JP2012029893A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce economical burden of a game parlor when introducing slot machines using the point allocation system.SOLUTION: A CU (card unit) connected with an S game machine (slot machine) using the point allocation system stores allocated points usable for a game of the S game machine. Information of the number of addition according to winning or the like and the number of subtraction according to the setting of the number of bets is transmitted from the S game machine to the CU for every 200 ms. The CU receiving the information updates the allocated points and stores them. The S game machine determines the state of zero allocated points by itself to be automatically put into a game-prohibition state. Meanwhile, when the card is returned or when the front door is opened, the S game machine is put into the game-prohibition state according to a command from the CU.

Description

  The present invention includes a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of kinds of symbols. By setting the number of bets based on points, one game can be started and a display result is derived to the variable display device. The present invention relates to a slot machine in which a score is added in accordance with a winning that is generated based on a display result of the variable display device when a game ends.

  Enclosed ball-type gaming machines are known as gaming machines that can be played with points and that have points added in response to winning. In addition, as a gaming device that is connected to the gaming machine so as to be able to communicate with the gaming machine while adding the gaming value owned by the player, A card unit that is communicably connected to a gaming machine is known.

  Patent Document 1 describes an enclosed ball type gaming machine 1 and a terminal device 3 provided adjacent to the left side of such a conventional gaming machine and gaming device (refer to Patent Document 1). Paragraphs [0019] [0022]).

  Similarly, Patent Document 2 describes an enclosed ball game machine 100 and a ball lending machine 901 (see paragraph [0086] of Patent Document 2).

  In the case of the pachinko gaming machine described in the prior art documents 1 and 2, the points used for the game are added when a prize is generated or the card balance is deducted. Subtracted by etc. In this way, the number of points that fluctuate depending on the gaming situation has been conventionally managed by the gaming machine itself (see paragraphs [0079] and [0080] of prior art document 2 and paragraph [0043] of prior art document 1). [0045]).

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game card in which the final number of balls is written by the point control device 51 of the gaming machine transmitting the final number of balls to the terminal device 3 at the end of the game. It is described that it is discharged from the terminal device 3 (see paragraph [0059] of Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-337371 JP 2006-254955 A

  By the way, as a cause of having to be in a state where a game with a score is not performed in a score-type gaming machine, in particular, a slot machine, in addition to the case where the bet number cannot be set as a result of the decrease of the score, For example, there is a case where the front member covering the front surface so that it can be opened and closed is released and an operation requesting the end of the game is performed.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a slot machine according to the cause of the need to enter a game prohibition state as a method of prohibiting a game with a point-type slot machine. It is possible to cope with both a case where the game is prohibited by itself and a case where the game is prohibited according to a command from the gaming device.

Specific examples of means for solving the problems and their effects

(1) a connection unit (connector 220) for communicably connecting to a gaming device (card unit 3) that adds points using a gaming value (prepaid balance, number of medals) owned by a player; Equipped with a variable display device (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that variably displays multiple types of symbols. By setting the number of wagers with points, one game can be started and the display result is derived to the variable display device. A slot machine (slot machine 2) in which one game is completed and points are added according to the winnings generated by the display result of the variable display device,
A score storage means (score counter) for storing the score;
A remaining score determining means (score control board 117, FIG. 20) for determining the presence or absence of a remaining score necessary for setting the betting number based on the score stored in the score storage means;
Game prohibition means (FIGS. 20 to 22; invalidation of betting number operation by the point control board 117) for making a game prohibition state in which a new game cannot be started,
The game prohibition means is:
Predetermined information corresponding game prohibition means (FIGS. 21 and 22) which sets the game prohibited state when predetermined information (FIGS. 21 and 22; operation instruction including prohibition request present) is transmitted from the gaming device; ,
And a point-inhibiting game prohibiting unit (FIG. 20) that places the game in a prohibited state when it is determined by the remaining point determining unit that there is no remaining point necessary for setting the bet amount.

  According to such a configuration, as a method of prohibiting the game in the point-type slot machine, when the number of points in the slot machine decreases, the slot machine side can determine that fact and enter the game prohibition state. Because the game is prohibited because the predetermined information is transmitted from the gaming device, it is possible to respond to a command from the gaming device, and depending on the cause of the necessity to enter the gaming prohibited state. Thus, both the case where the slot machine itself makes the game prohibited state and the case where the slot machine makes the game prohibited state according to a command from the gaming device can be dealt with.

(2) A game device for storing and updating the score can be connected to the connection unit separately from the score storage means (see FIGS. 3 and 5),
Specific means (game control microcomputer, score control microcomputer, addition number counter, subtraction number counter) for specifying the amount of change in points according to the setting of bets and the occurrence of winnings,
It further includes information transmission means (point control board 117) for transmitting update information (operation response including an addition number and a subtraction number) that can specify the amount of change to the gaming device.

  According to such a configuration, since it becomes possible to perform the point management on the gaming device side, it is not necessary to provide the point management function on the slot machine side, and accordingly, the cost of the slot machine is suppressed as much as possible. be able to.

  In particular, slot machines tend to have a shorter replacement cycle in a game arcade than gaming devices in order to be able to provide more highly-oriented games quickly. For this reason, there is an advantage that the running cost of the game hall where the slot machine is introduced can be reduced by providing the point management function not on the slot machine side but on the gaming device side to reduce the cost of the slot machine. is there.

  In addition, because the point management is performed on the gaming device side, when the method of controlling to the gaming prohibited state by waiting for a command from the gaming device side when the number of points is reduced, the points in the slot machine It is possible to know that the number of points has been reduced in the gaming device until the reduced state is transmitted to the gaming device, and there is a possibility that the timing for controlling the gaming prohibited state will be delayed by the time lag between them. When the number of points in the slot machine decreases, the slot machine side determines that fact and puts the game in a prohibited state, so that the inconvenience due to the time lag described above can be prevented. In addition, since the game is prohibited even when the predetermined information is transmitted from the gaming device, it is possible to respond to a command from the gaming device.

  (3) The information transmitting unit may update the amount of change specified by the specifying unit between the time when the update information is transmitted and the time when the game is prohibited by the point-corresponding game prohibiting unit. Information is transmitted to the gaming device (FIG. 20; first betting response = 3, number of additions = 0, number of subtractions = 3). An operation response of “the number of holding points = 0, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 3”, which is the amount of change that has occurred before the state becomes invalid, is further transmitted.

  According to such a configuration, the amount of change in holding points from the time when the update information is transmitted until the game prohibition state can be grasped on the gaming device side, and the final amount after the game prohibition state is reached. The points can be managed on the gaming device side.

(4) a front member (front door 2b) covering the front of the slot machine so as to be openable and closable;
Lock means for locking the front member in a closed state (front door opening solenoid 110, engagement protrusions 6a and 6b, engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b),
The predetermined information is information (FIG. 9; game prohibition request with operation request Bit3 = 1, FIG. 22; prohibition request present) transmitted when instructing the lock means to release the lock.

  According to such a configuration, when the front member is unlocked and released, the game can be prohibited in response to a command from the gaming device.

  (5) The predetermined information is information (FIG. 9: operation request Bit3 = 1 game prohibition request, FIG. 21: operation instruction including prohibition request present) transmitted when requesting the game device to end the game. is there.

  According to such a configuration, when a signal requesting the end of the game is input, the game can be prohibited in response to a command from the gaming device.

(6) Two types for storing the amount of change specified by the update information transmitted by the information transmission unit and storing the amount of change specified by the update information transmitted by the information transmission unit one time before Change amount storage means (FIG. 5: an addition number counter for storing the current addition number, a subtraction number counter for counting the current subtraction number, an area for storing the previous addition number as the previous holding point related information, and an area for storing the previous subtraction number )When,
And arrival determination means for determining arrival of the update information to the gaming device based on predetermined information (SQN) transmitted from the gaming device (point control board 117, FIG. 25),
The information transmission means receives update information that can specify a sum of change amounts stored in the two change amount storage means when the arrival determination means does not determine that the update information has arrived. (FIG. 25).

  According to such a configuration, when it is not determined that the update information has arrived, update information capable of specifying the sum of the change amounts stored in the two change amount storage means is transmitted to the gaming device. Therefore, it is possible to reliably and efficiently collect information on the points in the gaming device.

(7) The information transmission means transmits the update information to the gaming device each time it receives information for instructing transmission of the update information that can specify the amount of change from the gaming device (FIG. 5, (See FIG. 25 etc.)
Change amount storage means (addition number counter, subtraction number counter) for storing the change amount specified by the update information transmitted by the information transmission means as the update information;
The change amount storage means sets the change amount sequentially specified by the specifying means while the state in which the information for instructing the transmission of the update information cannot be received even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the update information was transmitted. Based on this, the stored change amount is updated (FIG. 24),
When the information transmission unit receives information instructing transmission of the update information in a state where a change amount based on the change amount sequentially specified by the specifying unit is stored in the change amount storage unit, Update information that can identify the change amount stored in the change amount storage means is transmitted (FIG. 24).

  According to such a configuration, even if the state where communication between the gaming device and the slot machine is interrupted continues, it is possible to reliably collect information on the points in between during the state. .

It is a front view showing a card unit and a slot machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the front door of the slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit and a slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the various data memorize | stored in each of a card unit and a slot machine, and its transmission / reception aspect. It is an explanatory view for explaining an outline of commands and responses performed between the card unit and the slot machine. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of a communication start request | requirement, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of an operation instruction. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of an apparatus information response, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of a recovery response. It is explanatory drawing explaining the content of an operation response. It is a figure which shows the aspect of transmission / reception of the command and response between a card unit and a slot machine. It is a figure which shows an example of a process when a communication disconnection is detected by the card unit side. It is a figure which shows an example of a process at the time of detecting a communication disconnection on the slot machine side. It is a figure which shows an example of the process by the card unit and slot machine at the time of power activation. It is a figure which shows an example of a process when a card unit and a slot machine are reconnected. It is a figure which shows an example of the process in the time of standby when the operation of a card unit and a slot machine is not performed. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a slot machine when a card | curd is inserted in the card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with the card unit and slot machine when consuming the balance of a prepaid card. It is a figure showing an example of processing of a card unit and a slot machine at the time of replay. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a slot machine in the case of subtracting the number of points by the instruction | indication on the card unit side. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a slot machine when the number of points in a slot machine runs out during a game. It is a figure showing an example of processing of a card unit and a slot machine when returning a card. It is a figure showing an example of processing of a card unit and a slot machine when unlocking and releasing a front door in a slot machine. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the card unit and the slot machine when the slot machine is not connected when the power is activated while the card unit is holding the card. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a slot machine when the operation | movement instruction (no request | requirement operation | movement) from a card unit does not reach a slot machine. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a slot machine when the operation response from a slot machine (response with respect to no request | requirement operation | movement) does not reach | attain a card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a slot machine when the operation instruction from a card unit (response to an addition request) does not reach the slot machine. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a slot machine when the operation response from a slot machine (response to an addition request) does not reach the card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a slot machine when the operation instruction (subtraction request) from a card unit does not reach the slot machine. It is a figure showing an example of processing of a card unit and a slot machine when an operation response from a slot machine (response to a subtraction request) does not reach the card unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the card unit and the slot machine when the slot machine returns a response to reject addition in response to a card unit addition request. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the card unit and the slot machine when the slot machine returns a subtraction rejection response to the card unit subtraction request. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the card unit and the slot machine when the slot machine returns a clear rejection response to the card unit clear instruction request. It is a diagram showing an example of processing of the card unit and the slot machine when the slot machine returns a permission rejection response to the card unit game permission request. FIG. 10 shows an example of processing performed by the card unit and the slot machine when the slot machine returns a prohibition rejection response to the card unit game prohibition request. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the card unit and the slot machine when the slot machine returns a front door opening rejection response to the card unit front door opening request. It is a figure which shows an example of the recovery process of a card unit and a slot machine when the power failure in the card unit after reaching the operation response regarding addition / subtraction data occurs. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of recovery processing between a card unit and a slot machine in the case where a power interruption has occurred in the card unit before reaching an operation instruction. It is a figure which shows an example of the recovery process of a card unit and a slot machine when a power failure occurs in a card unit before the operation response regarding addition / subtraction data is reached. It is a figure which shows an example of the recovery process of a card unit and a slot machine when a power failure occurs in the card unit before the addition request is reached. It is a figure which shows an example of the recovery process of a card unit and a slot machine when a power failure occurs in the card unit before reaching an operation response to the addition request. It is a figure which shows an example of the recovery process of a card unit and a slot machine when a power failure occurs in the card unit before the subtraction request is reached. It is a figure which shows an example of the recovery process of a card unit and a slot machine when a power failure has occurred in the card unit before reaching an operation response to the subtraction request. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of recovery processing between a card unit and a slot machine when a power failure occurs in the card unit before reaching the clear request. It is a figure which shows an example of the recovery process of a card unit and a slot machine when a power failure occurs in the card unit before reaching an operation response to the clear request.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, referring to FIG. 1, a slot machine (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “S”) 2 is attached to each gaming island (not shown) arranged in a plurality of game halls. Card units (hereinafter also abbreviated as CUs) 3 as an example of gaming devices are installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the slot machine 2 at side positions on a predetermined side of the machine 2.

  The card unit 3 is issued to a visitor card having a prepaid function, which is a game recording medium issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, or a member player who has registered as a member in the game hall. Slot machines that accept membership cards, which are game recording media, and convert the game value (for example, card balance or accumulated medals) possessed by the player specified by the record information of those cards into points. 2 has a function for allowing the player to play a game by setting the number of bets in exchange for points.

  On the front side of the card unit 3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a projecting portion 305 projecting forward from the front of the apparatus, a card insertion slot 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card, etc. Is provided. The membership card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion slot 309 is received by the card reader / writer 327 (see FIG. 3), and the information recorded on the card is read. In the protrusion 305 described above, on the surface facing the player, the display 312 and the member card ID recorded on the member card and the number of medals specified by the member ID when the member card is received are displayed. An IR light receiving unit 315 (FIG. 1) that receives an infrared signal from a replay button 319 for executing the replay game used and a remote control (not shown) possessed by an attendant of the game hall, converts it into an electronic signal, and outputs it. Is omitted).

  The display 312 displays the prepaid balance recorded on the inserted game recording medium (card). The display 312 can display the number of points and other various information described later, and has a transparent touch panel. It is configured such that various operations can be input by touching various display items displayed on the display unit of the display 312 with a finger.

  When the replay button 319 is operated, if a score acquired by the player is recorded on the inserted card, a predetermined number of points will be deducted from that score and used for the game. When the inserted card is a membership card and the number of points is not recorded, and a stored medal is recorded in the hall management computer 1 or the like, a predetermined number of points are calculated from the stored medal. Will be withdrawn and given points for use in games.

  The “stored medals” are points possessed particularly in the game hall, and are generally managed by the hall management computer 1 or other management computer installed in the game hall. On the other hand, “scoring points” are points that have not yet been deposited in the game hall. The points may be managed by a management device for managing the number of points set in the game hall. In short, the difference between "save medal" and "scoring" is the point that the medal operation for depositing into the amusement hall has been performed and it has been deposited in the amusement hall, or is still deposited in the amusement hall. It is a point of whether it is a point of the stage not entered.

  The banknote inserted into the banknote insertion slot 302 is taken in by the currency discriminator 344, and its authenticity and banknote type are identified. The player is given points according to the bill amount.

  A lending button 321 and a return button 322 are further provided on the front side of the card unit 3. The lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation to secure the points used for the game by withdrawing the balance recorded on the inserted card. The return button 322 is operated when the player finishes the game, and is an operation button for storing and discharging the determined score at the end of the game in the inserted card.

  The points given by operating the replay button 319 or the lending button 321 and the points given by inserting the bill into the bill insertion slot 302 are stored together in the card unit 3. The score is displayed on the display 312. Note that a dedicated indicator for displaying the points may be provided in the card unit 3. The card unit 3 subtracts and updates the points stored for the number of bets set in the slot machine 2, and adds and updates the points stored for the winning equivalent generated in the slot machine 2.

  The slot machine 2 sets the number of bets by using the score, and the score is added and updated according to the winning. For this reason, when playing a game in the slot machine 2, a medal insertion operation is not necessary. Therefore, the slot machine 2 is not provided with a medal slot and a medal payout opening.

  Inside the casing 1a of the slot machine 2, 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. As shown in FIG. 1, three consecutive symbols out of the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are arranged so as to be seen from the see-through window 10 provided on the front door 2b. A plurality of types of symbols are drawn in a predetermined order on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R.

  A display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 4) is arranged at a position on the front side (player side) of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 2b.

  On the front side (front side in FIG. 1) of the liquid crystal display 51, an instruction (for example, touch operation) from the player to the display surface is detected, and the position (for example, the position where the touch operation is performed) is specified. Light-emitting devices 56a and 56b and light-receiving devices 57a and 57b that constitute a touch panel for the above-described purpose are installed.

  In addition, the front door 2b has a single BET switch 5 that is operated when setting the number of bets by using “points = 1” corresponding to one medal, and the maximum determined according to the gaming state. It is operated when setting the number of bets (for example, “Points = 3” in RT (Replay Time) where the winning probability of the normal game state and replay is high, and “Points = 2” in the bonus) There are provided a MAXBET switch 6, a start switch 7 that is operated when starting the game, and stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that are operated when stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, respectively.

  Further, on the front door 2b, a score display 11 that displays the total number of points, a game auxiliary display 12 that displays an error code, and the like, a payout display that displays the number of points awarded when a winning occurs. A vessel 13 is provided. Since the total number of points is also displayed on the display 312 of the card unit 3 as described above, the point display 11 may not be provided in the slot machine 2.

  Further, on the front door 2b, a 1BETLED 14 that notifies that the betting number 3 is set by lighting, a 2BETLED 15 that notifies that the betting number 2 is set, and the betting number 3 are set. 3BET LED 16 that is informed by lighting, start valid LED 18 that is informed that the game start operation by the operation of the start switch 7 is effective, and wait (because a certain period of time has not elapsed since the start of the previous game, the reel rotation starts. A waiting LED 19 for notifying that a replay game is in progress and a replaying LED 20 for notifying that a replay game is in progress are provided.

  When playing a game in the slot machine 2, first, a bet amount is set using the points secured using the card unit 3. In order to use the holding point, the single BET switch 5 or the MAX BET switch 6 may be operated. When the bet number is set, the pay line determined according to the bet number and the game state is valid among the pay lines L1 to L4 (see FIG. 1), and the operation of the start switch 7 is effective, that is, the game Is ready to start.

  The winning line is a line that is set to determine whether a combination of symbols displayed on the perspective windows 10 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is a winning symbol combination. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper stage of the reel 2L, the middle stage of the reel 2C, the lower stage of the reel 2R, that is, the winning line L1 set across the symbols arranged in the lower right direction, the lower stage of the reel 2L, The middle line of the reel 2C, the upper stage of the reel 2R, that is, the winning line L2 set across the symbols arranged in the upward direction, the upper stage of the reel 2L, the middle stage of the reel 2C, the upper stage of the reel 2R, that is, the design arranged in a V shape. There are four types of winning lines L3, a lower line of reel 2L, a middle part of reel 2C, a lower part of reel 2R, that is, a winning line L4 set across a reverse V-shaped pattern. It is defined as. Note that the winning line is not limited to the lines indicated by L1 to L4. For example, the line extending over the symbols arranged in the upper stage of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R and the line extending over the symbols arranged in the middle stage of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. Further, it may include a line extending over the symbols arranged in the lower stage of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R.

  When the start switch 7 is operated 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. When 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 on the fluoroscopic window 10.

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is completed, and a predetermined symbol combination (hereinafter also referred to as a role) is set on any of the activated pay lines L1 to L4. When the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped as a result of display, a prize is generated, and a score determined according to the prize is awarded to the player.

  In the slot machine 2 according to the present embodiment, after the game is started and the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate and the symbols start to change, any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R When operated, the reels corresponding to the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R stop rotating and the symbols are stopped and displayed. The maximum stop delay time from the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R to the stop of the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is 190 ms (milliseconds).

  The reels 2L, 2C and 2R rotate 80 times per minute, and 80 × 21 (the number of symbols per reel) = 1680 frames, so the maximum of 4 symbols is drawn in 190 ms. Will be able to. In other words, the symbols that can be selected as the stop symbols are the symbols that are displayed when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, and the symbols that are four frames ahead of them, for a total of five symbols.

  For this reason, for example, when any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated and the symbol displayed on the lower stage of the reel corresponding to the stop switch is used as a reference, the symbol from the symbol to four frames ahead Since the symbols can be displayed in the lower row, as a result, the symbols from the symbol to six frames ahead can be displayed in the upper row. That is, in each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, when any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is operated, within 7 frames including the symbols displayed on the lower row of the reel corresponding to the stop switch. The arranged symbols can be drawn and stopped on the winning line. Such reel control is referred to as pull-in control.

