Game machine

Abstract

To execute appropriate information processing when a VL signal is turned off.SOLUTION: In bet waiting processing of main control main processing, a setting confirmation mode capable of displaying a setting value can be executed. When a communication abnormality occurs between a game machine and a lending unit while the setting confirmation mode can be executed (when "No" is determined in step S1511), the setting confirmation mode is not executed even when a setting key is turned on (the situation does not proceed to processing after step S1500).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 220

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 that uses electronic information (electronic medals) instead of physical medals (as tangible objects) (referred to as a "smart gaming machine", "medal-less gaming machine", "managed gaming machine", "enclosed gaming machine", etc.). (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 5 among the original inventions 1 to 15 described later. The present invention (13th embodiment) is The main control means (500A) can execute a setting confirmation mode in which a set value can be displayed, When a communication abnormality occurs between the gaming machine and the lending unit in a situation where the main control means can execute the setting confirmation mode, the main control means does not execute the setting confirmation mode even when the setting key is turned on (Fig. 220) Characterized by this.

Effects of the Invention

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

Brief Description of Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] In this specification, the meanings of the terms are as follows. "Game value (game medium)" refers to a medium used for games, and in this embodiment, it is "electronic information (electronic medal)". Also, "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 return of electronic information as game value. It is provided for each gaming machine and is arranged adjacent to the 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 the 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, "betting" means wagering electronic information as game value to play a game. When the bet switch 40 is operated, the electronic information as game value credited is bet.

[0011] The "specified number" means the number of bets that can start (execute) the game in the game. Also, "payout" means adding the electronic information as game value corresponding to the payout of the winning combination to the credit number based on the winning of the combination. Furthermore, "bet medal" means the electronic information as game value bet to play a game. Furthermore, "stored medal" means the electronic information as game value credited (stored).

[0012] Furthermore, the "reservation bed" means that by operating the bed switch 40, within the range where betting is possible in the game, part or all of the electronic information as game value credited inside the gaming machine is bet for playing the game. Furthermore, the "automatic bet" means that when a replay wins, the control process of the slot machine 10 as a gaming machine automatically bets the electronic information of the number of game values bet in the previous game.

[0013] Furthermore, "cancel" means that by operating the cancel switch 46, the electronic information (bet medals) as the game value being bet is returned to credit. When the cancel switch 46 is operated, the electronic information as the game value being bet is returned to credit. At this time, the number of bet medals becomes "0", and is added to the credit number accordingly. Also, "return" means storing the electronic information as 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] Also, when the game progresses as the "N - 1" game, the "N" game, the "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 indicating "16" in decimal is expressed as "00010000(B)" in binary and "10(H)" in hexadecimal. Also, for a numerical value meaning a decimal number, it is expressed as "16(D)" as necessary. However, when it is clear whether it is in binary, decimal, or hexadecimal, the trailing symbols “(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 (tangible) medals. For this reason, the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment does not include a medal insertion slot, a medal selector, a medal payout device, or 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 bidirectionally. 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 typical control boards, 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 part is a communication line indicating data exchange, and the direction of the arrow indicates the direction in which 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. (It does not mean that it only includes what is shown 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 (such as data tables) necessary for the progress of the game. Furthermore, the main CPU 55 refers to the CPU (IC with arithmetic function) provided on the main control board 50, executes programs, performs calculations, etc. necessary for the progress of the game. Specifically, it executes role lottery, drive control of the reel 31, and payout at the time of winning, etc.

[0022] In addition, an MPU including an RWM53, a ROM54, a main CPU55, and registers is mounted on the main control board 50. Note that the RWM53 and the ROM54 may be provided externally in addition to those mounted inside the MPU. Note that an MPU including an RWM83, a ROM84, and a sub CPU85 is also mounted on the sub control board 80 described later. Note that the RWM83 and the ROM84 may be provided externally in addition to those mounted inside the MPU.

[0023] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present 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 a 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 on / off of an electric signal based on an operation of an operation body by a player (operator) (receiving an external force), and does not limit the shape of the operation body operated by the player. When the operation switch is in the off state, for example, light from a light emitting element continues to be incident on a light receiving element (when the light receiving element continues to detect light, the operation switch is in the off state). Then, when the operation switch (operation body) is operated by a player or the like, the state becomes such that the light from the light emitting element does not enter the light receiving element. When this state is detected, an electric signal indicating that the operation switch has been turned on is transmitted to the main control board 50. Note that, conversely, the operation switch may be configured such that the light from the light emitting element does not enter the light receiving element when the operation switch is in the off state, and the operation switch becomes on when the light from the light emitting element enters the light receiving element.

[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, the stop switch 42, the cancel switch 46, and the count switch 47 are in the shape of push buttons (for this reason, they are also referred to as the "bet button (switch) 40", the "stop button (switch) 42", the "cancel button (switch) 46", and the "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, thereby indicating 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, a 1-bet switch 40a for betting one electronic medal in one operation and a 3-bet switch 40b for betting three (maximum number, specified number) electronic medals in one operation are provided. 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] Also, the start switch 41 is an operation switch that is operated by a player when starting (starting the rotation of) all of the reels 31 (left, middle, and right). Furthermore, the stop switch 42 is provided in three numbers corresponding to the three (left, middle, and right) reels 31, and is an operation switch that is 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, when the cancel switch 46 is operated in a situation where three electronic medals are bet, 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 or confirming settings. When a setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion port and rotated 90 degrees clockwise, the setting key switch 12 is turned 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 power switch 11 is on and the setting key switch 12 is turned on, the settings are being confirmed, that is, the setting confirmation mode is entered.

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

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

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

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

[0035] Also, the number of medals won display LED 78 normally displays the number of payout medals (number of medals won), 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 AT, the number of medals won display LED 78 functions as an LED that displays pressing order instruction information (notifies an advantageous pressing order). Therefore, the number of medals won display LED 78 in the present embodiment is an LED that also serves to display the number of payout medals (number of medals won), error content, and pressing order instruction information. However, it is not limited to this, and of course, a dedicated LED or the like that displays pressing order instruction information may be provided. Note that during AT, notification of an 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 reels 31 (three in the present embodiment) that display symbols, motors 32 that drive each reel 31, and reel sensors 33 for detecting the positions of the reels 31.

[0037] The motor 32 is 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 ring-shaped, 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 (it may be two or more) index. The index is provided convexly on, for example, the circumferential side surface of the reel 31, and is used when detecting whether the reel 31 has passed through a predetermined position, whether it has made one rotation, and the like. 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 through a predetermined position. Also, the symbol on the reference position at the moment when the reel sensor 33 detects the index of the reel 31 is stored in the ROM 54 in advance. Thereby, the symbol on 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 is possible to identify how many pulses the (stepping) motor 32 should be driven so that the symbol several symbols ahead from the symbol on the reference position can be stopped on the valid 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 in a state where the specified number of electronic medals for the game are bet, the signal generated at that time is input to the main control board 50. When receiving this signal, the main control board 50 performs a lottery by the lottery means 61 (internal lottery means) and controls the driving of all the motors 32 to control all the reels 31 to rotate. By rotating the reel 31 by the motor 32 in this way, the symbols on the reel 31 are moved and displayed in the vertical direction in the display window at a predetermined speed.

