Gaming Machines

Abstract

To appropriately manage electronic tokens.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a putout control board for managing the number of credits of an electronic token. A main control board transmits a putout request command for requesting addition of the putout number of electronic tokens to the number of credits when winning a combination to the putout control board (step S371). The putout control board adds a putout number corresponding a received putout request command to the number of credits and transmits a putout repeat command corresponding to the received putout request command to the main control board (step S472) when receiving the putout request command (step S471). The main control board displays the putout number of electronic tokens when receiving a putout repeat command. When power is interrupted, a program of the putout control board is stopped before the main control board. When recovering from power interruption, a program on the putout control board is started before that of the main control board.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines that use electronic information (electronic medals) as gaming value (gaming medium) instead of physical (tangible) medals have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-062558 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to appropriately manage the number of credits as gaming value in a gaming machine that uses electronic information as gaming value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to A first control means capable of controlling the progress of a game; A second control means capable of transmitting information to the outside; a bet switch for betting a predetermined number of game values ​​from the game values ​​stored in the second control means; A counting switch; a predetermined switch for returning the bet number stored in the first control means to the game value stored in the second control means; Equipped with The second control means is information regarding the game value. but It is memorizable, The second control means stores a unique ID number of the second control means, The information related to the unique ID number of the second control means stored in the second control means can be transmitted to an external device, When the operation of the counting switch is accepted, the information on the game value stored in the second control means can be transmitted to an external device; The counting switch can be operated even while the reel is rotating. the law of nature, When the operation of the counting switch is accepted in a situation where the game value bet is X (X is a positive integer) and the game value stored in the second control means is Y (Y is a positive integer), the game value bet is not transmitted to the outside, but the game value stored in the second control means can be transmitted to the outside; When the game value bet is X (X is a positive integer), the game value stored in the second control means is Y (Y is a positive integer), and a game has not yet started, if a predetermined switch operation is accepted, the game value stored in the second control means is configured to be X+Y. No physical medals Gaming Machines is . The present invention also provides a method for producing a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: A main control board (50) that controls the progress of the game; A payout control board (100) that manages the number of credits of gaming value (electronic medals); Equipped with The payout control board is electrically connected to the main control board, and is also electrically connected to an external management device (200) that controls the lending and refunding of game value. When an event (bet, payout, cancellation) that increases or decreases the number of credits occurs, the main control board transmits a calculation request command (insertion request command, payout request command, return request command) to the payout control board to request an increase or decrease in the number of credits, When the payout control board receives a calculation request command, the payout control board executes a process of adding or subtracting a number corresponding to the received calculation request command from the number of credits, and transmits a calculation repetition command (a deposit repetition command, a payout repetition command, a return repetition command) corresponding to the received calculation request command to the main control board. When the main control board receives the calculation replay command, it executes processing according to the occurrence of an event that increases or decreases the number of credits (for example, processing to light the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 acceptable, processing to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out on the acquisition number display LED 78, processing to turn off the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 unacceptable), When the power is turned off, the program on the dispensing control board is set to stop before the program on the main control board, When the power is restored from a power outage, the program on the dispensing control board is set to start before the program on the main control board. The present invention may be characterized in that: Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the amount of credits of gaming value can be appropriately managed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the control of a slot machine, which is an example of a gaming machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a power supply path. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a power supply path. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a list of commands (main control commands) transmitted from the main control board to the dispensing control board. [Diagram 5] A diagram showing a list of commands (dispensing control commands) transmitted from the dispensing control board to the main control board. [Figure 6] A diagram showing a list of commands (management device commands) sent from the management device to the dispensing control board. [Figure 7] A figure showing a list of commands (gaming machine commands) transmitted from the payout control board to the management device. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing the processing flow of the main routine in the dispensing control board. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart showing the process of analyzing a main control command in step S110 of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control command analysis process in step S110 of FIG. 8, and is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 9 is a flowchart showing the process flow of lending in step S119 of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 9 is a flowchart showing the process flow of counting in step S117 of FIG. 8. [Figure 13]4 is a flowchart showing a process flow of a main routine in a main control board. [Figure 14] A flowchart showing the flow of the power-on processing in the main control board and the dispensing control board. [Figure 15] A flowchart showing the flow of setting change processing in the main control board and the payout control board. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of three-coin bet processing on the main control board and the payout control board. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of one-coin bet processing on the main control board and the payout control board. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of game start processing on the main control board and the payout control board. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of game ending processing in the main control board and the payout control board. [Figure 20] A flowchart showing the flow of the payout processing in the main control board and the payout control board. [Figure 21] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the return processing in the main control board and the dispensing control board. [Figure 22] A flowchart showing the flow of the power-on processing in the dispensing control board and management device. [Diagram 23] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the loan processing in the dispensing control board and management device. [Figure 24] A flowchart showing the flow of counting processing in the dispensing control board and management device. [Diagram 25] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the counting process in the dispensing control board and management device, and is a flowchart continuing from Figure 24. [Figure 26] A diagram showing the waveforms of data signals and strobe signals in serial communication between the dispensing control board and the management device. [Figure 27] 11 is a timing chart showing the on / off of each signal when an electronic medal is lent. [Figure 28] 11 is a timing chart showing the on / off states of each signal during counting (refunding) of electronic medals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0045] The winning flag control means 62 controls the on / off of a winning flag corresponding to each winning combination based on the lottery result by the winning combination selection means 61 . In this embodiment, a winning flag is provided for each role for all roles. When any role is selected by the role selection means 61, the winning flag for that role is turned on (the winning flag is set). The winning role may be selected when there is one winning role (single winning) or when there are multiple winning roles (multiple winning).