  Next, referring to FIG. 2, the slot machine 2 is provided with a front door 2b that can be opened and closed with respect to a main body frame 2a with its left edge as a swing center.

  A pair of upper and lower engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are provided near the edge of the front door 2b opposite to the center of swinging. The engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are pressed downward by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b are provided at positions of the main body frame 2a facing the engagement protrusions 6a and 6b. When the opened front door 2b is pressed against the main body frame 2a, the engaging projections 6a and 6b get over the engaging receiving pieces 7a and 7b. Move and become locked.

  A front door opening solenoid 110 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the back surface side of the front door 2b. When the front door opening solenoid 110 is excited, a pair of upper and lower members against the biasing force of the spring. The mating projections 6a and 6b are pushed upward, and as a result, the engagement projections 6a and 6b are disengaged from the engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b to be unlocked, and the front door 2b is opened.

  The front door closing detector 112 (see FIG. 3) is provided at a position in contact with the front door 2b in the upper part of the main body frame 2a, and the front door 2b is pressed against the main body frame 2a to be locked. Detected.

  Next, an outline of a control circuit for the card unit 3 and the slot machine 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The card unit 3 is provided with a control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 323 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Member) storing a program and control data for operating the CPU, and a RAM (Random) functioning as a work area of the CPU. Access Memory), and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices.

  The control unit 323 is provided with an external communication unit 324 for communicating with the hall management computer 1 and the like, and a gaming machine communication unit 325 for communicating with the holding point control board 117 of the slot machine 2. Is provided. The card unit 3 is provided with a connector 330 for connection to the slot machine 2 side, and the slot machine 2 is provided with a connector 220 for connection to the card unit 3 side. The gaming machine communication unit 325 and the holding point control board 117 are communicably connected via the connectors 330 and 220 and connection wiring.

  The above-described money discriminator 344 identifies the authenticity and type of the bill, and the identification result signal is input to the control unit 323. When the IR photosensitive unit 320 receives infrared rays emitted from a remote controller owned by a game attendant, the received light signal is input to the control unit 323. The card reader / writer 327 reads the information recorded on the inserted card, and the read information is input to the control unit 323. At the same time, data to be written to the inserted card is sent from the control unit 323 to the card reader / writer 327. When transmitted, the card reader / writer 327 writes the data to the inserted card.

  Display data such as a balance or the number of points is output from the control unit 323 to the display 312, and the display 312 displays the output display data. Further, when the player operates a touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the control unit 323. When the player operates the lending button 321, the operation signal is input to the control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button 319, the operation signal is input to the control unit 323. When the player operates the return button 322, the operation signal is input to the control unit 323.

  The slot machine 2 is provided with a game control board 116 for controlling the game progress of the gaming machine and a holding point control board 117 in an electrically connected state.

  A game control microcomputer is mounted on the game control board 116. The game control microcomputer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Member) that stores a program for operating the CPU, control data, and the like, and a RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU ( Random Access Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices.

  A holding point control microcomputer 117 is mounted on the holding point control board 117. The microcomputer for holding point control includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Member) storing a program for operating the CPU and control data, and a RAM functioning as a work area of the CPU. (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided.

  Further, the front door opening solenoid 110 and the front door closing detector 112 are provided in an electrically connected state with respect to the holding point control board 117.

  The game control board 116 detects the start operation after setting the betting amount, starts variable display devices (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), draws the results of one game, and stops each reel in response to the stop operation. Let

  When the front door closing detector 112 detects the closing of the front door 2b, the detection signal is input to the holding point control board 117. The holding point control board 117 transmits a front door opening solenoid excitation signal to the front door opening solenoid 110, thereby exciting the front door opening solenoid 110 to unlock the front door 2b.

  The score control board 117 includes a score counter for storing the player's total score separately from the card unit 3. If the player performs an operation to secure the score by deducting the valuable value owned by the player, the score control board 117 is sent from the card unit 3 and a request for adding the score is sent. In response to the addition request, the board 117 adds and updates the score counter. On the other hand, the score control board 117 subtracts and updates the score counter according to the bet number setting.

  Further, the score control board 117 transmits a signal indicating that to the game control board 116 when the value of the score counter becomes less than the minimum value necessary for setting the betting number. When the game control board 116 receives this signal, the game control board 116 enters a game prohibition state in which a game cannot be newly started thereafter. Specifically, the button operation for setting the betting amount is invalidated.

  The game control board 116 gives a bet number setting signal indicating the number of bets set to start the game to the score control board 117, and a payout number signal indicating the number of points awarded in response to the occurrence of a win. Is output. Based on the betting number setting signal input from the game control board 116, the score control board 117 transmits the subtraction number information for subtracting the score to the gaming machine communication unit 325 and subtracts and updates the score counter. Based on the payout number signal input from the game control board 116, the addition number information for adding the score is transmitted to the gaming machine communication unit 325 and the score counter is added and updated.

  Further, when the game state changes, a signal indicating that is transmitted from the game control board 116 to the holding point control board 117. The gaming state notified by this signal is, for example, a notification that can execute a navigation effect in which the sub-control unit 91 notifies the internal lottery result in addition to the RT having a high probability of winning the big bonus, the regular bonus, and the replay. These are an assist time (referred to as AT), a BET operation detection state, a start operation detection state, a reel rotation start state, a reel rotation stop state, and the like.

  The control unit 323 of the card unit 3 has a function of calculating the number of points in the current slot machine 2 on the basis of the inputted addition number and subtraction number signals and managing the number of points.

  Next, the configuration of the slot machine 2 will be described based on a block diagram with reference to FIG. The slot machine 2 is provided with a game control board 116 and an effect control board 90, the game state is controlled by the game control board 116, and the effect according to the game state is controlled by the effect control board 90.

  The game control board 116 has a single BET switch 5, a MAXBET switch 6, a start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, a holding point indicator 11, a game auxiliary indicator 12, a payout indicator 13, 1 to 3 BETLEDs 14 to 16, start valid LED 18, weight LED 19, replay LED 20, front door open detector 21, reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R, reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are connected.

  The game control board 116 is provided with a main control unit 41 composed of a microcomputer. The main control unit 41 includes a random number generation circuit that generates a predetermined range of random numbers, a sampling circuit that acquires random numbers from the random number generation circuit, and the like. The main control unit 41 performs an internal lottery for a winning combination using the random number acquired from the random number generation circuit.

  The effect control board 90 is connected to a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) and speakers 53 and 54 disposed on the front door 2b of the slot machine 2, and these electric components are mounted on the effect control board 90. It is driven based on the control by the sub-control unit 91.

  In the slot machine 2 of the present embodiment, a winning is awarded when the winning symbols are aligned on any winning line of the variable display device configured by the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. The types of winning combinations are determined according to the state of the game, but can be broadly divided into special roles with a shift to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB), and small roles with payout of medals. And a re-gamer (replay) that allows the next game to be started without the need to set the bet amount.

  In the following, the big bonus may be referred to as BB, and the regular bonus provided during the big bonus may be referred to as RB. In some cases, a big bonus or a regular bonus is simply referred to as a bonus. In order for each winning combination determined according to the gaming state to occur, it is necessary to win an internal lottery and set a winning flag for the winning combination.

  Next, processing executed by the main control unit 41 in the slot machine 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the slot machine 2, the game is progressed by repeatedly performing the game processing one game at a time. For this purpose, the game must first be in a state where the game can be progressed.

  The “game” in the slot machine 2 means, in a narrow sense, from when the start switch 7 is operated until the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped. Since the setting of the bet number before the operation of No. 7 and the payout of medals and the transition of the gaming state are performed after the reels 2L, 2C and 2R are stopped, these incidental processes are also included in the “game” in a broad sense. And

  First, the main control unit 41 sets the bet number by detecting the operation of the single BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6, and starts to rotate the reels 2L, 2C, 2R by detecting the operation of the start switch 7. .

  However, if the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same bet number as the previous game is automatically set by the replay game flag (the replay game flag is erased at this stage).

  When the bet number is set and the start switch 7 is operated, the main control unit 41 extracts a random number for internal lottery, and assigns each combination determined according to the gaming state based on the extracted random number value. A lottery process is performed to determine whether or not winning is allowed.

  The main control unit 41 performs a reel rotation process after the lottery process. In the reel rotation process, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R in the previous game are processed on the condition that one game regulation time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has passed since the time counted by one game timer has elapsed. The motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are driven to start rotation of all the left, middle, and right reels 2L, 2C, and 2R.

  The main control unit 41 stops when a predetermined condition (detection of the reference position by the reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed) is satisfied from the start of rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. The operation of the switches 8L, 8C, 8R is made valid. Thereafter, when the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are operated by the player, the driving of the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R is stopped, and the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped.

  When the driving of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, the main control unit 41 performs a winning determination process for determining whether any predetermined role symbol is derived and displayed on the winning line. In the winning determination process, when it is determined that a winning combination such as BB has been won, a process for controlling the bonus (for example, setting a bonus value corresponding to the value of the gaming state flag) is performed.

  When the winning determination process ends, the main control unit 41 performs a payout process. In the payout process, a payout number signal indicating the number of points to be awarded is output to the score control board 117. In the payout process, a bonus end determination process for determining whether or not a bonus end condition corresponding to the bonus is satisfied is performed during the bonus (BB or RB) as various processes not related to winning.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, various data stored on each of the CU side and the S base side and the transmission / reception mode thereof will be described.

  In the present embodiment, on the CU side, the fluctuation of the number of points on the S platform is calculated and the current number of points is managed. On the S side, the current number of points is calculated and stored. However, on the S side, the number of points is only to prevent a new game from being started as early as possible when the number of points is less than the minimum number required for setting the number of bets (for example, 0). It is a secondary thing used for. In the present embodiment, since the main management of the number of points is performed on the CU side, it is not necessary to provide a function for strictly managing the number of points on the S platform side, and the cost of the S platform is reduced as much as possible. Can be suppressed.

  In particular, compared to the CU, the S units have a shorter replacement cycle at the game hall and are replaced early. Therefore, there is an advantage that the running cost of the game hall where the S machines are introduced can be reduced by providing the CU side with the main management function related to the number of points on the S machines side to suppress the costs on the S machines side. is there.

  FIG. 5 shows RAM storage data provided in the control unit 323 on the CU side and RAM storage data mounted on the S-side holding point control board 117. First, when the power supply is started up in a state where the S units (slot machine 2) and the CU (card unit 3) are electrically connected for the first time after being installed in the amusement hall, the S-side holding point control board 117 is used. Receives the main chip ID from the game control board 116, transmits the main chip ID to the CU side, and transmits the payout chip ID stored in the holding point control board 117 itself to the CU side.

  On the CU side, the transmitted main chip ID and payout chip ID are stored. Next, connection time, that is, data of the time when the CU side and the S side are connected and communication is started is transmitted from the CU side to the S side, and the transmitted connection time is stored on the S side. .

  In this state, three pieces of information of the main chip ID, the payout chip ID, and the connection time identified on the CU side are stored on the CU side and the S platform side. When the power is turned on thereafter, the three pieces of information, that is, the main chip ID, the payout chip ID, and the previous connection time data are transmitted from the S side to the CU side.

  On the CU side, the transmitted data and the already stored data are collated, and it is determined whether or not the same S units as in the previous time are connected. Note that the connection time data is transmitted from the CU side to the S side when new power is turned on and communication between the CU side and the S side is started. Is stored on the S side.

  Each time the operation instruction and response are updated on the CU side and the S base side, the sequence number (SQN) is incremented by "1" and the sequence number is stored on the CU side and the S base side. The The SQN is a communication number for checking whether or not the communication is properly performed by updating the number every time data is transmitted / received between the CU and the S platform. SQN is a number updated at the end of the communication number to be updated.

  For example, an operation instruction is transmitted from the CU side to the S platform side, and the sequence number n at that time is transmitted, and the transmitted sequence number n is stored on the S platform side. When the operation response is returned from the S platform to the CU side, the stored sequence number n is also transmitted. On the CU side, it is determined that data communication has been normally performed because the returned sequence number n matches the already stored sequence number n, and the sequence number is incremented by 1 when the next operation instruction is sent. Send the n + 1 sequence number to the S side.

  Next, the current point-related information (point-related information being counted) is transmitted from the S platform to the CU side. This current point related information is stored by each counter in the current point related information storage area of the RAM.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the current score-related information storage area of the RAM is provided with a total of four types of counters including an addition counter, a subtraction counter, an external output information counter, and a score counter. Yes.

  The addition number counter is a counter for counting the number of points to be added in accordance with the occurrence of a prize. When a winning occurs in the S units, a payout number signal that can specify the number of points to be added is transmitted from the game control board 116 to the score control board 117. The holding point control board 117 adds and updates the addition number counter based on the payout number signal.

  The subtraction number counter is a counter for counting the number of points to be subtracted according to the betting number setting. When the betting number setting operation is detected, a betting number setting signal is transmitted from the game control board 116 to the score control board 117. The point control board 117 adds and updates the subtraction number counter based on the betting number setting signal.

  The external output counter is a counter for counting the number of times the game state has changed. As an external output counter, a counter for counting the number of times of shifting to BB, a counter for counting the number of times of shifting to RB, a counter for counting the number of times of shifting to RT, and a variable display device start variable (game There are provided a plurality of types such as a counter for counting the number of times of start) and a counter for counting the number of times the BET operation is detected. The holding point control board 117 adds and updates the corresponding external output counter based on various signals indicating changes in the gaming state transmitted from the game control board 116.

  The score counter is a counter for storing the score (total score) of the player at the current time. The holding point control board 117 adds and updates the holding point counter by the addition of the addition number counter when the addition number counter is added and updated, and adds and updates the holding point counter when the addition number counter is added and updated. Just subtract update.

  A command requesting data transmission is transmitted from the CU to the S units at regular time intervals. The S units transmit the values of the four types of counters to the CU at the timing of receiving the command. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the S units, for the three types of counters of the above-mentioned four types of counters excluding the point number counter, change the counter value of “previous point related information” for each data transmission. Back up to storage area.

  That is, the value of the addition counter is “addition number”, the value of the subtraction counter is “subtraction number”, the value of the external output information counter is “external output information”, Stored in the area. In addition, when storing in the storage area, the data stored before that is erased. That is, new data is overwritten and saved (rewritten) in the storage area of “previous holding point related information”.

  The addition number counter, subtraction number counter, and external output information counter whose counter values are backed up in the storage area of “previous holding point related information” are then initialized (cleared to 0) to prepare for the next data count. It is done.

  As a result, the addition number counter, the subtraction number counter, and the external output information counter change the amount of data (points, external output information) since the last data transmission to the CU (untransmitted to the CU). Data) is stored. When the data transmission request is received from the CU next time, the amount of change in data from when the data transmission request was last received until this time when the data transmission request is received is sent to the CU. Become. On the other hand, as described above, the total number of points at the current stage is stored in the point counter that is not initialized every time data is transmitted. Each time a data transmission request is received from the CU, the total number of points at the current stage is transmitted to the CU. That is, each time the S unit receives a command instructing transmission of the data change amount, the S unit transmits the data change amount from the previous reception of the command to the reception of the current change.

  In other words, the data of addition number, subtraction number, and external output information, which is the current score related information transmitted to the CU immediately before in the storage area of the previous score related information (current score related information transmitted immediately before). Is stored as backup data. This backup data includes not only the value of each current counter but also the value of each previous counter that was not transmitted in the next transmission when the current holding point related information is not transmitted from the S side to the CU side. It is intended to enable transmission.

  On the CU side, a total addition number (addition total), a total subtraction number (subtraction total), an external output information total, and a score are stored in a total data storage area in the RAM.

  The CU updates the total addition number and the number of points based on the value of the addition number counter transmitted from the S platform. Further, the total subtraction number and the number of points are updated based on the value of the subtraction number counter transmitted from the S platform. Furthermore, the cumulative number of external output information is updated based on the value of the external output information counter transmitted from the S units. The external output information cumulative number is updated for each type of external output information counter. As a result, on the CU side, as described above, “BB”, “RB”, “RT”, “AT”, “BET operation detection”, “start operation detection”, “reel rotation start”, “reel rotation” For each “stop”, the number of occurrences is accumulated.

  In this way, the CU can manage the latest score by updating the score based on the current score-related information transmitted from the S units one by one. Similarly, the CU can manage the latest information by updating the total number of additions, the total number of subtractions, and the total number of external output information with the current point-related information transmitted from the S units one by one. Become.

  Note that the CU receives the count value of the score counter in addition to the values of the addition counter and the subtraction counter from the S side, but the score stored by itself is stored in the addition counter and the subtraction counter. Updating based on the value, the count value of the point counter sent from the S platform side is not used. For this reason, even if the number of points sent from the S platform does not match the number of scores managed on the CU side, the score on the CU side is updated with the number of scores sent from the S platform. It will never be done.

  Further, the CU collates the value of the score counter transmitted from the S platform with the current score updated on the CU side, and determines whether or not they match.

  The CU sends a normal (normal) operation request (command) and a normal (normal) operation response (with normal operation) (provided that a match (confirmation confirmation) has been made) Continue to receive (response). On the other hand, when it is determined that they do not match, the CU performs control to shift to an error state.

  As control for shifting to the error state, for example, error notification is performed by the display 312 or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer 1 (in this case, the hall management computer). Error notification by 1) may be performed), or a predetermined notification for encouraging an artificial response by an attendant may be considered.

  Alternatively, when it is determined that they do not match, the CU may generate a command for instructing the number of points to be corrected to the number of points managed by the CU side, and transmit the command to the S units. Conceivable. In this case, the S units are provided with a function of correcting the number of points stored therein according to the correction instruction command. The correction instruction command may be a command specifying the number of points managed on the CU side, or the difference between the number of points managed on the CU side and the number of points stored on the S platform side. It is good also as a command which shows.

  In this way, the CU receives the values of various counters transmitted from the S platform, and calculates and manages the current number of points based on the value of the addition / subtraction number counter in particular, and manages it. have. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide a main management function for the S units. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced. In the present embodiment, for the purpose of allowing the game to be immediately prohibited when the score becomes 0, the score is also stored on the S platform side. However, a score counter for storing the score on the S side may not be provided.

  The CU does not match the function of performing the score number coincidence determination process for determining whether or not they match by comparing the calculated current score number with the value of the score counter transmitted from the S platform. It sometimes has a function of performing control to shift to an error state (error control at mismatch).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the score is stored on the S side, but it can be determined whether or not the score matches the score stored and stored on the CU side. (CU side function). Therefore, even if a situation occurs in which the number of points stored on the gaming machine side does not coincide with the number of points stored on the CU side due to fraud or other circumstances, it can be checked. Here, the determination function is provided on the CU side. For example, the number of points stored on the CU side and the number of points stored on the S platform side by the hall management computer 1 connected to the CU. May be received to determine whether or not both are consistent.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the CU further includes a storage area for storing a medal and a storage area for storing a card balance of the accepted (inserted) prepaid card (game card). The control unit 323 (see FIG. 3) of the CU stores a medal stored in response to an input requesting use of the medal (for example, a press input of a replay button 319 (see FIG. 3) provided on the CU). A predetermined number of stored medals is subtracted from the area. Further, the control unit 323 (see FIG. 3) of the CU subtracts a predetermined value from a storage area for storing the card balance in response to an input requesting the use of the card balance (for example, pressing input of the lending button 321).

  In addition, when a player performs an operation for deducting the value from the player's own game value (for example, prepaid balance or number of medals) and using it for the game, the player has the number of points for the deduction. The number of addition requests to be added to the point counter is transmitted from the CU side to the S platform side. In response to this, the S platform side adds and updates the score counter.

  On the other hand, when an operation for ordering a so-called wagon service, in which a player-owned game value is withdrawn and exchanged for a drink or the like, is executed, the number of subtraction requests for the player-owned game value is received from the CU side. S is sent to the S side. In response to this, the S platform side subtracts and updates the score counter.

  Next, an outline of commands and responses performed between the card unit and the slot machine will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows the transmission direction, whether the data to be transmitted is a command or a response, the name of transmission information, and its outline. First, a command named device information request is transmitted from the CU to the S units. This device information request command requests the S units to transmit a main chip ID and the like.

  A response named device information response is transmitted from the S unit to the CU. The response of this device information response is to transmit the main chip ID and the like to the CU. An authentication request command is transmitted from the CU to the S units. This authentication request command is for requesting authentication to the S units.

  A response of the authentication response is transmitted from the S units to the CU. This response of the authentication response notifies acceptance of the authentication request from the CU. A recovery request command is transmitted from the CU to the S units. This recovery request command requests the S units to transmit recovery information.