[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 (the result determined by the internal lottery means) of the winning combination means 61. Then, the game result of this game is displayed according to the symbol combination when all the reels 31 stop. Further, when the symbol combination corresponding to any winning combination stops on the effective line (when winning the corresponding winning combination), payout of electronic medals corresponding to the winning winning combination 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 winning combination 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 combination means 61 conducts a lottery (determination, selection) of the winning numbers. Here, the "lottery of the winning numbers by the winning combination means 61" is the same as the "internal lottery" in the gaming regulations (regulations regarding the certification of gaming machines and the inspection of models, etc. Hereinafter, simply referred to as "regulations"), and the lottery result by the winning combination means 61 is the same as the "result determined by the internal lottery" in the regulations. Therefore, the winning combination means 61 is also referred to as the "internal lottery means 61" in an expression that conforms to the regulations.

[0043] When the winning numbers are determined by the winning combination 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 combination means 61 is also referred to as a means for determining (lottery or selection) the condition device numbers, a means for determining (lottery or selection) the winning combination, and the like. The winning lottery means 61 includes, for example, a random number generation means for lottery (such as a hardware random number, etc.), a random number extraction means for extracting the random number generated by this random number generation means, and a winning number determination means for determining a winning number based on the random number value extracted by the random number extraction means.

[0044] The random number generation means generates random numbers in a predetermined range (for example, from "0" to "65535" in decimal). The random numbers are, for example, random numbers where a counter that counts 1 count every 200 n (nano) sec continues to count in the range of "0" to "65535" as one cycle, and continues to count the random numbers while the power of the slot machine 10 is on. The random number extraction means extracts the random numbers generated by the random number generation means at a predetermined time, in this embodiment, when the start switch 41 is operated (turned on) by the player. The winning number determination means determines the winning number 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 a 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 lottery means 61. In this embodiment, for all roles, there is a winning flag for each role. And when any role wins in the lottery by the winning 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. Further, after the winning numbers are determined by the winning number selection 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 the operation (on) of the stop switch 42 is detected, determines the stop position of the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42, and controls the driving 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 combination (the combination with the winning flag on) can be stopped on the active line within the range of the stop control of the reel 31, and controls the stop of the reel 31 so that the symbol combination corresponding to the combination other than the winning combination (the combination with the winning flag off) is not stopped on the active 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. As a result, 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] And when any one 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, it is controlled so that the symbol stops on the predetermined valid line. That is, if the reel 31 is stopped immediately at the moment the stop switch 42 is operated and the symbol of the winning combination corresponding to the winning number does not stop on the predetermined valid line, during the period until the reel 31 stops, the reel 31 is rotationally moved and controlled within the stop control range of the reel 31 so as to control the symbol of the winning combination corresponding to the winning number to stop on the predetermined valid line as much as possible (drawing-in stop control).

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

[0051] The winning determination means 66 determines whether or not the symbol combination of the reel 31 that has stopped on the valid line is a symbol combination corresponding to any one of the roles when the reel 31 stops. Here, the winning determination means 66 does not actually detect whether the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination has stopped on the effective 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 effective line before the reel 31 actually stops, or it is determined in advance the symbol combination that stops on the effective line after the stop of the reel 31.

[0052] The payout means 67 is configured to perform a process of adding the number of electronic medals corresponding to the winning combination to the credit number when it is determined by the winning determination means 66 that the symbol combination that stops on the effective line at the time of the stop of the reel 31 matches the symbol combination corresponding to any winning combination and a winning of that combination occurs. Also, when a replay winning occurs, the payout means 67 controls to automatically insert (automatic 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 commands) necessary for the effects output by the sub-control board 80 to the sub-control board 80. Examples of the control commands include information when the bet switch 40 is operated, information when the start switch 41 is operated, information regarding the winning lottery result (result determined by internal lottery), information when the stop switch 42 is operated, information on the winning combination, 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 may be connected not only electrically but also by using optical communication means. Further, in either electrical connection or optical communication connection, it may be not limited to serial communication but may be parallel communication, or serial communication and parallel communication may be used in combination.

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

[0056] The RWM 83 is a storage medium capable of temporarily storing data and the like captured when the sub-CPU 85 controls the performance. Also, the ROM 84 is a storage medium that stores programs, various data, etc. as performance data when performing a lottery related to the performance. 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 outputting performances during the game and during the game standby.

[0057] Also, the performance 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 performance lamp 21 includes a back lamp arranged on the inner peripheral side of each reel 31 for illuminating the symbols (three symbols continuous vertically visible from the display window) displayed on the reel 31 from behind, a fluorescent lamp for illuminating the symbols on the reel 31 from above the reel 31, a frame lamp arranged on the front surface of the front door of the slot machine 10 and blinking at the time of winning a prize, etc. Furthermore, the speaker 22 outputs a predetermined sound when a predetermined condition is satisfied in order to perform various performances 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 operating in the game, etc.) and game information (number of game times, number of acquired medals, etc. during the operation of the accessory or in the advantageous section (AT)) 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 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] Similar to the main control board 50 and the sub-control board 80, the payout control board 100 includes an input port 101, an output port 102, an RWM 103, a ROM 104, a credit number management CPU 105, etc. Also, 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 are electrically connected to the payout control board 100 via the input port 101 or the output port 102.

[0061] RWM103 is a storage medium capable of temporarily storing data and the like captured when the credit number management CPU 105 manages the credit number. Also, ROM104 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 that is operated by the player when returning the electronic medals credited inside the slot machine 10 to the management device 200. When the counting switch 47 is operated, the electronic medals credited inside the slot machine 10 are returned to the management device 200. At this time, the credit number becomes "0", and the number of electronic medals managed by the management device 200 is increased by that amount. For example, when the counting switch 47 is operated in a situation where 100 electronic medals are credited inside the slot machine 10, 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 3 electronic medals are bet and 100 electronic medals are credited, and the cancel switch 46 is operated, the bet electronic medals are returned to credit. At this time, the bet number changes from "3" to "0", and the credit number changes from "100" to "103". After that, 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. In this way, 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 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 pachinko balls bet in the previous game is automatically bet, even if the cancel switch 46 is operated, it is set so that the automatically bet pachinko balls cannot be returned to credit. That is, for the automatically bet pachinko balls, it is set so that they cannot be returned to credit even if the cancel switch 46 is operated. Note that both the pachinko balls bet based on the operation of the bet switch 40 and the pachinko balls automatically bet based on a replay win may be made returnable to credit by operating the cancel switch 46.

[0065] Also, by operating the count switch 47, the pachinko balls being bet and the pachinko balls being credited may be returned to the management device 200. For example, in a situation where 3 pachinko balls are bet and 100 pachinko balls are credited, when the count switch 47 is operated, the pachinko balls being bet and the pachinko balls being credited are returned to the management device 200, the bet number and the credit number become "0", and "103" may be added to the number of pachinko balls 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 pachinko balls credited inside the slot machine 10. In this embodiment, a maximum of 10,000 pachinko balls 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". Further, 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] Also, 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 to the player than the normal game. When shifting from the normal game to the special game, it may be set to stop at the end of the special game and not be able to advance the game. That is, it may be provided with a stop function. Also, the stop condition is not limited to the end of the special game and can be appropriately set. And when the stop condition is satisfied, the enable signal may be turned off.

