JP2006014974A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the generation of abnormalities in the communication among the devices for the games even when the exhaustion of the game media occurs by eliminating the sensors and switches for monitoring whether one dispensing unit of game media is stored into a game medium storage means. <P>SOLUTION: The main control part of a slot machine turns the EXS off (H level) when confirming the given number (for example, 5) of tokens put out by the detection signal of the put-out sensor (signal indicating the putting out of tokens from hopper with put-out motor). Moreover, when the put-out sensor fails to output the detection signal, even when the put-out motor is driven so long enough to put out one token (for example, 1.15 sec), the EXS is turned off (H level). When the turning off of the EXS does not occur beyond the given time, the card unit is determined to cause abnormality in the communication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention performs a game using a game medium lent out by a player, and performs control for lending the game medium to the player using a valuable value specified by recorded information recorded in the recording medium. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine that can communicate with a gaming device.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium is won in a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player as a prize ball. There is a pachinko machine. In addition, there is a variable display device that can variably display a plurality of types of identification information, and one game is terminated by one display stop in the variable display device, and specific identification information in which a display result at the time of display stop is determined in advance There is a slot machine that gives a predetermined game value in the case of the combination.

  A player borrows game media such as game balls and medals, and plays a game using the borrowed game media and the game media paid out as a prize. In this case, for example, the player inputs a rental request after attaching a valuable recording medium such as a prepaid card (such as a magnetic card or an IC card) to a gaming device such as a card unit. Then, the gaming device outputs a rental request signal to the gaming machine. The gaming machine pays out gaming media as gaming value to the player in response to a lending request signal from the gaming device. When renting out game media, the value of each game media is fixed (for example, 4 yen / game ball, 20 yen / medal), for example, 100 yen (one unit) On the other hand, a gaming device such as a card unit reduces the value of 100 yen from a valuable recording medium.

  Valuable value corresponds to the amount of money, and game value corresponds to the value of one game medium (for example, 4 yen or 20 yen) or the value of a predetermined number of game media (for example, 25 or 5 cards). Equivalent to 100 yen).

  The rented game medium is stored in the game medium storage means in the gaming machine, and is paid out from the game medium storage means through the payout mechanism. Generally, a sensor or a switch for monitoring the storage status of the game medium storage means is provided. Then, the lending control means in the gaming machine determines whether or not at least one unit (for example, 100 yen) of game media is stored in the game medium storage means (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As described above, the rental of the game media is executed based on the rental request from the player, but the rental control means determines that less than one unit of game media is stored in the game media storage means. In the case, the loan request is not accepted.

JP 2001-340584 A

  However, providing a sensor or a switch for monitoring whether or not one or more units of game media are stored leads to an increase in the cost of the gaming machine. Therefore, it is preferable that these sensors and switches are unnecessary. However, in the case where no sensor or switch is provided, during the lending process of one unit of game media, the game media storage means may run out of game media (the game media to be paid out may be insufficient or not at all). May occur. When the game medium runs out, the lending process is interrupted until the game medium storage means is replenished with game media. As a result, the communication between the game ball and the game device is also interrupted, so that a communication abnormality occurs in the game device, which may cause the player to feel distrust.

  Therefore, the present invention eliminates the need for a sensor or switch for monitoring whether or not a rented unit of game media is stored in the game media storage means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can prevent an abnormality from occurring.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention performs control for lending a game medium (medal or game ball) to a player using a valuable value specified by recorded information recorded on a recording medium (for example, a prepaid card). A gaming device (for example, the card unit 100) that lends a predetermined number of gaming media when a predetermined lending condition (for example, input of a lending operation signal based on depression of the lending operation switch 14) is established. A lending command signal to be commanded (for example, a signal generated by turning MRQ on and then off) is output, and after a lending command signal is output, a lending execution signal (for example, EXS is turned on) from the gaming machine. After determining whether or not the predetermined number of gaming media commanded by the lending command signal has been lent. It is possible to output a lending command signal (see FIG. 9), and when a lending execution signal is not input until a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses after the lending command signal is output, Lending abnormality (for example, processing in step S429) is a gaming machine that is communicable with a gaming device and that uses a gaming medium lent by the player, and rents the gaming medium to the player Lending means (for example, a payout motor), storage means (for example, a hopper) for storing game media for lending from the lending means, and storage monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the game medium stored in the storage means is deficient (For example, a part of the main control unit 41 that executes the processes of steps S313 and S314) and a lending command signal input for determining whether a lending command signal is input or not. Lending command signal input means for executing the process (for example, a part of the main control unit 41 that executes the process of step S303C) and the lending command signal input means determining that the lending command signal has been input. Lending control means (for example, a part of the main control unit 41 that executes the processing of steps S304 to S321) that allows the means to lend a predetermined number of game media, and whether or not a predetermined number of game media have been lent by the lending means When the lending monitoring means determines that a predetermined number of game media have been lent by the lending means (for example, the part of the main control unit 41 that executes the process of step S322) and the lending monitoring means Lending execution signal output means for executing a lending execution signal output process for outputting a lending execution signal (for example, a step in the main control unit 41). And the lending execution signal output means sets the storage monitoring means to the storage means before the lending monitoring means determines that a predetermined number of game media have been lent by the lending means. Even when it is determined that the stored game medium is deficient (for example, steps S313 and S314), the lending execution signal output process (for example, step S316) is executed, and the lending control means outputs the lending execution signal. After the means outputs the lending execution signal, when the lack of the game media in the storage means is resolved, the lending means lends the number of game media that is insufficient with respect to the predetermined number (for example, step S253). The lending process is continued based on the determination of

  The lending execution signal output means does not determine that a predetermined number of game media has been lent by the lending means by the lending monitoring means, and the lending command signal input means determines that the lending command signal has been input, after a predetermined time. Alternatively, the lending execution signal output process may be executed when a short specific time has elapsed (for example, steps S311 and S317).

  The gaming machine according to another aspect of the present invention lends a game medium (medal or game ball) to a player using the valuable value specified by the record information recorded on the record medium (for example, a prepaid card). A gaming device (for example, the card unit 100) that controls the game, and a predetermined number of games due to the establishment of a predetermined lending condition (for example, input of a lending operation signal based on depression of the lending operation switch 14). A lending command signal (for example, a signal generated by turning MRQ on and then off) is output to command lending of the medium, and after the lending command signal is output, a lending execution signal (for example, EXS is output from the gaming machine). Lending of a predetermined number of gaming media instructed by the lending command signal when the signal (by turning off after being turned on) is input When it is determined and a new lending command signal can be output (see FIG. 9), a lending execution signal is not input until a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses after the lending command signal is output. It is a gaming machine that can communicate with a gaming device to determine whether or not a gaming medium is lent out (for example, the process of step S429), and a player plays a game using the rented gaming medium. A lending means (for example, a payout motor) that lends to the person and a lending command signal input means (for example, step S303C in the main control unit 41) that executes lending command signal input processing for determining whether or not a lending command signal has been input. And the lending command signal input unit determines that the lending command signal has been input, and lends a predetermined number of game media to the lending unit. The lending control means to be performed (for example, the portion of the main control unit 41 that executes the processing of steps S304 to S321) and the lending command signal input means determine that the lending command signal has been input for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) Lending execution signal output means for executing a lending execution signal output process for outputting a lending execution signal when a specified time shorter than () is executed (for example, the processing of steps S3002 to S303B in the main control unit 41 is executed) Or a modified example in which EXS is turned off based on time-out).