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

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

[0048] In this embodiment, the reel 31 rotates at a constant speed of about 80 rotations per minute. When the stop switch 42 is operated, the time from the moment the stop switch 42 is operated to the moment the reel 31 is stopped is set to within 190 ms, except for a specific reel 31 during MB operation (for example, the center reel 31). As a result, in this embodiment, the maximum number of moving symbols from the symbol at the moment the stop switch 42 is operated to the moment the reel 31 is stopped is set to four symbols, except for a specific reel 31 during MB operation. On the other hand, for a specific reel 31 during MB operation, the time from the moment the stop switch 42 is operated to the moment the reel 31 is stopped is set to within 75 ms. As a result, for a specific reel 31 during MB operation, the maximum number of moving symbols from the symbol at the moment the stop switch 42 is operated until the reel 31 stops is set to one symbol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] However, when a replay is won in the previous game and the number of electronic medals bet in the previous game is automatically bet, the setting is such that the automatically bet electronic medals cannot be returned to credits even if the cancel switch 46 is operated. In other words, the setting is such that the automatically bet electronic medals cannot be returned to credits even if the cancel switch 46 is operated. Incidentally, both the electronic medals bet based on the operation of the bet switch 40 and the electronic medals automatically bet based on a replay win may be returned to credits by operating the cancel switch 46.

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

[0066] The credit number display LED 76 is an LED that displays the number of electronic medals credited inside the slot machine 10. In this embodiment, a maximum of 10,000 electronic medals can be credited. That is, the upper limit of the number of credits is set to "10000." Therefore, the credit number display LED 76 is configured with five digits. The upper limit of the number of credits is not limited to "10,000", but may be, for example, "15,000", "30,000", or "50,000". Furthermore, the number of digits of the credit number display LED 76 is not limited to five digits, but can be set appropriately according to the upper limit of the credit number.

[0067] Also, an enable signal can be sent from the dispensing control board 100 to the main control board 50. And, the main control board 50 is set so that when the enable signal is on, various processes can be executed, and when the enable signal is off, predetermined processes cannot be executed. In this embodiment, when the number of credits reaches the upper limit, that is, when the display of the credit number display LED 76 reaches "10000", the enable signal is turned off. Then, when the enable signal is turned off, the main control board 50 controls the bet switch 40 and the start switch 41 so that the operation cannot be accepted. Alternatively, the enable signal may be turned off when the number of credits reaches "15,000," "30,000," or "50,000."

[0068] Also, for example, a normal game and a special game (1BB game; first type big bonus game; operation of a first type continuous role operating device) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game may be made executable, and when a transition is made from the normal game to the special game, the game may be stopped at the end of the special game, and the game may not be allowed to proceed. In other words, a stopping function may be provided. The condition for stopping the game is not limited to the end of the special game, and can be set as appropriate. Then, when the condition for stopping the game is met, the enable signal may be turned off.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0076] The lending switch 202 is a switch that is operated by the player when lending out an electronic medal, on condition that the remaining number of points is displayed on the number display unit 204 . For example, it is possible to set it so that every time the lending switch 202 is pressed, electronic medals equivalent to a number "10" are lent out. For example, when a 1,000-yen bill is inserted into management device 200 through bill insertion slot 201, the number of points displayed on point display unit 204 is "10", and the number of electronic medals loaned out per point "1" is 5. In this case, if loan switch 202 is operated when point display unit 204 displays "10", 50 electronic medals are loaned out. Then, through communication between management device 200 and payout control board 100, the 50 loaned electronic medals are credited to payout control board 100.

[0077] The number of electronic medals credited to the payout control board 100 is displayed on the credit number display LED 76. For example, when the credit number is "0", if 50 electronic medals are lent, the display on the credit number display LED 76 changes from "0" to "50". Thus, in this embodiment, no physical (tangible) medals are loaned to players, but rather, through communication between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, the loaned electronic medals are transferred from the management device 200 to the payout control board 100 and credited.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0084] Furthermore, when harness A161 and harness C163 are broken, power can be supplied from capacitor 106 to dispensing control board 100, and power can be supplied from dispensing control board 100 to main control board 50 through harness B162. In this way, in Example 1, the payout control board 100 is equipped with a capacitor 106 for a backup power supply, so that even if the power supply from the power supply board 150 is cut off due to, for example, the disconnection of harness A161 or harness C163, the payout control board 100 and the main control board 50 will be driven, and processing can be reliably executed in the event of a power outage, so that no disadvantage is caused to the player.

