JP2009072606A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine suppressing the complication of a control program and allowing clear understanding of the amount of game mediums paid out and dispensed. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine, such as a slot machine or an arrange ball game machine, is configured to dispense a game medium when receiving a dispense signal for commanding dispense of the game medium which is output from a card unit 1a for a game using the game medium. The game machine has a dispense control portion 6 not dispensing the game medium during a predetermined period. Since the dispense control portion 6 does not dispense the game medium during the predetermined period, save, recovery, or the like of internal conditions are not required. Therefore, the control program is not complicated. During the predetermined period, the game mediums are paid out from the result of a game, and the game mediums are dispensed during a period other than the predetermined period, so that the amount of the game mediums paid out and dispensed is clearly understood. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine configured to lend a game medium based on a lending signal and to play a game using the game medium.

In a pachinko machine that is one of the gaming machines, pachinko balls are used as a medium for playing games. When renting pachinko balls, a magnetic card is often used as a medium, and the magnetic card is inserted into a card unit (also referred to as “CR unit” or “sand”). Since it is not necessary to restrict the rental of pachinko balls during a game with a pachinko machine, the card unit is configured so that it can be rented at any time (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-4-269985

However, it is difficult to apply the card unit described above as it is to the slot machine. That is, in the slot machine, for example, during the period from when the bet button is operated to become valid and the game is possible until the reel stops and the payout is completed (hereinafter referred to as “in game”), processing is performed according to a series of procedures. It is normal to do. In other words, during the game, the internal state changes depending on the stage such as when the start lever is operated, when each stop button is operated, when the symbols are determined by stopping all reels. Therefore, if it is attempted to rent game media irregularly during the game, the control program becomes complicated such as saving or restoring the internal state. Further, when the game media is lent out during the game, there is a possibility that the rent out and the payout based on the game result are almost at the same timing. In this case, it is impossible to grasp how much has been lent and how much has been paid out.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a gaming machine that suppresses the complexity of the control program and can clearly grasp the amount paid out and the amount lent out. The purpose is to do.

As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the means 1 for solving the problem rents a game medium upon receiving a lending signal for instructing lending of a game medium output from the card unit 1a, and uses the game medium. The gaming machine 4a is configured to play a game, and has a lending control unit 6 that does not lend gaming media during the game period from the start of the game to the end of the game.

The terms described in the means 1 are interpreted as follows. The same interpretation applies to terms used in the claims and the detailed description of the invention. (1) “Game media” includes, for example, pachinko balls (game balls), medals, coins, tokens, and the like. (2) “Game start” corresponds to a specific operation unit (for example, a start lever) in a narrow sense, but in a broad sense a state in which a game medium can be taken in or a game can be started (for example, a bet button or the like). May be included. (3) “Game end” corresponds to a state in which the game medium as a prize has been paid out (including unpaid) in a narrow sense, but in a broad sense a state in which a game medium for the next game can be captured (for example, ingestion) Display indicating the possibility) may be included.

According to the means 1, the lending control unit 6 does not lend out the game medium during the game period, so there is no need to save or restore the internal state. Therefore, the control program is not complicated. In other words, when the lending control unit 6 receives a lending signal outside the game period, the lending control unit 6 lends the game medium. The game media is paid out based on the game results within the game period, and the game media is lent out outside the game period, so the number of game media paid out and the number of game media lent out must be clearly defined. I can grasp it.

The means 2 for solving the problem is the gaming machine 4a described in the means 1, and the lending control unit 6 lends the game medium when the first condition is satisfied within the game period.

The term “first condition” described in the means 2 can be appropriately set according to the type of gaming machine, the gaming state, the date and the like. For example, reaching a specific internal state, winning a specific game, and the like. The same interpretation applies to terms used in the claims and the detailed description of the invention.

For example, when it becomes clear during the game that a tempering (a single symbol or combination of symbols already displayed does not match a part of a symbol pattern such as a bonus or small part) (ie, the first condition is satisfied) At that time, the game media will no longer be paid out as a prize. According to the means 2, since lending is performed after the time point, it is not confused with payout based on the game result. In addition, after the above-described time point, the internal state of the game does not change. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the complexity of the control program.

Means 3 for solving the problem is a gaming machine configured to lend a gaming medium upon receipt of a lending signal instructing lending of the gaming medium output from the card unit 1a and to play a game using the gaming medium. 4a, which stores a lending signal received during the game period from the start of the game to the end of the game, and lends game media after the end of the game based on the lending signal stored in the storage unit 2 A lending control unit 6 for

According to the means 3, the lending control unit 6 lends the game medium after the game ends (that is, outside the game period), and only stores the lending signal in the storage unit 2 during the game period. The game media is lent out outside the game period, and the game media is paid out based on the game results within the game period, so you can clearly grasp the amount of game media paid out and the number of game media lent out. can do. Further, except that the lending signal is stored in the storage unit 2, it is not necessary to save or restore the internal state. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the complexity of the control program.

