Game machine

Abstract

To execute appropriate information processing when a VL signal is turned off.SOLUTION: Even when a communication abnormality occurs between a game machine and a lending unit during the execution of a setting confirmation mode, a notification based on the communication abnormality is not executed, and a notification based on the occurrence of the communication abnormality is executed after the setting confirmation mode ends. On the basis of the execution of the setting confirmation mode, processing to send a setting confirmation signal is executed, to the lending unit. A status timer is updated during the execution of the setting confirmation mode. When a communication abnormality occurs during the execution of the setting confirmation mode, the status timer is not updated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 214

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a gaming value (gaming medium), there has been known a gaming machine (referred to as a "smart gaming machine", "medal-less gaming machine", "managed gaming machine", "enclosed gaming machine", etc.) that uses electronic information (electronic medals) without using physical medals (as tangible objects). (For example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention solves the above problems by the following means (shown in parentheses, indicating the configuration of the corresponding embodiment). Note that the invention according to the original claims of the present application corresponds to the original invention 1 among the original inventions 1 to 15 described later. The present invention (13th embodiment) includes a main control means (500A), a gaming medium number control means (500B), and a sub-control means (80A), the main control means can execute a setting confirmation mode, the sub-control means does not execute notification based on the communication abnormality even when a communication abnormality occurs between the gaming machine and the lending unit during the execution of the setting confirmation mode, The sub-control means can execute a notification based on the occurrence of a communication abnormality between the gaming machine and the lending unit after the end of the setting confirmation mode. Based on the execution of the setting confirmation mode, the gaming medium number control means can execute a process for transmitting a signal during setting confirmation to the lending unit. It is possible to update a predetermined timer during the execution of the setting confirmation mode. When a communication abnormality occurs between the gaming machine and the lending unit during the execution of the setting confirmation mode, the predetermined timer is not updated (FIG. 214). It is characterized by this.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, appropriate information processing can be executed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0009] Furthermore, the "management device (CR unit) 200" is a device for managing the lending and refunding of electronic information as game value. It is provided for each gaming machine and is arranged adjacent to that gaming machine. In the hall, since the management device 200 is arranged among the gaming machines, it is called a sand. Also, a "game system" is constituted by a gaming machine and the management device 200 corresponding to that gaming machine. Furthermore, "lending" means transferring electronic information as game value from the management device 200 to the gaming machine and crediting it inside the gaming machine.

[0010] Also, "counting" means returning the electronic information as game value credited inside the gaming machine to the management device 200. When the counting switch 47 is operated, the electronic information as game value credited inside the gaming machine is returned to the management device 200. At this time, the credit number becomes "0", and the electronic information managed by the management device 200 is added by that amount. Furthermore, "credit" means storing electronic information as game value inside the gaming machine. Furthermore, "bet" means wagering electronic information as game value to play a game. When the bet switch 40 is operated, the electronic information as game value that is credited is bet.

[0011] The "specified number" refers to the number of bets that can start (execute) a game in the said game. In addition, "payout" means adding electronic information as the number of game values corresponding to the payout of the winning combination to the credit number based on the winning of the combination. Furthermore, "bet medal" means electronic information as the game value bet for playing the game. Furthermore, "stored medal" means electronic information as the game value stored in credit.

[0012] In addition, "stored bet" means betting part or all of the electronic information as the game value stored in the gaming machine within the range bettable in the game by operating the bet switch 40 for playing the game. Furthermore, "automatic bet" means automatically betting the electronic information as the number of game values bet in the previous game by the control process of the slot machine 10 as the gaming machine when a replay wins.

[0013] Furthermore, "cancel" means returning the electronic information (bet medal) as the game value bet to credit by operating the cancel switch 46. When the cancel switch 46 is operated, the electronic information as the game value bet is returned to credit. At this time, the number of bet medals becomes "0", and that amount is added to the credit number. In addition, "return" means storing the electronic information as the game value stored inside the management device 200 in a card (such as a magnetic card or an IC card) and ejecting the card from the card reader / writer 205. When the return switch 203 is operated, the electronic information is stored in the card and ejected from the card reader / writer 205.

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

[0015] In this specification, a numerical value with “(B)” appended to the end (especially 8 bits) of a number means a binary number. Similarly, a numerical value with “(H)” appended to the end of a number means a hexadecimal number. Specifically, for example, the numerical value representing “16” in decimal is expressed as “00010000(B)” in binary and “10(H)” in hexadecimal. Also, for a numerical value representing a decimal number, it is expressed as “16(D)” as necessary. However, when it is clear whether it is a binary number, a decimal number, or a hexadecimal number, the trailing symbols of “(B)”, “(D)”, and “(H)” may be omitted respectively.

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the like. <First Embodiment> A slot machine 10, which is an example of a gaming machine in the first embodiment, uses electronic information (electronic medals) as gaming values (gaming media) without using physical (as tangible objects) medals. Therefore, the slot machine 10 of this embodiment does not include a medal insertion slot, a medal selector, a medal payout device, and the like.

[0017] Also, in the first embodiment, a management device (CR unit) 200 is arranged adjacent to the slot machine 10, and further, the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 are connected so as to be communicable in both directions. And it is possible to transfer electronic medals by communication between the slot machine 10 and the management device 200, and in the slot machine 10, it is possible to execute a game using the electronic medals transferred from the management device 200.

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

[0019] In FIG. 1, the solid line portions are communication lines indicating data exchange, and the direction of the arrows indicates the direction in which the data flows. For example, the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 are formed to be capable of two-way communication. In contrast, the main control board 50 and the sub-control board 80 have one-way communication from the main control board 50 to the sub-control board 80. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the main control board 50 has an input port 51 and an output port 52, and includes an RWM 53, a ROM 54, a main CPU 55, etc. (not limited to only those illustrated in FIG. 1).

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the main control board 50 and the peripheral devices for game progress including operation switches such as the bet switch 40 are electrically connected via the input port 51 or the output port 52. The input port 51 is a connection part where signals such as operation switches are input, and the output port 52 is a connection part that transmits signals to peripheral devices such as the motor 32. In FIG. 1, the input peripheral devices are indicated by arrows from those peripheral devices towards the main control board 50, and the output peripheral devices are indicated by arrows from the main control board 50 towards those peripheral devices (the same applies to the sub-control board 80).

[0021] Also, the RWM 53 is a storage medium capable of storing (updating) various data (variables) based on the progress of the game, etc. Furthermore, the ROM 54 is a storage medium that stores programs and various data (for example, data tables) necessary for the progress of the game. Furthermore, the main CPU 55 refers to a CPU (IC with arithmetic functions) provided on the main control board 50, which executes programs, performs calculations, etc. necessary for the progress of the game. Specifically, it executes lottery of winning combinations, drive control of the reels 31, and payout at the time of winning, etc.

[0022] Also, an MPU including an RWM 53, a ROM 54, the main CPU 55, and registers is mounted on the main control board 50. Note that the RWM 53 and the ROM 54 may be provided externally in addition to those mounted inside the MPU. Note that an MPU including an RWM 83, a ROM 84, and a sub CPU 85 is also mounted on the sub control board 80 described later. Note that the RWM 83 and the ROM 84 may be provided externally in addition to those mounted inside the MPU.

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

[0024] Here, the "operation switch (or simply, "switch")" refers to a device (including an electric circuit and / or electric components) that switches the on / off of an electric signal based on the operation of an operating body by the player (operator) (receiving an external force), and does not limit the shape of the operating body operated by the player. When the operation switch is in the off state, for example, light from the light-emitting element continues to be incident on the light-receiving element (when the light-receiving element continues to detect light, the operation switch is in the off state). When the operation switch (the operating body thereof) is operated by a player or the like, the light from the light-emitting element does not enter the light-receiving element. When this state is detected, an electrical signal indicating that the operation switch has been turned on is transmitted to the main control board 50. Conversely, it may be configured such that when the operation switch is in the off state, the light from the light-emitting element does not enter the light-receiving element, and when the light from the light-emitting element enters the light-receiving element, it turns on.

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

[0026] Also, although not shown in FIG. 1, an LED (light-emitting means) is provided on the operating body of the operation switch and / or around or in the vicinity thereof. When the operation reception of the operation switch is permitted, for example, the LED corresponding to the operation switch emits blue light, and when the operation reception of the operation switch is not permitted, for example, the LED of the operation switch emits red light to indicate the permitted / non-permitted state of the operation switch to the player.

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

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

[0029] Furthermore, the cancel switch 46 is an operation switch that is operated by the player when returning the bet electronic medals (bet medals) to credit. When the cancel switch 46 is operated, the bet electronic medals are returned to credit. At this time, the bet number becomes "0", and the corresponding amount is added to the credit number. For example, in a situation where three electronic medals are bet, when the cancel switch 46 is operated, the bet number changes from "3" to "0", and "3" is added to the credit number.

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

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

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

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

[0034] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 10 includes a number display device including a winning number display LED 78 and a credit number display LED 76. The winning number display LED 78 is electrically connected to the main control board 50, and the credit number display LED 76 is electrically connected not to the main control board 50 but to a payout control board 100 (credit number management board) described later. The winning number display LED 78 is an LED that displays the number of paid-out pachinko balls (the number of winnings of the player) at the time of winning a combination, and is composed of two digits, the upper digit and the lower digit. Note that the winning number display LED 78 may be controlled to turn off when there are no pachinko balls to be paid out. Alternatively, the upper digit may be turned off and only the lower digit may be displayed as "0".

[0035] Also, the winning number display LED 78 normally displays the number of paid-out pachinko balls (the number of winnings), but functions as an LED that displays the content (type) of an error when an error occurs. Furthermore, in a game that notifies the pressing order during the AT process, the winning number display LED 78 functions as an LED that displays pressing order instruction information (notifies an advantageous pressing order). Therefore, the winning number display LED 78 in the present embodiment is an LED that also serves to display the number of paid-out balls (the number of winnings), the error content, and the pressing order instruction information. However, it is not limited to this, and of course, a dedicated LED or the like for displaying the pressing order instruction information may be provided. Note that during the AT process, the notification of the advantageous pressing order is also executed by the image display device 23 connected to the sub-control board 80.

[0036] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, a motor 32 (a stepping motor in the present embodiment) of the symbol display device and the like are electrically connected to the main control board 50. The symbol display device includes three reels 31 that display symbols, motors 32 that drive the respective reels 31, and reel sensors 33 for detecting the positions of the reels 31.

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

[0038] The reel 31 is in a ring shape, and a reel tape printed with a plurality of types of symbols (symbols constituting a symbol combination corresponding to a role) is attached to its outer peripheral surface. In addition, each reel 31 is provided with one (or two or more) indexes. The index is provided convexly, for example, on the circumferential side surface of the reel 31, and is used when detecting whether the reel 31 has passed a predetermined position, whether it has rotated once, etc. And each index is detected by the reel sensor 33.

[0039] The reel sensor 33 is electrically connected to the main control board 50. When the reel sensor 33 detects an index, its input signal is input to the main control board 50, and it is detected that the reel 31 has passed a predetermined position. In addition, the symbol at the reference position at the moment when the reel sensor 33 detects the index of the reel 31 is stored in the ROM 54 in advance. Thereby, the symbol at the reference position at the moment when the index is detected can be detected. Further, from the moment when the reel sensor 33 detects the index of the reel 31, it becomes possible to identify how many pulses the (stepping) motor 32 should be driven to stop the symbol several symbols ahead of the symbol at the reference position on the effective line.

[0040] When starting the game, the player bets the credited electronic medals by operating the bet switch 40. When the start switch 41 is operated with the specified number of electronic medals for the game being bet, the signal generated at that time is input to the main control board 50. When receiving this signal, the main control board 50 conducts a lottery by the lottery means 61 (internal lottery means), and drives and controls all the motors 32 to control all the reels 31 to rotate. By rotating the reels 31 by the motors 32 in this way, the symbols on the reels 31 are moved and displayed vertically in the display window at a predetermined speed.

[0041] Then, the player operates the stop switch 42 to stop the rotation of the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 (for example, the left reel 31 corresponding to the left stop switch 42). When the stop switch 42 is operated, the signal generated at that time is input to the main control board 50. When receiving this signal, the main control board 50 drives and controls the motor 32 corresponding to the stop switch 42, and performs stop control of the reel 31 related to the motor 32 so as to correspond to the lottery result of the lottery means 61 (the result determined by the internal lottery means). Then, the game result of this game is displayed according to the symbol combination when all the reels 31 stop. Furthermore, when the symbol combination corresponding to any role stops on the winning line (when winning that role), the payout of the electronic medals corresponding to the winning role is performed.

[0042] Next, the specific configuration of the main control board 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the main CPU 55 of the main control board 50 includes the following lottery means 61 and the like. Each of the following means in this embodiment is an example and is not limited to the means shown in this embodiment. The winning number lottery means 61 conducts a lottery (determination, selection) of the winning numbers. Here, the "lottery of the winning numbers by the winning number lottery means 61" is the same as the "internal lottery" in the gambling regulations (regulations regarding the certification of gaming machines and the inspection of types, etc. Hereinafter, simply referred to as "regulations"). The lottery result by the winning number lottery means 61 is the same as the "result determined by the internal lottery" in the regulations. Therefore, the winning number lottery means 61 is also referred to as the "internal lottery means 61" in an expression conforming to the regulations.

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

[0044] The random number generation means generates random numbers in a predetermined range (for example, "0" to "65535" in decimal). The random numbers are, for example, random numbers in which a counter that counts 1 count every 200 n (nano) sec continues to count the range from "0" to "65535" as one cycle, and while the power of the slot machine 10 is on, the random numbers continue to be counted. The random number extraction means extracts the random numbers generated by the random number generation means at a predetermined time. In this embodiment, it extracts when the start switch 41 is operated (turned on) by the player. The winning number determination means determines the winning numbers corresponding to the area to which the random number value belongs by collating the random number value extracted by the random number extraction means with the lottery table.

[0045] The winning flag control means 62 controls the on / off of the winning flags corresponding to each role based on the lottery result by the winning number lottery means 61. In this embodiment, for all roles, each role is provided with a winning flag. When a certain role is selected in the lottery by the role lottery means 61, the winning flag of that role is turned on (the winning flag is set). Note that the winning of a role includes the case where there is one winning role (single winning) and the case where there are multiple winning roles (multiple winning).

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

[0047] For example, in a game where at least one winning flag is on, the reel control means 65 controls the stop of the reel 31 so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role (the role with the winning flag turned on) can be stopped on the valid line within the range of the stop control of the reel 31, and at the same time controls the stop of the reel 31 so that the symbol combination corresponding to the roles other than the winning role (the roles with the winning flag turned off) is not stopped on the valid line. Here, "within the range of the stop control of the reel 31" means within the range of the time from the moment the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 actually stops or the rotation amount (the number of moving symbols) of the reel 31.

[0048] In this embodiment, the reel 31 rotates at a speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute at a constant speed. When the stop switch 42 is operated, except for a predetermined reel 31 (for example, the middle reel 31) during MB operation, the time from the moment the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 stops is set within 190 ms. Thus, in this embodiment, except for a predetermined reel 31 during MB operation, the maximum number of moving symbols from the symbol at the moment the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 stops is set to 4 symbols. On the other hand, for a predetermined reel 31 during MB operation, the time from the moment the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 stops is set within 75 ms. Thus, for a predetermined reel 31 during MB operation, the maximum number of moving symbols from the symbol at the moment the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 stops is set to 1 symbol.

[0049] When any of the symbols within the stop control range of the reel 31 is a symbol to be stopped on a predetermined valid line at the moment the operation of the stop switch 42 is detected, when the stop switch 42 is operated, control is performed so that the symbol stops on the predetermined valid line. That is, when the reel 31 is immediately stopped at the moment the stop switch 42 is operated and the symbol of the winning combination corresponding to the winning number does not stop on the predetermined valid line, during the period until the reel 31 stops, by rotationally moving and controlling the reel 31 within the stop control range of the reel 31, control is performed to stop the symbol of the winning combination corresponding to the winning number on the predetermined valid line as much as possible (drawing-in stop control).

[0050] Conversely, when the reel 31 is immediately stopped at the moment the stop switch 42 is operated and a symbol combination of a winning combination not corresponding to the winning number stops on the valid line, at the time of stopping the reel 31, by rotationally moving and controlling the reel 31 within the stop control range of the reel 31, control is performed so that the symbol combination of the winning combination not corresponding to the winning number does not stop on the valid line (kicking stop control). Furthermore, in a game in which multiple roles are won (for example, when a bell is won in the pressing order), the priority order of the winning roles is predetermined according to the pressing order of the stop switch 42 and the operation timing of the stop switch 42, and the drawing stop control of the symbol related to the most prioritized role is performed according to a predetermined priority order.

[0051] The winning determination means 66 determines whether the symbol combination of the reel 31 stopped on the valid line is a symbol combination corresponding to any role when the reel 31 stops. Here, the winning determination means 66 does not actually detect whether the symbol combination corresponding to the role has stopped on the valid line. Specifically, from the condition device activated in the game, the pressing order of the stop switch 42 and / or the operation timing of the stop switch 42, it is determined in advance whether the symbol combination that stops on the valid line before the reel 31 actually stops, or the symbol combination that stops on the valid line after the reel 31 stops is determined in advance.

[0052] The payout means 67 performs a process of adding the number of electronic medals corresponding to the winning role to the credit number when it is determined by the winning determination means 66 that the symbol combination stopped on the valid line when the reel 31 stops matches the symbol combination corresponding to any role and the winning of that role occurs. In addition, when a replay is won, the payout means 67 controls to automatically insert (automatically bet) the number of electronic medals inserted in this game without adding the electronic medals to the credit number.

[0053] The main control board 50 transmits information (control command) necessary for the effect output by the sub - control board 80 to the sub - control board 80. Examples of the control command include information when the bet switch 40 is operated, information when the start switch 41 is operated, information regarding the lottery result of the role (result determined by internal lottery), information when the stop switch 42 is operated, information of the winning role, and the like.

[0054] The sub-control board 80 controls the selection and output of effects (information) during the game and during the game standby. Here, the main control board 50 and the sub-control board 80 are electrically connected, and the main control board 50 transmits information (control commands) necessary for the output of effects in one direction to the sub-control board 80 by serial communication. Note that the main control board 50 and the sub-control board 80 are not limited to being electrically connected, and a connection using optical communication means may also be used. Further, in either the electrical connection or the optical communication connection, it is not limited to serial communication, and parallel communication may be used, or serial communication and parallel communication may be used in combination.

