JP2014083080A - System for game and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable too much heightened passion for gambling to be prevented while enabling a setting of a game rate to be changed.SOLUTION: To enable setting of a rate to be changed, and perform control to lengthen a shooting interval of a game ball as a set rate becomes higher.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming system including a gaming machine and a gaming machine, and in particular, a game for giving a gaming medium necessary for gaming in the gaming machine using the gaming machine and a gaming value owned by the player. The present invention relates to a gaming system including a gaming device, and a gaming machine capable of playing a game by using a gaming medium.

  This type of gaming machine is generally a pachinko machine that can be played by launching a pachinko ball, a slot machine that can be played by setting the number of bets by using a medal, or an alternative to a pachinko ball or medal 2. Description of the Related Art A point-type gaming machine is known in which a pachinko ball can be fired or a wager number can be set by using a predetermined point.

  These gaming machines can be played by using game media such as pachinko balls, medals or points. In such a gaming machine, for example, a number of game media based on a predetermined rate are given to the player in exchange for debiting a predetermined amount from a prepaid card possessed by the player.

  Regarding providing game media based on rates as described above, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique that allows a rate setting to be selected from a plurality of types and changes game contents according to the set rate. Has been.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-180751

  However, the technique proposed in Patent Document 1 is a change in game content to such an extent that the number of winning balls and the jackpot probability are changed according to the rate. In addition, the higher the rate (the higher the lending unit price per ball), the higher the probability of hitting, so there was a risk that the shooting performance would be too high.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to prevent an excessive increase in shooting characteristics while being able to change and set the game rate.

(1) A game medium (game ball or medal, game points) necessary for a game in the game machine is granted using the game machines (P 2 and S 2S) and the game value owned by the player A gaming system (a gaming system including P 2 or S 2S, CU 3) including a gaming device (CU3) for
The gaming device is:
A grant command transmission means (communication control IC 325a) for sending a grant command for the game medium (addition request ON status information request) in exchange for use of the gaming value of a predetermined size;
The gaming machine is
Rate storage means (the main control unit 161 in the P platform 2) capable of changing and setting the rate of the game medium (the rate in FIG. 6 and the rate in FIG. 17) between a first rate and a second rate higher than the first rate. RAM, RAM of the main control unit in the S stand 2S),
Giving means (payout control at the P unit 2) for granting the number of game media based on the predetermined value of the game value and the rate set by the rate storage means when receiving the grant command CPU of unit 171 and CPU of payout control unit in S stand 2S),
Game control means (a main control unit 161 of the P table 2 and a main control unit of the S table 2S) that executes predetermined game control of one unit according to the use of the game medium,
The game control means is configured to execute the predetermined game control execution interval when the rate of the game medium is set to the second rate (the launch of the P platform 2) than when the rate is set to the first rate. The interval, the wait time for the S platform 2S) is increased (FIG. 6B, FIG. 17B).

  According to such a configuration, in the gaming system, the unit when the rate of the game medium is set to the second rate higher than the first rate is one unit than the case where the rate is set to the first rate. Since the execution interval of the predetermined game control becomes longer, the execution interval of the predetermined game control becomes longer even if the rate is increased, and gambling can be suppressed even if the rate is increased.

(2) A game medium (game ball or medal, game points) necessary for a game in the game machine is given using the game machines (P 2 and S 2S) and the game value owned by the player And a rate storage means (a rate storage means of CU3, a hall server 801 of the hall server 801) capable of changing the game medium rate to a first rate and a second rate higher than the first rate. A rate storage means), and a gaming system comprising:
The gaming device is:
A grant command transmission means (communication control IC 325a) for sending a grant command for the game medium (addition request ON status information request) in exchange for use of the gaming value of a predetermined size;
The gaming machine is
When the grant command is received, the grant means for granting a number of the game media based on the game value of the predetermined size and the rate of the game media set by the rate storage means (in the P table 2) The CPU of the payout control unit 171 and the CPU of the payout control unit in the S platform 2S),
Game control means (a main control unit 161 of the P table 2 and a main control unit of the S table 2S) that executes predetermined game control of one unit according to the use of the game medium,
The game control means is configured to execute the predetermined game control execution interval when the rate of the game medium is set to the second rate (the launch of the P platform 2) than when the rate is set to the first rate. The interval, the wait time for the S platform 2S) is increased (FIG. 6B, FIG. 17B).

  According to such a configuration, in the gaming system, the unit when the rate of the game medium is set to the second rate higher than the first rate is one unit than the case where the rate is set to the first rate. Since the execution interval of the predetermined game control becomes longer, the execution interval of the predetermined game control becomes longer even if the rate is increased, and gambling can be suppressed even if the rate is increased.

(3) A gaming machine (P-unit 2, S-unit 2S) that allows a game to be played by using game media (game balls or medals, game points) and pays out the game media when a winning occurs.
Rate storage means (the main control unit 161 in the P platform 2) capable of changing and setting the rate of the game medium (the rate in FIG. 6 and the rate in FIG. 17) between a first rate and a second rate higher than the first rate. RAM, RAM of the main control unit in the S stand 2S),
Granting means for giving out the number of the game media based on the magnitude of the game value and the rate set by the rate storage means in exchange for use of the player-owned game value (payout at the P unit 2 CPU of the control unit 171, CPU of the payout control unit in S stand 2S),
Game control means (a main control unit 161 of the P table 2 and a main control unit of the S table 2S) that executes predetermined game control of one unit according to the use of the game medium,
The game control means is configured to execute the predetermined game control execution interval when the rate of the game medium is set to the second rate (the launch of the P platform 2) than when the rate is set to the first rate. The interval, the wait time for the S platform 2S) is increased (FIG. 6B, FIG. 17B).

  According to such a configuration, in the gaming machine, the unit when the rate of the game medium is set to the second rate higher than the first rate is one unit than the case where the rate is set to the first rate. Since the execution interval of the predetermined game control becomes longer, the execution interval of the predetermined game control becomes longer even if the rate is increased, and gambling can be suppressed even if the rate is increased.

(4) It further comprises setting operation means (display 54 as a touch panel) that can be operated by the player to change the rate of the game medium,
After the operation of the setting operation means is detected, the rate storage means changes the rate of the game medium after waiting for a predetermined condition (rate selection condition) (S46 in FIG. 9).

  According to such a configuration, after an operation for changing the rate is detected, the rate is changed after waiting for a predetermined condition to be satisfied, so that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a state in which the shooting property is too high. For example, various problems that may occur due to the rate change can be solved.

(5) It further includes production control means (production control unit 151 for P table 2, production control unit for S table 2S) for performing predetermined production control during the game,
The production control means has a period of production during the game (the fluctuation time of the P table 2 and the production time of the S machine 2S) according to the execution interval of the game control using the game medium by the game control means. Change the size.

  According to such a configuration, since the length of the period during which the presentation is performed during the game is changed according to the execution interval of the game control using the game medium, the firing interval and the length of the period during which the presentation is performed during the game are changed. Therefore, even if the execution interval of the game control changes, the player can play the game without feeling uncomfortable.

  (6) It further includes display means (display device 54) for displaying information capable of specifying the rate set by the rate storage means.

  According to such a configuration, information capable of specifying the rate set by the rate storage unit is displayed, so that the set rate can be easily grasped.

(7) End operation detection means (detection unit of the card return button 322) for detecting a game end operation (operation of the card return button 322);
When the end operation detecting means detects a game end operation, the game result value (the number of possessed balls, points) possessed by the player as a result of the game and the rate set by the rate storage means are specified. It further includes discharge means (a card return process of the CU control unit 323 and a card discharge mechanism shown in FIG. 13) for discharging a recording medium on which possible information is recorded.

  According to such a configuration, when a game end operation is detected, a recording medium on which information that can specify a game result value and a set rate that are owned by the player as a result of the game is recorded is recorded. Based on such information, when the player finishes the game at the game hall and when the player moves to play the game on another game machine at the game hall, The selected rate can be specified.

(8) End operation detection means (detection unit for the card return button 322) for detecting a game end operation (operation of the card return button 322);
As a result of the game, the game result value (number of possessed balls, points) possessed by the player can be set and changed at the lowest rate (for example, 1 yen in FIG. 6 and 5 yen in FIG. 17). Ejecting means (e.g., CU control unit 323 shown in FIG. 13) that ejects a recording medium on which information that can specify a value converted by the above or a value converted by the least common divisor (for example, 1 yen) of the plurality of rates is recorded. Card return processing and card discharge mechanism).

  According to such a configuration, since the number of possessed balls converted to the lowest rate is recorded on the card, it is possible to prevent a fraction from being generated in the recorded game result value.

(9) The rate storage means is provided in both the gaming machine and the gaming device (FIGS. 6 and 17),
Rate determination means for determining whether or not the rate set in the rate storage means on the gaming machine side matches the rate set in the rate storage means on the gaming device side (see FIG. 14 P rate determination processing),
Determination result notification means (rate change notification processing in the CU of FIG. 14) for notifying the determination result when it is determined by the rate determination means that they do not match;
A setting updating unit (rate changing process in P units in FIG. 14) for updating the setting of one rate storage unit to the setting of the other rate storage unit when it is determined by the rate determination unit that they do not match. Prepare.

  According to such a configuration, it is determined whether or not the rate set on the gaming machine side matches the rate set on the gaming device side. Is updated to the setting of the other rate, it is possible to prevent a problem due to a rate shift.

It is a front view which shows a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram for demonstrating display control of a game ball number display and a display. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the notification process when abnormality is detected as a result of mutual authentication. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the various data memorize | stored in the card unit side and the pachinko machine side, and its transmission / reception. It is a figure which shows the data table used when selecting the rate at the time of renting out a game ball in a tabular format. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when a card is inserted in a card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a process when a rate is changed based on rate change operation. It is a flowchart explaining the specific control content in each of CU3 and P stand 2 when rate change operation is performed. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when lending a ball from the prepaid balance of the inserted card. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when paying out a lot of balls and paying out a stored ball. It is a figure which shows an example of the normal process of a card unit and a pachinko machine when counting game balls. It is a figure which shows an example of the count process when a player performs card return operation. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the rate regular confirmation process which confirms a rate regularly in P units and CU. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the front door of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the various data memorize | stored in each of a card unit and a slot machine, and its transmission / reception aspect. It is a figure which shows the data table used when selecting the rate at the time of receiving a medal loan in a tabular format.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<Configuration of pachinko machine>
First, the configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Each game island (not shown) arranged in the game hall (hall) has an enclosed circulation pachinko machine (hereinafter abbreviated as a game machine, pachinko machine, or P machine) 2 as an example of a game machine. Has been. Note that a card unit (hereinafter also abbreviated as CU) 3 as an example of a gaming device is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the pachinko machine 2 at a side position on a predetermined side of the pachinko machine 2. Yes.

  The pachinko machine 2 encloses a pachinko ball as an example of a game medium inside, and when the player operates the hitting operation handle 25, the firing motor 18 (see FIG. 2) is driven to make one shot of the enclosed ball. The game board 26 is configured so that it can be played one by one in the game area 27 in front of the game board 26. Specifically, a touch sensor is provided around the batting operation handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor while the player is operating the batting operation handle 25, and the player's hand. Is detected by the touch sensor, and the firing motor 18 is driven. In this state, the hitting momentum is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the hitting operation handle 25 by the player, and the ball is shot into the game area 27.

  The pachinko machine 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called first type pachinko machine, and a variable display device (also referred to as a special symbol) 278 such as a special symbol is provided at the center of the game area 27. In addition, the game area 27 is provided with a plurality of types of winning holes through which the inserted pachinko balls can be won. In the game area 27 shown in FIG. 1, one large winning opening (variable winning ball apparatus) 271, three normal winning holes 272, 273, 274 and three start winning holes 275, 276, 277 are shown. ing. In particular, the start winning opening 276 is configured by an electric tulip that can be changed between a first state (for example, an open state) that is advantageous to the player and a second state (for example, a closed state) that is disadvantageous to the player. .

  The variable display device 278 includes a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (symbols), and based on the detection signals of the start winning balls won in each start winning opening 275, 276, 277. Start variable display of multiple types of identification information. When the display result of the variable display device is a combination of specific identification information (for example, a glance), a big hit state is established and the big prize opening 271 is opened.

  Further, the display result of the variable display device 278 becomes a combination of predetermined special identification information (for example, a combination of probability variation symbols such as 777) out of a combination of jackpot symbols (a slotted pattern), so that the probability variation big hit state And a probability variation state (probability variation state) in which the probability of occurrence of the jackpot is improved after the end of the jackpot state.

  Pachinko balls that have been driven into the game area 27 are won in any of the winning openings or are collected in the out opening 154 without winning. The pachinko balls that have won any of the winning holes and the pachinko balls collected at the out-port 154 are returned again to the hitting ball launch position through the collection path in the pachinko machine 2. Then, when the player operates the hitting operation handle 25, the pachinko ball at the hitting position is again shot into the game area 27.

  In this manner, in the pachinko machine 2, one unit of predetermined game control is executed according to the use of the game medium.

  A display 54 is provided at a position below the game area 27 in the pachinko machine 2. The display 54 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and displays various effect images linked to the display of the points, the remaining card amount, or the variable display device 278 to the player.

  Further, a counting button 28 is provided at the left position of the hitting operation handle 25 in the pachinko machine 2 for counting the game balls to the holding balls. In the present embodiment, the counting operation is repeatedly executed according to the time for which the counting button 28 is kept pressed. It should be noted that, regardless of the pressing duration time, if the button is pressed once, a predetermined number (for example, 100 balls) may be counted from the gaming ball to the holding ball, or the counting button 28 is pressed once. All of the game balls currently owned by the player may be counted regardless of the pressing time (regardless of whether the button is pressed for a long time).

  As described above, since the counting button 28 is provided on the pachinko machine (P) 2 side, the person is sitting facing the pachinko machine 2 as compared with the case where the counting button 28 is provided on the card unit (CU) 3 side. Can improve the operability of the player.

  A game ball number display 29 for displaying the number of game balls is provided at the upper right of the counting button 28. The game ball number display 29 is a 7-segment display. The game ball number display 29 may be configured by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or other display.

  The pachinko machine 2 according to the present embodiment can be divided into a game board 26 and other game frames (front frames) 6. In particular, the gaming board 26 is different for each model of pachinko machine developed by each company, while the gaming machine frame 6 is a common common frame regardless of the model. For this reason, it is sufficient for the game store to replace only the game board 26 when replacing a new stand.

<Configuration of card unit>
Next, the configuration of the card unit 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This card unit 3 is a visitor card (also referred to as a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a game recording medium issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, or a member who has registered as a member in the game hall. Receive a membership card, which is a game recording medium issued to a player. Visitor cards and membership cards are composed of IC cards.

  The card unit 3 that has received these cards has a function of converting the game value (for example, the remaining card amount, the number of balls, or the number of stored balls) owned by the player specified by the record information of the card into “game ball data”. Have In the pachinko machine 2, a ball game equivalent to the number of balls specified by the data of game balls is made possible. That is, “game ball data” is data indicating the number of remaining balls that can be fired. In the following description, “game ball data” is simply referred to as “game ball” in the same manner as a stored ball and a holding ball.

  On the front side of the card unit 3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a protruding portion 305 formed to project forward from the front side of the device, and a card insertion / discharge port for inserting a membership card or a visitor card 309 etc. are provided. A membership card or a visitor card inserted into the card insertion / discharge port 309 is received by a card reader / writer (not shown), and information recorded on the card is read.

  In the protrusion 305 described above, on the surface facing the player, the display unit 312 and the member card ID recorded on the member card when the member card is received (also simply referred to as a card ID or C-ID). ) And a replay button 319 for performing a replay game using the number of stored balls specified by the member card ID.

  The display 312 displays the prepaid balance recorded on the inserted game recording medium (card) (also referred to as the card balance or simply the balance), but can display the number of game balls and various other information. In addition, the surface is configured with a transparent touch panel, and various operations can be input by touching various display items displayed on the display unit of the display 312 with a finger.

  When the replay button 319 is operated, if the number of possessed balls acquired by the player is recorded on the inserted card, a part of the number of possessed balls is withdrawn and converted into a game ball, and the converted game ball is converted into a converted game ball. Based on this, it is possible to play a game with the pachinko machine 2. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and the number of possession balls is not recorded and the storage ball is recorded in the hall management computer, etc., a part of the storage ball is withdrawn and becomes a game ball. It is converted and the game by the pachinko machine 2 becomes possible. That is, when both the stored ball and the holding ball are stored in association with the inserted card, the holding ball is withdrawn preferentially. Separately from the replay button 319, a dedicated ball payout button for withdrawing the holding ball may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be a button dedicated to the withdrawal of the stored ball.

  Here, the “storing ball” is a ball deposited in the hall with a ball acquired before the previous day, and becomes a game ball by paying out the saving ball. The storage ball is a game medium deposited in a game hall, and is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed in the game hall.

  “Mochitama” is a ball acquired on the day and becomes a game ball by paying out the possessionball. The number of possessed balls is the number of balls that the player possesses as a result of the player playing the game with the gaming machine on the card, and the number of balls that have not yet been deposited in the game hall. That is. Generally, the number of balls that the player has acquired on the day of the game hall is called “mochidama”, and the number of balls that the player has acquired before the previous day and that has been deposited in the amusement hall is “save ball”. Say.

  A “game ball” is a ball that can be fired by a gaming machine. As described above, the data on the number of game balls is generated in exchange for withdrawing the remaining amount of the prepaid card, holding balls, or storing balls.

  Note that the number of possessed balls may be managed by a management device for managing the number of possessed balls set in the game hall. In short, the difference between “sold balls” and “mochidama” is the number of balls that have been deposited in the amusement hall as a result of a storage operation for depositing in the amusement hall, or is still deposited in the amusement hall. It is a point whether it is the number of balls of the stage which is not.

  In this embodiment, the stored ball data is not recorded directly on the membership card, but stored in association with the membership card number on a server installed in a game hall such as a hall management computer, and the corresponding storage ball is searched based on the membership card number. It is configured to be able to. On the other hand, Mochitama records directly on the card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both may be stored in the hall server 801 in association with the card number. In the case of a visitor card, Mochitama is recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ball may be stored in the hall server 801 in association with the card number. When the hall server 801 stores the card number in association with the card number, data that can specify the time stored in the hall server 801 may be written on the card (member card, visitor card) and discharged. Also, the prepaid balance is written directly on a card (member card, visitor card) and discharged.

