JP2005237593A - Game medium lending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience when a player feeds a prescribed number of game media put out from a game medium lending machine to a feed port. <P>SOLUTION: This game medium lending machine is provided with a card unit 20 which transmits CR putout request signals relating to the lending number of tokens to a game machine 1 by optical communication in the case that the total amount of the received number of the tokens received by the game machine 1 and the prescribed lending number of the tokens based on a lending command received by the card unit 20 is equal to or less than a prescribed reference number. In the case that the total of the received number of the tokens received by the game machine 1 and the prescribed lending number of the tokens based on the lending command received by the card unit 20 exceeds a prescribed reference amount, the card unit 20 puts out at least a portion of the lending number of the tokens. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium lending machine capable of transmitting a lending signal to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, a game medium lending machine has been provided on the side of a game machine that is a so-called pachislot machine. When a player plays a game, the player has a valuable value (for example, cash) in the game medium lending machine. Or a card in which information on the valuable value is stored is inserted, and a game is played using a predetermined number of gaming media (for example, medals) corresponding to the valuable value paid out from the gaming medium lending machine (for example, medal) , See Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-030645

  However, since a game is not started unless a predetermined number of game media paid out from the game media lending machine is inserted into the slot provided in the game machine, a beginner who is not used to handling the game media can There were cases where it was confusing where to put the predetermined number of game media.

  Also, advanced players who are accustomed to handling game media have to transfer a predetermined number of game media paid out from the game media lending machine to the tray of the game machine. The number of games per unit time is lower than the number of games that can be executed without being thrown in, and the feeling of trouble is not wiped out.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a game that can improve convenience when a player inserts a predetermined number of game media paid out from a game media lending machine into the slot. It is an object to provide a medium lending machine.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is based on a lending command receiving unit that receives a lending command from a player, a received amount of game media received by a gaming machine, and a lending command received by a lending command receiving unit. When the total rental amount of the predetermined game medium is equal to or less than the predetermined reference amount, a transmission unit that transmits a rental signal relating to the rental amount of the game medium to the gaming machine by optical communication, and a game accepted by the gaming machine A payout unit that pays out at least a part of the game medium when the total amount of the predetermined loan amount based on the received amount of the medium and the loan command received by the loan command receiving unit exceeds a predetermined reference amount; It is characterized by providing.

  In the above invention, when the total amount exceeds the maximum received amount of game media that can be received by the gaming machine, a lending signal corresponding to the amount obtained by subtracting the received amount from the maximum received amount is transmitted from the transmission unit, and from the total amount A game medium corresponding to the amount obtained by subtracting the maximum received amount may be paid out from the payout unit.

  In the above invention, the gaming machine may accept the rental amount of the game medium included in the rental signal based on the rental signal received from the transmission unit.

  In the above invention, the gaming machine commands the start of a unit game in response to a first operation by the player when a predetermined amount of the received rental amount of gaming media is bet by the player. A game start command means for outputting a game start command signal, a winning combination determining means for determining a predetermined combination as a winning combination based on the game start command signal input from the game start command means, and a game start command means A variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of identification information necessary for the game based on the game start command signal, and a stop command signal for instructing to stop the variation display of the identification information according to the second operation by the player Stop command means to stop, based on the stop command signal input from the stop command means, and the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means, stop control means for stopping the variation display of the identification information, If stop mode of the identification information stopped in dynamic display means is a predetermined winning mode, or may be provided with a game value providing means for providing a game value to the player.

  In addition, the present invention provides a predetermined total amount of a reception unit that receives a predetermined valuable value, a received amount of game media received by the gaming machine, and a rental amount of game media corresponding to the valuable value received by the reception unit. If the amount is equal to or less than the reference amount, the transmission unit that transmits a lending signal related to the lending amount of the game medium to the gaming machine, the received amount of the gaming medium received by the gaming machine, and the valuable value received by the receiving unit And a payout unit that pays out at least a part of the game medium when the total amount of the corresponding game medium and the rental amount exceeds a predetermined reference amount.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when a player inserts a predetermined number of game media paid out from a game media lending machine into the slot.

(Configuration of gaming machine in this embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment. This gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium such as coins, medals, gaming balls, tokens, and the like. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that medals are used as game media.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a panel display portion 2a as a substantially vertical surface is formed on the front surface of the cabinet 2 forming the entire gaming machine 1, and a vertically long rectangular display window 4 is provided at the center thereof. ing. The display window 4 is provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction as winning lines, and a cross down line 8a and a cross up line 8e in the oblique direction.

  These winning lines are activated in accordance with the number of times the BET button 11 is operated (pressed) or the number inserted in the medal insertion slot 22. Which winning line is activated is displayed by turning on BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, which will be described later.

  Here, the winning lines 8a to 8e relate to success / failure of the winning combination. Specifically, a predetermined combination wins by displaying symbols constituting a symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination in a predetermined position corresponding to any activated winning line. become.

  Inside the cabinet 2, three reels 3 each having a symbol row constituted by a plurality of types of symbols on each outer peripheral surface are rotatably provided in a horizontal row. Forming. The design of each reel 3 can be observed through each display window 4. Each reel 3 rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute).

  On the left side of the display window 4, BET lamps 9a to 9c and a credit display unit 19 are provided. The BET lamps 9a to 9c play one game out of the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 or the number of medals inserted based on the automatic insertion request of medals transmitted from the card unit 20 described later. Lights in accordance with the number of medals (BET number) used for performing.

  Here, in the present embodiment, one game ends when all reels are stopped. The BET lamp 9a is turned on when the number of BETs is 1 and one winning line is activated. The BET lamp 9b is turned on when the number of BETs is 2 and three pay lines are activated. The BET lamp 9c is turned on when the number of BETs is 3 and all (5) winning lines are activated. This activated pay line is referred to as an activated line in the following.

  The credit display unit 19 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number excluding the BET number among the already accepted medals managed by the payout control circuit 50.

  On the right side of the display window 4, game information display portions 18a to 18c are provided. A game information display section (bonus game information display section) 18a is provided on the upper right side of the panel display section 2a. The game information display unit 18a is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of games in the BB general gaming state. The game information display unit (winning display unit) 18b basically lights up after BB or RB can win a prize and until BB or RB wins. The game information display part (payout display part) 18c is composed of 7 segment LEDs, and displays the number of payout medals corresponding to the determined winning combination.

  A horizontal base 10 is formed below the display window 4, and a liquid crystal display device 5 is provided between the base 10 and the display window 4. Information related to the game is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5.

  A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 5, and a BET button 11 is provided on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5. By operating the BET button 11 once, one of the credited medals is bet on the game. By operating the BET button 11 twice, two of the credited medals are bet on the game. When the BET button 11 is operated three times, three of the credited medals (a betting medal upper limit value indicating an upper limit value at which a bet can be bet by the BET button 11) is bet on the game. By operating the BET button 11 a predetermined number of times, a predetermined effective line is enabled as described above.

  On the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10, the reel 3 is rotated by the player's operation, and the start lever 6 for starting the display of the variation of the symbols in the display window 4 is rotatable within a predetermined angle range. It is attached. Three stop buttons 7 for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3 are provided at a position below the liquid crystal display device 5 in the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10.

  BB, RB, each small combination (such as cherry small combination), and replay winning are realized by arranging combinations of corresponding symbols along the active line. When the replay wins, the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted are automatically inserted in the next game, so that the player can play the next game without consuming medals. The number of medals to be paid out when each winning combination (for example, BB, RB, small winning combination, etc.) wins is determined according to each winning combination.

  FIG. 2 is a view showing an appearance when the card unit 20 arranged next to the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front. The card unit 20 performs various processes (communication with the gaming machine 1 and the like) based on information stored in a prepaid card (hereinafter simply referred to as “card”) inserted into the card unit 20. Is. This card stores valuable information corresponding to a valuable value which is a predetermined amount, and other information. The card is not limited to a prepaid card, and may be a credit card or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the front surface of the card unit 20, a lending button 20e and a return button 20f that can be operated by the player, a frequency display unit 20d, a card insertion lamp 20g, a card insertion slot 20h, A bill insertion slot 20i is provided. When the lending button 20 e is operated, the above-described medal automatic insertion request is transmitted to the gaming machine 1. A detailed description of this process will be described later. Further, when the return button 20f is operated, the card inserted into the card insertion slot 20h or the banknote inserted into the banknote insertion slot 20i is returned to the player.

  When the lending button 20e is operated, the frequency display unit 20d displays an amount (for example, 500 yen) corresponding to a predetermined number (for example, 25) medals. The frequency display unit 20d displays the remaining amount stored in the card. The frequency display unit 20d displays a frequency value corresponding to the amount instead of the amount (for example, a value between 1000 yen and 2000 yen determined for each predetermined amount range such as frequency 3). May be displayed.