[0069] In this case, a pause presence / absence setting switch can be provided for setting (switching) whether to enable (with pause) or disable (without pause) the pause function. Also, a pause release switch for releasing the pause can be provided. When the conditions for pausing are satisfied, by operating the pause release switch, the pause can be released to enable the game to proceed, and an enable signal can be turned on. Also, the pause release switch can be made to serve as other switches 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 sun. 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 formed 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. Also, the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 are not limited to being electrically connected, and a connection using optical communication means may be used. Furthermore, for both electrical connections and optical communication connections, it may be serial communication, parallel communication, or a combination of serial and parallel communication.

[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. 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 the lent electronic medals can be credited 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. When a winning combination occurs, the paid-out electronic medals can be credited to the payout control board 100. Furthermore, when the player stops playing 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) required for lending electronic medals. When the bills inserted into the management device 200 from the bill insertion slot 201 are correctly recognized, the frequency corresponding to the inserted bills is displayed on the frequency display unit 204. The frequency 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 frequency, and when a 10,000-yen bill is inserted, "100" is displayed as the frequency.

[0076] The lending switch 202 is a switch that is operated by a player when lending out electronic medals, 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, it is possible to lend out electronic medals corresponding to the credit "10". Here, for example, when a thousand-yen bill is inserted into the management device 200 from the bill insertion slot 201 and the credit displayed on the credit display unit 204 is "10", and the number of electronic medals 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 electronic medals are lent out. Then, through the communication between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, the 50 lent-out electronic medals are credited to the payout control board 100.

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

[0078] The return switch 203 is a switch that is operated by a 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 credit displayed on the credit 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 display unit 204 of the management device 200 shows a frequency of "10" (equivalent to 50 electronic medals). 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 equivalent to 200 electronic medals is stored in the card and discharged from the discharge port of the card reader / writer 205. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the management device 200 is electrically connected to the hall computer 300. Information regarding the lending and repayment of electronic medals, etc. is transmitted unidirectionally from the management device 200 to the hall computer 300.

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

[0081] Furthermore, the power supply board 150 and the payout control board 100 are connected by a harness C163, and through this harness C163, power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the payout control board 100. AC power is supplied to the power supply board 150 from the outside. The power supply board 150 converts the AC into DC 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 through this harness B162, 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.

[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 enabled 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 electronic medals. Since its stability is greatly related to the interests of the players, power is directly supplied to the payout control board 100 from the power supply board 150 through a harness C163.

[0083] Also, when the harness C163 is cut off, power can be supplied to the payout control board 100 from the power supply board 150 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 to the payout control board 100 from the capacitor 106.

[0084] Furthermore, when the harness A161 and the harness C163 are cut off, power is supplied to the payout control board 100 from the capacitor 106, and power can be supplied from the payout control board 100 to the main control board 50 through the harness B162. In this way, in Example 1, a capacitor 106 for backup power is mounted on the payout control board 100. 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 driven so that the processing at the time of power failure can be surely executed and no disadvantage is imposed on the players.

[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 capacitors A107 and B108 for power storage are mounted on the payout control board 100. In addition, the power supply board 150 and the main control board 50 are connected by a harness E165, and power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the main control board 50 through this harness E165.

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

[0087] Also, the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 are connected by a harness H168, and two-way command communication is possible between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 through this harness H168. When the harness G167 is disconnected, power can be supplied from the power supply board 150 to the dispensing 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 dispensing control board 100, and when the power supply from the power supply board 150 is interrupted, power can be supplied from the capacitor A107 and the capacitor B108 to the dispensing control board 100. Furthermore, when the harness E165 and the harness G167 are disconnected, power is supplied from the capacitor A107 and the capacitor B108 to the dispensing control board 100, and power can also be supplied from the capacitor A107 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 capacitor for backup power 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 the dedicated backup power supply for the payout control board 100. As a result, 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 number of the pachinko medals can be surely driven, the processing at the time of power failure can be surely executed, and the player is not disadvantaged.

[0090] In addition, in Example 2, it is preferable to set the capacitance of the capacitor B108 to be larger than the capacitance of the capacitor A107. Thereby, backup power can be surely supplied to the payout control board 100 that is greatly related to the player's profit, and the processing at the time of power failure can be surely executed. Also, in the present embodiment, at the time of power failure, the program on the payout control board 100 is set to stop prior to the program on the main control board 50. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, at the time of recovery from power failure, the program on the payout control board 100 is set to start prior to the program on the main control board 50.

[0091] FIGS. 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. Also, 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 this 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 this 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 main control commands, eight types of commands described in the "Contents" 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 payout control commands, twelve types of commands described in the "Contents" 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 also referred to as the "payout repeat command", the "payout impossible command", the "return repeat command", and the "return impossible command", respectively. Furthermore, the NAK response in case of abnormality is also referred to as the "error command".

[0096] As management device commands, five types of commands described in the "Contents" 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 game machine commands, thirteen types of commands described in the "Contents" 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 payout control board 100 is normal, and it is a command transmitted from the main control board 50 to the payout control board 100 when the power is turned on. When the main control board 50 is powered on, it sends a startup confirmation command to the dispensing control board 100. 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 sent 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 off, the program on the dispensing control board 100 stops before the program on the main control board 50, and when the power resumes after being turned 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 the power resumes after being turned off, the main control board 50 sends 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 sent 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 sent 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 dispensing control board 100. Also, when receiving the setting change start command, the dispensing 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 dispensing 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 dispensing 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 dispensing control board 100 as it is, it can be determined that the shift to the setting change mode has been transmitted to the dispensing 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 transmitting to the dispensing control board 100 side that the setting change mode has ended, and is a command transmitted from the main control board 50 to the dispensing 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 dispensing control board 100. Also, when receiving the setting change end command, the dispensing 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 dispensing 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 returned 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, even on the management device 200 side, 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 a 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 returns this 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 transmitted game start + RT state command is directly returned 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, even on the management device 200 side, 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 turns off from on (the player releases the 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. Further, when receiving the game end + game state command, the payout control board 100 sends it back to the main control board 50 as it is (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] Accordingly, on the side of the payout control board 100, it is possible to determine that the game has ended and the game state. Also, on the side of the main control board 50, since the transmitted game end + game state command is sent back from the payout control board 100 as it is, it can be determined that the game end and the game state have been transmitted to the payout control board 100. Furthermore, on the side of the management device 200 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 number of bets from the number of credits, 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 of the input request command indicates the number of bets (the number that requests subtraction from the number of credits 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 sends 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 sending "2003H", the payout control board 100 may send the 1 - chip input request command three times 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 greater than or equal to 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 greater than or equal to 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 sends 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 sends 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 sends 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 feed-back command is received (the sent feed request command is sent back as it is 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 processes corresponding to the number of bets of the pachinko balls (for example, processes to turn on the 1-bet display LED to the 3-bet display LED, and processes to enable the operation of the start switch 41). On the other hand, when a non-feedable 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 processes corresponding to the number of bets of the pachinko balls. Also, after sending a feed request command, if neither a feed-back command nor a non-feedable command is received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, a timeout occurs, and the main control board 50 sends a feed 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, processes related to the number of bets of the pachinko balls are 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 disadvantage 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, 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 sends a feed request command to the payout control board 100. When the payout control board 100 receives the feed request command, if it can accept the feed request, it sends a feed-back command to the main control board 50, and if it cannot accept the feed request, it sends a non-feedable 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 and before the payout control board 100 receives the input request command, a power failure occurs 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, and after the power is restored from the power failure, it 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, but 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 sends 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 immediately sends it back to the main control board 50. Then, when the main control board 50 receives the startup confirmation command it sent being sent back as it is from the payout control board 100, 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 before 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, assume that 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 on 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 that requests to be added to the credit number based on winning a role).

