Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of handling a game value only by an electromagnetic method and suitably managing the game value.SOLUTION: The communication between the game value number control board (owned game value number display control board 132) and the game value lending device (card unit 230) is a periodic communication in which the game value number control board repeats a series of communications as a master at regular time intervals, and the communication between the game value number control board and the main control board (main control board 131) is also a periodic communication in which the game value number control board repeats a series of communications as a master at the same time intervals as the communication with the game value lending device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, in a pachinko game machine, the player cannot touch the game ball, and the game value is Gaming machines have been developed that can lend out, record, etc. electronically only. In addition, in the case of slot machines, the game is played only by electromagnetic means without using physical game medals. lending out gaming value, acquiring gaming value by winning, investing gaming value for gaming purposes Gaming machines that allow players to make purchases have been developed.

[0003] The gaming value lending machine (card unit) uses the inserted card (magnetic card or IC card) The gaming value is lent within the range of the balance of the card. The input of gaming value is carried out through communication from the unit to the gaming machine. The winnings are subtracted from the number of game values. When you finish playing, you add the number of points to the number of points you have. The gaming value number is transmitted from the gaming machine to the card unit via communication, and the inserted card The number of game values ​​held is stored in the memory (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-029892 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, in gaming machines such as those exemplified above, it is desirable to manage the gaming value appropriately. , there is room for improvement in this regard.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a method for managing game values ​​in an appropriate manner. The present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can perform the above-mentioned functions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a game machine that includes a main control board that controls the progress of the game and a game machine that controls the number of game values. and a game value number control board for controlling the number of game values, and the game value number control board stores the number of game values. a game value lending device communication means for communicating with the game value lending device; and a main control board communication means for communicating with the main control board, The game value is lent according to the number of game values ​​transmitted, and is deducted from the game value number storage means. The game value is used for playing games by adding the game value to the game value number storage means. The game value is calculated as the result of the game and is recorded in the game value number storage means. The number of game values ​​stored in the game value lending device is transmitted to the game value lending device by the game value lending device communication means. The gaming machine counts the gaming value by the above-mentioned gaming value number control board and The communication with the gaming value lending device is performed by the gaming value number control board as a master. The game value number control base is a periodic communication that repeats a series of communications at regular time intervals. The game value number control board also controls the communication between the board and the main control board as a master. and repeating a series of communications at the same time intervals as the communications with the gaming value lending device. It is characterized by being trustworthy. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can perform suitable management of gaming value. It becomes Noh. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine and the card unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine with the front door open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the cabinet of the slot machine with the front door removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine. [Figure 5] 1 is a block circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game ball lending device connection terminal board and the connection state between the slot machine and the card unit. [Figure 6] Communication between the slot machine and the card unit. [Figure 7] This is a gaming machine information notification. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed in the slot machine. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart showing a process to be performed during a power outage in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 9 is a flowchart showing a count switch process executed in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 9 is a flowchart showing a game value insertion switch process executed in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 9 is a flowchart showing a start lever process executed in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 8. [Figure 13] 9 is a flowchart showing a unit communication process executed in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 8. [Figure 14]14 is a flowchart showing a counting process executed in the unit communication process of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 14 is a flowchart showing a lending process executed in the unit communication process of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a main process executed in the slot machine. [Figure 17] 17 is a flowchart showing normal processing executed in the main processing of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] 18 is a flowchart showing a lottery process executed in the normal process of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 18 is a flowchart showing a reel control process executed in the normal process of FIG. 17. [Figure 20] 20 is a flowchart showing a winning determination process executed in the reel control process of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a block circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of a slot machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is an outline of communication in the second embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process in the second embodiment. [Figure 24] 24 is a flowchart showing a count switch process executed in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 23 in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] 24 is a flowchart showing the owned game value number display control board communication processing executed during the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 23 in the second embodiment. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the possessed gaming value number display control board in the second embodiment. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed by the possessed gaming value number display control board in the second embodiment. [Figure 28] 28 is a flowchart showing a power outage process executed in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 27 in the second embodiment. [Figure 29] 28 is a flowchart showing unit communication processing executed in the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 27 in the second embodiment. [Figure 30] 30 is a flowchart showing a counting process executed in the unit communication process of FIG. 29 in the second embodiment. [Figure 31] 30 is a flowchart showing a lending process executed in the unit communication process of FIG. 29 in the second embodiment. [Figure 32] 28 is a flowchart showing the main control board communication processing executed during the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 27 in the second embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 11 is a block circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of a slot machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 34] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process in the third embodiment. [Figure 35] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed by the possessed gaming value number display control board in the third embodiment. [Figure 36] 36 is a flowchart showing a count switch process executed in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 35 in the third embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 11 is a block circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of a slot machine according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 38] 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration in a fourth embodiment when a main control board 131 and a possessed gaming value number display control board 132 cooperate to control the slot machine 10. FIG. 14 is a block circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine. [Figure 39] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration in the fourth embodiment when both the main control board 131 and the owned gaming value number display control board 132 are provided with input ports 148, 158 having control functions using enable terminals. [Figure 40]This is a block circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration when a gaming ball lending device connection terminal board 250 is connected to a main control board 131 equipped with an input port 158 ​​having a control function using an enable terminal in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 41] This is a block circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration when a gaming ball lending device connection terminal board 250 is connected to a main control board 131 equipped with an input port 155 that does not have a control function using an enable terminal in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described as being applied to a reel-type gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine, specifically a slot machine. An embodiment in which the slot machine 10 is used will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 2 is a front view of the card unit 230 and the card slot. 3 is a perspective view of the Thomas machine 10 with the front door 12 open. 1 is a front view of the cabinet 11 of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 removed. In this embodiment, the slot machine 10 is connected to a card unit 230 for use. The card inserted into the card unit 230 (such as a magnetic card or IC card) You can play within the range of the balance (value) stored on any prepaid card or membership card. In this embodiment, the game value is paid out in the form of a game merit. There is no physical entity like Dal, but the lending of gaming value, the acquisition of gaming value by winning, The game machine is configured so that the input of gaming value for use is carried out only by electromagnetic means.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11 that forms the outer shell thereof. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 11 includes a top plate 11a formed in the shape of a wooden board, It consists of a bottom plate 11b, a back plate 11c, a left plate 11d and a right plate 11e, and each adjacent plate 11a By fixing the parts 11e by adhesive or other fixing means, the front surface is opened as a whole. Each of the boards 11a to 11e is made of a wooden panel. The panel may be made of synthetic resin or metal. Alternatively, the container may be constructed by forming it into a box shape using a metal material. The cabinet 11 is installed in the game hall by nailing it to the so-called island equipment. Can be installed.

[0012] A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11 so as to be able to be opened and closed. That is, on the left side plate 11d of the housing 11, a pair of upper and lower support shafts 25a are provided as shown in FIG. The support shafts 25a and 25b are tapered shafts that protrude upward. On the other hand, the front door 12 is provided with support shafts 25a and 25b. Support fittings 26a and 26b are provided with insertion holes into which the shafts of 25a and 25b are inserted. Then, after placing support brackets above the support shafts 25a and 25b, the front door 12 is lowered. As a result, the shafts of the support shafts 25a and 25b are inserted into the insertion holes of the support fittings 26a and 26b. As a result, the front door 12 is in the state where the two support shafts 25a and 25b are connected to the housing 11. The housing 11 is supported so as to be rotatable about an opening / closing axis extending downward. The front open side can be opened or closed.

[0013] The front door 12 is locked and cannot be opened by a locking device provided on the rear surface thereof. 1, a key cylinder 2 is provided at the upper right end of the front door 12 as an unlocking operation unit. The key cylinder 20 is integrated with the locking device. The locking state is released by a predetermined key operation on the key. Here, the locking mechanism including the locking device will be briefly described.

[0014] On the right end side of the front door 12, i.e., on the opposite side of the opening and closing axis of the front door 12, there is a locking device on the back side. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the locking device extends vertically and is attached to the front door 1. 2, and a key extending from the top of the base frame to the front of the front door 12. A cylinder 20 and a long interlocking rod 21 mounted on the base frame so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Of the locking devices, only the key cylinder 20 projects forward from the front door 12. The key cylinder 20 is provided in a position within the front door 12. The upper position is thin, resulting in a versatile key cylinder 20 with a short overall length. can be adopted.

[0015] The interlocking rod 21 moves downward by turning the key inserted into the key cylinder 20 clockwise. The interlocking rod 21 is provided with a pair of upper and lower hooks 22, which are hook-shaped. When the front door 12 is closed relative to the housing 11, the hook 22 engages with the support bracket 23 (see FIG. 3) to be locked. The hook 22 is attached to the side that maintains the locked state. The key is inserted into the key cylinder 20. When the lever 21 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the link rod 21 moves downward and the hook metal fitting is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing member. As the hook 22 moves, the engagement between the hook 22 and the support bracket 23 is released, and the housing The front door 12 to the door 11 is unlocked.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a game status indicator is provided at the upper center of the front door 12 to notify the player of the game status. The game panel 30 has three vertically long display windows 31L, 31M. The display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R are formed so as to be arranged side by side. The slots are made of a semi-transparent material, and can be seen through the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. The inside of the computer machine 10 can be seen through the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. 1R may be combined into one common display window.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the interior of the housing 11 is divided into two sections, upper and lower, by a partition plate 40. A reel unit 41 that constitutes the display device is attached to the top of the partition plate 40. The reel unit 41 includes a left reel 42L and a center reel 42R each formed in a cylindrical (annular) shape. The left reel 42M and the right reel 42R are equipped with a small It is sufficient that the belt is configured as an endless belt, and is not limited to a cylindrical (annular) shape. It may also be configured as a reel such as a belt or drum.

[0018] Each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is arranged so that its central axis coincides with the axis of rotation of the reel. The rotation axis of each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is approximately horizontal. The reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are arranged on the same axis extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the display window 3. There is a one-to-one correspondence with 1L, 31M, and 31R. Therefore, each reel is 42L, 42M, and 42 Parts of the R surface are visible through the corresponding display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. When the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R rotate forward, the display windows 31L The surface of reels 42L, 42M, and 42R moves from top to bottom through 31M and 31R. It appears as if it is moving.

[0019] Each of these reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is driven by a stepping motor 61 (61 61L, 61M, and 61R (see FIG. 4), and each of the stepping motors 61L, 6 By driving 1M and 61R, each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is individually, i.e., independent of each other. The structure is such that the rotor can be rotated.

[0020] The stepping motor 61 is driven by a drive signal (excitation signal or excitation pulse) of, for example, 504 pulses. This excitation is also called "excitation." The magnetic pulses determine the rotational position of the stepping motor 61, i.e., the position of each corresponding reel 42L. , 42M, and 42R are controlled.

[0021] On each belt of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R, there are multiple Specifically, 21 patterns are drawn on the coin. Therefore, from a certain pattern in a predetermined position, It takes 24 pulses (=504 pulses ÷ 21 symbols) to switch to the next symbol. From the time when a detection signal of the reel index sensor 55 (see FIG. 4) described later is output Depending on the number of pulses, which symbols are visible through the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R? and to make any design visible through the exposure windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. It is possible to control the

[0022] Of the symbols on each reel 42L, 42M, and 42R, the symbols in the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R are The number of symbols that can be seen through R is mainly the number of symbols above and below the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. In this embodiment, each reel has three pieces of paper. Therefore, when all reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped, , 3 x 3 = 9 symbols become visible to the player.

[0023] Each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R of the reel unit 41 displays identification information in a variable manner. This is an example of a display device that uses a belt, and the display device may have other configurations. Other mechanical reel configurations, such as a type that rotates instead of spinning, may also be used. Instead of or in addition to a mechanical reel configuration, a liquid crystal display, a dot matrix A display or other electrical indicator may be provided to display the identification information in a variable manner. This allows for a wide variety of display modes.

[0024] The game panel 30 has a horizontal line connecting the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. There are five lines in total, three in the row and two diagonally across. The maximum number of combination lines may be 6 or more, or may be less than 5, and may be up to The number of combination lines may be changed. On the left side of the 31L, 31M, and 31R groups as seen from the front, there are effective line display units 32, 33, and 34. The first effective line display section 32 is provided on the central horizontal line (center When the second valid line display unit 3 is activated, it is displayed by lighting or the like. 3: When the upper and lower horizontal lines (upper and lower lines) of the combination line are activated The third effective line display section 34 indicates a pair of effective lines among the combination lines. When diagonal lines (downward and upward lines) are enabled, they will be displayed by lighting up, etc. Then, when the symbols are on the activated combination line, that is, the activated line, If the combination stops in a certain way, it will be a win, and the game value will be paid out or a specific game will be played. The migration process is then executed.

[0025] In this embodiment, a plurality of roles with different game values ​​are used depending on the combination of symbols. Specifically, the combination of symbols set as bonus symbols on an active line is called a bonus symbol. A combination of bonus symbols and small symbols that line up on an active line. A combination of small symbols and replay symbols that are set on an effective line. If you win a bonus symbol (if the bonus symbol is on an active line), If the combination is complete, 15 coins will be paid out. If the symbols line up, 2 to 8 coins of game value will be paid depending on the type of small winning symbol. If you win a replay (if the replay symbols line up on an active line), , the player can play again without making a bet (the investment of game value required to start playing) If you do not win a bonus, small win, or replay win (on the active line), If the same symbols do not line up on the left, center, and right, it is a loss and in this case, no game value will be lost. No payouts will be made.

[0026] On the lower left side of the gaming panel 30, as shown in FIG. 1, there are reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. start lever 71 operated to start the rotation of all the The start lever 71 starts the rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. That is, it constitutes a start operation means by which a start operation is performed to start the variable display of the symbols. The start lever 71 is a lever that the player pushes by hand when starting a game. The built-in spring automatically returns the ball to its original position after you release it. When the start lever 71 is operated while the reels 42L, 42M, and 4 The two R's start rotating simultaneously or at a short interval.

[0027] On the right side of the start lever 71, as shown in FIG. Button-shaped stop switches 72, 7 operated to stop 2M, 42R individually The stop switches 72, 73, and 74 are provided to stop the lead are located directly below the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R corresponding to the channels 42L, 42M, and 42R, respectively. The stop switches 72, 73, and 74 are used to stop the rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. Each stop is configured as a stop operation means that is operated to stop the variable display based on the rotation. Switches 72, 73, and 74 are turned on when a predetermined time has passed since the left reel 42L started to spin. The machine is now in a state where it can be stopped, and during this state a lamp (not shown) is lit to indicate this. When the rotation stops, the light goes out. It has become.

[0028] Below the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R of the game panel 30, the number of game values ​​held is displayed. A game value number display unit 35 that displays the number of times the bonus is played, and a special game state such as a big bonus or regular bonus is displayed. a game number display unit 36 ​​that displays, for example, the number of remaining games, and a game number display unit 37 that displays the number of acquired game values. The display units 35 to 37 are each provided with an acquired game value display unit 37. Although it is composed of a segment display, it can of course be replaced by a liquid crystal display, etc. In this embodiment, the payout of the rental gaming value is carried out by electromagnetic means. Therefore, when the game value is lent, the value displayed on the game value display unit 35 is It is updated according to the number of loaned gaming values.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the lower left side of the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R indicates the game value at once. A button-shaped first gaming value insertion switch 77 for inserting three coins is provided. To the left of the first game value input switch 77, a button smaller than the switch 77 is formed. A second game value input switch 78 and a third game value input switch 79 are provided. The second gaming value input switch 78 is for inputting two gaming values ​​at a time. The third gaming value input switch 79 is used to input one gaming value.

[0030] The game value is inserted by an electromagnetic method using the first to third game value insertion switches 77 to 79. Specifically, when the third game value input switch 79 is pressed, the game value is The number displayed on the gaming value number display unit 35 is decremented by one as one coin is inserted. The first active line display section 32 lights up and the center line becomes the active line. When the switch 78 is pressed, it indicates that two game values ​​have been inserted, and the game value number display unit The number displayed in the first effective line display area 32 and the second effective line display area 35 is reduced by two. The in display section 33 lights up, and a total of three combination lines become active lines. When the on switch 77 is pressed, the number of game values ​​is displayed as three game values ​​are inserted. The number displayed in the section 35 is reduced by three, and all the active line display sections 32 to 34 light up. A total of five combination lines are valid lines.

[0031] In addition, when any of the first to third game value input switches 77 to 79 is pressed, the game value is input. If the number of game values ​​to be held is insufficient, for example, when the display of the game value number display unit 35 is 2, When the first game value input switch 77 is pressed, the value of the game value number display section 35 is All are subtracted to 0, and two game values ​​are inserted.

[0032] The first game value input switch 77 is configured to input the maximum number of game values ​​( To notify the user that the number of sheets has not reached 3, a lamp (not shown) is built in as a light-emitting element. The lamp is lit when the switch operation of the first game value input switch 77 is valid. When the switch 77 is lit and the operation of the switch 77 is prompted, but there are no game values ​​in possession, In the situation where three coins have already been inserted, the light will be turned off. In addition, the indicator may be made to blink to make it easier for the player to understand the prompt to insert gaming coins.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, a button-shaped counting switch 80 is provided on the left side of the start lever 71. When the counting switch 80 is pressed, the connected card unit 230 The card unit 230 transmits the number of play points to the inserted card. As a result, the value number stored in the slot machine 10 is The number of play values ​​held will be zero.

[0034] When the counted game value number is stored in the magnetic card, the card unit 230 is also set The identification information of the loan amount (rate) per coin may be stored. In some cases, game value may be lent at different rates within the same area, so please be aware of the amount of game value you have at each rate. This is to help people memorize value numbers.

[0035] If the magnetic card already has a counting game value number of the same rate stored, The number of game values ​​that you have received is added to the number of counted game values, and the new number of counted game values ​​is obtained. This will save the storage space on the magnetic card. If there is sufficient storage space in the memory card, the information may be stored as a separate record.

[0036] The transfer of the possessed gaming value from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230 is It takes time that is perceptible to the player depending on the number of game values. When the game on the slot machine 10 is finished, and a large amount of game value is obtained as a result of the game, If you win, it will take longer to count, and you will have gained a lot of gaming value. You can feel a sense of fulfillment.

[0037] If the counting switch 80 is pressed again during counting, the counting is stopped and the game can be resumed. This is because the player may change his mind during counting. Press switch 80 once to turn it on, press it again to turn it off, and then It is configured as a toggle type that switches on and off each time a button is pressed, and counts while it is on. Also, by pushing it in and then sliding it, the on state can be maintained. It may be a mechanical switch that requires the user to hold the pressed state by hand. and it is easy to operate.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, a fare adjustment switch 76 is provided on the lower right side of the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. When the settlement switch 76 is pressed, the inserted game value is taken and the game value number is However, once the start lever 71 is operated, the game has already started. Since the game value has been inserted, it cannot be returned to the game value amount. If the start lever 71 has not yet been operated and the game has not yet started, For example, when the counting switch 80 is pressed, it is considered that the settlement switch 76 is pressed, and The counting may be started after the inserted gaming value is returned to the gaming value number. When the player presses the switch 80, the unit 23 including the inserted gaming value is This is because transferring the game value to 0 is in line with the player's intention.

[0039] At the top of the front door 12, there is an upper lamp 13 that lights up and flashes as the game progresses. , various sound effects are played as the game progresses, and the left and right buttons inform the player of the game status. A pair of speakers 14 and an auxiliary display unit 15 are provided to provide various information to the player. In this embodiment, the auxiliary display unit 15 is liquid crystal display with the intention of diversifying the display contents and enhancing the display presentation. It is composed of a liquid crystal display, but other displays such as dot matrix displays may also be used. The auxiliary display unit 15 is used to execute various display effects as the game progresses. Therefore, the game using each reel 42L, 42M, and 42R can be considered to be the game using the main display unit. In this embodiment, the auxiliary display unit 15 is referred to as the auxiliary display unit 15. A display control device 11 for driving an upper lamp 13, a speaker 14, and an auxiliary display unit 15 is also provided. The shape, position, number, etc. of the upper lamp 13 and the speaker 14 are not particularly limited. It is not limited to what has been described above.

[0040] Below each stop switch 72, 73, 74, as shown in FIG. 1, the name of the machine and the game The lower plate 16 is attached, on which characters related to the game are displayed. A reversible ashtray 19 is provided on the lower left side of the car seat 16.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing 11, a power supply box is provided on the lower left side of the partition plate 40. The power supply box 121 is provided with a power switch 122 and a reset switch. The power switch 122 is connected to the main control board. This is a start switch for supplying power to each part including the board 131.

