JP2012148154A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can be connected to a ball dispenser without increasing device cost.SOLUTION: In a slot machine 10, when a ball lending button signal SG1 is input in a case where a game is in a not executing state (during reels stopping and after paying out a winning bonus), not in max bet, and a storage number of credit tokens is "45" or lower in a "credit mode", a ball lending switch signal TDS is input from the slot machine 10 to a card unit 230 via a card unit connection terminal plate 250. When the card unit 230 side is in a condition capable of dealing with pay-out of lending balls, a card unit ready signal BRDY and a ball lending request acknowledgment signal BRQ are input from the card unit 230 to the slot machine 10 and the prescribed number of credit tokens are paid out at the slot machine 10.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

  As a type of gaming machine, a display device that displays a combination of stop symbols after variably displaying a symbol row formed by attaching a plurality of symbols (a type of identification information) to a rotating drum (annular reel) at predetermined intervals Known slot machines are known. In the slot machine, a plurality of symbols are given to the outer peripheral portion of each reel, and a part of the symbols given to each reel is visible through the display window. Each reel starts rotating when a player inserts a medal and operates the start lever. After each reel starts rotating, each reel is operated by operating a stop switch or elapse of a predetermined time. Stop sequentially. Inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that the medal is inserted and the start lever is operated, and the result of the lottery is winning and the symbol that the player has won on the preset active line is stopped. As a condition, a predetermined number of medals are paid out or a special game (special game state) advantageous to the player is given.

In this way, in the slot machine, unlike pachinko machines in which game balls can be constantly fired even during symbol variation display or prize ball movement, games are executed in sequence, so reel rotation control and medal The payout control is not executed at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which these are controlled by one MPU, thereby reducing the device cost (a liquid crystal display device provided separately from the reel is controlled by an MPU provided separately). )
In recent years, a medal lending machine for lending medal, which is a game medium, is electrically connected to the slot machine and provided adjacent to the slot machine, and the player leaves the seat by operating the medal lending machine. Slot machines that can receive medal rentals are being developed. The medal lending machine (card unit) is configured such that a prepaid card (magnetic card), a prepaid coin, or the like can be inserted, and a medal lending unit (for example, 5 or The medals are lent out according to 25 units. Therefore, according to the medal lending machine, there is an advantage that the amount of money used for the game by the player can be clearly managed by managing the sales situation of the prepaid card or the prepaid coin. Specifically, when a lending button connected to a medal lending machine is operated by a player, the operation signal is output from the medal lending machine to the slot machine, and the slot machine that inputs the signal receives the medal lending. This is done by operating the dispensing device (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2003-225351 A JP 2002-224417 A

  As described above, when the lending button is operated and the operation signal is output from the medal lending machine to the slot machine, the slot machine pays out the medals (lending). However, if such a payout is performed during the execution of a game in the slot machine, the reel rotation control and the medal payout control are executed at the same time. As a result, both controls are not executed normally, and the stepping that rotates the reel is performed. There is a problem that the motor steps out and the symbol display position is shifted, or the medal payout device does not operate well and the medal cannot be paid out.

  Such a problem can be solved by separately providing a control device (for example, MPU) that specially performs payout control, such as a pachinko machine, so that the MPU of the main control device does not participate in payout control. New problems such as increased costs arise. In the case of a pachinko machine, the game ball can be constantly fired by the player even during the symbol variation display or prize ball movement, so lottery control such as jackpots, symbol variation display control, The payout control must be configured to be executable at any time, regardless of whether other controls are being executed. For this reason, separate MPUs are provided for lottery control such as jackpots, symbol variation display control, and prize ball payout control, and these controls are shared by these MPUs. However, as described above, in the case of a slot machine, each control is executed in sequence, so that the reel rotation control and the medal payout control are not executed simultaneously. Therefore, in the slot machine, it is not preferable to perform reel rotation control and medal payout control by separate MPUs because the apparatus cost increases only for medal lending control.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can be connected to a lending device without increasing the device cost.

In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 has a payout means for actually or virtually paying out the game medium to the player and requests the game machine to lend the game medium. When the lending request from the lending device is input, the payout means is operated to pay out the game media actually or virtually, thereby lending the game media to the player. A lending instruction means that is operated to instruct lending of game media, a lending instruction output means that outputs a lending instruction for gaming media to the lending device when a lending instruction is input from the lending instruction means, and once Used number storage means for storing the number of game media used by the player for the game of the game, and the lending instruction output means according to the number of game media stored in the used number storage means And an instruction output non-execution means for a non-execution of the output of that there was a lending indication of game media to the renting machine from.
According to the gaming machine of the first aspect, when the lending instruction means is operated by the player and the lending instruction is input, the lending instruction output means outputs the lending instruction for the game medium to the lending device. . The lending device outputs a game medium lending request to the gaming machine if it is possible to lend the game medium when it is input that there is a game medium lending instruction. When the gaming machine inputs a lending request from the lending device, the game medium is actually or virtually paid out by operating the paying means, whereby the game medium is lent to the player. Here, according to the number of game media stored in the used number storage means, an output indicating that there is a game media lending instruction from the lending instruction output means to the lending device is not executed by the instruction output non-execution means. Is done. That is, when a player uses a certain number of game media for one game, the rental of the game media is suspended (non-executed) until that game ends.

  According to the gaming machine of claim 1, when a player uses a certain number of game media for one game, the rental of the game media is suspended (non-executed) until the game of that time is completed. Is done. Since each game is performed after the player has used (injected) the game media, if a certain number of game media has already been used, it is necessary to lend the game media in that game Absent. Therefore, by making the rental of gaming media non-executable under such conditions, it is possible to execute the gaming media rental control while avoiding the timing when the control of gaming machines is executed in a concentrated manner. Therefore, there is an effect that each control of the gaming machine can be normally executed without separately providing a control device for paying out (renting out) the game media. That is, there is an effect that a gaming machine connected to the lending device can be realized without increasing the device cost of the gaming machine.

It is a front view of the slot machine and card unit in one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine with the front door opened with the card unit of FIG. 1 as it is. FIG. 2 is a front view of the housing with the card unit of FIG. 1 as it is, with the front door of the slot machine removed. It is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a balance indicator, a card unit, a card unit connection terminal board, and a connection state between these devices and a slot machine. 10 is a flowchart showing NMI interrupt processing executed in the main controller of the slot machine. 4 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed in the main controller of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of a power failure performed in the main control apparatus of a slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main process performed in the main control apparatus of a slot machine. 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing executed in the main processing of FIG. 9. 11 is a flowchart showing a medal lending process executed in the normal process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process performed in the normal process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the ball lending LED signal switching process performed in a card unit. It is a block circuit diagram which shows the electric constitution of the slot machine in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the start lever operation detection process performed in the timer interruption process of FIG. 7 in 2nd Embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a rotating type gaming machine that is a kind of gaming machine, specifically, a slot machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10 and the card unit 230, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 opened without changing the card unit 230, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the housing 11 with the front door 12 of the slot machine 10 removed. In the present embodiment, the slot machine 10 is used by being connected to the card unit 230, and is within the range of the balance amount (value) stored in the magnetic card (rental medium) inserted in the card unit 230. Therefore, medals (rented balls) are paid out as game media. In the present embodiment, the rented ball is configured to be virtually paid out by a virtual medal (credit medal).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11 that forms an outer shell thereof. 2 and 3, the housing 11 includes a top plate 11a, a bottom plate 11b, a back plate 11c, a left plate 11d, and a right plate 11e formed in a wooden plate shape, and adjacent plates 11a to 11e. Is fixed by fixing means such as adhesion, so that it is formed in a box shape with the front surface opened as a whole. In addition, each board 11a-11e may be comprised with a synthetic resin panel or a metal panel other than being comprised with a wooden panel, or it is comprised by forming in the box shape integral with a synthetic resin material or a metal material. May be. The casing 11 configured as described above is attached by, for example, driving nails against a so-called island facility at the time of installation in the game hall.

  A front door 12 as a front open / close door is attached to the front side of the housing 11 so as to be openable and closable. That is, the left side plate 11d of the housing 11 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 25a and 25b as shown in FIG. Each of the support shafts 25a and 25b includes a tapered shaft portion that protrudes upward. On the other hand, the front door 12 is provided with support fittings 26a and 26b having insertion holes into which the shaft portions of the support shafts 25a and 25b are inserted corresponding to the support shafts 25a and 25b. Then, by placing the support brackets above the respective support shafts 25a and 25b and lowering the front door 12, the shaft portions of the support shafts 25a and 25b are inserted into the insertion holes of the support fittings 26a and 26b. Become. Thereby, the front door 12 is supported so as to be rotatable about an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction connecting the both support shafts 25a and 25b with respect to the housing 11, and the front opening side of the housing 11 is opened by the rotation. It can be closed or closed.

  The front door 12 is brought into a locked state that cannot be opened by a locking device provided on the rear surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a key cylinder 20 serving as an unlocking operation unit is provided at the upper right side of the front door 12. The key cylinder 20 is integrated with a locking device, and is configured such that the locked state is released by a predetermined key operation on the key cylinder 20. Therefore, an outline of the lock mechanism including the locking device will be described.

  On the right end side of the front door 12, that is, on the opposite side of the opening / closing axis of the front door 12, a locking device is provided on the back surface. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the locking device includes a base frame that extends in the vertical direction and is fixed to the front door 12, and a key cylinder 20 that extends from the top of the base frame to the front of the front door 12. And a long interlocking rod 21 assembled so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the base frame. And only the key cylinder 20 is provided in the state which protruded ahead of the front door 12 among the locking devices. The position where the key cylinder 20 is provided is the thin upper portion of the front door 12, and as a result, a versatile key cylinder 20 having a short overall length can be employed. In the present embodiment, Omlock (trade name) having a high function of preventing unauthorized unlocking is used as the key cylinder 20.

  The interlocking rod 21 moves downward by operating the key inserted into the key cylinder 20 clockwise. The interlocking saddle 21 is provided with a pair of upper and lower saddle fittings 22 having a bowl shape. When the front door 12 is closed with respect to the casing 11, the saddle fitting 22 is supported on the casing 11 side. (See FIG. 3) and locked. In addition, the urging member 22 is provided with an urging member such as a coil spring for urging to the side maintaining the locked state. When the key is operated clockwise with respect to the key cylinder 20, the interlocking rod 21 moves downward, and the rod bracket 22 moves against the biasing force of the biasing member, thereby supporting the rod bracket 22. The locked state with the metal fitting 23 is released, and the locked state of the front door 12 with respect to the housing 11 is released.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming panel 30 for notifying the player of the gaming state is provided on the upper side of the central portion of the front door 12. In the game panel 30, three vertically long display windows 31L, 31M, 31R are formed side by side. The display windows 31L, 31M, 31R are made of a transparent or translucent material, and the inside of the slot machine 10 is visible through the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R. The display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R may be combined into a single display window.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the housing 11 is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition plate 40, and a reel unit 41 constituting a display device is attached to the upper part of the partition plate 40. The reel unit 41 includes a left reel 42L, a middle reel 42M, and a right reel 42R each formed in a cylindrical shape (annular shape). The reels 42L, 42M, and 42R may be configured as at least an endless belt, and are not limited to a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Moreover, you may comprise as a rotating drum, such as a belt and a drum.

  Each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is rotatably supported so that the central axis thereof is the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are arranged on the same axis extending in the substantially horizontal direction, and the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R correspond to the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R on a one-to-one basis. . Accordingly, a part of the surface of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is visible through the corresponding display windows 31L, 31M, 31R. Further, when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are rotated forward, the surfaces of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are projected as if moving from top to bottom through the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R.

  Each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is connected to a stepping motor 61 (61L, 61M, and 61R (see FIG. 4)), and the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are driven by the stepping motors 61L, 61M, and 61R. 42R is configured to be able to rotate individually, that is, independently of each other.

  For example, the stepping motor 61 is set to rotate once by giving a drive signal of 504 pulses (also referred to as an excitation signal or an excitation pulse; hereinafter the same). The rotational position of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is controlled.

  On each belt of each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, a plurality of, specifically, 21 symbols are drawn in the long side direction (circumferential direction). Therefore, 24 pulses (= 504 pulses ÷ 21 symbols) are required to switch from one symbol to the next symbol at a predetermined position. Then, based on the number of pulses from when a detection signal of a reel index sensor 55 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, is output, it is possible to recognize which symbols are visible from the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R. In addition, it is possible to control to make an arbitrary symbol visible from the exposure windows 31L, 31M, and 31R.

  Of the symbols attached to the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, the number of symbols that can be visually recognized through the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R is mainly determined by the vertical lengths of the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. Is limited to a predetermined number. In this embodiment, three reels are provided. For this reason, when all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols are visible to the player.

  Each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R of the reel unit 41 is an example of a display device that variably displays identification information, and the display device may have a configuration other than this. For example, other mechanical reel configurations such as a type in which the belt is rotated instead of rotating may be used, and instead of or in addition to the mechanical reel configuration, a liquid crystal display or a dot matrix display It is also possible to provide a display that displays the identification information in a variable manner by electrical display such as, and in this case, it is possible to provide a variety of display forms.

  A total of five combination lines are attached to the game panel 30 such that three display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R are connected to each other and three in parallel in the horizontal direction and two in diagonal directions. Of course, the maximum number of combined lines may be 6 or more, or less than 5, and the maximum number of combined lines may be changed according to a predetermined condition. Corresponding to these combination lines, effective line display sections 32, 33, and 34 are provided on the left side when viewed from the front of the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. The first effective line display unit 32 is notified by lighting or the like when the central horizontal line (center line) of the combination lines is activated. When the upper and lower horizontal lines (upper line and lower line) of the combination lines are activated, the second effective line display unit 33 is displayed and notified by lighting or the like. The third effective line display unit 34 is notified by lighting or the like when a pair of diagonal lines (downward right line and upward right line) of the combination lines is activated. A winning is awarded when the symbols are stopped in a predetermined combination on the activated combination line, that is, on the activated line, and a predetermined medal payout process, a transition process to a specific game, and the like are executed.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of combinations having different game values are prepared depending on the combination of symbols. Specifically, a bonus combination that is a combination of symbols set as a bonus symbol on the active line, a small role that is a combination of symbols set as a bonus symbol on the effective line, and a replay symbol set For example, a replay combination that is a combination of symbols on an effective line. When a bonus combination is won (when bonus symbols are aligned on the active line), 15 medals are paid out. When winning a small role (when the small role symbols are aligned on the active line), 2 to 8 medals are paid out according to the type of the small role symbol. When winning the replay role (when the replay symbols are aligned on the active line), the player is given the right to play again without betting (inserting medals necessary to start the game). If you do not win a bonus combination, small combination, or replay combination (if the same pattern as left / middle / right is not aligned on the active line), you will lose and in this case no medals will be paid out.

  On the lower left side of the game panel 30, as shown in FIG. 1, a start lever 71 is provided that is operated to start rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R all at once (not necessarily simultaneously). . The start lever 71 constitutes start operation means for starting the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, that is, for starting operation to start the symbol variation display. The start lever 71 is a lever that is pushed by a hand when the player starts a game (game), and automatically returns to the original position after the hand is released by a built-in spring. When the start lever 71 is operated while a medal is inserted, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R start to rotate simultaneously or at some time interval.

  On the right side of the start lever 71, as shown in FIG. 1, button-like stop switches 72, 73, 74 operated to individually stop the rotating reels 42L, 42M, 42R are provided. Yes. Each of the stop switches 72, 73, 74 is arranged directly below the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R corresponding to the reels 42L, 42M, 42R to be stopped. The stop switches 72, 73, and 74 constitute stop operation means that are operated to stop the change display based on the rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. Each of the stop switches 72, 73, 74 can be stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the left reel 42L starts rotating, and is stopped by lighting a lamp (not shown) during such a state. It is notified that the operation is possible, and is turned off when the rotation stops.

  A balance indicator 190 is provided on the right side of the stop switch 74. The balance indicator 190 is a device that performs processing related to rented balls (lending medals) lent out from the card unit 230, and is connected to both the slot machine 10 and the card unit 230 via a card unit connection terminal plate 250 described later. ing. The balance display 190 includes a frequency display LED 205, a return button 200, a ball lending button 210, and a ball lending LED 220.

  The frequency display LED 205 includes three 7-segment LEDs that display the balance amount of a magnetic card read by a card unit 230 described later. In the present embodiment, since ball lending (lending medal) is executed in units of 100 yen, the frequency display LED 205 displays the balance amount in hundreds or more. In the front view of FIG. 1, the rightmost 7-segment LED displays the value of the hundreds of the balance amount, the middle 7-segment LED displays the value of the thousands, and the leftmost 7-segment LED displays Is displayed in the tens place. In the present embodiment, the frequency display LED 205 displays the amount of money, but instead of the amount of money, the number of remaining degrees and the number of remaining balls (number of remaining medals) corresponding to the balance amount may be displayed. good.