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

[0056] The RWM 83 is a storage medium that can temporarily store data and the like captured when the sub-CPU 85 controls the effect. The ROM 84 is a storage medium that stores programs and various data, etc., as effect data, such as when performing a lottery related to the effect. Furthermore, the sub-CPU 85 refers to a CPU (IC having an arithmetic function) provided on the sub-control board 80, and executes programs, performs calculations, etc., necessary for the output of effects during the game and during the game standby.

[0057] The effect lamp 21 is made of, for example, an LED or the like, and lights up or blinks in a predetermined pattern when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Note that the effect lamp 21 includes a back lamp that is arranged on the inner peripheral side of each reel 31 and illuminates the symbols (three symbols that are continuous vertically and visible through the display window) displayed on the reel 31 from behind, a fluorescent lamp that illuminates the symbols on the reel 31 from above the reel 31, a frame lamp that is arranged on the front surface of the front door of the slot machine 10 and blinks when a winning combination is achieved, and the like. Furthermore, the speaker 22 outputs a predetermined sound when a predetermined condition is satisfied in order to perform various effects during the game.

[0058] Furthermore, the image display device 23 is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a dot display, etc., and displays various effect images (correct pressing order, effects corresponding to the condition devices that operate in the game, etc.) and game information (the number of game times and the number of acquired medals when a special device operates or during an advantageous period (AT), etc.) during the game. Also, the sub-CPU 85 of the sub-control board 80 includes an effect output control means 91. And the effect output control means 91 determines at what timing and what kind of effects to output based on the control command transmitted from the main control board 50, and controls to output various effects from the peripheral devices for effects based on this determination.

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

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

[0061] The RWM 103 is a storage medium that can temporarily store data and the like fetched when the credit number management CPU 105 manages the credit number. Also, the ROM 104 is a storage medium that stores programs, various data, etc. when managing the credit number. Furthermore, the credit number management CPU 105 refers to a CPU (IC having an arithmetic function) provided on the payout control board 100, and executes programs, performs calculations, etc. necessary for managing the credit number.

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

[0063] Also, for example, when the cancel switch 46 is operated in a situation where 3 electronic medals are bet and 100 electronic medals are credited, the bet electronic medals are returned to the credit. At this time, the bet number changes from "3" to "0", and the credit number changes from "100" to "103". Then, when the counting switch 47 is operated, the credit number changes from "103" to "0", and "103" is added to the number of electronic medals managed by the management device 200. As described above, in this embodiment, when the player stops the game, if there are bet electronic medals, first, the cancel switch 46 is operated to return the bet electronic medals to the credit, and then, the counting switch 47 is operated to return the credited electronic medals to the management device 200.

[0064] However, when a replay wins in the previous game and the number of electronic medals bet in the previous game is automatically bet, even if the cancel switch 46 is operated, it is set that these automatically bet electronic medals cannot be returned to the credit. That is, for the automatically bet electronic medals, it is set that they cannot be returned to the credit even if the cancel switch 46 is operated. Note that both the electronic medals bet based on the operation of the bet switch 40 and the electronic medals automatically bet based on the replay win may be made returnable to the credit by operating the cancel switch 46.

[0065] Also, the bet electronic medals and the credited electronic medals may be returned to the management device 200 by operating the counting switch 47. For example, when the counting switch 47 is operated in a situation where 3 electronic medals are bet and 100 electronic medals are credited, the bet electronic medals and the credited electronic medals are returned to the management device 200, the bet number and the credit number become "0", and "103" is added to the number of electronic medals managed by the management device 200. In this case, the cancel switch 46 may or may not be provided.

[0066] Also, the credit number display LED 76 is an LED that displays the number of electronic medals credited inside the slot machine 10. In this embodiment, a maximum of 10,000 electronic medals can be credited. That is, the upper limit value of the credit number is set to "10000". For this reason, the credit number display LED 76 is composed of five digits. Note that the upper limit value of the credit number is not limited to "10000", and may be, for example, "15000", "30000", or "50000". Also, the number of digits of the credit number display LED 76 is not limited to five digits, and can be appropriately set according to the upper limit value of the credit number.

[0067] Also, it is possible to transmit an enable signal from the payout control board 100 to the main control board 50. And the main control board 50 is set to be able to execute various processes when the enable signal is on, and not to be able to execute a predetermined process when the enable signal is off. In this embodiment, when the credit number reaches the upper limit value, that is, when the display of the credit number display LED 76 reaches "10000", the enable signal is turned off. And when the enable signal is turned off, the main control board 50 controls to make it impossible to accept the operations of the bet switch 40 and the start switch 41. Note that the enable signal may be turned off when the credit number reaches "15000", "30000", or "50000".

[0068] Further, for example, it is possible to execute a normal game and a special game (1BB game; first type big bonus game; operation of the first type accessory continuous operation device) that is more advantageous for the player than the normal game. When shifting from the normal game to the special game, it may be configured such that when the special game ends, it pauses and the game cannot be advanced. That is, it may be provided with a pause function. Also, the conditions for pausing are not limited to the end of the special game and can be set as appropriate. And when the conditions for pausing are satisfied, the enable signal may be turned off.

[0069] In this case, it can be provided with a pause presence / absence setting switch for setting (switching) whether to enable (pause present) or disable (pause absent) the pause function. Also, it can be provided with a pause release switch for releasing the pause. And when the conditions for pausing are satisfied, by operating the pause release switch, the pause can be released, the game can be advanced, and the enable signal can be turned on. Also, the pause release switch can be made to serve as another switch such as the setting switch 13 or the reset switch 14, for example.

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

[0071] Also, the management device (CR unit) 200 is a device for managing the lending and return of pachinko balls. One management device 200 is installed for each slot machine 10. In the hall, since the management device 200 is arranged among the slot machines 10, it is called a sand. Also, one game system is configured from the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 corresponding to that slot machine 10.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 are electrically connected and are configured to enable two-way communication. Note that the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 are connected via a lending device connection terminal board for game balls or the like. Further, the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 are not limited to being electrically connected, and may be connected using optical communication means. Furthermore, in either electrical connection or optical communication connection, it may be serial communication, may be parallel communication, or may use both serial communication and parallel communication in combination.

[0073] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the payout control board 100 is capable of two-way communication with the main control board 50 and is also capable of two-way communication with the management device 200. Then, through the communication between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, it is possible to transfer (lend) electronic medals from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100, and it is possible to credit the lent electronic medals to the payout control board 100.

[0074] Also, through the communication between the payout control board 100 and the main control board 50, it is possible to bet the electronic medals credited to the payout control board 100 and execute a game, and when a winning combination is achieved, it is possible to credit the paid-out electronic medals to the payout control board 100. Furthermore, when the player stops the game, through the communication between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, it is possible to transfer (return) the electronic medals credited to the payout control board 100 to the management device 200.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 1, the management device 200 includes a bill insertion slot 201, a lending switch 202, a return switch 203, a frequency display unit 204, a card reader / writer 205, and the like. The bill insertion slot 201 is an insertion slot for inserting bills (e.g., 1000-yen bills) necessary for lending out pachinko balls. When the bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 201 into the management device 200 are correctly recognized, the number of credits corresponding to the inserted bills is displayed on the credit display unit 204. The credit display unit 204 is composed of, for example, three-digit 7-segments. For example, when a 1000-yen bill is inserted, "10" is displayed as the number of credits, and when a 10,000-yen bill is inserted, "100" is displayed as the number of credits.

[0076] The lending switch 202 is a switch operated by the player when lending out pachinko balls on the condition that the remaining number of credits is displayed on the credit display unit 204. For example, each time the lending switch 202 is pressed once, lending out of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of credits "10" can be performed. Here, for example, when a 1000-yen bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 201 into the management device 200 and the number of credits displayed on the credit display unit 204 is "10", and the number of pachinko balls lent out per credit is 5. In this case, when the lending switch 202 is operated when the display on the credit display unit 204 is "10", 50 pachinko balls are lent out. Then, through the communication between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, the 50 lent pachinko balls are credited to the payout control board 100.

[0077] The number of pachinko balls credited to the payout control board 100 is displayed on the credit number display LED 76. For example, when the credit number is "0" and 50 pachinko balls are lent out, the display on the credit number display LED 76 changes from "0" to "50". In this way, in this embodiment, physical (tangible) balls are not lent out to the player, and through the communication between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, the lent pachinko balls are transferred from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100 and credited.

[0078] The return switch 203 is a switch operated by the player when ending the game. When the counting switch 47 of the slot machine 10 is operated, electronic medals are returned from the slot machine 10 to the management device. Then, when the return switch 203 of the management device 200 is operated, the number of electronic medals returned from the slot machine 10 to the management device 200 and the number of electronic medals corresponding to the frequency displayed on the frequency display unit 204 are stored as electronic data in a card (such as a magnetic card or an IC card), and the card is discharged from the outlet of the card reader / writer 205.

[0079] For example, assume that the frequency "10" (corresponding to 50 electronic medals) is displayed on the frequency display unit 204 of the management device 200. Further, assume that 150 electronic medals are returned from the slot machine 10 to the management device 200 by operating the counting switch 47 of the slot machine 10. At this time, when the return switch 203 of the management device 200 is operated, electronic data corresponding to 200 electronic medals is stored in the card and discharged from the outlet of the card reader / writer 205. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the management device 200 is electrically connected to the hall computer 300. And information regarding lending and repayment of electronic medals and the like is transmitted unidirectionally from the management device 200 to the hall computer 300.

[0080] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing Example 1 of a power supply path. Although not shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 includes a power supply board 150. Also, a capacitor 151 for power storage is mounted on the power supply board 150, and a capacitor 106 for power storage is also mounted on the payout control board 100. Furthermore, the power supply board 150 and the main control board 50 are connected by a harness A161, and power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the main control board 50 through this harness A161.

[0081] Furthermore, the power supply board 150 and the payout control board 100 are connected by a harness C163, and power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the payout control board 100 through this harness C163. Power is supplied to the power supply board 150 from the outside as alternating current. Then, the power supply board 150 converts the alternating current into direct current and supplies power to the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. Also, the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 are connected by a harness B162, and power can be supplied from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 or from the payout control board 100 to the main control board 50 through this harness B162.

[0082] Furthermore, the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 are connected by a harness D164, and two-way command communication is possible between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 through this harness D164. The payout control board 100 is a control board that manages the number of credits of the pachinko balls. Since its stability is greatly related to the player's profit, power is directly supplied from the power supply board 150 to the payout control board 100 through the harness C163.

[0083] Also, when the harness C163 is cut off, power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the payout control board 100 via the harness A161, the main control board 50, and the harness B162. Furthermore, a capacitor 106 for power storage is mounted on the payout control board 100, and when the power supply from the power supply board 150 is interrupted, power can be supplied from the capacitor 106 to the payout control board 100.

[0084] Furthermore, when the harness A161 and the harness C163 are cut off, power is supplied from the capacitor 106 to the payout control board 100, and power can be supplied from the payout control board 100 to the main control board 50 through the harness B162. Thus, in Example 1, the payout control board 100 is equipped with a backup power capacitor 106. Even if the power supply from the power supply board 150 is interrupted due to the disconnection of the harness A161 or the harness C163, etc., the payout control board 100 and the main control board 50 are made to drive so that the processing at the time of power failure can be surely executed and no disadvantage is imposed on the player.

[0085] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing Example 2 of the power supply path. As shown in FIG. 3, in Example 2, no capacitor is mounted on the power supply board 150, and the payout control board 100 is mounted with a capacitor A107 for power storage and a capacitor B108. Also, the power supply board 150 and the main control board 50 are connected by a harness E165, and power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the main control board 50 through this harness E165.

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

[0087] Also, the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 are connected by a harness H168, and two-way command communication is possible between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 through this harness H168. And when the harness G167 is cut, power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the payout control board 100 via the harness E165, the main control board 50, and the harness F166.

[0088] In addition, a capacitor A107 and a capacitor B108 for power storage are mounted on the payout control board 100, and when the power supply from the power supply board 150 is interrupted, the capacitor A107 and the capacitor B108 can supply power to the payout control board 100. Furthermore, when the harness E165 and the harness G167 are cut, the capacitor A107 and the capacitor B108 supply power to the payout control board 100, and the capacitor A107 can supply power to the main control board 50 through the harness F166.

[0089] Also in Example 2, when the power supply from the power supply board 150 is interrupted, supplying power from the backup power supply capacitors mounted on the payout control board 100 to the payout control board 100 and the main control board 50 is the same as in Example 1. However, in Example 2, the capacitor B108 is used as a dedicated backup power supply for the payout control board 100. This ensures that even if the power supply from the power supply board 150 is interrupted due to the disconnection of the harness E165 or the harness G167, the payout control board 100 that manages the credit count of the electronic medals can be reliably driven, the processing during power failure can be reliably executed, and the player is not disadvantaged.

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

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

[0092] Here, the commands transmitted from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 are collectively referred to as "main control commands". Also, the commands transmitted from the payout control board 100 to the main control board 50 are collectively referred to as "payout control commands". Furthermore, the commands transmitted from the payout control board 100 to the management device 200 are collectively referred to as "game machine commands". Furthermore, the commands transmitted from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100 are collectively referred to as "management device commands".

[0093] In the present embodiment, the main control commands, payout control commands, game machine commands, and management device commands are all composed of 16-bit (2-byte) data. Also, the main control commands, payout control commands, game machine commands, and management device commands are all composed of a preceding command (upper 8 bits) and a subsequent command (lower 8 bits). That is, one main control command, payout control command, game machine command, and management device command are each composed of 16-bit (2-byte) data consisting of a preceding command and a subsequent command. Also, the preceding command is data indicating the type of command, and the subsequent command is data indicating a parameter (variable). And in the present embodiment, commands are transmitted and received by serial communication between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200.

[0094] In FIGS. 4 to 7, the data in the "preceding" column indicates the preceding command (upper 8 bits), and the data in the "subsequent" column indicates the subsequent command (lower 8 bits). Also, both the preceding command and the subsequent command are represented in hexadecimal. As the main control commands, the eight types of commands described in the "content" column in FIG. 4 can be cited. Among these eight types of commands, the setting change start command, the setting change end command, the game start + RT state command, and the game end + game state command are collectively referred to as "game information commands". Furthermore, the input request command, the payout request command, and the return request command are collectively referred to as "operation request commands".

[0095] As the payout control commands, the twelve types of commands described in the "content" column in FIG. 5 can be cited. Also, the ACK response of the input request command is also referred to as the "input repeat command", and the NAK response of the input request command is also referred to as the "input impossible command". Similarly, the ACK response and the NAK response of the payout request command, the ACK response and the NAK response of the return request command are respectively also referred to as the "payout repeat command", the "payout impossible command", the "return repeat command", and the "return impossible command". Furthermore, the NAK response in case of abnormality is also referred to as the "error command".

[0096] As the management device commands, the five types of commands described in the "content" column in FIG. 6 can be cited. Also, the ACK response of the lower count request command is also referred to as the "lower count repeat command", and the ACK response of the upper count request command is also referred to as the "upper count repeat command". As the gaming machine commands, the thirteen types of commands described in the "content" column in FIG. 7 can be cited. Also, the ACK response of the lending request command is also referred to as the "lending repeat command".

[0097] In Fig. 4, the startup confirmation command is a command for the main control board 50 to confirm whether the communication between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 is normal, and it is a command transmitted from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100 when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, the main control board 50 transmits a startup confirmation command to the dispensing control board 100. Also, when the dispensing control board 100 receives the startup confirmation command, it sends it back to the main control board 50 as it is (ACK response of the startup confirmation command shown in Fig. 5). On the main control board 50 side, since the transmitted startup confirmation command is sent back from the dispensing control board 100 as it is, it can be determined that the communication between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 is normal.

[0098] Also, as described above, when the power is turned off, the program on the dispensing control board 100 stops before the program on the main control board 50, and when resuming from power-off, the program on the dispensing control board 100 starts up before the program on the main control board 50. Here, when the power is turned on, that is, when resuming from power-off, the main control board 50 transmits a startup confirmation command to the dispensing control board 100. However, since the program on the dispensing control board 100 starts up first, the startup confirmation command can be surely received. Then, when the main control board 50 determines that the communication between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 is normal because the transmitted startup confirmation command is sent back from the dispensing control board 100 as it is, it is set to proceed with the subsequent processing.

[0099] In Fig. 4, the setting change start command is a command for transmitting to the dispensing control board 100 side that the setting change mode has been entered, and it is a command transmitted from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100 when entering the setting change mode. Also, the subsequent "01H" indicates that the setting key switch 12 is in the on state. When shifting to the setting change mode, the main control board 50 sends a setting change start command to the payout control board 100. Also, when receiving the setting change start command, the payout control board 100 sends it back to the main control board 50 as it is (ACK response of the setting change start command shown in Fig. 5), and further sends the setting change start command to the management device 200 as well (Fig. 7). That is, the payout control board 100 sends the setting change start command to both the main control board 50 and the management device 200.

[0100] Thereby, on the side of the payout control board 100, it can be determined that the setting change mode has been entered. Also, on the side of the main control board 50, since the sent setting change start command is sent back from the payout control board 100 as it is, it can be determined that the shift to the setting change mode has been communicated to the payout control board 100. Furthermore, on the side of the management device 200, it can also be determined that the setting change mode has been entered.

[0101] In Fig. 4, the setting change end command is a command for communicating to the payout control board 100 side that the setting change mode has ended, and is a command sent from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 at the end of the setting change mode. Also, the subsequent "00H" indicates that the setting key switch 12 is in the off state. When the setting change mode ends, the main control board 50 sends a setting change end command to the payout control board 100. Also, when receiving the setting change end command, the payout control board 100 sends it back to the main control board 50 as it is (ACK response of the setting change end command shown in Fig. 5), and further sends the setting change end command to the management device 200 as well (Fig. 7). That is, the payout control board 100 sends the setting change end command to both the main control board 50 and the management device 200.

[0102] As a result, on the payout control board 100 side, it can be determined that the setting change mode has ended. Also, on the main control board 50 side, since the sent setting change end command is directly sent back from the payout control board 100, it can be determined that the end of the setting change mode has been transmitted to the payout control board 100. Furthermore, on the management device 200 side as well, it can be determined that the setting change mode has ended.

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

[0104] As a result, on the payout control board 100 side, it can be determined that the game has started and the RT state. Also, on the main control board 50 side, since the sent game start + RT state command is directly sent back from the payout control board 100, it can be determined that the game start and the RT state have been transmitted to the payout control board 100. Furthermore, on the management device 200 side as well, it can be determined that the game has started and the RT state.