  The card insertion lamp 20g is lit when a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 20h. The card unit 20 is connected to a power supply unit 21 for supplying power to the card unit 20 via a DC 100V power plug (not shown) (see FIG. 3 described later). Although not shown, the front surface of the card unit 20 is provided with a payout outlet for paying out medals and a medal tray for storing a predetermined number of medals paid out from the payout opening.

  The card insertion slot 20h is a receiving port for receiving card insertion. The bill insertion slot 20i is a receiving port for accepting cash such as bills.

  3 shows a main control circuit 71 that mainly controls the operation of the gaming machine 1, a payout control circuit 50 that controls the hopper 40 and the like based on a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71, a payout control circuit 50, It is a figure which shows the circuit structure containing the card unit 20 which communicates via the card unit relay part.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main control circuit 71 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, and a RAM 33. The main control circuit 71 is supplied with an external concentration terminal 72 for transmitting various types of information to the hall computer, the reel 3, the game information display units 18a and 18b, and the power supplied from outside the game machine. 71 and a payout control circuit 50 are connected to a power supply unit 62 for supplying power to the payout control circuit 50. The main control circuit 71 is connected to the start lever 6 and the stop button 7 via the first door relay portion 60a.

  The first door relay portion 60 a is provided on the door relay board 60. The door relay board 60 is provided inside a door that can be opened and closed provided in the gaming machine 1.

  The main control circuit 71 starts the rotation of the reel 3 when the start lever 6 is operated. Further, the main control circuit 71 stops the rotation of the reel 3 when the stop button 7 is operated during the rotation of the reel 3. The main control circuit 71 outputs a control command (command) relating to the payout of medals to the payout control circuit 50 when the stop mode of the reel 3 is a winning mode of a predetermined combination. Further, the main control circuit 71 transmits information such as the current gaming state to the hall computer via the external concentration terminal unit 72.

  The ROM 32 stores various tables and various commands (such as a start command). In the ROM 32, used in determining the winning combination (for example, BB, RB, bell small combination, etc. determined by the probability lottery process described later) according to each gaming state in the probability lottery process described later. A probability lottery table, a winning combination selection table for stopping used for determining a winning combination for stopping in a winning combination determining process to be described later, and a stop table group selected with a gaming state and a winning combination for stopping A relation table indicating the relation and various stop table groups are stored.

  The relation table is used in a table line selection process described later. Various stop table groups are used when combinations of symbols corresponding to various winning combinations for stop (for example, BB) are arranged along a predetermined effective line.

  The RAM 33 stores various information (for example, various flags).

  The payout control circuit 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, and a RAM 53. The payout control circuit 50 receives power supplied from the outside of the gaming machine and the selector 55 and the BET button 11, the game information display unit 18c, and the gaming machine via the credit display unit 19 and the second door relay unit 60b. 71 and the power supply unit 62 for supplying power to the payout control circuit 50, the hopper 40, the medal detection unit 40S provided in the hopper 40, and the main control circuit 71 are connected. The second door relay portion 60 b is provided on the door relay board 60.

  The payout control circuit 50 manages the number displayed on the credit display unit 19 when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 and the inserted medal is determined to be valid by the selector 55. Further, when the BET button 11 is operated, the payout control circuit 50 turns on the BET lamps 9a to 9c according to the number of times the BET button 11 is operated. Further, the payout control circuit 50 causes the hopper 40 to pay out a predetermined number of medals based on the control command relating to the payout of medals transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Also, the payout control circuit 50 displays the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40 on the game information display unit 18c. The payout control circuit 50 manages the number displayed on the credit display unit 19 based on an automatic insertion request for medals transmitted from the card unit 20.

  A card unit relay unit 70 is connected to the payout control circuit 50. The card unit relay unit 70 relays communication between the card unit 20 and the payout control circuit 50. The payout control circuit 50 performs optical communication between the card unit 20 and the payout control circuit 50 via the card unit relay unit 70. Examples of the optical communication include infrared communication, non-contact communication by wireless communication, communication using an optical fiber, communication using a photodiode and a photocoupler, and communication by wire.

  In addition, the card unit relay unit 70 transmits a 24V DC signal to the card unit 20. When the card unit 20 receives a signal from the card unit relay unit 70, the card unit 20 transmits an 18V AC signal to the card unit relay unit 70 based on the signal.

  The card unit 20 includes a CPU 20a, a ROM 20b, a RAM 20c for storing various information (such as various flags), the above-described frequency display unit 20d, a lending button 20e, and a return button 20f. The card unit 20 is connected to the power supply unit 21 described above. When the lending button 20 e is operated, the card unit 20 transmits a medal automatic insertion request to the payout control circuit 50 via the card unit relay unit 70.

The main control circuit 71 controls the liquid crystal display device 5 based on a control command (such as a start command) output from the main control circuit 71 (for example, control of effect display, output control of effect sound, effect lamp control). A sub-control circuit (not shown) for performing lighting control or the like is connected (operation of the gaming machine in this embodiment)
Hereinafter, the operation of the main control circuit 71 in this embodiment will be described. 4 to 6 are flowcharts showing the main operation of the main control circuit 71 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, in step 1, the CPU 31 initializes data stored in the RAM 33.

  In step 2, the CPU 31 erases predetermined data stored in the RAM 33 at the end of the previous game. Specifically, the CPU 31 erases the parameters used in the previous game from the RAM 33, writes the parameters used in the next game into the RAM 33, and designates the start address of the next game sequence program.

  In step 3, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a replay winning has been established in the previous game. Further, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 4 when the replay has been won, and proceeds to the process of step 5 when the replay has not won.

  In step 4, the CPU 31 transmits a re-game command signal indicating that the winning combination is replay to the payout control circuit 50. This CPU 31 has a re-game command signal, a betting medal monitoring start command signal (step 5) to be described later, a betting medal monitoring end command signal (step 8), a payout medal command signal (step 33), and a game end command signal (step 34). Is directly transmitted to the payout control circuit 50. The payout control circuit 50 executes a regame command process of FIG. 12 described later based on the received regame command signal.

  In step 5, the CPU 31 transmits a betting medal monitoring start command signal to the payout control circuit 50 instructing to monitor whether or not the BET button 11 has been operated by the player. This betting medal monitoring start command signal includes information indicating a betting medal upper limit value indicating an upper limit value at which a bet can be bet by the BET button 11. Note that the betting medal upper limit value included in the betting medal monitoring start command signal may be changed according to the gaming state. For example, when the gaming state is the RB gaming state, 1 is included in the betting medal monitoring start command signal as the betting medal upper limit value, and when the gaming state is other than the RB gaming state, 3 is the betting medal upper limit value. Is included in the betting medal monitoring start command signal.

  The payout control circuit 50 executes a betting medal monitoring start command process of FIG. 11 described later based on the received betting medal monitoring start command signal.

  In step 6, the CPU 31 determines whether any one of the betting medal 1 state signal to the betting medal 3 signal is received from the payout control circuit 50. The betting medal 1 state signal to the betting medal 3 signal are signals corresponding to the number of betting medals determined by the number of times the BET button 11 is operated. Specifically, when the BET button is operated once and the BET lamp 9a is turned on, one medal (hereinafter simply referred to as “betting medal”) is used in the betting in the game. Therefore, the CPU 31 receives a bet medal 1 state signal corresponding to the one bet medal number from the payout control circuit 50. Further, when the BET button is operated three times and all the BET lamps 9a to 9c are turned on, three medals are used in the betting in the game. The betting medal 3 state signal corresponding to the number of medals is received from the payout control circuit 50.

  Further, when any of the betting medal 1 state signal to the betting medal 3 signal is received, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 7 and any of the betting medal 1 state signal to the betting medal 3 signal is not received. In this case, this process is repeated.

  Here, if “YES” is determined in step 3, the number of betting medals in the previous game is automatically inserted. For example, if the replay is won when the bet medal number is 1 in the previous game, the CPU 31 receives a bet medal 1 state signal corresponding to the bet medal number 1 from the payout control circuit 50. If the replay is won when the bet medal number is 3 in the previous game, the CPU 31 receives a bet medal 3 state signal corresponding to the bet medal number 3 from the payout control circuit 50.

  In step 7, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the start lever 6 has been operated by the player. Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is an input from the start lever 6. The CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 8 when there is an input from the start lever 6, and proceeds to the process of step 6 when there is no input from the start lever 6.

  Here, when “NO” is determined in step 7, the process of step 6 is performed again. In step 6, one of the betting medals 1 to 3 state signals is received. Until the start lever 6 is determined not to be operated in step 7, the bet medal number is updated by the player operating the BET button 11, that is, the bet medal received in step 6 above. This is because a betting medal number state signal different from the number state signal can be received.

