JP2003079922A - Apparatus for game - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for games which is made adaptable to different types of game machines (e.g. both cash dispensers and CR devices) in a type which is provided corresponding to the game machines to perform a processing for providing game balls usable for games at the game machines. SOLUTION: Intermachine devices 5 are each provided with a connector that allows selective selection of either a ball put-out unit or the CR communication unit thereto, a ROM having a plurality of programs stored and a control board operating based on the programs. In the intermachine device 5X which has the ball put-out unit connected to the connector, the program for putting out the game balls from the ball put-out unit is selected to make it adaptable to the cash dispensers. On the other hand, in the intermachine device 5Y which has the CR communication unit connected to the connector, the program for outputting a put-out demand signal for putting out the game balls from inside the game machines is selected from the CR communication unit to make it adaptable to the CR devices.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided corresponding to a gaming machine and performing a process for providing a gaming medium usable for a game in the gaming machine. Types of gaming machines (eg cash machines and C
The present invention relates to a game device capable of coping with both R machines) without waste.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, on a game island where gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines are lined up, a game medium such as a pachinko ball or medal is lent between two adjacent gaming machines. A so-called bench machine is arranged as the device. The following two types of machine are known as this machine.

The first type is an inter-machine machine for a cash machine provided corresponding to a so-called cash game machine (hereinafter referred to as "cash machine"). In this type, when the insertion of currency (banknotes and / or coins) is accepted from the currency insertion slot, the accepted currency is identified by the currency identification machine and corresponds to a predetermined amount within the identified amount of currency. The number of game media to be played is paid out from the ball payout device provided in the machine. The game medium dispensed here is supplied to the saucer of the game machine and used for the game in the game machine.

The second type is a bench machine for a CR machine provided corresponding to a so-called CR type game machine (hereinafter referred to as "CR machine"). In this type, a game recording medium (for example, a prepaid card or a coin card) in which information that can identify the value of the game valuable value that can be used for the game from the card insertion slot (for example, the prepaid frequency or the number of accumulated balls) ) Is accepted, the card reader /
The record information of the game recording medium received by the writer is read, and a game medium corresponding to a predetermined value of the game valuable value within the range of the value of the game valuable value specified from the read record information. A signal for requesting the payout of the number is output to the gaming machine from the CR communication device provided in the machine. Here, in the gaming machine that has received the signal, the gaming medium is dispensed from the inside of the gaming machine, and the dispensed gaming medium is supplied to the tray of the gaming machine and used for the game in the gaming machine.

The specifications of these two types of machine machines differ depending on whether the type of gaming machine is a cash machine or a CR machine. That is to say, the first type of bench machine corresponding to a cash machine,
While a currency identification machine and a ball payout device are provided, a second type stand-alone machine corresponding to a CR machine is provided with a card reader / writer and a CR communication device. Therefore, depending on the type of gaming machine, there are many cases in which dedicated stand-alone machines are used.

[0006] By the way, the machine-mounted machines having different specifications have different structures even if the game medium is the same as a pachinko ball or medal, and accordingly, the manufacturing cost on the manufacturer side and the facility cost on the amusement hall side. There was a problem that it was expensive.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, it is possible to deal with both cash machines and CR machines regardless of the type of gaming machine, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-317.
There is a bench machine disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 126. This stand-alone machine is a device (coin identification machine, ball payout device, card reader / writer, and C) that is compatible with both cash machines and CR machines.
R communication device) is provided in a single machine, and the operating mode is switched by changing the setting to switch the renting mode of the game medium.

[0008]

However, since the machine between machines includes all of the devices that can be used as both a cash machine and a CR machine, it also includes devices that are not used depending on the mode of lending the game medium. Therefore, there is a problem that there is a wasteful part and the cost of the machine is increased.

The present invention has been made under such a background, and an object thereof is to provide a game medium which is provided corresponding to a game machine and which can be used for a game in the game machine. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of coping with different types of gaming machines (for example, both a cash machine and a CR machine) in a gaming machine that performs processing without waste.

[0010]

The present invention adopts the following means in order to solve the above problems.

First, the invention according to claim 1 is a gaming device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, and receives a valuable value medium capable of specifying the size of the valuable value that can be used for a game, and accepts the accepted value medium. A valuable medium processing unit that outputs information that can specify the magnitude of a valuable value specified from the valuable medium, and supply of game media that can be used for a game in the game machine from an externally provided game medium supply device A payout which outputs a payout request signal for paying out a predetermined number of game media with a game medium payout unit for performing a payout process for paying out a predetermined number of game media or a payout device provided in the gaming machine In the case where the connecting portion capable of selectively connecting any one of the communication units for performing the request signal output processing and the game medium delivering unit is connected to the connecting portion, the game medium delivering unit is connected to the game medium delivering unit. And paying out the game media for performing the payout process of the number of game media corresponding to the predetermined value size within the value range specified by the information output from the value medium processing section. When the communication unit is connected to the program and the connection unit, in the communication unit, a predetermined value within the range of the value value specified from the information output from the value medium processing unit is specified. A storage unit that stores a communication program for performing the payout request signal output process for the number of game media corresponding to the value, and the game medium payout program and the communication program stored in the storage unit. A control unit that operates based on the control unit; and a selection unit that selects the game medium payout program or the communication program as an operation program of the control unit, A gaming device, characterized in that it comprises. According to this, when the game medium payout unit is connected to the connection portion, by selecting the game medium payout program as the operation program of the control unit, it is possible to deal with the cash machine. Also, when a communication unit is connected to the connection unit, by selecting the communication program as the operation program of the control unit, the CR
It corresponds to the machine.

The invention according to claim 2 is the gaming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selecting means recognizes a unit connected to the connecting portion, and applies the recognition based on the recognition. It is a game device characterized by selecting an operation program.

The invention according to claim 3 is the game apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output means outputs information capable of specifying a unit connected to the connecting portion to an external device. It is a game device characterized by comprising.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine provided corresponding to a gaming machine, which accepts currency,
The first connection part capable of identifying the accepted currency and connecting the currency identification unit for outputting the information capable of specifying the identified amount of money, and the value of the game valuable value usable in the game are displayed. It is possible to accept a game recording medium in which identifiable information is recorded, read the record information of the accepted game recording medium, and specify the magnitude of the game valuable value specified from the read record information. A second connecting portion to which a recording medium receiving unit for outputting information can be connected,
A game medium payout unit for performing a payout process for paying out a predetermined number of game media by receiving a supply of a game medium usable for a game in the game machine from an externally provided game medium supply device, or provided in the game machine A third connecting portion capable of selectively connecting any one of the communication units for performing a payout request signal output process for outputting a payout request signal for paying out a predetermined number of game media with the payout device; A storage unit that stores a plurality of programs corresponding to a combination of an identification unit, the recording medium receiving unit, the game medium payout unit, and the communication unit, and based on the plurality of programs stored in the storage unit And a selection unit for selecting one of a plurality of programs stored in the storage unit as an operation program of the control unit. If a gaming device, characterized in that it comprises a. According to this, according to the combination of the units connected to the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion, by selecting the operation program of the control portion, the cash machine or CR machine Can handle.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the game apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the program stored in the storage section is such that the currency identification unit is connected to the first connection section, When the game medium payout unit is connected to the third connection portion, in the game medium payout unit, a game corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the monetary amount specified by the information output from the currency identification unit. A gaming machine including a program for performing the payout process of the number of media.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the game apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the program stored in the storage section is such that the recording medium receiving unit is connected to the second connecting section. When the game medium payout unit is connected to the third connecting portion, within the range of the value of the game valuable value specified by the information output from the recording medium accepting unit in the game media payout unit And a program for performing the payout process of the number of game media corresponding to the predetermined value of the game valuable value in.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the game apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the program stored in the storage section is such that the currency identification unit is connected to the first connection section, When the recording medium receiving unit is connected to the second connecting portion and the game medium paying-out unit is connected to the third connecting portion, from the information output from the currency identifying unit in the game medium paying-out unit, While performing the payout process of the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the specified monetary amount, the game media payout unit specifies the valuable value for game specified from the information output from the recording medium receiving unit. And a program for performing the payout process of the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined value of the game valuable value within the range of the size. That is a gaming device.

The invention according to claim 8 is the gaming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the program stored in the storage section is such that the recording medium receiving unit is connected to the second connection section. When the communication unit is connected to the third connection unit, in the communication unit, a predetermined game within the range of the value of game value specified by the information output from the recording medium receiving unit. It is a gaming machine including a program for performing the payout request signal output process of the number of gaming media corresponding to the value of the utility value.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the game apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the program stored in the storage section is such that the currency identification unit is connected to the first connection section, When the recording medium receiving unit is connected to the second connecting portion and the communication unit is connected to the third connecting portion, the communication unit specifies the information output from the recording medium receiving unit. While performing the payout request signal output processing of the number of game media corresponding to the predetermined value of the game valuable value within the range of the value of the game valuable value, the control unit outputs the money from the currency identification unit. The value of the game valuable value corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the monetary amount specified from the information is specified from the information output from the recording medium receiving unit. A gaming apparatus which comprises a program for performing value added processing for adding to the size of the negotiable value for a game.

The invention of claim 10 relates to claims 4 to
9. The game device described in any one of 9, wherein the currency identification unit includes a coin outlet for ejecting coins inserted from the front side on the rear side, and the first connection portion includes the currency. It is a game device characterized in that it is connected to the currency identification unit at a position avoiding an outlet.

The invention of claim 11 relates to claims 4 to 4.
The gaming device described in any one of 10, wherein the recording medium receiving unit includes a recording medium discharge port for discharging a game recording medium inserted from the front side on the rear side.
The second connecting portion is a game device characterized by being connected to the recording medium receiving unit at a position avoiding the recording medium discharge port.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claims 4 to 4.
11. The gaming device described in any one of 11, wherein the selecting means determines whether or not the currency identification unit is connected to the first connecting portion, and the recording medium receiving unit in the second connecting portion. Whether or not the game medium payout unit or the communication unit is connected to the third connecting portion, and selects a corresponding operation program based on the recognition. It is a game device for playing.

The invention according to claim 13 includes claims 4 to 4.
12. The gaming device according to any one of 12, wherein whether the currency identification unit is connected to the first connecting portion, and whether the recording medium receiving unit is connected to the second connecting portion. No, whether or not the game medium payout unit or the communication unit is connected to the third connection unit, the gaming device comprising an output means for outputting to the external device information that can be specified .

The invention according to claim 14 is the same as claim 1.
The gaming device described in any one of 1 to 13,
The game medium payout unit is a game device for paying out the game media for each minimum unit.

Specific examples of means for solving the above problems will be described in association with the embodiments of the invention and the notations in the drawings. First, in both the first embodiment according to claim 1 and the second embodiment according to claim 4, the gaming machine includes a cash-type pachinko machine (hereinafter referred to as "cash machine") 70 or a CR-type pachinko machine (hereinafter, ""CRmachine") 80 corresponds.
A pachinko ball corresponds to the game medium. The ball payout unit 40 corresponds to the game medium payout unit. The CR communication unit 50 corresponds to the communication unit. The management device 90 corresponds to the external device.

In the first embodiment according to claim 1, the inter-machine 5 (5X or 5Y) corresponds to the gaming machine. The amount of valuable value that can be used in the game corresponds to the prepaid frequency, and the valuable value medium is the prepaid card 3
The card reader / writer unit (hereinafter referred to as “card R / W unit”) is provided in the valuable medium processing unit.
30 corresponds. The connector 6a corresponds to the connecting portion.
The storage unit corresponds to the ROM of the control board 60. Control unit,
The control board 60 corresponds to the selecting means. The communication unit 5a corresponds to the output means.

Further, in a second embodiment according to claim 4, the gaming machine is a machine 10 (10A, 10B, 10).
C, 10D, or 10E) corresponds. The upper connector 11a corresponds to the first connecting portion, the lower connector 15a corresponds to the second connecting portion, and the middle connector 13 corresponds to the third connecting portion.
a corresponds. The currency corresponds to the banknote 2, and the currency identification unit corresponds to the banknote identification unit 20. The prepaid card 3 corresponds to the game recording medium, the card ID corresponds to the recorded information, the prepaid frequency corresponds to the value of the game valuable value, and the card R corresponds to the recording medium receiving unit.
/ W unit 30 corresponds. Control board 6 in the storage unit
The ROM 63 of 0'corresponds. A control board 60 'corresponds to the control unit and the selection means. The communication unit 10a corresponds to the output means.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[1. Configuration of the Present Invention] First, the configuration of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 or 7, the inter-machine 5 or 10 which is the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine such as a cash machine 70 or a CR machine 8 on a game island in a game hall.
0 is provided to perform a process for providing a pachinko ball, which is a game medium usable for a game in the game machine (that is, a ball lending process), and the type of the game machine is a cash machine 70. Depending on whether it is the CR machine 80 or the CR machine 80, it is possible to cope with different types of game machines without waste by appropriately changing the unit connected to the inter-machine machine 5 or 10.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the gaming device is provided with a card R / W unit 30, and a unit connected to a connector 6a (see FIG. 2A) described later is a ball payout unit 40. Alternatively, the inter-mountain machine 5 (5X or 5Y) according to the first embodiment, which recognizes the switching state of the selection switch 60b that is switched depending on which is the CR communication unit 50 and selects the operation program of the control board 60. )
Are included (see FIG. 4). The inter-machine 5 is communicatively connected to the management device 90 and constitutes the gaming system 1 as a whole.

As shown in FIG. 7, the gaming machine has
The control board 6 automatically recognizes a combination of units connected to an upper connector 11a, a middle connector 13a, and a lower connector 15a (see FIG. 8A) described later.
The machine-mounted machine 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, or 1 according to the second embodiment, which selects the operation program of 0 '.
0E) is also included (see FIG. 12). This stand machine 10
Is also communicatively connected to the management device 90, and constitutes a gaming system 1'as a whole.

