JP7391355B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine in a gaming system that includes a gaming machine that plays games based on gaming value, and a management unit that transfers the gaming value in data format between the gaming machine and the gaming machine.

In a gaming machine, an intermachine unit (management unit) is connected to the gaming machine through a communication line. When an IC card is inserted into this inter-machine unit and a lending switch provided on the inter-machine unit is operated, gaming value is lent from the inter-machine unit to the gaming machine in data format. Furthermore, when a counting switch provided on the gaming machine is operated, gaming value is transferred from the gaming machine to the inter-machine unit in data format. Further, when a leave switch or a return switch provided in the inter-machine unit is operated, the IC card is ejected from the inter-machine unit.

In such a gaming machine, when the return switch on the inter-machine unit is operated, if the gaming machine does not hold gaming value, it is assumed that the IC card can be returned, and if it does, the IC card is returned. If the IC card is not returnable, the IC card is ejected from the inter-machine unit, and if the IC card is not returnable, a notification is issued to prompt the operator to operate the counting switch. . Furthermore, when the leave switch on the inter-machine unit is operated, if the gaming machine does not hold a gaming value, it is possible to leave the seat, and if it does, it is not possible to leave the seat. If it is possible to leave the seat, the IC card is ejected from the inter-machine unit, and if it is not possible to leave the seat, a notification is issued to prompt the user to operate the counting switch. As described above, there is a gaming machine in which a notification prompting the user to operate the counting switch is provided depending on the state of the gaming machine when the return switch or the leave switch is operated (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-76290 (Paragraph 0077-0078, etc.)

By the way, the transfer of gaming value from a gaming machine to an inter-machine unit is limited to, for example, a gaming value equivalent to 50 medals; Assume that the gaming machine is configured such that processing related to the transfer of gaming value to the unit is executed every 300 ms, for example. If such an upper limit were not set, it would be possible to increase the amount of gaming value transferred from the gaming machine to the inter-machine unit in a short period of time. This upper limit is set because the game arcade would suffer a large loss if it became possible to move the machine to the inter-machine unit. Furthermore, if a movement of gaming value exceeding the upper limit occurs, the damage to the gaming parlor can be minimized by invalidating the movement or notifying an error. On the other hand, in a gaming machine that has the upper limit set, for example, if the gaming machine holds gaming value equivalent to 5,000 medals, the return switch is operated and the counting switch is turned off because the return is not possible. It is assumed that a notification prompting the user to operate is carried out, and the counting switch is operated in response to this notification. At this time, the time required for the gaming value equivalent to 5000 medals to be transferred from the gaming machine to the intermachine machine is approximately 30 seconds, which may cause the player to feel irritated. For this reason, it is desirable to devise a notification timing that prompts the operation of the counting switch so as not to make the player feel irritated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and includes a gaming machine that plays games based on gaming value, and a management unit that transfers the gaming value in data format between the gaming machine and the gaming machine. In a gaming system equipped with a game machine, a pressing promotion effect is performed at an appropriate timing to encourage players to press the counting switch, and the player's To provide a game machine capable of suppressing irritability.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention is capable of playing games based on gaming value, and transfers the gaming value in data format to and from an externally provided management unit. In the gaming machine , the gaming machine controls the state of the gaming machine between a plurality of states including a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the first state. a state control means, a display means for displaying an addictive prevention image in a predetermined area of a display area for a certain period of time to alert the player to become addicted to the game upon completion of the first state; a storage means for storing the managed amount of the gaming value in data format; and a counting switch operated by the player to instruct the transfer of the gaming value from the gaming machine to the management unit. Based on the pressing operation, from the management amount of the gaming value stored in the storage means, the amount of movement up to a predetermined amount of the gaming value is transferred from the gaming machine to the management unit in data format. a counting means for moving the count switch; and a performance control means for performing a press-promotion performance for prompting a player to press the counting switch; The processing related to the movement of value is configured to be performed at predetermined intervals, and the number of digits in decimal notation of the upper limit of the management amount of the predetermined gaming value is equal to the gaming value. is configured to be two or more larger than the number of digits in decimal notation of the predetermined amount, and the push promotion effect may be performed at least during a part of the certain period. .

According to this configuration, the addictive prevention image is displayed on the display means for a certain period of time upon completion of the first state that is advantageous to the player, and the press promotion effect is provided at least for a part of the certain period of time. will be held. When the first state advantageous to the player ends, it is expected that the amount of gaming value managed by the gaming machine will have increased; If the pressing promotion effect is performed during the period when the counting switch is pressed, it is possible to expect the player to press the counting switch, and it is possible to suppress the amount of gaming value managed by the gaming machine. Therefore, it can be expected that the time required for transferring the gaming value when the player stops playing, for example, will be shortened, and the player's sense of irritation can be suppressed.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that is capable of playing games based on gaming value and that transfers the gaming value in a data format to and from an externally provided management unit. includes a state control means for controlling the state of the gaming machine between a plurality of states including a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the first state; a storage means for storing the managed amount of the gaming value managed by the gaming machine in a data format; and a counter for performing an operation by the player to instruct the transfer of the gaming value from the gaming machine to the management unit. Based on the pressing operation of the switch, the amount of movement of the gaming value up to a predetermined amount is data from the gaming machine to the management unit from the management amount of the gaming value stored in the storage means. and a performance control means that performs a press-promotion performance to encourage the player to press the counting switch, and the count switch is transferred from the gaming machine to the management unit by the predetermined amount as an upper limit. The processing related to the transfer of the gaming value is configured to be executed at predetermined intervals, and the number of digits in decimal notation of the upper limit of the management amount of the gaming value determined in advance is The gaming machine is configured to be two or more digits larger than the number of decimal digits of the predetermined amount of utility value, and the gaming machine is provided with a freeze period in which the start of a new game is not accepted, and during the freeze period, the A push promotion effect may be performed, and by operating the counting means during the freeze period, the data may be transferred from the gaming machine to the management unit in the form of data.

According to this configuration, a new game cannot be played during at least a part of the period during which the press promotion effect is performed, so that the player who sees the press promotion effect is not motivated to press the counting switch. can be done.

Further, the first state may include an increasing period of the gaming value, and the pressing promotion effect may not be performed at least during the period in which the addictive prevention image is displayed in the increasing period.

According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the hindrance to smooth gaming due to the push promotion effect in the increase section.

Further, the press promotion effect may be performed using another area different from the predetermined area of the display area of the display means.

According to this configuration, the addictive prevention image is displayed where the player usually pays attention, and since the push promotion effect is performed using the display means used for displaying the addictive prevention image, the press It is possible to draw the players' attention to the promotional performance.

Further, when the managed amount of the gaming value stored in the storage means exceeds a predetermined temporary upper limit that is smaller than a predetermined upper limit of the managed amount of the gaming value, the provisional upper limit is It may be possible to notify that the limit has been exceeded and not to accept the start of a new game.

According to this configuration, by using the provisional upper limit smaller than the upper limit of the managed amount of gaming value as a reference, for example, when paying out gaming value, the managed amount of gaming value is always less than or equal to the upper limit of the managed amount of gaming value. This makes it easy to accurately manage gaming value.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine and a medal lending unit, which are an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a slot machine. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of a main control board, a sub control board, and a medal management control board in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication system of a slot machine. It is a diagram showing a basic communication sequence between a slot machine and a medal lending unit. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of counting between the slot machine and the medal lending unit in the basic communication sequence between the slot machine and the medal lending unit in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of lending between the slot machine and the medal lending unit in the basic communication sequence between the slot machine and the medal lending unit in FIG. 5. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a period in which a count switch press promotion performance and an addictive prevention performance are performed. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a modification example of a count switch press promotion effect. It is a diagram showing a sequence related to payout of electronic medals between the main control board and the medal management control board. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a modification example of a count switch press promotion effect.

<Embodiment>
One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

(slot machine system)
First, the slot machine system will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4. FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine and a medal lending unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the slot machine system. Note that the slot machine system S corresponds to the "gaming system" of the present invention, the slot machine 1 corresponds to the "gaming machine" of the present invention, and the medal lending unit 200 corresponds to the "management unit" of the present invention.

The slot machine system S is a medal-less system that uses virtual medals (corresponding to the "gaming value" of the present invention) whose number is exchanged only by electronic data, without using actual medals made of metal or the like. This is a slot machine system. Note that, hereinafter, virtual medals whose number is exchanged only through electronic data will be appropriately referred to as "electronic medals."

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, this slot machine system S exchanges electronic medals between a slot machine 1 that plays games based on electronic medals and the slot machine 1 based on the number of medals in data format. It is composed of a medal lending unit 200. As shown in FIG. 4, this medal lending unit 200 is communicably connected to the hall computer HP.

In the slot machine system S, by pressing the lending switch 230a of the medal lending unit 200, the upper limit number of lending medals (in this embodiment, "50", but not limited to this) is set as the upper limit. The number of medals to be lent out is transferred in data format from the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200 to the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 (renting of electronic medals). Note that the details will be described later using FIGS. 5 and 7.

Further, by pressing the counting switch 31 (corresponding to the "counting switch" of the present invention) of the medal lending unit 200, the upper limit number of medals to be counted (in this embodiment, it is "50", but it is not limited to this). Counting is performed by moving the number of counted medals with an upper limit of ) from the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 to the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200 in data format (counting of electronic medals). . Note that the details will be described later using FIGS. 5 and 6.

In addition, as will be explained in detail later, when the bet switch 7 (see FIG. 1) or the maximum bet switch 8 (see FIG. 1) of the slot machine 1 is pressed, an input is made according to the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8. The number of medals is inputted by being passed in data format from the medal management control board 83 to the main control board 63 (electronic medal insertion). In addition, as will be explained in detail later, when the settlement switch 33 (see FIG. 1) of the slot machine 1 is pressed, the total number of electronic medals that have been inserted so far is displayed on the main control board 63 in data format. The electronic medals are then returned to the medal management control board 83 to be settled (electronic medal settlement).

In addition, when winning a prize, the slot machine 1 awards a predetermined profit to the player with a predetermined number of payout medals according to the winning combination, as will be explained in detail later. The predetermined number of payout medals is transferred in data format from the main control board 63 to the medal management control board 83 to be paid out (electronic medal payout).

Further, various game information is transmitted from the main control board 63 to the hall computer HP via the medal management control board 83, the I/F board 90, and further via the medal lending unit 200. Various game information includes, for example, the open state of the front panel 2, information regarding the insertion of electronic medals, information regarding the number of paid out electronic medals, error occurrence information, information that settings are being changed, and information that settings are being confirmed. information, information that it is in a bonus state, information that it is in an advantageous section, information that it has won a prize, replayed role, bonus role, information that each reel 6L, 6M, 6R has stopped, etc. be.

Further, the medal management control board 83 and the lending control board 240 exchange information bidirectionally via the I/F boards 90 and 250.

Details of the medal lending unit 200 and the slot machine 1 will be explained below.

(Medal lending unit)
First, the medal lending unit 200 will be explained in detail using FIGS. 1 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the medal lending unit 200 includes a unit information display device 210, a cash insertion device 215, a card insertion/ejection device 220, a lending control board 240, an I/F board 250, a lending switch 230a, a return switch 230b, and , a leave switch 230c. These switches 230a, 230b, and 230c are provided on the front surface of the medal lending unit 200, as shown in FIG.

The unit information display device 210 has a liquid crystal display 210a provided on the front surface of the medal lending unit 200, as shown in FIG. The unit information display device 210 displays the cash balance (frequency) indicated by the data (hereinafter referred to as "balance data") indicating the cash balance (frequency) stored in the memory 450 and the electronic data stored in the memory 450. Data indicating the number of medals (number of electronic medals held by the player on the medal lending unit 200 side: hereinafter referred to as "number of owned medals") (hereinafter referred to as "number of owned medals data") ) displays the number of electronic medals that you own. Note that the display included in the unit information display device 210 is not limited to the liquid crystal display 210a, and may be composed of a plurality of 7-segment LEDs or an organic EL display, for example. Good too.

As shown in FIG. 1, the card insertion/ejection device 220 is provided on the front side of the medal lending unit 200 and is used for inserting a medal card with predetermined ID information written thereon and for ejecting the medal card. It has an insertion/ejection port 220a. The card insertion/ejection device 220 stores the medal card when it is inserted from the insertion/ejection port 220a, and records predetermined information when the return switch 230b or leave switch 230c is operated. The medal card is ejected from the insertion/ejection port 220a.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cash input unit 215 has a cash input slot 215a provided on the front surface of the medal lending unit 200 for inputting cash such as banknotes. The cash input unit 215 stores cash such as banknotes when the player inputs the cash such as banknotes from the cash input slot 215a in order to borrow electronic medals from the medal lending unit 200. Note that if cash is inserted in a state where no medal card of the player is stored in the card insertion/ejection device 220, one of the plurality of unrecorded medal cards stored in the card insertion/ejection device 220 is inserted. The cards may also be lent to players.

As shown in FIG. 4, a rental CPU 400 and a memory 450 are mounted on the rental control board 240.

The memory 450 includes a RAM section that temporarily stores various data in data format, and a ROM section that stores various programs, etc. The RAM section stores data on the number of medals held, balance data, and medal card ID information. It is used to remember things such as.