  A response of the recovery response is transmitted from the S units to the CU. The response of this recovery response is to transmit the recovery information held in S units to the CU. A connection confirmation request command is transmitted from the CU to the S units. This connection confirmation request command notifies the S units that they are in a connected state.

  A response of a connection confirmation response is transmitted from the S units to the CU. The response of the connection confirmation response notifies the CU that it is in a connected state. A notification start request command is transmitted from the CU to the S units. This notification start request command requests the S units to clear the recovery information and back up the connection ID (communication start time).

  A response of a communication start response is transmitted from the S units to the CU. This response to the communication start response notifies the CU that the recovery information has been cleared and the connection ID (communication start time) has been backed up.

  An operation instruction command is transmitted from the CU to the S units. The operation instruction command instructs various units (game operations) to the S units and requests transmission of game unit information (addition / subtraction data, etc.). The CU uses this command to periodically check the status of the game machine.

  The response of the operation response is transmitted from the S units to the CU. The response of this operation response is to notify the execution result of the game operation instruction and the game table information (addition / subtraction data etc.) to the CU.

  Next, among the commands / responses shown in FIG. 6, the contents of the communication start request, the operation instruction, the device information response, the recovery response, and the operation response will be described in detail based on FIGS.

  First, referring to FIG. 7A, the communication start request command transmitted from the CU to the S units requests the S units to clear recovery information and receive a new communication ID (communication start time). is there. Further, the CU performs backup processing of the connection time and backup of the “main chip ID” and “payout chip ID” when transmitting this command.

  In addition, when receiving a command for clearing recovery information (recovery request ON), the S units clear the recovery data and back up the connection time.

  The connection time is a time held by the CU, and is a time when communication between the CU and the S units is started, and is transmitted from the CU to the S units. This connection time is used as a communication connection ID. The recovery clear request is data indicating whether or not there is a recovery clear request. The recovery clear request is ON to indicate that there is a recovery request, and the recovery clear request is OFF to indicate that there is no recovery request.

  The operation instruction commands transmitted from the CU to the S units shown in FIG. 7B are “adding points”, “subtracting points”, “allow / inhibit game”, “ In addition to instructing the "clear sequence number" operation, it requests transmission of various game machine information. The CU uses this command to periodically check the status of the S units.

  As an operation request, 7-bit data of Bit0 to Bit6 is transmitted from the CU to the S units. With respect to Bit 0, when “1”, a score addition request is instructed, and when it is “0”, a score addition request is not requested. For Bit1, “1” indicates that there is a score subtraction request, and “0” indicates that there is no score subtraction request. As for Bit2, “1” indicates that a game permission is requested, and “0” indicates that no game permission is requested.

  For Bit 3, “1” indicates that there is a game prohibition request, and “0” indicates that there is no game prohibition request. With regard to Bit 4, when the number is "1", the clearing of the score and sequence number is instructed, and when it is "0", the clearing of the score and sequence number is not requested.

Bit 5 is used for a front door opening request.
When a plurality of bits of Bit0 to Bit5 are “1”, the S units execute in order from Bit0.

  In addition, data of the number of addition requests that is valid only when the operation request Bit 0 is “1” is transmitted from the CU to the S units. This addition request count data indicates a value to be added to the score.

  Data of the number of subtraction requests that is valid only when the operation request Bit1 is “1” is transmitted from the CU to the S units. This subtraction request number data indicates a value to be subtracted from the number of points.

  Referring to FIG. 8A, a device information response is transmitted from the S units to the CU. The response of the device information response is to transmit information on the main chip ID and the payout chip ID to the CU. The main chip ID is the S main chip ID, that is, the chip ID stored in the game control board 116, and the payout chip ID is the S payout stored in the holding point control board 117. It is a chip ID.

  With reference to FIG. 8B, a response of the recovery response is transmitted from the S units to the CU. The response of this recovery response is to transmit the recovery information held in the S units to the CU. The recovery information transmitted from the S units to the CU includes connection time, final sequence number, and current point related information.

  The connection time is a connection time backed up by the S units (connection time data received from the CU at the start of communication). The final sequence number is a sequence number received from the CU and backed up by S units. Previously held point related information refers to the previously reported point related information, the previous added number that is the previously notified addition number, the previous subtracted number that is the previously notified subtraction number, and the previously output external output information Each piece of external output information.

  The current point-related information is the latest point-related information, and is the number of current points that are the number of points currently held in S units, the current number of points that is the number of additions currently held in S units, The current subtraction number, which is the subtraction number currently held by the S units, and the external output information currently held by the S units.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the response of the operation response is transmitted from the S platform to the CU. This response of the operation response notifies the CU of game table information such as the execution result of the instruction operation and the number of points.

  As an execution result, it is transmitted from S units to the CU as 7-bit data of Bit0 to Bit6. For Bit0, when “1”, an execution result of rejection of the score addition is indicated, and when “0”, an execution result indicating that addition of the score is not rejected is indicated. For Bit1, when “1”, the execution result of the score subtraction refusal is shown, and when “0”, the execution result indicating that the subtraction of the score is not rejected is shown. As for Bit2, when “1”, the execution result of the game permission rejection is shown, and when “0”, the execution result that the game permission is not rejected is shown.

  For Bit 3, when “1”, the execution result of the game prohibition rejection is indicated, and when “0”, the execution result indicating that the game prohibition is not rejected is indicated.

  For Bit4, when it is “1”, the number of points and sequence number clear rejection execution results are shown, and when it is “0”, the score and sequence number clear execution results are not rejected.

  For Bit 5, when “1”, an execution result indicating that the opening of the front door is rejected is indicated, and when “0”, an execution result indicating that the opening of the front door is not rejected is indicated.

  As the score-related information (current score-related information) transmitted from the S platform to the CU, there are the score number, the addition number, the subtraction number, and the external output information.

  After performing the correction process using the “addition number” and “subtraction number”, the CU checks whether or not the number of points transmitted from the S units matches the number of points after the correction. In this case, recovery processing is performed to clear recovery information such as the number of points of S units, and processing for correcting the number of points of S units to the number of points after correction on the CU side is performed.

  The CU that has received the addition number adds this addition number to the number of points it holds. The S units back up the notified value of the addition number as the previous addition number, and clear the current addition number to zero.

  The CU that has received the subtraction number subtracts the received subtraction number from the held number of points. The S units back up the notified value of the subtraction number as the previous subtraction number, and clear the current subtraction number to zero.

  The game table state data for notifying the game table state from the S units to the CU is transmitted. This game table state data is composed of 7 bits of Bit0 to Bit6. Regarding Bit0, when it is “0”, it indicates a game possible state, and when it is “1”, it indicates a game stop state. Regarding Bit1, when it is “0”, it indicates that it is waiting, and when it is “1”, it indicates that it is playing.

  When Bit 2 is “1”, BB is being indicated, when Bit 3 is “1”, the reel is rotating, when Bit 3 is “1”, the score is 0, and Bit 5 is “1”. "" Indicates that the game is completed, and when Bit 6 is "1", it indicates that the front door is being developed.

  In addition to this, the data for notifying the state of the gaming machine includes data indicating that a BET has been placed (data indicating that the game is waiting for a start), waiting (one game for regulating one game time). Data indicating that the timer is counting) may be employed. Furthermore, data indicating an overtime error in which a stop operation is not detected even if a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after the reel starts to rotate may be employed.

  Further, data indicating the occurrence of BB, RB, RT, etc. may be employed as the data indicating the gaming state.

  FIGS. 10 to 44 show processing executed by the CPU in the control unit 323 of the CU, processing executed by the CPU mounted on the holding point control board 117, and a timing chart.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the addition number and the subtraction number from the S units to the CU according to the operation response, changes in the gaming state of the S units (BET operation detection, start operation detection, reel rotation start, reel In response to the rotation stop, transition to BB, transition to RB, transition to RT, transition to AT). However, in the following timing chart, illustration of external output information is omitted.

  In addition, in the following FIG. 10 to FIG. 44, addition refusal (score addition refusal), subtraction refusal (score subtraction refusal), permission refusal (game permission refusal), prohibition refusal (game prohibition refusal) included in the operation response For each of refusal clear (number of points and sequence number clear refusal) and front door open refusal, the state where the bit is set (= 1) is described as “ON”, but the bit is not set (= 0) Is described as “OFF”.

  First, with reference to FIG. 10, the mode of transmission and reception of commands and responses between the CU and the S units will be described. A command is transmitted from the CU to the S units, and the S units return a response to the CU in response to the command. After receiving the response, the CU transmits the next command to the S units, and the S unit returns a response to the CU in response to the command. As shown in FIG. 10, the period from the transmission of the first command to the S units from the CU to the transmission of the next command is controlled to 200 ms, that is, 0.2 seconds. Further, the period from the transmission of the response from the S platform to the CU to the transmission of the next response is controlled to 200 ms, that is, 0.2 seconds.

  Thus, both a command and a response are transmitted between the CU and S units at an interval of 200 ms. On the other hand, the S units cannot execute two games while one game regulation time of 4.1 seconds elapses. As a result, in the present embodiment, a plurality of commands and responses are transmitted and received during one game.

  Therefore, the response of the operation response for notifying the amount of change in the number of points is successively transmitted from the S units to the CU at intervals shorter than one game period. As a matter of course, the number of times the betting number is set in one game period is one and the number of winnings that can be generated is one. In other words, there is only one chance each of the points that can be subtracted and added in one game period. Since the response of the motion response is transmitted one after another during this one game period, the S units can finely notify the CU of the amount of change in the number of points. On the other hand, the CU can manage the points by finely reflecting the change of the points on the S platform side.

  Here, the transmission interval of the command and response is set to 200 ms, but the transmission interval may be longer or shorter than this. For example, the transmission interval may be set to one game restriction time for S units. It is also possible to match with Alternatively, the transmission interval may be half of one game regulation time or less. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the S platform receives a command from the CU and returns an operation response, but instead, when a BET operation is detected and when a winning occurs, The S units may transmit data notifying the subtraction number or the addition number.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a process when a communication disconnection is detected on the CU side will be described. If the response is not received within one second after the CU transmits a command to the S units, the same command is transmitted to the S units again. If no response is received within one second, a second retransmission is performed in which the same command is transmitted to S units. If no response is received from the S units within one second after the second retransmission, the CU determines that there is a communication abnormality at this stage. This communication abnormality may be caused when the connector 330 or 220 shown in FIG. 3 is disconnected, or when the connection wiring is disconnected or the power supply of the S units is disconnected.

  The CU transmits a device information request command to the S units in order to start the connection sequence again after 20 seconds after determining the communication abnormality. The specific contents of the processing for transmitting the device information request command to the S units and starting the connection sequence will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a process when a communication disconnection is detected on the S platform side will be described. A command is transmitted from the CU to the S machine, and the S machine sends a response to the CU in response to the command. Next, if the state in which the command from the CU is not transmitted to the S machines continues for 10 seconds, the S machine determines that the communication has been interrupted, and even if the single BET switch 5 and the MAX BET switch 6 are operated, A game is prohibited as a “betting number operation invalid state (game prohibition state)” that is not set, and a transition is made to an unconnected state. The cause of this communication disconnection may be the disconnection of the connector 330 or 220, the disconnection of the connection wiring, the power supply disconnection of the CU, etc., as described in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the processing of the connection sequence at the time of power activation will be described. First, at the time of power activation, communication is started after the game is stopped (prohibited) in the betting number operation invalid state (game prohibition state) in the S units. First, a device information request command is transmitted from the CU to the S units. In response, the S unit returns a response of the device information response. The response of this device information response includes a main chip ID and a payout chip ID.

  The CU that has received the device information response stores the information included in the device information response, and requests authentication for the S units that have responded (S units specified by the received main chip ID and payout chip ID). Is sent to S units.

The S units that have received the authentication request return an authentication response to the CU.
The CU that has received the authentication response then transmits a recovery request to the S units. In response to this, the S unit returns the recovery information backed up inside the S unit (specifically, the holding point control board 117) to the CU as a response. As described above, this recovery information includes the connection time, the last SQN (sequence number), the previous score-related information, and the current score-related information.

  The CU that has received this recovery response starts recovery processing from that point. This recovery process is a process for recovering the consistency of each other's data between the CU and the S units, and is not only executed when the power is turned on, but also recovered as a result of a trouble as described later. Sometimes even executed.

  The CU counts up this SQN (sequence number) each time an “operation instruction” is transmitted. However, it is not counted up when the operation instruction is retransmitted. The CU backs up the SQN and its request contents when transmitting an “operation request”. The S units store the SQN received by the “operation instruction” and send it back to the CU as it is by “operation response”. When the S unit receives an operation instruction of the same SQN as the previously received SQN, the S unit determines that the re-transmission text is that the communication failure has occurred and the CU has retransmitted the operation instruction.

  After the recovery process is completed, the CU updates the main chip ID, the payout chip ID, and the connection time to the values received from the S units, updates the sequence number to “0”, and initiates a communication start request (recovery clear ON). Is sent to the S units. In response to this, the S unit clears the recovery data and backs up the data at the new connection time received from the CU. Then, the S units return a communication start response to the CU. Thereafter, an operation instruction command and an operation response response are transmitted and received between the CU and the S platform.

  As described above, the CU counts up the sequence number (SQN) by one each time this operation instruction is transmitted. First, in the first operation instruction, an operation instruction command with no game permission request and SQN = 1 is transmitted to the S units. In response to this, the S units back up the data of SQN = 1, pre-addition number = 0, and pre-subtraction number = 0. Further, the S units clears the value of each counter of the addition number and the subtraction number, which is the current point related information, to zero. Then, the S units transmit SQN = 1, the number of points = 0, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 0, and a game prohibition (game stop state) response to the CU as operation responses.

  The CU that has received the operation response calculates the current score 0 + the received addition number 0−the received subtraction number 0 based on the operation response and backs up the current score 0, and the accumulated addition = 0. Subtract cumulative subtraction = 0.

  Next, the CU sends an operation instruction of no game permission request and SQN = 2 to the S units, and the S unit that receives it sends SQN = 2, the number of points = 0, the number of additions = 0, the subtraction as the operation response A response of number = 0 and a game prohibition (game stop state) is returned to the CU.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the processing of the connection sequence when the CU and the S unit are reconnected will be described. The connection sequence at the time of reconnection is similar to the connection sequence at the time of power activation described with reference to FIG. 13, and the differences will be mainly described here.

  First, the time when the S cars are prohibited from gaming in the bet number operation invalid state (game prohibition state) and the communication is started immediately after receiving the device information request command from the CU. This is because the S units can recognize that the S units have been reconnected only after receiving a device information request from the CU.

  Next, since the connection sequence of FIG. 13 is when the power is turned on, a command to start communication for recovery clear ON is transmitted from the CU to the S units, and the S unit receives it and clears the recovery data. At the same time, the sequence number (SQN) is set to 1 in accordance with SQN = 1 sent by the first operation instruction, and all the previous holding point related information and the current holding point related information are cleared to “0”.

  However, in the case of the connection sequence of FIG. 14, since it is a reconnection time, the reconnection is performed and the recovery process is executed. If it is determined that the sequence number (SQN) is not abnormal, the recovery data is taken over as it is without converting the stored medals into points and replaying is enabled. As a result, recovery clear OFF is transmitted in the communication start request command transmitted from the CU to the S units at the end of the recovery process. In response to this, the S unit backs up the connection time received from the CU without clearing the recovery data.

  Then, at the stage where the recovery process is completed, the CU backs up the main chip ID and the payout chip ID transmitted from the S units and backs up the connection time that is the time of reconnection. For the sequence number, when the final SQN transmitted from the S units is not abnormal, the sequence number (SQN) is continued.

  On the other hand, after the recovery process is started in the CU, if it is determined that the S counterparts as communication partners do not match or if the SQN is determined to be abnormal, the recovery response transmitted from the S counterpart Is temporarily recorded in a game recording medium (card or the like) owned by the player. After that, the replay button 319 is operated so as to use the stored medal of the recording medium, and the remedy is made possible after converting the stored medal into a score. At that time, similarly to the connection sequence at the time of power activation shown in FIG. 13, the recovery clear ON is transmitted as a communication start request transmitted from the CU to the S units, and the S units receive the recovery data in response thereto. clear. In the CU, the sequence number is set to “0”, SQN = 1 is transmitted to the S units in the first operation instruction, and the SQN = 1 is backed up in the S units. In the S units, the previous addition number = 0 and the previous subtraction number = 0 are backed up, and the counter values of the addition number and the subtraction number are cleared to zero.

  Next, processing during standby will be described with reference to FIG. This standby state is a state in which no game is played in the S units, a card is not inserted in the CU, and the rental button 321 and the replay button 319 are not operated at all.

  First, an operation instruction command with no addition, no subtraction, and SQN = n is transmitted from the CU to the S units. In response to this, the S units transmit SQN = n, the number of points = 0, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 0, and the game prohibition data as the response of the operation response. The CU backs up SQN = n + 1, the number of addition requests = 0, and the number of subtraction requests = 0 every time an operation instruction command is transmitted. In the next operation instruction command from the CU to the S units, data of SQN = n + 1 is transmitted. In response to this, the S units back up SQN = n + 1, pre-addition number = 0, pre-subtraction number = 0, and clear the counter values of the addition number, subtraction number, and number of points to zero.

  Then, the S units transmit SQN = n + 1, the number of points = 0, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 0, and the game prohibition response as CU responses. Each time the CU receives a response of the operation response from the S units, it backs up the number of points = 0, the addition total = 0, and the subtraction total = 0.

  With reference to FIG. 16, the processing of the CU and S units when a card is inserted will be described. When this card is inserted, the S units execute the same processing as the standby processing shown in FIG. 15 without executing any special processing due to insertion of the card.

  On the other hand, also in the CU, in the command transmission process to the S units, the same process as that during standby shown in FIG. 15 is executed. When the card is inserted, the CU outputs a command signal for taking the card to the card reader / writer 327, and the card reader / writer 327 reads the information recorded on the taken-in card. Card insertion processing such as receiving a card is executed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 17, a process for consuming the prepaid balance recorded on the inserted recording medium (card) will be described. In the processing of FIG. 17, the prepaid balance is “1000” and the current score is “10”. First, a command with no addition, no game, SQN = n, the number of addition requests = 0, and the number of subtraction requests = 0 is transmitted as operation instructions from the CU to the S units. In response to this, the S units return SQN = n, the number of points = 10, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 0, and a response indicating that the game is possible.

  On the other hand, CU lends for 500 yen, that is, 25 points by one lending operation. When the lending button (lending button) 321 is pressed in the CU, SQN = n + 1, the number of addition requests = 25, the number of subtraction requests = 0, and the balance = 500 are backed up. In this way, the balance consumption is determined by the CU alone at the stage where the lending operation is performed.

  Then, the CU transmits, as operation instructions, commands with addition request, game availability, SQN = n + 1, addition request number = 25, and subtraction request number = 0 to the S units. In response to this, the S unit backs up SQN = n + 1, pre-addition number = 0, pre-subtraction number = 0, and after creating a response, clears each counter value of the addition number and subtraction number to 0, The number of points is updated to a value of 35 obtained by adding the number of addition requests 25 to the number of points 10.

  Then, as an operation response, an addition rejection OFF, game allowance OFF, SQN = n + 1, the number of points = 35, the addition number = 0, the subtraction number = 0, and a game enable response are returned.

  In response to this, the CU calculates and backs up the number of points = 10 (number of points before update) +25 (number of addition requests) +0 (number of additions) −0 (number of subtractions) = 35, and the cumulative total = 0 and subtraction Back up cumulative total = 0.

  Thus, unlike the determination of the balance consumption, the determination of the number of points is determined after waiting for the response of the operation response from the S units.

  In the case of the S units, when an operation instruction command including an addition request presence and the number of addition requests is received, the addition is performed in the same sequence without distinguishing between the medal replay and the consumption of the prepaid balance. Execute the process.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the process at the time of replay which consumes a medal is demonstrated. In FIG. 18, the stored medal specified by the inserted recording medium (card or the like) is “1000”, and the initial score is “0”. The replay process in FIG. 18 is similar to the process at the time of consumption of the balance shown in FIG. In particular, on the S platform side, as described above, the same processing as in FIG. 17 is performed in order to perform the same sequence without distinguishing between replaying of stored medals and consumption of balance. On the CU side, when a replay button 319 is pressed in a state where a game recording medium (card or the like) owned by the player is inserted and a stored medal specified by the card exists, SQN = n + 1, The point that the number of addition requests = 25 and the number of subtraction requests = 0 are backed up as in the case of FIG. 17. The medal saving is withdrawn, 1000−25 = 975 is calculated, and the 975 is backed up. This is because the balance in the case of FIG. 17 is data in monetary units, whereas the stored medal in FIG. 18 is data in units of medals, so it is sufficient to simply subtract 1000-25.