  Note that the timing for storing the holding balls in a card (member card, visitor card) or hall server is stored at regular intervals every time the counting button 28 is operated and counting processing is performed, for example. It is conceivable that the timing is such that it is stored in a lump or when the card is returned.

  Also, when the player finishes the game and returns the card from the card unit 3, the possession ball stored in the card unit 3 is temporarily stored in the hall server 801 as a stored ball, and the player returns the card. When the card is inserted into the same or another card unit 3 again on the same day as the date of receiving the card, only the possession balls for the day that have been stored once as stored balls are stored in the card unit 3 again, The game balls may be added to allow the game to be played.

  The banknote inserted into the banknote insertion slot 302 is taken in by a currency discriminator (not shown), and its authenticity and banknote type are identified.

  On the front side of the card unit 3, an IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit (also referred to as an IR light receiving unit) 320, a ball lending button (also referred to as a lending button) 321 and a card return button 322 are further provided. The IR photosensitive unit 320 is an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives an infrared signal from a remote controller (not shown) possessed by an attendant at a game arcade, converts the infrared signal into an electronic signal, and outputs the electronic signal. The ball lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) for withdrawing the remaining amount recorded on the inserted card and using it in a game by the pachinko machine 2. The card return button 322 is operated when the player ends the game, and the number of game balls determined at the end of the game on the inserted card (the number of balls at the time of card insertion−the number of conversions to game balls + count) This is an operation button for storing the number of possessed balls counted by the operation and ejecting it by the card ejection mechanism.

<Configuration of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2. With reference to FIG. 2, the outline of the control circuit of the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 will be described.

  The card unit 3 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. The CU control unit 323 is a main control function unit of the card unit 3, and is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Member) that stores programs for operating the CPU, control data, and the like. ), A RAM (Random Access Memory) functioning as a work area of the CPU, an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like.

  The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server 801 (see FIG. 4) for security management. A security board (SC board) 325 for communicating with the payout control board 17 of the pachinko machine 2 while ensuring security is connected to the CU control unit 323. The security board 325 is a security monitoring function unit of the card unit 3. Note that the CU control unit 323 may be provided on the security board 325, or the CU control unit 323 may be provided on a board different from the security board 325. The card unit 3 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the pachinko machine 2 side, and the pachinko machine 2 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the card unit 3 side. These connection parts are constituted by connectors, for example.

  The security board 325 on the card unit 3 side and the payout control board 17 on the pachinko machine 2 side are communicably connected via this connector and connection wiring. The security board 325 is provided with a communication control IC 325a for controlling communication between the security board 325 and the payout control board 17, and a security chip (SC) 325b for monitoring the security of the pachinko machine 2. The SC 325b further includes a fraud detection unit 1325. The fraud detection unit 1325 performs fraud detection by monitoring the game ball addition request information notified from the CU control unit 323 to the pachinko machine 2, and manages the key when fraud is detected. The server 800 (see FIG. 4) is notified. Further, the setting value (constant) for fraud detection is notified from the key management server 800 as board control information.

  To the CU control unit 323, the authenticity and type of the banknote are identified by the above-described money identifier, and the identification result signal is input. In addition, when the IR photosensitive unit 320 receives infrared rays emitted from a remote controller owned by an attendant at the game hall, a light reception signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The card reader / writer reads the information recorded in the inserted card into the CU control unit 323, and the read information is input to the CU control unit 323. The CU control unit 323 writes the information to the card reader / writer. When data is transmitted, the card reader / writer writes the data to the inserted card. The card recording information includes a card ID. The CU control unit 323 stores the card ID read by the card reader / writer until the game ends.

  The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's possession balls when the player is playing. Data such as the remaining amount or the number of game balls is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350, and is converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is transmitted to the pachinko machine 2. The display data transmitted to the pachinko machine 2 is input to the display 312 via the relay board 14. The display 312 displays an image corresponding to the display data. Further, when the player operates a touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. When the player operates the ball lending button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The ball lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3, and may be provided in the pachinko machine 2 to input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button 319, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 from the detection unit of the card return button 322.

  In the pachinko machine 2, the main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the pachinko machine 2, the payout control board 17 that manages and stores the game balls, and the drive control of the launch motor 18 based on commands from the payout control board 17 A launch control board 31, a variable display device 278, and an effect control board 15 that controls the display of the variable display device 278 based on a command transmitted from the main control board 16.

  The main control board 16 and the effect control board 15 are provided on the game board 26. The main control board 16 is equipped with a game control microcomputer as the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 is a main control function unit of the gaming machine. A microcomputer for gaming machine control includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Member) storing a program for operating the CPU and control data, and a RAM (RAM) functioning as a CPU work area. Random Access Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices. The main controller 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162 and a radio wave sensor 163 provided on the game board 26.

  When a ball wins each start winning opening 275, 276, 277, the main control unit 161 draws a random number for determining a big hit (or further including a small hit) / off and stores the random number. This is called reserved storage. The maximum value of the number of reserved memories is, for example, 4. When the variable display device 278 is ready to start a new variable display, the main control unit 161 digests one reserved memory, makes a jackpot determination based on the reserved memory, and derives the display result from the variable start. A variable display time (hereinafter referred to as a variation time) is determined from a plurality of types. Further, when the big hit is determined, it is also determined whether or not the probability fluctuation is caused. The main control unit 161 transmits the result of the jackpot determination (including whether or not to change the probability) and information on the variation time to the effect control unit 151 mounted on the effect control board 15 as a command.

  The variable display command transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151 specifies a variable start command indicating the start of variable display, a display result command indicating the result of variable display (big hit / out), and a variable display pattern. A variable time command that can be changed, a variable stop command that indicates the timing for deriving and displaying the variable display result, and the like are included. Furthermore, the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the production control unit 151 include a command that can identify the progress status of the big hit during the big hit, a command that indicates the occurrence of a new reserved memory, and the occurrence of an error in the gaming state. There are commands to show.

  The effect control unit 151 determines the variable display content of the variable display device 278 based on these commands transmitted from the main control unit 161. For example, the effect control unit 151 specifies a variable display result and a variation time based on a command transmitted from the main control unit 161, determines a stop symbol, and sets a variable display pattern (reach presence / absence, reach type). And, further, determine the production pattern of the notice effect related to the jackpot or reach. The effect control unit 151 controls display of the variable display device 278 according to the determined variable display content.

  The effect control board 15 is also connected to the display 54 via the relay board 14 on the gaming machine frame 6 side. The effect control unit 151 transmits a display control signal for variable display or the like to the variable display device 278 and transmits a display control signal for performing display in conjunction with the display of the variable display device 278 to the display unit 54. Is possible. The relay board 14 and the display 54 may be provided on the CU3 side. In this case, the effect control board 15 on the P stand 2 side is connected to the relay board 14 provided in the CU 3.

  The payout control board 17 is provided on the front frame 6 (game frame). The payout control board 17 is equipped with a payout control microcomputer which is a payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 is a payout control function unit of the gaming machine. The payout control microcomputer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Member) storing a program for operating the CPU and control data, and a RAM (RAM) functioning as a work area of the CPU. Random Access Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices.

  Further, a firing ball detection switch 903, an out ball detection switch 701, a foul ball detection switch 33, a counting button 28, and a radio wave sensor 173 are provided on the payout control board 17 in an electrically connected state. The radio wave sensor 173 is for detecting an illegal act of illegally transmitting radio waves and mainly turning on the ball raising switch (upper) 41a. A detection signal of the radio wave sensor 173 is input to the payout control unit 171 via an input port (not shown) of the payout control board 17. The ball raising switch (upper) 41a detects the launch of a game ball by changing from on to off, and based on the detection, the payout control unit 171 subtracts “1” from the number of game balls.

  Accordingly, when the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is always turned on by an improper radio wave, the number of game balls is not subtracted no matter how many balls are fired. Such radio fraud is detected by the radio wave sensor 173.

  From main control board 16 to payout control board 17, main control chip ID, winning opening information, round information, connection confirmation signal, winning detection signal, starting winning opening winning information, error information, number of symbols determined, jackpot information, manufacturer specific Jackpot information is sent.

  The main control chip ID (also referred to as main chip ID) is a chip ID recorded on the main control board 16 of the pachinko machine 2, and is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the pachinko machine 2 is turned on. Information. The winning opening information is information including the type of winning opening (start winning opening, normal winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of payout balls when a game ball enters the winning opening). It is transmitted to the dispensing control board 17 when the machine 2 is turned on. The round information is information on the number of rounds when a big hit is made, and is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the pachinko machine 2 is powered on.

  The connection confirmation signal is a signal for confirming that the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 are connected, and a signal of a predetermined voltage is constantly supplied from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 is configured to control the operation on the condition that the payout control board 17 receives the predetermined voltage signal. The winning detection signal is a detection signal of a pachinko ball that has won a winning opening other than the starting winning opening. Upon receiving this detection signal, the payout control board 17 performs control to add the number of balls to be given to one winning ball to the number of game balls and the number of added balls.

  The start winning award winning information is information indicating that a pachinko ball has won a prize in any of the starting winning awards. The error information is information for notifying the payout control board 17 when an error occurs while the main control board 16 is performing game control.

  The symbol determination number of times is information on symbols determined as display results of the variable display device for winnings at each start winning opening.

  The jackpot information is information indicating that a jackpot has occurred. The breakdown includes common jackpot information indicating a jackpot common to each manufacturer and manufacturer-specific jackpot information indicating a manufacturer-specific jackpot. The common jackpot information is a jackpot commonly used by each gaming machine manufacturer, such as 15 round jackpots, and includes probability variation information when a probability change occurs with the jackpot. If a time-short state (control state for shortening the variation time of the variable display device) occurs, the time-shortage information is included. The manufacturer-specific big hit is a big hit state that is adopted only by a certain gaming machine manufacturer, such as sudden probability change (surprise).

  A health check command and a winning ball number acceptance command are transmitted from the payout control board 17 to the main control board 16. The health check command is a command for checking whether or not the main control board 16 is operating normally. The prize ball number acceptance command is a command indicating that the additional number of balls has been accepted.

  An out ball detection signal is input from the out ball detection switch 701 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 to which the out ball detection signal is input subtracts and updates the number of in-game balls (the number of floating balls floating in the game area 27) as will be described later. In the payout control board 17 to which the foul ball detection signal is input from the foul ball detection switch 33, as described later, the addition ball number and the game ball number are added and updated, and the in-game ball number is subtracted and updated. A shot detection signal is input from the shot detection switch 903 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 to which the fired ball detection signal is input updates the number of in-game balls by subtraction.

  The security board 325 of the card unit 3 and the payout control board 17 of the pachinko machine 2 are electrically connected, and various commands are transmitted from the security board 325 to the payout control board 17 as described later. On the contrary, various responses are transmitted from the payout control board 17 to the security board 325 as described later.

  In addition to the payout control board 17, the front frame 6 (game frame) is provided with a relay board 14, a launch control board 31, a launch motor 18, and a game ball number display 29. The game ball number indicator 29 may be directly attached to the front frame 6, but it may be attached to the front frame 6 like an upper plate or a lower plate provided on the front side of a normal pachinko machine from which balls are paid out. You may make it provide in the aspect which can be rotated. The same applies to the display 54. The payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 displays the number of game balls currently owned by the player on the game ball number display 29.

  A firing control signal and a firing permission signal are output from the dispensing control board 17 to the firing control board 31. Upon receiving this, the launch control board 31 outputs a signal for exciting the launch motor 18. Thereby, the pachinko ball is in a state where it is bullet-launched into the game area 27. The firing control board 31 emits a firing motor excitation output to drive the firing motor 18 when a touch ring input signal for detecting that the player is touching the hitting ball operating handle 25 is input.

  A display 54 is provided in the front frame 6 (game frame). The display 54 receives display data (display control signal) from the display control unit 350 of the card unit 3 via the relay board 14. Further, the display unit 54 receives display data (display control signal) from the effect control board 15 via the relay board 14. Further, the display unit 54 is configured with a transparent touch panel, and various operations can be input by touching various display items displayed on the display unit of the display unit 54 with a finger. .

  The relay board 14 outputs a display control signal from one of the effect control board 15 and the display control unit 350 to the display 54 and outputs the display control signal to the display 54 based on the display control signal from the effect control board 15 or the display control unit 350. A switching circuit 141 for displaying an image is mounted.

  In this embodiment, the display 54 on the pachinko machine 2 side is configured to be controlled on the CU side. Instead, the display 54 is controlled to be displayed on the pachinko machine 2 side. A display control substrate may be provided. In this case, the display control board controls display of the display 54 based on a command from the payout control unit 171.

  The RAM clear switch 293 is a switch for erasing game table information and game information stored in the RAM of the P table 2, and after the P table enters an error state, the store clerk operates the switch to initialize It becomes possible to return to the state. The RAM clear switch 293 is operated by a store clerk after the card is discharged, for example.

<Pachinko ball circulation route>
Here, the circulation path of the pachinko balls in the pachinko machine 2 will be outlined with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

  When the player operates the hitting operation handle 25, the firing motor 18 is driven. As a result, one pachinko ball that has been supplied to the launch position is shot by the hitting hammer and the pachinko ball is driven into the game area 27.

  The detection of the play of the game ball is detected when the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is changed from on to off. This detection is detected by a port input on the payout control board 17 (see FIG. 2) on which the payout control unit 171 is provided. Based on the detection, the payout control unit 171 subtracts “1” from the number of game balls. To do.

  Out of balls that have been driven into the game area 27, the out balls that have entered the out port 154 (see FIG. 1) flow down the out ball flow path and are detected by an out ball detection switch 701 provided in the middle. . The foul balls flow down through the foul ball return path and are detected by a foul ball detection switch 33 provided in the middle of the foul ball.

  All winning balls that have won the winning opening and the variable winning ball device are collected on the back of the gaming machine and guided to the collection ball passing path. Similarly, out balls and foul balls are also guided to the collection ball passing path. A firing ball detection switch 903 is provided in the collection ball passage route. For this reason, the winning ball, the out ball, and the foul ball are all detected by the firing ball detection switch 903. That is, the fired ball detection switch 903 is a switch that detects all of the bullets that have been bulleted. When the number detected by the switch and the number of shots of the pachinko balls shot by the firing motor 18 become equal, it can be determined that all the pachinko balls that have been driven are collected.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the difference between the number of shots detected by the shot ball detection switch 903 and the number of bullets is calculated. When this difference is not zero, the balls that have been driven into the game area 27 have not been collected. It is determined that it is not. By making this determination, it can be determined whether the game area 27 is rolling, or whether there is a floating ball that does not fall due to being caught between nails or the like in the game area.

<Display control of touch panel>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining display control of the game ball number display 29 and the display 54. FIG. 3 shows only the main components related to the display control of the game ball number display 29 and the display 54 among the various configurations of the CU 3 and the P stand 2 shown in FIG.

  The main control unit 161 mounted on the main control board 16 transmits various types of game information that change with game control to the payout control part 171 of the payout control board 17. The payout control unit 171 transmits ball number information and the like to the CU control unit 323 based on the game information transmitted from the main control unit 161, and controls display of the game ball number display 29. As a result, the number of game balls currently owned by the player is displayed on the game ball number display 29, and the display of the number of game balls is subtracted and updated based on the ball launch or counting operation, The display of the number of game balls is added and updated on the basis of a ball rental operation or the like.

  The CU control unit 323 updates the game information such as the number of game balls stored by itself based on the number of balls information transmitted from the payout control unit 171. Further, the CU control unit 323 stores the remaining amount of the card and the player's possession ball, and the display control unit displays information for display based on the stored game information on the display 54 on the P table 2 side. To 350. The display control unit 350 transmits a display control signal based on the information to the relay board 14 on the P table 2 side.

  On the other hand, a display control signal from the effect control unit 151 of the effect control board 15 is also input to the relay board 14. The effect control unit 151 transmits a display control signal for display control of the variable display device 278 based on various variable display commands received from the main control unit 161 to the variable display device 278 and controls the display 54. A display control signal for transmission is also transmitted to the relay board 14.

  Usually, a display control signal is transmitted to the relay board 14 only from the display control unit 350 side of the CU 3, and no display control signal is transmitted from the effect control unit 151. As a result, normally, the display unit 54 displays information such as points and card balance based on the display control signal from the display control unit 350 of the CU 3. However, when the effect control unit 151 detects a change in the gaming state of the gaming machine based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 161, it transmits a display control signal corresponding to the change in the gaming state to the relay board 14. .

  When the display control signal is input from the effect control unit 151, the switching circuit 141 receives the display control signal input from the effect control unit 151 instead of the display control signal input from the display control unit 350 to the display unit 54. Switch the circuit to transmit. As a result, the display 54 normally displays a score based on the display control on the CU 3 side. For example, when the game state changes due to a big hit display on the variable display device 278, the display The display of 54 is switched to one that interlocks with the display of the variable display device 278 such as a jackpot display. After that, when transmission of the display control signal from the effect control unit 151 to the relay board 14 is stopped, the switching circuit 141 returns the signal input source to the switching source. As a result, information based on the display control on the CU 3 side is displayed again on the display unit 54.

  That is, in the above example, the switching circuit 141 has a configuration in which, among the effect control unit 151 and the display control unit 350, the display control signal input from the effect control unit 151 is preferentially transmitted to the display unit 54. Since the display control signal is input to the switching circuit 141 only from the display control unit 350 in normal times, information based on the display control on the CU3 side is displayed on the display unit 54, and a switching condition such as occurrence of a big hit is established. When the display control signal is input from the effect control unit 151, the display control signal is prioritized and transmitted to the display 54, and the display on the display 54 is switched.

  However, instead of this, the switching circuit 141 adopts a configuration in which the display control signal input from the display control unit 350 is preferentially transmitted to the display unit 54 among the effect control unit 151 and the display control unit 350. Also good.

  That is, the switching circuit 141 performs an effect display that is linked to the display of the variable display device 278 on the display 54 based on a display control signal that is always received from the effect control unit 151 at a normal time, and there are few remaining game points and points. When a display control signal for displaying that fact is input from the CU 3 side when the predetermined switching condition is established, the signal input source is switched from the effect control unit 151 to the display control unit 359, whereby the display 54 However, the game effect screen may change to a screen for notifying that there are few game points or points remaining.

