Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine provided with an initialization method combining security with daily usability, thereby improving a method of initializing a storage area related to the CPU of control means in a game machine performing communication with an external device.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises a method of initializing memory without a setting change, differently from setting change means, which can improve efficiency of daily works, and when an operation with a setting change or an important operation such as deleting the number of medals is performed, transmits a signal to the outside of the game machine to ensure security.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine installed in a gaming hall such as a pachinko hall and exchanging gaming values as data with an external gaming machine-compatible unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a gaming machine installed adjacent to an external card unit and exchanging gaming values as data with the card unit.

[0003] In such a gaming machine, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, there is a gaming machine including a main board on which a main CPU is mounted, a payout control board on which a sub CPU is mounted, etc., and initializing the storage areas related to the respective CPUs.

[0004] Also, like the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2, there has been a gaming machine equipped with a game medium clear switch in a slot machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, there is still room for improvement regarding the method of initializing the storage area related to the CPU.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine having a suitable method for initializing a storage area.

[0008] The present invention is a gaming machine capable of imparting a gaming value according to a gaming result and capable of two-way communication with the outside of the gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a first storage area, main control means for controlling the progress of the game, a second storage area, gaming value amount control means for controlling the transfer of the gaming value, transmission / reception means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the outside of the gaming machine at a predetermined cycle and receiving a lending signal from the outside of the gaming machine, a power supply device for supplying power to the gaming machine, and when power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a first predetermined condition is satisfied, a setting change state in which setting information defining the degree of advantage regarding the game can be set, and setting change means for initializing at least a specific storage area in the first storage area; main control initialization means different from the setting change means in which, when power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a second predetermined condition is satisfied, the setting of the setting information is completed and at least the specific storage area in the first storage area is initialized; and gaming value initialization means different from the main control initialization means in which, when power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a third predetermined condition is satisfied, at least a special storage area in the second storage area is initialized. The transmission / reception means transmits the predetermined signal from which it can be presumed that the first predetermined condition has been satisfied when power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the first predetermined condition is satisfied, transmits the predetermined signal from which it cannot be presumed that the second predetermined condition has been satisfied when power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the second predetermined condition is satisfied, and transmits the predetermined signal from which it can be presumed that the third predetermined condition has been satisfied when power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the third predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0009] In this configuration, unlike the setting change means, by providing a method for initializing the main control CPU without changing the settings, the efficiency of maintenance by the store clerk can be improved. Also, when an operation involving a setting change or an important operation such as deleting the medal count is performed, a signal is sent outside the gaming machine to ensure security, and when only the initialization of the main control CPU is performed without changing the settings, a signal is not sent outside the gaming machine, so that the store clerk does not have to perform troublesome operations such as resetting errors.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a gaming machine capable of granting gaming value according to a gaming result and enabling two-way communication with the outside of the gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a main control means having a first storage area for controlling the progress of the game, a gaming value amount control means having a second storage area for controlling the transfer of the gaming value by communication with the external device, a transmission / reception means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the outside of the gaming machine at a predetermined cycle and receiving a lending signal from the outside of the gaming machine, a power supply device for supplying power to the gaming machine from the outside, a setting change state in which setting information determining the degree of advantage related to the game can be set when the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a first predetermined condition is satisfied, a setting change means for initializing at least a specific storage area in the first storage area, a main control initialization means different from the setting change means for initializing at least the specific storage area in the first storage area when the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a second predetermined condition is satisfied and the setting of the setting information is completed, a gaming value initialization means different from the main control initialization means for initializing at least a special storage area in the second storage area when the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a third predetermined condition is satisfied, and a confirmation means for allowing a store clerk to confirm the setting history of the setting information or the abnormality history occurring in the gaming machine. The transmission / reception means transmits the predetermined signal for which it cannot be estimated that the second predetermined condition is satisfied when the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the second predetermined condition is satisfied, and transmits the predetermined signal for which it can be estimated that the third predetermined condition is satisfied when the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the third predetermined condition is satisfied. As a result of the second predetermined condition being satisfied, the information in which the specific storage area is initialized can be confirmed by the confirmation means. The gaming machine may be characterized by this.

[0011] In such a configuration, unlike the setting change means, by providing a method for initializing the main control CPU without changing the settings, the maintenance efficiency of the store staff can be improved. Also, although it is necessary to leave the clearing of important areas related to the control of the gaming machine as a history of error clearing, since the set values do not change, it is not necessary to send a signal to the outside, ensuring security and enabling the store staff not to perform troublesome operations such as error clearing. Also, medal count clearing may sometimes leave a lot of balls as surplus in normal games and is considered to occur frequently. Therefore, by outputting a signal to the outside, security can be ensured.

[0012] Further, the gaming machine includes notification means for performing some kind of notification. When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the first predetermined condition, the second predetermined condition, and the third predetermined condition are satisfied, the notification means performs a notification indicating that the first predetermined condition has been satisfied. When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the second predetermined condition and the third predetermined condition are satisfied, the notification means performs a notification indicating which of the second predetermined condition or the third predetermined condition has been satisfied according to a preset priority order. A gaming machine is proposed.

[0013] In such a configuration, when the setting change means is turned on and the power is turned on while the reset button and the medal count clear switch are pressed, the store staff can be notified of the work priority by notifying the setting change means that should be prioritized.

[0014] Also, when the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the first predetermined condition and the third predetermined condition are satisfied, the transmission / reception means starts transmitting the predetermined signal that can be presumed that both the first predetermined condition and the third predetermined condition are satisfied, and continues to transmit the predetermined signal that can be presumed that the third predetermined condition is satisfied regardless of whether the third predetermined condition is satisfied or not at least during the period in the setting change state. A gaming machine is proposed.

[0015] In such a configuration, when the setting change means is turned on and the power is turned on while the medal number clear switch is pressed, by continuing to output a signal to the outside until the setting change state is completed, the state can be reliably notified to the external device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 29. In this specification, for ease of description, data corresponding to the game value used in the game instead of the game medal is appropriately described as "pseudo medal".

[0018] (Slot Machine System) First, the slot machine system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine SM and a card unit CU according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the slot machine system.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine system includes a slot machine SM that plays a game based on a game value, a hall computer, a management computer, and a card unit CU that is installed adjacent to the slot machine SM, connected to the slot machine SM, and performs lending and returning of game values in data format, and is configured to be able to transmit various information to the hall computer and the management computer, and a center. In this embodiment, information such as the number of bonus winning times and the number of games between bonuses that can be specified is transmitted from the card unit CU to the hall computer. Also, information related to the performance of the slot machine SM, such as the accessory ratio, is transmitted from the card unit CU to the management computer. In the slot machine SM, the number of pseudo medals is sent in the form of number data from the card unit CU to the medal number control board 300, and the game is executed by the medal number data management by the medal number control board 300.

[0020] Also, in this embodiment, in the slot machine system, balance data regarding the balance of the cash inserted by the player and the number of data indicating the number of pseudo medals possessed by the player that can be lent out by the slot machine SM (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "the number of medals in hand") (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "the number of medals in hand data") are stored in the storage means 502a (see FIG. 3) of the unit control board 500 of the card unit CU. Also, the number of data indicating the number of pseudo medals possessed by the player that can be used in the game on the slot machine SM (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "the number of game medals") (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "the number of game medal data") are stored in the storage means 302a (see FIG. 5) of the medal number control board 300 of the slot machine SM. Note that the storage means 502a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 502, the storage means 302a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 302, and the storage means 502a and the storage means 302a can hold the stored content only when the power supply is being performed, and the stored content is erased when the power supply is stopped.

[0021] Then, by operating the lending switch 503a of the card unit CU, lending of a predetermined number of pseudo medals is performed from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM. In this lending, the balance data or the lendable number data stored in the storage means 502a of the card unit CU are rewritten to the balance data with an amount corresponding to the predetermined number of lent medals subtracted or the lendable number data with the predetermined number of lent medals subtracted. Also, the number of game medal data stored in the storage means 302a of the slot machine SM are rewritten to the number of game medal data increased by the predetermined number of lent medals.

[0022] Also, by operating the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 of the slot machine SM, betting (inserting) of a predetermined number of bet medals (inserted medals) is performed. In this betting, the number of game medal data stored in the storage means 302a of the slot machine SM are rewritten to the number of game medal data with the predetermined number of bet medals subtracted.

[0023] In addition, when a certain role wins a prize with a payout of virtual medals, the slot machine SM pays out a predetermined number of virtual medals to the player. In this payout, the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a of the slot machine SM is rewritten to the game medal count data increased by the predetermined payout number. In this embodiment, the input of virtual medals, the payout of virtual medals, and the rewriting of the game medal count data are performed by the exchange of signals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301, which will be described in detail later.

[0024] In addition, the medal count control board 300 and the card unit CU exchange information bidirectionally via the I / F boards 90 and 550. Also, a power supply (voltage) based on the internal power supply of the card unit CU (the internal power supply of the card unit CU) is supplied from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM via the I / F boards 90 and 550.

[0025] Hereinafter, first, after explaining in detail the functions of the slot machine SM and the card unit CU, the power supply related to the slot machine SM and the card unit CU and the connection relationship between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU will be explained in detail.

[0026] (Card Unit) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the card unit CU includes a unit information display device 505, a cash input device 506, a card insertion / ejection device 504, a lending switch 503a, a unit control board 500, and an I / F board 550. The card unit CU also includes a power supply board (not shown), an auxiliary power supply (not shown), and a return switch (not shown).

[0027] The unit information display device 505 displays the player's cash balance (frequency), the number of virtual medals held by the player, etc. based on the balance data and the number of held medals data stored in the storage means 502a of the unit control board 500. The unit information display device 505 is composed of, for example, a plurality of 7-segment LEDs or a liquid crystal display.

[0028] The cash input device 506 is for receiving pseudo medals from the card unit CU by inserting cash such as banknotes, and detects the cash inserted by the player.

[0029] When a medal card is inserted into the card insertion / ejection device 504 from the insertion / ejection port, the card insertion / ejection device 504 stores the medal card, and when the return switch is operated, it ejects the stored medal card from the insertion / ejection port.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, a unit CPU 501 for controlling the entire card unit CU is mounted on the unit control board 500. The unit CPU 501 has a memory 502 and functions as reception processing means 501a, lending processing means 501b, second counting processing means 501c, return processing means 501d, and transmission / reception means 501e.

[0031] (1) Storage means 502a The memory 502 includes a RAM section for temporarily storing various data and a ROM section for storing various programs and the like. The storage means 502a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory). The storage means 502a holds balance data, the number of medals in hand data, the number of game medals data stored in the storage means 302a received from the medal number control board 300, ID information written on the medal card, and the like.

[0032] (2) Reception processing means 501a When the medal card is inserted into the insertion / discharge port of the card insertion / discharge device 504, the reception processing means 501a rewrites the balance data and the number of held medals data stored in the storage means 502a to the balance data increased by the amount of money (which may be "0") stored in the medal card or the number of held medals data increased by the number of pseudo medals (which may be "0"), and sets the amount of money or the number of pseudo medals stored in the medal card to "0". Also, when cash is inserted into the cash insertion device 506, the reception processing means 501a rewrites the balance data stored in the storage means 502a to the balance data increased by the inserted amount of money.

[0033] (3) Lending processing means 501b When the lending switch 503a is operated, a signal based on the number data for a predetermined number of lent medals is transmitted by the transmission / reception means 501e to the slot machine SM. Based on the transmission of this signal, the lending processing means 501b rewrites the balance data or the number of held medals data stored in the storage means 502a to the balance data subtracted by the amount corresponding to the predetermined number of lent medals or the number of held medals data subtracted by the predetermined number of lent medals. Note that, instead of updating the stored content of the storage means 502a when a signal based on the number data for a predetermined number of lent medals is transmitted to the slot machine SM, for example, the stored content of the storage means 502a may be updated when a signal based on the number data for a predetermined number of lent medals is transmitted to the slot machine SM and a response signal thereto is received from the slot machine SM.

[0034] In this embodiment, in the lending of pseudo medals based on the lendable number data stored in the storage means 502a, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are lent each time the lending switch 503a is operated. However, for example, when the lending switch 503a is operated, all of the pseudo medals stored in the storage means 502a may be lent out at once.

[0035] (4) Second counting processing means 501c The second counting processing means 501c performs a counting process that, in cooperation with the first counting processing means 301b2 of the medal number control CPU 301, transfers part or all of the available number data stored in the storage means 302a to the storage means 502a of the card unit CU.

[0036] Specifically, when the counting switch 31 of the slot machine SM is operated, a signal based on the number data for a predetermined count is transmitted from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e. When this signal is received by the transmission / reception means 501e, the second counting processing means 501c rewrites the held medal number data stored in the storage means 502a with the held medal number data added by a predetermined count. In this embodiment, in the case of a normal press where the pressing time of the counting switch 31 is less than the predetermined time, the number data for one dummy medal is transmitted to the card unit CU side. On the other hand, in the case of a long press where the pressing time of the counting switch 31 is equal to or more than the predetermined time, the number data for 50 dummy medals is transmitted to the card unit CU side at a predetermined interval (for example, 300 ms).

[0037] (5) Return processing means 501d When the return switch is operated, the return processing means 501d stores the balance data and the held medal number data stored in the storage means 502a in the medal card housed in the card insertion / removal device 504, and then returns the medal card to the player.

[0038] Specifically, when the return switch is operated in a state where both the information regarding the number of game medals transmitted from the medal number control board 300 (the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a) and the information regarding the number of pseudo medals for which the insertion process has been performed between the main control board 100 and the medal number control board 300 indicate "0", the return processing means 501d stores the balance data and the number of held medals data stored in the storage means 502a in the medal card housed in the card insertion / ejection device 504, ejects the medal card from the insertion / ejection port of the card insertion / ejection device 504, and rewrites the balance data and the number of held medals data stored in the storage means 502a to the balance data indicating a balance of "0" and the number of held medals data indicating a number of "0". When the return switch is operated when the information regarding the number of pseudo medals for which the insertion process has been performed and the information regarding the number of game medals transmitted from the medal number control board 300 are not both "0", notifications prompting counting (counting switch 31) or settlement (settlement switch 33) are given by the liquid crystal display 14, speakers 15, 16, etc.

[0039] Note that the transmission / reception means 501e receives data regarding the number of game medals (the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a) at a predetermined cycle (for example, 300 ms).

[0040] (6) Transmission / reception means 501e The transmission / reception means 501e receives signals based on various information from the medal count control board 300 and transmits signals based on various information to the medal count control board 300. The information received from the medal count control board 300 includes the number of returned pseudo medals (counted medal data), the available number of medals (the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a), the total number of inserted pseudo medals, the total number of paid-out medals, various ratios displayed on the ratio monitor 47 such as the accessory ratio, error-related information, and the like. Further, the information transmitted to the medal count control board 300 includes information regarding the lent-out number of pseudo medals. Note that the game medal count data indicating the number of game medals received from the transmission / reception means 501e (the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a) is stored in the storage means 502a, whereby it is stored in both the card unit CU and the medal count control board 300, and by using both, it becomes possible to respond to fraudulent acts.

[0041] Note that various game information is transmitted from the card unit CU to the hall computer. The various game information includes, for example, the open state of the front panel 2, information regarding the number of inserted pseudo medals, information regarding the number of paid-out pseudo medals, error occurrence information, information indicating that a setting is being changed, information indicating a setting confirmation state, information indicating a bonus state, information indicating winning a prize in a winning / re-playing accessory / bonus accessory, information indicating that each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R has stopped, and the like.

[0042] (Slot Machine) Subsequently, a schematic configuration of the slot machine SM will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5.

[0043] In the slot machine SM according to this embodiment, in order to satisfy the predetermined conditions for starting the game by operating the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8, virtual medals are inserted. Also, when a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting virtual medals and the predetermined conditions are satisfied, when the start switch 9 is operated by the player, a plurality of rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R, each having a plurality of symbols arranged thereon, start rotating. Also, by operating each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R, each rotating reel 6L, 6M, 6R stops. If the stop symbol display result at this time is a predetermined winning mode, a virtual medal payout for a predetermined number of payout medals is made, and one game ends. Here, the insertion of virtual medals means rewriting the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300 to the game medal number data in which the medal number has been reduced according to the number of bets in the game. Also, the payout of virtual medals means rewriting the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300 to the game medal number data in which the medal number set according to the winning combination has been added when winning in the game.

[0044] Note that even when virtual medals are inserted and the game medal number data is reduced, the set number of bets can be changed until the start switch 9 is operated. Accordingly, the number of bets is appropriately updated, and when the start switch 9 is operated, the amount set as the number of bets is used for the game. For example, when setting the number of bets in a game state where the specified number is set to "3" or "1", by operating the maximum bet switch 8, "3" is set as the number of bets, and "3" is reduced from the game medal number data. Thereafter, when changing the number of bets to "1", by operating the bet switch 7, "1" is set as the number of bets, and "2" returns (is added) to the game medal number data.

[0045] The slot machine SM is configured as shown in FIG. 1, for example. That is, in this slot machine SM, the front surface of the box-shaped housing KY with an open front is closably closed by the front panel 2, an operation panel 3 is disposed at a position approximately at the center height of the front panel 2, and a front plate 4 is disposed above the operation panel 3. A horizontally long rectangular display window 5 is provided on the front plate 4. Inside the display window 5, left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R that variably display a plurality of types of symbols in a predetermined order are arranged.

[0046] On the peripheral surfaces of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R respectively, a predetermined number of symbols are provided in a predetermined arrangement. Also, among the plurality of symbols provided on the peripheral surfaces of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R respectively, a plurality of types of symbols with different types are included. Each rotating reel 6L, 6M, and 6R is formed by attaching a reel tape printed with a plurality of types of symbols to the peripheral surface of the rotating reel. Also, when each rotating reel 6L, 6M, and 6R rotates, a plurality of types of symbols provided on the peripheral surface of each rotating reel 6L, 6M, and 6R are variably displayed in a predetermined order in the display window 5 respectively. Also, when the rotation of each rotating reel 6L, 6M, and 6R stops, for each of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, a total of 3 symbols, one each in the upper, middle, and lower stages of the display window 5, are set to be displayed. That is, when all the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R stop, a total of 9 symbols arranged in 3 columns and 3 rows vertically are stop-displayed in the display window 5.

[0047] Also, so that each of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R can be independently rotationally driven, left, middle, and right reel motors 27L, 27M, and 27R (see FIG. 4), each constituted by a stepping motor, are connected to the respective left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. Also, a support frame body for supporting each of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is fixedly provided on the rear wall inside the housing KY, and each of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is supported by the support frame body and disposed inside the housing KY.

[0048] In addition, the operation panel 3 is provided with a bet switch 7, a maximum bet switch 8, a lever-shaped start switch 9, left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, a counting switch 31, and a settlement switch 33. The bet switch 7 is for the player to perform an operation to instruct the insertion of pseudo medals one by one from the available number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300 described later. The maximum bet switch 8 is for the player to perform an operation to instruct the insertion of the maximum number of pseudo medals per game (regulated number: set to 3) from the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300. Note that the bet switch 7 and the maximum bet switch 8 are set to be activated when the number of medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300 is one or more. Also, when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, if the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300 is less than the regulated number (for example, 3), a notification prompting the player to borrow pseudo medals may be given, or the game may be allowed with a predetermined number less than the regulated number (for example, 3). Also, originally, in such a case, the operation of the maximum bet switch 8 may not be accepted.

[0049] The counting switch 31 functions as an instruction button when transmitting the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to the card unit CU side. In this embodiment, a normal press instructs the transmission of the number data for one medal, and a long press instructs the periodic transmission of the number data for 50 medals. In the case of a long press, while it is being pressed, the number data for 50 medals is transmitted to the card unit CU at predetermined time intervals. Note that when the instruction for transmission (instruction for transmission based on a long press) is given when the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a is less than 50, all the remaining number data is transmitted to the card unit CU. The settlement switch 33 is for resetting the bet number to 0 when the bet number of pseudo medals is set.

[0050] The start switch 9 is for the player to perform an operation to rotate each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R to start the variable display of each symbol. The left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are for the player to perform an operation to stop the rotation of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R respectively to stop the variable display of each symbol. Note that the start switch 9 is set to be enabled after rewriting the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300 to the game medal number data with a predetermined number subtracted therefrom (inserting a pseudo medal for a predetermined number). Also, the left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are set to be enabled after each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R that has started rotating by the operation of the start switch 9 has entered a constant speed rotation after a predetermined acceleration period has elapsed.

[0051] In this embodiment, three types of bets (predetermined numbers) required for one game (one play) are set: 1, 2, and 3. Also, a variable display column for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols is formed by each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, and each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R is provided corresponding to each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R.

[0052] Also, a liquid crystal display 14 is provided substantially at the center above the front panel 4 for displaying videos or the like to inform the player of winning or hitting, or for performing an effect to notify the operation mode of each of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R.

[0053] Also, upper speakers 15 for performing effects by music or voices are provided on the left and right above the front panel 4. Also, a lower panel 18 with a decorative picture or the like displayed is provided below the operation panel 3, and lower speakers 16 for performing effects by music or voices are provided on the left and right of this lower panel 18.

[0054] In addition, an upper lamp section 21 is provided at the upper peripheral portion of the front panel 2, and lower lamp sections 22 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower panel 18 of the front panel 2. Each of the lamp sections 21, 22 includes a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode or an organic EL, and a light-emitting means such as a general light bulb, and performs an effect such as notifying a player of a win or a prize.

[0055] In addition, a game medal number display 26 for displaying the number of pseudo medals owned by the player is disposed at the lower right of the display window 5. This game medal number display 26 is composed of, for example, five 7-segment LEDs, and can display the number of held pseudo medals in five digits.

[0056] In addition, a bet lamp section 30 for indicating the number of medals inserted is disposed adjacent to the game medal number display 26, and the bet lamp section 30 is composed of three bet lamps.

[0057] In addition, a payout display 46 for displaying the number of pseudo medals paid out is disposed at the lower left of the display window 5. This payout display 46 is composed of, for example, two 7-segment LEDs, and can display the number of pseudo medals paid out in two digits.

[0058] (Schematic of the electrical configuration of the slot machine) The schematic of the electrical configuration of the slot machine SM will be described with reference to FIG. 4 while also referring to FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine.

[0059] The left, middle, and right reel sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R are for detecting the rotational positions of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R respectively. For example, they consist of photointerrupters that detect the protrusions respectively provided on the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. When the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R rotate, they detect the protrusions once per revolution and output the detection signals to the main control board 100. In this slot machine SM, for example, when the left, middle, and right reel sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R detect the above-mentioned protrusions, among the frame numbers of the symbols numbered 0 to 20 set for each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R respectively, the symbols numbered 20 are configured to be located in the middle stage of the display window 5.

[0060] The setting key switch 56 is provided on the main control board 100. It can be switched between ON and OFF by inserting the setting change key into the key cylinder arranged in the setting change key cylinder housing part and rotating it.

[0061] The reset switch 52 is provided on the main control board 100 and has a button structure that can be switched between ON and OFF by pressing it. During setting change, each time it is pressed once, it is temporarily set to the next higher setting value. In addition to being used as a switch for canceling errors when errors occur, the reset switch 52 is also used as a switch for initializing a part of the memory 102 of the main control CPU 101 without changing the setting values. The setting change operation for changing the setting values and the method of initializing the memory 102 using the reset switch 52 will be described later.

[0062] In this slot machine SM, there are also provided a main control board 100 on which a main control CPU 101 for controlling the progress of the game is implemented, a sub-control board 200 on which a sub-control CPU 201 for controlling the effects in accordance with the progress of the game based on the information transmitted from the main control board 100 is implemented, a medal number control board 300 on which a medal number control CPU 301 for controlling the management of the number of virtual medals held by the player is implemented, a power supply device 400 for supplying power to the slot machine SM from the outside by operating a power switch 401, an operation switch board 600 to which signals from operation means (e.g., start switch 9) necessary for the progress of the game are input, a display board 700 provided with a payout display 46 and a game medal number display 26, and an I / F board 90 for communicating with an external device as shown in FIG. 2, which are provided separately. Here, various game information is transmitted unidirectionally from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200. Also, various information is transmitted bidirectionally between the main control board 100 and the medal number control board 300. Further, predetermined information is transmitted unidirectionally from the medal number control board 300 to the sub-control board 200 via the main control board 100. The predetermined information here is, for example, information regarding the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a, information for notifying that the counting switch 31 or the lending switch 503a has been pressed, and the like. Thereby, in the sub-control board 200, based on the information (predetermined information) received from the medal number control board 300 via the main control board 100, control is performed to display the number of virtual medals held by the player on the liquid crystal display 14, or to sound a press notification sound from the speakers 15, 16 when the counting switch 31 or the lending switch 503a is pressed.

