Game machine

Abstract

To improve a behavior when a power interruption occurs during a revolution of a reel, or when the electric power returns thereafter.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a stop switch lamp 42a which lights up in a blue color when a stop switch is in a stop acceptable state, and lights up in a red color when the stop switch is in a stop inacceptable state. When the electric power returns from a power interruption, the stop switch lamp 42a lights up in a red color at a timing T11. At the timing T11, a reel 31 is hard to be seen, and the reel 31 becomes visible at a timing T12. The reel 31 stops at the timing T12. At a timing T13, a medal number display device 121 displays the number of medals, and then the reel 31 is rotated at a timing T15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 301

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

[0004] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a better gaming machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by the following means (the configuration of the corresponding embodiment is shown in parentheses). The invention as originally claimed in this application corresponds to Original Invention 5 among Original Inventions 1 to 10 described below. The present invention (17th embodiment) is An image display device (23) capable of displaying a transparent image on the visible area of ​​the reel ("L3 x L4" in Figure 297) is provided, a stop switch lamp (42a) that can be lit in a first color (blue) when the stop switch (42) is in a stop-acceptable state and can be lit in a second color (red) when the stop switch is in a stop-unacceptable state; When a power outage occurs (timing T02 in FIG. 298) while a predetermined stop switch lamp corresponding to a predetermined reel (31) is lit in a first color, and then when power is restored (timing T10 in FIG. 301), the predetermined stop switch lamp lights up in a second color at a first timing (timing T11 in FIG. 301), At the first timing, the reels are hard to see, At the second timing (timing T12 in FIG. 301) after the first timing, the reels are visible. At the second timing, the predetermined reel is stopped, After the second timing (timing T13 in FIG. 301), the number of game media can be displayed on the game media number display device, and then (timing T15 in FIG. 301), a predetermined reel can be rotated. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, a better gaming machine can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of control of a slot machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a power supply path in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a power supply path in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of commands (main control commands) sent from the main control board to the dispensing control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of commands (dispensing control commands) sent from the dispensing control board to the main control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of commands (management device commands) sent from the management device to the dispensing control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of commands (gaming machine commands) transmitted from the payout control board to the management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a main routine in the dispensing control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart showing the process of analyzing a main control command in step S110 of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control command analysis process in step S110 of FIG. 8, and is a flowchart continued from FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the lending process in step S119 of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 9 is a flowchart showing the process of counting in step S117 of FIG. 8. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a main routine on a main control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the power-on process in the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing the flow of setting change processing in the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a three-coin bet process on the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a one-coin bet process on the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of game start processing on the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of game ending processing on the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the payout process in the main control board and the payout control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the return process in the main control board and the dispensing control board in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the power-on process in the dispensing control board and management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of lending processing in the dispensing control board and management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the counting process in the dispensing control board and management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 25] 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the counting process in the dispensing control board and management device in the first embodiment, and is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the waveforms of the data signal and strobe signal in serial communication between the dispensing control board and the management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 27] 10 is a timing chart showing the on / off of each signal when an electronic medal is lent in the first embodiment. [Figure 28] 10 is a timing chart showing the on / off of each signal when counting (refunding) electronic medals in the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an outline of control of the gaming machine in the second embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a telegram between a gaming machine and a rental unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating gaming machine performance information, gaming machine installation information, hall control and fraud monitoring information in the second embodiment. [Figure 32] 10 is a time chart showing a basic communication sequence in the second embodiment. [Figure 33]10 is a time chart showing Example 1 of a start-up sequence (when the gaming machine is started first) in the second embodiment. [Figure 34] 10 is a time chart showing Example 2 of the startup sequence (when the rental unit starts up first) in the second embodiment. [Figure 35] 10 is a time chart showing a basic sequence of a gaming machine information notification in the second embodiment. [Figure 36] 10 is a time chart showing a counting notification sequence in the second embodiment. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart showing a counting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 38] 10 is a time chart showing a lending notification sequence in the second embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a gaming machine information notification timer and a gaming machine information notification request flag in the second embodiment. [Figure 40] 10 is a time chart showing an update sequence of a gaming machine information notification timer in the second embodiment. [Figure 41] 10 is a flowchart showing gaming machine information management in the second embodiment. [Figure 42] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the built-in memory of the main CPU 55 in the third embodiment, where (A) shows an overview of the built-in memory and (B) shows the built-in register area. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of an F register. [Figure 44] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a stack area in the third embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing main instructions in the third embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating aspects of an LDF instruction and an LD instruction. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 illustrates aspects of a CALLEX instruction. [Figure 48] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of a conventional CALL instruction and a RET instruction. [Figure 49]10 is a flowchart showing a program start (M_PRG_SET) in the third embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a CALLEX instruction and a jump instruction are used. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an outline of the control of the gaming machine in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a memory map of an internal memory in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 53] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing division of regions in the fourth embodiment, where (A) shows Example 1 and (B) shows Example 2. FIG. [Figure 54] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating communication between areas in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a program (example 1) for control areas 1 to 3. [Figure 56] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a program (example 2) for control areas 1 to 3. [Figure 57] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a program (example 3) for control areas 1 to 3. [Figure 58] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the programs of control areas 1 to 3. [Figure 59] 13 is a flowchart showing the game media number awarding process of the main control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 60] 13 is a flowchart showing a game media number providing process of the game media number control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 61] 13 is a flowchart showing an interrupt process (I_INTR) of the game media count control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 62] 62 is a flowchart showing input port read processing (I_IN_READ) in step S801 of FIG. 61. [Figure 63] 62 is a flowchart showing gaming machine information management (I_INF_CTL) in step S802 of FIG. 61. [Figure 64] 64 is a flowchart showing the hole control / fraud monitoring information set (I_INF_INJ) in step S823 of FIG. 63. [Figure 65] 64 is a flowchart showing the gaming machine performance information set (I_INF_ABI) in step S824 of FIG. 63. [Figure 66] 64 is a flowchart showing the gaming machine installation information set (I_INF_INS) in step S825 of FIG. 63. [Figure 67] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an update sequence of a gaming machine information notification timer in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 68] 62 is a flowchart showing count control (I_CAL_CTL) in step S803 of FIG. 61. [Figure 69] 62 is a flowchart showing Example 1 of the lending control (I_LEN_CTL) in step S805 of FIG. 61. [Figure 70] 62 is a flowchart showing Example 2 of the lending control (I_LEN_CTL) in step S805 of FIG. 61. [Figure 71] 62 is a flowchart showing Example 3 of the lending control (I_LEN_CTL) in step S805 of FIG. 61. [Figure 72] 62 is a flowchart showing Example 4 of the lending control (I_LEN_CTL) in step S805 of FIG. 61. [Figure 73] 13 is a flowchart showing a first example of threshold processing by the main control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 74] 13 is a flowchart showing a second example of threshold processing by the main control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 75] 13 is a flowchart showing a first example of a threshold notification process of the sub-control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 76] 13 is a flowchart showing a second example of a threshold notification process of the sub-control means in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 77] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a gaming machine in a sixth embodiment. [Figure 78] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a memory area provided in the medal count control RWM in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 79]FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a memory area provided in the medal count control RWM in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 80] 13 is a flowchart showing a ratio calculation process in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 81] 13 is a flowchart showing a ratio calculation process in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 82] This is a flowchart showing the calculation of the ratio per 400 games in step S691 in Figure 81. [Figure 