[0119] For example, when winning with a 10 - tile hand, when the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off, the main control board 50 sends "210AH" to the payout control board 100 as a payout request command, requesting to add the payout number of "10" to the credit number. Even when not winning with a hand, 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 LED76, 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 (the 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 - tile payout) is received, the payout control board 100 executes the process of adding the payout number of "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, when the credit number is "9995" and a 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 a 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 a process corresponding to the payout of electronic medals based on the winning of a role (for example, a process of displaying the number of payout electronic medals on the winning number display LED 78). On the other hand, when a 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 a process corresponding to the payout of electronic medals based on the winning of a 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 processes related to the payout of electronic medals based on the winning of a role are 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 medals 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 required to add to the credit number based on the return of the electronic medals). 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 on.

[0126] Also, when the payout control board 100 receives the return request command, it 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 echo command to the main control board 50 (sending back the received return request command to the main control board 50 as it is (the ACK response of the return request command shown in FIG. 5)).

[0127] For example, when the return request command "2203H" is received when the credit number is "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 echo 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, in a situation where the credit count is "9999" and a return request command "2203H" is received (there is a return request 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, processes to turn off the 1-bit display LED to 3-bit display LEDs and processes to make the operation of the start switch 41 unacceptable). 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 processes 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. Thereby, 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, if 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] Also, 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 (in this embodiment, “10000”). 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 back the received lending request command 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 in a situation where the credit number is “9955” and a 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, instructing 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 sends "4032H" (number of lent items "50") to the payout control board 100 as a lending request command, and then the payout control board 100 sends "4032H" (ACK response to the lending request command) to the management device 200 as a lending confirmation command, the management device 200 sends "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 number "10" corresponding to the number of lent items "50" from the numerical 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 counting request command and the upper counting 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 returned coins (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 returned coins (credit number) is represented in 16 bits. That is, the number of returned coins 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 by 8 bits (1 byte). For this reason, in this embodiment, the number of returned coins (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 (credit number "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)" as the lower count request command to the management device 200.

[0142] Also, when receiving the lower count request command, the management device 200 determines whether it can accept a return request. When it is determined that the refund request can be accepted, the management device 200 sends a down counter replay command to the payout control board 100 (sends back the received down counter request command to the payout control board 100 as it is (ACK response of the down counter 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 sends 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 down counter replay command is received (the sent down counter request command is sent back from the management device 200 as it is), the payout control board 100 sends "5103(H)" to the management device 200 as an up counter 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 sending the up counter request command.

[0144] Also, when the up counter request command is received, the management device 200 sends an up counter replay command to the payout control board 100 (sends back the received up counter request command to the payout control board 100 as it is (ACK response of the up counter request command shown in FIG. 6)). Furthermore, when the up counter replay command is received (the sent up counter request command is sent back from the management device 200 as it is), the payout control board 100 sends 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 LED76 (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 down counter request command and the up counter 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 operating the count 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] In addition, in the present embodiment, a unique ID consisting of 4-byte data is set in the credit number management CPU 105. In FIG. 7, the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID are 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 is turned on, the payout control board 100 sequentially transmits the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID to the management device 200.

[0148] In addition, 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 18 V DC) 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. 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 process according to this flowchart is ended without executing the processes after step S113. Note that in step S111, when it is determined that the counting process is being executed, the ongoing counting process is continued thereafter. 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 the 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, when it is determined in step S113 that the lending process is being executed, the process according to this flowchart is terminated without executing the processes after step S115. Note that, when it is determined in step S113 that the lending process is being executed, the ongoing lending process is then continued. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S113 that the lending process is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S115, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether or not a game machine command is being transmitted.

[0158] Here, the game machine command transmission process is a process that is executed when the result in step S118 described later is "No". Also, during the execution of the game machine command transmission process, the main routine of the payout control board 100 can be executed in parallel with this game 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 or not the game machine command transmission process is being executed is executed. And, when it is determined in step S115 that the game 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, when it is determined in step S115 that the game 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 or not the count request flag is on.

[0159] Also, when it is determined in step S116 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, when it is determined in step S116 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 or not the signal input to (received by) 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), and performs the determination process of whether the counting process is being executed prior to the determination process of whether the lending process is being executed, and performs the determination process of whether the counting request flag is on 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 electronically lent medals are returned, if they cannot be exchanged for an equivalent amount of currency, it would disadvantage 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 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 medals are always returned, eliminating the need to re-operate the counting switch 47, and thus preventing annoyance to the player.

[0165] Figures 9 and 10 show a subroutine of the main control command analysis process in step S110 of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a flowchart following Figure 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 Figure 4 can be listed. 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 returning 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 insertion 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 insertion 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 the insertion request command, the return request command, and the 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 will be "Yes" in step S133 and proceed to step S134. Also, if the received command is an operation request command (input request command, return request command, or payout request command), it will be "Yes" in step S135 and proceed to step S138 in FIG. 10. Therefore, when it is "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] And 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 of 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 will be sent to the management device 200 by the interrupt process on the payout control board 100 executed after this process.

[0171] Also, when proceeding to step S138 in FIG. 10, the payout control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is an input request command. And 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 to the input request command indicates the number of bets. Also, the maximum value of the number of bets is set to "3". When three are input, the subsequent command to 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 to the input request command.

[0172] Therefore, in step S139, a process of masking the subsequent command to the input request command with "03H (00000011B)" is executed. That is, an AND operation is performed between the subsequent command to the input request command and "03H (00000011B)". Thereby, bits other than bits D0 to D1 in the subsequent command to the input request command can be set to "0". Even if "1" enters due to noise in bits D2 to D7 in the subsequent command to the input request command, this can be set to "0", so that a number exceeding "3" cannot be 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 greater than or equal to the number of bets, the payout control board 100 proceeds to step S142 and executes a process of subtracting the number of bets from the credit number. In the next step S143, 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) is executed. 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, an AND operation is performed between the subsequent command of the payout request command and "0FH (00001111B)". 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). When it is determined that adding the number of dispensed sheets to the credit count exceeds the upper limit value of the credit count, the process proceeds to step S147, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of transmitting a non-dispensable command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the dispensing request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0178] On the other hand, when it is determined that adding the number of dispensed sheets to the credit count does not exceed the upper limit value of the credit count, the dispensing control board 100 proceeds to step S148, executes a process of adding the number of dispensed sheets to the credit count, and in the next step S149, executes a process of transmitting a dispensing replay command to the main control board 50 (sending back the received dispensing request command to the main control board 50 as it is) (ACK response to the dispensing 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 dispensing request command, the process proceeds to step S150, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether the received command is a return request command. When it is determined that the received command is a return request command, the process proceeds to step S151, and the dispensing 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 returned sheets. Also, since the maximum value of the bet number is "3", the maximum value of the number of returned sheets 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 returned sheets 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 number.