  In step 8, the CPU 31 transmits to the payout control circuit 50 a betting medal monitoring end command signal instructing to end the process of monitoring whether or not the BET button 11 has been operated by the player. This betting medal monitoring end command signal includes information indicating the number of betting medals. For example, when a betting medal 1 state signal is received, 1 is included in the betting medal monitoring end command signal as the number of betting medals. When the betting medal 3 state signal is received, 3 is included in the betting medal monitoring end command signal as the number of betting medals. Here, the betting medal monitoring end command signal includes information on the number of betting medals in step 7 after the betting medal number state signal is received in step 6 from among the betting medal number 1 to 3 state signals. Until it is determined that the start lever 6 has been operated, the bet medal number is updated by the player operating the BET button 11, that is, different from the bet medal number state signal received in step 6 described above. This is because the betting medal number state signal can be received. The payout control circuit 50 executes a betting medal monitoring end command process of FIG. 13 to be described later based on the received betting medal monitoring end command signal.

  In step 9, the CPU 31 extracts random values used for various decisions (for example, the probability lottery process in step 11).

  In step 10, the CPU 31 performs gaming state monitoring processing. Here, the gaming state is a normal gaming state which is a normal gaming state, a BB internal winning state where BB is determined as a winning combination (including a carryover combination), and RB is a winning combination (including a carryover combination) RB internal winning state that is determined as BB, the BB general gaming state that is started when BB wins (excluding the RB gaming state that starts when RB wins in the BB general gaming state), This is an RB gaming state that is a gaming state that starts when the RB wins. The carryover combination described above is a combination that is carried over as a winning combination until BB or RB actually wins after BB or RB is determined as a winning combination. That is, the carryover combination (the combination carried over as the winning combination) is only BB or RB.

  In step 11, the CPU 31 performs a probability lottery process. Specifically, the CPU 31 determines a corresponding winning combination based on the random number value extracted in step 9.

  In step 12, the CPU 31 selects a winning combination for stopping. Specifically, the CPU 31 determines a winning combination for stop according to the winning combination determined in step 11 and the gaming state.

  In step 13, the CPU 31 performs processing for selecting a stop table.

  In step 14, the CPU 31 sets a start command. This start command includes information such as a winning combination, a winning combination for stoppage, and a game state. The set start command is transmitted to a sub control circuit (not shown) by communication data transmission processing of FIG.

  In step 15, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the shortest game time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the previous game was started. Further, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 16 when the minimum game time has elapsed, and repeats this process when the minimum game time has not elapsed.

  In step 16, the CPU 31 sets the game shortest time as the game shortest time counting counter value. This minimum game time means the time required from the end of the previous game to the start of the current game. The subtraction of the time set to the game minimum time count counter value is performed in step 112 in the periodic interruption process of FIG.

  In step 17, the CPU 31 makes a rotation start request instructing to start rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  In step 18, the CPU 31 sets a reel stop permission command for instructing to stop the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. After this process is performed, the operation by the start lever 6 can be accepted. The set reel stop permission command is transmitted to a sub-control circuit (not shown) by communication data transmission processing of FIG.

  In step 19, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop button 7 has been operated by the player. In other words, the processing of step 33 is executed when a winning combination for paying out medals wins. Further, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 20 when the stop button 7 is operated by the player, and repeats this process when the stop button 7 is not operated by the player.

  In step 20, the CPU 31 performs a sliding frame number determination process. Specifically, the CPU 31 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the stop operation position and stop control position of the stop table selected by the table line selection process in step 13.

  In step 21, the CPU 31 makes a reel stop request instructing to stop the target reel after the reel 3 has rotated by the number of sliding frames determined in step 20. The process of rotating the reel 3 is performed by a periodic interrupt process of FIG.

  In step 22, the CPU 31 sets a reel stop command indicating that the rotation of the corresponding reel has been stopped. The set reel stop command is transmitted to a sub control circuit (not shown) by communication data transmission processing of FIG.

  In step 23, the CPU 31 determines whether or not all the reels 3 are stopped. Further, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 24 when all the reels 3 are stopped, and proceeds to the process of step 19 when all the reels 3 are not stopped.

  In step 24, the CPU 31 sets an all reel stop command indicating that all reels 3 have been stopped. The set all-reel stop command is transmitted to a sub-control circuit (not shown) by communication data transmission processing of FIG.

  In step 25, the CPU 31 performs a winning search. The winning search is to identify a winning combination (winning combination) based on the pattern stop mode of the display window 4. Specifically, the CPU 31 specifies a winning combination based on a code number of symbols arranged along the center line 8c and the like and a winning determination table (not shown).

  In step 26, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning combination is normal. Further, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 27 when the winning combination is not normal, and proceeds to the process of step 28 when the winning combination is normal. The determination of whether or not the winning combination is normal is configured such that it is determined to be normal when the winning combination is included in the winning combination or when the winning combination is included in the carryover combination. For example, if the winning combination is a unit game where the winning combination is a bell or watermelon, the winning combination is determined to be normal if the winning combination is a bell, watermelon or lost. Further, if the winning combination is a bell small combination and the carryover combination is BB, it is determined that the winning combination is normal if the winning combination is a bell small combination, BB or lose.

  In step 27, the CPU 31 displays an illegal error. In this case, the CPU 31 stops the game.

  In step 28, the CPU 31 sets a winning command for identifying the winning combination.

  In step 29, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning combination is BB or RB.

  In step 30, the CPU 31 clears the carryover combination corresponding to the winning combination BB or RB.

  In step 31, when the winning combination is BB or RB, the CPU 31 shifts the gaming state to the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state.

  In step 32, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning combination is a small combination, BB or RB. The CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 33 when the winning combination is a small combination, BB or RB, and proceeds to the processing of step 34 when the winning combination is not a small combination, BB or RB.

  In step 33, the CPU 31 issues a payout medal command signal for instructing to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination, BB or RB (hereinafter simply referred to as “payout medal number”). Output to. The payout medal command signal includes information indicating the number of payout medals corresponding to the winning combination, BB or RB. For example, if the winning combination is a bell small combination and the number of payout medals corresponding to the bell small combination is 10, the 10 is included in the payout medal command signal as the number of payout medals. The payout control circuit 50 executes a payout medal command process shown in FIG. 14 described later based on the received payout medal command signal.

  In step 34, the CPU 31 outputs a game end command signal indicating that the game has ended to the payout control circuit 50. The payout control circuit 50 executes a game end command process of FIG. 15 to be described later based on the received game end command signal.

  In step 35, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a non-game state signal is received from the payout control circuit 50. The non-gaming state signal is a signal indicating that all medals corresponding to the number of paid-out medals have been credited or paid out from the hopper 40 and the current gaming state is other than gaming. This non-game state signal corresponds to a non-game flag described later. Further, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 36 when the non-game state signal is received, and repeats this process when the non-game state signal is not received from the payout control circuit 50.

  In step 36, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the gaming state is a BB gaming state or an RB gaming state. The CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 37 when the gaming state is the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state, and proceeds to the processing of step 2 when the gaming state is not the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state.

  In step 37, the CPU 31 performs a BB game number check and an RB game number check. In this process, for example, the number of games in the BB general gaming state, the number of occurrences of the RB gaming state in the BB general gaming state, the number of games in the RB gaming state, and the number of winnings in the RB gaming state are checked.

  In step 38, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state has ended. Specifically, after the BB wins, the CPU 31 receives 8 JAC games in the 3rd RB gaming state, or 12 games in the 3rd RB gaming state, or , It is determined whether or not the number of games in the BB general gaming state is 30 times. Further, after the RB wins, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the JAC game winning number in the RB gaming state is 8 or the gaming number in the RB gaming state is 12 or not.

  Further, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step 39 when the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state is finished, and proceeds to the processing of step 2 when the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state is not finished.

  In step 39, the CPU 31 performs processing at the end of BB or RB. Specifically, the CPU 31 performs processing for returning the gaming state to the general gaming state after the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state ends.

  FIG. 7 shows a periodic interrupt process that interrupts the main process of the main control circuit 71 (the process shown in FIGS. 4 to 6) at a predetermined interval (for example, 2.345 msec).

  As shown in FIG. 7, in step 101, the CPU 31 saves the data stored in the register.

  In step 102, the CPU 31 sets information relating to the right reel 3 to reel identification information indicating information relating to the reel 3 provided in the RAM 33.