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

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

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

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

[0089] In example 2, as in example 1, when the power supply from the power supply board 150 is interrupted, power is supplied to the dispensing control board 100 and the main control board 50 from a backup power capacitor mounted on the dispensing control board 100. However, in Example 2, the capacitor B108 is used as a backup power source exclusively for the payout control board 100. As a result, even if the power supply from the power supply board 150 is cut off due to, for example, the disconnection of the harness E165 or harness G167, the payout control board 100 that manages the number of credits of electronic medals is reliably driven, and processing at the time of power interruption can be reliably executed, so that no disadvantage is caused to the player.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0101] In Fig. 4, the setting change end command is a command for notifying the dispensing control board 100 that the setting change mode has ended, and is a command sent from the main control board 50 to the dispensing control board 100 when the setting change mode ends. The following "00H" indicates that the setting key switch 12 is in the off state. When the setting change mode ends, the main control board 50 transmits a setting change end command to the dispensing control board 100. Furthermore, when the dispensing control board 100 receives the setting change end command, it sends it back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response to the setting change end command shown in FIG. 5), and also transmits a setting change end command to the management device 200 (FIG. 7). In other words, the dispensing control board 100 transmits the setting change end command to both the main control board 50 and the management device 200.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0112] In this way, when the payout control board 100 is requested to subtract the number of bets from the number of credits, one round trip of command communication is performed between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 . As a result, processing related to electronic medal bets is reliably executed by both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is accurately managed, so that no disadvantage is inflicted on the player.

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

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

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

[0116] When the power is turned on, that is, when the power is restored from a power failure, the main control board 50 transmits a start-up confirmation command to the dispensing control board 100, and when the dispensing control board 100 receives the start-up confirmation command, it sends it back to the main control board 50 as is. When the main control board 50 receives the start-up confirmation command as is from the dispensing control board 100, it determines that the communication between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 is normal. The dispensing control board 100 then transmits a deposit repeat command or a deposit disable command to the main control board 50. Therefore, when the power is restored from a power failure, the program on the dispensing control board 100 starts before the program on the main control board 50, but the main control board 50 can reliably receive the deposit repeat command or the deposit disable command.

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

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

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

[0120] In addition, when the payout control board 100 receives a payout request command, it determines whether or not it is possible to accept the payout request, specifically, whether or not the upper limit of the number of credits ("10,000" in this embodiment) will be exceeded by adding the number of payout coins (the number indicated by the command following the payout request command) to the number of credits. Then, when it is determined that the payout request can be accepted, that is, when it is determined that adding the payout number to the credit count still results in the credit count being below the upper limit, the payout control board 100 executes a process to add the payout number to the credit count, executes a process to update the display of the credit count display LED 76, and sends a payout repeat command to the main control board 50 (it sends the received payout request command back to the main control board 50 as is (the ACK response to the payout request command shown in FIG. 5)).

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

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

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

[0124] In this way, when the payout control board 100 is requested to add the payout number according to the winning combination to the credit amount, one round trip command communication is performed between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 . This ensures that processing related to the payout of electronic medals based on winning combinations is executed reliably by both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is managed accurately, preventing any disadvantage to the player.

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

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

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

[0128] On the other hand, when it is determined that the return request cannot be accepted, that is, when it is determined that adding the return number to the credit count would exceed the upper limit of the credit count (for example, when the credit count is 9999 and a return request command "2203H" is received (a return request has been made for three electronic medals)), the payout control board 100 does not execute the process of adding the return number to the credit count, but sends a return not allowed command to the main control board 50 (a NAK response to the return request command shown in FIG. 5).

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

[0130] In this way, when a request is made to the payout control board 100 to return the bet electronic medals to credits, one round trip command communication is performed between the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100 . As a result, the process for returning the electronic medals is reliably executed by both the main control board 50 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is accurately managed, so that the player is not disadvantaged.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0138] In this way, when the management device 200 lends out electronic medals to the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10, one and a half round trips of command communication are carried out between the management device 200 and the payout control board 100. As a result, the process for lending electronic medals is reliably executed by both the management device 200 and the payout control board 100, and the number of credits is accurately managed, so that no disadvantage is caused to the player.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0149] For example, if the payout control board 100 is fraudulently replaced, the credit number management CPU 105 mounted on the payout control board 100 will change, and the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID stored in the management device 200 and the hall computer 300 will also change at the time of replacement. Therefore, by checking whether the first to fourth bytes of the CPU unique ID stored in the management device 200 and the hall computer 300 have not changed in the meantime, it is possible to determine whether the payout control board 100 has been fraudulently replaced.

