JP2017153656A - Game machine and setting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine and a setting device which are capable of improving security regarding setting states.SOLUTION: There is provided a game machine 1 capable of performing a game in a plurality of setting states with different advantageous degrees to a player, the game machine 1 including: a connection unit 230 to be connected in a communicatable manner to a setting device 1000 capable of performing a setting for arranging the game machine 1 to one of setting states; and game control means 41 for performing a game control corresponding to the setting state. If both of the setting device 1000 and the game machine 1 to which the setting device 1000 is connected have been authenticated, the processing by the setting device 1000 to set the game machine 1 to one of setting states can be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 36

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can execute a game in a plurality of setting states with different advantages for a player, and a setting device that is connected to the gaming machine and that can execute the setting of the gaming machine.

  Some conventional gaming machines have a setting change function (setting means) capable of changing an internal state (setting state) relating to a game (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-091435

  However, in Patent Document 1, since the internal setting (setting state) related to the game can be easily changed by using the setting change function (setting means), the security related to the setting state is improved. There is a problem that can not be.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine and a setting device that can improve the security related to the setting state.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1) capable of executing a game in a plurality of setting states (for example, any one of the setting values 1 to 6) having different degrees of advantage for the player. ,
A connection unit (for example, a connector 230) that is communicably connected to a setting device (for example, the authentication / setting unit 1000 shown in FIG. 34 as Modification 6) that can execute the process for any of the setting states;
Game control means (for example, main control unit 41) for performing game control according to the set state;
With
When both of the setting device and the gaming machine to which the setting device is connected are authenticated, a process for setting the setting state by the setting device can be executed (for example, deformation) As an example 6, as shown in FIG. 36, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 mounted on the authentication / setting unit 1000 performs the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag. A part where the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 mounted in the authentication / setting unit 1000 executes the setting change process)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since the setting device and the gaming machine to which the setting device is connected cannot be authenticated, the process for changing to any of the setting states cannot be executed, so that the security regarding the setting state can be improved.

The setting device according to claim 2 of the present invention includes:
The game can be executed in a plurality of setting states (for example, any one of the setting values 1 to 6) having different degrees of advantage for the player, and the game control is performed according to the setting state. By connecting to a connection unit (for example, connector 230) provided in a gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1) having a gaming control means (for example, main control unit 41), it becomes possible to communicate with the gaming machine, and the setting A setting device (for example, the authentication / setting unit 1000) capable of executing processing for any of the states,
When both the setting device and the gaming machine to which the setting device is connected are authenticated, it is possible to execute a process for setting any of the setting states (for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 mounted on the authentication / setting unit 1000 has the setting control unit authenticated flag, common control unit authenticated flag, and main control unit authenticated flag set. The authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 mounted on the authentication / setting unit 1000 executes the setting change process)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since the setting device and the gaming machine to which the setting device is connected cannot be authenticated, the process for changing to any of the setting states cannot be executed, so that the security regarding the setting state can be improved.

The gaming machine or setting device of means 1 of the present invention is the gaming machine or setting device according to claim 1 or 2,
The gaming machine can be played using a game value (for example, a pachinko ball P), and a game value processing means (for example, a credit conversion process or a game ball settlement process) related to the game value can be executed. For example, a common control unit 201a) is provided,
The setting device can execute a process for setting the gaming machine to be in one of the setting states when both the gaming control unit and the gaming value processing unit are authenticated. When any of the game control means and the game value processing means is not authenticated, it is impossible to execute the process for setting the gaming machine to be in any of the setting states (for example, a modified example) 36, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 mounted on the authentication / setting unit 1000 has a setting control unit authenticated flag, a common control unit authenticated flag, and a main control unit authenticated flag as shown in FIG. If it is determined that it is set, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 sets the setting to the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003. By transmitting the change permission command, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 can execute the setting change process, and the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 performs the setting control unit authenticated flag and the common control unit authenticated flag. And the main control unit authenticated flag are not set, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 transmits a setting change prohibition command to the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003. As a result, the setting control unit 1003 on the authentication / setting unit side cannot execute the setting change process)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since the gaming machine is authenticated when both the game control means and the game value processing means are authenticated, the security related to the set state can be further improved.

A gaming machine or setting device according to means 2 of the present invention is the gaming machine or setting device according to any one of claim 1, claim 2, and means 1,
The gaming machine can be played using a game value (for example, a pachinko ball P), and a game value processing means (for example, a credit conversion process or a game ball settlement process) related to the game value can be executed. For example, a common control unit 201a) is provided,
The setting device is information that can specify a setting state in the setting device, and the encrypted control information (for example, a setting value designation command) is sent to the game control means via the game value processing means. (For example, as shown in FIG. 37 and FIG. 38 as the sixth modification, the setting value designation command encrypted by the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 with respect to the common control unit 201a in the setting change process) And the common control unit 201a specifies the setting value from the encrypted setting value designation command received from the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 and stores it in the EEPROM 201i. A setting value designation command capable of specifying the setting value read by the 201a from the EEPROM 201i is sent to the main control unit 41. Part of),
The game control means performs game control according to the setting state specified from the encrypted setting information (for example, specifies a setting value from a setting value designation command decoded by the main control unit 41, and specifies the specified value). The stored set value is stored in the RAM 41c, and the game is executed based on the set value stored in the RAM 41c)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since it is difficult to understand that it is setting information, the security related to the setting state can be further improved.

The gaming machine or setting device of means 3 of the present invention is the gaming machine or setting device according to any one of claim 1, claim 2, means 1, and means 2,
The gaming machine can play a game using a game value (for example, a pachinko ball P), can execute a process related to the game value (for example, a credit conversion process or a game ball settlement process), and the connection unit Game value processing means (for example, common control unit 201a) having
The setting device includes:
Setting information that can specify the setting state in the setting device can be output to the game control means via the game value processing means (for example, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 as a sixth modification, In the setting change process, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 transmits the encrypted setting value designation command to the common control unit 201a, and the common control unit 201a receives the encryption received from the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003. A setting value is specified from the converted setting value specifying command and stored in the EEPROM 201i, and a setting value specifying command that can specify the setting value read from the EEPROM 201i by the common control unit 201a is stored in the main control unit 41 in the authentication request waiting process. Part to send to)
FIG. 36 shows a decision unit (for example, modified example 6 shown in FIG. 36) that decides which of a plurality of channels (for example, channels CH1 to Ch3) is used to output the setting information to the gaming value processing unit. As described above, the channel for transmitting the setting value designation command using the random value extracted by the setting control unit 401 is determined as one of the channels CH1 to CH3).
The setting information is output to the line determined by the determining means, and the false information that cannot specify the setting state in the setting device is output to the line not determined by the determining means (for example, a modified example) 37, as shown in FIG. 37, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 transmits a setting value designation command using the channel determined, and sets dummy information of the setting value designation command using the channel not determined. Part to send)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to make it difficult to understand the line through which the setting information is output, so that the security related to the setting state can be further improved.

The gaming machine or setting device of means 4 of the present invention is the gaming machine or setting device described in means 3,
The determination means newly determines a line to be used for outputting the setting information every time the setting information is output (for example, as shown in FIG. 36 as a sixth modification, power is supplied to the slot machine 1). (The part that decides the channel for sending the setting value designation command by executing the authentication request process only once each time it is input)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the line on which the setting information is output is changed every time the setting information is output, so that it is further difficult to understand which line the setting information is output on. The security regarding the state can be improved.

  In addition, this invention may have only the invention specific matter described in the claim of this invention, and has a structure other than this invention specific matter with the invention specific matter described in the claim of this invention. It may be a thing.

It is a front view of the slot machine of the Example to which this invention was applied. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a main control part. It is a figure which shows a charging device. It is a figure which shows the movement aspect of the detection sensor of a charging device. It is a figure which shows the connection state of a setting control board and a common control board. It is a flowchart which shows a common control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the authentication process in the authentication control part mounted in the common control part, the main control part, the setting control part, and the setting control board. It is a flowchart which shows a setting change process. It is a flowchart which shows a common control part timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the business-hour determination process in a common control part and a setting control part. It is a flowchart which shows the authentication apparatus side authentication control part interruption process in the authentication control part mounted in the authentication apparatus and the authentication control part mounted in the rental unit. It is a flowchart which shows a lending unit side authentication control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the authentication request waiting process in the authentication control part mounted in the setting control part, the common control part, the main control part, and the rental unit. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of processing executed in the slot machine and the lending unit from when the power is turned on. It is a flowchart which shows the control content in a lending control part and a common control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the credit conversion process in a common control part and a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the BET process in a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the provision process in a common control part and a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the adjustment process in a common control part and a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the game ball return process in a lending control part and a common control part. 10 is a flowchart showing control contents of MAXBET operation processing in a common control unit and a main control unit in Modification 1; 10 is a flowchart showing the control content of a game ball throwing process in a common control unit in Modification 1; 10 is a flowchart showing control details of automatic credit processing in a common control unit and a main control unit in Modification 2. It is a figure which shows the injection | throwing-in apparatus in the modification 3. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the injection | throwing-in apparatus in the modification 3. 14 is a flowchart showing control details of credit conversion processing in a common control unit and main control in Modification 3. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the slot machine in the modification 4. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the authentication process in a common control part, a main control part, and a setting control part. It is a flowchart which shows the authentication request waiting process in the authentication control part mounted in the setting control part in the modification 4, a common control part, and a rental unit. It is the schematic of the process performed in a slot machine and a rental unit from the time of power activation in the modification 4. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a slot machine in Modification 5. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a slot machine in Modification 6. It is a figure which shows the common control part main process in the modification 6. FIG. In the state in which the authentication / setting unit in the modified example 6 is connected to the common control board via the connector, the common control unit, the main control unit, the authentication control unit mounted on the authentication / setting unit, and the first setting control unit It is a flowchart which shows the control content of an authentication request process. The flowchart which shows the control content of the setting change process in the setting control part and common control part which are mounted in the authentication and setting unit in the state in which the authentication and setting unit in the modification 6 is connected to the common control board via the connector It is. Control content of second authentication request waiting process in authentication control unit, main control unit, and common control unit mounted on lending unit in a state where lending unit in modification 6 is connected to common control board via connector It is a flowchart which shows. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of processing executed in a slot machine, an authentication / setting unit, and a lending unit from when power is turned on in Modification 6;

  A mode for carrying out a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

  An embodiment of a slot machine, which is a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied, will be described with reference to the drawings. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is unique to the model forming the upper part of the slot machine 1 as shown in FIG. The game unit 1a and a common unit 200 common to the models constituting the lower portion of the slot machine 1 are configured, and the game unit 1a of a different model can be exchanged for the common unit 200.

  The gaming unit 1a includes a housing 1b whose front surface is open, and a front door 1c pivotally supported on a side end of the housing 1b.

  Inside the housing 1b of the gaming unit 1a, reels 2L, 2C, 2R (hereinafter 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. As shown in FIG. 1, it arrange | positions so that three continuous symbols among the symbols arranged in these reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be seen from the see-through window 3 provided in the front door 1c.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R have “red 7”, “blue 7”, “white 7”, “BAR”, “watermelon”, “cherry a”, and “cherry”, respectively. A plurality of identifiable symbols such as “b”, “bell”, “replay a”, “replay b”, and “plum” are drawn in a predetermined order. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed in upper, middle, and lower three stages in the see-through window 3 provided at the approximate center of the front door 1c. In the following, “red 7”, “blue 7” and “white 7” may be collectively referred to as “7”, and “cherry a” and “cherry b” may be simply referred to as “cherry”. In some cases, “replay a” and “replay b” are collectively referred to as “replay”.

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated by reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (see FIG. 3) provided in correspondence with each other, so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuous with the see-through window 3. On the other hand, when the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped from rotating, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3 as display results.

  Inside the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R that detect a reference position for each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and a reel LED 55 that irradiates the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R from the back side. , Is provided. The reel LED 55 includes 12 LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and each symbol can be irradiated independently.

  A display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) is arranged at a position on the front side (player side) of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 1c of the gaming unit 1a. The liquid crystal display 51 has a transmissive liquid crystal panel in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element, and the transmissive area 51b corresponding to the transmissive window 3 of the display area 51a and the transmissive window 3 are interposed. Thus, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be visually recognized from the player side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 1c of the gaming unit 1a is set with the maximum bet number out of a prescribed number of bets determined according to the gaming state within the range of the stored number using credits. In the modification described later or in the modification example described later, credits are used within the range by using the number of game balls (the number of pachinko balls virtually stored as a player's valuable value, the number of pachinko balls as a unit). A MAXBET switch 6 that is operated when adding, a settlement switch 10 that is operated when adjusting credits and a set number of bets, a start switch 7 that is operated when starting a game, and reels 2L, 2C, and 2R The stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R that are operated when stopping the rotation of the player, and the effect switch 56 that is used for the effect are provided so as to be operable by the player. To have.

  As will be described later, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment does not actually use a medal as a game medium, and therefore, a “virtual medal value” corresponding to a credit in a slot machine using a conventional medal is used. However, for the sake of convenience, the credits and the number of credits, which are concepts based on medals, are used as they are, and the number of credits that is the number of “virtual medal values” is referred to as the “number of medals” that is the name in the conventional slot machine. There is a case.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a transparent window 61a for allowing the player to visually recognize the pachinko ball P inside the loading device 61 provided at the right side of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R. , A closing switch 62 is provided. In the present embodiment, an example in which the input device 61, the transparent window 61a, and the input switch 62 are provided in the game unit 1a is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the input device 61, the transparent window 61a and at least part of the closing switch 62 may be provided on the common unit 200 side.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the input device 61 and the input switch 62 are connected to the common control board 201 of the common unit 200, that is, the operation detection of the input switch 62 and the input device 61. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the input device 61 and the input switch 62 are connected to the game control substrate 40. The game control board 40 may execute operation detection of the input switch 62 and operation control of the input device 61.

  In this embodiment, among the three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that have started to rotate, the reel that stops first is referred to as a first stop reel, and the stop is referred to as a first stop. Similarly, the reel that stops second is called the second stop reel, the stop is called second stop, the reel that stops third is called the third stop reel, and the stop is the third stop. Alternatively, it is called final stop.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front door 1c of the gaming unit 1a has a credit indicator 11 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a winning, and when an error occurs. An error code indicating the contents, a game auxiliary indicator 12 displaying information that can identify the stop order of reels by navigation notification described later, a 1BETLED 14 that notifies that the number of bets is set to 1 or more, and a bet 2BETLED 15 that informs that the number is set to 2 or more by lighting, 3BETLED 16 that informs that the number of bets is set by 3 and the start switch 7 is operated by lighting. Start valid LED 18 to notify, wait (reel because a certain period has not elapsed since the start of the previous game There is provided a game display unit 13 provided with a waiting LED 19 for notifying that it is in the state of waiting for the start of rotation) by lighting and a replaying LED 20 for notifying that the replay game is in progress. . Further, although not shown in particular in FIG. 1, effect effect LEDs 52 and speakers 53 and 54 (see FIG. 3) are provided on the front door 1 c of the gaming unit 1 a.

  In the present embodiment, only the MAXBET switch 6 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a 1-bet switch may be provided. In the present embodiment, only the bet number 3 can be set by providing only the MAXBET switch 6, and when the MAXBET switch 6 is operated and the bet number 3 is set, the 1BETLED14 and the 2BETLED15 together with the 3BETLED16 Illustrated is an example in which the player can easily recognize that the bet number is 3 by turning on, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only the 3BETLED 16 may be provided.

  Inside the MAXBET switch 6, there is provided a BET switch valid LED 21 (see FIG. 3) for notifying that the betting number setting operation by the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is valid, and stop switches 8L, 8C, The left, middle and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C and 22R (see FIG. 3) for notifying that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C and 8R is effective are provided inside the 8R. An effect LED 56a (see FIG. 3) for notifying that the operation of the effect switch 56 is effective is provided inside the effect switch 56.

  On the inner side of the front door 1c of the gaming unit 1a, a reset switch 23 for detecting a reset operation for releasing an error state described later and a stop state described later by a predetermined key operation, a predetermined trigger (for example, BB described later) A stop switch 36a for selecting validity / invalidity of a stop function for controlling to a stop state (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until a reset operation is performed) at the time of completion, a predetermined trigger (for example, BB) Automatic settlement switch 36b for selecting the validity / invalidity of the automatic settlement function that controls automatic settlement processing (processing that settles medals stored as credits regardless of the player's operation) at the time of termination, front door 1c A door opening detection switch 25 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the open state of the door is provided.

  As described above, the housing 1b of the gaming unit 1a has a front door 1c that can be opened and closed, and has a hollow shape with a lower end that can be connected to the common unit 200. Inside, reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R (reel sensors 2L, 2C, and 2R, reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (see FIG. 3) and reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that can detect the reel reference positions, respectively) A reel unit 2 is provided.

  The common unit 200 includes a housing 200a whose front surface is open, and a front door 200b that is pivotally supported at a side end of the housing 200a.

  The front door 200b of the common unit 200 has a number of balls that can be used in the game, and the player possesses the possession balls that the player has acquired by playing the game on another gaming machine on the game day, and the player is a member. In the case of a registered member player, the number of balls paid out from the stored balls acquired by the game before the previous day and the number of balls lent out by inserting cash into the lending unit 300 described later are added. The updated number is displayed, and the number of balls counted by the insertion device 61 and added to the credit is subtracted and updated, so that the player can use it to add to the credit by counting by the insertion device 61 at that time. The game ball number display 202 that displays the number of game balls, which is the number of balls, is operated when the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 202 is added to the holding ball. Counting switch 60, information relating to the slot machine 1 (the slot machine 1 title, payout tables, error information, etc.) the common liquid crystal display device 213 is displayed, a common speaker 214 and 215 are provided that. Further, the front door 200b of the common unit 200 is provided with a common LED 212 (see FIG. 3), which is not particularly illustrated in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which two cases of the case 1b of the gaming unit 1a and the case 200a of the common unit 200 are used is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. These two casings are formed in one casing, for example, the casing 200a in a shape including a portion of the casing 1b (a shape in which the casing 1b and the casing 200a are combined), and a front door is formed on the front surface thereof. 1c and the front door 200b may be provided. Moreover, although the present embodiment illustrates a form in which two front doors, that is, the front door 1c of the gaming unit 1a and the front door 200b of the common unit 200 are used, the present invention is not limited to this. These two front doors may be a single front door. That is, the gaming unit 1a and the common unit 200 may be used as one of the housing and the front door.

  Inside the front door 200b of the common unit 200, a volume adjustment switch 210 (see FIG. 3) for adjusting the volume and a light amount adjustment switch 211 (see FIG. 3) for adjusting the amount of light are provided. In the present embodiment, the volume adjustment switch 210 and the light amount adjustment switch 211 are illustrated as being provided on the front door 200b of the common unit 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game is not limited to this. You may make it provide in the front door 1c of the unit 1a.

  A power supply box (not shown) is provided inside the housing 200 a of the common unit 200. A power switch (not shown) that is operated when the power is turned on / off is provided on the front surface of the power box.

  The front door 200b of the common unit 200 can be opened on condition that the front door 1c of the gaming unit 1a is opened. As described above, the front door 1c is a predetermined key possessed by a store clerk or the like. Since the structure can be opened by operation, the front door 1c of the gaming unit 1a can also be opened by a predetermined key operation held by a store clerk or the like. Further, since the power supply box (not shown) is provided inside the housing 200a, the power switch (not shown) can be operated only by a person such as a store clerk who holds the key.

  The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment can be used as the number of game balls, which is cash or remaining amount (prepaid balance) and holding balls (in the case of a member, holding balls and storage balls (a game value owned by a player). A function that accepts a card (game data such as a visitor card or membership card) on which a player's numerical data) is recorded and rents game balls using the amount of cash received or the remaining amount of the card (specifically, Is a function of converting the amount of money received and the remaining amount into data on the number of game balls that can be used for a game in the corresponding slot machine 1), and paying out a possession ball or a storage ball owned by the player as a game ball (also called a refund) And a lending unit 300 having a function (specifically, a function of converting a possession ball or a storage ball into data on the number of game balls usable for a game in the corresponding slot machine 1) Used Te.

  On the front of the lending unit 300, a remaining amount indicator 302 that displays the remaining amount, a lending switch 303 that is operated when lending game balls within the remaining amount range, and the remaining amount of the input amount are recorded and acquired by the game It is operated when issuing a card that is able to specify a holding ball (game ball), or returning an inserted card in which the remaining amount after renewal or a game ball acquired by a game can be specified The predetermined number is determined from the number of possessed balls and the number of stored balls that are specified from the return switch 304, the card insertion slot 305a, the bill insertion slot 306a, and the inserted card, which are possessed by the player possessing the card. The number of held balls and stored balls specified by the player who owns the card, which is specified from the inserted card, which is operated when the game ball is paid out (refunded), is displayed. Lifting piece count-貯玉 number display 311 is provided.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, a bet amount is set using credits. To set the bet amount using credit, the MAXBET switch 6 may be operated. Further, when “3” which is a credit necessary for setting the bet number does not remain, the credit is increased (added to the credit) by using the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 202. In order to increase the credit by using the number of game balls, the insertion switch 62 may be operated. Further, when the number of game balls of 5 balls or more necessary for the 1-unit insertion operation for increasing the number of insertions does not remain, for example, a bill or a card is inserted into the lending unit 300, and lending as shown in FIG. A game ball addition process 1 for operating the switch 303 to add the number of loaned balls corresponding to the lending unit amount, which is a part of the remaining amount, to the number of game balls, or a operated ball / storing ball payout switch 310 to operate The number of game balls may be increased by executing the game ball addition process 2 for adding the number of payout balls corresponding to the number of payout units, which is a part of the game ball number, to the number of game balls.

  When a predetermined number of bets determined according to the gaming state are set, the winning line LN (see FIG. 1) becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the state where the game can be started. Become.

  The winning line is a line that is set to determine whether a combination of symbols displayed on the perspective windows 3 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is a winning symbol combination. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, only the winning line LN set across the symbols arranged in the horizontal direction in the middle stage of the reel 2L, the middle stage of the reel 2C, the middle stage of the reel 2R, that is, the middle stage, is used as the winning line. It has been established. In this embodiment, only one pay line is applied, but a plurality of pay lines may be applied.

  Further, in the present embodiment, invalid lines LM1 to LM1 are set apart from the winning line LN in order to make it easy to recognize that the winning line LN has a combination of symbols constituting the winning line. The invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are not determined based on the combination of symbols arranged in the invalid lines LM1 to LM4. When the combination of symbols constituting a specific prize is arranged on the winning line LN, the invalid line is displayed. When a combination of symbols (for example, bell-bell-bell) that is awarded when the winning line LN is aligned with any of the LM1 to LM4 is arranged, the symbols constituting a specific winning in the winning line LN It is easy to recognize that the combination is complete.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an invalid line LM1 and a lower stage of the reel 2L, which are set across the symbols arranged horizontally in the upper stage of the reel 2L, the upper stage of the reel 2C, the upper stage of the reel 2R, that is, the upper stage. , The lower stage of the reel 2C, the lower stage of the reel 2R, that is, the invalid line LM2 set across the symbols arranged horizontally in the lower stage, the upper stage of the reel 2L, the middle stage of the reel 2C, the lower stage of the reel 2R, that is, the lower side There are four types of invalid lines LM3 set across straddling symbols LM3, lower stage of reel 2L, middle stage of reel 2C, upper stage of reel 2R, that is, invalid line LM4 set straddling to the right. It is defined as.

  Further, in this embodiment, as a winning combination, a winning combination is obtained when a predetermined symbol combination (for example, “Bell-Watermelon-Cherry b”) determined as a winning combination in the winning line LN is prepared, and the predetermined symbol is also obtained. When the combinations are aligned, any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 has a combination of symbols (for example, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon”) that serves as an index that is easier to recognize than the predetermined symbol combination. The combination which can be shown as having won a prize by the combination of the symbols arranged in any of the above is included. Hereinafter, a combination of symbols that is aligned with any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 when a predetermined symbol combination is aligned with the winning line LN is referred to as a symbol combination serving as an index, and constitutes a symbol combination serving as an index. The symbol is called an index symbol.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously vary. When any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3.

  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 winning combination) is displayed on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R on the winning line LN. If the game stops as a result, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of medals are given to the player and added to the credit. When the credit reaches the upper limit (50 in this embodiment), the number of balls corresponding to the number of credits exceeding the upper limit is added to the number of game balls. In addition, when the combination of symbols accompanying the transition of the gaming state on the winning line LN is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, the gaming state according to the combination of symbols is shifted. .

  In this embodiment, the game starts when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected in a state where the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, and the game ends when all the reels are stopped. Further, one unit of control (game control) for executing a game starts when all the controls associated with the end of the previous game are completed, and when all the controls associated with the end of the game are completed. finish.

  In this embodiment, a configuration using three reels is illustrated, but a configuration using only one reel, a configuration using two reels, a configuration using four or more reels may be used. In a configuration using two or more reels, a winning determination may be made based on a combination of display results derived for all two or more reels. In the present embodiment, the effect display device is configured with physical reels, but the effect display device may be configured with an image display device such as a liquid crystal display.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, after the game is started and the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated and the symbols start to change, any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is operated. When this is done, the rotation of the reels corresponding to the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is stopped, and the symbols are stopped and displayed. The maximum stop delay time from the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R to the stop of the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is 190 ms (milliseconds).

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

  For this reason, for example, when any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated and the symbol displayed on the lower stage of the reel corresponding to the stop switch is used as a reference, the symbol from the symbol to four frames ahead is used. Since the symbols can be displayed in the lower row, in each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, when any one of the stop switches 8L, 8R is operated, the symbol displayed in the middle row of the reel corresponding to the stop switch. The symbols arranged within 5 frames including can be displayed on the winning line.

  Hereinafter, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R may be simply referred to as reels unless it is necessary to distinguish between them. Further, the reel 2L may be referred to as a left reel, the reel 2C as a middle reel, and the reel 2R as a right reel. Further, an operation for stopping the reels 2L, 2C, 2R by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R may be referred to as a stop operation.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the game unit 1a constituting the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40 and an effect control board 90, and the progress of the game is controlled by the game control board 40. This controls the production according to the progress of the game. The common unit 200 constituting the slot machine 1 is provided with a common control board 201, a power supply board 209, and a setting control board 400. The common control board 201 manages the number of game balls (updates such as addition and subtraction). ) And control for outputting an external output signal are performed, and the power supply board 209 generates drive power for the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 and supplies them to each unit. In addition, the setting control board 400 controls the setting value to be described later, the common control board 201, the game control board 40, and the setting control board 400 itself (more precisely, the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41, and the setting control unit 401). ) Is certified. In this embodiment, as will be described later, authentication is performed by the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 of the authentication device 800 also on the lending control unit 301 mounted on the lending unit 300. That is, the authentication in the present embodiment refers to proving that the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41, the setting control unit 401, and a lending control unit 301 described later are genuine products.