[0105] In FIG. 4, the game end + game state command is a command for transmitting the fact that the game has ended and the game state to the payout control board 100 side, and is a command transmitted from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 when the third stop switch 42 (the stop switch 42 corresponding to the last stopping reel 31) changes from on to off. When the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off (when the player releases their hand from the third stop switch 42), the main control board 50 transmits a game end + game state command to the payout control board 100. Also, when the payout control board 100 receives the game end + game state command, it sends this back to the main control board 50 as it is (the ACK response of the game end + game state command shown in FIG. 5), and further transmits the game end + game state command to the management device 200 as well (FIG. 7). That is, the payout control board 100 transmits the game end + game state command to both the main control board 50 and the management device 200.

[0106] Thereby, on the payout control board 100 side, it is possible to determine that the game has ended and the game state. Also, on the main control board 50 side, it can be determined that the game end and game state have been transmitted to the payout control board 100 because the transmitted game end + game state command is sent back from the payout control board 100 as it is. Furthermore, on the management device 200 side as well, it is possible to determine that the game has ended and the game state.

[0107] In FIG. 4, the input request command is a command that requests the payout control board 100 to subtract the bet number from the credit number, and is a command transmitted from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 when the bet switch 40 is on. Also, the subsequent command to the input request command indicates the bet number (the number that requests subtraction from the credit number based on the operation of the bet switch 40).

[0108] In this embodiment, when the one - bet switch 40a is on, the main control board 50 transmits "2001H" (one - chip input request command), which requests subtracting the bet number "1" from the credit number, to the payout control board 100 as an input request command. Also, when the 3 - bet switch 40b is turned on, the main control board 50 transmits a "2003H" (3 - chip input request command) to the payout control board 100 as an input request command, requesting to subtract the bet number "3" from the credit number. When the 3 - bet switch 40b is turned on, instead of transmitting the "2003H" command, the payout control board 100 may transmit the 1 - chip input request command three times to the main control board 100 as an input request command.

[0109] Also, when the payout control board 100 receives an input request command, it determines whether it can accept the input request. Specifically, it determines whether the credit number is equal to or greater than the bet number (the number indicated by the subsequent command of the input request command). When it is determined that the input request can be accepted, that is, when it is determined that the credit number is equal to or greater than the bet number, the payout control board 100 executes a process of subtracting the bet number from the credit number, executes a process of updating the display of the credit number display LED 76, and transmits an input replay command to the main control board 50 (sends the received input request command back to the main control board 50 as it is (ACK response of the input request command shown in FIG. 5)).

[0110] For example, when the credit number is "50" and the 3 - chip input request command "2003H" is received, the payout control board 100 executes a process of subtracting the bet number "3" indicated by the subsequent command of the 3 - chip input request command "2003H" from the credit number "50", changes the display of the credit number display LED 76 from "50" to "47", and transmits an input replay command to the main control board 50. On the contrary, when it is determined that the input request cannot be accepted, that is, when it is determined that the credit number is less than the bet number (for example, when the credit number is "2" and the 3 - chip input request command "2003H" is received), the payout control board 100 does not execute the process of subtracting the bet number from the credit number and transmits an input - impossible command to the main control board 50 (NAK response of the input request command shown in FIG. 5).

[0111] Furthermore, when a coin-in replay command is received (when the sent coin-in request command is directly returned from the payout control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that the request to subtract the number of bets from the credit number is permitted, and executes processing corresponding to the number of electronic medal bets (for example, processing to turn on the 1-bet display LED to the 3-bet display LED, and processing to enable reception of an operation of the start switch 41). On the other hand, when a coin-in impossible command is received, the main control board 50 determines that the request to subtract the number of bets from the credit number is not permitted, and does not execute processing corresponding to the number of electronic medal bets. Also, after transmitting a coin-in request command, if neither a coin-in replay command nor a coin-in impossible command is received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, a timeout occurs, and the main control board 50 transmits a coin-in request command to the payout control board 100 again.

[0112] In this way, when requesting the payout control board 100 to subtract the number of bets from the credit number, one-way command communication is performed between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. As a result, processing related to the number of electronic medal bets is surely executed by both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the credit number is accurately managed, so that it is possible not to give an advantage to the player.

[0113] Also, as described above, when the power is turned off, the program on the payout control board 100 stops before the program on the main control board 50, and when the power is restored from being turned off, the program on the payout control board 100 starts before the program on the main control board 50. Furthermore, when the bet switch 40 is turned on, the main control board 50 transmits a coin-in request command to the payout control board 100. When the payout control board 100 receives the coin-in request command, if it can accept the coin-in request, it transmits a coin-in replay command to the main control board 50, and if it cannot accept the coin-in request, it transmits a coin-in impossible command to the main control board 50.

[0114] Furthermore, when the main control board 50 receives a replay input command, it executes processing according to the bet of the electronic medal. When it receives a non-inputtable command, it does not execute processing according to the bet of the electronic medal. If it receives neither a replay input command nor a non-inputtable command, it sends an input request command to the payout control board 100 again. Here, assume that after the main control board 50 sends an input request command to the payout control board 100, a power failure occurs before the payout control board 100 receives the input request command, and the program on the payout control board 100 stops. In this case, the main control board 50 will not receive either a replay input command or a non-inputtable command. After the power is restored from the power failure, the main control board 50 will send an input request command to the payout control board 100 again. Therefore, commands can be reliably transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100.

[0115] Also, assume that the main control board 50 sends an input request command to the payout control board 100 and the payout control board 100 receives the input request command. However, before the main control board 50 sends a replay input command or a non-inputtable command, a power failure occurs and the program on the payout control board 100 stops. In this case, after the power is restored from the power failure, the payout control board 100 will send a replay input command or a non-inputtable command to the main control board 50. Therefore, commands can be reliably transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100.

[0116] When the power is turned on, that is, when the power is restored from a power-off state, the main control board 50 sends a startup confirmation command to the payout control board 100. When the payout control board 100 receives the startup confirmation command, it sends it back to the main control board 50 as it is. Then, when the main control board 50 receives the sent startup confirmation command sent back from the payout control board 100 as it is, it determines that the communication between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 is normal. After that, the payout control board 100 sends an input replay command or an input impossible command to the main control board 50. For this reason, when the power is restored from a power-off state, the program on the payout control board 100 starts up earlier than the program on the main control board 50, but the main control board 50 can surely receive the input replay command or the input impossible command.

[0117] Also, after the main control board 50 sends an input request command to the payout control board 100, the payout control board 100 receives the input request command and sends an input replay command or an input impossible command to the main control board 50, and then a power-off occurs and the program of the payout control board 100 stops. In this case, since the program on the main control board 50 stops after the program on the payout control board 100 stops, the main control board 50 can receive the input replay command or the input impossible command sent by the payout control board 100, so commands can be surely transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100.

[0118] In FIG. 4, the payout request command is a command that requests the payout control board 100 to add the number of payout sheets to the credit number, and is a command transmitted from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 when the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off. Also, the subsequent command of the payout request command indicates the number of payout sheets (the number required to add to the credit number based on winning a role).

[0119] For example, when winning with a 10 - coin combination, when the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off, the main control board 50 sends a "210AH" to the payout control board 100 as a payout request command, requesting to add the payout number "10" to the credit number. Even when not winning with a combination, when the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off, the main control board 50 sends a payout request command to the payout control board 100. In this case, since the payout number is "0", the payout request command becomes "2100H".

[0120] Also, when the payout control board 100 receives a payout request command, it determines whether it can accept the payout request. Specifically, it determines whether adding the payout number (the number indicated by the subsequent command of the payout request command) to the credit number exceeds the upper limit value of the credit number (in this embodiment, "10000"). When it is determined that the payout request can be accepted, that is, when it is determined that adding the payout number to the credit number is still below the upper limit value of the credit number, the payout control board 100 executes the process of adding the payout number to the credit number, executes the process of updating the display of the credit number display LED 76, and sends a payout replay command to the main control board 50 (sends back the received payout request command to the main control board 50 as it is (ACK response of the payout request command shown in FIG. 5)).

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

[0122] On the other hand, when it is determined that the payout request cannot be accepted, that is, when it is determined that adding the number of payout sheets to the credit number exceeds the upper limit value of the credit number (for example, in the situation where the credit number is "9995" and the payout request command "210AH" (10 sheets payout) is received), the payout control board 100 does not execute the process of adding the number of payout sheets to the credit number, but transmits a non-payout command to the main control board 50 (NAK response of the payout request command shown in FIG. 5).

[0123] Furthermore, when the payout replay command is received (the transmitted payout request command is sent back from the payout control board 100 as it is), the main control board 50 determines that the request to add the number of payout sheets to the credit number is permitted, and executes the process corresponding to the payout of the electronic medal based on the winning of the role (for example, the process of displaying the number of payout sheets of the electronic medal on the winning number display LED 78). On the other hand, when the non-payout command is received, the main control board 50 determines that the request to add the number of payout sheets to the credit number is not permitted, and does not execute the process corresponding to the payout of the electronic medal based on the winning of the role.

[0124] In this way, when requesting the payout control board 100 to add the number of payout sheets corresponding to the winning role to the credit number, one-way command communication is performed between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. As a result, the process related to the payout of the electronic medal based on the winning of the role is surely executed by both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the credit number is accurately managed, so that it is possible not to give disadvantages to the player.

[0125] In FIG. 4, the return request command is a command for requesting the payout control board 100 to return the bet electronic medal to the credit, and is a command transmitted from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 when the cancel switch 46 is turned on. Also, the subsequent command of the return request command indicates the return number (the number for requesting to add to the credit number based on the return of the electronic medal). For example, when the cancel switch 46 is operated with three electronic medals bet, the main control board 50 transmits, as a return request command to the payout control board 100, "2203H" which requests adding the return number "3" to the credit number when the cancel switch 46 is turned on.

[0126] Also, when receiving the return request command, the payout control board 100 determines whether it can accept the return request. Specifically, it determines whether adding the return number (the number indicated by the subsequent command of the return request command) to the credit number exceeds the upper limit value of the credit number ("10000" in this embodiment). When it is determined that the return request can be accepted, that is, when it is determined that the credit number remains below the upper limit value even after adding the return number to the credit number, the payout control board 100 executes the process of adding the return number to the credit number, executes the process of updating the display of the credit number display LED 76, and transmits a return replay command to the main control board 50 (sending back the received return request command to the main control board 50 as it is (ACK response of the return request command shown in FIG. 5)).

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

[0128] On the other hand, when it is determined that the return request cannot be accepted, that is, when it is determined that adding the number of returned medals to the credit count exceeds the upper limit of the credit count (for example, when the credit count is "9999" and a return request command "2203H" is received (there are return requests for 3 electronic medals)), the payout control board 100 does not execute the process of adding the number of returned medals to the credit count and transmits a non-returnable command to the main control board 50 (NAK response of the return request command shown in Fig. 5).

[0129] Furthermore, when a return echo command is received (the transmitted return request command is sent back from the payout control board 100 as it is), the main control board 50 determines that the request to add the number of returned medals to the credit count is permitted, and executes processes corresponding to the return of the electronic medals (for example, the process of turning off the 1-bit display LED to 3-bit display LEDs and the process of making the operation of the start switch 41 not acceptable). On the other hand, when a non-returnable command is received, the main control board 50 determines that the request to add the number of returned medals to the credit count is not permitted, and does not execute the process corresponding to the return of the electronic medals.

[0130] In this way, when requesting the payout control board 100 to return the bet electronic medals to the credit, a one-way command communication is performed between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. As a result, the processes related to the return of the electronic medals are surely executed by both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the credit count is accurately managed, so that it is possible not to give disadvantages to the player.

[0131] In Fig. 6, the lending request command is a command that requests the payout control board 100 to add the number of lent medals to the credit count, and is a command transmitted from the management device (CR unit) 200 to the payout control board 100 when the lending switch 202 is turned on. Also, the subsequent command of the lending request command indicates the number of lent medals (the number that requests to be added to the credit count based on the lending of the electronic medals).

[0132] For example, when a thousand-yen bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 201 of the management device 200 and the frequency "10" is displayed on the frequency display unit 204, and the lending switch 202 is operated, the management device 200, when the lending switch 202 is turned on, sends a "4032H" to the payout control board 100 as a lending request command, requesting to add the lending number of "50" to the credit number.

[0133] In addition, when the payout control board 100 receives a lending request command, it determines whether it can accept the lending request. Specifically, it determines whether adding the lending number (the number indicated by the subsequent command of the lending request command) to the credit number exceeds the upper limit value of the credit number ("10000" in this embodiment). And when it is determined that the lending request can be accepted, that is, when it is determined that adding the lending number to the credit number is still below the upper limit value of the credit number, the payout control board 100 sends a lending confirmation command to the management device 200 (sends the received lending request command back to the management device 200 as it is (the ACK response of the lending request command shown in FIG. 7)).

[0134] On the other hand, when it is determined that the lending request cannot be accepted, that is, when it is determined that adding the lending number to the credit number exceeds the upper limit value of the credit number (for example, when the credit number is "9955" and the lending request command "4032H" (lending number "50") is received), the payout control board 100 sends an error command "E000H" to the management device 200 (the NAK response in case of abnormality shown in FIG. 7).

[0135] Also, when the lending confirmation command is received (the sent lending request command is sent back from the payout control board 100 as it is), the management device 200 sends a lending instruction command to the payout control board 100 to instruct the execution of the lending request, and further executes a process of updating the display on the frequency display unit 204 according to the lending number.

[0136] For example, when the management device 200 transmits "4032H" (number of lent items "50") as a lending request command to the payout control board 100, and then the payout control board 100 transmits "4032H" (ACK response to the lending request command) as a lending confirmation command to the management device 200, the management device 200 transmits "4132H" to the payout control board 100 as a lending instruction command, instructing to add the number of lent items "50" to the credit number. Further, the management device 200 executes a process of subtracting the frequency "10" corresponding to the number of lent items "50" from the value being displayed on the frequency display unit 204.

[0137] On the other hand, when an error command is received, the management device 200 controls to return to the standby state. Also, when a lending instruction command is received, the payout control board 100 executes a process of adding the number of lent items to the credit number and a process of updating the display of the credit number display LED76. For example, when the credit number is "50" and a lending instruction command "4132H" (number of lent items "50") is received, the payout control board 100 executes a process of adding the number of lent items "50" indicated by the subsequent command of the lending instruction command "4132H" to the credit number "50", and changes the display of the credit number display LED from "50" to "100".

[0138] In this way, when the management device 200 lends out electronic medals to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10, one-and-a-half round-trip command communications are performed between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100. Thereby, the processes related to the lending of electronic medals are surely executed by both the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, and the management of the credit number is accurately performed, so that it is possible not to give disadvantages to the player.

[0139] In FIG. 7, the lower count request command and the upper count request command are commands for requesting the management device (CR unit) 200 to return electronic medals, and are commands transmitted from the payout control board 100 to the management device 200 when the counting switch 47 is turned on. Also, the subsequent command of the lower count request command indicates the lower 8 bits when the number of paid-back medals (credit number) is represented in 16 bits (2 bytes). Furthermore, the subsequent command of the upper count request command indicates the upper 8 bits when the number of paid-back medals (credit number) is represented in 16 bits. That is, the number of paid-back medals is specified from the subsequent command of the lower count request command and the subsequent command of the upper count request command.

[0140] As described above, in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the credit number is set to "10000 (D)". Also, the upper limit value "10000 (D)" of the credit number is "10011100010000 (B)" in binary representation and "2710 (H)" in hexadecimal representation. Thus, the upper limit value "10000 (D)" of the credit number cannot be represented in 8 bits (1 byte). For this reason, in this embodiment, the number of paid-back medals (credit number) is specified in 16 bits (2 bytes) of the subsequent command of the lower count request command and the subsequent command of the upper count request command.

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

[0142] Also, when receiving the lower count request command, the management device 200 determines whether it can accept a payout request. When it is determined that the refund request can be accepted, the management device 200 transmits a lower count replay command to the payout control board 100 (returns the received lower count request command as it is to the payout control board 100 (ACK response of the lower count request command shown in FIG. 6)). On the other hand, when it is determined that the refund request cannot be accepted, the management device 200 transmits an error command "E000H" to the payout control board 100 (NAK response in case of abnormality shown in FIG. 6). In this case, the management device 200 controls to return to the standby state.

[0143] Also, when the lower count replay command is received (the transmitted lower count request command is returned as it is from the management device 200), the payout control board 100 transmits "5103(H)" to the management device 200 as an upper count request command. On the other hand, when the error command is received, the payout control board 100 controls to return to the standby state without transmitting the upper count request command.

[0144] Also, when the upper count request command is received, the management device 200 transmits an upper count replay command to the payout control board 100 (returns the received upper count request command as it is to the payout control board 100 (ACK response of the upper count request command shown in FIG. 6)). Furthermore, when the upper count replay command is received (the transmitted upper count request command is returned as it is from the management device 200), the payout control board 100 transmits a count instruction command to the management device 200, and further executes a process of clearing the credit number (setting it to "0") and a process of updating the display of the credit number display LED 76 (setting it to "0").

[0145] Furthermore, when the count instruction command is received, the management device 200 controls to execute a process of reflecting the number of refunded medals specified from the lower count request command and the upper count request command in the number of electronic medals managed on the management device 200 side. After that, when the return switch 203 is operated, the management device 200 stores, as electronic data, the number of pachinko balls returned from the slot machine 10 (payout control board 100) to the management device 200 by the operation of the counting switch 47 and the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the frequency displayed on the frequency display unit 204 in a card (such as a magnetic card or an IC card), and ejects the card from the outlet of the card reader / writer 205.

[0146] In this way, when returning pachinko balls from the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 to the management device 200, one-and-a-half round-trip command communications are performed between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200. As a result, the process related to the return of pachinko balls is surely executed on both the payout control board 100 and the management device 200, and the credit number is accurately managed, so that it is possible not to give disadvantages to the player.

[0147] Also, in the present embodiment, a unique ID consisting of 4-byte data is set in the credit number management CPU 105. And in FIG. 7, the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID are commands for transmitting the first to fourth bytes of the ID unique to the credit number management CPU 105 to the management device 200. When the power of the payout control board 100 is turned on, it sequentially transmits the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID to the management device 200.

[0148] Also, when the management device 200 receives the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID, it stores (saves) them in a predetermined storage area and sequentially transmits them to the hall computer 300. Furthermore, when the hall computer 300 receives the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID, it stores (saves) them in a predetermined storage area. Furthermore, the management device 200 and the hall computer 300 can leave the stored first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID as a history.