[0063] Also, the main control board 100 and the medal number control board 300 may be connected in a BtoB (Board to Board) manner. Also, the display board 700 and the operation switch board 600, the operation switch board 600 and the medal number control board 300, and the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 200 are all connected via a harness.

[0064] Signals from the start switch 9, bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, which are operation means necessary for the progress of the game, as well as the settlement switch 33, first enter the operation switch board 600 and then enter the medal number control board 300 via a harness. Then, they enter the main control board 100 via the wiring inside the medal number control board 300 and a connector connection (Board to Board connection). The signal from the counting switch 31 enters the operation switch board 600, enters the medal number control board 300 via a harness, and further enters the medal number control CPU 301. Note that signals from the start switch 9 and the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R may be directly input to the main control board 100 without passing through the medal number control board 300. Furthermore, signals from the operation means (start switch 9, bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R), settlement switch 33, and counting switch 31 may enter the main control board 100 via a harness and then enter the medal number control board 300 via the wiring inside the main control board 100 and a connector-connector connection (Board to Board connection).

[0065] The control signal (including display data) used for the display of the payout indicator 46 is transmitted from the main control board 100. At this time, the transmission path is the main control board 100 → medal number control board 300 → operation switch board 600 → display board 700. The control signal (including display data) used for the display of the game medal number indicator 26 is transmitted from the medal number control board 300. At this time, the transmission path is the medal number control board 300 → operation switch board 600 → display board 700.

[0066] The ratio monitor 47 displays various ratios and is provided on the main control board 100. In this embodiment, the ratio monitor 47 is composed of four 7-segment LEDs. The various ratios include the accessory ratio, the continuous accessory ratio, the advantageous section ratio, etc. The accessory ratio is the ratio of the total number of payouts by accessories (e.g., big bonus (BB), chance bonus (CB), single bonus (SB), etc.) to the total number of pseudo medal payouts. The continuous accessory ratio is the ratio of the total number of payouts by continuous accessories (e.g., big bonus (BB), etc.) to the total number of pseudo medal payouts. The advantageous section ratio is the ratio of the said advantageous section to the total number of games when there is an advantageous section where notification of an advantageous pushing order is allowed when winning a role (AT role) where the payout number of pseudo medals varies depending on the pushing order. Note that the ratio monitor 47 may be provided on the medal number control board 300. Also, instead of providing the ratio monitor 47, information capable of specifying various ratios may be transmitted to the card unit CU side. Further, the ratio monitor 47 may be configured to display the instructed accessory ratio. The instructed accessory ratio is the ratio of the number obtained by adding the payout number in a game where an advantageous pushing order is notified in addition to the payout number by accessories to the total number of payouts.

[0067] The setting display 48 displays the set value set by the setting value setting means 101b described later and is provided on the main control board 100. In this embodiment, the setting display 48 is composed of one 7-segment LED.

[0068] The memory 102 of the main control board 100 includes a RAM 102b that temporarily stores various data, and a ROM 102a that stores data and programs necessary for the progress of the game. The RAM 102b of the main control board 100 stores, for example, various flags, accessory lottery results, etc. Also, the ROM 102a of the main control board 100 stores preset data (such as the lottery table 102c in FIG. 5) and game machine programs (programs for the slot machine SM).

[0069] In addition, the main control CPU 101 of the main control board 100 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and performs processing related to the progress of the game by executing a game machine program stored in the ROM section. Further, the main control CPU 101 transmits various game information, such as information regarding the result of the role lottery by the lottery means 101e (see Fig. 5) and information regarding the operations of operation devices operated by the player, such as each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R and the start switch 9, to the sub-control board 200 (sub-control CPU 201) in the form of commands.

[0070] In addition, the memory 202 of the sub-control board 200 includes a RAM section for temporarily storing various data and a ROM section for storing various programs for effects. Further, the sub-control CPU 201 of the sub-control board 200 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and the sub-control CPU 201 executes a program stored in the memory 202 based on various game information regarding the slot machine SM transmitted from the main control CPU 101, thereby determining the content of the effects related to the game for the player. Further, the sub-control CPU 201 of the sub-control board 200 controls effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 14 and the speakers 15, 16 via the I / O port of the sub-control board 200 based on the determined content of the effects.

[0071] In addition, the memory 302 of the medal number control board 300 includes a RAM section for temporarily storing various data and a ROM section for storing various programs. Further, the medal number control CPU 301 of the medal number control board 300 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and manages the number of virtual medals held by the player using the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 302, or performs various controls such as displaying the number of virtual medals corresponding to the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a on the game medal number display 26.

[0072] The medal count clear switch 303 is provided on the medal count control board 300 and has a button structure that can be switched between ON and OFF by pressing. The medal count clear switch 303 is used as a switch for initializing the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a. The method for initializing the game medal count data using the medal count clear switch 303 will be described later.

[0073] Each of the main control board 100, the sub-control board 200, and the medal count control board 300 is sealed in an individual board case having a caulking mechanism so as not to be easily accessible from the outside. As connection methods for each board to prevent fraud, there are methods of directly connecting the boards (BtoB connection) using connectors mounted on each, methods of connecting using signal lines covered with a wire cover that suppresses the influence of electromagnetic noise in addition to physical access, methods of routing the signal lines from places where they are difficult for players to visually recognize, methods of encrypting communication signals between the boards, methods of exchanging ID information provided on each board regularly or when an error occurs, etc. When connecting both boards using connectors mounted on each board, it is advisable to connect them side by side instead of using a stacked connection that reduces the visibility of the boards, and cover the board unit including the connection point to make access difficult. Also, the main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300 may be housed together in one board case and sealed instead of being housed separately in individual board cases.

[0074] (Main control board) The function of the main control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0075] (1) Game control means 101a The game control means 101a is for controlling the game executed in the medal-less slot machine SM.

[0076] In the game of this slot machine SM, when the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated and there is an instruction to insert pseudo medals, a signal based on information that can identify this is transmitted by the medal management transceiver means 101n to the medal number control board 300. In the medal number control board 300 that receives this signal, the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a is rewritten to the game medal number data subtracted by the number of inserted pseudo medals. At this time, a signal based on information that can identify the rewrite is transmitted from the medal number control board 300 to the main control board 100, and when this signal is received by the medal management transceiver means 101n, the bet number is set. Also, the bet number can be changed until the start switch 9 is operated, and accordingly, the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a is also updated. Then, when the start switch 9 is operated after a predetermined bet number is set, first, a random number lottery by the lottery means 101e that determines whether or not a winning combination is obtained is performed, and almost simultaneously, the rotation of all three rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R starts.

[0077] After that, when one of the three stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R is operated, the rotation of the rotating reel corresponding to the operated stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R among the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R stops. And when the operations on all three stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R are completed, the rotation of all three rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R stops. At this time, when a predetermined symbol stops at a predetermined position, a win occurs, and a predetermined profit such as the payout of a predetermined number of pseudo medals and the replay that can execute the next game without subtracting the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a is given to the player.

[0078] Also, the game control means 101a is for controlling the game state executed in the slot machine SM to one game state among a plurality of game states.

[0079] In this embodiment, the gaming states include a normal gaming state, a bonus internal winning state, and a bonus gaming state. The normal gaming state is a gaming state set when the settings are changed or when the end conditions of the bonus gaming state (for example, a predetermined number of games in the bonus gaming state or a predetermined number of wins of a winning combination including a bonus combination) are satisfied. The bonus internal winning state is a gaming state set when a winning combination group including a bonus combination is won in the normal gaming state or an advantageous gaming state, but the bonus combination is not won in the winning game. The bonus gaming state is a gaming state set when a winning combination group including a bonus combination is won and the bonus combination is won in the winning game, or when the bonus combination carried over from the bonus internal winning state is won. Note that the gaming states provided in the slot machine SM are not limited to the above.

[0080] The game control means 101a is for controlling a game section executed in the slot machine SM to be one game section from among a plurality of game sections.

[0081] In this embodiment, there are a non-favorable section and a favorable section as game sections, and the favorable section includes a non-payout section and a payout section. The non-favorable section is a game section that does not allow a notification effect for notifying the correct pressing order of the left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R when winning a winning combination group (hereinafter referred to as the "pressing order winning combination group") composed of a plurality of minor winning combinations with different numbers of payout medals of pseudo medals, and it is a game section disadvantageous to the player. The favorable section is a game section that allows a notification effect for notifying the correct pressing order of the left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R when winning a minor winning combination that obtains the maximum number of payout medals of pseudo medals when winning the pressing order winning combination group, and it is a game section advantageous to the player (a game section more advantageous to the player than the non-favorable section). The non-payout section in the favorable section is a game section where, although the notification effect is allowed, the notification effect is not actually performed (note that the content of the non-payout section is not limited to this, and for example, it may be a section where the ratio of the notification effect being performed is lower than that of the payout section), and the payout section in the favorable section is a game section where the notification effect is allowed and the notification effect is actually performed. The non-favorable section is set when the settings are changed or when the end conditions of the favorable section (for example, a predetermined number of games in the favorable section, an increase in the number of pseudo medals by a predetermined number of medals, or the consumption of the game number set in the payout section) are satisfied. The non-payout section within the favorable section is set when winning the transition lottery from the non-favorable section to the favorable section triggered by winning a predetermined winning combination group (hereinafter referred to as the "favorable section transition lottery winning combination group") defined in advance in the non-favorable section. In the non-payout section, a lottery for awarding a game number set consisting of a predetermined number of games with the right to play in the payout section (hereinafter referred to as the "game number set addition lottery") is conducted. The payout section within the favorable section is set after satisfying the transition conditions to the payout section in the non-payout section, and in the payout section, the game number set addition lottery is conducted. The game number set addition lottery in the non-payout section or the payout section within the favorable section is conducted, for example, when winning a predetermined winning combination group (hereinafter referred to as the "addition lottery winning combination group"), and the options are game number sets "0" and "1". Note that the options may be "0", "1", "2", etc.Note that the intervals within the advantageous intervals provided in the slot machine SM are not limited to the above. Here, as an example of roles with different advantageous amounts depending on the operation modes for the left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, roles with different numbers of payout medals of pseudo medals are cited. However, roles where the transition destination of the game state from the next game is different depending on the operation mode, roles where the additional amount in the advantageous interval (for example, the number of game sets granted) is different, etc. can also be cited as roles with different advantageous amounts. As an example, there is a winning combination group composed of a plurality of replay roles where the destination of the game state from the next game is different, and regardless of the operation mode, a combination of symbols of any of the plurality of replay roles is always aligned. However, depending on the operation mode, the replay role where the symbol combination is aligned is different, and the destination of the game state from the next game is different.

[0082] (2) Setting value setting means 101b The setting value setting means 101b in FIG. 5 changes settings (settings 1 to 6) for adjusting the payout rate (total number of payout coins ÷ total number of medal inputs × 100 [%]) based on a predetermined setting change operation.

[0083] Here, an example of a setting change operation (the setting change means of the present invention) for changing a set value will be described. For example, before the power is turned on for the slot machine SM, the setting key switch 56 (setting key) is turned to the ON state. Then, while the setting key switch 56 remains in the ON state, when the power switch 401 is operated to supply power, the setting change process is started. At this time, when the reset switch 52 is pressed once, it is temporarily set to the next higher set value from the set value set before the power-on (for example, temporarily set from setting 3 to setting 4). After that, each time the reset switch 52 is pressed, it is temporarily set to the next higher set value. However, when the reset switch 52 is pressed when the temporary set value is 6, the set value returns to 1 and is temporarily set. Then, when the start switch 9 is turned ON, the set value is confirmed, and the temporary set value at that time becomes the set value of the slot machine SM. Finally, when the setting key switch 56 is changed from the ON state to the OFF state, the setting change process ends, and the normal game becomes possible. Hereinafter, the period from when the setting change process is started until the set value is confirmed and the normal game becomes possible may be referred to as the setting change state. Note that when a setting change is made, the setting value setting means 101b rewrites the setting value stored in the setting value storage area 102e to the changed setting value.

[0084] Also, a partial area of the memory 102 is initialized in the setting change state. Specifically, after the power is turned on and the main control CPU 101 has completed the initial operation including security checks such as checksum, when it is recognized that the setting key switch 56 is in the ON state and the setting change process is started until the current set value can be confirmed by the store clerk, the data in the RAM 102b (the first storage area of the present invention) is erased. At this time, if the main control CPU 101 detects an abnormality in the memory 102, all the data in the RAM 102b is erased. If no abnormality is detected, a part of the data related to the game in the RAM 102b (the specific storage area of the present invention) is erased.

[0085] Also, when in the setting change state, notifications are made by the liquid crystal display 14, speakers 15, 16, etc. to inform that it is in the setting change state. Specifically, when the setting change process is started, "Changing settings" is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, and the speakers 15, 16 notify "The settings are being changed".

[0086] Next, an example of the initialization operation of the memory 102 by the reset switch 52 (the main control initialization means of the present invention, hereinafter referred to as the special clear process) will be described. For example, before the power of the slot machine SM is turned on, the reset switch 52 is set to the ON state, and then, while the reset switch 52 remains in the ON state, when the power switch 401 is operated to supply power, a partial area of the memory 102 is initialized without performing the setting change process. Specifically, a part of the data related to the game (the specific storage area of the present invention) in the RAM 102b (the first storage area of the present invention) is erased, and the state where the setting change process is automatically completed is reached. The data area erased at this time may be the same as the data area erased in the above-described setting change state, or may erase a partially different data area. Alternatively, if the main control CPU 101 detects an abnormality in the memory 102, all the data in the RAM 102b may be erased.

[0087] When the setting change process or the special clear process is performed, it has been explained that a part of the data related to the game (the specific storage area of the present invention) in the RAM 102b is erased. As a result, the game state controlled by the game control means 101a is reset, or the elapsed information up to the so-called ceiling game number, which is the maximum number of games until transitioning to the advantageous game state, is reset. Also, resetting may be more advantageous for the player than usual. Although the player cannot distinguish whether the setting change process or the special clear process has been performed, since it is possible to determine whether resetting has been performed based on the above-described ceiling game number, etc., performing the reset becomes a motivation for the player to play the game.

[0088] Also, when the special clear process is performed, notifications are made by the liquid crystal display 14, speakers 15, 16, etc. to inform that the special clear process has been performed. Specifically, when the special clear process is performed, "Special Clear Completed" is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, and then it returns to the state displayed during normal games, and the speakers 15, 16 announce "Special Clear has been performed".

[0089] Note that as a condition for starting the setting change process, it is set that the setting key switch 56 (setting key) is in the ON state before the power of the slot machine SM is turned on (the first predetermined condition of the present invention), but it may be added that the front panel 2 is in the open state. Also, as a condition for starting the special clear process, it is set that the reset switch 52 is in the ON state before the power of the slot machine SM is turned on (the second predetermined condition of the present invention), but it may be added that the front panel 2 is in the open state, the setting key switch 56 (setting key) is not in the ON state, the game state is not in a specific state, etc.

[0090] Also, when the setting change process or the special clear process is performed, the date and time when the setting change process or the special clear process is performed is recorded in an area different from the area where the RAM 102b is initialized. The history of the recorded setting change process and special clear process can be confirmed from the administrator menu displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 described later.

[0091] (3) Table selection means 101c The table selection means 101c in FIG. 5 selects one lottery table from a plurality of lottery tables 102c based on the type of game (for example, general game state, bonus game state) controlled by the game control means 101a and the set value (settings 1 to 6) set by the set value setting means 101b. For example, in a game in the general game state, the table selection means 101c selects a lottery table 102c (general game lottery table) according to the set value of the winning probability (settings 1 to 6) as the lottery table.

[0092] (4) First input processing means 101d When the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the first input processing means 101d cooperates with the second input processing means 301b3 of the medal number control CPU 301 to be described later, sets the bet number by inputting pseudo medals, and establishes the predetermined conditions for starting the game. Also, when the settlement switch 33 is operated, the second input processing means 301b3 cancels the bet number once set in cooperation with the second input processing means 301b3 of the medal number control CPU 301.

[0093] When the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the first input processing means 101d adds 1 to the value in the storage area of the provisional input number provided in the memory 102, and transmits an input processing request signal to the medal number control board 300 by the medal management transceiver means 101n. The medal number control board 300 that has received the input processing request signal subtracts 1 from the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a, and then transmits a completion signal of the process to the main control board 100, whereby the input processing for one piece is completed. When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, this process is repeated three times. Then, as a result of the input processing, when the provisional input number reaches the value required for one game (for example, 3 pieces), the first input processing means 101d enables the operation of the start switch 9. The details of the input processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 24.

[0094] In this embodiment, even when the maximum bet switch 8 instructs the input of, for example, 3 pseudo medals, the input processing is performed one by one between the first input processing means 101d and the second input processing means 301b3. The input processing of the pseudo medals performed in cooperation between the first input processing means 101d and the second input processing means 301b3 will be described later.

[0095] Also, when the settlement switch 33 is operated, a signal based on information capable of specifying this is transmitted to the medal number control board 300 by the medal management transceiver means 101n. The medal number control board 300 that has received the signal based on this information rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a into game medal number data obtained by adding the number of medals corresponding to the number of bets, and transmits a signal based on information capable of specifying this to the main control board 100. Note that even when the settlement switch 33 is operated in a state where the insertion process of three pseudo medals has been completed, a settlement process (return process) is performed one by one between the first insertion processing means 101d and the second insertion processing means 301b3.

[0096] (5) Lottery means 101e In the present embodiment, the lottery means 101e generates and extracts a random number within a predetermined range (in the present embodiment, for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal) upon operation of the start switch 9, and based on the extracted random number and the lottery table 102c, it is for performing a lottery as to whether winning or losing in any of a plurality of roles including a minor role, a replay role, and a bonus role.

[0097] For each random number within the predetermined range generated by the lottery means 101e, the lottery table 102c is predetermined as to whether it corresponds to any of the preset lottery results.

[0098] (6) Reel rotation control means 101f The reel rotation control means 101f performs stop control of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R based on the operation mode of the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R by the player and the lottery result of the lottery means 101e. Specifically, the reel rotation control means 101f performs stop control for each of the left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6M, 6R using the stop table 102d based on the operation for each of the left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, and stops the symbols variably displayed by each of the left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6M, 6R in a display mode corresponding to the role lottery result of the lottery means 101e.

[0099] (7) Determination means 101g The determination means 101g determines the display mode of the stop symbols when all the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R stop due to the operation of each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R. In this embodiment, the determination means 101g determines whether the display result of the symbols when each rotating reel 6L, 6M, and 6R stops is a predetermined winning mode. Note that the display modes determined to be winning are different display modes determined in advance for each winning combination.

[0100] (8) First payout processing means 101h When the determination result of the determination means 101g is a winning mode of any of the winning combinations for which there is a payout of pseudo medals, the first payout processing means 101h cooperates with the second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal number control CPU 301 described later to pay out pseudo medals corresponding to the winning combination, thereby giving benefits to the player. When the determination result of the determination means 101g is a display mode related to the payout of pseudo medals, the first payout processing means 101h stores the payout number corresponding to the winning combination in the storage area of the payout remaining number provided in the memory 102, then subtracts 1 from the value of the payout remaining number, and transmits a payout processing request signal to the medal number control board 300 by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n. The medal number control board 300 that has received the payout processing request signal performs a process of adding 1 to the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a, and then transmits a completion signal of the process to the main control board 100, whereby the payout process for one medal is completed. The said payout process is repeated until the value of the payout remaining number becomes "0", and the payout process in the said game is completed. Note that the details of the payout process will be described later with reference to FIG. 25.

[0101] In this embodiment, even if the number of pseudo medals paid out for the winning combination is 2 or more, the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4 perform the payout process one by one. Note that the pseudo medal payout / input process performed in cooperation by the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4 will be described later.

[0102] (9) Error detection means 101i The error detection means 101i detects whether an abnormal state different from the normal state, that is, whether an error has occurred. Examples of errors detected by the error detection means 101i include the "main control RWM error" that occurs due to an abnormality in the RAM 102b of the main control CPU 101 shown in FIG. 39, and the "board communication error" that occurs due to a communication failure between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301. In addition, there are a reel error that occurs when the left, middle, and right reel sensors 55L, 55M, 55R are not correctly detected despite the left, middle, and right reel motors 27L, 27M, 27R being driven, and a door open error that occurs when it is detected that the front panel 2 is in an open state, etc.

[0103] Also, when the error detection means 101i detects an error, the type of the detected error and the detected date and time are recorded. The detected error history can be confirmed from the administrator menu displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 described later.

[0104] (10) Payout display control means 101j The payout display control means 101j controls the display of the payout display 46. Specifically, when winning a winning combination, the payout display control means 101j controls the payout display 46 so that the number of pseudo medals set for the winning combination is displayed on the payout display 46. Also, when the occurrence of an error is detected by the error detection means 101i, the payout display control means 101j controls the payout display 46 so that a predetermined identification number for the detected error is displayed on the payout display 46.

[0105] (11) Command creation means 101k The command creation means 101k generates a command for transmitting various information such as information regarding the role lottery result of the lottery means 101e, information regarding the type of game state such as the general game state and the bonus game state, the rotation / stop state of each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R, and the payout state of the pseudo medals by the first payout processing means 101h to the sub-control board 200 (sub-control CPU 201). Then, the command generated by the command creation means 101k is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 by the command transmission means 101m described later. In the sub-control board 200, an effect to be executed is selected based on the command sent from the main control board 100. In other words, the command creation means 101k creates a command for instructing the effect content to be executed in the sub-control board 200.

[0106] (12) Command transmission means 101m The command transmission means 101m unidirectionally transmits a command including various information created by the command creation means 101k from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200. Also, information indicating the depression of the count switch 31 received from the medal number control board 300 and information indicating the depression of the lending switch 503a by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n described later are also transmitted to the sub-control board 200 by the command transmission means 101m.

[0107] (13) Medal management transmission / reception means 101n The medal management transmission / reception means 101n transmits signals based on various types of information to the medal number control board 300 and receives signals based on various types of information from the medal number control board 300. Examples of the information transmitted to the medal number control board 300 include information regarding winning combinations, information regarding the operations of the bet switch 7 and the maximum bet switch 8, information regarding the insertion of dummy medals (insertion process request signal), information regarding the payout of dummy medals (payout process request signal), the ID number of the main control CPU 101, and gaming machine information including various ratios such as the accessory ratio. Examples of the information received from the medal number control board 300 include information regarding the insertion of dummy medals (insertion process response signal), information regarding the payout of dummy medals (payout process response signal), information indicating the pressing of the counting switch 31, and information indicating the pressing of the lending switch 503a.

[0108] (14) Operation and other management means 101p The operation and other management means 101p manages whether to enable or disable the operations of the operation means related to the progress of the game.

[0109] As will be described later, in this embodiment, a voltage (VL) is supplied from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM. When the power of the card unit CU is not turned on, the mutual communication with the medal number control board 300 becomes impossible. In such a case, the operation and other management means 101p disables the operations of the operation means to prevent the subsequent game from proceeding.

[0110] Specifically, in a situation where the operation and management means 101p receives information that can identify that the medal management transmission / reception means 101n is not supplied with the voltage (VL) from the card unit CU, even in a situation where the operation of the operation means is normally permitted, the operation is invalidated. On the other hand, in a situation where the medal management transmission / reception means 101n does not receive information that can identify that the voltage (VL) is not supplied from the card unit CU, when the operation means is operated, the operation is validated. Therefore, when a situation occurs where the voltage (VL) is not supplied from the card unit CU, subsequent pseudo-medal insertion and payout are stopped, and the discrepancy between the information on pseudo-medal insertion and payout transmitted from the medal number control board 300 to the card unit CU and the information grasped on the card unit CU side can be reduced.

[0111] In this embodiment, as the operation means to be targeted by the operation and management means 101p, the bet switch 7, the maximum bet switch 8, the start switch 9, each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R, the count switch 31, and the settlement switch 33 are set.