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

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

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

[0153] In step S109, the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process as to whether or not the stored command is a main control command. Here, if it is determined that the stored command is a main control command, the process proceeds to the next step S110, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a main control command analysis process (FIGS. 9 and 10). The details of the main control command analysis process will be described later. Then, after executing the main control command analysis process, the process proceeds to the next step S111.

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

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

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

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

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

[0159] Also, when it is determined in step S116 that the counting request flag is on, the process proceeds to step S117, where the dispensing control board 100 starts the counting process (FIG. 12), and the process according to this flowchart is then terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S116 that the counting request flag is off, the process proceeds to step S118, and the dispensing control board 100 executes a determination process to determine whether the signal input (received) to the input port 101 is a loan request command or not.

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

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

[0162] In this way, the payout control board 100 is capable of executing counting processing (processing related to the refund of electronic medals) and lending processing (processing related to the lending of electronic medals), and is configured to execute counting processing in priority to lending processing by performing the process of determining whether or not counting processing is being executed before the process of determining whether or not lending processing is being executed, and by performing the process of determining whether or not the counting request flag is on before the process of determining whether or not a lending request command has been received. Here, when the counting switch 47 is operated, the dispensing control board 100 executes the counting process. In addition, when the loan switch 202 is operated and a loan request command is sent from the management device 200 to the dispensing control board 100, the dispensing control board 100 executes the loan process.

[0163] Furthermore, when the counting switch 47 and the dispensing switch 202 are operated simultaneously, the dispensing control board 100 prioritizes the counting process, so that it executes the counting process and does not execute the dispensing process. If the electronic medals once lent out are returned and cannot be exchanged for currency at an equivalent value, the player is disadvantaged, but by prioritizing the counting process and executing the counting process without executing the lending process, the player is not disadvantaged.

[0164] Furthermore, when the counting switch 47 is operated while the loan process is being executed, the dispensing control board 100 accepts the operation of the counting switch 47, continues the loan process being executed, and executes the counting process when the loan process is completed. In other words, the payout control board 100 can accept operation of the counting switch 47 at any time, including while the lending process is being executed or while the reel 31 is spinning, and by accepting the operation of the counting switch 47, it can execute the counting process at an appropriate timing thereafter. This makes it possible to ensure that the electronic medals are paid out by operating the counting switch 47 once, and makes it unnecessary to operate the counting switch 47 again, thereby preventing the player from feeling bothered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0176] For this reason, in step S145, a process is executed to mask the command following the payout request command with "0FH (00001111B)". That is, the command following the payout request command and "0FH (00001111B)" are ANDed. This makes it possible to set bits other than D0 to D3 in the command following the payout request command to "0". Even if "1" is included in bits D4 to D7 in the command following the payout request command due to noise, this can be set to "0", so that a number exceeding "15" is not erroneously added to the number of credits at the time of payout.

[0177] Furthermore, after executing the processing of step S145, the process proceeds to step S146, and the payout control board 100 executes a process to determine whether or not "(number of credits + number of payouts)>upper limit", that is, whether or not the number of credits plus the number of payouts exceeds the upper limit of the number of credits ("10,000" in this embodiment). If it is determined that the credit count exceeds the upper limit when the payout number is added to the credit count, the payout control board 100 proceeds to step S147 and executes a process of sending a payout unavailable command to the main control board 50 (NAK response to the payout request command). Then, the process according to this flowchart ends.

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

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

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

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

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

[0183] Fig. 11 shows a subroutine of the lending process in step S119 in Fig. 8. Note that "lending process 1" in Fig. 11 indicates a part of the lending process in step S119 in Fig. 8. Another part of the lending process is shown in Fig. 23 (referred to as "lending process 2") described later. If it is determined in step S118 of Fig. 8 that a loan request command has been received, the process proceeds to step S119 of Fig. 8. This starts the loan process of Fig. 11. Also, in the loan process, in step S161, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of sending a loan repeat command to the management device 200 (sending the received loan request command back to the management device 200 as is) (ACK response to the loan request command). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S162.