83] This is a flowchart showing the calculation of the ratio per 400 games in step S691 in Figure 81. [Figure 84] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the transition of the difference number and MY in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 85] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the relationship between the transition of the difference counter and the MY counter and the power on / off in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 86] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow from power-on to main processing in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 87] 87 is a flowchart showing the error processing in step S543 of FIG. 86. [Figure 88] 87 is a flowchart showing the complete function calculation process in step S555 of FIG. 86. [Figure 89] In the sixth embodiment, (a) is a diagram showing an image that notifies the user of the activation of the complete function, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of an image displaying the activation of the complete function. [Figure 90] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a memory area for transmitting gaming machine performance information and a memory area for transmitting gaming machine installation information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 91] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a storage area for transmitting hole control and fraud monitoring information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 92] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the medal count control CPU in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 93] 13 is a flowchart showing interrupt processing by the medal count control CPU in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 94] This is a flowchart showing the gaming machine information management in step S244 in Figure 93. [Figure 95] 13 is a time chart showing an update sequence of a gaming machine information notification timer in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 96] 13 is a time chart showing an update sequence of a gaming machine information notification timer in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 97] 13 is a flowchart showing generation of gaming machine performance information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 98] 13 is a flowchart showing the processing when a ratio is stored in a memory area for transmitting gaming machine performance information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 99] 99 is a flowchart showing the ratio update process in step S524 of FIG. 98. [Figure 100] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing the transmission and reception of commands between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU in the seventh embodiment, where (a) shows an overview and (b) shows the content of the command. [Figure 101] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of transmission and reception of a bet request command and a bet request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 102] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of transmission and reception of a bet request command and a bet request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 103] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example in which a bet request command is not transmitted in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 104] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of transmission and reception of a settlement request command and a settlement request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 105] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of transmission and reception of a settlement request command and a settlement request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 106] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmission and reception of an grant request command and a grant request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 107] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmission and reception of an grant request command and a grant request response command in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 108]13 is a flowchart showing a main control process in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 109] 108. This is a flowchart showing the game start setting process in step S932 of FIG. [Figure 110] 109 is a flowchart showing the bet waiting process in step S933 of FIG. [Figure 111] 109 is a flowchart showing the settlement process in step S935 of FIG. [Figure 112] 113 is a flowchart showing the waiting time for receiving a request response command from the medal count control CPU 520 in step S975 of FIG. [Figure 113] 109 is a flowchart showing the bet process in step S936 of FIG. [Figure 114] 109 is a flowchart showing the assignment process in step S945 of FIG. [Figure 115] 13 is a flowchart showing main control interrupt processing by the main control CPU in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 116] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the medal count control CPU (medal count control main processing) in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 117] 117 is a flowchart showing the main control command receiving process in step S1062 of FIG. [Figure 118] 118 is a flowchart showing the bet request command receiving process in step S1077 of FIG. [Figure 119] 118 is a flowchart showing the settlement request command reception process in step S1078 of FIG. [Figure 120] 118 is a flowchart showing the grant request command reception process in step S1079 of FIG. [Figure 121] 13 is a flowchart showing medal count control interrupt processing by the medal count control CPU in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 122] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of image displays when the VL signal is off and when a communication error occurs in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 123] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed when the complete function is activated while the VL signal is off in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 124] 13 is a flowchart showing a main control program start process in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 125] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of waiting for a request response from medal count control in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 126] 126 is a flowchart showing the error display process in step S1164 of FIG. [Figure 127] 13 is a flowchart showing main control interrupt processing in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 128] 13 is a flowchart showing medal count control program start processing in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 129] 128. This is a flowchart showing the medal count control error display processing in step S1183 of FIG. [Figure 130] 13 is a flowchart showing a medal count control main process in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 131] 130. FIG. 130 is a flowchart showing a main control command receiving process in step S1188 of FIG. [Figure 132] 13 is a flowchart showing medal count control interrupt processing in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 133] 133 is a flowchart showing the input port check process (counting switch process) in step S1211 of FIG. [Figure 134] 133 is a flowchart showing the count control process in step S1212 of FIG. [Figure 135] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a gaming machine in a ninth embodiment. [Figure 136] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of electrical connection between a gaming machine and a test firing test machine in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 137] FIG. 13 is a diagram (1) showing data stored in the main control RWM described in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 138] FIG. 13 is a diagram (2) showing data stored in the main control RWM described in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 139] FIG. 13 is a diagram (3) showing data stored in the main control RWM described in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 140] 13 is a flowchart showing a main control process in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 141] 140. This is a flowchart showing the game start setting process of step S932 of FIG. [Figure 142] 140. FIG. 140 is a flowchart showing the bet waiting process in step S933 of FIG. [Figure 143] 140. FIG. 140 is a flowchart showing the settlement process in step S935 of FIG. [Figure 144] 140. FIG. 140 is a flowchart showing the bet process in step S936. [Figure 145] 140. This is a flowchart showing the start switch reception process in step S1241 in FIG. [Figure 146] This is a flowchart showing the payout count signal setting process in step S1245 in Figure 140. [Figure 147] 140. FIG. 140 is a flowchart showing the assignment process in step S1246. [Figure 148] This is a flowchart showing the game end check processing of step S1247 in Figure 140. [Figure 149] 127 is a flowchart showing the LED display control in step S1052 during the main control interrupt process (FIG. 127) in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 150] 127 is a flowchart showing test signal management in step S1053 during the main control interrupt process (FIG. 127) in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 151] 13 is a time chart showing the timings of outputs of a payout count signal and a put-in request lamp signal, and the lighting process of the put-in request lamp and the lighting signal output process in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 152]13 is a time chart showing an example in which a specified number of bets are executed before the output of a payout count signal is completed in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 153] 13 is a time chart showing an example in which the next game is started before the output of the payout count signal is completed in the ninth embodiment. [Fig. 154] 13 is a time chart showing an example in which the number of times the payout count signal is to be output for the next game is determined before the output of the payout count signal for the current game is completed in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 155] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 156] FIG. 22 is a front view of the gaming machine in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 157] 13 is a time chart showing the relationship between the display of the medal count display unit and the start timing of count notification in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 158] 13 is a time chart showing the relationship between the display of the medal count display unit and the timing at which the count notification ends in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 159] 20 is a time chart showing how images and sounds are output to notify counting in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 160] 13 is a time chart showing the relationship between the operation of the bet switch and the settlement switch, the total number of medals, and the count notification in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 161] 20 is a time chart (1) showing the operation mode when the counting switch is pressed for a short time and when it is pressed for a long time in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 162] 23 is a time chart (2) showing the operation mode when the counting switch is pressed for a short time and when it is pressed for a long time in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 163] 13 is a time chart (1) showing the operation mode when the counting switch and the lending switch are operated in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 164] 23 is a time chart (2) showing the operation mode when the counting switch and the lending switch are operated in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 165]20 is a time chart (1) showing the operation mode when the counting switch is pressed and held down and when the door opening is detected in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 166] 13 is a time chart showing the relationship between the counting sound and the lending sound when the counting switch is pressed briefly in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 167] 13 is a time chart (1) showing