The lending CPU 400 controls the entire medal lending unit 200, and, for example, performs processing such as transferring (renting, counting) electronic medals based on the number of medals in data format with the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1. This is what we do. As shown in FIG. 4, the lending CPU 400 functions as a reception processing means 401, a lending processing means 402, a second counting processing means 403, a return/leaving processing means 404, and a transmission/reception means 405.

(1) Reception processing means 401
When a medal card is inserted into the insertion/ejection port 220a and stored in the card insertion/ejection device 220 after turning on the power or pressing the return switch 230b, the reception processing means 401 receives the ID information written on the medal card. is stored in the memory 450, and the amount stored in the medal card (the amount may be "0") and the number of electronic medals (the number may be "0") are also stored in the memory 450. It performs a process of transferring the cash balance indicated by the stored balance data and the number of owned medals indicated by the owned medal number data.

Further, when a medal card is inserted into the insertion/ejection port 220a after pressing the leave switch 230c, the reception processing means 401 combines the ID information written on the medal card with the ID information stored in the memory 450. If the two match, control is performed to store the medal card, and the medal card is stored in the card insertion/ejection device 220. On the other hand, if the two do not match, control is performed to eject the medal card, and the medal card is ejected without being stored in the card insertion/ejection device 220.

Further, when cash is inserted into the cash slot 215a and stored in the cash input device 215, the reception processing means 401 rewrites the balance data stored in the memory 450 to balance data obtained by adding the amount of money inserted. It is something.

(2) Lending processing means 402
When the lending switch 230a is pressed, the lending processing means 402 selects the number of lending medals with an upper limit of "50" based on the data on the number of owned medals or the balance data stored in the memory 450. A lending process is performed in which the number of electronic medals is lent to the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1. In this lending process, when lending out electronic medals based on the data on the number of medals in possession, the data on the number of medals in possession stored in the memory 450 is rewritten to the data on the number of medals in possession by subtracting the number of medals to be lent out, and the electronic medals are transferred based on the balance data. When lending medals, the balance data stored in the memory 450 is rewritten to balance data obtained by subtracting an amount corresponding to the number of medals to be lent. The medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 that has received the loaned electronic medals has the number of electronic medals stored in the memory 85 (electronic medals owned by the player on the slot machine 1 side). Data indicating the number of medals (hereinafter referred to as "game medal number") (hereinafter referred to as "game medal number data") is rewritten to game medal number data obtained by adding the number of loaned medals. Note that the number of lending medals is set to "50" based on the data on the number of medals in possession if the number of medals "a" based on the data on the number of medals in possession stored in the memory 450 is equal to or greater than the upper limit number of lending medals "50". , is set to "a" based on the data on the number of medals in possession if it is greater than or equal to "1" and less than the upper limit of the number of lending medals "50". In addition, when the number of medals "a" is "0" and the number "b" of medals based on the balance data stored in the memory 450 is equal to or greater than the upper limit number of medals to be lent "50", the number of loaned medals is determined by the balance data. is set to "50" based on the balance data, and if it is greater than or equal to "1" and less than the upper limit number of lending medals "50", it is set to "b" based on the balance data. Note that details of the lending process by the lending processing means 402 will be described later using FIGS. 5 and 7.

In addition, in the electronic medal lending process by the lending processing means 402, lending based on the data on the number of owned medals is given priority over lending based on cash data, but the invention is not limited to this. Also, the number of coins corresponding to 1,000 yen in cash varies depending on the rate, such as 47 coins (equivalent), 200 coins (5 slots), 500 coins (2 slots), etc., and 1,000 yen worth of coins can be lent out with one press of the lending switch 230a. (For example, you can rent out 47 coins (equivalent) with one operation of the rental switch 230a), or you can rent out 500 yen worth of coins with one operation of the rental switch 230a (for example, you can rent out 100 coins with one operation of the rental switch 230a. (5 slots) can be rented out in units of 50 coins in two transactions.

(3) Second counting processing means 403
The second counting processing means 403 receives the upper limit number of counted medals “50” ( The number of electronic medals (corresponding to the "movement amount" of the present invention) up to the "predetermined amount of gaming value" of the present invention) is transferred for a predetermined period of time ("300" ms in this embodiment). (However, the present invention is not limited to this.), a counting process is performed in which the medals are received from the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 and counted. Through this counting process, the memory 450 of the medal lending unit 200 rewrites the stored medal number data to the number of owned medals added by the counted number of medals, and the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 rewrites the stored medal number data to the memory 450. The game medal number data stored in 85 is rewritten to game medal number data obtained by subtracting the counted number of medals. Note that details of the counting process by the second counting processing means 403 will be described later using FIGS. 5 and 6.

(4) Return/leaving processing means 404
When the return switch 230b is pressed, the return/leaving processing unit 404 transfers data on the number of medals in possession and balance data stored in the memory 450 to the medals stored in the card insertion/ejection device 220. In addition to recording data on the card, data on the number of medals held, balance data, and ID information stored in the memory 450 are initialized, and the medal card is ejected. It is discharged from the insertion/ejection port 220a.

Furthermore, when the leave switch 230c is pressed, the return/leave processing unit 404 calculates the number of medals in possession indicated by the number of medals in possession data stored in the memory 450 and the cash balance indicated by the balance data. The data on the number of medals in possession and the balance data stored in the memory 450 are stored in the memory 450 without being transferred to the medal card stored in the card insertion and ejection device 220, and the data is stored in the card insertion and ejection device 220. The medal card is ejected from the insertion/ejection port 220a of the card insertion/ejection device 220.

(5) Transmitting/receiving means 405
The transmitting/receiving means 405 receives various information from the medal management control board 83 and transmits various information to the medal management control board 83. The information received from the medal management control board 83 includes information regarding the number of counted medals, error information, and various game information transmitted from the main control board 63 to the hall computer HP. Further, the information transmitted to the medal management control board 83 includes information regarding the number of loaned medals.

(slot machine)
Next, the outline of the configuration of the slot machine 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 1.

In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, electronic medals are inserted by operating the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 in order to satisfy a predetermined condition for starting a game. In addition, when the start switch 9 is operated by the player on the condition that the number of bets for a predetermined number of coins is set by inserting electronic medals and a predetermined condition is satisfied, a plurality of symbols each having a plurality of symbols arranged thereon are displayed. The rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R start rotating. Further, each rotating reel 6L, 6M, 6R is stopped by operating each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R. If the stop symbol display result at this time is a predetermined winning mode, one game ends by paying out electronic medals for a predetermined number of payout medals according to the predetermined winning mode. .

The slot machine 1 is configured as shown in FIG. 1, for example. That is, in this slot machine 1, the front of a box-shaped housing with an open front is closed by a front panel 2 so as to be openable and closable, and the operation panel 3 is disposed at a position approximately at the center height of this front panel 2. At the same time, a front plate 4 is disposed above the operation plate 3. This front plate 4 is provided with a horizontally long rectangular display window 5. Further, inside the display window 5, left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are arranged to variably display a plurality of types of symbols in a predetermined order.

A predetermined number of symbols are provided in a predetermined arrangement on the circumferential surface of each of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. Further, the plurality of symbols provided on the circumferential surface of each of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R include a plurality of different types of symbols. Note that each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is formed by pasting a reel tape on which a plurality of types of patterns are printed on the circumferential surface of the rotating reel. Moreover, when each rotating reel 6L, 6M, 6R rotates, a plurality of types of symbols provided on the circumferential surface of each rotating reel 6L, 6M, 6R are variably displayed on the display window 5 in a predetermined order. Also, when the rotation of each rotating reel 6L, 6M, 6R stops, a total of 3 symbols will be displayed on each of the upper, middle and lower tiers of the display window 5 for each rotating reel 6L, 6M, 6R. is set to be displayed. That is, when all the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R stop, a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are stopped and displayed on the display window 5.

In addition, each rotary reel 6L, 6M, 6R is equipped with a left, middle, right reel motor 27L, 27M, which is constituted by a stepping motor, respectively, so that each rotary reel 6L, 6M, 6R can be rotated independently. 27R (see FIG. 2) is connected. Further, a support frame for supporting each rotating reel 6L, 6M, and 6R is fixed to the rear wall of the housing, and each rotating reel 6L, 6M, and 6R is supported by the support frame and placed inside the housing. It is arranged.

Further, the operation panel 3 is provided with a bet switch 7, a maximum bet switch 8, a settlement switch 33, a lever-shaped start switch 9, left/middle/right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, and a counting switch 31. There is.

The bet switch 7 is used to perform an operation to instruct the input of one electronic medal from the medal management control board 83 (see FIG. 2) to the main control board 63 (see FIG. 2). The maximum bet switch 8 is used to perform an operation to instruct the insertion of electronic medals from the medal management control board 83 to the main control board 63 until the maximum number of medals is reached.

The settlement switch 33 is used to perform an operation to instruct canceling the insertion of electronic medals. By operating this settlement switch 33, a process is performed to transfer the number of medals input from the medal management control board 83 to the main control board 63 from the main control board 63 to the medal management control board 83. As a result, the main control board 63 changes the number of inserted electronic medals to "0", and the medal management control board 83 changes the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 to the number of inserted electronic medals. It is rewritten to medal number data.

The start switch 9 is used to rotate each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R to instruct the start of variable display of each symbol. The left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are used to stop the rotation of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, and instruct the stop of the variable display of each symbol. .

The counting switch 31 transfers the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 (see FIG. 4) of the medal management board 81 of the slot machine 1 to the memory 450 (see FIG. 4) of the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200. This is for performing an operation to instruct the movement of electronic medals to the stored data on the number of owned medals.

In this embodiment, the number of bets (predetermined number of coins) necessary for one game (one game) is set to three types: 1 coin, 2 coins, and 3 coins. In addition, a variable display row that variably displays multiple types of symbols is formed by each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, and each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R is connected to each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. It is set up accordingly.

In addition, approximately in the upper center of the front panel 4, there is a display for displaying a video or the like to notify players of winnings, prizes, etc., and to notify players of the operation mode of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R. A liquid crystal display 14 is provided.

Furthermore, upper speakers 15 are provided on the upper left and right sides of the front panel 4 for producing effects such as music and audio. Further, a lower panel 18 on which decorative pictures and the like are displayed is provided below the operation panel 3, and lower speakers 16 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower panel 18 for producing effects such as music and audio. There is.

Further, an upper lamp section 21 is provided on the upper peripheral edge of the front panel 2, and lower lamp sections 22 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower panel 18 of the front panel 2. Each of the lamp sections 21 and 22 is equipped with a light emitting means such as a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode or an organic EL, or a general light bulb, and performs effects such as notifying the player of winning or winning a prize.

Further, at the lower right of the display window 5, a game medal number display 26 is arranged to display the number of electronic medals (number of game medals) held by the player on the slot machine 1 side. . This game medal number display 26 is composed of, for example, five 7-segment displays, and is capable of displaying a five-digit number of game medals. Further, adjacent to the game medal number display 26, three error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c for displaying errors related to the medal management control board 83 are arranged.

Further, at the lower left of the display window 5, a payout display 46 is arranged to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out. This payout display 46 is composed of, for example, two 7-segment displays, and is capable of displaying a two-digit number of payout medals.

(Outline of electrical configuration of slot machine)
An outline of the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 2 while also referring to FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine.

The left, middle, and right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R are for detecting the rotational positions of the left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, respectively. It consists of a photo interrupter that detects the protrusions provided respectively, and when the left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R rotate, it detects the protrusions every round and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 63. In this slot machine 1, for example, when the left, middle, and right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R detect the protrusion, the frame number of the symbol number 0 to 20 set for each reel 6L, 6M, and 6R, respectively. Of these, the symbol with frame number 20 is located in the middle of the display window 5.

An operation box 49 is provided inside the slot machine 1. Inside the operation box 49, there is a power switch 50 for turning the power on and off, a key cylinder type change process start switch 56, and a push button type reset switch. A switch 52 is provided.

Here, an example of a setting value changing procedure will be described. The administrator opens the front panel 2, and with the power switch 50 turned off, inserts and rotates a setting change key (not shown) into a key cylinder to turn on the change processing start switch 56. By turning on the power switch 50 while the change process start switch 56 is on, a setting value setting means 100 (described later) becomes able to change the setting value, and the setting change process is started. At this time, the set value stored in the RAM 65 is read out by the set value setting means 100 and displayed on a set value display (not shown) to notify the user. Then, each time the administrator presses the reset switch 52 once, the setting value setting means 100 displays the next higher setting value (for example, setting 4 for setting 3, setting 1 for setting 6) on the setting value display. (not shown). Then, when the set value becomes the desired set value by operating the reset switch 52, when the administrator operates the start switch 9, the set value displayed on the set value display (not shown) at that time will change. When the change processing start switch 56 is turned off by rotating the setting change key that has been temporarily set and inserted into the key cylinder, the setting value setting means 100 can rewrite the setting value stored in the RAM 65 to the temporary setting value. As a result, the set value is determined, and the setting change process ends.

In addition, this slot machine 1 includes a main control board 63 on which a main CPU 61 that controls the progress of the game is mounted, and a subsystem that controls the performance according to the progress of the game based on information transmitted from the main control board 63. A sub-control board 73 on which a CPU 71 and a memory 75 are mounted, and a medal management control board 83 on which a management CPU 81 and a memory 85 for managing the number of game medals of electronic medals owned by a player on the slot machine 1 side are mounted separately. Various game information is unidirectionally transmitted from the main control board 63 to the sub control board 73. Furthermore, various types of information are transmitted bidirectionally between the main control board 63 and the medal management control board 83.