The means 4 for solving the problem is the gaming machine 4a described in the means 3, and the lending control unit 6 confirms by an inquiry to the player 7 when the second condition is satisfied within the game period. After that, lend out game media.

The term “second condition” described in the means 4 can be appropriately set according to the type of gaming machine, the gaming state, the date and time, and the like in the same manner as the first condition described above. The same interpretation applies to terms used in the claims and the detailed description of the invention.

According to the means 4, for example, in a specific game (bonus game or the like), there is a high possibility that the game medium is paid out as a prize, so that the game medium is rarely lent out. It is highly possible that the game medium is lent out at this point in time due to a misunderstanding or erroneous operation. According to the means 4, since the lending control unit 6 inquires and confirms the player 7 and lends the game medium, lending unintended by the player 7 can be prevented. Further, since the game is interrupted when making an inquiry to the player 7, a control program for parallel processing is not necessary, and the control program can be minimized.

The means 5 for solving the problem is the gaming machine 4a described in the means 3, and the lending control unit 6 does not lend gaming media when the third condition is satisfied within the game period. The lending signal is invalidated.

The term “third condition” described in the means 5 is substantially the same as the second condition described above, but some conditions such as when the tempering is not performed in a state where the number of remaining media that can be played is small. Not included. The same interpretation applies to terms used in the claims and the detailed description of the invention.

As with the means 4 described above, the renting of game media in a specific game is highly likely to have been performed for renting due to misunderstanding or misoperation of the player 7. According to the means 5, when the third condition is satisfied, the game medium is not rented and the rent signal itself is invalidated, so that the player 7 can be prevented from renting unintended. Further, in order to invalidate the lending signal, the lending signal itself is not received or the lending signal stored in the storage unit 2 may be erased (or overwritten), so that the control program is minimized. be able to.

Means 6 for solving the problem is the gaming machine 4a described in any one of means 1 to 5, and has notification means 8 for performing notification based on a rent signal received during the game period.

The term “notification means” described in the means 6 is not limited to visual notification by display on a display unit (display device, light emitter, etc.), but can be heard by sound (voice, music, sound effect, etc.). And a means for tactile notification through a member attached to the gaming machine such as a handle or a chair (for example, a handle or a chair is vibrated by a vibrating body or a fan is blown). The same interpretation applies to terms used in the claims and the detailed description of the invention.

According to the means 6, the notifying means 8 performs notification based on the lending signal received during the game period, so that the player 7 or the like who has recognized the notification can know (or can confirm) that the lending operation has been performed. . In particular, it can be known that there has been an unintended lending operation due to an unconscious operation or an erroneous operation. Moreover, since it is sufficient to simply perform notification, it is possible to minimize the complexity of the control program.

The means 7 for solving the problem is the gaming machine 4a described in any one of the means 1 to 6, and includes a credit means 5 for performing credit based on a lending signal received during the game period.

According to the means 7, since the credit means 5 performs credit based on the lending signal received during the game period, the player 7 or the like recognizes (or confirms) that the number of credits changes due to the lending operation. it can. Since only credit is required, the complexity of the control program can be minimized.

The means 8 for solving the problem is a card processing unit 1b capable of outputting a lending signal for instructing lending of the game medium based on information recorded on the card, and lending the game medium when the lending signal is received. In addition, the gaming machine 3 includes a game processing unit 4b that plays a game using game media, and has a lending control unit 6 that does not lend out game media during the game period from the start of the game to the end of the game.

The term “card” described in the means 8 is a medium capable of recording at least information (such as valuable value information and quantity information) necessary for lending a game medium. For example, a magnetic card or an IC card is applicable. The same interpretation applies to terms used in the claims and the detailed description of the invention.

According to the means 8, since the lending control unit 6 does not lend out the game medium within the game period, it is not necessary to save or restore the internal state. Therefore, the control program is not complicated. In other words, when the lending control unit 6 receives a lending signal outside the game period, the lending control unit 6 lends the game medium. Therefore, the game media is paid out based on the game results within the game period, and the game media is lent out outside the game period, so the number of game media paid out and the number of game media lent out are calculated as follows. It is possible to grasp clearly.

As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the means 9 for solving the problem includes a card processing unit 1b capable of outputting a lending signal for instructing lending of game media based on information recorded on the card, and the lending A gaming machine 3 including a game processing unit 4b that rents game media upon receiving a signal and plays a game using the game media, and the card processing unit 1b within a game period from the start of the game to the end of the game. And a lending control unit 6 that lends game media after the game ends based on the lending signal stored in the storage unit 2.