  On the game control board 40, the above-described MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, settlement switch 10, reset switch 23, stop switch 36a, automatic settlement switch 36b, door opening detection switch 25, reel Sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R are connected, and detection signals of these connected switches are input. The game control board 40 includes the credit indicator 11, the game auxiliary indicator 12, 1-3 BET LEDs 14-16, the start valid LED 18, the waiting LED 19, the replaying LED 20, the BET switch valid LED 21, the left, middle, right. Stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R and reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are connected, and these electric components are driven based on the control of a main control unit 41 (described later) mounted on the game control board 40. It has become.

  The game control board 40 performs processing related to the progress of the game, and at the same time, controls the respective parts of the control circuit mounted on the game control board 40 directly or indirectly, and becomes an oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency. A control clock generation circuit 42 for generating a control clock CCLK, a random number clock generation circuit 43 for generating a random number clock RCLK that is an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency different from the oscillation frequency of the control clock CCLK, and a game control board A switch detection circuit 44 that takes in detection signals input from switches connected to 40 and transmits the detection signals to the main control unit 41, and a motor drive signal (phase signal of the stepping motor) output from the main control unit 41 as a reel motor The motor drive circuit 45 that transmits to 32L, 32C, and 32R and the main control unit 41 When a voltage drop is detected by monitoring the voltage of the LED drive circuit 47 that transmits the LED drive signal to the various displays connected to the game control board 40 and the LED, and the power supply supplied to the slot machine 1, A power failure detection circuit 48 that outputs a voltage drop signal indicating that to the main control unit 41 and a system reset signal to the main control unit 41 in an unstable power supply state such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off And a reset circuit 49.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40. The main control unit 41 is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes an external bus interface 501, a clock circuit 502, a verification block 503, a specific information storage circuit 504, an arithmetic circuit 505, a reset / interrupt controller 506, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41a, ROM (Read Only Memory) 41b, RAM (Random Access Memory) 41c, free-run counter circuit 507, random number circuits 508a and 508b, timer circuit 509, interrupt controller 510 A parallel input port 511, a serial communication circuit 512, a parallel output port 513, and an address decoding circuit 514.

  The reset / interrupt controller 506 is for controlling various resets and interrupt requests generated inside or outside the main control unit 41. The reset / interrupt controller 506 includes an out-of-designated area prohibition (IAT) circuit 506a and a watchdog timer (WDT) 506b. The out-of-designated area prohibition (IAT) circuit 506a is a circuit for monitoring whether or not the user program is correctly executed in the designated area. When it is detected that the user program is executed outside the designated area, an IAT generation signal is detected. The function to output is provided. The watchdog timer 506b has a function of generating a timeout signal for each set period.

  The external bus interface 501 is a bus interface having an interface function between an external bus and an internal bus of a chip constituting the main control unit 41, an address bus, a data bus, and a direction control function of each control signal. The clock circuit 502 is a circuit that generates the internal system clock SCLK by, for example, dividing the control clock CCLK by two. The verification block 503 is connected to an external verification machine and has a function of performing chip verification. The unique information storage circuit 504 is a circuit that stores a plurality of types of unique information that is internal information of the main control unit 41. The arithmetic circuit 505 is a circuit that performs multiplication and division.

  The CPU 41a is a control CPU that executes game control in the slot machine 1 by executing a user program (game control processing program for game control) based on the control code read from the ROM 41b. When such game control is executed, the CPU 41a reads fixed data from the ROM 41b, the variable data writing operation in which the CPU 41a writes various fluctuation data to the RAM 41c and temporarily stores them, and the CPU 41a is temporarily stored in the RAM 41c. A variable data reading operation for reading out various variable data being received, a receiving operation in which the CPU 41a accepts input of various signals from the outside of the main control unit 41 via the external bus interface 501, parallel input port 511, serial communication circuit 512, and the like, CPU 41a However, a transmission operation for outputting various signals to the outside of the main control unit 41 via the external bus interface 501, the serial communication circuit 512, the parallel output port 513, and the like is also performed.

  The ROM 41b stores a control code indicating a user program (game control processing program for game control), fixed data, and the like. The ROM 41b also stores an ID (authentication ID) that can be specified that the main control unit 41 is a genuine product when the main control unit 41 is manufactured. The RAM 41c provides a work area for game control. Here, at least a part of the RAM 41c may be a backup RAM backed up by a backup power source. That is, even if the power supply to the slot machine 1 is stopped, at least a part of the contents of the RAM 41c is stored for a predetermined period.

  As the free-run counter circuit 507, an 8-bit free-run counter is mounted. The random number circuits 508a and 508b are circuits that generate numerical data that is a random value having a predetermined update range, such as an 8-bit random number or a 16-bit random number. In this embodiment, the hardware random number generated by the 16-bit random number circuit 508b among the random number circuits 508a and 508b is used as a random number for internal lottery described later. The timer circuit 509 is a 16-bit programmable timer, counts down the set timer value based on the input of the control clock CCLK, and outputs an interrupt request signal to the interrupt controller when reaching 0000H. In this embodiment, the timer circuit 509 can be used to perform periodic interrupt requests and time measurement.

  The interrupt controller 510 is a circuit that controls external interrupt requests from interrupt terminals and interrupt requests from built-in peripheral circuits (for example, serial communication circuit 512, random number circuits 508a and 508b, timer circuit 509). . The parallel input port 511 incorporates an 8-bit wide input-only port. Also, the parallel output port 513 provided in the main control unit 41 shown in FIG. 3 incorporates an output-only port having an 11-bit width. The serial communication circuit 512 is a circuit that performs asynchronous serial communication in input / output with respect to the outside.

  The address decoding circuit 514 is a circuit for decoding each functional block in the main control unit 41 and a chip select signal that is a decoding signal for an external device. In response to the chip select signal, the internal circuit of the main control unit 41 or the external device serving as a peripheral device is selectively operated effectively and can be accessed from the CPU 41a.

  For example, when the main control unit 41 accesses an area of the storage area of the ROM 41b where no program or the like is stored, the main control section 41 accesses an area of the storage area of the RAM 41c where access is prohibited. In other words, when an access to a memory area that is not accessed in normal operation is made, an illegal access reset is generated to disable the progress of the game. Even if an unauthorized program is stored in an area unrelated to the above, an unused area of the RAM 41c, etc., it is possible to prevent the unauthorized program from being executed.

  The main control unit 41 is activated when an internal or external reset occurs. At this time, the value assigned to the ROM 41b and set in the vector table in which the start address of the interrupt process is set. Is a value indicating unused or a value indicating the area where the program etc. is actually stored, and if it is not any value, it will not start, It is possible to prevent in advance the processing that was not originally intended due to the occurrence or the like.

  The main control unit 41 transmits various commands to the sub control unit 91 via the parallel output port 513. A command transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91 is sent in only one direction, and no command is sent from the sub control unit 91 toward the main control unit 41. In this embodiment, the command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 via the parallel output port 513, that is, the command is transmitted as a parallel signal, but via the serial communication circuit 512. A configuration in which a command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, that is, a configuration in which the command is transmitted as a serial signal may be employed.

  The main control unit 41 transmits / receives various commands to / from the common control unit 201a via the serial communication circuit 512. In this embodiment, a command is transmitted / received to / from the common control unit 201 a via the serial communication circuit 512, that is, a configuration is used for communication by serial communication, but the command is shared via the parallel output port 513. A configuration in which a command is transmitted to the control unit 201a and a command from the common control unit 201a is received via the parallel input port 511, that is, a command transmission / reception may be performed using a parallel signal.

  The main control unit 41 also receives detection states of various switches connected to the game control board 40 from the parallel input port 511. The main control unit 41 executes basic processing that shifts in stages according to the detection states of various switches input from the parallel input port 511. Further, the main control unit 41 can execute an interrupt process by interrupting the basic process when an interrupt occurs. In the present embodiment, a timer interrupt process (main) is executed every time a time-out occurs in the timer circuit 509, that is, every fixed time interval (about 0.56 ms in the present embodiment). The main control unit 41 is set to prohibit other interrupts during the execution of the interrupt process, and when a plurality of interrupts occur at the same time, the main control unit 41 prioritizes according to a predetermined order. An interrupt to be executed is set. If another interrupt factor occurs during the execution of the interrupt process and the interrupt factor continues even after the interrupt process is completed, a new interrupt will occur at that point. It will be.

  The main control unit 41 repeatedly loops the process according to the control state until the detection state of the various switches connected to the game control board 40 changes as a basic process, and changes the detection state of the various switches. Execute a process that moves in stages. Further, the main control unit 41 executes a timer interrupt process (main) at regular time intervals (about 0.56 ms in this embodiment). In addition, the execution interval of the timer interrupt process (main) is set to a time longer than the sum of the time required to complete the repeated process according to the control state in the basic process and the execution time of the timer interrupt process (main) Therefore, the process that is repeated according to the control state between the current and next timer interrupt processes (main) is completed at least once.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the effect control board 90 is connected to the effect switch 56 described above, and the volume control switch and the light quantity control switch provided in the common unit 200 are sub-relay boards on the common unit 200 side. 219, and the detection signals of these connected switches are input. The effect control board 90 is connected to the aforementioned effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, the effect effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, the reel LED 55, the common LED 212 provided in the common unit 200, and the common liquid crystal. Production devices such as a display 213 and common speakers 214 and 215 are connected via a sub-relay board 219 on the common unit 200 side, and these production devices are sub-control units 91 (described later) mounted on the production control board 90. It is driven on the basis of the control by.

  In this embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90 causes the liquid crystal display 51, effect effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, reel LED 55, common LED 212, common liquid crystal display 213, and common speaker 214. Although the output control of the stage device such as 215 is performed, an output control unit that directly controls the output of the stage device separately from the sub-control unit 91 is mounted on the stage control board 90 or another board, The sub control unit 91 may determine the output pattern of the effect device based on the command from the main control unit 41, and the output control unit may control the output of the effect device based on the output pattern determined by the sub control unit 91. In such a configuration, the output control of the effect device is performed by both the sub control unit 91 and the output control unit.

  The effect control board 90 includes a sub-control unit 91 configured by a microcomputer including a sub CPU 91a, ROM 91b, RAM 91c, and I / O port 91d, and a liquid crystal display connected to the effect control board 90. 51, a display control circuit 92 that performs display control of the common liquid crystal display 213, an LED drive circuit 93 that performs drive control of the effect LED 52, the reel LED 55, and the common LED 212, and the speakers 53 and 54 and the common speakers 214 and 215. An audio output circuit 94 that performs audio output control, a reset circuit 95 that gives a reset signal to the sub CPU 91a when the power is turned on or when an initialization command from the sub CPU 91a is not input for a certain period of time, and a switch connected to the effect control board 90 Switch detection circuit that detects the detection signal input from 6, a clock device 97 that outputs time information including date information and time information, and a power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 are monitored, and when a voltage drop is detected, a voltage drop signal indicating that is sub The power interruption detection circuit 98 that outputs to the CPU 91a and other circuits are mounted.

  Sub CPU91a receives the command transmitted from game control board 40, performs various control for performing an effect, and controls each part of the control circuit mounted in effect control board 90 directly or indirectly. .

  The reset circuit 95 has a lower voltage for releasing the reset signal than the reset circuit 49 that gives the system reset signal to the main control unit 41 in the game control board 40. When the power is turned on, the sub control unit 91 It starts at an earlier stage than the unit 41. On the other hand, the power interruption detection circuit 98 has a voltage that outputs a voltage drop signal lower than the power interruption detection circuit 48 that outputs a voltage drop signal to the main control unit 41 in the game control board 40. The sub control unit 91 detects a power failure at a later stage than the main control unit 41, and performs a power interruption process (sub) described later.

  Similar to the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 has an interrupt function, generates an interrupt when receiving a command from the main control unit 41, and acquires a command transmitted from the main control unit 41. Execute command reception interrupt processing to be stored in the buffer. Further, the sub control unit 91 executes an interrupt process (sub), which will be described later, by generating an interrupt every time the input number of system clocks reaches a certain number, that is, every certain time interval (about 2 ms). Also, unlike the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 interrupts the process even when the timer interrupt process (sub) is being executed when an interrupt is generated based on the reception of the command. The command reception interrupt process is executed at the same time, and the command reception interrupt process is executed with the highest priority even if interrupts that trigger the timer interrupt process (sub) occur at the same time. The sub-control unit 91 is also supplied with backup power at the time of a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 91c is held while the backup power is supplied.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the common control board 201 is connected to the reset switch 23, the counting switch 60, and the closing switch 62 described above, and detection signals of these connected switches are input. ing. In addition, the input device 61 is connected to the common control board 201, and the operation of the input device 61 is controlled by a common control unit 201a described later mounted on the common control board 201. The above-described game ball number display 202 is connected, and the game ball number display 202 is driven based on control by a later-described common control unit 201a mounted on the common control board 201.

  In this embodiment, in order to reduce the processing load of the main control unit 41 and to prevent the increase in program capacity, the input device 61 and the input switch 62 provided on the game unit 1a side are provided on the common unit 200 side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the input device 61 and the input switch 62 are connected to a game in which the main control unit 41 is mounted. The main control unit 41 may be connected to the control board 40 to control the operation of the input device 61 in response to detection of the operation of the input switch 62.

  The common control board 201 is composed of a microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I / O port, and controls the number of game balls. The number of game balls connected to the common control board 201 The LED drive circuit 201b that controls the drive of the LEDs constituting the display 202 and the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 are monitored, and when a voltage drop is detected, a voltage drop signal indicating that is sent to the common control unit An interruption detection circuit 201c that outputs to the CPU of 201a, and a reset circuit 201d that provides a reset signal to the common control unit 201a when the power is turned on or when an initialization command from the CPU of the common control unit 201a is not input for a certain period of time A switch detection circuit 201e for detecting a detection signal input from the switches connected to the common control board 201; A feeding device drive circuit 201f for driving the dosing device 61, other circuits such as, are mounted. The common control board 201 is also equipped with a common control board side communication unit 201h. The common control unit 201a transmits and receives various commands through serial communication with the main control unit 41 using the common control board side communication unit 201h. Further, the common control board 201 is connected to the lending unit 300, and the common control unit 201a communicates with a later-described lending control unit 301 provided in the lending unit 300 using the common control board side communication unit 201h. Sends and receives various commands via serial communication. Further, the common control board 201 is connected to the setting control board 400, and the common control unit 201a uses a common control board side communication unit 201h to set a setting control unit 401 and a setting control unit 401 (described later) mounted on the setting control board 400. Various commands are transmitted / received to / from the control board side authentication control unit 405 by serial communication. The ROM of the common control unit 201a stores an ID (authentication ID) that can be used to specify that the common control unit 201a is a genuine product when the common control unit 201a is manufactured, and the ROM 41b of the main control unit 41. An authentication ID identical to the authentication ID being stored is also stored. In this embodiment, the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a is exemplified as being stored at the time of manufacturing the common control unit 201a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An EEPROM (nonvolatile memory) is provided in the common control unit 201 a, and when the common control board 201 is connected to the game control board 40 for the first time, the ROM of the main control unit 41 starts the main control unit 41. The authentication ID of the main control unit 41 may be stored in the EEPROM.

  The CPU of the common control unit 201a receives the command from the main control unit 41 and the command from the lending control unit 301, and performs addition control and subtraction control of the number of game balls, display control of the game ball number display 202, and the like.

  In the reset circuit 201d, the voltage for releasing the reset signal is set lower than the reset circuit 49 that gives the system reset signal to the main control unit 41 in the game control board 40. When the power is turned on, the common control unit 201a It starts at an earlier stage than the unit 41. On the other hand, the power interruption detection circuit 201c has a voltage that outputs a voltage drop signal lower than the power interruption detection circuit 48 that outputs a voltage drop signal to the main control unit 41 in the game control board 40. The common control unit 201a detects a power failure at a later stage than the main control unit 41, and performs a power interruption process (common) described later.

  The common control unit 201a is also supplied with backup power in the event of a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM of the common control unit 201a is held while the backup power is being supplied.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lending unit 300 includes a remaining amount indicator 302, a lending switch 303, a return switch 304, a possession / storing ball payout switch 310, a possession / storing ball number indicator 311, a CPU, A lending control unit 301 configured by a microcomputer having a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O port to control the lending unit 300, a card reader / writer 305 capable of reading and writing data recorded on the card, and inserted Between the banknote identification unit 306 for identifying the authenticity of the banknote, the hall computer 700 of the amusement shop where the slot machine 1 is installed, and the authentication device 800 for authenticating that the lending unit 300 is genuine. The external input / output unit 315 for inputting / outputting signals (transmission / reception) and the lending control unit 301 are connected to the common control unit 201a. Lending unit side communication unit 316 for transmitting and receiving various commands by AL communication, a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O port, and a common control board 201 (more precisely, a common control unit 201a) ) Is provided with a lending unit side authentication control unit 317 for authenticating that it is a genuine product. In addition, the ROM of the lending control unit 301 stores an ID (authentication ID) that can be used to specify that the lending control unit 301 is a genuine product when the lending control unit 301 is manufactured, and the ROM of the common control unit 201a. The same authentication ID as the existing authentication ID is stored.

  The authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the lending control unit 301 is stored when the lending unit 300 is manufactured. In the present embodiment, the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the lending control unit 301 is illustrated as being stored when the lending unit 300 is manufactured. The lending control unit 301 is provided with an EEPROM (non-volatile memory), and when the lending unit 300 is connected to the common control board 201 for the first time, authentication of the common control unit 201a from the ROM of the common control unit 201a is performed. For example, the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a may be read out and stored in the EEPROM.

  In this embodiment, the lending unit 300 is provided with a lending control unit 301 that controls the lending unit 300 and a lending unit side authentication control unit 317 that authenticates that the common control unit 201a is a genuine product. However, the lending unit 300 may not be provided with the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, and the lending control unit 301 may authenticate that the common control unit 201a is a genuine product.

  The authentication device 800 in this embodiment is a device installed in a game store, and is connected to a plurality of lending units 300 provided corresponding to each slot machine or pachinko game machine in the game store. This is an apparatus that authenticates that each lending unit 300 (more precisely, each lending control unit 301) is a genuine product. The authentication device 800 is configured by a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O port to authenticate that the lending unit 300 (more precisely, the lending control unit 301) is a genuine product. An authentication device-side authentication control unit 801 that performs control is provided. In the ROM of the authentication device side authentication control unit 801, the same authentication ID as the authentication ID stored in the ROM of the lending control unit 301 is stored. The authentication ID of the lending control unit 301 stored in the ROM of the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 is stored when the authentication device 800 is manufactured. In this embodiment, the authentication ID of the lending control unit 301 stored in the ROM of the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 is exemplified as being stored when the authentication device 800 is manufactured. The invention is not limited to this, and an EEPROM (nonvolatile memory) is provided in the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 so that when the authentication device 800 is connected to the lending unit 300 for the first time, lending from the ROM of the lending control unit 301 The authentication ID of the control unit 301 may be read and the authentication ID of the lending control unit 301 may be stored in the EEPROM.

  The lending control unit 301 is displayed on the game ball number display 202 of the corresponding slot machine 1 using the remaining cash read from the inserted cash or the inserted card when the lending switch 303 is operated. A lending process for adding a predetermined number (125 balls in the present embodiment) of game balls to the number of game balls being played, and the operation of the ball-and-ball withdrawal switch 310, the number of balls and the number of balls at that time A predetermined number (125 balls in this embodiment) which is displayed on the display 311 and which is at least a part of the number of possessed balls or the number of stored balls owned by the player is displayed as the number of game balls 202 of the corresponding slot machine 1. The payout process to be added to the number of game balls displayed on the screen and the return switch 304 are operated, so that the remaining amount of the inserted money is recorded, and it is possible to identify the possession ball (game ball) acquired in the game card Issued and, lifting balls acquired by the updated balance or game (game ball) performs a return process for returning the card in the insertion is possible to specify. In addition, the possession ball acquired by the game indicates a value obtained by converting a medal (credit) acquired by the game with a value per game ball.

  Also, from the external input / output unit 315, various signals related to the operating status of the lending unit 300 and various signals related to the operating status of the corresponding slot machine 1 are sent to the hall computer 700 of the amusement shop where the slot machine 1 is installed. Is output. These signals are output from the external input / output unit 315 of the lending unit 300 to a signal input / output terminal such as an island terminal connected to a management device such as the hall computer 700, for example. In addition, in the management device such as the hall computer 700 by outputting each signal from the external input / output unit 315, the number of game balls corresponding to the number of games used for setting the betting number is determined by the IN signal or the OUT signal. The total number, the total number of game balls given to the player due to the occurrence of winnings, etc. are totaled, and the balance of the slot machine 1 and the gaming state and stand data of the slot machine 1 (RB count, BB count, ART) Count) and the total number of converted game balls used for conversion into the number of throws, and the slot machine 1 given at the signal input terminal when a throwing device error signal is output A notification message indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the input device 61 is displayed together with the machine number, and the occurrence of the abnormality is notified.

  Note that the management device such as the hall computer 700 in this embodiment outputs a business end signal to the signal input terminal such as the island terminal in response to the closing time of the amusement store. Then, when a signal input terminal such as an island terminal receives a business end signal from a management device such as the hall computer 700, an operation end designation command or the like indicating that the business of the amusement store has ended is sent to the lending control unit 301. Send each command. The lending control unit 301 can further transmit the business end designation command to the common control unit 201a by receiving the business end designation command.

  In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the medal grant rate changes according to the set value. Specifically, the medal (credit) grant rate changes by using the winning probability according to the set value in the lottery that affects the advantage to the player, such as internal lottery, navigation stock lottery, and extra lottery to be described later. ing. The set value consists of 6 levels of 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest grant rate and the grant rate being lower as the values are decreased in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and as the value decreases in order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, the advantage decreases stepwise. The set value in this embodiment is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41, and the game is executed based on the set value stored in the RAM 41c. That is, the setting state in the present embodiment refers to any one of the setting values 1 to 6 stored in the RAM 41c. In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes lottery that affects the player's advantage, such as internal lottery, navigation stock lottery, and extra lottery. Some or all of them may be executed by the sub-control unit 91.

  The medal grant rate is a value obtained by dividing the number of medals theoretically obtained in one game by the number of medals used for setting the number of bets in the game. For example, in the corresponding gaming state, the first winning prize To (n) winning are subject to {(probability of first winning x number of medals obtained when first winning occurs) + (probability of second winning x x 2 (the number of medals obtained at the time of occurrence of the 2nd prize)) ... (probability of accepting the nth prize x number of medals obtained at the occurrence of the nth prize)} / the number of medals used for the bet number. It should be noted that the number of medals obtained as a result of the game includes the number of medals for which a re-game winning to be described later has occurred and it is not necessary to set the number of bets for the next game.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the setting control board 400 includes a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O port, and is used to change a setting value of a winning probability (outtake rate) of internal lottery. A setting control unit 401 that performs control, a setting value display 402 that displays a setting value at that time while the setting value is being changed or confirmed, and a setting key switch 403 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state The main control unit is configured by a microcomputer having a setting switch 404, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O port for changing a setting value of a winning probability (outtake rate) of an internal lottery described later in the setting change state. 41, a common control unit 201a, and a setting control unit 401, a setting control board side authentication control unit 405 that performs control for authenticating that the product is a genuine product, a setting control unit 01 and setting the control board side authentication control part 405 sets the control board communication unit 406 for transmitting and receiving various commands in serial communication with the common control unit 201a is mounted.

  The setting key switch 403 is a key lock switch that can be switched to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state by turning (key operation) the key after a predetermined key is inserted by a store clerk or the like in a game hall. The setting switch 404 is a push button switch that changes a set value when a store clerk or the like of the game hall performs a pressing operation in a setting change state. Since the front door 1c of the gaming unit 1a can be opened by a predetermined key operation held by a store clerk or the like, the setting key switch 403 and the setting switch 404 can be used only by a store clerk or the like who owns the key. It can be operated and cannot be operated by the player. The same applies to the reset switch 23 described above. In particular, since the setting key switch 403 requires further key operation after opening the front door 1c by key operation, only the store clerk possessing the key for operating the setting key switch 403 among the store clerk of the amusement store. Operation is possible.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the setting control unit 401 and the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 are integrally provided on the same setting control board 400, so that the setting control unit 401, the authentication control unit, It is difficult to individually remove the setting control unit 401 and the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 from being illegally replaced or analyzed. . Further, the setting control unit 401 and the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 are integrally provided on the same setting control board 400, so that the setting control unit 401 and the setting control board 401 can be combined with each other when the slot machine 1 is assembled or disassembled. Since it is not necessary to attach or detach the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 individually, it is possible to facilitate operations such as assembly and disassembly of the slot machine 1.

  The setting control unit 401 in this embodiment is provided with an EEPROM 401a (nonvolatile memory) as a storage unit that stores setting values set by operating the setting key switch 403 and the setting switch 404. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the setting value is stored in the EEPROM 401a, the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a is retained without being erased even when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off. It is like that.

  In this embodiment, the power supply of the slot machine 1 is turned off by storing the setting values set by the operation of the setting key switch 403 or the setting switch 404 in the EEPROM 401a provided in the setting control unit 401. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the set value may be set by operating a mechanical dip switch. Thus, when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off, the setting value can be specified by checking the state of the dip switch. Therefore, the setting control unit 401 can be provided with the EEPROM 401a. It becomes unnecessary.

  The ROM of the setting control unit 401 stores an ID (authentication ID) that can specify that the setting control unit 401 is a genuine product when the setting control unit 401 is manufactured. Further, the ROM of the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 stores the same authentication ID as the authentication ID stored in the ROM of the setting control unit 401. The authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 stored in the ROM of the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 is stored when the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 is manufactured. In this embodiment, the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 stored in the ROM of the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 is the one stored when the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 is manufactured. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an EEPROM (nonvolatile memory) is provided in the setting control board side authentication control unit 405, and the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 is included in the setting control unit 401 for the first time. When connected, the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 may be read from the ROM of the setting control unit 401, and the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 may be stored in the EEPROM.