[0112] Further, the operation and management means 101p controls so as not to supply power to each 7-segment of the game medal number display 26 in a situation where the medal management transmission / reception means 101n receives information that can identify that the voltage (VL) is not supplied from the card unit CU, and in a situation where the voltage (VL) is not supplied from the card unit CU, the game medal number is not displayed. Note that even in a situation where the voltage (VL) is not supplied from the card unit CU, the displays such as the payout display 46 and the winning ratio monitor 47 are maintained.

[0113] In this embodiment, based on the operation and management means 101p receiving information that can identify that the medal management transmission / reception means 101n is not supplied with the voltage (VL) from the card unit CU, the operation of each operation means is disabled. However, even if the operation and management means 101p does not manage the enabling / disabling of each operation means, a circuit may be formed such that the operation of each operation means is disabled in a situation where the voltage VL from the card unit CU is not supplied.

[0114] For example, for each of the bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, count switch 31, start switch 9, and stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, a circuit (AND circuit) that cannot be used unless both the voltage VL on the slot machine SM side and the voltage VL on the card unit CU side are supplied may be formed. Similarly, for the game medal number display 26, a circuit (AND circuit) in which power is not supplied to each segment unless both the voltage VL on the slot machine SM side and the voltage VL on the card unit CU side are supplied may be formed.

[0115] In this embodiment, for all of the operation means (bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, start switch 9, each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R, count switch 31, settlement switch 33), the main control CPU 101 (operation and management means 101p) determines whether the operation is enabled or disabled based on the presence or absence of the supply of the voltage (VL) from the card unit CU. However, the medal number control CPU 301 (VL supply determination means 301f) may be used to make such a determination for all of the operation means.

[0116] Also, for example, the medal number control CPU 301 determines whether the operation of the count switch 31 is enabled or disabled based on the presence or absence of the supply of the voltage (VL), and the main control CPU 101 determines whether the operations of the other operation means are enabled or disabled. That is, the control CPU that makes such a determination may be different according to the type of operation means. In this case, the control CPU that is particularly closely related to the operation of the operation means may be changed to make the determination of enabling / disabling as necessary.

[0117] Furthermore, a soft determination means such as a control CPU and a hard determination means may be combined. For example, the determination of the validity / invalidity of the operation of the counting switch 31 is performed by the medal count control CPU 301, the determination of the validity / invalidity of the operation of the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R is performed by the hard determination means, and the determination of the validity / invalidity of the operation of other operation means is performed by the main control CPU 101. These determination means may be combined and used according to the type of the operation means.

[0118] (15) Game history information management means 101q The game history information management means 101q in FIG. 5 totals game history information according to the progress of the game. For example, as game history information, there are the total number of insertions (the cumulative number of insertions from power-on excluding re-games), the total number of payouts (the cumulative number of payouts from power-on excluding re-games), MY (the maximum MY calculated after power-on), the number of payouts by accessory devices (the number of payouts due to the operation of accessory devices accumulated from power-on), the continuous number of payouts by accessory devices (the number of payouts due to the differential of the first special accessory device accumulated from power-on), the accessory device ratio (the number of payouts by accessory devices ÷ the total number of payouts × 100 [%]), the continuous accessory device ratio (the continuous number of payouts by accessory devices ÷ the total number of payouts × 100 [%]), the favorable interval ratio, the ratio of the indicated inserted accessory device, the accessory device status ratio, and the like.

[0119] (Sub-control board) Next, the functions of the sub-control board 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0120] (1) Command receiving means 201a The command receiving means 201a receives commands including various information transmitted by the command transmitting means 101m of the main control board 100. When the command receiving means 201a receives a command transmitted from the main control board 100, it notifies each function provided in the sub-control board 200 according to the type of the command.

[0121] (2) Presentation content determination means 201b The performance content determination means 201b is for determining the content of the performance according to the command received by the command reception means 201a. Specifically, it determines the video to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 from the performance patterns preset corresponding to the progress of the game, the result of the role lottery by the lottery means 101e, etc., determines the music or voice flowing from the speakers 15 and 16, or determines performances such as flashing the light sources of the upper lamp section 21 and the lower lamp section 22 all at once or individually.

[0122] Then, the performance content determination means 201b transmits a signal including data related to the determined performance content to the liquid crystal display control means 201c and the voice control means 201d.

[0123] (3) Liquid crystal display control means 201c The liquid crystal display control means 201c performs control such as displaying a video (image) on the liquid crystal display 14 or flashing the light sources of the upper lamp section 21 and the lower lamp section 22 all at once or individually based on the data included in the signal transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b. For example, the liquid crystal display control means 201c flashes the light sources of the upper lamp section 21 and the lower lamp section 22 all at once or individually based on the data transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b.

[0124] (4) Voice control means 201d The voice control means 201d performs control such as playing music or outputting voice from the speakers 15 and 16 based on the data included in the signal transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b. For example, the voice control means 201d sounds the winning sound of the replay role from the speaker 15 or sounds the medal insertion sound from the speaker 16 based on the data transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b.

[0125] (Medal number control board) Next, the functions of the medal number control board 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0126] (1) Storage means 302a The storage means 302a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 302 and stores the data on the available number of pseudo medals held by the player.

[0127] Here, an example of the initialization operation of the storage means 302a by the medal number clear switch 303 (the game value initialization means of the present invention, hereinafter referred to as the medal number clear process) will be described. For example, before the power of the slot machine SM is turned on, the medal number clear switch 303 is turned to the ON state. Then, while the medal number clear switch 303 remains in the ON state, when the power switch 401 is operated to supply power, a partial area of the memory 302 is initialized. Specifically, in the storage means 302a (the second storage area of the present invention), at least the data related to the available number of pseudo medals (the special storage area of the present invention) is erased. Although the data area to be erased is at least the data related to the available number of pseudo medals, for example, if the medal number control CPU 301 detects an abnormality in the memory 302, all the data in the storage means 302a may be erased, and if no abnormality is detected, only the data on the available number of pseudo medals may be erased.

[0128] Also, when the medal number clear process is performed, a notification is given by the liquid crystal display 14, the speakers 15, 16, etc. to inform that the medal number clear process has been performed. Specifically, when the medal number clear process is performed, the message "Medal number clear completed" is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, and then it returns to the state displayed during normal games, and the speakers 15, 16 give a notification saying "Medal number has been cleared".

[0129] Note that, as a condition for starting the medal number clear process, it is a condition (the third predetermined condition of the present invention) that the medal number clear switch 303 is in the ON state before the power of the slot machine SM is turned on, but it may be added that the front panel 2 is in the open state.

[0130] (2) Flag storage means 302b The flag storage means 302b stores an input completion flag, which is set to on when the main board communication means 301a receives information that can identify that the start switch 9 has been operated and the game has started, and is set to off when information indicating the number of inserted medals in the game ( "game information" in "hall control / cheating monitoring information": refer to Fig. 13(b-1)) is transmitted to the card unit CU after the start switch 9 has been operated, or when the time elapsed after it is assumed to be transmitted has passed.

[0131] (3) Main board communication means 301a The main board communication means 301a receives signals based on various information such as instructions for inserting pseudo medals and information regarding the number of pseudo medals paid out for winning combinations transmitted from the main control board 100, and game machine information including various ratios such as the ID number of the main control CPU 101 and the accessory ratio. At the same time, it transmits a response signal to the main control board 100 for information regarding the instruction for inserting pseudo medals and the number of paid-out coins from the main control board 100. When the main board communication means 301a receives a signal based on information transmitted from the main control board 100 or a signal based on information transmitted from the card unit CU, it notifies each function provided in the medal number control board 300 according to the type of information. Note that for the main board communication means 301a, the means for receiving a signal from the main control board 100 and the receiving means for receiving a signal from the card unit CU may be separate means.

[0132] (4) Game medal number management means 301b The game medal number management means 301b manages the available number data stored in the storage means 302a, and includes a borrowing process means 301b1, a first counting process means 301b2, a second insertion process means 301b3, and a second payout process means 301b4.

[0133] a) Borrowing process means 301b1 The borrowing process means 301b1 conducts a pseudo medal borrowing process with the card unit CU. Specifically, when the lending switch 503a of the card unit CU is operated, a signal based on the number data for a predetermined lending number of medals is transmitted from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM, and this signal is received by the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e described later. When this signal is received by the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e, the borrowing process means 301b1 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to the game medal number data increased by a predetermined lending number of medals. Also, when the borrowing process means 301b1 rewrites to the game medal number data increased by a predetermined lending number of medals, it transmits a lending receipt result response signal to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e.

[0134] b) The first counting process means 301b2 The first counting process means 301b2, in cooperation with the second counting process means 501c of the card unit CU, conducts a counting process to transfer part or all of the available number data stored in the storage means 302a to the card unit CU side. Specifically, when the counting switch 31 of the slot machine SM is operated, a signal based on the number data for a predetermined counting number of medals is transmitted from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e. When this signal is transmitted by the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e, the first counting process means 301b2 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to the game medal number data subtracted by a predetermined counting number of medals.

[0135] In this embodiment, as the predetermined count, in the case of a normal press where the pressing time of the count switch 31 is less than the predetermined time, the number data of one pseudo medal is used, and in the case of a long press where the pressing time of the count switch 31 is equal to or more than the predetermined time, the number data of 50 pseudo medals is used. In the case of a long press, while the count switch 31 is being pressed, the number data of 50 pseudo medals is transmitted to the card unit CU at a predetermined interval (for example, 300 ms). Accordingly, the first count processing means 301b2 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a every predetermined interval (for example, 300 ms) with the game medal number data obtained by subtracting the number of 50 pseudo medals.

[0136] c) The second insertion processing means 301b3 The second insertion processing means 301b3 cooperates with the first insertion processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 to set the bet number by inserting pseudo medals and establish the predetermined conditions for starting the game.

[0137] When the bet switch 7 is operated, a signal based on information capable of specifying that fact is transmitted to the medal number control board 300 by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n. When the main board-to-board transmission / reception means 301a receives the signal based on the information, the second insertion processing means 301b3 rewrites the game medal number stored in the storage means 302a with the game medal number data obtained by subtracting the number of medals corresponding to the bet number (one medal), and transmits a signal based on information capable of specifying that fact to the main control board 100 via the main board-to-board transmission / reception means 301a.

[0138] When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, a signal based on information capable of specifying this is transmitted to the medal number control board 300 by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n. When the main board transmission / reception means 301a receives a signal based on this information, the second insertion processing means 301b3 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to the game medal number data obtained by subtracting the number of medals corresponding to the bet number (3 medals), and transmits a signal based on information capable of specifying this to the main control board 100 via the main board transmission / reception means 301a. However, in this embodiment, even when three pseudo medals are inserted, the exchange between the first insertion processing means 101d and the second insertion processing means 301b3 is performed one by one. That is, by repeating the exchange between the first insertion processing means 101d and the second insertion processing means 301b3 when the bet switch 7 is operated three times, the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a is rewritten to the game medal number data obtained by subtracting the number of medals corresponding to the bet number (3 medals). The flow of the insertion process will be described later.

[0139] d) The second payout processing means 301b4 When the determination result of the determination means 101g is any winning mode of a role with a pseudo medal payout, the second payout processing means 301b4 cooperates with the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 to pay out the pseudo medals corresponding to the role, thereby giving a profit to the player.

[0140] When the determination result of the determination means 101g is a display mode related to the payout of pseudo medals (the winning mode of a winning combination with a payout such as a small winning combination), a signal based on the number data corresponding to the number of pseudo medals to be paid out to the player is transmitted by the first payout processing means 101h to the medal number control board 300 via the medal management transmission / reception means 101n. When the main board transmission / reception means 301a receives a signal based on such information, the second payout processing means 301b4 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a into game medal number data increased by the number of payout medals, and transmits a signal based on information capable of specifying this fact to the main control board 100. However, in this embodiment, even if the number of pseudo medals to be paid out for the winning combination is two or more, the payout process is performed one by one between the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4. On the other hand, the second payout processing means 301b4 does not rewrite the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a even when winning a replay winning combination. The flow of the pseudo medal payout / input process performed in cooperation between the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4 will be described later.

[0141] (5) Game Medal Number Display Control Means 301c The game medal number display control means 301c controls the game medal number display 26 so that the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a is displayed on the game medal number display 26 based on the game medal number data.

[0142] (7) Inter-unit Transmission / Reception Means 301e The inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e transmits various information such as information regarding the number of inserted and paid-out pseudo medals, information regarding errors occurring in the slot machine SM, information regarding various ratios displayed on the winning combination ratio monitor 47, information capable of specifying the number data corresponding to the count based on the operation of the counting switch 31, and unique information of the slot machine SM to the card unit CU, and receives information capable of specifying the number data corresponding to the number of lent medals transmitted from the card unit CU based on the operation of the lending switch 503a.

[0143] (8) VL supply determination means 301f The slot machine SM is supplied with voltage VL from the card unit CU via a connector. When the card unit CU is not powered on or when the slot machine SM and the card unit CU are not properly connected, the voltage VL supplied from the card unit CU will be interrupted. The VL supply determination means 301f determines whether the voltage VL is being supplied from the card unit CU by detecting the voltage of the wiring line through which the voltage VL is supplied from the card unit CU on the medal count control board 300.

[0144] (9) Transmission item control means 301g Information transmitted to the card unit CU by the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e includes gaming machine information, counting information, and information regarding the lending reception result response. The transmission item control means 301g controls the transmission content or transmission items in this information, and each information and its transmission will be described later.

[0145] (10) Error detection means 301h The error detection means 301h detects whether an abnormal state different from the normal state has occurred, that is, whether an error has occurred. Examples of errors detected by the error detection means 301h include a "medal count upper limit error" that occurs when the held medal count shown in FIG. 39 exceeds the upper limit (so-called complete state), a "unit connection error" that occurs when it is detected that the voltage VL is OFF by the VL supply determination means 301f, an "information detection error" that occurs when a difference in the increased or decreased medal count managed by the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is detected, and a "medal count control RWM error" that occurs when an abnormality occurs in the RAM of the medal count control CPU 301, etc.

[0146] Also, when the error detection means 301h detects an error, the type of the detected error and the detected date and time are recorded. The detected error history can be confirmed from the administrator menu (confirmation means of the present invention) displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 described later.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 54, the administrator menu is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 during the setting change process, and as shown in FIG. 54(a), it can be selected from "Volume setting", "Eco mode setting", "Setting change / confirmation history", and "Error history".

[0148] FIG. 54(b) shows the screen in which "Setting change / confirmation history" is selected in the screen shown in FIG. 54(a). In addition to being able to confirm the history of setting change processing and setting confirmation, the history of special clear processing can also be confirmed. Specifically, "Setting change" is the history of setting change processing, "Setting confirmation" is the history of setting confirmation, and "Reset" is the history of special clear processing. On this screen, the set value and date and time at the time of each process can be confirmed, and the content with the smallest No. is the most recent history. 10 histories can be confirmed on one page, and it is possible to move to other pages with "Next page" and "Previous page". Since there are 10 pages in total, 100 histories can be confirmed, and the 101st and subsequent histories are sequentially deleted.

[0149] Fig. 54(c) shows the screen where "Error History" is selected on the screen shown in Fig. 54(a), and the history of abnormalities and abnormality cancellation operations that occurred in the slot machine SM can be confirmed. For example, "Door Open" is the history of detecting that the front panel 2 is in the open state, "Power ON" is the history of the power switch 401 being operated and power supply being provided, "RWM Error" is the history of the error detection means 101i detecting an abnormality in the RAM 102b, "RWM Clear" is the history of a special clear process being performed, and "Medal Upper Limit" is the history of the error detection means 301h detecting a medal number upper limit error. In this way, on the screen for displaying the error history, both the errors detected by the error detection means 101i and the errors detected by the error detection means 301h are displayed in a mixed form. The date and time when an abnormality or the like was detected can be confirmed on this screen, and the content with the smallest No. is the history that occurred most recently. Ten histories can be confirmed on one page, and it is possible to move to other pages using "Next Page" and "Previous Page". Since there are a total of 10 pages, 100 histories can be confirmed, and the 101st and subsequent histories are sequentially deleted.

[0150] The communication between the medal number control CPU 301 of the above-mentioned slot machine SM and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU is carried out by serial communication, and the communication between the main control CPU 101 of the above-mentioned slot machine SM and the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM is carried out by parallel communication. Note that the communication between the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU is not limited to serial communication, and the communication between the main control CPU 101 of the slot machine SM and the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM is not limited to parallel communication.

[0151] Hereinafter, the telegrams used for the communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 16.

[0152] (Format of the telegram and each item thereof) First, the format of the telegram used for communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU, and each item of the telegram format will be described with reference to FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b).

[0153] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the telegram used for communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU includes five items: "telegram length", "command", "sequence number", "data part", and "checksum". The data format of each item is HEX (hexadecimal), as shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0154] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the item "telegram length" stores the length of the telegram from the item "telegram length" to "checksum".

[0155] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the item "command" stores the command code assigned to the telegram (the telegrams "game machine information notification", "count notification", "loan notification", "loan receipt result response" in FIG. 8).

[0156] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the item "sequence number" stores the sequence number assigned to the telegram (the telegrams "game machine information notification", "count notification", "loan notification", "loan receipt result response" in FIG. 8). In this embodiment, values from "0x00" to "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: 0 to 255 in decimal notation) are stored.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the item "data part" stores the data of the telegram.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the item "checksum" adds the data from the item "telegram length" to "data part" and stores the lower 1 byte of the total. The data of the item "checksum" is used by the device on the receiving side of the telegram to confirm whether the telegram is damaged due to communication errors or the like.

[0159] (Type of Telegram) Subsequently, the types of telegrams used for communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0160] As types of telegrams used for communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU, there are four types of telegrams: "Game machine information notification", "Counting notification", "Lending notification", and "Lending receipt result response".

[0161] The telegram "Game machine information notification" is used to notify the "game machine information" from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU, and a dedicated command code is assigned to be stored in the item "Command". The telegram "Counting notification" is used to notify the "counting information (number of counted medals)" from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU, and a dedicated command code is assigned to be stored in the item "Command". The telegram "Lending notification" is used to notify the "lending information (number of lent medals)" from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM, and a dedicated command code is assigned to be stored in the item "Command". The telegram "Lending receipt result response" is a response from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU for the telegram "Lending notification", and a dedicated command code is assigned to be stored in the item "Command". In this embodiment, it is assumed that the only telegram allowed to be transmitted from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM is the telegram "Lending notification".

[0162] Hereinafter, each of the telegrams "Game machine information notification", "Counting notification", "Lending notification", and "Lending receipt result response" will be described in order.

[0163] (Telegram "Game machine information notification") First, the details of the telegram "Game machine information notification" will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 9, the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" includes items "Telegram Length", "Command", "Sequence Number", "Game Machine Type", "Game Machine Information Type", "Game Machine Information", and "Checksum". However, the item "Telegram Length" corresponds to the item "Telegram Length" in FIG. 7, the item "Command" corresponds to the item "Command" in FIG. 7, the item "Sequence Number" corresponds to the item "Sequence Number" in FIG. 7, the items "Game Machine Type", "Game Machine Information Type", and "Game Machine Information" correspond to the item "Data Part" in FIG. 7, and the item "Checksum" corresponds to the item "Checksum" in FIG. 7.

[0165] The item "Telegram Length" stores the length of the telegram from the item "Telegram Length" to "Checksum".

[0166] The item "Command" stores the dedicated command code of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification".

[0167] The item "Sequence Number" stores the sequence number. In this embodiment, values from "0x00" to "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: 0 to 255 in decimal notation) are stored. Specifically, when the power is turned on, a telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" with "0x00" (hexadecimal notation: 0 in decimal notation) stored in the item "Sequence Number" is transmitted. Thereafter, each time the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" is transmitted, a telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" with a value obtained by incrementing the item "Sequence Number" by "1" (decimal notation) is transmitted. However, when the value reaches "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: 255 in decimal notation), the next value stored is "0x01" (hexadecimal notation: 1 in decimal notation), which is obtained by incrementing by "2" (decimal notation).

[0168] The item "Game Machine Type" stores the game machine type code indicating the type of game machine assigned to each of pachinko machines, rotary gaming machines such as slot machines SM, arrangement ball gaming machines, and jan ball gaming machines.

[0169] The item "Game Machine Information Type" stores a game machine information type code indicating the type of game machine information. In this embodiment, as "game machine information", three types are prepared: "Game Machine Performance Information", "Game Machine Installation Information", and "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" which will be described later. As the game machine information type code, "0x00" (hexadecimal notation) is assigned to "Game Machine Performance Information", "0x01" (hexadecimal notation) is assigned to "Game Machine Installation Information", and "0x02" (hexadecimal notation) is assigned to "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information".

[0170] When "0x00" (hexadecimal notation) is stored in the item "Game Machine Information Type", the item "Game Machine Information" stores "Game Machine Performance Information" such as the total input number, total payout number, and MY (the difference in the number of pseudo medals during a certain period (for example, after power-on)). Also, when "0x01" (hexadecimal notation) is stored in the item "Game Machine Information Type", the item "Game Machine Information" stores "Game Machine Installation Information" such as the manufacturer code, product code, and chip ID number for main control / medal number control. Also, when "0x02" (hexadecimal notation) is stored in the item "Game Machine Information Type", the item "Game Machine Information" stores "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" such as IN, OUT, BB, RB, AT, door open signal, and security signal.

[0171] The item "Checksum" adds the data from the item "Message Length" to "Game Machine Information" and stores the lower 1 byte of the total. The data of the item "Checksum" is used by the device on the receiving side of the message to confirm whether the message is damaged due to an error during communication or the like.

[0172] Hereinafter, the "Game Machine Performance Information", "Game Machine Installation Information", and "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" stored in the item "Game Machine Information" will be described in order.

[0173] (Game Machine Performance Information) First, the "game machine performance information" will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The "game machine performance information" includes information displayed on the winning ratio monitor 47 and related information, etc., which is transmitted from the card unit CU to the management computer and then from the management computer to the center. The "game machine performance information" is used to confirm whether the slot machine SM has a performance exceeding the performance required for passing the inspection and whether there is any fraud committed by the player, etc.

[0174] The "game machine performance information" includes items "total input number", "total payout number", "MY", "payout number of accessory devices", "consecutive payout number of accessory devices", "accessory device ratio", "consecutive accessory device ratio", "favorable interval ratio", "designated accessory device ratio", "status ratio of accessory devices, etc.", "reserve", "reservation".

[0175] The item "total input number" stores the cumulative input number from power-on excluding re-games. Also, the item "total payout number" stores the cumulative payout number from power-on excluding re-games. Also, the item "MY" stores the maximum MY (the maximum difference in the number of pseudo medals) calculated after power-on. The explanations for other items are omitted.

[0176] (Game machine installation information) Next, the "game machine installation information" will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The "game machine installation information" includes information related to the main control chip (main control CPU 101) and the medal number control chip (medal number control CPU 301), which is transmitted from the card unit CU to the management computer and then from the management computer to the center. The "game machine installation information" is used to confirm whether the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 equipped in the slot machine SM are regular ones, etc.

[0177] The "game machine installation information" includes items "main control chip ID number", "main control chip manufacturer code", "main control chip product code", "medal number control chip ID number", "medal number control chip manufacturer code", "medal number control chip product code".

[0178] The items "Main control chip ID number", "Main control chip manufacturer code", and "Main control chip product code" store the ID number, manufacturer code, and product code of the main control chip (main control CPU 101). Also, the items "Medal count control chip ID number", "Medal count control chip manufacturer code", and "Medal count control chip product code" store the ID number, manufacturer code, and product code of the medal count control chip (medal count control CPU 301). However, when the medal count control chip (medal count control CPU 301) is not installed, "0x00" (hexadecimal notation) is stored in the items "Medal count control chip ID number", "Medal count control chip manufacturer code", and "Medal count control chip product code".

[0179] (Hall computer - cheating surveillance information) Finally, "Hall computer - cheating surveillance information" (the predetermined signal of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIG. 12. "Hall computer - cheating surveillance information" includes "Game machine information (Hall computer - cheating surveillance information)" and "Game information", and is information transmitted from the card unit CU to the hall computer.

[0180] "Game machine information (Hall computer - cheating surveillance information)" includes items such as "Number of game medals", "Number of inserted medals", "Number of paid - out medals", "Main control status 1", ···, "Game machine error status", "Game machine cheating 1 (main control)", ···, "Game machine cheating 2 (main control or medal count control)", ···. Note that the data of the items "Number of inserted medals" and "Number of paid - out medals" are not treated as signals for the hall computer, while the data of the other items are treated as signals for the hall computer, but it is not limited to this.