  In the present embodiment, the display control of the game ball number display 29 for displaying the number of game balls is not performed by the CU 3 but by the P stand 2 directly related to the fluctuation of the game ball number. When used and subtracted or added by game, the updated number of game balls can be immediately reflected on the game ball number display 29.

  If the display control of the game ball number display 29 is performed by the CU 3, from the CU 3 to the game ball number display 29 based on the information on the number of game balls transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3. A display control signal is sent. However, in this case, the number of game balls actually changes depending on the communication status between the CU 3 and the P stand 2, but the change is displayed on the game ball number display 29. There is a risk of inconvenience that it will not be reflected immediately. According to the present embodiment, such inconvenience can be prevented.

  On the other hand, since the display 54 controls the display on the CU3 side, the display control of the P stand 2 is compared with the case where the P stand 2 that controls the display of the game ball number display 29 further controls the display 54. The burden can be reduced.

  Here, a specific example of switching the display of the display unit 54 will be given. For example, during normal times, the remaining amount of the card is displayed on the display (touch panel) 54 based on the display control of the display control unit 350 of the CU 3, and the display on the display 54 can be changed according to the change in the gaming state such as a big hit. An example can be given in which the display is switched to one linked to the display of the display device 278.

  Alternatively, the display (touch panel) 54 normally displays in conjunction with the display of the variable display device 278 (based on the display control of the effect control unit 151), and game points are displayed on the display 54 according to the decrease in game points. The example which displays the image which alert | reports that there are few remaining can be given.

  In addition, when the display device 54 performs a display operation with a display control signal transmitted from the effect control unit 151 to the relay board 14, the relay board 14 simply relays the signal transmitted from the effect control unit 151 and displays it as it is. It suffices to have a function of transmitting to the device 54. On the other hand, there may be a case where the signal form of the display control signal for causing the display device 54 to perform display operation and the signal form of the display control signal transmitted from the effect control unit 151 are different. In addition to the switching circuit 141, the relay substrate 14 may be provided with a conversion circuit that converts the signal form.

  Further, when the switching condition is established, the display image displayed on the display unit 54 by the display control signal transmitted from the effect control unit 151 and the display control signal transmitted from the effect control unit 151 are displayed on the variable display device 278. The images may be the same or different. If they are different, it is necessary to store two types of image data, that is, image data for the variable display device 278 and image data for the display 54 in the effect control unit 151.

  The game ball number display 29 may be configured to be controlled by the main control unit 161, or the effect control unit 151 transmits a command related to the number of game balls from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151. It is good also as a structure which controls display.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment described above, since the display information of the P table 2 can display the effect information related to the variable display, it is possible to provide a game with a high effect in effect together with the variable display device 278. In addition, when a condition for displaying game information sent from the CU 3 side is established on the display unit 54, display control for displaying the game information on the display unit 54 is executed by the CU 3, so the condition is established. In this case, the display 54 can be used not only for game effects but also for display of game information by the CU 3, and the display control burden of the P table 2 accompanying display of game information can be reduced.

<Notification process for abnormalities in card units and pachinko machines>
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining notification processing when an abnormality is detected as a result of mutual authentication.

  Referring to FIG. 4, when an abnormality occurs in CU control unit 323, security board 325, payout control unit 171, or main control board 16, notification is given in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4. For the abnormality mentioned here, the CU control unit 323, the security board 325, the payout control unit 171, or the main control board 16 is replaced with another illegally manufactured one, or malfunction or failure occurs due to noise or the like. Or offline status due to disconnection or the like. The key management server 800 shown in FIG. 4 manages keys that store the SID and authentication key of the CU communication control unit in association with each serial ID (also referred to as SID) of the electronic component inside the card unit 3. It is a server. The key management server 800 is a server that can communicate with the main control board 16.

  First, when an abnormality occurs in the security substrate 325 of the card unit 3, the CU control unit 323 detects an abnormality as a result of the mutual authentication performed between the CU control unit 323 and the security substrate 325 described above. This mutual authentication includes device authentication using a session key in addition to serial ID authentication and device authentication described later.

  The serial ID is a serial ID (substrate serial ID) of the security board 325, and is stored in the ROM of the security chip 325b when the security chip 325b of the security board 325 is manufactured. Further, when the CU 3 is brought into the amusement hall and connected to the hall server 801, the board serial ID is downloaded from the key management server 800 of the key management center via the hall server 801 and stored in the CU control unit 323. The

  When the CU control unit 323 detects an abnormality in the security board 325, the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect and transmits an abnormality notification command to the display control unit 350 of the card unit 3. The CU control unit 323 controls the display 312 to display that an abnormality has occurred and causes the display control unit 350 to perform an abnormality notification by lighting or blinking an abnormality notification lamp (not shown). Further, the CU control unit 323 transmits a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred from the external communication unit to the hall management computer.

  When an abnormality occurs in the CU control unit 323 of the card unit 3, the security board 325 detects the occurrence of the abnormality by the above-described mutual authentication, and notifies the payout control unit 171 of a signal (abnormality notification signal) indicating that fact. . In response, the payout control unit 171 notifies the main control board 16 that an abnormality has occurred. As described above, the main control board 16 performs control to operate the abnormality notification lamp and transmits a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred to the hall management computer.

  When the security board 325 detects an abnormality of the payout control unit 171, the CU control unit 323 is notified of this, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 accordingly.

  As described above, when the security board 325 detects an abnormality of the CU control unit 323, the security board 325 notifies the payout control unit 171 of that fact. The notification destination of abnormality occurrence by the security board 325 is different. The reason for this is that even if the control unit in which an abnormality has occurred is notified that an abnormality has occurred, no abnormality notification control is performed and no abnormality prevention measure is provided. In addition, the security board 325 has a communication control function but does not have an abnormality notification control function. Therefore, the abnormality notification cannot be controlled by itself, and for this reason, notification is made that an abnormality has occurred in the direction of the control unit opposite to the control unit where the abnormality has occurred. The payout control unit 171 that has received the notification of the occurrence of the abnormality from the security board 325 notifies the main control board 16 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the main control board 16 performs the same control for abnormality notification as described above.

  When an abnormality occurs in the payout control unit 171, the security board 325 detects that fact and notifies the CU control unit 323 that the abnormality has occurred. The CU control unit 323 performs the above-described abnormality notification control. The hall server 801 is notified that an abnormality has occurred. When an abnormality occurs in the payout control unit 171, it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the main control board 16, and upon receiving the notification, the above-described abnormality notification control is performed.

  As described above, the payout control board 17 detects and notifies the abnormality to the main control board 16 when an abnormality occurs in the security board 325, while notifies the abnormality to the main control board 16. It detects and notifies the security board 325 that an abnormality has occurred. As with the security board 325 described above, the payout control board 17 is also controlled for anomaly notification even when a notice is given to the control unit in which an abnormality has occurred when it is detected that an abnormality has occurred. Therefore, a notification is sent to the control unit or control board on the opposite side of the control unit where the abnormality has occurred. The security board 325 and the payout control board 17 are not connected to an abnormality notification means such as an abnormality notification lamp or an abnormality notification display, and have a function of performing abnormality notification control themselves even when an abnormality is detected. Absent. In the above description, the security board 325 and the payout control board 17 are not connected to an abnormality notification means such as an abnormality notification lamp or an abnormality notification display, and perform abnormality notification control themselves even when an abnormality is detected. Although described as having no function, the security board 325 and the payout control board 17 may be provided with an abnormality notification function to directly notify that an abnormality has occurred.

<Transmission / reception mode between card unit side and pachinko machine side>
Next, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing main data among various data stored on the card unit 3 side and the pachinko machine 2 side, and the transmission / reception mode thereof. With reference to FIG. 5, main ones of various data stored on the card unit 3 side (CU side) and the pachinko machine 2 side (P base side) and transmission / reception modes thereof will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the fluctuation of the number of game balls is calculated on the P stand 2 side, and the current latest game ball number is stored and managed. The current number of game balls is also calculated and stored on the CU 3 side, but the number of game balls is based on information transmitted from the P stand 2 side. On the other hand, the CU3 side manages and stores the number of possessed balls (the number of cards possessed), the number of stored balls, and the remaining card amount (remaining amount).

  FIG. 5 shows RAM storage data provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU3 side and RAM storage data mounted on the payout control board 17 on the P table 2 side. First, when the power supply is turned on for the first time when the P stand 2 (pachinko machine 2) and the CU 3 (card unit 3) are electrically connected for the first time after being installed in the game hall, the payout control board on the P stand 2 side. 17 has a main chip ID (main control chip ID) transmitted from the main control board 16, transmits the main chip ID to the CU3 side, and also issues a payout chip ID (payout) stored in the payout control board 17 itself. Control chip ID) is transmitted to the CU3 side.

  On the CU3 side, the transmitted main chip ID and payout chip ID are stored. Next, data of the connection time, that is, the time at which communication is started after the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side are connected is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P base 2 side, and the transmitted connection time is transmitted on the P base 2 side. Remember.

  In this state, three pieces of information of the main chip ID, the payout chip ID, and the connection time identified on the CU3 side are stored on the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side. When the power is turned on thereafter, the three pieces of information, that is, the main chip ID, the payout chip ID, and the previous connection time data are transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side.

  On the CU 3 side, the transmitted data is collated with the data already stored, and it is determined whether or not the same P base 2 is connected as in the previous time. As for the connection time data, every time the power is turned on, new connection time data in which communication between the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side is started is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P base 2 side. Time data is stored on the P table 2 side.

  Both the CU and the P platform transmit the “sequential number” added to the message. Further, both the CU and the P platform store the “serial number” received from the other party. There are three types of “serial number”: “normal serial number”, “additional serial number”, and “counting serial number”. “Normal sequence number” indicates the sequence number of the message. “Normal serial number” is transmitted by counting up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission on the CU3 side (primary station side) with an initial value “1”. However, the “normal serial number” is not counted up at the time of retransmission. P station 2 side (secondary station side) transmits the received serial number as it is. Note that there is no response if the serial number continuity is not established. The “additional serial number” is a serial number used when the CU 3 requests the P unit 2 to add game balls. The “counting serial number” is a serial number used when the P stand 2 requests the CU 3 to count game balls.

  Only the CU3 has the right to update the normal serial number. When the normal serial number that is the same as the transmitted normal serial number is returned, the CU 3 backs up and stores the normal serial number and transmits the updated normal serial number. Only the CU3 has the addition update right of the addition serial number. When the addition request is made, the CU 3 transmits an addition sequence number added to the addition sequence number that has been used for communication until then to the P unit 2. The P platform 2 returns the same addition serial number when accepting the request. When rejecting the request, the previously received addition sequence number (the addition sequence number received this time-1) is returned. Only the P-unit 2 has the counting update number addition update right. When making a request for counting, the P platform 2 transmits to the CU 3 a counting sequence number that is +1 to the counting sequence number that has been used for communication. When CU3 accepts the request, it returns the same counting sequence number. When rejecting the request, the received counting sequence number (counting sequence number-1 received this time) is returned.

  In the following, with regard to “normal serial number”, a configuration will be described in which the serial number received by the CU 3 at the time of transmission is counted up (+1) and transmitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Each of the P base 2 and the CU 3 or the serial number received by the P base 2 at the time of transmission is counted up (+1), and the other is the received serial number. May be transmitted as it is.

  The “addition serial number” and “counting serial number” are special serial numbers that are counted up in the addition request processing and the count request processing, respectively. Hereinafter, a description will be given of a configuration in which “normal serial number” is also counted up when the “additional serial number” and “counting serial number” are counted up. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to stop the “normal sequence number” from being counted up when the “additional sequence number” and the “counting sequence number” are counted up. In the following, “normal serial number” is simply referred to as “serial number”. The “additional sequence number” and “counting sequence number” are also collectively referred to as “request sequence number”.

  The latest game machine information (game machine information being counted) is transmitted from the P machine 2 side to the CU 3 side. This latest game table information is stored in the latest game table information storage area of the RAM of the payout control unit 171 (see FIG. 2) on the P table 2 side. Specifically, information on the added ball number counter, information on the subtracted ball number counter, and information on the counted ball number counter are included. The number of game balls is not included in the latest game table information, and is transmitted from the P table 2 side to the CU 3 side as the count value of the game ball number counter as will be described later. However, instead of this, or in addition to the game ball counter, the number of game balls may be included in the latest game table information.

  Information on these counters is collectively transmitted to the CU side as a response. The added ball number counter is a counter that counts the added ball number. The added ball is the sum of “the number of winning balls × the number of winning balls” and “the number of back balls”. The back ball is a foul ball. That is, the addition ball indicates the number that the addition ball counter should add to the game ball. The subtraction ball number counter is a counter that counts the number of subtraction balls. The subtraction ball is the “number of fired balls”. That is, the number of balls detected by the output change from on to off of the ball raising switch (upper) 41a. Note that the “number of balls to be subtracted” does not include the “number of balls to be counted”. The counting ball counter is a counter that counts the counting balls. The counting ball is “the number of balls converted from game balls to holding balls by the counting operation”. Here, the “prize ball” is a ball that is paid out when a ball wins a winning opening, and is a safe ball. The “fired ball” is a ball fired by the gaming machine. When there is a back ball, the number of balls obtained by subtracting the back ball is the number of fired balls. The “back ball” is a ball in which the fired ball returns without jumping onto the board surface. The “out mouth passing ball” is a ball that has passed through the out mouth 154, and the total number of balls of the out ball and the safe ball means the number of balls passing through the out mouth.

  For example, when a pachinko ball that has been placed in the game area 27 wins and the winning information is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17, an additional ball to which a gaming ball is added based on the winning information. The added ball number counter counts the number, and the value of the added ball number counter (added ball number) is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side. Also, the subtraction ball counter counts the number of shot balls as the number of subtraction balls based on the output change from on to off of the ball raising switch (upper) 41a due to the pachinko ball being shot in the game area 27, The value of the subtraction ball number counter (subtraction ball number) is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU3 side.

  Alternatively, the payout control unit 171 counts the number of gaming balls as the number of counting balls by pressing the counting button 28, and transmits the value of the counting ball number counter (counting number of balls) from the P stand 2 side to the CU3 side.

  On the P-unit 2 side, each time the values of the addition ball counter, the subtraction ball counter, and the counting ball counter are transmitted to the CU 3 side, the count values are stored in the previous gaming machine information storage area (the RAM of the payout control unit 171). Etc.) are stored (rewritten) as backup data, and the values of the added ball counter, subtracted ball counter, and counted ball counter as the latest game table information are cleared to 0 (excluding the game ball counter). In the present embodiment, “clear” has the same meaning as “initialization”.

  As a result, the game table information transmitted to the CU 3 side immediately before is added to the storage area of the previous game table information (game table information transmitted immediately before). Stored as data. When the latest game machine information is not transmitted from the P machine 2 side to the CU 3 side, the backup data includes not only the value of each counter at the time of the next transmission but also the value of each counter of the previous time that was not transmitted. It is intended to enable transmission. You may make it memorize | store by adding the number of game balls transmitted immediately before to this last game machine information.

  Further, the payout control board 17 updates the value of the game ball counter in response to the occurrence of a prize, the firing of a ball, the occurrence of a back ball, and the occurrence of a counting ball (conversion from a game ball to a holding ball), The updated value of the game ball counter is transmitted to the CU 3 side as the number of game balls.

  On the CU3 side, the number of game balls, the number of cards held (simply referred to as the number of balls), the number of balls stored, the remaining amount, the total number of added balls (total number of added balls), total subtraction are stored in the cumulative data storage area in the RAM. The number of balls (the total number of subtracted balls) and the number of balls at the time of card insertion are stored. The number of cards possessed is the number of balls obtained by subtracting the number of possessed balls paid out (the number of balls converted from the number of cards possessed to the number of game balls) from the number of balls possessed when the card is inserted, and adding the counted number of balls. That is, the card possession number is the number of possession possessed by the player at the present time.

  The total number of added balls is added based on the value (number of added balls) of the added ball counter transmitted from the P stand 2 side to update the number of balls. Further, the number of balls is updated by subtracting the total number of subtraction balls based on the value of the subtraction ball counter (the number of subtraction balls) transmitted from the P stand 2 side. Further, based on the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P stand 2, the number of card holding balls is added and updated. In this way, the CU 3 can manage the latest information by updating the total added ball number, the total subtracted ball number, and the card holding ball number with the latest game table information transmitted from the P table 2 one by one. It becomes possible.

  As shown in the figure, the CU 3 has an area for storing game balls, and also receives a count value of a game ball number counter (also referred to as game ball number or game ball total number information) from the P stand 2 side. CU3 updates the area for storing game balls in the following procedure. That is, the CU 3 stores the value based on the value of the added ball number counter (added ball number), the value of the subtracted ball number counter (subtracted ball number), and the value of the counted ball number counter transmitted from the P side. The number of game balls being updated is updated, and it is determined whether or not the count value of the game ball counter transmitted from the P platform side at the same timing matches the updated number of game balls. If they match, the game is allowed to continue, but if they do not match, control to shift to an error state is performed.

  As a result, for example, an error notification lamp or indicator 312 is used to notify an error, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or hall server 801 (in this case, hall management). An error notification may be performed by a computer or hall server 801). As a result, a predetermined notification that prompts an artificial response by a staff member is performed.

  Instead of shifting to an error state and stopping the game, the number of game balls stored on the CU 3 side may be replaced with the count value of the game ball counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side. Good. Alternatively, it may be corrected to an average value of the number of game balls managed on the CU 3 side and the number of game balls stored on the P stand 2 side.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the number of game balls is also stored on the CU 3 side, but it is determined whether or not the number of game balls matches the number of game balls managed and stored on the P-unit 2 side. (CU3 side function). Therefore, even if a situation occurs in which the number of game balls stored on the P stand 2 side does not match the number of game balls stored on the CU 3 side due to fraud or other circumstances, it can be checked. Here, the determination function is provided on the CU3 side. For example, the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side and the Pball 2 side are stored by the hall server 801 or the hall management computer connected to the CU3. The number of game balls being played may be received, and it may be determined whether or not the two match.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the CU 3 stores a storage area for storing the number of cards held and the number of stored balls, a storage area for storing the remaining card amount of the received (inserted) card, and the total number of added balls (the number of added balls). (Cumulative total), the total number of subtracted balls (total number of subtracted balls), and a storage area for storing balls when the card is inserted. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) stores a stored ball in response to an input requesting the use of the stored ball (for example, a press input of the replay button 319 provided in the CU 3 (when there is no holding ball)). Subtract a certain number of balls from the area.