  In order to change the setting value in the present embodiment, the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on after the setting key switch 403 is turned on, and the slot machine 1 (more specifically, the common control unit 201a and the setting control unit 401). And the main control unit 41) needs to be authenticated as a genuine product. When the setting key switch 403 is turned on and the power supply is turned on, it is determined whether or not the slot machine 1 (common control unit 201a, setting control unit 401, and main control unit 41) is authorized. The When it is determined that the slot machine 1 is authorized, the setting value read from the EEPROM 401a is displayed as a display value on the setting value display 402, and the setting value obtained by operating the setting switch 404 is displayed. Transitions to a setting change state that can be changed. When the setting switch 404 is operated in the setting change state, the display value displayed on the setting value display 402 is updated one by one (when the setting value 6 is further operated, the setting value 1 is restored). . When the start switch 7 is operated, the display value displayed on the set value display 402 is fixed as the set value. When the setting key switch 403 is turned off, the determined display value (setting value) is updated and stored as a new setting value in the EEPROM 401a. In the slot machine 1 in this embodiment, the setting value updated and stored in the EEPROM 401a is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 when the slot machine 1 is turned on next time, so that the game can proceed. Transition to a new state.

  In addition, when the setting key switch 403 is turned on and the power is turned on, the configuration may be changed to the setting change state on condition that the door opening detection switch 25 detects that the front door 1c is opened. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent unauthorized setting changes when the front door 1c is not opened. In addition, in the configuration that shifts to the setting change state on the condition that the detection corresponding to the opening of the front door 1c is performed, the door opening detection switch 25 supports the opening of the front door 1c after shifting to the setting change state. Even if the detection is not detected, it is preferable to maintain the setting change state. Thus, even if the front door 1c is temporarily closed during the setting change, an operation for shifting to the setting change state again is performed. This is not necessary, and the setting change operation is not complicated. In addition, after shifting to the setting change state, when the setting key switch 403 is turned off after the start switch 7 is operated and the set value is confirmed, the detection corresponding to the opening of the front door 1c is performed by the door opening detection switch 25. It may be configured that the setting change state is ended and the game can be advanced on condition that the front door 1c is not opened even in such a configuration. It is possible to prevent the setting from being changed. Further, when the setting key switch 403 is turned on and the power is turned on, the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 has already stored the number of medals (credit number) used for setting the bet amount, or the common control unit 201a When the number of game balls (held balls) is stored in the RAM, the setting change state may not be entered to prevent the setting from being changed illegally.

  In order to check the set value, after the game is over, the setting key switch 403 may be turned on in a state where the bet amount is not set. When the setting key switch 403 is turned on in such a situation, the setting value read out from the EEPROM 401a is displayed on the setting value display 402, thereby shifting to a setting confirmation state in which the setting value can be confirmed. In the setting confirmation state, the game cannot be progressed, and by setting the setting key switch 403 to the off state, the setting confirmation state is ended and the state where the game can proceed is returned.

  It should be noted that, after the game is over, when the setting key switch 403 is turned on with no bet number set, the door opening detection switch 25 detects that the front door 1c has been opened. In addition, a configuration for shifting to the setting confirmation state may be adopted, and by adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the setting value from being illegally confirmed without the front door 1c being opened. Further, in the configuration that shifts to the setting confirmation state on the condition that the detection corresponding to the opening of the front door 1c is performed, the door opening detection switch 25 supports the opening of the front door 1c after the transition to the setting confirmation state. It is preferable to maintain the setting confirmation state even if the detection to be performed is not performed. Thus, even if the front door 1c is temporarily closed during the setting confirmation, an operation for shifting to the setting confirmation state again is performed. This is not necessary and the setting confirmation operation is not complicated.

  In addition, after shifting to the setting confirmation state, when the set key switch 403 is turned off after the set value is confirmed by operating the start switch 7, the detection corresponding to the opening of the front door 1c is performed by the door opening detection switch 25. On the condition that the setting confirmation state is terminated, it may be configured to return to a state in which the game can proceed, and even in such a configuration, the front door 1c is not opened in an unauthorized manner. It is possible to prevent the setting value from being confirmed.

  In this embodiment, the setting control board 400 and the common control board 201, the lending unit 300 and the common control board 201, and the common control board 201 and the game control board 40 are connected by one wiring. Among these, the setting control board 400 and the common control board 201 (specifically, the setting control unit 401 and the common control unit 201a) are connected to the three channels CH1 to CH3 through a line connecting the setting control board 400 and the common control board 201. Various commands can be transmitted and received by serial communication using CH3. In particular, in this embodiment, when the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41, the channel used for transmitting the setting value designation command indicating the setting value to the main control unit 41 is selected. Transmission is performed on any one of CH1 to CH3, and the setting control unit 401 includes a random number circuit for extracting a channel determination random number for determining the channel.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the setting control unit 401 determines the channel for transmitting the setting value designation command based on the channel determination random number extracted from the random number circuit is illustrated. Without being limited thereto, the setting control unit 401 may determine a channel for transmitting the setting value designation command by executing a dedicated program for determining a channel for transmitting the setting designation command. .

  In the present embodiment, a mode in which a plurality of channels CH1 to CH3 are included in one wiring connecting the setting control board 400 and the common control board 201 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the setting control board 400 and the common control board 201 may be connected by a plurality of wires, and each wire may be one channel.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 48 is detected every time the timer interruption process (main) is executed. When the determination process is performed and it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected in the power failure determination process, a power interruption process (main) for setting data for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal at the next return is performed. Run.

  Then, the main control unit 41 returns the processing state of the main control unit 41 to the state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM 41c on the condition that the data in the RAM 41c is normal at the time of activation. However, if the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, and the RAM abnormal error code is set in the register to control the RAM abnormal error state, thereby disabling the progress of the game.

  The error state includes a normal error state that is canceled by a reset operation (operation of the reset switch 23), and a special error state that is not canceled until a new setting value is set by shifting to the setting change state described above. The RAM abnormal error state is a special error state. Once controlled to the RAM abnormal error state, the RAM abnormal error state is not canceled until the setting change state is entered and a new set value is set. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the slot machine 1 (more precisely, the common control board 201) and the lending unit 300 are connected, and the lending unit 300 authenticates that the common control unit 201a is a genuine product. Otherwise, even if a transition is made to the setting change state and a new setting value is set, the new setting value is not reflected (not stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41), so the RAM abnormality error state is not released. It is like that.

  Further, the sub control unit 91 also determines whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 98 is detected in the timer interruption process (sub), and when it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected, A power interruption process (sub) for setting data for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 91c is normal at the next return is executed.

  Then, the sub-control unit 91 returns the processing state of the sub-control unit 91 to the state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM 91c on the condition that the data of the RAM 91c is normal at the time of activation. However, if the data in the RAM 91c is not normal, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, and the RAM 91c is initialized. In this case, unlike the main control unit 41, only the RAM 91c is initialized, and the performance is not disabled.

  In addition, even when it is determined that the data in the RAM 91c is normal at the time of activation, the sub control unit 91 activates when receiving a setting command (described later) indicating that the setting change state has been entered from the main control unit 41. Even when a later-described return command or setting command indicating that the control state of the main control unit 41 has returned is not received even after a certain period of time has elapsed, the RAM 91c is initialized. In this case, the execution of the performance is not disabled only by initializing the RAM 91c.

  Further, the common control unit 201a also determines whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 201c is detected. If it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected, the common control unit 201a performs A power interruption process (common) for setting data for determining whether or not the data in the RAM is normal is executed.

  Then, the common control unit 201a performs processing of the common control unit 201a based on the data stored in the RAM of the common control unit 201a on the condition that the data of the RAM of the common control unit 201a is normal at the time of activation. The state is restored to the state before the power interruption, but if the RAM data of the common control unit 201a is not normal, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, and the RAM is controlled to an abnormal error state. The RAM abnormal error state is canceled by operating the reset switch 23. At this time, the RAM of the common control unit 201a is initialized except for the area where the number of game balls is stored. It has become.

  Next, initialization of the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 will be described. The usable area in the storage area of the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 is divided into an important work, a special work, a general work, an unused area, and a stack area, and an important work, a special work, a general work, and an unused area. Are arranged in the stack area order.

  In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 determines that when the data in the RAM 41c is destroyed when the setting key switch 403 is turned off, the data in the RAM 41c is restored when the setting key switch 403 is activated. When it is not destroyed, when the setting key switch 403 is turned on and the data in the RAM 41c is destroyed, when the setting change is finished, when a specific gaming state is finished, when one game is finished, from six When the initialization condition is satisfied, four types of initializations with different areas initialized according to each initialization condition are performed.

  Initialization 0 is when the data in the RAM 41c is destroyed when the setting key switch 403 is OFF and when the data in the RAM 41c is destroyed when the setting key switch 403 is ON. In the initialization 0, all the usable areas are initialized. Initialization 1 is initialization that is performed when the data in the RAM 41c is not destroyed at the time of startup with the setting key switch 403 being ON. In the initialization 1, other than important work and special work in the usable area. This area is initialized. Initialization 2 is initialization performed at the end of a specific gaming state. In initialization 2, a general work, an unused area, and an unused stack area are initialized among available areas. Initialization 3 is initialization performed at the end of one game. In initialization 3, an unused area and an unused stack area are initialized among the available areas. It should be noted that the storage area for the data indicating the set value and the game state is allocated to the special work, and when the data of the RAM 41c is not destroyed at the time of activation with the setting key switch 403 being ON, that is, the data of the RAM 41c. When the game is normal and the setting is changed, data indicating the setting value and the gaming state is held. Further, a storage area for a timer counter, which will be described later, is allocated to a special work and is held without being initialized at the end of the game or at the end of a specific gaming state.

  When the main control unit 41 in the present embodiment is activated due to the occurrence of a reset, the main control unit 41 performs setting at the time of activation. In the startup setting, a status flag included in the main control unit 41 is initialized. The status flag is data that holds the state of the operation result and execution result of the instruction, and particularly includes an interrupt master permission flag for setting interrupt prohibition / permission. Since the initial value of the interrupt master permission flag is a value indicating prohibition of interrupt, the main control unit 41 is started in a state where interrupt is prohibited. Then, after setting various functions with reference to the HW parameters described later, when a reset occurs according to the program stored in the program / data area, it starts in an interrupt-disabled state and then executes first Start the initial setting process.

  When the main control unit 41 determines in the initial setting process that the setting key switch 403 is ON at the time of startup, the main control unit 41 proceeds to the setting change process, and initializes the RAM 41c at the start of the setting change process. Do. At this time, if the data in the RAM 41c is normal, the important work and the special work are held and the other areas are initialized so that the control state (setting value, gaming state, etc.) before the change is changed after the setting is changed. While some data can be retained, if the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, all the usable areas including the important work and the special work are initialized to ensure that the data in the RAM 41c is abnormal. It can be solved.

  Moreover, the main control part 41 performs the main control part main process which processes in steps according to progress of a game for every game unit after completion | finish of a setting change process. In the main control unit main process, the RAM 41c is initialized for each game unit, and the RAM 41c is also initialized at the end of the setting change process. Then, after the setting change process is completed, the main control unit main process is started from the stage before the process of initializing the RAM 41c in the main control unit main process, and the RAM 41c after the setting change process is completed. Initialization and initialization of the RAM 41c for each game unit can be performed by common processing.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a prescribed number of bets that can be set according to the gaming state is determined, and the game is executed on the condition that the prescribed number of bets determined according to the gaming state is set. It is possible to start. In the present embodiment, the winning line LN is activated when a specified number of bets according to the gaming state are set.

  In this embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, the activated pay line is activated (in the present embodiment, all the pay lines are always activated. A winning combination is obtained when a combination of symbols called “combinations” is arranged on the winning line. The combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols.

  The type of winning combination is determined according to the game state, but it can be roughly divided into a small role with payout of medals and a replay that can start the next game without the need to set the number of bets. There are a game combination and a special combination with a transition to a game state advantageous to the player. Below, a small role and a re-playing role are collectively called a general role. In order for winning of each combination determined according to the gaming state to occur, it is necessary to win an internal lottery to be described later and set a winning flag of the combination in the RAM 41c. Of the winning flags for each of these combinations, the winning flag for the small role and the re-playing role is valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and is invalid in the next game. It is valid until a combination of combinations permitted by the flag is completed, and is invalid in a game having a combination of combinations permitted. In other words, once the special combination winning flag is won, even if the combination of the combinations permitted by the flag cannot be made, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game. It becomes.

  Hereinafter, the internal lottery of the present embodiment will be described. In the internal lottery, whether or not the main control unit 41 allows the winning of each combination described above before the display results of all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are derived (specifically, the start switch 7). At the time of detection). In the internal lottery, first, a random value for internal lottery (an integer from 0 to 65535) is acquired when the start switch 7 is detected. Specifically, the value generated by the random number circuit 508b and stored in the random number value register of the random number circuit 508b is set as the lottery work assigned to the RAM 41c. And, for each combination determined according to the gaming state, according to the numerical data stored in the lottery work and the number of determination values of each combination determined according to the current gaming state, the number of bets and the set value A determination is made as to whether or not winning is permitted.

  In the internal lottery, the number of judgment values determined in accordance with the internal lottery target, the current gaming state, and the set value are sequentially assigned to the random number for internal lottery (numerical data stored in the lottery work). When the result of addition overflows, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For this reason, a winning combination will be won with a probability (number of determination values / 65536) according to the number of determination values.

  If a winning combination of any combination is determined, a winning flag corresponding to the combination determined to be winning is set in the internal winning flag storing work assigned to the RAM 41c. The internal winning flag storage work consists of a 2-byte storage area, of which the upper byte is assigned as the special role storing work in which the winning flag for the special role is set, and the lower byte is the winning of the general role It is assigned as a general role storage work for which a flag is set. Specifically, when a special combination is won, a special combination winning flag indicating that the special combination is won is set in the special combination storing work, and the winning flag set in the general combination storing work is cleared. When a general combination is won, a winning flag for the general combination indicating that the general combination is won is set in the general combination storing work. If no winning combination is selected, only the general winning combination work is cleared.

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 performs a process of outputting an external output signal indicating a gaming state, an error occurrence state, and the like from the external input / output unit 315 of the corresponding lending unit 300. Specifically, the common control unit 201a is instructed to output a signal indicating the gaming state from the common control board 201 to the lending unit 300. These external output signals are output to hall devices such as the hall computer 700 via the external input / output unit 315 and the information providing terminal board of the game shop (hall) where the slot machine 1 is installed.

  The main control unit 41 determines the medal IN signal indicating the number of medals (credits) used for setting the bet number, the medal OUT signal indicating the number of medals given to the player due to the occurrence of the winning, and the game state for the player. RB signal indicating that RB (regular bonus) is advantageous, BB signal indicating that BB (big bonus) is advantageous for the player, ART signal indicating the start of ART to be described later, game ball A signal indicating that conversion from a number to a credit has been performed, and is an insertion signal consisting of a number of pulses having a predetermined width corresponding to the number of game balls used for the conversion into the number of insertions, the number of credits and bets An adjustment signal indicating that the conversion to the number of game balls has been performed, a door opening signal indicating that the front door 1c is open, a setting change signal indicating that the setting change mode will be described later, The dosing device error signal indicating an abnormality of the apparatus 61 from the respective common control board 201 is outputted to the rent unit 300, and outputs these signals from the external input and output unit 315 of the lending unit 300. For example, the signal is output to a signal input terminal such as an island terminal connected to a management device such as a hall computer. In addition, in the management device such as a hall computer by outputting each signal from the external input / output unit 315, a game corresponding to the number of insertions used for setting the betting number by the above-described medal IN signal and medal OUT signal. The total number of balls, the total number of game balls given to the player due to the occurrence of winnings, etc. are totaled, and the balance of the slot machine 1 and the gaming state and table data of the slot machine 1 (RB count, BB The total number of game balls used for conversion to the number of inputs and the number of ART), and the total number of game balls used for conversion to the number of inputs is totaled and managed, and when the input device error signal is output, it is given at the signal input terminal A notification message indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the input device 61 is displayed together with the machine number of the slot machine 1 to notify the occurrence of the abnormality.

  The external input / output unit 315 of the lending unit 300 is provided with a relay circuit, a parallel / serial conversion circuit, and a terminal for each output signal, and a connector to be electrically connected to the information providing terminal board circuit. Is provided. Of these signals output from the common control board 201, the medal IN signal, medal OUT signal, RB signal, BB signal, ART signal, insertion signal, and settlement signal are directly used as pulse signals via the relay circuit. Output to the provided terminal board. On the other hand, the door opening signal, setting change signal, and input device error signal are converted into a security signal, which is a serial signal that can be individually identified by the parallel / serial conversion circuit, to the information providing terminal board. Is output.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which a signal is output from the common control board 201 to the lending unit 300 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of these signals, the output of each signal is illustrated. May be transmitted from the common control board 201 to the lending unit 300 so that each signal described above is output from the external input / output unit 315.

  Next, the charging device 61 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5A is a plan view showing the charging device 61, FIG. 5B is a front view showing the charging device 61, and FIG. 5C is a side view showing the charging device 61. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, the charging device 61 of the present embodiment has a horizontally long rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a storage portion 63 for storing a plurality of pachinko balls P (detected balls) therein. This accommodating part 63 has comprised the box shape by which the front side was opened. The opening of the accommodating portion 63 is closed by a decorative plate 64 provided on the front side. The decorative plate 64 is provided with a transparent window 61a that allows the pachinko sphere P inside the housing portion 63 to be visible from the front side. A transparent plate member made of an acrylic resin or the like is fitted into the transparent window 61a, and the pachinko sphere P inside the housing portion 63 is enclosed. The transparent window 61a is provided with a ball number display portion 69 on which a number corresponding to each pachinko ball P is displayed.

  In addition, the ball number display part 69 may be formed by a paint or the like on a transparent plate member fitted in the transparent window 61a, or a number assigned to the transparent plate member fitted in the transparent window 61a. It is also possible to attach a predetermined member provided with.

  Further, 15 pachinko balls P are arranged in the storage portion 63 in a state of being arranged in a horizontal row. The pachinko balls P are held in a state of being partitioned by a partition plate 68 provided between the pachinko balls P. In addition, you may fix each pachinko ball P to the inner surface of the accommodating part 63 using an adhesive agent. In addition, a guide member 65 extending in the left-right direction is provided on the back side of the pachinko ball P. The guide member 65 can be moved in the left-right direction along the guide member 65, and each of the guide members 65 accommodated in the accommodation unit 63 by moving. A detection sensor 66 capable of detecting the pachinko sphere P is provided.

  In the present embodiment, only one detection sensor 66 is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of detection sensors may be provided. In the case of providing a plurality of detection sensors, a sensor with a different detection method, for example, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, or a physical switch that is turned on by contacting a rotating pachinko ball P, etc. They may be used in combination.

  In addition, when using these sensors in combination, it is assumed that there is a possibility that fraud has been implemented if the number of detections of each sensor with a different detection method is not the same. By executing specific error processing such as transmission and output of the input device error signal, error notification or the like may be performed by the sub-control unit 91, or error notification may be performed by an external device. In such a case, the detected number of balls may be returned to the number of game balls without adding to the credit.

  Above each pachinko ball P, a ball LED 67 is provided. When the detection sensor 66 detects the pachinko sphere P, the sphere LED 67 corresponding to the detected pachinko sphere P is turned on. The player can grasp how many pachinko balls P have been detected by visually recognizing the pachinko balls P illuminated by the lit ball LEDs 67. When the pachinko sphere P is not detected, the detection sensor 66 is disposed on the back side of the leftmost pachinko sphere P (the ball number display portion 69 is the first initial position), and all the sphere LEDs 67 are turned off. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when performing a game ball insertion process described later, the detection sensor 66 at the initial position moves to the right and sequentially detects from the pachinko ball P at the left end. Furthermore, the sphere LED 67 corresponding to the detected pachinko sphere P is turned on. In this embodiment, every time a “5-ball” pachinko ball P corresponding to the number of credits of “1” is detected, one insertion command is transmitted to the main control unit 41 as described later. . When the detection sensor 66 detects the leftmost end to the rightmost pachinko sphere P, the detection sensor 66 is arranged on the back side of the pachinko sphere P at the rightmost end (the number display position 69 is the 15th terminal position). Stop (see FIG. 6D). In addition, after stopping for a predetermined time in the state where the detection sensor 66 is arranged on the back side of the rightmost pachinko ball P, the ball LED 67 that is turned on when the pachinko ball P is detected is turned off, and the detection sensor 66 is turned on. It moves to the left, and moves to the rear side of the pachinko ball P at the left end (the number display portion 69 is the first initial position).

  In this embodiment, the game balls are inserted for each “5 balls” of pachinko balls P corresponding to the credit number of “1”, that is, the game ball number data displayed on the game ball number display 202 is subtracted. It can be performed. For example, when inserting “3” credit, which is the maximum bet number, the detection sensor 66 detects all (15) pachinko balls P inside the insertion device 61. Here, if “1” credits have already been inserted, the remaining “2” credits up to the maximum bet number may be inserted. In this embodiment, when “2” credits are inserted, the detection sensor 66 at the initial position moves to the right and sequentially detects from the left pachinko ball P, which corresponds to the credit number “2”. The detection sensor 66 stops at the position where the “10 balls” pachinko ball P is detected (see FIG. 6C).

  As shown in FIG. 6 (B), when performing a game ball adding process and a game ball clearing process, which will be described later, the detection sensor 66 moves rightward with all the ball LEDs 67 turned off, It stops in a state where it is arranged on the back side of the pachinko ball P (the ball number display portion 69 is the 15th terminal position). Then, the detection sensor 66 at the terminal position moves leftward and sequentially detects from the pachinko ball P at the right end. Furthermore, the sphere LED 67 corresponding to the detected pachinko sphere P is turned on. Each pachinko ball P is sequentially detected in the opposite direction to the game ball insertion process, and the player can recognize the detection direction by the lighting state of the ball LED 67, so that the game ball addition process and the game ball clearing process are performed. Since it becomes clear that it is clear, it can prevent giving distrust to a player. When the detection sensor 66 detects the rightmost end to the leftmost pachinko sphere P, the detection sensor 66 is disposed on the back side of the leftmost pachinko sphere P (the number of balls display portion 69 is the first initial position). It stops in a state (see FIG. 5A). In addition, after stopping for a predetermined time in a state where the detection sensor 66 is disposed on the back side of the leftmost pachinko ball P, the ball LED 67 that is turned on when the pachinko ball P is detected is turned off.

  In the present embodiment, since the detection sensor 66 detects the plurality of pachinko balls P fixedly enclosed in the accommodating portion 63 of the throwing device 61, the pachinko balls inside the slot machine 1 or at the game island are detected. P need not be circulated, and the internal structure of the slot machine 1 can be simplified.

  In the present embodiment, each pachinko sphere P is fixedly enclosed inside the accommodating portion 63, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the pachinko sphere P is taken out from the accommodating portion 63 or replaced. You may make it. For example, the pachinko sphere P may be prevented from being rusted by taking out the pachinko sphere P from the housing portion 63 and polishing it, or may be replaced with a pachinko sphere P that has deteriorated and lost its shine. Further, the input device 61 may be provided detachably with respect to the game unit 1a, and when the pachinko ball P deteriorates, the input device 61 may be replaced.

  In the present embodiment, the pachinko balls P enclosed in the accommodating portion 63 are arranged at equal intervals. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and five pachinko balls P are arranged. They may be arranged separately. For example, the first pachinko sphere P to the fifth pachinko sphere P are arranged close to each other, a large space is provided between the fifth pachinko sphere P and the sixth pachinko sphere P, and the sixth pachinko sphere P The ball P to the 10th pachinko ball P are arranged close to each other, and a large space is provided between the 10th pachinko ball P and the 11th pachinko ball P. Up to pachinko balls P may be arranged close to each other.

  In this embodiment, the ball LED 67 is lit in the same color when the game ball insertion process is performed and when the game ball addition process and the game ball clearing process are performed. Further, the ball LED 67 may be lit in different colors depending on whether the game ball throwing process is performed or the game ball adding process or the game ball clearing process is performed. For example, when the game ball throwing process is performed, the ball LED 67 corresponding to the pachinko ball P detected in response to the detection sensor 66 moving in the right direction is linked to the movement of the detection sensor 66 in the right direction. When the game ball adding process and the game ball clearing process are performed sequentially in the right direction, the ball LED 67 corresponding to the pachinko ball P detected in response to the movement of the detection sensor 66 to the left is displayed. The green light may be sequentially lit in the left direction in conjunction with the movement of the detection sensor 66 in the left direction.

  In the present embodiment, the ball number display unit 69 displaying the number corresponding to each pachinko ball P is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the ball number display unit 69 is segmented. You may comprise with a display. For example, when a game ball throwing process is performed, the number 1 is displayed on the ball number display portion corresponding to the pachinko ball P at the left end, and the pachinko ball detected in response to the detection sensor 66 moving rightward. A number corresponding to the detection order may be displayed on the ball number display section corresponding to P. In addition, when performing the game ball addition process and the game ball clearing process, the number 1 display is made on the ball number display section corresponding to the pachinko ball P at the right end, and the detection sensor 66 moves in the left direction. You may make it display the number according to a detection order on the ball number display part corresponding to the detected pachinko ball P. FIG.

  Next, various processes executed in the slot machine 1 and the lending unit 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, processing executed by the common control unit 201a will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the common control unit main process executed by the common control unit 201a.

  When power is supplied to the slot machine 1 (common control board 201) and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the common control unit 201a (specifically, The CPU included in the common control unit 201a starts a common control unit main process after Sk1 after executing a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the content of the program is valid. In this embodiment, since the common control board 201, the setting control board 400, and the game control board 40 are connected to the same power supply board 209, the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401, and the setting control board side authentication control. When the power is turned on, the unit 405 and the main control unit 41 simultaneously execute a security check process and a main process in each control unit.

  In the common control unit main process, the common control unit 201a first performs necessary initial settings. Specifically, in the initial setting process, the common control unit 201a first sets the interrupt prohibition (Sk1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 which is an interrupt mode for maskable interrupts (Sk2), the stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer, and various built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) The internal device register is set (initialized) in order to make it available (Sk3). Then, the RAM is set to an accessible state (Sk4).

  In Sk2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the common control unit 201a and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is an interrupt address. Set the mode to indicate. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the common control unit 201a automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter on the stack.