Hereinafter, both embodiments will be described.
Constituents common to both embodiments are given the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[1-1. Configuration of First Embodiment] As shown in FIG. 2, the inter-mounting machine 5 (5X or 5Y) according to the first embodiment has a box-shaped casing elongated in the vertical direction and having an open front surface. As shown in FIG. 2A, inside the housing, a slot 6 is formed at an intermediate position, a control board 60 is provided below the slot 6, and a card R / W is provided below the slot 6. The unit 30 is provided, and further, a communication unit 5a (see FIG. 1) (not shown) is provided. An external connection terminal 5b is provided on the back surface of the housing.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 2 (c), the front surface of the casing has an upper fixing panel 8 fixed to the upper portion, a detachable panel 7 attachable / detachable to a portion corresponding to the slot 6, and a lower portion. It is closed by a front panel consisting of a lower fixing panel 9 fixed to the. The upper sticking panel 8 is provided with a lending display lamp 18, and the lower sticking panel 9 is provided with a card insertion opening 31. An inter-machine ID, which is information that can identify the inter-machine 5, is assigned to each inter-machine 5, and is set by an address setting switch (not shown).

The communication unit 5a is an example of an output means, and as shown in FIG. 1, communicates with the communication unit 91 of the management apparatus 90 from the external connection terminal 5b (see FIG. 2A) via the communication line. It is connected as possible and controls communication between the inter-machine 5 and the management apparatus 90. As a result, selection information (inter-machine ID, connected unit), which is information capable of specifying the unit connected to the connector 6a, is output,
It is transmitted to the management device 90 which is an external device (S in FIG. 18).
See a6).

Further, when the prepaid card 3 described later is accepted, the card ID is transmitted from the inter-machine 5 to the management device 90 (Sb3 in FIG. 19 and Sb3 in FIG. 20).
On the other hand, on the contrary, the control device 90 transmits a signal indicating matching or mismatching to the machine-to-machine 5 (Sc in FIG. 21).
7, Sc8).

Further, when the ball lending process is performed, the stand machine 5
The ball lending information is transmitted from the management device 90 to the management device 90 (see FIG. 19).
Sb13 of FIG. 21 and Sb13 of FIG. 20), conversely, the management device 90 transmits a completion notification indicating that the sales information and the frequency information have been updated (Sc1 of FIG. 21).
0).

The slot 6 is, as shown in FIG.
Ball payout unit 40 or CR communication unit 50 described later
One of the two (here, the ball payout unit 40) can be selectively mounted. A connector 6 a is provided on the rear wall of the slot 6. This connector 6a
Is an example of a connecting portion, and the ball payout unit 40 or CR
One of the communication units 50 can be selectively connected, and the connected ball payout unit 40 or CR is connected.
This is for connecting the communication unit 50 and the control board 60 to enable data communication.

Here, the connector 6a is the ball payout unit 4
0 or a common connector for connecting to the CR communication unit 50. A control board connector 6b for connecting the control board 60 to the ball payout unit 40 or the CR communication unit 50 in a data communicable manner is provided on the rear wall of the slot 6 below the connector 6a.

On the rear wall of the inter-mounting machine 5 below the control board connector 6b, a connector 5c for connecting a card R / W unit 30 and a control board 60, which will be described later, to each other in a data communication manner, and a card R / The W unit 30 is provided with a card insertion hole (not shown) through which the prepaid card 3 discharged from a recording medium discharge port (not shown) described later can be discharged to the outside. Here, the card insertion hole is formed in the center of the rear wall when viewed from the front. The connector 5c is
The card R / W unit 30 is protruded from the side of the card insertion hole so as to be connected to the later-described input / output terminal 30a of the card R / W unit 30 at a position avoiding the recording medium discharge port, and discharged from the recording medium discharge port. It is configured so as not to disturb the prepaid card 3 to be played.

There are two types of detachable panels 7 for closing the front surface of the slot 6 opened, the first of which is the ball payout unit 4
The detachable panel 7a that is integrated with 0 and is provided with a frequency display 32, a ball lending button 33, a return button 34, a ball lending unit frequency display 35, a ball lending unit frequency setting button 36, and a nozzle 41, which will be described later (FIG. 5), the second is CR
It is integrated with the communication unit 50 and the ball lending unit frequency indicator 3
5 and a detachable panel 7b (see FIG. 6) provided with a ball lending unit frequency setting button 36. In addition, by locking the key 19 provided on the removable panel 7, the removable panel 7
The ball payout unit 4 which is removed and attached to the slot 6.
0 or the CR communication unit 50 cannot be removed.

The lending display lamp 18 is connected to a control board 60, which will be described later, and is a lamp for indicating the operation status of the inter-mountain machine 5. For example, the lending display lamp 18 lights up when the pachinko balls can be rented, It is configured to blink when the lending is impossible and call the player's attention.

The card R / W unit 30 is an example of a valuable value medium processing unit, and accepts a valuable value medium capable of specifying the size of the valuable value that can be used in the game, and is specified from the accepted valuable value medium. It outputs the information that can specify the size of the valuable value.
As shown in, it is assumed that a prepaid card 3 in which a card ID, which is information capable of specifying the prepaid frequency which is the value of valuable value, is recorded is handled as the valuable value medium. Here, the prepaid frequency is an example of the amount of prepaid value that the amount of valuable value that can be used for the game is prepaid, and here, the amount of money provided for prepaid deposit or additional deposit is a predetermined ratio ( For example, one hundred yen
It has been converted to frequency in (frequency).

The prepaid card 3 has, for example, a recording area (not shown) in which a card ID, which is a unique number assigned to the prepaid card 3, is recorded at a predetermined portion on a rectangular thin plastic plate. ) Is formed, and here is an IC card in which a non-contact type integrated circuit having a nonvolatile EEPROM is mounted as the recording area. Also card R / W
The unit 30 reads the information recorded in the EEPROM of the IC card in a contactless manner and
It is provided with an IC reader / writer for recording information on the OM.

On the front side of the card R / W unit 30,
There is provided a card insertion slot 31 into which the prepaid card 3 in a standing state and in a horizontally long state can be inserted. Also card R
A recording medium ejection port (not shown) for ejecting the prepaid card 3 whose prepaid frequency specified by the card ID is zero is provided on the rear surface side of the / W unit 30.
Further, an input / output terminal 30a connected to the connector 5c is provided at the rear end of the side of the card R / W unit 30.

The prepaid card 3 discharged from the recording medium discharge port of the card R / W unit 30 and passed through the card insertion hole (not shown) is conveyed inside the game island behind the stand machine 5. A recording medium conveying device (not shown) for collecting and collecting the recording medium is provided, and a recording medium housing portion (not shown) is provided at the end of the recording medium conveying device. As a result, the prepaid card 3 inserted in the stand machine 10 is collected for each game island.

This card R / W unit 30 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), it is previously connected to the inside of the inter-machine unit 5. In addition, in addition to the card R / W unit 30, FIG.
As shown in (c), as a device for handling the prepaid card 3, a frequency display 32, a ball lending button 33, a return button 34, a ball lending unit frequency display 35, and a ball lending unit frequency setting button 36, It is provided on the removable panel 7a.

The frequency display 32 is for displaying the prepaid frequency specified from the card ID recorded in the prepaid card 3, and the ball lending button 33 is a button for making a ball lending request for pachinko balls. The return button 34 is a button for making a return request of the prepaid card 3, and the ball lending unit frequency display unit 35 sets the prepaid frequency used when the payout request is made as the ball lending unit frequency. The ball lending unit frequency setting button 36 is for displaying, and is a button for setting the ball lending unit frequency. This ball lending unit frequency is the ball lending unit frequency setting button 36.
By operating, it is possible to set, for example, 1 to 5 times in 1 step increments in 5 steps, and the set ball lending unit frequency is displayed on the ball lending unit frequency display 35.

The location where each of these devices is provided is arbitrary. For example, when the stand-alone machine 5 is provided corresponding to the cash machine 70, these devices are provided on the detachable panel 7a (see FIG. 5) and are connected to the control board 60 (see FIG. 1). ). On the other hand, when the stand machine 5 is provided corresponding to the CR machine 80, the frequency display 32, the ball lending button 33, and the return button 34 among these devices are the CR machines 8 respectively.
0 (refer to FIG. 6) on the front surface (here, the portion of the upper plate 82), the CR communication unit 50 and the external connection terminal 8 are provided.
0a to the control board 60 (see FIG. 1),
Ball loan unit frequency display 35, ball loan unit frequency setting button 36
Is provided on the removable panel 7b (see FIG. 6).

The ball payout unit 40 is an example of a game medium payout unit, and as shown in FIG. 2B, a predetermined number of game media are received by receiving the supply of the game media from a game media supply device provided outside. The payout process for paying out is performed here. Here, a ball supply gutter 17 is supplied from a game medium supply device (not shown) provided inside the game island behind the machine 5.
When a pachinko ball is supplied via the
25 pieces of pachinko balls are paid out for each minimum unit (that is, one piece).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, inside the ball payout unit 40, a guide path 42, a motor 43, a gear 44, a spiral shaft 45, a rotation detector 46, a counter 47, a discharge path 48, etc. Is provided. The taxiway 42 is provided with pachinko balls that are continuously flowed down from the ball supply gutter 17 and supplied.
It is a passage for guiding toward the portion of the spiral shaft 45.
The motor 43 is for rotating the spiral shaft 45 by transmitting a rotational force via the gear 44. The spiral shaft 45 is provided with a spiral protrusion on the outer periphery of a cylindrical shaft, and the axis of the spiral shaft 45 is rotatable in parallel with the front-rear direction (left and right direction in FIG. 3) of the inter-mounting machine 5 about the axis. It was supported. A tooth portion meshing with the gear 44 is formed on the front portion of the spiral shaft 45. Further, a substantially disk-shaped shield plate, which is partially cut away, is fixedly provided at the front end of the spiral shaft 45.

The rotation detector 46 is illuminated by the light projector,
The rotation of the spiral shaft 45 is detected by detecting the light that has passed through the notch of the shielding board and has reached the light receiver. When the rotation of the spiral shaft 45 is not detected during the payout process in which the payout signal is output from the control board 60 described later, it is determined that an error such as a ball jam or a failure occurs.
The counter 47 is provided downstream of the spiral shaft 45 and counts the number of pachinko balls that have passed through the portion of the spiral shaft 45. When the rotation detector 46 detects a predetermined number of rotations of the spiral shaft 45 while the counter 47 does not detect a pachinko ball during the payout process, it is determined that an error such as a ball break or a ball jam occurs. The discharge path 48 is provided downstream of the counter 47, and is for discharging the pachinko balls that have passed through the portion of the spiral shaft 45 toward the nozzle 41 described later.

In this ball payout unit 40, at normal times (that is, when the payout process is not being performed), the rotation of the spiral shaft 45 is stopped, and the pachinko balls guided from the guide path 42 are the pachinko balls of the spiral shaft 45. The ridge formed in a spiral shape on the outer circumference blocks the discharge path 4 from being blocked by the portion of the spiral shaft 45.
The flow down to 8 is regulated. On the other hand, during the payout process, the motor 43 is rotated, the rotational force is transmitted through the gear 44, the spiral shaft 45 is rotated, and the pachinko balls blocked by the projections are moved to the spiral shaft 45. They are sent out one by one from the site, counted by the counter 47, flown down to the discharge passage 48, and discharged toward the nozzle 41. When the count value of the counter 47 reaches a predetermined number, the rotation of the motor 43 is stopped and the payout of the pachinko balls is completed.

On the front surface of the ball payout unit 40, there is provided a nozzle 41 for guiding the pachinko balls paid out from the ball payout unit 40 toward the upper plate 72 of the cash machine 70. In addition, the nozzle 41 is configured to be rotatable or bendable in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction at the base end portion thereof. The connector 6a is provided at the rear end of the ball payout unit 40.
An input / output terminal 40a connected to is provided.

The ball payout unit 40 is inserted from the front side where the slot 6 is opened, the input / output terminal 40a is connected to the connector 6a, and the detachable panel 7a is fitted to the casing of the intermount machine 5, When the key 19 is locked, it is attached to the slot 6. In order to prevent a defective connection between the input / output terminal 40a and the connector 6a when the ball payout unit 40 is connected, the ball payout unit 40 is installed in the slot 6
It is preferable to be configured so as to be automatically locked when mounted on the.

The CR communication unit 50 is an example of a communication unit, and the ball payout device 87 provided in the CR machine 80.
In (see FIG. 1), a payout request signal output process for outputting a payout request signal for paying out a predetermined number of game media is performed. An input / output terminal (not shown) connected to the connector 6a is provided at the rear end of the CR communication unit 50.

This CR communication unit 50 has a slot 6
Inserted from the open front side of the I / O terminal (not shown)
Is connected to the connector 6a, the removable panel 7b is fitted into the housing of the inter-mounting machine 5, and the key 19 is locked. CR communication unit 5
In order to prevent connection failure between the input / output terminal and the connector 6a when 0 is connected, it is preferable that the CR communication unit 50 is automatically locked when it is mounted in the slot 6.

The control board 60 is an example of a control section, and operates based on an operation program described later to perform control for operating each unit. The control board 60 includes an input / output terminal 60a shown in FIG. 2, a selection switch 60b shown in FIG. 1, a CPU, a RAM, and an R (not shown).
Equipped with OM.

The input / output terminal 60a is connected to the connector 6a and the connector 5c via the control board connector 6b so as to be capable of data communication, whereby a predetermined signal is transmitted between the control board 60 and each unit. Interaction takes place. The selection switch 60b is for selecting whether the unit connected to the connector 6a is the ball payout unit 40 or the CR communication unit 50, and is composed of, for example, a dip switch.

As shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later, the ROM, which is a storage unit, includes a cash machine card processing program (see FIG. 19) including a game medium payout program, and a CR machine card processing program including a communication program. (See FIG. 20) is stored. The program stored in the ROM is executed by the CPU using the RAM as a work area. The storage unit is not limited to the ROM and may be another storage device (for example, a hard disk).

Here, the game medium payout program, when the ball payout unit 40 is connected to the connector 6a,
In the ball payout unit 40, a predetermined value size (for example, 5 degrees) within a value range (here, prepaid frequency) specified by the information output from the card R / W unit 30. Is a program for performing the payout process for the number of game media (e.g. 125) corresponding to.