[0181] The item "Number of game medals" stores the current number of game medals displayed on the game medal number display 26. In this embodiment, values from "0x000000" to "0xFF3F00" (hexadecimal notation: 0 to 16383 in decimal notation) are stored. Note that in this embodiment, the game machine is designed to be able to manage the number of game medals within the range of "0x000000" to "0xFF3F00" (hexadecimal notation: 0 to 16383 in decimal notation).

[0182] The item "number of inserted medals" stores the number of pseudo medals inserted during the transmission timing of the telegram "gaming machine information notification" that stores consecutive "hole control / fraud monitoring information". In this embodiment, values from "0xFD" to "0x03" (hexadecimal notation: -3 to +3 in decimal notation) are stored, and the upper 1-bit of 8 bits is used as the sign (+ / -) bit. The "number of inserted pseudo medals" here is the number of inserted pseudo medals when there is an insertion of medals based on the pressing operation of the bet switch (bet switch 7 or maximum bet switch 8 in this embodiment), and is added. When there is a return of pseudo medals based on the pressing operation of the settlement switch (settlement switch 33 in this embodiment), it is the number of returned pseudo medals and is subtracted.

[0183] The item "number of paid-out medals" stores the number of pseudo medals paid out during the transmission timing of the telegram "gaming machine information notification" that stores consecutive "hole control / fraud monitoring information". In this embodiment, values from "0x00" to "0x15" (hexadecimal notation: 0 to 15 in decimal notation) are stored. The "number of paid-out pseudo medals" here is obtained by adding the number of pseudo medals paid out when the player wins a prize in a role that acquires pseudo medals.

[0184] The item "main control state" stores data indicating the gaming state in which the slot machine SM is staying by the game control means 101a. In this embodiment, the gaming state in which it is staying can be indicated by which of the bits from Bit0 to Bit2 is set to 1.

[0185] The item "Game machine error state" stores data indicating the abnormalities occurring in the slot machine SM. In this embodiment, depending on which bit among Bit0 to Bit5 is set to 1, it is possible to indicate which error code among the pre-set error codes it corresponds to, Bit6 can indicate whether the error was detected by the main control CPU101 or the medal count control CPU301, and Bit7 can instruct the card unit CU whether to only give an alarm or to output a signal to the hall computer. When a signal instruction to the hall computer is made at Bit7, the card unit CU outputs a signal corresponding to the occurrence of the error to the hall computer, and the hall computer gives an error notification by means of an alarm or the like until a cancellation operation by the store clerk is performed. Note that the signal instruction to the hall computer at Bit7 is performed when any bit becomes 1 in the items "Game machine fraud 1 (main control)" or "Game machine fraud 2 (main control or medal count control)" described later, in other words, when some operation such as an abnormality or a setting change is performed.

[0186] The item "Game machine fraud 1 (main control)" stores data indicating the abnormalities detected by the main control CPU101. In this embodiment, it stores a setting change in progress signal indicating that a setting change is in progress at Bit0, a setting confirmation in progress signal indicating that a setting confirmation is in progress at Bit1, an irregularity detection signal indicating that other errors are occurring at Bits2 to 4, a complete signal indicating that a complete function is occurring at Bit6, and a security signal that becomes 1 when any one of the setting change in progress signal, the setting confirmation in progress signal, the irregularity detection signal, and the complete signal becomes 1 at Bit5.

[0187] For each piece of data set in the item "Game Machine Irregularity 1 (Main Control)", due to its importance, the minimum output time for transmission to the card unit CU by the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e is set. For example, when starting to output the setting change in progress signal with the data of Bit0 set to 1, the output of the setting change in progress signal is continued with the data of Bit0 set to 1 until 3 seconds have elapsed after the setting change is completed and the game becomes playable. Also, when starting to output the setting confirmation in progress signal with the data of Bit1 set to 1, the output of the setting confirmation in progress signal is continued with the data of Bit1 set to 1 until 3 seconds have elapsed since the start of the output of the setting confirmation in progress signal. Also, when starting to output the irregularity detection signal with any of the data of Bit2 to 4 set to 1, the output of the irregularity detection signal is continued with the data of Bit2 to 4 set to 1 until 3 seconds have elapsed since the start of the output of the irregularity detection signal. Also, when starting to output the security signal with the data of Bit5 set to 1, the output of the security signal is continued with the data of Bit1 set to 1 while any of the setting change in progress signal, setting confirmation in progress signal, irregularity detection signal, and complete signal is 1. Also, when starting to output the complete signal with the data of Bit6 set to 1, the output of the complete signal is continued with the data of Bit6 set to 1 until 30 seconds have elapsed after the complete function is activated.

[0188] The item "Game Machine Irregularity 2 (Main Control or Medal Count Control)" stores data regarding abnormalities occurring in the slot machine SM other than the abnormalities stored in the item "Game Machine Irregularity 1 (Main Control)". In this embodiment, it stores a setting door open signal indicating that the setting door is in the open state with Bit0, a door open signal indicating that the front panel 2 of the slot machine SM is in the open state with Bit1, and a game medal count clear detection signal indicating that initialization of the game medal count data using the medal count clear switch 303 has been performed with Bit3.

[0189] For each piece of data set in the item "Game Machine Irregularity 2 (Main Control or Medal Count Control)", the minimum output time for transmission to the card unit CU by the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e is set according to its importance. For example, when the output of the set door open signal is started with the data of Bit0 set to 1, the output of the set door open signal continues with the data of Bit0 set to 1 until 3 seconds have elapsed since the start of the output of the set door open signal. Also, when the output of the door open signal is started with the data of Bit1 set to 1, the output of the door open signal continues with the data of Bit1 set to 1 until 3 seconds have elapsed since the start of the output of the door open signal. Also, when the output of the game medal count clear detection signal is started with the data of Bit3 set to 1, the output of the game medal count clear detection signal continues with the data of Bit3 set to 1 until 3 seconds have elapsed since the game became playable.

[0190] Note that descriptions of other items are omitted.

[0191] "Game information" includes the items "Number of Game Information", "Type Information 1", "Count Information 1", "Type Information 2", and "Count Information 2". Note that the data of the items "Number of Game Information", "Type Information 1", "Count Information 1", "Type Information 2", and "Count Information 2" are treated as signals for the hall computer.

[0192] The item "Number of Game Information" stores the number (n) of pairs of type information and count information. In this embodiment, n stores values from "0x00" to "0x02" (hexadecimal notation: 0 to 2 in decimal notation). Note that when the item "Number of Game Information" is "0", the items "Type Information 1", "Count Information 1", "Type Information 2", and "Count Information 2" are not included; when it is "1", the items "Type Information 1" and "Count Information 1" are included; and when it is "2", the items "Type Information 1", "Count Information 1", "Type Information 2", and "Count Information 2" are included.

[0193] The item "Type Information 1" stores either input or payout. Also, the item "Count Information 1" stores the number of pseudo medals input in the game when the item "Type Information 1" is input, and stores the number of pseudo medals paid out in the game when the item "Type Information 1" is payout. Here, the "number of pseudo medals input in the game" is different from the "number of input medals" in FIG. 12. It is the number of pseudo medals input at the time of operating the start switch (in this embodiment, start switch 9) (the number of pseudo medals used (consumed) in one game), and is set and transmitted in the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores the first "Hall Control Illegal Monitoring Information" after the operation of start switch 9. The "number of pseudo medals input in the game" is "0x01" to "0x11" (hexadecimal notation: "1" to "3" in decimal notation) in this embodiment. Also, the "number of pseudo medals paid out in the game" here is different from the "number of paid-out medals" in FIG. 12. It is the number of pseudo medals predetermined for the winning combination when the player wins a winning combination for obtaining pseudo medals, and is set and transmitted in the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores the first "Hall Control Illegal Monitoring Information" after the determination of the number of pseudo medals paid out.

[0194] The item "Type Information 2" stores either input or payout. Also, the item "Count Information 2" stores the number of pseudo medals input in the game when the item "Type Information 2" is input, and stores the number of pseudo medals paid out in the game when the item "Type Information 2" is payout. Here, the "number of pseudo medals input in the game" is different from the "number of input medals" in FIG. 12. It is the number of pseudo medals input at the time of operating the start switch (in this embodiment, the start switch 9) (the number of pseudo medals used (consumed) in one game), and is set and transmitted in the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores the first "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" after the operation of the start switch 9. The "number of pseudo medals input in the game" is "0x01" to "0x11" (hexadecimal notation: "1" to "3" in decimal notation) in this embodiment. Also, the "number of pseudo medals paid out in the game" here is different from the "number of paid - out medals" in FIG. 12. It is the number of pseudo medals predetermined for the winning combination when the player wins a winning combination for obtaining pseudo medals, and is set and transmitted in the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores the first "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" after the determination of the number of pseudo medals paid out.

[0195] Here, the items "Type Information 1", "Count Information 1", "Type Information 2", and "Count Information 2" in FIG. 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13. Since the pair of "Type Information 1" and "Count Information 1" and the pair of "Type Information 2" and "Count Information 2" have the same content, they will be described together as a pair of "Type Information" and "Count Information".

[0196] As shown in FIG. 13(a), the 2 - byte "Game Information" includes 1 - byte "Type Information" and 1 - byte "Count Information".

[0197] The 1 - byte "Type Information" is information indicating whether the "Game Information" is related to input in one game or payout in one game. As shown in FIG. 13(b), it includes "Data Type" and "Data Number", and Bit4 - 7 (upper bits) are assigned to "Data Type", and Bit0 - 3 (lower bits) are assigned to "Data Number".

[0198] In the Bit4 to Bit7 assigned to the "data type", as shown in FIG. 13(b-1), when it indicates that the "game information" is a notification related to input (notification of the number of inputs of the game), "1 (0001)" is set ("input number (IN)"), and when it indicates that the "game information" is a notification related to payout (notification of the number of payouts of the game), "2 (0010)" is set ("payout number (OUT)").

[0199] In the Bit0 to Bit3 assigned to the "data number", as shown in FIG. 13(b-2), when the value of Bit4 to Bit7 assigned to the "data type" is "1 (0001)" (input number (IN)), the value of Bit0 to Bit3 is fixed to "1 (0001)", and "0 (0000)", "2 (0010)" to "15 (1111)" are unused. Also, when the value of Bit4 to Bit7 assigned to the "data type" is "2 (0010)" (payout number (OUT)), the value of Bit0 to Bit3 is fixed to "1 (0001)", and "0 (0000)", "2 (0010)" to "15 (1111)" are unused.

[0200] Note that the combination of the value "0 (0000)" of Bit4 to Bit7 and the values "0 (0000)" to "15 (1111)" of Bit0 to Bit3, and the combination of the values "3 (0011)" to "15 (1111)" of Bit4 to Bit7 and the values "0 (0000)" to "15 (1111)" of Bit0 to Bit3 are unused.

[0201] One-byte "count information" stores the input number of the game (the input number at the time of operating the start switch 9, notified after operating the start switch 9) when the "game information" is related to the input in one game, and stores the payout number of the game (notified after the payout number of the pseudo medals is determined) when the "game information" is related to the payout in one game.

[0202] Specifically, when the "data type" is "1 (0001)" (input count (IN)), as shown in FIG. 13(c-1), in Bit0 to Bit7 of the "count information", the values of Bit4 to Bit7 are fixed to "0 (0000)" (unused), and the values of Bit0 to Bit3 are set to the input count of the game ("1 (0001)" to "3 (0011)") (input count). Here, the "input count of the game" is the number of pseudo medals used (consumed) in one game. In this embodiment, the allowable input count set as the number of medals used in one game that can generally be assumed (defined by rules, etc.) in the slot machine SM and other slot machines is 1 to 3 medals.

[0203] Also, when the "data type" is "2 (0010)" (payout count (OUT)), as shown in FIG. 13(c-2), in Bit0 to Bit7 of the "count information", the values of Bit4 to Bit7 are fixed to "0 (0000)" (unused), and the values of Bit0 to Bit3 are set to the payout count of the game ("1 (0001)" to "15 (1111)") (payout count). Here, the "payout count of the game" is the number of pseudo medals predetermined for the corresponding winning combination when the player wins a winning combination for obtaining pseudo medals. In this embodiment, the allowable payout count set as the number of medals paid out in one game that can generally be assumed (defined by rules, etc.) in the slot machine SM and other slot machines is 1 to 15 medals.

[0204] In the [game information] described with reference to FIGS. 13(a) to (c-2), when the input count of the game is 3 medals, as shown in FIG. 13(d-1), the value of the "data type" (Bit4 to Bit7) of the "type information" is set to "1 (0001)" indicating that the "game information" is a notification related to input (notification of the input count of the game), the value of the "data number" (Bit0 to Bit3) of the "type information" is set to "1 (0001)" (fixed), the value of the "unused" (Bit4 to Bit7) of the "count information" is set to "0 (0000)" (fixed), and the value of the "input count" of the "count information" is set to the input count of the game "3 (0011)".

[0205] When the number of payouts in the game is 10, as shown in FIG. 13(d-2), the value of "data type" (Bits 4 to 7) in the "type information" is set to "2 (0010)" indicating that the "game information" is a notification related to payout (notification of the number of payouts in the game), the value of "data number" (Bits 0 to 3) in the "type information" is set to "1 (0001)" (fixed), the value of "unused" (Bits 4 to 7) in the "count information" is set to "0 (0000)" (fixed), and the value of "number of payouts" in the "count information" is set to the number of payouts in the game "10 (1010)".

[0206] (Message "Count Notification")[[]END] Next, the details of the message "Count Notification" will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0207] The message "Count Notification" includes items "message length", "command", "count serial number", "count medal number", "cumulative count medal number", and "checksum". However, the item "message length" corresponds to the item "message length" in FIG. 7, the item "command" corresponds to the item "command" in FIG. 7, the item "count serial number" corresponds to the item "serial number" in FIG. 7, the items "count medal number" and "cumulative count medal number" correspond to the item "data part" in FIG. 7, and the item "checksum" corresponds to the item "checksum" in FIG. 7.

[0208] The item "message length" stores the length of the message from the item "message length" to "checksum".

[0209] The item "command" stores the dedicated command code of the message "Count Notification".

[0210] The item "Counting Serial Number" stores a sequence number, and in this embodiment, it stores values from "0x00" to "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: 0 to 255 in decimal notation). Specifically, when the power is turned on, a message "Counting Notification" is sent with "0x00" (hexadecimal notation: 0 in decimal notation) stored in the item "Counting Serial Number". After that, each time the message "Counting Notification" is sent, a message "Counting Notification" with a value obtained by incrementing the item "Counting Serial Number" by "1" (decimal notation) is sent. However, when the value reaches "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: 255 in decimal notation), the next value stored is "0x01" (hexadecimal notation: 1 in decimal notation), which is obtained by incrementing by "2" (decimal notation).

[0211] The item "Counting Medal Number" stores the number of medals to be counted (the number of medals moving from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU: described as "Counting Medal Number"). In this embodiment, it stores values from "0x00" to "0x32" (hexadecimal notation: 0 to 50 in decimal notation) as the counting medal number.

[0212] The item "Cumulative Counting Medal Number" stores the cumulative value of the counting medal numbers from power-on until now, including the counting medal number in the current message "Counting Notification" (described as "Cumulative Counting Medal Number"), and the cumulative counting medal number is cleared to "0" when the power is turned off. In this embodiment, it stores values from "0x0000" to "0xFFFF" (hexadecimal notation: 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) as the cumulative counting medal number. Specifically, when the power is turned on, "0x00" (hexadecimal notation: 0 in decimal notation) is stored in the item "Cumulative Counting Medal Number". After that, each time the message "Counting Notification" is sent, the value of the item "Counting Medal Number" in the message "Counting Notification" is added to the item "Cumulative Counting Medal Number". However, the addition is performed such that after "0xFFFF" (hexadecimal notation: 65535 in decimal notation), the next value is "0x0000" (hexadecimal notation: 0 in decimal notation).

[0213] The item "Checksum" adds the data from the item "Message Length" to "Cumulative Medal Count" and stores the lower byte of the total. The data of the item "Checksum" is used by the device that receives the message to check whether the message is damaged due to communication errors or the like.

[0214] (Message "Lending Notice") Next, the details of the message "Lending Notice" (the lending signal of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0215] The message "Lending Notice" includes the items "Message Length", "Command", "Lending Serial Number", "Number of Lent Medals", and "Checksum". However, the item "Message Length" corresponds to the item "Message Length" in FIG. 7, the item "Command" corresponds to the item "Command" in FIG. 7, the item "Lending Serial Number" corresponds to the item "Serial Number" in FIG. 7, the item "Number of Lent Medals" corresponds to the item "Data Part" in FIG. 7, and the item "Checksum" corresponds to the item "Checksum" in FIG. 7.

[0216] The item "Message Length" stores the length of the message from the item "Message Length" to "Checksum".

[0217] The item "Command" stores the dedicated command code for the message "Lending Notice".

[0218] The item "Lending Serial Number" stores a sequence number, and in this embodiment, values from "0x00" to "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "255" in decimal notation) are stored. Specifically, when the card unit CU starts communicating with the slot machine SM, a message "Lending Notice" with "0x00" (hexadecimal notation: "0" in decimal notation) stored in the item "Lending Serial Number" is transmitted. Thereafter, a message "Lending Notice" is transmitted in which the value of the item "Lending Serial Number" of the most recently received message "Lending Receipt Result Response" is incremented by "1" (decimal notation) and stored in the item "Lending Serial Number". However, in the item "Lending Serial Number", "0x01" (hexadecimal notation: "1" in decimal notation), which is incremented by "2" (decimal notation) after "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: "255"), is stored.

[0219] The item "Number of Lent Medals" stores the number of medals to be lent (the number of medals transferred from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM: described as "Number of Lent Medals"). In this embodiment, values from "0x00" to "0x32" (hexadecimal notation; "0" to "50" in decimal notation) are stored as the number of lent medals. However, if it is an inappropriate state for lending or a state that should be processed prior to lending, for example, (1) when the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" has not been received, (2) when in the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification", a game machine information type code other than the game machine information type code "0x02" (Hall Control / Irregular Monitoring Information) is stored in the item "Game Machine Information Type", (3) when in the telegram "Count Notification", a value of 1 (decimal notation) or more is stored in the item "Count Medal Number", if any of these cases apply, the lent medal number "0" is set in the item "Number of Lent Medals". Note that when none of the above (1) to (3) apply, a setting of 1 or more for the number of lent medals is possible in the item "Number of Lent Medals", and even in this case, the lent medal number "0" may be set in the item "Number of Lent Medals".

[0220] The item "Checksum" adds the data from the item "Telegram Length" to "Number of Lent Medals" and stores the lower 1 byte of the total. The data of the item "Checksum" is used by the device on the receiving side of the telegram to confirm whether the telegram has been damaged due to an error during communication or the like.

[0221] (Telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response") Finally, the details of the telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response" will be described with reference to FIG. 16.

[0222] The telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response" includes the items "Telegram Length", "Command", "Lending Serial Number", "Lent Medal Number Receipt Result", and "Checksum". However, the item "Telegram Length" corresponds to the item "Telegram Length" in FIG. 7, the item "Command" corresponds to the item "Command" in FIG. 7, the item "Lending Serial Number" corresponds to the item "Serial Number" in FIG. 7, the item "Lent Medal Number Receipt Result" corresponds to the item "Data Section" in FIG. 7, and the item "Checksum" corresponds to the item "Checksum" in FIG. 7.

[0223] The item "Message Length" stores the length of the message from the item "Message Length" to "Checksum".

[0224] The item "Command" stores the dedicated command code for the message "Loan Receipt Result Response".

[0225] The item "Loan Serial Number" stores a sequence number. In this embodiment, it stores values from "0x00" to "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: 0 to 255 in decimal notation). Specifically, when power is turned on, the value of the item "Loan Serial Number" is cleared to "0x00" (hexadecimal notation: 0 in decimal notation). When storing "0x00" (hexadecimal notation) (normal) in the item "Loan Medal Number Receipt Result" of the message "Loan Receipt Result Response", the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" sets the value of its item "Loan Serial Number" to the value of the item "Loan Serial Number" in the most recently received message "Loan Notification" and then transmits it. On the other hand, when storing "0x01" (hexadecimal notation) (abnormal) in the item "Loan Medal Number Receipt Result" of the message "Loan Receipt Result Response", the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" sets the value of its item "Loan Serial Number" to the value of the item "Loan Serial Number" in the message "Loan Notification" corresponding to the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" that most recently stored "0x00" (hexadecimal notation) (normal) in the item "Loan Medal Number Receipt Result" and then transmits it.

[0226] The item "Lent Medal Count Receiving Result" stores the lent medal count receiving result. In this embodiment, when the lent medal count receiving result is normal, the item "Lent Medal Count Receiving Result" stores "0x00" (hexadecimal notation) (normal), and when the lent medal count receiving result is abnormal, it stores "0x01" (hexadecimal notation) (abnormal). Storing "0x01" (hexadecimal notation) (abnormal) in the item "Lent Medal Count Receiving Result" is in any of the following cases: (1) when the values of the item "Lent Notification Number" in the telegram "Lent Notification" are not consecutive, (2) when the slot machine SM cannot receive a loan from the card unit CU, (3) when the result of adding the lent medal count stored in the item "Lent Medal Count" in the telegram "Lent Notification" to the number of gaming medals (the current number of medals of the current player managed by the slot machine SM: the current number of gaming medals displayed on the gaming medal display 26) exceeds "0xFF3F00" (hexadecimal notation: 16383 in decimal notation). Storing "0x00 (hexadecimal notation)" (normal) in the item "Lent Medal Count Receiving Result" is when none of the cases (1) to (3) apply.

[0227] The item "Checksum" adds the data from the item "Telegram Length" to "Lent Medal Count Receiving Result" and stores the lower 1 byte of the total. The data of the item "Checksum" is used by the device on the receiving side of the telegram to check whether the telegram is damaged due to communication errors or the like.

[0228] (Communication Sequence between Slot Machine SM and Card Unit CU) The following describes the communication sequence using the telegrams "Gaming Machine Information Notification", "Count Notification", "Lent Notification", and "Lent Receiving Result Response" between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU.

[0229] (Basic Communication Sequence) First, referring to FIG. 17, a basic communication sequence using telegrams "Game Machine Information Notification", "Count Notification", "Lending Notification", and "Lending Receipt Result Response" between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU will be described. In FIG. 17, the communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 is realized by the function of the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e of the medal count control CPU 301 and the function of the transmission / reception means 501e of the unit CPU 501.

[0230] The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence number = n") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence number = n") (step S101). After transmitting the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence number = n"), the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the telegram "Count Notification" ("Count sequence number = m") to the unit CPU 501 at a timing within the range of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less (hereinafter referred to as "second transmission timing"), and the unit CPU 501 receives the telegram "Count Notification" ("Count sequence number = m") (step S102). After receiving the telegram "Count Notification" ("Count sequence number = m"), the unit CPU 501 transmits the telegram "Lending Notification" ("Lending sequence number = k") to the medal count control CPU 301 at a timing of 170 ms or less (hereinafter referred to as "third transmission timing"), and the medal count control CPU 301 receives the telegram "Lending Notification" ("Lending sequence number = k") (step S103). After receiving the telegram "Lending Notification" ("Lending sequence number = k"), the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending sequence number = k") to the unit CPU 501 at a timing of 10 ms or less (hereinafter referred to as "fourth transmission timing"), and the unit CPU 501 receives the telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending sequence number = k") (step S104).

