JP6039049B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of controlling a game regardless of whether a physical game medium is used or not.

  In recent years, not only pachinko machines but also pachislot machines have been demanded for a so-called encapsulated system. The enclosing type is a system that allows a game to be played without using a physical game medium such as a pachinko ball or a medal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the past, CR pachislot machines have been introduced, but they are not yet accepted by the market. On the other hand, with regard to pachinko machines, all pachinko machines are being regulated in the direction of changing to enclosing types.

  Since the physical game medium is not used in the enclosing type, management of the game medium such as renting and paying out game media such as medals can be made clear. Moreover, in order to lend or collect physical game media, an island facility that circulates the game media is necessary, and considerable noise is generated by circulating the game media. However, the noise from the island facility can be reduced with the enclosed type. From this point of view, it is desired to shift to the enclosing type in the pachislot machine.

  However, when the rules for shifting to the enclosing type are revised, it is necessary for the game shop to replace all the gaming machines purchased so far with gaming machines compatible with the enclosing type. For this reason, not only is this a waste of resources, but a huge amount of new investment is required, and the burden on the amusement store is considerably increased, and a temporary decline in demand is expected.

  In general, there is a member called an outer end plate built in the gaming machine as an interface for communicating signals between the gaming machine and an external device. Such communication with the outside via the outer end plate is, in principle, only transmission from the gaming machine to an external device, and reception from the external device to the gaming machine is not permitted. From the viewpoint of fraud prevention as a unique problem in this industry, it is necessary for the gaming machine to be configured not to physically accept external signals. However, in the case of adopting a sealed type, it is necessary to receive an external signal to the gaming machine so that the gaming machine can be controlled from an external device.

JP 2008-228998 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is not to use physical game media in consideration of the shift to a future encapsulated pachislot machine. The object is to provide a gaming machine that can cope with any case and can effectively use the assets of a conventional pachislot machine. In addition, the present invention can provide a gaming machine that can accommodate an encapsulated type and can smoothly transition to an enclosed type while complying with regulations from a fraudulent viewpoint even when receiving a signal from the outside of the gaming machine. It is aimed.

An embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention is as follows:
An optical communication unit for a medal selector that receives a game medium use signal output from the medal selector by an optical signal capable of optical communication;
A relay unit capable of relaying the medal selector and the medal selector optical communication unit;
The relay unit is
A light emitting unit for emitting communication light based on a game medium use signal output from the medal selector;
A first optical communication unit disposed at a position spaced apart from the light emitting unit and receiving communication light emitted from the light emitting unit and performing optical communication with the medal selector optical communication unit, wherein the male connector unit A first optical communication unit capable of bidirectional optical communication with a second optical communication unit provided in
A first light shielding unit for shielding light incident on the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit from outside the relay unit;
It has an opening formed by a gap between the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit, and includes the relay unit, the light emitting unit, the first optical communication unit, and the first light shielding unit, A second light shielding part for shielding light incident from the outside of the relay part can be attached to the first optical communication part via the opening, and the male connector part can be attached. A female connector portion,
When the male connector part is attached to the female connector part, the first optical communication part performs optical communication with the second optical communication part.

  When the male connector unit is attached to the female connector unit, the second optical communication unit faces the first optical communication unit so as to be capable of optical communication in both directions. In this case, the first optical communication unit communicates with the second optical communication unit instead of the light emitting unit. Moreover, when light-shielded by the male connector part, the communication state between the first optical communication part and the second optical communication part can be improved.

  For example, conventional game machines so far are provided with a slot, a medal selector, an internal hopper, a lower plate, and the like. The player inserts a game medium such as a medal from the insertion slot in order to advance the game. When a game medium is inserted from the insertion unit, the medal selector determines the authenticity of the inserted game medium. When the inserted game medium is authentic, it indicates that the genuine game medium has been inserted A signal (for example, a genuine medal insertion signal described later) is output.