[0042] The reset switch 123 is a switch for resetting various states of the slot machine 10. This slot machine 10 has a backup function for various data, Even if a power outage occurs, the state at the time of the power outage is maintained, and when power is restored (restored), the state at the time of the power outage is restored. Therefore, for example, when the business of the game hall is closed, When the power is turned off in the normal way, the state before the power was turned off is stored in memory. If you turn on the power switch 122 while pressing 123, the backup data will be reset. In addition, when the power switch 122 is turned on, the reset switch If touch 123 is pressed, the error state is reset.

[0043] The setting key insertion hole 124 is for the hall manager to adjust the game value of the balls. That is, the hall manager or the like inserts the setting key into the setting key insertion hole 124 and operates (turns By performing the operation of "setting", the setting state of the slot machine 10 (the winning probability setting process) is set to "setting". You can change the setting from "1" to "Setting 6".

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, above the reel unit 41, a main control board 131 is mounted on the back of the housing 11. The main control board 131 is attached to the board 11c. ROM that stores the program, RAM that temporarily stores necessary data according to the progress of the game , a port for communicating with various devices, a clock used for time counting and synchronization, etc. The main substrate includes a circuit, etc., and the main substrate is provided with an encapsulating means made of a transparent resin material, etc. The board box is housed in a box base that is roughly rectangular. The box base has a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The base and the box cover are connected to each other by a sealing unit as a sealing means so that they cannot be opened. This seals the board box. The locking member may be configured to be connected to the locking member in an unopenable manner using a key member.

[0045] In addition, inside the housing 11, on the left side plate 11d, there is a game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250 The game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250 is connected to the slot machine 10. This is a relay board for interconnecting the game ball lending device and the game ball lending device. The daughter board 250 is connected to the slot machine 10 by a cable 105 (see FIG. 5). The game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250 is connected to the card unit by a cable 260. 5. The game balls and the like lending device connection terminal board 250 is connected to the game balls and the like lending device connection terminal board 250. By connecting the slot machine 10 and the card unit 230 to each other, The devices to be manufactured can be easily connected and disconnected.

[0046] The lower position of the game ball lending device connection terminal board 250 and the left side portion of the back panel 11c when viewed from the front One end of the cable 260 connected to the game ball lending device connection terminal board 250 is connected to the housing 1. A cable port 261 is formed through the cable port 261 for leading out to the outside of the cable 1. The other end of the cable 260 is connected to the card unit 230 on the rear side. The card unit 230 is connected to the left side of the slot machine 10. Since it is installed next to the game ball lending device, the game ball lending device connection terminal board 250 is provided on the left side plate 11d, By providing the cable port 261 on the left side of the back panel 11c when viewed from the front, the cable 260 This makes it easy to handle.

[0047] On the left side of the slot machine 10 configured as above, a vertically long rectangular card slot machine is provided. The card unit 230 is provided in parallel with the magnetic card. It is a device that reads and rewrites the magnetic information stored on the magnetic card. The game value is lent with the balance amount, and the counted game value (transmitted from the slot machine 10) is The purpose is to store the number of playing values ​​(number of playing values ​​held) on a magnetic card.

[0048] At the approximate center of the card unit 230 in the vertical direction, a card having a value equivalent to money is attached. A card insertion slot 224 for inserting a magnetic card to be used, and a magnetic card inserted thereunder A return button 200 is provided for ejecting the card from the card insertion slot 224. Above the card insertion slot 224 and on top of the card unit 230, there is a liquid crystal display panel 225. are arranged.

[0049] The return button 200 is pressed toward the back of the card unit 230 (toward the back of the paper in FIG. 1). The card unit 230 is normally formed to be able to be opened and closed by a built-in spring. When the return button 200 is pressed, A push button type switch that is turned on and turned off when the pressure is released. When the return button 200 is pressed (switched on), the card unit The magnetic card being inserted into the card insertion slot 22 is pushed by an actuator (not shown). 4 is forcibly ejected.

[0050] The area between the card insertion slot 224 and the liquid crystal display panel 225 is the card unit 23. A pair of roughly triangular connecting base direction indicator lamps 226 are provided on the upper side of the connecting base. The pair of connecting base direction indicator lamps 226 indicate the direction in which the card unit 230 is connected. The purpose of this is to indicate the arrangement (parallel arrangement) direction of the slot machines 10. For example, when the card unit 230 is connected to the slot machine 10 arranged next to it on the right side, The left LED is lit, and the card unit 230 is connected to the slot machine 1 If the unit is connected to a 0 (not shown), the right LED will light up. A card insertion lamp 227 is provided below the lamp 226. The lamp 227 is lit when a magnetic card is inserted into the card slot 224, When no magnetic card is inserted into the card slot 224, the light is turned off.

[0051] Below the liquid crystal display panel 225, there are a degree indicator 205, a counting game value indicator 206, and , and a gaming value loan button 210 are provided.

[0052] The point indicator 205 displays the balance of the magnetic card read by the card unit 230. In this embodiment, it is composed of three 7-segment LEDs that display the Since the skill value is calculated in 100 yen increments, the LED205 balance display shows the balance to the nearest hundred. The 7-segment LED on the far right of Figure 1 shows The 7-segment LED in the middle displays the value in the thousands place. The leftmost 7-segment LED displays the value in the tens of thousands place. In the above, the LED 205 for displaying the amount is supposed to display the amount, but instead of the amount, the balance The remaining number of times or remaining game value equivalent to the amount of money may also be displayed.

[0053] The gaming value loan button 210 is located toward the back of the card unit 230 (toward the back of the paper in FIG. 1). ) is formed so that it can be pressed down, and under normal circumstances, the card unit is The game value loan button 210 is turned on by pressing it. The switch is a push button type that turns on when the pressure is released and turns off when the pressure is released. It is stored.

[0054] The game value loan is performed by both the slot machine 10 and the card unit 230. This can be executed when the slot machine 10 is in a state where it is possible to lend. The first condition is that the game value can be lent when all three conditions are met. In the case where the game is not being executed in the slot machine 10 (when the game is not being executed), In this case, the rotation wait time of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R after the start lever 71 is operated is Outside of the machine, all reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped and the game value is paid out. There is no payout, or even if there is a payout of game value, the payout has already been completed. .

[0055] When the start lever 71 is operated with the gaming coins inserted, the reels 42L, 4 Reels 2M and 42R start spinning, but reels 42L, 42M, and 42R stopped in the previous game. If a predetermined time has not elapsed after the start lever 71 is operated, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R do not start rotating and are in a standby state. Reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped and no game value has been paid out, but the game is still being played. If no gaming value has been inserted, the start lever 71 is operated. Even if you operate the start lever 71, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R will not rotate. Reels 42L, 42M, and 42R will not be waiting to rotate later.

[0056] The second condition is that the maximum bet is not made. The maximum number of game values ​​required to start playing is three. If you do, it will be the max bet. In other words, if the number of game values ​​inserted is 2 or less, The second condition is met.

[0057] The third condition is that the number of game values ​​held inside the slot machine 10 is equal to or greater than the number of game values ​​held inside the slot machine 10. The maximum value cannot be exceeded by lending. There is an upper limit to the number of game values ​​you can have. This is because any operation that causes an overflow will result in an error. If there is a certain number of game values ​​that can be acquired, the number of game values ​​that can be acquired can be further increased by lending game values. Therefore, the number of game values ​​held, which is the third criterion, is set to the maximum number of actual game values ​​held. If these three conditions are met, When the gaming value loan button 210 is pressed, the gaming value loan is executed ( See S282 in Figure 13).

[0058] In addition, the game value loan button 210 has a built-in lamp as a light-emitting member (not shown). The lamp is lit when the game value is available for loan, and when the game value is not available for loan, In this embodiment, the slot machine 10 The above three conditions are met (the game is not in execution state (after the start lever 71 is operated) When reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are not waiting to spin, all reels 42L, 42M, and 4 2R is stopped and there is no payout of game value or the payout has ended), and The number of game values ​​inserted is two or less, and the number of game values ​​held is a predetermined number or less, In addition, a magnetic card is inserted into the card unit 230 (the magnetic card realizes the loan value). The lamp is turned on under the condition that the customer has a sufficient balance to make a withdrawal.

[0059] The counting game value display 206 is a magnetic card read by the card unit 230. It consists of five 7-segment LEDs that display the counting game value. When the counting switch 80 is pressed, the card unit 230 is output from the slot machine 10. The card unit 230 that received the transmitted number of playing values ​​stores the number of playing values ​​in the magnetic card. The player enters the number stored on the magnetic card at the counter in the gaming hall. The points can be exchanged for prizes according to the value of the game. In some cases, instead of exchanging the prize, the calculated gaming value may be deposited into the member's account.

[0060] If both the balance amount and the counted game value are stored on the magnetic card, the game value loan button When the button 210 is pressed, instead of lending the game value from the balance amount, the game value is borrowed from the counted game value. The calculated gaming value is originally calculated by the slot machine 10. Since the number of possessed playing values ​​is transmitted from the card unit 230 to the slot machine 1 By transmitting the counted game value number to 0, the game value is again stored in the slot machine 10. This is because it can also be used for gaming purposes.

[0061] When a magnetic card is not inserted into the card slot 224, the liquid crystal display panel 225 displays indicates whether a magnetic card can be inserted into the card insertion slot 224, and If the card has already been inserted into the card insertion slot 224, the game value can be borrowed by pressing the game value lending button 210. An operation guide will be displayed indicating that gaming value can be lent.

[0062] In addition, when the liquid crystal display panel 225 has a touch panel function, the degree display 205 and Instead of the counting game value display 206 and the game value loan button 210, a liquid crystal display panel 225 Display the balance stored on the magnetic card, display the counting game value, and operate the loan game value. The following may be performed.

[0063] When displaying the balance amount on the liquid crystal display panel 225, the hundredths and above are displayed as units. It is also possible to display all digits, which allows for flexibility in taking consumption tax into consideration. In addition, players can choose to lend their balance instead of the amount. The number of game values ​​corresponding to the amount of money may be displayed. It will be easier to understand what you can do.

[0064] If the magnetic card stores the winnings from gaming machines with different rates, The counted gaming value is displayed for each slot. Then, you can choose to lend the gaming value from the balance amount or use the counted gaming value. You may choose to pay out from the skill value. The counting game value with a different rate from the machine rate will be grayed out and the rate will match. Alternatively, the payout rate may be set to a different rate. The game value is converted into the rate of the gaming machine you are currently playing and displayed. Furthermore, the payout amount may be within the range of the counted gaming value calculated by the pachinko type gaming machine. The value may be converted based on the rate and paid out.

[0065] If the magnetic card also serves as a service membership card, the amount of gaming value deposited in the membership account The balance of the deposit may be displayed and withdrawals may be made from that balance. The loan value is calculated from the balance stored in the magnetic card, and the payout value is calculated from the counted value stored in the magnetic card. By receiving withdrawals from the balance of your member's account, you can play without handling cash. Games can be played and the inconvenience of handling cash can be eliminated.

[0066] Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The main control board 131 is provided with a microcomputer centered on an MPU 151, which is a processing means. The MPU 151 is equipped with a computer. In addition to the power supply device 161, a clock circuit 154 that outputs a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency and an input port The port 155, the output port 156, the serial port 157, etc. are connected via an internal bus, etc. The main control board 131 is a main board built into the slot machine 10. It fulfills all of these functions.

[0067] The input side of the main control board 131 is provided with a start detection sensor that detects the operation of the start lever 71. a stop detection sensor 71a for detecting the operation of each stop switch 72, 73, 74 individually; The sensors 72a, 73a, 74a and the game value input switches 77, 78, 79 are operated individually. The input detection sensors 77a, 78a, 79a detect the operation of the counting switch 80. Counting detection sensor 80a, a reel detection sensor for detecting the rotation position (origin position) of each reel 42 individually The index sensor 55 and the reset detection sensor 1 that detects the operation of the reset switch 123 23a, a possessed game value number clear detector for detecting the operation of the possessed game value number clear switch 127 The output sensor 127a, the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 124 and the setting key is rotated. Various sensors are connected to the setting key, such as a setting key detection sensor 124a that detects when the setting key is pressed. Therefore, signals from various sensors are input to the MPU 151 via the input port 155. It is.

[0068] The input side of the main control board 131 is connected to a power failure monitoring circuit 16 provided in the power supply device 161. 1b and the latch circuit 126 are connected via an input port 155. 61 is a circuit board that supplies driving power to the main control board 131 and other electronic devices of the slot machine 10. The power supply unit 161a that supplies the power, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b, and the like are mounted. The power failure monitoring circuit 161b may be provided on the main control board 131.

[0069] The power failure monitoring circuit 161b monitors the power supply interruption state, and not only in the event of a power failure but also when the power switch 1 The purpose of this is to generate a power outage signal when the power is cut off by the power supply 22. 61b is a stabilized driving voltage of 12 volts DC in this example output from the power supply unit 161a. When this drive voltage drops below 10 volts, for example, the power supply is considered to have been shut off. The power failure signal is provided to an input port 155. The MPU151 recognizes this power outage signal and executes the power outage processing described below. do.

[0070] Even if the output voltage from the power supply unit 161a drops to less than 10 volts, the main control board 1 It outputs a 5-volt stabilized voltage that is used as the drive voltage for control systems such as the 31. The time during which this stabilized voltage is output is There is enough time to execute power outage processing according to 1.

[0071] The random number counter update circuit 125 is a circuit that receives a clock of a predetermined frequency and a 16-bit random number counter. and for example, one count is generated at each falling edge of a clock pulse output from the clock. The random number counter counts up by one. The clock pulse allows the "0 to The updated random number is always stored in the latch circuit. It is output to 126.

[0072] The latch circuit 126 includes a random number counter update circuit 125 in addition to the input port 155. and the start lever 71. This latch circuit 126 has a 16-bit memory. The signal (random number) output from the random number counter update circuit 125 is The latch circuit 126 is used to latch the signal when the lever 71 is operated. The random number value latched by is output from the latch circuit 126 to the MPU 151.

[0073] The random number counter update circuit 125 and the latch circuit 126 are mounted on the main control board 131. The clock provided in the random number counter update circuit 125 is a clock circuit 1.4, which operates at a frequency asynchronous with the frequency of the square wave output from 154. The random number counter is used in the main control. It is updated at intervals asynchronous to the 1.49 msec interval that is the operating cycle of the board 131. As a result, an unauthorized board called a "hanging board" was attached to the main control board 131 (MPU 151). Even though it is attached to the slot machine 10 so that it operates synchronously, the "hanging board" It is not possible to grasp the value of the random number counter (random number value) by this.

[0074] The output side of the main control board 131 is provided with the respective effective line display units 32, 33, 34, a game value table display unit 35, game number display unit 36, acquired game value number display unit 37, each reel 42L, 42M, Each stepping motor 61 (61L, 61M, 61R) for rotating 42R, The control device 111 and the like are connected via an output port 156 .

[0075] The display control device 111 drives the upper lamp 13, the speaker 14 and the auxiliary display unit 15. It is a control device for controlling the system, and is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. to operate it. Then, upon receiving a signal from the main control board 131, the display control The control device 111 independently drives and controls the upper lamp 13, the speaker 14, and the auxiliary display unit 15. Therefore, the display control device 111 is connected to the main control board 131, which is the main board that controls the game. In relation to the above, it is a sub-board that performs auxiliary control. By providing a sub-board for the sounds, lamps, and displays, the burden on the main board is reduced. The various display units 32 to 37 may also be configured to be controlled by the display control device 111. good.

[0076] The main control board 131 and the card unit 230 are connected to a game ball lending device connection terminal board 2 50. The main control board 131, the card unit 230, and the game balls etc. The lending device connection terminal board 250 is properly connected, and the card unit 230 is properly The VL connection confirmation signal, which indicates that the device is always running, is sent to MPU15 via input port 155. 1, the MPU 151 is connected to the card unit 230. Furthermore, serial communication signals are sent via serial port 157. Since the card unit 230 is connected to the card unit 230, serial information communication can be performed between the card unit 230 and the card unit 230. It is possible.

[0077] The above-mentioned MPU 151 contains various control programs executed by this MPU 151. ROM 152 stores the program and fixed value data, and the control data stored in this ROM 152 A working area is allocated to temporarily store various data when executing a program. In addition to the RAM 153 for the data transfer, there are other circuits, not shown, such as an interrupt circuit, as is well known. Various processing circuits required for the slot machine 10, such as a data transmission / reception circuit, The ROM 152 and RAM 153 form the main memory as a storage means. 8 to 20. The RAM is stored in the ROM 152 described above as part of the control program.

[0078] The RAM 153 is configured to operate in the power supply box 1 even after the power to the slot machine 10 is turned off. A backup voltage is supplied from a power supply unit 161 provided in the internal memory 21 to maintain data (backup). The RAM 153 is configured to temporarily store various data. In addition to the memory and area for storing the data, a backup area is provided.

[0079] The backup area is a place where power is cut off in the event of a power outage or other power outage. Stack point at the time of power failure (including power shutdown by operating the power switch 122; the same applies below) This is an area for storing the values ​​of the data, registers, I / O, etc., and is used when the power outage is resolved (when the power is restored). This includes turning on the power by operating the switch 122 (hereinafter the same). Based on this information, the state of the slot machine 10 can be restored to the state it was in before the power was cut off. Writing to the backup area is performed by the power outage processing (see Figure 9) when the power is cut off. The values ​​written to the backup area are restored during the main processing when the power is turned on (see Figure 1). 16). The power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 161b is transmitted to the input port 161c. Since the power failure signal is input to input port 155, MPU151 receives this power failure signal via input port 155. It can read the signal and recognize whether or not a power outage has occurred. This power outage signal is monitored by a timer interrupt process that is executed periodically (see Figure 8). When it is recognized that a power outage or the like has occurred, a power outage flag generation process is executed.

[0080] The RAM 153 is a memory for temporarily storing various data, etc. Random number memory 153a, bet counter 153b, holding game value counter 153c, for transmission The winning / losing random number memory 153a is provided with a winning / losing counter 153d. This is a memory that stores random numbers to determine the winning combination. Whether the lottery is won or lost depends on the value stored in the win / lose random number memory 153a. The win / lose random number memory 153a stores the number of wins / lose output from the random number counter update circuit 125. The start lever 71 is operated when the gaming value is bet among the random number values. The random number value latched in the latch circuit 126 is written (see S601 in FIG. 18). The MPU 151 calculates the winning / losing random number in the lottery process (S505, see FIG. 18) described later. The random number stored in the memory 153a is compared with a random number table selected based on various conditions. The random number is used to draw the winning combination, and the winning combination is determined by the random number. If the winning combination is a winning combination, the type of winning combination is determined.

[0081] The holding game value counter 153c stores the number of game values ​​held by the slot machine 10. The counter calculates the value of the game from the balance stored on the magnetic card, Payouts from the stored counted gaming value, payouts from the member's account balance, and gaming due to winnings When a payout of the game value is made, the payout amount increases accordingly. On the other hand, the first to third game value input switches 7 When 7 to 79 are pressed and game value is inserted, the amount of game value inserted will be deducted. When the counting switch 80 is pressed, the connected card unit 230 The number of game values ​​stored in the game value counter 153c is transmitted, and as a result, the slot The number of play values ​​held by the machine 10 becomes zero. Instead of sending the number of play values, send the number of play values ​​you have in multiple communications. If the number of play values ​​is large, the time required for counting will be longer accordingly. The player can realize the amount of gaming value he has acquired as a result of playing and can feel a sense of satisfaction. In this case, the counting is stopped by pressing the counting switch 80 again. This can be used to deal with cases where a player changes his mind during counting and decides to resume playing. Also, the counting may be configured to be performed while the counting switch 80 is pressed. This simplifies the stopping operation.

[0082] The bet counter 153b is a counter that stores the number of bets inserted for one game. Since the game value is inserted, the game value counter 153c counts the inserted game value. Specifically, when the third game value input switch 79 is pressed, Since one gaming value has been inserted, the value of the bet counter 153b is incremented by one. The game value counter 153c is decremented by one. When this happens, two game values ​​are inserted, and the value of the bet counter 153b is incremented by two. The first game value input switch 77 is turned on, and the value of the game value counter 153c is decremented by two. When is pressed, the value of the bet counter 153b is set to 3 coins as the gaming value. Three is added, and three is subtracted from the owned gaming value counter 153c.