  A return button 200 for taking out the magnetic card from the card unit 230 is disposed on the right side of the frequency display LED 205. The return button 200 is formed so as to be capable of being pressed to the back of the slot machine 10 (to the back of the paper surface in FIG. 1), and is normally urged to the front side of the slot machine 10 by a built-in spring. The return button 200 incorporates a push button type switch that is turned on when the return button 200 is pressed and turned off when released from the pressed stress. When the return button 200 is pressed (switched on), a return switch signal RES (see FIG. 5) is output from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230 regardless of the game execution state, and the card is returned to the card unit 230. Is required. As a result, the magnetic card being inserted into the card unit 230 is forcibly ejected from the card insertion slot 224 by an actuator (not shown). In this embodiment, the return switch signal RES is output from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230 via the card unit connection terminal plate 250. However, the slot machine 10 does not pass through the card unit connection terminal plate 250. To the card unit 230.

  On the other hand, on the left side of the balance indicator 190, a ball lending button 210 for requesting the lending of a ball (ball lending) is arranged. The ball lending button 210 is formed so as to be able to be pressed to the back of the slot machine 10 (to the back side of the paper in FIG. 1), and is normally urged to the front side of the slot machine 10 by a built-in spring. The ball lending button 210 is turned on when the ball lending button 210 is pressed (ball lending button signal SG1 is on (see FIG. 5)), and is off when released from the pressed stress (ball lending button signal SG1 is off). Built-in push button type switch.

  Ball lending can be executed when both the slot machine 10 and the card unit 230 are in a lendable state. In the slot machine 10, a ball lending state (second state) is set when all of the following three conditions are satisfied. The first condition is all when the game is not in the execution state in the slot machine 10 (when the game is in the non-execution state), that is, when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are not waiting for rotation after the start lever 71 is operated. In this case, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped and no medals are paid out, or even if medals are paid out.

  Note that when the start lever 71 is operated with the bet placed on the medal, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R start rotating, but the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R do not immediately start rotating due to the operation of the start lever 71, It will be in the state of waiting for rotation. In such a case, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped and no medals are paid out, but the game is recognized as being executed. If the medal is not betted, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R will not rotate even if the start lever 71 is operated, so that the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are waiting for rotation after the start lever 71 is operated. Don't be.

  The second condition is that the medal is not max bet. The maximum number of medals required to start a game is three. When three medals are betted to start a game, a maximum bet is obtained. In other words, if the number of bet medals is two or less, the second condition is satisfied.

  The third condition is the “credit mode”, and even if the payout of credit medals (lending) is executed by ball lending, the number of stored credit medals does not exceed “50”. The number is “45” or less. When these three conditions are satisfied, the ball lending is executed when the ball lending button 210 is pressed (see S512 in FIG. 10).

  In addition, a ball lending LED 220 that displays whether or not ball lending is possible is disposed above the left side of the ball lending button 210. The ball lending LED 220 is configured to be turned on when the ball lending is possible, and is turned off when the ball lending is impossible. In the present embodiment, the above three conditions are satisfied in the slot machine 10 (all games are in the non-execution state (except when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are in a standby state after the start lever 71 is operated). The reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are in a stopped state and no medals have been paid out or have been completed), and the number of bets placed on the reels is two or less and the credit medals in the “credit mode”. And the number of storages of “45” or less) and a magnetic card is inserted in the card unit 230 (the magnetic card has a balance amount that can be used for paying out (settlement) a rental ball) The ball lending LED 220 is turned on (see FIGS. 10 and 13).

  On the lower right side of the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R, as shown in FIG. 1, there is provided a medal slot 75 for inserting medals as game media for playing games. The medal slot 75 constitutes a receiving port that can receive game media. Further, if attention is paid to the point that the medal insertion slot 75 involves an operation of directly inserting medals by the player, it can be said that the medal insertion slot 75 constitutes a direct input means for directly inputting game media.

  As shown in FIG. 2, medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 75 are guided to either the storage passage 81 or the discharge passage 82 by a selector 83 provided on the back surface of the front door 12. Inside the selector 83, a guide passage is formed for guiding medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 75 to the storage passage 81 so that the medals can pass in one row. Further, a medal passage switching member 84 (see FIG. 4) is provided so that the medal passage direction is switched between the discharge passage 82 side and the storage passage 81 side according to the state of the medal passage switching member 84. It has become.

  The medal passage switching member 84 includes a passage switching piece that is provided upstream of the guide passage and can be moved in and out of the guide passage, and a selector solenoid for operating the passage switching piece. When the selector solenoid is not energized, the passage switching piece protrudes into the guide passage, and the flow of medals to the storage passage 81 is obstructed. Thereby, the medal falls downward from the middle of the guide passage and is guided to the discharge passage 82. The medal guided to the discharge passage 82 is guided to the medal tray 18 from the medal discharge port 17 provided in the lower front portion of the front door 12 and returned to the player. Further, when the selector solenoid is excited, the passage switching piece is submerged outside the guide passage. Thereby, the medal flows along the guide passage and is guided to the storage passage 81. The medal guided to the storage passage 81 is guided to the hopper device 91 housed in the housing 11.

  A first inserted medal detection sensor 86 (see FIG. 4) and a second inserted medal detection sensor 87 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the passage of medals are located upstream of the guide passage on the downstream side of the passage switching piece in the guide passage. They are arranged in close proximity so as to be arranged in the downstream (the proximity state is such that a state where the same medal is simultaneously detected at least at one time is generated). When the selector solenoid of the medal path switching member 84 is not energized, the medal falls downward from the middle of the guide path, so that the inserted medal detection sensors 86 and 87 do not detect the passing of the medal. On the other hand, when the selector solenoid of the medal path switching member 84 is excited, the inserted medal detection sensors 86 and 87 sequentially detect the passage of medals.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the hopper device 91 as a payout means for actually giving a medal to the player is constituted by a storage tank 92 for storing the medal and a payout device 93 for paying out the medal to the player. . The payout device 93 rotates a medal payout rotating plate (not shown) to discharge the medal to the opening 94 provided in the central right part of the discharge passage 82 and to the medal tray 18 through the discharge passage 82. To come out. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a reserve tank 95 is provided on the right side of the hopper device 91 in order to avoid storing a predetermined amount or more of medals in the storage tank 92. A guide plate 96 for discharging medals from the storage tank 92 to the reserve tank 95 is provided inside the storage tank 92 of the hopper device 91. Therefore, when medals are stored more than the height at which the guide plate 96 is provided, the medals are stored in the reserve tank 95.

  A button-like return switch 76 is provided below the medal slot 75 as shown in FIG. The return switch 76 is a switch that is pressed when a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 75 is jammed in the selector 83. When the return switch 76 is pressed, the selector 83 is mechanically operated, The medals jammed in the selector 83 are returned from the medal discharge port 17.

  On the lower left side of the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R, as shown in FIG. 1, a button-like first credit insertion switch 77 for inserting three virtual medals (credit medals) credited as game media at a time. Is provided. Further, on the left side of the first credit insertion switch 77, a second credit insertion switch 78 and a third credit insertion switch 79 formed in a button shape smaller than the switch 77 are provided. The second credit insertion switch 78 is for inserting two credited virtual medals (credit medals) at a time, and the third credit insertion switch 79 is for inserting one virtual medal.

  Each of the credit insertion switches 77 to 79, together with the medal insertion slot 75, constitutes an input means for inputting a game medium. Further, if the medal insertion slot 75 is accompanied by an operation of directly inserting a medal by the player, each credit insertion switch 77 to 79 is only accompanied by an operation of inserting a virtual medal based on the storage memory. It can also be said that it constitutes an indirect input means for indirectly inputting the investment value.

  The first credit insertion switch 77 has a built-in lamp as a light emitting member (not shown) to urge that the maximum number of medals that can be inserted per game (three) has not been reached. The lamp is lit when the switch operation of the first credit insertion switch 77 is valid and prompts the operation of the switch 77. However, when there is no credited virtual medal (credit medal) or there are already three It is turned off when a medal is inserted. Here, instead of the above-described lighting, the player may make it easier to understand the prompt for medal insertion by blinking.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a button-shaped changeover switch 80 is provided on the left side of the start lever 71. The change-over switch 80 is configured to be a toggle type that is turned on when pressed once, turned off when pressed again, and turned on / off every time the pressing operation is performed. The changeover switch 80 is operated to change the handling format of inserted medals inserted into the medal slot 75 more than necessary, or acquired medals returned to the player as a result of a predetermined game.

  When the change-over switch 80 is in the ON state, the “credit mode” is set so that surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (for example, 50 medals) and winning medals are stored and stored as credit medals. " When the changeover switch 80 is in the OFF state, the “direct mode” is set so that surplus inserted medals and winning medals are paid out as actual medals. If there is a credit medal when the credit mode is switched to the direct mode, the corresponding credit medal is paid out as an actual medal. Thus, the player can execute the game in a format according to his / her preference by switching between the credit mode and the direct mode. The changeover switch 80 constitutes a changeover operation means for changing over the input value and game value handling formats. Further, if paying attention to the function of paying out a credited virtual medal as an actual medal, it can be said that the changeover switch 80 constitutes a settlement operation means for actually paying out the stored game value. In addition to being configured to switch between the “credit mode” and the “direct mode” by operating the changeover switch 80, the virtual medal stored and stored is paid out when the changeover switch 80 is operated by always setting the “credit mode”. It may be made to function as only a settlement switch.

  The credit mode switching process for switching between the “credit mode” and the “direct mode” based on the on / off state of the changeover switch 80 is performed under the control of the main controller 131. Here, the credit mode switching process is performed only during a period during which the insertion of medals is permitted (for example, when waiting for a start operation for the start lever 71), and during a period during which the insertion of medals is prohibited (for example, The credit mode switching process is not executed after the start operation on the start lever 71 or the like. When the slot machine 10 waits for the operation of the reset switch 123, the control of all the actuators is stopped and the insertion of medals is prohibited. Therefore, the credited medals are not paid out and the illegal act is executed. If detected, further damage is prevented by paying out medals. The details of the process of switching between the “credit mode” and the “direct mode” are known techniques, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Below the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R of the game panel 30, a remaining number display unit 35 that displays the number of medals that are activated and stored in the credit mode, and a special game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus are displayed. At this time, for example, a game number display unit 36 for displaying the number of remaining games and an acquired number display unit 37 for displaying the number of acquired medals are provided. Although these display parts 35-37 are comprised by the 7 segment display, it is naturally possible to substitute by a liquid crystal display etc. FIG. In this embodiment, since the rented ball is paid out by a credit medal, which is a virtual medal, when the lent ball is executed, the value displayed on the remaining number display unit 35 is the rented lent ball value. It is updated according to the number.

  Here, a procedure for betting medals will be described. In both the direct mode and the credit mode, a bet is placed when a medal is inserted from the medal slot 75 at the start of the game.

  That is, when the first medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 75, the first effective line display section 32 is turned on, and the corresponding center line becomes the effective line, and the second medal is the medal insertion slot. When the number 75 is inserted, the second effective line display section 33 is turned on, and a total of three combination lines including an upper line and a lower line corresponding to the second effective line display section 33 become effective lines, respectively, and the third medal is a medal. When it is inserted into the insertion port 75, the third effective line display unit 34 is further turned on, and a total of five combination lines including a pair of diagonal lines corresponding thereto become effective lines.

  If four or more medals are inserted into the medal slot 75, the surplus medals exceeding three are switched to the discharge passage 82 by the selector 83 if the current mode is the direct mode. It is returned from the outlet 17 to the medal tray 18. On the other hand, in the credit mode, the number is stored in the slot machine and the remaining number is displayed on the remaining number display unit 35. An upper limit is set for the number of credit medals stored (for example, 50), and when more medals are inserted, they are returned to the medal tray 18 from the medal outlet 17.

  Further, when a game is performed in the credit mode and the number of credit medals stored is displayed on the remaining number display unit 35, when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79 is pressed. In addition, a virtual medal is inserted and a bet is placed.

  When the third credit insertion switch 79 is pressed, the numerical value displayed on the remaining number display section 35 is decremented by one as a virtual medal is inserted, and the first effective line display section 32 is displayed. Illuminates and the center line becomes the active line. When the second credit insertion switch 78 is pressed, two numerical values displayed on the remaining number display unit 35 are decremented as two virtual medals are inserted, and the first valid line display unit 32 and The second effective line display section 33 is lit and a total of three combination lines become effective lines. When the first credit insertion switch 77 is pressed, three numerical values displayed on the remaining number display unit 35 are decremented as three virtual medals are inserted, and all the effective line display units 32 to 32 are decremented. 34 lights up and a total of five combination lines become effective lines.

  In addition, when the virtual medal to be inserted when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79 is pressed is not stored, for example, when the display of the remaining number display unit 35 is 2, the first For example, when the credit insertion switch 77 is pressed, all the values in the remaining number display section 35 are decremented to 0, and a bet is made for the virtual medals that can be inserted.

  On the upper part of the front door 12, there are an upper lamp 13 that lights up or flashes as the game progresses, and a pair of left and right sounds that make various sound effects as the game progresses and inform the player of the game state Speaker 14 and an auxiliary display unit 15 for giving various information to the player. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary display unit 15 is configured by a liquid crystal display for the purpose of diversifying display contents and increasing the display effect. However, other displays such as a dot matrix display may be used. Good. The auxiliary display unit 15 is for executing various display effects as the game progresses, and it can be considered that the game by the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is caused by the main display unit. This is referred to as an auxiliary display unit 15. On the back surface of the auxiliary display unit 15, an upper lamp 13, a speaker 14, and a display control device 111 for driving the auxiliary display unit 15 are provided. The shapes, positions, numbers, etc. of the upper lamp 13 and the speakers 14 are not limited to those described above.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a lower plate 16 on which a model name, a character related to a game, and the like are displayed is mounted above the medal tray 18. In addition, an ashtray 19 that can be reversed to the lower side on the front side is provided on the left side of the medal tray 18.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a power supply box 121 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 91 inside the housing 11. The power supply box 121 includes a power switch 122, a reset switch 123, a setting key insertion hole 124, and the like. The power switch 122 is a start switch for supplying power to each unit including the main controller 131.

  The reset switch 123 is a switch for resetting various states of the slot machine 10. This slot machine 10 has a backup function for various data, and even if a power failure occurs, it retains the state at the time of the power failure and returns to the state at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from power failure (power recovery). It can be done. Therefore, for example, when the power supply is shut down by a normal procedure, such as when the game hall is closed, the state before the power shut-off is stored, but if the power switch 122 is turned on while pressing the reset switch 123, the backup data is reset. It has become so. If the reset switch 123 is pressed while the power switch 122 is on, the error state is reset.

  The setting key insertion hole 124 is used by a hole manager or the like to adjust the appearance of medals. That is, when the hall manager or the like inserts a setting key into the setting key insertion hole 124 and operates (rotates), the setting state (winning probability setting process) of the slot machine 10 is changed from “setting 1” to “setting 6” Can be changed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a main controller 131 is attached to the back plate 11 c of the housing 11 above the reel unit 41. The main control device 131 is an MPU that controls the main control, a ROM that stores a game program, a RAM that temporarily stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port that communicates with various devices, time counting and synchronization. A main board including a clock circuit and the like used in the case of planning is provided, and the main board is accommodated in a board box as an encapsulating means made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other so as not to be opened by a sealing unit as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box is sealed. In addition, it is good also as a structure which connects a box base and a box cover so that opening is impossible using a key member.

  Further, a card unit connection terminal plate 250 is attached to the left side plate 11d inside the housing 11. The card unit connection terminal board 250 is a relay board for connecting the slot machine 10, the balance display 190, and the card unit 230 to each other. The card unit connection terminal board 250 is connected to the slot machine 10 by the cable 105 and is connected to the balance indicator 190 by the cable 195 (see FIG. 5). Further, the card unit connection terminal plate 250 is connected to the card unit 230 by a cable 260 (see FIG. 5). By connecting the slot machine 10, the balance indicator 190, and the card unit 230 to each other via the card unit connection terminal plate 250, it is possible to easily connect and separate each independently manufactured device. it can.