According to the means 9, the lending control unit 6 lends the game medium after the game ends (that is, outside the game period), and only stores the lending signal in the storage unit 2 during the game period. The game media is lent out outside the game period, and the game media is paid out based on the game results within the game period, so you can clearly grasp the amount of game media paid out and the number of game media lent out. can do. Further, except that the lending signal is stored in the storage unit 2, it is not necessary to save or restore the internal state. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the complexity of the control program.

According to the present invention, since the game medium is not lent out during the game period, the control program is not complicated. In addition, game media will be paid out based on the results of the game within the game period, and game media will be lent out outside the game period, so the number of game media paid out and the number of game media lent out should be clearly defined. I can grasp it.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Embodiment 1] Embodiment 1 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is one of gaming machines, and lending of game media is restricted during a game period. Although the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, a medal is used as a game medium. First, FIG. 3 shows a front view of the external appearance of the card unit 10 and the slot machine 12. The card unit 10 can be loaded with a recording medium (for example, a magnetic card, an IC card, a paper card, etc.) through the loading slot 46, and is configured to instruct lending of medals by operating the lending button 54. . The card unit 10 can record predetermined information (for example, game information, setting information, specific information, balance information, valuable value information, etc.) on a recording medium, and can read information recorded on the recording medium. ing.

The front door 56 of the slot machine 12 has an effect display unit 14 for performing necessary notifications and effects, a decorative lamp 16 for turning on and blinking light emitters (lamps, LEDs, etc.) at predetermined timing, and reels 60 and 64. 68, display windows 58, 62, 66 for recognizing each symbol, a pair of left and right line display sections 18 for notifying effective lines capable of forming a required display mode (for example, symbol pattern [777], etc.), slot A first display 52 for displaying the number of medals (hereinafter referred to as “credits”) stored in the machine, a second display 70 for displaying the number of games digested in the bonus game, etc., a prize to be paid out A third display 20 for displaying the number, a return button 24 for returning a medal inserted from the insertion slot 22, and bet buttons 44 and 48 for setting the number of bets to be placed in one game. 50, a guide plate 72 for guiding a game method, a start lever 42 for starting to rotate the reels 60, 64, 68, and stop buttons 36, 32, for stopping the rotating reels 60, 64, 68 individually. 28. A storage settlement button 40 for requesting the return of the credited medal is provided. The bet buttons 44, 48, 50, the start lever 42, the stop buttons 36, 32, 28, etc. all have a built-in contact switch for transmitting a signal to a main control board 120 (see FIG. 4) described later. Yes.

For example, a liquid crystal display is used as the effect display unit 14, but other displays (CRT, plasma display, LED display in which LEDs are arranged in a grid pattern, etc.) may be used. You may use the 4th reel comprised similarly. The reel 60 can be seen from the display window 58, and similarly, the reels 64 and 68 can be seen from the display windows 62 and 66, respectively. The number of effective lines displayed on the line display unit 18 varies depending on the number of bets operated by any of the bet buttons 44, 48, and 50. For example, the bet button 48 (1 bet button) for placing 1 bet is only one line at the middle row, and the bet button 50 (2 bet buttons) for placing 2 bets is 3 lines at the top row, middle row, and bottom row. The bet buttons 44 (MAX bet buttons) to be hung are all five horizontal and diagonal lines. Normally, the bet number applied to the bet button 44 is 3, but there is a slot machine that sets the bet number to 1 in a specific game (for example, a JAC game). For example, a 7-segment element is used for the first display 52, the second display 70, and the third display 20, but other displays described above may be used.

Below the front door 56, there are provided an ashtray 38 for putting cigarette butts, a speaker 34 built in for sound (sound, music, sound effects, etc.), and a tray 26 for temporarily storing medals. In the example of FIG. 3, two speakers 34 are provided on the left and right as illustrated by broken lines. The medals to be paid out when the rotating reels 60, 64, 68 are stopped in a required display mode come out from the payout opening 30 and are stored in the tray 26.

Next, an example of a board or device connected to realize slot games, medal lending, etc. will be described with reference to FIG. Among the elements shown in FIG. 4, the elements other than the card unit 10 and the hall computer 148 are provided in the slot machine 12 in the first embodiment. In addition, when simply “connecting”, it means that electrical connection is made unless otherwise specified.

The card unit 10 is composed mainly of a CPU, and includes a ROM that stores programs and the like for realizing the functions of the card unit 10, a RAM that temporarily stores signals transmitted to the main control board 120, the lending button 54 described above, and the like. Prepare. The signals transmitted to the main control board 120 correspond to signals such as a lending request signal based on the operation of the lending button 54 and other signals (for example, a lending process signal indicating that lending processing is being performed). The other elements, operations, and the like that constitute the card unit 10 are the same as the known configurations, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted.

