JP2014076290A - Circulation type game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a circulation type game machine capable of, even when an interruption button is erroneously operated, smoothly restarting and progressing a game without any interruption of the game.SOLUTION: When a seat-leaving button is operated, if a value of a held ball counter is zero, the circulation type game machine outputs a signal of permitting discharge of an IC card to a spacer unit, and starts a seat-leaving mode notification. If the value of the held ball counter is larger than zero, namely when the circulation type game machine stores the number of shootable game balls, the game machine does not permit the discharge of the IC card and executes a notification for prompting an operation of a counting button.

Description

  The present invention relates to a circulating game machine that collects launched game balls in a game machine and guides them to a launch position again.

  The current general pachinko machine inserts a card in which valuable value information is stored into a CR unit adjacent to the pachinko machine, and operates a lending button arranged on the pachinko machine. The game ball is discharged from the payout device provided to the upper plate, and the discharged game ball is entered into the winning opening provided in the game area, so that it is set as the winning ball from the payout device to the winning port. Minute game balls are paid out. When there is no game ball on the upper plate, the player again operates the rental button to pay out the game ball to the upper plate.

  In recent years, in order to strengthen countermeasures against fraud, a recirculating gaming machine that is connected to a table machine equipped with an IC card read writer and performs a game by circulating a predetermined number of game balls enclosed inside. (Also known as an enclosed game machine) is attracting attention. In this circulating game machine, a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed so that the player cannot touch the game balls, and the game balls launched (used for games) by the launch device toward the game board are played. It is collected inside the machine and fired again by the launching device, and the number of balls held by the player is managed as data, and the circulating game machine itself stores the number of game balls that can be launched.

  In such a circulation type gaming machine, it is provided with an interrupt button for temporarily interrupting the game, and based on the operation of the interrupt button, the output of the launch permission signal to the launch control board is stopped to operate the hitting operation handle. A configuration for disabling and transmitting interruption information including stored ball data (number of credit balls) to a connected card unit is disclosed <Patent Document 1>.

  With the configuration as in Patent Document 1, even when you leave your seat temporarily, such as when you are resting on the toilet, you can automatically stop firing and move the ball data to the card by operating the interrupt button (send data to the card unit) ), Making it possible to leave immediately. Further, the standby ball waiting on the hitting ball standby tray is automatically adjusted as the number of credit balls only by operating the settlement button. In this way, the settlement operation can be simplified, and forgetting to settle the ball data stored in the gaming machine can be prevented.

JP 2003-102999 A

  However, in the invention of Patent Document 1, if the stop button is accidentally pressed, the firing is stopped and the ball data is transferred even though the game is in progress. Therefore, when the game is resumed, the card is changed to the gaming machine. It takes time and effort to migrate data. In addition, even if the check button is operated by mistake, the launching is not stopped, but the ball data is transferred to the unit, so that it takes time to restart the game.

  Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a circulation type gaming machine capable of smoothly proceeding with a game even if an interruption button is erroneously operated.

The circulating game machine according to claim 1 is:
A unit that reads the valuable value information recorded on the inserted recording medium and the unit-side ball number information is connected to be able to communicate with each other, encloses a predetermined number of game balls inside and circulates the game balls In the recirculating gaming machine that performs the game using the game machine and updates the information on the number of balls held on the gaming machine side that can be launched according to the progress of the game,
When a settlement operation is performed by the player, a settlement means for transferring the number of balls held on the gaming machine side to the unit;
A discharging means for discharging the recording medium inserted into the unit when a player performs a discharging operation; and a leaving mode switching means for shifting to a leaving mode when a player performs a leaving operation;
A holding ball checking means for checking the number of balls held on the gaming machine side,
At the time of the discharge means operation, if the gaming machine side holding ball number information does not exist by the holding ball confirmation means, the recording medium is discharged from the unit, and if the gaming machine side holding ball number information exists, The recording medium is not discharged from the unit, and a notification is made to prompt the implementation of the checkout means. When the leaving mode transition means is operated, the number of balls held on the gaming machine side must be present by the ball holding confirmation means. The recording medium is discharged from the unit, and when the discharged recording medium is inserted into the unit again or until a predetermined time elapses, a notification is given during the absence of the game machine side ball. If the number information exists, the recording medium is not discharged from the unit, and a notification is made to prompt the implementation of the settlement means,
The discharging operation signal according to the discharging operation and the leaving operation signal according to the leaving operation are directly transmitted to the unit,
The circulating game machine is
When receiving a discharge confirmation signal corresponding to the reception of the discharge operation signal from the unit, the holding ball confirmation means transmits a discharge permission signal to the unit on the condition that the gaming machine side holding ball information does not exist,
When the absence confirmation signal is received from the unit in response to the receipt of the away operation signal, the presence confirmation signal is transmitted to the unit on the condition that the gaming machine side possession ball information does not exist by the possession confirmation means. ,
The unit is
Discharging the recording medium by receiving the discharge permission signal;
Ejecting the recording medium by receiving the leave permission signal, and sending a leave state signal to the circulating game machine to indicate the away state,
The circulation type gaming machine includes an effect unit for performing an effect relating to a game, and when the absence state signal is received, the effecting unit notifies the absence of seat. is there.

  “Updating information about the number of balls that can be fired as the game progresses” means that the consumption (launch) and acquisition of game balls is not an increase or decrease in the number of game media (game balls). The information indicating the number of the game media is changed, and the information on the number of balls on the game machine side (the number of balls held by the player) stored on the circulating game machine side is used for launching the game ball and winning the prize The number of game balls enclosed in the aircraft can be confirmed, and the number of game balls that have been launched and the number of game balls that have entered the winning or exit port are counted and It is desirable to manage the game balls that circulate.

  The settlement means is configured to subtract a predetermined number from the number of game balls that can be fired by the operation (number information of possession balls) and shift the subtracted value to the unit. In addition, it is good also as a structure which subtracts all the number of game balls which can be launched by one adjustment means operation (it transfers the subtracted value to a unit), and makes the number of game balls which can be launched zero. Moreover, the structure which switches the process which subtracts a predetermined number and the process which subtracts all according to a condition may be sufficient. In particular, it is desirable that all be subtracted by one settlement means operation at the time of return operation or away operation. Further, the settlement operation unit may be provided in the unit, or may be provided in the circulation type gaming machine.

  When the player performs the operation, if the game machine side ball number information (gameable ball) that can be stored and managed by the circulating game machine is 0 (does not exist), the discharge means is discharged from the unit according to the operation. If the information about the number of balls held on the gaming machine side, which is discharged from the recording medium and stored and managed by the circulating game machine, is greater than 0 (exists), the circulating game machine is set by the settlement operation, that is, the settlement operation by the player. Only the notification that prompts the player to transfer the information on the number of balls on the gaming machine side to be stored and managed to the unit is performed, and the recording medium is not discharged from the unit according to the discharging operation.

  The away mode switching means is a means for informing the gaming machine that the game is in the suspended state (seating mode), and the number of balls held on the gaming machine side that is stored and managed by the circulating gaming machine when the player performs an operation. If the information (a game ball that can be launched) is 0, the recording medium is ejected from the unit, and the game is interrupted until the recording medium is inserted into the unit again or until a predetermined time has elapsed. If the information on the number of balls on the gaming machine side managed and stored by the circulation type gaming machine is larger than 0, the number of balls held on the side of the gaming machine managed and stored by the circulation type gaming machine by the settlement means, that is, the settlement operation by the player Only the notification that prompts the information to be transferred to the unit is performed, and the recording medium is not discharged from the unit according to the discharging operation, and the mode is not shifted to the away mode.

  The circulating game machine is configured to confirm whether or not the discharging means and the leaving mode shifting means have been performed by the discharging confirmation signal and the leaving confirmation signal received from the unit, and receiving the discharging confirmation signal or the leaving confirmation signal. Depending on the confirmation result of the ball holding confirmation means that is sometimes carried out, if the ball holding information on the gaming machine side is 0, a discharge (separation) permission signal for permitting discharge of the recording medium is transmitted to the unit. Further, when the unit receives a leave permission signal corresponding to the reception of the leave confirmation signal from the circulation type gaming machine, the absence state signal instructing the away state is transmitted to the circulation type gaming machine. In addition, if the game machine side holding ball information is 0 as a result of confirmation by the ball holding confirmation means when the absence check signal is received from the unit, the circulation type gaming machine uses the absence confirmation signal as the absence state signal. It is good also as composition to catch.

The circulation type gaming machine according to claim 2 is:
In the circulation type gaming machine according to claim 1,
The unit comprises an identification output means for individually identifying the inserted recording medium and outputting an identification signal indicating the identified result at least when the recording medium is inserted,
When the identification signal is received by the identification output means in the state of instructing the absence state, the identification signal is the same as the recording medium ejected from the unit at the start of the absence notification. Indicates that the absence state is instructed, and indicates that the identification signal is different from the recording medium ejected from the unit at the start of the absence notification, instructing a warning notification,
It is a circulation type gaming machine characterized by this.

  “At least including an identification output means for outputting an identification signal indicating the identification result at the time of insertion of the recording medium” means that the unit stores the identification information of the recording medium stored at the time of insertion of the recording medium. After identifying whether the identification information is the same recording medium or not, the identified result is output to the circulating game machine at least when the recording medium is inserted, and the result identified in response to the inquiry from the circulating gaming machine It is good also as a structure which can output to a circulation type game machine at any time.

  The “identification signal indicating the result of identification” may be a signal indicating whether the recording medium stored in the unit and the inserted recording medium are the same or different. The determination is made based on the unique identification information recorded on each recording medium regardless of the value of the recorded valuable value.

  “A state in which the absence state is instructed” is a state in which the circulating game machine is in the absence of a seat, and the unit outputs an absence state signal that instructs the circulating game machine to leave the seat. A predetermined time may elapse after transmission or until the recording medium ejected from the unit at the start of the away state is inserted into the unit again.