[0083] After the gaming value is inserted, the settlement switch 76 is turned on before the start lever is operated. When is pressed, the number of game values ​​stored in the bet counter 153b is increased by one. The counter 153c is incremented, and the bet counter 153b becomes 0.

[0084] The transmission insertion counter 153d counts the number of inserted game values ​​every time a game value is inserted. A counter that stores the number of game values ​​inserted when transmitting the number to the card unit 230. When the stored gaming value number is transmitted to the card unit 230, it is cleared to 0. When the settlement switch 76 is pressed, the bet counter 153d is set to the bet counter 1 The value of 53b is subtracted, so it may become a negative value. The slot machine 10 holds the value of the sending counter 153d, which is transmitted every time a jack is inserted. It is used to monitor errors in the game value.

[0085] FIG. 5 shows the electrical configuration of the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250 and the slot machine 10 A block diagram showing the connection state between the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250 and the card unit 230. This is a circuit diagram.

[0086] The game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250 is a first connector to which the slot machine 10 is connected. 251, a second connector 252 to which the card unit 230 is connected, and The photocoupler 255 to 257 are connected to the first connector 251 and the second connector 252. In this way, by connecting via photocouplers 255 to 257, the slot machine The card unit 230 and the card 10 can exchange information while maintaining an insulated state. do.

[0087] The first connector 251 is a connector connected to the slot machine 10 via the cable 105. The terminals connected to the power supply line are 10 to 5 volt direct current. The first connector 251 is provided with an input terminal for inputting a current voltage. An input terminal is provided to input a transmission signal from the slot machine 10. 1. Connector 251 transmits the VL connection confirmation signal and serial communication reception signal to the slot machine. An output terminal is provided for outputting to the power supply 10.

[0088] The second connector 252 is a connector that is connected to the card unit 230 via a cable 260. The connector is connected to the power supply line, and the card unit is 230V to 5V. The second connector 252 has an input terminal to which the DC voltage (VL) is input. The connection confirmation signal PSI and the serial communication reception signal are transmitted to the card unit 230. Furthermore, the second connector 252 has an output terminal for outputting to the card unit 230. The serial communication device has an input terminal to which a transmission signal for serial communication is input.

[0089] When the power is turned on to the card unit 230, a controller (not shown) that controls the card unit is After the new MPU performs the initial setting, self-diagnosis, and other initialization processes, the slot machine When it is determined that the preparation for connection with the power supply is complete, the power supply circuit 237 is turned on. The circuit 237 outputs a power supply (VL) to the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250. The power supply (VL) for the game ball lending device connection terminal board 250 is provided in the card unit 230. is connected to the anode of the diode of the photocoupler 235b via a resistor. The cathode side of the photocoupler 235b is connected to the game ball lending device as a connection confirmation signal (PSI). Although it is connected to the connection terminal board 250, the connection is confirmed within the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250 The signal (PSI) is connected to the ground of the card unit 230. The power supply (VL) is turned on, and the card unit 230 and the game ball lending device connection terminal board 2 If 50 is connected properly, current flows through the diode of photocoupler 235b, causing a Then, the phototransistor 235a, which was at H level due to the pull-up resistor 235a, turns ON. The output signal of the coupler 235b becomes L, and the signal is input to the card unit 230 via the input port 235. The MPU checks that the connection with the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250 is normal. This can be done.

[0090] On the other hand, when the card unit 230 turns on the power (VL), the game ball lending device connection terminal The photocoupler 255 of the board 250 is turned on. The VL connection confirmation signal is output to the slot machine 10, and the VL connection confirmation signal is output to the resistor 155a in the slot machine 10. The signal is pulled up by the input terminal 154 and input to the input port 155. If the VL connection confirmation signal is L, the MPU 151 of 0 is ready to operate. It can be determined that it is complete.

[0091] In this way, the slot machine 10 is connected to the card unit 230 and is in operation. After confirming that the preparation is complete, the card unit 230 connects to the game ball lending device connection terminal board 2 50 is connected properly.

[0092] On the other hand, the serial data sent from the serial port 157 of the slot machine 10 is The signal is transmitted to the serial port 238 of the card unit 230 via the photocoupler 256. The serial data sent from the serial port 238 of the card unit 230 is The signal is transmitted to the serial port 157 of the slot machine 10 via the coupler 257 .

[0093] FIG. 6 shows an outline of serial communication between the slot machine 10 and the card unit 230. Explain.

[0094] The data in one frame consists of a message length, a command, a serial number, a data section, and a checksum. The data is sent all at once without being divided. The command indicates the type of message, and is: (1) gaming machine information notification, (2) There are four types of messages: (1) Counting Notification, (2) Loan Notification, and (3) Loan Receipt Result Response. This is the serial number of a message, and whether it is consecutive or not can be used to detect loss of messages or transmission errors. The data section contains detailed information about each message. The checksum is added to the message data. This is calculated to detect transmission abnormalities.

[0095] (1) Gaming machine information notification is sent from the slot machine 10 to the card unit every 300 msec. (2) The counting notification is sent to 230. (1) The counting notification is sent 100 ms after the gaming machine information notification. After 17 minutes, the data is transmitted from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230. (3) Lending notification from the card unit 230 to the slot machine 10 during 0 msec When the above is transmitted, (4) a loan acceptance result response is sent from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 2. It will be sent to 30.

[0096] (1) The gaming machine information notification further includes, depending on the contents of the data section, (1-1) gaming machine installation information, (1 -2) Gaming machine performance information, (1-3) Hall control and fraud monitoring information, will be done.

[0097] (1-1) Gaming machine installation information is information that can identify the gaming machine, and is It consists of the app ID, gaming machine manufacturer code, and product code.

[0098] (1-2) Gaming machine performance information is data that indicates the ball output performance of the gaming machine, specifically the following: The data consists of the following: Total number of coins inserted (cumulative number of coins inserted since power on), total number of coins dispensed Number of coins (accumulated payout number since power ON), MY (maximum difference ball calculated since power ON), role Total number of items dispensed (number of items dispensed by the operation of the device accumulated since the power was turned on), total number of consecutive items dispensed (Number of coins paid out by the operation of consecutive devices accumulated since the power was turned on), device ratio (of the specified number of games) Ratio of payouts due to activation of special features), consecutive special feature ratio (the number of payouts due to activation of consecutive special features out of the specified number of games) Payout ratio), advantageous zone ratio (ratio of payouts in advantageous zones out of the specified number of games) , instruction-inclusive role ratio (the ratio of payouts due to instruction function activation and role activation among the specified number of games) ), device status ratio (ratio of payouts due to device and continuous device operation out of the specified number of plays).

[0099] (1-3) Hall computer and fraud monitoring information is information output to the hall computer, The information used to monitor fraud includes the number of game values ​​held (current number of game values), Number of values ​​inserted (number of game values ​​inserted), number of game values ​​paid out (number of values ​​paid out at the end of one game) Game value number), game machine status (main control status such as RB, BB, AT), error status (game error codes generated by the machine), fraud detection information (detection of fraud using magnet sensors, vibration sensors, etc.) information detected when a door is opened or a setting change is detected), game information (input of game value when a game value is inserted) It consists of the number of coins, number of coins paid out (for monitoring game value errors), etc.

[0100] (2) The count notification is sent from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230. Used when transmitting the gaming value held by the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230 by telegram. It can take a value between 0 and 255. When the counting switch 80 is not pressed If the counting switch 80 is pressed, the counting game value number of 0 is transmitted. The slot machine 10 transmits a counted gaming value number of any one of 100 to 255. If the number of play values ​​is more than 255, it will be counted by multiple counting notifications. After the count notification is sent, the next count notification will be sent 300 msec later, as mentioned above. When counting by multiple count notifications, the counting time is the number of notifications multiplied by 300 msec. The time required for counting is shorter than the number of game values ​​acquired as a result of playing. If it is too long, the player's satisfaction will decrease, and if it is too long, the player will feel that it is redundant. There are various counting times. The number of counted game values ​​sent by one counting notification is This is set by the control program of the Syn10, so the time it takes to count can be adjusted accordingly. In this case, the number of game values ​​to be counted is sent in one counting notification. The number of play values ​​may be changed.

[0101] (3) The lending notice is transmitted from the card unit 230 to the slot machine 10. After the card unit 230 receives the count notification by telegram, the slot machine 1 Therefore, if for some reason the slot machine 10 does not receive the count notification, If the card unit 230 does not transmit the loan notification, the card unit 230 will not transmit the loan notification. By operating the card unit 230, a credit from the balance stored in the magnetic card can be made. Payouts from the gaming value, the calculated gaming value stored on the magnetic card, and the balance of the member's account When paying out the game value due to winning, one loan notification can be used to pay out 1 to 50 coins. The number of play values ​​is set and sent. If there are no loans, 0 is set and sent. Since it is not normal to lend while counting, the information is communicated before the lending notice. If there is more than one counting notice, a loan notice will be sent with 0 notices.

[0102] (4) The loan receipt result response is sent from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230. (3) A message is sent to the slot machine 10, which is a message responding to the result of receiving the loan notification. If the serial numbers of the messages are not consecutive, or if the slot machine 10 is in an inoperable state, If the total number of rental play values ​​exceeds the specified upper limit, etc., The response is "Normal."

[0103] In this way, a series of communications between the slot machine 10 and the card unit 230 is The process starts with (1) notification of gaming machine information from the slot machine 10, which is the target. When the power supply of the card unit 230 is turned on, the card unit 230 is turned on first. When the card unit 230 is started, the card unit 230 waits for the slot machine 10 to start up and (1) transmit a gaming machine information notification. If the hand unit 230 is started first, two notifications are sent: (1) gaming machine information notification and (2) counting notification. However, (3) the loan notification is not sent, so (4) the loan acceptance result response is not sent either. First, until the card unit 230 is started, (1) gaming machine information notification, (2) counting notification Only two messages will be sent unilaterally.

[0104] As mentioned above, the slot machine 10 has a game ball lending device connection terminal board 250. It detects that the power supply (VL) is turned on and knows that the card unit 230 has completed startup. Therefore, the above communication may be started after that. The confirmation may be performed not only at the start of communication but also at any time after the start of communication. In this way, if the card unit 230 is not functioning properly for some reason, the power supply (VL You can stop communication by turning it OFF.

[0105] When the power supply (VL) of the game ball lending device connection terminal board 250 is OFF, the card unit 2 30 is not connected properly, so not only will communication be stopped, but slot machine 10 As an error state, various gaming operations, including the insertion of gaming value, may be disabled. If the card unit 230 is not connected, the game value cannot be borrowed. In that case, the player or the hall employee will be informed of the type of the slot machine 10. The MPU 151 instructs the display device 111 to display the current status. The auxiliary display unit 15 may display a message that the card unit is in an unusable state.

[0106] The card unit 230 turns off the power supply (VL) of the game ball lending device connection terminal board 250. The conditions for turning it on or off are specified based on the member ID on the magnetic card. A condition may be added based on whether the player's behavior indicates a gambling addiction. For example, the amount of money spent, the amount of losses, the amount of time spent playing, the number of times played, etc., over the most recent specified period are compiled. Or, if a family member or parent wishes to improve their gambling addiction, In response to requests from users, the member ID and the permitted frequency of play are registered. These determinations may be made within the card unit 230 or by the card unit Alternatively, the process may be performed by a server connected to the host computer 230 via a network.

[0107] If the operation of the gaming machine is restricted due to suspected gambling addiction, the card unit The LCD panel 225 of the 230 displays warnings about gambling addiction and other information from the upper server. The acquired messages from family, friends, etc. may be displayed.

[0108] Figure 7 omits the messages (2) Counting Notification, (3) Loan Notification, and (4) Loan Receipt Result Response. (1) Only the gaming machine information notification is shown. As explained in FIG. 6, the omitted message (1) The gaming machine information notification is between the messages. As mentioned above, (1-1) gaming machine installation information, (1-2) gaming machine performance information, (1-3) hall As shown in Figure 7, (1-1) Play The gaming machine installation information is notified every 60 seconds, and (1-2) gaming machine performance information is notified every 180 seconds. (1-3) Hole control and irregularity monitoring information is notified in 300msec cycles. If the notification conditions overlap, (1-1) gaming machine installation information, (1-2) gaming machine performance The priority is given to (1-3) hole control and fraud monitoring information.

[0109] Next, in the slot machine 10, the MPU 151 in the main control board 131 executes Each control process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of PU151 can be roughly divided into the main processing that starts when the power is turned on and the periodic processing that starts when the power is turned on. (In this embodiment, every 1.49 msec) For the sake of clarity, the timer interrupt processing will be explained first, followed by the main processing.

[0110] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process that is periodically executed by the main control board 131. The MPU 151 of the main control board 131 generates a timer interrupt every 1.49 msec, for example. This causes a problem.

[0111] First, in the register saving process shown in S201, the MPU used in the normal process described later is used. The values ​​of all registers in the RAM 151 are saved in the backup area of ​​the RAM 153 (S201 ) Then, it is checked whether a power outage signal is received (S202), and if a power outage signal is received, The power outage process is executed only when the power outage signal is received (S203). Therefore, when the power supply is interrupted, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b of the power supply device 161 generates The signal is output to the main control board 131.

[0112] Here, the power failure process (S203) will be described with reference to FIG. 203) is executed immediately after the register save process in the timer interrupt process. Other interrupt processes can be executed without interruption. For example, various command transmission processes can be executed without interruption. During the process of reading the switch status (on / off), This power outage processing will not be executed immediately, and it will be executed at that timing. This eliminates the need to create a program for power outage processing that takes this into consideration. The processing program can be simplified to reduce the program capacity. The same applies to the processing program for power-on processing.

[0113] In the power failure process (S203), first, it is determined whether the command transmission has been completed ( If the transmission is not completed (S221: No), the power failure processing (S203 ) and return to the timer interrupt process in Figure 8, completing the command transmission. In the initial stage of power outage processing, it is determined whether command transmission has been completed or not, and if transmission is incomplete, When the power failure occurs, the transmission process takes priority, and the power failure process (S203) is started after the unit command transmission process is completed. By configuring the system to execute the above, it is possible to execute power outage processing while a command is being sent. As a result, it is no longer necessary to develop a power outage processing program that takes into account the The RAM can be simplified and the capacity of the ROM 152 can be reduced.

[0114] If the command transmission is completed in the process of S221 (S221: Yes), The value of the stack pointer of the MPU151 is saved in the backup area of ​​the RAM153. After that, as a stop process, the RAM judgment value (described later) is cleared and the output The output state of the output port at port 156 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are cleared. Then, the RAM judgment value is calculated and stored in the backup area (S223). The RAM determination value is specifically the address of the work area of ​​the RAM 153. The checksum is the two's complement of the RAM checksum. The RAM check value is saved in the backup area. As a result, the checksum of RAM 153 becomes 0. After that, the RAM access is prohibited so that the power is not completely turned off (S225). An infinite loop is entered in case the process is blocked and the process cannot be executed.

[0115] In addition, in consideration of the possibility that the power outage signal may be received incorrectly due to noise, etc., an infinite loop is used. Check whether the power failure signal is being output or not until the power failure signal is output. If this happens, it means that the power outage has been restored, so writing to RAM153 is permitted. The power failure flag is reset and the process returns to the timer interrupt process in Figure 8. The power failure signal continues to be output. If this is the case, the program will enter an infinite loop.

[0116] The power supply unit 161a of the power supply device 161 has a power supply sufficient to perform the above-mentioned power outage processing. The output of the stabilized voltage (5 volts) used as the drive voltage for the control system is maintained for a certain period of time. In this embodiment, the drive voltage is continuously output for 30 msec. It has become like this.

[0117] Returning to FIG. 8, the timer interrupt process will be explained. If the power is not received, or after the power outage process (S203) is completed, the process from S204 onwards Performs various processes.

[0118] In S204, the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunctions is initialized. The watchdog timer is cleared (S204). In S205, each reel 42L In order to rotate the 42R, 42M, and 42R, the stepping motors that drive the reels are Then, a stepping motor control process is performed to drive the stepping motors 61L to 61R (S205).

[0119] In S206, the status of various sensors (see FIG. 4) connected to the input port 155 is monitored. The sensor monitoring process is performed (S206). That is, as described above, the card unit 230 is used as a game ball lending device. When the power supply (VL) of the game ball lending device connection terminal board 250 is turned on, Photocoupler 255 turns ON, and the input port 155 connected to pull-up resistor 155a The input is set to L level, so by monitoring the input port 155, the card unit 230 and If a connection failure is detected, the status flag is set to the card unit. Sets the card unit connection error or card unit not connected. If a card connection error or card unit not connected status is set, In the game value input switch processing (S209), the game value input processing is restricted so as not to be performed. In the counting process (S277), the counting game value number is always set to zero and the counting notification is sent. If the count notification is sent when the card unit is not connected, The game value counter of the slot machine 10 becomes zero, but the game value is There is no guarantee that the data will be transferred to the magnetic card in the card unit 230, which may cause damage to the player. This is because the power supply (VL) state indicates that the card unit 230 is connected properly. If it is recognized, the status flag will indicate a card unit connection error or This clears the "not connected" status and indicates normal operation. In this case, the player or the hall employee will be informed of the state of the slot machine 10. In order to know whether the display control is set correctly, the command output process (S212) described later is executed. The device 111 is instructed to display on the auxiliary display unit 15 that the card unit is in an unusable state. It may be displayed.

[0120] In S207, a timer subtraction process is performed to subtract the values ​​of the counters and timers (S207). .

[0121] In S208, processing related to the counting switch is performed (S208).

[0122] Here, the counting switch process (S208) will be explained with reference to FIG. This refers to the operation of transferring the number of game values ​​held from the lotto machine 10 to the card unit 230. The counting operation is controlled by the counting process (S277) in the unit communication process (S211). In this counting switch process (S208), the counting process (S277) The process then proceeds to set a counting status flag that specifies whether or not to perform a counting operation.

[0123] First, it is determined whether the VL connection confirmation signal is ON (S231). When the game ball lending device connection terminal board 250 is operating normally, the power supply (V If this state cannot be confirmed (S231: NO), the card unit 23 0 indicates that the slot machine 10 is not yet ready to receive the transfer of the game value number. Therefore, the process returns without executing the count switch process.

[0124] If the VL connection confirmation signal is ON in S231 (S231: YES), the count It is determined whether the switch 80 is turned on (S232). If the ON operation is not performed (S232: NO), the game value counter automatically counts the game value. It is determined whether the skill value number is equal to or greater than the upper limit (S240). If you want to implement a specification that counts only while the counter is in operation, turn the counting status flag OFF here. Then return.

[0125] In S240, if the possessed game value counter is equal to or greater than the automatic count game value upper limit (S24 0: YES), the second counting status flag is set (S241). When the card unit 230 is inserted, in the counting process (S277) described later, Then, in the counting process (S277), the game value of the player is The game value is counted until the counter becomes less than the automatic count game value lower limit. After transmitting to 230, the second count status flag is cleared (S300).

[0126] The second counting state flag is set when the player does not operate the counting switch 80. However, this is a flag to automatically count so that the number of play values ​​you have does not become too large. The upper limit of the automatically counted game value may be set by the player or by the hall management. Alternatively, the value may be set by the gaming machine only. The lower limit of the automatic counting game value is set to a value that is higher than the upper limit so that automatic counting is not activated too frequently. For example, the upper limit of the number of automatic counting game values ​​is set to 2,000, If the lower limit of the dynamic count game value is 1,000, the number of game values ​​you have will exceed 2,000. Automatic counting begins, and ends when the number of coins in your possession reaches 1,000. If the gaming machine does not operate automatic counting, the processing of S240 and S241 is not necessary. be.

[0127] The game value is stored electromagnetically in the game value counter. At most, unlike real medals, there are no physical limitations such as volume. , a large amount of gaming value such as several thousand coins is not necessary in the game, and at the end of the game, If you try to count them all at once, it will take a long time to count, which is inconvenient. Considering the risk of loss due to electrical malfunction, only the necessary number of gaming values ​​should be stored in the gaming machine. It is safer to transfer the rest to a magnetic card.