  Next, the common control unit 201a performs connection confirmation processing with the lending unit 300 to confirm that the common unit 200 is connected to the lending unit 300 (Sk5). Specifically, a connection confirmation request is transmitted to the lending control unit 301 of the lending unit 300, and the connection confirmation and the lending unit 300 are operating depending on whether a response to the connection confirmation request is returned. Make sure that

  Then, the common control unit 201a determines the state of the reset switch 23 (Sk6). When the reset switch 23 is on, the common control unit 201a executes the initialization process of Sk14 to Sk18 as a normal initialization process.

  On the other hand, when the reset switch 23 is off, the common control unit 201a performs, for example, parity data as a data protection process for the backup area set in the RAM of the common control unit 201a when power supply to the slot machine 1 is stopped. It is determined whether or not a power supply stop process such as addition of the power is performed (Sk7).

  When such a power supply stop process is not performed, the common control unit 201a executes an initialization process of Sk14 to Sk18. Whether or not the power supply stop process is being performed can be determined, for example, based on whether or not the backup flag set in the backup area of the RAM in the power supply stop process is a predetermined value.

  When the power supply stop process is performed, the common control unit 201a performs data check on the backup area of the RAM (Sk8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in Sk8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, the initialization process (Sk14 to Sk18) that is executed when the power is turned on but not when the power supply is stopped is executed.

  If the check result is normal, the common control unit 201a restores the data using the backup data (Sk9), and sends a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command when the power supply is restored to the lending unit 300 (lending control unit 301). The lending unit 300 (lending control unit 301) is notified that the power has been recovered from the power failure (Sk10).

  And it is determined whether the return command as an initialization command at the time of the electric power supply recovery | restoration of the main control part 41 was received from the main control part 41 (Sk11). If no return command has been received from the main control unit 41, it is repeatedly determined whether or not a return command has been received from the main control unit 41, and a return command reception waiting state from the main control unit 41 is entered. If a return command has been received from the main control unit 41, it is determined whether or not a return command has been received from the setting control unit 401 as an initial command when the power supply is restored by the setting control unit 401 (Sk12). . If a return command has not been received from the setting control unit 401, it is repeatedly determined whether or not a return command has been received from the setting control unit 401, and a return command reception waiting state from the setting control unit 401 is entered.

  Furthermore, if a return command has been received from the setting control unit 401, has the return command as an initial command at the time of restoration of power supply to the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 received from the setting control board side authentication control unit 405? It is determined whether or not (Sk13). If the return command has not been received from the setting control board side authentication control unit 405, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the return command has been received from the setting control board side authentication control unit 405, and the setting control board side authentication control unit is determined. The system waits for a return command from 405. And when the return command is received from the setting control board side authentication control part 405, it transfers to Sk19.

  When the reset switch 23 is on (Y at Sk6), when the power supply stop process is not performed (N at Sk7), or when the check result of the parity check is not normal (N at Sk8) As described above, initialization processing of Sk14 to Sk18 is executed.

  In the initialization process, the common control unit 201a first performs a RAM clear process (Sk14), and sets each initial value (Sk15). Then, the common control unit 201a transmits an initialization command to the lending unit 300 (lending control unit 301) (Sk16), and whether or not an initialization response command returned in response to the transmission of the initialization command has been received. Is determined (Sk17).

  When the initialization response command has not been received, it is determined whether or not the initialization response command has been repeatedly received, and the device enters a state of waiting for reception of the initialization response command. If the initialization response command has been received, the main control unit 41 transmits an initialization completion command to the main control unit 41 to confirm that the connection with the lending unit 300 and the operation check and initialization have been completed. It can be recognized (Sk18).

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the common control unit 201a transmits a power failure recovery command to the lending unit 300 (lending control unit 301) when the data backup is properly performed and can be restored. When the initialization process is performed due to improper backup or the like, the initialization command is transmitted to the lending unit 300 (lending control unit 301), so that the lending control unit 301 has properly recovered from the power failure. If the initialization command is sent from the common control unit 201a even though it has recovered from the power interruption, the “number of game balls” at the time of power failure is cleared. The occurrence of the error is determined based on the lighting state of the lamp provided on the front upper end of the lending unit 300. Notifying such as by a lighting state corresponding to.

  In Sk19, the common control unit 201a requests the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 to authenticate that the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41, and the setting control unit 401 are genuine products. The authentication request process is executed, and the CTC register built in the common control unit 201a is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (Sk23). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms. Then, the interrupt permission state is set (Sk24).

  Next, the common control unit 201a determines whether or not the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1 (Sk25). If the value of the timer interrupt flag is not 1, it is determined again whether the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1. When the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1, that is, when a timer interrupt occurs, the common control unit 201a clears the timer interrupt flag (Sk26), and the common control unit timer interrupt shown in FIG. Is executed (Sk27). After executing the common control unit timer interrupt process, it is again determined whether or not the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1 (Sk25).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the authentication processing in the common control unit 201a, main control unit 41, setting control unit 401, and setting control board side authentication control unit 405 mounted on the setting control board 400. In the authentication request process, first, the common control unit 201a extracts a random value from a random circuit (not shown) mounted on the common control board 201, and receives a second channel designation command to be described later using the extracted random value. The channel to be used is determined and stored as one of CH1 to CH3. Then, the common control unit 201a authenticates the first channel designation command indicating the channel that receives the second channel designation command and that the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41, and the setting control unit 401 are genuine products. An authentication request command for requesting to start the processing is transmitted to the setting control unit 401. Then, it is determined whether or not a second channel designation command (to be described later) and dummy information of the second channel designation command have been received. If the second channel designation command and the dummy information of the second channel designation command have not been received, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the second channel designation command and the dummy information of the second channel designation command have been received again. Reception of dummy information of the channel designation command and the second channel designation command is awaited.

  When the setting control unit 401 receives the first channel designation command and the authentication request command from the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401 specifies and stores the channel indicated by the received first channel designation command as one channel from CH1 to CH3. Then, a random number value is extracted from a random number circuit (not shown) mounted on the setting control board 400, and a channel for transmitting a setting value designation command using the extracted random number value is one of CH1 to CH3. Determine and memorize.

  Next, the setting control unit 401 transmits a second channel specifying command indicating a channel for transmitting the setting value specifying command to the common control unit 201a through the channel specified from the first channel specifying command. In addition, the setting control unit 401 transmits dummy information (dummy command) of the second channel designation command to the common control unit 201a on other channels that are not specified from the first channel designation command. Note that the setting control unit 401 sets dummy information (dummy command) of the second channel designation command to the common control unit 201a in one of the other channels not specified from the first channel designation command. The dummy information (dummy command) of the second channel designation command may be transmitted to all the channels (in this embodiment, two channels) among the other channels not specified from the first channel designation command. May be transmitted to the common control unit 201a. In particular, the dummy information (dummy command) of the second channel designation command is set to the common control unit 201a in all channels (two channels in this embodiment) among the other channels not specified from the first channel designation command. When transmitting to, different dummy information may be transmitted in each channel.

  Note that the dummy information of the second channel designation command in this embodiment is, for example, information that is partially the same as the second channel designation command, completely different from the second channel designation command, or different from the second channel designation command. A part of which information is deleted, a part of which is added, rearranged information constituting the second channel designation command, a command indicating a channel different from the channel indicated by the second channel designation command, second A command indicated by the same channel as the channel indicated by the channel designation command may be used.

  Further, after transmitting the second channel designation command and the dummy information, the setting control unit 401 sends an authentication ID command that can specify the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 stored in the ROM of the setting control unit 401. This is transmitted to the setting control board side authentication control unit 405.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the second channel designation command and the dummy information from the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a determines on which channel the received information is the second channel designation command based on the stored channel. Identify. Then, the channel for receiving the setting value designation command is identified and stored from the identified second channel designation command. Then, the common control unit 201a determines whether or not an authentication ID request command has been received from the setting control board side authentication control unit 405. If an authentication ID request command has not been received from the setting control board side authentication control unit 405, it is repeatedly determined whether or not an authentication ID request command has been received from the setting control board side authentication control unit 405. A state of waiting for reception of an authentication ID request command from the board-side authentication control unit 405 is entered.

  On the other hand, when receiving the authentication ID command, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 specifies the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 indicated by the authentication ID command. Then, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 compares the specified authentication ID with the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 stored in the ROM of the setting control board side authentication control unit 405, and both of these authentications. It is determined whether the business IDs match, that is, whether the specified authentication ID is a regular authentication ID. If both authentication IDs match, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 sets a setting control unit authenticated flag indicating that the setting control unit 401 has authenticated as a genuine product. Then, an authentication ID request command for requesting the common control unit 201a to transmit the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a is transmitted. If the two authentication IDs do not match, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 transmits an authentication ID request command to the common control unit 201a without setting the setting control unit authenticated flag. .

  In this embodiment, the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 specified from the authentication ID command does not match the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 stored in the ROM of the setting control board side authentication control unit 405. In this case, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 illustrated the mode of transmitting the authentication ID request command to the common control unit 201a without setting the setting control unit authenticated flag. There is no limitation, and the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 specified from the authentication ID command does not match the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 stored in the ROM of the setting control board side authentication control unit 405. In this case, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 may execute an error notification indicating that the setting control unit 401 is not a genuine product.

When the common control unit 201a receives the authentication ID request command from the setting control board side authentication control unit 405,
An authentication ID command that can specify the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a is transmitted to the setting control board side authentication control unit 405. Further, the common control unit 201 a transmits an authentication ID request command for requesting the main control unit 41 to transmit the authentication ID of the main control unit 41. Then, the common control unit 201a determines whether an authentication ID command is received from the main control unit 41. If the authentication ID command has not been received from the main control unit 41, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the authentication ID command has been received from the main control unit 41, and the authentication ID command is received from the main control unit 41. It will be in a waiting state.

  When receiving the authentication ID from the common control unit 201a, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 specifies the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a indicated by the authentication ID command. Then, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 compares the specified authentication ID with the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the setting control board side authentication control unit 405. It is determined whether the business IDs match, that is, whether the specified authentication ID is a regular authentication ID. If the two authentication IDs match, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 sets a common control unit authenticated flag indicating that the common control unit 201a has authenticated as a genuine product. If the two authentication IDs do not match, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 does not set the common control unit authenticated flag.

  In this embodiment, the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a specified from the authentication ID command does not match the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the setting control board side authentication control unit 405. In this case, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 exemplifies a mode in which the common control unit authenticated flag is not set. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the common control unit specified from the authentication ID command is used. If the authentication ID of 201a does not match the authentication ID of the common control unit 2011 stored in the ROM of the setting control board side authentication control unit 405, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 determines that the common control unit 201a An error notification indicating that is not a genuine product may be executed.

  On the other hand, when receiving the authentication ID request command from the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41 can specify the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM 41b of the main control unit 41. Is transmitted to the common control unit 201a.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the authentication ID command from the main control unit 41, the common control unit 201a specifies the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 indicated by the authentication ID command. Then, the common control unit 201a compares the identified authentication ID with the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a, and determines whether or not these two authentication IDs match. That is, it is determined whether or not the specified authentication ID is a regular authentication ID. If both authentication IDs match, the common control unit 201a transmits a main control unit authenticated command indicating that the main control unit 41 has been authenticated as a genuine product to the setting control board side authentication control unit 405. To do. If the authentication IDs do not match, the common control unit 201a does not transmit the main control unit authenticated command to the setting control board side authentication control unit 405.

  In this embodiment, if the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 specified from the authentication ID command does not match the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a, the common ID Although the control part 201a illustrated the form which does not set the main control part authenticated flag, this invention is not limited to this, ID for authentication of the main control part 41 identified from the authentication ID command, and common control When the authentication IDs of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM of the unit 201a do not match, the common control unit 201a may perform error notification indicating that the main control unit 41 is not a genuine product.

  Then, the common control unit 201a determines whether or not a lending unit side authentication permission command to be described later is received from the setting control unit 401. When the lending unit side authentication permission command has not been received from the setting control unit 401, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the lending unit side authentication permission command has been received from the setting control unit 401, and the lending unit from the setting control unit 401 is determined. It will be in the reception waiting state of the side authentication permission command.

  When receiving the main control unit authenticated command from the common control unit 201a, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 sets a main control unit authenticated flag indicating that the main control unit 41 has been authenticated as a genuine product.

  In the present embodiment, when the common control unit 201a authenticates the main control unit 41 as a genuine product, the main control unit authenticated command is transmitted to the setting control board side authentication control unit 405, and the common control unit When 201a does not authenticate the main control unit 41 as a genuine product, the command is not transmitted to the setting control board side authentication control unit 405. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the common control unit 201a does not authenticate the main control unit 41 as an authorized product, the main control unit non-authenticated indicates that the main control unit 41 has not authenticated as an authorized product. The command may be transmitted to the setting control board side authentication control unit 405. Further, when the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 receives either the main control unit authenticated command or the main control unit non-authenticated command, the received command is the main control unit authenticated command and the main control unit non-authenticated. It is only necessary to determine which command is the authentication command and set the main control unit authenticated flag only when the received command is the main control unit authenticated command.

  Then, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 determines whether all of the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag are set. When all of the setting control unit authenticated flag, common control unit authenticated flag, and main control unit authenticated flag are set, all of the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are set. Is sent as a setting change permission command for notifying the setting control unit 401 of permission to change the setting value of the slot machine 1 (change of the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a). To do. If at least one of the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag is not set, the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are set. Is not authenticated as a regular product, a setting change prohibition command for notifying the setting control unit 401 of prohibition of changing the setting value of the slot machine 1 is transmitted.

  In the present embodiment, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 determines that the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are all authenticated as genuine products. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 includes the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41. If all of the above are authenticated as regular products, it may be further determined whether or not the lending control unit is authenticated as a regular product. When the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 further determines whether or not the lending control unit is authenticated as a regular product, if the lending control unit is authenticated as a regular product, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 A setting change permission command may be transmitted.

  In this embodiment, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 determines whether all of the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag are set. For this purpose, an example is shown in which these flags are set in the order of a setting control unit authenticated flag, a common control unit authenticated flag, and a main control unit authenticated flag, but these setting control unit authenticated flag and common control unit authentication The order in which the completion flag and the main control unit authenticated flag are set may be arbitrary. That is, the order in which the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated may be arbitrary.

  When the setting control unit 401 receives a setting change permission command or a setting change prohibition command from the setting control board side authentication control unit 405, the setting control unit 401 determines whether or not the received command is a setting change permission command. If the received command is a setting change permission command, it is further determined whether or not the setting key switch 403 is on. When the setting key switch 403 is on, the setting control unit 401 executes a setting change process for changing the setting value of the slot machine 1 (the setting value is updated and stored in the EEPROM 401a). When the setting key switch 403 is off, the setting control unit 401 authenticates the common control unit 201a to the common control unit 201a that the common control unit 201a is a genuine product by the lending unit 300 (the lending unit side authentication control unit 317). A lending unit side authentication permission command indicating that permission is permitted is transmitted.

  If the received command is a setting change prohibition command, the setting change process is not executed and the lending unit side authentication permission command is not transmitted to the common control unit 201a. That is, in the present embodiment, the setting value cannot be changed unless the three control units of the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 have been authenticated.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the setting control unit 401 determines the channel for transmitting the setting value designation command from the setting control unit 401 to the common control unit 201a is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the common control unit 201a determines a channel for transmitting the setting value designation command from the setting control unit 401 to the common control unit 201a, and transmits the channel together with the authentication request command to the setting control unit 401. The setting control unit 401 may only store the channel for transmitting the setting value designation command from the setting control unit 401 to the common control unit 201a.

  When the common control unit 201a determines that the lending unit side authentication permission command is received from the setting control unit 401, the lending unit 300 (lending unit side authentication control unit 317) sets the common control unit 201a as a genuine product. The lending unit side authentication permission flag indicating that the authentication is permitted is set, and the authentication request processing is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the setting control unit 401 and the common control unit 201a are authenticated by the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 as authentic, and the main control unit 41 is registered by the common control unit 201a. In other words, the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated by a plurality of authentication processing means. Therefore, for example, when a fraud such as replacing any of the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 with an unauthorized product is performed, the unauthorized person who performs the fraud is the setting control board side authentication control unit. Since it is necessary to take measures against the fact that the non-genuine product is not authenticated for both 405 and the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit are performed by a single authentication processing unit. The security of the slot machine 1 is higher than when authenticating 41 as a genuine product.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the setting change process illustrated in FIG. In the setting change process, the setting control unit 401 first checks the state of the setting key switch 403 and determines whether or not the setting key switch 403 is on (St1). When the setting key switch 403 is off (St1; N), that is, when the game can be progressed, the setting change process is terminated, and when the setting key switch 403 is on (St1; Y), That is, when the setting confirmation state is set, the setting value is read from the EEPROM 401a (St2). Then, the setting value display 402 starts displaying the read setting value, and determines whether or not the setting switch 404 is operated (St4).

  When the setting switch 404 is operated (St4; Y), the setting value displayed on the setting value display 402 is updated and displayed, and the process proceeds to St6 (St5). Specifically, the value displayed on the setting value display 402 is incremented and updated one by one, and the setting switch 404 is operated when “6” is displayed on the setting value display 402. The display of “6” may be updated to “1”. If the setting switch 404 is not operated (St4; N), the process proceeds to St6 without executing the process of St5.

  In St6, the setting control unit 401 determines whether the start switch 7 is operated. Whether or not the start switch 7 is operated is determined by, for example, the setting control unit 401 issuing a start switch operation command that can specify that the start switch 7 has been operated via the common control unit 201a. What is necessary is just to determine whether it received from 41. When the start switch 7 is operated (St6; Y), the process proceeds to St7, and when the start switch 7 is not operated (St6; N), the process proceeds to St4.

  In St7, the setting control unit 401 determines whether or not a non-business flag to be described later is set. Note that the non-business flag is a flag indicating that the game hall is out of business hours. If the non-business flag is set (St7; Y), the process proceeds to St8, and if the non-business flag is not set (St7; N), the setting change process is terminated.

  In St8, the setting control unit 401 identifies the setting value displayed on the setting value display 402. Then, the specified setting value is updated and stored in the EEPROM, and the setting change process is terminated (St9). That is, the operation of the start switch 7 in the setting confirmation state is an operation for determining the set value. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, even when the setting control unit 401 receives a setting change permission command from the setting control board side authentication control unit 405, Otherwise, it is impossible to change the set value. In other words, “processing for setting one of the setting states” in the present embodiment means that the setting control unit 401 determines whether the setting key switch is on in the setting change processing (St1), or from the EEPROM 401a. Processing for displaying the read setting value on the setting value display 402 (St2 or St3), processing for updating the setting value displayed on the setting value display 402 by operating the setting switch 404 (St4 or St5), start switch (St6), whether to be non-business (St7), and updating the setting value displayed on the setting value display 402 in the EEPROM 401a ( St8 or St9).

  Next, the common control unit timer interrupt process executed by the common control unit 201a of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the common control unit timer interrupt process according to this embodiment. In the common control unit timer interrupt process of the present embodiment, the common control unit 201a first detects whether or not a voltage drop signal is output from the power interruption detection circuit 201c (whether or not it is turned on). The detection process is executed (Sk40). In the power-off detection process, when the common control unit 201a detects that the voltage drop signal has been output, the data stored as the backup data among the data stored in the RAM, specifically, the game The number of balls and the number of unfinished inputs are stored in the RAM backup area with parity data added, the checksum is saved, and the backup flag is updated to a predetermined value (eg, “1”). Execute processing when supply is stopped.

  When the voltage drop signal is not output, the power interruption detection process is terminated without executing the power supply stop process.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a signal is input from the reset switch 23, the counting switch 60, and the closing switch 62 via the switch detection circuit 201e, and when it is determined that each switch is operated, A flag indicating that each switch has been operated is set so that it is possible to specify whether or not each switch has been operated in each process (switch process: Sk41).

  Next, the common control unit 201a performs a game ball display control process (Sk42) for displaying the number of game balls stored in the RAM on the game ball number display 202, and from the lending control unit 301 and the main control unit 41. A command analysis process (Sk44) for analyzing the received command, and a command transmission process (Sk45) for transmitting the command to the lending control unit 301, the main control unit 41, the setting control unit 401, and the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 Execute.

  Then, the common control unit 201a adds a game ball addition process 1 (Sk46) for adding the number of game balls converted from the remaining amount of the inserted money to the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 202, And a game ball addition process 2 (Sk47) for adding the number of game balls converted from the stored balls to the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 202.

  Note that these game ball addition processing 1 and game ball addition processing 2 are performed when there is no reception of a lending request command or a payout request command from the lending unit 300, or there is no reception of a granted game ball number command from the main control unit 41. In case it is terminated.

  Next, the common control unit 201a executes a game ball insertion process (Sk48) and a business hours determination process (Sk49) for determining whether or not the game hall is in business hours and ends the timer interrupt process.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing business hours determination processing in the common control unit 201a and the setting control unit 401. As shown in FIG. 12, in the business hours determination process, the common control unit 201a determines whether or not a business end designation command from the lending control unit 301 has been received. When a business end designation command is received from the lending control unit 301, a non-business command is transmitted to the setting control unit 401. Note that when the business end designation command is not received from the lending control unit 301, the non-business command is not transmitted. When the setting control unit 401 receives a non-business command from the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401 sets a non-business flag.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the slot machine 1 is turned on, it is determined whether or not the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are genuine products. When the unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are genuine products, they are authenticated as genuine products. Then, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 executes setting change processing for changing the setting value by determining that the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated as genuine products. Is done.

  Furthermore, in the setting change process, the setting value cannot be changed unless after the game shop is closed. Therefore, in order to change the setting value, the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main It is necessary that the control unit 41 is authenticated as a regular product and after the amusement store is closed.

  Next, the authentication device side authentication control unit allocation executed by the lending control unit 301 and the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 provided in the lending unit 300 and the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 provided in the authentication device 800 is performed. The process will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an authentication device side authentication control unit interrupt process in the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 provided in the authentication device 800 and the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 provided in the lending unit 300. is there. The authentication apparatus side authentication control unit interrupt process is an interrupt process executed after the initial setting of the authentication apparatus 800 is completed by turning on the authentication apparatus 800.

  In the authentication device-side authentication control unit interrupt process, the authentication device-side authentication control unit 801 first indicates that the processing for authenticating the loan control unit 301 as a genuine product has already been completed. It is determined whether the processing completion flag is set. If the lending control unit authentication process completion flag is set, the authentication device side authentication control unit interrupt process is terminated. If the production control unit authentication process completion flag is not set, the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 requests the lending control unit 301 of the lending unit 300 to transmit the authentication ID of the lending control unit 301. The authentication ID request command is transmitted to determine whether the authentication ID request command has been transmitted normally. When the authentication ID request command is normally transmitted, it is determined whether or not the authentication ID command is received from the lending control unit 301. If the authentication ID command has not been received from the lending control unit 301, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the authentication ID command has been received from the lending control unit 301, and the authentication ID command is received from the lending control unit 301. It will be in a waiting state.

  Upon receiving the authentication ID request command from the authentication device side authentication control unit 801, the lending control unit 301 can identify the authentication ID of the lending control unit 301 stored in the ROM of the lending control unit 301. The command is transmitted to the authentication device side authentication control unit 801.

  When the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 receives the authentication ID command from the lending control unit 301, the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 uses the identified authentication ID and the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 for authentication of the lending control unit 301 stored in the ROM. The IDs are compared, and it is determined whether or not these two authentication IDs match, that is, whether or not the specified authentication ID is a regular authentication ID. If the two authentication IDs match, the authentication apparatus side authentication control unit 801 provides a lending control unit authenticated command indicating that the lending control unit 301 has authenticated as a genuine product to the lending unit 300. It transmits to the unit side authentication control part 317, and sets a rental control part authentication process completion flag. If the authentication IDs do not match, the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 does not transmit the lending control unit authenticated command to the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 provided in the lending unit 300. A lending control unit authentication processing end flag is set.

  In the present embodiment, the authentication ID of the lending control unit 301 specified from the authentication ID command and the authentication ID of the lending control unit 301 stored in the ROM of the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 did not match. In this case, the authentication apparatus-side authentication control unit 801 illustrated a mode in which the lending control unit authenticated command is not transmitted to the lending unit-side authentication control unit 317 provided in the lending unit 300, but the present invention is limited to this. If the authentication ID of the lending control unit 301 specified from the authentication ID command and the authentication ID of the lending control unit 301 stored in the ROM of the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 do not match, authentication is performed. The apparatus-side authentication control unit 801 may perform error notification indicating that the lending control unit 301 is not a genuine product.

  When the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 provided in the lending unit 300 receives the lending control unit authenticated command from the authentication device side authentication control unit 801, the lending control unit 301 is authenticated as a genuine product. The lending control unit authenticated flag indicating this is set.

  Next, the lending unit side authentication control unit main process executed by the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 provided in the lending unit 300 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a main process of the lending unit side authentication control unit.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when power is supplied to the lending unit 300 and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 ( Specifically, the CPU provided in the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 performs a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, and then performs the lending unit side authentication control unit main process. Start.

  At the start of the lending unit side authentication control unit main process, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 first performs necessary initial settings. Specifically, in the initial setting process, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 first sets the interruption prohibition (Su1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 which is an interrupt mode for maskable interrupts (Su2), the stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer, and various built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) The internal device register is set (initialized) in order to be able to use (Su3). Then, the RAM is set to an accessible state and waits (Su4).

  Next, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 determines whether or not the lending control unit authenticated flag is set (Su5). If the lending control unit authenticated flag is not set, it is determined again whether the lending control unit authenticated flag is set, and the lending control unit authenticated flag is set waiting. When the lending control unit authenticated flag is set, the connection confirmation process with the common unit 200 is executed (Su6) to confirm that the common unit 200 is connected to the lending unit 300 (Su7). . Specifically, a connection confirmation request is transmitted to the common control unit 201a of the common unit 200, and the connection confirmation and the state in which the common unit 200 is operating depending on whether a response to the connection confirmation request is returned. Make sure that

  Then, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 performs, for example, a lending unit such as adding parity data as a data protection process for the backup area set in the RAM of the lending control unit 301 when power supply to the lending unit 300 is stopped. It is determined whether or not the power supply stop process has been performed (Su8).

  When such a lending unit power supply stop process is not performed, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 executes the initialization process of Su12 to Su13. Whether or not the lending unit power supply stop process is being performed is determined, for example, by whether or not the backup flag set in the RAM backup area in the lending unit power supply stop process is a predetermined value. it can.