  The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) is an input requesting the use of the holding ball (for example, pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 when the holding ball is present (however, when the holding ball is present)) Accordingly, a predetermined number of balls are subtracted from the storage area for storing balls. Further, the CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) subtracts a predetermined value from the storage area for storing the card remaining amount in response to an input requesting use of the card remaining amount (for example, pressing input of the ball lending button 321).

  When a player performs an operation to deduct the value from the player's own gaming value (for example, the prepaid balance, the number of balls, or the number of balls) and use it for the game, the number of balls that are deducted is the number of balls The number of balls to be added to the counter is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P stand 2 side. In response to this, the P stand 2 side adds and updates the game ball counter.

  In the gaming system according to the present embodiment, on the other hand, it is possible to accept a so-called wagon service order in which the gaming value owned by the player is withdrawn and exchanged for a drink or the like. However, access to wagon services with game balls is restricted, and wagon services can only be received with holding balls. This is an image in which, in a conventional encapsulated pachinko machine in which each counter is provided, it is prohibited to grab a ball before counting remaining on a plate by hand and use it for a wagon service.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, when the operation for performing the wagon service is executed, if the number of balls is less than the number corresponding to the desired menu of the wagon service, the player is prompted to perform the counting operation. Has been. When the player performs a counting operation at that time, the number of counting balls based on the operation is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side. In response to this, the CU3 side subtracts the number of game balls and adds and updates the number of card possessions.

<Frame configuration used in communication>
Next, communication between the CU 3 and the P base 2 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. A message used in the communication is composed of a frame having a predetermined format. Transmission data (message) is always transmitted in units of one frame. That is, the divided transmission of the message is not performed. Moreover, when transmitting a message | telegram continuously, the space | interval of 1 millisecond or more is opened.

  One frame of transmission data includes a data length, a normal sequence number, an addition sequence number, a counting sequence number, a command, and a data portion. “Data length” indicates the data length of the transmission data (serial number to data portion (business message range)). “Command” is a command code of the message. The “data part” is data of a message.

  Next, a rate at which money is exchanged for game balls, which is used when a player performs a lending operation (ball lending operation) for renting game balls in accordance with payment of money (in this embodiment, withdrawal of the remaining card amount). (Exchange rate) will be described. In this embodiment, game balls are lent out at a rate selected from a plurality of predetermined rates. The rate is indicated, for example, as a rate of money (yen) per ball. In this embodiment, the unit of rate is indicated by the amount of “yen” with the unit of “per ball” omitted, such as the rate of “1 yen” for the rate of 1 yen per ball.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing in tabular form a data table used when selecting a rate for receiving a game ball lending. In FIG. 6, (A) shows the rate selection table stored in the ROM of the CU control unit 323 on the CU3 side, and (B) shows the firing interval stored in the ROM of the main control unit 161 on the P table 2 side. -A variable time selection table is shown.

  In the rate selection table of FIG. 6A, as a plurality of types of selectable rates, a first rate that is a rate of 1 yen, a second rate that is a rate of 2 yen, and a rate that is 4 yen. Three rates are set.

  In the display unit 54, a set rate display image that always displays the set rate and a rate selection image for accepting the player's operation so that the rate can be selected (from the first to third rates). An image that can be selected by, for example, displaying an icon image for selecting. When a predetermined rate selection condition is established, when a player performs a selection operation such as a touch operation for selecting a rate on the rate selection image, data specifying the rate selected by the operation is: It is set (stored) in a rate storage area provided in each of the RAM of the CU control unit 323 and the RAM of the main control unit 161, and game balls are lent out at the set rate. As an example of the rate selection condition, in this embodiment, the rate selection condition is satisfied when the probability variation state is not controlled. In the P stand 2, it is possible to check the current gaming state by setting various flags that can specify a gaming state such as a probability variation state, a non-probability variation state (normal state), and a short time state. The rate selection condition is confirmed based on whether or not such a flag (probability change flag) is set.

  The display of the current rate setting value is not always performed in this way, but a specific value such as when the value is obtained from the game medium (game ball) at the end of the big hit game state. You may display at a timing. In addition, in the case of a slot machine as will be described later, it may be displayed at a specific timing such as when starting the point where value is obtained by a game medium (medal) in the AT state, etc. in addition to the rate change. Good. Further, the current rate setting value may be displayed only when the rate is changed. In addition, the current rate setting value is displayed at a specific timing such as when the rate is changed and when the value is obtained from the game medium (game ball, medal) as described above. May be displayed.

  Further, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the rate selection condition is established when the probability variation state is not controlled. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rate selection condition includes a game ball on the board surface of the game board 26. It may be established when there is no game state or when the game area 27 is not in an advantageous state for the game state, such as when a game ball is not placed in the game area 27 for a predetermined period.

  For such a rate, any one of the first to third rates is preset as a default value in the aforementioned RAM, and the default value is not changed until the first rate selection operation is performed after the power is turned on. Used as a basic rate for lending.

  Further, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the player can perform an operation of selecting a rate by a touch operation on the display unit 54. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in addition to the display unit 54, it is possible to perform an operation of selecting a rate by operating means that cannot be operated by the player, such as a dip switch provided on the back side of the P stand 2, etc. A configuration may be adopted.

  In addition, the rate selection image is not always displayed, and is displayed only when a predetermined rate selection condition is satisfied. When an operation for selecting a rate is performed on the rate selection image, the operation must be accepted. You may control so that a rate can be selected.

  In the firing interval / variation time selection table of FIG. 6B, in accordance with the rate setting, the game ball firing interval on the P platform 2 and the variation in the identification information on the variable display device 278 on the P platform 2 Data is set so that the time is selected from a plurality of types of setting values.

  In the firing interval / variation time selection table of FIG. 6B, the first firing interval of 400 shots / min is selected corresponding to the first rate (1 yen), and the second rate (2 yen) is supported. The second firing interval of 200 shots / minute is selected, and the data is set so that the third firing interval of 100 shots / minute is selected corresponding to the third rate (4 yen). In this embodiment, the launch interval of game balls is indicated not by time but by the number of shots within a unit time. In addition, you may make it show the launch interval of a game ball directly using time.

  In the main control unit 161, when the variable display is executed by the variable display device 278, the variation display variable time (variation pattern) of the identification information is determined, and the variable display is executed according to the determined variation time. The variation time is selected from a plurality of types of variation times (variation patterns). Such types of variation time are divided into a variation time mode in a short time state and a variation time mode in a non-short time state (normal state). In the variable time mode in the short time state, the variable display variable time to be executed is selected from a plurality of types of variable time set with an average time shorter than that in the normal state variable time mode. Further, as the fluctuation time mode in the normal state, the first to third fluctuation time modes as described above are provided, and one of the fluctuation time modes is selected according to the set rate. .

  In the firing interval / variation time selection table, the variation time mode for determining the variation time in the normal state is selected from the first to third variation time modes corresponding to the setting of the rate. The first variation time mode is a mode in which the variation time is selected from a plurality of types of variation times having the shortest average value of the variation times. The second variation time mode is a mode in which the variation time is selected from a plurality of types of variation times having an average variation time longer than that of the first variation time mode. The third variation time mode is a mode in which the variation time is selected from a plurality of types of variation times having an average variation time longer than that of the second variation time.

  In the firing interval / variation time selection table of FIG. 6B, the mode of the first variation time is selected corresponding to the first rate (1 yen), and the second corresponding to the second rate (2 yen). The data is set so that the variable time mode is selected and the third variable time mode is selected corresponding to the third rate (4 yen).

  In such a launch interval / variation time selection table, data is set such that the lower the rate, the shorter the launch interval, and the higher the rate, the longer the launch interval. As a result, the firing interval becomes longer as the rate increases, so that the execution interval of a predetermined game using a game ball such as a variable display becomes longer and the progress speed of the game becomes lower as the rate becomes higher. Thus, even if the rate is increased, the shooting property can be suppressed.

  Also, in such a firing interval / variation time selection table, the data is set so that the variation time changes according to the firing interval, such as the variation time becomes longer as the launch interval becomes longer. Even if it changes, the change time changes accordingly, so the player feels uncomfortable (for example, if the same change time is produced when the firing interval is long and short, the production is extended when the firing interval is long It is possible to play a game without feeling uncomfortable.

  The information for specifying the current rate is transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161 every time the rate is changed, so that the main control unit 161 receives the received current rate information. Based on this, the firing interval / variation time is selected and determined using the firing interval / variation time selection table.

  In the main control unit 161, data specifying the firing interval selected according to the rate is set (stored) in the firing interval storage area provided in the RAM of the main control unit 161. Information specifying the firing interval set in the main control unit 161 is transmitted to the payout control unit 171 so that the payout control unit 171 recognizes the firing interval. When the game ball is fired, the firing speed is controlled by the payout controller 171 based on the firing interval recognized by the payout controller 171, and the operation speed of the launch motor driven by the launch control board 31 is controlled. As a result, game balls are fired at a set firing interval.

  Further, in the main control unit 161, data specifying the mode of the variation time selected according to the rate is set (stored) in the variation time mode storage area provided in the RAM of the main control unit 161. Then, when variable display is executed in the normal state (non-short-time state), the variable time used for variable display is determined from a plurality of types of variable time according to the set variable time mode, and variable display is performed. Is executed.

  Note that the data specifying the firing interval selected according to the rate and the data specifying the variation time mode selected according to the rate are replaced with the RAM of the main control unit 161, for example, the payout control unit 171, for example. It may be stored in other storage means provided on the P base 2 such as a RAM.

  After the power is turned on, until the first rate selection operation is performed, the launch interval of game balls corresponding to the default value of the rate and the variation time of the identification information are selected, and launch control and variable display control are performed. It is.

  On the CU3 side, instead of the rate selection table in which only the rate is set as shown in FIG. 6A, in addition to the rate data such as the firing interval / variation time selection table in FIG. By selecting a rate using a data table in which data of a corresponding game ball firing interval and identification information variation time is set, a game ball firing interval corresponding to the rate and a variation time of identification information May be recognized. When such a configuration is adopted, the same data table may be provided for each of the CU 3 and the P base 2, and the P base 2 does not have a firing interval / variation time selection table, and corresponds to the rate. By transmitting the data that can specify the firing interval and the variation time from the CU 3 to the P unit 2, the P unit 2 sets the firing interval and the variation time corresponding to the rate based on the transmitted data. May be.

  Further, as in the firing interval / variation time selection table of FIG. 6B, instead of a table in which the firing interval and the mode of the variation time are selected collectively based on the rate, the firing interval based on the rate is used. There may be provided a firing interval selection table for selecting and a variation time selection table for selecting a variation time mode based on the rate.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which the variation time of the variation pattern to be selected is changed as a setting for controlling the progression speed of the game to decrease as the rate increases. Control may be performed so that the progress rate of the game is reduced by increasing the execution ratio of the notice effect such as the notice (the effect of notifying that the game will be a big hit) and increasing the effect time in the variable display.

  In order to suppress the shooting performance as the rate increases, the opening mode (opening mode such as the number of times of opening, the opening time, the opening angle, etc.) of the variable winning ball device 271 in the big hit gaming state is changed as the rate increases (winning) Control). In addition, in order to suppress the shot characteristics as the rate increases, control may be performed to change the probability of occurrence of a big hit (to make it difficult to generate a big hit) as the rate increases.

  In order to suppress the shooting characteristics as the rate increases, all or a combination of the above-described firing interval, variation time, opening state of the variable winning ball apparatus 271, and the probability of occurrence of jackpot May be used.

  6B is stored in the ROM of the payout control unit 171, and the payout control unit 171 determines the mode of the fire interval and the change time based on the selected rate. Then, the emission control may be performed based on the determined emission time, and information specifying the mode of the determined fluctuation time may be transmitted to the main control unit 161 so that the main control unit 161 performs the variable display control. Further, only the portion for determining the firing interval in the firing interval / variable time selection table of FIG. 6 (B) is stored in the ROM of the payout controller 171, and the firing interval / variable time selection table of FIG. 6 (B) is stored. Only the portion that determines the mode of the fluctuation time is stored in the ROM of the main control unit 161, the payout control unit 171 determines the firing interval, and the main control unit 161 determines the mode of the fluctuation time. You may do it.

<< Status information request and status information response >>
A command for requesting status information is periodically transmitted from the CU 3 to the P platform 2. This status information request command is for requesting the status of the CU 3 to the P unit 2. The CU 3 uses this command to periodically check the status of the P base 2. The state information request command includes various information such as the number of balls to be added from the CU 3 side to the P stand 2 side shown in FIG. In response to the status information request, a response of the status information response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU 3. This response of the status information response is to notify the information / status of the P platform 2 to the CU 3. The response of the state information response includes various information such as the latest game table information and the number of game balls shown in FIG.

<< Card insertion >>
Processing of the CU 3 and the P stand 2 when a card is inserted will be described. The CU 3 shown in FIG. 7 transmits a command for status information request including the serial number = n and the card insertion status = OFF to the P unit 2 before the card insertion. In response to this, the P unit 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n and the game prohibition to the CU 3. In this embodiment, each of the status information request command and the status information response response includes data that can specify the set value of the rate described above, and is periodically transmitted between the CU 3 and the P unit 2. The rate setting value will be confirmed. The processing of a sequence for periodically checking a specific rate will be described with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, in CU3, when the card is inserted, the card reader / writer outputs a command signal for taking the card into the card reader / writer, and the card reader / writer reads information (card ID, etc.) recorded in the taken-in card. A process at the time of card insertion, such as receiving the read information, is executed.

  The CU 3 is in a card information inquiry state for a predetermined period after the card is inserted. This is in the middle of verifying whether the inserted card is appropriate, whether it is a membership card registered at the amusement hall, or inquiring the hall server 801 about the holding ball, storage ball, remaining card amount, etc. This means that the process of displaying the fact on the display 312 and the display on the display 54 on the P platform 2 side is being executed.

  Since the CU 3 does not authenticate the inserted card while displaying that the inserted card is being inquired on the display 312, the status information request including the serial number = n + 1 and the card insertion state = OFF is requested. A command is transmitted to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P unit 2 returns a response of the status information response including serial number = n + 1 and game prohibition to the CU3. The display 54 on the P platform 2 side is controlled by the display control unit 350 of the CU 3 to display that the card is being inquired.

  After that, when the inserted card is authenticated, the CU 3 stores the card ID and the card insertion time of the card in the RAM of the CU control unit 323, and includes the serial number = n + 2, the card ID, and the card insertion time. A command for notification of insertion (notification of card insertion) is transmitted to the P base 2. Note that the card insertion notification command also includes the store code and SC board ID added by the security board 325. In response to this, the P unit 2 backs up the received card ID, card insertion time, store code, and SC board ID data to the RAM of the payout control unit 171 and a card insertion response including the serial number = n + 2 (card A response indicating that the insertion notification has been received is returned to the CU3. Also in CU3, the card ID of the inserted card is stored in the RAM or the like of the CU control unit 323.

  In response to this, the CU 3 sends a status information request command including a serial number = n + 3 and a card insertion state = ON to the P base 2 to notify the P base 2 of the card insertion status. The P table 2 receives the notification that the card is being inserted, permits the game, and returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n + 3 and the game permission to the CU3, thereby indicating that the game is being permitted. To notify.

  While the card is being inserted, CU3 sends a command for status information request including serial number = n + 4 and card insertion status = ON to P unit 2, and P unit 2 returns a response of status information response including serial number = n + 4 and game permission. Reply to CU3.

<< Rate change >>
Next, processing when the rate is changed based on the rate changing operation as described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing when the rate is changed based on the rate changing operation. In the sequence processing shown in FIG. 8, an example in which the rate before the change is 1 yen and the rate after the change is 4 yen will be described.

  When the operation for changing the rate from 1 yen to 4 yen is performed by the touch operation for selecting the rate on the display unit 54 as described above, and the operation is detected, the CU 3 determines that the rate change request = ON, after the change. A status information request command including the rate (4 yen) is transmitted to the P platform 2. Here, rate change request = ON is data for requesting a rate change.

  Upon receiving such a status information request command, the P platform 2 determines whether or not the rate can be changed (whether or not it is controlled to the probability changing state). When it is determined that the rate is changeable, the P platform 2 returns a response of a status information response including rate changeable information that can specify that the rate can be changed to the CU 3. On the other hand, when it is determined that the rate change is not possible, the P platform 2 returns a response of a status information response including rate change impossible information capable of specifying that the rate cannot be changed to the CU 3. . Such rate changeable information and rate change impossible information are called rate change enable / disable information.

  Further, when it is determined that the rate can be changed, the P platform 2 changes the rate set in the rate storage area of the payout control unit 171 to 4 yen. And the P stand 2 uses the firing interval / variation time selection table of FIG. 6 (B) to select the firing speed corresponding to the 4 yen rate and the variation time mode. In the P platform 2, the firing speed set in the firing speed storage area of the payout control unit 171 is changed to the firing speed selected in this way. Further, in the P platform 2, the variable time mode set in the variable time mode storage area of the payout control unit 171 is changed to the variable time mode selected in this way.

  In response to the response of the status information response including the rate changeable information, the CU 3 changes the rate set in the rate storage area of the CU control unit 23 to 4 yen. Then, the CU 3 displays the changed rate in the set rate display image displayed on the display unit 54.

  Next, specific control contents in each of the CU 3 and the P stand 2 when the rate changing operation as described above is performed will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining specific control contents in each of the CU 3 and the P stand 2 when the rate changing operation is performed.

  In FIG. 9, the CU rate changing process is shown as the process of CU 3, and the P machine rate changing process is shown as the process of P machine 2. In the P unit rate change process, first, in step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1, the CU control unit 323 confirms whether or not the rate change reservation flag is in an ON state. It progresses to S4 mentioned later. On the other hand, when not in the ON state, the CU control unit 323 confirms whether or not a rate change operation has been performed on the display unit 54 (S2). If there is no rate change operation, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when there is a rate change operation, the CU control unit 323 transmits a rate change request = ON and a status information request command including the changed rate from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 as described above (S3).

