by:

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