[0128] In S232, if the counting switch 80 is turned on (S232: YES), ), and it is determined whether the counting status flag is ON (S233). A flag that specifies whether counting is performed when ON or not when OFF If the counting status flag is ON (S233: YES), counting is already in progress. Even if the counting switch 80 is turned on, no special processing is required, so the process simply returns. The counting operation can be stopped by the player pressing the counting switch 80 again. If you want to implement specifications that allow this, turn the counting status flag OFF here and then return. In this case, the determination that the counting switch 80 is turned on (S232: YES) is This refers to the determination of on-edge.

[0129] If the counting status flag is not ON in S233 (S233: NO), the current play It is determined whether the move is being replayed (S234). The value of 3b is not the number of bets resulting from the input of the game value, so if you are replaying ( S234: YES) The process of including the value of the next bet counter 153b in the calculated gaming value is performed. The process skips and jumps to the process of determining whether or not there is a number of game values ​​in possession (S238).

[0130] If the replay is not in progress in S234 (S234: NO), the bet counter 15 It is determined whether the bet counter 153b is 0 or not (S235). If the bet counter 153b is not 0 ( S235: NO), add the value of the bet counter 153b to the game value counter 153c. (S236), and the bet counter 153b is cleared (S237). The state where 53b is not 0 is the state before the start lever 71 is operated after the game value is inserted. Since this is the state, the processing of S236 and S237 is the processing of canceling the input of the game value, that is, This is the same process as when the settlement switch 76 is pressed. Therefore, the game value can be counted without pressing the settlement switch 76, so it is convenient. The settlement process is limited to when the settlement switch 76 is pressed. In this case, the processes of S234 to S237 are omitted.

[0131] If replay is in progress in S234 (S234: YES), the bet If the bet counter 153b is 0 (S235: YES), and if the bet counter 153b is 0 (S235: YES), After clearing the game value counter 153b, it is determined whether the game value counter 153c is 0 or not. If the game value counter 153c is 0 (S238: YES), ), since there is no game value to be counted, it is returned without being counted. If the skill value counter 153c is not 0 (S238: NO), the counting status flag is turned ON. After clearing the second counting state flag (S239), the program returns. When the technician presses the counting switch 80, the counting stops at the lower limit of the automatic counting game value number. Since it is desired to count all the counts without any interruption, the second counting state flag is cleared.

[0132] Returning to FIG. 8, the timer interrupt process will be explained. After that, the game value input switch processing (S209) is performed.

[0133] Here, the gaming value input switch processing (S209) will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed by a first gaming value input switch 77 for inserting three gaming values ​​at once, a second gaming value input switch 78 for inserting two gaming value coins at a time; a third gaming value input switch 79 for inserting one gaming value coin at a time; This is the process when the skill value input switch 79 is pressed. Instead of putting in the number of coins, consider the number of coins you have and the number of bets, and decide how many coins you actually put in. Decide how much gaming value to invest.

[0134] First, it is determined whether the counting status flag is ON (S251). In this case (S251: YES), the process of the game value input switch is not performed and the process returns. If the number status flag is ON, the value of the game value counter 153c is set to the card unit 23. Since the counting mode is in which the value of the game value counter 153c is transferred to 0, the value of the game value counter 153c will be transferred to 0 soon. In this state, it is not possible to insert the game value from the possessed game value counter 153c. Since this is unnatural, it is not possible to insert gaming points during the counting mode. If the counting speed is slow and it takes time to count everything, play several times during the counting. In that case, the processing of S251 is omitted and the counting switch is In the check process, when the counting switch 80 is pressed, the settlement switch 76 is pressed. The value of the bet counter 153b is regarded as the value of the bet counter 153b, and the value is returned to the game value counter 153c. (S234~S237) are omitted.

[0135] It does not matter whether the second counting status flag is ON or not. Since the surplus amount of the card 153c is transferred to the card unit 230, after counting, The value of the value counter 153c does not become 0, and there are still enough game values ​​remaining to continue playing. Therefore, in the second counting state, the game continues. , and gaming operations can be performed.

[0136] If the counting status flag is not ON (S251: NO), the game value counter 15 It is determined whether or not the game value counter 153c is 0 (S252). (S252: YES), since there is no game value to be inserted, the game value insertion switch The process returns without processing the check.

[0137] In S252, if the possessed game value counter 153c is not 0 (S252: NO ), it is determined whether the bet counter 153b is a specified number or not (S253). The bet counter 153b is the maximum number of game values ​​that can be inserted in a game. If the number is the specified number (S253: YES), the maximum gaming value has already been invested. Return without processing the value input switch.

[0138] In S253, if the bet counter 153b is not the specified number (S253: NO), , it is determined whether any one of the first to third game value input switches 77 to 79 is ON ( S254). If none of the game value input switches is ON (S254: NO), Return without processing the value input switch.

[0139] In S254, if any of the game value input switches 77 to 79 is ON (S25 4: YES), the number of game values ​​to be actually inserted is determined by the following process. The input game value corresponding to the game value input switch 77 to 79 that is turned ON in the work area For example, if the first game value input switch 77 is ON, Set the number of coins to be inserted to 3.

[0140] Next, it is determined whether the number of inserted game values ​​is equal to or less than the value of the game value counter 153c (S If the number of inserted game values ​​is equal to or less than the value of the game value counter 153c (S256: YES), leave the number of inserted game values ​​as they are. The number of inserted game values ​​is counted up by the game value counter 1. If the value is not less than 53c (S256: NO), the pressed game value input switch Since you do not have enough gaming value to insert the corresponding number of gaming value, The value of the game value counter 153c is set to the number of game values ​​entered.

[0141] Next, it is determined whether the difference between the specified number and the value of the bet counter 153b is equal to or greater than the number of coins inserted. (S258). If the difference between the specified number and the value of the bet counter 153b is equal to or greater than the number of inserted coins, (S258: YES), leave the number of inserted gaming values ​​as they are. If the difference between the value of 153b and the value of 153b is not equal to or greater than the number of inserted coins (S258: NO), the number of inserted coins is If you put in the bet, the value of the bet counter 153b will exceed the specified number. To prevent this, the difference between the specified number and the value of the bet counter 153b is set as the number of coins inserted (S2 59).

[0142] The number of coins inserted as calculated by the above process is the number of game values ​​to be actually inserted. The game value counter 153c is subtracted, and the bet counter 153b and the transmission input card are counted. The winning line display areas 32 to 34 are updated (S260). The value input process S209 is returned.

[0143] Returning to Figure 8, the timer interrupt process will be explained. After the process is completed, the start lever process (S210) is performed.

[0144] The start lever process (S210) will now be described with reference to FIG. In the normal process (S407) for controlling the progress of the game, the process waits for the start of the game (S 504), the operation of the start lever 71 is notified by the interrupt process corresponding to the start lever 71. It transfers information from interrupt processing to normal processing via a lag.

[0145] First, it is determined whether the bet counter 153b is 0 (S261). If 53b is 0 (S261: YES), it means that there is no gaming value inserted. , and returns without performing any special processing.

[0146] In S261, if the bet counter 153b is not 0 (S261: NO), It is determined whether the start lever 71 is ON (S262). The movement of the start lever 71 is This can be recognized from the input port 155 via the start detection sensor 71a. The ON state in this case refers to the timing of the edge, which changes from the OFF state to the ON state. If the start lever 71 is not ON (S262: NO), Since 1 has not been operated, it is the head of the process when the next settlement switch 76 is operated. Then, the process proceeds to step S266 to determine whether or not the current game is being replayed.

[0147] In S262, if the start lever 71 is ON (S262: YES), the game value The start lever 71 is operated after the bet value is placed, so the game starts. In S263, a start flag is set. In S264, the gaming information in the gaming machine information notification is sent to the card unit 230. In S265, the value of the bet counter 153b is set in the field of the number of inserted coins. The value of the bit counter 153 and the replay flag are cleared, and the process returns.

[0148] If the start lever 71 is not ON in S262 (S262: NO), It is determined whether the game is currently being replayed (S266). If the game is currently being replayed (S266: YE S), the number of bets in the replay game cannot be returned as game value, so The process returns without performing any subsequent processing related to the settlement switch 76.

[0149] If the replay is not currently in progress in S266 (S266: NO), the settlement switch It is determined whether the settlement switch 76 is ON (S267). The settlement switch 76 is turned ON. If not (S267: NO), it means that the settlement switch 76 has not been operated. Therefore, the process returns without performing any special processing.

[0150] In S267, if the settlement switch 76 is ON (S267: YES), the game value Although you bet, the game does not start and you return the game value you put in. That is, the value of the bet counter 153b is added to the gaming value counter 153c (S268). Then, in order to transmit to the card unit 230, the transmission insertion counter 153d is changed to the bet counter 153c. The value of counter 153b is subtracted (S269). This means that the bet counter 153b is reset to the value. After that, the bet counter 153b is cleared (S270). , return.

[0151] Returning to Figure 8, the timer interrupt process will be explained. After that, the unit communication process (S211) is performed.

[0152] Here, the unit communication process (S211) will be explained with reference to FIG. Serial communication between the slot machine 10 and the card unit 230 shown in FIG. It is a control process.

[0153] First, the gaming machine information notification timer is updated (S271), and it is determined whether the gaming machine information notification timer is 0 or not. The gaming machine information notification is transmitted at 300 msec intervals. In this example, the timer interrupt process is started every 1.49 msec, so the timer value and In this case, 202 is set as the initial value, and in S271, the gaming machine information notification timer is set to 1. If the count becomes 0 (S272: YES), the communication interval will be 300.98 msec. and meets communication requirements.

[0154] In S272, if the gaming machine information notification timer is 0 (S272: YES), The information notification timer is reset to the aforementioned 202 (S273), and the transmission of gaming machine information notification is started. (S274) The gaming machine information notification is transmitted at 60-second intervals as shown in FIG. (1-1) Gaming machine installation information and (1-2) gaming machine performance information transmitted every 180 seconds and is subdivided into (1-3) hole control and fraud monitoring information sent at 300msec intervals. Therefore, normally (1-3) hole control and fraud monitoring information is sent, and every 200 times ( 1-1) Send gaming machine installation information, and (1-2) send gaming machine performance information every 600 times. To do so.

[0155] In S272, if the gaming machine information notification timer is not 0 (S272: NO), The notification timing is judged (S275). 02 is reset, and then subtracted by 1 every 1.49 msec until the timing matches 134. The time is (202-134) x 1.49msec = 101.32msec, so The timing is the count notification timing (S275: YES). If the answer is NO at S275, the process goes to S279 to determine whether the rental notification timer is 0 or not. If it is several timings (S275: YES), the confirmation process of the VL connection confirmation signal is performed ( In S276, if the VL connection confirmation signal is ON, no special processing is performed. If the VL connection confirmation signal is OFF, the card unit 230 receives the VL connection confirmation signal from the slot machine 10. Since the preparation for receiving the transfer of the game value number is not completed, the counting status flag, Then, the second counting state flag is cleared, and then the counting process (S277) is performed.

[0156] Here, the counting process (S277) will be explained with reference to FIG. In the case of the state, the counting game value number is determined and the counting notification is started to be sent. If there are many values, counting cannot be completed in one counting notification, so multiple counting This is a process for counting by number notification.

[0157] First, it is determined whether or not the counting state is in progress (S291). ) When it is recognized that the counting switch 80 is turned on, the counting state flag is set to Even if the counting switch 80 is not turned on, the game value counter If the counter is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the automatic counting game value number, the second counting status flag is set. The state is when either the counting status flag or the second counting status flag is set. If it is not in the counting state (S291: NO), the counting game value number is set to 0 (S2 99), and starts transmitting counting notifications (S301).

[0158] In the case of the counting state in S291 (S291: YES), the game value counter 1 It is determined whether the value of 53c is less than the unit count game value (S292). The number is the number of times transmitted from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230 in one count notification communication. The maximum value of the counted game value number is a fixed value specific to the slot machine 10. Alternatively, at the start of the counting process, a value according to the number of possessed gaming values ​​to be counted may be determined.

[0159] The time required to count the number of play values ​​is (number of play values ​​ / number of unit play values) x 30 0msec (counting notification communication period), so if the unit counting game value number is large, the counting Also, if the number of play values ​​you have is large, the time it takes to count will be shorter. On the other hand, the slot machine 10 does not handle actual game medals, The time it takes to count the game value at the end of the game is used to realize the number of game values ​​acquired. This is also a valuable opportunity to gain valuable insights, so the counting time does not necessarily have to be short. Therefore, in order to maximize the satisfaction of the player, it is necessary to adjust the unit count game value number. By doing so, the time it takes to count can be adjusted to the optimum length. Therefore, the amount of time you can feel satisfied may not be proportional to the number of games you have. In such a case, the number of unit counting game values ​​can be appropriately selected according to the number of game values ​​possessed. This allows players to feel satisfied with the counting regardless of the number of game values ​​they have. It is possible.

[0160] In S292, if the value of the possessed game value counter 153c is less than the unit count game value number In step S292, the current number of game values ​​is transmitted by one counting notification. Therefore, the value of the game value counter 153c is set to the counted game value number (S293 ), clear the possessed game value counter 153c (S294), and clear the counting status flag. The process proceeds to step S300.

[0161] In S292, the value of the game value counter 153c is not less than the unit count game value number. In this case (S292: NO), the current number of game values ​​is transmitted by one count notification. Since it is not possible to do so, the value of the unit counting game value number is set to the counting game value number (S295), and That is, the unit count game value number is subtracted from the game value counter 153c (S296). , the possessed play value counter 153c may become 0, so the possessed play value counter It is determined whether the value of the counter 153c is 0 or not (S297). If the value of counter 153c is 0 (S297: YES), all the game values ​​have been counted. Therefore, in order to return the counting state to the normal state, the counting state flag is cleared (S300). The transmission of the counting notification starts (S301).

[0162] In S297, if the value of the game value counter 153c is not 0 (S297: NO ), and it is determined whether the possessed game value counter 153c is equal to or less than the lower limit of the automatically counted game value number (S 298). When the game value counter is below the lower limit of the automatic count game value (S298 :YES), the second counting state flag is cleared (S300). In this case, the counting switch 8 When 0 is turned on and the counting state is entered, it is necessary to stop the counting at the automatic counting game value number lower limit. Since there is no need to do so, the counting status flag is not cleared.

[0163] In S298, if the value of the game value counter 153c is equal to or less than the lower limit of the automatic count game value number, If not (S298: NO), the counting state continues, so the second counting state flag is Without clearing, the transmission of the count notification starts (S301).

[0164] Returning to FIG. 13, the unit communication process will be described. After the counting process of S277 is performed, The lending notification timer setting process (S278) is performed. The initial value of the lending notification timer is 0. After the counting process in S277, a value equivalent to 170 msec is set (S278).

[0165] In S279, it is determined whether the rental notification timer is 0 or not (S279). If the value is 0 (S279: YES), the process regarding the loan notification is skipped and the program returns. The lending notification message is sent from the card unit 230 to the slot machine 10. Since this is a mobile communication, if the card unit 230 is not connected or has not yet started up, In such a case, the slot machine 10 will not receive the lending notification. However, to avoid waiting endlessly for the loan notification, The loan notification timer is set to receive the loan notification communication. Since the loan notification timer is not 0 for the next 170 msec, if the loan notification timer is not 0 (S279: NO), and processes the loan notification communication.

[0166] In S280, the rental notification timer is updated (S280). It is determined whether or not a loan notification has been received (S281). In this case (S281: NO), the process regarding the loan notification is skipped and the process returns.

[0167] If a loan notification is received in S281 (S281: YES), the loan processing ( S282).

[0168] Here, the lending process (S282) will be explained with reference to FIG. In response to the gaming value lending notification received from the card unit 230, the possessed gaming value counter 15 3c and sends a response to the card unit 230.

[0169] First, it is determined whether the number of loaned sheets in the received loan notification is 0 (S311). In this case (S311: YES), the game value counter 153c is not updated, and the number of loaned coins is not updated. The process proceeds to step S314, where the number reception result is set to "normal."

[0170] If the number of loaned coins is not 0 in S311 (S311: NO), the game value counter It is determined whether the value of the counter 153c is equal to or greater than the number of game values ​​not requiring lending (S312). When the player receives a loan of the game, the loaned game value is added to the game value counter 153c. If the value counter 153c overflows, the loan cannot be accepted. Of course, if you have enough value to continue playing, There is no reason to borrow more. Therefore, the available playing value counter 153c can Even if the value is much smaller than the maximum value, a value sufficient to continue playing is used to lend out unnecessary play. If the skill value counter 153c exceeds the value, Therefore, the value of the game value counter 153c is not enough to indicate that the game is not required to be lent. If the number of game values ​​is equal to or greater than the number of game values ​​(S312: YES), the game value counter 153c is not updated. Then, the result of receipt of the number of cards to be lent is set to "abnormal" (S315). Even if you receive a loan notification from Knit 230, if you decide that the loan is not necessary rejects the loan notice.

[0171] In S312, if the value of the possessed game value counter 153c is equal to or greater than the number of game values ​​not requiring lending, If there is no coin (S312: NO), the number of coins lent is added to the game value counter 153c ( S313), and the loan number receipt result is set to "normal" (S314).

[0172] After setting the loan receipt result to "normal" or "abnormal", The answer is sent (S316) and the process returns.

[0173] Returning to FIG. 13, the unit communication process will be described. After the lending process in S282 is completed, clears the rental notification timer (S283) and returns.

[0174] Returning to Figure 8, the timer interrupt process will be explained. After that, a command output process (S212) is performed to transmit a command to the display control device 111. In S213, the game value number display section 35, the number of games displayed, and the number of coins displayed are displayed. Determine segment data for displaying the corresponding numbers, symbols, etc. in each section 37, A port that outputs the segment data to each display unit 35 to 37 via an output port 155 Output processing is performed (S213). In S214, the data that was previously returned to the backup area in S201 is output. The saved values ​​of each register are restored to the corresponding register in the MPU 151 (S 214). Then, the next timer interrupt is enabled, and the next timer interrupt is enabled. The current interrupt process is now finished.

[0175] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main processing on the main control board 131 that is executed after power is turned on. The main processing is performed when the power is restored from a power outage or when the power switch 122 is turned on. is executed when it is entered.

[0176] First, as an initialization process, the value of the stack pointer is set in the MPU 151. Set the interrupt mode that allows interrupt processing, and then set the registers in the MPU151, Various settings are made for I / O devices etc. (S401).

[0177] When these initialization processes (S401) are completed, the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 124. If the setting key is inserted, it is determined whether or not it is inserted (S402). S402: YES), then it is determined whether the reset switch 123 is turned on. If the reset switch 123 is turned on (S403: Y ES), when the power switch 122 is turned on, the reset switch 123 is turned on. Therefore, all the data stored in the RAM 153 is cleared as a clear all process. If the reset switch 123 is not turned on (S405), 03: NO), a part of the data stored in the RAM 153 is cleared as a partial clear process. In other words, the slot is started without any operation for initializing the RAM 153 (S404). When the setting values ​​of the computer machine 10 are changed, a partial clear process (S404) is executed. If an operation to initialize the RAM 153 is performed, the entire RAM 153 is cleared (S405 ) is executed.

[0178] In the partial clear process (S404), the RAM 153 indicates whether or not the BB state is present. The area where data is stored, and the data showing the total number of game values ​​awarded in the BB state are stored. The area where the data indicating whether the AT state is in effect is stored, and the area where the data indicating whether the AT state is in effect is stored. An area in which data for specifying conditions is stored, and indicates the type of lottery mode described later. Clear all areas of RAM 153 to 0, except for the area where data is stored. The area where the winning combination is stored is cleared to 0. In the all clear process (S405), All areas of RAM153, including areas that are not subject to zero clearing during rear processing This clears the BB state even if the partial clear process (S404) is executed. The state, AT state and lottery mode are maintained as they were before the power was turned off, and all are cleared (S405 When this is executed, the game will return to normal play mode regardless of the state before the power was cut off.

[0179] The present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and may be applied to a case where the power supply is cut off in the BB state. When the internal clear process is executed, the AT may be configured to be in a state other than the BB state. If the power is cut off in the AT state, a partial clear process is executed. Even if a partial clear process is executed, the BB role may be The area storing the data indicating that the lottery winner has won may not be cleared to 0.

[0180] After the partial clear process (S404) or the full clear process (S405) is executed, A setting change process (S406) is performed. In the setting change process, six preset setting states are selected. ("Setting 1" to "Setting 6"), and then the selected setting is After the setting change process (S405) is performed, The normal process (S407) described later is executed.