The main CPU 61 of the main control board 63 is provided with a RAM 65 and a ROM 67. The RAM 65 temporarily stores data related to the game in data format, such as data related to the gaming state of the slot machine 1, data related to the gaming section, and data on the total number of inserted medals indicating the total number of inserted electronic medals. , various storage areas are formed for storing various data. Further, the ROM 67 stores a gaming machine program (a program for the slot machine 1) including preset data (such as the winning combination lottery table 671 in FIG. 3).

Further, the main CPU 61 of the main control board 63 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and performs processing related to the progress of the game by executing a gaming machine program stored in the ROM 67.

Furthermore, the memory 75 of the sub-control board 73 has a RAM section and a ROM section. The RAM section temporarily stores various data in data format, and has various storage areas for storing various data. Further, the ROM section stores various programs for presentation. Further, the sub CPU 71 of the sub control board 73 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and executes a program stored in the memory 75 based on various gaming information regarding the slot machine 1 transmitted from the main CPU 61. By doing so, the content of the performance related to the game for the player is determined, and based on the determined content of the performance, the liquid crystal display 14 and the speakers 15, 16 are controlled via the I/O port of the sub-control board 73. Controls production equipment such as

Further, the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 has a RAM section and a ROM section. The RAM section temporarily stores various data in data format, such as game medal number data indicating the number of game medals of electronic medals owned by the player on the slot machine 1 side, and is used to store various data. Various storage areas are formed. In this embodiment, 2 bytes (16 bits) are allocated as the size of the storage area for data on the number of game medals, and the number of medals from 0 to 65,535 can be stored. Further, the ROM section stores various programs and the like. In addition, the management CPU 81 of the medal management control board 83 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and has information transmitted from the main CPU 61 and information transmitted to the main CPU 61, information transmitted from the medal lending unit 200, and medals. Based on the information sent to the lending unit 200, the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 is managed.

In this embodiment, the upper limit of the number of medals that can be managed in the storage area for game medal number data formed in the memory 85 (hereinafter referred to as "manageable upper limit number of medals") is "65535", and the counted medal The upper limit number of sheets is "50". In this way, the number of digits in decimal notation for the maximum number of medals to manage is 5 digits, the number of digits in decimal notation for the maximum number of counted medals is 2 digits, and the number of digits in decimal notation for the maximum number of medals to count is The number of digits in decimal notation for the maximum number of medals to manage is 3 digits smaller than the number of digits in decimal notation for the maximum number of medals to manage. (order of magnitude larger). Note that this is not limited to this, and if the upper limit number of medals to be counted is large, electronic medals may be moved from the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 to the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200 in a short time. Considering that the number of medals increases and the damage to game parlors due to fraud increases, it is preferable that the upper limit number of medals to be counted is not too large, and the number of digits in decimal notation for the upper limit number of medals to be counted is 10 of the maximum number of managed medals. The number of digits in decimal notation may be set to be two digits smaller than (in other words, the number of digits in decimal notation for the maximum number of management medals is 2 digits smaller than the number of digits in decimal notation for the maximum number of medals to count). ), and the number of digits in decimal notation for the maximum number of medals to count is set to be at least 4 digits smaller than the number of digits in decimal notation for the maximum number of medals to manage. (In other words, the number of digits expressed in decimal notation for the maximum number of medals to be managed may be set to be four or more digits larger than the number of digits expressed in decimal notation for the maximum number of medals to be counted). Note that by suppressing the upper limit number of medals to be counted, when the number of gaming medals indicated by the gaming medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 is large, the medal lending unit is transferred from the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1. This means that it takes a long time to move the electronic medals to the lending control board 240 of 200. However, in this embodiment, as will be described later, by performing a press-promotion effect that prompts the player to press the counting switch 31 upon the end of the advantageous section, the game medals stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 can be saved. To prevent the transfer time of electronic medals from the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 to the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200 from becoming too long by preventing the number of game medals indicated by the number data from becoming too large. It makes it possible.

Note that the storage area for game medal number data corresponds to the "storage means" of the present invention, and the number of electronic medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage area for game medal number data corresponds to the "storage means" of the present invention. The management amount of the gaming value managed by the gaming machine corresponds to the management amount, and the management upper limit medal number corresponds to the "predetermined upper limit of the management amount of the gaming value" of the present invention.

The main control board 63, sub-control board 73, medal management control board 83, and I/F board 90 are each sealed in a separate board case with a crimping mechanism so that they cannot be easily accessed from the outside. To prevent unauthorized acts, the connection methods for each board include direct board-to-board connection (BtoB connection) using connectors mounted on each board, and in addition to physical access, wire covers are used to suppress the effects of electromagnetic noise. A method of connecting using a coated signal line, a method of routing the signal line from a place where it is difficult for players to see, a method of encrypting communication signals between boards, a method of connecting the ID information provided on each board periodically or with an error. There are ways to communicate when it occurs. When connecting both boards using connectors mounted on each board, connect them side by side, rather than using a stacked connection that reduces the visibility of the boards, and cover the connection points as a board unit to make access difficult. It is better to make it .

(Main control board)
The functions of the main control board 63 will be explained with reference to FIG. Note that each means in the main control board 63 in FIG. 3 is a function realized by the main CPU 61 (see FIG. 2) mounted on the main control board 63.

For example, in the slot machine 1, a bonus role as a high-ranking role, a plurality of replay roles as a low-level role, and a plurality of small roles are predetermined as roles. Further, as the winning combination groups, there are prepared a winning combination group consisting of bonus winnings, a winning combination group consisting of replay winnings, and a winning combination group consisting of minor winnings. If the pressing order of the left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is correct, the winning combination group consisting of these small winning combinations will receive the maximum payout (the maximum If the pressing order is not correct, you will win a small role that will give you the maximum payout (maximum number of medals that will be paid out) among the small roles that make up the winning group. There is a winning combination group in which the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are controlled to stop so as not to win a prize, and such a winning combination group is hereinafter referred to as a "push order winning combination group."

(1) Set value setting means 100
The setting value setting means 100 changes the slot machine 1 by rewriting the setting value stored in the RAM 65 into one setting value from among a plurality of setting values with different ball payout rates based on a predetermined setting change operation. This is to set the setting value.

(2) Game state control means 101
The gaming state control means 101 is for controlling the gaming state executed in the slot machine 1 to one gaming state from among a plurality of gaming states.

In this embodiment, the gaming states include a normal gaming state, a bonus internal winning state, and a bonus gaming state. The normal gaming state is a gaming state that is set when the power is turned on or when a condition for ending the bonus gaming state is satisfied (for example, a predetermined number of games in the bonus gaming state or a predetermined winning of a combination with payout). Further, the bonus internal winning state is a gaming state that is set when a winning combination group including a bonus combination is won in the normal gaming state, but the bonus combination is not won in the winning game. In addition, the bonus game state is a game that is set when winning a winning role group that includes a bonus role and winning the bonus role in the winning game, or when winning a bonus role carried over in the bonus internal winning state. state. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the bonus gaming state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state or the bonus internal winning state.

(3) Game section control means 102
The game section control means 102 is for controlling the game section executed in the slot machine 1 into one game section from among a plurality of game sections.

In this embodiment, the game sections include a non-advantageous section, a no-balls-out section within the advantageous section, and a ball-out section within the advantageous section. The non-advantageous section allows a notification effect that notifies the correct pressing order of the left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R that will win the small role that will give you the maximum payout if you win the winning combination group in the pressing order. This is a gaming section in which players are not allowed to play, and this is a gaming section that is disadvantageous for the player. The advantageous section allows a notification effect that notifies the correct pressing order of the left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R that will win the small role that will give you the maximum payout if you win the winning combination group in the pressing order. This is a gaming section that is advantageous for the player (it is a gaming section that is more advantageous for the player than a non-advantageous section). The no-balls-out section within the advantageous section is a game section where notification effects are allowed but no notification effects are actually performed, and the ball-out sections within the advantageous sections are where notification effects are allowed and no notification effects are actually performed. This is the game section where the game is played. The non-advantageous section is set when the power is turned on or when the end conditions of the advantageous section are met (for example, a predetermined number of games played in the advantageous section, a predetermined number of electronic medals increased, or a set of games played during the ball output section). Ru. The non-paying ball section within the advantageous section is set when a lottery is won to transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, which is triggered by the winning of a predetermined winning combination group in the non-advantageous section. Then, a lottery for awarding a game number set consisting of a predetermined number of games with the right to play in the ball payout section (hereinafter referred to as "game number set additional lottery") is performed. The ball payout section within the advantageous section is set after a predetermined number of games have been played in the non-ball playout section, and in the ball payout section, an additional lottery for a set of games is performed. The game number set additional lottery in the non-balls-out section or the ball-out section within the advantageous section is carried out, for example, when a predetermined winning combination group is won, and the game number sets "0" and "1" are available as options. Note that the options may be "0", "1", "2", etc. Note that the game section control means 102 corresponds to the "state control means" of the present invention. Further, the gaming section corresponds to the "state of the gaming machine" of the present invention, the non-advantageous section corresponds to the "second state" of the present invention, and the advantageous section corresponds to the "first state" of the present invention, and the advantageous section corresponds to the "first state" of the present invention. The ball payout section in the section corresponds to the "increase section" of the present invention.

(4) First input processing means 103
The first insertion processing means 103 exchanges information with the second insertion processing means 301c of the medal management control board 83 based on the press operation on the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8, and inputs information regarding the insertion of electronic medals. Settlement processing regarding electronic medal settlement (cancellation of electronic medal insertion) is performed while exchanging information with the second input processing means 301c of the medal management control board 83 based on the pressing operation on the settlement switch 33. This is what we do.

Here, the insertion of electronic medals performed by the first insertion processing means 103 of the main control board 63 and the second insertion processing means 301c of the medal management control board 83 will be described.

When the first input processing means 103 of the main control board 63 detects a press operation on the bet switch 7, the total number of input medals indicated by the total input medal number data stored in the RAM 65 reaches the maximum number of input medals for one game. If not, information identifying that the bet switch 7 has been pressed is transmitted to the medal management control board 83. In the medal management control board 83 that has received the information, the second insertion processing means 301c rewrites the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 to game medal number data obtained by subtracting the number of inserted medals "1", and then inserts the gaming medal number data. The number of medals "1" is transmitted to the main control board 63. In the main control board 63 that receives the number of inserted medals "1" from the medal management control board 83, the first input processing means 103 adds the number of inserted medals "1" to the total number of inserted medals data stored in the RAM 65. Rewrite the data to the total number of inserted medals. In this way, electronic medals corresponding to the number of medals "1" are inserted from the medal management control board 83 to the main control board 63. Note that when the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 when the bet switch 7 is pressed is "0", no electronic medals are inserted.

Further, when the first inputting processing means 103 of the main control board 63 detects a pressing operation on the maximum bet switch 8, the total number of inputted medals indicated by the total number of inputted medals data stored in the RAM 65 reaches the maximum number of inputted medals. If not, the maximum bet switch 8 is pressed and the number of inserted medals required to reach the maximum number of inserted medals is "X" (= maximum number of inserted medals - total number of inserted medals indicated by the total number of inserted medals data) ) is transmitted to the medal management control board 83. In the medal management control board 83 that has received the information, the second insertion processing means 301c rewrites the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 to game medal number data obtained by subtracting the number of inserted medals "X", and inserts the data. The number of medals "X" is transmitted to the main control board 63. In the main control board 63 that receives the number of inserted medals "X" from the medal management control board 83, the first input processing means 103 adds the total number of inserted medals data stored in the RAM 65 by the number of inserted medals "X". Rewrite the data to the total number of inserted medals. In this way, the number of electronic medals "X" is inserted from the medal management control board 83 to the main control board 63. However, the insertion of electronic medals with the number of medals "X" may be realized, for example, by inserting electronic medals with the number of medals "1" "X" times. In addition, when the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 when the maximum bet switch 8 is pressed is "XX" which is not "0" and is greater than or equal to "X" and is not "0", the number of inserted medals is "XX". XX" electronic medals are inserted, and when the number of game medals is "0", no electronic medals are inserted.

Here, the settlement of electronic medals performed by the first input processing means 103 of the main control board 63 and the second input processing means 301c of the medal management control board 83 will be explained.

When the first inputting processing means 103 of the main control board 63 detects a pressing operation on the settlement switch 33, the first inputting processing means 103 determines whether the total number of inputted medals "Y" indicated by the total number of inputted medals data stored in the RAM 65 is "1" or more. At this time, information that allows identification of the fact that the settlement switch 33 has been pressed and the number of settlement medals "Y" is transmitted to the medal management control board 83. In the medal management control board 83 that has received the information, the second input processing means 301c rewrites the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 to game medal number data obtained by adding the number of settlement medals "Y", and rewrites the data. information to that effect is transmitted to the main control board 63. In the main control board 63 that has received the information, the first input processing means 103 rewrites the total number of input medals data stored in the RAM 65 into the total number of input medals data obtained by subtracting the number of settlement medals "Y". In this way, the electronic medals of the number "Y" of medals are settled from the main control board 63 to the medal management control board 83. However, the settlement of electronic medals with the number of medals "Y" may be realized, for example, by performing settlement of the electronic medals with the number of medals "1" "Y" times.