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

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

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

[0187] In step S167, the payout control board 100 executes a process of adding the loaned number to the credit number, and then ends the process according to this flowchart. Also, when it is determined in step S164 that the received management apparatus command is not a lending instruction command, the process proceeds to step S169, where the dispensing control board 100 sets an error flag, and the process according to this flowchart is then terminated. If the error flag is set in step S169, the process proceeds to step S132 in the main control command analysis process of FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0197] If it is determined in step S202 that the setting key switch 12 is on, the process proceeds to step S203, where the setting change process is executed, and when the setting change process is completed, the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S202 that the setting key switch 12 is off, the process proceeds to step S204, where a game return process is executed. Then, when the game return process is completed, the process proceeds to step S211. When the process proceeds to step S211, a process of determining whether to bet 3 coins or 1 coin is performed. If it is determined that a 3 coin bet is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S205, and if it is determined that a 1 coin bet is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0198] When the process proceeds to step S205, a three-bet process (FIG. 16) is executed. This process is a process for betting three of the credited electronic medals based on the operation of the three-bet switch 40b. The three-bet process will be described in detail later. Then, when the three-bet process is completed, the process proceeds to step S212. When the process proceeds to step S206, the 1-coin bet process (FIG. 17) is executed. This process is a process for betting one of the credited electronic medals based on the operation of the 1-coin bet switch 40a. The 1-coin bet process will be described in detail later. Then, when the 1-coin bet process is completed, the process proceeds to step S212.

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

[0200] In step S208, a game end process (FIG. 19) is executed. This process is a process for ending the game when the stop switch 42 is operated and the rotation of all the reels 31 has stopped. The game end process will be described in detail later. Then, when the game end process is ended, the process proceeds to the next step S209, where a payout process (FIG. 20) is executed. This process is a process for paying out electronic medals based on the winning combination. Then, when the payout process is ended, the process returns to step S211. When the process proceeds to step S210, a return process (FIG. 21) is executed. This process is a process for returning the bet electronic medals to credits based on the operation of the cancel switch 46. Then, when the return process is completed, the process returns to step S211.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0207] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the setting change processing in the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100. In Fig. 15, the left flowchart shows the flow of the setting change processing in the main control board 50, and the right flowchart shows the flow of the setting change processing in the dispensing control board 100. Also, in Fig. 15, the arrows between the left and right flowcharts show the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the main control board 50 and the dispensing control board 100 during the setting change processing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0231] Next, the game ending process in the payout control board 100 shown on the right side in FIG. 19 will be described. In step S461, the payout control board 100 executes a command reception process. This process is a process for receiving a game end + game status command transmitted from the main control board 50. Then, when the game end + game status command is received, the payout control board 100 proceeds to the next step S462, and executes a process for sending the received game end + game status command back to the main control board 50 as is (ACK response). Then, the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0254] When proceeding to step S514, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process to determine whether or not the loan request can be accepted, specifically, whether or not adding the number of credits to the number of loans (the number indicated by the command following the loan request command) will exceed the upper limit of the number of credits. Here, if it is determined in step S514 that the loan request can be accepted, that is, if it is determined that the credit count plus the loan number is equal to or less than the upper limit of the credit count, the process proceeds to step S161, where the payout control board 100 executes a process of sending a loan repeat command to the management device 200 (sending the received loan request command back to the management device 200 as is) (ACK response to the loan request command).Then, the process proceeds to step S164.

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

[0256] When proceeding to step S164, the dispensing control board 100 executes a process to determine whether or not a lending instruction command has been received. Here, when it is determined in step S164 that a lending instruction command has been received, the process proceeds to step S167, where the payout control board 100 executes a process of adding the lending number to the credit number, and then ends the process according to this flowchart.

[0257] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S164 that the lending instruction command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S169, where the dispensing control board 100 executes a process of setting an error flag, and then ends the process according to this flowchart. It should be noted that steps S161, S164, S167, and S169 in FIG. 23 and steps S161, S164, S167, and S169 in FIG. 11 are identical in content to each other.

[0258] 24 and 25 are flow charts showing the flow of the counting process in the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200. FIG. 25 is a flow chart continuing from FIG. 24 and 25, the left-hand flow chart shows the flow of the counting process in the dispensing control board 100, and the right-hand flow chart shows the flow of the counting process in the management device 200. Also, in Fig. 24 and 25, the arrows between the left-hand and right-hand flow charts show the transmission direction of commands transmitted and received between the dispensing control board 100 and the management device 200 during the counting process.

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

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

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

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

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

[0264] When proceeding to step S189, the dispensing control board 100 sends a counting instruction command to the management device 200, and proceeds to step S191. In step S191, the amount of credits is cleared (set to "0"), and the process according to this flowchart ends. 24 and 25 and steps S181, S185, S189, S191 and S194 in FIG. 12 are identical in content to the processes in steps S181, S185, S189, S191 and S194 in FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0271] In step S644, the management device 200 executes a process of determining whether the received command is a counting instruction command. If it is determined that the received command is a count instruction command, the process proceeds to the next step S645, where the management device 200 executes a process of reflecting the payout number specified from the lower-level count request command and the upper-level count request command in the number of electronic medals managed by the management device 200. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S646. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received command is not a count instruction command, the management device 200 proceeds to step S647 and executes error processing.