[0181] If the setting key is not inserted in S402 (S402: NO), S408 and subsequent steps The power restoration process is executed. The power restoration process is executed by the slot machine 10. This is a process for restoring the state to the state before the power was cut off.

[0182] In the power recovery process, first, it is determined whether the set value is normal or not (S408). is judged to be normal if it is set to any of "Setting 1" to "Setting 6", and "0" or "7" If the set value is normal, the process returns to step S408. ES), and check whether the power outage flag is set to "1" (S409). The lag occurs when the supply of operating power is stopped and the power outage process is executed normally. The power outage flag is set to "1". If the RAM determination value is normal (S409: YES), it is checked whether the RAM determination value is normal (S4 10) Specifically, the checksum value of RAM153 is checked and the value is normal, that is, R Check whether the checksum value taking into account the AM judgment value is 0. If the checksum value is 0 (S410: YES), the data in RAM153 is normal. It is determined that there is.

[0183] If it is determined that the RAM determination value is normal (S410: YES), steps S408 to S4 Since all 10 results are positive, the processing during the previous power outage was normal. In this case, the stack point saved in the backup area is The value of the counter is written to the stack pointer of the MPU151, and the stack state is maintained until power is cut off. The power failure flag is cleared (S412). A power restoration command informing the execution of the power restoration process is transmitted to the display control device 111 (S413). Return to the address before blocking (S414).

[0184] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in any of S408 to S410, the operation prohibition process is executed. In the operation prohibition process, the execution of the next timer interrupt process (Fig. 8) is prohibited (S415). By clearing all output ports of the MPU 151 to 0, the All actuators are turned off (S416) and an error is reported to the hall manager. An error notification process is executed to notify the user (S417). Then, an infinite loop is created. The operation prohibition process is released by executing the all clear process (S405).

[0185] Next, the normal process (S407) that performs the main control related to the game is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The explanation will be based on the chart.

[0186] In the normal process (S407), first, a display clear process is executed (S501). In the display clear process, the auxiliary display unit 15 controls the display so that a predetermined display is performed in the previous game. If the auxiliary display unit 1 is controlled by the 5 will be in an off state with nothing displayed.

[0187] Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the previous game was a replay win (S502). If the winning is a win (S502: YES), the game will be played without investing any game value. Specifically, the previous number of coins inserted is set in the bet counter 153b (S5 03), and waits for the start flag to be turned ON (S504).

[0188] If the result of the previous game was not a replay win (S502: NO), the game value is The process waits for the start flag to be turned ON (S504).

[0189] As mentioned above, when the game value input switch is pressed, the game value input switch When the switch is pressed, the inserted game value is cancelled. When the counting switch is pressed, The end of the game and the operation of the start lever are detected by the timer interrupt process. In the normal process of controlling the progress of the game, it is only necessary to wait for the start flag to be turned ON. This is why (S504).

[0190] When the start lever 71 is operated and the start flag is turned ON (S504: YES), the game to be executed by operating the start lever 71, and the winning or losing A lottery process is executed to select the winning combination (S505).

[0191] The lottery process (S505) will now be described with reference to FIG. This is a process of drawing lots to determine whether a game will be won or not and the winning combination. The random number value latched in the latch circuit 126 is written into the pass / fail random number memory 153a (S6 01). This random number is taken in by turning on the start flag in the timer interrupt process. After that, the current setting status of the slot machine 10 and the bet game value may be Based on the number of values, the probability of small wins, etc., a random number table for determining whether or not a win occurs is selected (S602 Here, the setting state of the slot machine 10 is "Setting 1" set using the setting key. ~ A random number table with the lowest probability of winning a hand when "Setting 1" is selected. A rule is selected, and when "Setting 6" is selected, the random number table with the highest probability of winning is selected. In addition, the number of game values ​​bet is between 1 and 3, and the more you bet, the more A random number table is selected that increases the probability of winning. For example, when three coins are bet, The probability of winning the hand is more than three times higher than the probability of winning the hand when one coin is bet. Furthermore, there are two types of small win probability, high and low, and the current payout rate is determined by the expected payout rate. When the value is below the value, a random number table with a high probability of winning a small prize is selected, and the predetermined expected value is When it is higher, a random number table with a low probability of winning a small prize is selected.

[0192] In step S603, the random number table selected in this way is stored in the pass / fail random number memory 153a. The stored value, that is, the value latched in the latch circuit 126 upon operation of the start lever 71, The random number value of the random number counter update circuit 125 is checked and a winning combination is drawn (S603). Then, it is determined whether or not any of the winning combinations has been won (S604). If the result is NO in S604, the process ends. If the winning combination is achieved (S604: YES), a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set (S 605), determines the effective line on which the symbols should be aligned. After processing S605, reel stop control The slide table for the slide is determined and stored in the slide table storage area of ​​RAM153. Then (S606), the lottery process (S505) is terminated.

[0193] Here, the sliding table is the timing when the stop switches 72 to 74 are pressed. The symbols on a given pay line are different from the symbols that should stop on that pay line. When you want to stop the symbol, you need to move the reels so that it stops on the specified pay line. In the reel control process (S506), By using the VeriTable to control the stopping positions of reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, The state of the stopped reels 42L, 42M, and 42R can be matched to the lottery result.

[0194] Returning to FIG. 17, the normal process will be described. After the lottery process of S505 is performed, Execute reel control processing to control the rotation and stopping of 42L, 42M, and 42R (S506 ).

[0195] Here, the reel control process (S506) will be described with reference to FIG. The process begins with a spin start process for starting the spin of each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. (S701). In the spin start process, the result of the lottery process (Figure 18) of the winning combination in the previous game is used. The predetermined waiting time from the time when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R start to rotate (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed, and if not, the wait time If the wait time has elapsed, the wait time for the next game will be The time is reset, and the work area for specific control in RAM 153, which will be described later, is The rotation start information is set in the motor control storage area provided in the This allows the stepping motor control process (S205) in the timer interrupt process (Fig. 8) to be executed. Then, the stepping motor acceleration process starts, and each reel 42L, 42M, and 42R starts to rotate. After that, each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R rotates at a predetermined constant speed. The MPU 151 waits for the reels 42L, 42M, When the rotation speed of the stop switch 72R becomes constant, the lamps (not shown) of the stop switches 72 to 74 are turned on. By lighting up the indicator, it is possible to notify the player that a stop command can be issued. Know.

[0196] Thereafter, it is determined whether any of the stop switches 72 to 74 has been operated (S7 If it is determined that any of the stop switches 72 to 74 has been operated (S7 02:YES), determine whether the stop switch corresponding to the spinning reel has been operated (S703). When the stop switch corresponding to the reel being rotated is operated, S703: YES), the stop control shown in S704 to S709 is performed to stop the reel that is spinning. Control processing is performed.

[0197] In the stop control process, the base position ( Book In this embodiment, the symbol number of the symbol that has reached the lower row is confirmed (S704). is the number of excitation pulses output from the time the reel index sensor detection signal is input. Then, check the symbol number of the symbol that has reached the base position. The number of reel slips that should be performed is calculated (S705).

[0198] In the slot machine 10, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped in the following manner: When the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated, the arrival diagram indicates that the base position has been reached. There are two types of stop mode: one where the pattern stops as it is, and one where the corresponding reel slides for one pattern and then stops. There are two types of stop modes: one where the reel stops after sliding two symbols, and one where the reel stops after sliding three symbols. There are five patterns of stopping, one is to stop the reel after sliding the reel for four symbols, and the other is to stop the reel after sliding the reel for four symbols. Therefore, in S705, you can select any value between "0" and "4" as the slip number. Calculate.

[0199] Then, the calculated slip number is added to the pattern number of the reached pattern, and the machine actually stops at the base position. The symbol number of the reel to be stopped is determined (S706). It is determined whether the symbol number of the reached symbol and the symbol number of the stopped symbol are equal (S707), etc. If the timing becomes slow (S707: YES), the reel stop process is executed to stop the reel rotation. Then, it is determined whether all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R have stopped (S708). If all reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are not stopped (S709), :NO), return to S702.

[0200] If it is determined that all reels 42L, 42M, and 42R have stopped (S709: YE After executing the winning determination process (S710), the winning result command is displayed. A winning result display command is set to the display control device 111 (S711), and the process returns.

[0201] The winning determination process (S710) will now be described with reference to FIG. First, determine which symbols each reel 42L, 42M, and 42R stopped with. Then, the respective figures displayed on the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are displayed (S801). The logical operation of the pattern combination is performed by the 2-byte data set for each type of pattern. After that, the derived 2-byte data is used to calculate one of the winning data. Whether or not a win has occurred is determined based on whether or not the data corresponds to the winning data (S803). If so (S803: YES), the winning data is processed by lottery at the start of the current game. It is determined whether or not the winning combination corresponds to the winning combination selected in (FIG. 18) (S804). If it corresponds to the winning number (S804: YES), the winning processing is executed (S805), and the return In the winning response process (S805), if the winning is a small winning, the next game value is In the payout process (S507), the game value to be paid out is set to allow the game value to be awarded. The number of the value is set in the payout counter. On the other hand, if the winning is a replay winning, A flag to execute the automatic input process (S503) in the normal process (Fig. 17) Execute the logging configuration process.

[0202] On the other hand, if it does not correspond to the winning role (S804: NO), It is determined that the winning is an illegal win different from the winning, and an abnormality notification command is set to the display control device 111. (S806). After that, the operation prohibition process (S807) is executed, and then an infinite loop occurs. In the operation prohibition process (S807), the next timer interrupt process is By clearing all output ports of MPU151 to 0, the corresponding output port All actuators connected to the The lock is released by executing the lock process (S405).

[0203] Returning to Figure 17, the normal processing will be described. After the reel control processing of S506 is performed, The number of game values ​​set in the payout counter as a result of winning is displayed on the winning number display section 37. and executes a game value payout process to display the game value and add it to the game value counter 153c. (S507). After that, the transition of the game state such as RB, BB, AT, ART, RT, etc. is controlled. The process for handling the end of the game (S508) is executed. Return to the clear process (S501).

[0204] In this way, according to the first embodiment, the timer interrupt process executed at regular time intervals The counting switch is detected by the logic and the state is changed to counting mode. The player operates the counting switch without being affected by the progress of the game controlled by the processing. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can

[0205] In addition, the counting operation is intuitive, and when you want to stop counting, you can simply release the counting switch. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with simple counting operations.

[0206] Furthermore, in the case of gaming machines that require a long time for counting operation, the counting switch must be pressed continuously during counting. There is no need to do this, and if you want to interrupt the counting, you can just press the counting switch again. A gaming machine with simple counting operations can be provided.

[0207] In addition, if the player does not operate the counting switch 80 due to the second counting state flag, To provide a gaming machine that automatically counts the number of game values ​​held so that the number of game values ​​held does not become too large. The game value is electromagnetically stored in the game value counter. So, even if there are a lot of them, unlike real medals, there are no physical restrictions such as volume. However, a large amount of gaming value, such as several thousand coins, is not only not necessary for gaming, but also If you try to count all the moves at once after the skill is finished, it will take a long time to count, which is inconvenient. Considering the risk of loss due to accidents or electrical malfunctions, it is recommended to store only the necessary number of coins in the gaming machine. It is safer to keep the remaining data and transfer it to a magnetic card.

[0208] Furthermore, even if automatic counting is in progress, the counting switch may be pressed without waiting for the automatic counting to finish. Since the counting state can be entered simply by pressing the can.

[0209] In addition, the time required to count the possessed game value is (the number of possessed game values ​​ / the number of unit counted game values). × 300 msec (counting notification communication period), so the unit counting game value number is a large value Also, if the number of play values ​​you have is large, the time it takes to count will be shorter. On the other hand, the slot machine 10 does not handle actual game medals. Therefore, the time required to count the game value at the end of the game is about the time it takes to realize the number of game values ​​acquired. This is a valuable opportunity to see the results, so a short counting time is not necessarily the best. Therefore, in order to maximize the satisfaction of the player, the unit count game value number is adjusted. By doing so, the time it takes to count can be adjusted to the optimum length. Therefore, the amount of time you can feel satisfied may not be proportional to the number of games you have. In such a case, the unit counting game value number is appropriately selected according to the number of game values ​​possessed. This allows players to feel satisfied with the counting regardless of the number of game values ​​they have. It is possible.

[0210] Furthermore, the number of game values ​​to be transmitted in the communication relating to the counting is determined according to the number of game values ​​to be counted. So, when counting, whether the number of game values ​​to be counted is large or small, it is not strange. The number of game values ​​to be counted can range from several tens of coins to Since the number of coins can be as large as 10,000 or more, a certain number of coins is used for counting communications. When you send it, if the number of play values ​​to be counted is small, the counting process will be completed immediately. If there are a large number of values, you may have to wait a long time for the counting process to finish.

[0211] Furthermore, as the number of communications related to counting increases, the gaming value transmitted in one communication related to counting increases. Since the number of values ​​can be increased, there is no difference whether the number of game values ​​to be counted is large or small. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that adjusts the counting processing time so that it does not feel unnatural. The time spent waiting for counting processing can be made more interesting by the sense of accelerating the counting processing. .

[0212] Furthermore, even if the number of play values ​​is the same, there are differences between gaming machines with high rental rates and gaming machines with low rental rates. The impression that the player gets will be different depending on the situation. For example, the gaming value of a high-rate gaming machine By measuring the number slowly and measuring the number of play value of low-rate gaming machines early, It is possible to provide a gaming machine with a counting processing speed that matches that impression.

[0213] Furthermore, the player can adjust the counting speed by pressing the counting switch. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that performs counting processing in accordance with the player's wishes.

[0214] Also, if you already have enough game value to continue playing, we will refuse to lend you any more. The game value is electromagnetically recorded on the game value counter. Even if there are many medals, unlike real medals, there are no physical constraints such as volume. However, a large amount of gaming value, such as several thousand coins, is necessary for gaming. Not only that, but if you try to count them all at once after the game is over, it will take a long time to count them all. In addition, the number of required cards is too large considering the risk of loss due to accidents or electrical malfunctions. It is safer to keep only a certain number of coins in the gaming machine and transfer the rest to a magnetic card.

[0215] In addition, the game value lending device is connected to the network, and the player's ID number (magnetic card number) is recorded. During a specified period of time, the player's The game amount, loss amount, game time, number of games, and one or more of the following data are combined to calculate the predetermined Only when the value calculated by the method does not exceed a predetermined value, the lending operation of the gaming value is accepted. This will prevent players who are addicted to playing games from playing excessively. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can be enjoyed to an appropriate degree. Even if a player meets certain conditions, they are not completely banned from playing, but are allowed to play for a certain period of the day. We have a flexible approach, allowing players to play as long as the playing time, amount of money, number of times played, etc. are within the specified range. Good too.

[0216] Furthermore, the decision as to whether or not to lend the gaming value, i.e., whether or not to allow the player to play. If the upper server makes the decision, when the decision conditions are changed, the contents stored in the upper server can be changed. By simply changing the criteria, it is possible to flexibly adapt the criteria for determining addiction, which are prone to change depending on social conditions, etc. We can respond to this.

[0217] Furthermore, based on the player's ID number, whether or not to allow the player to borrow gaming value. The criteria for this decision can be registered by the player on a higher-level server connected to the network. In this way, the player's own judgment can be included in the criteria for deciding whether or not to allow the player to play. This allows us to take into account the opinions of others, which can effectively promote the elimination of addiction. Cut.

[0218] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 32. In this embodiment, the main control board 131 is configured to control the slot machine 10. In addition, in the second embodiment, the game value display control board 132 It is configured to control the slot machine 10 in cooperation with the main control board 131. The skill value number display control board 132 displays the total number of game values ​​that the player can use for playing. The other parts are responsible for recording and displaying the above information by electromagnetic means. Since this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described above, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The explanation will be omitted.

[0219] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment. The MPU 151 mounted on the main control board 131 and the game value display control board The MPU 141 mounted on the board 132 is connected to the The card unit 230 can be connected to the game balls and other equipment for lending. In the first embodiment, the connection terminal board 250 is connected to the main control board 131. However, in the second embodiment, it is connected to the holding game value number display control board 132 The VL connection confirmation signal is received by the game value number display control board 132, and is transmitted to the main control board 131. The status is notified to the player by communication. The game value counter 143c provided in the RAM 143 of the MPU 141 is The total number of game values ​​that can be used for games is recorded, and the total number of game values ​​that can be used for games is displayed on the game value display unit 35. Display the value.

[0220] The transmission insertion counter 153d stores the inserted number of game values ​​and stores the game values ​​every time the game values ​​are inserted. When transmitting to the skill value number display control board 132, a counter that stores the number of game values ​​inserted is After transmitting the stored number of game values ​​to the game value number display control board 132, When the settlement switch 76 is pressed, the sending input counter 153d is cleared to 0. Since the value of the bet counter 153b is subtracted from the bet, it may become a negative value. The value number display control board 132 is a transmission input counter 153d that transmits every time a coin is inserted. The value of the held game value counter 143c, which is the number of game values ​​held by the slot machine 10, is and is sent to the card unit 230.

[0221] The card unit 230 is connected to the game ball lending device through a terminal board 250. Although there is a difference in the game value display control board 132, the slot machine 10 and the card The contents of the serial communication between the card unit 230 and the card unit 230 are the same as those described in FIGS. 6 and 7. The content is identical.

[0222] In FIG. 21, the main control board 131 and the holding game value number display control board 132 are independent. Although it is described as a separate control board, these are functional blocks that are mounted on the same control board. In this case, the main control board 131 and the holding game value number display control board 132 This eliminates the need for harnesses and connectors to connect the devices, which not only has cost benefits but also improves reliability. This makes it easier to suppress the effects of external noise when sending and receiving signals, and stable operation can be expected. Cut.

[0223] FIG. 22 shows an outline of communication in the second embodiment. 10, the main control board 131, the holding game value number display control board 132, and the card unit The communication between the network 230 and the network 230 will be described.

[0224] The serial communication between the holding game value number display control board 132 and the card unit 230 is shown in FIG. Serial communication between the slot machine 10 and the card unit 230 as described in 6. , the contents and timing are all the same, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0225] The communication between the main control board 131 and the holding game value number display control board 132 is parallel communication. The game value display control board 132 may be connected to the game card via a serial communication. (5) A notification of the number of game values ​​held is sent, and (6) a notification of gaming machine information is sent from the main control board 131. Although not shown in the figure, each communication contains the information about the communication of the other party that was received last time. It also includes a receipt for each transmission, so you can see the results of your last transmission and resubmit if necessary. measures can be taken.

[0226] As explained in FIG. 6, the holding game value number display control board 132 and the card unit 2 30, the game value number display control board 132 functions as the master. The communication timing is determined in 300 ms cycles. The communication between the number display control board 132 and the game value number display control board 132 is also master. The main control board 131 functions as a slave, and the card unit 230 This allows for synchronization with communications, and ensures that preparation of data to be sent can be carried out reliably.

[0227] The (5) notification of the number of game values ​​held transmitted from the control board 132 is The value of the game value counter 143c of the game value number display control board 132 is transmitted. The game value number display control board 132 receives the game value input from the main control board 131. The number of the game value payouts, and the lending notice received from the card unit 230 are stored in the By adding or subtracting from the game value counter 143c, the game value counter 143c is updated to the maximum. The main control board 131 is connected to the game value display control board 132. (5) The notification of the number of possessed game values ​​received from the This refers to the number of game values ​​that can be inserted when inserting value. In addition, the VL connection status indicating the status of the card unit 230, the counting status flag, the second Each value of the counting status flag is transmitted.

[0228] The (6) gaming machine information notification sent from the main control board 131 includes various data. The control MPU chip ID, gaming machine manufacturer code, and product code are The value is always the same and is unique to each player. The game value display control board 132 displays the game value based on this data. Based on this, (1-1) gaming machine installation information in FIG. 6, The data will be the machine manufacturer code and product code.

[0229] The number of inserted gaming coins is transmitted when the start lever 71 is operated. The payout amount is sent when all reels have stopped and one game has finished. Since the data is sent only once, after sending non-zero data, the reception error is reported by the receipt notification. If an error is detected, the game value display control board 132 will retransmit the game value. The number of skill values ​​inserted and the number of game values ​​paid out are reflected in the game value counter 143c.

[0230] The current status of the gaming machine (RB, BB, AT, etc.), error status, and fraud detection are sent. It is believed.