  A cable port for leading a cable 260 having one end connected to the connection terminal plate 250 to the outside of the housing 11 at a position below the card unit connection terminal plate 250 and on the left side of the back plate 11c when viewed from the front. 261 is formed through. The other end of the cable 260 led out from the cable port 261 is connected to the card unit 230 on the back side of the card unit 230. Since the card unit 230 is provided on the left side of the slot machine 10, the card unit connection terminal plate 250 is provided on the left side plate 11d, and the cable port 261 is provided on the left side of the back plate 11c as viewed from the front. The cable 260 is easy to handle.

  On the left side of the slot machine 10 configured as described above, a vertically long rectangular card unit 230 is arranged in parallel. The card unit 230 is a device that reads and rewrites the balance amount (magnetic information) recorded on the magnetic card, and pays out (pays out) a ball (lending medal) with the balance amount stored in the magnetic card. )

  A card insertion slot 224 for inserting a magnetic card having a valuable value equivalent to money is disposed at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction of the card unit 230. Above the card insertion slot 224 and above the card unit 230, a card availability lamp 225 made up of LEDs is disposed. For example, the card usable lamp 225 is turned on when a magnetic card can be inserted into the card insertion slot 224, and is turned off when a magnetic card cannot be inserted into the card insertion slot 224.

  A pair of upper and lower connection table direction indicator lamps 226 formed in a substantially triangular shape is disposed at a position above the card unit 230 between the card insertion slot 224 and the card usable lamp 225. The pair of connection table direction indicator lamps 226 is for indicating the arrangement (parallel arrangement) direction of the slot machines 10 to which the card unit 230 is connected. Thus, for example, when the card unit 230 is connected to the slot machine 10 arranged on the right side, the lower LED is turned on, and the slot machine 10 (not shown) in which the card unit 230 is arranged on the left side. When connected to, the upper LED is lit. A card insertion lamp 227 is disposed below the connection table direction indicator lamp 226. This card insertion lamp 227 is turned on when a magnetic card is inserted into the card insertion slot 224, and is turned off when a magnetic card is not inserted into the card insertion slot 224.

  If the player inserts a magnetic card purchased in advance into the card unit 230, the player can receive a ball rental within the range of the balance amount stored in the magnetic card. Therefore, the game can be executed without handling cash during the game, and the inconvenience of handling cash can be eliminated.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. The main controller 131 is equipped with a microcomputer centering on the MPU 151 which is arithmetic processing means. In addition to the power supply device 161 provided in the power supply box 121, the MPU 151 is connected to a clock circuit 154 that outputs a rectangular wave having a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 155, and the like via an internal bus or the like. The main control device 131 functions as a main board built in the slot machine 10.

  On the input side of the main controller 131, there are a start detection sensor 71a for detecting the operation of the start lever 71, stop detection sensors 72a, 73a, 74a for individually detecting the operations of the stop switches 72, 73, 74, and a medal slot. A first inserted medal detection sensor 86 and a second inserted medal detection sensor 87 for detecting medals inserted from 75 (hereinafter, these sensors are collectively referred to as inserted medal detection sensors 86 and 87), and each credit insertion switch. Credit insertion detection sensors 77a, 78a, 79a for individually detecting the operations of 77, 78, 79, a switch detection sensor 80a for detecting the operation of the selector switch 80, and the rotational position (origin position) of each reel 42 are individually detected. Payout for detecting medals paid out from reel index sensor 55 and hopper device 91 Various sensors such as a detection sensor 91a, a reset detection sensor 123a that detects the operation of the reset switch 123, and a setting key detection sensor 124a that detects that the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 124 and the setting key is rotated. The signals from these various sensors are output to the MPU 151 via the input / output port 155.

  Further, a power failure monitoring circuit 161 b provided in the power supply device 161 and a latch circuit 126 are connected to the input side of the main control device 131 via an input / output port 155. The power supply device 161 includes a power supply unit 161 a that supplies driving power to the electronic devices of the slot machine 10 including the main control device 131, the power failure monitoring circuit 161 b described above, and the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 161b may be provided in the main controller 131.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 161b is for monitoring the power-off state and generating a power failure signal not only at the time of power failure but also at the time of power-off by the power switch 122. For this reason, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 12 VDC in this example output from the power supply unit 161a, and determines that the power supply is shut off when the drive voltage drops below, for example, 10 volts. Power outage signal is output. The power failure signal is supplied to each of the MPU 151 and the input / output port 155, and the MPU 151 recognizes this power failure signal and executes a power failure process described later.

  The power supply unit 161a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main controller 131 even when the output voltage is reduced to less than 10 volts. As the time during which the stabilization voltage is output, sufficient time is secured to execute the power failure process by the main controller 131.

  The random number counter update circuit 125 includes a clock having a predetermined frequency and a 16-bit random number counter, and counts up the value of the random number counter by one count at each falling edge of the clock pulse output from the clock, for example. . The random number value of the random number counter is constantly updated in the range of “0 to 65535” by a clock pulse at a high speed that cannot be followed by software control. The updated random number value is always output to the latch circuit 126.

  In addition to the input / output port 155 described above, the latch circuit 126 is connected to the random number counter update circuit 125 and the start lever 71. The latch circuit 126 is composed of a 16-bit storage circuit, and latches a signal (random number value) output from the random number counter update circuit 125 at the timing when the start lever 71 is operated. The random value latched by the latch circuit 126 is output from the latch circuit 126 to the MPU 151.

  Note that the random number counter update circuit 125 and the latch circuit 126 are mounted in the main controller 131. The clock provided in the random number counter updating circuit 125 is one that operates at a frequency asynchronous with the frequency of the rectangular wave output from the clock circuit 154 and cannot obtain an interval of 1.49 msec. It has been. By updating the random number counter at an interval that is asynchronous with the interval of 1.49 msec, which is the operation cycle of the main controller 131, an unauthorized substrate called a “hanging substrate” is transferred to the main controller 131 (MPU 151). Even if they are attached to the slot machine 10 so as to operate synchronously, the value of the random number counter (random number value) cannot be grasped by the “hanging board”.

  On the output side of the main control device 131, each active line display section 32, 33, 34, remaining number display section 35, game number display section 36, acquired number display section 37, and each reel 42L, 42M, 42R are rotated. Stepping motors 61 (61L, 61M, 61R), a medal path switching member 84 provided in the selector 83, a hopper device 91, a display control device 111, an external concentration terminal plate 171 capable of transmitting information to a hall management device (not shown), etc. Are connected via the input / output port 155.

  The display control device 111 is a control device for driving the upper lamp 13, the speaker 14, and the auxiliary display unit 15, and includes a substrate on which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for driving these are mounted. Then, after receiving a signal from the main control device 131, the display control device 111 independently drives and controls the upper lamp 13, the speaker 14, and the auxiliary display unit 15. Therefore, the display control device 111 is a sub-board that performs auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 131 that is a main board that manages and manages games. In other words, a sub-board is provided for voice, lamp, and display related to indirect games, thereby reducing the burden on the main board. In addition, it is good also as a structure which the display control apparatus 111 controls the various display parts 32-37.

  Further, the card unit connection terminal plate 250 is connected to both the input side and the output side of the main controller 131 via the input / output port 155. Since the balance display 190 and the card unit 230 are connected to the card unit connection terminal plate 250, the slot machine 10 can execute information communication with the balance display 190 and the card unit 230. it can.

  The MPU 151 described above stores various control programs executed by the MPU 151 and a ROM 152 storing fixed value data, and temporarily stores various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 152. In addition to the RAM 153 for securing an area, various processing circuits necessary for the slot machine 10 such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit, and the like are built in, as is well known, although not shown. The ROM 152 and the RAM 153 constitute a main memory as storage means, and a program for executing the processes shown in the various flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 12 is stored in the ROM 152 described above as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 153 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 161 provided in the power supply box 121 and data can be retained (backed up) even after the power of the slot machine 10 is shut off. In addition to a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data and the like, a backup area is provided.

  In the backup area, when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the values of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc. when the power is shut down (including power shut down by operating the power switch 122; the same applies hereinafter) When the power failure is resolved (including power-on by operating the power switch 122. The same applies hereinafter), the slot machine 10 is in the state before power-off based on the backup area information. It is possible to return to the state. Writing to the backup area is executed when the power is shut off by the power failure process (see FIG. 8), and the restoration of each value written in the backup area is executed in the main process (see FIG. 9) when the power is turned on. Note that the power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 161b is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 151 when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. NMI interrupt processing (see FIG. 6) as flag generation processing is immediately executed.

  The RAM 153 includes a random number memory 153a, a bet counter 153b, and a credit counter 153c as memories for temporarily storing various data. The success / failure random number memory 153a is a memory for storing a random number value for determining a combination corresponding to the started game. It is determined by the value stored in this success / failure random number memory 153a which winning combination is won or missed. Of the random number values output from the random number counter update circuit 125, the random number value latched in the latch circuit 126 when the start lever 71 is operated in the bet state is written in the random number memory 153a. (See S503 and S515 in FIG. 10). In the lottery process (S505, see FIG. 12), which will be described later, the MPU 151 performs the lottery of the role in light of the random number value stored in the validity random number memory 153a against the random number table selected based on various conditions. It is determined whether or not the winning combination corresponding to the random number value (whether the winning combination is to be won or missed) and, if the winning combination is a winning combination, the type of winning combination to be won.

  The bet counter 153b is a counter that stores the number of medals bet for one game. The value of the bet counter 153b is incremented by one when a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 75 is detected by the inserted medal detection sensors 86 and 87. The value of the bet counter 153b becomes 3 when the first credit insertion switch 77 is pressed and 2 when the second credit insertion switch 78 is pressed when credit medals are stored in the slot machine 10. Further, when the third credit insertion switch 79 is pressed, it becomes 1. In this slot machine 10, the number of medals that can be bet in one game is 1 to 3, so the value of the bet counter 153b takes any value from 0 to 3. That is, the value of the bet counter 153b is 0 when the number of medals bet is 0, and is 3 when 1 is 1, 2 when it is 1, and 3 when it is 3. It should be noted that the value of the bet counter 153b is cleared to 0 after the end of one game and when the re-game combination (replay combination) is not established.

  The credit counter 153c is a counter that stores the number of medals stored in the slot machine 10 (the number of stored credit medals). When the value of the bet counter 153b is 3, which is the maximum, a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 75, and when the medal is detected by the inserted medal detection sensors 86 and 87, the value of the credit counter 153c is One is added. In the slot machine 10, since the maximum number of credit medals stored is 50, the value of the credit counter 153c is one of 0-50. When the ball lending is executed, five balls are paid out with credit medals, so the value of the credit counter 153c is incremented by 5.

  Further, when the changeover switch 80 is switched to the “credit mode”, if medals are paid out by winning a prize, up to a total of 50 medals are stored as credit medals, and the credit counter 153c is stored by the number of stored medals. The value of is added. On the other hand, when one of the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79 is pressed and a credit medal is bet, the value of the credit counter 153c is subtracted by the number of bets.

  FIG. 5 is a block circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the balance indicator 190, the card unit 230, and the card unit connection terminal board 250, and the connection state between these devices 190, 230, 250 and the slot machine 10. First, the electrical configuration of the card unit 230 will be described. The card unit 230 includes a power supply board 236 to which a 24 volt DC voltage (or 24 volt AC voltage) may be supplied from the slot machine 10. The power supply board 236 generates a direct current voltage of 18 volts from the supplied direct current voltage of 24 volts and outputs it to the slot machine 10 via the card unit connection terminal plate 250. The DC voltage of 18 volts output from the card unit 230 is used as a driving voltage for the ball lending LED 220 and the frequency display LED 205 in the slot machine 10 and is a signal for the slot machine 10 to recognize the connection of the card unit 230. ing. Furthermore, the power supply board 236 generates each voltage necessary for the operation of each part of the card unit 230 in addition to the DC voltage of 18 volts, and supplies it to each part of the card unit 230.

  Further, the card unit 230 is equipped with an MPU 231 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The MPU 231 temporarily stores a ROM 232 which is a nonvolatile memory storing various control programs executed by the MPU 231 and fixed value data, and various data when the control program stored in the ROM 232 is executed. In addition, a RAM 233, which is a memory for storing data, and various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated. The program of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is stored in the ROM 232 described above as a part of the control program.

  A bus line 234 including an address bus and a data bus is connected to the MPU 231, and the bus line 234 is connected to the input / output port 235. In addition to the bus line 234, the input / output port 235 is connected to the card unit connection terminal plate 250 at one end of the card usable lamp 225, the connecting table direction indicator lamp 226, the card insertion lamp 227, the card reader / writer 228. The other end of the cable 260 is connected.

  The card reader / writer 228 is a magnetic head having a reader function for reading the balance amount of the magnetic card inserted into the card insertion slot 224 and a writer function for writing the balance amount after use to the magnetic card. It is configured. When the balance amount of the magnetic card is read by the card reader / writer 228, it is determined that the magnetic card is being inserted. When the balance amount newly written to the magnetic card by the card reader / writer 228 becomes “0”, the magnetic card is forcibly ejected from the card insertion slot 224 by an actuator (not shown). .

  The card unit connection terminal board 250 includes a first connector 251 to which the slot machine 10 is connected, a second connector 252 to which the balance indicator 190 is connected, a third connector 253 to which the card unit 230 is connected, and the first connector 251. And an AND circuit AND1 connected to the first to third connectors 251 to 253.

  The first connector 251 is a connector connected to the slot machine 10 via the cable 105, an input terminal to which a DC voltage of 24 volts is input from the slot machine 10 as a terminal connected to the power supply line, and the slot machine 10 And an output terminal for outputting a DC voltage of 18 volts. Further, the first connector 251 is provided with input terminals to which the connection confirmation signal PSI, the gaming machine ready signal PRDY, the ball lending switch signal TDS, the lending completion signal EXS, and the ball lending permission signal SG2 are respectively input. ing. Further, the first connector 251 is provided with output terminals for outputting the card unit ready signal BRDY, the ball lending request completion confirmation signal BRQ, and the ball lending button signal SG1 to the slot machine 10, respectively. The other input / output terminals other than the output terminal for the ball lending button signal SG1 and the input terminal for the ball lending permission signal SG2 of the first connector 251 are connected to corresponding terminals of the third connector 253, respectively.

  The second connector 252 is a connector connected to the balance indicator 190 via the cable 195. The second connector 252 includes an input terminal to which the ball lending button signal SG1 from the ball lending button 210 is input and an input terminal to which the return switch signal RES from the return button 200 is input. The second connector 252 includes an output terminal that outputs a signal for lighting the ball lending LED 220 to the balance indicator 190 and an output terminal that outputs a frequency display signal SG3 to the balance indicator 190.

  The input terminal of the ball lending button signal SG1 of the second connector 252 is connected to the output terminal of the ball lending button signal SG1 of the first connector 251 described above. The input terminal of the return switch signal RES and the output terminal of the frequency display signal SG3 are connected to corresponding terminals of the third connector 253, respectively. The signal output terminals for lighting the ball lending LED 220 are an input terminal for a ball lending permission signal SG2 of the first connector 251 and an input terminal for a ball lending LED signal TDLO of the third connector 253 via an AND circuit AND1 described later. It is connected to the.

  The third connector 253 is a connector connected to the card unit 230 via the cable 260, an output terminal for outputting a DC voltage of 24 volts to the card unit 230 as a terminal connected to the power supply line, and the card unit 230. And an input terminal to which a DC voltage of 18 volts is input. Further, the third connector 253 includes output terminals for outputting the connection confirmation signal PSI, the gaming machine ready signal PRDY, the ball lending switch signal TDS, the lending completion signal EXS, and the return switch signal RES to the card unit 230, respectively. Yes. Further, the third connector 253 has input terminals to which the card unit ready signal BRDY, the ball lending request completion confirmation signal BRQ, the ball lending LED signal TDLO, and the frequency display signal SG3 are respectively input.

  A ball lending LED signal TDLO output from the card unit 230 is input to one input terminal of the AND circuit AND1 via the third connector 253 of the card unit connection terminal board 250. A ball lending permission signal SG2 output from the slot machine 10 is input to the other input end of the AND circuit AND1 via the first connector 251 of the card unit connection terminal board 250. The output terminal of the AND circuit AND1 is connected to the ball lending LED 220 via the second connector 252 of the card unit connection terminal board 250. Therefore, the ball lending LED 220 is lit (turned on) when the ball lending LED signal TDLO is output from the card unit 230 and the ball lending permission signal SG2 is output from the slot machine 10.

  Here, each signal transmitted / received among the slot machine 10, the balance display 190, and the card unit 230 will be described.

  The ball lending button signal SG1 is turned on when the ball lending button 210 of the balance indicator 190 is pressed, that is, when a ball lending (lending medal) is requested by the player, and the card unit connection is made from the balance indicator 190. This signal is output to the slot machine 10 via the terminal board 250.