[0149] For example, if the payout control board 100 is illegally replaced, the credit number management CPU 105 mounted on the payout control board 100 will change. Therefore, at the boundary of the replacement, the 1st byte to 4th byte of the CPU unique ID stored in the management device 200 and the hall computer 300 will also change. Therefore, by checking whether the 1st byte to 4th byte of the CPU unique ID stored in the management device 200 and the hall computer 300 have changed midway, it is possible to determine whether the payout control board 100 has been illegally replaced.

[0150] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the main routine in the payout control board 100. In the main routine of the payout control board 100, when any signal is input to the input port 101 in step S101, the process proceeds to the next step S102, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the input signal is the on-signal of the counting switch 47. Here, when it is determined that the signal is the on-signal of the counting switch 47, the process proceeds to the next step S103, and a process of turning on the counting request flag is executed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S104. On the other hand, when it is determined that the signal is not the on-signal of the counting switch 47, step S103 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S104.

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

[0152] In step S107, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the signal input (received) to the input port 101 is a main control command. Here, when it is determined that the input signal is a main control command, the process proceeds to the next step S108, and the dispensing control board 100 stores (saves) the input main control command in a predetermined storage area of the RWM103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S109. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input signal is not a main control command, step S108 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S109.

[0153] In step S109, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the stored command is a main control command. Here, when it is determined that the stored command is a main control command, the process proceeds to the next step S110, and the dispensing control board 100 executes the main control command analysis process (Figs. 9 and 10). The details of the main control command analysis process will be described later. Then, after executing the main control command analysis process, the process proceeds to the next step S111.

[0154] In step S111, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether it is in the middle of the counting process (Fig. 12). Here, the counting process is a process that starts when "Yes" is obtained in step S116 described later, and the details thereof will be described later. Also, during the execution of the counting process, the main routine of the payout control board 100 can be executed in parallel with this counting process. For this reason, in step S111 of the main routine of the payout control board 100, a determination process as to whether the counting process is being executed is performed. Note that at the start of the counting process, a counting-in-progress flag is set, and at the end of the counting process, the counting-in-progress flag is cleared. Thereby, by checking the on / off of the counting-in-progress flag, it is possible to determine whether the counting process is being executed.

[0155] And, in step S111, when it is determined that the counting process is being executed, the processing according to this flowchart is ended without executing the processing after step S113. Note that in step S111, when it is determined that the counting process is being executed, the counting process being executed is then continued. On the other hand, in step S111, when it is determined that the counting process is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S113, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether a lending process (FIG. 11) is being executed.

[0156] Here, the lending process is a process that starts when "Yes" is obtained in step S118 described later, and the details thereof will be described later. Also, during the execution of the lending process, the main routine of the payout control board 100 can be executed in parallel with this lending process. For this reason, in step S113 of the main routine of the payout control board 100, a determination process as to whether the lending process is being executed is performed. Note that at the start of the lending process, a lending-in-progress flag is set, and at the end of the lending process, the lending-in-progress flag is cleared. Thereby, by checking the on / off of the lending-in-progress flag, it is possible to determine whether the lending process is being executed.

[0157] And, in step S113, when it is determined that the lending process is being executed, the process according to this flowchart is terminated without executing the processes after step S115. Note that, in step S113, when it is determined that the lending process is being executed, the ongoing lending process is then continued. On the other hand, in step S113, when it is determined that the lending process is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S115, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether a gaming machine command is being transmitted.

[0158] Here, the gaming machine command transmission process is a process executed when the result in step S118 described later is "No". Also, during the execution of the gaming machine command transmission process, the main routine of the payout control board 100 can be executed in parallel with this gaming machine command transmission process. For this reason, in step S115 of the main routine of the payout control board 100, a determination process as to whether the gaming machine command transmission process is being executed is performed. And, in step S115, when it is determined that the gaming machine command transmission process is being executed, the process according to this flowchart is terminated without executing the processes after step S116. On the other hand, in step S115, when it is determined that the gaming machine command transmission process is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S116, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the count request flag is on.

[0159] Also, in step S116, when it is determined that the count request flag is on, the process proceeds to step S117, and the payout control board 100 starts the counting process (Figure 12). And the process according to this flowchart is terminated. On the other hand, in step S116, when it is determined that the count request flag is off, the process proceeds to step S118, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the signal input (received) to the input port 101 is a lending request command.

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

[0161] As described above, it is determined whether the counting process is being executed in step S111. When it is determined that the counting process is being executed, the ongoing counting process is continued without executing the processes after step S113. When it is determined that the counting process is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S113 to determine whether the lending process is being executed. Also, in step S116, it is determined whether the counting request flag is on. When it is determined that the counting request flag is on, the process proceeds to step S117 to start the counting process. When it is determined that the counting request flag is off, the process proceeds to step S118 to determine whether a lending request command has been received.

[0162] In this way, the payout control board 100 can execute the counting process (process related to the return of electronic medals) and the lending process (process related to the lending of electronic medals). Also, the determination process of whether the counting process is being executed is performed prior to the determination process of whether the lending process is being executed, and the determination process of whether the counting request flag is on is performed prior to the determination process of whether a lending request command has been received, so that the counting process is set to be executed with priority over the lending process. Here, when the counting switch 47 is operated, the payout control board 100 executes the counting process. Also, when the lending switch 202 is operated and a lending request command is transmitted from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100, the payout control board 100 executes the lending process.

[0163] Furthermore, when the counting switch 47 and the lending switch 202 are operated simultaneously, the payout control board 100 executes the counting process and does not execute the lending process in order to prioritize the counting process. Once the lent-out pachinko balls are returned, if they cannot be exchanged for an equivalent amount of currency, it will result in disadvantaging the player. However, by prioritizing the counting process and executing the counting process without executing the lending process, it is possible to avoid disadvantaging the player.

[0164] Furthermore, when the counting switch 47 is operated during the execution of the lending process, the payout control board 100 accepts the operation of the counting switch 47, continues the ongoing lending process, and executes the counting process when the lending process ends. That is, the payout control board 100 can accept the operation of the counting switch 47 at any time, including during the execution of the lending process or during the rotation of the reel 31. By accepting the operation of the counting switch 47, the counting process can be executed at an appropriate timing later. Thereby, by operating the counting switch 47 once, it is possible to ensure that the pachinko balls are always returned, eliminating the need to re-operate the counting switch 47, and thus preventing the player from being inconvenienced.

[0165] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show a subroutine of the main control command analysis process in step S110 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a flowchart following FIG. 9. As described above, the commands transmitted from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 are collectively referred to as main control commands. Also, as main control commands, eight types of commands described in the "content" column in FIG. 4 can be cited. In the main control command analysis process, it is determined which of the eight types of commands has been received, and processing corresponding to the received command is executed.

[0166] Specifically, in the main control command analysis process, in step S131, a determination process is executed to check whether the error flag is on (whether an error has occurred). When it is determined that the error flag is on, the process proceeds to step S132, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of sending an error command to the main control board 50. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the error flag is off, the process proceeds to step S133.

[0167] In step S133, the payout control board 100 executes a determination process to check whether the received command is an activation confirmation command. When it is determined that the received command is an activation confirmation command, the process proceeds to step S134, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of directly sending back the received activation confirmation command to the main control board 50 (ACK response for the activation confirmation command). On the other hand, when it is determined that the received command is not an activation confirmation command, the process proceeds to step S135.

[0168] When the process proceeds to step S135, the payout control board 100 executes a determination process to check whether the received command is any one of an input request command, a return request command, or a payout request command, that is, whether it is an arithmetic operation request command. When it is determined that the received command is any one of an input request command, a return request command, or a payout request command, that is, when it is determined that it is an arithmetic operation request command, the process proceeds to step S138 in FIG. 10. On the other hand, when it is determined that the received command is not any of an input request command, a return request command, and a payout request command, that is, when it is determined that it is not an arithmetic operation request command, the process proceeds to step S136.

[0169] Here, if the received command is a startup confirmation command, it becomes "Yes" in step S133 and proceeds to step S134. Also, if the received command is a calculation request command (input request command, return request command, or payout request command), it becomes "Yes" in step S135 and proceeds to step S138 in FIG. 10. Therefore, when it becomes "No" in step S135 and proceeds to step S136, it is when a setting change start command, a setting change end command, a game start + RT state command, or a game end + game state command among the eight types of commands shown in the "Content" column of FIG. 4 is received, that is, when a game information command is received.

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

[0171] Also, when proceeding to step S138 in FIG. 10, the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is an input request command. When it is determined that the received command is an input request command, it proceeds to step S139, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of masking the subsequent command (lower 8 bits) of the input request command with "03H (00000011B)". As described above, the subsequent command of the input request command indicates the number of bets. Also, the maximum value of the number of bets is set to "3", and when three are input, the subsequent command of the input request command becomes "03H (00000011B)". That is, the maximum value of the number of bets can be represented by bits D0 to D1 in the subsequent command of the input request command.

[0172] Therefore, in step S139, a process of masking the subsequent command of the input request command with "03H (00000011B)" is executed. That is, the subsequent command of the input request command and "03H (00000011B)" are subjected to an AND operation. As a result, bits other than bits D0 to D1 in the subsequent command of the input request command can be set to "0", and even if "1" enters bits D2 to D7 in the subsequent command of the input request command due to noise, this can be set to "0", so that a number exceeding "3" is not erroneously subtracted from the credit number during input.

[0173] Also, when the process of step S139 is executed, the process proceeds to step S140, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process of whether "(credit number - number of bets) < 0", that is, whether the credit number is less than the number of bets. When it is determined that the credit number is less than the number of bets, the process proceeds to step S141, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of transmitting a non-inputtable command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the input request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

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

[0175] Also, in step S138, when it is determined that the received command is not a deposit request command, the process proceeds to step S144, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is a payout request command. And when it is determined that the received command is a payout request command, the process proceeds to step S145, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of masking the subsequent command (lower 8 bits) of the payout request command with "0FH (00001111B)". As described above, the subsequent command of the payout request command indicates the number of payout sheets. Also, the maximum value of the number of payout sheets is set to "15", and when 15 sheets are paid out, the subsequent command of the payout request command becomes "0EH (00001110B)". That is, the maximum value of the number of payout sheets can be represented by bits D0 to D3 in the subsequent command of the payout request command.

[0176] Therefore, in step S145, a process of masking the subsequent command of the payout request command with "0FH (00001111B)" is executed. That is, the subsequent command of the payout request command and "0FH (00001111B)" are subjected to an AND operation. Thereby, bits other than bits D0 to D3 in the subsequent command of the payout request command can be set to "0", and even if "1" enters bits D4 to D7 in the subsequent command of the payout request command due to noise, this can be set to "0", so that an incorrect addition of a number exceeding "15" to the credit number during payout can be prevented.

[0177] Also, when the process of step S145 is executed, the process proceeds to step S146, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether "(credit number + number of payout sheets) > upper limit value", that is, whether the sum of the credit number and the number of payout sheets exceeds the upper limit value of the credit number ("10000" in this embodiment). And when it is determined that adding the number of payout sheets to the credit count exceeds the upper limit value of the credit count, the process proceeds to step S147, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of transmitting a non-payout command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the payout request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

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

[0179] Also, in step S144, when it is determined that the received command is not a payout request command, the process proceeds to step S150, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is a return request command. And when it is determined that the received command is a return request command, the process proceeds to step S151, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of masking the subsequent command (lower 8 bits) of the return request command with "03H (00000011B)". As described above, the subsequent command of the return request command indicates the number of returns. Also, since the maximum value of the bet count is "3", the maximum value of the number of returns is also "3". And when returning 3 sheets, the subsequent command of the return request command is "03H (00000011B)". That is, the maximum value of the number of returns can be represented by bits D0 to D1 in the subsequent command of the return request command, similar to the maximum value of the bet count.

[0180] Therefore, in step S151, a process is executed to mask the subsequent command of the return request command with "03H (00000011B)". That is, the subsequent command of the return request command and "03H (00000011B)" are subjected to an AND operation. As a result, bits other than the D0 - D1 bits in the subsequent command of the return request command can be set to "0". Even if "1" enters the D2 - D7 bits in the subsequent command of the return request command due to noise, this can be set to "0", so that a number exceeding "3" is not accidentally added to the credit number during return.

[0181] Also, when the process of step S151 is executed, the process proceeds to step S152, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process of whether "(credit number + number of returned items)> upper limit value", that is, whether the sum of the credit number and the number of returned items exceeds the upper limit value of the credit number ("10000" in this embodiment). When it is determined that the sum of the credit number and the number of returned items exceeds the upper limit value of the credit number, the process proceeds to step S153, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of transmitting a non - returnable command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the return request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0182] On the other hand, when it is determined that the sum of the credit number and the number of returned items does not exceed the upper limit value of the credit number, the payout control board 100 proceeds to step S154 and executes a process of adding the number of returned items to the credit number. In the next step S155, a process of transmitting a return echo command to the main control board 50 (sending back the received return request command to the main control board 50 as it is) is executed (ACK response to the return request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. Note that when the process according to this flowchart ends, the process proceeds to the process of step S111 shown in FIG. 8.

[0183] Figure 11 shows a subroutine of the lending process in step S119 of Figure 8. Note that in Figure 11, "Lending Process 1" indicates that it is a part of the lending process in step S119 of Figure 8. Another part of the lending process will be illustrated in Figure 23 (referred to as "Lending Process 2") which will be described later. If it is determined in step S118 of Figure 8 that a lending request command has been received, the process proceeds to step S119 of Figure 8. Thereby, the lending process in Figure 11 is started. Also, in the lending process, in step S161, the payout control board 100 executes a process of transmitting a lending confirmation command to the management device 200 (sending back the received lending request command to the management device 200 as it is) (ACK response of the lending request command). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S162.

[0184] In step S162, the payout control board 100 repeatedly executes a determination process as to whether the transmission of the lending confirmation command has been completed until it becomes "Yes". When it becomes "Yes" in step S162, the process proceeds to step S163. When the process proceeds to step S163, the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether a management device command has been received. As described above, the management device command is a general term for commands transmitted from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100. And in step S163, when it is determined that a management device command has been received, the process proceeds to step S164, and a determination process is executed as to whether the received management device command is a lending instruction command.

[0185] On the other hand, in step S163, when it is determined that a management device command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S168, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether a timeout (a predetermined time has elapsed since the lending confirmation command was transmitted) has occurred. Here, in step S168, when it is determined that a timeout has occurred, the process proceeds to step S169, and the payout control board 100 sets an error flag. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, in step S168, when it is determined that it is not a timeout, the process of step S163 is executed again.

[0186] Also, in step S164, when it is determined that the received management device command is a lending instruction command, the process proceeds to step S165, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the number of lent items (the subsequent command (lower 8 bits) of the lending request command and the subsequent command (lower 8 bits) of the lending instruction command) match. Here, in step S165, when it is determined that they do not match, the process proceeds to the next step S166, and the dispensing control board 100 stores (saves) the subsequent command (lower 8 bits) of the lending instruction command in a predetermined storage area of the RWM103 as the number of dispensed items. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S167. On the other hand, in step S165, when it is determined that they match, step S166 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S167.

[0187] When the process proceeds to step S167, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of adding the number of lent items to the credit number. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. Also, in step S164, when it is determined that the received management device command is not a lending instruction command, the process proceeds to step S169, and the dispensing control board 100 sets an error flag. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. Note that when the error flag is set in step S169, in step S131 of the main control command analysis process of FIG. 9 executed after this process, it is determined as "Yes" and the process proceeds to step S132. Then, an error command is transmitted to the main control board 50.

[0188] Figure 12 shows the subroutine of the counting process in step S117 of Figure 8. Note that in Figure 12, "Counting Process 1" indicates that it is a part of the counting process in step S117 of Figure 8. Another part of the counting process is illustrated in Figure 24 (referred to as "Counting Process 2") which will be described later. If it is determined in step S116 of Figure 8 that the counting request flag is on, the process proceeds to step S117 of Figure 8. Thereby, the counting process in Figure 12 is started. Also, in the counting process, in step S181, the payout control board 100 executes a process of transmitting a lower counting request command to the management device 200. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S182.

[0189] In step S182, the payout control board 100 repeatedly executes a determination process as to whether the transmission of the lower counting request command has been completed until it becomes "Yes", and when it becomes "Yes" in step S182, the process proceeds to step S183. When the process proceeds to step S183, the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether a management device command has been received. And when it is determined in step S183 that a management device command has been received, the process proceeds to step S184, and a determination process is executed as to whether the received command matches the transmitted command. That is, a determination process is executed as to whether the transmitted lower counting request command has been sent back as it is from the management device 200 (a lower counting repeat command has been received).

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

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

[0192] When the process proceeds to step S186, the payout control board 100 repeatedly executes the determination process of whether the transmission of the upper count request command has been completed until it becomes "Yes", and when it becomes "Yes" in step S186, the process proceeds to step S187. When the process proceeds to step S187, the payout control board 100 executes a determination process of whether a management device command has been received. Then, in step S187, when it is determined that a management device command has been received, the process proceeds to step S188, and a determination process of whether the received command matches the transmitted command is executed. That is, a determination process of whether the transmitted upper count request command is returned as it is from the management device 200 (an upper count replay command is received) is executed.

[0193] On the other hand, in step S187, when it is determined that a management device command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S193, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process of whether it is a timeout (a predetermined time has elapsed since the upper count request command was transmitted). Here, in step S193, when it is determined that it is a timeout, the process proceeds to step S194, and the payout control board 100 sets an error flag. Then, the processing according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, in step S193, when it is determined that it is not a timeout, the process of step S187 is executed again.

[0194] Also, in step S188, when it is determined that the received command and the transmitted command match (the transmitted upper count request command is sent back as it is from the management device 200), the process proceeds to step S189, and the payout control board 100 executes the process of transmitting a count instruction command to the management device 200. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S190. On the other hand, in step S188, when it is determined that the received command and the transmitted command do not match, the process proceeds to step S194, and the payout control board 100 sets an error flag. Then, the processing according to this flowchart ends.

[0195] When the process proceeds to step S190, the payout control board 100 repeatedly executes the determination process of whether the transmission of the count instruction command has been completed until it becomes "Yes", and when it becomes "Yes" in step S190, the process proceeds to step S191. When the process proceeds to step S191, the payout control board 100 executes the process of clearing the credit count (setting it to "0"). Then, the processing according to this flowchart ends. Note that when the error flag is set in step S194, in step S131 of the main control command analysis process of FIG. 9 executed after this process, it is determined to be "Yes", and the process proceeds to step S132. Then, an error command is transmitted to the main control board 50.