Next, components of the slot machine 12 will be described. The main control board 120 mainly composed of the CPU 122 includes a ROM 124 that stores a game control program and the like, and a RAM 126 that can store temporary data such as random numbers and flags. The CPU 122 executes a game control program to realize slot games, medal lending, and the like. The game control program includes a program for realizing a procedure such as a medal lending process described later. The other components are the same as the well-known configurations, and illustration and description are omitted. The card unit 10 and the main control board 120 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the communication board 110 and a communication cable. A configuration example of the communication board 110 will be described later (see FIG. 5).

The main control board 120 transmits signals to each device through the payout control board 112, the relay lamp board 114, the reel relay terminal board 130, the sub control board 132, and the like. The payout control board 112 receives a payout signal transmitted from the main control board 120 and counts the medal payout device 100 for paying out the number of medals corresponding to the game result from the payout outlet 30 or the medals actually paid out. A sensor 102 or the like is connected. The relay lamp board 114 has a medal selector 104 for discharging defective medals and returning medals when the power is cut off, stop buttons 28, 32, 36, bet buttons 44, 48, 50, a start lever 42, and a storage settlement button 40. The active line lamp 106 for displaying the line display unit 18 is connected. The medal payout device 100 includes a motor or the like that is driven when paying out medals, monitors the rotation of the motor, and notifies the main control board 120 at a constant period (or irregularly). By this notification, it is possible to grasp whether or not the motor is rotating properly and to prevent fraud.

The sub control board 132 that receives the signal output from the main control board 120 further transmits the signal to various devices through the reel relay terminal board 130, the relay terminal board 134, and the like. According to this configuration, a signal output to the reel relay terminal board 130 may be transmitted directly from the main control board 120 or transmitted via the sub control board 132. Similar to the main control board 120, the sub-control board 132 described above is configured around the CPU. On the other hand, the relay lamp board 114, the reel relay terminal board 130, and the relay terminal board 134 are configured to perform a function of transmitting signals.

The reel relay terminal board 130 is used to transmit signals to the left reel device 140, the middle reel device 142, the right reel device 144, and hall equipment (that is, a hall computer 148, an island computer, or a terminal connected thereto). The external concentrated terminal board 146 and the like are connected. In addition to the reel 60, the left reel device 140 includes a motor that is a driving source for rotating the reel 60, a light sensor that detects a reference posture by an index provided on the reel 60, an illumination lamp that illuminates the reel 60 from the inside, and the like. Have. The middle reel device 142 and the right reel device 144 are also configured in the same manner as the left reel device 140 described above. Connected to the relay terminal board 134 are a symbol control board 150 for displaying predetermined information (including symbols) on the effect display unit 14, a decoration display board 152 for performing decoration display by the decoration lamp 16, and a speaker 34. To do. In addition, a power supply device 136 that supplies power corresponding to each of the electric devices including the main control board 120 and the like is provided.

A configuration example of the communication board 110 described in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the two communication boards 110, but any configuration may be employed. The communication board 110 shown in FIG. 5A includes a multiplexer 110c that makes data accessible to the main control board 120, an output buffer 110b that temporarily stores data to be transmitted to the card unit 10, A selector 110a for selecting whether to receive from the card unit 10 or the like is included. The selector 110 a can be controlled to be turned on / off by the main control board 120. That is, when the control is turned on, the signal transmitted from the card unit 10 can be transmitted to the main control board 120 via the multiplexer 110c. On the other hand, when the control is turned off, the signal transmitted from the card unit 10 is not even received.

The communication board 110 shown in FIG. 5B is similar to FIG. 5A in that it includes a multiplexer 110c and an output buffer 110b, but is different in that an input buffer 110d is provided instead of the selector 110a. The input buffer 110d corresponds to the storage unit 2, and temporarily stores a signal transmitted from the card unit 10. Therefore, the main control board 120 needs to access the input buffer 110d via the multiplexer 110c in order to acquire the received signal.

A procedure for realizing the present invention in the slot machine 12 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of a medal lending process procedure for realizing medal lending on the slot machine 12 side when a lending operation is performed on the card unit 10 side. The medal lending process corresponds to the lending control unit 6 and is realized by the CPU 122 executing a game control program stored in the ROM 124. Note that the processing continues between FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 via the connector J2. In addition, an example in which the communication substrate 110 illustrated in FIG.

In FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the game in the slot machine 12 is started [step S10]. For example, if any one or more of the conditions such as the insertion of a medal from the insertion slot 22, the operation of the bet buttons 44, 48, 50, the operation of the start lever 42, or the like is satisfied. It is determined that the game has started. If the game is started (YES), the selector 110a is turned off [step S12], and the signal output from the card unit 10 is made unreceivable.