  Other processes are the same as those in FIG. As described above, the consumption of stored medals is determined by the CU alone when the re-play button 319 is pressed without waiting for the response of the operation response from the S units, and the score is from the S units. Wait for the response of the operation response of and confirm.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the processing of subtracting the number of points (wagon service etc.) according to the instruction on the CU side will be described. In the amusement hall, a wagon service is provided in which the player's own points are consumed and drinks are provided to the player. When a player receives such a wagon service, the player calls the amusement store clerk and places a wagon order, and the player places an order by operating the remote control owned by the amusement store clerk. The contents of the order are output as an infrared signal to the IR photosensitive unit 320 of the card unit 3.

  The CU receives the infrared signal and determines that a wagon order has occurred. FIG. 19 shows a case where a wagon order that consumes “300” used points is generated in a state where the player has “1000” points. When a wagon order is generated, the CU performs a process of backing up “300”, which is the number of points used when the wagon order is generated, as SQN = n + 1, the number of addition requests = 0, and the number of subtraction requests. At this stage, the CU does not actually subtract 300 from the score, but simply backs up “300” as the number of subtraction requests. Then, a command with no addition, with subtraction, SQN = n + 1, addition request number = 0, and subtraction request number = 300 is transmitted as an operation instruction from the CU to the S units.

  Receiving this, the S units determine whether or not the value of the score counter stored therein is equal to or greater than the subtraction request number. This determination is executed by the holding point control board 117. In FIG. 19, it is assumed that the value of the score counter is equal to or greater than the number of subtraction requests. In this case, the S units back up SQN = n + 1, the previous addition number = 0, and the previous subtraction number = 0, and clear the values of the addition number and subtraction number counters to zero. Then, according to the number of subtraction requests = 300, the score is updated to “700” obtained by subtracting the subtraction number 300 from the current score 1000.

  Then, the subtraction rejection OFF, SQN = n + 1, the number of current points = 700, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 0, and a game ready response are returned as operation responses from the S units to the CU.

  Then, the CU calculates the number of points = 1000 (number of points before update)-300 (number of subtraction requests) + 0 (number of additions)-0 (number of subtractions) = 700, and corrects the number of points to "700" for backup. To do. Thus, the subtraction of the number of points is determined only after waiting for the response of the operation response from the S units.

In addition, the CU backs up the addition accumulation = 0 and the subtraction accumulation = 0.
On the other hand, when the S units determine that the value of the score counter stored therein is less than the number of subtraction requests, the S units do not perform subtraction of the number of points according to the number of subtraction requests. In this case, the S platform returns an operation response indicating that the subtraction rejection is ON to the CU as an operation response. As a result, the CU is notified that the points have not been subtracted based on the subtraction request because the S units refused the subtraction request.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 18, the subtraction of the number of points based on the instruction from the CU is determined only after the response of the operation response from the S units. On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 17, the medal saving based on the instruction of the CU is determined when the CU accepts the medal saving.

  As described above, the determination time is different between “subtraction of the number of points based on the CU instruction” and “consumption of stored medals based on the CU instruction” for the following reason.

  The result that the score was used in the game at the stage when the S units received the subtraction instruction, although the subtraction instruction was sent because there was a margin in the number of points at the stage when the CU accepted the subtraction process for the number of points such as a wagon order. In some cases, the number of points corresponding to the subtraction instruction does not remain.

  In such a case, if subtraction is confirmed based on the number of points stored in the CU at the stage when the CU accepts the subtraction process, the number of points actually remains on the gaming machine side. First, the subtraction is finalized, resulting in a contradiction. Therefore, in this embodiment, “subtraction of the number of points based on the instruction of the CU” is determined after waiting for a response of the operation response from the S units.

  On the other hand, with regard to “consumption of stored medals based on CU instructions”, even if the number of points stored in the S units fluctuates when the instruction reaches the S units, There is no problem in adding points. For this reason, from the viewpoint of speeding up the process, “save medal consumption based on CU instruction” is determined when the CU accepts the medal consumption.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 20, a process in the case where it is detected that there are no more points during the game with S cars will be described. The initial number of points is set to 6. First, the CU backs up SQN = n, the number of addition requests = 0, and the number of subtraction requests = 0, and uses commands of no addition, no subtraction, and SQN = n as operation instructions. Send to the stand. In S units, for example, SQN = n, pre-addition number = 0, and pre-subtraction number = 3 are backed up based on the fact that the betting number 3 is set. After creating the response, the counter values of the addition number and subtraction number are cleared to zero.

  Then, the S units transmit SQN = n, the number of points = 3, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 3, and a game ready response to the CU as operation responses. In the CU, the number of score points = 6 + 0−3 = 3 is calculated, and thereafter, the number of score points is corrected and backed up, and the addition total = 0 and the subtraction total = 3 are backed up.

Thereafter, the exchange of commands and responses continues for a while.
Thereafter, when a game in which the bet number 3 is further set is started on the S units, the subtraction number = 3. As a result, the number of score points = 3-3 = 0. At the stage where the number of points is 0, no points are detected in the S units. That is, the score control board 117 determines that the remaining score is less than or equal to the number required for setting the betting number based on the value of the score counter stored by itself. At this stage, the point control board 117 controls the bet number operation invalid state (game prohibition state) to prohibit the start of a new game. Specifically, the betting number setting prohibition information for notifying the prohibition of betting number setting is transmitted from the point control board 117 to the game control board 116. In response to this, the game control board 116 invalidates the operation of the single BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6. Note that if the game is being executed when no point is detected, that is, if the variable display device is variably displayed, the S units continue the variable display game and prohibit the start of the next game.

  The CU backs up SQN = n + N, the number of addition requests = 0, and the number of subtraction requests = 0, and transmits commands of no addition, no subtraction, and SQN = n + N to the S units as operation instructions.

  In S units, SQN = n + N is backed up, pre-addition number = 0, pre-subtraction number = 3 is backed up, a response including subtraction number = 3 is created, and each counter value of addition number and subtraction number is set to 0. clear.

  Then, the S units transmit SQN = n + N, the number of score points = 0, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 3, and the game prohibition operation response to the CU as operation responses. This motion response is “update information that can identify the amount of change identified between the time when the first motion response is transmitted and the bet number operation invalid state”.

  In response to this, the CU calculates the score = 3 + 0−3 = 0, corrects the score to 0, and backs up, and corrects the accumulated addition = 0 and the subtracted accumulation = 6.

  In this way, the main management of the number of points is performed by the CU, but the number of points on the S side is used only when determining whether or not to perform the game prohibition control (betting number setting prohibition control). Thereby, compared with the case where the game prohibition control is performed based on the number of points managed and stored in the CU, the game prohibition control in accordance with the fluctuation of the score can be performed in real time.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 21, a process when a card return operation is performed will be described. When the return button 322 is pressed down at the stage when an operation instruction is sent from the CU to the S unit in response to an operation instruction from the CU to the CU in response to the initial number of points = 500, As the next operation instruction, a command of prohibition request for prohibiting a game, no request for clearing, and a command of SQN = n + 1 are transmitted to the S units. In the S units, the bet number operation disabled state (game prohibition state) in which the bet number cannot be set is controlled according to the prohibition request presence instruction included in the command. Thereafter, a weight corresponding to a predetermined time equal to or longer than one game regulation time (for example, 4.1 seconds) is provided. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 seconds. During this wait time, polling is continued between the S units and the CU. By providing the wait time in this manner, the game result is fixed when the game has already started at the stage of receiving the prohibition request command from the CU (when the variable display device is variably displayed). This prevents the card from being returned before.

  During this polling, a sequence is used in which data indicating that preparation is in progress is repeatedly transmitted from the S units to the CU, while a prohibition request is repeatedly transmitted from the CU to the S units. May be.

  Alternatively, during this polling, data indicating that preparation is in progress is sent once from the S unit to the CU, while the CU has agreed to be in preparation to the S unit. A sequence may be adopted in which the indicated data is transmitted once, and thereafter, an operation instruction not including any instruction is repeatedly transmitted from the CU until the game ends.

  Alternatively, during this polling, a sequence may be adopted in which data indicating prohibition rejection is transmitted from the S units to the CU, while a prohibition request is repeatedly transmitted from the CU to the S units.

  Then, when the wait time has elapsed, the S units transmit, as an operation response, a prohibition rejection OFF, SQN = n + N, number of points = 500, addition number = 0, subtraction number = 0, game prohibition response to the CU. . The number of points transmitted at this time is the final number of points at the end of the game. This sequence example shows a case where no winning occurs during the wait time, and neither the addition number nor the subtraction number changes. If a winning occurs during the wait time, the number of points corresponding to the winning is transmitted to the CU as an “addition number”.

  Upon receiving this operation response, the CU backs up SQN = n + N + 1 and data with a clear request. Further, the stored data of “number of points, total number of additions, total number of subtractions” is updated according to “number of additions, number of subtractions” included in the operation response. As a result, the score at the end of the game is determined on the CU side. Thus, since the final number of points is determined on the CU side, it is not necessary to provide a point management function on the S platform side, and the cost of the S platform can be reduced as much as possible.

  In this example, the CU receives the input of a “signal for requesting completion of the game” based on the operation of the return button 322, and determines the number of points at the end of the game. However, the “signal for requesting the end of the game” is not limited to a signal based on the operation of the return button 322.

  For example, the CU is provided with a fingerprint authentication unit that authenticates a player's fingerprint. At the start of the gaming machine, authentication by the fingerprint authentication unit is mandatory, and the fingerprint information specified by the game card inserted into the CU by the player at the start of the game matches the fingerprint information detected by the fingerprint authentication unit. The game is allowed as a condition. Furthermore, authentication by the fingerprint authentication unit is essential at the end of the game, and the game is ended on condition that the fingerprint information detected by the fingerprint authentication unit matches the fingerprint information detected at the start of the game. In this case, the “signal for requesting game end” is fingerprint information detected by the fingerprint authentication unit.

Alternatively, a button corresponding to the return button 322 may be provided on the S platform side.
In addition, when a game end request signal is input to the CU from a server or the like that manages the entire gaming machine installation island, the game may be ended regardless of whether or not the return button 322 is operated. In this case, the “game end request signal” is constituted by the game end request signal input from the server.

  Returning to the description of FIG. Subsequently, the CU that backed up SQN = n + N + 1 and data with clear request transmits a command of clear request with SQN = n + N + 1 to the S units as an operation instruction.

  In response to this, the S units clear (initialize) the value of each stored data to zero. Here, the data cleared by the S units are the current point related information and the previous point related information shown in FIG. As a result, the values of the addition counter, subtraction counter, external output information counter, and score counter, and the addition, subtraction, and external output information stored as the previous counter values are cleared. (Initialized).

  Next, as the operation response, the S units clear clear rejection not to reject the clear request, SQN = n + N + 1, the number of points = 0, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 0, and the response of game prohibition to the CU. Send. Then, the CU backs up SQN = n + N + 1, holding point = 0, and card holding point = 500. This card score = 500 is a value obtained by adding 500, which is the number of points received immediately before the clear request, to the card score (here, 0).

  Thereafter, the CU ejects the inserted card and returns it to the player. Then, as an operation instruction, a prohibition request no, clear request no, and SQN = n + N + 2 commands are transmitted to the S units.

  In response to this, the S units send SQN = n + N + 2, the number of points = 0, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 0, and a game prohibition response to the CU.

  With reference to FIG. 22, a process when the front door 2b is unlocked and opened will be described. First, as the first operation instruction, a command including an instruction for no front door opening request without a front door opening request is transmitted from the CU to the S units. Receiving it, the S platform returns a normal response including the score = 500 to the CU as an operation response.

  At this stage, for example, after a start operation is performed on the S units and the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R start to rotate, a trouble occurs in the display on the liquid crystal display 51, and the player calls an attendant at the game hall. In this case, the attendant at the game hall operates the remote controller on hand to transmit an infrared signal to the IR photosensitive unit 320 for unlocking and opening the front door 2b. In response to this, the IR photosensitive unit 320 inputs a front door opening instruction signal included in the received infrared signal to the control unit 323. Upon receiving the front door opening instruction input, the CU transmits, as operation instructions, a prohibition request for stopping game, no front door opening request, and a command of SQN = n + 1 to the S units. That is, before the front door 2b is actually opened, first, an operation instruction with a prohibition request and no front door opening request is sent to the S units so that the game cannot be newly started on the S units. .

  In response to this, the S units control to the bet number operation invalid state (game prohibition state) in which the bet number cannot be set. As a result, the BET operation is prohibited. However, when the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are already rotating at that time and the game is in progress, the progress of the game itself is not stopped.

  For example, FIG. 22 shows a case where the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotating at the stage of being controlled to the bet number operation invalid state (game prohibition state).

  Next, the S platform provides a wait time (for example, 10 seconds) of 4.1 seconds or more corresponding to one game regulation time. During this wait time, polling is continued between the S units and the CU. By providing the wait time in this way, the game result is confirmed when the game has already started at the stage when the command with the prohibition request is received from the CU (when the variable display device is being variably displayed). The front door 2b is prevented from being opened before the operation.

  Eventually, the result of the game that has already progressed at the stage of being controlled to the bet number operation invalid state (game prohibition state) is determined. For example, it is assumed here that 10 points have been won. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, even in the bet number operation invalid state (game prohibition state), if there is a situation where points must be added during that time, the number of additions (here, from S units to the CU) Then, an operation response including the addition number = 10) is transmitted. That is, the S units specify the amount of change even when the score changes while the game is prohibited, and transmit the amount of change to the CU. As a result, on the CU side, it is possible to manage the points including the amount of change in points until the game result is determined after the game is prohibited.

  When the wait time elapses, the S platform (the holding point control board 117) excites the front door opening solenoid 110 to unlock the front door 2b and open the front door 2b. Further, the bit 6 bit in the gaming table state shown in FIG. 9 is turned on, that is, set to “1”, and then the front door 2b is closed (until the detection signal from the front door closing detector 112 is inputted). Keep ON. Then, the S platform returns a response including a response indicating that the front door opening rejection is OFF, the game is prohibited, and the front door is being developed as an operation response to the CU.

  In the CU, if the front door opening request command is not rejected, that is, if a response including a front door opening rejection OFF response is returned, it is determined that the front door 2b has been opened.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 22, according to the present embodiment, the command from the CU side without affecting the game progress regarding the closed state of the front door 2 b as a specific example of the front member of the S units. It can be released by.

  When the S-point holding control board 117 receives a front door opening request command from the CU, whether or not one of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is rotating is determined. If any one of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is rotating, after all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop, or all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop and win You may make it cancel | release the obstruction | occlusion state of the front door 2b after the calculation time of the number of points added at the time of occurrence passes.

  In this case, the S units are information for instructing the lock means to release the lock during the game in which the symbols are variably displayed on the variable display devices (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) When the command is received, the control for releasing the lock by the lock means is delayed until the game is over and the game is prohibited.

  Alternatively, the S holding point control boards 117 determine whether or not a game is in progress when receiving a front door opening request command from the CU, and if the game is in progress, open the front door. Instead, a response indicating that the front door opening rejection is ON may be returned to the CU. That is, the S platform may accept a front door opening request only when the game is not being played when a command with a front door opening request is received from the CU.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 23, processing when the CU is powered on while holding the card and an abnormality in which the S units are not connected at that time occurs will be described. Since a communication interruption occurred between the CU and the S units while the card was inserted and a game was being played on the S units, a device information request command was sent from the CU when the CU power was restarted. Sent to the machine. However, since an unconnected abnormality of the S units has occurred, a response from the S units is not returned to the CU. Then, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the CU retransmits the device information request command to the S units. Nevertheless, if no response is returned from the S units, the second device information request is retransmitted to the S units. If no response is returned from the S units for the second retransmission, at this stage, the CU determines that there is a communication error and displays on the display 312 that an error has occurred due to no connection. Execute the control.

  In this state, when the store clerk operates the remote controller for the CU and outputs an infrared signal forcibly ejecting the inserted card to the IR photosensitive unit 320, the forced ejection signal is input to the control unit 323. Is done. Upon receiving this, the CU adds the “number of points” backed up by the CU to the “points (stored medal)” of the inserted card, and clears the “number of points” and “connection time” of the CU to 0. Then, a command to eject the inserted card is output to the card reader / writer 327. Receiving it, the card reader / writer 327 discharges the taken card.

  After that, the CU transmits a device information request command to the S units and performs a resumption process of the connection sequence (see FIG. 13). The number of additions (for example, j) or the number of subtractions (for example, j) between the occurrence of the S connection failure and the restart of the connection sequence (see FIG. 13) until the first operation response is transmitted by the S units. For example, the process when r) occurs is performed in the restart process of FIG. Referring to FIG. 13, the CU receives the first operation response from the S units, thereby calculating the number of points = 0 + j (the number of additions) + r (the number of subtractions), and the number of points as the calculation result = j + r. Back up.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 24, a process when the operation instruction from the CU (no requested operation) has not reached S units will be described. Here, a sequence from the start of one game by 3BET to the time when a winning occurs and 15 points are awarded to the player is illustrated.

  The S unit receives the operation instruction command from the CU, and backs up the current addition / subtraction number stored in the current point-related information storage area as the pre-addition / subtraction number in the previous point-related information storage area. A backup clear process is performed to store the current addition / subtraction data stored in the current point-related information storage area to 0, but in the case of FIG. Not yet reached. Therefore, the above-described backup clear process is not performed on the S units. As a result, a subtraction number is generated by setting the number of bets, and each time an additional number is generated by winning, the data is added and stored in the current score related information storage area as current score related information.

  First, it is assumed that at a certain time when the current number of points is 520, the S units have returned an action response (both the addition number and the subtraction number are 0) to the CU before the start of the 3BET game. Subsequently, the CU sends a command of no request and SQN = n to the S units as an operation instruction. However, since the command does not reach the S units, the response from the S units is not returned to the CU. As a result, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the CU transmits the same operation instruction command to the S units again. If this re-transmission does not reach the S units, the response from the S units is not returned to the CU, so the CU performs the second retransmission for the same operation instruction. When this retransmission is repeated, the value of SQN is maintained at n, and the addition update of “1” is not performed. In the meantime, the 3BET game starts and eventually ends.

  When the command reaches S units in the second retransmission, the 3 BET game has started and ended on the S units until the operation instruction is reached, as described above. In addition, 3 subtractions are generated and 15 additions corresponding to winnings are generated. For this reason, the S units store the data of the subtraction number = 3 as the current score related information at the start of the game, and further store the data of the addition number = 15 as the current score related information at the end of the game. Then, using the stored addition number = 15 and subtraction number = 3, the current score number = 520 + 15−3 = 532 is calculated, and as an operation response, SQN = n, score number = 532, addition number = 15. The response of the operation response of the subtraction number = 3 is transmitted to the CU.

  In response to this, the CU calculates a score = 520 + 15 (addition number) −3 (number of subtraction) = 532, and corrects the score and stores it in 532.

  In this way, the S units have points as the game progresses while the state in which the operation instruction for instructing the transmission of the operation response cannot be received even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first operation response was transmitted. The stored change amount is updated based on the change amount. Then, when an operation instruction is received, the updated change amount of the score is transmitted as an addition number and a subtraction number.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 25, a process when the operation response from the S units (response to no requested operation) has not reached the CU will be described. In the case shown in FIG. 25, since the command from the CU is input to the S units, the above-described backup clear processing is executed, but the value of the SQN of the command transmitted from the next CU to the S unit is performed. Is the same as the value of the previous SQN, the S units determine that the response of the operation response transmitted to the CU is a retransmission due to not reaching the CU, and the pre-addition that is the previous score related information The current addition subtraction number as the current point related information is added to the subtraction number data without clearing the data of zero.

  In FIG. 25, a prize is generated after the first game with 3BET is started, 10 points are awarded to the player, and the operation response from the S machines is not yet received until the second game with 3BET is started. The sequence in case of reaching is illustrated.

  Specifically, assuming that the current number of points is 520, the CU first sends a command of no request and SQN = n to the S units as an operation instruction. In response to this, on the S platform side, a 3BET operation is detected, and at that stage, data of addition number = 0, subtraction number = 3, and holding point = 517 are generated. In this case, the S units store the data of the addition number = 0 and the subtraction number = 3 in the pre-addition number and the pre-subtraction number, and create an operation response command including these, SQN = n, the number of points = 517, Addition number = 0, Subtraction number = 3 Response is sent to the CU. Further, the S units clear 0 of the data of the current addition number and the current subtraction number as the current point-related information.

  However, since the response does not reach the CU, the CU transmits the same operation instruction as that of the previous time, that is, no request, SQN = n command to the S units.