Also, the communication program is C in the connector 6a.
When the R communication unit 50 is connected, in the CR communication unit 50, the card R / W unit 3
The number of game media (for example, 125) corresponding to a predetermined value value (for example, 5 degrees) within a value value range (here, prepaid frequency) specified from information output from 0. It is a program for performing a payout request signal output process.

A program for executing the program selection process is also stored in the ROM (see FIG. 18). By operating based on this program, the control board 60 functions as a selection means for selecting a cash machine card processing program or a CR machine card processing program as an operation program, and specifically, a selection switch. Depending on the switching status of 60b, the connector 6a
It recognizes the unit connected to and selects the corresponding operation program based on the recognition.

The cash machine 70 is an example of a gaming machine, and is a so-called cash-operated pachinko machine for playing a game using pachinko balls supplied from the outside. This cash machine 70 is provided with a game area 71, an upper plate 72, a lower plate 73, a firing handle 74, etc. on the front surface thereof, as shown in FIG. 5 described later,
In the inside, as shown in FIG. 1, a main control board 75 for controlling a game, a ball payout control board 76 for controlling payout of prize balls, which are pachinko balls discharged from a gaming machine, and a game medium payout device. Although not shown, the display control board for controlling the display of the variable display device provided in the game area 71, the sound control board, the decorative lamp control board, the power supply control board, and the launch control board are provided with a certain ball payout device 77. And so on.

In this cash machine 70, the pachinko balls supplied from the ball payout unit 40 to the upper plate 72 through the nozzles 41 are operated by the firing handle 74 to play the game area 7
A game is played by being driven into the inside of 1. When the driven pachinko ball wins a winning opening (not shown) formed in the game area 71, a prize ball is paid out from the ball payout device 77 based on the payout signal issued from the ball payout control board 76. And is supplied to the upper plate 72 or the lower plate 73. The main control board 75 controls the operation of various boards including the ball payout control board 76.

The CR machine 80 is an example of a game machine, and the CR machine
It is a so-called CR-type pachinko machine that plays a game using the pachinko balls supplied from the inside of the machine 80. This CR machine 80 is provided with a game area 81, an upper plate 82, a lower plate 83, a firing handle 84, etc. on the front surface thereof as shown in FIG. 6 described later, and also has a frequency display 32 and a ball lending button 33. ，
As shown in FIG. 1, a return button 34 is also provided, and as shown in FIG. 1, an external connection terminal 80a, a main control board 85 for controlling a game, and the payout of prize balls, ball lending, etc., which are pachinko balls discharged from a gaming machine. A ball payout control board 86 for controlling the above, a ball payout device 87 as a game medium payout device, and the like, and a display control board (not shown) for controlling the display of the variable display device provided in the game area 81, It also has a voice control board, a decorative lamp control board, a power supply control board, and a launch control board.

The external connection terminal 80a is connected to the CR communication unit 50 for data communication, and is also connected to the ball payout control board 86, the frequency display 32, the ball lending button 33, and the return button 34. In this CR machine 80,
When the ball lending button 33 is operated, a ball lending request is transmitted from the external connection terminal 80a to the control board 60 via the CR communication unit 50, and the control board 60 sends the CR communication unit 50.
And the payout request signal is transmitted to the ball payout control board 86 via the external connection terminal 80a, and based on the payout signal issued from the ball payout control board 86, the pachinko ball is paid out from the ball payout device 87 and the upper plate 72 Is supplied to.

Then, the pachinko balls supplied from the ball payout device 87 inside the CR machine 80 to the upper plate 82 are driven into the game area 81 by operating the firing handle 84, and a game is played. And the pachinko ball that was driven in,
When a prize is won in a winning opening (not shown) formed in the game area 81, a prize ball is paid out from the ball payout device 87 based on a payout signal issued from the ball payout control board 86, and the upper plate 82 is placed.
Alternatively, it is supplied to the lower plate 83. The main control board 85 controls the operation of various boards including the ball payout control board 86.

The management device 90 is an example of an external device,
A communication unit 91, a control unit 92, which are connected as shown in FIG.
And a hard disk 93 that is a storage unit,
It is installed in a predetermined place (for example, a management office) in the game arcade. The hard disk 93 stores a machine DB 93a and a card DB 93b.

The communication unit 91 uses the communication line to connect to the machine 5
The communication unit 5a is communicatively connected to the communication unit 5a and controls communication between the inter-machine 5 and the management device 90. The control unit 92
It is a computer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. Here, the hard disk 93 will be described later with reference to FIG.
A program for executing the management apparatus main process shown in 1 is stored.

In the inter-unit machine DB 93a, the connector 6a is associated with the inter-unit machine ID which is information that can identify the inter-unit machine 5.
The unit connected to the ball payout unit 40 or C
Which of the R communication units 50 it is and sales information is managed. Specifically, regarding the sales information, each information of the sales of the cash machine 70 by the prepaid card 3 and the sales of the CR machine 80 by the prepaid card 3 is registered and managed for each machine ID. Therefore, it is possible to manage whether the machine is the machine 5X corresponding to the cash machine 70 or the machine 5Y corresponding to the CR machine 80 based on the connection status of each unit in each machine 5. At the same time, it is possible to separately manage the sales corresponding to the cash machine 70 and the sales corresponding to the CR machine 80.
The sales information or the like corresponding to can be recognized at a glance. In the card DB 93b, the prepaid frequency is registered and managed in association with the card ID of the prepaid card 3.

In the machine-to-machine 5 (5X or 5Y) according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, either the ball payout unit 40 or the CR communication unit 50 is attached to the connector 6a. The switching status of the selection switch 60b that is switched according to whether it is connected is recognized,
The operation program executed on the control board 60 is selected.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the inter-mounting machine 5X having a pattern X in which the ball payout unit 40 is connected to the connector 6a and the slot 6 is closed by the detachable panel 7a,
This is compatible with the cash machine 70. In this case, the selection switch 60b is switched to the ball payout unit 40 side, and the connection of the ball payout unit 40 is recognized by the control board 60, which is the selection means. The cash machine card processing program including the game medium payout program is selected as the operation program of the control board 60 (see FIG. 4).

In the inter-machine 5X, the cash machine card processing shown in FIG. 19 to be described later is executed based on the cash machine card processing program, and the ball paying-out unit 40 corresponds to the pachinko machine corresponding to the cash machine 70. We can provide balls.

As shown in FIG. 6, the connector 6a has a C
An inter-station machine 5Y having a pattern Y in which the R communication unit 50 is connected and the slot 6 is closed by the removable panel 7b.
Is compatible with the CR machine 80, and in this case, the selection switch 60b is switched to the CR communication unit 50 side, and the CR in the control board 60 as the selection means is selected.
When the connection of the communication unit 50 is recognized, the CR machine card processing program including the communication program is selected as the operation program of the control board 60 (see FIG. 4).

In the inter-mounting machine 5Y, the CR machine card processing shown in FIG. 20, which will be described later, is executed based on the CR machine card processing program to provide the pachinko balls corresponding to the CR machine 80. Of the payout request signal from the CR communication unit 50, and the C which has received the payout request signal
Pachinko balls can be provided from inside the R machine 80.

In the inter-mounting machine 5 described above, when the connection status of the unit at the connector 6a is changed from one unit to another unit in order to accommodate different types of gaming machines, the power is off. Detachable panel 7
At the same time, by extracting an existing unit, connecting a new unit, and switching the selection switch 60b, the unit connected to the connector 6a is recognized in the control board 60 which is the selection means, and the corresponding operation is performed based on the recognition. The program is selected. Therefore, according to this stand-alone machine 5, it is possible to easily cope with different types of gaming machines. Moreover, since the chassis of the inter-station machine 5, the card R / W unit 30, and the control board 60 are common, the cost of manufacturing the inter-station machine 5 can be reduced by sharing the parts.

[1-2. Configuration of Second Embodiment] Inter-mountain machine 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10 according to the second embodiment
As shown in FIG. 8, D, or 10E) has a box-shaped housing that is elongated in the vertical direction and has an open front surface. Inside the housing, as shown in FIG. 8A, an upper slot 11 is formed at an upper position, an intermediate slot 13 is formed at an intermediate position, and a control board 60 is provided below the intermediate slot 13. The lower slot 15 is formed at the lower position, and a communication unit 10a (see FIG. 7) (not shown) is further provided. Further, the external connection terminal 10 is provided on the rear surface of the housing.
b is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the front surface of the housing is closed by a front panel, and the lending display lamp 18 is provided at the upper position on the front panel. A portion corresponding to the slot 11 is a detachable upper panel 12, a portion corresponding to the middle slot 13 is a detachable middle panel 14, and a lower slot 15 is provided.
The part corresponding to is the removable lower panel 16. As shown in FIG. 11A, which will be described later, the inter-machine ID 10 is an inter-machine ID that is information that can identify the inter-machine 10.
Is assigned to each machine 10 and is set by an address setting switch (not shown).

The communication section 10a is an example of an output means,
As shown in FIG. 7, the communication unit 91 of the management device 90 from the external connection terminal 10b (see FIG. 8A) via the communication line.
Is connected communicatively with and manages communication between the inter-machine 10 and the management device 90. Thereby, it is determined whether or not the bill recognition unit 20 is connected to the upper connector 11a, whether or not the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a, and the ball payout unit 40 or the CR communication unit 50 in the middle slot. The combination information (inter-machine ID, combination pattern) that is information that can identify which of the two is connected is output and transmitted to the management device 90 that is an external device (see Sd13 in FIG. 22).

When the prepaid card 3 described later is accepted, the card ID is transmitted from the inter-machine 10 to the management device 90 (Sb3 in FIG. 19 and Sb in FIG. 20).
3, refer to Sb3 in FIG. 24 and Sb3 in FIG. 25). On the contrary, the management device 90 transmits a verification matching or mismatching verification signal to the machine-to-machine 10 (see Si7 and Si8 in FIG. 27).

When the ball lending process is performed, the machine 1
The ball lending information is transmitted from 0 to the management device 90 (see FIG. 1).
9), Sb13 in FIG. 20, Sb13 in FIG. 23, Sf1 in FIG. 24, and Sb13 in FIG. 25), conversely, the management device 90 completes the update of sales information and frequency information to the stand machine 10. A notification to the effect is sent (S in FIG. 27).
i10).

When an additional deposit process, which will be described later, is performed, deposit information is transmitted from the inter-machine 10 to the management device 90 (see Sh4 in FIG. 26), and conversely.
Sends a completion notice to the effect that the update of the deposit information and the frequency information is completed to the machine 10 (Si13 in FIG. 27).
See).

As shown in FIG. 8B, the upper slot 11 is an area where the bill identifying unit 20 described later can be attached. The upper wall of the upper slot 11 has a rear wall shown in FIG.
As shown in, an upper connector 11a is provided.
The upper connector 11a is an example of the first connecting portion,
The bill discriminating unit 20 can be connected, and the bill discriminating unit 20 and the control board 60 'which are connected to each other can be connected so as to be capable of data communication.

On the rear wall of the upper slot 11, bill insertion holes 1 through which bills 2 ejected from a coin ejection port (not shown) described later of the bill identification unit 20 can be ejected toward the outside.
1b is provided. Here, the bill insertion hole 11b is formed in the center of the rear wall when viewed from the front. Further, the upper connector 11a is provided at the side of the banknote insertion hole 11b (here, left side when viewed from the front) so as to be connected to the later-described input / output terminal 20a of the banknote recognition unit 20 at a position avoiding the currency outlet. It is provided so as not to interfere with the bills 2 ejected from the coin outlet.

There are two types of upper panel 12 that seals the opened front surface of the upper slot 11, the first of which is integrated with the bill discriminating unit 20 and the bill insertion slot 2 which will be described later.
1 is an upper panel 12a (see FIG. 13, FIG. 15, and FIG. 17) provided with the second, and the second is a bill identifying unit 20.
It is an upper panel 12b (see FIGS. 14 and 16) for blindfolding that is used when is not attached.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the middle slot 13 is either the ball payout unit 40 or the CR communication unit 50 (here, the ball payout unit 40).
Is an area in which can be selectively mounted. This middle slot 1
A middle connector 13 a is provided on the rear wall of the connector 3.
The middle connector 13a is an example of a third connecting portion,
In order to selectively connect either one of the ball payout unit 40 or the CR communication unit 50, and to connect the connected ball payout unit 40 or the CR communication unit 50 and the control board 60 ′ so that data communication is possible. belongs to.

The middle connector 13a is a connector for connecting to the ball payout unit 40 on the upper side and for connecting to the CR communication unit 50 on the lower side, as shown in FIG. It is a connector. On the rear wall of the middle slot 13 below the middle connector 13a, there is provided a control board connector 13b for connecting the control board 60 'and each unit in a data communicable manner.

There are three kinds of middle panels 14 for closing the opened front surface of the middle slots 13, the first of which is the middle panel 14a which is integrated with the ball payout unit 40 and is provided with a nozzle 41 (see FIG. 13). ), And the second is, in addition to the first middle panel 14a, a frequency display 32, a ball lending button 33, a return button 34, a ball lending unit frequency display 3
5, and a middle panel 14b (see FIGS. 14 and 15) provided with a ball lending unit frequency setting button 36, the third of which is integrated with the CR communication unit 50, and a ball lending unit frequency display 35, And a middle panel 14c (see FIGS. 16 and 17) provided with a ball lending unit frequency setting button 36.

The lower slot 15 is an area where the card R / W unit 30 can be mounted, as shown in FIG. 8B. As shown in FIG.
As in (d), the lower connector 15a is provided. The lower connector 15a is an example of a second connection part, and is capable of connecting the card R / W unit 30, and connects the connected card R / W unit 30 and the control board 60 ′ so that data communication is possible. It is for doing.

On the rear wall of the lower slot 15, there is a card insertion hole (shown in the figure) through which the prepaid card 3 discharged from a recording medium discharge port (not shown) of the card R / W unit 30 described later can be discharged. Outside) is provided.
Here, the card insertion hole is formed in the center of the rear wall in a front view, like the bill insertion hole 11b. Further, the lower connector 15a is provided at a position avoiding the recording medium discharge port, and the input / output terminal 30 of the card R / W unit 30 described later
It is provided so as to project to the side of the card insertion hole so as to be connected to a, and is configured not to interfere with the prepaid card 3 discharged from the recording medium discharge port.