[0231] After transmitting the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence Number = n"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence Number = n + 1") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU at a timing within the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less (hereinafter referred to as the "first transmission timing"), and the unit CPU 501 receives the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence Number = n + 1") (step S105). Note that it is 20 ms or more from the reception of the telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Sequence Number = n") to the transmission of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence Number = n + 1"). After transmitting the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence Number = n"), the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the telegram "Counting Notification" ("Counting Sequence Number = m + 1") to the unit CPU 501 at a timing within the range of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less (the second transmission timing), and the unit CPU 501 receives the telegram "Counting Notification" ("Counting Sequence Number = m + 1") (step S106). After receiving the telegram "Counting Notification" ("Counting Sequence Number = m + 1"), the unit CPU 501 transmits the telegram "Lending Notification" ("Lending Sequence Number = k + 1") to the medal count control CPU 301 at a timing of 170 ms or less (the third transmission timing), and the medal count control CPU 301 receives the telegram "Lending Notification" ("Lending Sequence Number = k + 1") (step S107). After receiving the telegram "Lending Notification" ("Lending Sequence Number = k + 1"), the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Sequence Number = k + 1") to the unit CPU 501 at a timing of 10 ms or less (the fourth transmission timing), and the unit CPU 501 receives the telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Sequence Number = k + 1") (step S108). After step S108, the telegrams "Game Machine Information Notification", "Counting Notification", "Lending Notification", and "Lending Receipt Result Response" are each transmitted at the timings within the corresponding periods described above.

[0232] In this embodiment, the medal count control CPU 301 is defined to receive the "Lending Notification" message from the unit CPU 501 within a specified range of time from the start of transmission of the "Counting Notification" message (by the specified time (the upper limit time of the specified range) before the timing to transmit the "Lending Receipt Result Response" message). In this embodiment, the specified time is set as the time when the time from the start of transmission of the "Counting Notification" message is 170 ms. When the medal count control CPU 301 receives the "Lending Notification" message from the unit CPU 501 within a specified range of time from the start of transmission of the "Counting Notification" message (by the specified time before the timing to transmit the "Lending Receipt Result Response" message), it accepts the received "Lending Notification" message without discarding it, updates the game medal count data stored in the memory 302 using the number of lent medals notified by the "Lending Notification" message, and transmits the "Lending Receipt Result Response" message to the card unit CU as a response to the "Lending Notification" message. On the other hand, when the medal count control CPU 301 receives the "Lending Notification" message from the unit CPU 501 outside the specified range of time from the start of transmission of the "Counting Notification" message (at a time exceeding the specified time before the timing to transmit the "Lending Receipt Result Response" message), it discards the received "Lending Notification" message, does not update the game medal count data stored in the memory 302 using the number of lent medals notified by the "Lending Notification" message, and does not transmit the "Lending Receipt Result Response" message to the card unit CU as a response to the "Lending Notification" message.

[0233] Thus, in this embodiment, in a cycle where the time length of one cycle is in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less, the "Game Machine Information Notification", "Counting Notification", "Lending Notification", and "Lending Receipt Result Response" messages are transmitted at different timings within one cycle. The first transmission timing of the "Game Machine Information Notification" is taken as the start of one cycle, the second transmission timing of the "Counting Notification" is in the range of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after the transmission of the "Game Machine Information Notification", the third transmission timing of the "Lending Notification" is 170 ms or less after the reception of the "Counting Notification", and the fourth transmission timing of the "Lending Receipt Result Response" is 10 ms or less after the reception of the "Lending Notification".

[0234] Next, referring to FIG. 18, a basic communication sequence using the telegrams "game machine information notification", "counting notification", "lending notification", and "lending receipt result response" between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU when the slot machine SM starts up first will be described.

[0235] When both the slot machine SM and the card unit CU are powered off, the voltage V supplied from the card unit CU is OFF (0V). Also, it becomes impossible to determine the ON / OFF of the connection confirmation signal (pin number: 4 in FIG. 6) transmitted from the slot machine SM (PSI = OFF in FIG. 18). Here, when the power of the slot machine SM and the power of the card unit CU are turned on simultaneously, for example, startup starts for each.

[0236] In the card unit CU, the voltage VL supplied to the slot machine SM is set to OFF (0V) until startup is completed, and the ON / OFF determination of the connection confirmation signal is not performed (PSI = OFF in FIG. 18). When the startup of the slot machine SM is completed first, a game machine information notification is transmitted from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU. The serial number at this time starts from "0". Subsequently, a counting notification is transmitted at the above-described communication timing (100 ms later). At this time, it starts from the serial number "0". However, since the startup on the card unit CU side has not been completed, these notifications cannot be received.

[0237] Thereafter, the gaming machine information notification and the count notification in which the serial number is incremented by 1 every 300 ms are transmitted from the slot machine SM. After the startup of the card unit CU is completed, the voltage VL is turned on (5V) to supply voltage to the slot machine SM, and the ON / OFF determination of the connection confirmation signal with the slot machine SM is started. Since the slot machine SM and the card unit CU are connected, the signal is determined to be ON. Also, the reception of the gaming machine information notification and the count notification is started, and the communication of the lending notification and the lending receipt result response is also started. At this time, the card unit CU manages from the serial number at the time of starting reception. For example, when the gaming machine information notification is received for the first time after the startup is completed and the serial number is n, the management starts from here.

[0238] Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the basic communication sequence using the telegrams "gaming machine information notification", "count notification", "lending notification", and "lending receipt result response" between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU when the card unit CU starts up first will be described.

[0239] When the card unit CU is powered on with the slot machine SM powered off and the card unit CU starts up first, the voltage V supplied from the card unit CU is OFF (0V) until the startup is completed. Also, since the connection confirmation signal (pin number: 4 in FIG. 6) transmitted from the slot machine SM has not started to be determined, it is OFF. When the startup of the card unit CU is completed, the voltage VL supplied from the card unit CU becomes ON (5V). Also, although the slot machine SM is not started up, if the connection between the card unit CU and the slot machine SM is normal, the connection confirmation signal (pin number: 4 in FIG. 6) is transmitted and determined to be ON. Since the slot machine SM is still powered off, neither the "gaming machine information notification" nor the "count notification" is transmitted, and the slot machine SM is in the communication standby state. Next, even when the slot machine SM is powered on and the startup is started, the communication standby state is maintained in the card unit CU until the startup is completed.

[0240] When the startup of the slot machine SM is completed, a game machine information notification is sent from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU. The serial number at this time starts from "0". Subsequently, a count notification is sent from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU at the above-mentioned communication timing (100 ms later). At this time, the serial number starts from "0". Subsequently, a lending notification is sent from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM, and then a lending receipt result response is made from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU. These serial numbers also start from "0", and on the receiving side, management starts from serial number "0" for each piece of information ("game machine information notification", "count notification", "lending notification", "lending receipt result response").

[0241] (Basic communication sequence of the telegram "game machine information notification") Subsequently, the basic communication sequence of the telegram "game machine information notification" will be described.

[0242] First, with reference to FIG. 20, the transmission conditions and transmission priorities of "game machine installation information", "game machine performance information", and "hall control / fraud monitoring information" in the telegram "game machine information notification" will be described. Note that "game machine installation information", "game machine performance information", and "hall control / fraud monitoring information" are stored and transmitted in the telegram "game machine information notification" transmitted in a cycle with a time length (within the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) as the time length of one cycle according to their respective transmission conditions and transmission priorities.

[0243] "Game machine performance information" is transmitted within a time corresponding to 200 cycles of the telegram "game machine information notification" from the completion of the startup of the game machine (in this embodiment, the slot machine SM) (within the range of 60 s or more and 62 s or less), and then is transmitted in a cycle with a time length (within the range of 60 s or more and 62 s or less) corresponding to 200 cycles of the telegram "game machine information notification" as the time length of one cycle.

[0244] In addition, the "game machine installation information" is transmitted within a time period corresponding to 600 cycles of the telegram "game machine information notification" (in the range of 180 s or more and 186 s or less) from the completion of the startup of the game machine (in this embodiment, the slot machine SM). After that, it is transmitted in a cycle with the time period corresponding to 600 cycles of the telegram "game machine information notification" (in the range of 180 s or more and 186 s or less) as the time period of one cycle.

[0245] In addition, the "hall computer - illegal monitoring information" is transmitted immediately after the completion of the startup of the game machine (in this embodiment, the slot machine SM). After that, it is transmitted in a cycle with the time period corresponding to one cycle of the telegram "game machine information notification" (in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) as the time period of one cycle.

[0246] Since the "game machine performance information", "game machine installation information", and "hall computer - illegal monitoring information" transmitted under the above - mentioned transmission conditions may overlap in their transmission timings, the transmission priorities are predetermined for the "game machine performance information", "game machine installation information", and "hall computer - illegal monitoring information". In this embodiment, priority levels "1" (high), "2" (medium), and "3" (low) are assigned to the "game machine installation information", "game machine performance information", and "hall computer - illegal monitoring information", respectively.

[0247] At each first transmission timing for transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification", those among "Game Machine Performance Information", "Game Machine Installation Information", and "Hall Controller / Illegal Monitoring Information" that meet the transmission conditions are stocked as transmission candidates. Then, at each first transmission timing, the one with the highest transmission priority among those stocked so far as transmission candidates is stored in the message "Game Machine Information Notification" and transmitted. Note that the first transmission timing of the message "Game Machine Information Notification" in which "Hall Controller / Illegal Monitoring Information" is stored becomes the start timing of one cycle regarding the next transmission of "Hall Controller / Illegal Monitoring Information", the first transmission timing of the message "Game Machine Information Notification" in which "Game Machine Performance Information" is stored becomes the start timing of one cycle regarding the next transmission of "Game Machine Performance Information", and the first transmission timing of the message "Game Machine Information Notification" in which "Game Machine Installation Information" is stored becomes the start timing of one cycle regarding the next transmission of "Game Machine Installation Information".

[0248] For example, when the transmission timing of "Hall Controller / Illegal Monitoring Information" overlaps with the transmission timing of other "Game Machine Information" ("Game Machine Performance Information", "Game Machine Installation Information") at the first transmission timing A11 for transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification", "Hall Controller / Illegal Monitoring Information" and other "Game Machine Information" are stocked as transmission candidates, and at the first transmission timing A11, other "Game Machine Information" with a higher priority than "Hall Controller / Illegal Monitoring Information" is stored in the message "Game Machine Information Notification" and transmitted, and the first transmission timing A11 becomes the start timing of one cycle regarding the next transmission of other "Game Machine Information". At the next first transmission timing A12 after the first transmission timing A11 for transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification", "Hall Controller / Illegal Monitoring Information" is stocked as a transmission candidate, and at the first transmission timing A12, "Hall Controller / Illegal Monitoring Information" that was not transmitted because it had a lower priority at the first transmission timing A11 is stored in the message "Game Machine Information Notification" and transmitted, and the first transmission timing A12 becomes the start timing of one cycle regarding the next transmission of "Hall Controller / Illegal Monitoring Information".

[0249] Also, when the transmission timings of "Hall Control - Illegal Surveillance Information", "Pachinko Machine Performance Information", and "Pachinko Machine Installation Information" overlap at the first transmission timing A21 for transmitting the telegram "Pachinko Machine Information Notification", "Hall Control - Illegal Surveillance Information", "Pachinko Machine Performance Information", and "Pachinko Machine Installation Information" are stocked as transmission candidates. At the first transmission timing A21, the "Pachinko Machine Installation Information" with the highest priority is stored in the telegram "Pachinko Machine Information Notification" and transmitted, and the first transmission timing A21 becomes the start timing of one cycle for the next transmission of "Pachinko Machine Installation Information". At the next first transmission timing A22 after the first transmission timing A21 for transmitting the telegram "Pachinko Machine Information Notification", "Hall Control - Illegal Surveillance Information" and "Pachinko Machine Performance Information" are stocked as transmission candidates. At the first transmission timing A22, the "Pachinko Machine Performance Information" with the higher priority among "Hall Control - Illegal Surveillance Information" and "Pachinko Machine Performance Information", which was not transmitted because it had a lower priority at the first transmission timing A21, is stored in the telegram "Pachinko Machine Information Notification" and transmitted, and the first transmission timing A22 becomes the start timing of one cycle for the next transmission of "Pachinko Machine Performance Information". At the next first transmission timing A23 after the first transmission timing A22 for transmitting the telegram "Pachinko Machine Information Notification", "Hall Control - Illegal Surveillance Information" is stocked as a transmission candidate. At the first transmission timing A23, the "Hall Control - Illegal Surveillance Information", which was not transmitted because it had a lower priority at the first transmission timings A21 and A22, is stored in the telegram "Pachinko Machine Information Notification" and transmitted, and the first transmission timing A23 becomes the start timing of one cycle for the next transmission of "Hall Control - Illegal Surveillance Information".

[0250] Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the basic communication sequence of the telegram "Pachinko Machine Information Notification" ("Pachinko Machine Installation Information", "Pachinko Machine Performance Information", "Hall Control - Illegal Surveillance Information") between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU under the transmission conditions and transmission priority shown in FIG. 20 will be described. In FIG. 21, the communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 is realized by the function of the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e of the medal count control CPU 301 and the function of the transmission / reception means 501e of the unit CPU 501.

[0251] When the slot machine SM has completed startup, among the "game machine installation information", "game machine performance information", and "hall computer - illegal monitoring information", only the "hall computer - illegal monitoring information" satisfies the transmission condition. Therefore, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a telegram "game machine information notification" storing the "hall computer - illegal monitoring information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S401).

[0252] After that, for each of the first transmission timings of the 199 telegrams "game machine information notification", since it is a time corresponding to one cycle of the telegram "game machine information notification" (in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) after transmitting the telegram "game machine information notification" storing the previous "hall computer - illegal monitoring information", the transmission condition of the "hall computer - illegal monitoring information" is satisfied. However, since the time corresponding to 200 cycles of the telegram "game machine information notification" (in the range of 60 s or more and 62 s or less) has not been reached after transmitting the telegram "game machine information notification" storing the "hall computer - illegal monitoring information" in step S401 which is immediately after the startup completion of the slot machine SM, the transmission condition of the "game machine installation information" is not satisfied. Also, since the time corresponding to 600 cycles of the telegram "game machine information notification" (in the range of 180 s or more and 186 s or less) has not been reached after transmitting the telegram "game machine information notification" storing the "hall computer - illegal monitoring information" in step S401 which is immediately after the startup completion of the slot machine SM, the transmission condition of the "game machine performance information" is not satisfied. Therefore, at the said first transmission timing, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a telegram "game machine information notification" storing the "hall computer - illegal monitoring information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (steps S402, ···, S403).

[0253] The first transmission timing of the following telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" is the time corresponding to one cycle of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) after transmitting the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Controller Illegal Monitoring Information" in step S403, and is also the time corresponding to 200 cycles of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 60 s or more and 62 s or less) after transmitting the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Controller Illegal Monitoring Information" in step S401 which is immediately after the startup completion of the slot machine SM. Therefore, the transmission conditions of "Hall Controller Illegal Monitoring Information" and "Game Machine Installation Information" are satisfied. However, since the time corresponding to 600 cycles of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 180 s or more and 186 s or less) has not been reached after transmitting the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Controller Illegal Monitoring Information" in step S401 which is immediately after the startup completion of the slot machine SM, the transmission conditions of "Game Machine Performance Information" are not satisfied. Thus, the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits, at the first transmission timing within the time corresponding to one cycle of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) from the transmission of "Game Machine Installation Information" in step S404, a telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Controller Illegal Monitoring Information" which was not transmitted as having a lower priority in step S404 to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S405).

[0254] The medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits, at the first transmission timing within the time corresponding to one cycle of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (within the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) from the transmission of "Game Machine Installation Information" in step S404, a telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Controller Illegal Monitoring Information" which was not transmitted as having a lower priority in step S404 to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S405).

[0255] Since the first transmission timing of each of the subsequent 198 "Game Machine Information Notifications" is within the time corresponding to one cycle of the "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) after transmitting the "Game Machine Information Notification" that stored the previous "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information", the transmission condition of the "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" is satisfied. However, since the time corresponding to 200 cycles of the "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 60 s or more and 62 s or less) has not been reached after transmitting the "Game Machine Information Notification" that stored the "Game Machine Installation Information" in step S404, the transmission condition of the "Game Machine Installation Information" is not satisfied. Also, since the time corresponding to 600 cycles of the "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 180 s or more and 186 s or less) has not been reached after transmitting the "Game Machine Information Notification" that stored the "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" in step S401, which is immediately after the startup completion of the slot machine SM, the transmission condition of the "Game Machine Performance Information" is not satisfied. Therefore, the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU at the first transmission timing.

[0256] In step S406, the first transmission timing of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" is the time corresponding to one cycle of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) after transmitting the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stored the previous "Hall Control - Illegal Monitoring Information", and is also the time corresponding to 200 cycles of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 60 s or more and 62 s or less) after transmitting the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stored the previous "Game Machine Installation Information". Therefore, the transmission conditions for "Hall Control - Illegal Monitoring Information" and "Game Machine Installation Information" are satisfied. However, since the time corresponding to 600 cycles of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 180 s or more and 186 s or less) has not been reached after transmitting the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stored the "Hall Control - Illegal Monitoring Information" in step S401, which is immediately after the startup completion of the slot machine SM, the transmission condition for "Game Machine Performance Information" is not satisfied. Thus, the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits, at the first transmission timing, a telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Game Machine Installation Information" with a higher transmission priority than "Hall Control - Illegal Monitoring Information" to the unit CPU 501.

[0257] In step S407, the first transmission timing of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" is the time corresponding to one cycle of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) since the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the previous "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" was transmitted. Therefore, the transmission condition of the "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" is satisfied. However, since the time corresponding to 200 cycles of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 60 s or more and 62 s or less) has not been reached since the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the "Game Machine Installation Information" was transmitted in step S406, the transmission condition of the "Game Machine Installation Information" is not satisfied. Also, since the time corresponding to 600 cycles of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (in the range of 180 s or more and 186 s or less) has not been reached since the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" was transmitted in step S401, which is immediately after the startup completion of the slot machine SM, the transmission condition of the "Game Machine Performance Information" is not satisfied. Thus, the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the "Hall Console - Illegal Monitoring Information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU at the said first transmission timing.

[0258] The first transmission timing of the next "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram after the "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram transmitted in step S407 is the time corresponding to one cycle of the "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram (in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) after transmitting the "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram storing "Hall Control - Illegality Monitoring Information" in step S407, and is also the time corresponding to 200 cycles of the "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram (in the range of 60 s or more and 62 s or less) after transmitting the "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram storing "Game Machine Installation Information" in step S406, and is also the time corresponding to 600 cycles of the "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram (in the range of 180 s or more and 186 s or less) after transmitting the "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram storing "Hall Control - Illegality Monitoring Information" in step S401, which is immediately after the startup completion of the slot machine SM. Therefore, all the transmission conditions among "Game Machine Installation Information", "Game Machine Performance Information", and "Hall Control - Illegality Monitoring Information" are satisfied. Thus, the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits, at the first transmission timing, the "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram storing "Game Machine Installation Information" with the highest priority to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S408).

[0259] The medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits, at the first transmission timing within the time corresponding to one cycle of the "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram (in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) from the transmission of the "Game Machine Installation Information" in step S408, the "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram storing "Game Machine Performance Information" with a higher transmission priority among "Game Machine Performance Information" and "Hall Control - Illegality Monitoring Information" that were not transmitted in step S408 to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S409). After that, for "Game Machine Performance Information", the reference for the start of the cycle with the time length corresponding to 600 cycles of the "Game Machine Information Notification" telegram (in the range of 180 s or more and 186 s or less) as the time length of one cycle is changed to the first transmission timing corresponding to step S409, and it is transmitted periodically. Note that it is not necessary to change the reference for the start of the cycle for transmitting "Game Machine Performance Information".

[0260] The medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits, at the first transmission timing within a time period (in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less) corresponding to one cycle of the telegram "Game machine information notification" from the transmission of the "Game machine performance information" in step S409, a telegram "Game machine information notification" storing the "Hall control / cheating monitoring information" that was not transmitted to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU because its transmission priority was low in step S408 or step S409 (step S410).

[0261] Note that when the card unit CU receives a telegram "Game machine information notification" storing hall control / cheating monitoring information, a telegram "Game machine information notification" storing game machine installation information, or a telegram "Game machine information notification" storing game machine performance information, it may generate mixed information for transmitting to the management computer by mixing predetermined information among the hall control / cheating monitoring information, predetermined information among the game machine installation information, and predetermined information among the game machine performance information. Also, the generation of the mixed information may be performed, for example, every time a telegram "Game machine information notification" storing game machine performance information is received (every 3 minutes), or may be performed only once when the power is turned on.

[0262] (A specific example of counting in the basic communication sequence) Next, a specific example of counting between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU in the basic communication sequence between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU in FIG. 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 22. However, in the communication sequence of FIG. 22, before the pressing operation of the counting switch 31, the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal number control CPU 301 on the slot machine SM side (the number of medals held by the player on the slot machine SM side managed using the game medal number data stored in the memory 302) is "200", and the number of medals held stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 on the card unit CU side (the number of medals held by the player on the card unit CU side managed using the number of medals held data stored in the memory 502) is "20". Regarding the transmission timing of the telegrams "game machine information notification", "counting notification", "lending notification", and "lending receipt result response", the details have been described with reference to FIG. 17, so they will be omitted in the description of FIG. 22. In FIG. 22, the communication between the medal number control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 is realized by the function of the inter-unit transmission and reception means 301e of the medal number control CPU 301 and the function of the transmission and reception means 501e of the unit CPU 501.

[0263] The pressing operation of the counting switch 31 is detected by the medal number control CPU 301 on the slot machine SM side (step S501). It is assumed that the pressing operation of this counting switch 31 is a long press exceeding a predetermined time (for example, 1 s) (continuous pressing exceeding 1 s).

[0264] In this embodiment, regarding the number of counted medals notified in the telegram "Count Notification", the upper limit is set to "50". Note that the upper limit of the number of counted medals is described as the "upper limit number of counted medals". In the case of a long press, if the number of counted medals notified in the telegram "Count Notification" is 50 or more based on the number of game medals stored and managed by the medal number control CPU 301 in the memory 302, it is set to "50" based on the number of game medals. If the number of game medals is 1 or more and less than the upper limit number of counted medals "50", it is set to the "number of game medals stored and managed by the medal number control CPU 301 in the memory 302" based on the number of game medals. If the number of game medals is "0", it is set to "0" based on the number of game medals. Also, in the case of a short press (for example, continuous pressing for 1 second or less) that does not exceed a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), if the number of counted medals notified in the telegram "Count Notification" is 1 or more based on the number of game medals stored and managed by the medal number control CPU 301 in the memory 302, it is set to "1" based on the number of game medals. If the number of game medals is "0", it is set to "0" based on the number of game medals.

[0265] The medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial number = n", "Number of game medals = 200") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial number = n", "Number of game medals = 200") (step S502).

[0266] After transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence Number = n", "Number of Game Medals = 200"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM determines, by the first counting processing means 301b2, the counted medal number to the upper limit of counted medals "50" based on the number of game medals "200" stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301. Then, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Sequence Number = m", "Counted Medal Number = 50", "Accumulated Counted Medal Number = 50"), and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Sequence Number = m", "Counted Medal Number = 50", "Accumulated Counted Medal Number = 50") (step S503). The medal count control CPU 301 updates, by the first counting processing means 301b2, the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 to "150" after subtracting the counted medal number "50" (step S504). Also, the unit CPU 501 updates, by the second counting processing means 501c, the number of medals in hand stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 to "70" after adding the counted medal number "50" (step S505).

[0267] After receiving the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m", "Number of Counting Medals = 50", "Accumulated Number of Counting Medals = 50"), the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU sends a message "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Number of Lent Medals = 0") to the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM, and the medal number control CPU 301 receives the message "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Number of Lent Medals = 0") (step S506). After receiving the message "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Number of Lent Medals = 0"), the medal number control CPU 301 sends a message "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Receipt Result = Normal") to the unit CPU 501, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Receipt Result = Normal") (step S507). Since the number of lent medals is "0", the number of gaming medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal number control CPU 301 remains "150", and the number of medals in possession stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains "70".

[0268] After sending the message "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Receipt Result = Normal"), the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM sends a message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n + 1", "Number of Gaming Medals = 150") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n + 1", "Number of Gaming Medals = 150") (step S508).

[0269] After transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence Number = n + 1", "Number of Game Medals = 150"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM determines the counted medal count to the upper limit of counted medals "50" based on the number of game medals "150" stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 by the first counting processing means 301b2. Then, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Sequence Number = m + 1", "Counted Medal Count = 50", "Accumulated Counted Medal Count = 100") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Sequence Number = m + 1", "Counted Medal Count = 50", "Accumulated Counted Medal Count = 100") (step S509). The medal count control CPU 301 updates the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 to "100" which is the number of game medals minus "50" of the counted medal count by the first counting processing means 301b2 (step S510). Also, the unit CPU 501 updates the number of medals in hand stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 to "120" which is the number of medals in hand plus "50" of the counted medal count by the second counting processing means 501c (step S511).