  In step 103, the CPU 31 performs control processing such as reel low-speed rotation / acceleration / deceleration and stop for the right reel 3. Specifically, first, when the rotation start request is executed in step 17 of FIG. 5 described above, the CPU 31 starts the rotation of the right reel 3 and continues to the right reel 3 until a constant rotation speed is reached. The rotation of the is gradually accelerated. Then, the CPU 31 determines that there is a stop request when the rotation speed of the right reel 3 becomes constant and the stop button 7 is pressed, and rotates and stops the reel by the number of sliding frames determined in step 20. .

  In step 104, the CPU 31 sets information regarding the middle reel 3 in the reel identification information.

  In step 105, the CPU 31 performs a reel stop process for the middle reel 3. Since this process is the same as step 103 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In step 106, the CPU 31 sets information regarding the left reel 3 in the reel identification information.

  In step 107, the CPU 31 performs a reel stop process for the left reel 3. Since this process is the same as step 103 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In step 108, the CPU 31 performs input signal monitoring processing. In this process, if the CPU 31 determines that signals such as the start lever 6 and the stop button 7 have been received, the CPU 31 stores information indicating that the signals have been received in the RAM 33, and based on this information, the aforementioned step 7 and step Determination processing such as 19 is performed. Further, even when the CPU 31 determines that any of the various status signals from the payout control circuit 50 has been received, the CPU 31 stores information that can identify the received status signals in the RAM 33, and based on this information, the CPU 31 stores the information described above. Steps 6 and 35 are performed.

  In step 109, the CPU 31 performs control to turn on various lamps provided on the front surface of the cabinet 2.

  In step 110, the CPU 31 performs control to display a numerical value or the like on a display unit composed of 7 segment LEDs.

  In step 111, the CPU 31 transmits various commands to a sub-control circuit (not shown). Specifically, various commands such as a start command set in step 14, a reel stop permission command set in step 18, a reel stop command set in step 22, an all reel stop command set in step 24, etc. Send to sub-control circuit.

  In step 112, the CPU 31 performs a process of subtracting a predetermined number from various counter values. Specifically, the CPU 31 performs subtraction of various counters such as subtracting a predetermined number from the counter value for the game shortest time set in step 16.

  In step 113, the CPU 31 restores the saved register.

  Next, the operation of the payout control circuit 50 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a periodic interrupt process performed every 2 ms for the RESET interrupt process (FIG. 16 described later) of the payout control circuit 50 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in step 231, the CPU 51 turns on the timer flag. The timer flag is a flag for executing the processing from step 202 to step 211 at predetermined intervals (for example, 2 msec), and is referred to in step 212 of FIG. 16 described later.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a command signal reception interrupt process that occurs every time the payout control circuit 50 receives a command from the main control circuit 71. As shown in FIG. 9, in S221, the CPU 51 stores the command signal received from the main control circuit 71 as an unprocessed command in the work area of the RAM 53 whose work area name is the unprocessed command storage area. Further, the CPU 51 returns to the process when the command signal reception interrupt process occurs. The command signals received by the CPU 51 from the main control circuit 71 are a re-game command signal (step 4), a betting medal monitoring start command signal (step 5), a betting medal monitoring end command signal (step 8), and a payout medal command signal. (Step 33), a game end command signal (Step 34).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a command signal input process in step 204 in the main operation described later. As shown in FIG. 10, in step 204-1, the CPU 51 determines whether or not an unprocessed command has been stored in the work area of the RAM 53 in step 221 of FIG. 9 described above. If the unprocessed instruction is stored in the work area of the RAM 53, the CPU 51 proceeds to step 204-2. If the unprocessed instruction is not stored in the work area of the RAM 53, the CPU 51 ends this process. Let

  In step 204-2, the CPU 51 executes processing corresponding to the unprocessed command. The processes executed here are the betting medal monitoring start command process of FIG. 11, which will be described later, the regame command process of FIG. 12, the bet medal monitoring end command process of FIG. 13, the payout medal command process of FIG. 14, and the game of FIG. End command processing. In step 204-3, the CPU 51 sets the unprocessed command in step 204-2 to processed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a betting medal monitoring start command process executed when the unprocessed command in step 204-2 of FIG. 10 is a betting medal monitoring start command signal. As shown in FIG. 11, in step 241, the CPU 51 extracts information related to the betting medal upper limit value from an unprocessed command that is a betting medal monitoring start command signal.

  In step 242, the CPU 51 turns on the betting medal monitoring flag. This betting medal monitoring flag is a flag for determining whether or not a betting medal can be accepted. Here, the betting medal monitoring flag is turned off by a betting medal monitoring end command process in FIG. Accordingly, during the period in which the betting medal monitoring flag in the main control circuit 71 is on, the betting medal monitoring start command signal is transmitted in step 5, so that the operation of the start lever 6 is confirmed in step 7 and the betting medal monitoring end command is issued. Until it is sent. Therefore, a bet medal is accepted when the current game is within the period, but a bet medal is not accepted when the current game is outside the period, and the inserted medal is provided in the gaming machine 1. It is discharged from the received medal outlet and stored in the medal tray.

  In step 243, the CPU 51 sets 0 to the betting medal number counter value. The betting medal number counter value is a work area of the RAM 53 for counting the betting medal number.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a re-game command process executed when the unprocessed command in step 204-2 of FIG. 10 is a re-game command signal. As shown in FIG. 12, in step 251, the CPU 51 turns on the re-game flag. The re-game flag is a flag for determining whether or not a replay has been won in the previous game. Here, the re-game flag is turned off by a game end command process of FIG. 15 described later. That is, when a replay is won in the previous unit game of a predetermined unit game, the payout control circuit 50 in the predetermined unit game is configured not to turn on the betting medal monitoring flag.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a betting medal monitoring end command process executed when the unprocessed command in step 204-2 of FIG. 10 is a betting medal monitoring end command signal. As shown in FIG. 13, in step 261, the CPU 51 extracts information relating to the number of betting medals from an unprocessed command that is a betting medal monitoring end command signal.

  In step 262, the CPU 51 sets the betting medal number to the betting medal number counter value.

  In step 263, the CPU 51 turns off the betting medal monitoring flag.

  In step 264, the CPU 51 turns off the non-game flag. The non-game flag is a flag for determining whether or not the game state is in the game. When this non-game flag is turned on, the gaming state is other than gaming, and when the non-game flag is turned off, the gaming state is gaming. Here, the non-game flag is turned on by a game end command process shown in FIG. 15 or a hopper control process shown in FIG. Further, the CPU 51 transmits a non-gaming state signal indicating that the non-gaming flag is ON to the CPU 31, and the CPU 31 determines that the gaming state is other than gaming based on the received non-gaming state signal. In step 8, the CPU 31 transmits a betting medal monitoring end command signal to the CPU 51, and after the CPU 51 turns off the non-game flag in step 264, the CPU 31 turns on the non-game flag in step 35 (step 208 or step 281). During the period until the non-gaming state signal corresponding to is received, the gaming state is in gaming, and the gaming state is other than gaming other than the period.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a payout medal command process executed when the unprocessed command in Step 204-2 of FIG. 10 is a payout medal command signal. As shown in FIG. 14, in step 271, the CPU 51 extracts information on the number of payout medals from an unprocessed command that is a payout medal command signal.

  In step 272, the CPU 51 adds the number of payout medals to the payout medal counter value. The payout medal counter value is information in the work area of the RAM 53 for counting the number of payout medals. For example, if a bell small combination is won and the number of payout medals corresponding to the bell small combination is 10, the CPU 51 adds 10 to the payout medal counter value.

  In step 273, the CPU 51 turns on the payout flag. The payout flag is a flag for determining whether or not to pay out medals.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a game end command process executed when the unprocessed command in step 204-2 of FIG. 10 is a game end command signal. As shown in FIG. 15, in step 281, the CPU 51 turns on the non-game flag. In step 282, the CPU 51 sets 0 as the betting medal upper limit value. In step 283, the CPU 51 turns off the betting medal monitoring flag. In step 284, the CPU 51 turns off the re-game flag.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a RSET interrupt process (main operation) configured to be started when the payout control circuit 50 is powered on. As shown in FIG. 16, in step 201, the CPU 51 initializes data such as various counter values stored in each work area of the RAM 53, and performs the periodic interrupt processing that occurs every 2 ms in FIG. The command signal interrupt process of FIG. 9 is permitted. In step 202, the CPU 51 performs various counter subtraction processes for time measurement and the like. In step 203, the CPU 51 performs input monitoring processing. In step 204, the CPU 51 performs the command signal input process described above.

  In step 205, the CPU 51 performs a BET operation control process. Specifically, when the betting medal monitoring flag is on, the betting medal number counter value is smaller than the betting medal upper limit value set in step 241 and the credit counter value is 1 or more, the BET button 11 Is operated once, the CPU 51 adds 1 to the betting medal number counter value and subtracts 1 from the credit counter value. This credit counter value is information in the work area of the RAM 53 for counting the number of medals that have already been accepted, excluding the number of BETs corresponding to the number of wagered bets.