  The lending means further comprises lending monitoring means for determining whether or not a predetermined number of game media have been lent by the lending means, and the lending execution signal output means is a specific time after the lending command signal input means determines that the lending command signal has been input. When the lending monitoring means determines that a predetermined number of game media have been lent by the lending means before the time elapses, the lending execution signal output process is executed (for example, when MRQ is turned off, If the number of payouts is 3 or more when the timer is started and the timer counts 5 seconds, the EXS may be turned off.

  The lending control means lends gaming media based on a newly inputted lending command signal on condition that the lending means has completed lending a predetermined number of gaming media (for example, “Y” in the process of step S322). It is preferable that the next MRQ check (step S303C) is not executed until “

  A game can be started by setting a specific number of bets for one game using a game medium, and a predetermined game value (for example, credit corresponding to a predetermined number of medals) is played according to the game result. The game start means (for example, communicates with the card unit 100) is determined on the condition that the lending means determines whether or not the game medium is being lent to the player, and determines that it is not lent. When the lending process is performed, it may be provided by the control of the main control unit 41 that does not proceed to the process after step S102.

  A game control microcomputer (for example, a main control unit 41) for controlling the game progress is provided. For example, the game control microcomputer executes a lending command signal input process and a lending execution signal output process.

  The lending condition is satisfied when a lending operation signal is input to the gaming device, and includes an operation switch (for example, a lending operation switch 14) that outputs an operation signal in response to a player's lending request operation. The signal is input to the game control microcomputer, and the game control microcomputer determines whether or not the game is in progress and outputs a lending operation signal on condition that the game is not in progress when the operation signal is input. It is preferable to execute the lending operation signal output process (for example, the lending process is executed only during the BET process in step S101, and is not executed when the processes after step S102 are performed).

  The game control microcomputer determines whether or not the lending means is lending the game medium, and executes the lending operation signal output process on the condition that it is determined that the lending means is not lending when the operation signal is input. (For example, the confirmation process in step S208 is not executed until the lending process is completed).

  In the invention according to claim 1, the game execution medium in which the storage monitoring means is stored in the storage means before the loan execution signal output means determines that the loan monitoring means has lent a predetermined number of game media by the loan means. Even when it is determined that there is a deficiency, the lending execution signal output process is executed, and after the lending control means outputs the lending execution signal, the lack of gaming media in the storage means is resolved. When it is played, it is configured to let the lending means lend out a number of game media that is insufficient with respect to the predetermined number, so that even if the game media runs out, a communication abnormality occurs in the gaming device It is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged and to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the lending execution signal output means does not determine that a predetermined number of game media have been lent by the lending means, and the lending command signal input means determines that the lending command signal has been input. Since the lending execution signal output process is executed when a specific time shorter than the predetermined time has elapsed, the possibility that a communication abnormality will occur in the gaming device can be further reduced.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the lending execution signal output for outputting the lending execution signal when the lending instruction signal input means determines that the lending instruction signal is input and a specific time shorter than the predetermined time has elapsed. Since it is configured to execute the process, it is possible to prevent a communication abnormality from occurring in the gaming device even if the game medium runs out.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the lending monitoring means causes the lending means to output a predetermined number of times until a specific time elapses after the lending execution signal output means determines that the lending command signal input means has received the lending command signal. Since it is configured to execute the lending execution signal output process when it is determined that the gaming medium has been lent, it is possible to reduce the possibility of occurrence of communication abnormality in the gaming device.

  In the invention described in claim 5, the lending control means causes the gaming medium to be lent based on the newly inputted lending command signal on the condition that the lending means has completed lending the predetermined number of gaming media. Since it is configured, lending of game media is not executed redundantly.

  In the invention described in claim 6, since the lending means determines whether or not the game medium is being lent out to the player, the game starting means for starting the game is provided on the condition that it is determined that the rent is not being lent. It is not necessary to execute the lending process and the game control at the same time, and the burden on the control unit of the slot machine can be reduced.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the game control microcomputer executes the lending command signal input process and the lending execution signal output process, it is not necessary to provide a separate control means for executing the lending of the game medium. There is no cost increase.

  In the invention according to claim 8, the gaming control microcomputer determines whether or not the game is in progress, and when the operation signal is input, the rental operation for outputting the rental operation signal on condition that the game is not in progress Since the signal output process is executed, it is not necessary to execute the lending process and the game control at the same time, and the burden on the control unit of the slot machine can be reduced.

  In the invention described in claim 9, the game control microcomputer determines whether or not the lending means is renting out the game medium, and when it is determined that it is not lent when the operation signal is input, Since the lending operation signal output process is executed, lending of game media is not executed repeatedly.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a slot machine 1 as a gaming machine together with a card unit 100 as a lending device (game device). As shown in FIG. 1, in the slot machine 1, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter also referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. Has been. Of the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are arranged so as to be seen from the see-through window 3 provided on the front surface of the slot machine 1.

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated by reel motors 34L, 34C, and 34R (see FIG. 2) provided correspondingly, so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuous with the see-through window 3. Displayed while changing. Further, by stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three continuous symbols are derived and displayed as display results on the see-through window 3.

  The slot machine 1 has a credit indicator 10 for displaying credits (the number of medals stored as a player's gaming value), and a value read from a prepaid card as a storage medium inserted in the card unit 100. When the remaining amount of value is converted into the number of medals that can be lent by the remaining amount of valuable value and displayed, the medal insertion unit 4 that can insert medals, and the number of bets that are set using credits 1BET switch 5 and MAXBET switch 6 to be operated, a card return switch 12 for returning a prepaid card inserted in the card unit 100, a start switch 7 to be operated when starting a game, and reels 2L, 2C and 2R Stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that are operated when stopping the rotation are provided. . Furthermore, a lending operation switch 14 that is operated when the player borrows a medal and a lendable lamp 15 that indicates whether or not the medal can be lent are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the card unit 100 includes an available LED 101 indicating that the card unit 100 is usable, a remaining amount indicator 102 that displays a remaining amount of valuable value read from the inserted prepaid card, and a prepaid card. A card insertion LED 103 indicating that the card is being inserted, and a card insertion slot 104 for inserting a prepaid card are provided.