  The identification signal may be a signal that is output only while the unit is in the absence state instruction, or is output to the circulating game machine every time a recording medium is inserted into the unit, not only during the instruction of the absence state. Or may be output in response to a request from the circulating game machine. The identification signal may be combined with a signal (insertion signal) output to the circulating game machine when the recording medium is inserted into the unit.

The circulating game machine according to claim 3 is:
In the circulation type gaming machine according to claim 2,
When the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the absence notification, the circulation state gaming machine is characterized by instructing the end of the absence state and instructing the absence of the absence state.

  In the circulating game machine according to claim 1, there is a possibility that the player's discharging operation and leaving operation may be erroneously performed, and the number of balls on the side of the gaming machine (the number of game balls that can be launched stored in the circulating game machine) ) Is not 0, the discharging operation or leaving operation is invalidated, and the checkout operation is prompted to reconfirm the discharging operation or leaving operation. It is possible to continue the game as it is, and if it is not an erroneous operation, it is illegal (by holding the ball) by performing a settlement operation according to the notification (by setting the number of balls held on the gaming machine side to 0). The card can be discharged and the player can leave the game (interruption of the game) after ensuring the state that prevents others from firing).

  Further, when the player performs the leaving operation, the unit that has received the signal corresponding to the leaving operation outputs a discharge confirmation signal to the circulation type gaming machine, and when the circulation type gaming machine receives the discharge confirmation signal, When there is machine-side ball information, a notification is made to prompt the checkout operation, and when there is no ball-side information, a leave permission signal is sent to the unit from the circulating game machine, and a leave permission signal is received. The unit sends an unattended signal to the circulating game machine, and when the circulating game machine receives this unattended signal, it starts an unattended mode that notifies the unseated state. The operation may be erroneous, and if the information on the number of balls on the gaming machine side (the number of game balls that can be fired stored in the recirculating gaming machine) is not 0, the discharging operation or leaving operation is invalidated to prompt the settlement operation The effect of reconfirming the discharge operation and leaving operation However, it is possible to prevent the game machine side ball information from being transferred to the unit due to an erroneous operation, and to continue the game as it is. By setting the number information to 0), the card can be ejected and the user can leave the seat while ensuring a state in which fraud (bringing a ball, others will fire) is prevented.

  In the circulation type gaming machine according to claim 2, since the leaving mode is canceled only when the same card is inserted during the leaving mode, the gaming machine in the leaving mode can be reliably secured.

  In the circulating game machine according to the third aspect, since there is an upper limit in the time for keeping the away mode, damage can be minimized even if mischief is performed using the away operation.

The front view of the circulation type game machine 50. FIG. An explanatory view schematically showing the mechanism of circulation of game balls in the circulation type gaming machine 50 from the back side. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a circulating game machine 50. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the circulation type gaming machine 50. 3 is a flowchart 1 showing a flow of card processing 1 executed by the inter-unit unit 100 in the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart 2 illustrating a flow of card processing 1 executed by the inter-unit unit 100 in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart 3 illustrating a flow of card processing 1 executed by the inter-unit unit 100 in the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the discharge | emission confirmation signal reception process which the payout discharge control apparatus 84 performs. FIG. 3 is a flowchart 2 illustrating an absence confirmation signal reception process 1 executed by the payout / emission control device 84 in the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a away state signal reception process executed by the payout / release control device 84 in the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a comparison result signal reception process executed by the payout / discharge control device 84 in the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the adjustment process which the payout discharge control apparatus 84 performs. 7 is a flowchart showing a away notification instruction signal reception process executed by the payout / emission control device 84 in the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the content of notification displayed on the effect symbol display device 6. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of the notification displayed on the effect symbol display device 6. 9 is a flowchart 1 showing a flow of card processing 2 executed by the inter-unit unit 100 in the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart 3 illustrating a flow of card processing 2 executed by the inter-unit unit 100 in the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a leave confirmation signal reception process 2 executed by the payout / emission control device 84 in the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a away state process executed by the payout / release control device 84 in the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following examples, and can take various forms belonging to the technical scope of the present invention, and the contents described in the respective examples are appropriately combined. It goes without saying that it is possible.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a circulation type gaming machine 50 (corresponding to the circulation type gaming machine of the present invention) in which a game ball is enclosed in the machine and played without paying out the game ball outside the machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the circulation type gaming machine 50 is disposed adjacent to the inter-unit unit 100 (corresponding to the unit of the present invention). The inter-unit unit 100 is provided with a card insertion slot 100a and a cash insertion slot 100b. An IC card (corresponding to the recording medium of the present invention) is inserted into the card insertion slot 100a or cash is inserted into the cash insertion slot 100b. The ball lending button 102a provided in the circulation type gaming machine 50 can be operated by inserting.

  The circulation type gaming machine 50 has a structure in which each part is held by an outer frame 51 that forms a vertically long fixed outer frame holding frame. A hinge 53 is provided on the upper left and right sides of the outer frame 51, and an inner frame 70 is attached to the hinge 53. The inner frame 70 can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 51. .

  A front frame 52 is attached to the inner frame 70 by a hinge 53 or the like so that it can be opened and closed. A plate glass 61 is detachably provided on the front frame 52. A game board 1 attached to the inner frame 70 is arranged. Speakers (not shown) are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the front frame 52, and game sounds generated from the circulating gaming machine 50 are output to improve the player's preference. Further, in order to improve the player's preference, a plurality of frame side decorative lamps (not shown) that emit light according to the gaming state are provided in the front frame 52. In addition, a winning display device 20 is arranged at the lower right portion of the front frame 52, and when a game ball wins a winning slot described later, the number of acquired gaming balls set for each winning slot is displayed.

  On the lower right side of the front frame 52, a launch operation unit 107 for launching a game ball is disposed, and a handstand 71 is attached below the launch operation unit 107. The hand table 71 is a table on which a player's hand performing a constant launch operation is placed. The firing operation unit 107 includes a firing strength adjustment switch unit 108, a sliding operation unit 107a that a player operates to launch a game ball, a firing stop switch 111 disposed on the upper part of the sliding operation unit 107a, It includes a firing strength fixing switch 110 that is operated when the strength is fixed, a firing strength display unit 107b that indicates the firing strength as a numerical value, and a touch sensor 112 (not shown) that senses the player's operation. As the sliding operation unit 107a is operated in the right direction, the firing strength increases. In the present embodiment, the firing strength is adjusted using the sliding switch, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the firing strength is adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the so-called firing handle may be used.

  A cylinder lock 36 for operating a slide lock that can regulate the opening of both the inner frame 70 and the front frame 52 is arranged at the upper right of the firing operation unit 107 (the right end of the circulating game machine 50), and a key can be inserted. It has become. The cylinder lock 36 is a variable lock that can freely change the type of key for unlocking. By using such a variable lock in the circulating game machine 50, the game store can All the gaming machines arranged in the store can be set as a store-specific key (one type).

  On the left side of the firing operation unit 107, a control unit 8 serving as an interface with the player is provided. The control unit 8 includes an operation unit device 102 (touch panel type liquid crystal display) that is a touch panel type liquid crystal display, a counting switch 105 (corresponding to the settlement means of the present invention), and a game ball number display device 106. Has been. On the touch panel of the operation unit device 102, an operation indicating operation results of the ball lending switch 102a, the return switch 102b (corresponding to the discharge means of the present invention), the screen changeover switch 102c, the ball lending switch 102a and the return switch 102b. A result display unit 102d and a leaving switch 102e (corresponding to the leaving mode shifting means of the present invention) operated when a transition to the away state is desired to temporarily suspend the game are provided.

  It should be noted that buttons (ball lending switch 102a, counting switch 105, return switch 102b, leaving switch 102e) for lending a ball from an IC card, adjusting a ball and returning the IC card, leaving a seat, etc. The operation may be arranged at 100, and by this, operations such as ball lending and settlement are collected in the inter-unit unit 100, so that it can be clearly distinguished from operations related to effects related to games. In this embodiment, the touch panel type liquid crystal panel includes the above-described switch. However, the present invention is not limited to the touch panel type liquid crystal panel, and a mechanical switch may be used.

  The front plate portion provided with the control unit 8 can also be opened and closed from the inner frame 70 by the hinge 53 or the like, but since the front frame 52 is installed so as to cover the front plate portion, only when the front frame 52 is opened. The front plate part can also be opened.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the state of the game area 3 of the game board 1 located in the back of the glass plate 61. The game area 3 is a substantially circular area surrounded by the guide rails 16, and a large number of game nails are planted. A game ball launched from a launching device arranged at the upper left of the game board 1 Immediately after that, the game area 3 is made to flow down.

  A center case and a window in which a warp passage, a stage, and the like are formed are provided in a substantially central portion of the game area 3, and a liquid crystal screen of the effect symbol display device 6 is disposed behind the window. In addition to these, in the game area 3, the normal symbol operating gate 17 that can always win, the first starting port 11, the second starting port 12 configured as an ordinary electric accessory, and the general winning port 13 are provided. , An attacker-type large winning opening 14 and the like (winning opening) and an out opening 15 are provided, and the first special figure display device, the second special figure display device, and the normal symbol display are provided at the lower right of the game area 3. A device, a first special figure reservation number display device, a second special figure reservation number display device, a general figure reservation number display device, and the like are provided.

  By configuring the game board 1 as described above, when a game ball enters the normal symbol operation gate 17 (the normal symbol operation switch 17a (see FIG. 3) detects the game ball), the normal symbol display device displays the normal symbol. Starts a variable display and drives a normal electric solenoid 12b (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, according to the mode of the normal symbol stopped after a predetermined time. When the normal electric combination solenoid 12b is driven, the blade member of the normal electric combination opens almost synchronously, and the ball enters the second start port 12 (detection of the second start port switch 12a (see FIG. 3)). It is configured to be possible. In the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, the opening time during which the blade member of the ordinary electric accessory is driven is normally 0.2 seconds (once), and in the short time state (open extended state), 1.8 seconds (2 Times). Further, the second starting port 12 is configured such that a game ball cannot enter unless the blade member of the ordinary electric accessory is driven.