  For example, when the betting medal number counter value is 2, the betting medal upper limit value is 3, and the credit counter value is 10, when the BET button 11 is operated once, the CPU 51 determines the betting medal number. Since the counter value 2 is lower than the betting medal upper limit value 3, 1 is added to the betting medal number counter value 2, and 1 is subtracted from the credit counter value 10. Therefore, if all the BET lamps 9a to 9c for displaying the bet medal number counter value are not lit and the credit display unit 19 for displaying the credit counter value is 1 or more, the BET button 11 is operated once. Each time the BET lamp 9 which is not lit is turned on, the display on the credit display unit 19 is decreased by 1 to 9.

  In step 206, the CPU 51 performs a inserted medal control process. Specifically, when the betting medal number counter value is smaller than the betting medal upper limit value, the CPU 51 is based on an inserted medal detection signal received from a medal detection unit (not shown) provided near the selector 55. 1 is added to the betting medal number counter value. The medal detection unit is configured to output a inserted medal detection signal every time a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 passes through the selector 55. The CPU 51 may execute the inserted medal control process only when the medal monitoring flag is on, only when the replay flag is off regardless of the state of the medal monitoring flag. Regardless of the state of the re-gaming flag, any state may be applied only when the non-gaming flag is on, regardless of the non-gaming flag. In this embodiment, the medal monitoring flag is on. The inserted medal control process is executed only in the case of

  For example, when the betting medal number counter value is 2 and the betting medal upper limit value is 3, the CPU 51 receives from the medal detection unit because the betting medal number counter value 2 is smaller than the betting medal upper limit value 3. Based on the inserted medal detection signal, 1 is added to the betting medal number counter value 2. Therefore, when all of the BET lamps 9a to 9c are not lit and a medal is inserted from the medal slot 22, the value added by 1 is not displayed on the credit display unit 19, but is lit. The non-BET lamp 9 is turned on. In this case, even if the player does not operate the BET button 11, the BET lamp 9 is turned on according to the number of inserted medals, so that the gaming machine 1 operates the player's BET button 11. In some cases, the convenience of the player can be improved.

  In addition, when the betting medal number counter value is the betting medal upper limit value and the credit counter value is smaller than the credit upper limit value, the CPU 51 determines the credit counter value based on the inserted medal detection signal input from the medal detection unit. Add 1 to. This credit upper limit value is the upper limit value of the credit counter value, that is, the maximum number of medals that can be accepted (for example, 50), but the number obtained by adding the betting medal upper limit value (for example, 3) can be accepted. It may be applied as the maximum number of medals (53 in this example).

  For example, when both the betting medal number counter value and the betting medal upper limit value are 3, the credit counter value is 10, and the credit upper limit value is 50, the CPU 51 determines that the credit counter value 10 is the credit upper limit value 50. Therefore, 1 is added to the credit counter value 10 based on the inserted medal detection signal input from the medal detection unit. Therefore, when all of the BET lamps 9a to 9c are lit and the value displayed on the credit display unit 19 is not the credit upper limit value, one is added every time a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 22. The value is displayed on the credit display unit 19.

  In step 207, the CPU 51 performs an electromagnetic lock control process. Specifically, the CPU 51 turns off the electromagnetic lock when the credit counter value is the credit upper limit value. The electromagnetic lock is provided in the selector 55. When the electromagnetic lock is turned on, a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 is accepted. When the electromagnetic lock is turned off, the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 is received. Is discharged from the medal outlet of the gaming machine to the medal tray. Thus, the electromagnetic lock plays a role of switching the medal conveyance path inside the gaming machine.

  For example, when the credit counter value is equal to the credit upper limit value and the betting medal number is the maximum betting medal number, the CPU 51 turns off the electromagnetic lock. Therefore, when the credit display unit 19 is the credit upper limit value and the betting medal number is the maximum betting medal number, the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 is not accepted and is discharged to the outside.

  Further, the CPU 51 turns off the electromagnetic lock when the betting medal monitoring flag is off. Therefore, during the period when the betting medal monitoring flag is off, the medals inserted from the medal slot 22 are discharged from the medal outlet of the gaming machine to the medal tray.

  Further, when the credit counter value is not the credit upper limit value or when the betting medal monitoring flag is on, the CPU 51 turns on the electromagnetic lock and accepts the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 22.

  In step 208, the CPU 51 performs a hopper control process. Specifically, when the payout counter value is 1 or more, the CPU 51 turns on the hopper driving flag and drives the hopper 40. This payout counter value is information in the work area of the RAM 53 for counting the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40. The hopper driving flag is a flag for determining whether or not the hopper 40 is being driven.

  Further, the CPU 51 subtracts 1 from the payout counter value based on the payout medal detection signal input from the medal detection unit 40S, and turns off the hopper driving flag. Further, the CPU 51 turns on the non-game flag when the payout counter value changes from 1 to 0.

  Here, when 10 which is the payout medal number of the small part of the bell is added to the payout counter value in step 272, the medal is paid out from the hopper 40 in step 208, and the payout medal detection signal is output. In addition, the payout counter value 10 is decremented by one, eventually the payout counter value becomes 0, and the non-game flag is turned on. In this case, in step 35, the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 receives the non-game state signal corresponding to the non-game flag to determine that the game state is other than the game state.

  In step 209, the CPU 51 performs 7SEG drive control processing. Specifically, the CPU 51 controls the game information display unit 18 c and the credit display unit 19.

  In step 210, the CPU 51 performs CR control processing. FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing processing performed between the card unit 20 and the payout control circuit 50. The CR operation signal (BRDY) in the card unit 20 shown in FIG. 17 is a signal indicating that the card unit 20 is operating. The CR payout request signal (BRQ) is the number of medals corresponding to the valuable information (for example, 100 yen) of the basic unit of the valuable value (for example, 500 yen) read from the card (for example, This is a signal instructing to pay out 5 sheets). On the other hand, the CR request completion state signal (EXS) in the payout control circuit 50 is the CR payout request signal (BRQ) transmitted from the card unit 20 and the number of medals corresponding to the CR payout request signal (BRQ). This is a signal indicating that the payout has been accepted (the payout of the medal number has been accepted and the corresponding automatic insertion has been completed). A flag corresponding to the CR request completion state signal (EXS) becomes a CR payout completion flag. The CR operation state signal (PRDY) is a signal indicating that the payout control circuit 50 is operating. The card unit 20 turns on the CR operation signal (BRDY) when receiving the CR operation state signal (PRDY) transmitted from the payout control circuit 50 (t0, t1 in FIG. 17).

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the CR payout completion flag is on and the CR payout request signal (BRQ) is not received from the card unit 20, the CPU 51 turns off the CR payout completion flag and sets the betting medal monitoring flag. Turns on (t4, t5 in FIG. 17). In this case, the CPU 51 transmits a CR request acceptance status signal indicating that the automatic insertion from the card unit 20 is accepted to the card unit 20, and the card unit 20 can accept the received CR request. Based on the status signal, a CR payout request signal (BRQ) is transmitted again to the payout control circuit 50 (t5 in FIG. 17). The CR payout number value to be described later is the number of medals (for example, 5) corresponding to the value information related to the value (for example, 100 yen) of the basic unit of the value (for example, 500 yen) read from the card. It is.

  Further, when the betting medal monitoring flag is on and the CPU 51 receives a CR operation signal (BRDY) and a CR payout request signal (BRQ) from the card unit 20, the CPU 51 responds to the CR payout request signal (BRQ). When the CR payout number value to be performed is equal to or less than [the betting medal upper limit value−the betting medal number counter value], the CR payout number value is added to the betting medal number counter value, the CR payout completion flag is turned on, and the betting medal monitoring flag Turn off. For example, when the CR payout number value is 2, the betting medal upper limit value is 3, and the betting medal number counter value is 0, the CPU 51 determines that the CR payout number value 2 is [betting medal upper limit value 3−betting. Since the medal number counter value 0] or less, the CR payout number value 2 is added to the betting medal number counter value 0. In this case, even if there is no operation from the player, the amount of the CR payout number value is added as it is to the betting medal number counter value, so that the gaming machine 1 reduces the operation of the BET button 11 by the player. In some cases, convenience for the player can be improved.