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

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

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

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

[0276] As shown in FIG. 27, when the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 are powered on, the management device 200 is then ready to accept operation of the return switch 203 . After that, the data signals of the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 become "0", and the strobe signals of the payout control board 100 of the slot machine 10 and the management device 200 turn off. After that, the management device 200 becomes able to accept the operation of the lending switch 202, and the operating state changes from the standby state to the normal state. Note that the normal state means a state in which the management device 200 is able to lend out electronic medals, and the game on the slot machine 10 is able to proceed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0285] (6) In this embodiment, the slot machine 10 is taken as an example of one of the gaming machines, but the slot machine 10 is not limited to a "reel type gaming machine" (so-called "pachislot gaming machine") installed in a type 4 business hall subject to the Entertainment and Amusement Act, and can also be applied to, for example, a casino machine. In addition, the present invention may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine. (7) All of the embodiments and various modified examples described in this specification are not limited to being implemented alone, but can be implemented in any suitable combination.

[0286] <Additional Notes> The inventions (original inventions) described in the original specification etc. of the present application can be, for example, the following Original Inventions 1 to 3, and the problems that the original inventions aim to solve, the means for solving the problems related to the original inventions, and the effects of the original inventions are as follows. However, this does not mean that the inventions described in this specification are limited to Original Inventions 1 to 3.

[0287] 1. Original invention 1 (a) Problem that the original invention 1 aims to solve The initial invention relates to a gaming machine that uses electronic information (electronic medals) as gaming value (gaming medium) instead of physical (tangible) medals. Among conventional gaming machines, there is known a gaming machine that does not use physical medals as gaming value, but uses electronic information (for example, JP 2015-062558 A). In a gaming machine having a main control board that controls the progress of a game and a payout control board that manages the number of credits of a gaming value, suppose that a power outage occurs while the main control board is sending a command to the payout control board. In this case, the main control board turns on a lamp indicating that a gaming value has been bet based on the operation of a bet switch, makes the start switch operation acceptable, and sends a command indicating that a gaming value has been bet to the payout control board. However, the payout control board cannot receive the command, and the process of subtracting the number of bets from the number of credits is not executed. This makes it impossible to properly manage the gaming value, and there is a risk of causing a disadvantage to the player. The problem that the original invention is intended to solve is to appropriately manage gaming value in a gaming machine that uses electronic information as gaming value.

[0288] (b) Means for solving the problems of the original invention 1 (Note that the corresponding embodiments are described in parentheses.) The original invention was A main control board (50) that controls the progress of the game; A payout control board (100) that manages the number of credits of gaming value (electronic medals); Equipped with The payout control board is electrically connected to the main control board, and is also electrically connected to an external management device (200) that controls the lending and refunding of game value. When an event (bet, payout, cancellation) that increases or decreases the number of credits occurs, the main control board transmits a calculation request command (insertion request command, payout request command, return request command) to the payout control board to request an increase or decrease in the number of credits, When the payout control board receives a calculation request command, the payout control board executes a process of adding or subtracting a number corresponding to the received calculation request command from the number of credits, and transmits a calculation repetition command (a deposit repetition command, a payout repetition command, a return repetition command) corresponding to the received calculation request command to the main control board. When the main control board receives the calculation replay command, it executes processing according to the occurrence of an event that increases or decreases the number of credits (for example, processing to light the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 acceptable, processing to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out on the acquisition number display LED 78, processing to turn off the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 unacceptable), When the power is turned off, the program on the dispensing control board is set to stop before the program on the main control board, When the power is restored from a power outage, the program on the dispensing control board is set to start before the program on the main control board. It is characterized by:

[0289] (c) Effect of the original invention 1 According to the original invention, when the main control board receives a performance replay command, it executes processing in response to the occurrence of an event that increases or decreases the number of credits. Therefore, by stopping the program on the payout control board first, it is possible to prevent subsequent processing from being executed unless a performance replay command is received, thereby enabling the game value to be appropriately managed so as not to cause any disadvantage to the player.

[0290] 2. Original invention 2 (a) Problem that the original invention 2 aims to solve The initial invention relates to a gaming machine that uses electronic information (electronic medals) as gaming value (gaming medium) instead of physical (tangible) medals. Among conventional gaming machines, there is known a gaming machine that does not use physical medals as gaming value, but uses electronic information (for example, JP 2015-062558 A). In a gaming machine equipped with a main control board that controls the progress of a game and a payout control board that manages the number of credits of a gaming value, suppose that noise occurs while a command is being sent from the payout control board to a management device (CR unit). In this case, even though the payout control board executes a process related to the payout of the gaming value, the management device cannot receive the command, and the process related to the payout of the gaming value is not executed. This makes it impossible to properly manage the gaming value, and there is a risk that the player will be disadvantaged. The problem that the original invention is intended to solve is to appropriately manage gaming value in a gaming machine that uses electronic information as gaming value.