There are two types of lower panels 16 for closing the opened front surface of the lower slots 15, the first of which is integrated with the card R / W unit 30 and has a card insertion opening 31.
Lower panel 16a provided with (see FIGS. 14, 15, and 1).
6, FIG. 17), and the second is a lower panel 16b (see FIG. 13) for blindfold used when the card R / W unit 30 is not mounted.

The lower end of the upper panel 12 is the middle panel 1
4, the upper end of the lower panel 16 is configured to be suppressed by the lower end of the middle panel 14, and by locking the key 19 provided on the middle panel 14,
It is configured so that each panel cannot be removed and each unit mounted in each slot cannot be removed.

The bill identifying unit 20 is an example of a currency identifying unit, and as shown in FIG. 8B, accepts currency, identifies the accepted currency, and can identify the identified currency amount. It outputs information. Here, it is assumed that one type of banknote 2 (for example, 1,000 yen banknote) is handled as the currency, but the currency is a plurality of types of banknotes (for example, 2,000 yen banknote, 5,000 yen banknote, 10,000 yen banknote). Banknotes, etc.)
Alternatively, one kind or a plurality of kinds of coins (for example, hundred-yen coins, five hundred-yen coins, etc.) and a combination of banknotes and coins (any kind) may be used.

On the front side of the bill validating unit 20, a bill insertion slot 2 into which a bill 2 in an upright state and a horizontally long state can be inserted.
1 is provided. Further, on the rear surface side of the bill identifying unit 20, a coin outlet (not shown) for ejecting the identified bill 2 is provided. Further, an input / output terminal 20a connected to the upper connector 11a is provided at the rear end of the side portion of the bill identifying unit 20. Inside the gaming island behind the stand machine 10, a currency transport device for transporting and collecting the banknotes 2 discharged from the currency outlet of the banknote identification unit 20 and passing through the banknote insertion hole 11b (illustrated). The outside) is provided, and further, a currency storage (not shown) is provided at the end of the currency transport device. As a result, the banknotes 2 inserted in the machine 10 are collected for each gaming island.

The banknote recognition unit 20 is inserted from the front side of the upper slot 11 which is opened, and the input / output terminal 20 is inserted.
a is connected to the upper connector 11a, and the upper panel 1
2a is fitted into the housing of the bench machine 10, and the upper slot 1
It is attached to 1. In order to prevent a defective connection between the input / output terminal 20a and the upper connector 11a when the bill identifying unit 20 is connected, the bill identifying unit 20 is automatically locked when mounted in the upper slot 11. Preferably.

The card R / W unit 30 is an example of a recording medium receiving unit, and receives a game recording medium in which information capable of specifying the magnitude of a game valuable value that can be used in a game is received, and the reception is performed. The recorded information of the game recording medium is read, and the information that can specify the magnitude of the valuable value for game specified from the read recorded information is output. Here, as shown in FIG. 8B, it is assumed that the prepaid card 3 is handled as the game recording medium.

The specific configurations of the card R / W unit 30 and the prepaid card 3 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The card R / W unit 30
Input / output terminal 30a and lower connector 15 when connecting
In order to prevent connection failure with a, it is preferable that the card R / W unit 30 is automatically locked when it is mounted in the lower slot 15.

The card insertion slot 31, the frequency display 32,
The ball lending button 33, the return button 34, the ball lending unit frequency display 35, and the ball lending unit frequency setting button 36 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The ball payout unit 40 and the CR communication unit 50 are also the same as those described in the first embodiment.

The control board 60 'is an example of a control section,
It operates based on an operation program to be described later, and performs control for operating each unit. The control board 60 includes an input / output terminal 60a shown in FIG. 8 and a CPU 61, a RAM 62, a ROM 63 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the input / output terminal 60a is connected to the upper connector 11a, the middle connector 13a, and the lower connector 1 via the control board connector 13b.
5a is connected so as to be capable of data communication, whereby predetermined signals are exchanged between the control board 60 'and each unit as follows.

That is, when the bill validating unit 20 is connected to the upper connector 11a, the bill validating unit 20 operates from the bill validating unit 20 to the control board 60 'as shown in FIG. 10 (a). An operable signal that is issued when possible, a bill identification signal that is issued when the bill 2 is identified, and an error signal that is issued when an error (for example, a bill jam, etc.) occurs in the bill identification unit 20 are transmitted. It The connection confirmation signal 1 and the connection response signal 1 will be described later.

When the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a, the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the control board 6 as shown in FIG. 10B.
0 ', an operation enable signal issued when the card R / W unit 30 is operable, a card ID signal issued when the card ID of the prepaid card 3 is read, and the card R / W unit 30 An error signal is transmitted when an error occurs (for example, card jam). Conversely, from the control board 60 'to the card R
A return request signal that is issued when the return button 34 is operated is transmitted to the / W unit 30. The connection confirmation signal 2 and the connection response signal 2 will be described later.

When the ball payout unit 40 is connected to the middle connector 13a, as shown in FIG. 10C, the control board 60 'is provided to the intermount machine 10 with respect to the ball payout unit 40. As a payout signal issued when the dispensed ball lending button 33 is operated, a pulse signal with a payout number of 100, a pulse signal with a payout number of 10 and a pulse signal with a payout number of 1 are transmitted according to a predetermined number. For example, the predetermined number is 12
When the number is 5, the number of pulse signals for 100 payouts is 1
A pulse signal with a payout number of 10 is transmitted twice, and a pulse signal with a payout number of 1 is transmitted 5 times.

On the contrary, from the ball payout unit 40 to the control board 6
With respect to 0 ', the payout detection signal issued when the payout of the pachinko balls is detected (that is, when the pachinko balls are counted by the counter 47), the supply of the pachinko balls from the ball supply gutter 17 is interrupted. A supply-ball-out detection signal that is issued when it is detected, and an error signal that is issued when an error (for example, a ball jam) occurs in the ball payout unit 40 are transmitted. The connection confirmation signal 3 and the connection response signal 3 will be described later.

When the CR communication unit 50 is connected to the middle connector 13a, the CR machine 80 is provided to the CR communication unit 50 from the control board 60 ', as shown in FIG. 10 (c). As a payout signal issued when the ball lending button 33 is operated, a pulse signal of the lending frequency is transmitted. For example, when the ball lending unit frequency is set to 5 and the prepaid frequency is 5 or more, the lending frequency pulse signal is transmitted 5 times, and the prepaid frequency is less than 5 (for example, 3 times).
In the case of, the pulse signal of the lending frequency is transmitted by the amount of the prepaid frequency (here, three times).

On the contrary, from the CR communication unit 50 to the control board 6
0 ', the ball lending button 33 provided on the CR machine 80
Ball lending request signal, CR machine 8 issued when is operated
A return request signal issued when the return button 34 provided in 0 is operated, and a payout completion signal issued when the pachinko ball payout from the ball payout device 87 provided in the CR machine 80 is completed To be done. The connection confirmation signal 4 and the connection response signal 4 will be described later.

The ROM 63, which is a storage unit, stores a plurality of programs corresponding to the combination of connection of the bill identification unit 20, the card R / W unit 30, the ball payout unit 40, and the CR communication unit 50. As shown in FIG. 12 described later, the plurality of programs include a cash machine currency processing program (see FIG. 23), a cash machine card processing program (see FIG. 19), a cash machine currency /
Five types of programs are included: a card processing program (see FIG. 24), a CR machine card processing program (see FIG. 20), and a CR machine card / money processing program (see FIG. 25). The program stored in the ROM 63 uses the RAM 62 as a work area for the CPU 61.
Run on. The storage unit is not limited to the ROM 63,
It may be another storage device (for example, a hard disk).

Here, in the money handling program for a cash machine, the bill identifying unit 20 is connected to the upper connector 11a,
When the ball payout unit 40 is connected to the middle connector 13a, in the ball payout unit 40, the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the monetary amount specified from the information output from the bill identification unit 20. This is a program for performing the above-mentioned payout processing.

Further, the cash machine card processing program is used when the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a and the ball payout unit 40 is connected to the middle connector 13a. The payout process is performed for the number of game media corresponding to the predetermined value of the game valuable value within the range of the value of the game valuable value (prepaid frequency) specified from the information output from the R / W unit 30. It is a program for.

In the currency / card processing program for a cash machine, the bill identifying unit 20 is connected to the upper connector 11a and the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a.
Is connected, and the ball payout unit 40 is connected to the middle connector 13a.
When is connected, in the ball payout unit 40, while performing the payout process of the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the monetary amount specified from the information output from the bill identification unit 20, In the ball payout unit 40, a game corresponding to a predetermined value of game value within a range of value of game value (prepaid frequency) specified from information output from the card R / W unit 30. It is a program for performing the above-mentioned payout processing of the number of media.

Further, the CR machine card processing program is executed by the CR communication unit 50 when the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a and the CR communication unit 50 is connected to the middle connector 13a.
The payout request signal for the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined value of the game valuable value within the range of the value of the game valuable value (prepaid frequency) specified from the information output from the card R / W unit 30. This is a program for output processing.

Further, in the card / money processing program for CR machine, the bill recognition unit 20 is connected to the upper connector 11a, and the card R / W unit 3 is connected to the lower connector 15a.
If 0 is connected and the CR communication unit 50 is connected to the middle connector 13a, the CR communication unit 50
In, the payout of the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined value of the game valuable value within the range of the value (prepaid frequency) of the game valuable value specified from the information output from the card R / W unit 30. In addition to performing the request signal output process, the control board 60 ′ displays the value of a value corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the monetary amount specified from the information output from the bill identifying unit 20,
It is a program for performing a value addition process for adding to the value (prepaid frequency) of the game valuable value specified from the information output from the card R / W unit 30.

A program for executing the program selection process is also stored in the ROM 63 (FIG. 22).
See). The control board 60 ′ operates based on this program, so that the ROM 6 serves as an operation program.
It functions as a selection means for selecting any one of a plurality of programs stored in No. 3, specifically, by sending and receiving the connection confirmation signal and the connection response signal shown in FIG. Whether the identification unit 20 is connected, whether the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a, and which of the ball payout unit 40 or the CR communication unit 50 is connected to the middle connector 13a Recognize
The corresponding operation program is selected based on the recognition.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, the connection confirmation signal 1 is transmitted from the control board 60 ′ to the bill identifying unit 20, and the control board 60 ′ is connected from the bill identifying unit 20. By receiving the response signal 1, it is automatically recognized that the bill identifying unit 20 is connected to the upper connector 11a. Connection response signal 1
Is not received, it is recognized that the bill identifying unit 20 is not connected to the upper connector 11a.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10B, a connection confirmation signal 2 is transmitted from the control board 60 ′ to the card R / W unit 30, and the control board 60 ′ is connected from the card R / W unit 30. By receiving the response signal 2,
It is automatically recognized that the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a. Connection response signal 2
Is not received, it is recognized that the card R / W unit 30 is not connected to the lower connector 15a.

As shown in FIG. 10C, the connection confirmation signal 3 is sent from the control board 60 'to the ball payout unit 40.
Is transmitted and the control board 60 ′ receives the connection response signal 3 from the ball payout unit 40, the middle connector 1
It is automatically recognized that the ball payout unit 40 is connected to 3a. If the connection response signal 3 is not received, it is recognized that the ball payout unit 40 is not connected to the middle connector 13a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, the connection confirmation signal 4 is transmitted from the control board 60 'to the CR communication unit 50, and the control board 60' is transferred to the CR communication unit 5.
By receiving the connection response signal 4 from 0, it is automatically recognized that the CR communication unit 50 is connected to the middle connector 13a. When the connection response signal 4 is not received, the CR communication unit 5 is connected to the middle connector 13a.
It is recognized that 0 is not connected.

The cash machine 70 and the CR machine 80 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The management device 90 is also the same as that described in the first embodiment. However, the communication unit 91 of the management device 90 is communicatively connected to the communication unit 10a of the stand machine 10 via a communication line,
It controls communication between the inter-machine 10 and the management device 90. Further, the hard disk 93 of the management device 90 stores a program for executing management device main processing shown in FIG. 27, which will be described later.

In the inter-unit machine DB 93a of the management apparatus 90, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the combination pattern, sales information, Deposit information is managed. Specifically, regarding sales information, sales of the cash machine 70 in currency,
Information on the sales of the cash machine 70 by the prepaid card 3 and the sales of the CR machine 80 by the prepaid card 3 is registered and managed for each machine ID. Regarding deposit information, the deposit amount, which is the monetary amount provided for additional deposit, is
It is registered and managed for each machine ID. Therefore, the inter-machine 10 corresponding to the cash machine 70 based on the connection status of each unit (that is, the combination pattern) in each inter-machine 10.
It is possible to manage whether it is A, 10B or the inter-machines 10C, 10D, 10E corresponding to the CR machine 80, and also sales corresponding to the cash machine 70, sales corresponding to the CR machine 80, and Since the amount of money used for the value addition process can be managed separately, it is possible to recognize at a glance sales information and the like corresponding to a certain stand machine 10.

Further, in the card DB 93b of the management device 90, as shown in FIG. 11B, the prepaid frequency is registered and managed in association with the card ID of the prepaid card 3. Specifically, regarding the prepaid frequency, "frequency" indicating the currently remaining prepaid frequency, "issue frequency" indicating the prepaid frequency corresponding to the amount of money paid for the prepaid deposit, and the prepaid frequency used for ball lending Each information of "use frequency" and "payment frequency" representing the prepaid frequency corresponding to the amount of money provided for additional payment,
It is registered and managed for each card ID. Therefore, the frequency information corresponding to a certain prepaid card 3 can be recognized at a glance.

The machine-mounted machine 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, or 10E) according to the second embodiment described above.
Then, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, the upper connector 11
a whether the banknote identification unit 20 is connected, whether the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a, and which of the ball payout unit 40 or the CR communication unit 50 is connected to the middle connector 13a. That is, that is, the combination of each unit connected to each slot is automatically recognized, and the operation program executed in the control board 60 ′ is selected.