Furthermore, when the first input processing means 103 detects a press operation on the enabled start switch 9, it initializes the total number of input medals data stored in the RAM 65.

In addition, if you win a re-gaming role, the number of paid-out medals will be the same as the number of medals inserted in the game in which you won the re-gaming role, and the payout will be made in the next game after the game where you won the re-gaming role. The number of inserted medals that is the same as the number of used medals is automatically inserted.

(5) Freeze control means 104
The freeze control means 104 performs control during a freeze period in which the start of a new game is not accepted in conjunction with the addictive prevention effect. As a result, outside the freeze period, if the player presses down the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 and inserts the electronic medals necessary for one game, the player's operation on the start switch 9 is accepted, and a new A game begins. On the other hand, during the freeze period, even if the player presses the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 to insert the electronic medals required for one game, the player's operation on the start switch 9 is not accepted, and a new Game does not start. In this embodiment, a period (hereinafter referred to as a "push promotion period") in which a press promotion effect (corresponding to the "press promotion effect" of the present invention) is performed to prompt the player to press the counting switch 31. ) is in a freeze period. Note that, other than when the press-promotion performance period is a freeze period, at least a part of the press-promotion performance period may be a freeze period. In other words, as in the present embodiment and the modified example, it is sufficient that there is an overlapping period between the period in which the push promotion effect is performed and the freeze period.

(6) Lottery means 105
Upon reception of the operation of the start switch 9, the lottery means 105 selects a plurality of preset winning combination groups (a winning combination group consisting of a bonus winning combination as a higher winning combination and a replay winning combination as a lower winning combination). A lottery is held to determine which of the following winning combinations has been won: the winning combination group consisting of small winning combinations, and the winning combination group consisting of small winning combinations as subordinate roles. The lottery means 104 includes, for example, a random number generation means, a random number extraction means, and a lottery determination means. The random number generation means generates random numbers for lottery within a predetermined range (in this embodiment, for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation). This random number generation means is composed of an oscillation circuit and a counter circuit that counts the clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit. The random number extraction means extracts the random numbers generated by the random number generation means, and extracts the random numbers generated by the random number generation means when the start switch 9 is operated. Note that since the random number generation means is constituted by a counter circuit or the like, the numerical values generated by the random number generation means are not strictly random numbers. However, since the timing at which the start switch 9 is operated is considered to be random, the numerical value extracted by the random number extraction means can essentially be treated as a random number. Note that random numbers may be generated by a random number generator.

The winning combination lottery table 671 used by the lottery means 105 is a table in which it is determined in advance which of a plurality of winning combination groups each random number within the range generated by the random number generating means corresponds to. The lottery determination means compares the random numbers extracted by the random number extraction means with the winning combination table 671 and determines which of the plurality of winning combination groups the extracted random numbers correspond to. This is to determine the role group.

(7) Reel rotation control means 106
The reel rotation control means 106 individually drives and controls each reel motor 27L, 27M, 27R in order to control the rotation of each rotating reel 6L, 6M, 6R.

Upon receiving the operation of the start switch 9, the reel rotation control means 106 controls each of the reel motors 27L, 27M, and 27R so that each of the stopped rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R rotates at a predetermined rotational speed. When the drive is controlled and all of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are in a rotating state at a predetermined rotational speed, the left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are activated.

The reel rotation control means 106 uses the operation of the enabled stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R as a trigger to determine the manner in which the players operate the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R (pressing order, operation timing) and the lottery of the lottery means 105. Based on the results, the drive of each reel motor 27L, 27M, 27R is controlled so that the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R are stopped.

(8) Judgment means 107
The determining means 107 determines the display mode of the stopped symbols when all the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are stopped by the operation of each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R, and the display mode for each role (bonus role, replay role, and small role). The winning combination is determined by comparing the display mode in which it is determined that the winning combination is won.

(9) First payout processing means 108
The first payout processing means 108 exchanges information with the second payout processing means 301d of the medal management control board 83 when the determination means 107 determines that the stop symbol display result is a winning of a predetermined combination. , performs a payout process regarding the payout of a predetermined number of payout medals that is predetermined in response to the winning of the predetermined combination.

Here, the payout of electronic medals performed by the first payout processing means 108 of the main control board 63 and the second payout processing means 301d of the medal management control board 83 will be described.

When the determining means 107 determines that the stop symbol display result is a winning of a predetermined winning combination, the first payout processing means 108 of the main control board 63 transfers information from the main control board 63 stored in the RAM 65 to the medal management control board 83. Data indicating the remaining number of electronic medals to be paid out (remaining number of payout medals) (hereinafter referred to as "remaining number of payout medals data") is transferred to a predetermined payout corresponding to the winning of the predetermined role. The data is rewritten to the number of payout medals in which the number of medals "Z" is added. Then, the first payout processing means 108 transmits the number of payout medals "Z" to the medal management control board 83, and obtains payout medal number data obtained by subtracting the payout medal number "Z" from the payout medal number data stored in the RAM 65. Rewrite it to . In the medal management control board 83 that has received the number of payout medals "Z", the second payout processing means 301d generates game medal number data obtained by adding the number of game medals stored in the memory 85 by the number of payout medals "Z". and transmits information regarding the rewriting to the main control board 63, and the main control board 63 receives the information. In this way, electronic medals with the number of payout medals "Z" are paid out from the main control board 63 to the medal management control board 83. However, the payout of the electronic medals with the number of payout medals "Z" may be realized, for example, by paying out the electronic medals with the number of medals "1" "Z" times.

(10) Error detection means 109
The error detection means 109 detects whether or not an abnormal state different from a normal state has occurred, that is, a so-called error has occurred. The errors detected by the error detection means 109 include, for example, a RAM error, a reel error, a main control/medal management control communication error, a medal management control error, a unit communication error, a medal number upper limit error, and the like. If one of these errors occurs, the game proceeds to error processing based on the occurrence of the error, and the game is stopped. Note that each error is set with an error code (E0, E1, E2, EA, EC, EF in the above order) for classifying the type. These errors will be discussed later.

(11) Payout display control means 110
The payout display control means 110 controls the display of the payout display 46.

For example, the payout display control means 110 controls the payout display so that when a win is won in which a payout of electronic medals is made, a predetermined number of payout medals of the electronic medals set for the win is displayed on the payout display 46. 46.

The payout display 46 has two 7 segment displays. Each 7-segment display can display numbers from "0" to "9" and some alphabets such as "A", "C", "F", and "F". Therefore, for example, if a prize is won in which one payout is obtained, the payout display control means 110 displays "0" on the 7-segment display of the upper digits and "1" on the 7-segment display of the lower digits. The payout display 46 is controlled so as to display the information.

Further, in the case where an error occurs, the payout display 46 also displays an error display that allows the type of error to be identified. In this case, an error may be displayed when the error occurs, or an error may be displayed when the error processing is performed based on the occurrence of the error and the game is stopped. The payout display control means 110 also controls error display. The error display is performed based on the error type detected by the error detection means 109. The contents of each error and the display mode by the payout display 46 will be explained below.

A RAM error (error code: E0) is a state in which a backup failure or the like of the RAM 65 has occurred. In this case, the payout display control means 110 controls the payout display 46 to display "E" on the 7-segment display of the upper digits and "0" on the 7-segment display of the lower digits. Moreover, the payout display control means 110 performs control to turn off all the lighting locations of both 7-segment displays when the error is cleared. Note that the error can be canceled by re-entering the setting values of the slot machine 1.

Reel error (error code: E1) is a reel position detection error (position detection error by left, middle, and right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R), and is a reel position detection error for left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M. , 6R, or a failure of the reel unit during the stopping process of left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. An error related to position detection has occurred. In this case, the payout display control means 110 controls the payout display 46 to display "E" on the 7-segment display of the upper digits and "1" on the 7-segment display of the lower digits. Moreover, the payout display control means 110 performs control to turn off all the lighting locations of both 7-segment displays when the error is cleared. Note that the error can be canceled by pressing the reset switch 52.

The main control/medal management control communication error (error code: E2) is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the communication between the main control board 63 and the medal management control board 83. Possible causes include, for example, damage to the signal line that connects the two boards, or disconnection of the connector. In this case, the payout display control means 110 controls the payout display 46 to display "E" on the 7-segment display of the upper digits and "2" on the 7-segment display of the lower digits. Moreover, the payout display control means 110 performs control to turn off all the lighting locations of both 7-segment displays when the error is cleared. Note that the error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation on the slot machine 1 after the cause of the error has been resolved. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the error can be canceled by pressing the reset switch 52 after the cause of the error is eliminated.

A medal management control error (error code: EA) is a state in which a defect or the like has occurred in the medal management control board 83, specifically, a data defect in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83, This is a state where an abnormality has occurred in the signal sent to the main control board 63. In this case, the payout display control means 110 controls the payout display 46 to display "E" on the 7-segment display of the upper digits and "A" on the 7-segment display of the lower digits. Moreover, the payout display control means 110 performs control to turn off all the lighting locations of both 7-segment displays when the error is cleared. Note that the error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation of the slot machine 1.

A unit communication error (error code: EC) is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in communication between the medal management control board 83 and the medal lending unit 200. Possible causes include, for example, damage to the signal line between the medal management control board 83 and the I/F board 90, damage to the signal line between the I/F board 90 and the medal lending unit 200, and disconnection of the connector. Can be mentioned. In this case, the payout display control means 110 controls the payout display 46 to display "E" on the 7-segment display of the upper digits and "C" on the 7-segment display of the lower digits. Moreover, the payout display control means 110 performs control to turn off all the lighting locations of both 7-segment displays when the error is cleared. Note that the error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation on the slot machine 1 after the cause of the error has been resolved. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the error can be canceled by pressing the reset switch 52 after the cause of the error is eliminated.

The medal number upper limit error (error code: EF) is a state in which the number of electronic medals managed by the medal management control board 83 has reached the predetermined upper limit of the number of medals. In this case, the payout display control means 110 controls the payout display 46 to display "E" on the 7-segment display of the upper digits and "F" on the 7-segment display of the lower digits. Moreover, the payout display control means 110 performs control to turn off all the lighting locations of both 7-segment displays when the error is cleared. The error can be canceled by pressing the counting switch 31 and transferring the electronic medals from the medal management control board 83 to the medal lending unit 200 so that the number of medals falls below the upper limit. Further, if the upper limit is exceeded when paying out electronic medals, the first payout processing means 108 pays out the amount up to the upper limit, and then pays out the remaining amount after the error is cleared.

Other errors include sub communication error, liquid crystal communication error, and incorrect winning error. The sub communication error is a state in which there is an abnormality in communication between the main control board 63 and the sub control board 73. A liquid crystal communication error is a state in which a signal from the sub-control board 73 is not input to the liquid crystal display 14. A wrong winning error is a state in which the symbol combination of a winning combination is stopped on the winning line. Regarding these errors, error codes are also displayed on the payout display 46, but the explanation will be omitted.

(12) Production control means 111
The performance control means 111 performs a press-promotion performance to encourage the player to press the counting switch 31, and an anti-addiction display that displays an anti-addiction image on the liquid crystal display 14 to alert the player to the game. Controls various effects such as a notification effect that notifies the correct pressing order of the left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R when the press order winning role group is won in the ball release area within the advantageous area. It is. Note that the performance control means 111 corresponds to the "performance control means" of the present invention. In this embodiment, the pressing promotion effect is implemented by blinking the settlement switch 31. Further, the addicting prevention effect is based on a command related to the addictive prevention effect created by the command creation means 111 and transmitted to the sub control board 73 by the command transmitting means 112, and the sub control board 73 displays an addictive prevention image on the liquid crystal display 14. This is done by displaying. Note that the details of the implementation period of the press promotion effect and the immersion prevention effect will be described later using FIG. 8. In addition, the notification effect for notifying the correct press order (hereinafter referred to as "push order correct effect") is a press order effect created by the command creation means 111 and transmitted to the sub-control board 73 by the command transmission means 112. This is carried out by displaying the pressing order of the correct answer on the liquid crystal display 14 using the sub-control board 73 based on a command related to the correct answer presentation.

(13) Command creation means 112
The command generating means 112 generates information regarding the lottery result of the lottery means 105, information regarding the types of gaming states such as normal gaming state and bonus gaming state, information regarding the non-advantageous section, non-paying section during the advantageous section, and payout section during the advantageous section. Information on the types of game sections such as ball sections, information on commands related to effects to prevent getting hooked, information related to commands related to notification effects that notify the correct press order, and information on various operating devices such as the start switch 9 and stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R. It generates commands for transmitting various information such as information regarding player operations to the sub control board 73 (sub CPU 71). The command generated by the command generating means 112 is then transmitted to the sub-control board 73 by a command transmitting means 113, which will be described later. The sub-control board 73 selects the performance to be executed based on the commands sent from the main control board 63. In other words, the command creating means 112 creates a command that instructs the contents of the performance to be executed on the sub-control board 73.

(14) Command sending means 113
The command transmitting means 113 is for one-way transmission of commands containing various information created by the command creating means 112 from the main control board 63 to the sub-control board 73.