  When the game ball enters the first start port 11 (the first start port switch 11a (see FIG. 3) detects the game ball), the first special symbol starts changing in the first special symbol display device, and the predetermined time is reached. Stop later. In addition, when a game ball enters the normal electric combination that is the second start port 12 (the second special figure start switch 12a (see FIG. 3) detects the game ball), the second special figure display device displays the second special figure. The symbol starts to change and stops after a predetermined time.

  During the variation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the effect symbol display device 6 displays the effect mode linked to the change of each special symbol. In addition, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are executed with priority on the suspension of the second special symbol regardless of the order of entering the first starting port and the second starting port. Specifically, when there is a reserved memory of the first special symbol, the variation of the second special symbol is stopped and there is no second special symbol reserved memory, and the variation for the first special symbol reserved memory is started. To do.

  A special prize opening solenoid 14b (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is driven according to the final display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When the big prize opening solenoid 14b is driven, the door member of the big prize opening 14 is opened almost synchronously, and a game ball enters the big prize opening 14 (the count switch 14a (see FIG. 3) detects the game ball). Is configured to be possible.

  In addition, various random numbers such as success / failure random numbers acquired when a game ball enters the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 or when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 17 are stored as reserved memory. While being stored (stored) in the main control device 50, a process of transmitting various commands resulting from entering the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 to the sub integrated control device 83 (see FIG. 3) is performed. Thereafter, the hold memory stored when the game ball enters the first start port 11 is the first hold memory, and the hold memory stored when the game ball enters the second start port 12 is the second hold. The reserved memory stored when the game ball has passed through the memory and normal symbol operating gate 17 will be described as the normal figure reserved memory.

  In the present embodiment, the maximum number of lightings by the ordinary figure hold number display device, the first special figure hold number display device, and the second special figure hold number display device is 4 (the maximum hold memory number is 4). It has become. Even if the number of reserved memories is 0, it is acquired when a game ball enters the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 or when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 17. Various random numbers such as pass / fail random numbers are stored in the main controller 50 in the same manner as when there is a stored number less than the maximum value.

  If the first special figure start switch 11a or the second special figure start switch 12a detects a game ball and the number of the first reserved memory or the second reserved memory in that case is less than 4, the extracted jackpot determination random number The big hit symbol determining random number, the small hit symbol determining random number, the reach determining random number, and the variation pattern determining random number are stored in the storage area as the first or second reserved memory.

  The various stored random numbers are subjected to a comparison determination (corresponding to the lottery of the present invention) with a preset value by the determination process (hit determination), and the determination result of the determination result of the random determination for determining the big hit is determined as a big hit symbol Is displayed on the first special figure display device, the second special figure display device, and the effect symbol display device 6 based on the random number value.

  In addition, the pachinko machine in this embodiment is comprised as a probability fluctuation machine. More specifically, the games by the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment are roughly classified into a game in which the big prize opening 14 is closed and a jackpot game in which the big prize opening 14 is opened. , Categorized roughly, normal probability state (hereinafter, normal state) and high probability state (hereinafter, probability) Fluctuating state).

  The special symbol consists of a probability variation symbol and a non-probability variation symbol, and the probability variation state is set so as to be able to transition after the jackpot game in the probability variation symbol, and the probability in any game state of the normal state and the probability variation state If a big hit is made with the fluctuating symbol, after the big hit game ends, the state shifts to a probability fluctuation state. Similarly, the normal state is set to be transitionable after the jackpot game with the non-stochastic variation symbol is finished, and if either of the normal state or the probability variation state is a big hit with the non-stochastic variation symbol, after the jackpot game ends, Transition to normal state.

  After the transition to the normal state, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened by a specified number of times (for example, 100 times), and the short state is reached when the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is activated. If the variation time of special symbols and normal symbols (the time from the start of variation until the result is displayed) is shortened, the number of times the variation display is performed within a certain time is increased.

  Specifically, in the short time state of the present embodiment, the special symbol display time is shortened along with the special symbol variation time, but the normal symbol variation display is shortened. Then, the regular symbol is confirmed and displayed many times within a certain time. Therefore, the number of times that the normal symbol hits within a certain time increases, and the number of times of operation of the ordinary electric accessory also increases. In addition, since the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory is set to be long (opening extension function), it becomes easy to win a large number of game balls. By making it easy for a large number of game balls to win in this way, the number of times of special symbol variation display is further increased. Can play a variety of games.

  In the probability variation state, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened similarly to the time-short state, and the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is activated. The settings related to the shortening of various symbols and the function to open and extend the normal electric utility are the same as the short-time state, but the probability variation state increases the probability of hitting a special symbol in addition to the short-time state. The gaming state is advantageous to the player.

  Next, the mechanism of circulation of game balls of the circulation type gaming machine 50 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the circulation mechanism from the back. FIG. 2 shows a main device for circulating the game ball, a path for lifting the game ball, and a main control device. The flow that circulates after the game ball is fired will be explained in order.

  At least, when the sliding operation unit 107a is operated in a state where the circulating game machine 50 manages (stores) game balls that can be fired (corresponding to the number of balls held on the gaming machine side of the present invention), the launching device The ball feed solenoid 130 arranged at 87 is operated to send the game ball to the launch position. At that time, in the circulation type gaming machine 50 of the present embodiment, the game ball sent to the launch position always rolls in the game area 3 (the game ball sent to the launch position is always launched, and Therefore, the subtraction sensor 131 provided in the launching device 87 detects the sent game ball as a launch ball and detects a ball counter (the number of game balls that can be launched). 1) is subtracted from The number of game balls that can be fired is displayed on the game ball number display device 106, and is displayed by subtracting 1 in accordance with the detection of the game ball by the subtraction sensor 131.

  The game ball sent out to the launch position is launched into the game area 3 by the actuation of the launch solenoid 129 with a launch intensity corresponding to the position of the sliding operation unit 107a. In the circulation type gaming machine 50 according to the present embodiment, the position of the launching device 87 (position for launching the game ball) is the upper left part when viewing the game area 3 from the front (the upper part is because the figure is the back). Unlike the machine, the launched game ball is not launched by the launch path formed by the guide rail, and the game ball bulleted by the launch solenoid 129 reaches the game area 3 immediately after the bullet ball.

  The game ball that has reached the game area 3 flows down the game area 3 and enters a winning opening such as the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 or enters the out port 15. A game ball that has won a prize opening is detected by a winning detection sensor 124 that flows down the back surface of the game board 1 and is arranged in the guidance path, and a game ball that has entered the out slot 15 is detected by a non-winning detection sensor 125. Detected.

  When the winning detection sensor 124 or the non-winning sensor 125 detects a game ball, it is added as the number of out balls. Management of the game ball circulation is performed by the number of out balls and the number of shot balls (the number of balls detected by the subtraction sensor 131). In this embodiment, each sensor described above is connected to the payout launch control device 84, and the circulation of the enclosed game ball is managed by the payout launch control device 84, but is connected so as to be able to communicate with the payout launch control device 84. It may be configured to be managed by the main controller 80.

  The game balls detected by the winning detection sensor 124 and the non-winning sensor 125 flow down the guiding path connected to the ball polishing device 85. The ball polishing device 85 includes a cassette motor 114, a polishing motor 115, a cassette switch 116, and a polishing motor sensor 117, and uses a cassette equipped with a polishing cloth to polish a game ball. Also, the cassette loaded with the polishing cloth is detected.

  The polishing of the game ball is performed by operating the polishing motor 115 and moving the game ball to press against the polishing cloth. The polishing cloth can be replaced by a structure mounted on the cassette, and is operated so as to wind up the cloth at a constant cycle by using the cassette motor 114. Further, the cassette switch 116 detects the presence / absence of a cassette equipped with a polishing pad.

  The ground game ball is guided from the ball polishing device 85 to the lifting device 86 through a guide path. The lifting device 86 includes a lifting and launching motor 119, a lifting and launching motor monitoring sensor 121, and a lifting and lowering entrance sensor 120. Raise to launch ball tank 40).

  In the circulating game machine 50 according to the present embodiment, the game ball guided to the lifting device 86 is launched to the launching ball tank 40 disposed on the upper part of the circulating game machine 50 by using the lifting launch motor 119. It has a configuration. In the lifting device 86, whether or not a game ball exists at the game ball launch position of the lift launch motor 119 and the exit of the lift path (the entrance of the launch ball tank 40) by the lift inlet sensor 120 and the launch inlet sensor 131. Whether or not is detected, the lifting and firing motor 119 is driven in accordance with the detection result. The game ball launched by driving the lifting and launching motor 119 changes the flying ball path by contacting the uppermost curved surface of the encapsulated ball launching and lifting path shown in the figure, and the flying ball speed is reduced and the launched ball Reach tank 40. The lift motor monitoring sensor 121 detects whether the lift motor 119 is performing a normal launch operation.

  With the above-described configuration, in the circulating gaming machine 50 according to the present embodiment, the game ball guided to the lifting device 86 waits for the launch ball immediately after the lift operation (launching the ball by the lift launch motor 119). Move to the launch ball tank 40. Therefore, since there are not a plurality of game balls on the lifting path unlike a spiral lifting device or a belt lifting device, the number of game balls that have to wait for the game is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of encapsulated balls to be circulated in the circulation type gaming machine 50.