That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the upper connector 1
The banknote recognition unit 20 is connected to 1a, the upper slot 11 is closed by the upper panel 12a, and the middle connector 13
The ball payout unit 40 is connected to a and the middle slot 13
Is blocked by the middle panel 14a, the card R / W unit 30 is not connected to the lower connector 15a, and the lower slot 15 is blocked by the blind lower panel 16b. The control board 60 ′ of the control board 60 ′ is automatically recognizable by the control board 60 ′ that is a selection means in this case because the connection between the bill identification unit 20 and the ball payout unit 40 is automatically recognized. As the operation program, the money handling program for cash machines, which is the first program, is selected (see FIG. 1).
2).

In this inter-mountain machine 10A, the money processing for the cash machine shown in FIG. 23, which will be described later, is executed based on the money processing program for the cash machine, and the pachinko from the ball payout unit 40 corresponding to the cash machine 70 is executed. We can provide balls. Regarding the lower connector 15a to which the bill identifying unit 20 is not connected, the connector cover 4 is connected to prevent a failure due to adhesion of dust or the like, and the pin corresponding to the connection confirmation signal 2 is grounded (grounded). By fixing the level to the LOW level, the influence of external noise is reduced, and thus the malfunction of the control board 60 'is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 14, the upper connector 1
The banknote identification unit 20 is not connected to 1a, and the upper slot 11 is closed by the blind upper panel 12b,
A pattern in which the ball payout unit 40 is connected to the middle connector 13a and the middle slot 13 is closed by the middle panel 14b, and the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a and the lower slot 15 is closed by the lower panel 16a. The inter-mounting machine 10B, which is B, is also compatible with the cash machine 70. In this case, the connection of the card R / W unit 30 and the ball payout unit 40 is automatically made in the control board 60 ′ which is the selecting means. Is recognized, the cash machine card processing program, which is the second program, is selected as the operation program of the control board 60 ′ (see FIG. 12).

In the inter-mounting machine 10B, the cash machine card processing shown in FIG. 19 to be described later is executed on the basis of the cash machine card processing program, and the ball payout unit 40 corresponds to the pachinko machine corresponding to the cash machine 70. We can provide balls. Regarding the upper connector 11a to which the card R / W unit 30 is not connected, a connector cover 4 is connected to prevent a failure due to adhesion of dust or the like, and a pin corresponding to the connection confirmation signal 1 is grounded (earth).
Then, by fixing the signal level to the LOW level,
The influence of external noise is reduced, and therefore the control board 6
The malfunction of 0'is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 15, the upper connector 1
The banknote recognition unit 20 is connected to 1a, the upper slot 11 is closed by the upper panel 12a, and the middle connector 13
The ball payout unit 40 is connected to a and the middle slot 13
Is closed by the middle panel 14b, the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a, and the lower slot 1
The inter-machine 10C, which is the pattern C of which 5 is closed by the lower panel 16a, is also compatible with the cash machine 70. In this case, the bill discriminating unit 20, in the control board 60 ′ which is the selecting means. Card R / W unit 3
By automatically recognizing 0 and the connection of the ball payout unit 40, the cash machine currency / card processing program which is the third program is selected as the operation program of the control board 60 ′ (see FIG. 12). ).

In this inter-mounting machine 10C, the cash / card processing for cash machine shown in FIG. 24, which will be described later, is executed based on the cash / card processing program for cash machine, and the ball payout is made in correspondence with the cash machine 70. Pachinko balls can be provided from the unit 40.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, the bill discriminating unit 20 is not connected to the upper connector 11a, the upper slot 11 is closed by the upper panel 12b for blindfolding, and the ball payout unit 40 is connected to the middle connector 13a. Then, the middle slot 13 is closed by the middle panel 14c,
The inter-machine 10D, which is the pattern D in which the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a and the lower slot 15 is closed by the lower panel 16a, is compatible with the CR machine 80. Automatically recognizes the connection of the card R / W unit 30 and the CR communication unit 50 in the control board 60 ′ which is the selection means, and thus the CR machine which is the fourth program as the operation program of the control board 60 ′. Card processing program is selected (see FIG. 12).

In this inter-mounting machine 10D, the CR machine card processing shown in FIG. 20, which will be described later, is executed on the basis of the CR machine card processing program to provide the pachinko balls corresponding to the CR machine 80. It is possible to output the payout request signal from the CR communication unit 50 and provide the pachinko balls from the inside of the CR machine 80 which has received the payout request signal. Regarding the upper connector 11a to which the card R / W unit 30 is not connected, the connector cover 4 is connected to prevent failure due to adhesion of dust and the like, and the pin corresponding to the connection confirmation signal 1 is grounded. By fixing the signal level to the LOW level, the influence of external noise is reduced, and thus the malfunction of the control board 60 'is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 17, the upper connector 1
The banknote recognition unit 20 is connected to 1a, the upper slot 11 is closed by the upper panel 12a, and the middle connector 13
The ball payout unit 40 is connected to a and the middle slot 13
Is closed by the middle panel 14c, the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a, and the lower slot 1
The inter-mounting machine 10E, which is the pattern E of which 5 is closed by the lower panel 16a, is also compatible with the CR machine 80. In this case, the bill discriminating unit 20, in the control board 60 ′ which is the selecting means, Card R / W unit 3
By automatically recognizing 0 and the connection of the CR communication unit 50, the CR machine card / money handling program, which is the fifth program, is selected as the operation program of the control board 60 ′ (see FIG. 12). ).

In the inter-mounting machine 10E, the CR machine card / money processing shown in FIG. 25, which will be described later, is executed based on the CR machine card processing program.
It is possible to output a payout request signal for providing a pachinko ball corresponding to the above from the CR communication unit 50 and provide the pachinko ball from the inside of the CR machine 80 which has received the payout request signal. Further, an additional deposit process shown in FIG. 26, which will be described later, is executed, and the value of the game corresponding to the amount of money is identified from the record information (card ID) of the game recording medium (prepaid card 3). Can be added to the size of (prepaid frequency).

In the machine-to-machine machine 10 described above, when the connection status of each unit in each slot is changed from one combination pattern to another combination pattern in order to accommodate different types of gaming machines, the power is turned off.
In this state, by extracting the existing unit together with the panel and connecting the new unit, a new combination pattern is recognized in the control board 60 ′ which is the selection means, and the corresponding operation program is selected based on the recognition. It Therefore, according to this stand-alone machine 10, it is possible to easily cope with different types of gaming machines. In addition, since the housing of the stand-mounted machine 10, the bill validating unit 20, the card R / W unit 30, and the control board 60 ′ are common, the parts can be shared to reduce the manufacturing cost of the stand-mounted machine 10.

[2. Action of the Present Invention] Next, the action of the present invention will be described. In the following, the prepaid frequency is simply referred to as “frequency”.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the program selection processing in the inter-machine 5X or 5Y according to the first embodiment.

In the machine-to-machine 5X or 5Y according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the program selection process is performed by steps Sa (hereinafter simply referred to as "Sa") 1-6. Specifically, the selection switch 60 is selected by Sa1.
The switching status of b, that is, whether the selection switch 60b is switched to the ball payout unit 40 side or the CR communication unit 50 side is recognized, and the process proceeds to Sa2.

At Sa2, it is determined whether or not the ball payout unit 40 is connected to the connector 6a. This Sa2
When it is determined that the ball payout unit 40 is connected (YES), that is, the selection switch 60b is switched to the ball payout unit 40 side, the cash machine card processing shown in FIG. Is executed and the process proceeds to Sa6. On the other hand, when it is determined in Sa2 that the ball payout unit 40 is not connected (NO), the process proceeds to Sa3.

At Sa3, it is determined whether or not the CR communication unit 50 is connected to the connector 6a. This Sa
The CR communication unit 50 is connected at 3 (YE
S), that is, the selection switch 60b is the CR communication unit 50.
If it is determined that the switch is switched to the side, Sa5
The CR machine card processing shown in FIG. 20, which will be described later, is executed, and the process proceeds to Sa6. On the other hand, the CR communication unit 5 with Sa3
If it is determined that 0 is not connected (NO),
Return to Sa1.

At Sa6, the selection information (inter-machine ID, connected unit) is output and transmitted to the management device 90, and the process ends. That is, the inter-mounting machine 5 according to the first embodiment
In X or 5Y, the unit connected to the connector 6a is selected by the selection switch 6 by Sa1 to Sa6.
It is recognized according to the switching status of 0b, and the operation program is selected based on the recognition.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the cash machine card processing in the bench machine 5X according to the first embodiment.

In the inter-machine 5X operating based on the cash machine card processing including the game medium payout program, as shown in FIG. 19, steps Sb (hereinafter simply referred to as "Sb") 1 to 19 make cash. Machine card processing is performed. Specifically, when the prepaid card 3 is waited for in Sb1 and it is determined that the prepaid card 3 is inserted from the card insertion slot 31, the card ID recorded in the prepaid card 3 is the card ID in Sb2. The card ID read by the R / W unit 30 and read in Sb3 is transmitted to the management device 90, and the process proceeds to Sb4.

At Sb4, it is determined whether or not a collation match is received from the management device 90. If it is determined in Sb4 that the collation match is not received (NO), that is, if the collation mismatch is received, the prepaid card 3 is returned from the card insertion slot 31 in Sb19, and the process proceeds to RETURN. On the other hand, if it is determined in Sb4 that the verification match is received (YES), that is, if the frequency of the corresponding card is received, S
The frequency received in b5 is stored in the RAM of the control board 60, displayed on the frequency display 32 provided on the detachable panel 7a, and the process proceeds to Sb6.

At Sb6, it is determined whether or not there is a ball lending operation. If it is determined in Sb6 that there is no ball lending operation (NO), it is determined in Sb17 whether there is a return operation, and if it is determined that there is no return operation (NO), S
Returning to b6, there is a return operation (YES), that is, when it is determined that the return button 34 provided on the attachment / detachment panel 7a is operated, the prepaid card 3 is returned from the card insertion slot 31 in Sb19 and returned to RETURN. move on. On the other hand, if it is determined in Sb6 that there is a ball lending operation (YES), that is, if it is determined that the ball lending button 33 provided on the detachable panel 7a has been operated, the process proceeds to Sb7.

At Sb7, it is determined whether or not the frequency stored in the RAM of the control board 60 is equal to or higher than the ball lending unit frequency (for example, 5 frequencies). If it is determined in Sb7 that the frequency is less than or equal to the ball lending unit frequency (NO), that is, the frequency is insufficient, the frequency (for example, 3 times) is set as the ball lending frequency in Sb18, and Sb9. Proceed to. on the other hand,
If the frequency is equal to or higher than the ball lending unit frequency in Sb7 (YES), that is, if it is determined that the frequency is sufficient, the ball lending unit frequency is set in Sb8, and the process proceeds to Sb9.

In Sb9, a ball payout process for one time is performed. Specifically, a payout signal is output from the control board 60 to the ball payout unit 40, and a pachinko ball for one time (here, 25 balls). ) Is paid out from the ball payout unit 40, and the process proceeds to Sb10. The pachinko balls paid out from the ball payout unit 40 are transferred to the cash machine 70 through the nozzle 41.
Is supplied to the upper plate 72. That is, in the inter-mounting machine 5X according to the first embodiment, the Sb 9 can provide the pachinko balls from the ball payout unit 40 corresponding to the cash machine 70. In Sb10, one frequency is subtracted and updated from the frequency stored in the RAM of the control board 60, the updated frequency is displayed on the frequency display 32 in Sb11, and the process proceeds to Sb12.

In the ball lending operation of Sb9 to Sb11, 1
Every time the number of pachinko balls for the frequency (here, 25 pieces) is paid out from the ball payout unit 40, one frequency is subtracted and updated from the frequency stored in the RAM of the control board 60, and the updated frequency is the frequency display 32. However, not limited to this, the pachinko balls for the set frequency are collectively paid out from the ball payout unit 40, and then set from the frequency stored in the RAM of the control board 60. The frequencies may be collectively subtracted and updated, and the updated frequencies may be displayed on the frequency display 32.

At Sb12, it is determined whether or not the ball lending operation of Sb9 to Sb11 has reached the set frequency.
If it is determined in Sb12 that the number of ball lending operations has not reached the set frequency (NO), the process returns to Sb9 and the ball lending operation is performed until the set frequency is reached. On the other hand, if it is determined in Sb12 that the number of ball lending operations has reached the set frequency (YES), the ball lending information (mounting machine ID, card ID, ball lending frequency) is managed by the management device 90 in Sb13.
To Sb14.

In Sb14, the reception of the completion notice indicating that the sales information and the frequency information transmitted from the management apparatus 90 are completed is waited for. If it is determined that the completion notice is received, the process proceeds to Sb15. RA of the control board 60 in Sb15
It is determined whether the frequency stored in M (that is, the remaining frequency) is zero. In Sb15, the residual frequency is not zero (N
If it is determined to be O), the process returns to Sb6. On the other hand, Sb
If it is determined in step 15 that the residual count is zero (YES), in Sb16, the prepaid card 3 is conveyed from the card R / W unit 30 to the outside through the card insertion hole (not shown) to convey the recording medium. It is ejected toward the device (not shown) and is collected in the recording medium storage unit (not shown).
Proceed to RN.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the CR machine card processing in the machine-to-machine 5Y according to the first embodiment. In addition, in the CR machine card processing, Sb9 ′ to Sb9 ″ are used instead of Sb9 in the cash machine card processing.
Therefore, the same parts as those described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

In the inter-mountain machine 5Y which operates based on the CR machine card processing program including the communication program,
As shown in FIG. 20, the CR machine card processing is performed.
Specifically, the same processing as the cash machine card processing is performed by Sb1 to Sb8, and the process proceeds to Sb9 ′.