  When the lending unit power supply stop process is performed, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 performs data check of the RAM backup area (Su9). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in Su9, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the lending unit power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, the initialization process (Su12 to Su13) executed when the power is turned on, not when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 restores the data with the backup data (Su10), and sends a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command when the power supply is restored to the common unit 200 (common control unit). 201a), notifies the lending unit 300 (lending control unit 301) that the power has been recovered from the power failure (Su11), and executes the processing after Su14.

  In the initialization process, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 first performs a RAM clear process (Su12), and sets each initial value (Su13). Then, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 sets a CTC register built in the lending control unit 301 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (Su14). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms. Then, the interrupt permission state is set (Su15).

  Next, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 determines whether or not the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1 (Su16). If the value of the timer interrupt flag is not 1, it is determined again whether the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1 (Su16). If the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1, that is, if a timer interrupt occurs, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 clears the timer interrupt flag (Su17), and the authentication request shown in FIG. A waiting process (Su18) is executed. After executing the authentication request wait process, it is determined again whether the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1 (Su16).

  Next, an authentication request waiting process executed by the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 provided in the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41, and the lending unit 300 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing authentication request wait processing.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the authentication request waiting process, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 first determines whether or not an authentication ID command reception waiting timer to be described later is set. When the authentication ID command reception waiting timer is not set, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 transmits an authentication ID command that can specify the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a to the common control unit 201a. An authentication ID request command is sent to request that Then, an authentication ID command reception waiting timer corresponding to a period for receiving the authentication ID command from the common control unit 201a is set, and the authentication request waiting process is ended.

  On the other hand, when the authentication ID command reception waiting timer is set, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 determines whether or not the authentication ID command is received from the common control unit 201a. When the authentication ID command is not received from the common control unit 201a, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 determines whether or not the authentication ID command reception waiting timer has timed out. If the authentication request waiting timer has not expired, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 sets the authentication ID command reception waiting timer to -1, and ends the authentication request waiting process. If the authentication request wait timer has expired, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 clears the authentication ID command reception wait timer and ends the authentication request wait process.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the authentication ID request command from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, the common control unit 201a determines whether or not the lending unit side authentication permission flag is set. When the lending unit side authentication permission flag is set, the common control unit 201a sends an authentication ID command that can specify the ID stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a as an authentication ID to the lending control unit 301. Send. If the lending unit-side authentication permission flag is not set, the common control unit 201a issues an authentication ID command that can specify an ID stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a as an authentication ID. Do not send to. That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the setting change process is executed when the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated as genuine products. Thereafter, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 of the lending unit 300 authenticates that the common control unit 201a is a genuine product.

  Upon receiving the authentication ID command from the common control unit 201a (when the authentication ID command is received), the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 specifies the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a indicated by the authentication ID command To do. Then, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 compares the identified authentication ID with the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, and both these authentication IDs Are matched, that is, whether or not the specified authentication ID is a regular authentication ID. If both authentication IDs match, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 indicates that the common control unit 201a authenticates that it is a genuine product, and starts a game indicating that the slot machine 1 is allowed to start a game. The permission command is transmitted to the common control unit 201a. If the authentication IDs do not match, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 does not transmit a game start permission command. That is, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a game is started unless the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 provided in the lending unit 300 authenticates that the common control unit 201a of the slot machine 1 is a genuine product. I can't do that.

  In this embodiment, the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a specified from the authentication ID command does not match the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the lending unit side authentication control unit 317. In this case, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 has exemplified the form in which the game start permission command is not transmitted to the common control unit 201a, but the present invention is not limited to this and is specified from the authentication ID command. If the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a and the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 do not match, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 An error notification indicating that 201a is not a regular product may be executed.

  When the common control unit 201 a receives a game start permission command from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, the common control unit 201 a transmits the game start permission command to the main control unit 41. And the main control part 41 will transmit the setting value request | requirement command which requests | requires a setting value to the setting control part 401 with respect to the common control part 201a, if the game start permission command is received from the common control part 201a.

  When the common control unit 201 a receives the setting value request command from the main control unit 41, the common control unit 201 a transmits the setting value request command to the setting control unit 401. When the setting control unit 401 receives the setting value request command from the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401 reads the setting value from the EEPROM 401a and sends the setting value designation command corresponding to the read setting value to the ROM of the setting control unit 401. Encrypt using the stored encryption key. Note that the same encryption key used for encrypting the set value designation command is stored in the ROM 41 b of the main control unit 41. That is, the setting control unit 401 encrypts the setting value designation command using a key common to the main control unit 41. As described above, in the present embodiment, the common key cryptosystem using a common key is used in the setting control unit 401 and the main control unit 41, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting control is performed. A public key cryptosystem that uses different keys for the unit 401 and the main control unit 41 may be used. Further, in the present embodiment, the algorithm for encrypting the set value specifying command is a block cipher that encrypts data for each block of data of a predetermined size (for example, 8 bytes) including the set value specifying command, Either a stream cipher that generates a key stream string and calculates the key stream string and a set value designation command may be used, or a combination of these block ciphers and stream ciphers may be used.

  Then, the setting control unit 401 transmits the encrypted setting value designation command to the common control unit 201a through the channel (see FIG. 9) stored when the slot machine 1 is turned on. In addition, the setting control unit 401 transmits dummy information (dummy command) of the set value designation command encrypted to the common control unit 201a through a channel other than the channel stored when the slot machine 1 is turned on. That is, the setting control unit 401 transmits a setting value designation command encrypted in the channel designated by the second channel designation command to the common control unit 201a, and also designates the second channel designation to the common control unit 201a. Send dummy information (dummy command) on channels not specified by the command.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, when the encrypted setting value designation command is transmitted from the setting control unit 401 to the common control unit 201a, any one of the three channels CH1 to CH3 is used. A set value designation command is transmitted, and false information of the set value designation command encrypted in the remaining two channels is transmitted. For this reason, it is difficult to specify which information is the encrypted set value designation command among the information transmitted through the three channels. Furthermore, in this embodiment, every time the slot machine 1 is turned on, the channel for transmitting the set value designation command encrypted from the setting control unit 401 to the common control unit 201a is determined. Therefore, it is difficult to specify in which channel the encrypted setting value designation command is transmitted.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the encrypted setting value specifying command and the dummy information of the encrypted setting value specifying command from the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a receives the setting value specifying command stored when the slot machine 1 is turned on. Based on (see FIG. 9), the encrypted setting value designation command is specified from the encrypted setting value designation command and the dummy information of the encrypted setting value designation command. Then, the encrypted setting value designation command is transmitted to the main control unit 41.

  When the main control unit 41 receives the encrypted setting value designation command, the main control unit 41 uses the encryption key stored in the ROM 41b to decrypt the setting value designation command and specify the setting value. Then, the specified set value is stored in the RAM 41c.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 16, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the power is turned on, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 mounted on the setting control board 400 performs common control with the setting control unit 401. Authentication that the unit 201a is a genuine product and authentication that the main control unit 41 is a regular product are performed by the common control unit 201a. When the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated as genuine products, the setting values stored in the EEPROM 401a of the setting control unit 401 after the game hall is closed are stored. It is possible to change.

  Further, when the lending unit 300 is connected to the slot machine 1, the lending unit 300 is provided after performing the authentication that the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are genuine. When the common control unit 201a is authenticated by the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, the main control unit 41 requests a setting value from the setting control unit 401 via the common control unit 201a. Thus, the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a of the setting control unit 401 is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41. In other words, when the set value is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41, the winning according to the set value in the lottery that affects the player's advantage such as internal lottery, navigation stock lottery, and extra lottery in the main control unit 41. Probability is determined. That is, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment can only change (update) the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a of the setting control unit 401 when not connected to the lending unit 300, and the changed setting. Since the value is not stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41, the main control unit 41 cannot execute the lottery that affects the player's advantage such as internal lottery, navigation stock lottery, and extra lottery.

  In other words, the “security regarding the setting state” in the present embodiment is to prevent the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a or the setting value stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 from being illegally changed. Indicates what can be done. Furthermore, in “security regarding setting state” in the present embodiment, when a setting value designation command is transmitted from the setting control unit 401 to the main control unit 41, the setting value is illegally read from the setting value designation command. It also includes the ability to prevent this.

  Further, in the authentication request waiting process in the present embodiment, after the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 transmits an authentication ID request command to the common control unit 201a, an authentication ID command reception waiting timer is set, and the timer Even when the lending unit 300 is powered on earlier than the slot machine 1 by transmitting the authentication ID request command to the common control unit 201a every time the timer expires, It is possible to wait until an authentication ID command is received from the control unit 201a.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the authentication ID request command, the common control unit 201a does not have the lending unit side authentication permission flag set, that is, the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 201a. Since the common control unit 201a transmits an authentication ID command to the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 only when the control unit 41 is authenticated as a genuine product and the setting change process is not being executed, The authentication of the common control unit 201a by the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 during the state where any of the control unit 401, the common control unit 201a and the main control unit 41 is not authenticated as a genuine product or during the setting change process The setting value is not stored in the RAM 41c.

  In this embodiment, if the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated as genuine products and the setting change process is not executed, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 is common. The control unit 201a is not authenticated as a genuine product and the setting value is not stored in the RAM 41c. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main unit are not limited to this. Even if the control unit 41 is authenticated as a genuine product and the setting change process is not executed, if the setting value is not stored in the RAM 41c, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 authenticates the common control unit 201a. You may authenticate that it is a product.

  After the processing shown in FIGS. 8 to 15 is finished, as shown in FIG. 17, the lending control unit 301 first determines whether or not a card has been inserted into the card insertion slot 305 a of the lending unit 300, In this monitoring state, it is sequentially determined whether or not a bill has been inserted, whether or not the holding ball / storing ball payout switch 310 has been operated, and whether or not the return switch 304 has been operated.

  If insertion of a card is detected in this state, the card ID, member ID (member card only), etc. recorded on the inserted card are read by the card reader / writer 305, and the read card ID is used as card management. A card authentication process is performed to authenticate whether the card is a legitimate card depending on whether it is registered in the computer (card management server). If it is determined that the card is not a legitimate card in the card authentication process, the inserted card is ejected and the monitoring state is returned to, although not shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the card authentication process determines that the card is a legitimate card, the card management computer (card management server) uses the card balance (prepaid balance) stored in association with the card ID as the card management computer (card The remaining amount is acquired from the management server and set to the remaining amount, and the remaining amount setting process for displaying the set remaining amount on the remaining amount display 302 is performed. In this embodiment, the remaining amount is acquired from the card management computer (card management server). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the card remaining amount (prepaid remaining amount) is recorded on the card. In the case where it has been recorded, after the card balance (prepaid balance) recorded on these cards is authenticated, the authenticated card balance (prepaid balance) is set as the balance and displayed on the balance indicator 302. Also good.

  Then, the number of held balls / the number of stored balls is set for setting the number of balls and the number of stored balls owned by the player who possesses the inserted card. Specifically, in the number-of-balls-and-ball-number setting process, the card ID and the member ID read by the card reader / writer 305 from the inserted card are transmitted to the ball-ball management computer that manages the number of balls and the number of balls, The number of possessed balls and the number of stored balls that are stored in association with the card ID and member ID in the storage management computer are acquired, set to the number of retained balls and the number of stored balls, and displayed on the number of stored balls / stored ball number display 311. .

  Note that the number of possessed balls is the number of balls acquired by the player who owns the card on that day, regardless of whether the player is a member or a non-member (that is, the card is a visitor) Regardless of whether it is a card or a membership card, this is the number of balls managed in the storage management computer in association with the card ID and can be paid out (refunded) only on that day. Therefore, if a non-member player who has a visitor card does not pay out (refund) the number of balls on that day, the number of balls is invalidated (erased). On the other hand, if the member player who owns the membership card does not pay out (refund) the number of balls on that day, the number of balls is automatically added to the stored ball. Thus, when paying out (refunding) the stored ball when it becomes a stored ball, a predetermined fee is required, but no fee is charged for paying out (refunding) the number of balls. Therefore, when the player is a member and owns both the number of possessed balls and the number of accumulated balls, paying out (refunding) the number of possessed balls that does not charge a fee, and the number of possessed balls is lost Alternatively, payout (refund) from the number of stored balls is executed only when there is no number of balls. In the present embodiment, the payout (refund) from the number of possessed balls or the number of stored balls means that a part of the number of retained balls or the number of stored balls is used for conversion of the number of game balls.

  Therefore, in the number-of-balls-and-ball-number setting process of the present embodiment, the number of balls is prioritized and the number of balls is set when the number of balls does not exist, and the number of balls-and-balls indicator 311 is set. To be. In the present embodiment, the display color of the displayed number of balls is displayed on the number of held balls / stored ball number display 311 by changing the display color between the number of balls and the number of balls. The player can grasp whether the number of balls being played is the number of balls he has or the number of balls he holds.

  Moreover, in the monitoring state mentioned above, when insertion of the banknote from the banknote insertion port 306a is detected, a remaining amount addition process is performed. In this remaining amount addition process, first, the inserted banknote is identified by the banknote identification unit 306, and the amount to be inserted is specified. Then, the specified input amount is added to the remaining amount displayed on the remaining amount indicator 302 at that time, and the processing is terminated. Therefore, even when a card is not inserted and there is no remaining amount, a bill can be inserted through the bill insertion slot 306a to increase the remaining amount, and even when a card is inserted and there is a remaining amount, bill insertion A bill can be inserted from the mouth 306a to increase the remaining amount.

  In addition, when the operation of the lending switch 303 is detected in the monitoring state described above, the remaining amount displayed on the remaining amount indicator 302 is “500 yen + consumption tax = 540”, which is a preset lending unit amount. It is determined whether the amount is “Yen” or more, and if it is not more than the lending unit amount, the monitoring state is returned to. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the remaining amount is less than the lending unit amount, the form in which the lending is not performed is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lending unit amount is satisfied. Even if there is no remaining amount, the remaining amount is a loan amount corresponding to one ball of pachinko ball P, for example, “4 yen + consumption tax = 4.32 yen” or “1 yen + consumption tax = 1.08” The maximum integer value within the range of the value divided by “yen” may be lent.

  If there is a remaining amount that is equal to or greater than the lending unit amount, subtract and update 540 yen as the lending unit amount from the remaining amount, and then lend 125 balls (the number of lending unit balls) that corresponds to the lending unit amount Is sent to the common control unit 201a.

  The common control unit 201a receives the lending request command from the lending control unit 301, and the common control unit uses 125 balls, which is a predetermined lending unit number lent out by one operation of the lending switch 303, as the number of lending balls. Set in the RAM of 201a and temporarily store it. After adding the number of balls lent to the number of game balls set in the RAM of the common control unit 201a, the number of balls lent is cleared, and a series of reception requests received The process ends.

  Further, in the above-described monitoring state, when the operation of the holding ball / storing ball payout switch 310 is detected, the number of holding balls displayed on the holding ball / storing ball number display 311 is preset. The number of payout units (125 balls) is equal to or greater than the number of payout units (125 balls). It is determined whether the fee is 10) or more. When there are no more balls or more balls than the number of payout units, the monitoring state is returned to. As described above, in the present embodiment, when there is no number of held balls or more than the number of payout units, a form in which payout (refund) is not performed is illustrated, but the present invention is limited to this. For example, even if there are no more balls or stored balls than the number of payout units, it is possible to pay out (refund) the number of held balls or the number of stored balls less than these payout units. It may be.

  If there are more balls or more balls than the number of payout units, a payout request command for requesting the payout (refund) of 125 balls, which is the payout unit number, from the existing number of held balls or stored balls It transmits with respect to the common control part 201a.

  The common control unit 201a receives the payout request command from the lending control unit 301, thereby paying out 125 balls, which is the number of payout units to be paid out (refunded) by operating the holding / storing ball payout switch 310 once. The number is set in the RAM of the common control unit 201a as a number, temporarily stored, the number of payout balls is added to the number of game balls set in the RAM of the common control unit 201a, the number of payout balls is cleared, and a payout request A series of processing related to command reception ends.

  Further, in the monitoring state described above, when an operation of the return switch 304 is detected, a return process is executed. Specifically, in the return processing of the present embodiment, whether or not the card is being accepted, and if the card is not being accepted, whether any of the remaining amount, the number of possessed balls, or the number of accumulated balls exists. Is determined.

  If neither the remaining amount, the number of possessed balls, or the number of stored balls is present, the return process is terminated by invalidating the operation of the return switch 304. On the other hand, when the card is being accepted, the remaining amount at that time and the card ID of the card being accepted are transmitted to the card management computer, and the remaining amount managed by the card management computer is updated. The number of possessed balls, the number of accumulated balls and the card ID of the card being accepted (in the case of a membership card, the member ID is also sent) to the accumulated ball management computer, and the number of retained balls managed by the accumulated ball management computer After updating the number of stored balls, the accepted card is ejected and returned, and the return process is terminated.

  As described above, by executing the processing of FIG. 17, when starting the game, the player inserts banknotes (cash) or a card into the lending unit 300 and the game ball number display 202 of the slot machine 1. The game ball can be in a state where the game ball exists.

  Then, in the state where game balls are present in these game ball number indicators 202, the credit conversion processing shown in FIG. 18 is executed by the common control unit 201a, so that these game balls are converted and added to the credits. Thus, the game can be executed using the added credit.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the credit conversion process according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the operation of the input switch 62 has been detected. If the operation of the input switch 62 has not been detected, the process ends. When the operation of the insertion switch 62 is detected, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls in the game ball number display 202 is equal to or more than 125 balls that is a preset number of insertion units. If it is not greater than the number of inserted units, the credit conversion process is terminated. As described above, in this embodiment, when there is no number of game balls equal to or greater than the number of inserted units, an example in which conversion to credit (injection of game balls) is not performed is illustrated. For example, even when there is no number of game balls greater than the number of inserted units, the number of game balls less than the number of inserted units may be converted into credits.

  When the number of game balls more than the number of throwing units is present, the throwing device 61 is operated, and 125 pachinko balls P that are the number of throwing units are actually counted in the throwing device 61. A game ball throwing process is performed to subtract and update 125, which is the calculated number, from the number of game balls in the game ball number display 202.

  Specifically, the common control unit 201a starts the operation of the throwing device 61, moves the detection sensor 66 to the right, and sequentially detects the pachinko balls P arranged in the left-right direction. In addition, when the common sensor 201a detects the pachinko ball P of “5 balls” corresponding to the credit number of “1” by the detection sensor 66, the common control unit 201a subtracts 5 balls from the number of game balls and The display content of the number of game balls displayed on the display unit 202 is updated. In addition, the common control unit 201 a transmits one input command to the main control unit 41 every time the detection sensor 66 detects “5 balls” pachinko balls P corresponding to the number of credits “1”. To do.

  The common control unit 201a determines whether or not the detection sensor 66 is at the rightmost terminal position every time a “five-ball” pachinko ball P is detected. Here, when the detection sensor 66 is in the terminal position, control is performed to move the detection sensor 66 to the left and return it to the leftmost initial position.

  Further, when the total number of detected pachinko balls P is not 125 balls (the number of inserted units), the common control unit 201a continues the detection operation by the detection sensor 66. On the other hand, when the total number of detected pachinko balls P reaches 125 balls (the number of inserted units), it is determined whether or not the detection sensor 66 is in the initial position. When the process is terminated and the initial position is not reached, the game ball throwing-in process is terminated after performing a control to move the detection sensor 66 leftward to return to the initial position.

  Each time the main control unit 41 receives an insertion command from the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41 adds “1”, which is the number of credits corresponding to the number of five game balls, to the credit. In this embodiment, instead of the stage where the counting of 125 balls is completed, every time the counting device 61 counts the pachinko balls P of “5 balls”, one insertion command is transmitted. “1”, which is the number of credits corresponding to “ball”, is sequentially added to the credits. Then, the main control unit 41 updates the number of credits displayed on the credit indicator 11. In this way, in a state where the credit number is displayed on the credit indicator 11, that is, in a state where there is a credit, it is possible to set a bet number and play a game.

  That is, the process relating to the game value in the present embodiment refers to a credit conversion process for changing the number of inserted pachinko balls P into credits. The processing related to the game value also includes processing (see FIG. 20) for adding a later credit amount to a game ball (pachinko ball P) and game ball settlement processing (see FIG. 21).

  Here, the BET process executed by the main control unit 41 will be described with reference to FIG. 19. In the BET process, it is determined whether or not the bet number has reached the specified number, and the bet number has reached the specified number. Ends the BET process. On the other hand, if the bet number has not reached the specified number, the bet number is added to the specified number within the range of the inserted number, the added amount is subtracted from the inserted number, and the display on the credit indicator 11 is subtracted. Update to the number of inputs. If it is determined that the bet number has not reached the specified number, the BET process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bet number has reached the specified number, the start switch 7 is validated and the BET process is terminated.

  Further, the main control unit 41 can set the bet number up to a specified number within the credit range in the BET process, and when setting the bet number using the medal number stored in the credit, The game is advanced without delaying the progress of the game by the delay control that waits until the delay time intentionally elapses as in the above-described medal insertion process.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the main control unit 41 starts the granting process when a game is played and a winning of a small role occurs, and the number of credits to be awarded according to the type of the winning small role ( The number of medals granted) is set in the RAM 41c. When the sum of the number of granted credits and the credit is equal to or less than the maximum number (50 in this embodiment) that can be stored in the credits, the number of granted credits is added to the credits, the granted credit number is cleared, and the grant process End. On the other hand, when the sum of the number of granted credits and the credit is larger than the maximum number of credits, the credit is added up to the upper limit, and the remaining number of granted credits (the number obtained by subtracting the number of credits added to the credits) Is set in the RAM 41c as the number of remaining credits. Then, a surplus credit number command capable of specifying the surplus credit number is transmitted to the common control unit 201a, the grant credit number and the surplus credit number are cleared, and the grant process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the common control unit 201a receives the surplus credit number command from the main control unit 41, and thereby the number of balls corresponding to the surplus credit number specified from the surplus credit number command (the credit number is “5”). Is set in the RAM as a game ball addition number and temporarily stored.

  Then, by operating the throwing device 61, the pachinko ball P having the set number of game balls added is actually counted by the throwing device 61, and the counted number of game balls added is played by the game ball number display 202. A game ball addition process for adding and updating the number of balls is performed.

  Specifically, the common control unit 201a starts the operation of the input device 61 and moves the detection sensor 66 to the rightmost end position. Then, the detection sensor 66 of the input device 61 is moved to the left, and the pachinko balls P arranged in the left-right direction are sequentially detected. In addition, whenever the common control part 201a detects the pachinko ball P with the detection sensor 66, while adding 1 to the number of game balls, the display of the game ball number display 202 is updated.

  The common control unit 201a determines whether or not the detection sensor 66 is at the leftmost initial position every time the pachinko ball P is detected. Here, when the detection sensor 66 is in the initial position, control is performed to move the detection sensor 66 to the right and return it to the end position.

  Moreover, the common control part 201a continues the detection operation by the detection sensor 66, when the total number of the detected pachinko balls P is not the set game ball addition number. On the other hand, when the total number of detected pachinko balls P reaches the set number of game balls, it is determined whether or not the detection sensor 66 is at the initial position. If it is not at the initial position, the control for moving the detection sensor 66 to the left and returning it to the initial position is performed, and then the game ball addition process is terminated.

  In this way, the number of credits (the number of medals) is awarded by winning the small role, so that the number of game balls corresponding to the number of credits exceeding the maximum number is the game of the game ball number display 202. It will be added to the number of balls. Therefore, when a player wins, such as when a small number of small roles wins in a short period of time, the number of game balls on the game ball number display 202 increases, and it is difficult for a player to win a small role without winning. When losing, the number of game balls in the game ball number display 202 decreases.

  Next, a clearing process for adding the number of credits to the number of game balls in the game ball number display 202 by the player's operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the settlement process, the main control unit 41 first determines whether or not an operation of the settlement switch 10 has been detected, as shown in FIG. If the operation of the settlement switch 10 is not detected, the settlement process is terminated. When the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected, it is determined whether or not the betting number is set. If the bet number is set, the bet number is set in the RAM 41c as the settlement medal number, and the bet number is subtracted to 0. On the other hand, if the bet number is not set, the credit number stored in the credit It is determined whether or not (the number of medals) is 0. If the number of credits stored in the credit (the number of medals) is 0, the settlement process is terminated. On the other hand, when the credit number (medal number) stored in the credit is not 0, the credit number (medal number) stored in the credit is set as the adjusted medal number in the RAM 41c, and the credit is decremented to 0 and updated. To do. Then, a settlement medal number command that can specify the settlement medal number is transmitted to the common control unit 201a, the settlement medal number is cleared, and the settlement process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the common control unit 201a receives the adjustment medal number command from the main control unit 41, and thereby the number of balls corresponding to the adjustment medal number specified based on the adjustment medal number command ( 5) is set in the RAM as the number of clearing game balls and temporarily stored.

  Then, by operating the throwing device 61, the pachinko balls P having the set number of clearing game balls are actually counted by the throwing device 61, and the counted clearing game balls are displayed on the game ball number display 202. The game ball clearing process is performed to add and update the number of balls.

  Specifically, the common control unit 201a starts the operation of the input device 61 and moves the detection sensor 66 to the rightmost end position. Then, the detection sensor 66 of the input device 61 is moved to the left, and the pachinko balls P arranged in the left-right direction are sequentially detected. In addition, whenever the common control part 201a detects the pachinko ball P with the detection sensor 66, while adding 1 to the number of game balls, the display of the game ball number display 202 is updated.

  The common control unit 201a determines whether or not the detection sensor 66 is at the leftmost initial position every time the pachinko ball P is detected. Here, when the detection sensor 66 is in the initial position, control is performed to move the detection sensor 66 to the right and return it to the end position.

  Moreover, the common control part 201a continues the detection operation by the detection sensor 66, when the total number of the detected pachinko balls P is not the set number of clearing game balls. On the other hand, when the total number of detected pachinko balls P has reached the set number of clearing game balls, it is determined whether or not the detection sensor 66 is in the initial position. If it is not at the initial position, the control for moving the detection sensor 66 to the left and returning it to the initial position is performed, and then the game ball clearing process is terminated.

  Thus, in the settlement process of the present embodiment, when the settlement switch 10 is operated, the main control unit 41 calculates the number of credits (the number of medals) stored in the credit or the number of medals set in the bet number. A settlement medal number command that can be specified as the number of settlement medals is transmitted to the common control unit 201a, and the common control unit 201a plays the number of settlement game balls corresponding to the number of settlement medals identified based on the settlement medal number command. By adding to the number of balls, the number of credits stored in the credit (the number of medals) or the number of medals set in the number of bets is converted into the number of game balls.