It is determined whether the game has not started yet (NO in step S10), or after executing step S12 and turning off the selector 110a, it has become clear that the game is not being played in the currently playing game [ Step S14]. In order to make it clear that the balance does not occur, it is necessary to operate one or more of the stop buttons 28, 32, and 36 after the reels 60, 64, and 68 have started to rotate by operating the start lever 42. By operating the stop buttons 28, 32, and 36, the corresponding reels 60, 64, and 68 are stopped, and the stop symbol becomes clear. In other words, when one stop button is operated, one symbol becomes a stop symbol, when two stop buttons are operated, a stop symbol combines two symbols, and when all stop buttons are operated, a stop symbol combines three symbols. . On the other hand, a symbol that is a single symbol or a combination of symbols and that is set to one or more according to the model of the slot machine 12, game content, etc. is usually referred to as a “winning symbol”. If the above-mentioned stop symbol does not correspond to any of the corresponding symbols, it is impossible to allocate the winning symbol thereafter. When it becomes impossible to win the winning symbol in this way, it becomes clear that it will not be a temper. Specifically, for example, when two symbols are stopped, a method for determining whether or not to temper from one symbol, stop position information of each symbol of the second symbol, or two when the one stop button is operated. Even if the symbol is rotating (fluctuating), it is confirmed from the control information of the selected reel by a method of determining whether or not to make a temper when the second symbol stops.

If it becomes clear that no tempering is made (YES in step S14), the current number of credits reaches a predetermined value (eg, 10) or less (YES in step S16), or the current game is ended (YES in step S18), the selector 110a is turned on [step S20], and the signal output from the card unit 10 can be received. In step S18, it is determined that the game has been completed because, for example, the medal of the number of prizes (including zero) based on the result of the current game has been paid out, or the medal can be inserted into the insertion slot 22. This is when one or more of the conditions are met.

There is still a possibility of tempering (NO in step S14), the current number of credits exceeds a predetermined value (NO in step S16), and the game has not ended (NO in step S18), or step After executing S20 and turning on the selector 110a, the process proceeds to FIG. In FIG. 7, when the lending signal transmitted from the card unit 10 is received (YES in step S26), the lending operation, the lending amount, etc. are notified [step S28]. Note that even if the selector 110a is turned off, even reception is not performed, so that it is determined that the lending signal is not always received (NO) in the off state.

The form which implement | achieves the alerting | reporting of step S26 is arbitrary. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a message 14a such as “Lending operation has been performed”, a message 14b such as “Lending amount is 100 sheets”, or a character design or the like is displayed on the effect display unit 14. The form to perform corresponds. In addition, the display contents are played with sound (especially sound) from the speaker 34, the specific decoration lamp 16 is displayed (lighted or flashed), and the operation members (stop buttons 28 and 32) are displayed. 36, bet buttons 44, 48, 50, etc.) and a form in which an effect of vibrating a chair or the like by a vibration device or the like is applicable. Although it may be realized in any one form, the recognition rate of the player 7 or the like is improved if two or more forms are combined and realized almost simultaneously.

Then, until the number of credits reaches the upper limit value, the number of loans included in the lending signal is credited [step S36]. With this credit, the number of credits displayed on the first display 52 changes (increases). When the number of loans is all equal to the number of credits, it is desirable to delete the loan signal in preparation for the next processing.

When the number of credits reaches the upper limit (for example, 50) by the credit in step S36 and there is a remaining amount in the lending number (YES in step S38), the remaining number is lent out with medals [step S40], and the medal lending process is performed. Finish. In step S <b> 40, a payout signal including the remaining number is transmitted to the payout control board 112 and further lent out to the tray 26 through the medal payout device 100. Also, it is desirable to delete the lending signal in preparation for the next processing.

On the other hand, when no lending signal has been received from the card unit 10 (NO in step S26), or when all credits have been received (NO in step S38), there is no need to pay out medals, so the medal lending at that time Finish the process.

In the above-described example, the communication board 110 illustrated in FIG. 5A is applied. However, an example in which the communication board 110 illustrated in FIG. 5B is applied will be briefly described. Since the communication board 110 shown in FIG. 5B does not have the selector 110a, a game flag corresponding to ON / OFF of the selector 110a is used and stored in the RAM 126, for example.

In FIG. 6, when the game is started (YES in step S10), the game flag is turned on [step S12]. If it becomes clear that the balance is not tempered (YES in step S14) or the game is ended (YES in step S18), the game flag is turned off [step S20]. The signal transmitted from the card unit 10 is stored in the input buffer 110d (see FIG. 5B). However, only when the game flag indicating outside the game period is off (YES in step S22), the main control board 120 acquires the contents stored in the input buffer 110d [step S24]. When the lending signal is received (YES in step S26), the lending operation and the lending amount are notified [step S28], and the lending of credits and medals is performed [steps S36 and S40]. Therefore, if the game flag indicating the game period is on (NO in step S22), the medal lending process is finished without lending credits or medals.