[0231] The game value number display control board 132 receives the game value input from the main control board 131. number, number of payouts, gaming machine status (RB, BB, AT, ...), error status, fraud detection Based on each piece of data and the value of the game value counter 143c, -3) Number of game values ​​held, number of game values ​​inserted, number of game values ​​paid out, for hall control and fraud monitoring information , gaming machine status (RB, BB, AT, ...), error status, fraud detection, transmission data Complete.

[0232] In addition, the holding game value number display control board 132 displays the total number of inserted coins, the total number of coins, and the total number of coins based on the same data. The number of payouts and MY (maximum difference in balls) are tallied and used as the data for (1-2) gaming machine performance information in Figure 6. Let's call it Ta.

[0233] Next, in the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment, The control processes executed by the MPU 151 are shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 23 to 25. He explains while doing so.

[0234] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process periodically executed by the main control board 131. In comparison with the timer interrupt process in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. Counting switch processing (S2208) and holding game value number display control board communication processing (S221 The processing content of 1) is different, but the other processing contents are the same.

[0235] FIG. 24 shows the count switch process (S2208) executed in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 23. 11 is a flowchart showing the counting switch according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. The differences compared to the switch processing (S208) will be explained.

[0236] First, it is determined whether the VL connection confirmation signal is ON (S2231). The game ball rental device connection terminal board 250 is connected to the game value display control board 132. Therefore, the VL connection confirmation signal that can confirm whether the card unit 230 is operating normally is not provided. The game value display control board 132 receives the input and transmits the result to the main control board 131. Therefore, the judgment whether the VL connection confirmation signal is ON or not is made by the game value number display control board 1. The decision is made based on the status of the VL connection confirmation signal received from 32. If the signal is not ON (S2231: NO), the counting switch process is not executed and the return Turn on.

[0237] A process of subtracting the value of the bet counter 153b from the transmission insertion counter 153d (S2 236) is the counting switch in the state before the start lever 71 is operated after the game value is inserted. When the switch 80 is pressed, the same process as when the settlement switch 76 is pressed is performed. The transmission input counter 153d is a display system for displaying the number of game values ​​held each time a game value is input. This is an area for storing the number of game values ​​inserted to be transmitted to the control board 132. For example, after inserting three game coins, before operating the start lever 71, In this state, the game value has already been transmitted to the game value display control board 132, so the input card for transmission The bet counter 153d is 0. From this, the value of the bet counter 153b, 3, is subtracted. When this value is received, the value of the sending input counter 153d becomes a negative number, -3. The skill value number display control board 132 indicates that the inserted game value is still valid when -3 coins are inserted. That is, it is interpreted as being returned to the number of game values, and three is added to the possessed game value counter 143c. If the specification is such that the settlement process is performed only when the settlement switch 76 is pressed, then S2 34, S235, S2236, and S237 are omitted.

[0238] S240 and S241 are carried out even if the player does not operate the counting switch 80. A second counting status flag for automatically counting the number of game values ​​so that they do not become too large. This process does not require any operation by the player, and The main control board 131 executes the program based on the value of the game value counter 143c. The game value display control board 132 may execute the main control based on the value of the game value. The burden on the board 131 is reduced, and more resources such as memory and CPU time are used to control the game. The advantage is that it becomes easier to use.

[0239] FIG. 25 shows the communication process of the game value display control board executed in the timer interrupt process of FIG. As explained in FIG. 22, the main control board The communication between the game value display control board 131 and the game value display control board 132 is The board 132 functions as the master, and the main control board 131 functions as the slave. The skill value number display control board communication processing (S2211) is When the reception of the communication from the main control board 131 is completed, the main control board 131 transmits the data. becomes.

[0240] First, it is determined whether reception is complete (S2901). If reception is complete (S2901: Y ES), the number of play values ​​of the received data is set to the play value counter 153c, and VL The connection state is set (S2902).

[0241] Next, the gaming machine information notification is set in the transmission buffer (S2903). The data in "(6) Gaming Machine Information Notification" shown in 2, including the control MPU chip ID, gaming Machine manufacturer code, product code, number of game values ​​inserted, number of game values ​​paid out, game machine status (RB , BB, AT,...), error status, fraud detection, game information (for updating the number of game values ​​held: The number of coins inserted for updating the game value counter 143c is the number of coins sent. The value of the payout counter 153d for updating the game value counter 143c is set. The number of coins to be dispensed determined in S507 is set in the number of coins to be dispensed. The counting status flag and the second counting status flag determined in 208 are also set in the transmission buffer. Then, transmission starts (S2904) and the process returns.

[0242] If reception is not complete in S2901 (S2901: NO), whether transmission is complete or not If the transmission is completed (S2905: YES), reception is started ( S2906), return.

[0243] If the transmission is not completed in S2905 (S2905: NO), whether communication is in progress or not, That is, it is determined whether transmission or reception is in progress (S2907). Since it is operating as a server, it is not in a state of receiving, receiving completed, sending, or sending completed. If this state occurs as a result of some malfunction, it is impossible to recover from this state. If communication is not in progress (S2907: NO), The communication circuit is reset, reception is started (S2908), and the process returns.

[0244] The following processes in the first embodiment are also applicable to the second embodiment. The power outage process (S203) described in FIG. The game value input switch process (S209) described in FIG. The main process (S210) explained in FIG. 16 and the main process (S210) explained in FIG. 17 The normal process (S407), the lottery process (S505) explained in FIG. 18, and the lottery process (S506) explained in FIG. The reel control process (S506) described above, the winning determination process (S7 10).

[0245] Next, in the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment, The control processes executed by the MPU 141 in the control board 132 are shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 26 to 32. -Explain with reference to the chart.

[0246] FIG. 26 shows the main processing of the possessed game value number display control board 132 executed after power-on. The main processing is performed when the power is restored from a power outage or when the power switch 122 is turned on. It is executed when the power is turned on by the login operation.

[0247] First, as an initialization process, the value of the stack pointer is set in the MPU 141. Set the interrupt mode that allows interrupt processing, and then set the registers in the MPU 141 and Various settings are made for I / O devices, etc. (S7001).

[0248] When these initialization processes (S7001) are completed, the next step is to clear the number of play values. It is determined whether 127 is ON (S7002). If 127 is ON (S7002: YES), the game value counter 143c Clear (S7003).

[0249] If the holding game value number clear switch 127 is not ON (S7002: NO), , skip the process of clearing the game value counter 143c (S7003), and It is checked whether the M judgment value is normal or not (S7004). Check the checksum value and if it is normal, that is, the checksum value taking into account the RAM judgment value If the checksum value taking into account the RAM judgment value is 0 (S7 004:YES), the data in RAM 143 is determined to be normal. Write the stack pointer value saved in the backup area to the stack pointer of MPU141. This returns the stack to the state it was in before the power was cut off (S7005). Then, the power outage flag is cleared (S7006), a timer interrupt is started (S7007), and the power is turned off. Return to the address before the cutoff (S7008).

[0250] If the RAM judgment value is not normal (S7004: NO), whether this is the first time the power is turned on or This means that the power outage process was not executed correctly the last time the power was interrupted. If so, clear RAM143 to ensure normal operation (SS7009). A timer interrupt is started (S7010), and an infinite loop is executed to wait for the interrupt process to start. tsu.

[0251] FIG. 27 shows a timer interrupt process periodically executed by the game value display control board 132. In this embodiment, the explanation is given assuming that the process is started every 2 msec. do.

[0252] First, in the register saving process shown in S7021, the values ​​of all registers in the MPU 141 are saved in R Evacuate to the backup area of ​​AM143 (S7021). After that, receive a power outage signal. It checks whether the power is being turned off (S7022) and performs power outage processing only when a power outage signal is received. The power failure signal is a signal that is sent when the power supply is cut off due to a power failure or other reason. and a signal generated by the power failure monitoring circuit 161b of the power supply device 161, 1 is output to the game value number display control board 132.

[0253] Here, the power failure processing (S7023) will be explained with reference to FIG. 7023), first, it is determined whether the command transmission has been completed (S7031). If the transmission is not completed (S7031: No), the power outage processing (S7023) is terminated. Then, the process returns to the timer interrupt process in Figure 27, and command transmission is completed. Determine whether command transmission is complete at the early stage of processing, and if transmission is incomplete The transmission process takes priority, and the power failure process (S7023) is executed after the unit command transmission process is completed. The structure is such that

[0254] If the command transmission is completed in the process of S7031 (S7031: Yes s) The value of the stack pointer of the MPU 141 is saved in the backup area of ​​the RAM 143. After that, as a stop process, the RAM judgment value described later is cleared and the output The output state of the output port in the input port 146 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are Then, the controller is turned off (S7033). Furthermore, the RAM judgment value is calculated and the backup area is The RAM judgment value is specifically stored in the work area address of the RAM 143 (S7034). The RAM check value is stored in the backup area. By saving the data, the checksum of RAM 143 becomes 0. After that, the RAM access is prohibited so that the data is not overwritten (S7035). It goes into an infinite loop in case the process is completely blocked and processing can no longer be performed.

[0255] In addition, in consideration of the possibility that the power outage signal may be received incorrectly due to noise, etc., an infinite loop is used. Check whether the power failure signal is being output or not until the power failure signal is output. If this happens, it means that the power outage has been restored, and writing to RAM143 is permitted. The power failure flag is reset and the process returns to the timer interrupt process in Figure 27. If it is done continuously, it will enter an infinite loop.

[0256] The power supply unit 161a of the power supply device 161 has a power supply sufficient to perform the above-mentioned power outage processing. The output of the stabilized voltage (5 volts) used as the drive voltage for the control system is maintained for a certain period of time. In this embodiment, the drive voltage is continuously output for 30 msec. It has become like this.

[0257] Returning to Figure 27, the timer interrupt process will be explained. If no signal is received, or after the power failure processing (S7023) is completed, S702 Performs various processes from step 4 onwards.

[0258] The S7024 initializes the value of the watchdog timer, which monitors for malfunctions. In step S7025, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S7024). Then, a timer subtraction process is performed to subtract the value of the parameter or timer (S7025).

[0259] In S7028, unit communication processing (S7028) is performed. S7028) will be explained using FIG. 29. This process is performed in the slot This is a process for controlling serial communication between the machine 10 and the card unit 230.

[0260] First, the gaming machine information notification timer is updated (S7041), and the gaming machine information notification timer is checked to see if it is 0. It is determined whether the notification of gaming machine information is transmitted at 300 msec intervals (S7042). In this embodiment, the timer interrupt process is started every 2 msec, so the timer value is In this case, 150 is set as the initial value, and in S7041, the gaming machine information notification timer is set to 1 If the count becomes 0 (S7042: YES), the communication interval becomes 300 msec. Meet communication requirements.

[0261] In addition, the gaming machine information notification timer is executed in the main control board communication process (S7029) described later. This is also referred to and is used to determine the timing of communication with the main control board. By using a different judgment value, unit communication processing and main control board communication processing can be performed within the same interrupt. It is advantageous to be able to avoid the two operating together.

[0262] In S7042, if the gaming machine information notification timer is 0 (S7042: YES), The gaming machine information notification timer is reset to the aforementioned 150 (S7043), and the transmission of the gaming machine information notification is The gaming machine information notification is sent every 60 seconds as shown in FIG. (1-1) Gaming machine installation information transmitted and (1-2) Gaming machine information transmitted at 180-second intervals Performance information and (1-3) hole control and irregularity monitoring information sent every 300 msec are detailed. Therefore, usually (1-3) hole control and fraud monitoring information is sent, and 200 (1-1) gaming machine installation information is sent every time a game is played, and (1-2) gaming machine performance information is sent every 600 times. Make them believe.

[0263] If the gaming machine information notification timer is not 0 in S7042 (S7042: NO), The timing of count notification is determined (S7045). The value is reset to 150 at the moment, and then subtracted by 1 every 2 msec. Since the timing is (150-100) x 2 msec = 100 msec, this timing is It is count notification timing (S7045: YES). If it is not count notification timing, (S7045: NO), the process goes to a step S7049 to determine whether the loan notification timer is 0 or not. If it is timing (S7045: YES), the VL connection confirmation signal is confirmed (S 7046). In S7046, if the VL connection confirmation signal is ON, no special processing is performed. If the VL connection confirmation signal is OFF, the card unit 230 is Since the preparation for receiving the transfer of the game value number from the player is not completed, the counting status flag , and the automatic counting status flag is cleared. After that, counting processing (S7047) is performed.

[0264] Here, the counting process (S7047) will be explained with reference to FIG. In the case of the counting state, the counting game value number is determined and the counting notification is sent. If the skill value is large, it will not be possible to complete the counting in one counting notification, so multiple counting notifications will be required. This is a process for counting based on count notification.

[0265] First, it is determined whether or not the counting state is in progress (S7061). In 29, the values ​​of the counting status flag and the second counting status flag transmitted from the main control board The counting status is determined based on the counting status flag or the second counting status flag. If the counting state is not active (S7061: NO), the counting state is active. The skill value number is set to 0 (S7069), and the transmission of the count notification begins (S7071).

[0266] In the case of the counting state in S7061 (S7061: YES), the game value counter It is determined whether the value of the data 143c is less than the unit count game value number (S7062). The skill value number is the number of times the slot machine 10 sends the card unit 230 a count notification communication. The maximum value of the counted game value number to be transmitted to the slot machine 10 is fixed as a value specific to the slot machine 10. Alternatively, a value according to the number of possessed game values ​​to be counted may be determined at the start of the counting process. stomach.

[0267] The time required to count the number of play values ​​is (number of play values ​​ / number of unit play values) x 30 0msec (counting notification communication period), so if the unit counting game value number is large, the counting Also, if the number of play values ​​you have is large, the time it takes to count will be shorter. On the other hand, the slot machine 10 does not handle actual game medals, The time it takes to count the game value at the end of the game is used to realize the number of game values ​​acquired. This is also a valuable opportunity to gain valuable insights, so the counting time does not necessarily have to be short. Therefore, in order to maximize the satisfaction of the player, it is necessary to adjust the unit count game value number. By doing so, the time it takes to count can be adjusted to the optimum length. Therefore, the amount of time you can feel satisfied may not be proportional to the number of games you have. In such a case, the number of unit counting game values ​​can be appropriately selected according to the number of game values ​​possessed. This allows players to feel satisfied with the counting regardless of the number of game values ​​they have. It is possible.

[0268] In S7062, if the value of the possessed game value counter 143c is less than the unit count game value number, In this case (S7062: YES), the current number of game values ​​is transmitted by one count notification. Therefore, the value of the game value counter 143c is set to the counted game value number (S7 063), clear the possessed game value counter 143c (S7064), and set the counting status flag Proceed to the clearing process (S7070).

[0269] In S7062, if the value of the possessed game value counter 143c is less than the unit count game value number, If the number of the game values ​​is not available (S7062: NO), the current number of game values ​​is sent by one counting notification. Since it is not possible to set the value of the unit counting game value to the counting game value (S7065 ), and subtract the unit count gaming value number from the possessed gaming value counter 143c (S7066). As a result, the game value counter 143c may become 0. It is determined whether the value of the value counter 143c is 0 or not (S7067). If the value of the game value counter 143c is 0 (S7067: YES), the game value is Since the counting has been completed, the counting status flag is cleared to return the counting status to the normal status. (S7070), and starts sending counting notification (S7071).

[0270] In S7067, if the value of the game value counter 143c is not 0 (S7067: NO), and determine whether the possessed game value counter 143c is equal to or less than the automatic count game value lower limit. (S7068). The game value counter 143c has reached the lower limit of the automatically counted game value. If so (S7068: YES), the second counting status flag is cleared (S7070). In this case, when the counting switch 80 is turned on and the counting state is entered, the automatic counting game value number is Since there is no need to stop counting at the limit, the count status flag is not cleared.

[0271] In S7068, the value of the game value counter 143c is equal to or less than the lower limit of the automatically counted game value number. If not (S7068: NO), the counting state continues, so the second counting state flag is set. The log is not cleared and the transmission of the count notification starts (S7071).

[0272] Returning to Figure 29, the unit communication process will be explained. After that, the lending notification timer setting process (S7048) is performed. The initial value of the lending notification timer is 0. After the counting process in S7047, a value equivalent to 170 msec is set (S7048). ).

[0273] In S7049, it is determined whether the rental notification timer is 0 or not (S7049). If the current time is 0 (S7049: YES), the process regarding the loan notification is skipped and the return is The lending notification message is sent from the card unit 230 to the slot machine 10. Because it is serial communication, if the card unit 230 is not connected or has not yet started up, In such a case, the slot machine 10 will not receive the loan notification communication. In this case, the waiting time for the loan notification is 170 msec after the counting notification so that the user does not have to wait endlessly. The rental notification timer receives the rental notification communication only during the counting process (S7 047) is not 0 for 170 msec, so if the loan notification timer is not 0 ( S7049: NO), and performs processing related to the loan notification communication.

[0274] In S7050, the loan notification timer is updated (S7050). It is determined whether or not a loan notification has been received (S7051). If not (S7051: NO), skip the process regarding the loan notification and return do.

[0275] If a loan notification has been received in S7051 (S7051: YES), the loan office Perform the procedure (S7052).

[0276] Here, the lending process (S7052) will be explained using FIG. 31. In response to the notification of the loan of the gaming value received from the card unit 230, the game value counter 1 43c and transmits a response to the card unit 230.

[0277] First, it is determined whether the number of loaned sheets in the received loan notification is 0 (S7081). If it is 0 (S7081: YES), the game value counter 143c is not updated, and the loan The process proceeds to step S7084, where the receipt result of the number of issued coins is set to "normal."

[0278] If the number of loaned coins is not 0 in S7081 (S7081: NO), the game value is It is determined whether the value of the counter 143c is equal to or greater than the number of non-lendable play values ​​(S7082). When the skill value is borrowed, it is added to the game value counter 143c. If the game value counter 143c overflows, the game cannot be borrowed. It is natural that the game will not be played, but there is enough value in the game to continue playing in the first place. In this case, there is no reason to borrow more. Even if the value is much smaller than the maximum possible value, the value will be sufficient to continue playing. The number of unnecessary play values ​​is defined as the number of unnecessary play values, and the number of unnecessary play values ​​exceeds the value of the play value counter 143c. Therefore, the value of the owned game value counter 143c is not If the number of unnecessary play values ​​is equal to or greater than the number of unnecessary play values ​​(S7082: YES), the play value counter 143c Without updating, the loaned number receipt result is set to "abnormal" (S7085).

[0279] In S7082, if the value of the possessed game value counter 143c is equal to or greater than the number of game values ​​not requiring lending, If there is no such coin (S7082: NO), the number of coins lent is added to the game value counter 143c. (S7083), and the loan number reception result is set to "normal" (S7084). Even if a lending notice is sent from the card unit 230, the lending may be invalid. If it is determined that this is necessary, the loan notice will be rejected.

[0280] After setting the loan receipt result to "normal" or "abnormal", The answer is sent (S7086) and the process returns.

[0281] Returning to Figure 29, the unit communication process will be explained. Thereafter, the lending notification timer is cleared (S7053) and the process returns.

[0282] Returning to Figure 27, the timer interrupt process will be explained. Unit communication process in S7028 After this, the main control board communication process (S7029) is performed.

[0283] Here, the main control board communication processing (S7029) will be explained using FIG. The process is performed by the main control board 131 and the handheld game board in the slot machine 10 shown in FIG. This is a process for controlling communication with the value number display control board 132.

[0284] First, it is determined whether the gaming machine information notification timer indicates a communication timing (S7091). As mentioned above, the gaming machine information notification timer is updated in the unit communication process (S7026). The timer used to determine the transmission timing takes a value between 0 and 150. When the value is 100, a gaming machine information notification is sent, and when the value is 100, a counting notification is sent. At the intermediate value 130, a notification of the number of game values ​​held is sent to the main control board 132. This will prevent the unit communication process (S7026) from overlapping with the processing timing. Overall, communication with the card unit 230 and communication timing can be synchronized.

[0285] If the gaming machine information notification timer is the communication timing (S7091: YES), The gaming value notification data is set in the transmission buffer (S7092). The value of the skill value counter 143c, the VL connection state, the counting state flag, and the second counting state flag As described above, the counting state flag and the second counting state flag are set in the counting process (S70 47) may be cleared as a result of executing the command, so the result is transmitted to the main control board 131. After that, the transmission of the game value number notification is started (S7093) and the process returns. do.

[0286] If the gaming machine information notification timer is not the communication timing (S7091: NO), the transmission is completed. If the transmission is completed (S7094: YES), Reception begins (S7095) and the process returns.