the output mode of the lending sound when the lending switch is operated continuously in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 168] 13 is a time chart (2) showing the output mode of the lending sound when the lending switch is operated continuously in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 169] 13 is a time chart showing the relationship between the on / off of the settlement switch and the validity / invalidity of operation acceptance of the 3 bet switch and the like in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 170] 13 is a time chart showing the screen display mode when the counting switch, lending switch, and 3-bet switch are operated in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 171] A figure showing the relationship between the counting notification image and the recommended press order notification image in the 10th embodiment. [Fig. 172] 23 is a time chart showing the relationship between the 1 bet sound, the 3 bet sound, and the payment sound in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 173] 19A and 19B are diagrams showing a menu screen and a counting notification image in the tenth embodiment. [Fig. 174] 13 is a time chart showing the display mode of the counting notification image and the menu screen when the 3-bet switch is operated in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 175] 19A and 19B are diagrams showing a volume change image and a count notification image in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 176] 13 is a time chart showing the display modes of a counting notification image and a volume change image during a demo screen display in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 177] 20 is a time chart showing a change in the counting sound when a volume change operation is performed while the counting sound is being output in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 178] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a gaming machine in an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 179] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the built-in memory of the main control chip 500A and the medal count control chip 500B in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 180] In the eleventh embodiment, (A) is a diagram showing a signal transmission path between the main control board and the sub-control board, and (B) is a diagram showing a control status signal transmitted from the medal count control means to the main control means, and a control status signal transmitted from the medal count control means to the sub-control means. [Figure 181] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a control status signal stored in the medal count control RWM in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 182] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a control state signal stored in the master control RWM in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 183] In the eleventh embodiment, (A) is a waveform diagram (upper) of a signal from the main control means to the sub-control means, and a waveform diagram (lower) of a signal from the medal count control means to the sub-control means. (B) is a diagram showing the main control CPU, medal count control CPU, and logic IC. [Figure 184] In the eleventh embodiment, (A) is a timing diagram showing the change in the waveforms of the signals from the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU before and after passing through the logic IC. (B) is a waveform diagram when the main control baud rate and the medal count control baud rate are not the same. [Figure 185] 19 is a flowchart showing an interrupt process for medal count control in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 186] 23 is a flowchart showing the effect (image display, audio output) processing during medal counting in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 187] 23 is a flowchart showing the effect processing when a medal is lent in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 188] This is a flowchart showing the input port check process executed in step S1211 during the medal count control interrupt process of Figure 132 in the 11th embodiment, particularly the process of the count switch. [Figure 189]132. This is a flowchart showing the counting control process executed in step S1212 of the medal count control interrupt process of FIG. 132 in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 190] 16 is a flowchart showing the counting effect processing of the secondary control in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 191] This is a flowchart continuing from Figure 190. [Figure 192] 192 is a flowchart showing a modified example of FIG. 191. [Figure 193] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 194] In the twelfth embodiment, (A) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the display window and each reel, and the pay lines, and (B) is a diagram showing the names of the symbol positions. [Figure 195] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the symbol combinations and payouts of the winning combinations in the 12th embodiment. [Figure 196] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a reel condition device in the 12th embodiment. [Figure 197] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a winning and replay condition device in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 198] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a number table in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 199] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing RT transitions in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 200] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the RT variation conditions in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 201] This figure shows the benefits when moving to a favorable zone in the 12th embodiment when the game that determines the move to a favorable zone (the last game in the normal zone) is outside the internal zone. [Figure 202] This figure shows the benefits when moving to a favorable zone in the 12th embodiment when the game that determines the move to a favorable zone (the last game in the normal zone) is inside. [Figure 203] FIG. 22 is a main game state transition diagram in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 204] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the benefits for each lottery result of the role (condition device) in each main game state in the 12th embodiment. [Figure 205]A figure showing a stop table for small winnings 14 in the 12th embodiment. [Figure 206] A figure showing a stop table for small winnings 15 in the 12th embodiment. [Figure 207] A figure showing the stop table for small win 04 in the 12th embodiment. [Figure 208] A figure showing a stop table for small winnings 12 in the 12th embodiment. [Figure 209] 12 is a flowchart showing reel stop control when the 11th winning condition device or the 12th winning condition device is activated in the 12th embodiment. [Figure 210] 23 is a flowchart showing the custom effect setting clear process in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 211] 23 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the custom effect setting clearing process in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 212] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 213] In the thirteenth embodiment, (A) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the display window and each reel, and the pay lines, and (B) is a diagram showing the names of the symbol positions. [Figure 214] A diagram showing the symbol combinations and payouts of the winning combinations in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 215] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a condition device in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 216] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a numerical value table in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 217] In the thirteenth embodiment, (A) is a transition diagram of the game state, (B) is a diagram showing the types and roles of special roles, and (C) is a diagram showing the start and end conditions of special games. [Figure 218] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a numerical value table in a first modified example of the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 219] In variant 1 of the 13th embodiment, (A) is a transition diagram of the game state, (B) is a diagram showing the types and roles of special roles, and (C) is a diagram showing the start and end conditions of special games. [Figure 220]FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a numerical value table in a second modified example of the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 221] In variant example 2 of the 13th embodiment, (A) is a transition diagram of the game state, (B) is a diagram showing the types and roles of special roles, and (C) is a diagram showing the start and end conditions of special games. [Figure 222] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a numerical value table in a third modified example of the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 223] In variant example 3 of the 13th embodiment, (A) is a transition diagram of the game state, (B) is a diagram showing the types and roles of special roles, and (C) is a diagram showing the start and end conditions of special games. [Figure 224] In the fourth modified example of the thirteenth embodiment, (A) is a diagram showing the symbol combinations and payouts of winning combinations, and (B) is a diagram showing the number placement table. [Figure 225] In variant example 4 of the 13th embodiment, (A) is a transition diagram of the game state, (B) is a diagram showing the types of special roles, (C) is a diagram showing the start and end conditions of special games, and (D) is a diagram showing the types and roles of special replays. [Figure 226] In the fifth modified example of the thirteenth embodiment, (A) is a diagram showing the symbol combinations and payouts of winning combinations, (B) is a diagram showing the condition device, and (C) is a diagram showing the number placement table. [Figure 227] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a gaming machine 10 in a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 228] 23 is a time chart showing the relationship between a VL signal and a setting check mode in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 229] 23 is a time chart showing Example 1 when the VL signal is turned off during the setting check mode in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 230] 23 is a time chart showing Example 2 when the VL signal is turned off during the setting check mode in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 231] 23 is a flowchart showing a main control program start process in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 232]231. FIG. 232 is a flowchart showing the setting change process in step S2718 of FIG. [Figure 233] 14 is a flowchart showing Example 1 of the bet waiting process (step S933 in FIG. 140) during the main control main process in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 234] 14 is a flowchart showing Example 2 of the bet waiting process (step S933 in FIG. 140) during the main control main process in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 235] 14 is a flowchart showing Example 3 of the bet waiting process (step S933 in FIG. 140) during the main control main process in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 236] 22 is a flowchart showing the process (example 1) of the sub-control means 80A when a VL signal is received in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 237] 22 is a flowchart showing the process (example 2) of the sub-control means 80A when a VL signal is received in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 238] 22 is a flowchart showing the process (example 3) of the sub-control means 80A when a VL signal is received in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 239] 22 is a flowchart showing the process (example 4) of the sub-control means 80A when a VL signal is received in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 240] 23 is a flowchart showing medal count control program start processing in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 