According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. (A1) Since medals are not lent out during the game period {Lending control unit 6; see step S12 in FIG. 6], it is not necessary to save or restore the internal state. Therefore, the game control program is not complicated. On the other hand, when a lending signal is received outside the game period, medals are lent out {lending control unit 6; see step S20 in FIG. 6 and step S40 in FIG. 7}. During the game period, medals are paid out based on the results of the game, and medals are lent out outside the game period, so the players 7 and the like clearly indicate the number of medals paid out and the number of rented medals. Can be grasped.

(A2) It is clarified in the middle of the game that the tempering is not done (if the first condition is satisfied), and credits and medals are lent out {lending control unit 6; steps S14 and S18 in FIG. 6, steps S14 in FIG. See steps S36 and S40}. If it becomes clear that a temper will not be given, renting out medals will not be confused with payouts based on game results. Further, since the internal state of the game does not change after satisfying the first condition, it is possible to minimize the complexity of the game control program.

(A3) Based on the lending signal received during the game period, a notification is made {notification means 8; see step S28 in FIG. 7, FIG. 8}. The player 7 or the like who has recognized the notification can know (or can confirm) that the lending operation has been performed. In particular, it can be known that there has been an unintended lending operation due to an unconscious operation or an erroneous operation. Further, since it is only necessary to perform notification, it is possible to minimize the complexity of the game control program.

(A4) Based on the lending signal received during the game period, credit is made {credit means 5; see step S36 in FIG. 7}. The player 7 or the like can recognize (or confirm) that the number of credits changes due to the lending operation. Since credits are simply given, it is possible to minimize the complexity of the game control program.

(A5) When there is a possibility of tempering (NO in step S14 in FIG. 6), the current number of credits exceeds a predetermined value (NO in step S16 in FIG. 6), and the game has not ended. (NO in step S18 in FIG. 6), the selector 110a is not turned on, and the game flag is not turned off. When such a third condition is satisfied, medals are not lent and the rent signal itself is invalidated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent rental that is not intended by the player 7. Further, since the lending signal itself is not received when the lending signal is invalidated, it is possible to minimize the complexity of the game control program.

[Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 2, the present invention is applied to the slot machine 12 in the same manner as Embodiment 1, and based on a lending operation performed during the game period, medals are lent out until the game period is over, etc. Is an example of delaying. The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 9, and FIG. The configuration and the like of the slot machine 12 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and in the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described in order to simplify the illustration and description. Therefore, the same elements as those used in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

A procedure for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the medal lending process described in the flowcharts of FIGS. In Embodiment 2, since it is necessary to receive the signal transmitted from the card unit 10 within the game period, the configuration shown in FIG. 5B is used for the communication board 110. Therefore, for the processing from step S10 to step S20 shown in FIG. 6, the procedure controlled using the game flag in the first embodiment is adopted. Since the contents of the procedure have already been described, the procedure of FIG. 9 used instead of FIG. 7 will be described.

9 differs from FIG. 7 in the following points. First, the state of the game flag is inspected in step S22 in FIG. 7, but the order is changed in FIG. 9 in step S30. Secondly, processing in steps S32 and S34 is added.

That is, in FIG. 6, there is a possibility that the tempering is still in progress (NO in step S14) and the game is not finished (NO in step S18), or after executing step S20 and turning off the game flag, The contents stored in the input buffer 110d are acquired [step S24]. When the lending signal is received (YES in step S26), the lending operation and the lending amount are notified [step S28]. For example, the display as shown in FIG. At this time, if the game flag indicating outside the game period is off (YES in step S30), credits and medals are lent [steps S36 and S40], and the medal renting process is completed.

On the other hand, if the game flag indicating the game period is on (NO in step S30), the player 7 is inquired [step S32]. In the example of Figure 10, “How do you take action? A message 14c such as “Cancel” and a candidate 14e such as “Cancel” are displayed. The player 7 operates the start lever 42, the bet buttons 44, 48, 50, etc. corresponding to each candidate. In response to this inquiry, when the player 7 has performed an operation to continue lending (YES in step S34), lending of credits and medals is performed as described above [steps S36, S40], and the medal lending process is completed. . On the other hand, when the player 7 performs an operation for canceling the lending (NO in step S34), it is not necessary to pay out medals, and the medal lending process is finished at that time.

According to the second embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. (B1) Only the lending signal is stored in the input buffer 110d during the game period, and medals are lent after the game ends (that is, outside the game period) {lending control unit 6; steps S30 and S40 in FIG. }. Therefore, medals are lent out outside the game period, and medals are lent out within the game period based on the game results, so it is possible to clearly grasp the number of medals paid out and the number of medals lent out. it can. Further, except that the lending signal is stored in the input buffer 110d, there is no need to save or restore the internal state. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the complexity of the game control program.