  In response to this, a prize equivalent to 10 points is generated on the S side, and at that stage, data of addition number = 10, subtraction number = 0, and score = 527 is generated. Since the SQN of the operation instruction command received this time and the SQN of the operation instruction command received last time have the same value n, the S units are retransmitted because the response of the transmitted operation response has not reached the CU. The data of the current addition number and the current subtraction number as the current point related information is added to the data without clearing the previous addition number and the previous subtraction number data as the previous holding point related information. And back up. As a result, the previous addition number = 0 + 10 = 10 and the previous subtraction number = 3 + 0 = 3.

  The S units clear the data of the current addition number and the current subtraction number to 0 after creating the response of the operation response composed of these data. Then, as an operation response, the S units transmit a response of SQN = n, the number of points = 527, the number of additions = 10, and the number of subtractions = 3 to the CU. However, since this response also does not reach the CU, the CU transmits the same operation instruction (no request, SQN = n) command to the S units again.

  In response to this, the S unit detects that both the previous SQN and the current SQN are n and have not changed, and detects that the response of the operation response is a retransmission because it has not reached the CU. To do. At this stage, on the S platform side, a 3BET operation for starting the second game is detected, and data of addition number = 0, subtraction number = 3, and holding points = 524 are generated.

  In this case, the S units store the data of the current addition number and the current subtraction number as the current point-related information without clearing the data of the previous addition number and the previous subtraction number as the previous point-related information. Add and back up. As a result, the previous addition number = 10 + 0 = 10 and the previous subtraction number = 3 + 3 = 6.

  The S units clear the data of the current addition number and the current subtraction number to 0 after creating the response of the operation response composed of these data. Then, as an operation response, the S units transmit a response of SQN = n, the number of points = 524, the number of additions = 10, and the number of subtractions = 6 to the CU.

  Since the response of this operation response has reached the CU, the CU calculates the score = 520 + 10−6 = 524, and performs processing for correcting and storing the score data in the 524.

  As described above, when the previously transmitted operation response does not reach the CU, the S units do not transmit the next operation response after retransmitting the unreachable operation response, but the information that has not been reached. The information after adding up is transmitted as the next operation response. As a result, the gaming apparatus can reliably and efficiently collect information on the number of points. In the example of FIG. 25, the case where the operation response from the S units has not reached once has been described. However, if the operation response has not reached twice, the operation response transmitted for the third time is not included. , The total value obtained by adding the motion response information transmitted the second time is included.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 26, processing when an operation instruction (addition request) from the CU has not reached S units will be described. The current number of points is set to 520, the number of requests for addition when there is a replay operation for saving medals or a prepaid balance is set to 25, and first, the CU has an operation request as an addition instruction, SQN = n, and addition A command including data of the number of requests = 25 is transmitted to the S units.

  However, since the command does not reach the S units, the response from the S units is not returned to the CU. As a result, as described above, the CU retransmits the command with the same operation instruction. Since the retransmission command has not reached the S units, the corresponding response from the S units is not transmitted to the CU. Therefore, as described above, the CU performs the second retransmission for the command with the same operation instruction. This second retransmission command reaches S units. During the period when the operation instruction command from the CU has not yet reached, the S units add and subtract the addition / subtraction data to the current addition / subtraction number as the current point-related information without performing the above-described backup clear processing.

  Then, the S units calculate the current number of points = 520 + 25 (number of addition requests) +10 (current number of additions) −3 (current number of subtractions) = 552, set the current number of points data to 552, and send a response of the operation response. create. Specifically, the S units transmit a response of addition rejection OFF, SQN = n, number of points = 552, number of additions = 10, number of subtractions = 3 as operation responses to the CU.

  In response to this, the CU calculates the score = 520 + 25 + 10−3 = 552, and corrects and stores the score data in 615.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the process when the operation response from the S units (response to the addition request) has not been reached will be described. Here, an explanation will be given of a case where, with the initial number of points = 520, an operation for using the game as a replay of a saved medal or a withdrawal from a prepaid balance is performed and an addition request for 25 points is generated. In addition, here is a sequence in the case where a prize is awarded after the first game with 3BET has started on the S platform, and then 10 points are awarded after the second game with 3BET has started. Illustrate.

  First, the CU transmits, as an operation instruction, a command with an addition request, SQN = n, and the number of addition requests = 25 to the S units. On the S side, the subtraction number = 3 is generated in order to start the first game with 3 bets, and therefore, on the S side, the addition number = 0 as the stored current score related information. The subtraction number = 3 and the data of SQN = n are backed up and stored in the previous score-related information storage area, and the score number = 520 + 25 + 0-3 = 542 is calculated and the score number = 542 is stored.

  Then, after creating the response of the motion response, the S units clear the stored data in the current score related information storage area to 0, and as the motion response, addition rejection OFF, SQN = n, score count = 542, addition count = A response of 0, subtraction number = 3 is transmitted to the CU.

  However, since the response did not reach the CU, the CU retransmits the same operation instruction command to the S units. At the time of the retransmission, the SQN having the same value n as the previous time is transmitted to the S units without updating the SQN by adding “1”.

  In S units, when the command is received and SQN is the same value n as the previous time, it is detected that the transmitted response is retransmission due to not reaching the CU, and added to the received command. Although the number of requests = 25 is included, the addition of the score based on the command is not updated. That is, the addition update according to the addition request is not executed twice.

  On the S side, a subtraction number = 3 has been generated in order to start the second game with 3 bets at that stage. Therefore, on the S side, the previous score-related information storage area has already been stored. The data stored in the current score related information storage area, that is, the number of additions = 0 and the number of subtractions = 3 are added to the previous score-related information, and stored. Then, the number of score points = 542 + 0−3 = 539 is calculated, the score is corrected to 539 and stored.

  After that, the S units create a response of the operation response. Specifically, addition rejection OFF, SQN = n, number of points = 539, number of additions = 0, number of subtractions = 6 are transmitted as responses to the CU as operation responses.

  Since this response also did not reach the CU, the CU performs a second retransmission of the command with the same operation instruction.

  In the S units, retransmission detection is performed in the same manner as described above, and the addition update corresponding to the addition request is not performed while the addition request number = 25 is received, and the addition update corresponding to the addition request is not performed twice. At this stage, the number of additions = 10 is generated on the S side due to the second game winning. Therefore, on the S side, as described above, after storing in the previous score-related information storage area, calculating the number of points, generating a response, and clearing the current score-related information storage area to 0, as an operation response, Add refusal OFF, SQN = n, number of points = 549, number of additions = 10, number of subtractions = 6 responses are sent to the CU. Since this response reaches the CU, the CU calculates the score = 520 + 25 + 10−6 = 549, corrects the score to 549, and stores it.

  As described above, when the S units receive the command including the addition request number data transmitted from the CU, the SQN value included in the command is the same as the SQN value of the previous command. Determines that it is a re-transmission, does not determine that it is an additional addition request, does not update the points, and does not perform double execution of the addition update according to the addition request.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 28, a process when the operation instruction (subtraction request) from the CU does not reach the S units will be described. A case will be described where the initial number of points is 520 and a request for subtraction of 300 points is generated due to the occurrence of a wagon order or the like. First, the CU transmits, as an operation instruction, a command with a subtraction request, SQN = n, and the number of subtraction requests = 300 to the S units. However, since the command did not reach the S units, the response from the S units is not returned to the CU. Therefore, the CU transmits the same operation instruction command to the S units again. Since this re-send command has not reached the S units, the response from the S units is not returned to the CU. Therefore, the CU performs a second retransmission of the same operation instruction command. This second retransmission command reaches S units.

  In the S unit, during the period when the operation instruction command from the CU has not yet reached, as in the process of FIG. 24, each time the addition number and the subtraction number are generated, the data is stored in the current score related information storage area. For example, in FIG. 28, it is assumed that the addition number = 10 and the subtraction number = 0. Then, when the command for the third operation instruction is finally input to the S units, the score = 520−300 + 10−0 = 230 is calculated and the score = 230 is stored. Then, a response of subtraction rejection OFF, SQN = n, number of points = 230, number of additions = 10, number of subtractions = 0 is transmitted to the CU as an operation response.

  In response to this, the CU calculates a score = 520−300 + 10−0 = 230, and corrects and stores the score in 230.

  As described above, when subtracting from the score, the CU first transmits an operation instruction command including data of the subtraction request presence and the number of subtraction requests to the S units, and the response as an operation response to the command is a CU. Waiting for the response to, subtract the subtraction request from the score. Although the main management function for adding and subtracting points to manage the current points is on the CU side, the CU side includes the number of additions and subtractions from the S units to the points that change every moment as the game progresses. It is possible to calculate the current score by adding / subtracting the score for the first time after the motion response is returned, and for the period of waiting for the response from the S units, the score at the CU compared to the S units. The calculation time of is delayed.

  Therefore, the current score data on the CU side is data with a time delay with respect to the S units, and even if there are as many current points on the CU side as the number of subtraction requests, Actually, there may be no points remaining for the number of subtraction requests. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when subtracting the score, the CU waits for the response of the operation response from the S units and subtracts the score for the subtraction request.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 29, a process when the operation response from the S units (response to the subtraction request) has not reached the CU will be described. Here, a sequence in the case where a winning in which 10 points are awarded after the start of the 3BET game on the S side is illustrated.

  Assuming that the initial number of points is 520 and the number of subtraction requests is 300, the CU first sends a command of subtraction request, SQN = n, and the number of subtraction requests = 300 to the S units as operation instructions. On the S side, the subtraction number = 3 is generated in order to start the game with 3 bets. Therefore, on the S side, the addition number = 0, the subtraction number as the current point-related information. = 3 and SQN = n are backed up and stored in the previous point-related information storage area, and the number of points = 520−300 + 0−3 = 217 is calculated and the number of points = 217 is stored.

  Then, after creating the response of the motion response, the S units clear the stored data in the current score related information storage area to 0, and as the motion response, addition rejection OFF, SQN = n, score count = 217, increment count = A response of 0, subtraction number = 3 is transmitted to the CU.

  However, since the response did not reach the CU, the CU retransmits the same operation instruction command to the S units. At the time of the retransmission, the SQN having the same value n as the previous time is transmitted to the S units without updating the SQN by adding “1”.

  In S units, the command is received and SQN is the same n value as the previous time, so it is detected that the transmitted response is retransmission due to not reaching the CU, and is subtracted from the received command. Although the number of requests = 300 is included, the score subtraction update based on the command is not performed. That is, the subtraction update corresponding to the subtraction request is not executed twice.

  Further, in the S platform, since the retransmission of the command has been detected, the current score related information is stored with respect to the previous score related information already stored in the previous score related information storage area, as in the process of FIG. The data stored in the area, that is, the addition number = 10 and the subtraction number = 3 are added and stored. Here, the number of additions = 10 is based on the winning result of the game. Further, the score is calculated as 217 + 10−0 = 227, the score is corrected to 227, and stored.

  After that, the S units create a response of the operation response. Specifically, addition rejection OFF, SQN = n, number of points = 227, number of additions = 10, number of subtractions = 3 are transmitted as responses to the CU as operation responses.

  Since this response also did not reach the CU, the CU performs a second retransmission of the command with the same operation instruction.

  In the S units, retransmission detection is performed in the same manner as described above, while subtraction request count = 300 is received, subtraction update is not performed, and subtraction update in response to the subtraction request is not performed twice. In the same manner as described above, after storing in the previous score-related information storage area, calculating the number of points, generating a response, and clearing the current score-related information storage area to 0, as an operation response, addition rejection OFF, SQN = N, number of holding points = 227, number of additions = 10, number of subtractions = 3 is transmitted to the CU. Since this response reaches the CU, the CU calculates the score = 520−300 + 10−3 = 227, corrects the score to 185, and stores it.

  As described above, when the S units receive the command including the addition request number data transmitted from the CU, the SQN value included in the command is the same as the SQN value of the previous command. Determines that it is a re-transmission, does not determine that it is an additional subtraction request, does not perform subtraction update of holding points, and does not perform double execution of subtraction update in response to the subtraction request.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 30, processing when the S units return an addition rejection response to the CU addition request will be described. Here, a sequence in the case where a winning in which 10 points are awarded on the S platform side has occurred and a new game has not started thereafter is illustrated. Here, it is assumed that the initial score is 520 and the balance of the game recording medium (card) inserted in the CU is 1000 yen.

  First, as an operation instruction from the CU, a command of no request and SQN = n is transmitted to the S units. In response to this, on the S platform side, the number of additions = 10 is generated due to the occurrence of a prize. Therefore, the S platform calculates the score = 520 + 3-0 = 523 and calculates the number of scores, the number of additions, and the number of subtractions. An operation response including data is returned to the CU. The CU calculates a score based on the motion response and corrects the score to 523.

  Next, the lending button 321 is pressed, and the CU transmits, as operation instructions, commands with an addition request, SQN = n + 1, and the number of addition requests = 25 to the S units. In the S unit, for some reason, a response of an operation response including addition rejection ON that rejects addition is returned to the CU.

  Since the CU has received the operation response including the addition rejection OFF, the CU again transmits an operation instruction command including the addition request present and the number of addition requests = 25 to the S units. In the S platform, the response of the operation response including the addition rejection ON is returned to the CU again. In response to this, the CU performs the second retransmission of the operation instruction command including the addition request present and the number of addition requests = 25. In response to this, when an operation response including addition refusal ON is returned from the S units to the CU, the CU determines that points cannot be added in the S units and a FIN signal for terminating the connection. Is transmitted to the S units.

  In the S unit, a FIN / ACK signal indicating the completion of the connection is returned to the CU, and as recovery data, SQN = n + 3, the previous addition number = 0, the previous subtraction number = 0, As the current number, the number of current points = 523, the current addition number = 0, and the current subtraction number = 0 are stored.

  On the other hand, the CU resets the communication connection after changing SQN as a backup value to n + 3 + 2 (add 2 to make SQN abnormal) for recovery processing to be executed later. SQN is added by “1” to the current value. However, here, in order to deliberately set SQN to an abnormal value, “2” is added to the current value (n + 3). As a result, the CU discriminates an abnormality having a difference of “2” with respect to the SQN value (n + 3) included in the recovery response transmitted from the S units, and there is an addition request after recovery processing described later. And the operation instruction transmission process including the number of addition requests = 25 is executed.

  After resetting the communication connection, the CU transmits a SYN signal as a connection establishment request to the S units. In response to this, the S unit returns a SYN / ACK signal indicating that the connection establishment request has been accepted to the CU. Thereafter, between the CU and S units, the device information request command, device information response response, authentication request command, authentication response response, recovery request command, recovery response response shown in the processing of FIG. Are transmitted and received. In the response of this recovery response, the above-described recovery data stored on the S side is transmitted to the CU side.

  The CU compares the value of SQN = n + 3 included in the recovery response with the value of the SQN being backed up (n + 3 + 2), determines that there is a difference of “2”, and forces the S side The process at the time of abnormality for adding the points is executed. Specifically, first, recovery is performed and the score is forcibly added on the CU side, that is, the score is calculated by calculating score = 523 (CU score) +25 (addition request number) = 548. Is corrected to 548.

  Next, the CU transmits a command for forcibly adding the score to the S units to the S units in response to an operation instruction after recovery. Specifically, as an operation instruction, a command including an addition request present (point number addition request in FIG. 7B) and an addition request number = 25 is transmitted to the S units.

  The S units are programmed so that when the operation instruction (addition request) after recovery is received, the addition request cannot be rejected by the S unit. Point = 523 + 25 = 548 is calculated and the score is corrected to 548.

  Also in the processing of FIG. 30, since the consumption of the balance is determined on the CU side without waiting for the response of the operation response from the S units, a response including addition rejection ON is received as the operation response from the S units. Even if a reply is received, the balance consumption has already been confirmed on the CU side at an earlier stage.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 31, processing when the S units return a subtraction rejection response to the CU subtraction request will be described. Here, a sequence when a 3 BET game is started on the S platform side in the middle is illustrated.

  First, assuming that the initial number of points is 502, the number of additions is 0 and the number of subtractions is 0 when the command of the operation instruction and the response of the operation response are transmitted and received one round trip between the CU and the S units. There is no change in points.

  At this stage, when a wagon service order or the like occurs and a 500-point subtraction request is generated, the CU sends a command of subtraction request, SQN = n + 1, and subtraction request count = 500 to S units as operation instructions. Send. At the stage of receiving this command, the S number side has a subtraction number = 3 in order to start a game with three bets, and the current number of points that the S number grasps = 502-3 = 499. It has become. As a result, since the current number of points (499) is smaller than the number of subtraction requests (500), the 500 subtraction requests cannot be satisfied. Therefore, the S units transmit a response of subtraction rejection ON indicating that the subtraction request is rejected, SQN = n + 1, the number of points = 499, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 3 to the CU as an operation response.

  In response, the CU calculates a score = 502 + 0-3 = 499 and corrects the score to 499. Then, subtraction rejection is detected, and subtraction cancellation processing is performed. In the subtraction cancellation process, for example, the display 312 displays a message such as “Cannot subtract due to lack of points”.

Thereafter, normal operation instruction and operation response polling are performed.
Next, with reference to FIG. 32, a process when the S units return a clear rejection response to the CU clear instruction request will be described. A sequence in the case where 10 winnings are generated immediately after the return button is pressed is illustrated.

  When the return button 322 is pressed down with the initial number of points = 520, the illustration is omitted in FIG. 32. As in the process of FIG. A command including data with prohibition request and prohibition request for prohibiting the game is transmitted to the S units. In response to this, the S units control to a bet number operation invalid state (game prohibition state) in which a bet number cannot be set. Thereafter, a wait time of 4.1 seconds or more (for example, 10 seconds) corresponding to one game regulation time is provided. During this wait time, polling is continued between the S units and the CU. Then, when the wait time has elapsed, the S units transmit, as an operation response, a prohibition rejection OFF, SQN = n + N, number of points = 500, addition number = 0, subtraction number = 0, game prohibition response to the CU. . As a result, the CU determines that the S units are in a game prohibited state.

  Thereafter, after updating the score, the CU transmits a command of clear request and an operation instruction command of SQN = n + 1 to the S units. Receiving it, the S unit transmits a response of an operation response of clear rejection ON indicating that it cannot be cleared for some reason, SQN = n + 1, the number of points = 530, the number of additions = 0, and the number of subtractions = 0 to the CU. Then, the CU detects clear rejection, transmits a command of no request and SQN = n + 2 as operation instructions to the S units, and performs clear cancel processing. This clear canceling process is, for example, a process of displaying a message such as “Return operation is performed but canceling is not possible” on the display 312. Thereafter, normal polling of operation instructions and response is performed between the CU and the S platform.

  With reference to FIG. 33, a process when S units have returned a permission rejection response to the CU game permission request will be described. The initial number of points is set to 520, and in a trouble state in which some game prohibition factor occurs, an operation instruction command and an operation response response are transmitted and received between the CU and the S units in a state where S games are prohibited. Suppose that the game prohibition factor is eliminated at the stage of “game elimination factor elimination” in FIG.

  At that time, the CU transmits a game permission request presence and a command of SQN = n + 1 to the S units as operation instructions. However, the S units return a command of an operation response including a permission rejection ON for rejecting a game permission request for some reason, that is, a state where the game cannot be continued, to the CU.

  In response to this, the CU repeatedly transmits a command including a game permission request to the S machines as an operation instruction until the game is permitted.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 34, a process when the S units return a prohibition rejection response to the CU game prohibition request will be described. The initial number of points is set to 520, and a normal operation instruction command and a normal operation response response are transmitted / received between the CU and S units. For example, at the stage of “game prohibition factor occurrence” in FIG. It is assumed that a game prohibition factor such as operation of the button 322 occurs. At this stage, the CU transmits a command of game prohibition request and SQN = n + 1 to the S units as an operation instruction. In the S machine, the response of the operation response including the prohibition rejection ON for rejecting the game prohibition request for some reason is returned to the CU. In response to this, the CU detects a game prohibition refusal, and transmits a command including a game prohibition request to the S units as an operation instruction until the game is prohibited.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 35, a process when the S platform returns a front door opening rejection response to the CU front door opening request will be described. Here, a sequence in the case where a winning with 10 points is generated is illustrated.

  When the input of the opening instruction of the front door 2b is detected with the initial number of points = 520, although not shown in FIG. 35, as in the process of FIG. While the command to open the door is transmitted to the S units, the S unit receives the command and sets the bet number operation invalid state (game prohibition state), and also includes a response including prohibition rejection OFF and game prohibition as the operation response. To the CU. Similarly to the processing of FIG. 22, the S units provide a waiting time (for example, 10 seconds) of 4.1 seconds or more corresponding to one game regulation time. In the meantime, the number of additions = 10 occurs with the occurrence of a prize on the S platform side, and an operation response including the number of additions = 10 is transmitted from the S platform to the CU. After that, even during the wait time, a command with a prohibition request and a front door opening request is transmitted from the CU to the S units.