  Next, the flow of the game ball return process executed when the player operates the counting switch 60 when ending the game will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 22, in the game ball return process, the common control unit 201a first determines whether or not an operation of the counting switch 60 is detected. When the operation of the counting switch 60 is not detected, the game ball return process is terminated. On the other hand, when the operation of the counting switch 60 is detected, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 202 is “0”. If the number of game balls is “0”, the game ball return process is terminated. If the number of game balls is not “0”, the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 202 is set as the number of returned balls, and after updating the number of game balls to “0”, the number of game balls is set. An identifiable return ball number command is transmitted to the lending control unit 301, the number of returned medals is cleared, and the game ball return process is terminated.

  In this way, the lending control unit 301 that has received the return ball number command transmitted from the common control unit 201a specifies the number of returned balls from the received return ball number command, and uses the specified return ball number as the number of held balls. to add. Therefore, if the player already owns the number of balls in the game of the day, and the number of balls is displayed on the number-of-balls-and-storages indicator 311 of the lending unit 300, The number of returned balls is added to the displayed number of holding balls. Then, as described above, the player can operate the return switch 304 to eject or issue a card whose number of possessed balls can be specified.

  In the present embodiment, the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 202 is not added to the number of balls held in the lending unit 300 unless the counting switch 60 is operated. For example, when there is a game ball number when the return switch 304 is operated by the player, the number of game balls that exist is automatically added to the number of possessed balls. Thus, it may be possible to prevent forgetting to add the number of game balls to the number of possessed balls (forgetting to return).

  In this embodiment, either a game ball insertion process in which the number of game balls is inserted as a credit number, or a game ball addition process in which the credit number is added as a game ball number or a game ball clearing process is performed. However, the same throwing device 61 (ball counting device) is operated to count pachinko balls P, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of game balls is thrown as the number of credits. In some cases, the number of credits may be added as the number of game balls, and counting may be performed by operating different ball counting devices. Further, in addition to the first ball counting device used when performing the game ball addition process and the game ball clearing process, when the number of inserted credits exceeds the maximum credit number (50), the credits for the excess A second ball counting device for overflow (for return) that counts pachinko balls P when the number is automatically added as the number of game balls may be provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when any one of the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 is not authorized, the setting value change in the slot machine 1 is not permitted. Although the form is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and when any of the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 is not certified as a genuine product May notify the lending control unit 301 or the hall computer 700 that any one of the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 is not a genuine product.

  In the embodiment, when an encrypted setting value designation command is transmitted from the setting control unit 401 to the main control unit 41, a plurality of channels CH1 to CH3 are provided between the setting control unit 401 and the common control unit 201a. In this example, the setting value designation command encrypted in any one of the channels is transmitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41, In between, a setting value designation command encrypted in any one of the plurality of channels may be transmitted.

  Next, the MAXBET operation process as the first modification will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the control content of the MAXBET operation process in the common control unit and the main control unit in the first modification.

  In the above-described embodiment, the form in which the game balls are converted into credits by operating the insertion switch 62 is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the insertion switch 62 is not operated, but the MAXBET switch. In response to the operation of 6, the MAXBET operation process shown in FIG. 23 may be executed to automatically convert the insufficient credit amount from the game balls.

  That is, in the MAXBET operation process, as shown in FIG. 23, the main control unit 41 first determines whether or not the insertion prohibition timer is counting. When the charging prohibition timer is counting, the charging prohibition timer is updated by one subtraction, and it is determined whether or not the charging prohibition timer after the subtraction update is up (count is 0). When the insertion prohibition timer is not up, the MAXBET operation process is terminated.

  If the input prohibit timer is not counting, or if the input prohibit timer after the subtraction update is counting up (count is 0), it is determined whether or not the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected. If the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is not detected, the MAXBET operation process is terminated. On the other hand, when the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected, it is further determined whether or not the number of credits is equal to or greater than the maximum bet number “3”, that is, the maximum number of credits that can be set. It is determined whether or not exists.

  If the number of credits is “3” or more, the BET process shown in FIG. 19 described above is executed, and the MAXBET operation process is terminated. On the other hand, if the number of credits is not “3” or more, that is, if the number of credits is insufficient with respect to the setting of the number of bets, the insufficient credit number (medal number) is set as the requested inserted medal number. Then, after transmitting the requested inserted medal number command that can specify the requested inserted medal number to the common control unit 201a, the requested inserted medal number is cleared and waited.

  On the other hand, the common control unit 201a receives the request insertion medal number command from the main control unit 41, and specifies the requested insertion medal number from the received request insertion medal number command. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a number of game balls corresponding to the specified requested insertion medal number. When the number of game balls corresponding to the required number of inserted medals does not exist, a game ball shortage notification process for notifying that the game balls are insufficient is executed.

  On the other hand, if there is a game ball number corresponding to the required inserted medal number, the requested inserted medal number is set to the inserted medal number, and the number of balls corresponding to the inserted medal number (the inserted medal number is multiplied by 5). The number of pachinko balls P corresponding to the number of inserted medals is actually counted in the throwing device 61, and the number of balls corresponding to the counted number of inserted medals is determined. Then, a game ball insertion process for subtracting and updating the number of game balls on the game ball number display 202 is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 24, in the game ball insertion process, the common control unit 201a temporarily sets the number of balls corresponding to the number of inserted medals (a value obtained by multiplying the number of credits by “5”) in the RAM as the number of game balls inserted. Remember. Then, the common control unit 201a starts the operation of the input device 61, moves the detection sensor 66 to the right, and sequentially detects the pachinko balls P arranged in the left-right direction. Note that when the pachinko ball P is detected by the detection sensor 66, the common control unit 201a subtracts one ball from the number of game balls and updates the display content of the game ball number displayed on the game ball number display 202. To do.

  In addition, whenever the common control part 201a detects the pachinko ball P, it determines whether the detection sensor 66 exists in the rightmost terminal position. Here, when the detection sensor 66 is in the terminal position, control is performed to move the detection sensor 66 to the left and return it to the leftmost initial position.

  The common control unit 201a continues the detection operation by the detection sensor 66 when the total number of detected pachinko balls P is not equal to the number of game balls inserted. On the other hand, when the total number of detected pachinko balls P is equal to the number of game balls inserted, it is determined whether or not the detection sensor 66 is in the initial position. If it is not at the initial position, the game ball throwing-in process is terminated after the control to move the detection sensor 66 to the left and return it to the initial position.

  Returning to FIG. 23, the common control unit 201 a transmits an inserted medal number command that can specify the inserted medal number to the main control unit 41, and clears the inserted medal number.

  In addition, the main control unit 41 that has been waiting after transmitting the requested inserted medal number command identifies the inserted medal number based on the inserted medal number command by receiving the inserted medal number command. The number of medals is added to the number of medals stored in the credit, and the credit number displayed on the credit display 11 is updated. Then, a count value corresponding to the prohibition time (8.5 seconds in this embodiment) is set in the prohibition timer, and the MAXBET operation process is terminated.

  In this modified example, in the MAXBET operation process, a throw-in prohibition time (8.5 seconds in this embodiment) is provided, so the number of game balls that can be thrown in 9 seconds is 15 balls (3 credits). . That is, the number of game balls that can be thrown in one minute is 90 balls (18 credits). As described above, in this embodiment, the number of game balls is limited so that the number of game balls cannot be inserted at a speed exceeding 100 balls per minute (0.6 seconds for counting one ball). Even if the MAXBET operation process for converting from is performed, it is possible to prevent a large amount of game balls from being thrown in a short period of time and to suppress the shooting characteristics, and the player operates the start switch 7 during the throw-in prohibition time. Since the game can be performed, the game can be executed efficiently. In other words, in order to prevent an excessive increase in the shooting ability of the gaming machine due to a large amount of gaming balls being introduced in a short time, the counting speed of the balls is set to 100 balls per minute (0.6 seconds / Even if it is limited to 1 ball), when these are set to 0.6 seconds / 1 ball, the insertion prohibition time (8.5 seconds) is set to be the same as 9 seconds which is the time required for counting 15 balls. By providing the insertion prohibition time in this way, even if 15 balls (for 3 credits) are detected in a short time of 0.5 seconds, the above-described counting speed limit can be satisfied. It has become.

  In the modified example, the shortage of the credit amount is automatically converted from the game ball in response to the operation of the MAXBET switch 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the MAXBET switch 6 is not operated, the game balls may be automatically converted into credits when the number of credits falls below a predetermined lower limit number. For example, if the number of credits is greater than the predetermined lower limit of 10 credits, the insufficient credit number is automatically converted from the game ball in response to the operation of the MAXBET switch 6, and the credit number is If it is 10 credits or less, the game balls are automatically converted into credits. Here, by inserting “15 balls” of game balls corresponding to “3” credits at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 9 seconds), the shooting performance can be suppressed.

  Next, automatic credit processing as a second modification will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the control content of automatic credit processing in the common control unit and the main control unit in Modification 2.

  Further, as in the embodiment and the first modification, the game balls are not converted into credits by the player's operation. For example, when the main control unit 41 executes the automatic credit processing shown in FIG. 25, the player The game balls may be converted into credits regardless of the operation. However, in this case, the player may be able to switch (set) the execution / non-execution of the automatic credit process.

  That is, in the automatic credit process, as shown in FIG. 25, the main control unit 41 first subtracts the maximum small number payout number (15) and the supplementary unit number (25) from the maximum credit number (50). It is determined whether or not the replenishment determination number (10) or less.

  If the credit number is not less than or equal to the replenishment determination number (10), the automatic credit process is terminated. On the other hand, when the credit number is equal to or less than the replenishment determination number (10), a credit replenishment command is transmitted to the common control unit 201a.

  The common control unit 201a that has received this credit replenishment command determines whether or not the number of game balls in the game ball number display 202 is 125 or more corresponding to the number of replenishment units.

  If there are no more than 125 game balls, the credit replenishment flag is set and the automatic credit process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when there are 125 or more game balls, “25” corresponding to 125 balls is set as the number of inserted medals, and the insertion device 61 is operated to determine the number of balls corresponding to the number of inserted medals. A game ball throwing process in which the pachinko ball P is actually counted by the throwing device 61 and the number of balls (125 balls) corresponding to the counted number of thrown medals is subtracted and updated from the number of game balls in the game ball number display 202. I do. Note that the game ball insertion process in Modification 2 is the same as the game ball insertion process (see FIG. 24) in Modification 1 described above.

  Then, the inserted medal number command capable of specifying the inserted medal number is transmitted to the main control unit 41 to clear the inserted medal number.

  Further, the main control unit 41 that has been waiting after transmitting the credit replenishment command receives the inserted medal number command, specifies the number of inserted medals based on the inserted medal number command, and specifies the number of inserted medals. Is added to the number of medals stored in the credit, and the number of credits displayed on the credit display 11 is updated.

  When the number of game balls is increased to 125 or more after the lending process or the payout process in the lending unit 300 is executed, it is determined whether or not the credit replenishment flag is set as shown in FIG. When the credit replenishment flag is set, “25” corresponding to 125 balls is set as the number of inserted medals similarly to the case where the credit replenishment command is received, and the insertion device 61 is operated, The number of pachinko balls P corresponding to the number of inserted medals is actually counted by the throwing device 61, and the number of balls corresponding to the counted number of inserted medals (125 balls) is a game ball of the game ball number display 202. A game ball throwing process for subtracting and updating from the number is performed.

  Then, the inserted medal number command capable of specifying the inserted medal number is transmitted to the main control unit 41 to clear the inserted medal number.

  Further, the main control unit 41 that has been waiting after transmitting the credit replenishment command receives the inserted medal number command, specifies the number of inserted medals based on the inserted medal number command, and specifies the number of inserted medals. Is added to the number of medals stored in the credit, and the number of credits displayed on the credit display 11 is updated.

  Next, a charging device as Modification 3 will be described. FIG. 26A is a plan view showing a charging device 71 according to the third modification, FIG. 26B is a front view showing the charging device 71, and FIG. 26C shows the charging device 71. It is a side view. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the input device in the third modification.

  As shown in FIGS. 26 (A) and 26 (C), the charging device 71 according to the third modification has a cylindrical body 73 having a horizontally long cylindrical shape. The cylindrical body 73 includes a first accommodating portion 73a that accommodates five pachinko balls P (detected balls), a second accommodating portion 73b that accommodates ten pachinko balls P (detected balls), and 15 balls. And a third accommodating portion 73c that accommodates the pachinko sphere P (detected sphere). These three accommodating portions 73a, 73b, and 73c are provided with transparent windows that are provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 73 so that the pachinko balls P inside thereof can be visually recognized. The transparent window is fitted with a transparent plate member made of acrylic resin or the like, and encloses the pachinko balls P inside the accommodating portions 73a, 73b, 73c. Pachinko balls P are arranged in each of the accommodating portions 73a, 73b, 73c in a state of being arranged in a horizontal row.

  As shown in FIG. 26B, a decorative plate 74 is provided on the front side of the cylindrical body 73. The decorative plate 74 is provided with a transparent window 71a that makes the cylindrical body 73 visible from the front side. Further, on the decorative board 74, a ball number display portion 79 on which a number corresponding to each pachinko ball P is displayed is provided below the transparent window 71a. Further, a display unit LED 77 is provided corresponding to each of the ball number display units 79 (see FIG. 26C). The ball number display portion 79 can be turned on by the display portion LED 77. The ball number display portion 79 is lit corresponding to the accommodating portions 73a, 73b, 73c arranged in the transparent window 71a. For example, when the first accommodating portion 73a that accommodates five pachinko balls P (detected spheres) is arranged in the transparent window 71a, the ball number display portions 79 from No. 1 to No. 5 are turned on. When the second storage portion 73b for storing the ball pachinko ball P (detected ball) is arranged in the transparent window 71a, the ball number display portion 79 from No. 1 to No. 10 is turned on, and 15 pachinko balls When the 3rd accommodating part 73c which accommodates the ball | bowl P (detected ball | bowl) is arrange | positioned at the transparent window 71a, the ball number display part 79 from 1st to 15th is lighted. When none of the accommodating portions 73a, 73b, 73c is arranged in the transparent window 71a, all the ball number display portions 79 are turned off.

  In addition, on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 73, a character string “please insert” is displayed between the first housing portion 73a and the third housing portion 73c (see FIG. 27A), and the player Is provided with a first information display section 78a for notifying that a game ball needs to be inserted. Furthermore, a character string “Returning” is displayed between the second storage portion 73b and the third storage portion 73c (see FIG. 27E), and the game ball is being returned to the player. A second information display section 78b for informing this is provided. Thus, the predetermined information can be transmitted to the player by the first information display part 78a and the second information display part 78b.

  As shown in FIG. 26C, the cylindrical body 73 is connected to a drive motor 75 through a gear 76. The drive motor 75 is a stepping motor, and the common control unit 201a (see FIG. 3) controls the pulse signal input to the drive motor 75 to rotationally drive the cylindrical body 73, and further to an arbitrary position. You can stop at. That is, in the common control unit 201a, any one of the first storage unit 73a, the second storage unit 73b, the third storage unit 73c, the first information display unit 78a, and the second information display unit 78b is arranged in the transparent window 71a. The cylindrical body 73 can be stopped in the state.

  As shown in FIG. 27A, before the game ball is thrown in, when the cylindrical body 73 is arranged at the initial position, the first information display portion 78a (character string “please throw in”) is displayed. It is the state arrange | positioned at the transparent window 71a. In addition, when performing the game ball insertion process, first, the cylindrical body 73 at the initial position is rotated, and the first accommodating portion 73a is disposed on the transparent window 71a (see FIG. 27B). The ball number display sections 79 from No. 1 to No. 5 are lit. It should be noted that when the cylindrical body 73 is in the state in which the first accommodating portion 73a is disposed on the transparent window 71a from the initial position, the number of 1 corresponding to “5 balls” of pachinko balls P corresponding to the number of credits of “1”. The input command is transmitted to the main control unit 41.

  Furthermore, when throwing up to 10 game balls, the second housing portion 73b is placed in the transparent window 71a (see FIG. 27C), and balls 1 to 10 are placed. The number display section 79 is turned on. It should be noted that when the cylindrical body 73 is in the state in which the second accommodating portion 73b is disposed on the transparent window 71a from the initial position, the 1 corresponding to “5 balls” of the pachinko balls P corresponding to the credit number of “1”. The input command is transmitted to the main control unit 41.

  Furthermore, when throwing up to 15 game balls, the third housing portion 73c is placed on the transparent window 71a (see FIG. 27D), and balls 1 to 15 are placed. The number display section 79 is turned on. It should be noted that when the cylindrical body 73 is in the state in which the third housing portion 73c is disposed on the transparent window 71a from the initial position, 1 corresponding to “5 balls” of pachinko balls P corresponding to the credit number of “1”. The input command is transmitted to the main control unit 41.

  In the modified example 3, when the cylindrical body 73 is rotated from the initial position to the state where the third housing portion 73c is disposed on the transparent window 71a, the “15” pachinko balls P corresponding to the “3” credit number are obtained. It will be input. The cylindrical body 73 is stopped for a predetermined time in a state where the third housing portion 73c is disposed on the transparent window 71a, and then the spherical LED 67 is turned off and rotated to the initial position.

  When the game ball addition process or the game ball clearing process is performed, the cylindrical body 73 is in a state where the second information display part 78b (character string “returning”) is arranged on the transparent window 71a from the initial position. Rotate until. In this state, the player stops for a predetermined time, notifies the player that the credit is “returning”, and thereafter, a game ball adding process and a game ball clearing process are performed. When the game balls for 3 credits are returned, first, the third storage portion 73c is placed on the transparent window 71a (see FIG. 27D), and then the second storage portion 73b is transparent. It will be in the state arrange | positioned at the window 71a (refer FIG.27 (C)), and will be in the state which the 1st accommodating part 73a is arrange | positioned at the transparent window 71a (refer FIG.27 (B)). Furthermore, when there is a credit to be returned, the second information display part 78b is again placed in the transparent window 71a, and the rotation of the cylindrical body 73 is repeated. When the game ball adding process and the game ball clearing process are completed, the first information display part 78a (character string “Please insert”) is placed in the transparent window 71a, and the rotation of the cylindrical body 73 is stopped. .

  Note that when the game ball insertion process is performed, the cylindrical body 73 rotates clockwise in FIG. Further, when performing the game ball addition process and the game ball clearing process, the cylindrical body 73 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. In the game ball adding process and the game ball clearing process, the cylindrical body 73 is rotated in the opposite direction to the game ball throwing process, so that the player can play the game ball adding process and the game ball clearing depending on the rotation mode of the cylindrical body 73. Since it is clear that the process is being performed, it is possible to prevent the player from giving distrust.

  In the modified example, since a plurality of pachinko balls P fixedly enclosed in the respective accommodating portions 73a, 73b, 73c of the throwing device 71 are used for counting the number of game balls, the slot machine 1 and game islands are used. The pachinko balls P need not be circulated, and the internal structure of the slot machine 1 can be simplified.

  Next, a credit conversion process using the input device 71 in the third modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the credit conversion process according to the modified example 3 determines whether or not the operation of the input switch 62 is detected. If the operation of the input switch 62 is not detected, the process ends. When the operation of the insertion switch 62 is detected, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls in the game ball number display 202 is equal to or more than 125 balls that is a preset number of insertion units. If it is not greater than the number of inserted units, the credit conversion process is terminated.

  When there are more game balls than the number of throwing units, the throwing device 71 is operated, and 125 pachinko balls P, which is the number of throwing units, are actually counted in the throwing device 71 and the counting is performed. A game ball throwing process is performed to subtract and update 125, which is the calculated number, from the number of game balls in the game ball number display 202.

  Specifically, the common control unit 201 a starts the operation of the charging device 71 and rotates the cylindrical body 73. When the cylindrical body 73 rotates, the first housing portion 73a, the second housing portion 73b, and the third housing portion 73c are arranged in the front position of the cylindrical body 73 in this order. The players 73a, 73b, 73c disposed at the front position can be visually recognized by the player through the transparent window 71a. The common control unit 201a counts (detects) “5 balls” of pachinko balls P corresponding to the number of credits of “1” each time the storage units 73a, 73b, and 73c are arranged in front of the cylindrical body 73. As a result, 5 balls are subtracted from the number of game balls, and the display content of the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 202 is updated. In addition, the common control unit 201 a transmits one input command to the main control unit 41 every time it counts (detects) “five balls” pachinko balls P.

  In addition, when the total number of subtracted game balls is not 125 balls (the number of inserted units), the common control unit 201a rotates the cylindrical body 73 and continues to count (detect) pachinko balls P. To do. On the other hand, when the total number of game balls subtracted reaches 125 balls (the number of throwing units), the cylindrical body 73 is rotated and the first information display portion 78a (the character string “Please throw”) The rotation of the cylindrical body 73 is continued until the display unit) is arranged at the front position. And when the 1st information display part 78a is arrange | positioned in a front position, while stopping rotation of the cylindrical body 73, a game ball insertion process is complete | finished.

  In addition, in the said modification 3, although the form using the cylindrical body 73 is illustrated, this invention is not limited to this, A polygonal cylindrical body may be sufficient, in short, a player Any shape can be used as long as the portion can be switched (changed) by rotation or the like.

  Each time the main control unit 41 receives an insertion command from the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41 adds “1”, which is the number of credits corresponding to the number of five game balls, to the credit. Then, the main control unit 41 updates the number of credits displayed on the credit indicator 11. In this way, in a state where the credit number is displayed on the credit indicator 11, that is, in a state where there is a credit, it is possible to set a bet number and play a game.

  In this modification, the ball number display portion 79 is lit in the same color when the game ball insertion process is performed and when the game ball addition process and the game ball clearing process are performed. Further, the ball number display portion 79 may be lit in different colors when the game ball throwing process is performed and when the game ball adding process and the game ball clearing process are performed. For example, when the game ball throwing process is performed, the ball number display unit 79 is lit in red, and when the game ball addition process or the game ball clearing process is performed, the ball number display unit 79 is lit in green. May be.

  Moreover, in the said Example and each modification, although the form which provided the injection | throwing-in apparatus 61 and the injection | throwing-in apparatus 71 in the vicinity position of the production switch 56 was illustrated, this invention is not limited to this. The placement positions of the throwing device 61 and the throwing device 601 may be provided at positions different from the vicinity of the effect switch 56 in accordance with the shape and size of the throwing device 61 and the throwing device 71.

  Further, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the number of credits counted and added by the insertion device 61 or the insertion device 71 can be added to the number of game balls in the same manner as the number of credits awarded by winning. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of credits counted and added by the insertion device 61 or the insertion device 71 is different from the number of credits awarded by winning. And the credit number counted and added by the insertion device 61 or the insertion device 71 may not be added to the number of game balls and may be used only for setting the number of bets.

  Although not implemented in the above-described embodiment, for example, when the detection sensor 66 is not moved and the pachinko sphere P is detected by the detection sensor 66, there is a possibility that fraud has been implemented. As a certain example, specific error processing such as error notification or error signal output may be executed.

  Moreover, in the said Example, when the game was played and the winning of a small role generate | occur | produced, the form added to credit is illustrated in principle, However, This invention is not limited to this, Small When a winning combination of the winning combination occurs, the number of game balls corresponding to the type of the winning small role is identified, and the identified number of gaming balls is determined by the number of gaming balls displayed on the gaming ball number display 202. You may make it add directly to data. In this case, the input device 61 and the input device 71 may not be operated.

  In the above embodiment, the credit can be converted into the number of game balls regardless of whether the credits are added by winning a small role or converted from the number of game balls. Although illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and the credit added by winning a small role cannot be added to the data of the number of game balls and can be used only for setting the number of bets. You may do it.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 for authenticating the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 is mounted on the setting control board 400 is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an authentication control unit for authenticating the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, Modification 4 in the case where the authentication control unit for authenticating the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 is not provided will be described.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the control contents of authentication processing (executed in Sk19 of the common control unit main process shown in FIG. 8) in the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41, and the setting control unit 401 in Modification 4. . In the authentication request process, first, the common control unit 201a extracts a random value from a random circuit (not shown) mounted on the common control board 201, and receives a second channel designation command using the extracted random value. Is determined as one of the channels CH1 to CH3 and stored. Then, the common control unit 201a transmits a first channel designation command indicating a channel for receiving the second channel designation command to the setting control unit 401. Then, it is determined whether or not the second channel designation command and the dummy information of the second channel designation command have been received. If the second channel designation command and the dummy information of the second channel designation command have not been received, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the second channel designation command and the dummy information of the second channel designation command have been received again. Reception of dummy information of the channel designation command and the second channel designation command is awaited.

  When the setting control unit 401 receives the first channel designation command from the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401 specifies and stores the channel indicated by the received first channel designation command as one channel from CH1 to CH3. Then, a random number value is extracted from a random number circuit (not shown) mounted on the setting control board 400, and a channel for transmitting a setting value designation command using the extracted random number value is one of CH1 to CH3. Determine and memorize.

  Next, the setting control unit 401 transmits a second channel specifying command indicating a channel for transmitting the setting value specifying command to the common control unit 201a through the channel specified from the first channel specifying command. In addition, the setting control unit 401 transmits dummy information (dummy command) of the first channel designation command to the common control unit 201a on other channels that are not specified from the first channel designation command.

When the common control unit 201a receives the second channel designation command and the dummy information from the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a determines on which channel the received information is the second channel designation command based on the stored channel. Identify. Then, the channel for receiving the setting value designation command is identified and stored from the identified second channel designation command. Further, the common control unit 201a transmits an authentication ID request command for requesting the setting control unit 401 to transmit the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401.
Then, the common control unit 201a determines whether or not an authentication ID request command has been received from the setting control unit 401. If the authentication ID request command has not been received from the setting control unit 401, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the authentication ID request command has been received from the setting control unit 401, and the authentication ID request from the setting control unit 401 is determined. Waiting to receive a command.

  When the setting control unit 401 receives the authentication ID request command from the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401 shares an authentication ID command that can specify the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 stored in the ROM of the setting control unit 401. It transmits with respect to the control part 201a.

  When receiving the authentication ID command from the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a specifies the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 indicated by the authentication ID command. Then, the common control unit 201a compares the specified authentication ID with the authentication ID of the setting control unit 401 stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a, and determines whether or not these two authentication IDs match. That is, it is determined whether or not the specified authentication ID is a regular authentication ID. If the two authentication IDs match, the common control unit 201a sets a setting control unit authenticated flag indicating that the setting control unit 401 has authenticated as a genuine product, and the main control unit 41 is informed of the main control unit 41a. An authentication ID request command for requesting to transmit the authentication ID of the control unit 41 is transmitted. If the authentication IDs do not match, the common control unit 201a transmits the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 to the main control unit 41 without setting the main control unit authenticated flag. An authentication ID request command for requesting to be sent is transmitted. Then, the common control unit 201a determines whether an authentication ID command is received from the main control unit 41. If the authentication ID command has not been received from the main control unit 41, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the authentication ID command has been received from the main control unit 41, and the authentication ID command is received from the main control unit 41. It will be in a waiting state.