  The game ball that has been lifted up to the launch ball tank 40 rolls to the launch device 87, and an appropriate amount sensor 123 and a full tank sensor 126 that are arranged in the enclosing ball number counting path that also serves as a guide to the launch device 87, The game ball is detected, and the number of game balls necessary for circulation is managed to notify when an excess or deficiency is detected. The notification in this case outputs a signal to the management device (hall computer 87) outside the machine via the inter-unit unit 100, and at the same time the display device (the effect symbol display device 6 and the touch panel type liquid crystal display) provided in the circulating game machine 50. The game 102) displays the excess or deficiency of the game balls.

  Next, the inter-unit unit 100 will be described. When a player plays a game with the enclosed game machine 50, the player inserts an IC card (or membership card) or cash into the inter-unit unit 100 connected to the enclosed game machine 50 in a one-to-one manner, and performs a ball lending operation. By carrying out the game, a game ball that can be launched by the circulation type gaming machine 50 is paid out, and a game can be performed. The payout in this case is performed by adding the number of game balls that can be fired to a ball counter that stores the number of game balls that can be fired. Therefore, this ball counter serves as a device for storing information on the number of balls held on the gaming machine side of the present invention.

  The game balls consumed (rented out) during the game and the payout ball information acquired by winning such as jackpots (acquired ball information for each player on the day) are linked to the IC card. Is stored once in the management device (hall computer 87) in the store, and then managed by a third-party management data management center provided outside, the number of incoming balls and the number of outgoing balls can be obtained. Strictly managed. Furthermore, the stored balls are stored in an external third-party storage server management server, which is a system that guarantees the player's storage.

  When the player finishes the game, he / she takes out the card from the inter-unit unit 100 (if there are any remaining balls in the circulating game machine 50, the number of game balls (by the game machine side of the present invention) (Corresponding to the holding ball information) is transferred to the inter-unit unit 100 and the card is taken out), and the balance is settled. At that time, the data is stored and managed by the POS management computer.

  In addition to the function of the conventional CR unit, the inter-unit unit 100 connected to the circulation type gaming machine 50 receives information such as the number of game balls emitted by the circulation type game machine 50, the number of game balls discharged and the game state. It is equipped with a function for monitoring fraud, a function for monitoring illegal boards, and a function for collecting various game information. In order to realize these additional functions, the inter-unit unit 100 and the circulating game machine 50 are connected by a new interface cable different from the conventional one.

  Furthermore, in order to share security information and prevent unauthorized modification, the game machine management center (machine history management center) directly connected to the pachinko machine manufacturer manufactures it by checking it against the unauthorized monitoring function of the inter-unit unit 100. It is possible to constantly monitor the unique ID of the board of the gaming machine installed in the office and notify when an abnormality is detected.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the circulation type gaming machine 50 will be described with reference to the block diagrams shown in FIGS. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the main control device 80, the payout launch control device 84, the production symbol control device 82, and the sub integrated control device 83 all include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, an output port, and the like. .

  In the block centering on the main controller 80 shown in FIG. 3, the main controller 80 has a first start port for detecting a game ball that has entered the first start port 11 via the game board relay terminal plate 74. A switch 11a, a second start port switch 12a for detecting a game ball that has entered the second start port 12, a normal symbol operation switch 17a for detecting a game ball that has entered the normal symbol operation gate 17, and a ball entering the big winning port 14 A count switch 14a for detecting a game ball, a general prize port switch 13a for detecting a game ball that has entered the general prize slot 13, a magnetic sensor 91 for detecting a magnetic force that affects the flow direction of the game ball, and the like Detection signals such as a vibration sensor 92 that detects a vibration that affects the flow direction of the game ball and a radio wave sensor 93 that detects a radio wave that causes the detection switch of the winning prize to malfunction are input.

  The main controller 80 operates in accordance with the installed program, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-described detection signals, and outputs them to the sub integrated controller 83. In addition, the main control device 80 includes a first special symbol display device 9, a second special symbol display device 10, and a normal symbol display device which are arranged at the lower right of the game area 1 through the symbol display device relay terminal board 90. 7, the first special figure hold number display device 9 a, the second special figure hold number display device 10 a, and the general figure hold number display device 8 are controlled to be lit.

  Further, the main controller 80 controls the opening / closing of the special winning opening 14 by controlling the special winning opening solenoid 14b, and controls the opening / closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 12b, When winning at the winning opening is detected, the number of acquired game balls set for each winning opening is displayed on the winning display device 20. In addition, a prize ball number instruction signal is transmitted to the payout and launch control device 84 in response to winning in each winning opening.

  In addition to the output signal from the main controller 80 being output to the test signal terminal, a management signal such as symbol variation, gaming state, jackpot (also called special game) is sent between the payout launch controller 84 and the stand. It is sent to the hall computer via the unit 100.

  The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands transmitted from the main control device 80 (some commands are output from the payout / release control device 84 and received via the main control device 50), and they are displayed as effects. It distributes to control, sound control, and lamp control data, and commands for effect display control are transmitted to the effect symbol control device 82, and each control part included in itself for sound control and lamp control It distributes to (functional units as a voice control device and a lamp control device). The function unit as the sound control device controls the sound output from the speaker 66 by operating the sound LSI based on the data for sound control, and the function unit as the lamp control device is the data for lamp control. Various LEDs and the lamp 26 are controlled by operating the lamp driver based on the above.

  The effect symbol control device 82 receives the data and commands received from the sub integrated control device 83 (both of which are transmitted from the main control device 80 or the payout / discharge control device 84 via the main control device 80 and the sub integrated control device 83). Is generated based on an input from the main control device 80), and an effect image such as a pseudo symbol is displayed on the screen of the effect symbol display device 6. The sub integrated control device 83 and the main control device 80 are configured as a one-way communication circuit from the main control device 80 to the sub integrated control device 83 via the production relay terminal board 65. The effect symbol control device 82 is configured as a one-way communication circuit from the sub integrated control device 83 to the effect symbol control device 82.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4, a block centering on the dispensing control device 84 connected to the main control device 80 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication will be described. The payout launch control device 84 operates in accordance with the installed program and receives the command indicating the number of acquired game balls described above from the main control device 80. The number of game balls that can fire the requested number of acquired game balls. The value is added to the (holding ball counter), and the added value is displayed on the game ball number display device 106. Further, based on a signal corresponding to an operation described later or a signal corresponding to the detection of the sensor, addition of a ball, transfer of ball data to the inter-unit unit 100, launch of a game ball, polishing of a game ball, game Controls circulation of spheres (encapsulated spheres).

  As described above, the touch panel type liquid crystal display serving as the operation unit device 102 connected to the payout / release control device 84 via the inter-unit unit 100 and the operation unit connection board 101 includes a ball lending switch 102a and a return switch 102b. A screen changeover switch 102c, an operation result display unit 102d indicating operation results of the ball lending switch 102a and the return switch 102b, and a leaving switch e. The power supply of the touch panel type liquid crystal display provided in the circulating game machine 50 is supplied from the inter-unit unit 100.

  In addition, the touch panel type liquid crystal display has a function of displaying card information recorded on an IC card (or membership card) inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 and game information (game history, etc.) of the circulation type gaming machine 50. It also has.

  When the ball lending switch 102a of the operation unit device 102 is operated, a signal for requesting addition of the number of balls to be lapped as touch panel operation information is input to the payout launch control device 84 via the inter-unit unit 100, and the payout launch control device 84 is The number of balls lent requested by the input is added to the ball counter, and the value of the ball counter after the addition is displayed on the game ball display device 106. At this time, the result of the lending operation is displayed on the operation result display unit 102d according to the addition status of the game ball number display device 106. For a single operation of the ball lending switch 102a, the number of balls lending (for example, 125) corresponding to a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) set in advance is requested.

  When the return switch 102b (corresponding to the ejection means of the present invention) of the operation unit device 102 is operated, a signal requesting the return operation of the IC card is input to the inter-unit unit 100 as touch panel operation information, and the payout and emission from the inter-unit unit 100 is performed. A discharge confirmation signal is input to the control device 84. Depending on whether the state of the circulating gaming machine 50 at that time is a state where the IC card can be returned or not, the return result and the return result are displayed on the operation result display unit 102d. If it can be returned, it is displayed on the operation result display unit 102d that it can be returned, and the IC card is ejected from the inter-unit unit 100. If it cannot be returned, it is displayed on the operation result display unit 102d that it cannot be returned, and an instruction signal is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 via the main control device 80. In the symbol display device 6, notification for prompting the operation of the counting switch 105 is performed (details will be described later with reference to the drawings).

  When the away switch 102e (corresponding to the away mode switching means of the present invention) of the operation unit device 102 is operated, a signal for requesting leaving is input to the inter-unit unit 100 as touch panel operation information, and the pay-out from the inter-unit unit 100 is performed. An absence confirmation signal is input to the launch controller 84. Whether or not to leave the seat is displayed on the operation result display unit 102d according to whether or not the state of the circulating gaming machine 50 at that time is a state in which the user can leave the seat. If it is possible to leave the seat, the operation result display unit 102d displays that it is possible to leave the seat, and the IC card is ejected from the inter-unit unit 100. In addition, by sending an instruction signal to the sub integrated control device 83 via the main control device 80, the effect symbol display device 6 performs notification of the away mode for a predetermined time. If it is not possible to leave the seat, the operation result display unit 102d displays that it is impossible to leave the seat, and transmits an instruction signal to the sub integrated control device 83 via the main control device 80. Thus, in the effect symbol display device 6, notification that prompts the operation of the counting switch 105 is performed (details will be described later with reference to the drawings).

  When the screen changeover switch 102c of the operation unit device 102 is operated, the switching circuit 101a is activated, and the information to be displayed on the touch panel type liquid crystal display is changed from the information received from the inter-unit unit 100 to the effect symbol control device 82 of the enclosed game machine 50. Switch to information (including images) received from. In response to this switching, information from the inter-unit unit 100 is displayed on the effect symbol display device 6.