241] 23 is a flowchart showing a medal count control main process in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 242] 23 is a flowchart showing medal count control interrupt processing in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 243] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing Example 1 of a test pattern of the external medal count display device 121 in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 244] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example 2 of the test pattern of the external medal count display device 121 in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 245]23A and 23B are diagrams showing examples 3 and 4 of test patterns of the external medal count display device 121 in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 246] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the internal medal count display device 114 when the VL signal is off in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 247] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the relationship between the rotation angle of the setting key and the on / off state of the setting key switch 12 in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 248] FIG. 22 is an oblique view of a gaming machine according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 249] FIG. 23 is a front view of the inside of the cabinet in the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 250] FIG. 22 is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the gaming machine according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 251] FIG. 22 is a plan view of the gaming machine in the 15th embodiment with the front door closed. [Figure 252] FIG. 22 is a plan view of the gaming machine in the 15th embodiment with the front door open. [Figure 253] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the diameter of the power cord and the gap between the front door and the cabinet near the hinge when the front door is open in the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 254] In the 15th embodiment, (A) is a plan view (partial cross-sectional view) of the gaming machine with the front door open, (B) is a side view of the clamp (with the holding portion closed), and (C) is a side view of the clamp (with the holding portion open). [Figure 255] In the 15th embodiment, (A) is a plan view (partial cross-sectional view) of the gaming machine with the front door open and the hook tube moved toward the cabinet, and (B) is a plan view of the hook tube (open state). [Figure 256] In the 15th embodiment, (A) is a plan view (partial cross-sectional view) of the gaming machine with the front door open and the hook tube moved toward the front door, and (B) is a plan view (partial cross-sectional view) showing the state in which the hook tube has moved and hit the clamp. [Figure 257] FIG. 23 is a plan view (partial cross-sectional view) of the gaming machine in the fifteenth embodiment, showing the state in which the harness is detached from the clamp. [Figure 258] FIG. 23 is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the gaming machine in the fifteenth embodiment, showing the state in which the harness is detached from the clamp. [Figure 259] FIG. 23 is a front view (partial cross-sectional view) of a reel unit according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 260] In the fifteenth embodiment, (A) is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a reel unit, and (B) is a dimensional diagram of a screw. [Figure 261] In the fifteenth embodiment, (A) is a front view (partial cross-sectional view) of a reel module, and (B) is a dimensional diagram of a screw. [Figure 262] In the fifteenth embodiment, (A) is a plan view of the reel module (partially a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 260), and (B) is a dimensional drawing of the screws. [Figure 263] 23 is a time chart 1 showing a state in which power to a sub-control board is once cut off and then resumed while power supply to a main control board is maintained in the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 264] 23 is a time chart 2 showing a state in which power to the sub-control board is once cut off and then resumed while power supply to the main control board is maintained in the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 265] 23 is a time chart 3 showing a state in which power to the sub-control board is once cut off and then resumed while power supply to the main control board is maintained in the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 266] 23 is a time chart 4 showing a state in which power to the sub-control board is once cut off and then resumed while power supply to the main control board is maintained in the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 267] 23 is a time chart 5 showing a state in which power to the sub-control board is once cut off and then resumed while power supply to the main control board is maintained in the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 268]23 is a time chart 6 showing a state in which power to the sub-control board is once cut off and then resumed while power supply to the main control board is maintained in the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 269] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the contents of data stored in the main control RWM 512 used in the description of the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 270] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the contents of data stored in the main control RWM 512 and the medal count control RWM 522 used in explaining the 16th embodiment. [Fig. 271] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing instruction monitors 1 to 3 in the sixteenth embodiment. [Fig. 272] 20A and 20B are diagrams illustrating when the data of various counters and flags are held and cleared in the sixteenth embodiment. [Fig. 273] 20 is a flowchart showing a main control process in the sixteenth embodiment. [Fig. 274] A flowchart showing the game status command set processing of step S1010 in Figure 273. [Figure 275] This is a flowchart showing the game start setting processing of step S932 in Figure 273. [Figure 276] 274 is a flowchart showing the bet waiting process in step S960 of FIG. [Figure 277] 273. This is a flowchart showing the settlement process of step S935 in FIG. [Fig. 278] 278 is a flowchart showing the processing of step S975 in FIG. 277. [Figure 279] 278. A flowchart showing the main control error display processing of step S1164 of FIG. [Figure 280] 273. FIG. 273 is a flowchart showing the bet process in step S936. [Figure 281] 274 is a flowchart showing the start switch reception process in step S1241 of FIG. 273. [Figure 282] 274 is a flowchart showing the assignment process in step S1246 of FIG. 273. [Figure 283] 274 is a flowchart showing the stoppage monitoring process in step S1550 of FIG. [Fig. 284] A diagram showing the connection between the gaming machine 10 and the test firing test machine 600 in the 16th embodiment and the transmission of a test signal. [Figure 285] This is a flowchart showing the game end check processing of step S1570 in Figure 273. [Figure 286] A flowchart showing the advantageous zone management processing of step S1571 in Figure 285. [Figure 287] 20 is a flowchart showing main control interrupt processing in the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 288] This is a flowchart showing the sending of a main control state command to the medal count control in step S1048 of Figure 287. [Figure 289] 288. This is a flowchart showing the main control status output data management in step S1091 of FIG. [Figure 290] A flowchart showing gaming machine information management in step S1092 of Figure 288. [Figure 291] 23 is a flowchart showing a medal count control main process by a medal count control means 500B in the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 292] 20 is a flowchart showing the setting of a timer value when an illegal command is received by a gaming machine in the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 293] 20 is a flowchart showing medal count control interrupt processing in the sixteenth embodiment. [Fig. 294] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a hole control / fraud monitoring information command and hole control / fraud monitoring information (excerpt) in the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 295] In the 16th embodiment, this is a time chart showing the on / off of the hole control / fraud monitoring information command sent from the main control means 500A and the hole control / fraud monitoring information sent from the medal count control means 500B (when there is no limit on shots). [Figure 296]In the 16th embodiment, this is a time chart showing the on / off of the hole control / fraud monitoring information command sent from the main control means 500A and the hole control / fraud monitoring information sent from the medal count control means 500B (when there is a limit to the number of plays). [Figure 297] FIG. 22 is a front view showing the image display area and the reel visual recognition area of ​​the gaming machine in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 298] 20 is a time chart showing power interruption (example 1) during reel rotation in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 299] This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T01 and T02 in Figure 298. [Figure 300] This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T03 and T04 in Figure 298. [Figure 301] 20 is a time chart showing power-on (example 1) after power-off during reel rotation in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 302] This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T11 and T12 in Figure 301. [Figure 303] This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T13 and T14 in Figure 301. [Figure 304] This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T15 and T16 in Figure 301. [Figure 305] 20 is a time chart showing power interruption (example 2) during reel rotation in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 306] This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T21 and T22 in Figure 305. [Figure 307] This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T23 and T24 in Figure 305. [Figure 308] 20 is a time chart showing power-on after power-off during reel rotation (Example 2) in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 309] This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T31 and T32 in Figure 308. [Figure 310] This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T33 and T34 in Figure 308. [Figure 311]This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T35 and T36 in Figure 308. [Figure 312] 23 is a time chart showing the display of a demonstration image, a title image, and an image showing a medalless gaming machine in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 313] This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T41 and T42 in Figure 312. [Figure 314] 23 is a time chart showing the display of a demonstration image, a title image, and a volume adjustment image in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 315] This is a front view of the gaming machine showing timings T51 and T52 in Figure 314. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 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)." Furthermore, "electronic information (electronic medal)" refers to money (banknotes) that, when inserted into the management device (CR unit) 200, is converted into electronic information corresponding to the amount, and part or all of that electronic information can be credited to the gaming machine as gaming value for playing games on the gaming machine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0027] The bet switch 40 is an operation switch that is operated by the player when betting the electronic medals credited inside the slot machine 10 for the current game. In this embodiment, the bet switches 40 include a 1 bet switch 40a for betting one electronic medal with one operation, and a 3 bet switch 40b for betting three (maximum number, specified number) electronic medals with one operation. It is also possible to provide only one bet switch 40, and operate this bet switch 40 once to bet three (the maximum number, specified number) of the credited electronic medals.