[0180] Therefore, in step S151, a process is executed to mask the subsequent command of the return request command with "03H (00000011B)". That is, an AND operation is performed between the subsequent command of the return request command and "03H (00000011B)". 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. 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. 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 the 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 is 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 repeat 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 repeat 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 contrary, 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 repeat 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 payout 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 payout 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 items to be paid out. 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 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. 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 payout 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] FIG. 12 shows a subroutine of the counting process in step S117 of FIG. 8. Note that the "counting process 1" in FIG. 12 indicates that it is a part of the counting process in step S117 of FIG. 8. The other part of the counting process is illustrated in FIG. 24 (referred to as "counting process 2") which will be described later. When it is determined in step S116 of FIG. 8 that the counting request flag is on, the process proceeds to step S117 of FIG. 8. Thereby, the counting process in FIG. 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 as to 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 as to whether a management device command has been received. And 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 is executed as to whether the received command matches the transmitted command. That is, a determination process is executed as to whether the transmitted upper count request command is returned as it is from the management device 200 (the upper count replay command is received).

[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 as to 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 there 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 there is no timeout, the process of step S187 is executed again.

[0194] Also, in step S188, when it is determined that the received command matches the transmitted command (the transmitted upper count request command is returned 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 does not match the transmitted command, 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". 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 as "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, the 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 check whether the setting key switch 12 is on or not.

[0197] Here, in step S202, when it is determined that the setting key switch 12 is on, the process proceeds to step S203 to execute the setting change process. Then, when the setting change process ends, the process proceeds to step S211. On the contrary, in step S202, when it is determined that the setting key switch 12 is off, the process proceeds to step S204 to execute the game resume process. 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. When it is determined to be 3 - bet, the process proceeds to step S205, and when it is determined to be 1 - bet, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0198] When proceeding to step S205, a 3 - bet process (Figure 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 (Figure 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. When it is determined to be start, the process proceeds to step S207, and when it is determined to be cancel, the process proceeds to step S210. When proceeding to step S207, a game start process (Figure 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 for 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 for 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 for 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. Another part of the power-on process is illustrated in FIG. 22 (referred to as "power-on process 2") 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 this FIG. 14 and FIGS. 15 to 21 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 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. And 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 sending a startup confirmation command to the payout control board 100. And 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 sent 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 sent, or if an error command is sent 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" when the startup confirmation command is first sent. Note that the initial value of the retransmission counter is not limited to "2", and for example, it may be "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 an error process. 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 to the main control board 50 as it is (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 commands 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 the 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, it determines with the displayed setting value. And when the setting value change in progress process ends, it proceeds to step S313.

[0209] On the contrary, 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 the process of transmitting the setting change start command to the payout control board 100 again. Also, when proceeding to step S313, the main control board 50 executes the 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 process is a process of 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 process is a process of 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 on the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In FIG. 16, the left flowchart shows the flow of three-coin processing on the main control board 50, and the right flowchart shows the flow of three-coin processing on 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 on 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 or not 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 is terminated. 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 (timeout occurs) even 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-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. Thereafter, the payout control board 100 executes the same processes as in steps S421 and S422 in steps S423 and S424, and steps S425 and S426. That is, the same processes as in steps S421 and S422 are repeatedly executed three times. Then, the process 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 electronic medals have been bet. When it is determined that a prescribed number of electronic medals have been bet, the process according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that a prescribed number of electronic medals 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 to the payout control board 100 as an insert request command. 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 replay 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 returned as it is 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, the process proceeds to the process of step S212 shown in FIG. 13.

[0222] On the other hand, if the single-insert replay command is not received (time-out occurs) even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the single-insert request command was sent in step S333, or if an error command is sent from the payout control board 100 (there is a NAK response), the process 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 for receiving the single-insert request command sent from the main control board 50. When receiving the single-insert request command, the process 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 (sending back the received single-insert request command to the main control board 50 as it is) (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. Note that when the process according to this flowchart ends, the process proceeds to step S208 shown in FIG. 13. On the other hand, if no ACK response is received (a timeout occurs) even 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 a 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. 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 to send 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 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 game end processing in the main control board 50, and the right flowchart shows the flow of game end processing in the payout control board 100. Also, in FIG. 19, the 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 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. When it is determined that the third stop switch 42 is not off, the processing according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, 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 to transmit 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] And 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 (time-out occurs) even 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 to receive the game end + game state command transmitted from the main control board 50. And 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). And 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 side in Fig. 20 will be described. The flowchart shown on the left side 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 the process of sending 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 sent from the payout control board 100 (ACK response to the payout request command).

[0234] When the payout repeat command is received (the sent 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 contrary, if the payout repeat command is not received (timeout occurs) even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the payout request command was sent in step S371, or an error command is sent 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 sending the payout request command to the payout control board 100 again.

[0235] Next, the payout process on the payout control board 100 shown on the right side 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 sent 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 sending 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] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the return process in the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. In Figure 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 Figure 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 in Figure 21 will be described. The flowchart shown on the left in Figure 20 shows the subroutine of the return process in step S210 of Figure 13. In step S341, the main control board 50 executes a determination process as to whether there are any bet electronic medals. And when it is determined that there are no bet electronic medals, the processing according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that there are bet electronic medals, if 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. And 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] And 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 processing according to this flowchart. Note that when the processing according to this flowchart ends, the process returns to the processing of step S211 shown in Figure 13. On the other hand, if the return confirmation command is not received (a timeout occurs) even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the return request command was sent in step S343, or if an error command is sent 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 sending 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 also 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 the 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 payout 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 payout 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 of the 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 process during the lending process is 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 the process of turning off the lending available LED, the process of disabling the operation of the lending switch 202 (unacceptable), and the 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 lit, it indicates that the lending of electronic medals is possible, and when 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 repeat command to be sent from the payout control board 100 (ACK response to the lending request command).

[0250] Then, when the lending repeat command is received (the sent 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 by the payout control board 100 and proceeds to the next step S615. Also, when an error command is sent from the payout control board 100 (there is a NAK response), the process proceeds to step S617. Furthermore, if the lending repeat command is not received (a timeout occurs) even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the lending request command was sent 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 sends 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 sent from the management device 200. Then, 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 adding the number of lent items (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. 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 number of lent items 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 confirmation 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 when the number of lent items is added 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 processes during the counting process are illustrated in detail. On the other hand, in the counting process 2 in the dispensing 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 dispensing 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 dispensing control board 100 shown on the left side in FIGS. 24 and 25 will be described. In step S181, the dispensing control board 100 transmits a lower counting request command to the management device 200. Then, it proceeds to step S533. In step S533, the dispensing control board 100 executes a response waiting process. This process is to wait 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 dispensing control board 100 determines that there is 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, it proceeds to step S194, and the dispensing 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 dispensing 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 dispensing control board 100 executes a response waiting process. This process is to wait 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 from the management device 200 for the upper count request command, and proceeds to step S189. On the contrary, 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 the process of setting the 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, the process of clearing the credit number (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 command reception processing. This processing is the processing of receiving the 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 lendable LED, a process of disabling (making unacceptable) the operation of the lending switch 202, and a process of disabling (making unacceptable) the operation of the return switch 203. 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 an upper count request command transmitted from the payout control board 100. Then, when the upper 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 an upper count request command. Here, in step S639, when it is determined that the received command is a high-order count request command, the process proceeds to step S641, and the management device 200 executes a process of storing (saving) the received high-order count request command in a predetermined storage area. Then, the process proceeds to step S642. On the other hand, in step S639, when it is determined that the received command is not a high-order count request command, the process proceeds to step S640, and the management device 200 transmits 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 transmitting a high-order count replay command to the payout control board 100 (sending back the received high-order 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 low-order count request command and the high-order 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 process 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. However, 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, a preceding command or a subsequent command constituting these commands is taken as one unit, and waveforms of its data signal and strobe signal 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 D0 bit (DB0) to 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 ON / OFF of each signal at the time of lending electronic medals. In FIG. 23, commands transmitted and received between the payout control board 100 and the management device 200 at the time of lending electronic medals are shown. However, 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 operating state changes from the standby state to the normal state. Note that the normal state means a state in which the management device 200 can lend out electronic medals and the game can proceed on the slot machine 10.