  However, in response to this, the S platform transmits a response to the operation response including the front door opening rejection ON which refuses to unlock and open the front door 2b for some reason.

  In response to this, the CU detects the front door opening refusal, transmits a command including no request to the S units as an operation instruction, and executes normal polling after performing the front door opening canceling process. The front door opening canceling process is, for example, a process of displaying a message such as “The front door cannot be opened” on the display 312.

Next, the recovery process will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, with reference to FIG. 36, a description will be given of recovery processing when a power interruption occurs on the CU side after reaching an operation response related to addition / subtraction data. Here, a sequence in the case where a game is finished without winning after a new game with 3 BET has started after 10 points have been won is illustrated.

  With the initial number of points = 520 and SQN = n, the CU transmits an operation instruction command to the S units. In response to this, on the S side, the number of additions = 10 has occurred due to the occurrence of a prize. Therefore, the S stage has added / subtracted data of the number of points = 530, the number of additions = 10, and the number of subtractions = 0 as the operation response. The operation response including is transmitted to the CU. When the operation response reaches the CU, the CU corrects the score to 530. If a power failure occurs in the CU at that stage, commands from the CU are no longer transmitted to the S units.

  In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 12, when the S unit has not received a command for 10 seconds or more, it determines that the communication has been interrupted, transitions to an unconnected state, and plays a game prohibited state (“play stop” in the drawing). )). However, as shown in FIG. 36, the number of subtractions = 3 is already set at the stage when the power interruption occurs, and a new game is started. In this case, the progress of the newly started game itself is not stopped. As a result, the subtraction data is stored in the current score related information storage area based on the subtraction number = 3, and accordingly, score = 530 + 0−3 = 527 is calculated and the score = 527 is stored.

  Next, when the CU is powered off and started up, the device information request, device information response, authentication request, authentication response, recovery request, and recovery response transmission / reception are sent to and from the CU and S units in the same manner as the processing in FIG. Will do.

  In S units, as recovery data, SQN = n, the previous number of additions as the previous number of times = 10, the number of previous subtractions = 0, the number of current points as the current number = 527, the number of current additions = 0, the number of current subtractions = 3 is stored and transmitted to the CU as a recovery response.

  The CU determines that the communication partners are the same, is not transmitting an operation instruction, and that both SQNs match, and performs a process of correcting the backup value based on the recovery data transmitted in the recovery response. Specifically, the number of points is corrected to 530 (the number of points of the CU) +0 (current number of additions) −3 (current number of subtractions) = 527, cumulative addition = 10, and cumulative subtraction = 3.

  In FIG. 36, a case has been described as an example in which, after 10 points have been won, the game is ended without a win after a new 3BET game is started. However, immediately after the start of a new 3BET game, the “disconnection detection (stop of play)” in FIG. 36 occurs, the bet number operation becomes impossible, and a winning may occur after that.

  In such a case, recovery data is generated including the added points due to winnings that occur after “cut detection (play stop)”. For example, if the winning is 15 points, the “current number” of the “recovery data” in FIG. 36 is “current addition number = 15” and “current number of points = 527 + 15”.

  Alternatively, when the winning that occurred after “disconnection detection (play stop)” is a transitional role accompanying a transition to another gaming state such as a big bonus, external output information that is not shown in FIG. Even when a change occurs in the gaming state after “disconnection detection (play stop)” as described above, external output information corresponding to the change is generated and stored as one of the recovery data. The

  Hereinafter, the recovery will be described in sequence with reference to FIGS. 37 to 44. In any of the cases of FIGS. 37 to 44, a winning occurs after "disconnection detection (play stop)", or the gaming state If a change occurs, recovery data is generated including the points added by winning or the external output information corresponding to the change in gaming state.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 37, a description will be given of recovery processing when a power interruption occurs on the CU side before reaching the operation instruction. Here, a sequence in the case where 10 winnings have occurred since the start of one game by 3BET is illustrated.

  When the initial number of points is 520, the S units that have received the operation instruction command send a response of SQN = n, number of points = 517, number of additions = 0, number of subtractions = 3 to the CU as operation responses. Accordingly, the CU corrects the score to 517. Thereafter, the CU transmits a command of no request and SQN = n + 1 to the S units as an operation instruction. If the command does not reach S units and a power failure occurs at the CU immediately thereafter, S units cannot receive commands for more than 10 seconds after sending the last response, as in the process of FIG. If it is determined that the communication has been interrupted, a transition is made to the unconnected state and the game is prohibited. However, as shown in FIG. 37, in the case where the game has already started at the stage where the power is cut off, the progress of the already started game is not stopped. As a result, in the example of FIG. 37, 10 winnings are generated as a result of the already started game, and the number of additions = 10. The memory based on the added number is stored in the current score-related information storage area, and accordingly, score = 517 + 10−0 = 527 is calculated and the score = 527 is stored.

  Next, when the CU is powered off and started up, as in the process of FIG. 14, transmission and reception of device information request, device information response, authentication request, authentication response, recovery request, and recovery response are performed between the CU and the S unit. And do.

  In the S unit, as recovery data, SQN = n, the previous addition number = 0, the previous subtraction number = 3, the current number of current points = 527, the current addition number = 10, the current subtraction number = 0 is stored and transmitted to the CU as a recovery response.

  In the CU, the communication partner is the same, the operation command is not being transmitted, and the SQN on the S side is one before the SQN on the CU side, so the backup value is corrected based on the recovery data sent in the recovery response The process to do is performed. Specifically, the number of points is corrected to 517 (the number of points of the CU) +10 (current number of additions) −0 (current number of subtractions) = 527, cumulative addition = 10, and cumulative subtraction = 0.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 38, a description will be given of recovery processing when a power failure occurs on the CU side before reaching an operation response related to addition / subtraction data. Here, a sequence in the case where 10 winnings have occurred since the start of one game by 3BET is illustrated.

  In FIG. 38, after the initial operation instruction and the operation response are transmitted and received between the CU and the S units with the initial number of points = 520, the second operation instruction is transmitted to the S units, and SQN = n + 1, Operation responses of the number of points = 517, the number of additions = 0, and the number of subtractions = 0 are transmitted from the S units to the CU.

  However, the second operation response does not reach the CU, and the CU has been turned off before the CU executes the operation response process according to the operation response. In this case, the S units detect the disconnection of communication and enter the game prohibited state if no command is transmitted when 10 seconds elapse after the second operation response is transmitted.

  Next, when the CU is powered off and started up, the device information request, device information response, authentication request, authentication response, recovery request, and recovery response transmission / reception are sent to and from the CU and S units in the same manner as the processing in FIG. Will do.

  In S units, as recovery data, SQN = n + 1, the previous addition number = 0, the previous subtraction number = 0, the current number of current points = 527, the current addition number = 10, the current subtraction number = 0 is stored and transmitted to the CU as a recovery response.

  In the CU, since the communication partner is the same, the operation instruction is not being transmitted, and both SQNs coincide with each other, the backup value is corrected based on the recovery data transmitted in the recovery response. Specifically, the number of points = 517 (the number of points of the CU) + 0 (the number of current additions) + 10 (the number of current additions)-0 (the number of current subtractions)-0 (the number of current subtractions) = 527, the cumulative total = 0 (the number of current additions) Addition number) +10 (current addition number), subtraction accumulation = 0 (current subtraction number) +0 (current subtraction number).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 39, a description will be given of recovery processing when a power failure occurs on the CU side before the addition request is reached. Here, an example of a sequence from the start of one game by 3BET until a prize is generated and 10 points are awarded to the player is illustrated.

  The initial number of points = 13 and the prepaid balance is 1000 yen, and normal operation instructions and normal operation responses are transmitted and received between the CU and the S units, and the addition number = 0 and subtraction number = 3 generated in the meantime Based on the score = 10, the lending button 321 is pressed.

  Then, the CU sets SQN = n + 1, the number of addition requests = 25, calculates balance = 1000 yen−500 yen = 500 yen, updates the balance to 500 yen, and determines the consumption of the balance at this stage. Then, the CU transmits a command including an addition request, SQN = n + 1, and the number of addition requests = 25 as operation instructions to the S units. When this command does not reach the S machines, the S machine detects a disconnection and puts it in a game prohibited state after 10 seconds have elapsed since the last response was transmitted and no command was received.

  On the other hand, in the CU, as described with reference to FIG. 11, when there is no response from the S units when the command has not reached, the response is transmitted after the same command is repeatedly transmitted and the second retransmission is performed. Is not returned, a communication abnormality (communication disconnection) is detected, and a reconnection sequence is started 20 seconds later.

  After the reconnection sequence is started, the device information request, device information response, authentication request, authentication response, recovery request, and recovery response are transmitted and received between the CU and the S unit in the same manner as the processing of FIG.

  In the S unit, as recovery data, SQN = n, the previous addition number = 0, the previous subtraction number = 3, the current number of points = 20, the current addition number = 10, the current subtraction number = 0 is stored and transmitted to the CU as a recovery response.

  In the CU, since the communication counterpart is the same and the SQN on the S side is one before the SQN on the CU side, the backup value is corrected based on the recovery data transmitted in the recovery response. Specifically, the number of points is corrected to 10 (the number of CU points) +25 (the number of requests for addition) +10 (the number of current additions) −0 (the number of current subtractions) = 45, cumulative addition = 10, and cumulative subtraction = 0.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 40, a description will be given of recovery processing when a power failure occurs on the CU side before reaching the operation response to the addition request. Here, an example of a sequence in the case where a 15-point winning has occurred after the start of a 3BET game in the middle is shown.

  The initial number of points is 5 and the prepaid balance is 1000 yen, and after a normal operation instruction and a normal operation response are transmitted and received between the CU and the S units, the lending button 321 is pressed. Then, the CU sets SQN = n + 1, the number of addition requests = 25, calculates the balance = 1000 yen−500 yen = 500 yen, sets the balance to 500 yen, and determines the balance consumption at this stage. Then, the CU transmits, to the S units, commands with an addition request, SQN = n + 1, and the number of addition requests = 25 as operation instructions.

  On the S side, the subtraction number = 3 is generated in order to start the game with 3 bets. Therefore, on the S side, SQN = n + 1, the number of points = 27, the addition number as an operation response. = 0, the subtraction number = 3 response is transmitted to the CU. If this response does not reach the CU and the power is cut off before the operation response process corresponding to this response is performed in the CU, the command from the CU is not transmitted to the S units thereafter. As described with reference to FIG. 12, the S unit determines that communication has been interrupted when it has not received a command for 10 seconds or more, and transitions to an unconnected state and enters a game prohibited state. In addition, on the S platform side, the number of additions = 10 occurs due to the occurrence of a win during that time, the storage of the current score-related information storage area is updated, and the score = 27 + 10 = 37 is calculated and the score = 37 is stored.

  Next, when the CU is powered off and started up, the device information request, device information response, authentication request, authentication response, recovery request, and recovery response transmission / reception are sent to and from the CU and S units in the same manner as the processing in FIG. Will do.

  In S units, as recovery data, SQN = n + 1, the previous number of additions as the previous number = 0, the number of previous subtractions = 3, the number of current points as the current number = 37, the number of current additions = 10, the number of current subtractions = 0 is stored and transmitted to the CU as a recovery response.

  The CU determines that the communication partners are the same, is transmitting operation instructions, and that both SQNs match, and performs a process of correcting the backup value based on the recovery data transmitted in the recovery response. Specifically, the number of score points = 5 (number of score points of CU) +25 (number of addition requests) +0 (number of previous additions) +10 (current number of additions) −3 (number of previous subtractions) −0 (number of current subtractions) = 37, Addition accumulation = 0 (previous addition number) +10 (current addition number), subtraction accumulation = 3 (previous subtraction number) +0 (current subtraction number).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 41, a description will be given of recovery processing when a power failure occurs on the CU side before the subtraction request is reached. Here, a sequence in the case where 10 winnings have occurred since the start of one game by 3BET is illustrated.

  When the initial score is 520, normal operation instructions and normal operation responses are transmitted and received between the CU and the S units, and the score becomes 517 according to the number of subtractions = 3 generated during that time. When a subtraction request of 300 is generated due to a wagon service request or the like, the CU sets SQN = n + 1, the number of subtraction requests = 300, the subtraction request is present, SQN = n + 1, and the number of subtraction request = 300 commands S Send to the stand.

  If this command does not reach the S units, the S unit detects disconnection and enters the game prohibited state after 10 seconds have elapsed since the last response was transmitted and no command was received.

  On the other hand, in the CU, as described with reference to FIG. 11, when there is no response from the S units when the command has not reached, the response is transmitted after the same command is repeatedly transmitted and the second retransmission is performed. Is not returned, a communication abnormality (communication disconnection) is detected, and a reconnection sequence is started 20 seconds later.

  After the reconnection sequence is started, the device information request, device information response, authentication request, authentication response, recovery request, and recovery response are transmitted and received between the CU and the S unit in the same manner as the processing of FIG.

  In the S unit, as recovery data, SQN = n, the previous addition number = 0, the previous subtraction number = 3, the current number of current points = 527, the current addition number = 10, the current subtraction number = 0 is stored and transmitted to the CU as a recovery response.

  In the CU, the communication partner is the same, and the SQN on the S side is one before the SQN on the CU side, so it is determined that the subtraction request is not executed on the S side, and the recovery sent in the recovery response The backup value is corrected based on the data. Specifically, the number of points is corrected to 517 (the number of points of the CU) +10 (current number of additions) −0 (current number of subtractions) = 527, cumulative addition = 10, and cumulative subtraction = 0.

  As described above, the CU determines that the subtraction request is not executed in the S units based on the value of the SQN, and the subtraction request of 300 is generated in the correction of the backup value accompanying the recovery process. The subtraction request number 300 is not subtracted from the number of points.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 42, a description will be given of a recovery process when a power failure occurs on the CU side before the operation response to the subtraction request is reached. Here, a sequence in the case where a 3 BET game is started after a winning with 10 points on the S platform side has occurred, and then a winning with 10 points is generated is illustrated.

  When the initial number of points is set to 520, the normal operation instruction and the normal operation response are transmitted and received between the CU and the S units, and at the stage where the number of points becomes 530 according to the added number generated during that time, 300 When a wagon service request is generated, the CU sets SQN = n + 1, the number of subtraction requests = 300, and sends a command of subtraction request, SQN = n + 1, and the number of subtraction requests = 300 to the S units as operation instructions. To do.

  In response to this, on the S platform side, a subtraction number = 3 is generated in order to start a game with 3 bets. Therefore, in the S platform, SQN = n + 1, number of points = 227, addition number = 0, subtraction number = 3 The response of 3 is transmitted to CU. However, if the response does not reach the CU and the power failure occurs before the operation response process corresponding to the response is executed in the CU, the command from the CU is not transmitted to the S units thereafter.

  As described with reference to FIG. 12, the S unit determines that communication has been interrupted when it has not received a command for 10 seconds or more, and transitions to an unconnected state and enters a game prohibited state. In addition, 10 points have been won in the meantime, and the data of the current score related information storage area is updated accordingly, and accordingly, score = 227 + 10 = 237 is calculated and the score = 237 is stored. Is done.

  Next, when the CU is powered off and started up, the device information request, device information response, authentication request, authentication response, recovery request, and recovery response transmission / reception are sent to and from the CU and S units in the same manner as the processing in FIG. Will do.

  In the S unit, as recovery data, SQN = n + 1, the previous addition number = 0, the previous subtraction number = 3, the current number of points = 237, the current addition number = 10, the current subtraction number = 3 is stored and transmitted to the CU as a recovery response.

  In the CU, because the communication partner is the same, the operation instruction is being transmitted, and both SQNs are the same, the S units determine that the subtraction instruction has been received, and based on the recovery data transmitted in the recovery response Performs processing to correct the backup value. Specifically, the number of points is 530 (the number of points of the CU) +0 (the number of previous additions) +10 (the number of current additions) −3 (the number of previous subtractions) −0 (the number of current subtractions) = 537, the cumulative total = 0 (the previous Addition number) +10 (current addition number), cumulative subtraction = 3 (previous subtraction number) +0 (current subtraction number).

  Further, the CU transmits an operation instruction command including an addition request and the number of addition requests = 25 to the S units in order to forcibly add the points for subtraction cancellation to the S units in response to an operation instruction after recovery. In response to this, the S platform calculates the score = 237 + 300 = 537, corrects the score to 537, and stores it.

  As described above, even when it is determined that the S units have received the subtraction instruction, the reason for performing the subtraction canceling process is that the S unit side that has received the subtraction instruction always performs the subtraction process in accordance with the subtraction instruction. There is a possibility that the subtraction is rejected on the S platform side. In the case where such subtraction is rejected on the S side, if the subtraction is confirmed on the CU side, there is a disadvantage that the remaining number of points becomes a negative value. For this reason, subtraction cancellation is performed. As a result, when such a CU-side power interruption occurs, subtraction has been performed despite the fact that the remaining number on the S side is insufficient and the subtraction instruction should have been rejected. It is possible to prevent inconvenience that the remaining number of points on the table side becomes a negative value.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 43, a description will be given of recovery processing when a power failure occurs on the CU side before the clear request is reached. Here, a sequence in the case where a winning in which 10 points are awarded after the start of the 3BET game on the S side is illustrated.

  In the sequence of FIG. 43, the score = 500 when the return button 322 for returning the inserted recording medium (card) is pressed. In FIG. 43, as in the process of FIG. 21, the CU transmits, to the S units, a command including data indicating a prohibition request for prohibiting a game and no clear request as an operation instruction. In response to this, the S units control to a bet number operation invalid state (game prohibition state) in which a bet number cannot be set. Thereafter, a wait time of 4.1 seconds or more (for example, 10 seconds) corresponding to one game regulation time is provided. During this wait time, polling is continued between the S units and the CU. Then, at the stage when the wait time has elapsed, the S units send a prohibition rejection OFF, SQN = n + N, number of points = 497, addition number = 0, subtraction number = 3, game prohibition response to the CU as operation responses. . As a result, the CU determines that the S units are in a game prohibited state.

  After that, the CU updates the score to 497, and then transmits a command for clear request and an operation instruction command of SQN = n + N + 1 to the S units. However, if the command does not reach the S units, the S unit detects disconnection and enters the game prohibited state after 10 seconds have elapsed since the last response was transmitted and no command was received. .

  On the other hand, in the CU, as described with reference to FIG. 11, when there is no response from the S units when the command has not reached, the response is transmitted after the same command is repeatedly transmitted and the second retransmission is performed. Is not returned, a communication abnormality (communication disconnection) is detected, and a reconnection sequence is started 20 seconds later.

  After the reconnection sequence is started, the device information request, device information response, authentication request, authentication response, recovery request, and recovery response are transmitted and received between the CU and the S unit in the same manner as the processing of FIG.

  In the S unit, as recovery data, SQN = n + N, the previous addition number = 0, the previous subtraction number = 3, the current number of current points = 507, the current addition number = 10, the current subtraction number = 0 is stored and transmitted to the CU as a recovery response.

  In the CU, since the communication partner is the same and the SQN on the S side is one before the SQN on the CU side, it is determined that the clear request has not arrived, and the recovery data transmitted in the recovery response is used as the basis. The process of correcting the backup value is performed. Specifically, the number of points is corrected to 497 (the number of current points) +10 (the number of current additions) −0 (the number of current subtractions) = 507, cumulative addition = 10, and cumulative subtraction = 0.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 44, a description will be given of a recovery process in the case where a power interruption occurs on the CU side before reaching the operation response to the clear request. Here, a sequence in the case where a new game is not started on the S platform side and no winning has occurred is illustrated.

  In the sequence of FIG. 44, the score = 500 when the return button 322 for returning the inserted recording medium (card) is pressed. In FIG. 44, as in the process of FIG. 21, the CU transmits, to the S units, a command including data indicating prohibition request with / without clear request for prohibiting a game as an operation instruction. In response to this, the S units control to a bet number operation invalid state (game prohibition state) in which a bet number cannot be set. Thereafter, a wait time of 4.1 seconds or more (for example, 10 seconds) corresponding to one game regulation time is provided. During this wait time, polling is continued between the S units and the CU. Then, when the wait time has elapsed, the S units transmit, as an operation response, a prohibition rejection OFF, SQN = n + N, number of points = 500, addition number = 0, subtraction number = 0, game prohibition response to the CU. . As a result, the CU determines that the S units are in a game prohibited state.

  Then, the CU sets SQN = n + N + 1, and transmits a command including clear request and SQN = n + N + 1 to the S units as an operation instruction.