(15) Medal management transmitting/receiving means 114
The medal management transmitting/receiving means 114 transmits various information to the medal management control board 83 and receives various information from the medal management control board 83. The medal management transmitting/receiving means 114 exchanges information with the medal management control board 83, such as information related to electronic medal input processing, information related to electronic medal settlement processing, and information related to electronic medal payout processing. Sends and receives various information.

(Sub control board)
Next, the sub control board 73 will be explained with reference to FIG. Note that each means in the sub-control board 73 in FIG. 3 is a function realized by the sub-CPU 71 (see FIG. 2) mounted on the sub-control board 73.

(1) Command receiving means 150
The command receiving means 150 receives commands containing various information transmitted by the command transmitting means 112 of the main control board 63. When command receiving means 150 receives a command transmitted from main control board 63, it notifies each function provided in sub-control board 73 according to the type of command.

(2) Performance content determining means 151
The performance content determining means 151 is for determining the content of the performance according to the command received by the command receiving means 150. Specifically, the moving image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 is determined from the performance pattern set in advance in accordance with the progress of the game, the winning result of the lottery means 105, etc., and the moving image played from the speakers 15 and 16 is determined. The music and sounds are determined, and the effects such as blinking the light sources of the upper lamp section 21 and the lower lamp section 22 all at once or individually are determined.

Then, the performance content determining means 151 transmits a signal including data regarding the determined performance content to the liquid crystal display control means 152 and the audio control means 153.

(3) Liquid crystal display control means 152
The liquid crystal display control means 152 displays a moving image (image) on the liquid crystal display 14 based on the data included in the signal transmitted from the performance content determining means 151, and displays the upper lamp part 21, the lower lamp part 22, etc. This control controls the light sources such as blinking all at once or individually. For example, the liquid crystal display control means 152 controls a predetermined area (e.g., An addictive prevention image (for example, ``Be careful not to get addicted!! Pachislot is a game that can be enjoyed in moderation.'') is displayed (an addictive prevention effect) in the center area that tends to attract the player's attention. The addictive prevention image is displayed for a certain period of time (corresponding to the "certain period of time" in the present invention) upon the end of the advantageous section. However, the certain period of time is set, for example, to be longer than the time required for the player to recognize the content of the immersion prevention image. During the display period of this engrossment prevention image, the effect control means 111 of the main control board 63 performs an effect to promote pressing of the counting switch 31. Note that the details of the implementation period of the press promotion effect and the immersion prevention effect will be described later using FIG. 8. In addition, the liquid crystal display control means 152 determines, based on the data transmitted from the production content determining means 151, that if the winning combination group in the push order is won in the ball payout section within the advantageous section, the maximum payout will be obtained. Displays the correct pressing order of the left, middle, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R to win a small role (pressing order correct presentation).

(4) Voice control means 153
The audio control means 153 performs controls such as playing music and outputting sounds from the speakers 15 and 16 based on data included in the signal transmitted from the performance content determining means 151. For example, the audio control means 153 causes the speaker 16 to make a winning sound for a replay combination, or make the speaker 16 make a medal insertion sound based on the data transmitted from the production content determining means 151. Note that when electronic medals are transferred from the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 to the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200 when the counting switch 31 is pressed (counting time) or when the lending switch 230a is pressed. A sound (for example, a pseudo-medal sound) may be generated when electronic medals are transferred (during lending) from the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200 to the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1. In this case, the electronic medals at the time of counting may be moved from the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 to the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200, or from the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200 at the time of lending to the slot machine 1. Movement to the medal management control board 83 is confirmed by voice without visually confirming the display contents of the game medal number display 26 of the slot machine 1 or the display contents of the unit information display device 210 of the medal lending unit 200. In addition, there is no communication abnormality due to disconnection of connectors in the route from the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200 to the sub-control board 73 via the medal management control board 83 and main control board 63 of the slot machine 1. You can confirm that.

(Medal management control board)
Next, the medal management control board 83 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3. Note that each means in the medal management control board 83 in FIG. 3 is a function realized by the management CPU 81 (see FIG. 2) mounted on the medal management control board 83.

(1) Transmitting/receiving means 300
The transmitting/receiving means 300 transmits various information to the main control board 63 and receives various information from the main control board 63. The transmitting/receiving means 300 exchanges various information with the main control board 63, such as information related to the electronic medal insertion process, information related to the electronic medal settlement process, and information related to the electronic medal payout process. Send and receive. Further, the transmitting/receiving means 300 transmits various information to the medal lending unit 200 and receives various information from the medal lending unit 200. The transmitting/receiving means 300 transmits and receives various information, such as information related to lending electronic medals and information related to counting electronic medals, to and from the medal lending unit 200.

(2) Game medal number management means 301
The game medal number management means 301 manages game medal number data, which is stored in the memory 85 and indicates the number of electronic medals (number of game medals) held by a player on the slot machine 1 side. , a borrowing processing means 301a, a first counting processing means 301b, a second inputting processing means 301c, and a second dispensing processing means 301d.

(2-1) Borrowing processing means 301a
The borrowing processing means 301a determines the upper limit number of lending medals that can be lent from the lending control board 240 (see FIG. 4) of the medal lending unit 200 when the lending switch 230a (see FIG. 1) of the medal lending unit 200 is pressed. A borrowing process is performed to borrow and receive electronic medals with the number of loaned medals up to "50". Through this borrowing process, the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 rewrites the stored game medal number data into game medal number data obtained by adding the number of loaned medals, and also writes the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 to the slot where the electronic medals of the number of loaned medals were lent. In the medal management control board 83 of the machine 1, when lending electronic medals based on the data on the number of medals in possession, the data on the number of medals in possession stored in the memory 450 is rewritten to data on the number of medals in possession by subtracting the number of medals to be lent, and the balance is calculated. When lending out electronic medals based on the data, the balance data stored in the memory 450 is rewritten to balance data obtained by subtracting an amount corresponding to the number of loaned medals. Note that details of the borrowing process by the borrowing processing means 301a will be described later using FIGS. 5 and 7.

(2-2) First counting processing means 301b
When the counting switch 31 is pressed, the first counting processing means 301b calculates the number of counted medals with the upper limit number of counted medals "50" as the upper limit based on the game medal number data stored in the memory 85. It performs a counting process to pass the electronic medals to the medal lending unit 200. In this counting process, the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 is rewritten to game medal number data obtained by subtracting the counted number of medals. Note that the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200, which has received the counted number of medals from the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1, adds the data of the number of held medals stored in the memory 450 to the number of held medals, which is the sum of the counted number of medals. Rewrite to sheet count data.

The number of medals counted is controlled as follows. In the case of a short press of the counting switch 31 (for example, a continuous press for less than 1 second), the counted number of medals is such that the number of medals "c" based on the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 is "1" or more. In this case, it is set to “1” based on the game medal number data, and the counted medal number “1” is sent from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240.

In addition, in the case of a long press of the counting switch 31 (for example, a continuous press for 1 second or more), the number of counted medals is determined by the number of medals "c" based on the game medal number data stored in the memory 85, which is the upper limit number of counted medals. If it is “50” or more, it is set to “50” based on the game medal number data, and the counted medal number “50” is sent from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240. Further, if it is "1" or more and less than the maximum number of lending medals "50", the counted medal number is set to "c" based on the game medal number data, and the counted medal number "c" is set to the medal management control board 83. from there to the rental control board 240. This setting and notification of the number of medals to be counted is performed at predetermined time intervals (in this embodiment, it is "300" ms, but is not limited to this, and corresponds to the "predetermined time" of the present invention). Note that details of the counting process by the first counting processing means 301b will be described later using FIGS. 5 and 6.

(2-3) Second input processing means 301c
The second insertion processing means 301c exchanges information with the first insertion processing means 103 of the main control board 63 based on the press operation on the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8, and inputs information regarding the insertion of electronic medals. Based on the pressing operation on the payment switch 33, the system exchanges information with the first input processing means 103 of the main control board 63, and performs payment processing regarding electronic medal payment (cancellation of electronic medal input). It is something to do. Note that the input processing and settlement processing by the second input processing means 301c have already been explained in "(4) First input processing means 103" above.

(2-4) Second payout processing means 301d
When the determination means 107 determines that the stop symbol display result is a winning of a predetermined combination, the second payout processing means 301d exchanges information with the first payout processing means 108 of the main control board 63. A payout process for paying out a predetermined number of payout medals corresponding to the winning of the predetermined combination is performed. Note that the payout process by the second payout processing means 301d has already been explained in the above "(9) First payout processing means 108".

(3) Game medal number display control means 302
The game medal number display control means 302 controls the game medal number display so that the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 is displayed as the number of medals owned by the player on the slot machine 1 side. 26.

(4) Error display lamp control means 303
The error display lamp control means 303 notifies the medal management control board 83 of errors by controlling the lighting/extinguishing of the three error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c. The type of error can be determined by the combination of turning on/off the three error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c. Note that even if a detectable error occurs in the medal management control board 83, information to that effect is transmitted to the main control board 63, and the game is stopped.

The three error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c are arranged adjacent to the game medal number display 26 and arranged in a vertical line. Hereinafter, the upper error display lamp 30a may be referred to as a first error display lamp 30a, the middle error display lamp 30b may be referred to as a second error display lamp 30b, and the lower error display lamp 30c may be referred to as a third error display lamp 30c.

Errors related to the medal management control board 83 include medal management control errors, unit communication errors, medal number upper limit errors, main control/medal management control communication errors, and main control board errors.

A medal management control error is a state in which a defect or the like occurs from the medal management control board 83 to the main control board 63. Specifically, it may be a data failure in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83, or a failure in the main control board 83. This is a state where an abnormality has occurred in the signal sent to the control board 63. In this case, the error display lamp control means 303 controls the lighting of the first error display lamp 30a and the second error display lamp 30b. Furthermore, when the error is cleared, the error display lamp control means 302 controls all the error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c to turn off. Note that the error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation of the slot machine 1.

A unit communication error is a state in which an abnormality occurs in communication between the medal management control board 83 and the medal lending unit 200. Possible causes include, for example, damage to the signal line between the medal management control board 83 and lending terminal board 90, damage to the signal line between the I/F board 90 and medal lending unit 200, disconnection of the connector, etc. It will be done. In this case, the error indicator lamp control means 303 controls the lighting of the first error indicator lamp 30a. Furthermore, when the error is cleared, the error display lamp control means 303 controls all the error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c to turn off. Note that the error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation on the slot machine 1 after the cause of the error has been resolved. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the error can be canceled by pressing the reset switch 52 after the cause of the error is eliminated.

The medal number upper limit error is a state in which the number of electronic medals managed by the medal management control board 83 has reached the predetermined upper limit of the number of medals. In this case, the error indicator lamp control means 303 controls the lighting of the second error indicator lamp 30b. Furthermore, when the error is cleared, the error display lamp control means 303 controls all the error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c to turn off. The error can be canceled by pressing the counting switch 31 and transferring the electronic medals from the medal management control board 83 to the medal lending unit 200 so that the number of medals falls below the upper limit.

The main control/medal management control communication error is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the communication between the main control board 63 and the medal management control board 83. Possible causes include, for example, damage to the signal line that connects the two boards, or disconnection of the connector. In this case, the error display lamp control means 303 controls the lighting of the first error display lamp 30a and the third error display lamp 30c. Furthermore, when the error is cleared, the error display lamp control means 303 controls all the error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c to turn off. Note that the error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation on the slot machine 1 after the cause of the error has been resolved.

The main control board error is a state in which an error has occurred on the main control board 63 side. In this case, the error indicator lamp control means 303 controls the lighting of the third error indicator lamp 30c. Furthermore, when the error is cleared, the error display lamp control means 303 controls all the error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c to turn off. Note that the error is canceled when the error in the main control board 63 is canceled. In this embodiment, when an error occurs, an error notification is sent through the error display lamps 30a, 30b, 30c controlled by the medal management control board 83 and the payout display 46 controlled by the main control board 63. It will be done.

Next, a communication sequence between the slot machine 1 and the medal lending unit 200 will be explained.

First, the basic communication sequence between the slot machine 1 and the medal lending unit 200 will be explained with reference to FIG.

The medal management control board 83 notifies the rental control board 240 of the electronic message "gaming machine information" (serial number "n") (step S1). There are three types of gaming machine information: "gaming machine installation information," "gaming machine performance information," and "hall computer/fraud monitoring information," which includes the number of gaming medals. Each is notified at different transmission intervals, and the transmission timing may overlap. If so, notification will be given in accordance with a predetermined priority order. The serial number is a sequence number, and is, for example, "0" after the power is turned on, and after that, the value is updated by +1 for each notification, and after the maximum value, it is "1", which is updated by +2.

After the notification of the message "gaming machine information" (serial number "n"), the first predetermined timing within the first predetermined period from the time when the post-notification ASms elapses to the time when the post-notification AEms elapses (Figure 5 In the example, the medal management control board 83 notifies the lending control board 240 of the message "Count" (counting serial number "m") at a timing of 100 ms after the notification (Step S2). This message "Count" consists of a message length with a data length of "1" byte, a command (information that can identify "Count") with a data length of "1" byte, a counting serial number with a data length of "1" byte, and a data length of "1" byte. Counting number of medals with length “1” byte (number of electronic medals passed from medal management control board 83 to lending control board 240), counting cumulative number of medals with data length “2” byte (rental control board 83 to lending control board) The cumulative number of electronic medals transferred to the board 240) and a checksum with a data length of "1" byte are included. The counting serial number is a sequence number, and is, for example, "0" after the power is turned on, and after that, the value is updated by +1 for each notification, and after the maximum value, it is "1", which is updated by +2.