  The return switch signal RES is turned on when the return button 200 of the balance indicator 190 is pressed, that is, when a return of the magnetic card is requested by the player, and the card unit connection terminal board 250 is sent from the balance indicator 190. This is a signal output to the card unit 230 via. The return switch signal RES is output from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230 when the return button 200 is pressed regardless of the game execution state of the slot machine 10. When receiving the return switch signal RES, the card unit 230 forcibly ejects the magnetic card from the card insertion slot 224 by an actuator (not shown). As a result, the return of the magnetic card is possible at any time, unlike the medal lending.

  The connection confirmation signal PSI is a signal output from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230 via the card unit connection terminal plate 250 in order to make the card unit 230 confirm the connection state of the slot machine 10.

  The gaming machine ready signal PRDY is sent from the slot machine 10 via the card unit connection terminal plate 250 to indicate to the card unit 230 that the slot machine 10 is in a lending state (first state). Is a signal output to This gaming machine ready signal PRDY continues to be turned on when the slot machine 10 is in a lendable state, while it is turned off when an error that makes it impossible to lend the ball to the slot machine 10 occurs. Note that the on / off state of the gaming machine ready signal PRDY is not linked to the on / off state of the ball lending permission signal SG2 described later.

  The ball lending switch signal TDS is generated in the slot machine 10 during the period when the three conditions, which are the requirements for establishing the ball lending state (second state), are satisfied, that is, when the game is in the non-execution state. In addition, during the period in which the number of medals bet is 2 or less and the number of stored credit medals is “45” or less in the “credit mode”, the ball rental button signal SG1 is turned on (input) is recognized. In this case, the signal is output from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230 via the card unit connection terminal board 250, and is a signal for requesting the card unit 230 to execute ball lending (permission of lending of a ball). That is, it is a signal that triggers the execution of ball lending.

  The card unit ready signal BRDY is a signal output from the card unit 230 to the slot machine 10 via the card unit connection terminal plate 250 in order to indicate to the slot machine 10 that the card unit 230 is in a ball lending state. . When the card unit 230 receives the ball lending switch signal TDS, the card unit 230 enters a ball lending state and turns on the card unit ready signal BRDY. When the series of ball lending operations is completed, the card unit ready signal BRDY is turned off. That is, when the card unit ready signal BRDY is on, the ball lending state is indicated, and when it is off, the card unit 230 is in the ball lending standby state.

  The ball lending request completion confirmation signal BRQ is a signal indicating a ball lending execution request and a ball lending execution instruction from the card unit 230 to the slot machine 10, and the slot machine 10 via the card unit connection terminal plate 250 from the card unit 230. Is a signal output to The balance amount stored in the magnetic card inserted in the card unit 230 is subtracted and updated at the timing when the ball rental request completion confirmation signal BRQ is normally turned off.

  The lending completion signal EXS indicates a response to the ball lending execution request of the ball lending request completion confirmation signal BRQ output from the card unit 230 and the ball lending operation performed in response to the ball lending execution instruction of the ball lending request completion confirmation signal BRQ. This signal is output from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230 via the card unit connection terminal plate 250 in order to indicate the end (end of lending ball lending).

  The ball lending permission signal SG2 is a signal output from the slot machine 10 to the AND circuit AND1 of the card unit connection terminal board 250 in order to indicate that the slot machine 10 is in a lendable state. In this case, the “ball lending available state” means that the game is in a non-execution state, the number of bets placed is two or less, and the number of credit medals stored in “credit mode” is “45”. "It means a state (second state) where the following three conditions are satisfied, and is different from the" ball lending state "(first state) which is the output condition of the gaming machine ready signal PRDY.

  In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, when the game is in a non-execution state (all reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped, except when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are on standby after the start lever 71 is operated) The ball lending permission signal SG2 indicates that the start lever 71 has been operated because the ball lending is performed in a state where the medal has not been paid out or the medal has been paid out. It is turned off when detected by the start detection sensor 71a (see S516 in FIG. 10).

  Further, even when the game is not executed, if three medals are bet on the slot machine 10 (max bet (MAX bet)), the ball lending permission signal SG2 is turned off. That is, when the maximum bet is made, even before the start lever 71 is operated, the ball lending permission signal SG2 is turned off. Further, even if the medal is not bet max, if the number of stored credit medals exceeds “45”, the ball lending permission signal SG2 is turned off.

  In such a case, the player can start the game without renting a new ball, so the renting of new medals is prohibited and the renting of medals is performed only when necessary. By configuring in this way, it is possible to suppress fraudulent acts that attempt to rent medals by forging a magnetic card or the like. That is, fraudulent acts are performed by cashing out medals that have been lent illegally, but in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, renting medals is performed within the range of the maximum number of credits in the “credit mode”. Is called. In other words, medals are not lent out in the “direct mode” or when the maximum number of credits is exceeded. Therefore, when a fraudster attempts to exchange medals, the player first pushes the ball lending button 210 in the “credit mode” to lend the medal, and then depresses the changeover switch 80 to “direct mode”. ”And the medals credited illegally are paid out as actual medals. After that, it is necessary to press the changeover switch 80 to enter the “credit mode” and to repeat the above operation. However, such an operation is an odd operation, and it is easy for a shop clerk to find it. As described above, since fraud can be detected at an early stage, fraud can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, when all the reels 42L, 42M, 42R started by the operation of the start lever 71 are stopped and the medals are paid out, when the payout is completed, the game is in a non-execution state, and the bet number is “0”. Therefore, if the number of credit medals stored is “45” or less in “credit mode”, the ball lending permission signal SG2 is turned on.

  The ball lending LED signal TDLO is a signal output from the card unit 230 to the AND circuit AND1 of the card unit connection terminal board 250 in order to indicate that the card unit 230 is in a state where lending is possible. This ball lending LED signal TDLO is turned on when a magnetic card is inserted in the card unit 230, that is, when a ball can be settled by the balance amount, in other words, when the balance amount of the magnetic card is not “0”. When the magnetic card is not inserted into the card unit 230, it is turned off (see FIG. 13). As described above, since the magnetic card is forcibly ejected from the card unit 230 by an actuator (not shown) when the balance amount becomes “0”, the magnetic card with the balance amount “0” is inserted into the card unit 230. It is never in the state that was done.

  The frequency display signal SG3 is connected from the card unit 230 to the card unit in order to light each LED provided in the three 7-segment LEDs of the frequency display LED 205 in accordance with a numerical value to be displayed (balance amount of magnetic card). This signal is output to the balance indicator 190 via the terminal board 250.

  The 18-volt DC voltage output from the card unit 230 is used as a driving voltage for the ball lending LED 220 and the frequency display LED 205, and the slot machine 10 recognizes the connection of the card unit 230. .

  Next, the transmission path and signal operation of each signal will be described. When the slot machine 10 detects the 18-volt DC voltage output from the card unit 230, the slot machine 10 outputs a connection confirmation signal PSI to the card unit 230 to indicate that the slot machine 10 is connected to the card unit 230 ( Turn on). The card unit 230 recognizes the connection of the slot machine 10 when the connection confirmation signal PSI is turned on, and recognizes the disconnection of the slot machine 10 when the connection confirmation signal PSI is turned off. Further, the slot machine 10 outputs a gaming machine ready signal PRDY to the card unit 230 when it is in a state where the medal can be paid out (a state where the ball can be lent (first state)) (here, The “ball lending possible state (first state)” refers to a state in which the slot machine 10 can execute the payout of medals regardless of whether the game is executed or not. As a result, the card unit 230 recognizes that the slot machine 10 is in a lent state.

  When the ball lending button 210 is pressed, a ball lending button signal SG1 is output from the balance display 190 and input to the slot machine 10. Here, when a game is not executed in the slot machine 10, the number of medals bet is two or less, and the number of stored credit medals is “45” or less in the “credit mode” ( When the ball lending button signal SG1 is input in a case where the ball lending is possible (second state), the ball lending switch signal TDS is output from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230. The card unit 230 having received the ball lending switch signal TDS recognizes that the execution of ball lending has been requested from the slot machine 10, turns on the card unit ready signal BRDY, and transitions to the ball lending state. The card unit ready signal BRDY is output to the slot machine 10.

  Subsequent to the card unit ready signal BRDY, a ball lending request completion confirmation signal BRQ is output from the card unit 230 to the slot machine 10 and a request for executing ball lending is made to the slot machine 10. When the slot machine 10 receives the ball lending execution request, it outputs a lending completion signal EXS and responds thereto. Then, a ball lending execution instruction is issued from the card unit 230 by the ball lending request completion confirmation signal BRQ, and in response to this, the slot machine 10 starts paying out a lending medal. When the payout of the rental medals is completed, the end of the ball rental is instructed from the slot machine 10 to the card unit 230 by the loan completion signal EXS. When the card unit 230 confirms the end signal of the ball lending, the card unit ready signal BRDY is turned off and the ball lending standby state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the return button 200 is pressed, a return switch signal RES is output from the balance display 190 to the card unit 230. When the card unit 230 receives the return switch signal RES, the card unit 230 drives an actuator (not shown) to eject the magnetic card being inserted from the card insertion slot 224.

  The ball lending LED signal TDLO output from the card unit 230 is input to one input terminal of the AND circuit AND1 via the third connector 253 of the card unit connection terminal board 250. Further, the ball lending permission signal SG2 output from the slot machine 10 is input to the other input terminal of the AND circuit AND1 via the first connector 251 of the card unit connection terminal board 250. When the ball lending LED signal TDLO and the ball lending permission signal SG2 are respectively input to the input terminals of the AND circuit AND1, a high signal (a signal for lighting the ball lending LED 220) is output from the output terminal of the AND circuit AND1. The ball lending LED 220 is turned on. Thus, the player is notified that the ball can be lent. When at least one of the ball lending LED signal TDLO and the ball lending permission signal SG2 is turned off, the high signal output from the output terminal of the AND circuit AND1 is turned off (low signal is output), and the ball lending LED 220 is turned off. . As a result, the player is notified that ball lending is not possible.

  Further, the frequency display signal SG3 output from the card unit 230 is input to the frequency display LED 205 of the balance indicator 190, whereby each LED of the frequency display LED 205 is turned on according to the input frequency display signal SG3. Or turned off and display the balance amount of the magnetic card.

  Next, each control process executed by the MPU 151 in the main controller 131 in the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 12. The processing of the MPU 151 is roughly divided into main processing that is started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (in a cycle of 1.49 msec in the present embodiment), and an NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the NMI interrupt process and the timer interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the NMI interrupt process. When the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b of the power supply device 161 generates a power failure signal and outputs it to the main controller 131. In the main controller 131 that has received the power failure signal via the NMI terminal, NMI interrupt processing is executed.

  In the NMI interrupt processing, first, in step S101 (hereinafter, step S101 is simply abbreviated as “S101”, and the other steps are also abbreviated in the same manner), the data of the register used in the MPU 151 is stored in the RAM 153. Retreat to the provided backup area (S101). Subsequently, the power failure flag is set in the power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 153 (S102). Thereafter, the data saved in the backup area of the RAM 153 is restored to the use register of the MPU 151 again (S103). The return process of S103 is executed, and the NMI interrupt process ends. If the power failure flag can be set without destroying the data in the used register of the MPU 151, the save and restore processing (S101, S103) to the backup area can be omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing periodically executed by the main control device 131. A timer interrupt is generated, for example, every 1.49 msec by the MPU 151 of the main control device 131.

  First, in the register saving process shown in S201, the values of all registers in the MPU 151 used in the normal process described later are saved in the backup area of the RAM 153 (S201). Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure flag is set (S202), and the power failure process is executed only when the power failure flag is set (S203), and then the process proceeds to S204.

  Here, the power failure process (S203) will be described with reference to FIG. Since the power failure process (S203) is performed immediately after the register saving process in the timer interrupt process, the other interrupt processes can be executed without interruption. Therefore, for example, during the process of transmitting various commands, during the process of reading the switch state (on / off), the process at the time of power failure is not executed by interrupting each process. It is no longer necessary to create a power failure processing program that also takes into account This simplifies the processing program for power failure processing and reduces the program capacity. This also applies to a processing program for power recovery processing described later.

  In the power failure process (S203), it is first determined whether or not the command transmission has ended (S301). If the transmission is not completed (S301: No), the power failure process (S203) is terminated, the process returns to the timer interrupt process of FIG. 7, and the command transmission is terminated. In this way, it is determined whether or not the command transmission is completed at the initial stage of the power failure process. If the transmission is not completed, the transmission process is given priority. By adopting the configuration to execute, it is not necessary to construct a power failure processing program that takes into account that power failure processing is executed during command transmission. As a result, the power failure processing program can be simplified and the capacity of the ROM 152 can be reduced.

  When the command transmission is completed in the processing of S301 (S301: Yes), the value of the stack pointer of the MPU 151 is stored in the backup area in the RAM 153 (S302). Thereafter, a RAM determination value, which will be described later, is cleared as a stop process, and the output state of the output port in the input / output port 155 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off (S303). Further, the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area (S304). The RAM determination value is specifically a 2's complement of the checksum at the work area address of the RAM 153. By storing the RAM determination value in the backup area, the checksum of the RAM 153 becomes zero. By setting the checksum of the RAM 153 to 0, subsequent RAM access is prohibited (S305). After that, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  In consideration of, for example, the case where the power failure flag is set erroneously due to noise or the like, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure signal is output until the infinite loop is entered. If the power failure signal is not output, the power failure state is recovered, so that writing to the RAM 153 is permitted, the power failure flag is reset, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process of FIG. If the power outage signal is continuously output, the infinite loop is entered.

  The power supply unit 161a of the power supply device 161 holds the output of the stabilization voltage (5 volts) used as the drive voltage for the control system for a time sufficient to execute the above-described NMI interrupt processing and power failure processing. It is comprised so that. In the present embodiment, the drive voltage is continuously output for 30 msec.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the timer interrupt process will be described. When the power failure flag is not set in the processing of S202, or after the power failure processing (S203) ends, various processing after S204 is performed.

  In S204, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed (S204). In S205, an interrupt end declaration process for giving an interrupt permission to the MPU 151 itself is performed (S205). In step S206, in order to rotate the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, a stepping motor control process for driving the stepping motors 61L to 61R, which are the respective rotary drive motors, is performed (S206). In S207, sensor monitoring processing for monitoring the state of various sensors (see FIG. 4) connected to the input / output port 155 is performed (S207). In S208, a timer subtraction process for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed (S208). In S209, the corresponding counters 153b and 153c and the display units 32 to 34 are updated according to the bet state and credit state of the medals, and the bet / credit update process for outputting the counted result to the external concentration terminal board 171 is performed. This is performed (S209).

  The bet state of medals changes according to the insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 75 and the depression of the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79 (when credit medals are stored). The credit status changes depending on the bet of credit medals, the insertion of surplus medals exceeding the maximum bet, the payout of credit medals by winning, and the execution of ball lending.

  Therefore, in this bet / credit update process (S209), the states of the credit insertion detection sensors 77a to 79a detected by the sensor monitoring process (S207), the first insertion medal detection sensor 86, and the second insertion medal detection sensor 87. In this state, the insertion (betting) of medals from the medal insertion slot 75 and the betting of credit medals are confirmed, and the number of medals and the number of surplus medals are counted. Then, the value of the bet counter 153b, the value of the credit counter 153c, and the display of the effective line display units 32-34 are updated according to the counted bet number and the surplus medal number. The process of updating the value of the credit counter 153c based on the ball lending is executed in a medal lending process (S517) described later, and is not executed in the bet / credit update process (S209). Further, the process of updating the value of the credit counter 153c based on the winning is executed in a medal payout process (S507) described later.

  Here, the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 75 are guided through the selector 83 so as to be guided to the storage passage 81 when betting. Before the medal is inserted, since the medal has not passed the detection units of the first inserted medal detection sensor 86 and the second inserted medal detection sensor 87, these sensors 86 and 87 are in the off state. When a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 75, the medal first detects the detection unit of the first insertion medal detection sensor 86 provided on the upstream side in the medal guide path from the medal insertion slot 75 to the storage passage 81. The first insertion medal detection sensor 86 is turned on at such timing.