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

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

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

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

[0032] The reset switch 14 is a switch that is operated when initializing the RWM 53 or when clearing an error. When the power switch 11 is turned on with the reset switch 14 turned on, an initialization process is performed and predetermined data stored in the RWM 53 is cleared. Furthermore, if 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 (external terminal signal) from a part 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 central 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 an external centralized terminal board 190. 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 is provided with 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 the payout control board 100 (credit number management board) described later. The winning number display LED 78 is an LED that displays the number of electronic medals paid out (the number of medals won by the player) when a winning combination is achieved, and is composed of two digits, an upper digit and a lower digit. The acquired number display LED 78 may be controlled to turn off when there are no electronic medals to be paid out. Alternatively, the upper digits may be turned off and only the lower digits may display "0".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0044] The random number generating means generates random numbers in a predetermined range (for example, "0" to "65535" in decimal notation). The random numbers are generated by a counter that counts one cycle, for example, every 200 n (nano) seconds, from "0" to "65535," and the counter continues to count random numbers while the slot machine 10 is powered on. The random number extracting means extracts the random number generated by the random number generating 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 checks the random number extracted by the random number extraction means against the lottery table to determine the winning number corresponding to the area to which the random number belongs.

[0045] The winning flag control means 62 controls the on / off of a winning flag corresponding to each winning combination based on the lottery result by the winning combination lottery means 61. In this embodiment, a winning flag is provided for each of all winning roles. When any of the roles is won in the lottery by the role lottery means 61, the winning flag for that role is turned on (the winning flag is set). Note that winning roles can be classified into two cases: when there is one winning role (single winning) and when there are multiple winning roles (multiple winning).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] However, if a replay was won in the previous game and the same number of electronic medals as bet in the previous game were automatically bet, the system is set so that the automatically bet electronic medals cannot be returned to credits even if the cancel switch 46 is operated. In other words, the system is set so that the automatically bet electronic medals cannot be returned to credits even if the cancel switch 46 is operated. It should be noted that both the electronic medals bet based on the operation of the bet switch 40 and the electronic medals automatically bet based on a replay win may be converted back into credits by operating the cancel switch 46.

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

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

[0067] In addition, an enable signal can be sent from the dispensing control board 100 to the main control board 50. The main control board 50 is set up so that when the enable signal is on, it can execute various processes, and when the enable signal is off, it cannot execute certain processes. In this embodiment, when the number of credits reaches the upper limit, that is, when the display of the credit number display LED 76 reaches "10000," the enable signal is turned off. Then, when the enable signal is turned off, the main control board 50 performs control so that operations of the bet switch 40 and the start switch 41 cannot be accepted. The enable signal may be turned off when the number of credits reaches "15,000," "30,000," or "50,000."

[0068] Also, for example, it may be possible to execute a normal game and a special game (1BB game; first-class big bonus game; operation of a first-class accessory continuous operation device) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, and when the normal game is switched to the special game, the game may be stopped at the end of the special game, and the game may no longer progress. In other words, a stop function may be provided. The condition for stopping the game is not limited to the end of the special game, and can be set as appropriate. Then, when the condition for stopping the game is met, the enable signal may be turned off.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0076] The lending switch 202 is a switch that is operated by the player when lending an electronic medal, provided that the remaining number of times is displayed on the number of times display unit 204. For example, each time the lending switch 202 is pressed, electronic medals equivalent to the number "10" can be lent. Here, for example, when a 1,000 yen bill is inserted into the management device 200 through the bill insertion slot 201, the number of points displayed on the point display unit 204 is "10", and the number of electronic medals dispensed per point "1" is 5. In this case, if the dispense switch 202 is operated when the number displayed on the point display unit 204 is "10", 50 electronic medals will be dispensed. Then, through communication between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, the 50 dispensed 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", if 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 (tangible) medals are not loaned to players, but rather, through communication between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, the loaned electronic medals are transferred from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100 and credited.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0084] Furthermore, when harness A161 and harness C163 are broken, power is supplied from capacitor 106 to dispensing control board 100, and power can be supplied from dispensing control board 100 to main control board 50 through harness B162. In this way, in Example 1, the payout control board 100 is equipped with a capacitor 106 for backup power supply, so that even if the power supply from the power supply board 150 is cut off due to, for example, the disconnection of harness A161 or harness C163, the payout control board 100 and the main control board 50 will continue to operate, ensuring that processing can be carried out in the event of a power outage, and preventing any disadvantage to the player.

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

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

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

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

[0089] In Example 2, as in Example 1, when the power supply from the power supply board 150 is cut off, power is supplied to the dispensing control board 100 and the main control board 50 from a backup power supply capacitor mounted on the dispensing control board 100. However, in Example 2, capacitor B108 is used as a backup power supply exclusively for payout control board 100. This ensures that even if the power supply from power supply board 150 is cut off due to, for example, the disconnection of harness E165 or harness G167, payout control board 100, which manages the number of credits of electronic medals, is driven reliably, and processing at the time of power interruption can be reliably executed, preventing any disadvantage to the player.

[0090] In Example 2, it is preferable to set the capacitance of the capacitor B 108 larger than the capacitance of the capacitor A 107. This ensures that backup power is supplied to the payout control board 100, which is closely related to the player's profit, and that processing can be reliably executed in the event of a power outage. In addition, in this embodiment, when the power is turned off, the program on the dispensing control board 100 is set to stop before the program on the main control board 50. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when power is restored after a power outage, the program on the dispensing control board 100 is set to start before the program on the main control board 50.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0101] In Figure 4, the setting change end command is a command to notify the dispensing control board 100 that the setting change mode has ended, and is a command sent from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100 when the setting change mode has ended. 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 the dispensing control board 100 receives the setting change end command, it sends it back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the setting change end command shown in Figure 5), and also sends a setting change end command to the management device 200 (Figure 7). In other words, the dispensing control board 100 sends the setting change end command to both the main control board 50 and the management device 200.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0112] In this way, when the payout control board 100 is requested to subtract the number of bets from the number of credits, one round-trip command communication is performed between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 . This ensures that processing related to electronic medal bets is executed reliably on both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is managed accurately, so that players are not disadvantaged.

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

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

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

[0116] When the power is turned on, i.e., when the system is restored from a power outage, the main control board 50 sends a startup confirmation command to the dispensing control board 100. When the dispensing control board 100 receives the startup confirmation command, it returns it to the main control board 50. When the dispensing control board 100 returns the startup confirmation command it sent, the main control board 50 determines that communication between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 is normal. The dispensing control board 100 then sends a deposit repeat command or a deposit disable command to the main control board 50. Therefore, when the system is restored from a power outage, the program on the dispensing control board 100 starts before the program on the main control board 50, but the main control board 50 can reliably receive the deposit repeat command or the deposit disable command.

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

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

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

[0120] In addition, when the payout control board 100 receives a payout request command, it determines whether it is possible to accept the payout request, specifically, whether the upper limit of the number of credits ("10,000" in this embodiment) will be exceeded by adding the number of payouts (the number indicated by the command following the payout request command) to the number of credits. Then, when it is determined that the payout request can be accepted, that is, when it is determined that adding the payout number to the credit count still results in the credit count being below the upper limit, the payout control board 100 executes a process to add the payout number to the credit count, executes a process to update the display of the credit count display LED 76, and sends a payout repeat command to the main control board 50 (it sends the received payout request command back to the main control board 50 as is (an ACK response to the payout request command shown in Figure 5)).