[0196] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of the main routine in the main control board 50. In the main control board 50, when the power is turned on, in step S201, a power-on process is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S202. When proceeding to step S202, a determination process is executed to determine whether the setting key switch 12 is on or off.

[0197] Here, in step S202, when it is determined that the setting key switch 12 is on, the process proceeds to step S203 and a setting change process is executed. Then, when the setting change process ends, the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, in step S202, when it is determined that the setting key switch 12 is off, the process proceeds to step S204 and a game resume process is executed. Then, when the game resume process ends, the process proceeds to step S211. When proceeding to step S211, a determination process for 3 - bet or 1 - bet is executed. Then, when it is determined as 3 - bet, the process proceeds to step S205, and when it is determined as 1 - bet, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0198] When proceeding to step S205, a 3 - bet process (Fig. 16) is executed. This process is a process of betting 3 credit electronic medals based on the operation of the 3 - bet switch 40b. The details of the 3 - bet process will be described later. Then, when the 3 - bet process ends, the process proceeds to step S212. When proceeding to step S206, a 1 - bet process (Fig. 17) is executed. This process is a process of betting 1 credit electronic medal based on the operation of the 1 - bet switch 40a. The details of the 1 - bet process will be described later. Then, when the 1 - bet process ends, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0199] When proceeding to step S212, a determination process for start or cancel is executed. Then, when it is determined as start, the process proceeds to step S207, and when it is determined as cancel, the process proceeds to step S210. When proceeding to step S207, a game start process (Fig. 18) is executed. This process is a process of starting the game based on the operation of the start switch 41. The details of the game start process will be described later. Then, when the game start process ends, the process proceeds to the next step S208.

[0200] In step S208, a game end process (Fig. 19) is executed. This process is a process of ending the game based on the fact that the stop switch 42 is operated and the rotation of all the reels 31 has stopped. Details of the game end process will be described later. When the game end process ends, the process proceeds to the next step S209, and a payout process (Fig. 20) is executed. This process is a process of paying out electronic medals based on winning combinations. When the payout process ends, the process returns to step S211. When the process proceeds to step S210, a return process (Fig. 21) is executed. This process is a process of returning the bet electronic medals to credit based on the operation of the cancel switch 46. When the return process ends, the process returns to step S211.

[0201] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the power-on process in the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In Fig. 14, the left flowchart shows the flow of the power-on process in the main control board 50, and the right flowchart shows the flow of the power-on process 1 in the payout control board 100. Note that the reason for referring to it as "power-on process 1" is to indicate that in Fig. 14, it is a part of the power-on process in the payout control board 100. The other part of the power-on process is illustrated in Fig. 22 (referred to as "power-on process 2") which will be described later. Also, in Fig. 14, the arrow between the left and right flowcharts indicates the transmission direction of the commands transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 during the power-on process. And Fig. 14 and Figs. 15 to 21 to be described later show the command transmission and reception status between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. Also, Figs. 23 to 25 to be described later show the command transmission and reception status between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200.

[0202] When the power of the slot machine 10 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply board 150 to the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. Then, the program on the main control board 50 starts up, and the program on the payout control board 100 also starts up. At this time, power-on processing is executed on the main control board 50, and power-on processing 1 is executed on the payout control board 100.

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

[0204] And when the transmitted startup confirmation command is sent back as it is from the payout control board 100 (there is an ACK response), the processing according to this flowchart ends. Note that when the processing according to this flowchart ends, it proceeds to the processing of step S202 shown in FIG. 13. On the other hand, if there is no ACK response of the startup confirmation command (time-out occurs) even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the startup confirmation command was transmitted, or if an error command is transmitted from the payout control board 100 (there is a NAK response), it proceeds to step S304, and the main control board 50 executes a process of subtracting the retransmission counter. The retransmission counter is a counter for counting the number of retransmissions of the startup confirmation command, and the initial value is set to "2" at the first transmission of the startup confirmation command. Note that the initial value of the retransmission counter is not limited to "2", and may be, for example, "3".

[0205] Also, when the subtraction process of the retransmission counter ends, it proceeds to the next step S305, and the main control board 50 executes a determination process as to whether the retransmission counter is "0". Here, when it is determined that the retransmission counter is "0", it proceeds to the next step S306, and the main control board 50 executes error processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the retransmission counter is not "0", step S302 is executed again.

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

[0207] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the setting change process in the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In FIG. 15, the left flowchart shows the flow of the setting change process in the main control board 50, and the right flowchart shows the flow of the setting change process in the payout control board 100. Also, in FIG. 15, the arrow between the left and right flowcharts indicates the transmission direction of the command transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 during the setting change process.

[0208] First, the setting change process in the main control board 50 shown on the left side in FIG. 15 will be described. The flowchart shown on the left side in FIG. 15 shows a subroutine of the setting change process in step S203 of FIG. 13. When the setting key switch 12 is on at power-on, the main control board 50 executes the setting change process. In this setting change process, in step S311, a process of transmitting a setting change start command to the payout control board 100 is executed. Then, it proceeds to the next step S312. In step S312, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for an ACK response of the setting change start command from the payout control board 100. Here, if the transmitted setting change start command is directly returned from the payout control board 100, the main control board 50 determines that there is an ACK response of the setting change start command from the payout control board 100, and proceeds to the setting value change in progress process in step S203. This process switches the display of the setting value as "1" → "2" → ··· → "6" → "1" → ··· each time the setting switch 13 is operated, and when the start switch 41 is operated, the setting value being displayed is confirmed. Then, when the setting value change in progress process ends, it proceeds to step S313.

[0209] On the other hand, if there is no ACK response of the setting change start command (time-out) even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the setting change start command was transmitted, or if an error command is transmitted from the payout control board 100 (there is a NAK response), it returns to step S311, and the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting the setting change start command to the payout control board 100 again. Also, when it proceeds to step S313, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a setting change end command to the payout control board 100. Then, it proceeds to the next step S314.

[0210] In step S314, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for an ACK response of the setting change end command from the payout control board 100. Here, if the sent setting change end command is directly sent back from the dispensing control board 100, the main control board 50 determines that there is an ACK response to the setting change end command from the dispensing control board 100, and ends the processing according to this flowchart. Note that when the processing according to this flowchart ends, it proceeds to the processing of step S211 shown in FIG. 13. On the contrary, if there is no ACK response to the setting change end command (time-out occurs) even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the setting change end command was sent, or if an error command is sent from the dispensing control board 100 (there is a NAK response), it returns to step S313, and the main control board 50 executes the process of sending the setting change end command to the dispensing control board 100 again.

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

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

[0213] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of three-coin processing in the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In FIG. 16, the left flowchart shows the flow of three-coin processing in the main control board 50, and the right flowchart shows the flow of three-coin processing in the payout control board 100. Also, in FIG. 16, the arrow between the left and right flowcharts indicates the transmission direction of the commands transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 during three-coin processing.

[0214] Also, in FIG. 16, an example is shown in which, during three-coin processing, as an input request command, a single-coin input request command ("2001H") that requests subtracting the number of coins "1" from the credit number is transmitted three times. Note that during three-coin processing, it is not limited to transmitting the single-coin input request command three times, and a three-coin input request command ("2003H") that requests subtracting the number of coins "3" from the credit number may be transmitted once.

[0215] First, the three-coin processing in the main control board 50 shown on the left side in FIG. 16 will be described. The flowchart shown on the left side in FIG. 16 shows the subroutine of the three-coin processing in step S205 of FIG. 13. In step S321, the main control board 50 executes a determination process as to whether a prescribed number of electronic medals have been bet. When it is determined that the prescribed number of electronic medals have been bet, the processing according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the prescribed number of electronic medals have not been bet, if the operation (turning on) of the three-coin switch 40b is detected in the next step S322, the process proceeds to the next step S323. In step S323, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a single-coin input request command to the payout control board 100 as an input request command. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S324.

[0216] In step S324, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is to wait for the transmission of a single-insertion replay command from the payout control board 100 (ACK response to the single-insertion request command). When receiving the single-insertion replay command (the transmitted single-insertion request command is sent back as it is from the payout control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that there is an ACK response to the single-insertion request command by the payout control board 100 and proceeds to step S325.

[0217] On the other hand, if the single-insertion replay command is not received (a timeout occurs) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the single-insertion request command was transmitted in step S323, or if an error command is transmitted from the payout control board 100 (there is a NAK response), the process returns to step S323, and the main control board 50 executes the process of transmitting the single-insertion request command to the payout control board 100 again. After that, in steps S325 and S326, and steps S327 and S328, the main control board 50 executes the same processes as in steps S323 and S324. That is, the same processes as in steps S323 and S324 are repeatedly executed three times. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. When the process according to this flowchart ends, the process proceeds to step S212 shown in FIG. 13.

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

[0219] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of a single bet process in the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In FIG. 17, the left flowchart shows the flow of a single bet process in the main control board 50, and the right flowchart shows the flow of a single bet process in the payout control board 100. Also, in FIG. 17, the arrow between the left and right flowcharts indicates the transmission direction of the command transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 during a single bet process.

[0220] First, the single bet process in the main control board 50 shown on the left side in FIG. 17 will be described. The flowchart shown on the left side in FIG. 17 shows the subroutine of the single bet process in step S206 of FIG. 13. In step S331, the main control board 50 executes a determination process as to whether or not a prescribed number of pachinko balls have been bet. When it is determined that a prescribed number of pachinko balls have been bet, the processing according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that a prescribed number of pachinko balls have not been bet, if the operation (turning on) of the single bet switch 40a is detected in the next step S332, the process proceeds to the next step S333. In step S333, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a single insert request command as an insert request command to the payout control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S334.

[0221] In step S334, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for the transmission of a single insert reply command from the payout control board 100 (ACK response to the single insert request command). When receiving a single-insert replay command (the single-insert request command sent is directly returned from the payout control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that there is an ACK response to the single-insert request command by the payout control board 100 and ends the processing according to this flowchart. Note that when ending the processing according to this flowchart, it proceeds to the processing of step S212 shown in FIG. 13.

[0222] On the contrary, if after sending the single-insert request command in step S333, a predetermined time elapses without receiving a single-insert replay command (time-out occurs), or an error command is sent from the payout control board 100 (there is a NAK response), it returns to step S333, and the main control board 50 executes the process of sending the single-insert request command to the payout control board 100 again.

[0223] Next, the single-bet process in the payout control board 100 shown on the right side in FIG. 17 will be described. In step S431, the payout control board 100 executes command reception processing. This processing is to receive the single-insert request command sent from the main control board 50. When receiving the single-insert request command, it proceeds to the next step S432, and the payout control board 100 executes the process of sending the single-insert replay command to the main control board 50 (directly returning the received single-insert request command to the main control board 50) (ACK response to the single-insert request command). Then, the processing according to this flowchart ends.

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

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

[0226] And when the transmitted game start + RT state command is sent back as it is from the payout control board 100, the main control board 50 determines that there has been an ACK response from the payout control board 100, and ends the process according to this flowchart. When the process according to this flowchart ends, the process proceeds to the process of step S208 shown in FIG. 13. On the other hand, if no ACK response is received (time-out occurs) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the game start + RT state command was transmitted in step S353, or if an error command is transmitted from the payout control board 100 (there is a NAK response), the process returns to step S353, and the main control board 50 executes the process of transmitting the game start + RT state command to the payout control board 100 again.

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

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

[0229] First, the game end processing in the main control board 50 shown on the left side in FIG. 19 will be described. The flowchart shown on the left side in FIG. 19 shows the subroutine of the game end processing in step S208 of FIG. 13. In step S361, the main control board 50 executes a determination process as to whether the third stop switch 42 (the stop switch 42 corresponding to the last-reeling reel 31) has changed from on to off. And when it is determined that the third stop switch 42 is not off, the processing according to this flowchart ends. On the contrary, when it is determined that the third stop switch 42 is off, the process proceeds to step S362. When proceeding to step S362, the main control board 50 executes processing for transmitting the game end + game state command to the payout control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S363. In step S363, the main control board 50 executes response waiting processing. This processing is for waiting for the game end + game state command to be sent back from the payout control board 100 (ACK response).

[0230] Then, when the transmitted game end + game state command is directly returned from the payout control board 100, the main control board 50 determines that there is an ACK response from the payout control board 100 and ends the processing according to this flowchart. Note that when the processing according to this flowchart ends, the process proceeds to the processing of step S209 shown in FIG. 13. On the other hand, if no ACK response is received (a timeout occurs) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the game end + game state command was transmitted in step S362, or if an error command is transmitted from the payout control board 100 (there is a NAK response), the process returns to step S362, and the main control board 50 executes the process of transmitting the game end + game state command to the payout control board 100 again.

[0231] Next, the game end process in the payout control board 100 shown on the right side in FIG. 19 will be described. In step S461, the payout control board 100 executes command reception processing. This processing is for receiving the game end + game state command transmitted from the main control board 50. When the game end + game state command is received, the process proceeds to the next step S462, and the payout control board 100 executes the process of directly returning the received game end + game state command to the main control board 50 (ACK response). Then, the processing according to this flowchart ends.

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

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

[0234] When the payout repeat command is received (the transmitted payout request command is sent back as it is from the payout control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that there is an ACK response to the payout request command by the payout control board 100, and ends the process according to this flowchart. Note that when the process according to this flowchart ends, it returns to the process of step S211 shown in FIG. 13. On the other hand, if the payout repeat command is not received (timeout occurs) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the payout request command was transmitted in step S371, or if an error command is transmitted from the payout control board 100 (there is a NAK response), it returns to step S371, and the main control board 50 executes the process of transmitting the payout request command to the payout control board 100 again.

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

[0236] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the return process in the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In FIG. 21, the left flowchart shows the flow of the return process in the main control board 50, and the right flowchart shows the flow of the return process in the payout control board 100. Also, in FIG. 21, the arrow between the left and right flowcharts indicates the transmission direction of the command transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 during the return process.

[0237] First, the return process in the main control board 50 shown on the left side in FIG. 21 will be described. The flowchart shown on the left side in FIG. 20 shows the subroutine of the return process in step S210 of FIG. 13. In step S341, the main control board 50 executes a determination process as to whether there are any bet electronic medals. If it is determined that there are no bet electronic medals, the process according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are bet electronic medals, when the operation (on) of the cancel switch 46 is detected in the next step S342, the process proceeds to the next step S343. In step S343, the main control board 50 executes a process of transmitting a return request command to the payout control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S344. In step S344, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for the return repetition command to be transmitted from the payout control board 100 (ACK response to the return request command).

[0238] When the return repetition command is received (the transmitted return request command is sent back as it is from the payout control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that there has been an ACK response to the return request command by the payout control board 100, and ends the process according to this flowchart. When the process according to this flowchart ends, the process returns to the process of step S211 shown in FIG. 13. On the other hand, if the return confirmation command is not received (time-out) even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the return request command was transmitted in step S343, or if an error command is transmitted from the payout control board 100 (there is a NAK response), the process returns to step S343, and the main control board 50 executes the process of transmitting the return request command to the payout control board 100 again.

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

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

[0241] Here, the power-on process 1 in the payout control board 100 shown on the right side in FIG. 14 and the power-on process 2 in the payout control board 100 shown on the left side in FIG. 22 are both processes executed in the payout control board 100 at the time of power-on, and some processes overlap. And for processes with the same content, the same step numbers are assigned. However, in the power-on process 1 in the payout control board 100 shown on the right side in FIG. 14, the processes necessary for explaining the transmission and reception of commands between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 are extracted and illustrated, and the illustration of other processes is omitted. In contrast, in the power-on process 2 in the payout control board 100 shown on the left side in FIG. 22, the processes necessary for explaining the transmission and reception of commands between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 are extracted and illustrated, and the illustration of other processes is omitted.

[0242] First, the power-on process 2 in the payout control board 100 shown on the left side in FIG. 22 will be described. In step S401, the payout control board 100 executes an initialization process. And when the initialization process ends, it proceeds to the next step S502. Note that step S401 in FIG. 22 and step S401 in FIG. 14 are processes with the same content. When proceeding to step S502, the payout control board 100 executes a process of sequentially transmitting the 1st byte to the 4th byte of the CPU unique ID to the payout control board 100. And then it proceeds to the next step S503. In step S503, the main control board 50 executes a determination process as to whether the transmission of the 4th byte of the CPU unique ID has been completed. And when it is determined that the transmission of the 4th byte of the CPU unique ID has been completed, the processing according to this flowchart ends. In contrast, when it is determined that the transmission of the 4th byte of the CPU unique ID has not been completed, it returns to step S502, and the payout control board 100 executes again the process of sequentially transmitting the 1st byte to the 4th byte of the CPU unique ID to the payout control board 100.

[0243] Next, the power-on process in the management device 200 shown on the right side in FIG. 22 will be described. In step S601, the management device 200 executes an initialization process. Then, when the initialization process ends, it proceeds to the next step S602. In step S602, the management device 200 executes a command reception process. This process is to receive the 1st to 4th bytes of the CPU unique ID transmitted from the dispensing control board 100. Then, when the 1st to 4th bytes of the CPU unique ID are received, it proceeds to the next step S603, and the management device 200 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is the CPU unique ID.

[0244] Here, in step S603, when it is determined that the received command is the CPU unique ID, it proceeds to the next step S604, and the management device 200 executes a process of storing (saving) the received 1st to 4th bytes of the CPU unique ID in a predetermined storage area. Then, it proceeds to the next step S605. On the contrary, in step S603, when it is determined that the received command is not the CPU unique ID, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0245] When proceeding to step S605, the management device 200 executes a determination process as to whether the reception of the 4th byte of the CPU unique ID is completed. Then, in step S605, when it is determined that the reception of the 4th byte of the CPU unique ID is completed, it proceeds to the next step S606, and the management device 200 executes a process of transmitting the 1st to 4th bytes of the CPU unique ID to the whole computer 300. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. On the contrary, in step S605, when it is determined that the reception of the 4th byte of the CPU unique ID is not completed, step S606 is skipped, and the process according to this flowchart ends.

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

[0247] Here, both the lending process 1 in the dispensing control board 100 shown in FIG. 11 and the lending process 2 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the left in FIG. 23 represent subroutines of the lending process in step S119 of FIG. 8, and some processes overlap. The same step numbers are assigned to the processes with the same content. However, in the lending process 1 in the dispensing control board 100 shown in FIG. 11, the processes during the lending process are illustrated in detail. On the other hand, in the lending process 2 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the left in FIG. 23, the processes necessary for explaining the transmission and reception of commands between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200 are extracted and illustrated, and the illustration of other processes is omitted.