  Subsequently, the medal starts to pass through the detection unit of the second inserted medal detection sensor 87, and the second inserted medal detection sensor 87 is turned on at this timing. Since the interval between the detection unit of the first inserted medal detection sensor 86 and the detection unit of the second inserted medal detection sensor 87 is arranged in a proximity state such that a state in which the same medal is simultaneously detected at least at one time occurs. At this timing, the first inserted medal detection sensor 86 is also in the on state. Next, when the medal finishes passing through the detection unit of the first inserted medal detection sensor 86, the first inserted medal detection sensor 86 is turned off and only the second inserted medal detection sensor 87 is turned on. Thereafter, when the inserted medal has passed through the detection unit of the second inserted medal detection sensor 87, both the first inserted medal detection sensor 86 and the second inserted medal detection sensor 87 are turned off.

  The main controller 131 constantly monitors the order in which these sensors 86 and 87 are turned on and off in the bet / credit update process (S209), and the first and second inserted medal detection sensors 86 and 87 are both turned off and the first inserted. Only the medal detection sensor 86 is on, both the first and second inserted medal detection sensors 86 and 87 are on, only the second inserted medal detection sensor 87 is on, and both the first and second inserted medal detection sensors 86 and 87 are off. It is determined that the medal has been normally taken into the storage passage 81 only when the time has passed and the time for shifting to each on / off switching is within a predetermined time. Otherwise, an error is determined. If it is determined that an error has occurred, interrupt processing is first prohibited as error display processing, and all output ports in the input / output port 155 are cleared to turn off all actuators connected to the input / output port 155. To control. Thereafter, an error display for notifying the occurrence of an error to the hall manager or the like is performed, and this state is maintained until the reset switch 123 is turned on.

  The reason for this is to prevent an illegal act in which a medal is reciprocated in the vicinity of the inserted medal detection sensors 86 and 87 and misidentified as a medal inserted. Further, after the error is determined, the operation of the changeover switch 80 for switching between the credit mode and the direct mode is invalidated, and the credited medal is not paid out. Specifically, the process of confirming the state of the changeover switch 80 and paying out the credited medal when the pressing operation of the changeover switch 80 is detected during the credit mode is performed after the reset switch is determined as an error. It is not executed until 123 is turned on. Note that the error display process performed when confirming whether or not a medal has been inserted is a well-known technique and is not shown. As for the configuration for detecting insertion of medals, various known techniques such as detection of insertion of medals using three or more sensors can be used.

  In this slot machine 10, the maximum number of credit medals stored is “50”, so if the value of the credit counter 153 c reaches “50”, even if more medals are inserted, Alternatively, even if the payout is made, in the bet / credit update process (S209), the process of updating the value of the credit counter 153c is not executed, and medals corresponding to the amount exceeding “50” are paid out to the medal tray 18.

  In S210, command output processing for transmitting a command or the like to the display control device 111 is performed (S210). In S211, a segment data setting process for setting segment data displayed on the remaining number display unit 35, the game number display unit 36, and the acquired number display unit 37 is performed (S211). In S212, the segment data set by the segment data setting process is supplied to the display units 35 to 37, and the segment data display process for displaying the corresponding numbers, symbols, etc. is performed (S212). In S213, port output processing for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port 155 is performed (S213). In S214, the value of each register saved in the backup area in the previous S201 is restored to the corresponding register in the MPU 151 (S214). Thereafter, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed (S215), and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main process in the main controller 131 executed after the power is turned on. The main process is executed when the power is turned on by recovery from a power failure or by turning on the power switch 122.

  First, as an initialization process, the stack pointer value is set in the MPU 151 and an interrupt mode is set to permit the interrupt process. It performs (S401).

  When these initialization processes (S401) are completed, it is next determined whether or not the reset switch 123 is turned on (S402). When the reset switch 123 is turned on (S402: Yes), all the data stored in the RAM 153 is cleared as a RAM clear process (S403).

  After confirming that the reset switch is not operated in S402 (S402: No) or after performing the RAM clear process (S403), it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 124. Determine (S404). When the setting key is inserted (S404: Yes), a setting change process (S405) is performed. In the setting change process (S405), all the data stored in the RAM 153 is first cleared, and then, which setting state is selected from among six preset setting states (“Setting 1” to “Setting 6”). The internal processing corresponding to the selected setting state is executed.

  After confirming that the setting key is not inserted in S404 (S404: No), or after performing the setting change process (S405), it is confirmed whether the power failure flag is set (S406). . When the power failure flag is not set, that is, when the data in the RAM 153 is cleared in the previous S403 or S405 (S406: No), a normal process (S407) described later is executed.

  When the power failure flag is set in S406 (S406: Yes), the process proceeds to the power recovery process shown in S408 and thereafter. Here, when the power failure flag is set, the subroutine processing such as RAM clear processing in S403 and setting change processing in S405 is not executed at all. Therefore, the data in the RAM 153 is not rewritten at all, and the power recovery process requires confirmation processing such as whether or not the data in the RAM 153 is normal.

  For this purpose, first, it is confirmed whether or not the RAM determination value is normal (S408). Specifically, the checksum value of the RAM 153 is checked, and it is checked whether the value is normal, that is, whether the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0 (S408). When the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0 (S408: Yes), it is determined that the data in the RAM 153 is normal.

  If the RAM determination value is abnormal in S408, that is, if the checksum value is not 0 (S408: No), there is a high possibility that the data in the RAM 153 has been destroyed. All data stored in the RAM 153 is cleared. Thereby, the power failure flag is not set, and the subsequent process can be shifted to the normal process (S407) by executing the process of next S406.

  When it is determined in S408 that the RAM determination value is normal (S408: Yes), the value of the stack pointer stored in the backup area is written to the stack pointer of the MPU 151, and the stack state before the power is shut off is written. The state is restored (S410). Next, a power recovery command that tells execution of power recovery processing is transmitted to the display control device 111 (S411). Thereafter, the game state is stopped and automatic settlement setting storage processing is performed (S412), and various sensors such as the start detection sensor 71a are initialized (S413).

  After the above processing is completed, the power failure flag is reset (S414), and the processing returns to the address before the power is shut off. Specifically, the process returns to the timer interrupt process described above, and the watchdog timer clear process (S204) is executed.

  Next, normal processing (S407) for performing main control relating to the game will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the normal process (S407), first, in order to determine whether or not the medal is a maximum bet, it is checked whether or not the value of the bet counter 153b is “3” (S500). That is, it is determined whether or not a virtual medal (credit medal) has been bet by operating the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79 or a medal has been inserted from the medal insertion slot 75, and It is determined whether or not the number of sheets is “3”. If the value of the bet counter 153c is “3” as a result of checking in the processing of S500 (S500: Yes), the medal has been bet max, and the ball lending permission signal SG2 is turned off (S501). Since the ball lending LED 220 is turned off by turning off the ball lending permission signal SG2, the player is notified that the ball lending is impossible.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the start lever 71 has been operated (S502). If it is determined in step S502 that the start lever 71 has not been operated (S502: No), the process proceeds to step S500, and the start lever 71 is waited for operation. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the start lever 71 has been operated (S502: Yes), the random number value latched in the latch circuit 126 at this timing is written in the random number memory 153a (S503).

  Subsequently, the selector solenoid is turned off and de-energized (S504). As a result, even if a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 75, the medal is returned to the player via the discharge passage 82 (medal insertion prohibited). After that, a lottery process for lottery of winning / non-winning and a winning combination is executed for the game executed with the operation of the start lever 71 detected in the process of S502 (S505).

  After the lottery process (S505) is executed, a reel control process for controlling the rotation and stop of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is executed (S506). In this reel control process (S506), the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped due to the operation of the stop switches 72 to 74, and the role determined in the lottery process (S505) by the stopped reels 42L, 42M, 42R. And the stop of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is controlled based on the sliding table determined in the lottery process (S505) so that the symbol appears. When the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped, the reel control process (S506) is terminated.

  After the end of the reel control process (S506), a medal payout process for paying out medals according to the combination of symbols on the activated lines of the stopped reels 42L, 42M, 42R is executed (S507). In the medal payout process (S507), when symbols are stopped in a predetermined combination on the active line (when winning a winning combination), the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out. Also, when paying out medals, the mode set in the slot machine 10 is confirmed. If the mode is the “direct mode”, the medals are paid out from the hopper device 91 to the medal tray 18 through the medal discharge port 17. On the other hand, in the “credit mode”, the medal payout is virtually executed by updating (adding) the credit value (the number of stored credit medals). When the credit value reaches the upper limit, the medal is paid out to the medal tray 18 as in the “direct mode”. Then, the display of the remaining number display unit 35 and the acquired number display unit 37 is updated according to the number of medals paid out, and the medal payout process (S507) is ended. The display on the acquired number display section 37 is reset (updated) when the start lever 71 is operated next time.

  After completion of the medal payout process (S507), a special game state process for executing a bonus game, which is a special game that is more advantageous than usual when a bonus combination is won, is executed (S508), and then the selector solenoid is turned on. Then, the excited state is set (S509), the medal passage is switched to the storage passage 81 (permission of medal insertion), and the process proceeds to S500.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S500 that the value of the bet counter 153c is not “3” (S500: No), in the slot machine 10, the bet number of medals is “2” or less and the game is It is in a non-execution state (all reels 42L, 42M, 42R are stopped and no medals have been paid out or medals have been paid out except when the reels 42L, 42M, 42R are waiting for rotation after the start lever 71 is operated) But the payout has ended). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the credit counter 153c is “45” or less in the “credit mode” (S510). Since the value of the credit counter 153c is the number of stored credit medals, if the value of the credit counter 153c exceeds “45”, the present implementation of paying out five credit medals as a rented ball with one ball lending. This is because the number of credit medals stored exceeds the upper limit “50” and the actual medals are paid out in accordance with the execution of ball lending. Accordingly, if the value of the credit counter 153c exceeds “45” (S510: No), the ball lending permission signal SG2 is turned off (S518), and then the process proceeds to the process of S513.

  As a result, the step S512 for confirming that the ball lending button signal SG1 is turned on is skipped, so that even when the ball lending button signal SG1 is turned on (the ball lending button 210 is pressed), the medal lending process (S517) is not executed. (Prohibition of ball rental). Further, the ball lending LED 220 is turned off by turning off the ball lending permission signal SG2, and the player is notified that the ball lending is impossible.

  Generally, there is an upper limit on the number of credit medals stored. This is because, when the credit medal can be stored indefinitely, for example, when an illegal act of illegally paying out the credited medal is performed, the amount of damage becomes enormous. The slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment sets the upper limit of the number of credit medals to “50”, and therefore cannot store any more credit medals. Therefore, when the number of stored credit medals exceeds “50” due to the execution of the ball lending, the ball lending is not executed (prohibited), and fraud is suppressed.

  On the other hand, if the value of the credit counter 153c is equal to or less than “45” (S510: Yes), since the slot machine 10 is in a lent state (second state), the sphere lending permission signal SG2 is turned on ( S511). If the card unit 230 is in a ball lending enabled state, the ball lending LED 220 is turned on when the ball lending permission signal SG2 is turned on, and the player is notified that the ball lending is possible.

  Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the ball lending button signal SG1 is on (whether or not the ball lending button 210 is turned on) (S512). If the ball lending button signal SG1 is on (S512: Yes), the ball lending button signal SG1 is turned on. A medal lending process for lending is executed (S517), and then the process proceeds to S500.

  If the ball lending button signal SG1 is off (S512: No), it is confirmed whether or not the value of the bet counter 153c is “1” or more, that is, whether or not a bet is made (S513). If the value of the counter 153c is “1” or more (S513: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the start lever 71 has been operated (S514). If the start lever 71 has been operated (S514: Yes), this is a game start request with a bet number “2” or less by the player, so the random number value latched in the latch circuit 126 at this timing is determined as a random number. Write to the memory 153a (S515). Then, the ball lending permission signal SG2 is turned off (S516), and after notifying the player that the ball lending is not possible, the process proceeds to S504.

  If it is determined in S513 that the value of the bet counter 153c is less than “1” (“0”) (S513: No), or if the start lever 71 is not operated in S514. If it is determined (S514: No), the process proceeds to the process of S500, and an operation that triggers the process, such as betting a medal, operating the start lever 71, and pressing the ball lending button 210, is performed. stand by.

  As described above, according to the normal process (S407), when the game is in the execution state in the slot machine 10 and whether the game is in the non-execution state, the maximum bet is made or the value of the credit counter 153c is “45”. Is exceeded (at least 46 credit medals are stored), the step of detecting the state of the ball lending button signal SG1 (S512) is avoided (the MPU 151 changes the state of the ball lending button signal SG1). Not detected). In other words, when the game is in an execution state, when a maximum bet is made, or when the number of stored credit medals exceeds 45, the ball rental button 210 is pressed (the ball rental button signal SG1 is turned on). ) Becomes invalid and the medal lending process (S517) is not executed. The ball lending switch signal TDS that triggers the execution of ball lending is output (turned on) to the card unit 230 in the medal lending process (S517), so that when the game is in the running state or when the maximum bet is made Furthermore, when the number of stored credit medals exceeds 45, the ball lending switch signal TDS is not output, so that the ball lending can be disabled. As a result, it is possible to switch between permitting and prohibiting ball lending in the slot machine 10 without manipulating signals output to the card unit 230 such as the gaming machine ready signal PRDY.

  When the start lever 71 is operated (in a state where a medal is betted), a game is started in the slot machine 10 and a game is executed. In response to the operation of the start lever 71, the MPU 151 acquires a random number value (writes the random number value latched in the latch circuit 126 to the random number memory 153a), switches the selector solenoid, and starts the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. In addition, many processes such as rotation control and determination of success / failure must be concentrated, and the control burden is large. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the game is in the running state, the ball lending is not executed, and the control burden on the MPU 151 is prevented from further increasing.

  Here, if the bet number of medals is “3” (max bet), there are enough medals to bet on the current game, and it is sufficient that the ball lending is executed in the next and subsequent games. For this reason, even if ball lending is prohibited in the case of a maximum bet, there is no inconvenience to the game. On the other hand, when the number of medals bet is “2” or less, there are cases where there are not enough medals to bet on the current game, and ball lending may be requested. The number of active lines and the random number table to be selected are changed depending on the number of medals bet, and the profit (game value) to be obtained changes. Therefore, if the ball lending is prohibited, the player will be dissatisfied if the desired number of medals cannot be betted by compensating the shortage of medals.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, ball lending is prohibited when the maximum bet is made, and conversely, in the state where “1” or “2” medals are bet, the number of credit medals stored The slot machine 10 is configured to permit ball lending until the start lever 71 is operated on the condition that is less than or equal to “45”. Thereby, the concentration of control of the MPU 151 is eased while ensuring convenience and profits for the player.

  Further, in the normal processing (S407) of the present embodiment, the processing routine differs depending on whether or not the bet is a maximum bet. If it is a maximum bet, the random number value latched in the latch circuit 126 is determined. There is no processing (S516) for turning off the ball lending permission signal after the processing of S506, which writes S / N in the random number memory 153a. For this reason, the concentration of control of the MPU 151 when the start lever 71 is operated can be avoided because the processing of S516 is not executed. Note that the value of the bet counter 153b is cleared to 0 by a step (not shown) after the special gaming state process (S509) is completed when the re-game combination (replay combination) is not established.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the medal lending process (S517) executed in the normal process (S407) of FIG. The medal lending process (S517) of the present embodiment pays out 5 credit medals as a rented ball. Note that the number of medals paid out by one ball lending by the medal lending process (S517) is not limited to “5”, and may be “5” or more or “5” or less. good.

  In the medal lending process, first, the selector solenoid of the medal passage switching member 84 is turned off to be non-excited (S521). As a result, even if a player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 75 while the medal is lent out, the medal is discharged to the medal tray 18 through the discharge passage 82 and returned to the player. (Prohibition of medal insertion).

  After the selector solenoid is turned off to prevent the player from inserting medals, the slot machine 10 outputs the ball lending switch signal TDS to the card unit 230 and starts the communication process with the card unit 230 described above (S522). . The occurrence of a communication error is monitored (S523). If the occurrence of an error is detected (S523: Yes), the corresponding error processing is executed (S529). Thereafter, the selector solenoid is turned on to be in an excited state (S528), the medal passage is switched to the storage passage 81 (medal insertion permission), and this medal lending process (S517) is ended.

  If no communication error occurs in the processing of S523 (S523: No), the presence / absence of a ball lending execution instruction by the ball lending request completion confirmation signal BRQ is confirmed (S524). If there is a ball lending execution instruction (S524: Yes), “5” is added to the value of the credit counter 153c (S525), and the value of the remaining number display unit 35 is updated according to the value of the credit counter 153c after the addition. (S526). As a result, the remaining number display unit 35 displays a value obtained by adding “5” to the previous value, and adds “5” to the number of stored credit medals. On the other hand, if there is no ball lending execution instruction by the ball lending request completion confirmation signal BRQ (S524: No), each process of S525 and S526 is skipped and the process proceeds to S527.