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

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

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

[0124] In this way, when the payout control board 100 is requested to add the payout number corresponding to the winning combination to the credit amount, one round trip of command communication is performed between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100. This ensures that the processing related to the payout of electronic medals based on winning combinations is executed reliably on both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is managed accurately, so that players are not disadvantaged.

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

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

[0127] For example, when the number of credits is "100" and a return request command "2203H" is received, the payout control board 100 executes a process to add the number of credits "100" to be returned, which is "3" indicated by the command subsequent to the return request command "2203H", changes the display of the credit number display LED from "100" to "103", and sends a return repetition 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 return medals to the number of credits will exceed the upper limit of the number of credits (for example, when the number of credits is 9999 and a return request command "2203H" is received (a return request has been made for three electronic medals)), the payout control board 100 will not perform the process of adding the number of return medals to the number of credits, but will send a return not permitted command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the return request command shown in Figure 5).

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

[0130] In this way, when the payout control board 100 is requested to return the betted electronic medals to credits, one round trip of command communication is carried out between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 . This ensures that the process for returning electronic medals is executed reliably on both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is managed accurately, so that the player is not disadvantaged.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0138] In this way, when the management device 200 lends electronic medals to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10, command communication is performed between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100 in one and a half round trips. As a result, the process for lending electronic medals is reliably executed by both the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is managed accurately, so that the player is not disadvantaged.

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

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

[0141] For example, suppose that the counting switch 47 is operated when 1,000 electronic medals are credited to the payout control board 100 (credit number "1,000(D)"). Here, the credit number "1,000(D)" is expressed as "1111101000(B)" in binary and "03E8(H)" in hexadecimal. In this case, the lower-order counting request command is "50E8(H)" and the upper-order counting request command is "5103(H)". Then, when the counting switch 47 is turned on, the payout control board 100 transmits "50E8(H)" to the management device 200 as the lower-order counting request command.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0149] For example, if the payout control board 100 is fraudulently replaced, the credit number management CPU 105 installed on the payout control board 100 will change, and the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID stored in the management device 200 and the hall computer 300 will also change from the point of replacement. Therefore, by checking whether the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID stored in the management device 200 and the hall computer 300 have changed along the way, it is possible to determine whether the payout control board 100 has been fraudulently replaced.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0159] Also, if it is determined in step S116 that the counting request flag is on, the process proceeds to step S117, where the dispensing control board 100 starts the counting process (FIG. 12), and then the process according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S116 that the counting request flag is off, the process proceeds to step S118, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a process to determine whether the signal input (received) to the input port 101 is a loan 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 dispensing control board 100 starts the lending process (FIG. 11). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the input signal is not a loan request command, the process proceeds to step S120, where the payout control board 100 executes a gaming machine command transmission process. This process is a process of transmitting a gaming machine command to the management device 200. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

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

[0162] In this way, the payout control board 100 is capable of performing counting processing (processing related to the refund of electronic medals) and lending processing (processing related to the lending of electronic medals), and is configured to perform the process of determining whether counting processing is being performed before the process of determining whether lending processing is being performed, and to perform the process of determining whether the counting request flag is on before the process of determining whether a lending request command has been received, thereby giving priority to counting processing over lending processing. Here, when the counting switch 47 is operated, the dispensing control board 100 executes the counting process. In addition, when the loan switch 202 is operated and a loan request command is sent from the management device 200 to the dispensing control board 100, the dispensing control board 100 executes the loan process.

[0163] Furthermore, when the counting switch 47 and the dispensing switch 202 are operated simultaneously, the dispensing control board 100 gives priority to the counting process, so it executes the counting process but does not execute the dispensing process. If the electronic medals once lent out are refunded and cannot be exchanged for currency at an equivalent value, the player will be disadvantaged, but by prioritizing the counting process and executing the counting process without executing the lending process, the player can be prevented from being disadvantaged.

[0164] Furthermore, when the counting switch 47 is operated while the lending process is being executed, the dispensing control board 100 accepts the operation of the counting switch 47, continues the lending process being executed, and executes the counting process when the lending process is completed. In other words, the payout control board 100 can accept operation of the counting switch 47 at any time, including while the lending process is being executed or while the reel 31 is rotating, and by accepting operation of the counting switch 47, it can execute the counting process at an appropriate timing thereafter. As a result, the electronic medals can be paid back without fail by operating the counting switch 47 once, and the need to operate the counting switch 47 again can be eliminated, thereby preventing the player from feeling bothered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0176] For this reason, in step S145, a process is executed to mask the command following the payout request command with "0FH (00001111B)". That is, an AND operation is performed on the command following the payout request command and "0FH (00001111B)". This makes it possible to set bits other than D0 to D3 in the command following the payout request command to "0". Even if "1" is entered as noise in bits D4 to D7 in the command following the payout request command, this can be set to "0", so that a number exceeding "15" is not erroneously added to the number of credits when paying out.

[0177] Furthermore, after executing the processing of step S145, the process proceeds to step S146, and the payout control board 100 executes a determination process to determine whether "(number of credits + number of payouts) > upper limit", i.e., whether the number of credits plus the number of payouts exceeds the upper limit of the number of credits ("10,000" in this embodiment). If it is determined that adding the payout number to the credit number will exceed the upper limit of the credit number, the process proceeds to step S147, where the payout control board 100 executes a process to send a payout disable command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the payout request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

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

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

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

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

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

[0183] Figure 11 shows a subroutine of the lending process in step S119 of Figure 8. Note that "lending process 1" in Figure 11 indicates 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 Fig. 8 that a loan request command has been received, the process proceeds to step S119 of Fig. 8. This starts the loan process of Fig. 11. Also, in the loan process, in step S161, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of sending a loan replay command to the management device 200 (sending the received loan request command back to the management device 200 as is) (ACK response to the loan request command). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S162.

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

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

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

[0187] In step S167, the payout control board 100 executes the process of adding the number of loaned coins to the number of credits, and then ends the process according to this flowchart. Also, if it is determined in step S164 that the received management device command is not a lending instruction command, the dispensing control board 100 proceeds to step S169, where it sets an error flag, and then ends the processing according to this flowchart. If the error flag is set in step S169, the determination in step S131 of the main control command analysis process in Fig. 9 executed after this process is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step S132, where an error command is sent to the main control board 50.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0195] When proceeding to step S190, the dispensing control board 100 repeatedly executes the process of determining whether or not the transmission of the count instruction command has been completed until the determination becomes "Yes", and when the determination becomes "Yes" in step S190, the process proceeds to step S191. When the process proceeds to step S191, the payout control board 100 executes a process of clearing the number of credits (setting it to "0"), and then ends the process according to this flowchart. If the error flag is set in step S194, the determination in step S131 of the main control command analysis process in Fig. 9 executed after this process is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step S132. Then, an error command is sent to the main control board 50.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0203] First, a description will be given of the power-on process in the main control board 50 shown on the left side of Fig. 14. The flowchart shown on the left side of Fig. 14 shows the subroutine of the power-on process in step S201 of Fig. 13. In step S301, the main control board 50 executes an initialization process. When the initialization process is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S302. When the process proceeds to step S302, the main control board 50 executes a process of sending a startup confirmation command to the dispensing control board 100. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S303. In step S303, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process is a process of waiting for an ACK response from the dispensing control board 100 to the startup confirmation command.