After the notification of the message "Count" (counting serial number "m"), the second predetermined timing within the second predetermined period from the time when the post-notification BSms elapse to the time when the post-notification BEms elapses (see FIG. 5). In the example, the lending control board 240 notifies the medal management control board 83 of the message "Rent" (Rent serial number "k") at a timing of 150 ms after the notification (Step S3). This message "Rent" has a message length of "1" byte (information indicating the length of the message), a command (information that can identify it as "Rent") of data length "1" byte, and a data length of "1" byte (information indicating the length of the message). It includes a lending serial number of "1" byte, the number of lending medals (the number of electronic medals lent from the lending control board 240 to the medal management control board 83) of data length "1" byte, and a checksum of data length "1" byte. The rental serial number is a sequence number, and is, for example, "0" after the power is turned on, and after that, the value is updated by +1 for each notification, and after the maximum value, it becomes "1", which is updated by +2.

The third predetermined timing within the third predetermined period from the time when the post-notification CSms elapses after the notification of the message "Rent" (lending serial number "k") to the time when the post-notification CEms elapses (see Figure 5). In the example, the medal management control board 83 responds to the lending control board 240 with a message "Renting reception result" (lending serial number "k") at a timing of 10 ms after the notification (step S4). This message "loan receipt result" has a message length of "1" byte (information indicating the length of the message) and a command (information that can identify it as "loan receipt result") of data length "1" byte. ), a lending serial number with a data length of ``1'' byte, a lending reception result with a data length of ``1'' byte (reception result indicating whether the message ``loan'' was received successfully), and a checksum with a data length of ``1'' byte. . When the loan reception result is normal, the loan serial number is the loan serial number of the current message ``loan'', and when the loan reception result is abnormal, it is the loan serial number of the most recent message ``loan'' whose loan reception result is normal.

After the response to the message "Lending receipt result" (loan serial number "k"), the fourth predetermined timing within the fourth predetermined period from the time when the DSms after the response elapses to the time when the DEms after the notification elapses (Fig. In the example of 5, the time from the time when the post-notification ESms elapsed after the notification of the message "gaming machine information" (serial number "n") to the elapsed timing of 40ms after the corresponding response) to the time when the post-notification EEms elapsed At the fifth predetermined timing within the fifth predetermined period (in the example of FIG. 5, 300 ms elapsed after the notification), the medal management control board 83 sends a message "gaming machine information" to the lending control board 240 (serial number " n+1'') (step S5).

After the notification of the message "gaming machine information" (serial number "n+1"), the first predetermined timing within the first predetermined period from the time when the post-notification ASms elapse to the time when the post-notification AEms elapse (Figure 5 In the example, after the notification of the message "Count" (counting sequence number "m"), the time from the time when FSms after the notification elapses until the time when FEms after the notification elapses is 100ms elapsed after the notification. At the sixth predetermined timing within the sixth predetermined period (in the example of FIG. 5, 300 ms elapsed after the notification), the medal management control board 83 sends the message "Count" (count serial number "m+1") to the lending control board 240. Notify (step S6).

After notification of the message "Count" (counting serial number "m+1"), the second predetermined timing within the second predetermined period from the time when the post-notification BSms elapse to the time when the post-notification BEms elapses (see FIG. 5). In the example, after the notification of the telegram "Lending" (lending serial number "k") at the timing of 150ms elapsed after the notification, the period from the time when the post-notification GSms elapses to the time when the post-notification GEms elapses. 7) At a seventh predetermined timing within a predetermined period (in the example of FIG. 5, 300 ms elapsed after the notification), the lending control board 240 notifies the medal management control board 83 of the message "Rent" (Rent serial number "k+1"). (Step S7).

After notification of the message "Rent" (rent serial number "k+1"), the third predetermined timing within the third predetermined period from the time when the post-notification CSms elapses to the time when the post-notification CEms elapses (see FIG. 5). In the example, after the response of the telegram "loan receipt result" (loan serial number "k") at 10ms elapsed timing after the notification, from the time when the HSms after the response elapsed until the time when the HEms after the notification elapsed. At the eighth predetermined timing within the eighth predetermined period (in the example of FIG. 5, 300 ms elapsed after the notification), the medal management control board 83 sends a message "Lending receipt result" to the lending control board 240 (lending serial number " k+1'') (step S8). Even after step S8, the messages ``gaming machine information'', ``count'', ``rental'', and ``rental receipt result'' are transmitted at the respective timings within the above-mentioned corresponding periods.

In this way, in the example of FIG. 5, the message "gaming machine information" is notified from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240 every 300 ms, and the message "count" is notified from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240 every 300 ms. The message "Lending" is sent from the lending control board 240 to the medal management control board 83 every 300 ms, and the message "Renting reception result" is sent from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240 every 300 ms. Be notified.

Next, a specific example of counting between the slot machine 1 and the medal lending unit 200 in the basic communication sequence between the slot machine 1 and the medal lending unit 200 in FIG. 5 will be described using FIG. 6. Note that the number of gaming medals indicated by the gaming medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 before the pressing operation of the counting switch 31 in the communication sequence of FIG. It is assumed that the number of owned medals indicated by the owned medal number data stored in is "20".

A pressing operation of the counting switch 31 is detected on the slot machine 1 side (step S101). It is assumed that this pressing operation of the counting switch 31 is a long pressing that exceeds a predetermined time.

The medal management control board 83 notifies the lending control board 240 of a message "gaming machine information" (serial number "n", number of game medals "200") (step S102).

After the notification of the electronic message "gaming machine information" (serial number "n", number of game medals "200"), at the first predetermined timing within the first predetermined period, the first counting processing means 301b of the medal management control board 83 Based on the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 (game medal number = "200"), the counted medal number is determined to be the upper limit number of counted medals "50", and a message is sent from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240. "Count" (count serial number "m", number of medals counted "50", number of accumulated medals counted "50") is notified (step S103). In the medal management control board 83 that has notified the message "Count" (count serial number "m", number of medals counted "50", cumulative number of medals counted "50"), the first counting processing means 301b stores the information in the memory 85. The stored game medal number data is rewritten to game medal number data obtained by subtracting the counted medal number "50", and the number of game medals indicated by the rewritten game medal number data becomes "150" (step S104). In addition, in the rental control board 240 that received the notification of this message "Count" (counting serial number "m", number of medals counted "50", number of cumulative medals counted "50"), the second counting processing means 403 The data on the number of medals in possession stored in is rewritten to data on the number of medals in possession by adding the counted number of medals "50", and the number of medals in possession indicated by the rewritten data on the number of medals in possession becomes "70" (step S105).

After notification of the message "Count" (count serial number "m", number of medals counted "50", cumulative number of medals counted "50"), the medals are sent from the rental control board 240 at the second predetermined timing within the second predetermined period. The management control board 83 is notified of the message "Rent" (Rent serial number "k", number of loaned medals "0") (Step S106). After notification of the message "Rent" (rent serial number "k", number of loaned medals "0"), a message is sent from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240 at a third predetermined timing within the third predetermined period. "Rental reception result" (lending serial number "k", reception result "normal") is responded (step S107). Note that since the number of lending medals is "0", the number of gaming medals indicated by the gaming medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 remains "150", and the memory of the lending control board 240 The number of owned medals indicated by the owned medal number data stored in 450 remains "70".

After responding to the message "Lending receipt result" (loan serial number "k", reception result "normal"), at the fourth predetermined timing within the fourth predetermined period, the medal management control board 83 sends the message "Lending receipt result" to the lending control board 240. "Game machine information" (serial number "n+1", number of game medals "150") is notified (step S108).

After the notification of the electronic message "gaming machine information" (serial number "n+1", number of game medals "150"), at the first predetermined timing within the first predetermined period, the first counting processing means 301b of the medal management control board 83 The number of counted medals is determined to be the upper limit number of counted medals "50" based on the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 (the number of game medals = "150"), and a message is sent from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240. "Count" (count serial number "n+1", number of medals counted "50", number of accumulated medals counted "100") is notified (step S109). In the medal management control board 83 that has notified the message "Count" (count serial number "m+1", number of medals counted "50", cumulative number of medals counted "100"), the first counting processing means 301b stores the information in the memory 85. The stored game medal number data is rewritten to game medal number data obtained by subtracting the counted medal number "50", and the number of game medals indicated by the rewritten game medal number data becomes "100" (step S110). In addition, in the rental control board 240 that received the notification of this message "Count" (counting serial number "m+1", number of medals counted "50", number of cumulative medals counted "100"), the second counting processing means 403 The data on the number of medals in possession stored in is rewritten to data on the number of medals in possession by adding the counted number of medals "50", and the number of medals in possession indicated by the rewritten data on the number of medals in possession becomes "120" (step S111).

After notification of the message "Count" (count serial number "m+1", number of medals counted "50", cumulative number of medals counted "100"), medals are sent from the rental control board 240 at the second predetermined timing within the second predetermined period. The management control board 83 is notified of the message "Rent" (Rent serial number "k+1", number of loaned medals "0") (Step S112). After notification of the message "Rent" (rent serial number "k+1", number of loaned medals "0"), a message is sent from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240 at a third predetermined timing within the third predetermined period. "Rental reception result" (lending serial number "k+1", reception result "normal") is responded (step S113). Note that since the number of lending medals is "0", the number of gaming medals indicated by the gaming medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 remains "100", and the memory of the lending control board 240 The number of owned medals indicated by the owned medal number data stored in 450 remains "120".

The end of the pressing operation of the counting switch 31 is detected on the slot machine 1 side (step S114).

After responding to the message "Lending receipt result" (loan serial number "k+1", reception result "normal"), at the fourth predetermined timing within the fourth predetermined period, the medal management control board 83 sends the message "Lending receipt result" to the lending control board 240. "Game machine information" (serial number "n+2", number of game medals "100") is notified (step S115).

After being notified of the message "gaming machine information" (serial number "n+2", number of game medals "100"), the count switch 31 has been pressed at the first predetermined timing within the above-mentioned first predetermined period, so counting is started. The number of medals becomes "0", and the medal management control board 83 notifies the rental control board 240 of the message "Count" (counting serial number "m+2", number of medals counted "0", cumulative number of medals counted "100") ( Step S116). In addition, since the counted number of medals is "0", the number of gaming medals indicated by the gaming medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 remains "100", and the memory of the lending control board 240 is The number of owned medals indicated by the owned medal number data stored in 450 remains "120".

After notification of the message "Count" (count serial number "m+2", number of medals counted "0", cumulative number of medals counted "100"), medals are sent from the lending control board 240 at the second predetermined timing within the second predetermined period. The management control board 83 is notified of the message "Rent" (Rent serial number "k+2", number of loaned medals "0") (Step S117). Then, after notifying the message "Rent" (rent serial number "k+2", number of loaned medals "0"), a message is sent from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240 at a third predetermined timing within the third predetermined period. The "loan receipt result" (loan serial number "k+2", receipt result "normal") is responded (step S118). Note that since the number of lending medals is "0", the number of gaming medals indicated by the gaming medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 remains "100", and the memory of the lending control board 240 The number of owned medals indicated by the owned medal number data stored in 450 remains "120".

Note that if the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 before the pressing operation of the counting switch 31 in the communication sequence of FIG. 6 is "70", the medal management is performed in step S102. The control board 83 notifies the lending control board 240 of the number of medals counted, which is the upper limit number of medals "50", and in step S109, the medal management control board 83 informs the lending control board 240 that the number of medals counted is less than the upper limit "50". The number of counted medals "20" is notified.

Further, if the timing at which the counting switch 31 is released is later than in the case of the communication sequence in FIG. ", the number of counted medals "50", the cumulative number of counted medals "150"), the process of rewriting the number of game medals to "50", the process of rewriting the data of the number of held medals to "170") are carried out at the same time interval. be done. In this manner, for example, while the counting switch 31 is pressed, the medal management control board 83 notifies the lending control board 240 of the electronic message "Count" of the number of medals to be counted, with the upper limit of the number of medals to be counted as the upper limit.

Further, if the pressing operation of the counting switch 31 in step S100 in the communication sequence of FIG. be done.

Next, a specific example of lending between the slot machine 1 and the medal lending unit 200 in the basic communication sequence between the slot machine 1 and the medal lending unit 200 in FIG. 5 will be described using FIG. 7. Note that the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 before the pressing operation of the lending switch 230a in the communication sequence of FIG. 7 is "10", and the memory 450 of the lending control board 240 It is assumed that the number of owned medals indicated by the owned medal number data stored in is "150".

A pressing operation of the lending switch 230a is detected on the medal lending unit 200 side (step S301).

The medal management control board 83 notifies the lending control board 240 of the electronic message "gaming machine information" (serial number "n", number of game medals "10") (step S302).

After notification of the message "gaming machine information" (serial number "n", number of game medals "10"), at the first predetermined timing within the first predetermined period, the medal management control board 83 sends the message " ``count'' (count serial number ``m'', number of counted medals ``0'', cumulative number of counted medals ``0'') is notified (step S303). Note that since the counted number of medals is "0", the number of gaming medals indicated by the gaming medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 remains "10", and the memory of the lending control board 240 is The number of owned medals indicated by the owned medal number data stored in 450 remains "150".