  In the P-unit 2, when the payout control unit 171 receives a rate change request = ON and a status information request command including the post-change rate from the CU3 (S34Y), as described above, the main control unit 161 enters the probability change state. By checking whether it is controlled, it is determined whether it is in a rate changeable state (S35). When it is in the rate changeable state, the payout control unit 171 transmits a response of the state information response including the rate changeable information from the P unit 2 to the CU3 (S45). On the other hand, when it is not in the rate changeable state, the payout control unit 171 transmits a response of the state information response including the rate change impossible information from the P unit 2 to the CU3 (S44).

  In the P platform 2, the main control unit 161 changes the rate set in the rate storage area to the rate specified as the post-change rate according to the state information request command for requesting the rate change (S46). ). Further, in the P platform 2, the main control unit 161 uses the firing interval / variation time selection table in FIG. 6B to select the firing speed corresponding to the changed rate and sets it in the firing speed storage area. The firing speed being changed is changed to the firing speed thus selected (S46). Further, in the P platform 2, the main control unit 161 selects the variable time mode corresponding to the changed rate by using the firing interval / variable time selection table of FIG. Is changed to the mode of the variation time thus selected (S46).

  In CU3, after transmitting the state information request command as described above, the CU control unit 323 receives a response to a state information response including rate changeable information or rate changeable information (rate changeability information). (S11), and when it is received, it is checked whether the rate can be changed based on the received rate change availability information (S12). When the rate change is possible because the rate change enable information has been received, it is checked whether or not the rate change reservation flag is ON (S13). The rate change reservation flag is a flag for reserving a rate change until the rate can be changed by turning ON when a rate change operation is performed in a state where the rate cannot be changed.

  When the rate change reservation flag is in the ON state, the CU control unit 323 considers that the reserved rate change is possible and sets the rate change reservation flag in the OFF state (S14). On the other hand, when the rate change reservation flag is not in the ON state, the rate can be changed at that time, so the CU control unit 323 maintains the rate change reservation flag in the OFF state.

  Next, the CU control unit 323 stores the rate change value selected by the current rate change operation (when the rate change reservation flag is not ON in S13) or when the rate change is reserved. Based on the rate change value (when the rate change reservation flag is ON in S13), the rate set in the rate storage area is changed to the rate change value (S15). After that, the CU control unit 323 performs a rate change completion display in a predetermined area on the display unit 54 for displaying an image indicating that the rate setting change has been completed in response to the rate setting being changed (S16). ), The process is terminated. When the rate change completion display is performed, the CU control unit 323 displays the rate value after the setting change on the display unit 54.

  When the rate change is impossible because the rate change impossible information is received in S12, the CU control unit 323 sets the rate change reservation flag to confirm whether or not the rate change is already reserved. It is determined whether it is in an ON state (S17). When the rate change reservation flag is in the ON state, the process is terminated in order not to make a duplicate reservation. On the other hand, when the rate change reservation flag is not in the ON state, the CU control unit 323 sets the rate change reservation flag to the ON state in order to wait until the rate change can be made after reserving the rate change (S18). ), The rate change value (the rate selected at the time of the rate change operation) and the reserved rate change rate selection value is stored in the reserved rate change storage area provided in the RAM of the CU control unit 323 (S19). ). Then, in CU3, the CU control unit 323 transmits a status information request command including rate change reservation = ON to the P unit 2 and ends the process. Here, rate change reservation = ON is data indicating that a rate change is reserved.

  Also, in the P platform 2, when the payout control unit 171 receives a status information request command including the rate change reservation = ON as described above from the CU3 (S32Y), whether or not the rate change is reserved. Is set to the ON state (S33), the fact that the rate change is reserved is stored, and the process is terminated. In the P machine 2, in the P machine rate change process, the payout control unit 171 always checks whether the rate change reservation information is in the ON state (S 31), and when the rate change reservation information is not in the ON state, The process of S32 and the process of S34 as described above are executed.

  On the other hand, when the payout control unit 171 determines in S31 that the rate change reservation information is in the ON state, as described above, the main control unit 161 confirms whether or not it is controlled to the probability change state. Then, it is determined whether or not the reserved rate can be changed (S36). If the reservation rate cannot be changed, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the reservation rate can be changed, the payout control unit 171 returns a response of the state information response including the reservation rate changeable information indicating that the reservation rate can be changed to the CU 3 (S36A). Then, the payout control unit 171 prohibits the launch of the game ball by restricting the operation of the launch motor 18 (S37). Then, the payout control unit 171 receives the count information indicating the current number of game balls as the number of balls to be counted, and the response of the status information response including the count request state = ON indicating that the count is requested. (S38). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S39.

  Further, in CU3, whether or not the CU control unit 323 has received a response to the status information response including the reservation rate changeable information transmitted in S36A described above when the rate change reservation flag is ON in S1. Is confirmed (S5). If the reservation rate changeable information has not been received, the process ends. On the other hand, when the reservation rate changeable information is received, the CU control unit 323 performs a rate change acceptance display indicating that the rate change has been accepted on the display 54 (S6). Then, the CU control unit 323 confirms whether or not the count information transmitted in S38 described above and a status information response response including the count request status = ON have been received (S7).

  When received in S7, the CU control unit 323 calculates the number of balls obtained by converting the number of balls indicated by the received count information at the rate after change (the rate after change stored in S19) as the added number of balls. Then, a state information request command including the calculated number of added balls is transmitted to the P platform 2 (S9). Then, the CU control unit 323 transmits a status information request command including the rate change request = ON and the changed rate (the changed rate stored in S19) from the CU3 to the P unit 2 (S10), and proceeds to S13. Thereby, the processes of S13, S14, S15, and S16 are executed, and the various processes related to the rate change as described above are executed for the reserved rate change.

  In the P platform 2, the payout control unit 171 checks whether or not the status information request command including the number of added balls transmitted in S9 has been received after transmitting the response of the status information response in S38 (S39). When received, the received number of added balls is added to the number of possessed balls (S40), and the firing prohibited state is canceled (S41). Then, the payout control unit 171 confirms whether or not the rate change request = ON transmitted in S10 and the status information request command including the changed rate have been received (S42), and is turned ON in S33. The rate change reservation information is set to the OFF state, and the process proceeds to S45. As a result, the processes of S45 to S48 are executed, and the various processes relating to the rate change as described above are executed for the reserved rate change.

  Regarding rate changes, rate change operations can be reserved when a rate change operation is performed when the rate is not changeable, and the rate change is automatically executed when the rate change is enabled. An example to be shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the rate change operation is performed when the rate change is not possible, the display 54 displays the request for the rate change operation again when the rate change is possible. Thus, the rate change may be executed when the rate change operation is performed again.

  In addition, although an example in which the rate is stored in the P unit 2 and the CU 3 is shown, the rate setting value is not limited to this, and a predetermined timing such as when the rate default value is set or when the rate is changed is used. Therefore, it may be transmitted to a predetermined management device such as the hall server 801 and stored and managed in the management device.

  As described above, when a rate selection operation by the player is performed, the rate is changed after waiting for a predetermined rate selection condition such as when the probability variation state is not established. It is possible to eliminate various problems that may occur due to the rate change, such as a state where the shooting performance is excessively increased by increasing the rate in a state advantageous to the player. In other words, even if there is a rate selection operation by the player, the rate is changed after the predetermined condition is satisfied, so it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a state in which the shooting performance is too high depending on the setting content of the rate selection condition It is possible to eliminate various problems that may occur due to rate changes.

<< Prepaid loan >>
Next, a process for lending a game ball from the prepaid balance of the inserted card will be described. In the sequence process shown in FIG. 10, an example will be described in which the prepaid balance recorded on the inserted card is 500 yen, the number of game balls is 50 balls, and the rate is set to 4 yen. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n, a game ball addition request = OFF, and an addition serial number = m to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n, the number of game balls = 50, and the additional serial number = m to the CU3. In this way, the addition sequence number is not updated while the addition request is not generated.

  Thereafter, when the player performs a lending operation (ball lending operation) in which the “lending” button is pressed once, the CU 3 lends the remaining amount of 500 yen, that is, 125 balls. When the ball lending button (lending button) 321 is pressed, the CU 3 confirms prepaid consumption for 500 yen and backs up the data of the number of added balls = 125. In this way, the remaining amount consumption is determined by the CU 3 alone at the stage where the lending operation is performed. Thereafter, CU3 is in the display of addition. During the addition display, the display unit 54 displays that 125 balls are withdrawn from the remaining amount and added to the game balls.

  Next, the CU 3 makes a game ball addition request to the P stand 2. Therefore, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including the serial number = n + 1, the game ball addition request = ON, the number of additional balls = 125, and the addition serial number = m + 1 to the P unit 2. The serial number is incremented to “n + 1” and the addition number of game balls is requested, so that the additional serial number is also incremented to “m + 1”. The CU 3 counts up the addition sequence number to “m + 1”, updates the previous last transmission addition sequence number to “m + 1”, and backs up the data. In response to this, P 2 updates the number of game balls to the number of game balls = 50 (current number of game balls) +125 (number of additional balls) = 175, and updates the last transmission addition serial number to “m + 1” last time. Back up the data. And since the P stand 2 notifies CU3 of the number of game balls = 175 and the game ball addition result = OK, the serial number = n + 1, the number of addition balls = 175, the game ball addition result = OK and the addition serial number = m + 1. The response of the status information response including it is returned to CU3. Since it is a response to the game ball addition request, the addition serial number is not counted up and is set to “m + 1” as it is.

  Thereafter, CU3 transmits a command of status information request including serial number = n + 2, game ball addition request = OFF and addition serial number = m + 1 to P unit 2, P unit 2 has serial number = n + 5, number of additional balls = 175 and A response of the status information response including the addition serial number = m + 1 is returned to CU3. When the game ball addition request is OFF, the status information request and the status information response count up the serial number, but do not count up the additional serial number.

≪Mochitama payout and savings ball payout (replay) ≫
Next, the process of paying out and holding out the stored balls will be described. In FIG. 11, an example in which the initial number of game balls is 50 balls and the rate is set to 4 yen will be described. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n, a game ball addition request = OFF, and an addition serial number = m to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n, the number of game balls = 50, and the additional serial number = m to the CU3. In this way, the addition sequence number is not updated while the addition request is not generated.

  Thereafter, when the player presses the holding ball payout button or the replay button 319 in a state where there is a holding ball or a storage ball, the CU 3 determines the consumption of 125 balls from the holding ball or the storage ball. As described above, the consumption of the possession balls or the storage balls is determined by the CU 3 alone when the operation of depressing the possession ball payout button or the replay button 319 is performed. In addition, when both the holding ball and the storage ball exist, consumption of the holding ball is given priority.

  In place of the control to prioritize the holding ball, a storage ball replay button and a holding ball replay button are provided, and the player can select and operate either the storage ball consumption or the holding ball consumption by operating the selection. You may do it. In other words, the replay button is used to obtain a game ball (game point) from a stored ball (stored medal) and a game ball (game point) from a stored ball (stored medal) replay button. You may comprise two with a holding ball (pointing) replay button.

  CU3 notifies the addition request | requirement of the number of addition balls = 125 to the P stand 2 after confirming the consumption from a holding ball or a storage ball. Specifically, CU3 displays that a game ball addition process is in progress, and issues a status information request command including serial number = n + 1, game ball addition request = ON, number of additional balls = 125, and addition serial number = m + 1. Transmit to P-station 2. In order to make a game ball addition request, the serial number is counted up to “n + 1”, and the additional serial number is also counted up to “m + 1”. Further, the CU 3 updates the previous last transmission addition serial number to “m + 1” and backs up the data. In response to this, P 2 updates the number of game balls to the number of game balls = 50 (current number of game balls) +125 (number of additional balls) = 175, and updates the last transmission addition serial number to “m + 1” last time. Back up the data. And the P stand 2 returns a response of the state information response including the serial number = n + 1, the number of additional balls = 175, the game ball addition result = OK and the additional serial number = m + 1 to the CU3. Since this is a response to a game ball addition request, the addition serial number is not counted up and remains “m + 1”.

  Thereafter, CU3 transmits a command of status information request including serial number = n + 2, game ball addition request = OFF and addition serial number = m + 1 to P unit 2, P unit 2 has serial number = n + 2, number of additional balls = 175 and A response of the status information response including the addition serial number = m + 1 is returned to CU3.

<< Game Ball Count (Normal) >>
Next, the normal counting process of counting and subtracting a part of the game balls will be described. FIG. 12 shows a case where the rate is set to 4 yen and the counting button is pressed without detecting a card return operation. Therefore, the card return ready state bits transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2 are all OFF (= 0). For this reason, description of the bits in the card return preparation state is omitted below.

  Also, in FIG. 11, the number of balls specified by the inserted recording medium (member card or visitor card) is “0” balls, and the initial number of game balls is “800” balls. Yes.

  Here, an example will be described in which counting in units of 100 points continues while the operation of the counting button is detected, and the counting operation ends when the operation of the counting button is no longer detected.

  First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n, a card return ready state = OFF, a counting serial number = m, and a counting response = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n, the number of gaming balls = 800, the counting serial number = m, the counting ball number = 0, and the counting request = OFF to the CU3.

  In response to the serial number n transmitted from the CU 3, the serial number n + 1 is returned from the P unit 2. The same counting sequence number m is returned from the P base 2 to the counting sequence number m transmitted from the CU 3. This is because the counting sequence number is a special sequence number that is updated when a counting request is generated, and is updated when the counting is completed.

  Thereafter, the player presses the counting button 28. In FIG. 12, immediately after an operation of pressing the count button 28 once, a command for status information request including a serial number = n + 1, a card return ready state = OFF, a count serial number = m, and a count response = OFF is sent from the CU3. It has been transmitted to the P stand 2.

  When the operation of the counting button 28 is detected, the P platform 2 transmits a status information response of the serial number n + 1 in which the count request value is specifically set to 100 as a response to the command of the status information request to the CU 3. However, at this stage, the P base 2 does not execute counting for the counting request. For this reason, in the state information response of the serial number n + 1, the number of game balls is still 800. Since this status information response is a message indicating a counting request, the counting sequence number is counted up to “m + 1”. At this time, the P unit 2 updates the previous last transmission count sequence number and backs up the updated last transmission count sequence number and the count request state ON data.

  CU3 which received the status information response of serial number n + 1 adds the number of balls equivalent to the requested number of balls and updates the display of balls to 100. That is, the CU control unit 323 transmits a count display command to the display control unit 350. The display controller 350 receives the command and controls the display 54 on the P platform 2 side. As a result, the display unit 54 displays an image in which the number of game balls is counted and the number thereof decreases, while the number of holding balls increases.

  In this case, it is conceivable to perform an effect display such that game balls are guided and counted by each counter one by one. Another example of the effect display may be a display in which the data on the number of game balls is converted to the data on the number of balls in time. For example, the data for the number of balls and the data for the number of balls are shown in a bar graph, and the number of balls in the game ball number is increased while the number of balls in the game ball is increased while the number of balls in the game ball is decreased. The display to move to the bar graph may be repeated. In addition, as another example of the effect display, the current game ball number data and the number of possession balls data are digitally displayed as they are, and the number of possession balls is increased while decreasing the number of game balls, or a part of the number of game balls It is possible to repeat the display for moving the number of balls to the number of balls, and various display effects.

  Further, the CU 3 updates the previous last transmission count sequence number to “m + 1” and backs up the data. Subsequently, the CU 3 transmits a status information request of serial number n + 2, counting serial number m + 1, and counting response = ON to the P base 2 to notify that the requested counting has been completed.

  The P table 2 that has received this status information request finally subtracts the number of game balls by the number corresponding to the number of balls counted = 100, and updates the display on the game ball number display 29 from 800 to 700. At this stage, the count request state of the P base 2 is OFF, but since the count button is continuously pressed, the P base 2 transmits a second count request to the CU 3. That is, a status information response of serial number n + 2 in which the count request value is specifically set to 100 is transmitted to CU3. However, even at this stage, the P base 2 does not perform counting for the counting request. For this reason, in the status information response of the serial number n + 2, the number of game balls = 700. Since this status information response is a message transmitted as a new count request, the count sequence number is incremented to “m + 2”, the previous last transmission count sequence number is updated, and the updated last transmission count sequence number is updated. Back up data with counting request status ON.

  CU3 which received the status information response of serial number n + 2 adds the number of balls equivalent to the requested number of balls, and updates the display of balls to 200. Further, the CU 3 updates the previous last transmission count sequence number to “m + 2” and backs up the data. Subsequently, the CU 3 transmits a status information request with a serial number n + 3, a count serial number m + 2, and a count response = ON to the P platform 2 to notify that the requested count has been completed.

  The P table 2 that has received this status information request subtracts the number of game balls by the number corresponding to the number of balls counted = 100, and updates the display of the game ball number display 29 from 700 to 600. However, at this stage, the player's hand is separated from the counting button, and the counting operation is completed. For this reason, the P platform 2 notifies the CU 3 of the completion of counting with a status information response of serial number n + 3. That is, with the current number of game balls = 600, a status information response of count request = OFF and count ball count = 0 is transmitted to CU3. In addition, since all the counting operations corresponding to the counting request have been completed, the counting sequence number included in this status information response remains m + 2 and is not updated.

  The CU 3 that has received this status information response determines that the counting is complete. Although not shown, the CU 3 transmits a status information response of serial number n + 4, counting serial number m + 2, card return ready state = OFF, and counting response = OFF to the P base 2.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the information state response for notifying the number of balls to be counted is transmitted from the P cars to the CU, the game balls for the counting balls are subtracted quickly on the P cards side. In the stage where the information status response for notifying the number of balls is transmitted and the receipt confirmation is received from the CU, the P machines subtract the game balls.

<< Game Ball Count (Card Return) >>
Next, the game ball counting process when returning the card will be described. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram for explaining the counting process when the rate is set to 4 yen and the player performs a card return operation. In FIG. 13, the number of card possessions specified by the inserted recording medium (member card or the like) is 0, and the initial number of game balls is 800. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n, a CU opening state = ON, a card return preparation state = OFF, a counting sequence number = m, and a counting response = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P stand 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n, the number of game balls = 800, the counting serial number = m, the counting ball number = 0, and the counting request = OFF to the CU3.