  When a player plays a game in the slot machine 1, first, a medal is inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 or the bet number is set using the valuable value of credit. In order to use the valuable value of credit, the MAXBET switch 6 or the 1BET switch 5 may be operated. When a predetermined number of bets are set, the winning lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, and L3 ′ (see FIG. 1) are enabled according to the set bets, and the operation of the start switch 7 is enabled. A state, that is, a state where the game can be started. For example, the game can be started when one or more bets are set.

  When the player operates the start switch 7 in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously vary. If any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed.

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is finished, and is determined in advance on any of the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, L3 ′ activated according to the number of bets. When the given symbol combination is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of medals are given to the player as a prize, and credits are given. Is added to When the credit reaches the upper limit (50 in this embodiment), medals are paid out directly from the medal payout hole 9 (see FIG. 1).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing configurations of the slot machine 1 and the card unit 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40 and an effect control board 90. The game state is controlled by the game control microcomputer mounted on the game control board 40, and the effect according to the game state is controlled by the effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 90.

  Connected to the game control board 40 are a 1BET switch 5, a MAXBET switch 6, a start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R and a lending operation switch 14. Also, an insertion medal sensor 31 that detects medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4, a payout sensor 33 that detects medals paid out from the medal payout holes 9, and a reel sensor 35 that detects the reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. Is connected. That is, detection signals from the connected switches and sensors are input.

  The game control board 40 is connected with reel motors 34L, 34C, 34R and a credit display 10. Further, a hopper motor (payout motor) 32 for paying out medals from the medal payout hole 9, a hopper tank in which medals to be paid out by driving the hopper motor 32 are stored in the flow path of medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4. A flow path switching solenoid 13 for switching to either the take-in path leading to (not shown) or the return path leading to the medal payout hole 9 is connected. These electric components are controlled by a game control microcomputer, which will be described later, mounted on the game control board 40. Note that the hopper tank (sometimes simply referred to as a hopper) also serves as a storage means for storing game media to be lent out to the player, and the hopper motor (dispensing motor) 32 receives the game media from the hopper as the storage means. It also serves as a lending means to pay out (lend out) to the player. Further, a payout sensor 33 that detects a medal paid out from the medal payout hole 9 by driving the hopper motor 32 and outputs a detection signal to the main control unit 41 is for determining whether or not a game medium has been lent out. The signal is supplied to the lending monitoring means (implemented by the main control unit 41).

  The game control board 40 includes a main control unit 41 (a game control microcomputer) including a CPU that operates according to a control program, a ROM that stores a control program and various data tables, and a RAM that writes and reads necessary data. ), A switch circuit 42 to which a detection signal input from a switch or a sensor is input, a motor circuit 43 that performs drive control of the reel motors 34L, 34C, and 34R, and drive control of a display device such as the credit display device 10 is performed. A display drive circuit 44, a solenoid drive circuit 45 that performs drive control of the flow path switching solenoid 13, and the like are mounted. The main control unit 41 performs various controls according to the progress of the game, based on detection signals from switches and sensors connected to the game control board 40.

  The effect control board 90 is connected to a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1), an effect effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, and a reel lamp 55 arranged on the front surface of the slot machine 1. These electrical components are controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 90.

  On the effect control board 90, a sub-control unit 91 (corresponding to an effect control microcomputer) including a CPU, ROM, and RAM, a liquid crystal drive circuit 92 that controls the drive of the liquid crystal display 51, and drive control of the effect effect LED 52 are performed. A lamp driving circuit 93, an audio output circuit 94 for controlling audio output from the speaker 53, and the like are mounted. The sub-control unit 91 performs various controls for performing effects according to commands transmitted from the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40.

  Further, the game control board 40 is connected to the control unit 106 of the card unit 100 via the relay board 60. The main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 performs signal exchange, that is, communication with the control unit 106 of the card unit 100 via the relay board 60. As described above, in the slot machine 1, the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 is configured to communicate with the control unit 106 of the card unit 100. Since it is not necessary to provide control means for data communication (for example, a payout control microcomputer mounted in a pachinko gaming machine), the configuration of the gaming machine can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an available LED 101, a remaining card indicator 102, and a card insertion LED 103 are connected to the control unit 106 of the card unit 100. Further, a remaining card number display 11 provided in the slot machine 1 is connected via a relay board 60. The LEDs and the display are driven by the control of the microcomputer mounted on the control unit 106. Further, the card return switch 12 provided in the slot machine 1 is also connected to the control unit 106 via the relay board 60. That is, the detection signal of the card return switch 12 is input to the control unit 106.

  The card unit 100 also includes a card reader / writer (card R / W) 105 that reads and writes recorded information of a prepaid card inserted from the card insertion slot 104. The card reader / writer 105 outputs the recording information read from the prepaid card to the control unit 106 and updates the recording information of the inserted prepaid card based on a command from the control unit 106. .

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing signals transmitted and received between the slot machine 1 and the card unit 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the card unit 100 has a card unit connection indicating that the card unit 100 is normally connected to the game control board 40 (specifically, the main control unit 41) of the slot machine 1. A signal (VL), a card unit READY signal (MRDY) indicating that a medal lending instruction is issued from the card unit 100, and a lending request signal (MRQ) corresponding to a lending command signal requesting lending of medals are transmitted. The control board 40 (specifically, the main control unit 41) is a slot machine READY signal (SRDY) indicating a state in which medals can be lent out to the card unit 100 (specifically, the control unit 106). A lending execution signal (EX indicating that lending of a predetermined number (for example, 5) medals based on reception of MRQ has been completed normally) ) To send. Further, a lending operation signal corresponding to the operation signal output from the lending operation switch 14 is also output from the game control board 40 (specifically, the main control unit 41) to the card unit 100 (specifically, the control unit 106). The

  Further, the remaining card number indicator 11 and the card return switch 12 mounted in the slot machine 1 are connected to the card unit 100 (control unit 106), and the remaining card number indicator 11 outputs the remaining number output from the control unit 106. The display is driven based on the display control signal, and the detection signal (return operation detection signal) of the card return switch 12 is input to the control unit 106.

  Next, control executed by the main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1 as the game progresses will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When power supply to the slot machine 1 is started, initial processing for preparing for the game start is executed (step S100). Specifically, the connection of various devices, the operation status, etc. are confirmed, and if it is possible to return to the gaming state before the power is cut off, the process of returning is performed.

  Next, a BET process (step S101), an internal lottery process (step S102), a reel rotation process (step S103), a reel stop process (step S104), a winning determination process (step S105), and a payout process (step S106) are sequentially executed. Move to loop processing.