  The inter-unit unit 100 and the operation unit connection board 101 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the effect symbol control device 82 and the operation unit apparatus 102 are connected to each other so as to be capable of mutual communication with the operation unit connection board 101. In addition, since all the outputs from the circulation type gaming machine 50 to the hall computer 87 are performed through the inter-unit unit 100, the inter-unit unit 100 can also manage the circular type gaming machine 50. Yes. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a configuration of outputting to the hall computer 87 without using the inter-unit unit 100 is also conceivable.

  In the circulation type gaming machine 50, the operation unit relay board 103 is connected to the payout and launch control device 84 so as to be capable of mutual communication, and the game ball number display board 104 is connected to the operation unit relay board 103 so as to be capable of mutual communication. Yes. The game ball number display board 104 is provided with a count switch 105 and a game ball number display device 106, and an operation signal of the count switch 105 is input to the payout and firing control device 84. Further, the number of game balls that can be fired is displayed on the game ball number display device 106 according to the output of the payout launch control device 84.

  When the counting switch 105 is operated, all values stored in the ball holding counter are subtracted from the ball holding counter, and the subtracted value is transmitted to the inter-unit unit 100. Therefore, the numerical value of the game ball number display device 106 that displays the value of the ball holding counter is also subtracted. When the number of game balls that can be launched by the operation of the counting switch 105 becomes 0, the IC card inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 can be returned.

  A detection signal from the front frame closing switch 18 and the inner frame closing switch 19 is input to the payout and firing control device 84 via the back wiring relay terminal plate 75, and the firing operation unit 107 is connected via the operation unit relay board 103. As described above, in the launch operation unit 107, signals from the launch intensity adjustment switch 108, the launch intensity fixing switch 110, the launch stop switch 111, and the touch sensor 112 are output from the launch control unit 84. The display of the firing intensity display device 109 is controlled by the payout launch control device 84.

  Further, detection signals of the cassette switch 116 and the polishing motor sensor 117 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the polishing relay substrate 113 connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. The driving of the cassette motor 114 and the polishing motor 115 is controlled via

  In addition, detection signals from the lifting inlet sensor 120 and the lifting motor monitoring sensor 121 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the lifting relay board 118 connected to the polishing relay board 113 so as to communicate with each other. The payout launch control device 84 controls the driving of the lifting launch motor 119 described above.

  The inner frame relay board 122 is connected to the inner frame relay board 122 from the inner frame relay board 122 so as to enable one-way communication. The inner frame relay board 122 is connected to the appropriate amount sensor 123 and the winning detection sensor 124 described above. The non-winning detection sensor 125, the full sensor 126, and the night monitoring switch 127 are connected, and a signal from each sensor or switch is input to the payout launch control device 84.

  The night monitoring switch 127 is a device for judging fraud that involves opening the door at night (out of business hours). The backup power supply mounted on the power supply board is used to turn off the inner frame 70 even when the power is off. Opening can be monitored, and the payout / release control device 84 stores the number-of-opening information of the inner frame 70 at night, and outputs the number-of-opening information to the outside through the main control device 80 when the power is turned on.

  Further, detection signals from the subtraction sensor 131 and the launch inlet sensor 132 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the launch relay substrate 128 connected to the polishing relay substrate 113 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The payout and firing control device 84 controls the driving of the ball feed solenoid 130 and the firing solenoid 129 via the substrate 128.

  Next, unit processing 1 executed by the inter-unit unit 100 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this process, a signal (insertion signal, discharge signal) is output to the payout / release control device 84 in accordance with the insertion and discharge of the card into the inter-unit unit 100, and the discharge permission signal, release signal received from the payout / discharge control device 84 is also output. According to the seat permission signal, the discharge non-permission signal, and the leave non-permission signal, it is a process for controlling the discharge of the card from the inter-unit unit 100 and managing the absence state. Therefore, according to the present invention, the "recording medium is ejected by receiving the ejection permission signal, the recording medium is ejected by receiving the leaving permission signal, and the away state is used to indicate the away state. A signal is transmitted to the recirculating gaming machine.

  In FIG. 5, when unit processing 1 is started, it is determined whether or not an IC card (corresponding to a recording medium of the present invention) is inserted in the inter-unit 100 (S5). If the determination is affirmative (S5: yes), it is determined whether or not the discharge confirmation flag is 1 (S10). The discharge confirmation flag is a value stored by the inter-unit, and if the value is 1, the discharge confirmation signal is transmitted to the dispensing control device 84 in response to the operation signal received from the connected return switch 102b. If the value is 0, the inter-unit unit 100 determines that the discharge confirmation signal has not been transmitted to the payout control device 84.

  If S10 is affirmative (S10: yes), it is determined whether or not a payout permission signal has been received from the payout launch control device 84 (S15). If affirmative (S15, yes), the discharge confirmation flag is set to 0 ( In step S20, a card discharge process is performed by operating a motor provided in the inter-unit unit 100 (S25), and a discharge signal is output to the payout discharge control device 84 (S30). If S15 is negative (S15: no), it is determined whether or not a discharge non-permission signal has been received (S35). If it is negative (S35: no), the process returns. If it is positive (S35: yes), a discharge confirmation flag is determined. Is set to 0 (S40) and the process returns.

  If S10 is negative, that is, if the discharge confirmation signal corresponding to the operation signal reception of the return switch 102b has not been transmitted to the payout control device 84 (S10: no), it is determined whether the absence confirmation flag is 1 or not. (S45). The absence confirmation flag is a value stored by the inter-unit, and if the value is 1, the absence confirmation signal is transmitted to the payout / emission control device 84 in response to the operation signal received from the connected separation switch 102e. If the value is 0, the inter-unit unit 100 determines that the absence confirmation signal has not been transmitted to the payout control device 84.

  If S45 is affirmative (S45: yes), it is determined whether or not a leave permission signal has been received from the payout launch control device 84 (S50). If affirmative (S50: yes), the absence confirmation flag is set to 0. (S55), an absence state signal is output to the payout / release control device 84 (S60), the identification information of the IC card inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 is stored (S65), and the IC card can be identified. An identification timer for setting a period to be set (becomes the absence mode period) is set (S70), 1 is set in the identification flag (S75), and the process proceeds to S25. It should be noted that the absence state signal output of S60 has the configuration of "the reception of the absence permission signal to transmit the absence state signal to the circulating game machine in order to instruct the absence state" according to the present invention. Applicable. In S60, the absence state signal is output to the payout / release control device 84, but a configuration in which a similar signal is transmitted to the hall computer connected to the inter-unit unit 100 is also suitable.

  The identification information of the IC card may be information that can be identified by each IC card regardless of the stored valuable value information and information on the game medium (unit-side ball count information). The period during which the IC card can be identified is a period corresponding to the absence mode notification time described later. The identification flag is a value stored in the inter-unit unit. If the value is 1, the identification information of the IC card stored in the inter-unit unit 100 and the IC card newly inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 are stored. If the value is 0, it is the period for which the comparison result is compared with the identification information and the comparison result is output to the circulating game machine 50 (seating mode period), and the IC card stored in the inter-unit unit 100 is identified. The inter-unit unit 100 determines that it is not the period (the absence mode period) in which the information is compared with the identification information of the IC card newly inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 and the result is output. Therefore, if the identification flag is 1, the inter-unit unit 100 can determine that the connected circulating game machine 50 is in the away mode.

  If S50 is negative, that is, if no leave permission signal has been received (S50: no), it is determined whether or not a leave non-permission signal has been received from the circulating gaming machine 50 (S80). S80: no) Return, and if an affirmative determination is made (S80: yes), the absence confirmation flag is set to 0 (S85) and the process returns.

  If S45 is negative, that is, if a card is inserted and neither a discharge confirmation flag nor a leaving confirmation flag is raised (S45: no), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 6 to determine whether the identification flag is 1 (S100). ). If the determination is positive, that is, if the connected circulating gaming machine 50 is in the away mode (S100: yes), the identification timer is incremented by +1 (may be -1) (S105), and the identification timer is a predetermined value (may be 0) It is determined whether or not (S110). If the determination is negative (S110: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S110: yes), the stored identification information is cleared (S115), the identification flag is set to 0 (S120), and the process returns. The processing from the positive determination in S110 to S120 is processing performed in accordance with the end determination of the away mode. In the present embodiment, the identification information stored in S115 is cleared. However, the identification information may be stored without being cleared, and by continuing the storage, it is possible to identify the IC card newly inserted as needed.

  If S100 is negative (S100: no), it is determined whether an operation signal has been received from the return switch 102b connected to the inter-unit unit 100 (S125). If it is positive (S125: yes), a discharge confirmation signal is determined. Is transmitted to the circulation type gaming machine 50 (payout launch control device 84) (S130), the discharge confirmation flag is set to 1 (S135), and the process returns. If S125 is negative (S125: no), it is determined whether an operation signal is received from the away switch 102e connected to the inter-unit unit 100 (S140), and if negative (S140: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S140: yes), the absence confirmation signal is transmitted to the payout and emission control device 84 (S145), the absence confirmation flag is set to 1 (S150), and the process returns. In the process described in this paragraph, the inter-unit unit 100 is circulated in response to the operation of the return switch 102b (corresponding to the discharging means of the present invention) and the leaving switch 102e (corresponding to the leaving mode transition means of the present invention). This is a process of transmitting a signal for confirming whether or not the process according to each operation is possible for the game machine 50 to the circulation game machine 50 (payout launch control device 84).

  Returning to FIG. 5, if S5 is negative, that is, if the IC card is not inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 (S5: no), the process proceeds to FIG. 7 to determine whether the card is being inserted (motor retracting). If the determination is negative (S150: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S150: yes), it is determined whether the card insertion operation is completed (S155). If the determination is negative (S155: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S155: yes), an insertion signal indicating that the IC card has been inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 is output to the payout and launch control device 84 (S160), and it is determined whether or not the inserted IC card is normal. If the determination is negative (S165: no), the process proceeds to S25 in FIG. 5 to eject the card.