  Thereafter, when the player stops the game or moves to another game table, the player presses the “card return” button. However, at the time when the player presses the “card return” button, the number of game balls in the P unit 2 is 800 balls, and the CU 3 determines that the number of game balls in the P unit 2 is not 0. In addition, since the player presses the “card return” button, the CU 3 sets the card return ready state = ON, the state information request including the serial number = n + 1, the CU opening state = ON, the counting sequence number = m, and the counting response = OFF. A command is transmitted to the P unit 2. Note that the CU 3 notifies the P stand 2 of the card return preparation state = ON notification for 10 seconds. Furthermore, since the number of game balls in the P stand 2 is 800 balls and not 0 balls, the CU 3 displays a display for prompting a counting operation on the display 54 or the like as a card return standby.

  In response to the display prompting the counting operation, the player presses the counting button 28 to perform an operation of converting the game ball into a holding ball. The P stand 2 determines that the counting operation for depressing the counting button 28 is a counting operation with the card return preparation state = ON, and processes the counting in a lump instead of counting in units of 100 balls, for example.

  In order to notify the CU 3 of the counting ball number 800 balls obtained by collectively counting the 800 ball balls, the P stand 2 has a serial number = n + 1, a game ball number = 800, and a counting serial number = The response of the status information response including m + 1, the number of counting balls = 800 and the counting request = ON is returned to the CU3. However, at this stage, the P base 2 does not execute counting for the counting request. For this reason, in the state information response of the serial number n + 1, the number of game balls is still 800. Since this status information response is a count request message, the P platform 2 counts up the count sequence number to “m + 1”, updates the previous last transmission count sequence number, and updates the previous last transmission count sequence number. Back up data with counting request status ON.

  In response to this, CU3 adds 800 counting balls to the number of holding balls, and subtracts 800 counting balls from 800 gaming balls to 0. Further, the CU 3 backs up the data of the updated last transmission count sequence number. Then, in order to notify receipt of the counting ball, the CU 3 sends a command for status information request including serial number = n + 2, CU opening state = ON, card return preparation state = ON, counting serial number = m + 1 and counting response = ON. Send to.

  In response to the response from the CU 3, the P stand 2 subtracts 800 counting balls from the 800 gaming balls and displays 0 gaming balls on the display 54 or the like. Further, the P stand 2 notifies the CU 3 that the number of game balls is 0 and the counting is completed, so that the sequence number = n + 2, the number of game balls = 0, the count sequence number = m + 1, the count ball number = 0, and the count request = OFF. A response of the status information response including is returned to CU3. Since the counting request is turned OFF, the counting sequence number remains m + 1 and is transmitted to CU3 without counting up.

  CU3 counts the number of game balls by pressing the count button 28 and counting the number of game balls in a lump before 10 seconds have elapsed since the player pressed the card return button 322, that is, in the card return preparation state. Card is returned to 0, so card return processing is executed. That is, the CU 3 transmits a card return notification command including the serial number = n + 3 to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the card return response (notifying the card return) including the serial number = n + 3, the card ID held on the payout control board 17 and the card insertion time to the CU 3. After returning the card ID and the card insertion time to the CU 3, the card ID and the card insertion time data held on the payout control board 17 are cleared.

  In response, the CU 3 determines whether the card ID stored in the inserted card and the card ID received from the P-unit 2 match. And information on the current rate are recorded and returned by discharging from the card discharge mechanism. If they do not match, error processing is performed and reported to the hall server 801 or the like. When the card IDs match, CU3 stores the number of balls 800 and the current rate of 4 yen in the card (inserted card) that has been inserted into the card insertion / discharge slot 309, and returns the card to the player To do. Further, when the player has started the game by depositing without inserting the card into the card insertion / discharge slot 309, the card (stock card) stocked in the card stock section provided in CU3 Store the number of balls 800 and the current rate of 4 yen, and return the card to the player. When the inserted card or stock card is returned, the CU 3 transmits information on the card ID of the card, the data on the number of balls and the current rate to the hall server 801, and the hall server 801 associates the card ID with the card. In addition, information on the number of balls and the current rate may be stored.

  In this way, when the card is returned to the player, the information on the number of balls and the current rate information is recorded and returned on the inserted card, so that the player can play the game at the game hall. When paying to finish the game, and when the player moves to play a game on the other P stand 2 in the game hall, the selected rate can be specified based on such information. it can.

  In the card return process, the information on the number of possessions and the current rate information is not recorded on the card and returned, but the information on the number of possessions is selectable rates (1 yen, 2 yen) 4), record the number of balls obtained by calculating the number of balls obtained by conversion at the rate of the least common divisor (1 yen in this example) on the card, and rate information Alternatively, a process for recording the rate of the least common divisor may be performed. Also, when there is no least common divisor rate among the selectable rates, the number of possessed balls obtained by performing the process of calculating the number of possessed balls obtained by conversion at the minimum rate is recorded on the card. As the rate information, a process of recording the minimum rate may be performed. In this way, the number of possessed balls converted to the lowest rate is recorded on the card, so that it is possible to prevent fractions from being recorded.

  Thereafter, in order to notify the P stand 2 of the card insertion state OFF, the CU 3 requests a status information request including a serial number = n + 4, a CU opening state = ON, a card insertion state = OFF, a counting serial number = m + 1, and a counting response = OFF. A command is transmitted to the P unit 2. In response to this, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including the serial number = n + 4, the number of gaming balls = 0, the counting serial number = m + 1, the counting ball number = 0, and the counting response = OFF to the P unit 2.

  Note that the sequence of the game ball counting process when returning the card described with reference to FIG. 13 is not limited to when the card is returned, and the same process can be applied during simple leaving and meal breaks. Here, the simple leaving means that the game is interrupted for a short time of about 5 to 10 minutes in order to allow the player to make a small use. A meal break is a meal or break that is interrupted by a game such as 30 minutes longer than a simple leave.

<< Regular rate check >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the process of periodically checking the rate in the P base 2 and the CU 3 will be described. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining rate periodic confirmation processing for periodically confirming rates in the P platform 2 and the CU 3. The current rate stored on the P base 2 side (RAM of the main control unit 161) and the current rate stored on the CU3 side (RAM of the CU control unit 323) basically match. There is a possibility that an abnormal state in which the current rates stored in the P unit 2 and the CU 3 do not coincide with each other due to physical damage to the RAM or data corruption and data corruption of the stored data in the RAM.

  In the P base 2 and the CU 3, the payout control unit 171 and the CU control unit 323 periodically check whether the current rates stored in the P base 2 and the CU 3 match. A periodic rate confirmation process for changing data so that the rates match is executed.

  As described above, the above-described status information request command transmitted between the P platform 2 and the CU 3 is periodically transmitted at predetermined time intervals. In such a configuration, various status information request commands transmitted as described above include information indicating the current rate stored in the P platform 2. And the information which shows the present rate memorize | stored in CU3 is contained in the response of the status information response returned from CU3 in response to such a status information request. As a result, whether or not the current rate set (stored) on the CU 3 side and the current rate set (stored) on the P table 2 side regularly coincide with each other on the P table 2. It becomes possible to confirm.

  In FIG. 14, information indicating the current rate stored in the P unit 2 is included in the status information request command periodically transmitted, and the status information response returned from the CU 3 in response to the status information request A description will be given of processing for periodically checking the current rate rate stored in both when the response includes information indicating the current rate stored in the CU3.

  Referring to FIG. 14, a status information request command including information on the current rate stored in P table 2 is periodically sent from payout control unit 17 of P table 2 to CU control unit 323 of CU3. In response to this command, a response of a status information response including information on the current rate stored on the CU 3 side is returned from the CU control unit 323 to the P unit 2 from the CU 3. FIG. 14 shows an example of an abnormal state in which the current rate stored on the P platform 2 side is 2 yen and the current rate stored on the CU3 side is 4 yen.

  In the P-unit 2, when the payout control unit 17 confirms the current rate stored in the main control unit 161 and receives a response to the status information response including the current rate information stored in the CU3 side. Then, a rate determination process is performed to determine whether or not the received current rate set (stored) on the CU3 side matches the current rate set (stored) on the P stand 2 side. In the rate determination process, when the rates do not match, the current rate (2 yen in this example) set (stored) in the main control unit 161 on the P base 2 side is stored on the P base 2 side. The rate change process is performed to change (update) the current rate set (stored) in (in this example, 4 yen). Thereafter, a state information request command including rate change notification information for notifying that the rate has been changed is transmitted from the payout control unit 17 of the P platform 2 to the CU 3. In CU3 that has received such rate change notification information, the CU control unit 323 displays on the display unit 54 that the rate of P unit 2 has been changed because the rates stored in P unit 2 and CU3 do not match. Thus, a rate change notification process for notification is performed.

  In the rate determination process described above, an example is shown in which when the rates do not match, the current rate stored on the P platform 2 side is changed to the current rate stored on the CU3 side. However, not limited to this, when the rates do not match, the current rate stored on the CU3 side may be changed to the current rate stored on the P unit 2 side. In that case, a rate change request information and a status information request command including a rate change value are transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3, and the current rate stored on the CU 3 side is determined based on the command. Change it. Further, when the rates do not match in the rate determination process described above, the player may be allowed to perform an operation of selecting a rate on the display unit 54, and the rate may be input again by the selection operation.

  Further, the above-described rate change notification may be performed by a specific display device provided on the P table 2 or may be performed by both the CU 3 side and the P table 2 side.

  Further, in the above-described example, the configuration in which the information indicating the current rate stored in the P unit 2 is included in all of the status information request commands periodically transmitted from the P unit 2 has been described. However, the present rate is not limited to this, and the current rate stored in the P unit 2 at a rate of once every predetermined number of times of the command of the status information request periodically transmitted from the P unit 2 It may be possible to periodically check whether or not the rates match by including information indicating. For example, information indicating the current rate may be included in the command at a rate of once every time the command is transmitted five times.

  In this way, the P table 2 and the CU 3 periodically check whether the current rate stored on the P table 2 side matches the current rate stored on the CU 3 side, When there is a mismatch, a process for matching the stored current rate is performed, so that it is possible to prevent problems due to a rate shift.

<Slot machine>
Next, a slot machine will be described as another example of the gaming machine. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door of the slot machine is opened. In the description so far, the slot machine is also abbreviated as “S” in the following, because the pachinko machine is abbreviated as “P”.

  The above gaming system using game balls and holding balls is also applied to the S units. However, in the S platform, the game is played without using balls, and hence the game balls will be referred to as game points and the holding balls as points.

  Referring to FIG. 15, in the slot machine 2S, a front door 2bS is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body frame 2aS with the left side edge as a swing center. Although not shown in FIG. 15, a CU is connected to the left side of the slot machine 2S in the same manner as the P units.

  In the slot machine 2S, the number of bets is set by using game points, and the game points are added and updated in accordance with winning. For this reason, when playing a game in the slot machine 2S, a medal insertion operation is not necessary. Therefore, the slot machine 2S is not provided with a medal slot and a medal payout slot.

  Inside the casing of the slot machine 2S, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter also referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery are juxtaposed in a horizontal direction. Of the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are arranged so that they can be seen from the see-through window provided on the front door 2bS. A plurality of types of symbols are drawn in a predetermined order on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R.

  A touch panel display 510 is provided in a portion surrounding each reel 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 2bS. The display 510 is a display corresponding to the P displays 54, and displays various types of information (game points, points, etc.) of the same type as the display 54, as well as the number of bets set in the game. Is displayed. The display unit 510 is connected to the display control unit 350 of the CU in the same manner as the display unit 54 in FIG. 2 and is controlled on the CU side. The indicator 510 is not provided in a portion surrounding each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, but is provided at a lower panel portion (at a position below the start switch 7S shown in FIG. You may provide in the panel part provided with the conventional S medal payout opening.

  Further, the front door 2bS has a single BET switch 5S that is operated when setting the number of bets using “game points = 1” corresponding to one medal, and the maximum determined according to the game state. When setting the number of bets (for example, “game point = 3” in the normal game state before BB occurrence and RT (Replay Time) where the winning probability of replay is high, “game point = 2” in the bonus) The MAXBET switch 6S is operated, the start switch 7S is operated when the game is started, and the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are respectively operated when the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped. Yes.

  When playing a game in the slot machine 2S, first, as with the P machines, after securing a game point using the adjacent CU, the number of bets is set using the game point. The game points can be obtained by withdrawing the remaining amount of the prepaid card inserted into the CU, points, or a stored medal (corresponding to P stored balls) deposited in the game hall. In order to use the game points, the single BET switch 5S or the MAXBET switch 6S may be operated. In the present embodiment, for example, by setting the number of bets to 1, the game points are deducted by 1, and the display of the game points on the display 510 is also subtracted and updated. When the bet number is set, the pay line determined according to the bet number and the gaming state is valid, and the operation of the start switch 7S is valid, that is, the game can be started.

  When the start switch 7S is operated while the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously change. When any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window.

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is completed, and a predetermined symbol combination (hereinafter also referred to as a role) on the activated pay line is displayed on each reel 2L, 2C, When the 2R display result is stopped, a prize is generated, a game point determined according to the prize is given to the player, and the display of the game point on the display 510 is also added and updated.

  In the case of S units, it is possible to count game points as in the case of P units. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 2S is provided with a counting button 28S for counting game points and converting them into points. The ball lending button, the card return button, and the replay button are provided on the CU side (see FIG. 2). The player executes the counting operation based on an arbitrary timing or a display for prompting the counting operation on the display 510 as in the case of the P units. Then, the game points are counted and the display 510 displays a state in which the points are increased while the game points are decreased. The ball lending button may be provided not on the CU side but on the P platform side and the S platform side. In that case, the operation signal of the ball lending button may be directly input to the CU 3 or may be transmitted to the CU 3 as a status information response via the P unit 2 or the S unit (slot machine) 2S. It may be.

  The types of winning combinations are determined according to the state of the game, but can be broadly divided into special roles with a shift to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB), and small roles with payout of medals. And a re-gamer (replay) that allows the next game to be started without the need to set the bet amount.

  Which of a plurality of types of winning combinations is to be won or whether any winning combination is to be excluded is determined by, for example, the main control unit (S) controlling the slot machine 2S when a start operation is detected. It corresponds to the main control unit 161 of the stand). This determination is made, for example, by drawing a random number generated from a predetermined random number generator or generated on software.

  After that, the main control unit waits for the reel stop operation by the player, draws in the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the predetermined frame number range based on the stop operation time, otherwise draws another symbol Is controlled to stop the three symbols and determine whether or not there is a prize. If the main control base determines that a winning is made, the main control base gives the player game points according to the type of winning (adds game points).

  In other words, the game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using the gaming value by using the S units, and a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified can be displayed in a variable manner. A slot machine in which one game is completed when a display result is derived to the variable display device, and a winning can be generated according to the display result derived to the variable display device, which is displayed on the variable display device Before the result is derived, a predetermining unit that determines whether or not to allow a plurality of types of winnings to be generated, and causing the variable display device to derive a display result according to the determination result of the predetermining unit A slot machine including derivation control means for performing control and giving means for giving a game value when the winning occurs is configured.

  In addition, after being controlled by the big bonus, as an advantageous state, an AT (Assist Time) for notifying the type of the selected small role (or the operating procedure of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R for winning the winning combination) It may be controlled for a predetermined period (for example, for 100 games). In this case, whether or not to control to AT is determined when the big bonus is won or after the big bonus is controlled. In addition, the AT may be executed as a single advantageous state, separately from winning such as a big bonus. In such a case, whether or not to control to AT is determined separately from winning such as a big bonus, and in the case of controlling to AT, a predetermined number of games are executed after the determination is made. When controlled, it is controlled by the AT.

  When controlled by the AT in this way, the control is performed by the AT when a predetermined period (the number of games) has elapsed since the determination to be controlled by the AT has been made. During a predetermined period from when the control is performed to the AT (including the case where the control is not controlled by the AT) by the effect control unit in the S stand 2S over a plurality of games. A predetermined effect such as an effect suggesting that is performed.

  Thus, in the slot machine 2S, one unit of predetermined game control is executed in accordance with the use of the game medium.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various data stored in each of the card unit and the slot machine and their transmission / reception modes. FIG. 16 is obtained by replacing the terminology of FIG. 5 described as the configuration of the P units with that for the S units, and the mode thereof is the same as that described with reference to FIG. The description of is omitted.

  Next, the rate set in the S platform 2S as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described. The rate at the S platform 2S refers to a rate at which money is exchanged for medals used when a player performs a lending operation for lending medal in accordance with payment of money (in this embodiment, withdrawal of the remaining amount of card). Rate). In this embodiment, medals are lent out at a rate selected from a plurality of predetermined rates. The rate is indicated, for example, as a percentage of money (yen) per medal. In this embodiment, the unit of rate is indicated by the amount of “yen” by omitting the unit of “per medal” for the rate of 1 yen per medal, such as the rate “1 yen”.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing, in a tabular form, a data table used when selecting a rate for receiving a medal loan. In FIG. 17, (A) shows the rate selection table stored in the ROM of the CU control unit on the CU side, and (B) shows the wait time / effect stored in the ROM of the payout control unit on the S unit 2S side. A time selection table is shown.

  In the rate selection table of FIG. 17A, as a plurality of selectable rates, a first rate that is a 5 yen rate, a second rate that is a 10 yen rate, and a 20 yen rate. Three rates are set.

  In the CU, the display 510 always displays a set rate display image for displaying the set rate, and a rate selection image (first to third) for accepting the player's operation and making the rate selectable. An image that can be selected by displaying an icon image for selecting a rate from the rate is displayed. When a predetermined rate selection condition is established, when a player performs a selection operation such as a touch operation for selecting a rate on the rate selection image, data specifying the rate selected by the operation is: It is set (stored) in a rate storage area provided in each of the RAM of the CU control unit and the main control unit, and medals are lent out at the set rate. As an example of the rate selection condition, in this embodiment, for example, the rate selection condition is satisfied when the RT state is not controlled. In the S platform 2S, it is possible to check the current gaming state by setting various flags that can specify the gaming state such as the RT state. Confirmed based on whether the flag is set.

  In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the rate selection condition is satisfied when the S unit 2S is not controlled to the RT state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of bets is set as the rate selection condition. It may be established when it is not in a state that is not advantageous for the gaming state, such as when it is not, or when the start switch 7S is not operated for a predetermined period.

  For such a rate, any one of the first to third rates is preset as a default value in the aforementioned RAM, and the default value is not changed until the first rate selection operation is performed after the power is turned on. Used as a basic rate for lending.