[0270] After receiving the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m + 1", "Number of Counting Medals = 50", "Cumulative Number of Counting Medals = 100"), the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU sends a message "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k + 1", "Number of Lent Medals = 0") to the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM, and the medal number control CPU 301 receives the message "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k + 1", "Number of Lent Medals = 0") (step S512). After receiving the message "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k + 1", "Number of Lent Medals = 0"), the medal number control CPU 301 sends a message "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Serial Number = k + 1", "Receipt Result = Normal") to the unit CPU 501, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Serial Number = k + 1", "Receipt Result = Normal") (step S513). Since the number of lent medals is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal number control CPU 301 remains "100", and the number of medals in hand stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains "120".

[0271] After that, the medal number control CPU 301 on the slot machine SM side detects the end of the pressing operation of the counting switch 31 (step S514).

[0272] After sending the message "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Serial Number = k + 1", "Receipt Result = Normal"), the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM sends a message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n + 2", "Number of Game Medals = 100") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n + 2", "Number of Game Medals = 100") (step S515).

[0273] After transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence number = n + 2", "Number of game medals = 100"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the message "Count Notification" ("Count sequence number = m + 2", "Count medal number = 0", "Cumulative count medal number = 100") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the said message "Count Notification" ("Count sequence number = m + 2", "Count medal number = 0", "Cumulative count medal number = 100") (step S516). Since the count medal number is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 remains "100", and the number of medals in possession stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains "120".

[0274] After receiving the message "Count Notification" ("Count sequence number = m + 2", "Count medal number = 0", "Cumulative count medal number = 100"), the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU transmits the message "Loan Notification" ("Loan sequence number = k + 2", "Loan medal number = 0") to the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM, and the medal count control CPU 301 receives the said message "Loan Notification" ("Loan sequence number = k + 2", "Loan medal number = 0") (step S517). After receiving the message "Loan Notification" ("Loan sequence number = k + 2", "Loan medal number = 0"), the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" ("Loan sequence number = k + 2", "Receipt result = normal") to the unit CPU 501, and the unit CPU 501 receives the said message "Loan Receipt Result Response" ("Loan sequence number = k + 2", "Receipt result = normal") (step S518). Since the loan medal number is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 remains "100", and the number of medals in possession stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains "120".

[0275] Incidentally, when the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal number control CPU 301 on the slot machine SM side before the pressing operation of the counting switch 31 in the communication sequence of FIG. 22 is "70", in step S503, the counting medal number "50", which is the upper limit number of counting medals "50", is notified using the telegram "counting notification", and in step S509, the counting medal number "20", which is less than the upper limit number of counting medals "50", is notified using the telegram "counting notification".

[0276] Also, when the timing at which the counting switch 31 is released is later than that in the communication sequence of FIG. 22, after step S513, the same processing as in steps S508 to S513 (for example, the transmission and reception of the telegram "counting notification" ("sequence number = m + 2", "counting medal number = 50", "cumulative counted medal number = 150"), the processing of updating the number of game medals to "50", and the processing of updating the number of held medals to "170") is performed. Thus, for example, while the counting switch 31 is being pressed, the telegram "counting notification" for notifying the counting medal number with the upper limit of the upper limit number of counting medals is repeatedly transmitted and received at a cycle in which the time length of one cycle is in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less.

[0277] Also, when the pressing operation of the counting switch 31 in step S101 in the communication sequence of FIG. 22 is a short press, the counting medal number "1" is notified from the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU using the telegram "counting notification".

[0278] (A specific example of lending in the basic communication sequence) Next, a specific example of lending between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU in the basic communication sequence between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU in FIG. 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 23. However, in the communication sequence of FIG. 23, before the pressing operation of the lending switch 503a, the number of game medals stored and managed by the medal number control CPU 301 in the memory 302 on the slot machine SM side (the number of medals held by the player on the slot machine SM side managed using the game medal number data stored in the memory 302) is "10", and the number of medals held stored and managed by the unit CPU 501 in the memory 502 on the card unit CU side (the number of medals held by the player on the card unit CU side managed using the number of medals held data stored in the memory 502) is "150". Note that the details of the transmission timing of the telegrams "game machine information notification", "counting notification", "lending notification", and "lending reception result response" are described with reference to FIG. 17, so they will be omitted in the description of FIG. 23. In FIG. 23, the communication between the medal number control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 is realized by the function of the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e of the medal number control CPU 301 and the function of the transmission / reception means 501e of the unit CPU 501.

[0279] The unit CPU 501 on the card unit CU side detects the pressing operation of the lending switch 503a (step S601).

[0280] In this embodiment, the maximum number of lent medals notified in the telegram "Lending Notice" is set to "50". Note that the maximum number of lent medals is described as the "maximum number of lent medals". The number of lent medals notified in the telegram "Lending Notice" is set to "50" based on the number of medals in possession if the number of medals in possession stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 is equal to or greater than the maximum number of lent medals "50", and is set to the "number of medals in possession stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501" based on the number of medals in possession if the number of medals in possession is equal to or greater than "1" and less than the maximum number of lent medals "50". Also, when the number of medals in possession is "0", the number of lent medals notified in the telegram "Lending Notice" is set to "50" based on the cash balance if the number of medals corresponding to the cash balance (the cash balance held by the player on the card unit CU side managed using the balance data stored in the memory 502) is equal to or greater than the maximum number of lent medals "50", and is set to the "number of medals corresponding to the cash balance stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501" based on the cash balance if the number of medals corresponding to the cash balance is equal to or greater than "1" and less than the maximum number of lent medals "50", and is set to "0" based on the cash balance if the number of medals corresponding to the cash balance is "0".

[0281] Note that although the lending based on the number of medals in possession is given priority over the lending based on the cash balance, it is not limited to this. Also, for example, the number of medals corresponding to 1000 yen varies depending on the rate, such as 47 pieces (equivalent), 200 pieces (5 spins), 500 pieces (2 spins), etc. One operation of the lending switch 503a can lend out 1000 yen worth (for example, one operation of the lending switch 503a can lend out 47 pieces (equivalent)), or one operation of the lending switch 503a can lend out 500 yen worth (for example, one operation of the lending switch 503a can lend out 100 pieces (5 spins) in two processes in units of 50 pieces).

[0282] The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a telegram "Game machine information notification" ("Sequence number = n", "Game medal count = 10") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the telegram "Game machine information notification" ("Sequence number = n", "Game medal count = 10") (step S602).

[0283] After transmitting the telegram "Game machine information notification" ("Sequence number = n", "Game medal count = 10"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a telegram "Counting notification" ("Counting sequence number = m", "Counting medal count = 0", "Cumulative counting medal count = 0") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the telegram "Counting notification" ("Counting sequence number = m", "Counting medal count = 0", "Cumulative counting medal count = 0") (step S603). Since the counting medal count is "0", the game medal count stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 remains "10", and the number of medals in hand stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains "150".

[0284] After receiving the telegram "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m", "Number of Counting Medals = 0", "Cumulative Number of Counting Medals = 0"), the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU determines, by means of the lending processing means 501b, the number of lent medals to the upper limit number of lent medals "50" based on the number of held medals "150" stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501. The unit CPU 501 transmits a telegram "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Number of Lended Medals = 50") to the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM, and the medal number control CPU 301 receives the said telegram "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Number of Lended Medals = 50") (step S604). After receiving the telegram "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Number of Lended Medals = 50"), the medal number control CPU 301 transmits a telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Receipt Result = Normal") to the unit CPU 501, and the unit CPU 501 receives the said telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Receipt Result = Normal") (step S605). The medal number control CPU 301 updates, by means of the borrowing and receiving processing means 301b1, the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal number control CPU 301 to "60" added by the number of lent medals "50" (step S606). Also, the unit CPU 501 updates, by means of the lending processing means 501b, the number of held medals stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 to "100" subtracted by the number of lent medals "50" (step S607).

[0285] After transmitting the telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Receipt Result = Normal"), the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n + 1", "Number of Game Medals = 60") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the said telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n + 1", "Number of Game Medals = 60") (step S608).

[0286] After transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Sequence Number = n + 1", "Number of Game Medals = 60"), the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Sequence Number = m + 1", "Counting Medal Number = 0", "Accumulated Counting Medal Number = 0") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the said message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Sequence Number = m + 1", "Counting Medal Number = 0", "Accumulated Counting Medal Number = 0") (step S609). Since the counting medal number is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal number control CPU 301 remains "60", and the number of medals in hand stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains "100".

[0287] After receiving the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Sequence Number = m + 1", "Counting Medal Number = 0", "Accumulated Counting Medal Number = 0"), the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU transmits a message "Loan Notification" ("Loan Sequence Number = k + 1", "Loaned Medal Number = 0") to the medal number control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM, and the medal number control CPU 301 receives the said message "Loan Notification" ("Loan Sequence Number = k + 1", "Loaned Medal Number = 0") (step S610). After receiving the message "Loan Notification" ("Loan Sequence Number = k + 1", "Loaned Medal Number = 0"), the medal number control CPU 301 transmits a message "Loan Receipt Result Response" ("Loan Sequence Number = k + 1", "Receipt Result = Normal") to the unit CPU 501, and the unit CPU 501 receives the said message "Loan Receipt Result Response" ("Loan Sequence Number = k + 1", "Receipt Result = Normal") (step S611). Since the loaned medal number is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal number control CPU 301 remains "60", and the number of medals in hand stored and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains "100".

[0288] In addition, when the number of medals in possession stored and managed by the unit CPU 501 in the memory 502 before the pressing operation of the lending switch 503a in the communication sequence of FIG. 23 is "20", in step S604, the number of lent medals "20", which is less than the upper limit number of lent medals "50", is notified using the telegram "Lending Notice".

[0289] In addition, during the counting process (during the transmission and reception of the telegram "Counting Notice" where the number of counted medals is "1" or more), the lending switch 503a may be disabled so that the telegram "Lending Notice" with the number of lent medals being "0" is transmitted and received. On the other hand, during the lending process (during the transmission and reception of the telegram "Lending Notice" where the number of lent medals is "1" or more and the telegram "Lending Receipt Result Response" for this), the counting switch 31 may be enabled, and when the counting switch 31 is pressed during the lending process, the process may be switched from the lending process to the counting process.

[0290] In this embodiment, the maximum number of game medals that can be managed using the game medal number data stored in the memory 302 by the medal number control CPU 301 (the maximum number of game medals displayed on the game medal number display 26) is 16383 (= 2 14 - 1).

[0291] In this case, when the number of game medals managed by the medal number control CPU 301 using the game medal number data is 0 to 15499 (an example), paying out is "permitted" and lending is "permitted".

[0292] Also, when the number of game medals managed by the medal number control CPU 301 using the game medal number data is 15500 to 16383, paying out is "permitted" and lending is "not permitted". In this case, the following processes (1) to (3) are performed. (1) Notify the player to press the counting switch 31 (for example, the medal count control CPU 301 requests the sub-control CPU 201 for such notification, and the sub-control CPU 201 performs notification to prompt the pressing operation of the counting switch 31, such as displaying on the liquid crystal display 14 (see FIG. 1)). However, the game can continue only with the notification prompting the pressing operation of the counting switch 31. (2) Set the state such that pseudo medals cannot be lent from the card unit CU to the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM. In response to the telegram "Lending Notification" received from the card unit CU, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits a telegram "Lending Receiving Result Response" indicating that the lending medal count receiving result is abnormal to the card unit CU. Even if the lending medal count in the telegram "Lending Notification" is 1 or more, the medal count control CPU 301 does not update the game medal count managed using the game medal count data, and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU does not update the held medal count managed using the held medal count data stored in the memory 502. (3) Irrespective of the pressing operation of the counting switch 31, for example, in the slot machine SM or on the test interface board for connecting to the test device, generate and output a test counting signal for a predetermined period (for example, about 3500 ms corresponding to 500 pseudo medals). When the test device is connected (via the test interface board), the medal count control CPU 301 transmits a telegram "Counting Notification" indicating that the counted medal count is 50 to the card unit CU a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times) during the predetermined period when the test counting signal is generated. The medal count control CPU 301 updates the game medal count managed using the game medal count data, and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU updates the held medal count managed using the held medal count data.

[0293] In addition, when the number of game medals managed by the medal number control CPU 301 using game medal number data exceeds 16,383 due to the payout of pseudo medals, the payout is set to "not allowed" and the lending is set to "not allowed". In this case, the slot machine SM enters the standby state for the payout process, and when the number of counted medals reaches 50 by pressing the counting switch 31, the telegram "counting notification" is sent to the card unit CU. Once the payout becomes "allowed", the slot machine SM automatically resumes the payout process.

[0294] (Transfer of Pseudo Medals between the Main Control CPU and the Medal Number Control CPU in a Slot Machine) Next, regarding the transfer of pseudo medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM, the sequence related to the pressing operation of the bet switch 7 (hereinafter referred to as the "insertion sequence"), and the sequence related to the occurrence of the payout of pseudo medals (the number of pseudo medals predetermined for each winning combination when the player wins a winning combination that awards pseudo medals) (hereinafter referred to as the "payout sequence") will be described in order with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25.

[0295] However, in the memory 102 used by the main control CPU 101, The inserted number CT11 for managing the number of medals used (consumed) in one game (used for setting "count information 1" and "count information 2" in FIG. 12), The payout number CT12 for managing the number of medals paid out in one game (used for setting "count information 1" and "count information 2" in FIG. 12), The provisional inserted number CT13 for managing the number of medals inserted during the process of inserting or settling (canceling the insertion) of pseudo medals (in the case of insertion, "+1" is added for each medal, and in the case of settlement, "-1" is subtracted for each medal. Hereinafter referred to as the "provisional inserted number"), The remaining payout number CT14 for managing the number of medals not yet paid out during the process of paying out pseudo medals ( "-1" is subtracted for each medal to be paid out. Hereinafter referred to as the "remaining payout number"), Between the first transmission timing of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores "Hall Control·Illegality Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the next telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores "Hall Control·Illegality Monitoring Information", the number of medals inserted during the process of inserting pseudo medals or settlement (insertion cancellation) (in the case of insertion, it is incremented by " +1" for each medal inserted, and in the case of settlement, it is decremented by " -1" for each medal inserted.) A comparison inserted medal count CT15 (used for comparison with the inserted medal count CT31 described later) for managing, Between the first transmission timing of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores "Hall Control·Illegality Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the next telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores "Hall Control·Illegality Monitoring Information", the number of medals paid out during the process of paying out pseudo medals (it is incremented by " +1" for each medal paid out.) A comparison paid-out medal count CT16 (used for comparison with the paid-out medal count CT32 described later) for managing Each counter such as etc. is formed.

[0296] Also, in the memory 302 used by the medal count control CPU 301, The above-mentioned game medal count (the number of medals held by the player on the slot machine SM side: in the case of insertion, it is decremented by " -1" for each medal inserted, and in the case of settlement or payout, it is incremented by " +1" for each medal inserted.) A game medal count CT30 (used for setting the "game medal count data" above: the "game medal count" in FIG. 12) for managing, Between the first transmission timing of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores "Hall Control·Illegality Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the next telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores "Hall Control·Illegality Monitoring Information", the number of medals inserted during the process of inserting pseudo medals or settlement (insertion cancellation) (in the case of insertion, it is incremented by " +1" for each medal inserted, and in the case of settlement, it is decremented by " -1" for each medal inserted.) An inserted medal count CT31 (used for setting the "inserted medal count" in FIG. 12) for managing, Between the first transmission timing of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores "Hall Control · Illegal Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the next telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores "Hall Control · Illegal Monitoring Information", the number of medals paid out during the process of paying out medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 (for each medal paid out, "+1" is added).) The paid-out medal count CT32 for management (used for setting the "paid-out medal count" in Fig. 12) Counters such as... are formed. Note that the value of the game medal count CT30 may be subtracted by the "counted medal count" stored in the telegram "Count Notification" or added by the "loaned medal count" stored in the telegram "Loan Notification".

[0297] (Insertion sequence) First, the sequence (insertion sequence) related to the insertion of pseudo medals during the operation of the bet switch 7 between the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM will be described with reference to Fig. 24. In Fig. 24, the communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 is realized by the function of the medal management transmission / reception means 101n of the main control CPU 101 and the function of the main board transmission / reception means 301a of the medal number control CPU 301.

[0298] The medal presence / absence signal is a signal for the medal number control CPU 301 to notify the main control CPU 101 whether the game medal count CT30 is 1 or more. An "ON" (1 or more) medal presence / absence signal is output from the medal number control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101 (step S701). The main control CPU 101 confirms that the game medal count CT30 is 1 or more because the medal presence / absence signal is "ON" (step S702).

[0299] The processable signal is a signal for the medal count control CPU 301 to notify the main control CPU 101 whether it can newly accept and execute the process of pseudo-medal movement (hereinafter referred to as "medal movement between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU") between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301. The processable signal of "ON" (executable) is output from the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101 (step S703). Since the processable signal is "ON", the main control CPU 101 confirms that the medal count control CPU 301 can newly accept and execute the process of medal movement between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU (step S704).

[0300] When the bed switch 7 is pressed (step S705), the first input processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 reverses the processing start signal for requesting the start of a new medal movement process between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU from "OFF" to "ON" (request) (step S706). The second input processing means 301b3 of the medal count control CPU 301 receives the reversal of the processing start signal from "OFF" to "ON", and thus can confirm that it has started a new medal movement process between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU. Therefore, the processable signal is reversed from "ON" to "OFF", and as a response to the processing start signal that has become "ON", the in-process signal for notifying that the medal movement process between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU has started is reversed from "OFF" to "ON" (start) (step S707).

[0301] The first input processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 receives the inversion of the processing signal from "OFF" to "ON", and thus can confirm that the medal number control CPU 301 has entered the processing of the new medal transfer between the main control CPU and the medal number control CPU. Therefore, the processing start signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and the input processing request signal for requesting the input processing of one medal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (request) (step S708). The second input processing means 301b3 of the medal number control CPU 301 receives the inversion of the input processing request signal from "OFF" to "ON", and thus can confirm that the request processing is the input processing of one medal. Therefore, the processing signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and as a response to the input processing request signal that has become "ON", the input processing response signal for notifying that the input processing of one medal has been started is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (start) (step S709).

[0302] The first input processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 receives the inversion of the input processing response signal from "OFF" to "ON", and thus can confirm that the medal number control CPU 301 has started the input processing for one medal. Therefore, the input processing request signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and the first processing completion signal for notifying the completion of the processing on the main control CPU 101 side corresponding to the input processing of the requested one medal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (completed). The value of the provisional input number CT13 is set to the value obtained by adding 1, and the value of the comparison input medal number CT15 is set to the value obtained by adding 1 (step S710). In this embodiment, since the inversion of the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON" is performed prior to the update processing of the provisional input number CT13 and the comparison input medal number CT15, the "notification regarding the completion of the processing on the main control CPU 101 side corresponding to the input processing of the requested one medal" refers to the "notification that the processing on the main control CPU 101 side will be completed". Note that the value of the comparison input medal number CT15 is cleared to "0" when the telegram "game machine information notification" storing the "hall control / fraud monitoring information" is transmitted according to the first transmission timing (see FIGS. 26 to 29). Therefore, the value of the comparison input medal number CT15 is the number of input medals between the first transmission timings when the telegrams "game machine information notification" storing consecutive "hall control / fraud monitoring information" are transmitted.

[0303] In this embodiment, it is assumed that (1) the reinversion of the input processing request signal, (2) the inversion of the first processing completion signal, and (3) the addition of 1 to the provisional input number CT13 and the addition of 1 to the comparison input medal number CT15 are executed in this order. However, the execution order is not limited to this.

[0304] When the second input processing means 301b3 of the medal number control CPU 301 receives the inversion of the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", it can confirm that the main control CPU 101 has completed the input processing for one medal. Therefore, the input processing response signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and as a response to the first processing completion signal that has become "ON", a second processing completion signal for notifying the completion of the processing on the medal number control CPU 301 side corresponding to the input of the required one medal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (completed). The value of the game medal number CT30 is set to a value obtained by subtracting 1, and the value of the input medal number CT31 is set to a value obtained by adding 1 (step S711). In this embodiment, since the inversion of the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON" is performed prior to the update processing of the game medal number CT30 and the input medal number CT31, the "notification regarding the completion of the processing on the medal number control CPU 301 side corresponding to the input of the required one medal" refers to the "notification that the processing on the medal number control CPU 301 side will be completed". Note that the value of the input medal number CT31 is cleared to "0" when a telegram "game machine information notification" storing "hall control / fraud monitoring information" is transmitted according to the first transmission timing (see FIGS. 26 to 29). Therefore, the value of the input medal number CT31 is the number of input medals between the first transmission timings when consecutive telegrams "game machine information notification" storing "hall control / fraud monitoring information" are transmitted.

[0305] In this embodiment, it is assumed that (1) the reinversion of the input processing response signal, (2) the inversion of the second processing completion signal, and (3) the subtraction of 1 from the game medal number CT30 and the addition of 1 to the input medal number CT31 are executed in this order, but the execution order is not limited to this.

[0306] When the first input processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 receives the inversion of the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", it can confirm that the medal number control CPU 301 has completed the input processing for one medal. Therefore, the first processing completion signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF". Also, since the input of the pseudo medal is completed, the first input processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 inverts the processing completion signal for notifying the end of the processing of medal movement between the main control CPU and the medal number control CPU from "OFF" to "ON" (end) (step S712). When the second input processing means 301b3 of the medal number control CPU 301 receives the inversion of the processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", it can confirm that the main control CPU 101 has completed the entire processing of medal movement between the main control CPU and the medal number control CPU. Therefore, the second processing completion signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and the processable signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (step S713).

[0307] When the first input processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 receives the inversion of the processable signal from "OFF" to "ON", it can confirm that the medal number control CPU 301 has completed the entire processing of medal movement between the main control CPU and the medal number control CPU. Therefore, the processing completion signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF" (step S714). Note that when this processable signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON", the start switch 9 becomes effective.

[0308] After that, when the start switch 9 is pressed (step S715), the first input processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 sets the value of the input count CT11 to the value of the provisional input count CT13, and then clears the value of the provisional input count CT13 to "0" (step S716). When the start switch 9 is pressed in step S715 and the game starts, the start switch 9 becomes invalid. Note that since the value of the input count CT11 is cleared to "0" when the telegram "game machine information notification" storing "hall control-illegal monitoring information" is transmitted according to the first transmission timing (see FIGS. 26 to 29), the value of the input count CT11 to which the value of the provisional input count CT13 is set, that is, the number of medals used (consumed) in the game started by pressing the start switch 9 is transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301 only once corresponding to the first transmission timing when the telegram "game machine information notification" storing the "hall control-illegal monitoring information" after the start switch 9 is pressed is transmitted.

[0309] (Payout sequence) Next, a sequence (payout sequence) related to the payout of virtual medals when virtual medals are paid out between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM will be described with reference to FIG. 25. In FIG. 25, the communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is realized by the function of the medal management transmission / reception means 101n of the main control CPU 101 and the function of the main board transmission / reception means 301a of the medal count control CPU 301.

[0310] First, when it is determined that the medal count control CPU 301 can execute the virtual medal movement process, a processable signal of "ON" (executable) is output from the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101 (step S1101). Since the processable signal is "ON", the main control CPU 101 confirms that the medal count control CPU 301 can newly accept and execute the process of moving medals between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU (step S1102).

[0311] In this game, when a winning combination that awards virtual medals is achieved and virtual medal payout occurs (step S1103), the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 sets the value of the payout count CT12 to "A" and the value of the remaining payout count CT14 to "A" (step S1104). Note that since the value of the payout count CT12 is cleared to "0" when a telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Control - Illegal Monitoring Information" is transmitted according to the first transmission timing (see FIGS. 26 to 29), the number of medals paid out in one game is transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301 only once corresponding to the first transmission timing when the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Control - Illegal Monitoring Information" is transmitted after the occurrence of the payout.