(B2) The player 7 is inquired and confirmed, and the medal is lent out {lending control unit 6; steps S32, S34, S40 in FIG. 9}. When a specific game (bonus game or the like) is being performed, if a loan operation is performed due to misunderstanding or erroneous operation, a cancel operation is performed, thereby preventing the player 7 from unintentionally lending. Conversely, if the medal disappears at the end of the game, it may be requested to lend the medal before the end of the game if it is found that the temporary stop will not occur from the already stopped symbol. In this case as well, the player 7 is inquired. At this time, lending based on the intention of the player 7 is performed correctly. In addition, since the game is interrupted when making an inquiry to the player 7, a game control program for parallel processing is unnecessary, and the complexity of the program can be minimized. In this example, the lending operation is selected to continue or cancel lending (see FIG. 10). In the case where the number of loans is large, it is desirable to be configured so that selection can be made from continuation of lending, delay in lending, cancellation of lending, etc. divided into multiple times. If it carries out like this, it will become possible to select the rental aspect suitable for the intention of the player 7.

(B3) Since other requirements, configurations, operations, operation results, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained {Matters (a1) to (a5 described above) )}.

Third Embodiment A third embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to the slot machine 12 as in the first embodiment, and the card unit 10 is connected to the payout control board 112. The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration and the like of the slot machine 12 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the third embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment in order to simplify the illustration and description. Therefore, the same elements as those used in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 11 shows a connection example of a control board or the like used instead of the configuration shown in FIG. The difference from FIG. 4 is that the card unit 10 is connected to the payout control board 112. The card unit 10 is, for example, one for a pachinko machine. The payout control board 112 includes an I / O port (shown simply as “I / O” in FIG. 11) 111 as an interface with the card unit 10. The I / O port 111 is the output buffer 110b and selector 110a (see FIG. 5A) used in the first and second embodiments, or the output buffer 110b and input buffer 110d (see FIG. 5B). ). In the slot machine 12 configured as described above, two communication modes for realizing the present invention will be described.

[Communication Form 1] The communication form 1 is a form that enables communication between the card unit 10 and the main control board 120 only during standby. First, when power is supplied to the slot machine 12, the main control board 120 transmits a communication permission command for permitting communication with the card unit 10 to the payout control board 112. Then, the payout control board 112 that has received the communication permission command outputs a gaming machine ready signal indicating that the payout operation is possible to the card unit 10.

When the rent button operation is performed by the player 7, the card unit 10 outputs a card unit ready signal indicating that the rent processing operation is being performed to the payout control board 112. Subsequently, the card unit 10 outputs a lending request signal for requesting lending for a basic unit (set on the card unit 10 side, for example, 10 sheets) to the dispensing control board 112. The payout control board 112 that has received the card unit ready signal and the loan request signal transmits to the main control board 120 a loan request command indicating that the loan request signal has been detected.

The main control board 120 that has received the lending request command confirms the status of the credit. If the credit is not full (that is, the number of credits has reached the upper limit value), the main control board 120 updates the credit and confirms that the credit has been updated. The credit update command shown is transmitted to the payout control board 112. The payout control board 112 that has received the credit update command outputs to the card unit 10 a lending completion signal indicating that lending for the basic unit has been completed. Then, the above-described procedure is repeated (five times in this example) until lending for the total number of requests (for example, 50 sheets) is completed.

On the other hand, when the credit becomes full, the main control board 120 transmits a payout execution command for executing payout to the payout control board 112. Upon receipt of the payout execution command, the payout control board 112 pays out medals, and when the payout is completed, a payout completion signal indicating that the payout for the basic unit has been completed is output to the card unit 10. Then, the above-described procedure is repeatedly executed until lending for the total number of requests is completed.

Next, when the game is started, the main control board 120 transmits a communication prohibition command for prohibiting communication with the card unit 10 to the payout control board 112. The payout control board 112 that has received the communication prohibition command does not output the gaming machine ready signal to the card unit 10 until the communication permission command is received. Accordingly, even if the lending button operation is performed by the player 7, the card unit 10 does not detect the gaming machine ready signal, so that the card unit ready signal and the lending request signal are not output to the payout control board 112.

Thereafter, when the game is over, the main control board 120 transmits a communication permission command to the payout control board 112. The payout control board 112 that has received the communication permission command outputs a gaming machine ready signal to the card unit 10. In other words, the lending time is limited by allowing the card unit 10 and the payout control board 112 to communicate only during standby when no game is being played.

[Communication Form 2] The communication form 2 is a form in which the card unit 10 and the main control board 120 can always communicate. First, when power is supplied to the slot machine 12, the main control board 120 transmits a communication permission command to the payout control board 112 regardless of whether the game is in progress. The payout control board 112 that has received the communication permission command outputs a gaming machine ready signal to the card unit 10.