  When the main control unit 41 receives the authentication ID request command from the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41 shares the authentication ID command that can specify the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM 41b of the main control unit 41. It transmits with respect to the control part 201a.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the authentication ID command from the main control unit 41, the common control unit 201a specifies the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 indicated by the authentication ID command. Then, the common control unit 201a compares the identified authentication ID with the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a, and determines whether or not these two authentication IDs match. That is, it is determined whether or not the specified authentication ID is a regular authentication ID. When both authentication IDs match, the common control unit 201a sets a main control unit authenticated flag indicating that the main control unit 41 has authenticated as a genuine product. In addition, the common control unit 201a determines that the setting control unit 401 and the main control unit 41 have been authenticated as the genuine product, so that the common control unit 201a is changed from the lending unit 300 (more specifically, the lending control unit 301). A lending unit side authentication permission flag is set to permit the authorization of authenticity. If the two authentication IDs do not match, the common control unit 201a does not set the main control unit authenticated flag and the lending unit side authentication allowance flag. That is, in the fourth modification, the common control unit 201a authenticates that the setting control unit 401 and the main control unit 41 are genuine products.

  Then, the common control unit 201a determines whether or not the setting control unit authenticated flag and the main control unit authenticated flag are set. If the setting control unit authenticated flag and the main control unit authenticated flag are set, the authentication request processing is terminated by setting the lending unit side authentication allowance flag, and the setting control unit authenticated flag and the main control unit authentication are completed. If only one of the completed flag is set or if both the setting control unit authenticated flag and the main control unit authenticated flag are not set, an authentication request is made without setting the lending unit side authentication allowance flag. End the process.

  FIG. 31 shows an authentication request waiting process (the lending unit side authentication control unit shown in FIG. 14) in the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a and the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 provided in the lending unit 300 in the fourth modification. This is a flowchart showing execution at Su18 of the main process.

  As shown in FIG. 31, in the authentication request waiting process in the fourth modification, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 first determines whether or not an authentication ID command reception waiting timer to be described later is set. When the authentication ID command reception waiting timer is not set, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 transmits an authentication ID command that can specify the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a to the common control unit 201a. An authentication ID request command is sent to request that Then, an authentication ID command reception waiting timer corresponding to a period for receiving the authentication ID command from the common control unit 201a is set, and the authentication request waiting process is ended.

  On the other hand, when the authentication ID command reception waiting timer is set, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 determines whether or not the authentication ID command is received from the common control unit 201a. As shown in FIG. 14, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 authenticates that the lending control unit authenticated flag is not set, that is, the lending control unit 301 is genuine by the authentication device side authentication control unit 801. If not, the authentication request waiting process cannot be executed, and the common control unit 201a receives the authentication ID request command from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, so that the lending control unit 301 is a genuine product. Is identified. When the authentication ID command is not received from the common control unit 201a, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 determines whether or not the authentication ID command reception waiting timer has timed out. If the authentication request waiting timer has not expired, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 sets the authentication ID command reception waiting timer to -1, and ends the authentication request waiting process. If the authentication request wait timer has expired, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 clears the authentication ID command reception wait timer and ends the authentication request wait process.

  When the common control unit 201a receives an authentication ID request command from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, the common control unit 201a determines whether a lending unit side authentication permission flag, which will be described later, is set. When the lending unit side authentication permission flag is set, the common control unit 201a sends an authentication ID command that can specify the ID stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a as an authentication ID to the lending control unit 301. Send. If the lending unit-side authentication permission flag is not set, the common control unit 201a issues an authentication ID command that can specify an ID stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a as an authentication ID. Do not send to.

  That is, in the slot machine 1 of the modified example 4, as shown in FIG. 30, after the setting control unit 401 and the main control unit 41 are authenticated as genuine products, the lending unit side authentication control unit of the lending unit 300 is further authenticated. By 317, it is authenticated that the common control unit 201a is a genuine product.

  When receiving the authentication ID command from the common control unit 201a, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 specifies the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a indicated by the authentication ID command. Then, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 compares the identified authentication ID with the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, and both these authentication IDs Are matched, that is, whether or not the specified authentication ID is a regular authentication ID. When the two authentication IDs match, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 transmits a common control unit authenticated command indicating that the common control unit 201a has been authenticated as a genuine product to the common control unit 201a. . If the two authentication IDs do not match, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 does not transmit the common control unit authenticated command.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the play common control unit authenticated command from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, the common control unit 201a sets a common control unit authenticated flag indicating that the common control unit 201a has been authenticated as a genuine product, It is determined whether all of the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag are set. When all the flags of the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag are set, the common control unit 201a has already received the authentication ID from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317. Since it is specified that the lending control unit 301 is authenticated as a genuine product by receiving the request command, all of the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are genuine products. Assuming that it is authenticated, a setting change permission command for notifying the setting control unit 401 of permission to change the setting value of the slot machine 1 (change of the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a) is transmitted. That is, the common control unit 201a in Modification 4 changes the setting to the setting control unit 401 when the lending control unit 301 is a genuine product in addition to the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41. Send an allow command.

  If at least one of the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag is not set, the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are set. Is not authenticated as a regular product, a setting change prohibition command for notifying the setting control unit 401 of prohibition of changing the setting value of the slot machine 1 is transmitted.

  In Modification 4, the common control unit 201a determines whether all of the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag are set. The flag is set in the order of the setting control unit authenticated flag, the main control unit authenticated flag, and the common control unit authenticated flag, but these setting control unit authenticated flag, common control unit authenticated flag, main The order in which the control unit authenticated flag is set may be arbitrary. That is, the order in which the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated may be arbitrary.

  When the setting control unit 401 receives a setting change permission command or a setting change prohibition command from the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401 determines whether or not the received command is a setting change permission command. If the received command is a setting change permission command, it is further determined whether or not the setting key switch 403 is on. When the setting key switch 403 is on, the setting control unit 401 executes a setting change process (see FIG. 10) for changing the setting value of the slot machine 1 (the setting value is updated and stored in the EEPROM 401a). When the setting key switch 403 is turned off, the setting control unit 401 authenticates the common control unit 201a by indicating that the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 have been authenticated. Send. If the received command is a setting change prohibition command, the setting control unit 401 does not execute the setting change process and does not transmit an authentication completion command to the common control unit 201a.

  When the common control unit 201 a receives the authentication completion command from the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201 a transmits the authentication completion command to the main control unit 41. When the main control unit 41 receives the authentication completion command from the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41 transmits a setting value request command for requesting the common control unit 201a to transmit the setting value to the setting control unit 401.

  When the common control unit 201 a receives the setting value request command from the main control unit 41, the common control unit 201 a transmits the setting value request command to the setting control unit 401. When the setting control unit 401 receives the setting value request command from the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401 reads the setting value from the EEPROM 401a and sends the setting value designation command corresponding to the read setting value to the ROM of the setting control unit 401. Encrypt using the stored encryption key. Note that the same encryption key used for encrypting the set value designation command is stored in the ROM 41 b of the main control unit 41. That is, the setting control unit 401 encrypts the setting value designation command using a key common to the main control unit 41.

  Then, the setting control unit 401 transmits the encrypted setting value designation command to the common control unit 201a through the channel (see FIG. 30) stored when the slot machine 1 is turned on. In addition, the setting control unit 401 transmits dummy information (dummy command) of the set value designation command encrypted to the common control unit 201a through a channel other than the channel stored when the slot machine 1 is turned on. That is, the setting control unit 401 transmits a setting value designation command encrypted in the channel designated by the second channel designation command to the common control unit 201a, and also designates the second channel designation to the common control unit 201a. Send dummy information (dummy command) on channels not specified by the command.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the encrypted setting value specifying command and the dummy information of the encrypted setting value specifying command from the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a receives the setting value specifying command stored when the slot machine 1 is turned on. Based on (see FIG. 9), the encrypted setting value designation command is specified from the encrypted setting value designation command and the dummy information of the encrypted setting value designation command. Then, the encrypted setting value designation command is transmitted to the main control unit 41.

  When the main control unit 41 receives the encrypted setting value designation command, the main control unit 41 uses the encryption key stored in the ROM 41b to decrypt the setting value designation command and specify the setting value. Then, the specified set value is stored in the RAM 41c.

  As shown in FIG. 32, in the slot machine 1 in the modified example 4, when the power is turned on, the common control unit 201a authenticates that the setting control unit 401 and the main control unit 41 are genuine products. It has become. If the lending unit 300 is connected to the slot machine 1, the lending unit 300 is provided after executing the authentication that the setting control unit 401 and the main control unit 41 by the common control unit 201 a are genuine. When the common control unit 201a is authenticated by the rental unit side authentication control unit 317, the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a of the setting control unit 401 is changed after the game hall is closed. It is possible. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 is configured so that the lending control unit 301 has not been authenticated in advance by the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 as a genuine product. It is impossible to authenticate if it is genuine.

  In other words, in the above embodiment, the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a can be changed even if the slot machine 1 is not connected to the lending unit 300. If it is connected to the lending unit 300 and the lending control unit 301 is not authenticated by the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 as a genuine product, it becomes impossible to change the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a. Different parts. By doing so, in a state in which the slot machine 1 is not connected to the lending unit 300 (for example, after the game hall changes, the game shop clerk changes the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a). Since it becomes impossible to further change the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a, it is possible to prevent the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a from being illegally changed, and to improve the security related to the setting value.

  The modification 4 exemplifies a mode in which the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 does not authenticate the common control unit 201a as a genuine product unless the setting control unit 401 and the main control unit 41 are authenticated as a regular product. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the setting control unit 401 and the main control unit 41 are not authenticated as genuine products, if the setting value is not stored in the RAM 41c, the lending unit The side authentication control unit 317 may authenticate the common control unit 201a as a genuine product.

  In the embodiment and the modification example 4, the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated as the genuine products, so that the settings stored in the EEPROM of the setting control unit 401 are stored. Although an example in which the value can be updated is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated as genuine products. Even if the authentication unit 600 corresponding to the setting control board 400 is not connected to the setting control board 400, the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a of the setting control unit 401 may not be updated.

  In the embodiment and the fourth modification, the common control unit 201 a receives the authentication ID request command from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, and thereby controls the common control unit 317 with respect to the lending unit side authentication control unit 317. An example of transmitting an authentication ID command that can specify an authentication ID (authentication ID of the common control unit 201a) stored in correspondence with the common control unit 201a in the ROM of 201a has been illustrated. The common control unit 201a is not limited to this, and the authentication ID specified from the authentication ID command received from the main control unit 41 (authentication ID of the main control unit 41) is a regular authentication ID. If the authentication ID request command is received from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a is stored. Use ID may be transmitted to the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 capable of specifying the authentication ID command the authentication ID identifiable authentication ID command and the main control unit 41. In this way, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 can determine whether both the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a and the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 are regular IDs, and the lending unit side authentication. Only when the control unit 317 determines that both the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a and the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 are regular IDs, the main control is performed on the setting value stored in the EEPROM of the setting control unit 401. Since it can be stored in the RAM 41c of the unit 41, the security related to the set value can be improved.

  In the embodiment and the modification example 4, the setting value is stored in the EEPROM 401a of the setting control unit 401, and the setting control unit 401 receives the setting value request command from the main control unit 41 via the common control unit 201a. In the above example, the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a of the setting control unit 401 is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an EEPROM is installed in the common control unit 201a. Provided, the setting value is stored in the EEPROM of the common control unit 201a, and the setting value stored in the EEPROM of the common control unit 201a when the common control unit 201a receives the setting value request command from the main control unit 41. May be stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41.

  Further, when an EEPROM is provided in the common control unit 201a, the setting value may be stored in both the EEPROM and the EEPROM 401a of the setting control unit 401. As described above, when the setting value is stored in both the EEPROM of the common control unit 201a and the EEPROM 401a of the setting control unit 401, the setting control unit 401 and the common control unit 201a receive the setting value request command from the main control unit 341. Then, the setting values stored in both EEPROMs may be compared, and the setting values may be stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 only when the two setting values match. If the two setting values do not match, neither setting value is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41, and an error notification indicating that the setting values stored in both EEPROMs do not match may be executed. .

  In the embodiment and the fourth modification, the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated as genuine products, and the setting values stored in the EEPROM 401a of the setting control unit 401 are updated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 33 as a fifth modification, the setting control board 400 can be carried through the connector 900 and stored externally. The key units 600A to 600C as devices can be connected, the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated as genuine products, and among the key units 600A to 600C, the setting control unit 401 Only when one key unit associated in advance is connected to the setting control board 400 via the connector 900 It may be made possible to update the set value stored in the EEPROM401a constant control unit 401. By doing so, even if the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated as genuine products, the key unit previously associated with the setting control unit 401 is stored in the setting control board 400. If the connection is not established, the setting value stored in the EEPROM 401a of the setting control unit 401 cannot be updated, so that the security related to the setting value can be further improved.

  In the embodiment, the setting control unit 401 for authenticating the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41, and the setting control unit 401 for changing setting values in the slot machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 34 in the sixth modification, a process for changing the setting value in the slot machine 1 ( Authentication for authenticating the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 capable of executing processing to store a setting value in the EEPROM 201i described later) An authentication / setting unit 1000 including the setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 may be provided individually. The authentication / setting unit 1000 may be any portable external storage device. When the authentication / setting unit 1000 including the authentication / setting unit-side authentication control unit 1001 and the authentication / setting unit-side setting control unit 1003 is separately provided as described above, the authentication / setting unit 1000 and the lending unit 300 are provided. Either one may be connectable to the common control board 201 via the connector 230. In particular, the authentication / setting unit 1000 is connected to the connector 230 when setting values are stored in the EEPROM 201i, which will be described later, and the lending unit 300 is connected to the connector 230 in other cases. -It is possible to prevent a situation in which none of the setting units 1000 are connected and prevent the common control board 201 and the game control board 40 from being illegal through the connector 230. Hereinafter, Modification 6 in the case where connection can be made to either one of the authentication / setting unit 1000 and the lending unit 300 via the connector 230 will be described. The authentication / setting unit 1000 according to the sixth modification includes an authentication / setting unit side communication unit 1002 for transmitting / receiving various commands to / from the common control unit 201a through serial communication. Further, the common control unit 201a according to the sixth modification is provided with an EEPROM 201i (nonvolatile memory).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a common control unit main process executed by the common control unit 201a in the sixth modification. When power is supplied to the slot machine 1 (common control board 201) and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the common control unit 201a (specifically, The CPU included in the common control unit 201a starts a common control unit main process after Sk1 after executing a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the content of the program is valid.

  In the common control unit main process, the common control unit 201a first performs necessary initial settings. Specifically, in the initial setting process, the common control unit 201a first sets the interrupt prohibition (Sk1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 which is an interrupt mode for maskable interrupts (Sk2), the stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer, and various built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) The internal device register is set (initialized) in order to make it available (Sk3). Then, the RAM is set to an accessible state (Sk4).

  In Sk2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the common control unit 201a and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is an interrupt address. Set the mode to indicate. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the common control unit 201a automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter on the stack.

  Next, the common control unit 201a performs connection confirmation processing with the lending unit 300 to confirm that the common unit 200 is connected to the lending unit 300 (Sk5). Specifically, a connection confirmation request is transmitted to the lending control unit 301 of the lending unit 300, and the connection confirmation and the lending unit 300 are operating depending on whether a response to the connection confirmation request is returned. Make sure that

  Then, the common control unit 201a determines the state of the reset switch 23 (Sk6). When the reset switch 23 is on, the common control unit 201a executes the initialization process of Sk14 to Sk18 as a normal initialization process.

  On the other hand, when the reset switch 23 is off, the common control unit 201a performs, for example, parity data as a data protection process for the backup area set in the RAM of the common control unit 201a when power supply to the slot machine 1 is stopped. It is determined whether or not a power supply stop process such as addition of the power is performed (Sk7).

  When such a power supply stop process is not performed, the common control unit 201a executes an initialization process of Sk14 to Sk18. Whether or not the power supply stop process is being performed can be determined, for example, based on whether or not the backup flag set in the backup area of the RAM in the power supply stop process is a predetermined value.

  When the power supply stop process is performed, the common control unit 201a performs data check on the backup area of the RAM (Sk8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in Sk8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, the initialization process (Sk14 to Sk18) that is executed when the power is turned on but not when the power supply is stopped is executed.

  If the check result is normal, the common control unit 201a restores the data using the backup data (Sk9), and sends a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command when the power supply is restored to the lending unit 300 (lending control unit 301). The lending unit 300 (lending control unit 301) is notified that the power has been recovered from the power failure (Sk10).

  And it is determined whether the return command as an initialization command at the time of the electric power supply recovery | restoration of the main control part 41 was received from the main control part 41 (Sk11). If no return command has been received from the main control unit 41, it is repeatedly determined whether or not a return command has been received from the main control unit 41, and a return command reception waiting state from the main control unit 41 is entered. If a return command is received from the main control unit 41, the process proceeds to Sk18a.

  When the reset switch 23 is on (Y at Sk6), when the power supply stop process is not performed (N at Sk7), or when the check result of the parity check is not normal (N at Sk8) As described above, initialization processing of Sk14 to Sk18 is executed.

  In the initialization process, the common control unit 201a first performs a RAM clear process (Sk14), and sets each initial value (Sk15). Then, the common control unit 201a transmits an initialization command to the lending unit 300 (lending control unit 301) (Sk16), and whether or not an initialization response command returned in response to the transmission of the initialization command has been received. Is determined (Sk17).

  When the initialization response command has not been received, it is determined whether or not the initialization response command has been repeatedly received, and the device enters a state of waiting for reception of the initialization response command. If the initialization response command has been received, the main control unit 41 transmits an initialization completion command to the main control unit 41 to confirm that the connection with the lending unit 300 and the operation check and initialization have been completed. It can be recognized (Sk18).

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the common control unit 201a transmits a power failure recovery command to the lending unit 300 (lending control unit 301) when the data backup is properly performed and can be restored. When the initialization process is performed due to improper backup or the like, the initialization command is transmitted to the lending unit 300 (lending control unit 301), so that the lending control unit 301 has properly recovered from the power failure. If the initialization command is sent from the common control unit 201a even though it has recovered from the power interruption, the “number of game balls” at the time of power failure is cleared. The occurrence of the error is determined based on the lighting state of the lamp provided on the front upper end of the lending unit 300. Notifying such as by a lighting state corresponding to.

  In Sk18a, the common control unit 201a executes connection confirmation processing with the authentication / setting unit 1000, thereby confirming whether the common control board 201 is connected to the authentication / setting unit 1000 via the connector 230. (Sk18a). Specifically, a connection confirmation request is transmitted to the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 and the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 of the authentication / setting unit 1000, and a response to the connection confirmation request is returned. Whether the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 and the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 are in operation. When the common control unit 201a is connected to the authentication / setting unit 1000 via the connector 230 (Y in Sk18b), the first authentication request process (Sk19) shown in FIG. 36 is executed and the process proceeds to Sk23.

  When the common control unit 201a is not connected to the authentication / setting unit 1000 via the connector 230 (N in Sk18b), the common control board 201 can be connected via the connector 230 by executing the connection confirmation process of the lending unit 300. It is confirmed whether or not it is connected to the lending unit 300 (Sk20a). Specifically, a connection confirmation request is transmitted to the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 of the lending unit 300, and the connection confirmation and the lending unit 300 determine whether the response to the connection confirmation request is returned. It is confirmed that the device is authenticated by 800 and is operating. If the common control unit 201a is connected to the lending unit 300 via the connector 230 (Y in Sk20b), the second authentication request process (Sk21) shown in FIG. 38 is executed and the process proceeds to Sk23.

  Then, the common control unit 201a sets a register of the CTC built in the common control unit 201a so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (Sk23). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms. Then, the interrupt permission state is set (Sk24).

  Next, the common control unit 201a determines whether or not the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1 (Sk25). If the value of the timer interrupt flag is not 1, it is determined again whether the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1. When the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1, that is, when a timer interrupt occurs, the common control unit 201a clears the timer interrupt flag (Sk26), and the common control unit timer interrupt shown in FIG. Is executed (Sk27). After executing the common control unit timer interrupt process, it is again determined whether or not the value of the timer interrupt flag is 1 (Sk25).

  FIG. 36 illustrates the authentication provided in the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41, and the authentication / setting unit 1000 in a state where the authentication / setting unit 1000 in the modification 6 is connected to the common control board 201 via the connector 230. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing control contents of a first authentication request process (executed in Sk19 of the common control unit main process shown in FIG. 35) in the setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 and the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003; In the first authentication request processing in a state where the authentication / setting unit 1000 is connected to the common control board 201 via the connector 230, first, the common control unit 201a is a random circuit (not shown) mounted on the common control board 201. The random number value is extracted from the channel number, and the channel for receiving the second channel designation command is determined as one of the channels CH1 to CH3 using the extracted random number value and stored. Then, the common control unit 201a transmits a first channel designation command indicating a channel for receiving the second channel designation command to the setting control unit 401. Then, the common control unit 201a determines whether the second channel designation command and the dummy information of the second channel designation command are received from the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003. When the second channel designation command and the dummy information of the second channel designation command are not received from the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003, the second channel designation command and the second channel designation command are again sent from the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003. Whether or not the dummy information of the 2-channel designation command has been received is repeatedly determined, and the reception of the second channel designation command and the dummy information of the second channel designation command is awaited.

  When the setting control unit 401 receives the first channel designation command from the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401 specifies and stores the channel indicated by the received first channel designation command as one channel from CH1 to CH3. Then, a random number value is extracted from a random number circuit (not shown) mounted on the setting control board 400, and a channel for transmitting a setting value designation command using the extracted random number value is one of CH1 to CH3. Determine and memorize.

  Next, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 transmits a second channel specifying command indicating a channel for transmitting the setting value specifying command to the common control unit 201a through the channel specified from the first channel specifying command. . In addition, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 transmits dummy information (dummy command) of the first channel designation command to the common control unit 201a in another channel not specified from the first channel designation command. To do.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the second channel designation command and the dummy information from the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003, the information received in any channel is based on the stored channel. Specify whether it is a command. Then, the channel for receiving the setting value designation command is identified and stored from the identified second channel designation command. Further, the common control unit 201a is a genuine product of the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41, and the setting control unit 401 with respect to the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 provided in the authentication / setting unit 1000. An authentication request command requesting to start processing for authenticating this is transmitted. Then, the common control unit 201a determines whether or not an authentication ID request command is received from the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001. If an authentication ID request command has not been received from the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001, it is repeatedly determined whether or not an authentication ID request command has been received from the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 again. The authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 waits to receive an authentication ID request command.

  On the other hand, when the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 receives the authentication request command from the common control unit 201a, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 uses the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 for authentication. An authentication ID request command for requesting to transmit an ID is transmitted.

  Upon receiving the authentication ID request command from the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 stores the authentication / setting stored in the ROM of the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003. An authentication ID command capable of specifying the authentication ID of the unit side setting control unit 1003 is transmitted to the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001.

  When the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 receives the authentication ID command from the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 sets the authentication ID of the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 indicated by the authentication ID command. Identify. The authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 then authenticates the identified authentication ID and the authentication ID of the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 stored in the ROM of the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001. Are compared, and it is determined whether or not these two authentication IDs match, that is, whether or not the specified authentication ID is a regular authentication ID. If both authentication IDs match, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 sets a setting control unit authenticated flag indicating that the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 has authenticated as a genuine product. Then, an authentication ID request command for requesting the common control unit 201a to transmit the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a is transmitted. If the authentication IDs do not match, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 transmits an authentication ID request command to the common control unit 201a without setting the setting control unit authenticated flag. To do.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the authentication ID request command from the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001, the authentication that can identify the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a The ID command is transmitted to the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001. Further, the common control unit 201 a transmits an authentication ID request command for requesting the main control unit 41 to transmit the authentication ID of the main control unit 41. Then, the common control unit 201a determines whether an authentication ID command is received from the main control unit 41. If the authentication ID command has not been received from the main control unit 41, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the authentication ID command has been received from the main control unit 41, and the authentication ID command is received from the main control unit 41. It will be in a waiting state.

  Upon receiving the authentication ID command from the common control unit 201a, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 specifies the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a indicated by the authentication ID command. The authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 compares the identified authentication ID with the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001. It is determined whether or not both authentication IDs match, that is, whether or not the specified authentication ID is a regular authentication ID. If both authentication IDs match, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 sets a common control unit authenticated flag indicating that the common control unit 201a has authenticated that it is a genuine product. When the authentication IDs do not match, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 does not set the common control unit authenticated flag.

  On the other hand, when receiving the authentication ID request command from the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41 can specify the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM 41b of the main control unit 41. Is transmitted to the common control unit 201a.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the authentication ID command from the main control unit 41, the common control unit 201a specifies the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 indicated by the authentication ID command. Then, the common control unit 201a compares the identified authentication ID with the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a, and determines whether or not these two authentication IDs match. That is, it is determined whether or not the specified authentication ID is a regular authentication ID. If both authentication IDs match, the common control unit 201a sends a main control unit authenticated command indicating that the main control unit 41 has authenticated the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 as a genuine product. Transmit and end the first authentication request process. If the two authentication IDs do not match, the common control unit 201a ends the first authentication request process without transmitting the main control unit authenticated command.

  When receiving the main control unit authenticated command from the common control unit 201a, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 sets a main control unit authenticated flag indicating that the main control unit 41 has been authenticated as a genuine product. Then, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 determines whether all of the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag are set. When all of the setting control unit authenticated flag, common control unit authenticated flag, and main control unit authenticated flag are set, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003, the common control unit 201a, and the main control Assuming that all of the units 41 are authenticated as authentic products, the setting value of the slot machine 1 is changed (change of the setting value stored in the EEPROM 201i) to the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003. A setting change permission command for notifying permission is transmitted. If at least one of the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag is not set, the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are set. Is not authenticated as a regular product, a setting change prohibiting command for notifying the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 of prohibition of changing the setting value of the slot machine 1 is transmitted.