[0312] The first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 reverses the processing start signal for requesting the start of the medal transfer process between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU from "OFF" to "ON" (request) (step S1105). The second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301, upon receiving the reversal of the processing start signal from "OFF" to "ON", can confirm the start of a new medal transfer process between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU. Therefore, it reverses the processable signal from "ON" to "OFF", and as a response to the "ON" processing start signal, it reverses the in - process signal for notifying the start of the medal transfer process between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU from "OFF" to "ON" (start) (step S1106).

[0313] Upon receiving the inversion of the processing signal from "OFF" to "ON", the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 can confirm that the medal number control CPU 301 has started processing a new medal transfer between the main control CPU and the medal number control CPU. Therefore, the processing start signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and the payout processing request signal for requesting the payout process for one medal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (request) (step S1107). Upon receiving the inversion of the payout processing request signal from "OFF" to "ON", the second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal number control CPU 301 can confirm that the request process is a payout process for one medal. Therefore, the processing signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and as a response to the payout processing request signal that has become "ON", the payout processing response signal for notifying that the payout process for one medal has started is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (start) (step S1108).

[0314] When the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 receives the inversion of the payout processing response signal from "OFF" to "ON", it can confirm that the medal number control CPU 301 has started the payout process for one medal. Therefore, the payout processing request signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and the first processing completion signal for notifying the completion of the processing on the main control CPU 101 side corresponding to the payout process of the requested one medal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (completed). The value of the remaining payout count CT14 is set to the value obtained by subtracting 1, and the value of the comparative payout medal count CT16 is set to the value obtained by adding 1 (step S1109). In this embodiment, since the inversion of the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON" is performed prior to the update processing of the remaining payout count CT14 and the comparative payout medal count CT16, the "notification regarding the completion of the processing on the main control CPU 101 side corresponding to the payout process of the requested one medal" refers to the "notification that the processing on the main control CPU 101 side will be completed". Note that the value of the comparative payout medal count CT16 is cleared to "0" when transmitting the telegram "game machine information notification" storing "hall control / fraud monitoring information" according to the first transmission timing (see FIGS. 26 to 29). Therefore, the value of the comparative payout medal count CT16 is the number of payout medals between the first transmission timings for transmitting the telegram "game machine information notification" storing consecutive "hall control / fraud monitoring information".

[0315] In this embodiment, it is assumed that (1) the re-inversion of the payout processing request signal, (2) the inversion of the first processing completion signal, and (3) the subtraction of 1 from the remaining payout count CT14 and the addition of 1 to the comparative payout medal count CT16 are executed in this order. However, the execution order is not limited to this.

[0316] When the second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal number control CPU 301 receives the inversion of the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", since the main control CPU 101 can confirm that the payout processing for one medal is completed, the payout processing response signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and as a response to the first processing completion signal that has become "ON", a second processing completion signal for notifying the completion of the processing on the medal number control CPU 301 side corresponding to the requested payout of one medal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (completed). The value of the game medal number CT30 is set to the value obtained by adding 1, and the value of the payout medal number CT32 is set to the value obtained by adding 1 (step S1110). In this embodiment, since the inversion of the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON" is performed prior to the update processing of the game medal number CT30 and the inserted medal number CT31, the "notification regarding the completion of the processing on the medal number control CPU 301 side corresponding to the requested payout of one medal" refers to the "notification that the processing on the medal number control CPU 301 side will be completed". Note that the value of the payout medal number CT32 is cleared to "0" when a telegram "game machine information notification" storing "hall control - fraud monitoring information" is transmitted according to the first transmission timing (see FIGS. 26 to 29). Therefore, the value of the payout medal number CT32 is the number of payout medals between the first transmission timings when telegrams "game machine information notification" storing consecutive "hall control - fraud monitoring information" are transmitted.

[0317] In this embodiment, it is assumed that (1) the re - inversion of the payout processing response signal, (2) the inversion of the second processing completion signal, and (3) the addition of 1 to the game medal number CT30 and the addition of 1 to the payout medal number CT32 are executed in this order, but the execution order is not limited to this.

[0318] When the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 receives the inversion of the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", it can confirm that the medal count control CPU 301 has completed the settlement process for one medal. Therefore, the first processing completion signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF". However, in order to continuously perform the payout process for one medal, the payout process request signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (request) (step S1111). When the second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301 receives the inversion of the payout process request signal from "OFF" to "ON", it can confirm that the request process is the payout process for one medal. Therefore, the second processing completion signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and as a response to the payout process request signal that has become "ON", the payout process response signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (start) (step S1112).

[0319] When the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 receives the inversion of the payout process response signal from "OFF" to "ON", it can confirm that the medal count control CPU 301 has started the payout process for one medal. Therefore, the payout process request signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", the first processing completion signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (completed), the value of the remaining payout count CT14 is set to the value obtained by subtracting 1, and the value of the comparison payout medal count CT16 is set to the value obtained by adding 1 (step S1113). Note that the value of the comparison payout medal count CT16 is cleared to "0" when the telegram "game machine information notification" storing "hall control - fraud monitoring information" is transmitted according to the first transmission timing (see FIGS. 26 to 29). Therefore, the value of the comparison payout medal count CT16 is the number of payout medals between the first transmission timings when the telegrams "game machine information notification" storing consecutive "hall control - fraud monitoring information" are transmitted.

[0320] In this embodiment, it is assumed that (1) the re-inversion of the payout process request signal, (2) the inversion of the first processing completion signal, and (3) the subtraction of 1 from the remaining payout count CT14 and the addition of 1 to the comparison payout medal count CT16 are executed in this order. However, the execution order is not limited to this.

[0321] The second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal number control CPU 301 receives the inversion of the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", so that the main control CPU 101 can confirm that the payout process for one medal is completed. Therefore, the payout process response signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and as a response to the first processing completion signal that has become "ON", the second processing completion signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (completed), the value of the game medal number CT30 is set to the value obtained by adding 1, and the value of the payout medal number CT32 is set to the value obtained by adding 1 (step S1114). Note that the value of the payout medal number CT32 is cleared to "0" when the telegram "game machine information notification" storing "hall control / cheating monitoring information" is transmitted according to the first transmission timing (see FIGS. 26 to 29). Therefore, the value of the payout medal number CT32 is the number of payout medals between the first transmission timings when the telegram "game machine information notification" storing continuous "hall control / cheating monitoring information" is transmitted.

[0322] In this embodiment, it is assumed that (1) the re-inversion of the payout process response signal, (2) the inversion of the second processing completion signal, and (3) the addition of 1 to the game medal number CT30 and the addition of 1 to the payout medal number CT32 are executed in this order. However, the execution order is not limited to this.

[0323] The processes of steps S1111 to S1114 are repeated until the value of the remaining payout number CT14 becomes "0" at the end of step S1114.

[0324] Upon receiving the inversion of the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 can confirm that the medal payout processing for one medal by the medal count control CPU 301 has been completed. Therefore, the first processing completion signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF". Also, since the payout of the pseudo medals has been completed, a processing completion signal for notifying the end of the medal transfer process between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (end) (step S1115). Upon receiving the inversion of the processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", the second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301 can confirm that the overall process of medal transfer between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU has been completed. Therefore, the second processing completion signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF", and the processable signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" (step S1116).

[0325] Upon receiving the inversion of the processable signal from "OFF" to "ON", the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 can confirm that the overall process of medal transfer between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 has been completed. Therefore, the processing completion signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF" (step S1117).

[0326] Regarding the transfer of virtual medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM, in addition to the above, there are sequences related to the pressing operation of the maximum bet switch 8 (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum input sequence") and the pressing operation of the settlement switch 33 (hereinafter referred to as the "settlement sequence"). In the maximum input sequence and the settlement sequence, until the maximum input number is reached and until the settlement is completed, the virtual medals are transferred one by one. In the transfer of one virtual medal in the maximum input sequence, the main control CPU 101 sets the values of the provisional input number CT13 and the comparison input medal number CT15 to the values obtained by adding 1 respectively, and the medal count control CPU 301 sets the value of the game medal number CT30 to the value obtained by subtracting 1 and the value of the input medal number CT31 to the value obtained by adding 1. Also, in the transfer of one virtual medal in the settlement sequence, the main control CPU 101 sets the values of the provisional input number CT13 and the comparison input medal number CT15 to the values obtained by subtracting 1 respectively, and the medal count control CPU 301 sets the value of the game medal number CT30 to the value obtained by adding 1 and the value of the input medal number CT31 to the value obtained by subtracting 1. In the transfer of one virtual medal in this settlement sequence, a settlement process request signal (a request signal for which the main control CPU 101 requests the medal count control CPU 301 to perform a settlement process for one medal), a settlement process response signal (a response signal transmitted by the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101 as a response to the settlement process request signal), a first process completion signal, and a second process completion signal are used.

[0327] (Communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301, and between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501) Next, the communication sequence between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM, and the communication between the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 29. In FIGS. 26 to 29, the communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 is realized by the function of the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e of the medal count control CPU 301 and the function of the transmission / reception means 501e of the unit CPU 501, and the communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is realized by the function of the medal management transmission / reception means 101n of the main control CPU 101 and the function of the inter-main board transmission / reception means 301a of the medal count control CPU 301.

[0328] As described above, between the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, the telegram "game machine information notification" is periodically transmitted with a transmission cycle in which the time length for one cycle is in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less.

[0329] The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM corresponds to the first transmission timing of the telegram "Game machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU that comes periodically, and at the timing prior to the transmission of the telegram "Game machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (hereinafter referred to as "request timing"), it makes a request for information to the main control CPU 101 of the slot machine SM (step S1301). The main control CPU 101 that has received the request from the medal count control CPU 301 determines that it is a request related to the "Hall control / fraud monitoring information" based on the above-mentioned transmission cycles of the "Hall control / fraud monitoring information", "Game machine installation information", and "Game machine performance information" and their priorities, and within the range of a predetermined time from the request timing (the timing prior to the transmission of the telegram "Game machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501: hereinafter referred to as "response timing"), among a plurality of items of the "Hall control / fraud monitoring information", at least information related to items such as "Count information 1" and "Count information 2" that are not managed on the medal count control CPU 301 side (input count CT11, payout count CT12, etc.), and information of items used for monitoring abnormalities such as fraud in the medal count control CPU 301 (comparative input medal count CT15, comparative payout medal count CT16, etc.) is responded to the medal count control CPU 301 (step S1302).

[0330] Here, the value of the input count CT11 to which the value of the provisional input count CT13 is set (the number of pseudo medals used (consumed) in the game started by pressing the start switch 9) is transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301 once corresponding to the first transmission timing when the telegram "Game machine information notification" storing the first "Hall control / fraud monitoring information" after the start switch 9 is pressed is transmitted. In addition, the value of the input count CT11 transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301 corresponding to the first transmission timing when the telegram "Game machine information notification" storing other "Hall control / fraud monitoring information" is transmitted is "0".

[0331] In addition, the number of virtual medals paid out when a player wins a winning combination for obtaining virtual medals (the number of virtual medals predetermined for the winning combination when the player wins a winning combination for obtaining virtual medals), that is, the value of the payout number CT12, is transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the medal number control CPU 301 once corresponding to the first transmission timing when the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" for storing "Hall Console Illegal Monitoring Information" after the occurrence of the payout is transmitted. Note that the value of the payout number CT12 transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the medal number control CPU 301 corresponding to the first transmission timing when other telegrams "Game Machine Information Notification" for storing "Hall Console Illegal Monitoring Information" are transmitted is "0".

[0332] In addition, the value of the comparison inserted medal number CT15 transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the medal number control CPU 301 is the number of medals inserted or settled (cancellation of insertion) between the request related to the previous "Hall Console Illegal Monitoring Information" counted on the main control CPU 101 side and the request related to the current "Hall Console Illegal Monitoring Information", that is, the number of medals inserted or settled (cancellation of insertion) between the first transmission timing when the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the previous "Hall Console Illegal Monitoring Information" was transmitted and the first transmission timing when the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the current "Hall Console Illegal Monitoring Information" is transmitted. Note that after the value of the comparison inserted medal number CT15 is transmitted in response to the request related to the "Hall Console Illegal Monitoring Information", the value of the comparison inserted medal number CT15 is cleared to "0".

[0333] Also, the value of the comparison payout medal count CT16 transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301 is the medal count paid out between the request related to the previous "hall control / fraud monitoring information" counted on the main control CPU 101 side and the request related to the current "hall control / fraud monitoring information", that is, from the first transmission timing when the telegram "game machine information notification" storing the previous "hall control / fraud monitoring information" was transmitted to the first transmission timing when the telegram "game machine information notification" storing the current "hall control / fraud monitoring information" is transmitted. Note that after the value of the comparison payout medal count CT16 is transmitted in response to the request related to the "hall control / fraud monitoring information", the value of the comparison payout medal count CT16 is cleared to "0".

[0334] Note that in step S1301, the medal count control CPU 301 may determine to make a request related to the "hall control / fraud monitoring information" based on the respective transmission cycles of the "hall control / fraud monitoring information", "game machine installation information", and "game machine performance information" described above and their priority levels, and make the request. In step S1302, the main control CPU 101 may respond to the request related to the "hall control / fraud monitoring information".

[0335] The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the telegram "game machine information notification" storing the "hall control / fraud monitoring information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU at the first transmission timing of the telegram "game machine information notification" that periodically comes to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S1303). Subsequently, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the telegram "count notification" to the unit CPU 501 (step S1304). Subsequently, the unit CPU 501 transmits the telegram "loan notification" to the medal count control CPU 301 (step S1305). Subsequently, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the telegram "loan receipt result response" to the unit CPU 501 (step S1306).

[0336] The storage of the "Hall Control Fraud Monitoring Information" telegram into the "Game Machine Information Notification" by the medal count control CPU 301 is as follows: For the items among the multiple items of the "Hall Control Fraud Monitoring Information" that are managed on the medal count control CPU 301 side, the content managed on the medal count control CPU 301 side is set. For the items managed on the main control CPU 101 side, a request is sent to the main control CPU 101, and the content managed on the main control CPU 101 side obtained based on the response from the main control CPU 101 is set.

[0337] Among the multiple items of the "Hall Control Fraud Monitoring Information", for example, the items "Game Medal Count", "Inserted Medal Count", and "Payout Medal Count" in FIG. 12 are items whose values are managed on the medal count control CPU 301 side. The value of the game medal count CT30, the value of the inserted medal count CT31, and the value of the payout medal count CT32 are stored in each of the items "Game Medal Count", "Inserted Medal Count", and "Payout Medal Count".

[0338] Note that the value of the inserted medal count CT31 is the number of medals inserted or settled (cancellation of insertion) between the first transmission timing of the previous "Hall Control Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the current "Hall Control Fraud Monitoring Information", counted on the medal count control CPU 301 side. After the storage into the "Hall Control Fraud Monitoring Information" and the comparison with the comparison inserted medal count CT15 are completed, the value of the inserted medal count CT31 is cleared to "0".

[0339] Also, the value of the payout medal count CT32 is the number of medals paid out between the first transmission timing of the previous "Hall Control Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the current "Hall Control Fraud Monitoring Information", counted on the medal count control CPU 301 side. After the storage into the "Hall Control Fraud Monitoring Information" and the comparison with the comparison payout medal count CT16 are completed, the value of the payout medal count CT32 is cleared to "0".

[0340] Also, among a plurality of items of "Hall Control - Illegal Monitoring Information", for example, the items "Count Information 1" and "Count Information 2" in FIG. 12 are items whose values are managed on the main control CPU 101 side. The following is how predetermined information is stored in the "Game Information" ( "Number of Game Information", "Type Information 1", "Count Information 1", "Type Information 2", "Count Information 2") including the "Count Information 1" and "Count Information 2". Specifically, when both the value of the inserted number CT11 and the value of the paid - out number CT12 sent from the main control CPU 101 are "0", "0" is stored in the item "Number of Game Information". Also, when the value of the inserted number CT11 sent from the main control CPU 101 is other than "0" and the value of the paid - out number CT12 is "0", "1" is stored in the item "Number of Game Information", a value for notifying an insertion is stored in the item "Type Information 1", and the value of the inserted number CT11 is stored in the item "Count Information 1" as the inserted number. Also, when the value of the inserted number CT11 sent from the main control CPU 101 is "0" and the value of the paid - out number CT12 is other than "0", "1" is stored in the item "Number of Game Information", a value for notifying a payout is stored in the item "Type Information 1", and the value of the paid - out number CT12 is stored in the item "Count Information 1" as the paid - out number. Also, when the value of the inserted number CT11 sent from the main control CPU 101 is other than "0" and the value of the paid - out number CT12 is other than "0", "2" is stored in the item "Number of Game Information", a value for notifying an insertion is stored in the item "Type Information 1", the value of the inserted number CT11 is stored in the item "Count Information 1" as the inserted number, a value for notifying a payout is stored in the item "Type Information 2", and the value of the paid - out number CT12 is stored in the item "Count Information 2" as the paid - out number. Note that the items "Main Control Status 1", "Pachinko Machine Illegal 1", etc. in FIG. 12 are also items whose values are managed on the main control CPU 101 side.

[0341] The medal - number control CPU 301 performs the following (Process 1) to (Process 4) in step S1307.

[0342] (Process 1) When the value of the inserted medal count CT11 received from the main control CPU 101 by the medal count control CPU 301 is not "0", the medal count control CPU 301 checks whether the value of the inserted medal count CT11 is within the allowable set inserted medal count (in this embodiment, "1" to "3") that can generally be assumed (defined by rules, etc.) in the slot machine SM and other slot machines for one game. If it is not within the allowable set inserted medal count, a predetermined notification (for example, notification of abnormality in the inserted medal count for one game) is issued.

[0343] (Process 2) When the value of the paid-out medal count CT12 received from the main control CPU 101 by the medal count control CPU 301 is not "0", the medal count control CPU 301 checks whether the value of the paid-out medal count CT12 is within the allowable set paid-out medal count (in this embodiment, "1" to "15") that can generally be assumed (defined by rules, etc.) in the slot machine SM and other slot machines for one game. If it is not within the allowable set paid-out medal count, a predetermined notification (for example, notification of abnormality in the paid-out medal count for one game) is issued.

[0344] (Process 3) The medal count control CPU 301 compares the value of the comparison inserted medal count CT15 received from the main control CPU 101 with the value of the inserted medal count CT31, and checks whether the subtraction result obtained by subtracting the value of the inserted medal count CT31 from the value of the comparison inserted medal count CT15 is within the range of "-1" to "1". If it is not within the range, a predetermined notification (for example, notification of an abnormality in the inserted count between the previous transmission of "Hall Con - Illegal Monitoring Information" and the current transmission of "Hall Con - Illegal Monitoring Information") is performed. Note that the reason for setting the range of "-1" to "1" as the normal range is as follows: When there is a first transmission timing of "Hall Con - Illegal Monitoring Information" between the count process by the main control CPU 101 and the count process by the medal count control CPU 301, for example, in the insertion sequence or the maximum insertion sequence, the value of the comparison inserted medal count CT15 becomes 1 larger than the value of the inserted medal count CT31, and in the settlement sequence, the value of the comparison inserted medal count CT15 becomes 1 smaller than the value of the inserted medal count CT31. At the next first transmission timing, in the insertion sequence or the maximum insertion sequence, the value of the comparison inserted medal count CT15 becomes 1 smaller than the value of the inserted medal count CT31, and in the settlement sequence, the value of the comparison inserted medal count CT15 may become 1 larger than the value of the inserted medal count CT31. This is based on such considerations.

[0345] (Process 4) The medal count control CPU 301 compares the value of the comparative payout medal count CT16 received from the main control CPU 101 with the value of the payout medal count CT32, and checks whether the subtraction result obtained by subtracting the value of the payout medal count CT32 from the value of the comparative payout / input medal count CT16 is within the range of "-1" to "1". If it is not within the range, a predetermined notification (for example, notification of an abnormality in the payout count between the previous transmission of "Hall Con - Fraud Monitoring Information" and the current transmission of "Hall Con - Fraud Monitoring Information") is issued. Note that the reason for setting the range of "-1" to "1" as the normal range is as follows: When there is a first transmission timing of "Hall Con - Fraud Monitoring Information" between the count process by the main control CPU 101 and the count process by the medal count control CPU 301, in the payout sequence, for example, the value of the comparative payout medal count CT16 may be 1 greater than the value of the payout medal count CT32, and at the next first transmission timing, the value of the comparative payout medal count CT16 may be 1 less than the value of the payout medal count CT32.

[0346] After the process of step S1302, the main control CPU 101 clears the values of the input count CT11, the payout count CT12, the comparative input medal count CT15, and the comparative payout medal count CT16 to "0" (step S1308). Also, after the process of step S1307, the medal count control CPU 301 clears the values of the input medal count CT31 and the payout medal count CT32 to "0" (step S1309).

[0347] Before the request timing corresponding to the first transmission timing when the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" for storing the next "Hall Con - Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted, when an opportunity for the movement of the pseudo medals related to any of the insertion of pseudo medals, the redemption of pseudo medals (cancellation of the insertion of pseudo medals), and the payout of pseudo medals occurs, the movement sequence of the pseudo medals is performed without waiting for the request timing to occur. Here, the entire movement sequence is performed (step S1310).

[0348] Here, when the trigger for the movement of the pseudo medal is the pressing operation of the bet switch 7 related to the insertion of the medal, the movement sequence to be executed is steps S706 to S716 of the insertion sequence in FIG. 24. Also, when the trigger for the movement of the pseudo medal is the pressing operation of the maximum bet switch 8 related to the insertion of the pseudo medal, the movement sequence to be executed is the maximum insertion sequence. Further, when the trigger for the movement of the pseudo medal is the pressing operation of the settlement switch 33 related to the settlement (cancellation of insertion) of the pseudo medal, the movement sequence to be executed is the settlement sequence. Also, when the trigger for the movement of the pseudo medal is related to the payout of the pseudo medal, the movement sequence to be executed is steps S1104 to S1117 of the payout sequence in FIG. 25.

[0349] In steps S1311 to S1319, the same content as that in the above steps S1301 to S1309 is executed.

[0350] Until the request timing corresponding to the first transmission timing at which the telegram "game machine information notification" for storing the next "hall control-illegal monitoring information" is transmitted, when a trigger for the movement of the pseudo medal related to any of the insertion of the pseudo medal, the settlement of the pseudo medal (cancellation of the insertion of the pseudo medal), and the payout of the pseudo medal occurs, the movement sequence of the pseudo medal is performed without waiting for the request timing to arrive. However, when the request timing comes during the movement sequence of the pseudo medal, steps S1321 to 1329 are preferentially performed. Here, only the first half of the movement sequence is performed (step S1320).

[0351] Here, when the trigger for the movement of the pseudo medal is the pressing operation of the bet switch 7 related to the insertion of the medal, the movement sequence to be executed is a continuous part starting from step S706 of the insertion sequence in FIG. 24. Also, when the trigger for the movement of the pseudo medal is the pressing operation of the maximum bet switch 8 related to the insertion of the medal, the movement sequence to be executed is a continuous part of the first half of the maximum insertion sequence. Further, when the trigger for the movement of the pseudo medal is the pressing operation of the settlement switch 33 related to the settlement (cancellation of insertion) of the medal, the movement sequence to be executed is a continuous part of the first half of the settlement sequence. Also, when the trigger for the movement of the pseudo medal is related to the payout of the pseudo medal, the movement sequence to be executed is a continuous part starting from step S1104 of the payout sequence in FIG. 25.

[0352] In this embodiment, when a request timing comes during the movement sequence of the pseudo medal, the movement sequence of the pseudo medal is immediately interrupted and steps S1321 to 1329 are preferentially executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the request timing comes during steps S708 to S711 in FIG. 24, after the process of step S711 is completed, the movement sequence of the pseudo medal is interrupted and steps S1321 to 1329 are executed. When the request timing comes during the movement process of one medal, the movement sequence of the pseudo medal is continuously executed until the movement process of one medal is completed, and after the movement process of one medal is completed, the movement sequence of the pseudo medal is interrupted and steps S1321 to 1329 are executed. In this case, in the comparison between the value of the comparison inserted medal number CT15 received from the main control CPU 101 and the value of the inserted medal number CT31, if the value of the comparison inserted medal number CT15 and the value of the inserted medal number CT31 are not the same, a predetermined notification (for example, notification of an abnormality in the inserted number between the previous transmission of "Hall Control·Illegality Monitoring Information" and the current transmission of "Hall Control·Illegality Monitoring Information") is performed. In the comparison between the value of the comparison paid-out medal number CT16 received from the main control CPU 101 and the value of the paid-out medal number CT32, if the value of the comparison paid-in and paid-out medal number CT16 and the value of the paid-out medal number CT32 are not the same, a predetermined notification (for example, notification of an abnormality in the paid-out number between the previous transmission of "Hall Control·Illegality Monitoring Information" and the current transmission of "Hall Control·Illegality Monitoring Information") may be performed.