  In the process of S527, the completion of the communication with the card unit 230 is monitored (S527). If the communication is not yet completed (S527: No), the process proceeds to S523, and the above-described processes of S523 to S527 are performed. repeat. On the other hand, if the communication with the card unit 230 is completed (S527: Yes), the selector solenoid is turned on to be in an excited state (S528), the medal path is switched to the storage path 81 (medal insertion permission), and this medal is set. The lending process (S517) is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the lottery process (S505) executed in the normal process (S407) of FIG. The lottery process (S505) is a process for lottery of the winning combination and the combination to be won for the game to be executed. Based on this, a random number table for determination of success / failure is selected (S601). Here, the setting state of the slot machine 10 is any one of “setting 1” to “setting 6” set using a setting key (not shown), and the random number having the lowest winning probability of the combination when “setting 1” is set. A table is selected, and when “setting 6” is selected, the random number table having the highest winning probability of the combination is selected. The number of medals bet is any one of 1 to 3, and a random number table is selected such that as the number of bets increases, the winning probability of winning combination increases. For example, the winning probability of a winning combination when three bets are higher than the winning probability of winning when a single bet is three times. In addition, there are two types of small role probabilities: a random number table with a high small role winning probability is selected when the current payout rate is lower than the predetermined expected value, and small when the current winning rate is higher than the predetermined expected value. A random number table with a low winning probability is selected.

  In S602, the random number table selected in this way is illuminated with the value stored in the random number memory 153a, that is, the random number value of the random number counter update circuit 125 latched in the latch circuit 126 when the start lever 71 is operated. The lottery is performed (S602). Then, it is determined whether or not any winning combination has been won (S603). If any winning combination has not been won (deviated) (S603: No), this processing is terminated. When one of the winning combinations is won (S603: Yes), a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set (S604), and an effective line for aligning symbols is determined. After the process of S604, a slide table for reel stop control is determined, and this is stored in the slide table storage area of the RAM 153 (S605), and the lottery process (S505) is terminated.

  Here, the slip table is a symbol to be stopped when the symbol on the predetermined effective line at the timing when the stop switches 72 to 74 are pressed differs from the symbol to be stopped on the effective line. Is a table that defines how much the reel is slid so as to stop on a predetermined effective line. In the reel control process (S506), by controlling the stop positions of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R using such a slide table, the mode of the stopped reels 42L, 42M, and 42R can be matched with the lottery result.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the ball lending LED signal switching process executed by the MPU 231 of the card unit 230. The ball lending LED signal switching process is a process of switching the ball lending LED signal TDLO between on and off according to whether or not a magnetic card is inserted, and is periodically read out from the ROM 232 every predetermined time and executed. The

  In this ball lending LED signal switching process, first, based on the output value from the card reader / writer 228, it is confirmed whether or not a magnetic card is inserted in the card unit 230 (S621). If the card reader / writer 228 reads a balance amount other than “0 yen” of the magnetic card, it can be determined that the magnetic card is being inserted. If a magnetic card is inserted (S621: Yes), the ball lending LED signal TDLO is turned on (S622), and this ball lending LED signal switching process is terminated. A magnetic card with a balance amount of “0 yen” is forcibly ejected from the card insertion slot 224 by an actuator (not shown). On the other hand, if the balance amount of the magnetic card is not read by the card reader / writer 228 in the processing of S621 and it is determined that the magnetic card is not inserted (S621: No), the ball lending LED signal TDLO is turned off. Then, the ball lending LED signal switching process is terminated (S623).

  In the present embodiment, one medal is converted into 20 yen, and the slot machine 10 and the card unit 230 are configured to execute ball lending in units of 100 yen (that is, in units of 5 medals). . When the ball lending is executed, the card unit 230 receives the balance amount stored in the magnetic card inserted by the card reader / writer 228 when the ball lending request completion confirmation signal BRQ is normally turned off. Is subtracted 100 yen and the balance of the magnetic card is updated. When the card balance amount is “0”, the magnetic card is forcibly ejected by an actuator (not shown). In other words, the magnetic card inserted in the card unit 230 has a balance amount that can be used to settle a lent out ball for at least one lent out. Therefore, the ball lending LED signal TDLO is a signal indicating that the magnetic card is inserted into the card unit 230, that is, indicating that the card unit 230 is in a lending state.

  As described above, the ball lending LED 220 is lit when both the ball lending permission signal SG2 and the ball lending LED signal TDLO are input (turned on) to the input terminal of the AND circuit AND1. Therefore, when the ball lending LED signal TDLO is turned on by the ball lending LED signal switching process (if the ball lending permission signal SG2 is on), the ball lending LED 220 is turned on and the ball lending LED signal TDLO is turned off. Then, the ball lending LED 220 is turned off.

  Here, the ball lending LED signal TDLO is continuously output while the magnetic card is inserted by the ball lending LED signal switching processing. Therefore, if the AND circuit AND1 of the card unit connection terminal board 250 is used, the ball lending signal SG2 output from the slot machine 10 directly (regardless of the execution timing of the ball lending LED signal switching process) It is possible to control the turning on / off of the lending LED 220, and the ball lending LED 220 can be switched on (turned on) and off (turned off) in conjunction with the turning on / off of the ball lending permission signal SG2. In other words, whether or not the slot machine 10 is in a lending state can be immediately reflected in the lighting state of the lending LED 220.

  According to the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, since ball lending can be executed by the slot machine 10, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated device (medal lending machine) for lending medals separately from the slot machine 10. . In addition, in the slot machine 10, all the reels 42L, 42M, 42R are stopped and the medals are not paid out except when the game is in a non-execution state (after the start lever 71 is operated, the reels 42L, 42M, 42R are not waiting for rotation). Or, even if there is a medal payout, the ball lending is executed only during a period in which the payout has been completed. Therefore, during the rotation control of the reels 42L, 42M, 42R, which has a high control burden on the MPU 151, The medal lending process (S517) that requires communication with the card unit 230 can be avoided. Therefore, even when lending a ball under the control of the MPU 151, errors such as step-out of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are not induced. In addition, it is not necessary to newly provide a dedicated arithmetic device (device) for controlling the lending of balls for the purpose of reducing the control burden on the MPU 151 and eliminating errors.

  Further, since the slot machine 10 is configured so as not to execute the ball lending when the game is in a non-execution state and becomes a maximum bet, the concentration of processing at the time of operating the start lever 71 is reduced. The control burden on the MPU 151 when operating the start lever 71 can be reduced. Further, when the rented ball is paid out with an actual medal, an operation of taking out the medal paid out to the medal tray 18 from the medal tray 18 and inserting it into the medal insertion slot 75 is necessary when betting the medal. In this embodiment, since the rented ball is paid out with a credit medal, it is possible to bet a medal simply by operating the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79, which saves the player's trouble. Can be reduced.

  In addition, when “direct mode” is set, medals are paid out from the hopper device 51 due to winning, but when the rented balls are paid out with real medals, the medal storage level decreases faster and the medal is reduced. It will accelerate the arrival of empty. However, since the rental balls are paid out by credit medal, the arrival of medal empty can be delayed, and the replenishment interval of medals to the slot machine 10 can be lengthened.

  Further, the ball lending is performed only during a period in which the game is in a non-execution state (a period in which the game is in a non-execution state and in which the ball can be lent (the first state and the second state described above)). On the other hand, the return of the magnetic card can be performed regardless of the game execution state. That is, the return switch signal RES output by pressing the return button 200 is configured to be output to the card unit 230 without going through the slot machine 10, and the card unit 230 to which the return switch signal RES is input is magnetically operated. Since the card is returned, the control load is not imposed on the slot machine 10 for returning the magnetic card. Therefore, even when the magnetic card is returned in the game execution state, the control of the slot machine 10 is not hindered.

  With this configuration, the player can receive the magnetic card at a desired timing. Therefore, the player can receive the return of the magnetic card even when some of the reels 42L, 42M, 42R are stopped and the other reels are still rotating, or even during the medal payout control. For example, out of the three reels 42L, 42M, and 42R that have started rotating by the operation of the start lever 71, the player can establish a big bonus, a regular bonus, or the like (bonus role) by the stop pattern of one or two reels. Can be recognized. When the bonus combination is established, a special gaming state occurs and a state in which many medals can be paid out, so that it is not necessary to lend new medals by the card unit 230. In such a case, the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment can immediately return the magnetic card from the card unit 230 without waiting for the game being executed to end, so that the player forgets to return the magnetic card. It can be avoided as much as possible. In addition, according to this structure, even when leaving a seat by a toilet break etc. in the state which rotated all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, a magnetic card can be returned.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the slot machine 10 is configured such that when a ball rental is executed, the game is newly started by operating the start lever 71 after the end of the ball rental. The operation of the start lever 71 during the execution of is invalidated. Instead, in the second embodiment, the operation of the start lever 71 is constantly monitored, and when the start lever 71 is operated during ball lending, the operation is based on the operation of the start lever 71. A game, that is, a game based on a random value acquired at the operation timing of the start lever 71 can be started immediately after the ball lending is completed. Since the other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, an operation flag 153 d is provided in the RAM 153 of the MPU 151 mounted on the main control device 131 of the slot machine 10.

  The operation flag 153d is a flag for determining whether or not the start lever 71 is operated in a state where a medal is bet, that is, whether or not a game start request is made, and starts in a state where a medal is bet. It is turned on when the lever 71 is operated, and turned off when the game based on the operation of the start lever 71 is completed (see FIG. 15). The operation of the start lever 71 is detected by reading the detection signal of the start detection sensor 71a in the sensor monitoring process (S207) executed in the timer interruption process (see FIG. 7).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the normal process (S407) in the second embodiment executed in the main process of FIG. In the normal processing (S407) of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the value of the bet counter 153b is “3” (S500: Yes), the ball lending permission signal SG2 is generated. Turn off (S501). Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the operation flag 153d is turned on (S650), and whether or not the start lever 71 is operated is confirmed. If the operation flag 153d is off (S650: No), the start lever 71 has not been operated yet. Therefore, the process proceeds to S500, and the operation flag 153d is turned on, that is, the operation of the start lever 71 is awaited. On the other hand, if the operation flag 153d is turned on as a result of checking in the process of S650 (S650: Yes), the start lever 71 has been operated. Based on the operation of the start lever 71 as in the first embodiment. The game is executed (S504 to S509). That is, a game based on a random number value acquired at the operation timing of the start lever 71 (random number value stored in the random number memory 153a) is executed. Then, after the medal passage is switched to the storage passage 81 by the processing of S509, the operation flag 153d is turned off (S651), and the processing is shifted to the processing of S500.

  On the other hand, as a result of checking in the process of S500, if the value of the bet counter 153b is not “3” (S500: No), and the value of the credit counter 153c is “45” or less in “credit mode” (S510). : Yes) After turning on the ball lending permission signal SG2 (S511), confirmation of the state of the ball lending button signal SG1 and medal lending processing are performed according to the confirmed state of the ball lending button signal SG1 (S512). Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the operation flag 153d is turned on (S652). When the value of the credit counter 153c exceeds “45” (S510: No), after turning off the ball lending permission signal SG2 (S518), it is confirmed whether or not the operation flag 153d is turned on. (S652).

  As a result of the confirmation, if the operation flag 153d is off (S652: No), the start lever 71 has not been operated yet, so the process proceeds to S500 and waits for a request for turning on the operation flag 153d or ball lending. . On the other hand, if the operation flag 153d is on (S652: Yes), the start lever 71 is operated in a state where the bet is bet. Therefore, after the ball lending permission signal SG2 is turned off (S653), the processing is performed in the processing of S504. And the game based on the operation of the start lever 71 is executed (S504 to S509). That is, a game based on a random number value acquired at the operation timing of the start lever 71 (random number value stored in the random number memory 153a) is executed.

  Since the player does not like the game being interrupted, he may be dissatisfied with the game being prohibited during the ball lending period. A player who wants to start a game as soon as possible, when a ball is paid out, prepares a system that allows the player to start betting by betting in order from the paid out ball without waiting for the end of the ball lending. Even if is not completed, the start lever 71 is operated. Here, in the second embodiment, the operation of the start lever 71 is valid even during the entire period in which medals are betted, that is, during the ball lending, and the ball lending is being executed. When the start lever 71 is operated, the random number value of the random number counter update circuit 125 is latched at the operation timing, and a game based on the latched random number value is started immediately after the ball lending is completed. Therefore, the interruption period of the game by lending a ball can be shortened, and a player's dissatisfaction can be reduced.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the start lever operation detection process executed in the timer interrupt process of FIG. The start lever operation detection process is a process for monitoring a game start request (operation of the start lever 71 when a medal is betted), and is executed in the sensor monitoring process (S207) of the timer interrupt process.

  In this start lever operation detection process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the operation flag 153d is on (S700). If it is on (S700: Yes), the start lever 71 is already in a state where a medal is bet. Therefore, the start lever operation detection process is terminated, the acquisition of a new random number value is avoided, and the already acquired random number value is held. On the other hand, if the operation flag 153d is off (S700: No), it is checked whether or not the value of the bet counter 153b is “1” or more (S701), and the value of the bet counter 153b is less than “1” (ie, If “0”) (S701: No), there is no bet, and this start lever operation detection process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the value of the bet counter 153b is equal to or greater than “1” (S701: Yes), it is determined whether or not the start lever 71 is operated based on the detection signal of the start detection sensor 71a because a medal is bet. (S702). If the start lever 71 has not been operated (S702: No), the start lever operation detection process is terminated. Conversely, if the start lever 71 has been operated (S702: Yes), the latch circuit is activated at this timing. The random number value latched in 126 is written in the random number memory 153a (S703). Thereafter, the operation flag 153d is turned on to indicate that the start lever 71 has been operated (the start of the game has been requested) (S704), and the start lever operation detection process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the start lever operation detection process is executed every 1.49 msec by a timer interrupt, so that a game start request (start lever with a medal betted) 71) is constantly monitored by this start lever operation detection process. When the start lever 71 is operated and a game start request is made, a random number value is acquired at the operation timing, and the operation flag 153d is turned on to indicate this. Therefore, if a game start request is made during the execution of the medal lending process (S517), the game based on the start request can be started immediately after the medal lending process (S517) ends.

  In the second embodiment, a setting switch for setting whether to invalidate or validate the operation of the start lever 71 during execution of the medal lending process (S517) based on the operation of the player. It may be provided in the machine 10. When the operation of the start lever 71 is set to be valid by this setting switch, if the start lever 71 is operated during the execution of the medal lending process (S517), immediately after the medal lending process (S517) is performed. Start playing. On the other hand, when the operation of the start lever 71 is set to invalid, the operation of the start lever 71 performed during the execution of the medal lending process (S517) is invalidated, and after the medal lending process (S517) is finished. The game is started based on the operation of the start lever 71 to be executed. According to this, it is avoided that a player unfamiliar with the slot machine 10 accidentally operates the start lever 71 during the medal lending process (S517) and the game is unintentionally started. be able to.

  Since the game cannot be started while the medal lending process (S517) is being executed, the player may be held on hand and may operate the start lever 71 without the intention of starting the game. In the state where one or two medals are bet, the medal lending process (S517) is executed, and if the start lever 71 is operated during the execution, the medal lending process is performed regardless of the intention of the player. The game is started immediately after (S517). Here, if the player wants to play after betting more medals, that is, if he wants to play in a max bet state, the bet number different from the player's desired bet number The game will be executed. However, if the above-described setting switch is provided so that the operation of the start lever 71 during execution of the medal lending process (S517) can be switched between invalid and valid, a person who is not familiar with the slot machine 10 and a skilled person Both can enjoy games according to their proficiency.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be easily made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, in the slot machine 10, the game is in a non-execution state, the number of bets placed is two or less, and the credit medal in the “credit mode”. Three conditions that the number of storage is “45” or less were set as conditions for permitting ball lending. Instead, in the slot machine 10, the two conditions that the game is in a non-execution state and the number of medals bet are two or less are used as conditions for permitting ball lending, and the number of credit medals stored The ball lending restriction by may be removed. According to this, ball lending can be executed regardless of the number of stored credit medals. Note that the credit mode may be a condition for permitting ball lending in addition to the above two conditions.

  In each of the above embodiments, the number of balls to be paid out by one ball lending was a predetermined fixed value. Instead, the number of balls to be paid out by one ball lending can be changed. It may be a value, and an input means for inputting the number of rented balls by the player's operation may be provided so that the number of rented balls can be changed according to the number desired by the player.