[0277] When the operation (turning 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. Thereafter, the leading command and the subsequent command of the lending request command are sequentially transmitted from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10. Thereafter, the leading command and the subsequent command of the lending reply command are sequentially transmitted from the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 to the management device 200. Thereafter, the leading command and the subsequent command of the 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 (payout return) 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. However, 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. 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 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 (turn-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. Thereafter, the leading command and the subsequent 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. Thereafter, the leading command and the subsequent 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] Thereafter, the leading command and the subsequent 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. Thereafter, the leading command and the subsequent 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. Thereafter, the leading command and the subsequent 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 as follows are possible, for example. (1) In this embodiment, it is assumed that the various commands shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 are 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, and 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, and 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-piece 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, and a three-piece 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, and 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 the payout number being "0" to the payout control board 100 when the third stop switch 42 changes from on to off even when there is no winning combination. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a payout request command may not be transmitted when there is no winning combination.

[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 the "rotary gaming machine" (so-called "pachislot machine") installed in the No. 4 business establishment subject to the Amusement Business Act, and can be applied to, for example, casino machines. Further, the present invention may be applied to pachinko machines. (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 a gaming medium (gaming value) for the game, and the gaming medium used for the game in a medal-less gaming machine may simply be referred to as a "medal". Therefore, when referring to a "medal", it may refer not only to a medal as a physical object but also to a medal as an intangible object (for example, electronic data). In addition, a medal as an intangible object may be referred to as a gaming medium, gaming value, score (or simply "points"), electronic medal, electronic data, electronic information, electronic gaming medium, 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 a "gaming medium".

[0287] "Lending" means transmitting the gaming medium necessary for the game from the lending unit 200 to the gaming machine 10. "Credit" means storing (retaining, crediting) the gaming medium in the gaming machine 10. "The gaming medium with credit" corresponds to the data stored in the RWM103 of the gaming medium number control board 100. "Betting" means wagering the gaming medium to play the 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 medium number control board 100. "Betting" is also referred to as "inserting". Note that "inserting" does not only refer to actually putting physical medals into the gaming machine through the medal insertion slot, but also includes betting the gaming medium (electronic medal) by operating the bet switch 40.

[0288] "Settlement" 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 settlement switch 46. "Settlement" may be referred to as "return" or "cancellation". Therefore, the "settlement switch 46" may be referred to as the "return switch 46" or the "cancellation 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) of the RWM103 of the gaming media number control board 100 is subtracted by the bet number. On the other hand, when the settlement 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 at the time of winning of the small combination in the "payout (process)". 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 gaming media from the lending unit 200 means storing the number of gaming media stored in the lending unit 200 in a gaming 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 gaming media stored in the lending unit 200 in the gaming media number storage medium, a reader / writer is used (the lending unit 200 has a built-in reader / writer). As described above, it was explained that "settlement" may be referred to as "return". However, when referring to "return" in the second embodiment, it means storing the number of gaming media stored in the lending unit 200 in the gaming 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 7 segments. And the "7 segments" means having 7 segment elements and a DP (decimal point) segment in addition.

[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, the control board (main, sub, etc.) may be referred to as the "control means". Furthermore, the CPU may be referred to as the "control means".

[0294] 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". 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). 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 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 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 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), the number of times the accessory 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] In 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. In addition, 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 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, even 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 will be 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 minor prize, 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 is updated (subtracted) by the number of game media corresponding to the bet number.

[0305] In addition, a game medium number display board 120 is electrically connected to the game medium number control board 100. A game medium number display section 121 is mounted on this game medium number display board 120. The game medium number display section 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" will be displayed on the game medium number display section 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 bet number in the bet number storage means 53a. When the bet number stored in the bet number storage means 53a is updated from "0" to "3", the display (lower digit) of the bet number display section 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 section 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 bet number to "0"). When the settlement switch 46 is operated before operating the start switch 41 (before starting the game) in a situation where the bet number is stored in the bet number storage means 53a and the bet number is displayed on the bet number display section 77, the bet number 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 bet number stored in the bet number storage means 53a is updated from "3" to "0". As a result, the display of the bet number display section 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 bet number "3") 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 this settlement signal, it updates the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means 103a from "97" to "100". As a result, the display on 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 bet number to "0"). Therefore, even if the settlement switch 46 is operated, the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means 103a is not subtracted. Also, even if the settlement switch 46 is operated in a situation where the bet number is not stored in the bet number storage means 53a, the bet number 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 bet number stored in the bet number storage means 53a is "0". Further, if the bet number stored in the bet number storage means 53a is "0", the settlement processing is not started, and if the bet number 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 bet number stored in the bet number storage means 53a is "0", the situation where the settlement switch 46 is operated is relatively less. Therefore, by determining whether the settlement switch 46 is operated first, it is possible to reduce the processing burden.

[0311] When the start switch 41 is operated under the condition that the number of bets is "3", the number of bets 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 section 77 is also updated to "0".

[0312] In this 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 section 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 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 section 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 of the next game (when the game starts), 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 section 78 is also updated to "0".

[0314] Note that the game medium number display section 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 →... Note that 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 granted number display unit 78. In this case, the error information may be displayed on the granted number display unit 78 after the display of the granted number of gaming media. For example, as described above, when the granted number is "8", after the granted number display unit 78 displays (counts up) from "00" → "01" → "02" →... "07" → "08", an example of a 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 under the condition that "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, in the lendable gaming medium number storage means 206 of the lending unit 200, "50" is stored as the number of lendable gaming media. When the total gaming medium number clear switch 112 is operated when the number of gaming media stored in the gaming medium number storage means 103a is "1000", the number of lendable gaming media stored in the lendable gaming medium number storage means 206 remains "50", but the number of gaming media stored in the gaming medium number storage means 103a becomes "0". In other words, the number of lendable gaming media stored in the lendable gaming medium number storage means 206 is not cleared by operating the total gaming medium number clear switch 112.

[0320] The total gaming medium number 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 number clear switch 112 is arranged at a position where the player cannot operate it, for example, on the gaming medium number 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 number of gaming media is cleared by operating the total gaming medium number clear switch 112, the total gaming medium number clear status is turned on and maintained until the end of one game, and the total gaming medium number clear status is turned off after the end of the one game. The information on the total gaming medium number clear status may be transmitted to the lending unit 200. When the lending unit 200 receives information that the total gaming medium number clear status is on, the total gaming medium number stored in the lending unit 200 is cleared. Also, when lent gaming media are provided from the lending unit 200 in a situation where the total gaming medium number clear status is on in the gaming machine 10, the total gaming medium number clear status remains on, and the number of lent gaming media is added to the gaming medium number storage means 103a newly.