[0291] (b) Means for solving the problems of the original invention 2 (Note that the corresponding embodiments are described in parentheses.) The first solution of the original invention is, A main control board (50) that controls the progress of the game; A payout control board (100) that manages the number of credits of gaming value (electronic medals); Equipped with The payout control board is electrically connected to the main control board, and is also electrically connected to an external management device (200) that controls the lending and refunding of game value. When an event (bet, payout, cancellation) that increases or decreases the number of credits occurs, the main control board transmits a calculation request command (insertion request command, payout request command, return request command) to the payout control board to request an increase or decrease in the number of credits, When the payout control board receives a calculation request command, the payout control board executes a process of adding or subtracting a number corresponding to the received calculation request command from the number of credits, and transmits a calculation repetition command (a deposit repetition command, a payout repetition command, a return repetition command) corresponding to the received calculation request command to the main control board. When the main control board receives the calculation replay command, it executes processing according to the occurrence of an event that increases or decreases the number of credits (for example, processing to light the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 acceptable, processing to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out on the acquisition number display LED 78, processing to turn off the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 unacceptable), The dispensing control board is When requesting the management device to execute a process (refund of credited electronic medals), a process request command (higher-order counting request command, lower-order counting request command) is transmitted to the management device; When the management device that has received the processing request command receives a processing repeat command (upper count repeat command, lower count repeat command) to be sent to the payout control board, a processing instruction command (count instruction command) is sent to the management device to instruct the management device to execute the processing. It is characterized by:

[0292] The second solution of the original invention is: A main control board (50) that controls the progress of the game; A payout control board (100) that manages the number of credits of gaming value (electronic medals); A counting switch (47) which is operated when paying back the credited gaming value; Equipped with The payout control board is electrically connected to the main control board, and is also electrically connected to an external management device (200) that controls the lending and refunding of game value. The counting switch is electrically connected to the dispensing control board, When an event (bet, payout, cancellation) that increases or decreases the number of credits occurs, the main control board transmits a calculation request command (insertion request command, payout request command, return request command) to the payout control board to request an increase or decrease in the number of credits, When the payout control board receives a calculation request command, the payout control board executes a process of adding or subtracting a number corresponding to the received calculation request command from the number of credits, and transmits a calculation repetition command (a deposit repetition command, a payout repetition command, a return repetition command) corresponding to the received calculation request command to the main control board. When the main control board receives the calculation replay command, it executes processing according to the occurrence of an event that increases or decreases the number of credits (for example, processing to light the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 acceptable, processing to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out on the acquisition number display LED 78, processing to turn off the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 unacceptable), The dispensing control board is When the counting switch is operated, a refund request command (upper counting request command, lower counting request command) is transmitted to the management device to request a refund of the credited gaming value; When the management device that has received the payout request command receives a payout repeat command (upper count repeat command, lower count repeat command) to be transmitted to the payout control board, the payout control board executes processing related to the payout of game value, and transmits a payout instruction command (count instruction command) corresponding to the received payout repeat command to the management device. It is characterized by:

[0293] The third solution of the original invention is: A main control board (50) that controls the progress of the game; A payout control board (100) that manages the number of credits of gaming value (electronic medals); Equipped with The payout control board is electrically connected to the main control board, and is also electrically connected to an external management device (200) that controls the lending and refunding of game value. The management device is provided with a loan switch (202) which is operated when loaning gaming value, When an event (bet, payout, cancellation) that increases or decreases the number of credits occurs, the main control board transmits a calculation request command (insertion request command, payout request command, return request command) to the payout control board to request an increase or decrease in the number of credits, When the payout control board receives a calculation request command, the payout control board executes a process of adding or subtracting a number corresponding to the received calculation request command from the number of credits, and transmits a calculation repetition command (a deposit repetition command, a payout repetition command, a return repetition command) corresponding to the received calculation request command to the main control board. When the main control board receives the calculation replay command, it executes processing according to the occurrence of an event that increases or decreases the number of credits (for example, processing to light the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 acceptable, processing to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out on the acquisition number display LED 78, processing to turn off the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 unacceptable), The dispensing control board is When the lending switch is operated and the management device receives a lending request command transmitted to the payout control board, the management device transmits a lending repeat command corresponding to the received lending request command to the management device; When the management device that has received the lending repeat command receives a lending instruction command to be transmitted to the payout control board, the management device executes processing on the payout control board side related to the lending of game value. It is characterized by:

[0294] (c) Effect of the original invention 2 According to the original invention, when the payout control board requests the management device to execute a process, it sends a processing request command to the management device, and when the management device receives a processing repeat command that it sends to the payout control board after receiving the processing request command, it sends a processing instruction command to the management device instructing the execution of the process.Therefore, it is possible to determine whether commands are being sent and received correctly between the management device, and therefore the game value can be appropriately managed so as not to cause any disadvantage to the player.