  Further, the CPU 51 responds to the CR payout request signal (BRQ) when the betting medal monitoring flag is ON and the CR operation signal (BRDY) and the CR payout request signal (BRQ) are received from the card unit 20. The CR payout number value is larger than [betting medal upper limit value−betting medal number counter value], and [CR payout number value− (betting medal upper limit value−betting medal number counter value)] is [credit upper limit value−credit counter value]. If it is equal to or smaller than the value, [CR payout number value− (bet medal upper limit value−betting medal number counter value)] is added to the credit counter value, and the betting medal upper limit value is set in the bet medal number counter value. Turn on the completion flag and turn off the betting medal monitoring flag. For example, when the CR payout number value is 5, the betting medal upper limit value is 3, the betting medal number counter value is 0, the credit upper limit value is 50, and the credit counter value is 40, the CPU 51 Indicates that the CR payout number value 5 is larger than [betting medal upper limit value 3−betting medal number counter value 0] and [CR payout number value 5− (betting medal upper limit value3−betting medal number counter value 0)] is [ [Credit upper limit value 50−credit counter value 40] or less, [CR payout number value 5- (betting medal upper limit value−3 betting medal number counter value 0)] is added to the credit counter value 40, and the betting medal number counter The betting medal upper limit value 3 is set to 0, the CR payout completion flag is turned on, and the betting medal monitoring flag is turned off. In this case, among the CR payout number value 5, the betting medal number 3 corresponding to the three BET lamps 9a to 9c that are not lit is automatically inserted, and the other number 2 is added to the value of the credit display unit 19. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 can reduce the operation of the BET button 11 by the player, and may improve the convenience for the player.

  Further, the CPU 51 responds to the CR payout request signal (BRQ) when the betting medal monitoring flag is on and the CR operation signal (BRDY) and the CR payout request signal (BRQ) are received from the card unit 20. When the CR payout number value is larger than [(betting medal upper limit value−betting medal number counter value) + (credit upper limit value−credit counter value)], the payout counter value is set to [CR payout number value− (betting medal upper limit value). Value−betting medal number counter value) − (credit upper limit value−credit counter value)], the betting medal number counter value is set as the betting medal upper limit value, the credit upper limit value is set as the credit counter value, and CR payout Turn on the completion flag and turn off the betting medal monitoring flag. For example, when the CR payout number value is 5, the betting medal upper limit value is 3, the betting medal number counter value is 0, the credit upper limit value is 50, and the credit counter value is 49, the CPU 51 Since the CR payout number value 5 is larger than [(betting medal upper limit value 3−betting medal number counter value 0) + (credit upper limit value 50−credit counter value 49)], the payout counter value is set to [CR payout number value 5 -(Betting medal upper limit value 3-betting medal number counter value 0)-(credit upper limit value 50-credit counter value 49)] is added, the betting medal upper limit value 3 is set to the betting medal number counter value 0, and the credit counter The value 49 is set to 50 which is the credit upper limit value, the CR payout completion flag is turned on, and the betting medal monitoring flag is turned off. In this case, among the CR payout number value 5, the betting medal number 3 corresponding to the three BET lamps 9a to 9c that are not lit is automatically inserted, and the remaining number 1 is added to the value of the credit display unit 19. The other remaining number 1 is paid out from the hopper 40.

  In step 211, the CPU 51 performs a state signal setting process. Specifically, when the betting medal number counter value is 1, the CPU 51 transmits a betting medal 1 state signal indicating the betting medal number counter value 1 to the CPU 31. When the bet medal number counter value is 2, the CPU 51 transmits a bet medal 2 state signal indicating the bet medal number counter value 2 to the CPU 31. Further, when the bet medal number counter value is 3, the CPU 51 transmits a bet medal 3 state signal indicating the bet medal number counter value 3 to the CPU 31. Further, when the betting medal monitoring flag is on and the CR request completion state signal is turned off, the CPU 51 transmits a CR request acceptance ready state signal to the card unit 20 (t4 in FIG. 17). Further, when the CR payout completion flag is ON, the CPU 51 transmits a CR request completion state signal (EXS) to the card unit 20 (t3 in FIG. 17).

  In step 212, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the timer flag is on. The CPU 51 proceeds to step 215 when the timer flag is on, and repeats this process when the timer flag is not on.

  In step 213, the CPU 51 turns off the timer flag.

  Next, the operation of the card unit 20 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the RESET interrupt process of the card unit 20. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a periodic interrupt process that interrupts the RESET interrupt process of the card unit 20 at a predetermined interval (for example, 2 msec).

  As shown in FIG. 18, in step 301, the CPU 20a initializes data (for example, a card flag described later) stored in the RAM 20c and permits an interruption by a periodic interrupt process shown in FIG. 19 described later. .

  In step 302, the CPU 20a performs subtraction processing for various counters.

  In step 303, the CPU 20a performs an input monitoring process. Specifically, the CPU 20a monitors whether or not a signal (for example, a CR operation state signal) is transmitted from the card unit relay unit 70. When the CR operation state signal (PRDY) is received from the card unit relay unit 70, the CPU 20a recognizes that signal communication is possible between the card unit 20 and the payout control circuit 50.

  In step 304, the CPU 20a performs a lending operation control process. Specifically, when the operation of the lending button 20e is performed, the CPU 20a detects the operation of the lending button 20e. The CPU 20a detects the operation of the lending button 20e, receives the CR operation state signal (PRDY) transmitted from the payout control circuit 50, the card flag is on, and the payout request counter value is 0. The predetermined number is set in the payout request counter value. When the payout request counter value is 1 or more, the CPU 20a proceeds to the next process without performing the lending operation control process. Here, the card flag is a flag for determining whether or not a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 20h, and detailed description thereof will be given in a card control process described later. The payout request counter is information in the work area of the RAM 20c for counting a basic unit with a predetermined number (for example, five) of CR payout number values as a basic unit.

  Here, there are five basic medals for 100 yen, and when a lending button 20e is operated when a card storing a valuable value for 500 yen is inserted, five basics are provided. Since the unit is equivalent to 500 yen, the CPU 20a sets 5 as the basic unit in the payout request counter.

  In step 305, the CPU 20a performs card control processing. Specifically, the CPU 20a turns on the card flag when the CR operation state signal (PRDY) transmitted from the payout control circuit 50 is received and a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 20h. Further, the CPU 20a detects the operation of the return button 20f, and when the card flag is on and the CR payout request flag is off, the CPU 20a sets the card flag to off and returns the card from the card insertion slot 20h. The CR payout request flag is a flag for determining whether or not to output a CR payout request signal corresponding to the CR payout number value (automatic input request).

  In step 306, the CPU 20a performs a hopper control process. This process is the same as the process in step 208 described above. Note that the process of step 306 may be omitted, or the process of step 208 may be executed.

  In step 307, the CPU 20a performs control to display a numerical value or the like on the frequency display unit 20d composed of 7 segment LEDs. For example, the frequency display unit 20d displays an amount (for example, 500 yen) corresponding to a predetermined number (for example, 25) of medals automatically inserted by the payout control circuit 50 when the lending button 20e is operated. . Further, the frequency display unit 20d displays the remaining amount stored in the card.

  In step 308, the CPU 20a performs a request signal setting process. Specifically, the CPU 20a pays out when the CR payout request flag is on and the CR operation state signal (PRDY) and the CR request completion state signal (EXS) transmitted from the payout control circuit 50 are received. 1 is subtracted from the request counter value, and the CR payout request flag is turned off. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, the payout control circuit 50 sets a CR payout number value corresponding to the CR payout request signal (BRQ) based on the CR payout request signal (BRQ) transmitted from the CPU 20a. When the CR request completion state signal (EXS) is transmitted to the card unit 20 (t3 in FIG. 17), the CPU 20a receives the CR request completion state signal (EXS) and the CR operation state signal (from the card unit 20). 1 is subtracted from the payout request counter value based on PRDY), and the payout request flag is turned off.

  When the payout request counter value is 1 or more and the CR operation state signal (PRDY) and the CR request acceptance ready state signal are received from the payout control circuit 50, the CPU 20a turns on the CR payout request flag.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 17, when the CPU 20 a receives the CR operation state signal (PRDY) from the payout control circuit 50, the card unit 20 is in operation via the card unit relay unit 70. Is transmitted to the payout control circuit 50 (t2 in FIG. 17). When the payout control circuit 50 receives the CR operation signal (BRDY) transmitted from the card unit 20, the payout control circuit 50 recognizes that signal communication is possible between the card unit 20 and the payout control circuit 50. To do. In addition, when the CR payout request flag is on, the CPU 20a transmits a CR payout request signal (BRQ) to the payout control circuit 50 via the card unit relay unit 70. When the CR operation state signal (PRDY) is not received from the payout control circuit 50, or when the CR payout request flag is not on, the CPU 20a turns off the output signal.

  The CPU 20a does not transmit the CR operation signal (BRDY) to the payout control circuit 50 when the CR operation state signal (PRDY) transmitted from the payout control circuit 50 is not received.

  In step 309, the CPU 20a determines whether or not the timer flag is on. Further, the CPU 20a proceeds to step 310 when the timer flag is on, and proceeds to step 309 when the timer flag is not on.