After notification of the message "Count" (count serial number "m", number of medals counted "0", cumulative number of medals counted "0"), the lending control board 240 is rented out at the second predetermined timing within the second predetermined period. The processing means 402 determines the number of lending medals to be the upper limit number of lending medals "50" based on the data on the number of medals in possession (number of medals in possession = "150") stored in the memory 450, and the medal management control is performed from the lending control board 240. A message "Rent" (Rent serial number "k", number of loan medals "50") is notified to the board 83 (Step S304). After notification of the message "Rent" (rent serial number "k", number of loaned medals "50"), a message is sent from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240 at a third predetermined timing within the third predetermined period. A "loan receipt result" (loan serial number "k", receipt result "normal") is responded (step S305). In the medal management control board 83 that has responded with this message "Lending receipt result" (loaning serial number "k", receiving result "normal"), the borrowing processing means 301a reads the game medal number data stored in the memory 85. , the game medal number data is rewritten by adding the number of lending medals "50", and the number of game medals indicated by the rewritten game medal number data becomes "60" (step S306). In addition, in the lending control board 240 that received the response of this message "Lending receipt result" (loaning serial number "k", receiving result "normal"), the lending processing means 402 processes the data on the number of medals in possession stored in the memory 450. is rewritten to the number of owned medals data obtained by subtracting the number of loaned medals "50", and the number of owned medals indicated by the rewritten number of owned medals data becomes "100" (step S307).

After responding to the message "Lending receipt result" (loan serial number "k", reception result "normal"), at the fourth predetermined timing within the fourth predetermined period, the medal management control board 83 sends the message "Lending receipt result" to the lending control board 240. "Game machine information" (serial number "n+1", number of game medals "60") is notified (step S308).

After notification of the message "gaming machine information" (serial number "n+1", number of game medals "60"), at the first predetermined timing within the first predetermined period, the medal management control board 83 sends the message " Count'' (count serial number ``n+1'', number of counted medals ``0'', cumulative number of counted medals ``0'') is notified (step S309). Note that since the counted number of medals is "0", the number of gaming medals indicated by the gaming medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 remains "60", and the memory of the lending control board 240 is The number of owned medals indicated by the owned medal number data stored in 450 remains "100".

After notification of the message "Count" (count serial number "m+1", number of medals counted "0", cumulative number of medals counted "0"), the medals are sent from the lending control board 240 at the second predetermined timing within the second predetermined period. The management control board 83 is notified of the message "Rent" (Rent serial number "k+1", number of loaned medals "0") (Step S310). After notification of the message "Rent" (rent serial number "k+1", number of loaned medals "0"), a message is sent from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240 at a third predetermined timing within the third predetermined period. "Rental reception result" (lending serial number "k+1", reception result "normal") is responded (step S311). Note that since the number of lending medals is "0", the number of gaming medals indicated by the gaming medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 remains "60", and the memory of the lending control board 240 The number of owned medals indicated by the owned medal number data stored in 450 remains "100".

Note that if the number of owned medals indicated by the number of owned medals data stored in the memory 450 of the lending control board 240 before the pressing operation of the lending switch 230a in the communication sequence of FIG. 7 is "20", the lending control board is 240 notifies the medal management control board 83 of the number of lent medals "20" which is less than the upper limit number of lent medals "50".

Next, an explanation will be given of an implementation period in which the push-down promotion effect of the counting switch 31 and the immersion prevention effect are performed using FIG. 8.

The effect control means 111 of the main control board 63 is configured to display an anti-addiction image (for example, "Be careful not to get addicted to the game! Enjoy Pachislot in moderation! "It's a game") is displayed in a predetermined area of the display area of the liquid crystal display 14 (for example, the center area that tends to attract the attention of the player) for a certain period of time (for example, the player recognizes the content from the image to prevent immersion). It is decided to perform an addictive prevention effect to be displayed (for a time longer than the time required for The command is sent to the sub control board 73 by the command sending means 113. Upon receiving the command, the sub-control board 73 performs an immersion prevention effect in which an immersion prevention image is displayed in a predetermined area of the display area of the liquid crystal display 14 for a certain period of time.

Along with deciding to implement the addictive prevention effect in which the addictive prevention image is displayed for a certain period of time, the effect control means 111 causes the player to press the counting switch 31 for a certain period of time during which the addictive prevention image is displayed in the addictive prevention effect. It is decided to perform the press promotion effect as the execution period of the press promotion effect (in this embodiment, the blinking of the counting switch 31) that prompts the operation. As a result, the depression promotion effect of the counting switch 31 is performed during a certain period of time during which the addictive prevention image is displayed. Furthermore, although it is stated that the period during which the press promotion effect is performed and the fixed period during which the addictive prevention image is displayed, the period during which the press promotion effect is performed and the fixed period during which the addictive prevention image is displayed do not match. Even if not, the push promotion effect may be performed at least during a part of a certain period during which the immersion prevention image is displayed. In other words, as in the present embodiment and the modified examples, it is sufficient that there is an overlapping period between the period in which the push promotion effect is performed and the fixed period in which the immersion prevention image is displayed.

Note that if the count switch 31 is pressed while the press promotion effect is being performed, the press promotion effect may be terminated. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the player from becoming impatient due to the pressing promotion performance being performed more than necessary.

As described above, the freeze control means 104 performs control during the freeze period in which the start of a new game is not accepted, in conjunction with the addictive prevention effect in which the addictive prevention image is displayed. In the present embodiment, the period during which a press promotion effect is performed to prompt the player to press the counting switch 31 (press promotion effect period) is a freeze period. In addition, at least a part of the press promotion performance period may be a freeze period, except when the press promotion performance period is a freeze period. In other words, as in the present embodiment and the modified example, it is sufficient that there is an overlapping period between the period in which the push promotion effect is performed and the freeze period.

During this freeze period, the start switch 19 etc. are disabled, but the counting switch 31 is also effective during the freeze period, and even if the counting switch 31 is pressed during the freeze period, the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 The electronic medals are transferred from there to the lending control board 240 of the medal lending unit 200.

In addition, the performance control means 111 displays an addictive prevention image in a predetermined area of the display area of the liquid crystal display 14 for a certain period of time upon completion of one set of number of games even in the payout area within the advantageous area. Decided to perform a performance to prevent people from getting addicted to the game. As a result of this determination, the sub-control board 73 performs an immersion prevention effect in which an immersion prevention image is displayed in a predetermined area of the display area of the liquid crystal display 14 for a certain period of time. In this embodiment, in the ball payout section within the advantageous section, if the push promotion effect is not performed even during the period in which the anti-addiction image is displayed in (1) or the period in which the anti-adoption image is not displayed, the image (2) is displayed. At least in periods other than the period in which the addictive prevention image is displayed (at least in the period in which the addictive prevention effect is implemented), for example, the press promotion effect is performed during the period in which the image is displayed, but it is not performed in the period in which the addictive prevention image is not displayed. The press promotion effect is not performed. Note that the period during which the press promotion effect is performed in the ball payout section within the advantageous section may or may not be a freeze period in which the start of a new game is not accepted.

In addition, in this embodiment, the addictive prevention effect is implemented with the end of the advantageous section, and the addictive prevention effect is carried out with the end of one set of number of games in the ball payout section within the advantageous section. , the addictive prevention effect may be performed in only one of them.

In the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83, 2 bytes (16 bits) are allocated as the storage area size for game medal number data, and the number of game medals from 0 to 65535 can be stored. There is. In addition, the upper limit of the number of counted medals (upper limit number of counted medals) that is allowed to be passed from the medal management control board 83 to the lending control board 240 in one message "count" notification is set to "50", The message “count” notification is sent every 300ms.

When the count switch 31 is not pressed, the number of game medals managed by the medal management control board 83 (the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data) becomes "10000" after passing through a plurality of advantageous periods, for example. etc. may become large. Under such circumstances, for example, if a player presses and holds the counting switch 31 in an attempt to stop the game, the time required for counting is equivalent to ``200'' (=10,000/50) electronic message notifications. It will take about 1 minute.

In the above-described embodiment, an effect promoting the pressing of the counting switch 31 is performed upon the end of the advantageous period in which the player can acquire a large number of electronic medals. At this time, since the number of game medals managed by the medal management control board 83 (the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data) has increased, the player who saw the press promotion effect presses and holds the counting switch 31. You can expect to do so. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the number of game medals (the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data) managed by the medal management control board 83 from increasing to "10,000" even after passing through a plurality of advantageous sections, for example. As a result, the time required for counting when the player stops playing, for example, becomes shorter, and the player's sense of irritation can be suppressed.

Further, since no new games can be played during the period in which the press promotion effect is being performed, the player who sees the press promotion effect can be made to feel like pressing the counting switch 31, thereby increasing the effect of the press promotion effect. can be expected.

In addition, it is possible to suppress the hindrance to smooth gaming due to the push promotion performance in the ball payout section within the advantageous section.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes other than those described above can be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the "first state" of the present invention is an advantageous section, the "second state" of the present invention is a non-advantageous section, and when the advantageous section ends, an anti-immersion image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14. The press promotion effect is displayed in a predetermined area of the display area for a certain period of time, and the push promotion effect is performed during the display period of the addictive prevention image that is displayed at the end of the advantageous section, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the "first state" of the present invention is a bonus game state that is advantageous to players, the "second state" of the present invention is a normal game state that is more disadvantageous to players than the bonus game state, and the bonus game state is Upon completion of the bonus game state, an anti-absorption image is displayed in a predetermined area of the display area of the liquid crystal display 14 for a certain period of time, and a pressing promotion effect is performed during the display period of the anti-absorption image that is displayed upon completion of the bonus game state. It may be possible to do so. The point is that the "first state" of the present invention is a state advantageous to the player, and when the state advantageous to the player ends, the addictive prevention image is displayed in a predetermined area of the display area of the liquid crystal display 14. This may be displayed in the area for a certain period of time, and the push promotion effect may be performed during the display period of the addictive prevention image that is displayed when a state advantageous to the player ends. At this time, the period during which the press promotion effect is performed may be a freeze period in which the start of a new game is not accepted, as in the embodiment.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the "increase section" of the present invention is an increase section of electronic medals in a state advantageous to the player corresponding to the "first state" of the present invention, such as a payout section within an advantageous section. If so, it is not particularly limited.

In the embodiment described above, it has been described that the pressing promotion effect of the counting switch 31 is implemented by blinking the counting switch 31, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be implemented with other contents. For example, the pushing of the counting switch 31 may be promoted by lighting up the counting switch 31, or by blinking or lighting up other switches. Alternatively, the change may be implemented by a physical change such as vibration of a predetermined part of the slot machine 1 or popping out of a predetermined switch such as the counting switch 31. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, by displaying an image for promoting pressing of the counting switch 31 using another area different from the predetermined area for displaying the addictive prevention image in the display area of the liquid crystal display 14. An effect promoting the pressing of the counting switch 31 may be performed. In FIG. 9, a predetermined area of the display area of the liquid crystal display 14 (the central area that tends to attract the player's attention) is displayed with an addictive prevention image (``Be careful not to get addicted! Pachislot is a game that can be enjoyed in moderation.'' ”), and an image for promoting pressing of the counting switch 31 (“ Please press the counting switch.") is displayed. It should be noted that the addictive prevention image and the image for promoting the pressing of the counting switch 31 are just examples, and other images may be used. The displayed area is just an example, and other areas may be used. According to this, the addictive prevention image is usually displayed in a place where the player pays attention, and the press promotion effect is performed using the liquid crystal display 14 used for displaying the addictive prevention image. It is possible to draw the player's attention to the pressing promotion effect.

In the embodiment described above, the number of game medals of the electronic medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 is the maximum number of game medals that can be stored in the storage area of the game medal number data (the " If a predetermined temporary upper limit (corresponding to the "temporary upper limit" of the present invention) that is smaller than the "predetermined upper limit of the management amount of the gaming value" is exceeded, it will be considered that the provisional upper limit has been exceeded. A function may be added to notify the player and to not accept the start of a new game. The temporary upper limit is, for example, if the number of game medals of electronic medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 at the end of one game is less than the temporary upper limit, the number of game medals stored in the memory 85 at the end of one game is lower than the temporary upper limit. Regardless of the number of electronic medals inserted or paid out, the number of game medals of the electronic medals at the end of the next game of the game is the maximum game medal that can be stored in the storage area of the game medal number data. The settings are made so that the number of sheets does not exceed the number of sheets.

This function will be explained with reference to FIG. 10, taking the payout of electronic medals as an example. In addition, in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the number of game medals of the electronic medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 exceeds the temporary upper limit when the second electronic medal is paid out.

In the medal management control board 83, the processing enable signal is "ON" (step S501).

When the payout of electronic medals with the number of payout medals "3" occurs, the main control board 63 confirms that the processing enable signal is "ON", and sets the remaining payout medal number data stored in the RAM 65 to the number of payout medals "3". 3'' is rewritten to the remaining number of payout medals (step S502).

In the main control board 63, the first payout processing means 108 turns the processing start signal "ON" (step S503), and in the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d turns on the processing start signal. In response, the processing enable signal is turned "OFF" and the processing signal is turned "ON" (step S504).