[0248] First, the lending process in the management device 200 shown on the right in FIG. 23 will be described. In step S611, when the operation (on) of the lending switch 202 is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S612, and the management device 200 executes a process of turning off the lending available LED, a process of disabling the operation of the lending switch 202 (unacceptable), and a process of disabling the operation of the return switch 203 (unacceptable). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S613. The lending available LED is an LED that indicates whether the lending of electronic medals is possible. When it is lit, it indicates that the lending of electronic medals is possible, and when it is turned off, it indicates that the lending of electronic medals is not possible.

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

[0250] When the lending replay command is received (the transmitted lending request command is sent back as it is from the payout control board 100), the management device 200 determines that there is an ACK response to the lending request command from the payout control board 100 and proceeds to the next step S615. Also, when an error command is transmitted from the payout control board 100 (there is a NAK response), the process proceeds to step S617. Furthermore, if the lending replay command is not received (a timeout occurs) even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the lending request command was transmitted in step S613, the process proceeds to step S618, and the management device 200 executes an error process.

[0251] When proceeding to step S615, the management device 200 transmits a lending instruction command to the payout control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 616. In step S616, the management device 200 executes a process of subtracting the number of lent items. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S617. When proceeding to step S617, the management device 200 executes a process of turning on the lending available LED, a process of enabling the operation of the lending switch 202 (acceptable), and a process of enabling the operation of the return switch 203 (acceptable). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

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

[0253] When proceeding to step S118, the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is a lending request command. Note that step S118 in FIG. 23 and step S118 in FIG. 8 are processes of the same content. Here, when it is determined that the received command is a lending request command, the process proceeds to step S513, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of storing (saving) the received lending request command in a predetermined storage area of the RWM103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S514. On the other hand, when it is determined that the received command is not a lending request command, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0254] When proceeding to step S514, the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether it is possible to accept a lending request, specifically, whether the upper limit value of the credit number is exceeded by adding the lending number (the number indicated by the subsequent command of the lending request command) to the credit number. Here, in step S514, when it is determined that it is possible to accept a lending request, that is, when it is determined that the upper limit value of the credit number is not exceeded even if the lending number is added to the credit number, the process proceeds to step S161, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of transmitting a lending repeat command to the management device 200 (sending back the received lending request command to the management device 200 as it is) (ACK response to the lending request command). Then, the process proceeds to step S164.

[0255] On the other hand, in step S514, when it is determined that it is not possible to accept a lending request, that is, when it is determined that the upper limit value of the credit number is exceeded by adding the lending number to the credit number, the process proceeds to step S515, and the payout control board 100 transmits an error command to the management device 200 (NAK response). Then, the process proceeds to step S169, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of setting an error flag. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0256] When proceeding to step S164, the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether a lending instruction command has been received. Here, in step S164, when it is determined that a lending instruction command has been received, the process proceeds to step S167, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of adding the number of lent items to the credit number. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0257] On the other hand, in step S164, when it is determined that a lending instruction command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S169, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of setting an error flag. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. Note that steps S161, S164, S167, and S169 in FIG. 23 and steps S161, S164, S167, and S169 in FIG. 11 are processes of the same content respectively.

[0258] FIGS. 24 and 25 are flowcharts showing the flow of the counting process in the payout control board 100 and the management device 200. FIG. 25 is a flowchart following FIG. 24. In FIGS. 24 and 25, the left flowchart shows the flow of the counting process in the payout control board 100, and the right flowchart shows the flow of the counting process in the management device 200. Also, in FIGS. 24 and 25, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts indicate the transmission direction of the commands transmitted and received between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 during the counting process.

[0259] Here, the counting process 1 in the payout control board 100 shown in FIG. 12 and the counting process 2 in the payout control board 100 shown on the left side in FIGS. 24 and 25 both show the subroutine of the counting process in step S117 of FIG. 8, and some processes overlap. And the same step numbers are assigned to the processes of the same content. However, in the counting process 1 in the payout control board 100 shown in FIG. 12, the process during the counting process is illustrated in detail. On the other hand, in the counting process 2 in the payout control board 100 shown on the left side in FIGS. 24 and 25, the processes necessary for explaining the transmission and reception of commands between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 are extracted and illustrated, and the illustration of other processes is omitted.

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

[0261] When the lower counting replay command is received (the transmitted lower counting request command is sent back as it is from the management device 200), the payout control board 100 determines that there has been an ACK response to the lower counting request command by the management device 200, and proceeds to step S185. Also, when an error command is transmitted from the management device 200 (there is a NAK response), the processing according to this flowchart ends. Furthermore, if the lower counting replay command is not received (a timeout occurs) even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the lower counting request command was transmitted in step S181, the process proceeds to step S194, and the payout control board 100 executes a process of setting an error flag. Then, the processing according to this flowchart ends.

[0262] When proceeding to step S185, the payout control board 100 transmits an upper counting request command to the management device 200. Then, it proceeds to step S535 in FIG. 25. In step S535, the payout control board 100 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for the upper counting replay command to be transmitted from the management device 200 (ACK response to the upper counting request command).

[0263] When receiving the upper count replay command (the sent upper count request command is sent back as it is from the management device 200), the dispensing control board 100 determines that there is an ACK response to the upper count request command by the management device 200 and proceeds to step S189. On the other hand, if an error command is sent from the management device 200 (there is a NAK response), or if the upper count replay command is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the upper count request command was sent in step S185 of FIG. 24 (a timeout occurs), the process proceeds to step S194, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of setting an error flag. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. Note that the error process in step S538 of FIG. 24 and the error process in step S538 of FIG. 25 are the same process.

[0264] When proceeding to step S189, the dispensing control board 100 sends a count instruction command to the management device 200 and proceeds to step S191. In step S191, a process of clearing the credit count (setting it to "0") is executed. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. Note that steps S181, S185, S189, S191, and S194 in FIGS. 24 and 25 and steps S181, S185, S189, S191, and S194 in FIG. 12 are processes with the same content respectively.

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

[0266] When proceeding to step S632, the management device 200 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is a lower count request command. Here, when it is determined in step S632 that the received command is a lower count request command, the process proceeds to the next step S633, and the management device 200 executes a process of storing (saving) the received lower count request command in a predetermined storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S634. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S632 that the received command is not a lower count request command, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0267] When the process proceeds to step S634, the management device 200 executes a determination process as to whether it is possible to accept a count (payback) request. Here, when it is determined in step S634 that it is possible to accept a count (payback) request, the process proceeds to step S636, and the management device 200 executes a process of turning off the lending available LED, a process of disabling the operation of the lending switch 202 (unable to accept), and a process of disabling the operation of the return switch 203 (unable to accept). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S637. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S634 that it is not possible to accept a count (payback) request, the process proceeds to step S635, and the management device 200 transmits an error command to the payout control board 100 (NAK response). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0268] When the process proceeds to step S637, the management device 200 executes a process of transmitting a lower count replay command to the payout control board 100 (sending back the received lower count request command to the payout control board 100 as it is) (ACK response of the lower count request command). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S638. In step S638, the management device 200 executes a command reception process. This process is a process of receiving a higher count request command transmitted from the payout control board 100. Then, when the higher count request command is received, the process proceeds to step S639 in FIG. 25.

[0269] When the process proceeds to step S639, the management device 200 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is a higher count request command. Here, when it is determined in step S639 that the received command is a higher count request command, the process proceeds to step S641, and the management device 200 executes a process of storing (saving) the received higher count request command in a predetermined storage area. Then, the process proceeds to step S642. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S639 that the received command is not a higher count request command, the process proceeds to step S640, and the management device 200 sends an error command to the payout control board 100 (NAK response). Then, the process proceeds to step S647, and the management device 200 executes an error process.

[0270] When the process proceeds to step S642, the management device 200 executes a process of sending a higher count replay command to the payout control board 100 (sending back the received higher count request command to the payout control board 100 as it is) (ACK response). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S643. In step S643, the management device 200 executes a command reception process. This process is a process of receiving a count instruction command transmitted from the payout control board 100. Then, when the count instruction command is received, the process proceeds to the next step S644.

[0271] When the process proceeds to step S644, the management device 200 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is a count instruction command. Here, when it is determined that the received command is a count instruction command, the process proceeds to the next step S645, and the management device 200 executes a process of reflecting the number of returned medals specified from the lower count request command and the higher count request command in the number of electronic medals managed on the management device 200 side. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S646. On the other hand, when it is determined that the received command is not a count instruction command, the process proceeds to step S647, and the management device 200 executes an error process.

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

[0273] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing waveforms of data signals and strobe signals of serial communication between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200. In FIGS. 23 to 25, lending request commands, lower count request commands, upper count request commands, etc. are shown as commands transmitted and received between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200. As described above, these commands are composed of a preceding command (upper 8 bits) and a subsequent command (lower 8 bits).

[0274] And in FIG. 26, the preceding command and the subsequent command constituting these commands are taken as one unit, and the waveforms of the data signal and the strobe signal thereof are shown. As shown in FIG. 26, between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200, data signals are transmitted bit by bit from the D0 bit (DB0) to the D7 bit (DB7), and these are read bit by bit at the timing when the strobe signal is on.

[0275] FIG. 27 is a timing chart showing the on / off of each signal at the time of lending electronic medals. In FIG. 23, the commands transmitted and received between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 at the time of lending electronic medals are shown, while FIG. 27 shows the on / off timing of each signal of the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 at the time of lending electronic medals.

[0276] As shown in FIG. 27, when the power supplies of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 are turned on, thereafter, the operation of the return switch 203 of the management device 200 becomes acceptable. Thereafter, the data signals of the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 become "0", and the strobe signals of the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 turn off. Thereafter, the operation of the lending switch 202 of the management device 200 becomes acceptable, and the operation state changes from the standby state to the normal state. The normal state means a state in which the management device 200 can lend out electronic medals and the game on the slot machine 10 can proceed.

[0277] When the operation (turn-on) of the lending switch 202 of the management device 200 is detected, first, the operations of the lending switch 202 and the return switch 203 of the management device 200 become unacceptable, and then, a preceding command and a subsequent command of a lending request command are sequentially transmitted from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10. Thereafter, a preceding command and a subsequent command of a lending reply command are sequentially transmitted from the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 to the management device 200. Thereafter, a preceding command and a subsequent command of a lending instruction command are sequentially transmitted from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10. When the transmission of the lending instruction command is completed, the operations of the lending switch 202 and the return switch 203 of the management device 200 become acceptable.

[0278] FIG. 28 is a timing chart showing the on / off of each signal during the counting (payback) of electronic medals. In FIGS. 24 and 25, the commands transmitted and received between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 during the counting of electronic medals are shown, while FIG. 28 shows the timing of the on / off of each signal of the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 during the counting of electronic medals.

[0279] As shown in FIG. 28, when the power supplies of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 are turned on, thereafter, the operation of the return switch 203 of the management device 200 becomes acceptable. After that, the data signals of the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 become "0", and the strobe signals of the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 turn off. After that, the operation of the lending switch 202 of the management device 200 becomes acceptable, and the operating state changes from the standby state to the normal state. Up to this point, it is the same as in FIG. 27.

[0280] When the operation (turning on) of the counting switch 47 of the slot machine 10 is detected, first, the operations of the lending switch 202 and the return switch 203 of the management device 200 become unacceptable. After that, the leading command and the following command of the lower counting request command are sequentially transmitted from the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 to the management device 200. After that, the leading command and the following command of the lower counting replay command are sequentially transmitted from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10.

[0281] After that, the leading command and the following command of the upper counting request command are sequentially transmitted from the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 to the management device 200. After that, the leading command and the following command of the upper counting replay command are sequentially transmitted from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10. After that, the leading command and the following command of the counting instruction command are sequentially transmitted from the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 to the management device 200. When the transmission of the counting instruction command is completed, the operations of the lending switch 202 and the return switch 203 of the management device 200 become acceptable.

[0282] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described content, and various modifications such as the following are possible. (1) In this embodiment, it is assumed that each of the various commands shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 is composed of 16-bit data consisting of a preceding command (upper 8 bits) and a subsequent command (lower 8 bits). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be 8 bits or 32 bits.

[0283] (2) In this embodiment, it is assumed that commands are transmitted and received by serial communication between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Parallel communication may be used, or serial communication and parallel communication may be used in combination. (3) In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the main control board 50 transmits a one-coin insertion request command three times to the payout control board 100 when the 3-bit switch 40b is turned on. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A three-coin insertion request command may be transmitted once.

[0284] (4) In this embodiment, the main control board 50 transmits a payout request command to the payout control board 100 when the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A payout request command may be transmitted when all reels 31 stop. (5) In this embodiment, the main control board 50 transmits a payout request command with a payout number of "0" to the payout control board 100 when the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off even when a winning combination does not occur. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When a winning combination does not occur, a payout request command may not be transmitted.

[0285] (6) In this embodiment, the slot machine 10 is taken as an example of a gaming machine. However, the slot machine 10 is not limited to a "rotary gaming machine" (so-called "pachislot machine") installed in a fourth business establishment subject to the Amusement Business Act. For example, it can also be applied to a casino machine. Further, the present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine. (7) All the embodiments and various modifications described in this specification are not limited to being implemented alone, and can be implemented in appropriate combinations.

[0286] <Second Embodiment> The gaming machine 10 of the second embodiment is a medal-less gaming machine that does not use medals as physical objects, similar to the first embodiment. Here, "medal-less" in the term "medal-less gaming machine" means not using medals as physical objects. Therefore, even in a "medal-less gaming machine", it is the same as a conventional gaming machine in using gaming media (gaming value) for gaming, and the gaming media used for gaming in a medal-less gaming machine may simply be referred to as "medals". Therefore, when referring to "medals", it may refer not only to medals as physical objects but also to medals as intangible objects (for example, electronic data). Also, medals as intangible objects may be referred to as gaming media, gaming value, scores (or simply "points"), electronic medals, electronic data, electronic information, electronic gaming media, electronic gaming value, etc. In the following description of the second embodiment, the "medal" as an intangible object used in the gaming machine 10 (medal-less gaming machine) is referred to as "gaming media".

[0287] "Lending" means transmitting the gaming media necessary for gaming from the lending unit 200 to the gaming machine 10. "Credit" means storing (retaining, crediting) gaming media in the gaming machine 10. "Gaming media with credit" corresponds to the data stored in the RWM103 of the gaming media number control board 100. "Betting" means wagering gaming media to play a game. When the bet switch 40 (1-bet switch 40a or 3-bet switch 40b) is operated, a predetermined number of gaming media are bet from the gaming media corresponding to the data stored in the RWM103 of the gaming media number control board 100. "Betting" is also referred to as "inserting". Note that "inserting" does not only refer to putting actual medals into the gaming machine through the medal insertion slot, but also includes betting gaming media (electronic medals) by operating the bet switch 40.

[0288] "Payout" means returning the bet gaming media to the RWM103 of the gaming media number control board 100 (as credit), which is done by operating the payout switch 46. "Payout" may be referred to as "return" or "cancel". Therefore, the "payout switch 46" may be referred to as the "return switch 46" or the "cancel switch 46". When the bet switch 40 is operated under the condition that the gaming media are stored (as credit) as data in the RWM103 of the gaming media number control board 100, a predetermined number of gaming media are bet (added as the bet number), and the data (credit number) in the RWM103 of the gaming media number control board 100 is subtracted by the bet number. On the other hand, when the payout switch 46 is operated while the gaming media are being bet, the previous bet number (number of gaming media) becomes "0", and the previous bet number is added to the RWM103 of the gaming media number control board 100 (returned as credit).

[0289] "Grant" means adding the number of gaming media corresponding to the payout of the winning combination to the credit number stored in the gaming machine 10 based on the winning of the combination. "Grant" is also referred to as "payout". Note that "payout" does not only refer to actually discharging medals from the medal return port, but also includes the process of adding the number of gaming media corresponding to the winning of the small combination to the number of gaming media stored in the RWM103 of the gaming media number control board 100 when a small combination wins. In the second embodiment, the "payout means 67" in the first embodiment is referred to as the "grant number control means 67". "Counting" means returning the gaming media stored (credited) in the gaming machine 10 (RWM103 of the gaming media number control board 100) to the lending unit 200, which is done by operating the counting switch 47. When the counting switch 47 is operated, a predetermined number of gaming media stored in the gaming machine 10 are subtracted, and the subtracted amount of gaming media is added to the lending unit 300 side.

[0290] The "return" of the game media from the lending unit 200 means storing the number of game media stored in the lending unit 200 in a game media number storage medium (such as a magnetic card, an IC card, an IC coin, etc.) and discharging it to the outside (the player). When storing the number of game media stored in the lending unit 200 in the game media number storage medium, a reader / writer is used (the lending unit 200 has a built-in reader / writer). As described above, it has been explained that "settlement" may be referred to as "return" in some cases. However, in the second embodiment, when referring to "return", it means storing the number of game media stored in the lending unit 200 in the game media number storage medium and discharging it to the outside (the player).

[0291] The LEDs such as the setting value display means 73 and the winning ratio monitor 113 used in the second embodiment are each digit composed of seven segments. And the "seven segments" means having a DP (decimal point) segment in addition to seven segment elements.

[0292] "Notification" corresponds to transmitting (outputting) a telegram from the gaming machine 10 to the lending unit 200 or from the lending unit 200 to the gaming machine 10, and is synonymous with "transmission" and "output". Hereinafter, for example, there may be a case of referring to transmitting the gaming machine information notification, or there may be a case of referring to notifying the gaming machine information, for example.

[0293] There are cases where at least a part of the storage areas of RWM and ROM are referred to as the "storage area" and the "storage means", and both are synonymous. Also, there may be a case of referring to the control board (main, sub, etc.) as the "control means". Furthermore, there may be a case of referring to the CPU as the "control means".

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

[0295] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, it was referred to as the "credit number display LED 76," but in the second embodiment, it is referred to as the "game medium number display unit 121." Both have the same function and are composed of, for example, five-digit LEDs. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, it was referred to as the "acquisition number display LED 78," but in the second embodiment, it is referred to as the "award number display unit 78." Both have the same function and are composed of, for example, two-digit LEDs.

[0296] When the main control board 50 is regarded as one of the main control boards, the game medium number control board 100 is another one of the main control boards. Therefore, the RWM 53, ROM 54, and CPU 55 of the main control board 50 may sometimes be referred to as the first main control RWM 53, the first main control ROM 54, and the first main control CPU 55, respectively. Also, the RWM 103, ROM 104, and CPU 105 of the game medium number control board 100 may sometimes be referred to as the second main control RWM 103, the second main control ROM 14, and the second main control CPU 105, respectively.