When the rent button operation is performed by the player 7, the card unit 10 outputs a card unit ready signal to the payout control board 112, and outputs a lending request signal for the basic unit. The payout control board 112 that has received the card unit ready signal and the lending request signal counts up the number of receptions stored in the RAM when detecting the card unit ready signal and the lending request signal, but does not pay out. The RAM corresponds to the storage unit 2. The payout control board 112 that has finished counting up the number of receptions outputs a lending completion signal to the card unit 10. Then, the above-described procedure is repeatedly executed until detection and storage for the total number of requests are completed.

On the other hand, the main control board 120 transmits a status command indicating whether or not the game is in progress to the payout control board 112 every time the status is switched. When the payout control board 112 determines that the game is not being played based on the received state command, the payout control board 112 transmits a lending request command and the reception frequency command indicating the reception frequency described above to the main control board 120.

The main control board 120 that has received the lending request command and the reception count command checks the credit status, updates the credit if the credit is not full, and transmits the credit update command to the payout control board 112. The payout control board 112 that has received the credit update command clears the lending information stored in the RAM (that is, the above reception count).

On the other hand, the main control board 120 transmits a payout execution command to the payout control board 112 when the credit becomes full. Upon receiving the payout execution command, the payout control board 112 pays out medals, and when the payout is completed, the payout information stored in the RAM is cleared. In other words, communication is always performed between the card unit 10 and the payout control board 112 regardless of whether the game is in progress. When there is a lending request, it is stored in the RAM of the payout control board 112, but the medal lending is delayed until after the game ends.

According to the above-described third embodiment, by restricting communication with the card unit 10 via the payout control board 112 or storing a request for lending, the main control board 120 is stored during the game. Was not involved in lending. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the program of the main control board 120 from becoming complicated.

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described slot machine 12 (game machine), the structure, shape, size, material, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of other portions are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the following embodiments can be implemented. (C1) In the first, second, and third embodiments, the present invention is applied to the slot machine 12. Instead of this form, it is a gaming machine other than the slot machine (for example, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball gaming machine, a video game machine, etc.), which lends a gaming medium based on a rental signal, and the gaming medium The present invention can be similarly applied to an apparatus configured so that a game can be performed using the. Even in the other gaming machines, the control program is prevented from becoming complicated, and the paid-out quantity and the lent quantity can be clearly grasped. Note that the game media can be similarly applied to pachinko balls, coins, tokens, and the like.

(C2) In the first, second, and third embodiments, the present invention is applied to the slot machine 12 (that is, a separate type) configured to be communicable with the card unit 10. Instead of this form, the present invention may be applied to a slot machine (that is, an integrated type) incorporating the function of the card unit 10. In this form, the board | substrate etc. which implement | achieve the function of the card unit 10 are equivalent to the card | curd process part 1b, and the main control board 120 is equivalent to the game process part 4b. With respect to the lending operation performed by the player 7 or the like, lending is performed outside the game period if the first embodiment is applied, and lending is performed after being delayed outside the game period if the second embodiment is applied. In any case, since the renting of medals is realized at an appropriate time, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the above-described embodiment.

(C3) In the first and second embodiments, credit is given when the upper limit of the number of credits is sufficient (step S36 in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9), and rented out with medals when there is a remainder in the number of loans ( (Steps S38 and S40 in FIGS. 7 and 9). Instead of this form, only one of them may be configured. That is, when there is a margin in the number of credits, credit is made (step S36 in FIGS. 7 and 9), and when there is a remaining amount in the lending number, the remaining number is canceled and written back to the recording medium. Alternatively, all lent out with medals regardless of the number of credits. Even in these forms, lending is performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and thus the same effect is obtained.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of this invention. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a card unit and a slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows typically the example of connections, such as a control board. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of a communication board | substrate. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a medal rental process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure following FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of alerting | reporting using an effect display part. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a medal rental process (part). It is a figure which shows the example of alerting | reporting using an effect display part. It is a block diagram which shows typically the example of connections, such as a control board.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a Card unit 1b Card processing part 2 Memory | storage part 3, 4a Game machine 4b Game processing part 5 Credit means 6 Lending control part 7 Player 8 Notification means 10 Card unit 12 Slot machine (game machine) 14 Effect display part (notification means) 34 Speaker (notification means) 52 First display 54 Lending button 110 Communication board 110a Selector (storage section) 110b Output buffer 110c Multiplexer 110d Input buffer 111 I / O port 120 Main control board (game processing section, lending control section, notification) Means, credit means) 122 CPU 124 ROM 126 RAM (storage unit) 132 Sub-control board

Claims (1)

A gaming machine configured to lend gaming media upon receiving a lending signal for commanding lending of gaming media output from a card unit, and to play a game using the gaming media. A gaming machine having a lending control unit that does not lend.

Images