  If S165 is affirmative (S165: yes), it is determined whether the identification flag is 1 (S170). If the determination is negative (S170: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative, that is, if the user is in the away mode (S170: yes), the identification information of the previously ejected IC card stored in S65 is newly inserted as the card identification information comparison process. Is compared with the identification information of the IC card that has been made (S175), and a comparison result signal that can discriminate whether the card is the same or different is output to the dispensing control device 84 (S180) (to the identification output means of the present invention) Applicable).

  Following S180, it is determined whether or not the comparison result of S175 is the same card (S185). If the determination is negative (S185: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S180: yes), the stored identification information is cleared. (S190), the identification flag is set to 0 (S195), and the process returns.

  The above is the unit process 1 executed by the inter-unit unit 100 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the inter-unit unit 100 itself determines whether or not the connected circulating game machine 50 is in the away mode, and the identification information with respect to the newly inserted IC card is used only in the away mode. The transmission is made to the gaming machine 50. As a result, the state of the connected circulating gaming machine 50 can be grasped also in the inter-unit unit 100, but the inter-unit unit 100 is configured to identify the IC card inserted from time to time and the IC card ejected last time, When the recirculating gaming machine 50 receives an insertion signal from the inter-unit unit 100, if the reception time is in the away mode, the inter-unit unit 100 transmits a signal requesting an identification result to the inter-unit unit 100. The identification result may be transmitted to the circulating game machine 50 in response to the reception of the request signal (the identification result of the IC card is transmitted only when requested by the circulating game machine 50). With this configuration, it is possible to cope with the case where the specifications of the recirculating gaming machine are different (separated from the away mode period), and the versatility of the inter-unit unit 100 can be increased and the control burden can be reduced.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a discharge confirmation signal reception process executed by the payout launch control device 84 included in the circulating game machine 50 will be described. When the discharge confirmation signal reception process is started, it is determined whether or not a discharge confirmation signal (output from S130 according to the operation of the return switch 102b by the inter-unit unit 100) has been received (S200). If the determination is negative (S200: no), the process returns, and if the determination is affirmative (S200: yes), whether or not the value of the holding ball counter for counting the number of game balls that can be discharged by the payout control device 84 is 0, that is, It is determined whether or not there is any remaining game ball number data (corresponding to the game machine side possession ball number information of the present invention) that can be fired on the circulation type gaming machine 50 (S205) (corresponding to the possession ball confirming means of the present invention). If the determination is affirmative (S205: yes), a discharge permission signal is output to the inter-unit unit 100 (S210), and the process returns.

  If S205 is negative, that is, if data indicating the number of game balls that can be launched in the recirculating gaming machine 50 remains (S205: no), a discharge non-permission signal is output to the inter-unit unit 100 (S215). A settlement notification instruction signal for instructing execution of notification for prompting the operation of the counting switch 105 on the symbol display device 6 is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 via the main control device 80 (S220), and the process returns.

  The above is the discharge confirmation signal reception process executed by the payout / release control device 84. When the discharge confirmation signal corresponding to the reception of the discharge operation signal is received from the unit, the game machine is Sending a discharge permission signal to the unit on the condition that side ball information does not exist "and" If the game machine side ball number information exists, the recording medium is not discharged from the unit. This is a process corresponding to the configuration of “notification for prompting implementation”. Further, the determination in S205 (confirmation of the value of the possession counter 0) corresponds to the possession confirmation process of the present invention.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the absence confirmation signal reception process 1 executed by the payout and emission control device 84 in the first embodiment will be described. When the absence confirmation signal reception process 1 is started, it is determined whether or not the absence confirmation signal (the inter-unit unit 100 is output in S145 according to the operation of the separation switch 102e) is received (S250). If the determination is negative (S250: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S250: yes), whether or not the value of the holding ball counter for counting the number of game balls that can be discharged by the payout control device 84 is 0, that is, It is determined whether there is any remaining game ball number data (corresponding to the game machine side possession ball number information of the present invention) that can be fired on the circulation type gaming machine 50 (S255) (corresponding to the possession ball confirming means of the present invention). If the determination is affirmative (S255: yes), a leave permission signal is output to the inter-unit unit 100 (S260), and the process returns.

  If S255 is negative, that is, if data indicating the number of game balls that can be launched in the recirculating gaming machine 50 remains (S255: no), an unattended signal is output to the inter-unit unit 100 (S265). A settlement notification instruction signal for instructing execution of notification for prompting the operation of the counting switch 105 on the effect symbol display device 6 is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 via the main control device 80 (S270), and the process returns.

  The above is the discharge confirmation signal reception process 1 executed by the payout / emission control device 84 in the first embodiment, and “the holding ball confirmation is received when the absence confirmation signal is received from the unit in response to the reception of the separation operation signal”. Means to send a leaving permission signal to the unit on the condition that the gaming machine side holding ball information does not exist "and" if the gaming machine side holding ball number information exists, the discharge of the recording medium from the unit Is a process corresponding to the configuration of “notifying the user to perform the settlement means without performing the process”. In addition, the determination in S255 (confirmation of the value 0 of the ball counter) corresponds to the ball check process of the present invention.

  Next, the away state signal reception process executed by the payout / emission control device 84 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed on the effect symbol display device 6 in response to the reception of the absence state signal from the inter-unit unit 100 (output in S60 in response to the reception of the leaving permission signal from the payout and emission control device 84). This is a process for instructing execution of the mode notification, and corresponds to “a notification during absence from the presentation means when the absence state signal is received” of the present invention. When the absence state signal reception process is activated, it is determined whether or not an absence state signal is received from the inter-unit unit 100 (S280). If the determination is negative (S280: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S280: yes). Then, the absence notification instruction signal is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 via the main control device 80 (S285), and the process returns. A configuration in which the payout / release control device 84 directly transmits to the sub-integrated control device 83 is also conceivable. If the game ball number display device 106 is capable of displaying the absence state, the game ball number display device 106 has a configuration. It is also possible to give instructions.

  Next, a comparison result signal reception process executed by the payout / emission control device 84 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed on the effect symbol display device 6 in response to reception of a comparison result signal from the inter-unit unit 100 (the identification information is compared and output in S180 when the IC card is inserted into the inter-unit unit 100). This is a process of instructing the execution of a warning for the insertion of a different card during the absence mode, or an instruction to end the absence mode notification being performed.

  When the comparison result signal reception process is activated, it is determined whether a comparison result signal is received from the inter-unit unit 100 (S300). If the determination is negative (S300: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S300: yes), the received comparison result signal is inserted with the same card as the IC card ejected from the inter-unit unit 100 at the start of the away mode. It is determined whether the signal indicates (S305). If the determination is affirmative (S305: yes), the absence notification end instruction signal is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 via the main control device 80 (S310), and the process returns. If a negative determination is made (S305: no), a warning notification instruction signal for instructing execution of notification for warning that another player is playing in the effect symbol display device 6 is sub-integrated control via the main control device 80. The data is transmitted to the device 83 (S315), and the process returns.

  By the comparison result signal reception process S310, the absence mode notification of the recirculating gaming machine 50 is completed, and the absence mode is terminated when the signal is received from the inter-unit unit 100. This corresponds to the configuration of the present invention “indicating the end of the absence state when the identification signal indicates that the recording medium is the same as the recording medium ejected from the unit at the start of the absence notification”. , The instruction signal transmission in S315 corresponds to the configuration of “instructing warning notification when the identification signal is different from the recording medium ejected from the unit at the start of the absence notification” of the present invention. .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the settlement process executed by the payout / discharge control device 84 will be described. In this process, when the player finishes the game or shifts to the away mode, the recirculating gaming machine 50 stores the game balls that can be launched (corresponding to the information on the number of balls on the gaming machine side of the present invention). The processing is executed in accordance with the operation of the counting switch 105 (corresponding to the settlement means of the present invention) which is necessary when

  When the settlement process is started, it is determined whether or not a signal corresponding to the operation of the counting switch 105 has been received (S350). If the determination is negative (S350: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S350: yes), it is determined whether or not the value of the ball holding counter is greater than 0 (S355). If a negative determination is made (S355: no), a return is made. If an affirmative determination is made (S355: yes), the value of the ball holding counter is set to 0 by subtracting all the values of the ball holding counter from the ball holding counter by the ball holding settlement process (S360) ), The subtracted value is transferred to the inter-unit 100 (S365), and the process returns.

  The above is the settlement process executed by the payout / release control device 84. A predetermined number (not all) of the ball holding counter may be transferred to the inter-unit unit 100 according to the operation content of the counting switch 105. For example, when the counting switch 105 is pressed and held, the predetermined number is held. A value other than a predetermined number remaining in the ball counter may be transferred to the inter-unit unit 100 (when a value greater than the predetermined number is present in the ball holding counter). As a result, it is possible to continue the game with a simple operation after securing a part of the acquired game balls to the IC card.

  Next, the absence notification instruction signal reception process executed by the sub integrated control device 83 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed to perform notification corresponding to each signal in response to reception of a signal for instructing to leave the seat, a signal for ending the seat notification, or a signal for instructing warning notification, which is output by the payout / release control device 84. In addition to instructing the effect symbol control device 82, this is a process for managing the duration of the away mode (20 minutes in this embodiment, but not limited to this time).

  When the absence notification instruction signal reception process is started, it is determined whether or not the absence notification flag is 0 (S400). The absence notification flag is a value stored in the sub integrated control device 83, and if the value is 1, If the value is 0, the sub integrated control device 83 indicates that the absence notification is being performed, that is, if the value is 0, that the absence notification is not being performed, that is, that the absence mode is not being performed. to decide.