[0287] If the transmission is not complete (S7094: NO), it is determined whether the reception is complete (S7 If reception is complete (S7096: YES), the device will automatically The value of the game value counter 143c is updated (S7097). The game information (for updating the number of game values ​​held: number of coins inserted) is the number of game values ​​inserted. Since this is the value of the coin insertion counter 153d, this is subtracted from the holding game value counter 143c. In a special case, when the settlement switch 76 is pressed, the sending input counter 1 A negative value is sent as the value of 53d, but by subtracting the negative value, the game value card The value of counter 143c increases. This means that the settlement takes the inserted gaming value and returns it to the gaming value. In addition, the game information (for updating the number of game values ​​held: number of payouts) is Since this is the number of game values ​​acquired, this is added to the game value counter 143c. The transmitted data includes a counting status flag that is set when the counting switch 80 is pressed, It includes a second counting state flag that automatically enters the counting state based on the number of play values ​​you have. Then, the counting state is adjusted to match these flags, and then the program returns.

[0288] If reception is not complete (S7096: NO), the gaming machine information notification timer is set to the time when reception is possible. It is determined whether or not it is within the time limit (S7098). As explained in FIG. 22, the display control of the number of game values ​​held The board 132 functions as a master in communication with the main control board 131. After transmitting the notification of the number of game values ​​held, the main control board 131 transmits the (6) game value The main control board 131 waits for the machine information notification, but it seems to be in the initialization process immediately after power-on. , communication may be impossible, which may interfere with the next (5) notification of the number of available play values. (6) The period for waiting for the reception of the gaming machine information notification is limited so as not to cause the In the above-mentioned S7091, when the gaming machine information notification timer = 130, (5) the number of game values A notification is sent, and in S7098, it is determined that the gaming machine information notification timer is ≥ 30 and is within the reception time. Then, the (6) from the main control board 131 is transmitted for a period of (130-30) x 2 ms = 200 ms. ) Wait for the gaming machine information notification. If it is within the time limit (S7098: YES), do nothing. Return.

[0289] If the gaming machine information notification timer is not within the reception time (S7098: NO), The existing communication circuit is reset (S7099) and the process returns.

[0290] Returning to Figure 27, the timer interrupt process will be explained. Unit communication process in S7029 After this, the values ​​of each register saved in the backup area in step S7021 are The data is restored to the corresponding register in the MPU 141 (S7030). Perform interrupt enable processing to enable the timer interrupt, and then end this series of timer interrupt processing. .

[0291] In this way, according to the second embodiment, the game value display control board 132 is the main control Instead of the control board 131, it communicates with the card unit 230 and processes the lending of gaming value. Since the main control board 131 performs the management processing of the number of game values ​​possessed, such as the counting processing, The load is significantly reduced, allowing more processing power to be diverted to controlling the progress of the game. Therefore, it is possible to provide a more interesting and entertaining gaming machine.

[0292] In addition, in the processing of the game value number control board (held game value number display control board 132), The processing timing is the control board communication processing (S7029) and the unit communication processing (S7028). This prevents overlapping of interrupts, and the interrupt processing time at a specific timing is extended. This can prevent the periodic interrupt process from failing due to the above.

[0293] Furthermore, when the counting switch is operated, the processing related to the counting mode is performed by the game value number control board. This will cause the ROM and RAM of the main control board that controls the progress of the game to be processed. This allows the available time to be used for controlling the game, making it possible to provide an interesting gaming machine. can.

[0294] Furthermore, the player can insert the number of game values ​​corresponding to the game value insertion switch operated by the player. In order to determine whether or not the game value is input to a game value control board having a game value storage means, When sending the number of game values ​​to be played and trying to determine whether to insert them, the round-trip communication time is Due to the time lag caused by the operation of the game value input switch, It takes time and becomes difficult to operate, so the number of game values ​​received in advance is used for playing. Since it is used to determine whether or not to insert value, there is no need to wait for communication after operating the game value insertion switch. This eliminates the need for a game machine, improves response to operations, and makes it possible to provide a game machine that is easy to operate.

[0295] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 33 to 36. In this embodiment, the count detection sensor 80a that detects the operation of the count switch 80 is the main control unit. In the third embodiment, the input port 155 of the board 131 is connected to 1 is connected to the input port 145 of the game value display control board 132. The other parts are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted.

[0296] FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment. The counting detection sensor 80a detects the operation of the counting switch 80. It is connected to the input port 145 of the numeric display control board 132. The other components are the same as those shown in FIG. The electrical configuration is the same as that of the slot machine 10 in the second embodiment.

[0297] In the slot machine 10, the main control board 131 and the holding game value number display control board 13 The communication between the card unit 230 and the card unit 230 is the same as that of the second embodiment described in FIG. The form is similar to that of

[0298] FIG. 34 is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process that is periodically executed by the main control board 131. The processing when the counting switch 80 is pressed is performed by the game value number display control board 132. 23. In accordance with this, the timer interrupt in the second embodiment explained in FIG. Compared to the previous process, the count switch process (S2208) has been deleted. The appearance is the same.

[0299] The following processes in the first embodiment are also applicable to the third embodiment. The power outage process (S203) described in FIG. The game value input switch process (S209) described in FIG. The main process (S210) explained in FIG. 16 and the main process (S210) explained in FIG. 17 The normal process (S407), the lottery process (S505) explained in FIG. 18, and the lottery process (S506) explained in FIG. The reel control process (S506) described above, the winning determination process (S7 10).

[0300] Also, the holding game value number display control board in the second embodiment explained in FIG. The communication process (S2211) is the same as in the third embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted. is omitted.

[0301] Next, in the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment, The control processes executed by the MPU 141 in the control board 132 are shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 35 and 36. -Explain with reference to the chart.

[0302] FIG. 35 shows a timer interrupt process periodically executed by the game value display control board 132. 27 is a flowchart of the timer allocation in the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. Compared to the input processing, count switch processing (S7026) has been added. The content is the same.

[0303] FIG. 36 shows the count switch process (S7026) executed in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 35. 1 is a flowchart.

[0304] First, it is determined whether the VL connection confirmation signal is ON (S7111). When the board unit 230 is operating normally, the power ( If this state cannot be confirmed (S7111: NO), the card unit 230 is not ready to receive the transfer of the game value number from the slot machine 10. Therefore, the process returns without executing the count switch process.

[0305] If the VL connection confirmation signal is ON in S7111 (S7111: YES), It is determined whether the counting switch 80 is turned on (S7112). If 80 is not turned on (S7112: NO), the game value counter automatically It is determined whether the moving count game value number is equal to or greater than the upper limit (S7116). If you want to implement a specification that counts only while the power is on, set the counting status flag here. Turn it OFF and then return.

[0306] In S7116, if the game value counter is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the automatic count game value (S7 116: YES), and the second counting status flag is set (S7117). When the tag is set, in the counting process (S7047), Then, in the counting process (S7047), the game value is The game value is counted as a card unit until the value counter becomes less than the automatic count game value lower limit. After transmitting the second counting status flag to the counter 230, the second counting status flag is cleared (S7070). If the gaming machine is not operated, the processing of S7116 and S7117 is not necessary.

[0307] In S7112, if the counting switch 80 is turned on (S7112: Y ES), and it is determined whether the counting status flag is ON (S7113). The flag specifies that counting is performed when ON, and not when OFF. If the counting status flag is ON (S7113: YES), counting is already in progress. Even if the counting switch 80 is turned on, no special processing is required. The counting operation can be stopped by the player pressing the counting switch 80 again. If you want to achieve specifications that allow this, turn the counting status flag OFF here and then return. In this case, it is determined that the counting switch 80 is turned on (S7112: YE S) refers to the on-edge judgment.

[0308] If the counting status flag is not ON in S7113 (S7113: NO), It is determined whether the game value counter 143c is 0 or not (S7114). If the value of the parameter 143c is 0 (S7114: YES), the player does not have any game value to be counted. If the game value counter 143c is not 0, the game value counter 143c returns without counting. If the counting status flag is set to ON (S7114: NO), the program returns to the start state (S7115). do.

[0309] The following processes in the second embodiment are also applicable to the third embodiment. Since the main processing is the same as that described in FIG. 26, the main processing in FIG. 28 will be omitted. The power outage processing (S7023) and the unit communication processing (S702) described in FIG. 6), the counting process (S7047) described in FIG. 30, the lending process (S7048) described in FIG. processing (S7052), and the main control board communication processing (S7029) described with reference to FIG.

[0310] In this way, according to the third embodiment, the process when the counting switch 80 is pressed is The game value display control board 132 is responsible for this, so the main control board 131 is responsible for the counting switch. This allows for a margin in the processing capacity of the main control board 131 compared to when processing is performed in a manner that requires more time. 131 controls the progress of the game, so it is possible to provide an interesting gaming machine that adds interest. do.

[0311] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 37 to 40. In the third embodiment, the VL connection confirmation signal is sent to the MPU 151 via the input port 155. Alternatively, the MPU 141 can read the card data via the input port 145. Verify that the unit 230 is properly connected and ready to operate. For example, in the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the counting switch process (S208), a process of determining whether the VL connection confirmation signal is ON (S In the fourth embodiment, the VL connection confirmation signal is used to switch the counting circuit by hardware. By controlling whether or not to enable the VL connection confirmation signal, the MPU can read the VL connection confirmation signal. This allows similar control to be performed without the need for a separate control.

[0312] FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the fourth embodiment. The VL connection confirmation signal output from the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250 is The input port 158 ​​is connected to the enable terminal. Depending on the level of the input signal, the signal input to the port is output to the MPU151. It is an input port that has the function of controlling whether or not the

[0313] The input port 158 ​​receives signals from the game value input switches 77 to 79 and the counting switch. These signals are input when the VL connection confirmation signal is disabled. In this case, the card unit 230 is not connected properly. If not, the counting switch 80 and the game value input switches 77 to 79 cannot be operated. That is, if the card unit 230 is not connected properly, counting and It is not possible to invest in gaming value.

[0314] On the other hand, the start lever 71, the stop switches 72 to 74, and the settlement switch 76 are Since it is connected to port 155, regardless of the connection status of the card unit 230, You can start the reels, stop the reels, and cancel the game value you have inserted.

[0315] In this way, if the card unit 230 is not connected properly, what operation is The limit depends on the specifications of the gaming machine, but it depends on the gaming operation input to the input port 158. This can be realized by selecting the relevant input signal. If you want to completely prohibit the operation of the start lever 71, the stop switches 72 to 74, and the settlement The input signals of the switch 76, the game value input switches 77 to 79, and the counting switch 80 are input to the input port. To prohibit only the counting operation, input the signal to the counting switch 80. Simply connect it to output port 158.

[0316] FIG. 38 shows the main control board 131 and the game value number display control board in the fourth embodiment. 1 shows an electrical configuration in which the boards 132 cooperate to control the slot machine 10. 1 is a block diagram showing a VL connection confirmation signal output from the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250. The signal is connected to the enable terminal of the input port 148. The function of the terminal is the same as that of the input port 158 ​​described above.

[0317] The input port 148 receives a signal from the counting switch 80. If the unit 230 is not connected properly, counting operations cannot be performed.

[0318] FIG. 39 shows the main control board 131 and the game value number display control board 132. 1 shows the electrical configuration when the input ports 148 and 158 having control functions by the terminals are provided. 1 is a block diagram showing a VL connection confirmation output from the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250. The signal is input to the game value display control board 132, where the input port 148 is enabled. Then, the signal is output to the main control board 131 as is, and is input to the input port 1 58 is connected to the enable terminal.

[0319] A signal from the counting switch 80 is input to the input port 148. The game value input switches 77 to 79 are connected to the 158. That is, the counting switch 80 The processing related to the game value input switches 77 to 79 is distributed to two control boards. Even if the card unit 230 is not properly connected, the VL connection confirmation Any operation can be restricted by a recognition signal.

[0320] Counting refers to transferring the number of play values ​​held from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230. If the card unit 230 is not connected properly, the counting switch In this state, it is reasonable that the start lever 71 does not function. , stop switches 72 to 74, game value input switches 77 to 79, and settlement switch 76 By not accepting such operations, the game status and the number of game values ​​held will not be changed inadvertently. Also, it would be unnatural for the game to become uncontrollable in the middle of the game. Therefore, the operation of the game value input switches 77 to 79 is suppressed, and the start lever 71 If you allow the operation of the stop switches 72 to 74, you can play a game in which all reels have stopped. At the end of the game, new game value cannot be added and the game progress can be stopped. Furthermore, even if you cannot perform the counting operation or borrow the game value, you can still use the game value you have. If there is a value number, it is possible to play the game. In such a case, the counting switch 80 Therefore, it is possible to suppress the operation.

[0321] FIG. 40 shows a main control unit having an input port 158 ​​with a control function by an enable terminal. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration when the game ball lending device connection terminal board 250 is connected to the board 131. 1 is a circuit diagram of the card unit 230 when the power supply (VL) is turned on. The operation of the device connection terminal board 250 is as described above. The game value number display control board 132 is provided with an input port 148 having the function of lending game balls, etc. The same applies when the device connection terminal board 250 is connected.

[0322] When the card unit 230 is turned on, the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 25 The photocoupler 255 for slot machine 1 is turned on. 0 as a VL connection confirmation signal, and is propagated through resistor 155b in the slot machine 10. The card is connected to the enable terminal of the input port 158. If the unit 230 is ready to operate, the VL connection confirmation signal goes low and the input port 15 8 is enabled, the input signal from the counting switch 80 is transmitted to the MPU 151. This is what happens.

[0323] FIG. 41 shows a main control circuit having an input port 155 that does not have a control function by an enable terminal. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration when the game ball lending device connection terminal board 250 is connected to the board 131. FIG.

[0324] A pull-up resistor 155a and a counting switch 80 are connected to the input terminal of the input port 155. When the counting switch 80 is not operated, the counting switch 80 is open. Since this is the ON state, the input terminal of input port 155 is at H level due to the effect of pull-up resistor 155a. On the other hand, when the counting switch 80 is operated, the counting switch 80 is Since this is a short state, the VL connection confirmation signal is connected here. VL connection confirmation signal is connected to the output transistor of the photocoupler 255, so that the card unit 23 If 0 is connected properly and is operating normally, the output transistor of photocoupler 255 The inverter is ON and goes to L level. If the connection with the card unit 230 is not normal, If the counter is not ready to operate, this transistor is OFF and the counting switch Even if the switch 80 is operated and connected to the pull-up resistor 155a, the signal remains at the H level. That is, when the VL connection confirmation signal is normal, the operation state of the counting switch 80 remains the same. However, if the VL connection confirmation signal is not normal, the counting The operational state of the switch 80 cannot be read from the MPU 151.

[0325] In this way, according to the fourth embodiment, the VL connection confirmation signal can be read by a program. This allows control processing to be performed without any interruptions, leaving more processing capacity to spare. By directing the processing to control the progress of the techniques, we can provide a more interesting and entertaining gaming machine. It is possible.

[0326] <Inventions extracted from the above embodiments> Below, we will explain the features of the inventions extracted from the above-mentioned embodiments, and their effects, etc., as necessary. For ease of understanding, the following description will be given with reference to the above embodiment. The corresponding configuration is indicated in parentheses as appropriate, but is not limited to the specific configuration indicated in parentheses. It's not something like that.

[0327] <Features Group A> Feature A1. Game value number storage means for storing the number of game values ​​(held game value counter 153 c) and A game value lending device communication means (game value lending device communication means) that communicates with the game value lending device (card unit 230) A game ball rental device connection terminal board 250), a counting switch (counting switch 80); an input port (input port 155) to which an operation signal of the counting switch is input; Equipped with The number of gaming values ​​transmitted from the gaming machine value lending device ((3) Lending Notice shown in FIG. 6) is received by the gaming value lending device communication means and added to the gaming value number storage means ( In step S313 of FIG. 15, the game value counter 153c is incremented by the process As a loan of gaming value, The game value number storage means subtracts the game value number from the game value number storage means (at S260 in FIG. 11). The game value is used for playing by the process of subtracting from the value counter 153c. , Adding to the gaming value number storage means (at S507 in FIG. 17, The number of game values ​​set in the counter is displayed on the acquired number display unit 37, and the number of game values ​​held is displayed on the acquired number display unit 37. The game value payout process (adding the game value to the counter 153c) is the result of the game. As a gain of value, The number of game values ​​stored in the game value number storage means is transmitted to the game value lending device communication means. The game value is then transmitted to the game value lending device (counting process S277 shown in FIG. 14). A gaming machine that counts skill value, A normal process for controlling the progress of the game (normal process S407 shown in FIG. 17); A timer interrupt process (the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 8) executed at regular intervals; and In the timer interrupt process, the previous When it is detected that the counting switch is pressed, the game value number is stored in the game value number storage means. The state is switched to a counting mode in which the number of game values ​​held in the game machine is transmitted to the game value lending device ( A gaming machine characterized by the counting switch processing (S208) described in FIG.

[0328] According to feature A1, the counting switch is operated by a timer interrupt process executed at regular intervals. It detects that the machine has been operated and switches the state to counting mode, so it is possible to play games controlled by normal processing. A gaming machine in which a player can operate a counting switch without being affected by the progress of the game. In other words, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can perform suitable management of gaming value. do.

[0329] Feature A2: The counting mode is set while the counting switch is pressed (S2 in FIG. 10). If the answer is YES in step 32, step S239 is always executed to set the counting status flag. When the counting switch is released from being pressed, the counting mode is released (S2 in FIG. 10). If the result of step 32 is NO, the counting status flag is cleared (not shown). , A gaming machine according to feature A1.

[0330] According to feature A2, the counting operation can be intuitively understood, and when counting is to be interrupted, the counting switch Since all that is required is to release the ball, a gaming machine with a simple counting operation can be provided.

[0331] Feature A3. When the counting switch is pressed, the counting mode is not set (Figure 1 If the result of S233 in the above table is NO, the state is switched to the counting mode (S239). (The counting status flag is set by the counting mode command.) If the status is counting mode, the counting mode is cancelled. (If the answer is YES in S233, the counting status flag is cleared, although not shown). The gaming machine described in feature A1.

[0332] According to feature A3, in the case of a gaming machine that requires a long time for counting operation, a counting switch is used during counting. There is no need to keep pressing the button, and if you want to interrupt counting, just press the counting switch again. Therefore, a gaming machine with simple counting operations can be provided.

[0333] <Feature Group B> Feature B1. Game value number storage means for storing the number of game values ​​(held game value counter 153 c) and A game value lending device communication means (game value lending device communication means) that communicates with the game value lending device (card unit 230) A game ball rental device connection terminal board 250), a counting switch (counting switch 80); an input port (input port 155) to which an operation signal of the counting switch is input; Equipped with The number of game values ​​transmitted from the game value lending device ((3) Lending Notice shown in FIG. 6) , received by the gaming value lending device communication means and added to the gaming value number storage means (FIG. 15) by adding the game value to the game value counter 153c in S313 As a loan of gaming value, The game value number storage means subtracts the game value number from the game value number storage means (at S260 in FIG. 11). The game value is used for playing by the process of subtracting from the value counter 153c. , Adding to the gaming value number storage means (at S507 in FIG. 17, The number of game values ​​set in the counter is displayed on the acquired number display unit 37, and the number of game values ​​held is displayed on the acquired number display unit 37. The game value payout process (adding the game value to the counter 153c) is the result of the game. As a gain of value, The number of game values ​​stored in the game value number storage means is transmitted to the game value lending device communication means. The game value is then transmitted to the game value lending device (counting process S277 shown in FIG. 14). A gaming machine that counts skill value, When the number of game values ​​stored in the game value number storage means exceeds a predetermined number (see FIG. 10), In the case of YES in S240 described above, the game value stored in the game value number storage means The state is switched to a second counting mode in which the number of values ​​is transmitted to the gaming value lending device (S24 1, setting the second count status flag; In the second counting mode, the game value stored in the game value number storage means If the number of the second The counting mode is cancelled (the second counting status flag is cleared in S300). This is an amusement machine.