  In the BET process in step S101, the main control unit 41 stands by in a state where medals, credits, and the like can be received, and executes a process of setting the bet number in accordance with the reception of medals, credits, and the like.

  In the internal lottery process in step S102, the main control unit 41 compares the random value acquired based on the detection that the start switch 7 has been pressed and the internal winning probability table that determines the winning probability of each winning prize. A process for determining whether or not to allow the generation of a prize is executed according to the above.

  In the reel rotation process of step S103, the main control unit 41 executes a process of rotating each reel 2L, 2C, 2R.

  In the reel stop process in step S104, the main control unit 41 detects the operation of the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R by the player or the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R based on the fact that the automatic stop time has elapsed. Execute the process to stop.

  In the winning determination process of step S105, the main control unit 41 displays the display result derived for each reel 2L, 2C, 2R when it is determined in step S104 that the rotation of all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R has been stopped. In response, a process for determining whether or not a winning has occurred is executed.

  In the payout process in step S106, when it is determined in step S105 that a win has occurred, a process for adding credits and paying out medals is executed based on the number of medals awarded according to the win.

  5 to 8 are flowcharts showing the control contents of the BET process executed by the main control unit 41.

  In the BET process, the main control unit 41 first confirms whether or not it is in a reset waiting state (step S200). If it is in the state of waiting for reset, the processing after step S251 (see FIG. 12) is executed. The wait for reset will be described later.

  If it is not in the reset waiting state, it is confirmed whether the current game is a replay game (step S201). If it is a replay game, the start switch 7 is awaiting detection (step S202). When it is detected that the start switch 7 is pressed in this state, the game starts. At this time, since the bet number of the previous game is set as it is in the BET counter to which the value of the bet number is set, the game is started with the same bet number as the previous game.

  If it is confirmed in step S201 that the game is not a replay game, the value of the BET counter is cleared (step S203), and the flow path switching solenoid 13 is driven and the flow path of medals inserted is returned from the return path. Switch to the take-in route side (step S204). Next, it waits in a state of waiting for detection of the settlement switch 10, the insertion medal sensor 31, the lending operation switch 14, the 1BET switch 5, and the MAXBET switch 6 (steps S205 to SS213).

  When the depression of the settlement switch 10 is detected (step S205), the settlement process for paying out the number of medals stored as credits is executed (step S206), and the process returns to step S205.

  When the inserted medal sensor 31 outputs a signal indicating that the medal insertion has been detected (step S207), it is confirmed whether or not the value of the BET counter is 3, that is, the maximum bet number (= 3) is set. (Step S221) If the value of the BET counter is less than 3, 1 is added to the value of the BET counter (Step S224). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the BET counter after the addition is 3 (step S226). If the value of the BET counter is 3, further, the credit value has reached 50, that is, has reached the upper limit value. (Step S226). When the credit value is 50, that is, when the maximum bet number is set and the credit has reached the upper limit value, the flow path switching solenoid 13 is stopped and the flow path of the inserted medal is taken. After switching from the included route to the return route (step S227), the process returns to step Sb5. If the value of the BET counter is 3 in step S221, it is confirmed whether or not the credit value is 50 (step S222). If the credit value is less than 50, 1 is added to the credit value (step S223), and the process proceeds to step S226. If the credit value is 50 in step S222, the process proceeds to step S227.

  If the inserted medal sensor 31 does not output a signal indicating that a medal has been inserted (step S207), if the value of the BET counter is 3, that is, if the maximum bet number is set, It is confirmed that the start switch has been pressed (step S215).

  When the value of the BET counter is not 3, when pressing of the 1BET switch 5 is detected (step S212), it is confirmed whether or not the credit value is 0 (step S231). 1 is subtracted from the credit value (step S232), the BET counter value is incremented by 1 (step S233), and the process returns to step S205. If the credit value is 0, the process directly returns to step S205.

  When pressing of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected (step S213), it is confirmed whether or not the credit value is 0 (step S241). If the credit value is not 0, that is, if the credit remains. Subtracts 1 from the credit value (step S242) and adds 1 to the BET counter value (step S243). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the BET counter is 3 (step S244). If the value of the BET counter is 3, the process returns to step S205, and if the value of the BET counter is less than 3, the process returns to step S241. That is, the processes in steps S241 to S244 are repeatedly executed until the credit value becomes 0 or the BET counter value becomes 3.

  If it is detected that the start switch 7 is pressed (step S215), the BET process is terminated on condition that the value of the BET counter is 1 or more (steps S211 and S214). That is, the game is started with the number of bets set in the BET counter at that time (processing after step S102). When the game is started, the flow of the flow path switching solenoid 13 is stopped and the flow path of the inserted medal is set as the return path (step S216).

  Next, lending control will be described. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the state of each signal transmitted and received between the slot machine 1 and the card unit 100. In FIG. 9, “S” indicates the slot machine 1, and “M” indicates the card unit 100. When the player presses the lending operation switch 14, an operation signal is input to the main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1. The main control unit 41 outputs a lending operation signal that is an operation signal itself or a lending operation signal that is a signal indicating that the operation signal has been input to the card unit 100. The control unit 106 of the card unit 100 turns MRDY on (low level; L level) in response to the input of the lending operation signal. Further, after a predetermined time, MRQ is turned on (L level).

  When the main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1 detects that the MRQ is turned on, the main control unit 41 turns the EXS to an on state (L level). When the control unit 106 of the card unit 100 detects that EXS is turned on, MRQ is turned off (high level; H level). When the main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1 pays out (lends) a predetermined number (for example, five) of medals, the main control unit 41 turns EXS into an off state (H level). When EXS is turned off (H level), a lending execution signal is transmitted. Note that a period in which EXS is at the L level can also be referred to as a period in which the lent signal is on. When the control unit 106 of the card unit 100 detects that the EXS has been turned off, when the lending control for a predetermined number of units (for example, three units) is completed, the MRDY is turned off (H Level). If the lending control is not completed, the MRQ is turned on again (L level).