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

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

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

[0324] The winning ratio monitor 113 displays a predetermined ratio and is composed of, for example, 4-digit LEDs (with 7 segments (including the DP segment)). In the second embodiment, the interrupt period of the gaming media number control board 100 is set to "1" ms. The interrupt period of the main control board 50 is "2.235" ms. Then, 4 interrupts form one cycle, and the 4-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 cycle.

[0325] When the LED display counter is 「00000001(B)」, the one's place LED of the ratio monitor 113 can be lit (the other LEDs are off). When the LED display counter is 「00000010(B)」, the ten's place LED of the ratio monitor 113 can be lit (the other LEDs are off). When the LED display counter is 「00000100(B)」, the hundred's place LED of the ratio monitor 113 can be lit (the other LEDs are off). When the LED display counter is 「00001000(B)」, the thousand's place LED of the ratio monitor 113 can be lit (the other LEDs are off).

[0326] Of the four LEDs that make up the ratio monitor 113, the two LEDs on the left (thousand's and hundred's places) are called 「identification segments」 and display the information type. Also, the two LEDs on the right (ten's and one's places) 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-instrument ratio (cumulative) (7P.), or favorable interval ratio (cumulative) (7U.) (2) Consecutive instrument ratio (6000 games) (6y.) (3) Instrument ratio (6000 games) (7y.) (4) Consecutive instrument ratio (cumulative) (6A.) (5) Instrument ratio (cumulative) (7A.) (6) Instrument and other state ratio (cumulative) (5H.)

[0327] When displaying any ratio using the identification segment and the ratio segment, the DP segment in the ones place of the identification segment is lit to clarify the boundary between the identification segment and the ratio segment. At this time, the DP segments in the tens place of the identification segment, the tens place of the ratio segment, and the ones place are not lit. In the above notation, for example, "P." means that "P" is displayed by the 7-segment in the ones place of the identification segment, and the DP segment of the 7-segment is lit.

[0328] For example, when displaying the ratio of the instructed accessory (cumulative), when the ratio is "50"%, the symbol "7P." indicating the ratio of the instructed accessory (cumulative) is displayed in the identification segment, and "50" is displayed in the ratio segment. Here, "cumulative" refers to the sum of the continuously counted numerical values. In this embodiment, it is counted until at least "175,000" game times are reached. Note that even after reaching "175,000" game times or more, addition continues until the value (upper limit value) that can be stored in the storage area at the predetermined address of RWM103 is reached. Also, "6,000 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 Instructed Accessories (Cumulative) The "ratio of instructed accessories (cumulative)" is a ratio with the cumulative number of grants (the "number of grants" refers to the number of grants of the game medium. The same applies hereinafter) as the denominator and the sum of the cumulative number of grants at the time of accessory operation (RB, CB, SB) and the cumulative number of instruction grants at the time of operation of the instruction function 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 number of grants at the time of accessory operation and the storage area for storing the number of instruction grants are provided separately. Secondly, when a single storage area (instruction accessory counter) for storing both the number of grants at the time of accessory operation and the number of grants at the time of operation of the instruction function (hereinafter referred to as "instruction accessory grants") is provided, it corresponds to the value of the single storage area.

[0330] For example, when the number of gaming times is 175,000 or more, the cumulative award number is 200,000, and the cumulative number of awarded designated accessory items is 100,000, the ratio of designated accessory items is calculated as 50. Note that "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative of all games. For example, when the cumulative award number reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, 1,677,215), or when the result of adding the number of gaming times of this game to the cumulative number of gaming times exceeds the upper limit value, in subsequent games, the cumulative award number, and the total of the cumulative number of awarded items when the accessory operates and the cumulative number of designated awards are not updated.

[0331] In addition, "activation of the indication 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 (indicated). 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 an accessory, the "ratio of designated accessory items" is the value obtained by dividing the cumulative number of designated awards given by the activation of the indication function by the total number of awards.

[0332] Regarding the "number of awards in the game where the indication function is activated", in the game where the indication 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 number of 15 wins, 15 is added to the number of awarded designated accessory items and the total number of awards. On the contrary, in the game where the indication 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 number of 3 wins, 3 is added to the number of awarded designated accessory items and the total number of awards. Also, in the game where the indication 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 number of awarded designated accessory items and the total number of awards 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 the winning combination is missed, the process of adding "0" to the number of assigned special winning combination items with instructions 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 section ratio (cumulative) The "advantageous section ratio (cumulative)" is a ratio with the cumulative number of games as the denominator and the cumulative number of games in the advantageous section as the numerator. For example, when the cumulative number of games is "20000" and the cumulative number of games in the advantageous section is "18000", the advantageous section 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 games reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "65535"), in subsequent games, the cumulative number of games and the number of games in the advantageous section are configured not to be updated. Either the above-mentioned "ratio of special winning combination items with instructions (cumulative)" or "advantageous section ratio (cumulative)" is displayed according to the specifications of the gaming machine 10. Specifically, in a gaming machine equipped with an instruction function, the "ratio of special winning combination items with instructions (cumulative)" is displayed, and the display of the "advantageous section ratio (cumulative)" is unnecessary. On the other hand, in a gaming machine without an instruction function, the "advantageous section ratio (cumulative)" is displayed, and the "ratio of special winning combination items with instructions (cumulative)" is not displayed.

[0335] (3) Consecutive special winning combination ratio (6000 games), consecutive special winning combination ratio (cumulative) The "consecutive special winning combination ratio (6000 games)" is a ratio with the number of assigned items in 6000 games as the denominator and the number of assigned items when the consecutive special winning combination (RB) is activated during 6000 games as the numerator. In addition, the "consecutive special winning combination ratio (cumulative)" is a ratio with the number of assigned items in the cumulative number of games as the denominator and the number of assigned items when the consecutive special winning combination (RB) is activated in the cumulative number of games as the numerator. For example, when the cumulative number of games is a predetermined number or more (for example, 17500 times) and the number of assigned items in the cumulative number of games is "20000" and the number of assigned items when the consecutive special winning combination is activated in the cumulative number of games is "10000", the consecutive special winning combination ratio (cumulative) is calculated as "50". Note that "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative total of all games. For example, when the cumulative number of awards reaches a predetermined upper limit value (e.g., "65535"), or when adding the number of awards in the current 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 awarded during continuous operation of the accessory are configured not to be updated.

[0336] (4) Accessory ratio (6000 games), accessory ratio (cumulative) The "accessory ratio (6000 games)" is a ratio with the number of awards in 6000 game plays as the denominator and the number of awards when the accessory (RB, CB, SB) operates during 6000 game plays as the numerator. Also, the "accessory 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 the accessory (RB, CB, SB) operates in 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 the accessory operates is "10000", the accessory ratio (cumulative) is calculated as "50". Note that "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative total of all games. For example, when the cumulative number of awards reaches a predetermined upper limit value (e.g., "65535"), or when adding the number of awards in the current 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 awarded during cumulative operation of the accessory are configured not to be updated.

[0337] (5) Accessory status ratio (cumulative) The "accessory status ratio (cumulative)" is a ratio with the cumulative number of game plays as the denominator and the number of game plays when the accessory (RB, CB, SB) is operating or the number of game plays when the continuous accessory (1BB, 2BB) is operating as the numerator. For example, when the cumulative number of game plays is "20000" and the number of game plays when the accessory operates or the continuous accessory operates is "5000", the accessory 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 preset upper limit value (for example, "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 accessory operation, 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 "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 "continuous accessory ratio (cumulative)", the ratio segment is lit and displayed as "--".