  Further, the number of credit medals paid out by one ball lending is not limited to “5”, and the slot machine 10 is configured so that the credit medals are paid out to the upper limit when the ball lending is executed once. You may do it. According to this, compared with the case where ball lending is performed in small increments such as 5 sheets, the player can reduce the number of operations for requesting ball lending, and can reduce the effort.

  Further, the medal lending process (S517) of each of the above embodiments is in a state where at least one (5) rented balls can be paid out, that is, when the number of stored credit medals is “45” or less. It was configured to execute (permit) ball lending. In other words, the threshold for the number of credit medals that allow or prohibit ball lending is set to “45”. However, the number of credit medals stored as a threshold is not limited to “45” and is smaller than “45”. It may be set as a number. For example, if the threshold is “0”, ball lending is permitted when the number of stored credit medals is “0”, and ball lending is permitted when the number of stored credit medals is “1” or more. Is forbidden.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the ball lending is performed by requesting the ball lending by pressing the ball lending button 210. Instead, the number of stored credit medals is a predetermined number (for example, “0”). The ball lending may be executed on the occasion of the decrease. According to this, since the player need not operate the ball lending button 210, it is possible to release the player from the complexity of operating the ball lending button 210 to request ball lending. When ball lending is executed in response to a decrease in the number of stored credit medals to a predetermined number (for example, “0”), switching between execution and non-execution of the process is performed by the player's operation. A means may be provided, and when non-execution is designated by the switching means, the ball lending is not executed even when the number of stored credit medals is reduced to a predetermined number. In this case, the ball lending may be performed by pressing the ball lending button 210.

  Further, the slot machine 10 is configured to bet any medals from “1” to “3” and execute the game. Instead, the slot machine 10 is configured to receive the maximum number “3” medals. A configuration for executing a game only when a bet is made (a machine dedicated to a maximum bet) may be used. In such a slot machine, when a configuration for executing ball lending when the number of credit medals stored is “0” (without pressing the ball lending button 210), the number of credit medals stored is “2” or less. Then, after betting the stored credit medal “2” or less automatically (without the player's operation), the ball lending is executed automatically (without pressing the ball lending button 210). It may be configured.

  Further, when the slot machine 10 is a Max bet dedicated machine, the processing of S513 to S516 can be made unnecessary in the normal processing (S407) of the above-described embodiments, and the processing at the time of operating the start lever 71 is possible. Can be avoided further.

  In addition, in the medal lending process (S517) of each of the above embodiments, the rented out balls are credit medals, but the actual medals stored in the hopper device 91 may be paid out as lent balls. good. According to this, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine having no credit function. When paying out a rented ball with an actual medal instead of a credit medal, the hopper device 91 needs to be driven. The reels 42L, 42M, and 42R of the MPU 151 are stopped and the medals are not paid out, or the payout of the medals is completed. During the rotation control of the high reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, the situation where the MPU 151 is further controlled to drive the hopper device 91 can be avoided. For this reason, even if the hopper device 91 is driven under the control of the MPU 151 and a ball is lent by an actual medal, an error such as step-out of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is not induced by an excessive control burden. In addition, it is not necessary to newly provide a dedicated arithmetic device for controlling ball lending (driving control of the hopper device 91) for the purpose of reducing the control burden on the MPU 151 and eliminating errors.

  In addition, even when paying out a ball with an actual medal, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated device (medal lending machine) for lending a medal separately from the slot machine 10, so such a dedicated device (medal lending) This eliminates the need to supply medals to the machine, and can reduce the work effort of the game hall employees. Further, since the hopper device 91 stores medals inserted by a player or the like, medals are intermittently replenished during the game. Accordingly, a decrease in the medal storage level in the hopper device 91 occurs slowly, and the interval until the medal empty, that is, the interval for supplying the medal to the slot machine 10 can be increased.

  In addition, in the medal lending process (S517) of each of the above-described embodiments, all the lent out balls are credit medals. Instead, “direct mode” or “credit mode” is set. The medal lending process (S517) may be provided with a step of determining whether or not an actual medal is paid out when the “direct mode” is set.

  In the medal lending process (S517) of each of the above embodiments, when the number of credit medals stored exceeds the upper limit “50” due to ball lending (S520: No), ball lending is not executed. Instead, if the number of stored credit medals exceeds the upper limit “50” due to ball lending, the balls are paid out with credit medals up to the upper limit “50”, and the amount exceeding the upper limit “50” is real. You may comprise so that it may pay out by medal. According to this, it is possible to execute ball lending without being limited to the upper limit of the number of stored credit medals while holding the credit medals up to the upper limit of the stored number.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the display of the number of credit medals stored in the remaining number display unit 35 is switched to the number of stored spheres at one time with the execution of ball lending. The display of the remaining number display unit 35 may be sequentially updated with a value obtained by adding one by one from the number of stored credit medals before lending to the number of accumulated medals after lending. When switching the number of credit medals stored before ball lending to the number stored after ball lending at once, the display control can be simplified while the display switching ends instantaneously. It is easy for the player to overlook the site where the switch was made. If the player overlooks such display switching, the player will be unsure whether or not the number of stored credit medals has been updated. If the number of credit medals stored in the remaining number display unit 35 is sequentially updated, the update period of the credit medal stored number display in the remaining number display unit 35 becomes longer, so that the player can pay out the credit medals. It is easy to recognize what has been done, and it is possible to eliminate a situation in which the player is concerned about whether or not the rental ball has been properly paid out.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the ball lending request is not recognized unless it is made after the game has shifted to the non-execution state. Instead of this, the timer interrupt process detects the input of the ball lending button signal SG1 at all times (for example, even when the game is in an execution state or when a medal is max bet), A flag indicating that the ball lending button signal SG1 has been input and a program for determining whether the flag is on or off are provided, and the ball lending requested when the game is in the running state is determined by turning on the flag. Then, the slot machine 10 may be configured so that it can be executed immediately when the game shifts to the non-execution state (when the number of credit medals stored is “45” or less).

  The player requests ball lending because the next game will be hindered if there are not enough medals to bet. Here, if the period during which the ball lending can be requested is limited, the ball lending cannot be requested until the corresponding period is reached, so that the start of the next game is delayed. The player desires to play the game without interruption, and does not like to have a gap (interrupted) in the game against his own intention. However, if the slot machine 10 is configured so that a ball lending request can be recognized even when the game is in the running state, when the game shifts to the non-running state, the ball lending can be paid out immediately in response to the request. . As a result, the player can quickly start the next game with the lending balls immediately paid out after the end of the previous game, and can smoothly advance the game.

  Further, the non-execution state of the game is that all reels are stopped and no medals are paid out or medals are paid out except when the reels 42L, 42M and 42R are on standby after the start lever 71 is operated. But it was finished. However, the non-execution state of the game is not necessarily limited to this, and even before the medal payout by the winning combination is completed, the state in which all reels are stopped is regarded as the non-execution state of the game. The invention may be handled.

  As a lending device, the card unit 230 that handles a prepaid magnetic card has been described as an example. However, the lending device is not necessarily limited to this. A cash unit that is configured to be insertable and lends a ball based on the balance of the cash can also be exemplified.

  The ball lending LED 220 is turned on or off by the output of the AND circuit AND1 that takes the AND logic of the ball lending permission signal SG2 output from the slot machine 10 and the ball lending LED signal TDLO output from the card unit 230. It was. However, instead of this, for example, the AND circuit AND1 is removed from the card unit connection terminal board 250, the ball lending LED signal TDLO output from the card unit 230 is input to the ball lending LED 220, and the ball lending LED signal TDLO is input. Thus, the ball lending LED 220 may be turned on or off. Further, the ball lending LED signal TDLO output from the card unit 230 is input to the slot machine 10, and the ball lending permission signal SG2 from the slot machine 10 is input to the ball lending LED 220 without passing through the AND circuit AND1. To do. If the ball lending LED signal TDLO is turned on at the output timing of the ball lending permission signal SG2 in the slot machine 10, the ball lending permission signal SG2 is output to the ball lending LED 220, and the ball lending LED 220 is turned on. You may make it light.

  In each of the above embodiments, in the slot machine 10, the generation of random values for determining whether or not a game is won and the winning combination is generated by the random number counter update circuit 125 formed by a hardware circuit. The generated random number value is obtained by latching the latch circuit 126 formed by a hard circuit at the timing when the start lever 71 is operated. Instead, a random number counter is provided in the RAM 153, and a program that updates the value of the random number counter at a predetermined timing in the ROM 152 and reads the value of the random number counter at the timing when the start lever 71 is operated is a control program. The slot machine 10 may be configured so that the random number value is generated and acquired by software.

  In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, it is determined whether the medal is guided to the storage passage 81 or the discharge passage 82 by switching the selector solenoid of the medal passage switching member 84 between excitation and non-excitation. However, it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a motor may be used instead of the selector solenoid, or a rotary solenoid may be used.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, a slot machine having three reels arranged in parallel and having five lines as effective lines has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, five reels arranged in parallel It may be a slot machine provided or a slot machine having seven effective lines. Further, the present invention is not limited to the so-called A type slot machine, but can be applied to any slot machine such as B type, C type, A type and C type composite type, and B type and C type composite type. In any case, it is obvious that the same effects as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, the symbols of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are not limited to pictures, numbers, characters, and the like, but may be geometric lines or figures. In addition, the design can be configured by light, color, or the like, the design can be configured by a three-dimensional shape or the like, and the design can be configured by combining these. That is, it is sufficient that the symbol has a function as information having identification (identification information).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the slot machine 10 is embodied is shown, but the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are integrated. That is, in the slot machine, instead of the medal insertion and medal payout functions, a gaming machine having a ball insertion and ball payout function such as a pachinko machine may be used. If such a gaming machine is used in place of a slot machine, only a ball can be handled as a gaming value in the gaming hall. Therefore, the gaming value seen in the current gaming hall in which pachinko machines and slot machines are mixed is used. Problems such as the burden on equipment due to the separate handling of medals and balls and restrictions on the location of the gaming machine can be solved.

  In the slot machine, for example, a symbol is changed by operating a control lever in a state where a symbol effective line is determined by inserting coins, and a symbol is stopped and confirmed by operating a stop button. Is. Accordingly, the basic concept of the slot machine is that it is provided with a display device for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying the identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever). The variation display of the identification information is started, and the variation display of the identification information is stopped and fixedly displayed due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses. It is a slot machine that generates a special game that gives a player a predetermined game value on the condition that the combination of identification information at the time is a specific condition. In this case, the game medium is typically a coin, medal, etc. Take as an example.

  In addition, as a specific example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, a display device is provided that displays a symbol after a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols is variably displayed, and has a handle for launching a ball. What is not. In this case, after throwing a predetermined amount of spheres based on a predetermined operation (button operation), for example, the change of the symbol is started due to the operation of the operation lever, for example, due to the operation of the stop button, or With the passage of time, the variation of the symbol is stopped, and a special game that gives a predetermined game value to the player is generated on the condition that the determined symbol at the time of stoppage is a so-called jackpot symbol. In this case, a large amount of balls are paid out to the lower tray.

  The gaming machine and modified examples of the present invention are shown below. When a player has a payout means for actually or virtually paying out game media to a player, is connected to a lending device that requests the game machine to lend out game media, and enters a lending request from the lending device In a gaming machine that operates the payout means to actually or virtually pay out the game media, thereby lending the game media to the player, a lending instruction means operated by the player to instruct the lending of the game media, and When a lending instruction is input from the lending instruction means, a lending instruction output means for outputting that there is a lending instruction for a game medium to the lending device, and the number of game media used by the player for one game. Depending on the number of used number storage means stored and the number of game media stored in the used number storage means, there is a game medium lending instruction from the lending instruction output means to the lending device. Gaming machine, characterized in that the indication output and a non-execution means for outputting the non-execution of that was.

  According to the gaming machine 1, when a player uses a certain number of game media for one game, the rental of the game media is suspended (non-executed) until that game is completed. Since each game is performed after the player has used (injected) the game media, if a certain number of game media has already been used, it is necessary to lend the game media in that game Absent. Therefore, by making the rental of gaming media non-executable under such conditions, it is possible to execute the gaming media rental control while avoiding the timing when the control of gaming machines is executed in a concentrated manner. Therefore, each control of the gaming machine can be normally executed without separately providing a control device for paying out (renting out) the game media. That is, a gaming machine connected to the lending device can be realized without increasing the device cost of the gaming machine. Note that actually paying out the game medium means actually paying out the game medium itself, and paying out the game medium virtually means paying out the game medium by crediting (as a credit medal). To tell.

  In the gaming machine 1, the instruction output non-execution means, when the game is in an execution state, does not execute an output indicating that there is a game medium rental instruction from the lending instruction output means to the lending device. A gaming machine 2 characterized by being. According to the gaming machine 2, the lending instruction input during the game execution state is not output to the lending device. Therefore, during the execution of the game, the game medium lending request is not input from the lending device, so the game medium is not rented, and the concentration of control in the gaming machine can be avoided.

  When the game is in the running state, after the operation means (start lever) is operated, all the annular rotating bodies (rotor, reel, belt, drum, etc.) started by the operation means stop (annular) If the rotating body is replaced by an image display such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT, including the case where the variable display of the symbol is stopped by the image display), if the game medium is not paid out as a result of the stop, On the other hand, as a result of stopping all the annular rotators, if the game medium is paid out, it means the period until the payout is completed. In other words, the case where the game is not in the non-execution state is referred to as the case where the game is in the execution state.

  The gaming machine 2 includes execution state recognition means for recognizing the game execution state, and the instruction output non-execution means outputs the lending instruction output while the execution state of the game is recognized by the execution state recognition means. You may comprise so that the output that there was the lending instruction | indication of the game media from the means to the said lending apparatus may not be performed. Also, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 15, it is configured so that the lending instruction from the lending instruction means is not input during the execution of the game. You may make it non-execute the output that there was an instruction | indication of the game media to the lending apparatus.

  In the gaming machine 1 or 2, the instruction output non-execution means invalidates the lending instruction input from the lending instruction means under a predetermined condition, thereby giving a lending instruction for gaming media to the lending device. A gaming machine 3 characterized in that output is not executed. According to the gaming machine 3, the instruction output non-execution means invalidates the output indicating that the game medium has been instructed to the lending device by invalidating the lending instruction input from the lending instruction means under a predetermined condition. Since it is executed, even if the lending instruction means is operated by the player, the fact that the game medium has been lending is not output to the lending device. Therefore, if a player uses a certain number of game media for a single game (such as throwing in), the rental of the game media can be stopped (non-executed) until that game is completed.

  In the gaming machine 1 or 2, the instruction output non-execution means does not output a lending instruction from the lending instruction means to the lending instruction output means under a predetermined condition, thereby lending gaming media to the lending device. A gaming machine 4 characterized in that an output indicating that there is an instruction is not executed. According to the gaming machine 4, the instruction output non-execution means has issued a rental instruction of the game medium to the lending device by not outputting the lending instruction from the lending instruction means to the lending instruction output means under a predetermined condition. Therefore, even if the lending instruction means is operated by the player, the fact that the game medium has been lending is not output to the lending device. Therefore, if a player uses a certain number of game media for a single game (such as throwing in), the rental of the game media can be stopped (non-executed) until that game is completed.

  In the gaming machine 1 or 2, the instruction output non-execution means does not output that there is a gaming medium rental instruction to the lending device even if a rental instruction is input from the rental instruction means under a predetermined condition. A gaming machine 5 characterized by being a thing. According to the gaming machine 5, even if the instruction output non-execution means inputs a rental instruction from the rental instruction means under a predetermined condition, it is not output that there is a gaming medium rental instruction to the lending device. Even if the lending instruction means is operated by the player, the fact that there is a gaming medium lending instruction is not output to the lending device. Therefore, if a player uses a certain number of game media for a single game (such as throwing in), the rental of the game media can be stopped (non-executed) until that game is completed.

  In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 5, the instruction output non-execution unit is configured to provide the lending instruction when the number of game media stored in the used number storage unit is the maximum number used for one game. The gaming machine 6 is characterized in that an output indicating that there is a gaming medium lending instruction from the output means to the lending device is not executed. According to the gaming machine 6, when the player uses the maximum number of game media that can be used for one game, the rental of the game media is suspended (non-executed) until that game is completed. When the maximum number of game media that can be used in one game is used, no more game media are required for that game. Therefore, by making the rental of gaming media non-executable under such conditions, the timing at which the control of gaming machines is executed in a concentrated manner without affecting the use of gaming media is controlled. It can be avoided and executed. In addition, in this way, when no more game media are required for the game of the time, the rental of the game media is not executed, so that the rental of the game media more than necessary can be prohibited. Therefore, even when an illegal act such as illegally controlling the rental of game media is performed, such an illegal act can be suppressed.