  In step 310, the CPU 20a turns off the timer flag. Then, the CPU 20a proceeds to step 302.

  As shown in FIG. 19, in step 321, the CPU 20a turns on the timer flag. The timer flag is a flag for executing the processing from step 302 to step 308 every predetermined interval (for example, 2 msec), and the detailed description is the same as the timer flag in step 231.

  In the case where the game machine 1 does not start a game when the bet medal number counter value is not the bet medal upper limit value, the following may be performed. For example, consider a case where the betting medal number counter value is 1, the betting medal upper limit value is 3, the credit counter value is 25, and the credit upper limit value is 50. The CPU 51 transmits a CR request acceptance status signal to the card unit 20 based on 1 where the betting medal number counter value is less than or equal to the betting medal upper limit value, and the card unit 20 accepts the CR request acceptance status received from the CPU 51. Based on the signal, a CR payout request signal (BRQ) is transmitted to the CPU 51. Then, based on the CR payout request signal (BRQ) received from the card unit 20, the CPU 51 sets 2 out of the CR payout number values 5 corresponding to the CR payout request signal (BRQ) to the betting medal number counter value 1. Add to the betting medal upper limit value of 3 and add the remaining 3 to the credit counter value of 25.

  Accordingly, when the betting medal number counter value is not the betting medal upper limit value and the game machine 1 does not start the game, the gaming machine sets the betting medal upper limit value to the betting medal counter value. There is no need to insert medals into the medal slot 22 one by one, and the gaming machine 1 may be able to improve the convenience of the player.

  It should be noted that when the player finishes the game, the game machine 1 may be provided with a settlement button for returning to the card an amount value corresponding to the number of medals already inserted in the game machine 1. Specifically, first, when the player operates the checkout button, the CPU 51 instructs to return the amount value corresponding to the total medal of the credit counter value and the betting medal number counter value to the card. A signal is transmitted to the card unit 20. Based on the instruction signal received from the CPU 51, the CPU 20a of the card unit 20 adds an amount value corresponding to the total number of medals included in the instruction signal to the amount value stored in the card.

  As a result, when a predetermined number of medals have already been inserted into the gaming machine 1 and the player ends the game, the player presses the checkout button, so that an amount value corresponding to a medal that is not used in the game is added to the card. Since it is returned, the gaming machine 1 may be able to further improve the convenience of the player.

  The game start command means may be a start lever, a switch such as a spin button, or a game medium input. The variable display means are CRT, LCD, plasma display, 7-segment, dot matrix, lamp, LED, fluorescent lamp, EL, electronic paper, flexible LED, flexible liquid crystal, liquid crystal projector, reel, disk, movable object, etc. There may be a plurality of combinations thereof. Further, the game value may be payout of award media (coins, medals, game balls), predetermined writing to a game result storage medium (such as a magnetic card), replay, score addition, occurrence of an advantageous state, etc. . The game medium (prize medium) may be a coin, a medal, a game ball, money, a bill, a magnetic card, or the like.

  The cash including cards or banknotes may be portable game medium amount storage means that can be carried by the player and can store the amount of game medium owned by the player. Further, one or more of the bill insertion slot, the discharge slot, the tray, the hopper, and the like may be omitted from the card unit 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, the selector 55, the MAX BET button, the BET button 11, the medal detection unit 40S, the credit display unit 19, and the hopper 40 that can set the betting medal upper limit value to the betting medal number counter value by one operation. Although an example in which the payout control circuit 50 is connected has been given, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one (one, plural, all) of these may be connected only to the main control circuit 71, It may be connected to both the main control circuit 71 and the payout control circuit 50.

  In addition, although the card unit relay part 70 gave the example connected only to the payout control circuit 50, it is not limited to this, The card unit relay part 70 may be connected only to the main control circuit 71, It may be connected to both the main control circuit 71 and the payout control circuit 50. In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the lending button 20e and the frequency display unit 20d are provided in the card unit 20 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the lending button 20e and the frequency display unit 20d may be provided in the gaming machine 1.

  In addition, although the example which the function which controls the signal input from the lending button 20e and the function which controls the display of the frequency display part 20d was provided in the card unit 20 was given, it is not limited to this, These functions are main control. You may make it implement | achieve by the circuits provided in the board | substrate in the gaming machine 1, such as the circuit 71 or the payout control circuit 50. Further, the lending button 20e and the frequency display unit 20d are connected to the card unit relay unit 70, and an input signal from the lending button 20e is sent via the card unit relay unit 70 to the payout control circuit 50 and the main control circuit 71. The output signal to the frequency display unit 20d may be transmitted to the card unit 20 via the card unit relay unit 70. In this way, the card unit 20 may be electrically connected to the main control circuit 71 and the payout control circuit 50.

  The signal from the main control circuit 71 to the payout control circuit 50 is a command signal, and the signal from the payout control circuit 50 to the main control circuit 71 is a state signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the signal from the main control circuit 71 to the payout control circuit 50 and the signal from the payout control circuit 50 to the main control circuit 71 may be a command signal or a status signal.

  In addition, when the frequency display unit 20d is provided in the gaming machine 1, it is preferable that the frequency display unit 20d be provided in the vicinity of the credit display unit 19. In this case, the frequency display unit 20d may be provided in the gaming machine 1 within a range in which the player can visually recognize the frequency display unit 20d and the credit display unit 19 without moving his / her line of sight.

  The main control circuit 71 and the payout control circuit 50 are provided on separate substrates, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the main control circuit 71 and the payout control circuit 50 are provided on a single substrate. May be. In addition, the external concentrated terminal portion 72 and the card unit relay portion 70 are provided on different substrates, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the external concentrated terminal portion 72 and the card unit relay portion 70 are configured as a single unit. It may be provided on the substrate.

  When the gaming machine 1 receives the lending signal from the card unit 20, the gaming machine 1 preferentially stores the number of medals according to the lending signal in the credit (adds a predetermined value to the credit counter value). However, the number of medals may be preferentially discharged from the medal outlet. Further, a player or a game clerk may be able to determine which is prioritized.

  In the above description, the payout control circuit 50 and various circuits (for example, the main control circuit 71) are provided on separate substrates, but they may be provided on a single substrate.

  Note that the timing at which the gaming machine 1 can receive the lending signal from the card unit 20 is as already shown, and when the replay is operating (that is, when the re-game flag is on), the gaming machine 1 Has mainly explained the case where the operation signal such as the lending signal is not accepted, but is not limited to this, and the operation signal is not accepted even during any bonus among BB, RB, CT, RT, etc. It may be. Further, the operation signal may not be accepted except when the credit counter value is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value (for example, when the credit counter value is 0).

  Note that the amount of game media corresponding to the lending signal from the card unit 20 is credited (introduced) within the creditable range (within the range of the credit upper limit value). In the case where the credit card is discharged, the credit (automatic insertion) of the game medium is performed only when the credit is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, when the credit counter value is 0). The game medium may be discharged from the discharge port of the hopper 40.

  When the amount of game media corresponding to the lending signal from the card unit 20 is a credit equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, when the credit counter value is 0), the amount of gaming corresponding to the lending signal from the card unit 20 is used. The game machine 1 may automatically accept the medium.

  When the card unit relay unit 70 and the card unit 20 are connected via a cable, the cable may be passed through the gaming machine 1 from the back of the gaming machine housing.

   According to such an invention according to the present application, it is not necessary for the player to transfer the medals paid out from the card unit 20 to the tray of the gaming machine 1, so that the card unit 20 improves the convenience of the player. May be possible. Further, as described above, the CR payout number value is added to the betting medal number counter value and the credit counter value, and when the addition result exceeds the total number of betting medal upper limit values and credit upper limit values, When the number of medals is paid out from the gaming machine 1, the gaming machine 1 can prevent the medal from being credited more than necessary, and can suppress gambling.

  Conventionally, a gaming machine 1 that pays out a predetermined number of medals by accepting a card has been proposed. In the gaming machine 1, each reel 3, various control boards, and a liquid crystal display device are concentrated on the upper stage. Therefore, the card insertion slot 20h for receiving the card has to be provided below the middle stage, and there is a problem that it is difficult for the player to insert the card into the card insertion slot 20h. In the present invention, since the card unit 20 and the gaming machine 1 are separately provided, the card insertion slot 20h is provided in the middle stage of the card unit 20 (a position where the card can be inserted without bending the player). And the troublesomeness when the player inserts the card may be greatly eliminated.

  Note that the surplus number of medals may be paid out from the card unit 20. This can be realized by executing the same processing as in step 208 in step 306. Accordingly, since a tray for medals paid out from the card unit 20 can be provided in the middle stage, the player may be able to take out the medals paid out without bending.