[0334] According to the feature B1, the second counting state flag indicates that the player operates the counting switch 80. Even if there is no such thing, the number of game values ​​held is automatically counted so that it does not become too large. The number of possessed game values ​​is electromagnetically recorded in the possessed game value counter. Even if there are many medals, unlike real medals, there are no physical limitations such as volume. However, a large amount of gaming value, such as several thousand coins, is not necessary for gaming. In addition, if you try to count all the numbers at once after the game is over, it will take a long time to count them all, which is inconvenient. Also, considering the risk of loss due to accidents or electrical malfunctions, the number of cards required is It is safer to keep the remaining money in the gaming machine and transfer it to a magnetic card. It is therefore possible to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately manage gaming value.

[0335] Feature B2. When the counting switch is pressed, if the state is the second counting mode ( If the answer is NO in S233 in FIG. 10, the second counting mode is cancelled and the first counting mode is resumed. (In S239, the second counting status flag is cleared and the counting status flag is set.) The gaming machine according to feature B1 is characterized in that it (a game machine)

[0336] According to feature B2, even during automatic counting operation, the counting step can be started without waiting for the end of automatic counting. Simply pressing the switch will allow the machine to transition to counting mode, providing a gaming machine with easy counting operation. It can be provided.

[0337] <Feature C group> Feature C1. Game value number storage means for storing the number of game values ​​(held game value counter 153 c) and A game value lending device communication means (game value lending device communication means) that communicates with the game value lending device (card unit 230) A game ball rental device connection terminal board 250), Equipped with The number of game values ​​transmitted from the game value lending device ((3) Lending Notice shown in FIG. 6) , received by the gaming value lending device communication means and added to the gaming value number storage means (FIG. 15) by adding the game value to the game value counter 153c in S313 As a loan of gaming value, The game value number storage means subtracts the game value number from the game value number storage means (at S260 in FIG. 11). The game value is used for playing by the process of subtracting from the value counter 153c. , Adding to the gaming value number storage means (at S507 in FIG. 17, The number of game values ​​set in the counter is displayed on the acquired number display unit 37, and the number of game values ​​held is displayed on the acquired number display unit 37. The game value payout process (adding the game value to the counter 153c) is the result of the game. As a gain of value, The number of game values ​​stored in the game value number storage means is transmitted to the game value lending device communication means. The game value is then transmitted to the game value lending device (counting process S277 shown in FIG. 14). A gaming machine that counts skill value, In the transmission related to the counting, the number of game values ​​to be transmitted in one communication is determined according to predetermined conditions. (In S295 shown in FIG. 14, the counted game value number is changed to the unit counted game value.) The unit counting game value number is the number of times the slot machine counts by one counting notification communication. The maximum value of the counted game value number sent from 10 to the card unit 230 is used for slot machines. It may be a fixed value specific to the syn 10, or at the start of the counting process, the game value to be counted A value may be determined according to the number of values.

[0338] According to feature C1, the time required for counting processing can be adjusted, allowing for optimal management of gaming value. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can perform this.

[0339] The time required to count the number of play values ​​is (number of play values ​​ / number of unit play values) x 30 0msec (counting notification communication period), so if the unit counting game value number is large, the counting Also, if the number of play values ​​you have is large, the time it takes to count will be shorter. On the other hand, the slot machine 10 does not handle actual game medals, The time it takes to count the game value at the end of the game is used to realize the number of game values ​​acquired. This is also a valuable opportunity to gain valuable insights, so the counting time does not necessarily have to be short. Therefore, in order to maximize the satisfaction of the player, it is necessary to adjust the unit count game value number. By doing so, the time it takes to count can be adjusted to the optimum length. Therefore, the amount of time you can feel satisfied may not be proportional to the number of games you have. In such a case, the number of unit counting game values ​​can be appropriately selected according to the number of game values ​​possessed. This allows players to feel satisfied with the counting regardless of the number of game values ​​they have. It is possible.

[0340] Feature C2. The number of game values ​​at the start of counting (the value of the game value counter 153c) Feature C1, characterized in that a gaming value to be transmitted in communication related to one counting is determined in response to the The gaming machine described in

[0341] According to the feature C2, the number of game values ​​to be counted is transmitted in one communication related to the counting. Since it determines the skill value, it will not feel strange whether the number of game values ​​to be counted is large or small. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that adjusts the counting process time so that the game value to be counted is not The number of copies varies widely, from a few dozen to over 10,000 copies, so the number of copies per transaction is When a certain number of game values ​​is sent in a communication, if the game values ​​to be counted are small, the counting will be completed immediately. When the counting process is completed and there are many game values ​​to be counted, you may have to wait a long time until the counting process is completed. This is the situation that occurs.

[0342] Feature C3. Depending on the number of counting-related communications after counting starts, the number of counting-related communications sent in one counting-related communication is A gaming machine according to feature C1, characterized in that the number of gaming values ​​to be played is determined.

[0343] According to feature C3, as the number of communications related to counting increases, the number of communications related to counting decreases. Since the number of game values ​​to be counted can be increased, even if there are many game values ​​to be counted, In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that adjusts the counting processing time so that no sense of incongruity is felt even in such cases. Also, the time that is usually spent waiting for counting processing is made more interesting by the accelerated counting processing. It is possible.

[0344] Feature C4. The gaming value transmitted in one counting communication according to the gaming value lending rate A gaming machine according to feature C1, characterized in that the number of

[0345] According to feature C4, even if the number of play values ​​is the same, the number of play values ​​is higher in the case of a gaming machine with a higher rental rate. The impression that players get is different in the case of a high-rate gaming machine than in the case of a low-rate gaming machine. The gaming value of gaming machines should be measured slowly, and the gaming value of low-rate gaming machines should be measured quickly. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine with a counting processing speed that matches the impression.

[0346] Feature C5. During counting mode, each time the counting switch is pressed, a counting operation is performed. The gaming machine according to feature C1, characterized in that the number of game values ​​to be transmitted in the communication is changed. .

[0347] According to feature C5, the player can adjust the counting speed by pressing the counting switch. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that performs counting processing in accordance with the player's intention. can.

[0348] <Feature D group> Feature D1. Game value number storage means for storing the number of game values ​​(held game value counter 153 c) and A game value lending device communication means (game value lending device communication means) that communicates with the game value lending device (card unit 230) A game ball rental device connection terminal board 250), Equipped with The number of game values ​​transmitted from the game value lending device ((3) Lending Notice shown in FIG. 6) , received by the gaming value lending device communication means and added to the gaming value number storage means (FIG. 15) by adding the game value to the game value counter 153c in S313 As a loan of gaming value, The game value number storage means subtracts the game value number from the game value number storage means (at S260 in FIG. 11). The game value is used for playing by the process of subtracting from the value counter 153c. , Adding to the gaming value number storage means (at S507 in FIG. 17, The number of game values ​​set in the counter is displayed on the acquired number display unit 37, and the number of game values ​​held is displayed on the acquired number display unit 37. The game value payout process (adding the game value to the counter 153c) is the result of the game. As a gain of value, The number of game values ​​stored in the game value number storage means is transmitted to the game value lending device communication means. The game value is then transmitted to the game value lending device (counting process S277 shown in FIG. 14). A gaming machine that counts skill value, When a communication regarding the lending of gaming value is transmitted from the gaming value lending device, When the number of game values ​​stored in the game value number storage means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S3 in FIG. 15), 12), a response refusing to lend the gaming value is sent to the gaming value lending device. (The process of setting "abnormal" to the loan number receipt result in S315) A gaming machine characterized by:

[0349] According to feature D1, if there is already enough play value to continue playing, It is possible to provide a gaming machine that refuses to lend out the game value. Since the coins are stored electromagnetically in the counter, even if there are many coins, they are not stored in the same place as real medals, as they are stored in a volume. However, a large amount of gaming value, such as several thousand coins, is not subject to any physical constraints. Not only is it unnecessary in this case, but if you try to count all the numbers at once after the game ends, it will take a long time to count. This is inconvenient and requires time. Also, there is a risk of loss due to accidents or electrical malfunctions. If so, it is safer to keep only the necessary number of cards in the gaming machine and transfer the rest to a magnetic card. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can perform suitable management of gaming value. This becomes:

[0350] <Feature Group E> Feature E1. A main control board (main control board 131) that controls the progress of the game, A game value number control board (held game value number display control board 132) that controls the number of game values; , Equipped with The game value number control board is A game value number storage means (a game value counter 143c) for storing the number of game values; A game value lending device communication means (game value lending device communication means) that communicates with the game value lending device (card unit 230) A game ball rental device connection terminal board 250), a main control board communication means for communicating with the main control board; Equipped with The number of game values ​​transmitted from the game value lending device ((3) Lending Notice shown in FIG. 22) is received by the gaming value lending device communication means and added to the gaming value number storage means ( In step S7083 of FIG. 31, the game value counter 143c is incremented. The gaming value is lent, The game value number storage means subtracts the number of game values ​​from the game value number storage means ((6) of the game machine information notification in FIG. 22). The skill information (for updating the number of game values ​​held: number of coins inserted) is stored in S7097 shown in FIG. The game value is used for playing by subtracting the game value from the game value counter 143c. year, Adding to the gaming value number storage means ((6) Gaming machine information notification gaming Information (for updating the number of holding game values: number of payouts) is The game value is acquired as a result of the game by the process of adding the game value to the skill value counter 143c. , The number of game values ​​stored in the game value number storage means is transmitted to the game value lending device communication means. By transmitting the game value to the game value lending device (counting process S7047 shown in FIG. 30), A gaming machine that counts gaming value, The communication between the game value number control board and the game value lending device is The board acts as a master and controls the timing, repeating a series of communications at regular intervals. 22, the number of game values ​​displayed and the control board 132, and the card unit 23 0), The communication between the game value number control board and the main control board is also The timing is controlled as a start, and a series of communication is performed at the same time interval as the communication with the game value lending device. This is a periodic communication that repeats the above communication (see FIG. 22). Communication between the number display control board 132 and the game value number display control board 132 shown in FIG. In the main control board communication process S7029 in the board processing, the communication timing is determined S70 In 91, it is updated by the unit communication process (S7026) and determines the communication timing. It is characterized by the fact that it refers to the same gaming machine information notification timer as the timer used for An amusement machine.

[0351] According to the feature E1, the processing of the game value number control board (the game value number display control board 132) In this case, the main control board communication process (S7029) and the unit communication process (S7026) This prevents overlapping of processing timing, and allows for interrupt processing at specific timing. It is possible to prevent the periodic interrupt process from failing due to the extended time. It is therefore possible to provide a gaming machine that can efficiently manage gaming value.

[0352] Feature E2. Counting switch (counting switch 80), an input port (input port 145) to which an operation signal of the counting switch is input; Equipped with The game value number control board (held game value number display control board 132) inputs to the input port. When it is detected that the counting switch is pressed based on the operation signal received, The number of game values ​​stored in the game value number storage means (held game value counter 143c) Feature E, characterized in that the state is switched to a counting mode in which the game value is transmitted to the game value lending device. 1. The gaming machine described in 1.

[0353] According to the feature E2, when the counting switch is operated, the processing related to the counting mode is The value control board will process the ROM of the main control board that controls the progress of the game, The extra space available in RAM can be used to control the game, allowing for more interesting gaming machines to be offered. It can be provided.

[0354] Feature E3. Game value input switch (game value input switch 77-79), an input port (input port 155) into which an operation signal of the game value input switch is input; , Equipped with The main control board (main control board 131) is a game value number control board (play value number display control board). The number of game values ​​transmitted from the game board 132 ((5) Notification of the number of game values ​​held in hand described in FIG. 22) ) is stored, and based on the operation signal input to the input port, When it is detected that the switch has been pressed, the number of game values ​​stored in the memory is used. and determine whether or not to insert the gaming value (the gaming value insertion switch process S shown in FIG. 11). In 209, S256 determines whether the value of the game value counter is greater than the number of coins inserted. A gaming machine according to features E1 to E2, characterized by (determining)

[0355] According to the feature E3, the number of game values ​​corresponding to the game value input switch operated by the player is In order to determine whether or not the game can be inserted, a game value number control board having a game value storage means is Then, when you try to send the game value you want to insert and have it judge whether it can be inserted or not, Due to the time lag caused by communication time, the operation of the game value input switch may not be accepted after the switch is operated. It takes time to receive the game value, which makes it difficult to operate. is used to determine whether or not to insert the gaming value, so after operating the gaming value insertion switch, wait for communication This eliminates the need for a separate control unit, improves response to operations, and makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that is easy to operate. do.

[0356] <Feature F group> Feature F1. Game value number storage means for storing the number of game values ​​(held game value counter 153 c) and A game value lending device communication means (game value lending device communication means) that communicates with the game value lending device (card unit 230) A game ball rental device connection terminal board 250), a counting switch (counting switch 80); The input port (input port 158 ​​or input port 148) and Equipped with The number of gaming values ​​transmitted from the gaming machine value lending device ((3) Lending Notice shown in FIG. 6) is received by the communication means and added to the gaming value number storage means (S 313) by adding the game value to the game value counter 153c Quiet, The game value number storage means subtracts the game value number from the game value number storage means (at S260 in FIG. 11). The game value is used for playing by the process of subtracting from the value counter 153c. , Adding to the gaming value number storage means (at S507 in FIG. 17, The number of game values ​​set in the counter is displayed on the acquired number display unit 37, and the number of game values ​​held is displayed on the acquired number display unit 37. The game value payout process (adding the game value to the counter 153c) is the result of the game. As a gain of value, The number of game values ​​stored in the game value number storage means is transferred to the game value lender via the communication means. The game value is counted by transmitting the value to the issuing device (counting process S277 described in FIG. 14). A gaming machine comprising: The game value lending device communication means outputs a connection confirmation signal indicating the connection status of the game value lending device. A confirmation signal (VL connection confirmation shown in Figure 40) is output. The connection confirmation signal is connected to an enable terminal of the input port, and the connection signal A gaming machine characterized in that the input signal of the input port can be blocked depending on the signal.

[0357] According to feature F1, control processing can be performed without reading the VL connection confirmation signal by a program. This allows for more processing power to be available, and this capacity can be used to control the progress of the game. By focusing on the logic, it is possible to provide a more interesting and entertaining gaming machine.

[0358] Feature F2. Counting switch (counting switch 80), game value input switch (game value input Switches 77-79), settlement switch, (settlement switch 76), start lever (start Trevor 71), stop switch (stop switches 72 to 74) or more The input signal is connected as an input signal to the input port. The gaming machine described.

[0359] According to the feature F2, the gaming machine value lending device (card unit 230) is normally connected. If not, the start lever, stop switch, game value input switch, settlement By not accepting any switch operations, the game status and the number of game values ​​held can be prevented from being accidentally changed. You can prevent this from changing. Also, you will not be able to control the game in the middle of the game. This gives an unnatural impression, so we have decided to suppress the operation of the game value input switch and the start lever, etc. If the stop switch is allowed to be operated, a new game will start at the end of the game when all the reels have stopped. It will be impossible to insert new game value, and the progress of the game will be stopped. Even if you cannot make or borrow game values, if you have game values, In such cases, it is possible to play the game, so the operation of only the counting switch is restricted. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can perform suitable management of gaming value. This makes it possible to

[0360] Feature F3. A main control board (main control board 131) that controls the progress of the game, A game value number control board (held game value number display control board 132) for controlling the game value; Equipped with The game value number control board is a game value lending device communication means (game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 250) and A connection confirmation signal input from the game value lending device communication means to the game value number control board (VL connection confirmation shown in Figure 40) is output from the game value number control board to the main control board. It is An input port (input port 148) mounted on the game value control board; Among the input ports (input ports 158) mounted on the main control board, The connection confirmation signal is connected to the enable terminal of at least one input port. A gaming machine according to features F1 to F2, characterized by:

[0361] According to feature F3, even if the processing related to operation input is distributed to two control boards, If the card unit 230 is not connected properly, a VL connection confirmation signal is sent. Any of these operations can be restricted.

[0362] <Feature Group G> Feature G1. A game value storage means (a game value counter 153c) for storing a game value; , Communication means for communicating with the gaming value lending device (card unit 230) (gaming ball lending device connection) a connecting terminal board 250); Equipped with The game value ((3) Lending Notice shown in FIG. 6) transmitted from the game value lending device is The game value is received by the communication means and added to the game value storage means (S313 shown in FIG. 15). The game value is loaned by adding the game value to the game value counter 153c. The game value storage means subtracts the game value (at S260 in FIG. 11) from the game value storage means. The game value is used for playing by the process of subtracting from the value counter 153c, Adding to the game value storage means (at S507 in FIG. 17, The number of game values ​​set in the counter is displayed on the acquired number display section 37, and the number of game values ​​held is displayed on the acquired number display section 37. The game value that is the result of the game is calculated by the game value payout process (adding the game value to the counter 153c). As a value acquisition, The gaming value stored in the gaming value storage means is transmitted to the gaming value lending device via the communication means. (counting process S277 described in FIG. 14) It is a machine, The gaming value lending device is connected to a network and stores the player's ID number (magnetic card number). The player's designated periodic information sent from the network's upper server based on the member ID of the player During the period, we combine one or more of the following data: gaming amount, loss amount, gaming time, and number of games played. Only if the value calculated by the prescribed method does not exceed the prescribed value, the game value will be loaned. (3) Send a rental notice (see FIG. 6) or a game ball rental device connection terminal board A gaming machine characterized by being a gaming value lending device (turning on the power supply (VL) of 250).

[0363] According to feature G1, it is possible to prevent players who are addicted from playing games. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can be enjoyed to an appropriate degree. Even if a player meets certain conditions, they are not completely banned from playing, but are allowed to play for a certain period of the day. We have a flexible approach, allowing players to play as long as the playing time, amount of money, number of times played, etc. are within the specified range. Good too.

[0364] Feature G2. Whether the loan of gaming value to a player is permitted based on the player's ID number Feature G1: The determination of whether or not the device is connected to the network is made by a host server connected to the network. The gaming machine described in

[0365] According to the feature G2, the judgment of whether to lend the game value, that is, whether to allow the player to play, The upper server will decide whether to allow or deny the request, so if you want to change the criteria, The judgment of addiction is easily affected by social conditions, etc., and can be easily changed by simply changing the contents of the server's memory. This allows for flexible response to cutting conditions.

[0366] Feature G3. Whether the loan of gaming value to a player is permitted based on the player's ID number The player can register the criteria for determining whether or not a game is a valid game on a host server connected to the network. A gaming machine according to features G1 to G2, characterized by:

[0367] According to the feature G3, the judgment of whether to lend the game value, that is, whether to allow the player to play, The player's own opinion can be taken into account when deciding whether or not to allow the game to continue, so This can effectively promote the elimination of the fatigue state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0368] 10 Slot machines (amusement machines) 71 Start lever 77~79 Game Value Input Switch 80 Counting switch 131 Main control board 132 Holding game value number display control board 153b bet counter (inserted coin number storage means) 153c Holding game value counter 210 Ball loan button (loan instruction means) 230 Card unit (game value lending device) 250 Game ball rental device connection terminal board S208 Counting switch processing S211 Unit communication processing

Claims

1. A main control board that controls the progress of the game; a game value number control board for controlling the number of game values; Equipped with The game value number control board is a game value number storage means for storing the number of game values; a game value lending device communication means for communicating with the game value lending device; a main control board communication means for communicating with the main control board; Equipped with The game value is lent according to the number of game values ​​transmitted from the game value lending device, By subtracting from the game value number storage means, the game value is used for a game. death, By adding the amount to the game value number storage means, the game value is acquired as a result of the game. 、 The number of game values ​​stored in the game value number storage means is transmitted to the game value lending device communication means. A gaming machine that counts gaming value by transmitting the gaming value to a gaming value lending device, The communication between the game value number control board and the game value lending device is The board acts as a master and controls the timing, repeating a series of communications at regular intervals. It is faith, The communication between the game value number control board and the main control board is also The timing is controlled as a start, and a series of communication is performed at the same time interval as the communication with the game value lending device. A gaming machine characterized by periodic communication in which the above communication is repeated.

2. A counting switch; an input port to which an operation signal of the counting switch is input; Equipped with The game value number control board controls the counting stage based on the operation signal input to the input port. When it is detected that the switch is pressed, the game value stored in the game value number storage means is The state is switched to a counting mode in which the number of values ​​is transmitted to the gaming value lending device.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein:

3. A gaming value input switch, An input port to which an operation signal of the game value input switch is input; Equipped with The main control board stores the number of game values ​​transmitted from the game value number control board, The game value input switch is pressed based on the operation signal input to the input port. When it is detected that the game value has been input, the game value is input based on the number of the game values ​​stored.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine judges whether or not the game is possible.

Images