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart when the lending process is normally completed. FIG. 10 is a timing chart when the lending process is not normally completed. The main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1 detects that a predetermined number (for example, five) of medals has been paid out, a detection signal of the payout sensor 33 (a signal indicating that a medal paid out from the hopper by the payout motor has been detected). ), The EXS is turned off (H level). However, as shown in FIG. 10, a period sufficient for the payout motor (hopper motor 32) to pay out one medal (for example, 1.15 seconds)) When the payout sensor 33 does not output a detection signal despite being driven, the payout motor is driven again after a predetermined stop period (payout motor). Re-rotation processing). If the payout sensor 33 does not output the detection signal, the hopper as the game medium storage means has run out of the game medium (there are not enough or no medals as the game medium to be lent out). )). If so, EXS is turned off (H level). Therefore, even when the game medium runs out, since the fact that EXS is turned off is transmitted to the control unit 106 of the card unit 100, the control unit 106 does not enter a state of detecting a communication abnormality.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the lending process in step S209 (FIG. 5). In the lending process, the main control unit 41 stops driving the flow path switching solenoid 13 to set the medal flow path to the return path side (step S299), and turns off the lendable lamp 15 (step S300). Further, a lending operation signal is transmitted to the card unit 100 (step S301). When MRQ is turned on (step S302), EXS is turned on (step S303). When MRQ is turned off, that is, when a lending command signal is input (step S302C), the predetermined number (the number of payouts) Here, 5 is set (step S304). The RAM area is used as the scheduled payout number.

  Then, driving of the payout motor is started (step S305). Further, the monitoring timer is started (step S306), and the process proceeds to step S310. The control unit 106 of the card unit 100 determines that a communication abnormality has occurred unless the EXS is turned off within a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds) after the EXS is turned on. It is set to time out (time measurement is completed) in a shorter time (for example, 9 seconds).

  In step S310, the main control unit 41 does not execute the process of step S311 when the monitoring timer has already timed out. In step S311, it is confirmed whether or not the monitoring timer is timed out. If timed out, EXS is turned off (step S317), and the process returns to step S310. Therefore, even if the payout of five medals has not been completed, EXS is turned off after 9 seconds have passed since turning on EXS (when it is almost the same as when MRQ is turned on). Therefore, even if the payout of medals is delayed for some reason, the possibility that the control unit 106 of the card unit 100 determines that the communication is abnormal due to the EXS not being turned off is reduced.

  If the payout sensor 33 outputs a detection signal before the monitoring timer times out (step S312), the payout number is decremented by 1 (step S321), and the value of the payout number is confirmed (step S322). If the number of payouts is not 0, the process returns to step S310. If the scheduled payout number is 0, one unit of payout has been completed, so EXS is turned off (step S323). At this time, the driving of the payout motor is stopped. After that, when MRDY is turned off within a predetermined time (a time slightly longer than a predetermined interval as the time from when the last EXS is turned off to when MRDY is turned off) (step S324), The lending available lamp is turned on (step S325), and the lending process is terminated. Further, the flow path switching solenoid 13 is driven to switch the medal flow path from the return path to the take-in path side (step S326). If MRDY does not turn off within the predetermined time, the process returns to step S302.

  If the payout sensor 33 does not output a detection signal even if 1.15 seconds have passed since the output of the previous payout sensor 33, the payout motor is re-rotated as shown in FIG. (Steps S312 and S313). If the payout sensor 33 does not output a detection signal even after the payout motor is re-rotated (step S314), a reset waiting flag is set (step S315), EXS is turned off (step S316), and lending is performed. The process ends. If the dispensing sensor 33 outputs a detection signal by the re-rotating process of the dispensing motor, the process proceeds to step S321.

  In step S200 shown in FIG. 5, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the reset waiting flag is set. When the reset waiting flag is set, the main control unit 41 confirms whether or not a reset operation has been performed in step S250. The reset operation means, for example, that a reset signal based on pressing of a reset switch provided in the slot machine 1 is output. When the reset operation is not performed, the process returns to step S200. When the reset operation is performed, if the number of payouts is not 0 (step S251), driving of the payout motor is started (step S252), and when the payout sensor 33 outputs a detection signal (step S253). The payout planned number is decremented by 1 (step S254), and when the payout planned number becomes 0 (step S255), the lending ready lamp is turned on (step S256), and the flow path switching solenoid 13 is driven to move the medal flow path. Is switched from the return route to the take-in route (step S257), and the process returns to step S205. At this time, driving of the payout motor is stopped. If the payout sensor 33 does not output a detection signal within the predetermined time, the process returns to step S200. At this time, driving of the payout motor is stopped. In step S251, if it is confirmed that the number of payouts is 0, the process proceeds to step S256. If the flow path switching solenoid 13 is off (not driven) before starting the lending process, the process of step S257 is not executed.

  13 to 15 are flowcharts showing the processing of the control unit 106 of the card unit 100. When power supply is started, the control unit 106 first performs initial settings such as initializing registers and RAM (step S400). The usable LED 101 is turned on (step S401). Then, it is confirmed whether or not a card acceptance signal is output from the card reader / writer (card R / W) 105 (step S402). Card R / W 105 outputs a card acceptance signal when a card is inserted.

  If the card abnormality signal is output before the card acceptance signal is output (step S403), control is performed so that the usable LED 101 blinks (step S404). When the card acceptance signal is output, the LED 103 is turned on during card insertion (step S405). Then, the remaining amount recorded on the card is read via the card R / W 105 and stored in the buffer (step S406). The buffer is formed in a RAM provided in the control unit 106. When the card acceptance signal is output after blinking the usable LED 101 in step S404 (step S402), the usable LED 101 is returned to the lighting state. Moreover, when a card abnormality signal is output, you may notify that.

  Next, the contents of the buffer, that is, the remaining amount is displayed on the card remaining amount display 102 (step S407). When it is detected that a lending operation signal has been output (step S408), it is confirmed whether or not the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a set value of an amount setting switch (not shown) (step S414). If the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the set value of the money amount setting switch (for example, 300 yen corresponding to 3 units), the set value of the money amount setting switch is set as the loan amount (step S415). If the remaining amount is less than the set value of the money amount setting switch, the rentable amount that is an integral multiple of the unit fee (for example, 100 yen) and is equal to or less than the remaining amount is set as the rent amount (step S416).

  The loan amount corresponds to a charge for game media lent by subsequent processing, and is stored in an area formed in a RAM provided in the control unit 106.

  When it is detected that the card return switch 12 is pressed and the return signal is output before the lending operation signal is output (step S409), the control unit 106 turns off the LED 103 during card insertion (step S410). The buffer contents are written into the card via the card R / W 105 and a card discharge command is issued to the card R / W 105 (step S411). Then, control goes to a step S445.

  After setting the loan amount, the control unit 106 outputs a loan request signal. That is, MRDY is turned on (L level) (step S417). Then, after a predetermined time (for example, 30 to 50 ms) (step S418), MRQ is turned on (L level) (step S420). Next, the timer T1 is set (step S421), and it waits for a lending possible signal to be output from the slot machine 1 (EXS is turned on (L level)) (step S422). The timer T1 is a timer for monitoring that the EXS is turned on. When EXS is turned on, a lending command signal is output after a predetermined time (for example, 30 to 50 ms) (step S426A). That is, MRQ is turned off (H level) (step S426).