  In the modified example 6, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 determines whether all of the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag are set. In order to do this, an example is shown in which these flags are set in the order of a setting control unit authenticated flag, a common control unit authenticated flag, and a main control unit authenticated flag, but these setting control unit authenticated flag and common control unit The order in which the authenticated flag and the main control unit authenticated flag are set may be arbitrary. That is, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003, common control unit 201a, and main control unit 41 may be authenticated in any order.

  In Modification 6, when the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main control unit authenticated flag are all set, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 performs the authentication / setting unit. Although a mode of transmitting a setting change permission command to the side setting control unit 1003 is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting control unit authenticated flag, the common control unit authenticated flag, and the main When all the control unit authenticated flags are set, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 notifies the common control unit 201a of the setting change permission command in addition to the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003. Thus, it may be notified that the setting value stored in the EEPROM 201i can be changed.

  When receiving the setting change permission command or the setting change prohibition command from the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 determines whether or not the received command is a setting change permission command. To do. If the received command is a setting change permission command, a setting change process for changing the setting value of the slot machine 1 is executed, and a lending unit side authentication permission command is transmitted to the common control unit 201a. If the received command is a setting change prohibition command, the setting change process is not executed, and the lending unit side authentication permission command is not sent to the common control unit 201a.

  On the other hand, when the common control unit 201a receives the setting change permission command from the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001, the common control unit 201a determines whether or not the lending unit side authentication permission command is received from the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003. To do. If the rent unit authentication permission command has not been received from the authentication / setting unit setting controller 1003, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the rent unit authentication permission command has been received from the authentication / setting unit setting controller 1003 again. As a result, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 waits to receive a lending unit side authentication permission command. If it is determined that the lending unit-side authentication permission command is received from the authentication / setting unit-side setting control unit 1003, the lending unit-side authentication permission flag is set and the first authentication request process is terminated.

  FIG. 37 shows an authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 provided in the authentication / setting unit 1000 in a state in which the authentication / setting unit 1000 in Modification 6 is connected to the common control board 201 via the connector 230. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the setting change process in the common control part 201a. In the setting change process, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 first checks the state of the setting key switch 403 and determines whether or not the setting key switch 403 is on (St1). When the setting key switch 403 is off (St1; N), that is, when the game can be progressed, the setting change process is terminated, and when the setting key switch 403 is on (St1; Y), In other words, if it is in the setting confirmation state, a setting value request command is transmitted to the common control unit 201a (St2). Then, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 determines whether or not a setting value designation command is received from the common control unit 201a (St2a). When the setting value designation command has not been received from the common control unit 201a (St2a; N), it is repeatedly determined whether or not the setting value designation command has been received from the common control unit 201a, and the setting from the common control unit 201a is performed. Waiting to receive a value specification command.

  When receiving the setting value request command from the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003, the common control unit 201a determines whether or not the setting change permission flag is set in the first authentication request processing (see FIG. 36). When the setting change permission flag is set, the common control unit 201a reads the setting value from the EEPROM 201i, and sends a setting value designation command corresponding to the read setting value to the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003. Send.

  When receiving the setting value designation command from the common control unit 201a, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 identifies the setting value stored in the EEPROM 201i of the common control unit 201a from the received setting value designation command. Then, the setting value display 402 starts displaying the specified setting value, and determines whether or not the setting switch 404 is operated (St4).

  When the setting switch 404 is operated (St4; Y), the setting value displayed on the setting value display 402 is updated and displayed, and the process proceeds to St6 (St5). Specifically, the value displayed on the setting value display 402 is incremented and updated one by one, and the setting switch 404 is operated when “6” is displayed on the setting value display 402. The display of “6” may be updated to “1”. If the setting switch 404 is not operated (St4; N), the process proceeds to St6 without executing the process of St5.

  In St6, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 determines whether or not the start switch 7 is operated. Whether or not the start switch 7 has been operated is determined by, for example, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 sending a start switch operation command that can specify that the start switch 7 has been operated to the common control unit 201a. It may be determined whether or not it has been received from the main control unit 41 via. When the start switch 7 is operated (St6; Y), the process proceeds to St7, and when the start switch 7 is not operated (St6; N), the process proceeds to St4.

  In St7, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 determines whether or not a non-business flag to be described later is set. Note that the non-business flag is a flag indicating that the game hall is out of business hours. If the non-business flag is set (St7; Y), the process proceeds to St8, and if the non-business flag is not set (St7; N), the setting change process is terminated.

  In St8, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 identifies the setting value displayed on the setting value display 402. Then, the set value designation command corresponding to the specified set value is encrypted using the encryption key stored in the ROM of the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003. The same encryption key used for encrypting the set value designation command is stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a. That is, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 encrypts the setting value designation command using a common key with the common control unit 201a.

  Then, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 transmits the encrypted set value designation command to the common control unit 201a through the channel (see FIG. 9) stored when the slot machine 1 is turned on. Further, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 uses the channel information other than the channel that stores the dummy information (dummy command) of the setting value designation command encrypted with respect to the common control unit 201a when the slot machine 1 is turned on. Send. That is, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 transmits the setting value designation command encrypted in the channel designated by the second channel designation command to the common control unit 201a, and also to the common control unit 201a. Dummy information (dummy command) is transmitted on a channel not designated by the second channel designation command.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the encrypted setting value designation command and dummy information from the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003, the common control unit 201a is based on the channel that receives the setting value designation command stored when the slot machine 1 is turned on. Then, the encrypted setting value designation command is specified from the encrypted setting value designation command and the dummy information of the encrypted setting value designation command. Then, the common control unit 201a uses the encryption key stored in the ROM to decrypt the setting value designation command, identifies the setting value, and stores the identified setting value in the EEPROM 201i mounted on the common control unit 201a. To do.

  In other words, the “process for setting one of the setting states” in the present embodiment is a process in which the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 determines whether or not the setting key switch is on in the setting change process (St1 ), A process of displaying the set value specified from the set value specifying command received from the common control unit 201a (St2, St2a, St2b and St3), and the setting switch 404 by operating the setting switch 404. The process of updating the setting value displayed in (St4 and St5), the process of determining whether the start switch has been operated (St6), the process of determining whether it is not operating (St7), the setting The setting value designation command corresponding to the setting value displayed on the value display 402 is encrypted, and the encrypted setting value designation command is sent to the common control unit 201. It refers to a process to be transmitted to. Furthermore, in the “processing for setting any of the setting states” in the present embodiment, the common control unit 201a reads from the EEPROM 201i, and a setting value designation command corresponding to the read setting value is set in the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit. And processing for transmitting to 1003 and processing for storing the setting value specified by decrypting the setting value specifying command from the encrypted setting value specifying command received from the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 in the EEPROM 201i.

  FIG. 38 shows a rental unit side authentication control unit 317, a main control unit 41, and a common unit provided in the lending unit 300 in a state where the lending unit 300 in Modification 6 is connected to the common control board 201 via the connector 230. This is a second authentication request wait process in the control unit 201a (a process executed in Sk22 of the common control unit main process shown in FIG. 35).

  In the second authentication request waiting process in a state where the lending unit 300 is connected to the common control board 201 via the connector 230, the common control unit 201a first sets the ID stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a. An authentication ID command that can be specified as an authentication ID is sent to the lending unit-side authentication control unit 317, and for requesting the main control unit 41 to send the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 An ID request command is transmitted. Then, it is determined whether or not a common control unit authenticated command has been received from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317. If the common control unit authenticated command has not been received from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, it is determined again whether the common control unit authenticated command has been received from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317. Waiting to receive an authenticated command.

  When receiving the authentication ID command from the common control unit 201a, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 specifies the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a from the authentication ID command. The lending unit side authentication control unit 317 then compares the authentication ID of the specified common control unit 201a with the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the lending unit side authentication control unit 317. It is determined whether or not the authentication IDs match, that is, whether or not the specified authentication ID of the common control unit 201a is a regular authentication ID. If the identified authentication ID of the common control unit 201a matches the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 performs the common control. A common control unit authenticated command indicating that the common control unit 201a has been authenticated as a genuine product is transmitted to the unit 201a. On the other hand, when the identification ID of the specified common control unit 201a does not match the authentication ID of the common control unit 201a stored in the ROM of the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 Do not send the common control unit authenticated command.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the common control unit authenticated command from the lending unit side authentication control unit 317, the common control unit 201a sets a common control unit authenticated flag indicating that the common control unit 201a has been authenticated as a genuine product. Then, it is determined whether an authentication ID command is received from the main control unit 41. If the authentication ID command has not been received from the main control unit 41, it is determined again whether or not the authentication ID command has been received from the main control unit 41, and the reception of the authentication ID command from the main control unit 41 is awaited. It becomes a state.

  On the other hand, when receiving the authentication ID request command from the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41 can specify the ID stored in the ROM 41b of the main control unit 41 as the authentication ID for the common control unit 201a. An authentication ID command is transmitted.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the authentication ID command from the main control unit 41, the common control unit 201a identifies the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 from the authentication ID command. Then, the common control unit 201a compares the authentication ID of the identified main control unit 41 with the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a, so that both authentication IDs match. In other words, it is determined whether or not the identified authentication ID of the main control unit 41 is a regular authentication ID. If the identified authentication ID of the main control unit 41 matches the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a, the common control unit 201a is the genuine control unit 41. Is set, and it is determined whether both the common control unit authenticated flag and the main control unit authenticated flag are set.

  When the identified authentication ID of the main control unit 41 does not match the authentication ID of the main control unit 41 stored in the ROM of the common control unit 201a, the common control unit 201a displays the main control unit authenticated flag. It is determined whether or not both the common control unit authenticated flag and the main control unit authenticated flag are set. If at least one of the common control unit authenticated flag and the main control unit authenticated flag is not set, the authentication request waiting process is terminated. In the case where the second authentication request processing is to be ended in a state where at least one of the common control unit authenticated flag and the main control unit authenticated flag is not set, the common control unit is connected to the hall computer 700 or the like via the lending unit 300. You may alert | report that 201a and the main control part 41 are not authenticated as a regular article.

  On the other hand, when both the common control unit authenticated flag and the main control unit authenticated flag are set, the common control unit 201a authenticates the main control unit 41 to the common control unit 201a and the main control unit 41. An authentication completion command indicating completion is transmitted. Then, it is determined whether a set value request command has been received from the main control unit 41. When the set value request command has not been received from the main control unit 41, the setting value request command is received from the main control unit 41 by determining again whether or not the set value request command has been received from the main control unit 41. It will be in a waiting state.

  When receiving the authentication completion command from the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41 transmits a set value request command for requesting the common control unit 201a to transmit a set value to the main control unit 41a.

  When the common control unit 201a receives the set value request command from the main control unit 41, the common control unit 201a reads the set value stored in the EEPROM 201i, and sends the set value designation command corresponding to the read set value to the common control unit 201a. Encryption is performed using an encryption key stored in the ROM. Note that the same encryption key used for encrypting the set value designation command is stored in the ROM 41 b of the main control unit 41. That is, the common control unit 201a encrypts the set value designation command using a key common to the main control unit 41.

  Then, the common control unit 201a transmits an encrypted set value designation command to the main control unit 41. Further, the common control unit 201a sends a main control unit authentication completion command indicating that the main control unit 41 has been authenticated to the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 and a set value (encryption) to the main control unit 41. A set value notification completion command indicating that a set value specifying command) has been transmitted.

  When the main control unit 41 receives the set value designation command encrypted from the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41 decrypts the set value designation command using the encryption key stored in the ROM 41b, identifies the set value, The set value is stored in the RAM 41c.

  As shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B, in the slot machine 1 according to the modified example 6, the power is turned on in a state where the authentication / setting unit 1000 is connected to the slot machine 1 via the connector 230. Thus, the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 mounted on the authentication / setting unit 1000, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 1001 are installed on the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001. Authentication that the control unit 41 is a genuine product is performed. Then, after the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 executes authentication that the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are genuine products, the game hall is closed. The set value stored in the EEPROM 201i of the common control unit 201a can be changed later.

  On the other hand, when the lending unit 300 is connected to the slot machine 1 via the connector 230, the common control unit 201a by the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 mounted on the lending unit 300 is turned on. Is authenticated and the common control unit 201a authenticates that the main control unit 41 is a genuine product. And after execution of authentication that the common control unit 201a by the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 is authentic and authentication that the main control unit 41 by the common control unit 201a is genuine, the main control unit 41 By requesting a setting value from the common control unit 201a, the setting value stored in the EEPROM 201i is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41.

  That is, in the above-described embodiment, regardless of whether the lending unit 300 is connected to the slot machine 1 or not, the setting value stored in the EEPROM (EEPROM 401a) is verified by authenticating that the slot machine 1 is a genuine product. On the other hand, in the sixth modification, a dedicated unit (authentication / setting unit 1000) is connected to the slot machine 1 and both the unit and the slot machine 1 are authenticated as genuine products. Otherwise, the setting values stored in the EEPROM (EEPROM 201i) cannot be changed. As described above, if the authentication / setting unit 1000 is not connected to the slot machine 1, it becomes impossible to change the setting value stored in the EEPROM, so that only the store clerk or the like of the game hall that owns the authentication / setting unit 1000. Since the setting value stored in the EEPROM can be changed, the security of the setting value can be improved.

  In the modified example 6, when the lending unit 300 is connected to the common control board 201 via the connector 230, the common control unit 201a transmits a set value designation command to the main control unit 41 to request the second authentication request. Although the form which complete | finishes a process is illustrated, this invention is not limited to this, When the rental unit 300 is connected to the common control board 201 via the connector 230, the common control part 201a is Main control unit authenticated completion command indicating that the main control unit 41 is authenticated to the rental unit side authentication control unit when the set value designation command is transmitted to the main control unit 41 And a setting value notification completion command indicating that the setting value has been notified to the main control unit 41 (that the setting value designation command has been transmitted). It may be notified that the game becomes ready in the slot machine 1 to the unit.

  Note that the lending control unit 301 determines whether or not a card has been inserted into the card insertion slot 305a of the lending unit 300 on the condition that the main control unit authentication completion flag and the set value notification completion flag are set. What is necessary is just to start the monitoring state which determines sequentially whether it is whether the banknote was inserted, whether the holding ball and storage ball payout switch 310 was operated, and whether the return switch 304 was operated.

  In the above embodiment, credits and bets may not be returned to the number of game balls (settlement). In this case, the number of balls given by winning a small role is set as the number of game balls. What is necessary is just to make it add to the game ball currently displayed on the display 202. FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the remaining amount of the input amount can be directly used for adding the number of game balls. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the remaining amount of the input amount It is good also as a form which adds to the number once and uses the number of balls after this addition for the addition of the number of game balls.

  Moreover, in the said Example, when transmitting the setting value designation | designated command from the setting control part 401 to the common control part 201a, the form which transmits this setting value designation | designated command in either of several channels CH1-CH3 was illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when a setting value designation command is transmitted from the setting control unit 401 to the common control unit 201a, the setting value designation command is always transmitted to the common control unit 201a on a specific channel. May be sent to.

  Moreover, in the said Example, when transmitting the setting value designation | designated command from the setting control part 401 to the common control part 201a, the form which transmits this setting value designation | designated command in either of several channels CH1-CH3 was illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the set value specifying command is transmitted from the common control unit 201a to the main control unit 41, the set value specifying command is transmitted in any of a plurality of channels. May be. By doing so, it is possible to make it difficult to understand the channel for transmitting (outputting) the set value designation command to the main control unit, and thus the security of the set value can be further improved.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the setting value designation command is transmitted from the setting control unit 401 to the common control unit 201a, the configuration is described in which the setting value designation command is encrypted. However, the present invention is limited to this. Instead, the set value designation command may be transmitted to the common control unit 201a without being encrypted.

  In the above embodiment, the channel used for transmitting the setting value designation command is exemplified every time the slot machine 1 is activated, but the present invention is not limited to this. The channel used for transmitting the setting value designation command may be determined every time the slot machine 1 is activated a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times or 10 times).

  In the embodiment, in the authentication request process executed when the slot machine 1 is turned on, the channels for the setting control unit 401 to transmit the setting value designation command to the common control unit 201a are the channels CH1 to CH3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the timing for determining one of the channels CH1 to CH3 as the channel for transmitting the setting value designation command is determined by supplying power to the slot machine 1. May be determined at any timing as long as the setting value designation command is transmitted to the common control unit 201a.

  In the embodiment, in the authentication request process executed when the slot machine 1 is turned on, the channels for the setting control unit 401 to transmit the setting value designation command to the common control unit 201a are the channels CH1 to CH3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the channel through which the setting control unit 401 transmits the setting value designation command to the common control unit 201a is set every time a certain time elapses. Alternatively, it may be determined again at the timing when the setting control unit 401 transmits the setting value designation command to the common control unit 201a.

  In the embodiment, in the authentication request processing executed when the slot machine 1 is turned on, the channel for the setting control unit 401 to transmit the setting value designation command to the common control unit 201a is designated as the setting control unit. In the example illustrated in 401, one of the channels CH1 to CH3 is determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting control unit 401 transmits a setting value designation command to the common control unit 201a. The channel may be determined by any of the setting control unit 401, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405, and the common control unit 201a.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the setting value of the slot machine 1 can be changed only after the end of the business, which is outside the business hours of the game hall where the slot machine 1 is installed, is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the setting value of the slot machine 1 may be changed before the start of business, which is outside the business hours of the game hall.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the setting value of the slot machine 1 can be changed only after the end of the business, which is outside the business hours of the game hall where the slot machine 1 is installed, is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 have been authenticated by the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 (a setting change permission command in the setting control unit 401). Can be changed even if the game hall 1 is open.

  In the embodiment, when it is determined that the authentication IDs of the main control unit 41, the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401, and the like are not regular IDs, that is, the main control unit 41, the common control unit 201a, and the setting control. When it is determined that the unit 401 or the like is not a genuine product, an example in which no notification or the like is performed is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the main control unit 41, the common control unit 201a, and the setting If it is determined that the control unit 401 or the like is not a genuine product, the main unit 41, the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401 or the like may notify the lending unit 300 or the hall computer 700 that the control unit 401 or the like has determined that the product is not a genuine product. Good.

  Moreover, in the said Example, the modification 4 and the modification 5, in the setting control board side authentication control part 405 and the common control part 201a which are a part of the slot machine 1, the main control part 41, the common control part 201a, setting control However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main control unit in the lending unit 300 or the hall computer 700 outside the slot machine 1 is exemplified. 41, the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401, and the like may be determined to be authenticated as genuine products, and the main control unit 41, the lending unit 300, the hall computer 700, An apparatus may be provided that determines that the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401, and the like are authenticated as genuine products.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the setting value display 402 was mounted in the setting control board 400, and the form which controls the display of this setting value display 402 in the setting control part 401 was illustrated, this invention is limited to this. Instead, the setting value display 402 may be mounted on the common control board 201 and the display of the setting value display 402 may be controlled by the common control unit 201a.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the setting control part 401 illustrated the form which sets a non-business flag based on having received the business end designation | designated command from the lending control part 301 in the business hours determination process, However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting control board 400 or the common control board 201 is equipped with a time measuring unit capable of measuring time, and the setting control unit 401 is not activated based on the passage of a specific time by the time measuring means. An operating flag may be set.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the form which provided the setting control part 401 and the setting control board side authentication control part 405 in the setting control board 400 was illustrated, this invention is not limited to this, The setting control board side The authentication control unit 405 may be provided on a different board from the setting control unit 401.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the form which provides the common control part 201a and the setting control board | substrate side authentication control part 405 on a different board | substrate was illustrated, this invention is not limited to this, The common control part 201a and The setting control board side authentication control unit 405 may be provided on the same board.

  In the above-described embodiment, the common control unit 201a exemplifies the form in which the main control unit 41 is authenticated, and credit conversion processing and game ball settlement processing as processing related to game value are executed. The invention is not limited to this, and means for executing authentication that the main control unit 41 is a genuine product and means for executing credit conversion processing and game ball settlement processing as processing relating to game value are individually provided. May be provided.

  In the embodiment, the lending unit 300 that is outside the slot machine 1 is provided with the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 for authenticating the common control unit 201a, and the setting control board 401 and the common control unit are provided on the setting control board 400. Although the configuration in which the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 for authenticating 201a is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting control board 400 is replaced with the setting control board side authentication control unit 405. An authentication control unit having the same configuration as that of the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 may be provided. When the authentication control unit having the same configuration as the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 is provided on the setting control board 400 in this way, the authentication control unit authenticates the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41. By making it possible, the setting control unit 401 may execute the setting change process even when the lending unit is not connected to the slot machine 1.

  Moreover, in the said Example, it is determined whether the setting control part 401, the common control part 201a, the main control part 41, and the lending control part 301 are regular goods, These setting control part 401, common control part 201a, In the case where the main control unit 41 and the lending control unit 301 authenticate that they are genuine products, the flag is set to indicate that the authentication has been performed and a command is transmitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, when the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, the main control unit 41, and the lending control unit 301 determine that they are not genuine products, that is, when they are not authenticated as genuine products, a predetermined number of times (for example, (2 times) may be repeatedly authenticated whether or not it is a genuine product.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the form which transmits the encrypted setting value designation | designated command from the setting control part 401 to the main control part 41 via the common control part 201a was illustrated, this invention is limited to this Instead, the encrypted setting value designation command may be transmitted directly from the setting control unit 401 to the main control unit 41 without going through the common control unit 201a.

  In the above-described embodiment, the setting control unit 401 and the common control unit 201a are authenticated by the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 as authentic, and the main control unit 41 is authenticated by the common control unit 201a. Although an example in which authentication is performed, that is, the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 are authenticated by a plurality of authentication processing means is illustrated, the present invention is limited to this. The setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 may be authenticated only by the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 or the common control unit 201a.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the setting control part 401 and the common control part 201a were illustrated with the form control board side authentication control part 405 authenticating as a regular article, this invention is limited to this. Instead, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 may authenticate only the setting control unit 401 as a genuine product and may not authenticate the common control unit 201a as a genuine product.

  In the above-described embodiment, the setting control unit 401 and the common control unit 201a are authenticated by the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 as authentic, and the main control unit 41 is authenticated by the common control unit 201a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 and the common control unit 201a, the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 and the authentication device side are used. The setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the main control unit 41 may be authenticated by a control unit of a device provided outside the slot machine 1 such as the authentication control unit 801.

  In the above-described embodiment, the setting control unit 401 and the common control unit 201a are authenticated by the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 as authentic, and the main control unit 41 is authenticated by the common control unit 201a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting control unit 401, the common control unit 201a, and the process of authenticating that the product is genuine and the main control unit 41 are authorized. The process of authenticating the presence may be executed by a control unit other than the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 and the common control unit 201a in the slot machine 1.

  Moreover, in the said modification 4, the authentication apparatus side authentication control part 801 illustrated the form which authenticates that the lending unit 300 is a regular goods by authenticating that the lending control part 301 is a regular goods, The present invention is not limited to this, and authentication that the lending unit 300 is a genuine product is performed by the common control unit 201a, the setting control unit 401, the main control unit 41, and the setting control of the hall computer 700 and the slot machine 1. Any device or control unit connected to the lending unit 300 such as the board-side authentication control unit 405 may execute.

  In the fourth modification, the common control unit 201a authenticates the setting control unit 401 and the main control unit 41 as genuine, and the lending unit side authentication control unit 317 authenticates the common control unit 201a as a regular product. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the authentication that the slot machine 1 is a genuine product is not limited to this. It may be a device or a control unit that is directly or indirectly connected to the slot machine 1 such as the authentication device side authentication control unit 801 of the authentication device 800, or may be in the slot machine such as the main control unit 41. It may be a control unit.

  In the sixth modification, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 authenticates the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 as a genuine product, thereby authenticating that the authentication / setting unit 1000 is a genuine product. In addition, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 similarly certifies that the slot machine 1 is authorized by authenticating the common control unit 201a and the main control unit 41 as authorized. The invention is not limited to this, and the authentication that the authentication / setting unit 1000 is a genuine product and the authentication that the slot machine 1 is a genuine product may be executed by different control units.

  In the sixth modification, the authentication / setting unit side authentication control unit 1001 authenticates the authentication / setting unit side setting control unit 1003 as a genuine product, thereby authenticating that the authentication / setting unit 1000 is a genuine product. Although the embodiment has been illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and authentication that the authentication / setting unit 1000 is a genuine product is outside the authentication / setting unit 1000 such as the common control unit 201a or the main control unit 41. It may be executed by the control unit.

  Moreover, although the said modification 6 illustrated the form in which the authentication and setting unit side authentication control part 1001 authenticates the slot machine 1 as a regular product, this invention is not limited to this, The said Example In this way, the setting control board 400 is provided with a setting control board-side authentication control unit, and the setting control board-side authentication control unit authenticates the common control unit 201a and the main control unit 41 as genuine products. May be certified as genuine.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the form which provides the setting control board 400 in the common unit 200 side was illustrated, this invention is not limited to this, You may provide the setting control board 400 in the game unit 1a side. .

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the setting control board side authentication control part 405 illustrated the form which authenticates that the setting control part 401 and the common control part 201a are regular goods, this invention is not limited to this. Instead, the setting control board side authentication control unit 405 may only authenticate the setting control unit 401 as a genuine product, and separately provide a control unit that authenticates the common control unit 201a as a genuine product.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the form which authenticates that the lending control part 301 is a regular article in the authentication apparatus 800 installed in the game store was illustrated, this invention is not limited to this, lending By connecting the unit 300 to an authentication device provided outside the game store via a communication line, even if the lending control unit 301 authenticates that it is an authorized product using the authentication device provided outside the game store. Good.

  In the above embodiment, the slot machine 1 is applied as an example of the gaming machine. However, for example, the present invention can also be applied to the pachinko gaming machine 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 1a Game unit 40 Game control board 41 Main control part 200 Common unit 201 Common control board 201a Common control part

Claims (2)

A gaming machine capable of executing a game in a plurality of setting states having different advantages for a player,
A connection unit communicably connected to a setting device capable of executing processing for any one of the setting states;
Game control means for performing game control according to the set state;
With
When the setting device and the gaming machine to which the setting device is connected are both authenticated, it is possible to execute a process for setting any of the setting states by the setting device. To play. The game can be executed in a plurality of setting states having different degrees of advantage for the player, and connected to a connection portion provided in a gaming machine having a game control means for performing game control according to the setting state. A setting device capable of performing processing for enabling communication with the gaming machine and setting any of the setting states,
A setting apparatus, wherein the setting apparatus and the gaming machine to which the setting apparatus is connected are both authenticated, so that a process for setting any of the setting states can be executed.

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