  Furthermore, since the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 20 are separately provided, the gaming machine 1 does not need to perform the processing of the card unit 20, so the gaming machine 1 may be able to reduce the control load. is there. Further, since optical communication is possible between the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 20, the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 20 may be arranged at a predetermined distance. The degree of freedom when the card unit 20 is arranged may be improved.

  A card receiving unit (for example, a card insertion slot 20h) that receives a card in which valuable information relating to a predetermined valuable value (for example, 500 yen) is stored, and the number of game media received by the gaming machine (for example, betting) The medal number counter value 3 + the credit counter value 7) and the number of game media rented (for example, CR payout number value 5) corresponding to valuable information (for example, 100 yen) stored in the card received by the game medium lending machine. Is sent to the gaming machine 1 by optical communication to transmit a lending signal (for example, a CR payout request signal) relating to the number of lending of the game medium. Part (for example, CPU 20a, request signal setting process in step 308 of FIG. 18), and the number of game media received by the gaming machine When the total number of gaming media corresponding to the valuable information stored in the card received by the card receiving unit exceeds a predetermined reference number, the paying-out unit pays out the exceeding number of gaming media And may be provided. This payout unit may be provided in the gaming machine 1.

  The predetermined reference number (for example, the credit upper limit value) is the maximum number of game media that can be accepted by the gaming machine 1 (for example, the betting medal upper limit value + the credit upper limit value). It may be the number excluding the number of game media (for example, the betting medal upper limit value).

  Note that the gaming machine may accept the rental amount of the game medium included in the rental signal based on a rental signal (for example, a CR payout request signal) received from the transmission unit (so-called automatic insertion).

  Note that the gaming machine commands a game start command to command the start of a unit game in response to a first operation by the player when a predetermined amount of the received rental amount of the game medium is bet by the player. A game start command means (for example, a start lever 6) for outputting a signal, and a winning combination determining means (for example, CPU 31) for determining a predetermined combination as a winning combination based on a game start command signal input from the game start command means 4), a variation display means (for example, reel 3) for variably displaying a plurality of identification information necessary for the game based on the game start command signal input from the game start command means, and the player In response to the second operation, stop command means (for example, a stop button 7) for outputting a stop command signal for instructing stop of the variation display of the identification information, a stop command signal input from the stop command means, Based on the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means, stop control means (for example, the CPU 31, the periodic interruption process in FIG. 7) for stopping the variation display of the identification information, and the identification information stopped in the variation display means When the stop mode is a predetermined winning mode, game value giving means (for example, CPU 51, hopper control processing in step 208 in FIG. 16) for giving a game value to the player may be provided.

  The lending command receiving unit (for example, the lending button 20e) that receives a lending command from the player, the received amount (for example, credit counter value) of the game medium received by the gaming machine 1, and the lending command receiving unit. When the total amount of a predetermined game medium based on the loan instruction (for example, the CR payout number value) is equal to or less than a predetermined reference amount (for example, a credit upper limit value), Accepted by a transmitting unit (for example, CPU 20a, request signal setting process in step 308 of FIG. 18) that transmits a signal to the gaming machine by optical communication, and a received amount and a lending command receiving unit of the gaming medium received by the gaming machine If the total amount of the predetermined loan amount based on the issued loan instruction exceeds the predetermined reference amount, at least one of the loan amount A payout unit for paying out game media may be is provided.

  When the total amount exceeds the maximum received amount (for example, credit upper limit value) of game media that can be received by the gaming machine 1, a lending signal corresponding to the amount obtained by subtracting the received amount from the maximum received amount is transmitted from the transmission unit. In addition, a game medium corresponding to an amount obtained by subtracting the maximum received amount from the total amount may be paid out from the payout unit.

  In addition, the reception part which receives predetermined value (for example, the amount contained in the information memorize | stored in the card | curd, and the banknote inserted from the banknote slot), the reception amount of the game medium received by the gaming machine, and reception If the total amount of gaming media corresponding to at least a part of the valuable value received by the department is equal to or less than a predetermined reference amount, a transmission for transmitting a lending signal related to the gaming media lending amount to the gaming machine If the total amount of the received amount of gaming media received by the game unit and the gaming media and the rental amount of gaming media corresponding to the valuable value received by the receiving unit exceeds a predetermined reference amount, A payout unit for paying out at least a part of the game media may be provided.

  As mentioned above, although an example of embodiment of this invention was demonstrated, it only showed the specific example and does not specifically limit this invention, The design of the specific structure of each means, etc. can be changed suitably. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to the ones.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the game machine in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the card unit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the game machine and card unit in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the main control circuit in this embodiment (the 1). It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the main control circuit in this embodiment (the 1). It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the main control circuit in this embodiment (the 1). It is a figure which shows the regular interruption process of the main control circuit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the periodic interruption process of the payout control circuit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the command signal reception interruption process of the payout control circuit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the command signal input process of the payout control circuit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the betting medal monitoring start command process of the payout control circuit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the re-game command process of the payout control circuit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the betting medal monitoring end command process of the payout control circuit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the payout medal command process of the payout control circuit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the game end command process of the payout control circuit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the main operation | movement of the payout control circuit in this embodiment. It is a timing chart figure which shows the process performed between the payout control circuit and card unit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the main operation | movement of the card unit in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the periodic interruption process of the card unit in this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 2a ... Panel display part, 3 ... Reel, 4 ... Display window, 5 ... Liquid crystal display device, 6 ... Start lever, 7 ... Stop button, 8a-8e ... Effective line, 9a, 9b, 9c ... BET Lamp 10 pedestal unit 11 BET button 13 maximum BET switch 18a to 18c game information display unit 19 credit display unit 20a CPU 20b ROM 20c RAM 20d frequency display unit 20e ... lending button, 20f ... return button, 20g ... card insertion lamp, 20h ... card insertion slot, 20i ... bill insertion slot, 21 ... power supply, 22 ... medal slot, 31 ... CPU, 32 ... ROM, 33 ... RAM, 40 ... hopper, 40S ... medal detection unit, 50 ... payout control circuit, 51 ... CPU, 52 ... ROM, 53 ... RAM, 55 ... selector, 60 ... in door Substrate, 60a ... first door link portion, 60b ... second door link portion, 62 ... power unit, 70 ... card unit relay unit, 71 ... main control circuit, 72 ... external common terminal unit.

Claims (5)

A lending command acceptance unit that accepts lending commands from players;
If the total amount of gaming media received by the gaming machine and the rental amount of a predetermined gaming medium based on the rental command received by the rental command receiving unit is equal to or less than a predetermined reference amount, the gaming medium A transmission unit that transmits a lending signal related to the lending amount of the gaming machine to the gaming machine by optical communication;
If the total amount of the predetermined rental amount based on the received amount of the game medium received by the gaming machine and the loan command received by the loan command receiving unit exceeds the predetermined reference amount, A game medium lending machine comprising: a payout unit for paying out at least a part of the game media.   When the total amount exceeds the maximum received amount of the gaming medium that can be received by the gaming machine, a lending signal corresponding to an amount obtained by subtracting the received amount from the maximum received amount is transmitted from the transmission unit, and 2. The game medium lending machine according to claim 1, wherein a game medium corresponding to an amount obtained by subtracting the maximum received amount from a total amount is paid out from the payout unit.   The gaming machine lending machine according to claim 2, wherein the gaming machine accepts a lending amount of a gaming medium included in the lending signal based on the lending signal received from the transmission unit. The gaming machine has a game start command signal for instructing the start of a unit game in response to a first operation by the player when a predetermined amount of the lent amount of the received game medium is betted by the player. Game start command means for outputting
A winning combination determining means for determining a predetermined combination as a winning combination based on the game start command signal input from the game start instruction means;
Fluctuation display means for variably displaying a plurality of identification information necessary for a game based on the game start command signal input from the game start command means;
Stop command means for outputting a stop command signal for commanding stop of the variation display of the identification information in response to a second operation by the player;
Based on the stop command signal input from the stop command means and the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means, stop control means for stopping the variation display of the identification information,
The game value providing means for providing a player with a game value when the stop mode of the identification information stopped by the variation display unit is a predetermined winning mode. Game media lending machine. A reception unit for receiving a predetermined value,
When the total amount of the received amount of gaming media received by the gaming machine and the rental amount of gaming media corresponding to at least a part of the valuable value received by the receiving unit is equal to or less than a predetermined reference amount, A transmission unit for transmitting a lending signal related to the lending amount of gaming media to the gaming machine;
If the total amount of the received amount of gaming media received by the gaming machine and the amount of gaming media lent corresponding to the value received by the receiving unit exceeds the predetermined reference amount, A game medium lending machine comprising: a payout unit that pays out at least a part of the amount of game media.

Images