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

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

[0206] Next, the power-on process 1 in the dispensing control board 100 shown on the right side in FIG. 14 will be described. In step S401, the dispensing control board 100 executes an initialization process. Then, when the initialization process is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S402. In step S402, the dispensing control board 100 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a startup confirmation command sent from the main control board 50. Then, upon receiving the startup confirmation command, the process proceeds to the next step S403, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process for sending the received startup confirmation command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the startup confirmation command). Then, upon sending the received startup confirmation command back to the main control board 50 as 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 dispensing control board 100. In Figure 15, the flowchart on the left shows the flow of the setting change processing on the main control board 50, and the flowchart on the right shows the flow of the setting change processing on the dispensing control board 100. Also, in Figure 15, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts indicate the transmission direction of commands sent and received between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 during the setting change processing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0221] In step S334, the main control board 50 executes a response waiting process. This process waits for a one-coin insertion repeat command to be transmitted from the dispensing control board 100 (an ACK response to the one-coin insertion request command). Then, when the one-coin insertion repeat command is received (the sent one-coin insertion request command is sent back as is from the dispensing control board 100), the main control board 50 determines that an ACK response to the one-coin insertion request command has been received from the dispensing control board 100, and ends the processing according to this flowchart. Note that when the processing according to this flowchart ends, the processing proceeds to step S212 shown in Figure 13.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0231] Next, the game ending process in the payout control board 100 shown on the right side of FIG. 19 will be described. In step S461, the payout control board 100 executes a command receiving process. This process is a process for receiving a game end + game status command transmitted from the main control board 50. Then, when the game end + game status command is received, the process proceeds to the next step S462, and the payout control board 100 executes a process for sending the received game end + game status command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response). Then, the process according to this flowchart 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 Figure 20, the flowchart on the left shows the flow of the dispensing process on the main control board 50, and the flowchart on the right shows the flow of the dispensing process on the dispensing control board 100. Also, in Figure 20, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts indicate the transmission direction of commands sent and received between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 during the dispensing process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0254] When proceeding to step S514, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process to determine whether the loan request can be accepted, specifically, whether the upper limit of the number of credits will be exceeded by adding the number of loans (the number indicated by the command subsequent to the loan request command) to the number of credits. Here, in step S514, if it is determined that the loan request can be accepted, that is, if it is determined that the total credit count is equal to or less than the upper limit of the credit count even when the loan number is added to the credit count, the process proceeds to step S161, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of sending a loan replay command to the management device 200 (sending the received loan request command back to the management device 200 as is) (ACK response to the loan request command). Then, the process proceeds to step S164.

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

[0256] In step S164, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process to determine whether or not a lending instruction command has been received. If it is determined in step S164 that a lending instruction command has been received, the process proceeds to step S167, where the payout control board 100 adds the number of loaned coins to the number of credits. Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0257] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S164 that a lending instruction command has not been received, the dispensing control board 100 proceeds to step S169, where it executes processing to set an error flag, and then ends the processing according to this flowchart. Note that steps S161, S164, S167, and S169 in FIG. 23 and steps S161, S164, S167, and S169 in FIG. 11 are the same processes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0264] In step S189, the dispensing control board 100 sends a counting instruction command to the management device 200, and then the process proceeds to step S191. In step S191, the processing for clearing the credit amount (setting it to "0") is executed, and the processing according to this flowchart is then terminated. It should be noted 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 the same processes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0276] As shown in FIG. 27, when the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 are powered on, the management device 200 is then ready to accept operation of the return switch 203. 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. After that, the management device 200 becomes able to accept operation of the lending switch 202, and the operating state changes from the standby state to the normal state. The normal state means a state in which the management device 200 can lend out electronic medals and the game on the slot machine 10 can proceed.

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

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

[0279] As shown in FIG. 28, when the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 are powered on, the management device 200 is then ready to accept operation of the return switch 203. 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 management device 200 becomes able to accept operations of the lending switch 202, and the operating state changes from the standby state to the normal state. Up to this point, the process is the same as in FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

[0285] (6) In this embodiment, a slot machine 10 is used as an example of a gaming machine, but the slot machine 10 is not limited to a "reel type gaming machine" (so-called "pachislot gaming machine") installed in a Type 4 business establishment that is subject to the Entertainment and Amusement Act, and can also be applied to, for example, a casino machine. In addition, the present invention may also be applied to a pachinko gaming machine. (7) All of the embodiments and various modifications described in this specification are not limited to being implemented alone, but can also 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 tangible objects, similar to the first embodiment. Here, the term "medalless" in the term "medalless gaming machine" means that no tangible medals are used. For this reason, even though it is a "medalless gaming machine," it is the same as conventional gaming machines in that it uses gaming media (gaming value) for gaming, and the gaming media used for gaming in medalless gaming machines are sometimes simply referred to as "medals." Therefore, when referring to a "medal," it does not only refer to a tangible object, but also to an intangible object (for example, electronic data). Furthermore, medals as intangible objects may be referred to as game media, game value, points (or simply "points"), electronic medals, electronic data, electronic information, electronic game media, electronic game value, etc. In the following description of the second embodiment, "medals" as intangible objects used in the gaming machine 10 (medalless gaming machine) will be referred to as "game media."

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

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

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

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

[0291] The LEDs used in the second embodiment, such as the set value display means 73 and the role ratio monitor 113, each digit is composed of 7 segments. And, "7 segments" means that in addition to 7 segment elements, it has a DP (decimal point) segment.

[0292] "Notification" corresponds to sending (outputting) a message from the gaming machine 10 to the rental unit 200, or from the rental unit 200 to the gaming machine 10, and is synonymous with "transmission" and "output." Hereinafter, it may be said that the gaming machine information notification is "sent," or that the gaming machine information is "notified."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0302] Like the main control board 50, the game media count control board 100 includes an independent RWM 103, ROM 104, and CPU 105. The RWM 103, ROM 104, and CPU 105 may be integrated into a single chip. The game media count control board 100 is configured to control the display of the game media count display unit 121, transmit information to the lending unit 200 via the connection terminal board 130, and receive information from the lending unit 200 via the connection terminal board 130. The game media count control board 100 is also configured to transmit information to the main control board 50 and receive information from the main control board 50. In FIG. 29, the arrows between the boards indicate the direction of information transmission and reception. Therefore, the main control board 50 and the game media count control board 100 are configured to enable two-way communication.

[0303] 29, the main control board 50 and the game media number control board 100 are configured as separate bodies, but they can also be configured as a single main control board. In this case, however, the first main control RWM 53, first main control ROM 54, first main control CPU 55, second main control RWM 103, second main control ROM 104, and second main control CPU 105 will be provided on one board.

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

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

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

[0307] Furthermore, when the game media count 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 media count 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 media count storage means 103a is updated from "100" to "97," the display on the game media count display unit 121 is also updated from "100" to "97."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0317] Furthermore, when the counting switch 47 is operated and the number of game media displayed on the game media number display unit 121 shows "200," and the counting switch 47 is then operated and the information "200" is sent to the lending unit 200 as the count value, the display on the game media number display unit 121 is updated to "0."