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

[0298] The hall computer 300 is a computer for collecting data for hall operations. For example, it totals the number of games played on the day, the number of ins (inputs), the number of outs (payouts), MY (differences, difference numbers of tokens), the number of times the accessory device operates, the number of loans, etc. The management computer 400 is a computer for transmitting information to the outside (for example, an external center outside the hall). Note that the management computer 400 is also installed inside the hall, similar to the hall computer 300. In FIG. 29, the hall computer 300 and the management computer 400 are provided separately, but they may be integrated into one computer.

[0299] On the main control board 50, as a part of the storage area of the RWM 53, a bet number storage means 53a and a payout number storage means 53b are provided. The bet number storage means 53a stores the current number of bets. On the other hand, a bet number display unit 77 is connected to the main control board 50. The bet number display unit 77 is a device that displays the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a and is composed of, for example, two-digit LEDs. Also, the payout number storage means 53b stores the number of game media paid out when a predetermined number of game media are paid out based on winning a small prize. On one hand, a number-of-grants display unit 78 is connected to the main control board 50. The number-of-grants display unit 78 is a device that displays the number of grants stored in the number-of-grants storage means 53b, and is composed of, for example, two-digit LEDs.

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

[0301] The game medium number control board 100 is also referred to as a second main control board (means), a payout control board (means), a medal number control board (means), a medal number display control board (means), or a game medium number display control board (means), etc. Similar to the main control board 50, the game medium number control board 100 is required to have security for preventing fraud, and is housed in a board case and sealed with a caulking (sealing member) so that it is difficult to open the board case (access to the game medium number control board 100).

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

[0303] In FIG. 29, the main control board 50 and the game medium number control board 100 are configured separately, but they can also be configured from a single main control board. However, also in this case, the first main control RWM 53, the first main control ROM 54, the first main control CPU 55, the second main control RWM 103, the second main control ROM 104, and the second main control CPU 105 are provided on one board.

[0304] The RWM 103 of the game medium number control board 100 is provided with game medium number storage means 103a (also referred to as the "game medium number storage area (_NB_MEDAL)") for storing the number of game media (credit number). When game media are awarded due to winning a small combination, the number of game media (data) in the game medium number storage means 103a is updated (added). Also, when game media are bet to start a game, the game media (data) in the game medium number storage means 103a are updated (subtracted) by the number of game media corresponding to the bet number.

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

[0306] When the 3 - bet switch 40b is operated to start the game, the bet operation signal is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the game medium number control board 100. The game medium number control board 100 determines whether the bet is possible based on the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means 103a. When it is determined that the bet is possible, it transmits a bet signal to the main control board 50. When the main control board 50 receives the bet signal, it executes a bet process and stores the number of bets in the bet number storage means 53a. When the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is updated from "0" to "3", the display (lower digit) of the bet number display unit 77 is also updated from "0" to "3".

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

[0308] The main control board 50 is connected to a settlement switch 46. The settlement switch 46 is a switch that is operated when returning the bet game media (in other words, setting the number of bets to "0"). When the settlement switch 46 is operated before operating the start switch 41 (before starting the game) while the number of bets is stored in the bet number storage means 53a and the number of bets is displayed on the bet number display unit 77, the number of bets is returned (reset). For example, as in the above example, when the settlement switch 46 is operated in a situation where "3" is stored in the bet number storage means 53a and "97" is stored in the game medium number storage means 103a, the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is updated from "3" to "0". As a result, the display of the bet number display unit 77 is updated from "3" to "0".

[0309] Also, based on the operation of the settlement switch 46, a settlement signal (a signal corresponding to returning the number of bets “3”) is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the game medium number control board 100. When receiving this settlement signal, the game medium number control board 100 updates the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means 103a from “97” to “100”. As a result, the display of the game medium number display unit 121 is updated from “97” to “100”.

[0310] In this way, the settlement switch 46 is used when returning the bet game media (setting the number of bets to “0”). Therefore, even if the settlement switch 46 is operated, the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means 103a is not subtracted. Also, even if the settlement switch 46 is operated in a situation where the number of bets is not stored in the bet number storage means 53a, the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a remains “0”, and the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means 103a also remains the same. To start such settlement processing, it is determined whether the settlement switch 46 is operated. If the settlement switch 46 is not operated, the settlement processing is not started. If the settlement switch 46 is operated, it is determined whether the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is “0”. Further, if the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is “0”, the settlement processing is not started, and if the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is not “0”, the settlement processing is configured to start. Thereby, when comparing the situation where the settlement switch 46 is operated with the situation where the number of bets stored in the bet number storage means 53a is “0”, since the situation where the settlement switch 46 is operated is relatively less, by determining whether the settlement switch 46 is operated first, it is possible to reduce the processing load.

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

[0312] In the game, for example, when a small winning combination with a given number "8" wins, the main control board 50 stores "8" in the given number storage means 53b. When the value stored in the given number storage means 53b is updated to "8", the display (lower digit) on the given number display unit 78 is also updated from "0" to "8". Also, when a game medium is awarded, an award (payout) signal is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the game medium number control board 100. When the game medium number control board 100 receives the award signal, it adds to the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means 103a by the number of game media corresponding to the award signal. In this example, the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means 103a is updated from "97" to "105". When the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means 103a is updated from "97" to "105", the display on the game medium number display unit 121 is also updated from "97" to "105".

[0313] Also, after the given number is stored in the given number storage means 53b, the given number stored in the given number storage means 53b is cleared at the time of operation of the start switch 41 (start of the game) of the next game, at the time of stopping of all the reels 31 of the next game, etc. When the given number stored in the given number storage means 53b is cleared, the display on the given number display unit 78 is also updated to "0".

[0314] Note that the game medium number display unit 121 is configured to display error information corresponding to the generated error. In this case, error information may be displayed instead of the number of gaming media displayed on the gaming media number display unit 121, or the number of gaming media and the error information may be alternately displayed. For example, the number of gaming media may be displayed for "3" seconds → the error information may be displayed for "3" seconds → the number of gaming media may be displayed for "3" seconds →... When the gaming media number display unit 121 is composed of 5-digit LEDs, when the error information to be displayed is, for example, "E1", it may be displayed as "000E1", "---E1", "E1000", "E1---", etc.

[0315] Here, when the error information corresponding to the generated error is not displayed on the gaming media number display unit 121, the error information corresponding to the generated error may be displayed on the awarded number display unit 78. In this case, the error information may be displayed on the awarded number display unit 78 after the display of the awarded number of gaming media. For example, as described above, when the awarded number is "8", after the awarded number display unit 78 displays "00" → "01" → "02" →... "07" → "08" (counts up), an example of the display mode is to display "E1" (an example of an error code).

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

[0317] Also, when the counting switch 47 is operated and the information "200" is transmitted as the count value to the lending unit 200 in a situation where "200" is displayed on the game medium number display unit 121 before the counting switch 47 is operated, the display on the game medium number display unit 121 is updated to "0".

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

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

[0320] The total gaming medium quantity clear switch 112 can be operated by pressing it once, pressing it for a predetermined long time, or turning on the power while it is being pressed. The total gaming medium quantity clear switch 112 is arranged at a position where the player cannot operate it, such as on the gaming medium quantity control board 100, inside the housing of the gaming machine 10, or on the back surface of the front door of the gaming machine 10. When the gaming medium quantity is cleared by operating the total gaming medium quantity clear switch 112, the total gaming medium quantity clear status is turned on and maintained until the end of one game, and then the total gaming medium quantity clear status is turned off after the end of the one game. The information on the total gaming medium quantity clear status may be transmitted to the lending unit 200. When the lending unit 200 receives the information that the total gaming medium quantity clear status is on, the total gaming medium quantity stored in the lending unit 200 is cleared. Also, when a lent gaming medium is given from the lending unit 200 in the situation where the total gaming medium quantity clear status is on in the gaming machine 10, the total gaming medium quantity clear status remains on, and the lent gaming medium quantity is added to the gaming medium quantity storage means 103a newly.

[0321] Also, the total game medium number clear switch 112 is invalid even if it is operated during the game, and becomes valid when the total game medium number clear switch 112 is operated during the game standby (before the game starts or after the game ends). In this case, the game medium number control board 100 determines whether it is during the game based on the game start information and the game end information transmitted from the main control board 50, and invalidates the operation of the total game medium number clear switch 112 when it is during the game.

[0322] However, the total game medium number clear switch 112 may be made valid by an operation during the game. In this case, the total game medium number clear status is turned off from on based on the end of the next game after the game in which the total game medium number clear switch 112 is operated. In other words, at the end of the game in which the total game medium number clear switch 112 is operated, the on state of the total game medium number clear status is maintained, and when the next game ends, the total game medium number clear status is turned off. As a result, even at a timing when the total game medium number clear status is on for only a short time (the timing when the total game medium number clear switch 112 is operated immediately before the end of the game), the on state of the total game medium number clear status can be maintained for the next game, so that fraud such as clearing the total game medium number can be suppressed.

[0323] Note that the total game medium number clear status may be turned off after the end of the game in which the total game medium number clear switch 112 is operated. In this case, it is possible to reduce the capacity by sharing the program for updating the total game medium number clear status.

[0324] The winning ratio monitor 113 displays a predetermined ratio and is composed of, for example, four-digit LEDs (with a 7-segment (including a DP segment)). In the second embodiment, the interrupt period of the game medium number control board 100 is set to "1" ms. Note that the interrupt period of the main control board 50 is "2.235" ms. Then, four interrupts form one cycle, and the four-digit LEDs of the winning ratio monitor 113 are dynamically lit. Specifically, for example, an LED display counter is provided, and for each interrupt, 「00000001(B)」 「00000010(B)」 「00000100(B)」 「00001000(B)」 Configure to circulate.

[0325] When the LED display counter is 「00000001(B)」, the least significant digit LED of the ratio monitor 113 can be lit (the other LEDs are turned off). When the LED display counter is 「00000010(B)」, the tens digit LED of the ratio monitor 113 can be lit (the other LEDs are turned off). When the LED display counter is 「00000100(B)」, the hundreds digit LED of the ratio monitor 113 can be lit (the other LEDs are turned off). When the LED display counter is 「00001000(B)」, the thousands digit LED of the ratio monitor 113 can be lit (the other LEDs are turned off).

[0326] Of the four LEDs that make up the ratio monitor 113, the two LEDs on the left side (thousands and hundreds digits) are called 「identification segments」 and display the information type. Also, the two LEDs on the right side (tens and least significant digits) are called 「ratio segments」 and display the calculated ratio. And in the second embodiment, the ratio monitor 113 repeatedly displays the following six items of information as ratios every predetermined time. (1) Instruction-involved item ratio (cumulative) (7P.), or advantageous section ratio (cumulative) (7U.) (2) Consecutive item ratio (6000 games) (6y.) (3) Item ratio (6000 games) (7y.) (4) Consecutive item ratio (cumulative) (6A.) (5) Item ratio (cumulative) (7A.) (6) Item and other state ratio (cumulative) (5H.)

[0327] When displaying any ratio using the identification segment and the ratio segment, turn on the one's place DP segment of the identification segment to clarify the boundary between the identification segment and the ratio segment. At this time, do not turn on the tens place DP segment of the identification segment, the tens place DP segment, and the one's place DP segment of the ratio segment. In the above notation, for example, "P." means displaying "P" using the one's place 7-segment of the identification segment and turning on the DP segment of the 7-segment.

[0328] For example, when displaying the ratio of the instructed accessory (cumulative), when the ratio is "50"% , display the symbol "7P." indicating the ratio of the instructed accessory (cumulative) in the identification segment and display "50" in the ratio segment. Here, "cumulative" refers to the sum of the continuously counted numerical values, and in this embodiment, it is counted until at least "175000" game times or more. Note that even after reaching "175000" game times or more, continue to add until reaching the value (upper limit value) that can be stored in the storage area at the predetermined address of RWM103. Also, "6000 games" is the total number of game times obtained by setting 1 set to "400" game times and summing up 15 sets.

[0329] The above six ratios will be described below. (1) Ratio of the Instructed Accessory (Cumulative) The "ratio of the instructed accessory (cumulative)" is a ratio with the cumulative granted number (the "granted number" refers to the number of granted game media. The same applies hereinafter) as the denominator and the sum of the cumulative number of granted times at the time of accessory operation (RB, CB, SB) and the cumulative number of granted times at the time of instruction function operation as the numerator. Note that the above "sum" corresponds to, firstly, the total value of the values stored in both storage areas when the storage area for storing the granted number at the time of accessory operation and the storage area for storing the granted number of instructions are provided separately. Secondly, when a single storage area (instructed accessory counter) for storing both the granted number at the time of accessory operation and the granted number at the time of instruction function operation (hereinafter referred to as "instructed accessory granted number") is provided, it corresponds to the value of the single storage area.

[0330] For example, when the number of gaming sessions is 175,000 or more, the cumulative award count is 200,000, and the cumulative count of the number of bonus items assigned by instruction is 100,000, the ratio of the bonus items assigned by instruction is calculated as 50. Note that the "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative of all gaming sessions. For example, when the cumulative award count reaches a predetermined upper limit value (e.g., 1,677,215), or when the result of adding the number of gaming sessions of the current game to the cumulative number of gaming sessions exceeds the upper limit value, in subsequent games, the cumulative award count, and the total of the cumulative award count when the bonus item is activated and the cumulative award count by instruction are not updated.

[0331] In addition, the "activation of the instruction function" corresponds to a game in which, in a game where the lottery result of a role (winning number) that causes an advantage / disadvantage in the game result occurs according to the operation mode of the stop switch 42, the operation mode of the stop switch 42 for obtaining an advantageous game result is notified (instructed). For example, it corresponds to a game in which the correct pressing order is notified when a so-called pressing-order bell wins. Note that in the gaming machine 10 not equipped with a bonus item, the "ratio of the bonus items assigned by instruction" is the value obtained by dividing the cumulative award count by instruction given by the activation of the instruction function by the total award count.

[0332] Regarding the "award count in the game where the instruction function is activated", in the game where the instruction function is activated, based on the fact that the stop switch 42 is operated in the displayed pressing order, for example, when a small role with an award count of "15" wins, "15" is added to the award count of the bonus item assigned by instruction and the total award count. On the other hand, in the game where the instruction function is activated, since the stop switch 42 is operated in a pressing order different from the displayed pressing order, for example, when a small role with an award count of "3" wins, "3" is added to the award count of the bonus item assigned by instruction and the total award count. Also, in the game where the instruction function is activated, when the winning role is missed (when the role does not win) because the stop switch 42 is operated in a pressing order different from the displayed pressing order, the award count of the bonus item assigned by instruction and the total award count are the same as those in the previous game.

[0333] In addition, in a game in which the instruction function is activated, if the stop switch 42 is operated in a pressing order different from the displayed pressing order and a winning combination is missed, a process of adding "0" to the number of assigned specified winning combination items and the total number of assigned items may be executed so that the values of both assigned numbers (counters) become the same as those in the previous game.

[0334] (2) Advantageous interval ratio (cumulative) The "advantageous interval ratio (cumulative)" is a ratio with the cumulative number of game plays as the denominator and the cumulative number of game plays in the advantageous interval as the numerator. For example, when the cumulative number of game plays is "20000" and the cumulative number of game plays in the advantageous interval is "18000", the advantageous interval ratio is calculated as "90". Note that the "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative of all games. For example, when the cumulative number of game plays reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "65535"), in subsequent games, the cumulative number of game plays and the number of game plays in the advantageous interval are configured not to be updated. Either the above-mentioned "specified winning combination item ratio (cumulative)" or "advantageous interval ratio (cumulative)" is displayed according to the specifications of the gaming machine 10. Specifically, in a gaming machine equipped with an instruction function, the "specified winning combination item ratio (cumulative)" is displayed, and the display of the "advantageous interval ratio (cumulative)" is unnecessary. On the other hand, in a gaming machine not equipped with an instruction function, the "advantageous interval ratio (cumulative)" is displayed, and the "specified winning combination item ratio (cumulative)" is not displayed.

[0335] (3) Consecutive winning combination ratio (6000 games), consecutive winning combination ratio (cumulative) The "consecutive winning combination ratio (6000 games)" is a ratio with the number of assigned items in 6000 game plays as the denominator and the number of assigned items when the consecutive winning combination (RB) is activated during 6000 game plays as the numerator. Also, the "consecutive winning combination ratio (cumulative)" is a ratio with the number of assigned items in the cumulative number of game plays as the denominator and the number of assigned items when the consecutive winning combination (RB) is activated in the cumulative number of game plays as the numerator. For example, when the cumulative number of game plays is a predetermined number or more (for example, 17500 times) and the number of assigned items in the cumulative number of game plays is "20000" and the number of assigned items when the consecutive winning combination is activated cumulatively is "10000", the consecutive winning combination ratio (cumulative) is calculated as "50". Note that the "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative of all games. For example, when the cumulative number of awards reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "65535"), or when adding the number of awards in this game to the cumulative number of awards results in exceeding the upper limit value, in subsequent games, the cumulative number of awards and the number of game media awards during the operation of consecutive special devices are configured not to be updated.

[0336] (4) Special device ratio (6000 games), special device ratio (cumulative) The "special device ratio (6000 games)" is a ratio with the number of awards in 6000 game plays as the denominator and the number of awards when special devices (RB, CB, SB) are activated during 6000 game plays as the numerator. Also, the "special device ratio (cumulative)" is a ratio with the number of awards in the cumulative number of game plays as the denominator and the number of awards when special devices (RB, CB, SB) are activated during the cumulative number of game plays as the numerator. For example, when the cumulative number of game plays is 17500 or more, the cumulative number of awards is "20000", and the cumulative number of awards when special devices are activated is "10000", the special device ratio (cumulative) is calculated as "50". Note that the "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative of all games. For example, when the cumulative number of awards reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "65535"), or when adding the number of awards in this game to the cumulative number of awards results in exceeding the upper limit value, in subsequent games, the cumulative number of awards and the number of game media awards during the operation of consecutive special devices are configured not to be updated.

[0337] (5) Special device status ratio (cumulative) The "special device status ratio (cumulative)" is a ratio with the cumulative number of game plays as the denominator and the number of game plays when special devices (RB, CB, SB) are activated or the number of game plays when consecutive special devices (1BB, 2BB) are activated as the numerator. For example, when the cumulative number of game plays is "20000" and the number of game plays when special devices or consecutive special devices are activated is "5000", the special device status ratio (cumulative) is calculated as "25". Note that the cumulative count does not necessarily mean the cumulative count of all games. For example, when the cumulative number of games reaches a predetermined upper limit value (e.g., "175000"), in subsequent games, the cumulative number of games, as well as the number of games during the operation of the accessory and during continuous operation of the accessory, are configured not to be updated.