  Then, in response to this operation instruction, the S platform clears the score to 0 and sets the score to 0 according to the clear request, and also clears SQN to 0 and sets SQN to 0. = 0, the number of points = 0, the addition number = 0, the subtraction number = 0 response is transmitted to the CU. If this response does not reach the CU and the power is cut off before the operation response processing corresponding to the response is performed in the CU, the command from the CU is not transmitted to the S units thereafter. As described with reference to FIG. 12, the S unit determines that communication has been interrupted when it has not received a command for 10 seconds or more, and transitions to an unconnected state.

  Next, when the CU is powered off and started up, the device information request, device information response, authentication request, authentication response, recovery request, and recovery response transmission / reception are sent to and from the CU and S units in the same manner as the processing in FIG. Will do.

  In the S unit, as recovery data, SQN = 0, the previous addition number = 0, the previous subtraction number = 0, the current number of current points = 0, the current addition number = 0, the current subtraction number = 0 is stored and transmitted to the CU as a recovery response.

  In the CU, because the SQN on the S side is two or more before the SQN on the CU side, the CU determines that the other S unit does not match and corrects the backup value based on the recovery data transmitted in the recovery response To do. Specifically, the number of points = 500 (CU backup value) + 0 (current addition number)-0 (current subtraction number) = 500, addition cumulative = 0 (current addition number), subtraction cumulative = 0 (current subtraction number) To correct.

  Normally, the difference between the SQNs on the CU side and the S side does not become 2 or more. Therefore, in the case of the recovery process of FIG. 44, the CU determines that the communication partners do not match, and the backup value is corrected. To do. As a result, the score is corrected to the score before sending the clear request, that is, a backup value of 500. Then, since the CU has determined that the communication partner does not match, the processing when the SQN is abnormal and the communication partner does not match in the reconnection sequence shown in FIG. Processing that enables replaying will be executed.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 36 to 44, the S units back up the data such as the addition number transmitted to the CU immediately before the communication failure state occurs even when the communication disabled state occurs. Then, the S units transmit recovery data including data transmitted to the CU immediately before the occurrence of the communication disabled state and data such as an addition number newly generated after the transmission to the CU during the recovery process. The recovery data includes the SQN of the data transmitted to the CU immediately before the occurrence of the communication disabled state. The CU compares the SQN with the SQN stored in the CU before the CU receives the data (update information transmitted immediately before) sent by the S units to the CU immediately before the communication failure occurs. It becomes possible for the CU to determine whether or not a communication disabled state has occurred.

  In FIG. 36 to FIG. 44, the change in the game data on the S side from the time when the communication is disabled until the game is prohibited (disconnection detection (play stop)) is “addition = 0, subtraction = 3”. However, if the game data further changes during that time, the S units further update the stored value based on the changed data.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the number of points is managed on the CU side, there is no need to provide the management function on the S platform side, and the cost of the S platform is reduced as much as possible. Can be suppressed. In particular, the S platform has a short replacement cycle at the game hall in order to be able to provide a more interesting game as soon as possible, and tends to be replaced early in units of several months if it is one year or early. . In addition, as new stands are being developed one after another, which quickly incorporates rapidly changing player preferences, there is also a tendency for the base exchange cycle in the amusement hall to be accelerated.

  On the other hand, CUs are rarely replaced from the viewpoint of preference, and in general, equipment replacement is performed in response to a failure. It is what is used. If no failure occurs, replacement is not performed for several years.

  For this reason, there is an advantage that the running cost of the game arcade where the S units are introduced can be reduced by providing the management function of the holding points not on the S units side but on the CU side to suppress the cost of the S units.

Next, modifications, feature points, and the like in the embodiment described above will be described below.
(1) The command transmission interval of the CU may be changeable. For example, it is conceivable that the command transmission interval can be finely changed and set by operating a transmission interval switching switch provided in the CU. In this case, the CU is provided with a table storing a plurality of types of transmission interval data in advance, and the transmission interval corresponding to the switch operation is selected from the table. Alternatively, the CU may be able to switch the transmission interval in response to a switching command from the management computer. The transmission interval may be switched at the time of mutual authentication when communication is started between the CU and the S units, for example.

  (2) In the present embodiment, “the game value can be started by setting the number of bets for one game using the game value and displayed on a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of symbols. A slot machine in which one game is completed by deriving a result, and a winning can be generated according to a combination of symbols derived and displayed on a predetermined winning line as a display result of the variable display device, Predetermining means for deciding whether or not to allow the derivation of the winning symbol combination that generates the winnings on the winning line before the display result is derived to the variable display device; and the variable display device Derivation operation accepting means for accepting an operation for deriving a display result, and the variable display device according to the determination result of the prior determination means and the operation accepted by the derivation operation accepting means. A deriving control means for deriving a control result, and a combination of winning symbols for generating a winning combination of winning symbols with a game value among the combinations of winning symbols generated on the winning line A slot machine including a game value providing means for providing a player with a game value of “.”

  (3) In the slot machine, the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination is determined in advance, and in addition, the winning does not occur continuously in a short period of time unlike a pachinko gaming machine. appear. Also, the number of bets is set to any one of 1 to 3, for example. For this reason, as long as an operation response is transmitted at a time interval of 200 ms, normally, the data of the addition number included in the operation response matches the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination. Similarly, the subtraction data included in the motion response matches any of the betting numbers. For example, if the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination is 3, 5, 10, or 15, the added number included in the action response is any one of them. Similarly, if the number of bets that can be set is any one of 1, 2, and 3, the subtraction data included in the action response is any one of 1 to 3.

  Therefore, when the addition number and the subtraction number included in the operation response notified to the CU are other than predetermined values, the CU determines that an error has occurred and notifies the error, or A command instructing prohibition of the game may be sent to the S units.

  Furthermore, since the subtraction number data is generated by setting the bet amount when starting one game and the addition number data is generated by winning when one game is completed, normally, unless a retry or the like occurs, One of the addition number and the subtraction number included in one operation response is zero.

  Therefore, if either the addition number or the subtraction number included in the operation response notified to the CU is not 0, the CU determines that an error has occurred if the operation response is not retry data or the like. Then, an error notification or a command for instructing prohibition of the game may be sent to the S units.

  Furthermore, in the slot machine 2, one game regulation time is set as the minimum time required to digest one game. In the present embodiment, for example, it is 4.1 seconds. For this reason, normally, a plurality of operation responses including addition numbers or subtraction numbers exceeding 0 are not transmitted to the CU. In addition, normally, an operation response including a subtraction number exceeding 0 is transmitted to the CU during one game regulation period after an operation response including a subtraction number exceeding 0 is transmitted to the CU. Absent. Similarly, normally, after an action response including an addition number exceeding 0 is transmitted to the CU, an operation response including an addition number exceeding 0 is further transmitted to the CU during one game regulation period. There is no. Therefore, when these events occur, the CU determines that an error has occurred and sends an error notification or a command to prohibit the game to the S units. Good.

  (4) In this embodiment, when a winning occurs, the data of the addition number is generated and transmitted to the CU as an operation response. However, when the replay winning is generated, the number of points increased is 0, and in the next game, the same bet number as the game in which the previous replay winning has occurred is automatically set without reducing the points. . Therefore, the operation response at the time of replay winning is “(a) The number of additions at the time of replay winning is 0, and the number of subtractions associated with the setting of the betting amount in the next game where the replay winning has occurred is also 0”, “( b) The number added at the time of replay winning is the betting number of the game that generated the replay winning, and the subtraction number associated with the setting of the betting amount in the next game where the replay winning is generated is also the same as the betting number. There are two possible patterns. In any case, the replay winning may be one of the external output information. That is, a replay winning may be added as one of a plurality of types of external output information so that the total number of replay winning times can be stored in the CU. In addition to the replay winning combination, all winning combinations are targeted for external output information, and whenever a winning combination by any winning combination occurs, the counter corresponding to the winning combination is updated on the S units and includes the data. The operation response may be transmitted to the CU.

  (5) Once the variable display device starts rotating, the slot machine cannot finish one game unless the rotation is stopped. For this reason, it is impossible to interrupt the game at an arbitrary timing of the game stop transmitted from the CU side. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, when a prohibition request (see FIG. 21) for returning a game card is generated during rotation of the variable display device, the final score is waited for after the end of the game. We decided to accept the return of the game card after it was confirmed.

  However, in such a configuration, the game card cannot be returned unless the player performs a stop operation. Therefore, when a game card return operation is detected while the reel is rotating, it is conceivable that a message prompting a stop operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display device or the like on the liquid crystal display device or the CU on the display 312 or the like. Alternatively, when a prohibition request for returning a gaming card occurs while the variable display device is rotating, a card return during the game is made by returning a response indicating that the prohibition request is rejected from the S units to the CU. May not be accepted. Alternatively, the CU may determine whether or not the game is being executed at the stage where the card return operation is detected, and may not accept the card return operation when the game is being executed. Whether or not the game is being executed can be determined based on “reel rotation start” and “reel rotation stop” which are external output information transmitted from the S units.

  (6) In the slot machine 2, for example, a lottery effect indicating whether or not to shift to a certain service-like gaming state such as AT is performed on the liquid crystal display device during the game, and after the game ends, You may display the result of a lottery effect after performing the lottery effect for a predetermined period. However, when such a lottery effect is performed, a card return operation may be performed after the end of one game and before the result of the lottery effect is displayed. In such a case, the lottery effect may be interrupted to determine the current score and return the card.

  (7) In the present embodiment, the number of points held = 0 is detected on the S side and controlled to the bet number operation invalid state. However, the remaining number of points to be detected = 0 is an example. For example, in the gaming state where only the bet number = 3 is valid, the S units detect that the number of points has become less than 3, and control the bet number operation invalid state. Similarly, in the gaming state where only the bet number = 2 is valid, the S units detect that the number of points has become less than 2 and control the bet number operation invalid state. In short, the S units compare the minimum required bet number and the number of points in the current gaming state, and if the former is less than the latter, control is made to the bet number operation invalid state.

  When such control is performed, in addition to the case where the remaining number of points is 0, for example, when the remaining number is a fraction such as 1 or 2, the bet number operation may be invalidated. When a player performs an operation to finish a game, it is necessary to return a game card with a fraction recorded so as not to be valuable. In particular, if a player does not play a game using a card in the first place, and has played a game by putting cash into the CU exclusively, he / she has to bother to issue a new valueless game card, It is uneconomical. Therefore, when a game using cash is performed and the player has a score less than a predetermined value when the player returns the card, the CU prints a fraction instead of a normal game card. The paper may be printed out.

  (8) The slot machine 2 according to the present embodiment wins an internal lottery in advance, and a winning is generated by stopping the winning symbol by so-called pressing. However, instead of such a slot machine, a slot machine in which the result according to the internal lottery is always displayed in a stop on the variable display device may be used. In this case, it may be a slot machine in which each reel automatically stops one after another after a predetermined time without performing a stop operation, or at any timing while a stop operation button is provided for each reel. A slot machine that always stops and displays the result according to the internal lottery even when the stop operation is performed may be used.

  In this way, when a slot machine that always stops and displays the result according to the internal lottery is adopted, the number of points to be added is determined based on the presence / absence of a win and the win when the internal lottery is executed. . Therefore, for example, when the internal lottery is executed when a reel start operation is detected, the number of points subtracted by the bet number setting at the time of the start operation and the number of points added according to the winning are calculated. It will be confirmed. In such a case, the S units may send an addition number corresponding to the winning combination when transmitting the subtraction number associated with the betting number setting as the operation response. That is, the data of the addition number may be transmitted at an earlier stage than the actual winning timing.

  Furthermore, the CU may discharge a predetermined ticket or token that can specify the points, instead of discharging (returning) the card in accordance with the game end operation.

(9) The variable display device may be constituted by a liquid crystal display device instead of a rotating cylinder.
(10) In the present embodiment, the number of points is displayed on both the indicator 312 provided on the CU side and the point indicator 11 provided on the S platform side, but only on one of them. You may do it. When displaying the number of points with the CU-side display, there is an advantage that the number of points can be displayed on the S units having no display unit by applying the CU in the present embodiment. On the other hand, when displaying the number of points on the S platform side, the display control may be performed on the CU side. Alternatively, the display control may be performed on the S platform side. When display control is performed on the S platform side, the number of points managed by the CU is displayed on the point indicator 11 by receiving information on the number of points to be displayed from the CU side. Is possible. Further, when the display control is performed on the S platform side as described above, there is an advantage that it is possible to display a score with a high decorative (production) value. When the display control is performed on the S platform side, the display of the score count is not performed based on the value of the score counter stored in the S platform itself, instead of receiving information on the number of scores to be displayed from the CU side. It is good also as what controls.

  (11) In the above-described embodiment, when the points are subtracted by the wagon service or the like, as described based on FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the number of points stored on the CU side is sufficiently larger than the number of subtraction requests (for example, 30 or more), the CU side alone does not wait for a response from the S units. A point subtraction process may be performed, and thereafter a subtraction request operation instruction may be transmitted to the S units.

  (12) In the above-described embodiment, a command is transmitted from the CU to the S units and the S units respond to the response to the CU. Conversely, a command is transmitted from the S units to the CU. Then, the communication form in which the CU returns a response to the S units in response thereto may be used.

  (13) Further, in the above-described embodiment, communication is performed between the CU and the S units periodically (for example, 200 ms), but instead, when the necessity of communication occurs, the CU Alternatively, communication may be performed by transmitting data from one of the S units to the other.

  (14) In the above-described embodiment, an operation response including a rejection signal that does not comply with a request such as addition rejection ON, subtraction rejection ON, clear rejection ON, etc. is returned from the S units to the CU. Thus, it is determined that the request is rejected based on the rejection ON. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the S units returning the response of the rejection ON operation, the operation response including the addition / subtraction number and the score data not complying with the request from the CU is returned to the CU, Thus, it may be determined whether the returned data (addition / subtraction number, score, etc.) is in accordance with the request, and thereby determine whether the request has been rejected.

  (15) In the above-described embodiment, when the command from the CU is not transmitted for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), the S units determine that the communication is disconnected by the processing of FIG. However, the communication interruption may be determined by the following method.

  The slot machine 2 is provided with a connection detector that detects whether or not the slot machine 2 and the card unit 3 are electrically connected. Referring to FIG. 3, the gaming machine communication unit 325 and the holding point control board 117 are connected by a signal line as described above. In addition to the signal line, a predetermined voltage (for example, 5V) from the card unit 3 is used. Is provided with a connection detection signal line that is input to the slot machine 2 side. The connection detection signal line and the signal line between the gaming machine communication unit 325 and the holding point control board 117 are formed of the same cable, and the cable is disconnected or the connectors 330 and 220 are detached, and the card unit. 3 is configured so that the connection detection signal is detected and the detection signal is input to the holding point control board 117 because the voltage of the connection detection signal line becomes 0 V when the power supply of 3 is cut off. To do. The holding point control board 117 determines that the disconnection of the cable, the disconnection of the connectors 330 and 220, and the power supply of the card unit 3 are cut off due to the input of the detection signal.

  (16) In the process of FIG. 30, when the S units receive an operation instruction (addition request) after recovery, the S units are programmed so that the addition request cannot be rejected by the S units. By receiving it, the S platform calculates the score = 523 + 25 = 548 and corrects the score to 548. However, there may be a severe error that cannot be corrected for the points on the S units despite receiving an operation instruction (addition request) after recovery. In consideration of such a severe error state, the CU side checks the content of the operation response transmitted from the S unit after transmitting the operation instruction (addition request) after recovery, and then holds the It may be determined whether or not the point has been corrected correctly, and when it has not been corrected, control for shifting to an error state may be performed.

  That is, the CU performs error control means for performing control to shift to a predetermined error state when it is determined that points cannot be added in the S units even after the forced addition processing of FIG. 30 is performed. including.

  As control for shifting to the error state, for example, a severe error notification is performed by the display 312 and a notification that a serious error has occurred is given to the hall management computer 1 to notify the error by the hall management computer 1. It may be possible to promote artificial responses by staff.

(17) On the S platform side, the number of additions may be counted as follows.
Counters A and B are provided as counters for counting the number of additions on the S side. First, the number of additions is counted by the counter A. When the transmission timing of the addition number is reached, the count value of the counter A is transmitted to the CU. Thereafter, the value of the counter A is maintained, and thereafter, the number of addition is counted by the counter B. When the transmission timing of the addition number is reached, the count value of the counter B is transmitted to the CU. Thereafter, the value of the counter B is maintained, while the count value of the counter A is cleared to 0, and thereafter, the counter A counts the addition number. Thereafter, the above counting by the counters A and B is repeated.

  The above counting method may be used for counting the number of subtractions on the S platform side. Alternatively, it may be used for counting external output information.

  (18) The S units may transmit one piece of information after adding and subtracting the addition number and the subtraction number to the CU, instead of sending two pieces of information of the addition number and the subtraction number to the CU. That is, such information also constitutes “update information that can specify the change amount”.

  (19) The communication method is not limited to the command-response method described above. The S units may transmit points related information such as points to the CU at predetermined time intervals without waiting for a command from the CU. Alternatively, the S platform may transmit the score related information to the CU every time a predetermined amount of information is obtained, instead of transmitting the score related information at predetermined time intervals. For example, it is conceivable that the addition number is transmitted to the CU whenever one or two or more predetermined addition numbers are generated.

  (20) In the present embodiment, two counters, an addition number counter and a subtraction number count, are provided on the S side. However, instead of these two counters, a single addition / subtraction counter may be used which adds by increasing the score (occurrence of winnings, etc.) and subtracts by decreasing the score (setting the number of bets, etc.). In this case, the value of this one addition / subtraction counter is transmitted from the S units to the CU.

(21) This embodiment includes the following configuration.
After the gaming device transmits a command for instructing subtraction of points to the slot machine and before receiving a response to the command, a process for reestablishing a communication connection with the slot machine In the process of re-establishing the communication connection, it is determined whether or not the command for instructing the subtraction of the point has reached the slot machine based on the data transmitted from the slot machine side. The command transmission means for canceling the instruction for subtracting the point by the command when the arrival determination means determines that the command for instructing the subtraction of the point has arrived. Is sent to the slot machine, and the secondary holding point update means is a command for instructing the subtraction of the holding point. When a command to cancel the point subtraction instruction is received, if the point has already been subtracted based on the command to instruct the point subtraction, or the point has been subtracted due to a shortage of points. In any case, the score corresponding to the cancellation amount of the subtraction instruction is added to the score stored in the secondary score storage means.

  (22) In the present embodiment, a signal requesting the end of the game is input to the CU by operating the return button 322. However, the CU may be configured to be able to input a signal requesting the end of the game from a management computer or the like.

(23) The CU and the S platform may be connected so as to be communicable wirelessly instead of wired connection.
(24) By providing the game control board 116 with the function of the holding point control board 117, the holding point control board 117 may not be provided in the slot machine 2.

  (25) In this embodiment, the CU retransmits the command at most twice if it does not receive a response within one second after sending the command, and if there is still no response, the CU determines that the communication is abnormal. The connection sequence is resumed after 20 seconds (see FIG. 11). For this reason, if there is no response within 3 seconds from the transmission of the first command, the connection sequence is resumed. However, instead of this, a longer time until the CU determines that the communication is abnormal from the first command transmission, for example, a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds, 20 seconds) in which a plurality of games can proceed on the S side. 30 seconds). In this case, for example, taking FIG. 24 as an example, after receiving the operation response from the S units, the CU does not retransmit the command twice, but three times before the predetermined time elapses. If there is, it will be repeated. In this case, the command retransmission interval may be 200 ms or a longer time interval, or the command retransmission may be performed after a certain time has elapsed since the start of retransmission. The interval may be changed (for example, the retransmission interval may be lengthened in the second half of the former). Then, when the retransmission command finally reaches the S units before the predetermined time elapses, an operation response indicating the amount of change in the points for a plurality of games that has progressed until then is transmitted from the S units to the CU. Become.

  In the following, effects obtained from various means included in the present embodiment and combinations of various means are listed.

(1-1) Connection unit (connector 220) for communicably connecting to a gaming device (card unit 3) that adds points using gaming value (prepaid balance, number of medals) owned by the player And a variable display device (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and one game can be started by setting the number of bets by the number of points and the display result is displayed on the variable display device. Is a slot machine (slot machine 2) in which one game is completed and points are added according to the winnings generated by the display result of the variable display device,
Specific means (game control microcomputer, score control microcomputer, addition number counter, subtraction number counter) for specifying the amount of change (addition number, subtraction number) according to the setting of bets and the occurrence of winnings When,
Information transmission means (point control board 117) for transmitting update information (operation response including addition number and subtraction number) that can identify the amount of change to the gaming device;
A score storage means (score counter) for storing the score;
Information for instructing subtraction of points (operation instruction including subtraction in FIG. 19), and the usage value of the game value with respect to the points stored on the game device side by the game device Instruction to receive information (operation instruction including addition request in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18) for instructing addition of the score transmitted from the gaming device side in conjunction with the addition of the remaining score Information receiving means (point control board 117);
The score update means (the score control board 117, which updates the score stored in the score storage means according to the amount of change and adds and updates the score according to the information for instructing the addition of the score. Fig. 5)
When information for instructing subtraction of a point is received, a point determination unit for determining whether or not a point having a magnitude indicated by the information is stored in the point storage unit (FIG. 19). A holding point control board 117),
The information transmitting means accepts a score subtraction acceptance response when the score determining means determines that the score having the magnitude indicated by the information to be subtracted is stored in the score storage means (FIG. 19; Subtraction of the points instructed to be subtracted by the information from the points stored on the gaming device side by transmitting a response to the gaming device including the subtraction rejection OFF) to the gaming device. (FIG. 19; subtraction of the score is confirmed after waiting for an action response).