In the main control board 63, the first payout processing means 108 turns the processing start signal "OFF" and turns the payout processing request signal "ON" in response to the processing signal being turned "ON" (step S505). In the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d turns the processing signal "OFF" and turns the payout processing response signal "ON" in response to the payout processing request signal being turned "ON" (step S506). ). In the main control board 63, the first payout processing means 108 turns the payout processing request signal "OFF" in response to the payout processing response signal turning "ON", and turns the processing completion signal on the main control board 63 side "ON". '' and rewrites the data on the remaining number of payout medals stored in the RAM 65 with data on the remaining number of payout medals obtained by subtracting the number of paid out medals "1" (the remaining number of payout medals becomes "2") (step S507). In the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d turns the payout processing response signal "OFF" in response to the processing completion signal on the main control board 63 side turning "ON", and then The processing completion signal is turned "ON" (step S508). Further, in the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d rewrites the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 to game medal number data added by the number of medals "1" (step S509). In the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d maintains the temporary upper limit over signal to "OFF" because the number of electronic medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 does not exceed the temporary upper limit. (Step S510).

In the main control board 63, in response to the processing completion signal turning "ON", the first payout processing means 108 turns the processing completion signal on the main control board 63 side "OFF" and turns the payout processing request signal "ON". (Step S511). In the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d turns the processing completion signal on the medal management control board 83 side "OFF" in response to the payout processing request signal being turned "ON", and turns the payout processing response signal "OFF". ON” (step S512). In the main control board 63, the first payout processing means 108 turns the payout processing request signal "OFF" in response to the payout processing response signal turning "ON", and turns the processing completion signal on the main control board 63 side "ON". and rewrites the data on the remaining number of payout medals stored in the RAM 65 with data on the remaining number of payout medals obtained by subtracting the number of paid out medals "1" (the remaining number of payout medals becomes "1") (step S513). In the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d turns the payout processing response signal "OFF" in response to the processing completion signal on the main control board 63 side turning "ON", and then The processing completion signal is turned "ON" (step S514). Further, in the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d rewrites the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 to game medal number data obtained by adding the number of medals by "1" (step S515). In the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d turns on the temporary upper limit over signal because the number of electronic game medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 exceeds the temporary upper limit ( Step S516).

In the main control board 63, in response to the processing completion signal turning "ON", the first payout processing means 108 turns the processing completion signal on the main control board 63 side "OFF" and turns the payout processing request signal "ON". (Step S517). In the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d turns the processing completion signal on the medal management control board 83 side "OFF" in response to the payout processing request signal being turned "ON", and turns the payout processing response signal "OFF". ON” (step S518). In the main control board 63, the second payout processing means 301d turns the payout processing request signal "OFF" in response to the payout processing response signal turning "ON", and turns the processing completion signal on the main control board 63 side "ON". and rewrites the data on the remaining number of payout medals stored in the RAM 65 with data on the remaining number of payout medals obtained by subtracting the number of paid out medals "1" (the remaining number of payout medals becomes "0") (step S519). In the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d turns the payout processing response signal "OFF" in response to the processing completion signal on the main control board 63 side turning "ON", and then The processing completion signal is turned "ON" (step S520). Further, in the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d rewrites the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 to the game medal number data added by the number of medals "1" (step S521). In the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d maintains the temporary upper limit over signal to "ON" because the number of electronic medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 continues to exceed the temporary upper limit. (Step S522).

In the main control board 63, the first payout processing means 108 turns the processing completion signal on the main control board 63 side "OFF" in response to the processing completion signal being turned "ON", and the main control board 63 switches to the medal management control board. Since the remaining number of medals to be paid out at 83 is "0", the payout end signal is turned on (step S523). In the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d turns the processing completion signal on the medal management control board 83 side "OFF" in response to the payout end signal turning "ON", and turns the processing enable signal "ON". (step S524). In the main control board 63, the first payout processing means 301d turns the processing end signal "OFF" in response to the processing enable signal being turned "ON" (step S525).

At this time, in the main control board 63, since the temporary upper limit over signal is "ON," notification regarding the temporary upper limit over error is made, for example by displaying the error code assigned to the temporary upper limit over error on the payout display 46. is started (step S526). Note that the notification regarding the temporary upper limit over error may be started, for example, at the timing when the processing end signal turns "OFF", or when the temporary upper limit over signal turns "ON". You can do it like this. Further, in the main control board 63, the first payout processing means 108 controls the slot machine 1 not to accept the start of a new game in response to the temporary upper limit over error (step S527).

In addition, the medal management control board 83 is in a state where counting based on the pressing operation of the counting switch 31 (transfer of electronic medals from the medal management control board 83 to the medal lending unit 200) is possible (step S528), and the counting switch 31 By pressing , electronic medals corresponding to the counted number of "50" medals are transferred (counted) from the medal management control board 83 to the medal lending unit 200 in this example, and the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 is transferred. , the game medal number data is rewritten by subtracting the counted number of medals by "50" (step S529). As a result, the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 becomes equal to or less than the temporary upper limit.

In the medal management control board 83, the second payout processing means 301d turns the temporary upper limit over signal to "OFF" in response to the fact that the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 has become equal to or less than the temporary upper limit. (Step S530). In the main control board 63, the first payout processing means 108 releases the temporary upper limit over error in response to the temporary upper limit over signal being turned "OFF" (step S531). By canceling this temporary upper limit over error, the notification regarding the temporary upper limit over error ends, and the slot machine 1 is controlled to accept the start of a new game.

According to this, for example, when electronic medals are paid out, the number of game medals is always equal to or less than the maximum number of game medals that can be stored in the storage area of the game medal number data, and the upper limit of the storage area of the game medal number data of the memory 85. It is possible to prevent the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data from becoming 0 due to the carryover of exceeding the number of game medals, and it is possible to easily manage the number of game medals accurately.

In addition, in FIG. 10, the temporary upper limit over error in the main control board 63 is reset when the temporary upper limit over signal changes from "ON" to "OFF," but this is not limited to this, and The temporary upper limit over error may be canceled by detecting a predetermined operation such as (for example, a pressing operation on the reset switch 52), and control may be performed so that the start of a new game is accepted.

Further, in order to have the player perform a pressing operation such as holding down the counting switch 31 for a long time, content that causes the player to perform a pressing operation such as holding down the counting switch 31 for a long time may be incorporated into the presentation related to the progress of the game. . Note that the content may be appropriately combined with the above-described embodiments, or may be implemented independently.

An example of this will be explained with reference to FIG. 11. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the effect regarding the game number set additional lottery (hereinafter referred to as the "game number set additional lottery effect") includes content that causes the player to perform a pressing operation such as a long press on the counting switch 31. It is something.

When a normal image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, when a predetermined winning combination group is won and a lottery with an additional set of games is performed, an image for the lottery with an additional set of games (FIG. 11(a)) is displayed. In this example, an image containing ``Chance to add on game number set! Press the counting switch!!'' and 6 squares is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14. When the image for the game number set additional lottery performance is displayed, all six squares (hereinafter referred to as "remaining period notification symbols") 14A are filled in black.

Each square of the remaining period notification pattern 14A corresponds to 1 s, and each time the player continues to press the counting switch 31 for 1 s (long press), the square changes from a square filled with black to a square with a black frame. Then, the image for the game number set additional lottery performance displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 changes as shown in FIGS. 11(b) and 11(c).

When each square of the remaining period notification pattern 14A changes to a square with a black frame as shown in FIG. 11(c), the counting switch 31 is pressed and held, and if the game number set is awarded in the game number set addition lottery, the number of games is An image informing the player that a set has been awarded (in the example of FIG. 11(d-1), "Game Set GET!") is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14. In addition, if the counting switch 31 is pressed for a long time and a game set is not awarded in the game set additional lottery, an image (FIG. 11(d-2)) informing the player that the game number set has not been awarded In the example shown in FIG. 1, "GAME SET GET") is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14.

Also, if the counting switch 31 is not pressed for a long time while the display shown in FIG. is carried out, and if the number of games set is awarded in the game number set addition lottery, an image notifying the player that the number of games set has been awarded (example of Fig. 11 (d-3) ``Get a game set!'') is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, and if the number of games set has not been awarded, an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 informing the player that the game number set has not been awarded. Ru.

In this way, by occasionally using the counting switch 31 like a switch for performance, it is possible to expect the player to press the counting switch 31.

Note that if the counting switch 31 is pressed for a long time when the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 is small, the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data becomes smaller. There is a possibility that a situation may occur in which the player has to press the lending switch 230a at an early stage thereafter. For example, the following methods can be considered as methods to prevent such a situation from occurring.

As a first method, when the number of game medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of medals, a game number set additional lottery effect is performed as shown in FIG. A display prompting the user to press the counting switch as shown in (a) is incorporated, and on the other hand, when the number of medals is less than a predetermined number, a display prompting the user to press the counting switch as shown in FIG. Instead, for example, a display prompting the user to press another switch may be included.

As a second method, a display prompting the user to press the counting switch (for example, a "counting switch" as shown in FIG. ``Press the switch!'') The time required for the player to press the counting switch 31 may be changed. For example, (1) each square of the remaining period notification pattern 14A is made to correspond to 1 s regardless of the number of game medals, and the number of squares of the remaining period notification pattern 14A is changed depending on the number of game medals, or (2) the remaining period is This can be realized by setting the number of squares in the notification pattern 14A to six regardless of the number of game medals, and changing the time corresponding to the squares depending on the number of game medals.

In addition, as an effect related to the progress of the game that incorporates content that allows the player to perform a pressing operation such as a long press on the counting switch 31, for example, there is a possibility that the player will be able to obtain benefits such as winning electronic medals in subsequent games. It may also be a performance with a certain effect.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game machine is described as a slot machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other game machines such as a pachinko machine.

Moreover, the contents of the above embodiments, the above modifications, etc. can be combined as appropriate.

The present invention can be widely applied to gaming systems that include a gaming machine that plays games based on gaming value, and a management unit that transfers the gaming value in data format between the gaming machine and the gaming machine.

S... Slot machine system 1... Slot machine 14... Liquid crystal display 85... Memory 111... Performance control means 301b... First counting processing means 102... Game section control means 200... Medal lending unit

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine that allows games to be played based on gaming value, and in which the gaming value is exchanged in data format with an externally provided management unit,
The gaming machine is
a state control means for controlling the state of the gaming machine between a plurality of states including a first state that is advantageous for the player and a second state that is more disadvantageous for the player than the first state;
Display means for displaying an addictive prevention image in a predetermined area of the display area for a certain period of time to alert the player to become addicted to the game upon completion of the first state;
a storage means for storing the amount of gaming value managed by the gaming machine in a data format;
The management of the gaming value stored in the storage means based on a pressing operation of a counting switch that is performed by a player to instruct the transfer of the gaming value from the gaming machine to the management unit. a counting means for transferring a moving amount up to a predetermined amount of the gaming value from the gaming machine to the management unit in data format;
and performance control means for performing a pressing promotion performance to encourage the player to press the counting switch,
The processing related to the transfer of the gaming value up to the predetermined amount from the gaming machine to the management unit is configured to be executed at predetermined time intervals,
The number of digits in decimal notation of the upper limit of the management amount of the predetermined gaming value is configured to be two or more larger than the number of digits in decimal notation of the predetermined amount of the gaming value. Ori,
When the managed amount of the gaming value stored in the storage means exceeds a predetermined temporary upper limit that is smaller than the predetermined upper limit of the managed amount of the gaming value, the temporary upper limit is exceeded. In addition to notifying the player of this fact, the player also controls the game so as not to accept the start of a new game.
The pressing promotion effect may be performed at least during a part of the certain period,
By operating the counting means in accordance with the press promotion effect, the managed amount of the gaming value stored in the storage means can be moved away from the predetermined amount.
A gaming machine characterized by: In a gaming machine that allows games to be played based on gaming value, and in which the gaming value is exchanged in data format with an externally provided management unit,
The gaming machine is
a state control means for controlling the state of the gaming machine between a plurality of states including a first state that is advantageous for the player and a second state that is more disadvantageous for the player than the first state;
a storage means for storing the amount of gaming value managed by the gaming machine in a data format;
The management of the gaming value stored in the storage means based on a pressing operation of a counting switch that is performed by a player to instruct the transfer of the gaming value from the gaming machine to the management unit. a counting means for transferring a moving amount up to a predetermined amount of the gaming value from the gaming machine to the management unit in data format;
and performance control means for performing a pressing promotion performance to encourage the player to press the counting switch,
The processing related to the transfer of the gaming value up to the predetermined amount from the gaming machine to the management unit is configured to be executed at predetermined time intervals,
The number of digits in decimal notation of the upper limit of the management amount of the predetermined gaming value is configured to be two or more larger than the number of digits in decimal notation of the predetermined amount of the gaming value. Ori,
When the managed amount of the gaming value stored in the storage means exceeds a predetermined temporary upper limit that is smaller than the predetermined upper limit of the managed amount of the gaming value, the temporary upper limit is exceeded. In addition to notifying the player of this fact, the player also controls the game so as not to accept the start of a new game.
The game machine may include a freeze period in which the start of a new game is not accepted, and the press promotion effect may be performed during the freeze period;
By operating the counting means in accordance with the press promotion effect, the managed amount of the gaming value stored in the storage means can be moved away from the predetermined amount;
A gaming machine characterized in that by operating the counting means during the freeze period, data is transferred from the gaming machine to the management unit in a data format.

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