In Sb9 ', a payout request signal is transmitted to the CR machine 80. Specifically, the payout request signal is output from the control board 60 to the CR communication unit 50, and the payout request signal is sent from the CR communication unit 50. It is transmitted to the ball payout control board 86 via the external connection terminal 80a, and proceeds to Sb9 ″. In the CR machine 80 which has received the payout request signal, only one pachinko ball (here, 25) is a ball payout device. It is paid out from 87 and is supplied to the upper plate 82 of the CR machine 80. At Sb9 ″, it waits for reception of a payout completion signal transmitted from the CR machine 80 indicating that the payout of the pachinko balls is completed, and the payout completion signal is sent. If it is determined that the reception has been received, the process proceeds to Sb10. That is, in the inter-mounting machine 5Y according to the first embodiment, the Sb9 ′ to Sb9 ″ are set to C
The payout request signal for providing the pachinko balls corresponding to the R machine 80 can be output from the CR communication unit 50, and the pachinko balls can be provided from the inside of the CR machine 80 which has received the payout request signal. After that, the same processing as the cash machine card processing is performed by Sb10 to Sb16,
Proceed to RETURN.

FIG. 21 shows a management device 90 according to the first embodiment.
4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the management apparatus main processing in FIG.

In the management device 90 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, step Sc (hereinafter simply referred to as “S
c ". 1) to 10), the main processing of the management device for recording / managing information in the machine DB 93a and the card DB 93b is performed. Specifically, first in Sc1, it is determined whether or not selection information (inter-machine ID, connected unit) is received from the inter-machine 5X or 5Y.
When it is determined that the selection information has been received in this Sc1 (YES), the connection status of the unit of the relevant intervening machine 5 registered in the intervening machine DB 93a is updated in Sc4, and the process proceeds to RETURN. On the other hand, if it is determined in Sc1 that the selection information has not been received (NO), S
Proceed to c2.

At Sc2, it is determined whether or not the card ID is received from the inter-machine unit 5X or 5Y. When it is determined that the card ID is received in this Sc2 (YES), the card I is added to the registration information of the card DB 93b in Sc5.
D is checked and the process proceeds to Sc6. In Sc6, it is determined whether the card IDs match, and if the matchings match (YES), the card I is checked in Sc7.
The frequency of the prepaid card 3 corresponding to D is transmitted to the inter-machine, the process proceeds to RETURN, and the collation does not match (N
If it is determined to be O), the collation mismatch is transmitted to the inter-machine in Sc8 and the process proceeds to RETURN. On the other hand, Sc2
When it is determined that the card ID has not been received (NO), the process proceeds to Sc3.

At Sc3, it is determined whether or not the ball lending information (between-machine ID, card ID, ball lending frequency) is received from the machine-mounting machine 5X or 5Y. When it is determined that the ball lending information has been received in this Sc3 (YES), in Sc9 the inter-machine D
In B93a, the sales information of the corresponding stand machine 5 is updated, the information of the frequency of the corresponding prepaid card 3 in the card DB 93b is subtracted and updated by the number of ball lending, and the information of the usage frequency is only the number of ball lending. The addition is updated, and a completion notice indicating that the sales information and the frequency information have been updated is sent to the above-mentioned stand machine in Sc10, and the process proceeds to RETURN. On the other hand, if it is determined in Sc3 that the ball lending information has not been received (NO), the process proceeds to RETURN.

That is, in the management device 90 according to the first embodiment, the inter-machine data DB 93a corresponds to the cash machine 70 for each inter-machine machine 5 based on the connection status of each unit in each inter-machine machine 5. 5X machine or CR machine 80
It is managed whether or not it is the inter-machine 5Y corresponding to, and the sales corresponding to the cash machine 70 and the sales corresponding to the CR machine 80 are managed separately. Further, the card DB 93b manages frequency information of each prepaid card 3.

FIG. 22 is a table machine 10 according to the second embodiment.
It is a flow chart showing processing contents of program selection processing in A, 10B, 10C, 10D, or 10E.

[0158] The machine-mounted machines 10A, 10 according to the second embodiment
In B, 10C, 10D, or 10E, as shown in FIG. 22, the program selection process is performed by steps Sd (hereinafter simply referred to as “Sd”) 1 to 13. Specifically, the connection status of the unit in each connector is recognized in Sd1 (connection confirmation signals 1 to 4 in FIG. 10).
Connection response signals 1 to 4), the combination pattern of the units recognized in Sd2 is specified (see FIG. 12),
Proceed to Sd3.

In Sd3, the specified combination is the pattern A (that is, the bill discriminating unit 20 and the ball payout unit 40).
Combination). This Sd3
If it is determined to be pattern A in (YES),
In Sd8, cash machine currency processing shown in FIG. 23, which will be described later, is executed, and the process proceeds to Sd13. On the other hand, if it is determined in Sd3 that the pattern is not pattern A (NO), the process proceeds to Sd4.

Similarly, in Sd4, it is determined whether or not the specified combination is the pattern B (that is, the combination of the card R / W unit 30 and the ball payout unit 40), and if YES is determined, In FIG. 19 in Sd9
The cash machine card process shown in is executed and the process proceeds to Sd13, and if NO is determined, the process proceeds to Sd5. Also Sd
In 5, it is determined whether or not the specified combination is the pattern C (that is, the combination of the banknote identification unit 20, the card R / W unit 30, and the ball payout unit 40), and Y
If it is determined to be ES, Sd10 will be described later with reference to FIG.
The cash / card processing shown in Sd13 is executed.
If NO is determined, the process proceeds to Sd6.

In Sd6, it is judged whether the specified combination is the pattern D (that is, the combination of the card R / W unit 30 and the CR communication unit 50), and Y
If it is determined to be ES, the card processing program for CR machine shown in FIG.
If NO is determined, the process proceeds to Sd7. Further, in Sd7, the specified combination is the pattern E (that is, the banknote identification unit 20, the card R / W unit 30 and the C
R communication unit 50 combination), and if YES, the CR machine card / money processing program shown in FIG. 25, which will be described later, is executed in Sd12, the process proceeds to Sd13, and NO. If it is determined that the value is Sd1, the process returns to Sd1.

In Sd13, the combination information (unit machine I
(D, combination pattern) is output and transmitted to the management device 90, and the process ends. That is, in the machine-to-machine 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, or 10E according to the second embodiment, the upper connector 1 is provided by Sd1 to Sd13.
Whether the bill recognition unit 20 is connected to 1a,
The control board 60 'automatically recognizes whether or not the card R / W unit 30 is connected to the lower connector 15a and whether the ball payout unit 40 or the CR communication unit 50 is connected to the middle connector 13a. The operation program is selected based on the recognition.

FIG. 23 is a table machine 10A according to the second embodiment.
3 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the cash machine currency processing in FIG.

In the inter-floor machine 10A which operates based on the money handling program for a cash machine, as shown in FIG.
The money processing for a cash machine is performed by steps Se (hereinafter, simply referred to as “Se”) 1 to 7. Specifically, Se1
When waiting for receipt of currency (here, 1,000-yen banknote), it is determined that the banknote 2 is inserted from the banknote insertion slot 21,
The banknote 2 accepted in Se2 is identified by the banknote identification unit 20, and the process proceeds to Se3.

At Se3, it is judged whether or not the identification result of the bill 2 is normal. When it is determined in Se3 that the identification result of the banknote 2 is not normal (NO), that is, when the banknote 2 cannot be identified, the banknote 2 is returned from the banknote insertion slot 21 in Se7, and the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the identification result of the banknote 2 is normal (YES) in Se3, that is, the banknote 2 can be identified, the banknote 2 is transferred from the banknote identification unit 20 to the outside through the banknote insertion hole 11b. The coins are discharged toward the provided currency transport device (not shown), collected in the currency storage unit (not shown), and proceed to Se4.

At Se4, a payout signal is output from the control board 60 'to the ball payout unit 40, a predetermined number of pachinko balls corresponding to the identified monetary amount are paid out from the ball payout unit 40, and the process proceeds to Se5. . The pachinko balls paid out from the ball payout unit 40 are supplied to the upper plate 72 of the cash machine 70 via the nozzle 41. In Se5, the ball lending information (mounting machine ID, ball lending amount) is transmitted to the management device 90, and the process proceeds to Se6. At Se6, the reception of the completion notification indicating the completion of the update of the sales information transmitted from the management device 90 is waited, and when it is determined that the completion notification is received, RE
Proceed to TURN.

In the inter-floor machine 10B according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, cash machine card processing is performed based on the cash machine card processing program. Here, a control board 60 'corresponds to the control board 60.

FIG. 24 is a table machine 10C according to the second embodiment.
5 is a flowchart showing the processing content of cash / card processing for cash machine in FIG. The cash / card processing for cash machines is the same as the cash / card processing shown in FIG.
Since steps Sf (hereinafter simply referred to as “Sf”) 1 to 5 are added to the cash machine currency processing shown in FIG.
The same parts as those described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 24, in the inter-floor machine 10C that operates based on the cash machine currency / card processing program, as shown in FIG. 24, the acceptance of the prepaid card 3 is awaited in Sb1. If it is determined in Sb1 that the prepaid card 3 is inserted from the card insertion slot 31, Sb2 to Sb2
The same processing as the cash machine card processing is performed by Sb12 and Sb17 to Sb19, and Sb12 to Sf are executed.
Go to 1. On the other hand, if it is determined in Sb1 that the prepaid card 3 is not inserted from the card insertion slot 31, Sf
1 waits for the receipt of currency (here, 1,000 yen banknote). When it is determined in Sf1 that the banknote 2 is inserted from the banknote insertion slot 21, the same processing as the cash machine currency processing is performed by the Se2 to Se4 and Se7, and Se is executed.
It progresses from 4 to Sf1.

In Sf1, ball lending information (inter-machine ID, card ID, ball lending rate or ball lending amount) is transmitted to the management device 90, and the process proceeds to Sf2. In Sf2, the reception of the completion notification indicating that the sales information and the frequency information transmitted from the management device 90 are completed is waited for. If it is determined that the completion notification is received, the process proceeds to Sf3. At Sf3, it is determined whether or not the card R / W unit 30 has the prepaid card 3.
If it is determined in Sf3 that there is no prepaid card 3 (NO), the process proceeds to RETURN. On the other hand, if it is determined in Sf3 that the prepaid card 3 is present (YES), the process proceeds to Sf4.

At Sf4, it is judged whether or not the frequency (that is, the remaining frequency) stored in the RAM 62 of the control board 60 'is zero. When it is determined in Sf4 that the remaining frequency is not zero (NO), the process returns to Sb6. On the other hand, if it is determined in Sf4 that the residual frequency is zero (YES), Sf
At 5, the prepaid card 3 is ejected from the card R / W unit 30 toward the recording medium conveying device (not shown) provided outside through the card insertion hole (not shown), and the game recording medium storage portion (shown) Outside), RETURN
Proceed to.

In the inter-mounting machine 10D according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the CR machine card processing is performed based on the CR machine card processing program. Here, a control board 60 'corresponds to the control board 60.

FIG. 25 is a table machine 10E according to the second embodiment.
6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the CR machine card / money processing in FIG. The CR machine card / money processing is the same as the above description because steps Sg (hereinafter simply referred to as “Sg”) 1-2 are added to the CR machine card processing shown in FIG. The same reference numerals are given to the parts, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

In the inter-floor machine 10E operating based on the CR machine card / money processing program, as shown in FIG. 25, the same Sb1 to Sb19 as in the CR machine card processing shown in FIG. Processing takes place,
The difference is that the process of Sg1 is performed between Sb6 and Sb17.

At Sg1, it is judged whether or not the bill 2 is inserted from the bill insertion slot 21. When it is determined in Sg1 that the banknote 2 is not inserted (NO), the Sb17
Proceed to. On the other hand, the bill 2 is inserted in Sg1 (YES).
When it is determined that the additional deposit process shown in FIG. 26 is performed in Sg2, the process returns to Sb6.

FIG. 26 is a table machine 10E according to the second embodiment.
5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of an additional deposit processing which is a subroutine in FIG.

In the inter-mounting machine 10E, as shown in FIG. 26, steps Sh (hereinafter simply referred to as "Sh") 1 to.
By means of 17, an additional payment process which is a subroutine is carried out. Specifically, when money (here, 1,000-yen bill) is inserted from the bill insertion slot 21 as described above, the bill 2 accepted in Sh1 is identified by the bill identifying unit 20, and S
Go to h2.

At Sh2, it is judged whether or not the identification result of the bill 2 is normal. When it is determined that the identification result of the banknote 2 is not normal in this Sh2 (NO), that is, the banknote 2 cannot be identified, the banknote 2 is returned from the banknote insertion slot 21 in Sh7, and the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the identification result of the banknote 2 is normal in Sh2 (YES), that is, when the banknote 2 can be identified, the banknote 2 is transferred from the banknote identification unit 20 to the outside through the banknote insertion hole 11b. The coins are discharged toward the provided currency transport device (not shown), collected in the money storage unit (not shown), and proceed to Sh3.

At Sh3, the frequency corresponding to the monetary amount (here, 10 frequencies) is added and updated to the frequency stored in the RAM 62 of the control board 60 ', and at Sh4, the deposit information (between machine ID, card ID, deposit). The frequency) is transmitted to the management device 90, and the process proceeds to Sh5. In Sh5, the reception of a completion notification indicating that the update of the deposit information and the frequency information transmitted from the management device 90 is completed is waited, and when it is determined that the completion notification is received, the process proceeds to Sh6. In Sh6, the updated frequency is C
It is displayed on the frequency display 32 provided on the front surface of the R machine 80, and the process ends.

That is, in the inter-unit machine 10E, this Sh1
Through steps 7 to 7, an additional deposit process, which is a value addition process for adding the value of the valuable value corresponding to a predetermined amount (here, the identification amount itself) within the identified monetary amount to the prepaid frequency, is performed.

FIG. 27 shows the management device 9 in the second embodiment.
9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the management apparatus main processing in 0.

In the management device 90 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, step Si (hereinafter simply referred to as "S
i ". 1) to 12), the management device main processing for recording and managing information in the inter-machine machine DB 93a and the card DB 93b is performed. Specifically, first, in Si1, combination information (inter-machine ID, combination pattern) from the inter-machines 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, or 10E.
It is determined whether or not has been received. When it is determined that the combination information is received in Si1 (YES), the combination pattern is updated for the relevant inter-vehicle machine 10 registered in the inter-vehicle machine DB 93a in Si4 (see FIG. 6A). ), Proceed to RETURN. On the other hand, when it is determined that the combination information is not received in Si1 (NO), the process proceeds to Si2.