[0295] 3. Initial invention 3 (a) Problem that the original invention 3 aims to solve The initial invention relates to a gaming machine that uses electronic information (electronic medals) as gaming value (gaming medium) instead of physical (tangible) medals. Among conventional gaming machines, there is known a gaming machine that does not use physical medals as gaming value, but uses electronic information (for example, JP 2015-062558 A). In a gaming machine equipped with a main control board that controls the progress of the game and a payout control board that manages the number of credits of the gaming value, when a player wishes to make a payout of the gaming value, it is possible that the player may mistakenly operate the lending switch, which is operated when lending the gaming value, and the counting switch, which is operated when paying out the gaming value, at the same time. In this case, if the operation of the counting switch is canceled and the operation of the lending switch is accepted to lend out the gaming value, there is a risk that the player may be disadvantaged. The problem that the original invention is intended to solve is to appropriately manage gaming value in a gaming machine that uses electronic information as gaming value.

[0296] (b) Means for solving the problems of the original invention 3 (Note that the corresponding embodiments are described in parentheses.) The original invention was A main control board (50) that controls the progress of the game; A payout control board (100) that manages the number of credits of gaming value (electronic medals); Equipped with The payout control board is electrically connected to the main control board, and is also electrically connected to an external management device (200) that controls the lending and refunding of game value. When an event (bet, payout, cancellation) that increases or decreases the number of credits occurs, the main control board transmits a calculation request command (insertion request command, payout request command, return request command) to the payout control board to request an increase or decrease in the number of credits, When the payout control board receives a calculation request command, the payout control board executes a process of adding or subtracting a number corresponding to the received calculation request command from the number of credits, and transmits a calculation repetition command (a deposit repetition command, a payout repetition command, a return repetition command) corresponding to the received calculation request command to the main control board. When the main control board receives the calculation replay command, it executes processing according to the occurrence of an event that increases or decreases the number of credits (for example, processing to light the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 acceptable, processing to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out on the acquisition number display LED 78, processing to turn off the 1 bet display LED to the 3 bet display LED, processing to make the operation of the start switch 41 unacceptable), The payout control board is capable of executing a process related to lending of a gaming value and a process related to a refund of the gaming value, and is set to execute the process related to the refund of the gaming value with priority over the process related to lending of the gaming value. It is characterized by:

[0297] (c) Effect of the original invention 3 According to the initial invention, processing related to a refund is executed with priority over processing related to the lending of game value, so that when an operation related to the lending of game value and an operation related to a refund are performed simultaneously, processing related to the refund of game value can be executed, thereby enabling the game value to be properly managed so as not to cause any disadvantage to the player. [Explanation of symbols]

[0298] 10 Slot machines (amusement machines) 11 Power Switch 12 Setting key switch 13 Setting switch 14 Reset switch 21. Stage Lamp 22 Speaker 23 Image display devices 31 Reels 32 Motor 33 Reel Sensor 40a 1 bet switch 40b 3bet switch 41 Start switch 42 Stop switch 46 Cancel switch 47 Counting Switch 50 Main control board (main control means) 51 Input Port 52 output ports 53 RWM 54 ROM 55 Main CPU 61 Role selection method 62 Winning flag control means 65 Reel control means 66 Winning Judgment Method 67 Payment Method 76 Credit number display LED 78 Obtained number display LED 80 Sub-control board (sub-control means) 81 Input Ports 82 output ports 83 RWM 84 ROM 85 Sub CPU 91 Production output control means 100 Payout control board (credit number management board) 101 Input Port 102 Output Port 103 RWM 104 ROM 105 Credit Management CPU 106 Capacitor 107 Capacitor A 108 Capacitor B 111 Credit number management method 150 Power supply board 151 Capacitor 161 Harness A 162 Harness B 163 Harness C 164 Harness D 165 Harness E 166 Harness F 167 Harness G 168 Harness H 190 External centralized terminal board 200 Management device (CR unit) 201 Bill slot 202 Lending Switch 203 Return switch 204 Frequency display section 205 Card reader / writer

Claims

[Claim 1] A first control means capable of controlling the progress of a game; A second control means capable of transmitting information to the outside; a bet switch for betting a predetermined number of game values ​​from the game values ​​stored in the second control means; A counting switch; a predetermined switch for returning the bet number stored in the first control means to the game value stored in the second control means; Equipped with The second control means is capable of storing information relating to a gaming value, The second control means stores a unique ID number of the second control means, The information related to the unique ID number of the second control means stored in the second control means can be transmitted to an external device, When the operation of the counting switch is accepted, the information on the game value stored in the second control means can be transmitted to an external device; The counting switch can be operated even while the reel is spinning. When the operation of the counting switch is accepted in a situation where the game value bet is X (X is a positive integer) and the game value stored in the second control means is Y (Y is a positive integer), the game value bet is not transmitted to the outside, but the game value stored in the second control means can be transmitted to the outside, When the game value bet is X (X is a positive integer), the game value stored in the second control means is Y (Y is a positive integer), and a game has not yet started, if a predetermined switch operation is accepted, the game value stored in the second control means is configured to be X+Y. A gaming machine that does not use physical medals.

Images