  The rate selection image is not always displayed, but is displayed only when a predetermined rate selection condition is satisfied. When an operation for selecting a rate is performed on the rate selection image, the operation must be accepted. You may control so that a rate can be selected.

  In the wait time / effect time selection table of FIG. 17B, the wait time in the S stand 2S and the effect time in the S stand 2S are respectively selected from a plurality of types of setting values in accordance with the rate setting. Data is set to be selected.

  Here, the wait time shown in FIG. 17B is the time from the end of one game until the start operation of the next game becomes possible. This time is, for example, 4.1 seconds. If the start operation is detected before the wait time elapses, the reel starts to rotate after the wait time elapses. In addition, the performance time shown in FIG. 17B is, for example, a continuous performance or 1 performed over a plurality of games in order to suggest the possibility that navigation stock for AT is provided or the number of navigation stocks provided. It is an effect that is performed in a single game (such as a battle effect that is executed over one or more games using a character).

  In the wait time / effect time selection table of FIG. 17B, the first wait time with the shortest wait time corresponding to the first rate (5 yen) is selected and the second rate (10 yen) is supported. The second wait time longer than the first wait time is selected, and the data is set so that the third wait time longer than the second wait time is selected corresponding to the third rate (20 yen). .

  In the main control unit, when the above-described effect is executed, the effect time is determined, and the effect is executed with the determined effect time. The effect time is selected from a plurality of types of effect times. As such an effect time mode, first to third effect time modes are provided, and one of the effect time modes is selected in accordance with the set rate.

  In the wait time / effect time selection table, the effect time mode is selected from the first to third effect time modes corresponding to the rate setting. The first production time mode is a mode in which the production time is selected from a plurality of types of production times having the shortest average production time. The second effect time mode is a mode in which the effect time is selected from a plurality of types of effect times having an average effect time longer than that of the first effect time mode. The mode of the third effect time is a mode in which the variation time is selected from a plurality of types of effect times whose average value of the effect times is longer than the second effect time.

  In the wait time / effect time selection table of FIG. 6B, the first effect time mode is selected corresponding to the first rate (5 yen), and the second time corresponding to the second rate (10 yen). The effect time mode is selected, and the data is set so that the third effect time mode is selected corresponding to the third rate (20 yen).

  In such a wait time / effect time selection table, data is set such that the lower the rate, the shorter the wait time, and the higher the rate, the longer the wait time. As a result, the wait time becomes longer as the rate increases, so that the execution interval of the predetermined game using medals becomes longer as the rate becomes higher, and the progression speed is controlled to be lower. Can also suppress the ejaculation.

  In such a wait time / production time selection table, the data is set so that the production time changes according to the wait time, such as the production time becomes longer as the wait time becomes longer. Even if it changes, the production time changes accordingly, so the player feels uncomfortable (for example, if the production of the same production time is performed when the wait time is long and short, the production feels that the production will be delayed, Can be played without).

  Information for specifying the current rate is transmitted from the payout control unit to the main control unit every time a state for changing the rate occurs, so that the main control unit is based on the information for specifying the received current rate, The wait time / direction time is selected and determined using the wait time / direction time selection table.

  In the main control unit, data specifying the wait time selected according to the rate is set (stored) in a wait time storage area provided in the RAM of the main control unit. Information specifying the wait time set in the main control unit is transmitted to the payout control unit, so that the payout control unit recognizes the wait time. When a game letter using medals is performed, the game is performed with the set wait time by controlling the wait time by the payout control unit based on the wait time recognized by the payout control unit.

  In the main control unit, data specifying the mode of the effect time selected according to the rate is set (stored) in the effect time mode storage area provided in the RAM of the main control unit. Then, an effect time used for the effect is determined from among a plurality of types of effect times corresponding to the set effect time mode, and the effect is executed.

  Until the first rate selection operation is performed after the power is turned on, the wait time and the production time corresponding to the default value of the rate are selected, and control using these values is performed.

  On the CU3 side, in place of the rate selection table in which only the rate as shown in FIG. 17A is set, in addition to the rate data as in the wait time / effect time selection table in (B), the rate is added. By selecting the rate using the data table in which the corresponding wait time and effect time data are set, the wait time and the effect time corresponding to the rate may be recognized. When such a configuration is adopted, the same data table may be provided for each of the CU and the S stand 2S, and the S stand 2S does not have a wait time / effect time selection table, and corresponds to the rate. By transmitting the data that can specify the wait time and the presentation time from the CU to the S unit 2S, the wait time and the production time corresponding to the rate are set in the S unit 2S based on the transmitted data. May be.

  Also, as in the wait time / effect time selection table in FIG. 17B, instead of a table in which the wait time and the effect time mode are selected based on the rate, the wait time based on the rate is used. There may be provided a wait time selection table for selecting and an effect time selection table for selecting the effect time mode based on the rate.

  Also, the wait time / effect time selection table in FIG. 17B is stored in the ROM of the payout control unit, and the payout control unit determines the wait time and effect time modes based on the selected rate, The wait time control may be performed based on the determined wait time, information specifying the determined effect time mode may be transmitted to the main control unit, and the main control unit may perform the effect control. Further, only the portion for determining the wait time in the wait time / effect time selection table in FIG. 17B is stored in the ROM of the payout control unit, and in the wait time / effect time selection table in FIG. 17B. Only the portion that determines the mode of the production time is stored in the ROM of the main control unit, the payout control unit determines the wait time, and the main control unit determines the mode of the production time. Good.

  In the present embodiment, a slot machine to which medals are applied as a game medium used for setting the number of bets and giving game value associated with winning is described as an example. However, the gaming machine (slot machine) embodying the present invention may be a slot machine (parrot) in which a game ball used in a pachinko gaming machine is applied as a gaming medium. When game balls are used as game media, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls, and when 3 bets are set, the number of bets is set using 15 game balls. It corresponds to what to set. In the parrot, when the player operates the BET button, the number of game balls according to the BET operation among the game balls owned by the player is consumed, and a bet number for setting one game is set. . In order to suppress the shooting characteristics as the rate increases in such a parrot, the same control as the P platform 2 is performed, such as changing the firing interval for the parts common to the P platform 2 such as the launch of a game ball. What is necessary is just to perform control similar to P stand 2, such as changing production time about the part which is common with S stand 2S, such as production time.

<Modifications and feature points>
Next, modifications and feature points of the present embodiment described above are listed.

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the rate change control is performed in the gaming system including the P or S gaming machines and the CU has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various controls for changing the rate as described above may be executed only in P or S gaming machines. Such P or S gaming machines are not limited to gaming machines that use the gaming points as described above, but P machines that use actual gaming balls and actual medals. You may make it play in S stand which plays a game using. In addition, as a configuration for changing the rate, a rate storage unit for storing the rate is provided in the hall server 801 or a predetermined device such as a separately provided hard disk device, and in the rate storage unit, The rate setting may be changed.

  When the rate setting is changed, it is desirable that the rate change information is transmitted from the CU to a management computer such as a hall server at that stage. Further, in this case, the management computer stores rate information for each gaming machine so that data indicating which gaming machine is operated at which rate can be displayed to the manager. Thereby, the administrator can grasp what the rate of each unit of the game hall is.

  In addition, as an example of the effect changed according to the rate setting change, it is conceivable to change the presence / absence, the mode, and the effect time of the flash effect using the reel lamp in the S units. Alternatively, it can be either P or S, but if the rate setting is changed, the rate of advance notice (winning notice, winning notice, pre-reading notice) is changed, or the type of win ( The number of rounds per jackpot may be changed). In addition, in the case of P units, the maximum number of reserved memories can be changed according to the rate setting change, the probability that a so-called normal symbol will be hit, or one round when a big hit occurs The opening time of the attacker may be changed.

  (2) When a slot machine (S units), which is an example of a gaming machine, is applied to the gaming system, for example, a game in which there are P reels and various sensor parts attached to the reels and a main control board that controls the reels. Corresponding to the board, other configurations correspond to P game frames. However, the S units do not require the various detection switches 41a, 701, 33, the launch control board 31, and the launch motor 18 of the game frame shown in FIG.

  A conventional S unit is provided with a credit function. When this function is enabled, the credit is subtracted when the number of bets is set, and the credit is added when a winning occurs. However, there is an upper limit for credits, and when a winning occurs when the number of credits reaches the upper limit value, medals are paid out from the hopper.

  On the other hand, in the S units according to the present embodiment, game points are subtracted when the bet number is set, and game points are added when a winning occurs. Further, when the game points reach a predetermined number, a display for prompting a counting operation is made, and the gaming points are converted into points by performing the counting operation. For this reason, it is not necessary to pay out medals when the credit reaches the upper limit unlike the conventional S units. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a hopper on the S platform according to the present embodiment.

  As a result, the amusement hall does not need to secure a large number of medals, reducing the economic burden. The game arcade is also freed from operations such as replenishment / collection of medals and maintenance operations to deal with clogged medals. The player is relieved from the hassle of inserting medals for each betting operation after the credit is full, and can easily concentrate on the game.

  On the other hand, if S units become medalless, a player who has won a large number of medals will not be able to act to show off his arms by stacking boxes with medals beside the seat. Inconvenience arises. However, in this embodiment, since the function of displaying the dollar box is provided as described above, it is possible to prevent such inconvenience. In addition, it is desirable for the dollar box display in the case of S units to have a large number of medals loaded instead of a large number of balls.

  When S machines are applied as a gaming machine, each type of data is expressed as follows using two types of data, “Points” and “Game Points”, and “Credit” and “Credit Excess Points”. It is also possible to configure a gaming system that is converted. Note that these four types of data are displayed on the S displays 510 or 29S.

  First, when a conversion operation (lending operation, saving medal payout operation, point payout operation) from the remaining amount of a prepaid card, a saving medal, or a point is detected, each is withdrawn and converted into a game point. The

  The game points are data corresponding to medals in a conventional slot machine. For this reason, for example, it is desirable to display the number of game points on the display 510 or the display 29S, and to display the number of medal images corresponding to the game points. For example, when a pseudo-insertion medal operation (for example, an operation of pushing a medal) such that a player touches the medal image and inserts it into the slot machine is detected, the medal image disappears and the game points are subtracted. Instead, one bet is set. By performing such a pseudo medal insertion operation three times, the bet number is set to the maximum value of three.

  Thereafter, when a pseudo medal insertion operation is further detected, a credit is added in accordance with the detection. An upper limit value (for example, 50) is set for the credit, and when the credit exceeds the upper limit value, a credit excess point is added.

  The betting amount setting can be performed using the game points as described above, and can also be performed using credits. That is, if the one-sheet BET switch 5S is operated, 1 is added to the betting number setting value and 1 is subtracted from the credit. If the MAXBET switch 6S is operated, the bet number is set to 3, and the credit is subtracted according to the bet number setting.

  As a result of the game, when a winning occurs, a number of points corresponding to the winning is added to the credit. When a winning that exceeds the upper limit of credit occurs, the score for the excess is stored as a credit excess point. This credit excess point corresponds to a medal to be paid out when a winning occurs exceeding the upper limit of credit in the conventional slot machine. For this reason, for example, it is desirable to display the credit excess points on the display 510 or the display 29S, and to display the number of medal images corresponding to the credit excess points. Further, it is desirable to change the color of this medal image so that it can be distinguished from the medal image corresponding to the game point.

  Further, it is desirable that the credit excess points are converted into game points by the player's operation. For example, when a pseudo medal conversion operation (for example, an operation of pushing a medal) is performed such that the player touches the medal image corresponding to the credit excess point and converts it to a game point, the medal image disappears and the credit excess Points are subtracted and game points are added.

  Alternatively, if the credit becomes less than the upper limit value, the credit excess point may be automatically converted into credit.

  When the player performs the counting operation, each of the game points, credits, and credit excess points is counted and converted into points. As a result, the player's points are posted as “card possession number + game points + credits + credit excess points”. The “card possession number” is the number of points before conversion (the number of possessions currently owned by the player) that has not been converted into game points.

  In the above description, the four types of data of points, game points, credits, and credit excess points may be stored on both sides by exchanging data between the CU and S units. You may memorize | store only in the S stand side only by CU side. Further, the credit excess point may be a target for dollar box display.

  Moreover, although the example using a credit excess point was demonstrated in the above description, it is not necessary to use a credit excess point. In this case, when the credit limit is exceeded, it may be added to the game points.

  (3) In the present embodiment, game points are added by consuming card power. Alternatively, game points are added by consuming stored balls (stored medals). That is, the card frequency or the stored ball is converted into game points. On the other hand, the card power and the stored balls are not converted into points (count balls, count medals). However, the card power and the stored ball may be once converted into points.

  (4) In the present embodiment, game points are converted into points by counting operation. The conversion rate in this case is 1: 1. However, the conversion rate in the case of conversion may be other than 1: 1. For example, when 100 game points are converted, 97 points obtained by subtracting three of them may be converted into points. Or you may make it convert into the number of game balls obtained by multiplying a predetermined ratio of less than 100% with respect to a point.

  (5) The recording medium for recording the holding point in an identifiable manner may be one using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, the communication unit for communicating with the mobile terminal is provided in the CU, and the CU recognizes the ID stored in the mobile terminal by holding the mobile terminal over the communication unit. The game is made possible by the procedure as described. On the other hand, at the end of the game, the portable terminal is again held over the communication unit, so that the score at the end of the game is added to the player's score through the ID.

  (6) The operation means for counting game points may be provided on the CU side. In this case, the operation means may be displayed on a touch panel, or may be constituted by a physical switch.

  (7) In the present embodiment, when an uncounted game point remains when a card return operation is performed, a message prompting for counting is displayed on the display of P units or the CU side. However, instead of such a configuration, when an uncounted game point remains when the card return operation is performed, the counting display is automatically started and the display on the P table or the CU side is used. It may be notified that automatic counting has started because there are still uncounted game points, or that, in addition, the card will be returned after completion of automatic counting.

  Alternatively, when an uncounted game point remains when the card return operation is performed, it is determined that there is a possibility that the player may leave the table temporarily, and the display (CU side or P stand side) You may display the message which confirms whether it is temporary leaving. Further, the display device may be constituted by a touch panel so that the player can input a response to the message. Furthermore, if the response input is the end of the game, a message prompting the counting operation is displayed. On the other hand, if the response input is temporarily away from the desk, the card may be temporarily ejected while the ID of the card is stored on the CU side, the P platform side, or both. Thereafter, when a card with the same ID is inserted, the game is resumed from the original state.

  (8) During the big hit, the judgment reference value for judging that the number of game balls is full may be increased. In other words, the determination reference value for the full tank determination may be different depending on whether or not the big hit. As a result, it is possible to prevent the number of game balls from rapidly increasing during the big hit, and making a full tank determination immediately to stop firing.

  (9) The number of game balls when a big hit occurs is memorized. During the big hit, even if the criterion value for full tank is exceeded, the increased number of game balls allowed after the big hit has occurred If it is within a value (for example, 1000 balls), it is good also as what does not determine a full tank.

  (10) As the counting operation means for counting the game balls, one that exhibits a counting function when operated a predetermined number of times twice or more may be employed. As a result, erroneous operation can be prevented. Further, in this case, one function may be used to exhibit another function different from the counting function. For example, when there is no operation for a predetermined time (for example, within 1 second) after the operation is performed once, a function to turn on a lamp for calling a store clerk is exhibited, and within 1 second from 1 operation. When the second operation is detected, it is conceivable to perform the counting function.

  (11) If the counting operation is performed while the ball is being fired, the counting operation may be invalidated if the number of game balls at that time is equal to or less than a reference value. In addition, even when the number of game balls when the counting operation is detected during the ball firing exceeds the reference value, the number of balls counted in one counting operation is set to a predetermined number If the value obtained by subtracting the predetermined number from the number of game balls when the counting operation is detected is less than the reference value, the counting operation may be invalidated.

  Further, whether or not a game is in progress may be determined based on whether or not a ball launching operation has been detected, and the number of in-game balls (floating balls floating in the game area 27) becomes zero. Whether or not (not in game) or not (in game) may be determined. Further, it is conceivable to determine whether or not the game is in progress based on whether or not the variable display device is changing, whether or not it is a big hit, whether or not the attacker is open.

  Further, “in game” when S units are applied as a gaming machine and the counting operation during the game is invalidated is, for example, a period from the start of rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R to the stop. . Alternatively, it is a period from when the start operation is detected until the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped.

  (12) Referring to FIG. 12, the P platform includes a counting ball counter that temporarily stores the counted counting balls (holding balls), but does not include a counter that stores the cumulative value of the counting balls. . However, a counting ball cumulative storage counter that stores the cumulative value of counting balls may be provided on the P platform side. In addition, the CU side is provided with an area for storing card holding balls (counting balls). If a holding ball is recorded on the inserted card itself, this area holds the card holding ball. The current number of players' balls, including balls, is stored. For this reason, only in this area, the number of counting balls counted by the player in the current game cannot be specified. Therefore, an area for storing the number of counting balls counted by the player in this game may be further provided on the CU side. In this case, the CU adds balls to the area based on the information on the number of balls that are sent from the P cars after the game starts, and when the balls are converted into game balls, Subtract the holding ball.

  (13) The display for prompting the counting operation in FIG. 13 may be a text indicating “Please count because there are game balls left”, or blinking with the count button 28 displayed on the screen. Such a display may be used. In addition, the P stand 2 that has received the card return preparation state ON may display the game balls on the game ball number display 29 in a blinking manner, or when the game ball number display 29 is configured by an image display device. Alternatively, the message described as the above embodiment may be displayed on the game ball number display 29 to prompt the counting operation.

  (14) In order to change the number of game points to be converted in one operation according to the time for which the count button is kept pressed, for example, when a long press (for example, continuous operation for 1 second or more), While all are counted, only 200 balls may be counted in a short press (for example, continuous operation for less than 1 second). However, in this case, when the remaining number of game balls is small, for example, when it is less than 200 balls, it is desirable that all game balls are counted by operating the counting button.

  (15) Depending on the remaining number of game points, when the number of points counted by one short press operation of the counting button is different, for example, the following may be considered. For example, when the number of game points is less than 200, all the game points are counted by one short press operation of the counting button. When the game points are 200 or more and less than 1000, 200 points are counted by one short press operation. When the game points are 1000 or more and less than 5000, 1000 points are counted by one short press operation. When the game points are 5000 or more and less than 10,000, 2000 points are counted by one short press operation. When the number of game points is 10,000 or more, 2500 points are counted by one short press operation. The above numerical values are specific examples and can be set as appropriate.