  If S400 is affirmative, that is, if it is not in the away mode (S400: yes), it is determined whether or not an absence notification instruction signal (the payout and emission control device 84 is transmitted in S285 of FIG. 10) has been received (S405). . If the determination is negative (S405: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S405: yes), the effect symbol control device 82 is left to notify the effect symbol display device 6 that the game is interrupted and the player is in the away state. A notification start instruction signal is transmitted (S410), the absence notification timer is set (S415), the absence notification flag is set to 1 (S420), and the process returns.

  If S400 is negative, that is, if the absence notification is in progress (in the absence mode) (S400: no), whether or not the absence notification end instruction signal (transmitted discharge control device 84 transmitted by S310 in FIG. 11) has been received. Determination is made (S425). If the determination is affirmative (S425: yes), in order to end the absence notification being performed on the effect symbol display device 6, the absence symbol notification signal is transmitted to the effect symbol control device 82 (S430), and the absence notification is issued. The flag is set to 0 (S435) and the process returns.

  If S425 is a negative determination (S425: no), it is determined whether or not a warning notification instruction signal (the payout launch control device 84 has been transmitted in S315 of FIG. 11) has been received (S440). If a positive determination is made (S440: yes), In order to alert the effect symbol display device 6 to the effect symbol control device 82 in order to notify the effect symbol control device 82 that the game cannot be performed because it is a gaming machine secured by another player (other IC card holder). (S445) and return.

  If S440 is negative (S440: no), the absence notification timer is decremented by 1 (S450), and it is determined whether the value of the absence notification timer is 0 (S455). If the determination is negative (S455: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S455: yes), the predetermined time (20 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the leaving mode, and the leaving mode is invalid in the effect symbol display device 6. An instruction signal (separation status invalid notification instruction signal) for notifying that the event has been sent is transmitted to the production symbol control device 82 (S460), the absence flag is set to 0, and the process returns.

  The above is the absence notification instruction signal reception process executed by the sub integrated control device 83 in the first embodiment. The processing from the affirmative determination in S455 corresponds to “instructing the end of the away state and instructing the invalid state of the away state when the predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the in-seated state notification” of the present invention. In addition, when the absence notification end instruction signal in which the determination in S425 is affirmative is received, it means that “the discharged recording medium is inserted into the unit again”. In this embodiment, the sub integrated control device 83 also performs time management in the away mode and terminates the absence mode notification. However, the sub integrated control device 83 does not perform time management, and unit processing 1 shown in FIG. When S110 is affirmative, the end signal indicating the end of the away mode is output to the recirculating gaming machine 50 (payout launch control device 84), and the absence mode is notified in response to the reception of the end signal. It is good also as a structure which complete | finishes, and centralized management by the unit between units 100 is attained by this.

  Next, each notification content actually displayed on the effect symbol display device 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. (1) of FIG. 14 is a content which starts a display by S410 of the absence notification instruction | indication signal reception process of FIG. 13, and there is no holding ball which can be discharged with the circulation type game machine 50 (ball holding counter = 0). Is displayed when the away switch 102e is operated. Specifically, the character string “During Rest” is displayed on the upper left side of the screen, and the character (Tatsuyoshi Kuma) is displayed on the right side. In the center of the screen, as shown in the example in the figure, “20 minutes remaining”, the time until the leaving mode is completed (the time that the gaming machine can be held) is displayed. This time display is switched in units of 1 minute according to the count of the absence notification timer. A character string “Please note that if you do not return in time, please open the stand” is displayed as a note in the away mode. During the absence mode, a notification screen of this content is displayed, and the display of the remaining time in the center changes as time passes. Therefore, the stopped pseudo symbol is not displayed during the away mode (display related to the actual game is not performed).

  (2) in FIG. 14 is a content displayed for a predetermined time (about 3.0 seconds) by S430 in the absence notification instruction signal reception process in FIG. 13. Displayed when the IC card ejected from the unit 100 is inserted into the inter-unit 100 again. Specifically, the character string “End of break” is displayed on the upper left side of the screen, and the character (Tatsuyoshi Kuma (different expression from (1))) is displayed on the right side. From the center of the screen to the bottom, the text “Please continue to enjoy the game” is displayed. When the display period of about 3.0 seconds elapses, the display returns to the pseudo symbol display corresponding to the display of the stopped special symbol.

  (3) of FIG. 14 is a content displayed for a predetermined time (about 30 seconds) by S460 of the absence notification instruction signal reception process of FIG. 13, and is displayed when 20 minutes have passed since the departure mode was started. The Specifically, the character string “End of break” is displayed on the upper left side of the screen, and the character (Tatsuyoshi Kuma (different expression from (1) and (2)) is displayed on the right. “0 minutes left” is displayed in the center of the screen, and the character string “Generally open because it did not return within the time” is displayed below it. In this embodiment, after the display of (3) is performed for about 30 seconds, the display is switched to the display of the pseudo symbol, but the display is continued until the IC card (any IC card) is inserted into the inter-unit 100. May be. In addition, even if the display is switched to a pseudo symbol after about 30 seconds, a character string such as “Abandon the away mode” is displayed at the corner of the display screen until an IC card (any IC card) is inserted. It may be displayed.

  (4) in FIG. 15 is a content displayed for a predetermined time (about 3.0) in S445 of the absence notification instruction signal reception process in FIG. This is displayed when an IC card different from the IC card ejected from 100 is inserted into the inter-unit unit 100. Specifically, the character string “During break” is displayed on the upper left side of the screen, and the character (Tatsuyoshi Kuma (different expression from (1) (2) (3))) is displayed on the right side. In the middle of the screen, “10 minutes remaining” and the remaining time until the exit mode ends at that time are displayed and a character string “Card is wrong!” Is displayed to warn. A character string “Cannot play because it is a gaming machine owned by another customer” is displayed below it. When about 3.0 seconds have elapsed from the start of display, the display returns to the display of (1) (the contents of the display of the remaining time at the center differ depending on the elapsed time at that time).

  (5) in FIG. 15 shows a settlement notification instruction by the sub-integrated control device 83 from the payout / release control device 84 in S220 (during the discharge confirmation signal reception process in FIG. 8) or S270 (during the absence confirmation signal reception process in FIG. 9). When the signal is received, the content is displayed on the effect symbol display device 6, and the return switch 102b or the away switch 102e is in a state where there is a ball that can be fired by the circulation type gaming machine 50 (ball counter> 0). Displayed when is operated. Specifically, the character string “separate switch invalid!” Is displayed at the top of the screen (when the signal from S220 is received, the character of leaving is returned). Below that, "Please operate the counting switch to move all the balls to the card and then operate the away switch again" is displayed. This display content corresponds to notification for encouraging implementation of the settlement means of the present invention.

  The above is the description of the first embodiment. The content of the notification described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 is one example, and the wording and characters to be displayed are not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the sub integrated control device 83 determines the end of the away mode notification. However, when the determination in FIG. A configuration is also possible in which the output is made to the payout launch control device 84, and the circulating gaming machine 50 can be configured to end the away mode upon receipt of this signal. With this configuration, it is possible to centrally manage the leaving mode of the circulation type gaming machine 50 by the inter-unit unit 100.

  Next, Example 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the parts constituting the gaming machine and their electrical connections are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the part which overlaps with Example 1 is used and only a different part is demonstrated.

  In the first embodiment, the inter-unit unit 100 and the sub-integrated control device 83 store a flag for managing the absence state, and the payout control device 84 does not store the flag related to the absence of the seat. The away state is managed by the payout launch control device 84, and the payout launch control device 84 includes a flag for determining the away state. Therefore, the sub integrated control device 83 is configured to only perform various notifications in response to the instruction signal from the payout / release control device 84.

  In this embodiment, a unit process 2 corresponding to the unit process 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference from the unit processing 1 is that an IC card comparison result signal (indicating whether it is the same or different) is output to the payout / emission control device 84 at every IC card insertion.

  When the unit process 2 is started, it is determined whether or not an IC card is inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 (S500). If the determination is affirmative (S500: yes), it is determined whether or not the discharge confirmation flag is 1 (S505). Similarly to the first embodiment, the discharge confirmation flag is a value stored in the inter-unit unit. If the value is 1, a discharge confirmation signal is received in response to the operation signal received from the connected return switch 102b or connected. In response to reception of the operation signal of the away switch 102e, a state in which the absence confirmation signal is transmitted to the payout control device 84 (a signal for confirming whether the IC card can be ejected regardless of whether it is returned or away) If the value is 0, it means that the discharge confirmation signal or the absence confirmation signal has not been transmitted to the payout control device 84. The inter-unit 100 determines.

  If S505 is affirmative (S505: yes), it is determined whether or not a payout permission signal has been received from the payout control device 84 (S510). If affirmative (S510, yes), it is inserted into the inter-unit unit 100. The identification information of the IC card is stored (S515), a card discharge process is performed by operating a motor provided in the inter-unit unit 100 (S520), and a discharge signal is output to the payout / discharge control device 84 (S525). The discharge confirmation flag is set to 0 (S530), and the process returns. If S510 is negative (S510: no), it is determined whether or not a payout disapproval signal has been received from the payout control device 84 (S545). If it is negative (S545: no), the process returns, and if it is positive (S545: yes), set the discharge confirmation flag to 0 (S530), and return.

  If S505 is negative (S505), that is, if the confirmation signal corresponding to the operation signal reception of the return switch 102b and the away switch 102e is not transmitted to the payout control device 84 (S505: no), the inter-unit unit 100 It is determined whether or not an operation signal has been received from the return switch 102b connected to (S535). If the determination is affirmative (S535: yes), a discharge confirmation signal is transmitted to the dispensing control device 84 (S540), and the discharge confirmation is performed. The flag is set to 1 (S565) and the process returns. If S535 is negative (S535: no), it is determined whether or not an operation signal has been received from the away switch 102e connected to the inter-unit unit 100 (S555), and if negative (S555: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S555: yes), the absence confirmation signal is transmitted to the payout and emission control device 84 (S560), the discharge confirmation flag is set to 1 (S565), and the process returns.