  If the timer T1 times out before the lending possible signal is output from the slot machine 1 (step S423), a lending command signal is output (MRQ is set to H level) (step S424), and the lending amount is cleared (step S424). S425), the process returns to step S408. If EXS is not turned on and the timer T1 times out, it may be notified that a communication abnormality has occurred.

  When EXS is turned on and a lending command signal is output (MRQ is turned off), the timer T3 is set (step S427), and a lending execution signal is output from the pachinko gaming machine 1 (EXS is turned off (H level) )) (Step S428). If the timer T3 times out before the lending execution signal is output (step S429), it is determined that a communication abnormality has occurred, and the process proceeds to step S410. When EXS is not turned off and the timer T3 times out, it may be notified that a communication abnormality (specifically, an abnormality in renting a game medium) has occurred.

  When EXS is turned off, the unit charge is subtracted from the loan amount (step S431). Further, the sales information is output to a management device such as a hall computer (step S432).

  In order to deal with a plurality of types of slot machines 1 having different payout control methods, the value of the timer T3 for monitoring the output of the lending completion signal (EXS off) from the slot machine 1 is, for example, 200 ms to 10 s. A value can be set.

  Next, the card unit control microcomputer checks whether or not the loan amount becomes 0 (step S441). If not 0, the process returns to step S419. If the loan amount is 0, a loan request end signal is output after a predetermined time (step S442). That is, MRDY is turned off (H level) (step S443). Then, a card discharge command is issued to the card R / W 105 (step S444). Next, the timer T6 is set (step S445), and a process completion signal from the card R / W 105 is awaited (step S446). If the timer T6 times out before the processing completion signal is output (step S447), the usable LED 101 is blinked (step S448), and for example, the card remaining amount display 102 is controlled to display an error. (Step S449). Thereafter, the loop processing is started. If the processing completion signal is output before the timer T6 times out, the process returns to step S401.

  Through the control of the slot machine 1 and the card unit 100 as described above, medals for the player's lending request are paid out to the player. The lending execution signal output means (realized by the main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1) is a predetermined number (for example, the lending monitoring means (realized by the main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1) from the lending means (payout motor). Before determining that five medals have been lent, the storage monitoring means (implemented by the main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1) has insufficient game media stored in the storage means (hopper). When this is determined, the lending execution signal is transmitted (step S316), so that the possibility that the control unit 106 of the card unit 100 determines that the communication is abnormal is reduced. Further, the lending control means (realized by the main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1) has solved the shortage of game media in the storage means after the lending execution signal output means has transmitted the lending execution signal. When it is determined that the amount of game media that is insufficient with respect to the predetermined number is lent to the recording / lending means, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged. In this embodiment, the determination process that the shortage of game media in the storage means has been resolved is realized by the fact that medals have been paid out in the processes of steps S252 to S255. It is also possible to provide a sensor for detecting that the problem has been resolved.

  Further, the lending execution signal output means (implemented by the main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1) transmits the lending execution signal when a predetermined time has elapsed since the lending command signal input means received the lending command signal. Therefore (step S317), it is possible to reduce the possibility that the control unit 106 of the card unit 100 determines that the communication is abnormal.

  In addition, after the game medium has run out ("N" in step S314), the lending command signal input means until the lending means completes lending of a predetermined number of game media after the game medium has been run out. (The lending process is not executed until the payout of a predetermined number of medals is completed, that is, until “Y” in step S255), an error relating to lending occurs. A new lending process will not be started in this state.

  Further, it is determined whether or not the lending means is lending the game medium to the player, and it is determined that the lending means is not lending, and game start means for starting the game (realized by the main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1) Specifically, when the lending process communicating with the card unit 100 is being performed, the process after step S102 is not performed.) Therefore, the lending process and the game control are performed in parallel. There is no need to do it. Further, the game control microcomputer (main control unit 41) determines whether or not a game is being played, and when an operation signal is input, a signal indicating a lending request is provided on condition that the game is not being played. Since it is transmitted to the gaming device (specifically, the lending process is executed only during the BET process in step S101, and is not executed when the processes after step S102 are performed), the lending process and the game control are performed in parallel. There is no need to do it. Further, it is not necessary to make any determination on the card unit 10 side so that the slot machine 1 does not perform the lending process and the game control in parallel.

  Further, the game control microcomputer determines whether or not the lending means lends the game medium to the player, and determines that the lending means does not lend the game medium to the player when the operation signal is input. As a result, a signal indicating a lending request is transmitted to the gaming device (specifically, the confirmation processing in step S208 is not executed until the lending processing is completed), so that lending requests are accepted in duplicate. It will never be done.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing the state of each signal transmitted and received between the slot machine 1 and the card unit 100 in the second embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 16, when the MRQ changes from the on state (L level) to the off state (H level), the main control unit 41 of the slot machine 1 turns off the EXS even if the medal payout has not been completed. (H level). That is, a lending execution signal is output.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a lending process according to the second embodiment. The control other than the lending process and the configuration of the slot machine 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment (Embodiment 1). Also, the configuration and control of the card unit 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, after turning EXS on (step S303), the main control unit 41 immediately turns EXS off (step S303B) when MRQ turns off (step S303A). Thereafter, in order to pay out a predetermined number of medals, the processing after step S304 is executed as in the case of the first embodiment (see FIG. 11). If the payout sensor 33 does not output a detection signal even after executing the re-rotation process (steps S313 and S314), unlike the case of the first embodiment, the process of turning off the EXS is not necessary. It is. Further, in this embodiment, when the payout is normally completed (“Y” in step S322), it is not necessary to turn off EXS, and if MRQ is turned on within a predetermined time. Subsequently, assuming that the next payout process is requested, the process returns to step S303 (step S324A). Otherwise, the payout process is terminated. When MRQ does not turn on within a predetermined time, the control unit 106 of the card unit 100 turns MRDY off.

  In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 immediately turns on EXS when MRQ is turned on, and immediately turns EXS off when MRQ is turned off (output of the lending command signal). Output), the possibility that the control unit 106 of the card unit 100 determines that the communication is abnormal due to the EXS not being turned off is reduced. In practice, a timer may be set when the MRQ is turned off, and the EXS may be turned off when the timer counts a predetermined time. In this case, the maximum timer value is shorter than the timer value set in step S427 (see FIG. 14).

  In this embodiment, the medal is paid out after the EXS is turned off. However, the EXS may be turned off after the payout is started or after the payout is completed. When the EXS is turned off during the payout, the main control unit 41 may execute a process that is a modification of the lending process shown in FIG. 11, for example. For example, when the MRQ is turned off, the timer is started, and when the timer times 5 seconds (assuming that the EXS off monitoring timer of the card unit 100 is 10 seconds), the scheduled payout number is, for example, If it is 3 or more, EXS may be turned off.