[0338] Also, in the above six items, for gaming machines that do not have the functions corresponding to those items, the ratio segment is lit and displayed as "--". For example, when the "RB (first type of special accessory)" is not provided, there is no continuous accessory ratio. Therefore, when displaying the "continuous accessory ratio (6000 games)" and the "continuous accessory ratio (cumulative)", the ratio segment is lit and displayed as "--".

[0339] Furthermore, if there are digits after the decimal point as a result of calculating the ratio, the digits after the decimal point are truncated for display. For example, when the calculated ratio is "49.99", it is displayed as "49". Furthermore, when the calculated ratio is "100", it is displayed as "99". Also, when the calculated ratio is less than "10", a "0" is displayed in the tens place. Specifically, when the calculated ratio is "9"%, it is displayed as "09".

[0340] There are cases where the identification segment and the ratio segment of the accessory ratio monitor 113 are blink-displayed. First, when the ratio is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the ratio segment is blink-displayed. The threshold values (%) for each ratio are as follows. (1) Instruction input accessory ratio (cumulative) or advantageous section ratio (cumulative): 70 (2) Continuous accessory ratio (6000 games): 60 (3) Accessory ratio (6000 games): 70 (4) Continuous accessory ratio (cumulative): 60 (5) Accessory ratio (cumulative): 70 (6) Accessory and other state ratio (cumulative): 50 Therefore, for example, when the instructed winning combination ratio (cumulative) is "69", the "69" in the ratio segment is lit when displaying the instructed winning combination ratio (cumulative), but when it is "70", it blinks.

[0341] Secondly, when the cumulative number of games is less than the reference number of games, the identification segment blinks. The reference number of games for each ratio is as follows. (1) Instructed winning combination ratio (cumulative) or advantageous interval ratio (cumulative): 175,000 (2) Consecutive winning combination ratio (6,000 games): 6,000 (3) Winning combination ratio (6,000 games): 6,000 (4) Consecutive winning combination ratio (cumulative): 17,500 (5) Winning combination ratio (cumulative): 17,500 (6) Status ratio of winning combinations etc. (cumulative): 175,000

[0342] Therefore, for example, when the cumulative number of games is "6,000", the identification segment (6y.) is lit when displaying the consecutive winning combination ratio (6,000 games). On the other hand, for example, when the cumulative number of games is "5,999", the identification segment (6y.) blinks when displaying the consecutive winning combination ratio (6,000 games). Also, when the cumulative number of games is less than the number of games per set of the aggregation unit "400", "00" is displayed on the ratio segment.

[0343] Furthermore, when blinking the identification segment or the ratio segment, it is preferable that one blinking cycle consisting of a lighting time of "0.3" seconds and a non-lighting time of "0.3" seconds is set to "0.6" seconds, with an allowable tolerance of ±10%. In the second embodiment, the switching between lighting and non-lighting in the blinking display is managed (controlled) as follows. First, as a timer area for managing the blinking switching time, RWM103 is provided with "blinking switching time (_TM_CHG_FLS)" (2 bytes).

[0344] The blinking switching time is initialized (with "0" stored) when the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on, and is incremented by "1" for each interruption. As described above, the interruption time is "1" ms. Further, the blinking switching time is configured to cycle through "0" to "299". Also, as a flag for determining whether it is lit or extinguished, RWM103 is provided with a "blinking switching flag (_FL_CHG_FLS)" (1 byte). The blinking switching flag is initialized (with "0" stored) when the power is turned on, and thereafter, "0" and "1" are switched every "300" ms. When it is "0", it indicates lit, and when it is "1", it indicates "extinguished".

[0345] In the update of the blinking switching time, a process of subtracting "299" from the current timer value is performed. Specifically, it is as follows. Example 1) When the update process is performed with the initial value of "0", it becomes "0 - 299 = 298". At this time, since a carry occurs, the carry flag becomes "1". Example 2) When the update process is performed when the blinking switching time is "298", it becomes "298 - 299 = 1". At this time, since a carry occurs, the carry flag becomes "1". Example 3) When the update process is performed when the blinking switching time is "299", it becomes "299 - 299 = 0". At this time, since no carry occurs, the carry flag becomes "0".

[0346] And as a result of updating the blinking switching time, when the carry flag is "1", the blinking switching flag is not updated, and when the carry flag is "0", the blinking switching flag is updated. Thus, the blinking switching flag is switched every "300" ms. Specifically, it is as follows. Example 1) When the blinking switching flag is "0" (lit), it becomes "1" (extinguished) when the update process is performed. Example 2) When the blinking switching flag is "1" (extinguished), it becomes "0" (lit) when the update process is performed.

[0347] Furthermore, the ratio monitor 113 displays a test pattern to check whether the segment elements of each LED are operating normally. The test pattern displays "8.8.8.8." (all segment elements of all LEDs, including segment DP) until the number of times the carry flag becomes "0" after power-on reaches "16", that is, until "300 ms × 16 times = 4800 ms" has elapsed. Note that since each of the four-digit LEDs of the ratio monitor 113 is dynamically lit every interruption (1 ms), strictly speaking, not all four LEDs are lit simultaneously.

[0348] After displaying the test pattern for "4800" ms, the display shifts to the above-mentioned (1) advantageous section ratio (cumulative) or instructed accessory ratio (cumulative) to (6) accessory status ratio (cumulative). (1) to (6) are each displayed for "4800" ms and this is repeated. Therefore, Power-on ↓ (0) Test pattern display (4800 ms) ↓ (1) Instructed accessory ratio (cumulative) or advantageous section ratio (cumulative) display (4800 ms) ↓ (2) Consecutive accessory ratio (6000 games) display (4800 ms) ↓ (3) Accessory ratio (6000 games) display (4800 ms) ↓ (4) Consecutive accessory ratio (cumulative) display (4800 ms) ↓ (5) Accessory ratio (cumulative) display (4800 ms) ↓ (6) Accessory status ratio (cumulative) display (4800 ms) ↓ (1) Instructed accessory ratio (cumulative) or advantageous section ratio (cumulative) display (4800 ms) ↓ : It becomes like this. Regarding each of the ratios (1) to (6) above, similar to the test pattern, it is displayed until the number of times the carry flag becomes "0" reaches "16" (300 ms × 16 times = 4800 ms).

[0349] Here, as described above, when the identification segment or the ratio segment is blinked, the lighting for "300" ms and the extinguishing for "300" ms are repeated (one cycle is "600" ms). And when the lighting or extinguishing time is set as T1 and the display time of the test pattern or ratio is set as T2, T2 = T1 × 2 × n (n is a natural number) If it is set in this way, the switching timing between lighting and extinguishing and the switching timing of the test pattern display or ratio display can be made to coincide, and a good-looking display can be performed, and it is possible to prevent a person looking at the duty ratio monitor 113 from misrecognizing that there may be a failure. In the above, when "T1" is set to "300" ms, "T2" becomes a multiple of "600" ms. However, in order to make each ratio display time "5000 ms ± 10%", "T2" may be set to "4800" ms.

[0350] For example, when the test pattern is blinked and then the advantageous interval ratio is blinked, Test pattern (lit for 300 ms. Cumulative 300 ms.) ↓ Test pattern (extinguished for 300 ms. Cumulative 600 ms.) ↓ : ↓ Test pattern (lit for 300 ms. Cumulative 4500 ms.) ↓ Test pattern (extinguished for 300 ms. Cumulative 4800 ms. Test pattern display ends.) ↓ Advantageous interval ratio (lit for 300 ms) ↓ Advantageous interval ratio (extinguished for 300 ms) ↓ : It becomes like this.

[0351] In this way, when performing the lighting display of any information, the lighting state can be maintained for "300" ms. In other words, after starting the lighting display of any information, it is possible to prevent the light from turning off before "300" ms has elapsed. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the information from disappearing immediately after starting the lighting display of any information (which may be misrecognized as a malfunction).

[0352] Return the explanation to the block diagram of FIG. 29. Since the sub-control board 80 is the same as the sub-control board 80 of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), the explanation thereof will be omitted. However, the RWM 83, ROM 84, and CPU 85 of the sub-control board 80 may sometimes be referred to as the sub-control RWM 83, sub-control ROM 84, and sub-control CPU 85, respectively. The effect lamps 21, speakers 22, and image display devices 23 electrically connected to the sub-control board 80 are the same as those of the first embodiment. The connection terminal board (also referred to as the "game ball lending device connection terminal board") 130 serves as a relay board for bidirectional communication between the gaming machine 10 and the lending unit 200.

[0353] The lending unit 200 corresponds to the management device 200 in the first embodiment (FIG. 1). Similar to the first embodiment, a lending switch 202, a return switch 203, etc. are provided. In addition, the lendable game medium number display unit 204 corresponds to the frequency display unit 204 in the first embodiment, and displays the maximum number of game media that can be lent from the lending unit 200 to the gaming machine 10, and is composed of, for example, three-digit LEDs.

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

[0355] In a situation where the number of lendable gaming media "400" is stored in the lendable gaming media number storage means 206, when the lend switch 202 is operated and in the specification where "50" gaming media are lent from the lending unit 200 to the gaming machine 10 by one operation of the lend switch 202, after a lending notice is sent, "50" is added to the number of gaming media stored in the gaming media number storage means 103a. On the other hand, the number of lendable gaming media in the lendable gaming media number storage means 206 is updated from "400" to "350".

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

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

[0358] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining a telegram used for communication between the gaming machine 10 and the lending unit 200. As shown in FIG. 30, the types of telegrams include 1. Gaming machine information notification 2. Counting notification 3. Lending notification 4. Lending receipt result response are provided. Among these telegrams, the gaming machine information notification, the counting notification, and the lending receipt result response are telegrams transmitted from the gaming machine 10 to the lending unit 200. On the other hand, the lending notification is a telegram transmitted from the lending unit 200 to the gaming machine 10.

[0359] Also, each telegram is composed of the following five pieces of data. (1) Telegram length (2) Command (3) Serial number, counting serial number, or lending serial number (4) Data part (5) Checksum The data group consisting of the above five is called a "telegram" and is transmitted by one transmission. That is, split transmission is not performed.

[0360] (1) Telegram length The "message length" indicates the length of the data length of the data consisting of five elements: the message length, command, sequence number (sequence number, count sequence number, or lending sequence number), data section, and checksum, and is composed of 1-byte data. For example, when the message length is 1 byte, the command is 1 byte, the sequence number is 1 byte, the data section is 14 bytes, and the checksum is 1 byte, the message is 18 bytes long, and the message length corresponds to data (12h) for 18 bytes.

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

[0362] (3) Sequence number The "sequence number" refers to the number included in the gaming machine information notification, count notification, lending notification, and lending receipt result response. The sequence number included in the gaming machine information notification is called the "sequence number", the sequence number included in the count notification is called the "count sequence number", the sequence number included in the lending notification is called the "lending sequence number", and the sequence number included in the lending receipt result response is called the "lending sequence number". These various sequence numbers are numerical values within the range of "0" to "FFh" and are composed of 1-byte data. When the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on, the sequence number is controlled to notify "00h". Also, after the power is turned on, the sequence number is updated (+1) each time it is notified. The value after the sequence number "FFh" is updated to "01h" (+1 twice) (it does not become "0").

[0363] (4) Data section The "data section" corresponds to the data corresponding to the gaming machine information notification, count notification, lending notification, and lending receipt result response. Details of the data section of each message will be described later. (5) Checksum The "checksum" is a value indicating the lower 1 byte of the total sum obtained by adding data consisting of five elements: the telegram length, command, sequence number, data section, and checksum. By using this checksum, the receiving side can grasp data corruption during communication. For example, the gaming machine 10 or the lending unit 200 can count the number of telegrams with inconsistent checksums to confirm communication problems. For example, in the gaming machine 10, the number of telegrams with inconsistent checksums may be displayed on the image display device 23 or the like in a predetermined situation (during the setting confirmation mode where setting values can be confirmed or during the setting change mode where setting values can be changed).

[0364] Subsequently, each data section of the gaming machine information notification, count notification, lending notification, and lending receipt result response will be described respectively. 1. Data section of the gaming machine information notification As shown in FIG. 30, the data section of the gaming machine information notification is composed of the gaming machine type, gaming machine information type, and gaming machine information. a) Gaming machine type The "gaming machine type" is information for identifying the type of the gaming machine 10. This information is, for example, data for notifying the management medium, group classification, gaming machine type, etc.

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

[0366] c) Gaming machine information The "gaming machine information" is composed of gaming machine performance information, gaming machine installation information, and hall control / fraud monitoring information. As the gaming machine information, any one of the gaming machine performance information, gaming machine installation information, and hall control / fraud monitoring information is transmitted. Here, the hall computer's fraud monitoring information is generally transmitted every "300" ms (each time the gaming machine information notification is sent). Also, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted every "60" seconds. Furthermore, the gaming machine performance information is generally transmitted every "180" seconds. In the above, "generally" means that when the transmission timings of multiple pieces of gaming machine information overlap, the gaming machine information with the higher priority is transmitted. In other words, when the transmission timings of the gaming machine performance information, the gaming machine installation information, and the hall computer's fraud monitoring information overlap, any one of them is transmitted according to the priority. As shown in Figure 30, the gaming machine installation information transmitted every "60" seconds has the highest priority, and the gaming machine performance information transmitted every "180" seconds has the second highest priority.

[0367] Furthermore, the "300" ms, which is the transmission cycle of the hall computer's fraud monitoring information, only needs to be within the range of "300" to "310" ms. Similarly, the "60" seconds, which is the transmission cycle of the gaming machine installation information, only needs to be within the range of "60" to "62" seconds. Furthermore, similarly, the "180" seconds, which is the transmission cycle of the gaming machine performance information, only needs to be within the range of "180" to "186" seconds. However, the above-mentioned range of the transmission cycle does not take random values each time, but is transmitted with pre-determined values.

[0368] Figure 31 is a diagram for explaining the specific composition of the gaming machine performance information, the gaming machine installation information, and the hall computer's fraud monitoring information, which are the gaming machine information of the gaming machine information notification. (A) Gaming machine performance information The gaming machine performance information is composed of information such as the following total input count, etc. a) Total input count "Total Insertion Count" refers to the cumulative number of gaming media inserted since the power was turned on. If a power failure occurs and then the power is turned on again, "0" may be output as the total insertion count. For example, in a total of "1000" games, if the cumulative number of inserted gaming media is "2000", the total insertion count will be "2000", and "2000" may be output as the total insertion count. If a power failure occurs and then the power is turned on again, "0" may be output as the total insertion count. When winning a replay by lottery and the symbol combination corresponding to the replay stops displaying, the bet amount for the next game of that game is not included in the total insertion count.

[0369] b) Total Award Count "Total Award Count" refers to the cumulative number of gaming media awarded since the power was turned on. If a power failure occurs and then the power is turned on again, "0" may be output as the total award count. For example, in a total of "1000" games, if the cumulative number of awarded gaming media is "2000", the total award count will be "2000", and "2000" may be output as the total award count. If a power failure occurs and then the power is turned on again, "0" may be output as the total award count. When the gaming media for the bet amount in the game are automatically bet based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the replay stops displaying, the automatically bet gaming media are not included in the "award count".

[0370] c) MY (Difference) "MY" is also referred to as "difference" or "difference number of pieces". "MY" refers to the information of the maximum difference number that can be calculated from the number of game media granted and the number of game media inserted since the power is turned on. When a power failure occurs and then the power is turned on, "0" can be output as MY. Specifically, based on the time when the number of game media is the most reduced when the result of the game is obtained, the maximum difference number, which is the increased number of game media from this reference (the number obtained by subtracting the total inserted number from the total granted number), is referred to as "MY". For example, in a cumulative "1000" games, in the "100"th game, the difference number of game media is the least, and the number of game media at that time is "-200". From that point, in the "800"th game, the difference number of game media is the most, and the number of game media at that time is "+800". Then, MY is "+1000", and "1000" can be output as MY. When a power failure occurs and then the power is turned on, "0" can be output as MY.

[0371] d) Total number of game media granted for special devices "Total number of game media granted for special devices" refers to the total number (cumulative number) of game media granted by the operation of special devices (Single Bonus (SB), Regular Bonus (RB), and Challenge Bonus (CB)) since the power is turned on. When a power failure occurs and then the power is turned on, "0" can be output as the total number of game media granted for special devices. For example, in a cumulative "1000" games, if the total number of game media obtained by the operation of special devices is "100", then the total number of game media granted for special devices is "100", and "100" can be output as the total number of game media granted for special devices. When a power failure occurs and then the power is turned on, "0" can be output as the total number of game media granted for special devices.

[0372] e) Total number of game media granted for consecutive special devices The "total number of consecutive accessory awards" refers to the total number (cumulative number) of game media awarded by the operation of consecutive accessories (Type 1 special accessories, also referred to as Regular Bonuses (RB)) since the power is turned on. When a power failure occurs and then the power is turned on, "0" can be output as the total number of consecutive accessory awards. For example, in a total of "1000" games, if the total number of game media obtained by the operation of consecutive accessories is "100", the total number of consecutive accessory awards will be "100", and "100" can be output as the total number of consecutive accessory awards. And when a power failure occurs and then the power is turned on, "0" can be output as the total number of consecutive accessory awards. Note that the number of game media awarded by the operation of the Type 1 special accessory by the Type 1 special accessory continuous operation device (also referred to as "1 type BB") is also accumulated as the total number of consecutive accessory awards. ...

Claims

【Claim 1】 Comprising a main control means, a game medium number control means, and a sub-control means, the main control means is capable of executing a setting confirmation mode, the sub-control means does not execute notification based on a communication abnormality between the gaming machine and the lending unit even when a communication abnormality occurs during the execution of the setting confirmation mode, the sub-control means is capable of executing notification based on the occurrence of a communication abnormality between the gaming machine and the lending unit after the end of the setting confirmation mode, the game medium number control means is capable of executing a process for transmitting a signal during setting confirmation to the lending unit based on the execution of the setting confirmation mode, it is possible to update a predetermined timer during the execution of the setting confirmation mode, when a communication abnormality occurs between the gaming machine and the lending unit during the execution of the setting confirmation mode, the predetermined timer is not updated A gaming machine characterized by the above.

Images