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

[0340] The identification segment and ratio segment of the accessory ratio monitor 113 may be blinked and displayed. First, when the ratio is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the ratio segment is blinked and displayed. The threshold value (%) for each ratio is as follows. (1) Instruction input accessory ratio (cumulative) or advantageous interval 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 special item ratio (cumulative) is "69", the "69" in the ratio segment is lit when displaying the instructed special item ratio (cumulative), while 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 special item ratio (cumulative) or advantageous section ratio (cumulative): 175,000 (2) Consecutive special item ratio (6,000 games): 6,000 (3) Special item ratio (6,000 games): 6,000 (4) Consecutive special item ratio (cumulative): 17,500 (5) Special item ratio (cumulative): 17,500 (6) Status ratio of special items 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 special item ratio (6,000 games). On the contrary, for example, when the cumulative number of games is "5,999", the identification segment (6y.) blinks when displaying the consecutive special item 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 a 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 blink 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. Furthermore, the blink 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 "blink switching flag (_FL_CHG_FLS)" (1 byte). The blink 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 blink 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 blink 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 blink 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 blink switching time, when the carry flag is "1", the blink switching flag is not updated, and when the carry flag is "0", the blink switching flag is updated. Thereby, the blink switching flag is switched every "300" ms. Specifically, it is as follows. Example 1) When the blink switching flag is "0" (lit), it becomes "1" (extinguished) when the update process is performed. Example 2) When the blink 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 confirm whether the segment elements of each LED are operating normally. The test pattern displays "8.8.8.8." (for all segment elements of all LEDs, including segment DP) until the number of times the above carry flag becomes "0" reaches "16" after power-on, 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 (every 1 ms), strictly speaking, not all four LEDs are lit simultaneously.

[0348] After displaying the test pattern for "4800" ms, it shifts to the display of the above (1) advantageous section ratio (cumulative) or designated accessory ratio (cumulative) to (6) accessory status ratio (cumulative). (1) to (6) are each displayed for "4800" ms and repeated. Therefore, Power-on ↓ (0) Test pattern display (4800 ms) ↓ (1) Designated 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) Designated accessory ratio (cumulative) or advantageous section ratio (cumulative) display (4800 ms) ↓ : It becomes as follows. 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 and the ratio segment are 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 the ratio is set as T2, T2 = T1 × 2 × n (n is a natural number) If it is set like this, the switching timing between lighting and extinguishing and the switching timing of the test pattern display or the ratio display can be made to coincide, 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 favorable 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.) ↓ Favorable interval ratio (lit for 300 ms) ↓ Favorable 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 going out before "300" ms has elapsed. Furthermore, after starting the lighting display of any information, it is possible to prevent the information from disappearing immediately (which may cause it to be misrecognized as being faulty).

[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 in the first embodiment (FIG. 1), the description thereof will be omitted. However, the RWM83, ROM84, and CPU85 of the sub-control board 80 may sometimes be referred to as the sub-control RWM83, sub-control ROM84, and sub-control CPU85, 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 in 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 performing two-way communication between the gaming machine 10 and the lending unit 200.

[0353] The lending unit 200 corresponds to the management device 200 in the first embodiment (FIG. 1). 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. For example, it is composed of 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. For example, it is composed of 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 game media "400" is stored in the lendable game media number storage means 206, when the lend switch 202 is operated and in the specification where "50" game 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 game media stored in the game media number storage means 103a. On the other hand, the number of lendable game media in the lendable game media number storage means 206 is updated from "400" to "350".

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

[0357] Therefore, in the above case, by operating the counting switch 47, the number of gaming media stored in the gaming media number storage means 103a is transmitted to the lending unit 200, and the number of gaming media is stored in the lendable gaming media number storage means 206. After that, if the return switch 203 is operated, the number of gaming media stored in the lendable gaming media number storage means 206 is stored in the gaming media number storage medium and discharged from the lending unit 200. When the number of gaming media stored in the lendable gaming media number storage means 206 is stored in the gaming media number storage medium, the lendable gaming media number stored in the lendable gaming 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 parts: the message length, command, serial number (serial number, counting serial number, or lending serial number), data part, and checksum, and is composed of 1-byte data. For example, when the message length is 1 byte, the command is 1 byte, the serial number is 1 byte, the data part is 14 bytes, and the checksum is 1 byte, the message is 18 bytes, and the message length corresponds to the 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, counting notification, lending notification, and lending receipt result response, and is composed of 1-byte data. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the command for the gaming machine information notification is set to "01h", the command for the counting notification is set to "02h", the command for the lending notification is set to "13h", and the command for the lending receipt result response is set to "03h". The receiving side of the message can identify the type of the message by determining the value of the command.

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

[0363] (4) Data part The "data part" corresponds to the data corresponding to the gaming machine information notification, counting notification, lending notification, and lending receipt result response. Details of the data part 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 the set value can be confirmed or during the setting change mode where the set value 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 illegal 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 illegal 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 illegal 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 ranges of the above-mentioned transmission cycles do not take random values each time, but are transmitted with pre-determined values.

[0368] Figure 31 is a diagram for explaining the specific configurations of the gaming machine performance information, the gaming machine installation information, and the hall computer's illegal 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 total number of insertions below. a) Total number of insertions "Total Input Count" refers to the cumulative number of gaming media input since the power was turned on. In the event of a power outage and subsequent power-on, "0" may be output as the total input count. For example, in a total of "1000" games, if the cumulative number of gaming media input is "2000", the total input count will be "2000", and "2000" may be output as the total input count. If a power outage occurs and then the power is turned on, "0" may be output as the total input count. When winning a replay by means of a winning combination lottery and the symbol combination corresponding to the replay stops being displayed, the bet amount for the next game of that game is not included in the total input count.

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

[0370] c) MY (Difference) "MY" is also referred to as "difference" or "difference count". "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 after 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 most reduced when the game result 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 called "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 to 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)) after 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 supply was turned on. When a power failure occurs and then the power supply is turned on, "0" may 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" may be output as the total number of consecutive accessory awards. And when a power failure occurs and then the power supply is turned on, "0" may 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.

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

[0374] h) Advantageous interval ratio As described above, it is the value of the advantageous interval ratio (cumulative) displayed by the accessory ratio monitor 113. When the cumulative number of games is less than a predetermined number (for example, 175,000 games), it is configured to output "FFh" as the advantageous interval ratio. Also, even for gaming machines without an advantageous interval, it is configured to output "FFh". i) Specified accessory ratio As described above, it is the value of the instructed winning combination ratio (cumulative) displayed by the role ratio monitor 113. When the cumulative number of game plays is less than a predetermined number of times (for example, 175,000 times), it is configured to output "FFh" as the instructed winning combination ratio. Also, even in a gaming machine that does not have...

Claims

【Claim 1】 The main control means enables execution of a setting confirmation mode in which a set value can be displayed, when a communication abnormality occurs between the gaming machine and the lending unit in a situation where the main control means can execute the setting confirmation mode, the main control means does not execute the setting confirmation mode even when the setting key is turned on. A gaming machine characterized by this.

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