For Si2, the machine-to-machine machines 10B, 10C, 10
It is determined whether the card ID is received from D or 10E. There is reception of the card ID with this Si2 (YE
If it is determined to be S), the card DB 93b is Si5.
The card ID is collated with the registration information of, and the process proceeds to Si6.
In Si6, it is determined whether or not the matching of the card IDs matches, and if the matching is determined (YES), the frequency of the prepaid card 3 corresponding to the card ID in Si7 is between the units. Sent to the machine, proceed to RETURN, and if it is judged that the collation does not match (NO),
In Si8, the verification inconsistency is sent to the machine and RETU
Proceed to RN. On the other hand, when it is determined that the card ID is not received in Si2 (NO), the process proceeds to Si3.

For Si3, the machine-to-machine machines 10A, 10B, 10
From C, 10D, or 10E, it is determined whether or not the ball lending information (inter-machine ID, card ID, ball lending amount or ball lending frequency) is received. There is reception of ball lending information with this Si3 (Y
If ES) is determined, it is Si9 and DB93
When the sales information of the corresponding stand machine 10 in a is updated (see FIG. 6A) and the ball lending information includes the card ID and the ball lending frequency, the card DB 93b
In, the frequency information of the corresponding prepaid card 3 is subtracted and updated by the ball lending number, and the usage frequency information is added and updated by the ball lending number (see FIG. 6B).
At 10, a completion notice indicating that the sales information and the frequency information have been updated is transmitted to the inter-machine, and the process proceeds to RETURN. On the other hand, if it is determined in Si3 that the ball lending information has not been received (NO), the process proceeds to Si11.

At Si11, it is determined whether or not the deposit information (inter-unit ID, card ID, deposit frequency) is received from the inter-unit 10E. When it is determined that the deposit information is received in this Si11 (YES), the deposit information of the relevant intermount machine 10E is updated in the intermachine machine DB 93a in Si12 (see FIG. 6A). , Card DB9
In 3b, the frequency information of the corresponding prepaid card 3 is added and updated by the amount of the deposit frequency, and the information of the deposit frequency is additionally updated (see FIG. 6 (b)), and the deposit information and the frequency information are updated in Si13. A completion notice indicating completion is transmitted to the inter-machine 10E, and the process proceeds to RETURN. On the other hand, Si
Even when it is determined that the deposit information is not received (NO) in 4, the process proceeds to RETURN.

That is, in the management device 90 according to the second embodiment, by using the inter-unit machine DB 93a, for each inter-unit machine 10,
The inter-machines 10A, 10B corresponding to the cash machine 70 or the inter-machines 10C, 10D, 10E corresponding to the CR machine 80 based on the connection status (that is, combination pattern) of each unit in each inter-machine 10. The sales corresponding to the cash machine 70, the sales corresponding to the CR machine 80, and the amount of money used for the value addition process are managed separately. Further, the card DB 93b manages frequency information of each prepaid card 3.

[3. Modified Example of the Present Invention] Finally, a modified example of the present invention will be described.

In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is a normal pachinko machine (cash machine 70) in which pachinko balls are paid out to the outside.
Or, a CR machine 80) has been described, but not limited to this, the gaming machine may be, for example, a slot machine or a pachi-lot machine in which medals and pachinko balls are paid out to the outside, and the type and form thereof are not particularly limited. Not done.

In the above embodiment, the gaming machine (bench machine 5 or 10) is a gaming machine (cash machine 70 or CR machine 80).
Although the example of being provided on the side portion of the gaming machine has been described corresponding to the above, the invention is not limited to this, and the gaming device may be provided on, for example, an upper portion or a lower portion of the gaming machine. That is, the positional relationship between the gaming machine and the gaming device is not particularly limited.

In the above embodiment, an example in which one gaming machine (cash machine 70 or CR machine 80) is provided with one gaming machine (between machines 5 or 10) has been described.
Not limited to this, for example, one gaming machine may be provided for two gaming machines. That is, the correspondence relationship between the game machine and the game device is not particularly limited.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the game recording medium (prepaid card 3) is a card-shaped recording medium equipped with a non-contact type integrated circuit has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. The medium may be a recording medium equipped with a contact type integrated circuit. Further, the recording area of the game recording medium is not limited to the EEPROM of the integrated circuit, and the recording area for magnetic recording, characters, two-dimensional code (for example, bar code), three-dimensional code, optical interference (for example, hologram), etc. It may be a recording area for recording. Further, the game recording medium may be capable of printing the recorded contents of the recording area on the surface of the game recording medium. The material of the game recording medium is not limited to resin such as plastic, but may be metal or paper. Furthermore, the shape of the game recording medium is not limited to a rectangular shape, and for example, a square shape, a polygonal shape,
It may have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like, or a coin shape.

In the above embodiment, the game recording medium processing unit (card R / W unit 30) is a game recording medium (prepaid card 3) which is a card-shaped IC card equipped with a non-contact type integrated circuit. An example has been described in which a non-contact type IC reader / writer is provided corresponding to the above, and the recording information of the integrated circuit is read and the information is recorded in the integrated circuit. Any information can be read / recorded corresponding to the area. That is, if the recording area of the game recording medium is a contact type integrated circuit, the game recording medium processing unit may be one having a contact type IC reader / writer, and the recording area is magnetically recorded. In the case where the recording area is a character, a two-dimensional code, a three-dimensional code, or optical interference or the like, these are required. Any scanner may be used as long as it has a readable scanner.

In the above-described first embodiment, the value of the valuable value that can be used in the game on the gaming machine is the prepaid frequency, and the valuable value medium capable of specifying the value of the valuable value is the prepaid card 3. Although the example in which the valuable value medium processing unit that handles the valuable value medium is the card R / W unit 30 has been described, the valuable value medium processing unit is not limited to this, and the valuable value medium processing unit may be, for example, currency (banknote and /
Alternatively, it may be a currency handling unit that handles coins. Further, the valuable value medium processing unit stores the value of the saved valuable value (for example, the number of coins, the number of medals, etc.), which is obtained by saving the amount of the valuable value that the player has owned by the player playing the game. Information that can identify the ID (for example, card ID)
It is also possible to use a savings card R / W unit that handles a savings valuable value specifying recording medium (for example, a savings card or the like) in which is recorded. In addition, the valuable media processing unit is a credit card R / W unit that handles a credit card in which information that can specify the usage limit given to the player is recorded, and information that can specify the deposit amount owned by the player. It may be a debit card R / W unit that handles a debit card in which is recorded. That is, the size of the valuable value may be the value of the valuable value that can be used for the game in the gaming machine, and the valuable value medium may be the one that can specify the size of the valuable value. Need only handle the valuable media.

Further, the valuable medium processing unit is a unit which can be attached to and detached from the gaming apparatus (bench machine 5), and the unit (card R / W unit 30, currency processing unit, denomination card R / W unit, Credit card R /
One or a plurality of W units and debit card R / W units) may be used in combination. In this case, the gaming device (bench machine 5) is provided with a plurality of connecting portions to which the unit can be connected, and the storage unit (ROM of the control board 60) is connected to the unit connected to the connecting portion. A plurality of corresponding programs are stored, and one of the plurality of programs is selected as the operation program of the control board 60.

In the first embodiment described above, the connector for connecting the game medium payout unit (ball payout unit 40) and the connector for connecting the communication unit (CR communication unit 50) in the connection portion (connector 6a). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connector may be a separate connector as shown in FIG. 10 (c). On the contrary, in the second embodiment, in the third connection portion (middle connector 13a), as shown in FIG. 5C, a connector and a communication unit for connecting the game medium payout unit (ball payout unit 40). Although the example in which the connector for connecting the (CR communication unit 50) is separate has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connector may be common.

In the above-described second embodiment, in the gaming machine (bench machine 10), the first connecting portion (upper connector 11a), the third connecting portion (middle connector 13a), and the second connecting portion (in order from the top). Although the example in which each connecting portion of the lower connector 15a) is provided has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the vertical positional relationship of each connecting portion in the gaming device is arbitrary. For example, when the game machine is a slot machine that plays games using medals as a game medium, since the slot machine has a medal tray at the bottom, the gaming device for lending medals is a recording medium receiving unit. (Card R /
It is preferable that the second connection portion to which the W unit) can be connected is provided in the middle stage, and the third connection portion to which the game medium payout unit (medal payout unit) can be connected is provided in the lower stage.

In the second embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the currency identification unit (banknote identification unit 20) accepts banknotes as currency, but the invention is not limited to this, and currency may be coins. In this case, the gaming machine (bench machine 10) is configured to include a coin slot, a coin passage, a coin sorter, a coin return button, a coin return slot, and the like, and the identified coins are used as the gaming machine. It is configured to be transported by a currency transport mechanism provided outside the. Note that both bills and coins may be accepted as currency.

In the second embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the currency identification unit (banknote identification unit 20) accepts the insertion of a tangible banknote from the banknote insertion slot 21, but the invention is not limited to this, and the currency identification unit is not limited to this. It is also possible to accept intangible currency (for example, monetary amount data corresponding to monetary amount such as electronic money) by contact or non-contact.

In the above-described second embodiment, the first connecting portion (upper connector 11a) is provided on the side of the banknote insertion hole 11b (here, the left side when viewed from the front), as shown in FIG. 8D. However, the first connecting portion may be provided above or below the bill insertion hole 11b, for example. That is, the first connection portion may be connected to the currency identification unit at a position avoiding the currency outlet of the currency identification unit (banknote identification unit 20). The currency identification unit is not limited to ejecting the identified currency from the currency outlet to the outside, and may store the currency inside the gaming machine (bench machine 10).

In the above second embodiment, the value of the game valuable value is the value of the prepaid valuable value (prepaid frequency).
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the value of the game valuable value may be the prepaid amount itself provided for the prepaid deposit or the additional deposit, and the player can play the game to play the game. The value of the valuable value owned by the person may be the value of the saved valuable value (the number of balls or the number of medals) obtained by saving, or the amount corresponding to the value of the saved valuable value. That is, the magnitude of the valuable value for gaming may be the magnitude of the valuable value that can be used for the game.

In the above-described embodiment, the recording medium receiving unit (card R / W unit 30) has the card insertion port 31.
Although the example of accepting the insertion of the recording medium (prepaid card 3) from the above has been described, the invention is not limited to this, and the recording medium accepting unit accepts the recording medium placed at a predetermined site or is in a predetermined area. A recording medium may be received in a contactless manner.

In the above-described second embodiment, an example in which the second connecting portion (lower connector 15a) is provided so as to project to the side of the recording medium insertion hole (not shown), similarly to the upper connector 11a, will be described. However, not limited to this, the second connecting portion may be provided above or below the recording medium insertion hole, for example. That is, the second connecting portion may be connected to the recording medium receiving unit at a position avoiding the recording medium discharge port of the recording medium receiving unit (card R / W unit 30).

Note that the recording medium receiving unit is not limited to the one for discharging the game recording medium whose value of the game value has become zero from the recording medium discharge port, and the game recording medium for the game recording medium ( It may be stored inside the bench machine 5 or 10). Further, the timing of the discharge (collection) is not limited to immediately after the value of the game valuable value becomes zero. For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the value of the game valuable value became zero, or It may be a case where the next game recording medium (prepaid card 3) is accepted after being reserved inside the recording medium accepting unit when the value of the game valuable value becomes zero. That is, the timing of the discharge (collection) is not particularly limited as long as it is collected when the value of the game valuable value becomes zero.

In the above embodiment, the frequency display 32, the ball lending button 33, the return button 34, and the ball lending unit frequency display 3
5, and the ball lending unit frequency setting button 36, the detachable panel 7
a, 7b, middle panels 14b, 14c, CR machine 80
Although the example provided on the front surface of the device has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and a part or all of these devices receive an operation on a touch panel type display provided on, for example, a gaming device (bench machine 5 or 10). It may be displayed in a possible manner. In addition, these devices include a removable panel 7a,
7b and the middle panels 14b and 14c, the nozzle 4
It is not limited to the one arranged on the upper side of 1, and may be arranged on the lower side of the nozzle 41.

In the above-described second embodiment, all the monetary amounts (that is, the total amount) discriminated by the currency discriminating unit (banknote discriminating unit 20) in the inter-machine 10A or 10C.
The example in which the number of game media (pachinko balls) corresponding to is paid out has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined amount within the identified monetary amount may be paid out. In this case, an operation unit that can select a predetermined amount is provided, and a change dispensing device that stocks bills and coins inside is provided, and the change obtained by subtracting the predetermined amount from the identified monetary amount is inside. It is configured to be paid out by stocked banknotes and coins.

In the above-described second embodiment, in the inter-mounting machine 10E, the amount of valuable value corresponding to all (that is, the total amount) of the amount of money identified by the currency identifying unit (banknote identifying unit 20) is the prepaid frequency. Although the example in which the value is added to the prepaid frequency is not limited to this, the amount of valuable value corresponding to a predetermined amount within the identified monetary amount may be added to the prepaid frequency. In this case, an operation unit that can select a predetermined amount is provided, and a change dispensing device that stocks bills and coins inside is provided, and the change obtained by subtracting the predetermined amount from the identified monetary amount is inside. It is configured to be paid out by stocked banknotes and coins.

In the above-described second embodiment, in the inter-mounting machine 10E, the amount of valuable value corresponding to the amount of currency identified by the currency identifying unit (banknote identifying unit 20) immediately becomes the prepaid balance (that is, one value). Although an example in which the number of banknotes is automatically added) is described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a plurality of banknotes are inserted and a deposit button provided at a predetermined portion is operated, The value addition (additional payment) may be performed by adding up the amounts of the plurality of bills.

In the above embodiment, the processing for subtracting or adding the value of the game valuable value (prepaid frequency) is performed in the game device (machine 5 or 10) and the actual subtraction or addition is performed. The processing of No. is described as being performed by the management device 90, but the processing is not limited to this, and actual subtraction or addition processing may be performed by the gaming device.

In the above embodiment, only the card ID is recorded on the recording medium (prepaid card 3) as the information capable of specifying the value of the game valuable value (prepaid frequency), and the value of the game valuable value is managed. Card D of device 90
Although the example managed by B93b has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the prepaid frequency itself is recorded on a recording medium as information capable of specifying the value of the game valuable value, and the value of the game valuable value is recorded. Only the medium may be managed, or both the card ID and the prepaid frequency may be recorded in a recording medium, and the value of the game valuable value may be managed by both the management device 90 and the recording medium. .