  (16) When counting game balls (game points) and converting the points, not only counting display but also counting sound may be output from the speaker. In addition, when counting the game points, it is conceivable to display an image in which balls are dropped one by one from the ball storage tray to the counter.

  (17) Timing of conversion display (display indicating that game balls are counted and the number of balls is increased) based on the counting operation and subtracting game points on the data The timing for adding the points can be varied. The calculation may be executed after the conversion display is completed. For this purpose, count data may be transmitted from the gaming machine to the CU after the conversion display is completed. It should be noted that such a modification can be similarly applied to the case where the points are converted into game points.

  (18) In the present embodiment, in the communication between the CU and the gaming machine, a command-response method is adopted in which the CU is a primary station and the gaming machine is a secondary station. The relationship between and may be reversed. Alternatively, instead of adopting such a communication system having a master-slave relationship, a system may be employed in which both send data to the other party when a request to communicate occurs.

  (19) In this embodiment, game balls (game points) are stored on both the gaming machine side and the CU side. However, game balls (game points) are stored only on the game machine side, and the CU side. Then, it may not be stored. On the other hand, the card holding balls (scoring points) are stored only on the CU side, but may also be stored on the gaming machine side. In particular, game balls (game points) are stored only on the gaming machine side, while card holding balls (points) are stored only on the CU side to clarify the division of data storage management. Good.

  (20) The counting display and various notifications performed by the display device 54 may be performed by the display device 312 in the same manner.

  (21) In CU3, the number of game balls stored is updated based on the value of the addition ball counter (addition ball count) and the value of the subtraction ball counter (subtraction ball count) transmitted from the P platform side. When the number of game balls stored is subtracted based on the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P platform side, if the value of the number of game balls becomes negative, an error (abnormal) determination is made. Then, error processing may be performed. As a specific example of error processing, error notification is performed by an abnormality notification lamp or the like, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or hall server 801 (in this case, hall management). An error notification may be performed by a computer or hall server 801).

  (22) When a lending operation or a conversion operation (lending operation) from a holding point (holding ball) to a gaming point (game ball) is detected, the gaming points may be counted up one by one. In order to shorten the waiting time of the player, a display may be made so that a plurality of points (for example, 25 points equivalent to 100 yen) are counted up. Conversely, when a game point counting operation is executed, a display may be made so that the points are counted up by a plurality of points. Furthermore, the number of units for counting up and displaying game points or points may be set from a plurality of types. In the setting, it is conceivable to use a touch panel of P or S display devices.

  (23) A touch sensor may be provided on the hitting operation handle, and the counting operation may be invalidated while the touch sensor detects that the player is holding the hitting operation handle. Invalidating the counting operation means detecting the counting operation but not executing the counting operation based on the detection output, or not detecting the counting operation itself. Or, if the player does not invalidate the counting operation only by touching the hitting operation handle, and if the counting operation is disabled if the hitting operation handle is turned to such an extent that the ball firing drive pulse is output. Good.

  In these cases, when a counting operation is detected, a message “Please release handle” may be displayed on the display of the gaming machine or CU. Alternatively, when the counting operation button is displayed as an icon on the touch panel screen, the counting operation button may be grayed out to notify the player that the operation is impossible.

  (24) At least one or all of the ball lending button, card return button, replay button, and counting button may be provided on the gaming machine side, or may be provided on the CU side. Further, it is conceivable that the button is displayed on the display device on the gaming machine side or the CU side described as the touch panel type display device.

  (25) The gaming system according to the present embodiment includes a point use operation means for executing a predetermined point use process using points. Here, the predetermined score use processing includes processing for executing the wagon service, or processing for dividing and sharing the score (held ball) (processing for dividing and transferring the score to another person). It is a concept. The holding point use operation means is, for example, a touch panel. Alternatively, the point use operation means may be a remote controller that is given to a clerk of the game store to instruct the CU or the gaming machine to execute the point use processing.

  (26) The sequence control shown in FIGS. 7 to 14 is not limited to a transmission / reception sequence between control devices in a single gaming machine such as CU3, P stand 2, S stand 2S, etc., for example, CU3, P You may apply to the transmission / reception sequence between several game machines, such as the stand 2, a jet counter, and a POS terminal.

  (27) In the above-described embodiment, the identity of the player is determined based on the card ID. Instead of or in addition to this, the identity of the player is determined based on the player's fingerprint, retina and other biomass. A determination may be made.

  (28) In the above-described embodiment, the score transmitted from the gaming machine on condition that the card ID matches the insertion time is stored as the current score by the CU. Control is made so that the score transmitted from the gaming machine is stored as the current score as a further condition that the communication has been started until a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) has passed since the communication was interrupted. May be. Specifically, a timer for measuring a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) after communication between the gaming machine and CU3 is interrupted is provided in the CU control unit 323 at the start of communication between the gaming machine and CU3 (at the time of recovery). It is determined whether or not the timer is still timed (in a state where time is not up), and on the further condition that it is a result of determination that the timer is timed, the score sent from the gaming machine is the current value of the CU. It controls to memorize as a score.

  Further, instead of the insertion time, the CU may store the score transmitted from the gaming machine on condition that the last serial number used between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 matches, as the current score. .

  (29) In the above-described embodiment, the number of game balls and game points are directly added by the occurrence of winning, but instead, the points are added by the occurrence of winning and the added points It may be controlled to withdraw and add the number of game balls or game points.

  (30) In the above-described embodiment, when the value is deducted within the range of the valuable value owned by the player (prepaid balance, holding balls, savings) and the corresponding game points are deducted, the value deducted However, instead, for example, it may be controlled to add game points that are smaller by the amount equivalent to the consumption tax with respect to the value actually withdrawn.

  (31) In this embodiment, a key management server is installed in a key management center that is remote from the game arcade. However, the key management server may be installed in the game hall. Thereby, compared with the case where a key management server is installed outside the game hall, it is easier to speed up communication between the CU and the key management server, and the occurrence rate of communication failures can be reduced.

  (32) The CU control unit 323 receives the board security information (including the board authentication key and update information) from the key management server 800 via the hall server 801. However, instead of this, the board security information is transmitted from the key management server 800 to the CU control unit 323 without using the hall server 801 between the key management server 800 and the CU control unit 323. For example, it is conceivable that the key management server 800 and the CU are directly connected to each other, or a relay communication device different from the hall server 801 is provided between the key management server 800 and each CU.

  (33) In the above-described embodiment, the number of balls automatically counted based on the game interruption operation (simple leaving operation or meal break operation) is once added to the holding ball and written to the card. By doing so, the player who interrupted the game returns, and then inserts the card into the original card unit 3 again, and converts the holding ball into a game ball by 125 balls. It shows what can be played by being converted into a ball. However, instead, the counting ball automatically counted at the time of the interruption operation is stored as a custody ball (the C-ID and the insertion time are also stored) different from the gaming ball and the holding ball, and the holding ball is not added and held. Discontinue processing by ejecting the card without recording the ball. When the discharge card is reinserted, all the custody balls may be automatically converted into P game balls at once and controlled so as to be playable. Alternatively, the custody balls in this case are transmitted from the P platform to the CU based on the interruption operation, stored on the CU side or the hall server side, and automatically from the CU or the hall server when the card is inserted again. It is also possible that information on the custody ball is transmitted to the P platform side and stored as a game ball on the P platform side. Further, in this case, when the information on the custody balls is transmitted, it may be transmitted from the CU to the P units as a game ball addition command.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the counting ball number automatically counted based on the interruption operation is once added to the holding ball and written to the card and discharged, the interruption flag is recorded on the card. So that you can't exchange prizes with that card. As a method for prohibiting the exchange of prizes as described above, the following method other than using the suspended flag of the card may be adopted.

  First, when an interruption operation is performed, the information (including the card ID) is transmitted from the CU to the hall server, and the card of the player suspended on the hall server side is stored as an interruption card. At the time of prize exchange, an inquiry is made to the hall server from POS or the like, and the hall server determines whether or not the card used for prize exchange is an interruption card. Alternatively, all interruption card information may be transmitted from the hall server to the POS side in advance. In addition, if the card used for the exchange of the prize is an interrupted card, the exchange of the prize using the card is prohibited.

  (34) In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine determines that the gaming device (CU) is a predetermined player with the gaming point as the holding point on the condition that the conversion process for all gaming points is completed (game point = 0). (Processing that accepts a card with a prize exchange machine and consumes the points specified by the card and enables prize exchange, and inserts a card discharged from the CU into another CU connected to another gaming machine. A validating means for validating the recording medium processing operation (card return operation (operation of the card return button 322)) for performing the processing of the CU when used in the same manner.

  (35) In the present embodiment, as an example of the game information, the description has been given by taking the ball number, the game ball, the remaining amount of the card, the storage ball, and the number of balls information and the game table information. However, the game information includes other information related to the game on the gaming machine. For example, when a player's favorite character selected or customized by the player can be displayed on variable display means (variable display device) such as the variable display device 278 or the display device 54, information that can specify the character Is also included in the game information. Information on the screen design including the character that matches the player's preference is transmitted to the server at the end of the game in association with the player's card ID and stored, for example, when starting a new game. You may make it download from a server to CU or P stand.

  (36) In the game ball number display 29, a display is made in which the number of balls is decreased one by one in conjunction with the ball firing or counting operation. In addition, the game ball number display 29 displays such that the number of balls increases by one or a predetermined number of units according to a ball lending operation or the like. When the game ball number display 29 is constituted by an image display such as a liquid crystal display device, the number of game balls is not simply displayed digitally, but whether the change in the number of game balls is due to a ball or not is counted. Whether it is due to winning, winning a prize, due to savings, or due to a lending operation, an image according to the type is displayed along with the display update of the number of game balls You may make it do.

  In addition, when the counting operation is performed, the game ball number display 29 performs counting display in conjunction with the counting operation, but when the game ball number display 29 is configured by an image display such as a liquid crystal display device. In the same manner as the display 54, the number of game balls may be counted and the number thereof may be decreased, while an image display in which the number of holding balls is increased may be performed. In this case, as described above as a modification of the display of the display unit 54, the display of the number of game balls converted to the number of balls data over time (for example, a bar graph display), the current The number of game balls and the number of balls are digitally displayed as they are, and the number of balls is increased while decreasing the number of balls, or the display of moving a part of the number of balls to the number of balls is repeated. It is possible.

  (37) As shown in FIG. 13, in the above embodiment, the card return operation detected in the state where the game balls remain is counted by detecting the counting operation in a predetermined waiting period. It is activated after completion and shifts to card return processing.

  On the other hand, as a process in the case where the counting operation is not detected even after the standby period elapses, for example, the previous card return operation may be invalidated. In this case, since the counting operation is not detected even when the standby period elapses, the display on the CU3 or P table 2 side may display that the card return operation has been invalidated.

  Alternatively, the card return operation detected with the game balls remaining may be invalidated regardless of whether the counting operation is detected in a predetermined waiting period. In this case, the card return process may be executed again by executing the card return operation after counting all the game balls in accordance with the counting operation after the card return operation is detected. Alternatively, when the counting of all game balls is completed, or before and after that, a display for prompting a card return operation may be performed on the display on the CU 3 or P stand 2 side.

  Further, in the present embodiment, if even one game ball remains when a card return operation is detected, the process shown in FIG. 13 is executed. However, the processing shown in FIG. 13 may be executed when the number of game balls remaining when the card return operation is detected is a predetermined number of two or more.

  Further, in the counting operation after the card return operation is detected, the counting display speed of the game balls may be made faster than usual. For example, in a normal counting operation, a display in which game balls are counted one by one, while in a counting operation after a card return operation is detected, a display in which a plurality of game balls are counted together, or for all games It is conceivable to display such that balls are counted together.

  Further, in the counting operation after the card return operation is detected, not all game balls are counted, but a larger number of game balls than the normal counting operation are counted. It is good. For example, normally, a maximum of 100 game balls are counted as one counting operation, but in a counting operation after a card return operation is detected, a larger number of 200 gaming balls are counted. You may be made to do. Even in this case, when there is a card return operation in advance, the number of counting operations for counting all game balls is reduced compared to when there is no card return operation, and counting of all game balls is completed early. Can do.

  Also, if a card return operation is detected with game balls remaining, even if no counting operation is detected, start counting all game balls, and then proceed to card return processing. Also good. In this case, when counting of all game balls is started, the fact that counting of all game balls is started may be displayed on the P stand 2 or CU3. Alternatively, a message for confirming whether or not the counting of all game balls may be started is displayed, and a predetermined operation (for example, an operation on the touch panel of P stand 2 or CU 3 or a card return operation again) is detected. It is also possible to start counting all game balls on the condition.

  In addition, the card return operation detected during the game (during ball launching) may be invalidated, but the card return operation is not invalidated, and the counting operation during the game is performed on the P platform side. The counting process based on the above may be invalidated.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, CU3 determines whether the number of game balls is 0, when card return operation is detected. However, such a determination may be made by the P base 2. In this case, for example, when a card return operation is detected, data indicating the presence of the card return operation is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2, and the number of game balls stored by the P stand 2 itself is 0. It is determined whether or not. If it is 0, the number of game balls is 0 or data allowing card return is transmitted to CU3, while if it is not 0, the number of game balls is not 0, card return standby or card return prohibition is prohibited. The indicated data is transmitted to CU3.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when operation of a count button is detected, the P stand 2 determines whether card return operation is detected before the detection of the operation. However, such determination means may be provided in the CU3. In this case, for example, when the operation of the counting button is detected, the P base 2 transmits data indicating that to the CU 3. The CU 3 receiving it can be considered to determine whether or not there has been a card return operation within a predetermined period before receiving the data.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the P table 2 detects the counting operation, while the CU 3 detects the card return operation, but the CU 3 detects the counting operation, while the P table 2 detects the card returning operation. Alternatively, both the operations may be detected by the P stand 2 or the CU 3. In addition, both the counting button and the card card return button may be attached to the CU 3 or the P stand 2, and one may be the CU 3 or the P stand 2.

  (38) The presence or absence of a change in the number of holding balls or game balls is checked on the CU or P stand, and if the number of holding balls or game balls does not change for a predetermined period, the fact is notified on the CU or P stand. You may do it. Alternatively, a notification signal may be output to an external device (a hall computer, a calling lamp on the P platform). This makes it easier for the store clerk to grasp, for example, a table that has been abandoned while the remaining few balls are left unattended.

  (39) Alternatively, when the player's game ball changes even though the card is not inserted into the CU, the fact may be notified by the CU or P platform. Alternatively, a notification signal may be output to an external device (a hall computer, a calling lamp on the P platform). Thereby, for example, after the game is finished and the card is discharged, it becomes easy for the store clerk to grasp the stand where the ball caught on the game board wins and the game ball is left as it is paid out.

  (40) In the present embodiment, the CU 3 compares and determines the previous game table information and the latest game table information from the P table 2 with the data stored by itself, and the data on the P table 2 side is not improperly flooded. Confirm that the data is correct. If an error determination is made on the CU3 side, such a situation is simply due to the exchange of CU3 (regular data to be compared is not stored in the CU3 after the exchange), and this is based on fraud. Since there is a possibility that it is not a thing, the store clerk confirms the error and cancels the error with a portable terminal device such as a remote control. However, when the CU 3 is replaced with a new one in this way, the CU 3 may not perform the above error determination at all. Alternatively, the above error determination function may not be provided in the CU 3 regardless of whether or not it has been replaced.

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

  2 P units, 2S S units, 171 payout control unit, 161 main control unit, 54 display, 325a communication control IC, 322 card return button.

Claims (3)

A gaming system comprising a gaming machine and a gaming device for granting a gaming medium necessary for gaming in the gaming machine using a gaming value owned by the player,
The gaming device is:
A grant command transmission means for sending a grant command for the game medium in exchange for use of the gaming value of a predetermined size;
The gaming machine is
Rate storage means capable of changing and setting the rate of the game medium between a first rate and a second rate higher than the first rate;
A granting unit for granting a number of the game media based on the game value of the predetermined size and the rate set by the rate storage unit when receiving the granting command;
Game control means for executing predetermined game control of one unit according to use of the game medium,
The game control means makes the predetermined game control execution interval longer when the rate of the game medium is set to the second rate than when the rate is set to the first rate.
A gaming system comprising a gaming machine and a gaming device for granting a gaming medium necessary for gaming in the gaming machine using a gaming value owned by the player,
The gaming device is:
A grant command transmission means for sending a grant command for the game medium in exchange for use of the gaming value of a predetermined size;
The gaming machine is
Rate storage means capable of changing and setting the rate of the game medium between a first rate and a second rate higher than the first rate;
A granting unit for granting a number of the game media based on the game value of the predetermined size and the rate set by the rate storage unit when receiving the granting command;
Game control means for executing game control using the game medium,
The game control means is configured to increase the execution interval of the predetermined game control when the rate of the game medium is set to the second rate than when the rate is set to the first rate. system. A gaming machine, a gaming device for giving a gaming medium necessary for a game in the gaming machine using a gaming value owned by the player, a first rate and a first rate of the gaming medium A gaming system comprising rate storage means that can be changed to a higher second rate,
The gaming device is:
A grant command transmission means for sending a grant command for the game medium in exchange for use of the gaming value of a predetermined size;
The gaming machine is
A granting unit for granting a number of the game media based on the game value of the predetermined size and the rate of the game media set by the rate storage unit when receiving the granting command;
Game control means for executing predetermined game control of one unit according to use of the game medium,
The game control means is configured to increase the execution interval of the predetermined game control when the rate of the game medium is set to the second rate than when the rate is set to the first rate. system. A gaming machine that allows a game to be played by using a game medium, and that pays out the game medium when a winning occurs,
Rate storage means capable of changing and setting the rate of the game medium between a first rate and a second rate higher than the first rate;
A granting means for granting a number of the gaming media based on the magnitude of the gaming value and the rate set by the rate storage means in exchange for the use of the gaming value owned by the player;
Game control means for executing predetermined game control of one unit according to use of the game medium,
The gaming machine is configured to increase the execution interval of the predetermined game control when the rate of the game medium is set to the second rate than when the rate is set to the first rate. .

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