  According to such a configuration, since the amount of change in the score is transmitted from the slot machine, the score management can be performed on the gaming device side. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a point management function on the slot machine side, and the cost of the slot machine can be suppressed as much as possible.

  In particular, slot machines tend to have a shorter replacement cycle in a game arcade than gaming devices in order to be able to provide more highly-oriented games quickly. For this reason, there is an advantage that the running cost of the game hall where the slot machine is introduced can be reduced by providing the point management function not on the slot machine side but on the gaming device side to reduce the cost of the slot machine. is there.

  In addition, the point addition on the slot machine side is promptly performed in response to a request for adding points using gaming value. On the other hand, if a request for subtracting points occurs, it depends on the game situation immediately after that. Since there is a possibility that the score is insufficient for the subtraction request, the score is subtracted on the gaming device side on the condition that a consent response is returned. As a result, when a request for adding points or a request for subtracting points based on the game value is generated, it is possible to quickly and reliably perform processing according to those requests.

  (1-2) When the point update means receives the information for canceling the point subtraction instruction (FIG. 42; operation instruction after recovery (addition request present, number of addition requests = 300), The score corresponding to the cancellation amount of the subtraction instruction is added to the score stored in the point storage means (FIG. 42).

  According to such a configuration, the following effects are exhibited. That is, when the subtraction instruction arrives at the slot machine side, there are cases where the points stored on the slot machine side are less than the subtraction instruction due to game progress. At this time, if it is unknown on the gaming device side whether or not the slot machine has refused the subtraction instruction due to communication failure or the like, if the subtraction is confirmed, the score on the slot machine side will be negative Inconvenience arises. However, at this time, by receiving information for canceling the subtraction instruction of the score, the slot machine can save the score corresponding to the cancellation amount of the subtraction instruction in the score stored in the score storage means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the disadvantage that the score on the slot machine side becomes negative.

  (1-3) The information transmission means sends a subtraction rejection response for the game when it is determined by the score determination means that a score of the size instructed to be subtracted is not stored in the score storage means. It transmits to the apparatus (FIG. 31; operation response of subtraction rejection ON).

  According to such a configuration, when the subtraction instruction arrives at the slot machine side, if the score stored on the slot machine side is less than the subtraction instruction due to game progress, The machine can ask the gaming device to cancel the subtraction.

  (1-4) Includes game control means for performing game control based on the score stored in the score storage means (FIG. 20; if the score counter becomes 0, the bet number operation is disabled).

  According to such a configuration, since the game control in the slot machine is performed based on the points stored in the slot machine itself, it is compared with the case where the game control is performed based on the points stored in the gaming device. Thus, the game control can be performed in real time in accordance with the change of the points.

(1-5) The instruction information receiving means receives information for instructing transmission of the update information of the score from the gaming device (the score control board 117),
Each time the information transmission means receives information for instructing transmission of the update information, the information transmission means indicates the amount of change (current holding point related information) from the previous reception of the information to the current reception. Update information is transmitted (FIG. 5: addition number counter and subtraction number counter).

  According to such a configuration, in accordance with an instruction from the gaming device, update information indicating the amount of change based on the previous transmission time of the update information is transmitted from the slot machine to the gaming device one by one. . For this reason, in the gaming apparatus, it is possible to manage the latest score by updating the score with the update information transmitted one by one.

  (1-6) Receiving correction information (correction instruction command) for correcting the score (value of the score counter) stored in the score storage means to the score stored in the gaming device In this case, it includes a point correction unit (point control board 117; the number of points is corrected in accordance with the correction instruction command) for correcting the point stored in the point storage unit based on the correction information.

  According to such a configuration, the points stored on the gaming machine side and the slot machine side are caused by an abnormality in the size of the points stored on the slot machine side due to fraud and other causes. Even when the stored score does not match, the score stored on the slot machine side can be corrected to the score stored on the gaming device side.

  (1-7) The information transmitting means sequentially transmits the update information at a time interval (200 ms) shorter than a predetermined one game regulation time (4.1 s) (FIG. 10).

  According to such a configuration, since the update information is transmitted at intervals shorter than the one game restriction time, the change amount of the score notified by the update information is sequentially transmitted between the one game. . As a result, it is possible to notify the game device of the amount of change in the points in detail.

  (1-8) Remaining score determination means for determining whether there is a remaining score necessary for continuing the game based on the score stored in the auxiliary score storage means (score control board 117, FIG. 20).

  According to such a configuration, since the transmission of update information is not in time at the time of determination, there is a difference between the points stored on the gaming device side and the actual points (the points stored on the slot machine side). Even if there is a gap between them, the determination based on the actual score can be made.

  (1-9) Game prohibition means (scoring points) for entering a game prohibition state in which a new game cannot be started when information for instructing a game prohibition is received (operation instruction (prohibition request is present) in FIG. 22). The control board 117 and the game control board 116 are controlled to bet number operation invalid state and include “BET prohibited” in FIG.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to enter a game prohibition state in which a new game cannot be started in response to a game prohibition instruction from the gaming apparatus side.

  (1-10) Information for instructing to set the value of the score stored in the score storage means to the initial value is received from the gaming device (the operation instruction (clear request in FIGS. 21 and 44) Yes) based on the result, a score initializing means (FIG. 21, FIG. 44 (the score control board 117 is used for the score count counter) that sets the score value stored in the score storage means to an initial value. Value is initialized to 0).

  According to such a configuration, the points stored in the slot machine can be initialized in response to an instruction from the gaming apparatus side.

(1-11) for storing the change amount specified by the update information transmitted by the information transmission unit and storing the change amount specified by the update information transmitted by the information transmission unit one time before Two change amount storage means (FIG. 5: an addition number counter for storing the current addition number, a subtraction number counter for counting the current subtraction number, a region for storing the previous addition number as the previous holding-related information, and a previous subtraction number are stored. Area) and
And arrival determination means for determining arrival of the update information to the gaming device based on predetermined information (SQN) transmitted from the gaming device (point control board 117, FIG. 25),
The information transmission means receives update information that can specify a sum of change amounts stored in the two change amount storage means when the arrival determination means does not determine that the update information has arrived. (FIG. 25).

  According to such a configuration, when it is not determined that the update information has arrived, update information capable of specifying the sum of the change amounts stored in the two change amount storage means is transmitted to the gaming device. Therefore, it is possible to reliably and efficiently collect information on the points in the gaming device.

(1-12) The information transmission means transmits the update information to the gaming device each time it receives information from the gaming device that instructs transmission of update information that can specify the change amount (see FIG. 5, see FIG.
Change amount storage means (addition number counter, subtraction number counter) for storing the change amount specified by the update information transmitted by the information transmission means as the update information;
The change amount storage means sets the change amount sequentially specified by the specifying means while the state in which the information for instructing the transmission of the update information cannot be received even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the update information was transmitted. Based on this, the stored change amount is updated (FIG. 24),
When the information transmission unit receives information instructing transmission of the update information in a state where a change amount based on the change amount sequentially specified by the specifying unit is stored in the change amount storage unit, Update information that can identify the change amount stored in the change amount storage means is transmitted (FIG. 24).

  According to such a configuration, even if the state where communication between the gaming device and the slot machine is interrupted continues, it is possible to reliably collect information on the points in between during the state. .

(2-1) A connecting portion (connector 220) for communicably connecting to a gaming device (card unit 3) that adds points using the gaming value (prepaid balance, number of medals) owned by the player And a variable display device (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and one game can be started by setting the number of bets by the number of points and the display result is displayed on the variable display device. Is a slot machine (slot machine 2) in which one game is completed and points are added according to the winnings generated by the display result of the variable display device,
A front member (front door 2b) covering the front surface of the slot machine so as to be openable and closable;
Lock means for locking the front member in a closed state (front door opening solenoid 110, engagement protrusions 6a and 6b, engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b);
Specific means (game control microcomputer, score control microcomputer, addition number counter, subtraction number counter) for specifying the amount of change (addition number, subtraction number) according to the setting of bets and the occurrence of winnings When,
Information transmission means (point control board 117) for transmitting update information (operation response including addition number and subtraction number) that can identify the amount of change to the gaming device;
A game prohibition state (number of bets) in which a new game cannot be started when receiving the information (FIG. 22; front door opening request available) for instructing the unlocking by the locking means transmitted from the gaming device. Game prohibition means (FIG. 22; BET prohibition by the holding point control board 117 and the game control board 116) for making the operation invalid state);
Release control means (FIG. 22; unlocking by the holding point control board 117) for performing control to release the lock by the lock means after the game prohibition means is in the game prohibited state,
The release control means performs control to release the lock by the lock means until a predetermined condition is satisfied when information for instructing the lock release by the lock means (FIG. 22; front door opening requested) is received. The delay means for delaying (FIG. 22; the holding point control board 117 delays the excitation of the front frame opening solenoid 110 until the wait time elapses (or until the game ends when the game is in progress)).

  According to such a configuration, the closed state of the front member can be released without affecting the game result by an instruction from the gaming apparatus side.

(2-2) The specifying means specifies the amount of change even when the holding point changes while the game prohibiting means is in the game prohibited state (FIG. 22; S units are in the game prohibited state). The amount of change when the score is changed during the period (the number of additions = 10 in FIG. 22 is specified).
The information transmitting means provides update information that can specify the amount of change when the amount of change of the holding point is specified by the specifying means while the game prohibiting means is in the game prohibited state. It is transmitted to the device (addition number in FIG. 22 = 10 operation response).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to cause the gaming device to manage the points including the amount of change in points after the game is prohibited.

  (2-3) The predetermined condition is that a time equal to or longer than a predetermined game regulation time (4.1 seconds) elapses.

  According to such a structure, even if it is in a game when it is set as a game prohibition state, obstruction | occlusion of a front member is not cancelled | released before the completion | finish of the game.

  (2-4) When the information for instructing the lock means to release the lock is received during the game in which the symbol is variably displayed on the variable display device, the delay means ends the game. Control for releasing the lock by the lock means is delayed until the game is prohibited (FIG. 22).

  According to such a structure, even if it is in a game when it is set as a game prohibition state, obstruction | occlusion of a front member is not cancelled | released before the completion | finish of the game.

(3-1) Connection unit (connector 220) for communicably connecting to a gaming device (card unit 3) that adds points using the gaming value (prepaid balance, number of medals) owned by the player And a variable display device (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and one game can be started by setting the number of bets by the number of points and the display result is displayed on the variable display device. Is a slot machine (slot machine 2) in which one game is completed and points are added according to the winnings generated by the display result of the variable display device,
Specific means (game control microcomputer, holding point control microcomputer, addition number counter, subtraction number counter) for specifying the amount of change (addition number, subtraction number, external output information) of game data that changes as the game progresses , External output information counter)
Information transmission means (point control board 117) for transmitting update information (operation response including addition number, subtraction number, and external output information) that can specify the amount of change to the gaming device;
From when a communication incapable state in which no signal is transmitted from the gaming device occurs until recovery processing is executed to recover from the communication incapable state and restore data consistency with the slot machine In the meantime, communication means storage means for storing the change amount of the game data specified by the specifying means (FIG. 36 to FIG. 43; the CU is activated after the transmission of the operation response transmitted immediately before the power supply of the CU is turned off. Including the number of additions, subtractions, points, etc. as the current number until the recovery process is performed, the addition number counter, the subtraction number counter, the points count counter, etc., and each data of the previous number)
The information transmitting means transmits update information that can specify the amount of change of the game data stored in the storage means when communication is disabled to the gaming device when the restoration process is performed (FIG. 36 to FIG. 36). FIG. 43: Recovery data is transmitted as a recovery response after the operation response transmitted immediately before the power supply of the CU is transmitted until the CU is activated and the recovery process is performed.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to allow the gaming device to accurately manage game data that reflects the amount of change in game data on the slot machine side from when the communication is disabled until recovery. It becomes possible.

(3-2) Game prohibition means for setting a game prohibition state in which a new game cannot be started when the communication disabled state occurs (FIGS. 36 to 43; stop play upon detection of disconnection (betting number operation disabled state or game) Further prohibition state))
The non-communication storage means is specified by the specifying means during a period from when the communication disabled state occurs until the game data cannot be changed after the game prohibition unit has entered the game prohibition state. The amount of change in the game data stored is stored (FIGS. 36 to 43; additions that have changed since the stop of play (betting number operation disabled state or game prohibited state) since the transmission of the operation response immediately before the power-off of the CU). Number, subtraction number, etc.).

  According to such a configuration, accurate game data management that reflects the amount of change in game data on the slot machine side from when the communication is disabled until the game data cannot be changed. Can be used as a gaming device.

(3-3) The incommunicable storage means stores a backup amount transmitted immediately before that is a change amount of game data transmitted to the gaming device immediately before the incommunicable state occurs. (FIGS. 36 to 43; previous number of times),
The information transmitting means includes
The immediately previous transmitted update information that can specify the immediately previous transmitted change amount is transmitted to the gaming device together with the update information (FIG. 8, FIGS. 36 to 43; the recovery data as the previous number is transmitted as a recovery response),
Incompatibility occurrence time determination information (SQN, figure) for enabling the gaming apparatus to determine whether or not the incommunicable state has occurred before the gaming apparatus receives the immediately transmitted update information. 8 (b)) is transmitted to the gaming device.

  According to such a configuration, in the gaming device, even if the amount of change in the game data transmitted to the gaming device immediately before the incommunicable state occurs does not reach the gaming device, it is determined to that effect Thus, the game data can be updated including the immediately previous transmitted change amount specified by the immediately previous transmitted update information, and the change amount of the game data transmitted to the gaming device immediately before the communication disabled state is Even in the case of arrival, it becomes possible to manage game data accurately.

  (3-4) The information transmitting means is a communication number for confirming whether the communication is properly performed by updating the number each time data is transmitted / received to / from the gaming device. (SQN) is transmitted to the gaming device as information for determining when communication is impossible.

  According to such a configuration, on the gaming device side, each time data is transmitted / received, the number is updated, and the communication number is used to check whether communication is properly performed. It is possible to determine whether or not the change amount of the game data transmitted to the gaming device immediately before the disabled state has reached the gaming device.

(4-1) Connection unit (connector 220) for communicably connecting to a gaming device (card unit 3) that adds points using the gaming value (prepaid balance, number of medals) owned by the player And a variable display device (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and one game can be started by setting the number of bets by the number of points and the display result is displayed on the variable display device. Is a slot machine (slot machine 2) in which one game is completed and points are added according to the winnings generated by the display result of the variable display device,
A score storage means (score counter) for storing the score;
A remaining score determining means (score control board 117, FIG. 20) for determining the presence or absence of a remaining score necessary for setting the betting number based on the score stored in the score storage means;
Game prohibition means (FIGS. 20 to 22; invalidation of betting number operation by the point control board 117) for making a game prohibition state in which a new game cannot be started,
The game prohibition means is:
Predetermined information corresponding game prohibition means (FIGS. 21 and 22) which sets the game prohibited state when predetermined information (FIGS. 21 and 22; operation instruction including prohibition request present) is transmitted from the gaming device; ,
And a point-inhibiting game prohibiting unit (FIG. 20) that places the game in a prohibited state when it is determined by the remaining point determining unit that there is no remaining point necessary for setting the bet amount.

  According to such a configuration, as a method of prohibiting the game in the point-type slot machine, when the number of points in the slot machine decreases, the slot machine side can determine that fact and enter the game prohibition state. Because the game is prohibited because the predetermined information is transmitted from the gaming device, it is possible to respond to a command from the gaming device, and depending on the cause of the necessity to enter the gaming prohibited state. Thus, both the case where the slot machine itself makes the game prohibited state and the case where the slot machine makes the game prohibited state according to a command from the gaming device can be dealt with.

(4-2) A game device for storing and updating the score can be connected to the connection portion separately from the score storage means (see FIGS. 3 and 5).
Specific means (game control microcomputer, score control microcomputer, addition number counter, subtraction number counter) for specifying the amount of change in points according to the setting of bets and the occurrence of winnings,
It further includes information transmission means (point control board 117) for transmitting update information (operation response including an addition number and a subtraction number) that can specify the amount of change to the gaming device.

  According to such a configuration, since it becomes possible to perform the point management on the gaming device side, it is not necessary to provide the point management function on the slot machine side, and accordingly, the cost of the slot machine is suppressed as much as possible. be able to.

  In particular, slot machines tend to have a shorter replacement cycle in a game arcade than gaming devices in order to be able to provide more highly-oriented games quickly. For this reason, there is an advantage that the running cost of the game hall where the slot machine is introduced can be reduced by providing the point management function not on the slot machine side but on the gaming device side to reduce the cost of the slot machine. is there.

  In addition, because the point management is performed on the gaming device side, when the method of controlling to the gaming prohibited state by waiting for a command from the gaming device side when the number of points is reduced, the points in the slot machine It is possible to know that the number of points has been reduced in the gaming device until the reduced state is transmitted to the gaming device, and there is a possibility that the timing for controlling the gaming prohibited state will be delayed by the time lag between them. When the number of points in the slot machine decreases, the slot machine side determines that fact and puts the game in a prohibited state, so that the inconvenience due to the time lag described above can be prevented. In addition, since the game is prohibited even when the predetermined information is transmitted from the gaming device, it is possible to respond to a command from the gaming device.

  (4-3) The information transmitting means can identify the amount of change identified by the identifying means between the time when the update information is transmitted and the time when the game is prohibited by the point-corresponding game prohibiting means. The update information is transmitted to the gaming device (FIG. 20; the first action response of “the number of points = 3, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 3” is transmitted, and then the number of bets is given by 3BETs. An operation response of “the number of holding points = 0, the number of additions = 0, the number of subtractions = 3”, which is the amount of change that has occurred until the operation is disabled, is further transmitted).

  According to such a configuration, the amount of change in holding points from the time when the update information is transmitted until the game prohibition state can be grasped on the gaming device side, and the final amount after the game prohibition state is reached. The points can be managed on the gaming device side.

(4-4) a front member (front door 2b) covering the front surface of the slot machine so as to be openable and closable;
Lock means for locking the front member in a closed state (front door opening solenoid 110, engagement protrusions 6a and 6b, engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b),
The predetermined information is information (FIG. 9; game prohibition request with operation request Bit3 = 1, FIG. 22; prohibition request present) transmitted when instructing the lock means to release the lock.

  According to such a configuration, when the front member is unlocked and released, the game can be prohibited in response to a command from the gaming device.

  (4-5) The predetermined information is information transmitted when a game end request is made to the gaming device (FIG. 9: operation prohibition request with operation request Bit3 = 1, FIG. 21: operation instruction including prohibition request present) ).

  According to such a configuration, when a signal requesting the end of the game is input, the game can be prohibited in response to a command from the gaming device.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  2 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reel, 3 card unit, 2a body frame, 2b front door, 110 front door opening solenoid, 112 front door closing detector, 116 game control board, 117 holding point control board, 220 connector, 309 card insertion slot, 312 display, 319 replay button, 321 lending button, 322 return button, 323 control unit, 324 external communication unit, 325 gaming machine communication unit, 327 card reader / writer, 330 connector.

Claims (1)

It is equipped with a connection unit for communicably connecting to a gaming device that adds points using the game value owned by the player, and a variable display device that variably displays multiple types of symbols. 1 game can be started, and the display result is derived to the variable display device to end one game, and points are added according to the winnings generated by the display result of the variable display device. A slot machine,
A score storage means for storing the score;
A remaining score determination unit that determines whether or not there is a remaining score necessary for setting the bet number based on the score stored in the score storage unit;
Including a game prohibition means for entering a game prohibition state in which a new game cannot be started,
The game prohibition means is:
Predetermined information corresponding game prohibition means for setting the game prohibited state when predetermined information is transmitted from the gaming device;
A slot machine comprising: a point prohibiting game prohibiting unit that puts the game in a prohibited state when it is determined by the remaining score remaining determining unit that there is no remaining score necessary for setting the bet amount.

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