  In the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 pays out medals to the player in response to the lending command signal from the card unit 100. Instead of paying out medals, the credit is increased. You may do it.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
The present invention can be applied not only to a slot machine but also to a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a pachinko gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the pachinko gaming machine 201 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 201 has a glass door frame 202 formed in a frame shape provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame is excluding a front frame (not shown) installed to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts attached to them (game board 206 described later). ).

  The pachinko gaming machine 201 has a glass door frame 202 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 202 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 203. Under the hitting ball supply tray 203, there are provided an extra ball receiving tray 204 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 203 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 205 for emitting game balls. A game board 206 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 202. The game board 206 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 206 and various components attached to the plate-like body. A game area 207 is formed on the front surface of the game board 206.

  Near the center of the game area 207, there is provided a variable display device (special symbol display device) 209 including a plurality of variable display portions each variably displaying a decorative symbol.

  Above the variable display device 209, a special symbol display 208 including a variable display unit that variably displays special symbols (special identification information) as identification information is provided. The special symbol display 208 is configured by, for example, a 7-segment LED.

  The variable display device 209 has, for example, three variable display portions (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. In addition, the variable display device 209 is provided with four special symbol start memory display areas (start memory display areas) 218 for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the start winning opening 214, that is, the start memory number. Each time there is a valid start prize, the display color changes (for example, changes from blue display to red display), and the start storage display area is increased by one. Then, every time the variable display of the special symbol display 208 and the variable display device 209 is started, the start memory number display area in which the display color is changed is reduced by 1 (that is, the display color is returned to the original). Note that a display (special symbol start memory display) for displaying the start memory number may be provided separately from the variable display device 209.

  Below the variable display device 209, a variable winning ball device 215 as a start winning port 214 is provided. The winning ball that has entered the start winning opening 214 is guided to the back of the game board 206 and detected by the start opening switch 214a. A variable winning ball apparatus 215 that opens and closes is provided below the start winning opening 214. The variable winning ball device 215 is opened by a solenoid 216.

  An open / close plate 220 that is opened by a solenoid 221 in a specific gaming state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball device 215. The opening / closing plate 220 is a means for opening and closing a grand prize opening (variable winning ball apparatus). Of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 220 to the back of the game board 206, the winning ball entering one (V winning area: special area) is detected by the V winning switch 222, and the winning ball from the opening / closing board 220 is counted. 223 is detected. On the back of the game board 206, a solenoid 221A for switching a route in the special winning opening is also provided.

  When a game ball wins the gate 232 and is detected by the gate switch 232a, variable display of the normal symbol display 210 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the left and right lamps (a symbol can be visually recognized when the lamp is lit). For example, if the right lamp is lit when the variable display ends, it is a win. And when the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 210 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball apparatus 215 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 210, a normal symbol start memory display 241 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls entered into the gate 232 is provided. Each time there is a prize at the gate 232, the normal symbol start memory display 241 increments the LED to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 210 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  The game board 206 is provided with a plurality of winning ports (ordinary winning ports) 229, 230, 233, 239, and winning of the game balls to the winning ports 229, 230, 233, 239 is a winning port switch 229a, 230a, respectively. , 233a, 239a. Each winning opening 229, 230, 233, 239 constitutes a winning area provided on the game board 206 as an area for accepting game media and allowing winning. The start winning opening 214 and the big winning opening also constitute a winning area that accepts game media and allows winning. In addition, one winning port switch for detecting a game ball won in each of a plurality of winning ports (ordinary winning ports) 229, 230, 233, 239 is provided, and each of the winning ports 229, 230, 233, 239 is provided. The winning game ball may also be detected by the winning port switch. Decorative lamps 225 blinking and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and an out port 226 for absorbing a game ball that has not won a prize is provided at the bottom. Two speakers 227 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 207. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 228a, a left frame lamp 228b, and a right frame lamp 228c are provided. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (such as a big prize opening) in the game area 207. The top frame lamp 228a, the left frame lamp 228b, the right frame lamp 228c, and the decorative LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

  In this example, a prize ball LED 251 that is lit during award ball payout is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 228b, and a ball break LED 252 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut is provided in the vicinity of the top frame lamp 228a. It has been. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 201 of this embodiment is provided with lamps and LEDs as light emitters in various places. Further, a card unit is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 201 (not shown).

  The game balls launched from the hit ball launching device enter the game area 207 through the hit ball rail, and then descend the game area 7. When the game ball enters the start winning port 214 and is detected by the start port switch 214a, the special symbol on the special symbol display 208 starts variable display (variation) if the variable display of the symbol can be started. If the variable display of the symbol cannot be started, the start memory number is increased by one.

  The special symbol variable display on the special symbol display 208 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of special symbols at the time of stoppage is a jackpot symbol (specific display result), the game shifts to a jackpot gaming state. That is, the opening / closing plate 220 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins. Then, when the game ball wins the V winning area while the opening / closing plate 220 is opened and is detected by the V winning switch 222, a continuation right is generated and the opening / closing plate 220 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is allowed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

  FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram of a game control board (main board) 231 provided on a gaming machine (specifically, installed on the back of the gaming machine) on which a game control microcomputer or the like is mounted. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure. FIG. 19 also shows a payout control board 237 and an effect control board 80 mounted on the gaming machine. On the main board 31, a basic circuit (corresponding to a game control microcomputer: game control means) 253 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 232a, a start port switch 214a, a V winning switch 222, a count switch 223 , A switch circuit 258 for giving signals from the winning opening switches 229a, 230a, 233a, 239a and the lending operation switch 14 (not shown in FIG. 18) to the basic circuit 253, a solenoid 216 for opening / closing the variable winning ball apparatus 215, and opening / closing A solenoid 221 for opening and closing the plate 20 and a solenoid circuit 259 for driving a solenoid 221A for switching a path in the special winning opening according to a command from the basic circuit 253 are mounted.

  Further, according to the data given from the basic circuit 253, the jackpot information indicating the occurrence of the jackpot, the effective starting information indicating the number of starting winning balls used to start the variable display of the symbols on the special symbol display 208, and the probability variation occurred. An information output circuit 64 is provided for outputting an information output signal such as probability variation information indicating this to an external device such as a hall computer via an information terminal board installed on the back of the gaming machine. Further, the basic circuit 253 controls the display state of the special symbol display 208 and the normal symbol display 210, and controls the lighting / extinguishing of the normal symbol start memory display 241.

  The basic circuit 253 communicates with the card unit 100 via the interface board 266.

  A basic circuit 253 realized by a game control microcomputer includes a ROM 254 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as a storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 256 for performing a control operation in accordance with the program, and An I / O port unit 257 is included. In this embodiment, the ROM 254 and the RAM 255 are built in the CPU 256. That is, the CPU 256 is a one-chip microcomputer. Note that the CPU 256 executes control according to a program stored in the ROM 254, so that the CPU 256 executes (or performs processing) specifically means that the CPU 256 executes control according to the program.