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

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

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

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

[0322] However, the total game media count clear switch 112 may be enabled by operation during play. In this case, the total game media count clear status is changed from ON to OFF based on the end of the next game following the game in which the total game media count clear switch 112 was operated. In other words, the total game media count clear status remains ON at the end of the game in which the total game media count clear switch 112 was operated, and is turned OFF when the next game ends. This allows the total game media count clear status to remain ON for the next game even if the total game media count clear status is only ON for a short time (i.e., the total game media count clear switch 112 is operated just before the end of the game), thereby preventing fraudulent attempts to clear the total game media count.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0330] For example, if the number of games played is "175,000" or more, the cumulative number of awards is "200,000," and the cumulative number of command-included device awards is "100,000," the command-included device ratio is calculated as "50." Note that "cumulative" does not necessarily refer to the cumulative total for all games. For example, if the cumulative number of awards reaches a predetermined upper limit (e.g., "1,677,215"), or if the cumulative number of games played plus the number of games played this time exceeds the upper limit, the cumulative number of awards and the sum of the cumulative number of awards when device activation occurs and the cumulative number of command awards are not updated in subsequent games.

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

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

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

[0334] (2) Favorable Zone Ratio (Cumulative) The "profitable zone ratio (cumulative)" is the ratio where the cumulative number of plays is the denominator and the cumulative number of times the game has been played in the profitable zone is the numerator. For example, if the cumulative number of plays is "20,000" and the cumulative number of times the game has been played in the profitable zone is "18,000", the profitable zone ratio is calculated as "90". It should be noted that "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative total of all games. For example, if the cumulative number of games reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "65535"), the cumulative number of games and the number of games in the advantageous zone will not be updated in subsequent games. Either the "instruction-included feature ratio (cumulative)" or the "advantageous zone ratio (cumulative)" is displayed depending on the specifications of the gaming machine 10. Specifically, a gaming machine equipped with an instruction function displays the "instruction-included feature ratio (cumulative)" and does not need to display the "advantageous zone ratio (cumulative)." In contrast, a gaming machine not equipped with an instruction function displays the "advantageous zone ratio (cumulative)" and does not display the "instruction-included feature ratio (cumulative)."

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

[0336] (4) Ratio of special features (6,000 games), ratio of special features (cumulative) "Ratio of special effects (6000 games)" is the ratio where the number of special effects awarded for 6000 games is the denominator and the number of special effects awarded when special effects (RB, CB, SB) are activated during 6000 games is the numerator. Furthermore, the "reward ratio (cumulative)" is a ratio in which the number of rewards in the cumulative number of games is the denominator and the number of rewards when the rewards (RB, CB, SB) are activated in the cumulative number of games is the numerator. For example, if the cumulative number of games is a predetermined number (for example, 17,500 times) or more, the cumulative number of rewards is "20,000", and the cumulative number of rewards when the rewards are activated is "10,000", the reward ratio (cumulative) is calculated as "50". It should be noted that "cumulative" does not necessarily mean the cumulative total for all games. For example, if the cumulative number of awarded prizes reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "65535"), or if the cumulative number of awarded prizes added to the current game result in the upper limit being exceeded, the cumulative number of awarded prizes and the cumulative number of awarded game media when the game device is activated will not be updated in subsequent games.

[0337] (5) Ratio of the condition of accessories, etc. (cumulative) The "Ratio of Gadget Status (Cumulative)" is a ratio where the cumulative number of games is the denominator and the number of games in which a gadget (RB, CB, SB) is activated or the number of games in which a consecutive gadget (1BB, 2BB) is activated is the numerator. For example, if the cumulative number of games is "20,000" and the cumulative number of games when a gadget is activated or when a consecutive gadget is activated is "5,000", the Ratio of Gadget Status (Cumulative) is calculated as "25". It should be noted that the cumulative total does not necessarily refer to the cumulative total for all games. For example, when the cumulative number of games reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "175,000"), the cumulative number of games, the number of games when a special device is activated, and the number of games when a consecutive special device is activated are not updated in subsequent games.

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

[0339] Furthermore, if the result of calculating a ratio contains decimal points, the decimal points will be rounded down and displayed. For example, if the result of calculating a ratio is "49.99", it will be displayed as "49". Furthermore, if the ratio is calculated to be "100", it will be displayed as "99". Also, if the ratio is calculated to be less than 10, a 0 will be displayed in the tens place. Specifically, if the ratio is calculated to be 9%, it will be displayed as 09.

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

[0341] Secondly, when the cumulative number of games is less than the reference number of games, the identification segment is displayed in a flashing manner. The standard number of games for each ratio is as follows: (1) Indication-included role ratio (cumulative) or advantageous zone ratio (cumulative): 175,000 (2) Continuous feature ratio (6000 games): 6000 (3) Ratio of bonuses (6000 games): 6000 (4) Continuous feature ratio (cumulative): 17,500 (5) Gadget ratio (cumulative): 17,500 (6) Status ratio of accessories etc. (cumulative): 175,000

[0342] Therefore, for example, when the cumulative number of plays is "6000", the identification segment (6y.) is displayed lit when the consecutive feature ratio (6000 plays) is displayed. On the other hand, when the cumulative number of plays is "5999", the identification segment (6y.) is displayed flashing when the consecutive feature ratio (6000 plays) is displayed. Also, if the cumulative number of games played is less than the number of games played per set of counting unit, "400," the ratio segment will display "00."

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

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

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

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

[0347] Furthermore, the role ratio monitor 113 displays a test pattern to enable confirmation of whether the segment elements of each LED are operating normally. After powering on, the test pattern displays "8.8.8.8." (all segment elements of all LEDs (including segment DP)) until the number of times the carry flag above has become "0" reaches "16," i.e., until "300 ms x 16 times = 4800 ms" has elapsed. It should be noted that each of the four digit LEDs on the role ratio monitor 113 is dynamically lit for each interrupt (1 ms), so strictly speaking, not all four LEDs are lit at the same time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0355] When the lending switch 202 is operated under the condition that the number of lendable game media stored in the lendable game media number storage means 206 is "400", and the specifications are such that "50" game media are lent from the lending unit 200 to the gaming machine 10 with one operation of the lending switch 202, after the lending notification is sent, "50" is added to the number of game media stored in the game media number storage means 103a. Meanwhile, the number of game media lent in the lendable game media number storage means 206 is updated from "400" to "350".

[0356] In addition, when the return switch 203 is operated, the number of gaming media stored in the rental gaming media number storage means 206 of the rental unit 200 is stored in a gaming media number storage medium (magnetic card, IC card, IC coin, etc.), and the gaming media number storage medium is ejected from the rental unit 200. In addition, in a situation where the number of game media stored in the game media number storage means 103a of the game media number control board 100 is greater than "0" and the number of game media is not stored in the lendable game media number storage means 206 of the lending unit 200, the game media number storage medium will not be ejected even if the return switch 203 is operated. In other words, even if the number of game media is stored in the game media number storage means 103a of the game media number control board 100, if the number of game media is not stored in the lendable game media number storage means 206 of the lending unit 200, the game media number storage medium will not be ejected even if the return switch 203 is operated.

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

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

[0359] Each message is composed of the following five pieces of data: (1) Message length (2) Command (3) Serial number, counting serial number, or loan serial number (4) Data section (5) Checksum The data group consisting of the above five items is called a "messag...

Claims

[Claim 1] an image display device capable of displaying a transparent image on a visible area of ​​the reel; a stop switch lamp that can be lit in a first color when the stop switch is in a stop-acceptable state and can be lit in a second color when the stop switch is in a stop-unacceptable state; When a power outage occurs while a predetermined stop switch lamp corresponding to a predetermined reel that is currently spinning is lit in a first color, and then when power is restored, the predetermined stop switch lamp lights up in a second color at a first timing, At the first timing, the reels are difficult to see, the reels are visible at a second time point after the first time point; At the second timing, the predetermined reel is stopped, After the second timing, the number of game media can be displayed on the game media number display device, and then a predetermined reel can be rotated. A gaming machine characterized by:

Images