  In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 6, the operating means operated by the player to start the game and the maximum number of game media stored in the used number storage means used in one game When the rental instruction means is operated and the game medium is paid out by the payout means based on the loan request output from the lending device as a result, the operation of the operation means is invalidated. The gaming machine 7 is provided with an operation invalidating means. According to the gaming machine 7, since the rental (payout) of the game medium and the start control of the game can be performed in a distributed manner, concentration of the execution timing of the control can be avoided and each control can be normally executed. Can do. Note that “invalidate operation of the operation means” means that the operation of the operation means is not detected itself, that the operation is detected but the detection result is canceled (the detection result is discarded or not used) Can be illustrated. The embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment in which the operation of the start lever 71 as the operation means is not detected during the execution of the medal lending process (S517) in FIG. 11 (see FIG. 10).

  In any of the gaming machines 1 to 6, operating means operated by a player to start a game, random number generating means for generating a random value within a predetermined range, and randomness generated by the random number generating means Acquisition means for acquiring a numerical value according to the operation of the operation means, lottery means for lottery of game results based on the random number value acquired by the acquisition means, and the number of game media stored in the used number storage means Is less than the maximum number used for a single game, the lending instruction means is operated, and as a result, the game medium is paid out by the paying means based on the lending request output from the lending device. If the operation means is operated in the meantime, the lottery of the game result by the lottery means based on the random value acquired by the acquisition means waits until the game medium payout is completed. Game machine 8, characterized in that it comprises a machine unit. According to the gaming machine 8, since the rental (payout) of game media and the start control of the game can be performed in a distributed manner, concentration of the execution time of the control is avoided and each control is executed normally. Can do. Note that the acquisition of the random value by the acquisition unit is performed based on the operation timing of the operation unit.

  In this embodiment, the start lever 71 corresponds to the operation means, the random number counter update circuit 125 corresponds to the random number generation means, and the random number memory for storing the latch circuit 126 and the value of the latch circuit 126 as the acquisition means. 153a corresponds to the lottery process of S505 as the lottery means, and the lottery process of S505 corresponds to the program configuration of FIG. The random number generation means and the acquisition means are not limited to hardware circuits, and may be configured by software. Specifically, the random number generation means is formed by a counter provided in a memory such as a RAM and a program for updating the counter, and the acquisition means is formed by a program that reads the value of the counter according to the operation of the operation means. Can be exemplified.

  In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 8, the game machine includes storage number storage means for storing the number of game media stored in the gaming machine, wherein the instruction output non-execution means is a game medium stored in the storage number storage means. The gaming machine 9 is characterized in that, according to the number, the output indicating that there is a gaming media lending instruction from the lending instruction output means to the lending device is not executed. According to the gaming machine 9, the rental of gaming media is stopped (not executed) according to the number of gaming media stored in the gaming machine. Therefore, when a sufficient number of game media are stored in the gaming machine, it is possible to suppress illegal acts such as illegally controlling the rental of game media by prohibiting the rental of game media. . For example, when game media is rented virtually (stored in a gaming machine), when the game media is rented, if the stored number exceeds the maximum value, the instruction output non-execution means The lending instruction output unit may prohibit the output of the game medium lending instruction from the lending instruction output unit to the lending device and prohibit the lending of the game medium. A credit counter 153c corresponds to the stored number storage means.

  In any of the gaming machines 1 to 9, the game machine has the payout means, the lending instruction output means, the used number storage means, and the instruction output non-execution means, and performs the main control of the game and is performed under a predetermined condition. Main control means for actually or virtually paying out the game medium to the player by operating the payout means, and the lending device accepts a lending medium with a valuable value within a range stored in the lending medium The gaming machine 10 (connection configuration) is configured to request the rental of the game medium and to output a rental instruction from the rental instruction means to the main control means. According to the gaming machine 10, the game medium lending instruction is output to the lending device via the main control means that performs the main control of the game, so the execution timing of the game medium lending control is controlled by the main control means. be able to. That is, the game medium lending control can be executed while avoiding the timing at which the game control is concentrated and executed. Therefore, each control of the gaming machine can be normally executed without providing a new control device for paying out (renting out) the game media. That is, a gaming machine connected to the lending device can be realized without increasing the device cost of the gaming machine. The main control unit 131 corresponds to the main control means, and the magnetic card corresponds to the rental medium.

  In any of the gaming machines 1 to 9, the game machine has the payout means, the lending instruction output means, the used number storage means, and the instruction output non-execution means, and performs the main control of the game and is performed under a predetermined condition. A return instructing means for instructing the return of the lending medium operated by the player and received by the lending apparatus, comprising main control means for actually or virtually paying out the game medium to the player by operating the paying means; The lending instruction by the lending instruction means is output to the main control means, while the return instruction by the return instructing means is output to the lending device without passing through the main control means. A gaming machine 11 (connection configuration).

  According to the gaming machine 11, the game medium lending instruction is output to the lending device via the main control means that performs the main control of the game, so the execution timing of the game medium lending control is controlled by the main control means. be able to. That is, the game medium lending control can be executed while avoiding the timing at which the game control is concentrated and executed. Therefore, each control of the gaming machine can be normally executed without providing a new control device for paying out (renting out) the game media. That is, a gaming machine connected to the lending device can be realized without increasing the device cost of the gaming machine. On the other hand, the return instruction of the rental medium accepted by the lending device is output to the lending device without going through the main control means. When the lending device inputs a return instruction, the lending medium received is returned, so that the lending medium can be returned regardless of the state of execution of the game by the main control means. Note that since the rental medium is returned by the lending device, the control load of the main control means is not increased. Therefore, regardless of the game execution state, each control of the gaming machine can be normally executed even if the rental medium is returned. The main control unit 131 corresponds to the main control unit, the magnetic card corresponds to the rental medium, and the return button 200 corresponds to the return instruction unit.

  Any of the gaming machines 1 to 11, further comprising a notifying means for notifying when a rental medium can be rented by the lending device. According to the gaming machine 12, the notifying means enables the player to grasp the state in which the gaming medium can be lent out, so that convenience is improved. Here, examples of the informing means include lamps and LEDs for informing the lending available state by lighting, a liquid crystal display informing by the display content, a display using a part of the CRT display, and the like. Note that the ball lending LED 220 corresponds to the notification means.

  In the gaming machine 12, the notifying means satisfies a condition for renting game media by the lending device, and the lending instruction output means does not execute the lending instruction output by the lending instruction output means. A gaming machine (13) characterized in that, when it is in a state where it can be output that a gaming medium lending instruction has been issued to the device, the lending device notifies that the gaming medium can be lent. According to the gaming machine 13, since the notifying means notifies that the gaming medium can be rented by the lending device in consideration of not only the state of the lending device but also the state of the gaming machine, the notification is extremely accurate. Can be done.

  In the gaming machine 13, a first input for inputting a game medium lending condition establishment signal by the lending device and a lending instruction output by the lending instruction output means are not executed by the lending instruction output means. And a second input for inputting a signal to be output when it is in a state where it can be output that there has been a game media lending instruction, and the respective signals are input to the first and second inputs. The game machine 14 is provided with an operation means for operating the notification means. According to the gaming machine 14, since the state of the lending device and the state of the gaming machine are separately input and the notification means is operated based on those inputs, the control burden of the lending device and the gaming machine accompanying the operation of the notification means Can be reduced. Note that one input terminal of the AND circuit AND1 corresponds to the first input, the other input terminal of the AND circuit AND1 corresponds to the second input, and the AND circuit AND1 corresponds to the operation means. In addition, the “lending condition establishment signal for game medium by the lending device” corresponds to the ball lending LED signal TDLO, and “the lending instruction output means without executing the lending instruction output by the instruction output non-executing means” is performed. The signal that is output when it is in a state where it can be output that there has been an instruction to rent a game medium to the lending device, corresponds to the ball lending permission signal SG2.

  In any of the gaming machines 1 to 14, operation means operated by a player to start a game, random number generation means for generating a random value within a predetermined range, and randomness generated by the random number generation means An acquisition means for acquiring a numerical value in accordance with an operation of the operation means, a lottery means for drawing a game result based on a random value acquired by the acquisition means, and a plurality of identification information are displayed and configured to be rotatable. An annular rotator, drive means for rotationally driving the annular rotator by operation of the operating means, and stop instructing means for instructing stop of the annular rotator operated by the player and rotated by the drive means; Stop means for stopping the rotational driving of the annular rotating body instructed to stop by the stop instruction means based on the timing of the stop instruction and the lottery result of the lottery means, and the stop Gaming machine 15, characterized in that it comprises, actually or the payout control means for virtually paying out game media by operating the dispensing means based on the stop mode of the stopped the annular rotary body by means.

  According to the gaming machine 15, a random number value is acquired and a lottery is performed based on an operation by the operation means, and the annular rotator is driven to rotate. Thereafter, when the rotational drive of the annular rotator is stopped based on the stop instruction by the stop instruction means, the game medium is actually or virtually paid out based on the stop mode of the annular rotator. According to the gaming machine 15, it is possible to realize an ordered game in this way. The operation lever corresponds to the start lever 71, the random number generation means corresponds to the random number counter update circuit 125, the acquisition means corresponds to the latch circuit 126 and the pass / fail random number memory 153a for storing the value of the latch circuit 126, and the lottery means. Corresponds to the lottery process of S505, the reels 42L to 42R correspond to the annular rotator, the stepping motors 61L to 61R as the driving means, and the reel control process of S506 for controlling the driving thereof, and the stop instruction means The stop switches 72 to 74 correspond to the stepping motors 61L to 61R and the reel control process of S506 for controlling the stop thereof, and the payout control means corresponds to the medal payout process of S507.

  In the gaming machine 15, non-execution of releasing the non-executed state of the lending instruction output by the instruction output non-execution means when the annular rotating body is stopped by the stop means or the payout operation of the payout means is ended by the payout control means A gaming machine 16 comprising a state releasing means. According to the gaming machine 16, the output of the lending instruction to the lending device by the lending instruction output means can stop the annular rotating body or end the payout operation even when the instruction output non-execution means makes the non-execution state. In response, the non-execution state canceling unit returns the state to the state where it can be output again. That is, the output of the lending instruction to the lending device by the lending instruction output means is returned to a state where it can be output again after the game in which the output is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to return the lending control of the game medium which has been once executed to a state where it can be executed again after the game of that time is completed. The non-execution state canceling means corresponds to the processing of S511 in FIGS. Even if the annular rotating body is stopped by the stop means or the payout operation of the payout means is ended by the payout control means, the non-executed state is not released unless all the non-execution conditions for the lending instruction output are released.

  The gaming machine 15 or 16 includes a control unit that controls the acquisition unit, the lottery unit, the drive unit, the stop unit, and the payout control unit with one device. According to the gaming machine 17, the rotational drive control of the annular rotator by the drive means and the game medium payout control by the payout control means are one device (device means, for example, “MPU” by the control means. Therefore, the apparatus cost can be reduced as compared with the case where separate devices are provided for each drive control. Further, in the gaming machine 2, since the rental of the game medium is performed when the game is not in the execution state, even if the rotation drive control and the payout drive control are executed by one device, the concentration of the control time is avoided. Both drive controls can be executed reliably. Furthermore, even if the control means further controls the acquisition means and the lottery means with a single device, it is possible to avoid the concentration of the control time and execute these controls reliably. The acquisition random number in the gaming machine 17 corresponds to the random number memory 153a.

  Any one of the gaming machines 1 to 17 includes operation means operated by a player to start a game, and the operation of the operation means and the operation of the lending instruction means are detected by the same device A gaming machine 18 characterized by being. According to the gaming machine 18, the operation of the operation means for starting the game and the operation of the lending instruction means for lending the game medium are detected by the same device, so that the game medium is being started (running) during the game. It is possible to disable the lending of the game or, conversely, to disable the start of the game during the lending of the game medium. That is, the operation of the operation means for starting the game and the operation of the lending instruction means for lending the game medium are detected by the same device, so that the control status can be grasped by a single device. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently eliminate a control error such as redundantly executing a game start and a game medium lending. The operation of the operation means and the operation of the lending instruction means may be detected by the same device as the control means of the gaming machine 17.

  In any of the gaming machines 1 to 18, an insertion port for inputting a game medium, a discharge path for discharging the game medium input from the input port to the outside, and the game medium input from the input port A take-in path to be taken in, a switching means for switching the passage so that the game medium thrown from the slot is passed to the take-in path or the discharge path, and a game medium thrown from the slot by the switching means When the lending instruction means is operated and the lending instruction output means outputs a gaming medium lending instruction to the lending device in a state where the lending device is passed through the take-in path, A gaming machine 19 comprising switching instruction means for switching the switching means so that the played game medium passes through the discharge path. According to the gaming machine 19, during the rental of gaming media, the gaming media thrown from the slot can be discharged outside the gaming machine without being taken into the gaming machine. Accordingly, the game medium lending control and the game medium take-in control can be performed in a distributed manner, so that it is possible to avoid concentration of control execution timing. It should be noted that the medal insertion port 75 is used as the insertion port, the discharge passage 82 is used as the discharge route, the storage passage 81 is used as the take-in route, the medal passage switching member 84 is used as the switching unit, and S521 is used as the switching instruction unit. These processes correspond to each.

  In the gaming machine 19, the switching instruction means outputs that the gaming medium has been lent to the lending device by the lending instruction output means, so that the gaming medium thrown from the slot is passed through the discharge path. In such a case, when the payout of the game medium by the payout means based on the loan request output from the lending device is completed, the game medium input from the input port is switched to pass through the take-in path. A gaming machine 20 characterized by being a thing. According to the gaming machine 20, after the game medium lending control is executed, the switching means can be returned to the original state so that the input of a new game medium can be accepted. Note that the processing of S528 corresponds to the switching instruction means in the gaming machine 20.

  In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 20, the gaming machine is a slot machine. In particular, the basic configuration of the slot machine is as follows: “Identification information string after variably displaying (specifically, a reel with a pattern) an identification information string (specifically a reel with a symbol) composed of a plurality of identification information. And a display device (specifically, a reel unit) for confirming and stopping the display, the variation of the identification information is started due to the operation of the start operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the stop operation means (stop button) Due to the operation or when a predetermined time has elapsed, the fluctuation of the identification information is stopped, and a special advantage that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the combination of identification information at the time of the stop is a combination of specific identification information A gaming machine that gives a privilege such as occurrence of a gaming state (bonus game or the like). In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals.

  A gaming machine 22 according to any one of the gaming machines 1 to 20, wherein the gaming machine is a combination of a pachinko gaming machine and a slot machine. Above all, as a basic configuration of the merged gaming machine, “after a variable display (specifically, rotation of the reel) of an identification information string (specifically, a reel with a symbol) composed of a plurality of identification information” A display device (specifically a reel unit) for confirming and stopping display of the identification information string is provided, and the variation of the identification information is started due to the operation of the start operation means (for example, the operation lever). Button) or after a predetermined time has passed, the fluctuation of the identification information is stopped, and the player is required to have the combination of identification information at the time of the stop as a combination of specific identification information. A throwing device for giving a privilege such as the occurrence of an advantageous special gaming state (bonus game or the like), a ball tray (top plate or the like), and performing a loading process for taking a game ball from the ball tray, and the ball tray To play And a dispensing apparatus which performs dispensing of game ball is the starting game machine operation of the operating means is configured to be effective. "By being turned on by the dosing device.

10 Slot machines (gaming machines)
71 Start lever 91 Hopper device (part of dispensing means)
125 Random number counter update circuit 126 Latch circuit 153a Appropriate random number memory 153b Bet counter (used number storage means)
153c Credit counter 210 Ball lending button (lending instruction means)
230 Card unit (rental device)
S500: Yes (instruction output non-execution means)
S507 Medal payout processing (part of payout means)
S517 Medal lending process (lending instruction output means)
S525, S526 (part of payout means)
TDS ball lending switch signal (there was a lending instruction)

Claims (1)

Having a payout means for paying out the game media to the player actually or virtually,
Connected to a lending device that requests a gaming machine to lend a gaming medium, and when a lending request is input from the lending device, the paying means is operated to actually or virtually pay out the gaming medium, thereby In a gaming machine that lends game media to a player,
A lending instruction means operated by a player and instructing lending of game media;
When a lending instruction is input from the lending instruction means, a lending instruction output means for outputting that there is a gaming medium lending instruction to the lending device;
Use number storage means for storing the number of game media used by a player for one game;
Instruction output non-execution means for not executing an output indicating that there is a game medium lending instruction from the lending instruction output means to the lending device according to the number of game media stored in the used number storage means; A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

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