[0353] In steps S1321 to S1329, the same content as steps S1301 to S1309 described above is implemented.

[0354] Until the request timing corresponding to the first transmission timing when the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the next "Hall Control·Illegality Monitoring Information" is transmitted, the latter half of the movement sequence whose first half was implemented in step S1320 is performed (step S1330).

[0355] Here, when the first half of the input sequence is executed in step S1320, it will be from the continuation of the input sequence in FIG. 24 to step S716. Also, when the first half of the maximum input sequence is executed in step S1320, it will be the second half from the continuation of the maximum input sequence. Also, when the first half of the settlement sequence is executed in step S1320, it will be the second half from the continuation of the settlement sequence. Also, when the first half of the payout sequence is executed in step S1320, it will be from the continuation of the payout sequence in FIG. 25 to step S1117.

[0356] In steps S1331 to S1339, the same content as the above-described steps S1301 to S1309 is executed.

[0357] Note that in the movement sequence, all or part of one movement sequence and all or part of another movement sequence may be performed between the previous "game machine information notification" telegram and the current "game machine information notification" telegram, or the movement sequence may be divided into three or more parts and executed.

[0358] Until the request timing corresponding to the first transmission timing when the telegram "game machine information notification" for storing the next "hall control - illegal monitoring information" is transmitted, no opportunity for the movement of the pseudo medals related to any of the input of pseudo medals, the settlement of pseudo medals (cancellation of the input of pseudo medals), and the payout of pseudo medals occurs, and the movement sequence is not performed. Also in this case, in steps S1340 to S1348, the same content as steps S1301 to S1309 is executed.

[0359] Subsequently, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM corresponds to the first transmission timing of the telegram "game machine information notification" that periodically comes to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and at the timing (request timing) prior to the transmission of the telegram "game machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, it makes a request for information to the main control CPU 101 of the slot machine SM (step S1349). The main control CPU 101 that has received the request from the medal count control CPU 301 determines that it is a request related to the "game machine installation information" based on the above-described transmission cycles of the "hall control / fraud monitoring information", "game machine installation information", and "game machine performance information" and their priorities, and within the range of a predetermined time from the request timing (the timing prior to the transmission of the telegram "game machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501: response timing), among a plurality of items of the "game machine installation information", at least the items not managed on the medal count control CPU 301 side (in this embodiment, the items from the item "main control chip ID number" to the item "main control chip product code" in FIG. 11) are responded to the medal count control CPU 301 (step S1350).

[0360] The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a telegram "game machine information notification" storing the "game machine installation information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU at the first transmission timing of the telegram "game machine information notification" that periodically comes (step S1351). Subsequently, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits a telegram "count notification" to the unit CPU 501 (step S1352). Subsequently, the unit CPU 501 transmits a telegram "loan notification" to the medal count control CPU 301 (step S1353). Subsequently, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits a telegram "loan receipt result response" to the unit CPU 501 (step S1354).

[0361] Subsequently, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM corresponds to the first transmission timing of the card unit CU to the unit CPU 501 of the telegram "game machine information notification" that comes periodically, and at the timing (request timing) prior to the transmission of the telegram "game machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, it requests information from the main control CPU 101 of the slot machine SM (step S1355). The main control CPU 101 that has received the request from the medal count control CPU 301 determines that it is a request related to "game machine performance information" based on the above-mentioned transmission cycles of "hall control / fraud monitoring information", "game machine installation information", and "game machine performance information" and their priorities, and within the range of a predetermined time from the request timing (the timing prior to the transmission of the telegram "game machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501: response timing), among a plurality of items of "game machine performance information", at least the items not managed on the medal count control CPU 301 side (in this embodiment, the items "total input number" to "status ratio of accessory etc." in FIG. 10) are responded to the medal count control CPU 301 (step S1356).

[0362] The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a telegram "game machine information notification" storing "game machine performance information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU at the first transmission timing of the telegram "game machine information notification" of the card unit CU that comes periodically (step S1357). Subsequently, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits a telegram "count notification" to the unit CPU 501 (step S1358). Subsequently, the unit CPU 501 transmits a telegram "loan notification" to the medal count control CPU 301 (step S1359). Subsequently, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits a telegram "loan receipt result response" to the unit CPU 501 (step S1360).

[0363] Regarding the first transmission timing for transmitting the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Game Machine Installation Information" or the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Game Machine Performance Information", the processes corresponding to steps S1307 to S1309 in FIG. 25 are not performed.

[0364] In this embodiment, the main control board 100 and the medal number control board 300 are formed as separate boards. However, the two control boards may be formed by dividing regions within the same control board. When the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 are mounted on one control board in this way, heat may accumulate inside the board case. Therefore, a heat sink may be arranged on the control board 1000 or the board case, or a mechanism may be provided to release the accumulated heat to the outside of the board case.

[0365] In this embodiment, each communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 is performed by parallel communication, but it may be performed by serial communication. In that case, event parameters are set in the serial signal transmitted sequentially, and it is configured to indicate whether the subsequent signal relates to medal movement or communication with the card unit CU. Also, in this embodiment, the medals are moved one by one regardless of the number of medals. However, when the communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 is performed by serial communication, a plurality of medals may be moved in one communication by setting data.

[0366] Also, in this embodiment, signals from the counting switch 31 and the lending switch 503a are transmitted from the medal number control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101, and further from the main control CPU 101 to the sub-control CPU 201. However, in order to sound a notification sound based on the pressing of the counting switch 31 or the lending switch 503a, the wiring from the counting switch 31 or the card unit CU may be supplied to both the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 and controlled separately. Also, in the case of a configuration where the signal from the counting switch 31 is transmitted to both the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301, the signal may be transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the sub-control CPU 201.

[0367] When the RAM 102b (memory 102) of the main control CPU 101 is cleared, the data stored in the main control CPU 101 disappears, but the data in the medal number control CPU 301 remains. Therefore, for example, when a setting change (RWM clear) is performed in a state where pseudo medals have been inserted and the game becomes playable again, the number of inserted pseudo medals will be different between the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301. In this case, there is a possibility of an error. Also, even if such a state is not specified as an error, since the number of inserted pseudo medals in the main control CPU 101 when the game becomes playable again is "0", it will be inserted again. In this case, in the medal number control CPU 301, if it is assumed that more than the specified number (3 or more) of pseudo medals have been inserted, there is a possibility of an error. To avoid such an error, (i) Automatically settle the number of inserted medals at the timing when an operation of RWM clear (for example, setting change) occurs. (ii) Transmit the RWM clear information to the medal number control CPU 301 and supplement the number of inserted medals from the insertion history. (iii) Erase the data related to the medal insertion history when the power is turned off. Any of the above can be adopted.

[0368] Note that, for example, in the case of the input medal difference tolerance number excess abnormality notification, the paid-out medal difference tolerance number excess abnormality notification, the input medal difference tolerance duration excess abnormality notification, and the paid-out medal difference tolerance duration excess abnormality notification, the sounds output from the speakers 15 and 16 may all be the same, or they may all be different. Also, the sound output in the input medal difference tolerance number excess abnormality notification may be the same as the sound output in the paid-out medal difference tolerance number excess abnormality notification, the sound output in the input medal difference tolerance duration excess abnormality notification may be the same as the sound output in the paid-out medal difference tolerance duration excess abnormality notification, and the sound output in the input medal difference tolerance number excess abnormality notification and the paid-out medal difference tolerance number excess abnormality notification may be different from the sound output in the input medal difference tolerance duration excess abnormality notification and the paid-out medal difference tolerance duration excess abnormality notification.

[0369] Note that the input medal difference tolerance number excess abnormality notification, the paid-out medal difference tolerance number excess abnormality notification, the input medal difference tolerance duration excess abnormality notification, and the paid-out medal difference tolerance duration excess abnormality notification are not limited to being performed using the sounds from the speakers 15 and 16. For example, they may be performed using lighting by the upper lamp unit 21 or the lower lamp unit 22, or display on the liquid crystal display 14.

[0370] Also, in this embodiment, the number of pseudo medals that are monitored while being transferred between the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 by separating the input and the cancellation (settlement) of the input and the paid-out is not limited to this. For example, the number of pseudo medals that are transferred between the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 without separating the input and the cancellation (settlement) of the input and the paid-out and are monitored as a whole may be used.

[0371] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 to 37. In the first embodiment, the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 are configured on separate chips, but in the second embodiment, the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 are integrated on one chip. In the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components and steps as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0372] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the main control CPU 101A is mounted on the main control board 100A, and the main control CPU 101A incorporates a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102F and a RAM (Random Access Memory: one of RWMs (Read Write Memory)). Since the main control board 100A and the main control CPU 101A have both the functions of main control and medal number control, the main control board 100A and the main control CPU 101A will be hereinafter referred to as the "main control / medal number control board 100A" and the "main control / medal number control CPU 101A", respectively.

[0373] The main control / medal number control CPU 101A performs controls related to the progress of the game, controls related to the management of the number of pseudo medals, etc. on one chip.

[0374] (ROM) First, the ROM 102F in FIG. 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 31. FIG. 31(a) is a diagram showing the memory map of the ROM 102F, and FIG. 31(b) is a diagram showing whether or not the programs described in the uppermost row (main control program (used area), main control program (outside used area), medal count control program) are permitted to be called from the respective program areas in FIG. 31(a). Note that the main control program (used area) refers to the program stored in the used area (program area) for main control of the ROM 102F, the main control program (outside used area) refers to the program stored outside the used area (program area) for main control of the ROM 102F, and the medal count control program refers to the program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control of the ROM 102F.

[0375] As shown in the memory map of FIG. 31(a), the memory area of the ROM 102F is divided by allocating addresses and capacities to the main control area (used area (program area, data area) and outside used area (unused area, program area, data area, unused area)), the medal count control area (program area, data area), and the management area.

[0376] In the used area (program area, data area) for main control of the ROM 102F, programs and data (such as lottery table 102c and stop table 102d: see FIG. 5) for the main control / medal count control CPU 101A to perform control related to the progress of the game are stored. By executing the program stored in this used area (program area) for main control, the main control / medal count control CPU 101A functions as each means in the used area functional unit 110A1 within the main control functional unit 110A in FIG. 33.

[0377] Outside the usage area for main control (program area, data area) of ROM102F, the main control / medal count control CPU 101A stores programs and data for detecting predetermined errors such as errors in RAM102G (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "RAM error") and errors in reels 6L, 6M, 6R (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "reel error"), and programs and data for performing error processing (for example, controlling the game to be disabled). By executing the program stored outside the usage area for main control (program area), the main control / medal count control CPU 101A functions as each means within the function unit outside the usage area 110A2 of the main control function unit 110A in FIG. 33.

[0378] In the area for medal count control of ROM102F (program area, data area), the main control / medal count control CPU 101A performs controls related to the management of the number of pseudo medals (for example, controls related to the number of medals moved between the card unit CU through communication with the card unit CU in the borrowing process means 301b1 and the first counting process means 301b2 in FIG. 33), and stores programs and data for detecting predetermined errors such as communication errors between the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU and errors in the increase or decrease of the number of medals of pseudo medals. By executing the program stored in this area for medal count control (program area), the main control / medal count control CPU 101A functions as each means within the medal count control function unit 120A in FIG. 33.

[0379] As shown in FIG. 31(b), it is possible to call programs stored in the usage area for main control (program area), programs stored outside the usage area for main control (program area), and programs stored in the area for medal count control (program area) from the program stored in the usage area for main control (program area).

[0380] Also, as shown in Fig. 31(b), it is possible to call a program stored outside the usage area (program area) for main control from a program stored outside the usage area (program area) for main control. However, it is not possible to call a program stored in the usage area (program area) for main control or a program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control from a program stored outside the usage area (program area) for main control.

[0381] Also, as shown in Fig. 31(b), it is possible to call a program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control from a program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control. However, it is not possible to call a program stored in the usage area (program area) for main control or a program stored outside the usage area (program area) for main control from a program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control.

[0382] (RAM) Subsequently, the memory map of the RAM 102G in Fig. 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Fig. 32(a) is a diagram showing the memory map of the RAM 102G, and Fig. 32(b) is a diagram showing whether or not the programs described in the uppermost row (main control program (usage area), main control program (outside usage area), medal count control program) are permitted to update and reference the data stored in each data area of Fig. 32(a). Note that the main control program (usage area) refers to the program stored in the usage area (program area) for main control of the ROM 102F, the main control program (outside usage area) refers to the program stored outside the usage area (program area) for main control of the ROM 102F, and the medal count control program refers to the program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control of the ROM 102F.

[0383] As shown in the memory map of Fig. 32(a), the memory area of RAM102G is divided by allocating addresses and capacities to the main control area (used area and outside the used area) and the medal number control area.

[0384] As shown in Fig. 32(b), regarding the execution of the program stored in the used area (program area) of ROM102F for main control, it is possible to refer to and update the used area of RAM102G for main control. It is possible to refer to, but not update, the area outside the used area of RAM102G for main control and the medal number control area of RAM102G.

[0385] Also, as shown in Fig. 32(b), regarding the execution of the program stored outside the used area (program area) of ROM102F for main control, it is possible to refer to and update the area outside the used area of RAM102G for main control. It is possible to refer to, but not update, the used area of RAM102G for main control and the medal number control area of RAM102G.

[0386] Also, as shown in Fig. 32(b), regarding the execution of the program stored in the medal number control area (program area) of ROM102F, it is possible to refer to and update the medal number control area of RAM102G. It is possible to refer to, but not update, the used area of RAM102G for main control and the area outside the used area of RAM102G for main control.

[0387] (Function block of main control / medal number control CPU101A) Subsequently, the main control / medal number control CPU101A in Fig. 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 33.

[0388] The main control / medal count control CPU 101A functions as each means of the use area function unit 110A1 of the main control function unit 110A by executing the program stored in the use area (program area) for main control in the ROM 102F. The first input processing means 101dA, in cooperation with the second input processing means 301b3A described later, moves pseudo medals corresponding to the medal count related to input and input cancellation (settlement) between the use area for main control in the RAM 102G and the area for medal count control in the RAM 102G. Also, the first payout processing means 101hA, in cooperation with the second payout processing means 301b4A described later, moves pseudo medals corresponding to the medal count related to payout between the use area for main control in the RAM 102G and the area for medal count control in the RAM 102G. The error detection confirmation means 101r confirms whether an error has been detected by the error detection means 301h and the like described later.

[0389] Also, the main control / medal count control CPU 101A functions as each means of the out-of-use area function unit 110A2 of the main control function unit 110A in FIG. 33 by executing the program stored outside the use area (program area) for main control in the ROM 102F. The error detection means 101iA monitors specific events, such as monitoring the state of the RAM 102G and the states of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R to detect RAM errors, reel errors, etc., and performs error detection to determine whether there is a problem with the specific event. The error processing means 101s performs error processing according to the specific event in which an error is detected by the error detection means 101iA and the predetermined event described later in which an error is detected by the error detection means 301h described later.

[0390] In addition, the main control / medal count control CPU 101A functions as each means of the medal count control function unit 120A in FIG. 33 by executing a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of the ROM 102F. The second input processing means 301b3A, in cooperation with the first input processing means 101dA, moves the virtual medals corresponding to the number of medals related to the input and cancellation (settlement) of input between the main control use area of the RAM 102G and the medal count control area of the RAM 102G. Further, the second payout processing means 301b4A, in cooperation with the first payout processing means 101hA, moves the virtual medals corresponding to the number of medals related to the payout between the main control use area of the RAM 102G and the medal count control area of the RAM 102G. The error detection means 301h monitors, for example, the communication state with the card unit CU, the state of increase or decrease of virtual medals, and the state of the number of game medals CT30, and detects communication errors, increase or decrease errors of virtual medals, upper limit errors of virtual medals, etc. between the card unit CU. It monitors a predetermined event different from the specific event monitored by the error detection means 101iA and detects whether there is a defect in the predetermined event.

[0391] (Movement of virtual medals between the main control use area of the RAM 102G and the medal count control area of the RAM 102G) Hereinafter, regarding the movement of virtual medals between the main control use area of the RAM 102G and the medal count control area of the RAM 102G by the main control / medal count control CPU 101A, the processing flow related to the pressing operation of the bet switch 7 (hereinafter referred to as the "input processing flow"), and the processing flow related to the occurrence of the payout of virtual medals (the number of virtual medals predetermined for each winning combination when the player wins a winning combination for obtaining virtual medals) (hereinafter referred to as the "payout processing flow") will be described in order with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35.

[0392] However, in the usage area for main control of RAM 102G, counters such as the input count CT11, the payout count CT12, the provisional input count CT13, and the remaining payout count CT14 are formed. Also, in the area for medal count control of RAM 102G, counters such as the game medal count CT30, the input medal count CT31, and the payout medal count CT32 are formed.

[0393] (Input processing flow) Regarding the processing flow (input processing flow) related to the transfer of pseudo medals between the usage area for main control of RAM 102G and the area for medal count control of RAM 102G by the main control / medal count control CPU 101A when the bet switch 7 is operated, it will be described with reference to FIG. 34.

[0394] When the bet switch 7 is operated (step S3001), the first input processing means 101dA, which is a function of the main control / medal count control CPU 101A while executing the program stored in the usage area (program area) for main control of ROM 102F, refers to the value of the game medal count CT30 stored in the area for medal count control of RAM 102G, checks whether the input of one pseudo medal is possible, and in this example, confirms that the input of one pseudo medal is possible (step S3002).

[0395] The first input processing means 101dA sets the value of the provisional input count CT13 stored in the usage area for main control of RAM 102G to a value obtained by adding 1 to it (step S3003).

[0396] The main control / medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing the program stored in the usage area (program area) for main control of ROM 102F, calls and executes the program stored in the area for medal count control of ROM 102F (program area). The second input processing means 301b3A, which is a function of the main control / medal count control CPU 101A while executing the called program, sets the value of the game medal count CT30 stored in the area for medal count control of RAM 102G to a value obtained by subtracting 1 from it, and sets the value of the input medal count CT31 to a value obtained by adding 1 to it (step S3004).

[0397] The number of virtual medals held by the player is the value obtained by adding the value of the provisional insertion number CT13 and the value of the game medal number CT30. In the case of inserting a virtual medal, the transfer of the game medal number CT30 of one virtual medal held by the player to the provisional insertion number CT13 is performed by the first insertion processing means 101dA increasing the value of the provisional insertion number CT13 by 1, and then the second insertion processing means 301b3A subtracting 1 from the value of the game medal number CT30.

[0398] After that, the start switch 9 is operated (step S3005). The first insertion processing means 101dA, which functions as the main control / medal number control CPU 101A during the execution of the program stored in the main control use area (program area) of the ROM 102F, sets the value of the insertion number CT11 stored in the main control use area of the RAM 102G as the value of the provisional insertion number CT13, and clears the value of the provisional insertion number CT13 to "0" (step S3006).

[0399] (Payout processing flow) A processing flow (payout processing flow) related to the transfer of virtual medals between the main control use area of the RAM 102G and the medal number control area of the RAM 102G by the main control / medal number control CPU 101A at the time of paying out virtual medals will be described with reference to FIG. 35.

[0400] When a payout of virtual medals occurs due to winning a role that acquires virtual medals in the current game (step S3101), the first payout processing means 101hA, which functions as the main control / medal number control CPU 101A during the execution of the program stored in the main control use area (program area) of the ROM 102F, sets the value of the payout number CT12 stored in the main control use area of the RAM 102G to "A (the payout number of virtual medals paid out in the current game (the number of medals of virtual medals acquired by the player))", and sets the value of the remaining payout number CT14 to "A" (step S3102). The number of virtual medals held by the player is the value obtained by adding the value of the remaining payout number CT14 and the value of the game medal number CT30, and thus increases by "A" due to the processing in step S3102.

[0401] The first payout processing means 101hA clears the value of the payout remaining count CT14 in the RAM 102G to "0" (step S3103).

[0402] The main control / medal count control CPU 101A that is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of the ROM 102F calls and executes a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of the ROM 102F. The second payout processing means 301b4A that functions as the main control / medal count control CPU 101A during the execution of the called program sets the value of the game medal count CT30 stored in the medal count control area of the RAM 102G to the value obtained by adding "A", and sets the value of the payout medal count CT32 to the value obtained by adding "A" (step S3104).

[0403] The number of medals of the pseudo medals possessed by the player is the value obtained by adding the value of the payout remaining count CT14 and the value of the game medal count CT30. In the payout of pseudo medals, the transfer of A pieces of pseudo medals obtain...

Claims

1. In a gaming machine capable of awarding gaming value according to a gaming result and capable of two-way communication with the outside of the gaming machine, a main control means having a first storage area and performing control related to the progress of the game; a gaming value quantity control means having a second storage area and performing control related to the movement of the gaming value; a transmission / reception means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the outside of the gaming machine at a predetermined cycle and receiving a lending signal from the outside of the gaming machine; a power supply device for supplying power to the gaming machine; When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a first predetermined condition is satisfied, a setting change state in which setting information determining the degree of advantage related to the game can be set is obtained, and at least a specific storage area in the first storage area is set. A setting change means to be initialized; When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a second predetermined condition is satisfied, without becoming the setting change state, at least the specific storage area in the first storage area is different from the setting change means to be initialized. Main control initialization means; When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a third predetermined condition is satisfied, a gaming value initialization means different from the main control initialization means for initializing at least a special storage area in the second storage area; are provided, The transmission / reception means is When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined signal that can be presumed that the first predetermined condition is satisfied is transmitted, When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the second predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined signal that cannot be presumed that the second predetermined condition is satisfied is transmitted, When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the third predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined signal that can be presumed that the third predetermined condition is satisfied is transmitted A gaming machine characterized by the above.

2. In a gaming machine capable of awarding gaming value according to a gaming result and capable of two-way communication with the outside of the gaming machine, a main control means having a first storage area and performing control related to the progress of the game; a gaming value amount control means having a second storage area and performing control related to the movement of the gaming value; a transmission / reception means for transmitting a predetermined signal to the outside of the gaming machine at a predetermined cycle and receiving a lending signal from the outside of the gaming machine; a power supply device for supplying power to the gaming machine; When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a first predetermined condition is satisfied, a setting change state in which setting information determining the degree of advantage related to the game can be set is established, and at least a specific storage area in the first storage area is initialized. A setting change means; When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a second predetermined condition is satisfied, a main control initialization means different from the setting change means in which at least the specific storage area in the first storage area is initialized without entering the setting change state; When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where a third predetermined condition is satisfied, a gaming value initialization means different from the main control initialization means in which at least a special storage area in the second storage area is initialized; a confirmation means for allowing a store clerk to confirm the setting history of the setting information or the abnormality history that has occurred in the gaming machine; comprising The transmission / reception means When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the second predetermined condition is satisfied, transmits the predetermined signal from which it cannot be presumed that the second predetermined condition has been satisfied, When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the third predetermined condition is satisfied, transmits the predetermined signal from which it can be presumed that the third predetermined condition has been satisfied As a result of the second predetermined condition being satisfied, information on the initialization of the specific storage area can be confirmed by the confirmation means A gaming machine characterized by this.

3. The gaming machine is provided with notification means for performing some kind of notification. The notification means When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the first predetermined condition, the second predetermined condition, and the third predetermined condition are satisfied, it performs notification indicating that the first predetermined condition has been satisfied. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the second predetermined condition and the third predetermined condition are satisfied, the notification means performs notification indicating which of the second predetermined condition and the third predetermined condition has been satisfied according to a preset priority order.

4. When the power supply from the power supply device is started in a state where the first predetermined condition and the third predetermined condition are satisfied, the transmission / reception means starts transmitting the predetermined signal from which it can be presumed that both the first predetermined condition and the third predetermined condition are satisfied, and continues to transmit the predetermined signal from which it can be presumed that the third predetermined condition is satisfied regardless of whether the third predetermined condition is satisfied or not at least during the period in the setting change state. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that.

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