In the above-described first embodiment, the example in which the unit connected to the connecting portion (connector 6a) is recognized by switching the selection switch 60b has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Like the control board 60
May be automatically recognized in. On the contrary, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, each connection portion (upper connector 11
a, the middle connector 13a, the lower connector 15a) has been described as an example in which the recognition of the unit is automatically performed in the control board 60 ', but not limited to this, the selection switch as in the first embodiment. It may be recognized by switching.

[0211]

The gaming machine according to the present invention has the following effects.

First of all, according to the gaming machine of the first aspect,
By exchanging the game medium payout unit and the communication unit connected to the connecting portion, it is possible to cope with different types of gaming machines without waste.

According to the gaming machine of claim 2,
A switch for manually setting the connection status of the unit is unnecessary, and work efficiency for recognizing the connection status is improved.

According to the gaming machine of claim 3,
An external device can manage whether it is a gaming device corresponding to a cash machine or a gaming device corresponding to a CR machine based on the connection status of units in each gaming device, and at the same time, a cash machine. Sales of gaming equipment and C
It is possible to distinguish and manage the sales of gaming devices corresponding to R machines.

According to the gaming machine of claim 4,
By combining the units connected to the respective connecting portions of the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion, it is possible to cope with different types of gaming machines without waste.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, it can be applied to a gaming machine corresponding to a cash machine and paying out a game medium from a game medium payout unit using a monetary amount.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, it can be applied to a gaming machine corresponding to a cash machine and paying out a game medium from a game medium payout unit by using the value of a game valuable value.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, it corresponds to a cash machine, and corresponds to a game device for paying out a game medium from a game medium payout unit using a monetary amount or a value of a game valuable value. it can.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, a payout request signal for paying out the game medium from the inside of the CR machine is used from the communication unit, which corresponds to the CR machine and uses the magnitude of the valuable value for game. It can be applied to the output game device.

Further, according to the invention of claim 9, a payout request signal for paying out the game medium from the inside of the CR machine is used from the communication unit, which corresponds to the CR machine and uses the value of the game valuable value. In addition to being compatible with output gaming devices,
It is possible to configure a gaming device that is highly expandable and can perform value addition processing.

According to the gaming machine of the tenth aspect, the coins can be collected smoothly without the first connecting portion interfering with the discharged coins.

According to the gaming machine of the eleventh aspect, the recording medium can be smoothly collected without the recording medium ejected by the second connecting portion.

Further, according to the gaming machine of the twelfth aspect, a switch for manually setting the connection status of each unit is unnecessary, and the work efficiency for recognizing the connection status is improved.

According to the gaming device of claim 13, the external device is a gaming device corresponding to a cash machine based on the connection status of each unit in each gaming device, or a CR device. It is possible to manage whether the game device is a game device that does, and manage the sales of the game device corresponding to the cash machine, the sales of the game device corresponding to the CR machine, and the amount of money provided for the value addition processing separately. can do.

Further, according to the gaming device of the fourteenth aspect, when the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined value value (a predetermined amount or a predetermined value value for game) is changed (for example, Even if the number of pachinko balls equivalent to 100 yen is changed from 25 to 24), it can be easily dealt with by changing the program.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a gaming system including a bench machine according to a first embodiment.

2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of a machine-mounting machine according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2A is a sectional side view showing an internal structure in a unit non-connection state, and FIG. Sectional side view showing a structure, (c) is a front view of (b).

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of an internal structure of a ball payout unit included in the intermounting machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation program selected according to a unit included in the inter-mountain machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 (a) is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing an example of a bench machine according to the first embodiment, which is a pattern X, and FIG. 5 (b) shows a bench machine and a cash machine. It is a front view which represents an example typically.

FIG. 6 (a) is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing an example of the inter-mounting machine according to the first embodiment, which is a pattern Y, and FIG. 6 (b) shows the inter-mounting machine and the CR machine. It is a front view which represents an example typically.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a gaming system including a bench machine according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a machine-mounted machine according to a second embodiment, (a) is a sectional side view showing an internal structure in a unit non-connection state, and (b) is an internal state in a unit connection state. A sectional side view showing a structure, (c) is a front view of (b), (d) is a XX line sectional view of (b).

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a connection state of each unit included in the inter-mountain machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of signal exchange between a control board 60 and each unit provided in the inter-mounting machine according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10A is a control board and a bill identifying unit. , (B) is a signal between the control board and the card R / W unit, and (c) is a signal between the control board and the ball payout unit or the CR communication unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information managed by the management device according to the second embodiment, and FIG.
(B) is frequency information managed in the card DB.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation program selected according to a combination pattern of units included in the inter-mountain machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 (a) is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing an example of the machine between machines according to the second embodiment which is the pattern A, and FIG. 13 (b) is a machine of the machine between the machine and the machine between machines. It is a front view which represents an example typically.

FIG. 14 (a) is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing an example of a bench machine according to the second embodiment which is a pattern B, and FIG. 14 (b) is a bench machine and cash machine of the same machine. It is a front view which represents an example typically.

FIG. 15 (a) is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing an example of the machine between machines according to the second embodiment, which is the pattern C, and FIG. 15 (b) shows the machine between the machine and the cash machine. It is a front view which represents an example typically.

16A is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing an example of the inter-mounting machine according to the second embodiment which is the pattern D, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing the inter-mounting machine and the CR machine. It is a front view which represents an example typically.

17 (a) is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing an example of the inter-mounting machine according to the second embodiment, which is the pattern E, and FIG. 17 (b) is a diagram showing the inter-mounting machine and the CR machine. It is a front view which represents an example typically.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a program selection process in the inter-mountain machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the cash machine card processing in the bench machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the CR machine card processing in the bench machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the management apparatus main processing in the management apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a program selection process in the machine-mounted machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the cash processing for cash machine in the machine between machines according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of cash / card processing for a cash machine in the bench machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the CR machine card / money processing in the bench machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of an additional deposit processing which is a subroutine in the inter-machine machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the management device main processing in the management device according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

[First Embodiment] 1 ... Gaming system 3 ... Prepaid card 5 (5X, 5Y) ... Stand machine 5a ... Communication unit 5b ... External connection terminal 5c ... Connector 6 ... Slot 6a ... Connector 6b ... Control board connector 7 Attaching / detaching panel 8 Upper fixing panel 9 Lower fixing panel 17 Ball supply trough 18 Lending display lamp 19 Key 30 Card R / W unit 31 Card insertion slot 32 Frequency display 33 Ball lending button 34 Return button 35 ... Ball lending unit frequency display 36 ... Ball lending unit frequency setting button 40 ... Ball dispensing unit 41 ... Nozzle 42 ... Guide path 43 ... Motor 44 ... Gear 45 ... Spiral shaft 46 ... Rotation detector 47 ... Counter 48 ... Discharge path 50 ... CR communication unit 60 ... Control board 61 ... CPU 62 ... RAM 63 ... ROM 60b ... Selection switch 70 ... Cash machine (cash-type pachinko machine) 71 ... Game Area 72 ... Upper plate 73 ... Lower plate 74 ... Firing handle 75 ... Main control board 76 ... Ball payout control board 77 ... Ball payout device 80 ... CR machine (CR type pachinko machine) 80a ... Connection terminal 81 ... Game area 82 ... Above Dish 83 ... Lower plate 84 ... Firing handle 85 ... Main control board 86 ... Ball payout control board 87 ... Ball payout device 90 ... Management device 91 ... Communication part 92 ... Control part 93 ... Hard disk 93a ... Stand machine DB 93b ... Card DB [Second Embodiment] 1 '... Gaming system 2 ... Banknote 4 ... Connector cover 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E) ... Stand machine 10a ... Communication unit 10b ... External connection terminal 11 ... Upper slot 11a ... Upper-stage connector 11b ... Banknote insertion hole 12 ... Upper-stage panel 13 ... Middle-stage slot 13a ... Middle-stage connector 13b ... Control board connector 14 ... Middle-stage panel 15 ... Lower-stage slot 15a Lower connector 16 ... lower panel 20 ... bill distinguishing unit 21 ... bill insertion slot 60 '... control board 61 ... CPU 62 ... RAM 63 ... ROM

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A gaming device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, which accepts a valuable medium capable of specifying the magnitude of a valuable value that can be used for a game, and is specified from the accepted valuable medium. A value media processing unit that outputs information capable of specifying the size of the value and a game medium supply device provided externally supplies a game medium that can be used for a game in the game machine, and a predetermined number of games Communication for performing a payout request signal output process for outputting a payout request signal for paying out a predetermined number of game media by a game medium payout unit for paying out a medium or a payout device provided in the gaming machine. When the game medium payout unit is connected to a connection portion capable of selectively connecting any one of the units, and the game media payout unit is connected to the valuable medium, A game medium payout program for performing the payout process of the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined value size within the value range specified by the information output from the processing unit; When the communication unit is connected to the communication unit, the communication unit is equivalent to a predetermined value value size within the value value range specified by the information output from the value value medium processing unit. A storage unit that stores a communication program for performing the payout request signal output process for the number of game media to be executed, and a control unit that operates based on the game medium payout program and the communication program stored in the storage unit. And a selection unit for selecting the game medium payout program or the communication program as an operation program of the control unit. Gaming devices. 2. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the selecting means recognizes a unit connected to the connecting portion, and selects a corresponding operation program based on the recognition. Characteristic game device. 3. The game device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising output means for outputting information capable of specifying a unit connected to the connection portion to an external device. Equipment. 4. A gaming machine provided corresponding to a gaming machine, which accepts currency, identifies the accepted currency, and outputs information capable of specifying the identified currency amount. A first connection portion to which the unit can be connected, and a game recording medium in which information capable of specifying the value of the game valuable value that can be used in the game is received, and the received recording information of the game recording medium is received. A second connection portion to which a recording medium reception unit that can read and output information that can specify the value of the game valuable value specified from the read recorded information can be connected, and a game medium supply provided outside A game medium payout unit that performs a payout process for paying out a predetermined number of game media from a device supplied with a game medium that can be used for a game in the game machine, or a payout device provided in the game machine A payout request signal for paying out a predetermined number of game media, and a third connection portion capable of selectively connecting any one of the communication units for performing payout request signal output processing, the currency identification unit, and the record A storage unit that stores a plurality of programs corresponding to the combination of the medium reception unit, the game medium payout unit, and the communication unit, and a control unit that operates based on the plurality of programs stored in the storage unit And a selection means for selecting one of a plurality of programs stored in the storage section as an operation program of the control section, and a game device. 5. The game device according to claim 4, wherein the program stored in the storage unit is such that the currency identification unit is connected to the first connection unit and the game is connected to the third connection unit. When the medium payout unit is connected, in the game medium payout unit, the payout processing of the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the money amount specified from the information output from the currency identification unit is performed. A game device including a program for performing the game. 6. The game device according to claim 4, wherein the program stored in the storage unit is such that the recording medium receiving unit is connected to the second connection unit and the program is stored in the third connection unit. When the game medium payout unit is connected, in the game medium payout unit, a predetermined game valuable value within the range of the value of the game valuable value specified from the information output from the recording medium receiving unit. A game device including a program for performing the payout process for the number of game media corresponding to the size of the game device. 7. The game device according to claim 4, wherein the program stored in the storage unit is such that the currency identification unit is connected to the first connection unit and the program is recorded in the second connection unit. When the medium receiving unit is connected and the game medium payout unit is connected to the third connecting portion,
In the game medium payout unit, while performing the payout processing of the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of the monetary amount specified from the information output from the currency identification unit, the game medium payout unit: It includes a program for performing the payout process of the number of game media corresponding to a predetermined value of the game valuable value within the range of the value of the game valuable value specified from the information output from the recording medium receiving unit. A game device characterized by the above. 8. The game device according to claim 4, wherein the program stored in the storage unit is such that the recording medium receiving unit is connected to the second connection unit and the program is stored in the third connection unit. When the communication unit is connected, in the communication unit, the value of the game valuable value within the range of the value of the game valuable value specified from the information output from the recording medium receiving unit is set. A gaming machine including a program for performing the payout request signal output process for a corresponding number of gaming media. 9. The game device according to claim 4, wherein the program stored in the storage unit is such that the currency identification unit is connected to the first connection unit and the program is recorded in the second connection unit. When a medium receiving unit is connected and the communication unit is connected to the third connecting portion, the value of the game valuable value specified from the information output from the recording medium receiving unit in the communication unit In addition to performing the payout request signal output process of the number of game media corresponding to the value of the predetermined value for game within the range of, the control unit, the money amount specified from the information output from the currency identification unit The value of the game valuable value corresponding to a predetermined amount within the range of A gaming device including a program for performing a value addition process for adding. 10. The gaming device according to claim 4, wherein the currency identification unit has a coin outlet for ejecting coins inserted from the front side on the rear side. The gaming apparatus, wherein the first connecting portion is connected to the currency identification unit at a position avoiding the currency outlet. 11. The game device according to claim 4, wherein the recording medium receiving unit has a recording medium discharge port for discharging the game recording medium inserted from the front side. Provided on a rear surface side, the second connecting portion is connected to the recording medium receiving unit at a position avoiding the recording medium discharge port, and a gaming device. 12. The game device according to claim 4, wherein the selection means determines whether the currency identification unit is connected to the first connection portion, It is recognized whether or not the recording medium receiving unit is connected to the second connecting portion, and which of the game medium payout unit or the communication unit is connected to the third connecting portion, and it is determined based on the recognition. A gaming machine characterized by selecting an operation program. 13. The gaming device according to claim 4, wherein whether or not the currency identification unit is connected to the first connection portion and whether or not the currency identification unit is connected to the second connection portion. An output unit for outputting to an external device information capable of specifying whether or not the recording medium receiving unit is connected and whether the game medium payout unit or the communication unit is connected to the third connecting portion are provided. A game device characterized by. 14. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the game medium payout unit pays out the game media in minimum units. .