  When the payout control microcomputer mounted on the payout control board 237 receives a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls from the game control means, it drives the ball payout device 297 to pay out the game ball. Further, the payout control microcomputer drives a launch motor 294 for launching a game ball to the game area 207 via the touch sensor substrate 291.

  In this embodiment, effect control means realized by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 280 controls display of various lamps / LEDs and controls sound generation from the speaker 227.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 201 configured as described above, the gaming control microcomputer communicates with the card unit 100 and lends gaming media, as in the first and second embodiments. be able to. In this embodiment, the game medium is a game ball, and the game ball is paid out from the ball payout device 297 controlled by the payout control microcomputer. Therefore, the game control microcomputer receives a rental command from the card unit 100. The payout control microcomputer is instructed to pay out the game ball based on the signal by a payout control command.

  In addition, the polarity of the signal input / output (transmitted / received) between the gaming machine and the card unit 100 in each of the above embodiments may be reversed. In each of the above embodiments, the lending operation switch 14 is provided in the gaming machine, and the lending condition in the card unit 100 is exemplified by the input of the lending operation signal based on the operation of the lending operation switch 14. The lending conditions may be other conditions, for example, that coins or bills are inserted into the card unit 100.

  The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine that lends game media to a player by communicating with a gaming device provided in the vicinity.

It is a front view showing a slot machine together with a card unit. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing configurations of a slot machine and a card unit. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing signals transmitted and received between the slot machine and the card unit. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of a main control unit of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of a BET process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of a BET process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of a BET process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of a BET process. FIG. 10 is a timing diagram showing how signals are transmitted and received between the slot machine and the card unit. FIG. 10 is a timing diagram showing how signals are transmitted and received between the slot machine and the card unit. It is a flowchart which shows a lending process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of a BET process. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control unit of a card unit. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control unit of a card unit. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control unit of a card unit. FIG. 10 is a timing diagram showing how signals are transmitted and received between the slot machine and the card unit. It is a flowchart which shows the lending process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the circuit structure in the game control board provided in the pachinko game machine.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 14 Lending operation switch 41 Main control unit 100 Card unit 106 Control unit

Claims (9)

A gaming device that performs control for lending a game medium to a player using a valuable value specified by recorded information recorded on a recording medium, and is predetermined when a predetermined lending condition is satisfied A lending command signal for lending a number of gaming media is output, and after the lending command signal is output, a predetermined number of gaming media commanded by the lending command signal when a lending execution signal is input from the gaming machine When it is determined that lending has been completed and a new lending command signal can be output, and after the lending command signal is output, the lending execution signal is not input until a predetermined time elapses. A gaming machine that is capable of communicating with a gaming device that determines an abnormality in the lending of a player and that plays a game using a gaming medium that has been rented by the player,
Lending means for lending gaming media to players;
Storage means for storing game media to be lent out from the renting means;
Storage monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the game medium stored in the storage means is deficient;
Lending command signal input means for executing lending command signal input processing for determining whether or not the lending command signal is input;
Based on the fact that the lending command signal input means determines that the lending command signal has been input, lending control means for lending the predetermined number of game media to the lending means;
Lending monitoring means for determining whether or not the predetermined number of game media has been lent by the renting means;
Lending execution signal output means for executing a lending execution signal output process for outputting the lending execution signal when the lending monitoring means determines that the predetermined number of game media have been lent by the lending means. Prepared,
The lending execution signal output means has a shortage of game media stored in the storage means by the storage monitoring means before the lending monitoring means determines that the predetermined number of game media have been lent by the lending means. Even when it is determined that the lending execution signal output process,
After the lending execution signal output means outputs the lending execution signal, the lending control means has a number of games that is insufficient with respect to the predetermined number when the lack of gaming media in the storage means is resolved. A gaming machine characterized by causing the lending means to lend a medium. The lending execution signal output means does not determine that the predetermined number of game media has been lent by the lending means by the lending monitoring means, and the lending command signal input means determines that the lending command signal has been input from a predetermined time. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a loan execution signal output process is executed when a short specific time has elapsed. A gaming device that performs control for lending a game medium to a player using a valuable value specified by recorded information recorded on a recording medium, and is predetermined when a predetermined lending condition is satisfied A lending command signal for lending a number of gaming media is output, and after the lending command signal is output, a predetermined number of gaming media commanded by the lending command signal when a lending execution signal is input from the gaming machine When it is determined that lending has been completed and a new lending command signal can be output, and after the lending command signal is output, the lending execution signal is not input until a predetermined time elapses. A gaming machine that is capable of communicating with a gaming device that determines an abnormality in the lending of a player and that plays a game using a gaming medium that has been rented by the player,
Lending means for lending gaming media to players;
Lending command signal input means for executing lending command signal input processing for determining whether or not the lending command signal is input;
Based on the fact that the lending command signal input means determines that the lending command signal has been input, lending control means for lending the predetermined number of game media to the lending means;
A lending execution signal output process for outputting the lending execution signal is executed when a specific time shorter than the predetermined time has elapsed since the lending command signal input means determined that the lending command signal was input. A gaming machine comprising a rental execution signal output means. A lending monitoring means for determining whether or not a predetermined number of game media have been lent by the lending means;
The lending execution signal output means is arranged such that the lending monitoring means lends the predetermined number of game media by the lending means until a specified time elapses after the lending command signal input means determines that the lending command signal is inputted. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein a lending execution signal output process is executed when it is determined. The lending control means allows lending of game media based on a newly inputted lending command signal on condition that the lending means has completed lending of a predetermined number of game media. A gaming machine according to any one of the above. A gaming machine in which a game can be started by setting a specific number of bets for one game using a game medium, and a predetermined game value is given to a player according to the result of the game. ,
The game start means for starting the game is provided on the condition that the lending means determines whether or not the game medium is being loaned to the player and it is determined that the game medium is not being loaned. A gaming machine according to any one of the above. It has a game control microcomputer that controls the progress of the game,
The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the gaming control microcomputer executes a lending command signal input process and a lending execution signal output process. The lending condition is satisfied when a lending operation signal is input to the gaming device,
With an operation switch that outputs an operation signal in response to a player's lending request operation,
The operation signal from the operation switch is input to the game control microcomputer,
The game control microcomputer determines whether or not a game is in progress, and executes a lending operation signal output process for outputting the lending operation signal when the operation signal is input on condition that the game is not in progress The gaming machine according to claim 7. The game control microcomputer determines whether or not the lending means is lending the game medium, and executes the lending operation signal output process on the condition that it is determined that the lending means is not lending when the operation signal is input. The gaming machine according to claim 8.

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