  If S500 is negative, that is, if the IC card is not inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 (S500: no), the process proceeds to FIG. 17 to determine whether the card is being inserted (motor retracting) (S600). If it is determined (S600: no), it returns, if it is affirmative (S600: yes), it is determined whether the card insertion operation is completed (S605), and if it is negative (S605: no), it returns. If the determination is affirmative (S605: yes), it is determined whether the inserted IC card is normal (S610). If the determination is negative (S610: no), the process proceeds to S520 in FIG. 16 and the card is discharged. If S610 is affirmative (S610: yes), an insertion signal is output to the payout launch controller 84 (S615).

  Subsequent to S615, as the card identification information comparison process, the identification information of the previously ejected IC card stored in S515 is compared with the identification information of the newly inserted IC card (S620). A comparison result signal that can determine whether the card is present is output to the payout control device 84 (S625), and the process returns.

  The above is the unit process 2 executed by the inter-unit unit 100 in the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the inter-unit unit 100 does not determine whether or not the connected circulating gaming machine 50 is in the away mode, but the start and end of the away mode is indicated from the payout launch control device 84. It is desirable to adopt a configuration for receiving a signal (a configuration for transmitting to a hall computer via the inter-unit unit 100).

  Next, the absence confirmation signal receiving process 2 executed by the payout / emission control device 84 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The difference from the absence confirmation signal reception process 1 is that when the determination of S655 corresponding to S255 of the absence confirmation signal reception process 1 is affirmative (when the absence confirmation signal is received from the inter-unit unit 100, When the ball counter is 0 and it is possible to shift to the unattended state), the rest is common and will be used, and only different parts will be described.

  If the determination in S655 is affirmative, that is, the absence confirmation signal is received from the inter-unit unit 100, and the ball counter is 0 (no playable game ball exists) (S655: yes), the discharge permission signal is transmitted to the inter-unit unit 100. To the sub-integrated control device 83 (S660), and the sub-integrated control device 83 is instructed to start leaving the seating mode (S670), and the leaving flag is set to 1 (S675). Set (S680) and return.

  The above is the absence confirmation signal reception process 2 executed by the payout / release control device 84. In the present embodiment, the payout / emission control device 84 is configured to include an absence notification timer that manages the execution time of the away flag and the away mode, and processing when an absence confirmation signal is received from the inter-unit unit 100 Assuming that the circulation type gaming machine 50 is in a state in which it is possible to shift to the away mode (ball-holding counter = 0), the away flag is set in the absence confirmation signal reception process 2 and the absence notification timer is set. The In S660, a discharge permission signal instead of a leave permission signal is output to the inter-unit unit 100, and the inter-unit unit 100 receives the signal to discharge the IC card regardless of whether it is discharged or left. I do. Further, it is desirable to output a signal indicating the start of the away state to the hall computer via the inter-unit unit 100 before and after the output of S660.

  Next, the away state process executed by the payout / release control device 84 in the present embodiment will be described. This process is a process in which the payout and emission control device 84 executes time management in the away mode performed by the inter-unit unit 100 and the sub integrated control device 83 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the sub integrated control device 83 according to the present embodiment is configured to perform only the process of performing the notification instructed by the reception of the signal (command) from the payout / release control device 84.

  When the away state process is started, it is determined whether or not the away flag is 1 (S700). If the determination is negative (S700: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S700: yes), it is determined whether an insertion signal has been received from the inter-unit unit 100 (S705). The insertion signal is a signal indicating that a normal IC card has been inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 output in S610 of the unit processing 2 described with reference to FIGS. If S705 is affirmative (S705: yes), it is determined whether or not a comparison result signal (output in S625 following S615 in FIG. 17) is received from the inter-unit unit 100 (S710), and if negative (S710: no). ) Return and if the determination is affirmative (S710: yes), the received comparison result signal is the IC card that was most recently ejected from the inter-unit unit 100 (the IC card that was ejected from the inter-unit unit 100 at the start of the away mode). It is determined whether the signal indicates that the same card has been inserted (S715). If the determination is affirmative (S715: yes), the absence notification end instruction signal is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 via the main control device 80 (S720), the absence flag is set to 0 (S725), and the process returns. . If a negative determination is made (S715: no), a warning notification instruction signal for instructing execution of a notification that warns that another player is playing in the effect symbol display device 6 is sub-integrated control via the main control device 80. It transmits to the apparatus 83 (S730) and returns.

  If S705 is negative (S705: no), the absence notification timer is decremented by 1 (S735), and it is determined whether the value of the absence notification timer is 0 (S740). If the determination is negative (S740: no), the process returns; if the determination is affirmative (S740: yes), the absence mode is disabled in the effect symbol display device 6 because the predetermined time (20 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the separation mode. An instruction signal (separation status invalidity notification instruction signal) for notifying that it has become is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 via the main control device 80 (S745), and the absence flag is set to 0 (S750). Return. In S720 or S745, a signal indicating that the away state has ended may be transmitted to the hall computer via the inter-unit unit 100.

  The above is the description of the embodiment. In the first embodiment, the configuration is such that the separation state can be managed by the inter-unit unit 100 (the shift to the away mode is triggered by a signal output from the inter-unit unit 100). Storing identification information makes it possible to perform unified management of the absence state. In addition, since the inter-unit unit 100 can be set as a hall facility in accordance with the situation of each hall (for example, the identification timer set in S70 of FIG. 6 can be set to any value), the type of the recirculating gaming machine 50 Regardless of the setting, it is possible to make a uniform setting for the entire hall.

  On the other hand, as in the second embodiment, when the leaving mode is managed by the payout and launch control device 84 provided in the recirculating gaming machine 50, it is possible to manage the leaving state by the gaming machine. The setting can be changed. For example, when installing in a corner where there are many elderly players, the time for leaving the seat is extended, or in a corner with good customers such as the new stand corner, it can be set to be shorter. It is possible to make settings for each gaming machine according to the characteristics. Also, since it is easy to cooperate with the inter-unit 100 connected directly in both directions, the payout launch control device 84 itself performs the launch control of the game ball and the addition control to the holding information of the prize ball. This is suitable for control other than notification (for example, disabling firing or award balls) according to the transition to the seat mode.

  As described above, according to the circulating game machine of the present invention, even when an operation for interrupting the game is mistakenly performed, the holding ball information stored in the circulating game machine is transferred to the inter-unit. Therefore, it is possible to resume the game smoothly without performing the ball lending operation again. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a circulating game machine having a function capable of interrupting a launch game.

6 Production symbol display device 6
80 Main control device 82 Production symbol control device 83 Sub integrated control device 84 Discharge launch control device 100 Unit between units 102b Return switch 102e Away switch 105 Count switch

Claims (3)

A unit that reads the valuable value information recorded on the inserted recording medium and the unit-side ball number information is connected to be able to communicate with each other, encloses a predetermined number of game balls inside and circulates the game balls In the recirculating gaming machine that performs the game using the game machine and updates the information on the number of balls held on the gaming machine side that can be launched according to the progress of the game,
When a settlement operation is performed by the player, a settlement means for transferring the number of balls held on the gaming machine side to the unit;
A discharging means for discharging the recording medium inserted into the unit when a player performs a discharging operation; and a leaving mode switching means for shifting to a leaving mode when a player performs a leaving operation;
A holding ball checking means for checking the number of balls held on the gaming machine side,
At the time of the discharge means operation, if the gaming machine side holding ball number information does not exist by the holding ball confirmation means, the recording medium is discharged from the unit, and if the gaming machine side holding ball number information exists, The recording medium is not discharged from the unit, and a notification is made to prompt the implementation of the checkout means. When the leaving mode transition means is operated, the number of balls held on the gaming machine side must be present by the ball holding confirmation means. The recording medium is discharged from the unit, and when the discharged recording medium is inserted into the unit again or until a predetermined time elapses, a notification is given during the absence of the game machine side ball. If the number information exists, the recording medium is not discharged from the unit, and a notification is made to prompt the implementation of the settlement means,
The discharging operation signal according to the discharging operation and the leaving operation signal according to the leaving operation are directly transmitted to the unit,
The circulating game machine is
When receiving a discharge confirmation signal corresponding to the reception of the discharge operation signal from the unit, the holding ball confirmation means transmits a discharge permission signal to the unit on the condition that the gaming machine side holding ball information does not exist,
When the absence confirmation signal is received from the unit in response to the receipt of the away operation signal, the presence confirmation signal is transmitted to the unit on the condition that the gaming machine side possession ball information does not exist by the possession confirmation means. ,
The unit is
Discharging the recording medium by receiving the discharge permission signal;
Ejecting the recording medium by receiving the leave permission signal, and sending a leave state signal to the circulating game machine to indicate the away state,
The circulation type gaming machine is provided with effect means for performing an effect relating to a game, and when the absence state signal is received, the effect means notifies the absence of the seat. In the circulation type gaming machine according to claim 1,
The unit comprises an identification output means for individually identifying the inserted recording medium and outputting an identification signal indicating the identified result at least when the recording medium is inserted,
When the identification signal is received by the identification output means in the state of instructing the absence state, the identification signal is the same as the recording medium ejected from the unit at the start of the absence notification. Indicates that the absence state is instructed, and indicates that the identification signal is different from the recording medium ejected from the unit at the start of the absence notification, instructing a warning notification,
A circulating game machine characterized by that. In the circulation type gaming machine according to claim 2,
When the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the absence notification, the circulation state gaming machine is characterized by instructing the end of the absence state and instructing the absence of the absence state.

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