  The medal selector is enabled or disabled by driving the lockout solenoid. When the lockout solenoid is activated, the medal selector is activated. When the medal selector is activated, the game medium determined to be authentic passes through the medal selector and is guided to the hopper. The hopper is a device for temporarily storing game media determined to be authentic in the gaming machine.

  On the other hand, when the lockout solenoid is not operated, the medal selector is invalidated. For example, when it corresponds to the enclosing type, or when the upper limit of the game medium has already been inserted (when 3 credits are inserted with 50 credits), the lockout solenoid is inactivated and the medal selector is It is invalidated. When the medal selector is invalidated, the game medium inserted from the insertion slot passes through a cancel chute (passage for discharging the game medium without passing through the hopper) and is returned to the lower plate. In this case, electrical control is not performed. The lower tray is a device for storing the discharged game media outside the game machine.

An embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention further includes:
When the male connector part is attached to the female connector part, the third light-shielding part is located between the light-emitting part and the second optical communication part and shields communication light emitted from the light-emitting part. Is to have a part.

  When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, the communication light emitted from the light emitting portion is shielded by the third light shielding portion. Even when light is emitted from the light emitting unit, the light from the light emitting unit can be blocked by the third light blocking unit, and light can be prevented from entering the first optical communication unit. By doing in this way, the malfunctioning by the light from a light emission part can be prevented, and the communication state between the 1st optical communication part and the 2nd optical communication part can be made still better.

An embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention further includes:
The second optical communication unit is connected to an external device that executes a value increase / decrease calculation process so that optical communication is possible,
When the male connector part is attached to the female connector part,
A game medium indicating that a game medium is inserted based on the use value information by receiving use value information indicating the value to be inserted by the player from the external device via the medal selector optical communication unit. Converted to a turn-on signal,
Based on the game, payout instruction information indicating an instruction to pay out the game medium to the player is received, converted into payout value information indicating a valuable value to be paid out to the player, and the medal selector optical communication unit It is further provided with the control part which outputs to an external device.

  Because the control unit converts the valuable value information into a gaming valuable value signal, even when the male connector is attached to the female connector and an external device is connected, it is based on the valuable value information from the external device. The game can be controlled in the same state as when the game medium is used (for example, inserted). For this reason, even when a physical game medium is not used, a conventional pachislot machine can be used effectively.

  Since the payout instruction information is converted into payout value information by the control unit, it is possible to manage game media to be paid out to a player based on the payout value information by connecting an external device. Therefore, the external device can manage the valuable value possessed by the player based on both the valuable value used by the player to play the game and the payout valuable value information paid out to the player according to the result of the game. it can. That is, both use and payout can be managed by an external device.

An embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention further includes:
A game media payout device for performing physical payout of game media;
The control unit receives a switching identification signal transmitted from the external device when the male connector unit is attached to the female connector unit, and transmits for transmitting a payout instruction signal to the game medium payout device. The route is blocked, and the payout instruction information is converted into the payout valuable value information and output to the external device.

  When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, the transmission path of the game medium payout device is blocked, so that the game medium can be managed by an external device.

  In consideration of the transition to encapsulated pachislot machines in the future, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can be used with or without physical gaming media and that can effectively utilize the assets of conventional pachislot machines. it can.

It is a front view which shows the outline of the gaming machine and the external device according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the rental process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bet processing process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bet processing process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bet processing process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bet processing process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bet processing process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the payout process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the payout process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the adjustment process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the adjustment process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the adjustment process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the adjustment process of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the adjustment process of a game system. When the genuine medal insertion signal is output from the medal selector 202 to the main control board 110 via the door relay board 300 (a), the valuable value information output from the game medium management device 30 is the door relay board 300. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a case (b) in which a genuine medal insertion signal is converted and output to the main control board 110. When the payout game medium signal is output from the medal discharge device 112 to the main control board 110 via the door relay board 300 (a), and the payout game medium signal output from the medal discharge apparatus 112 is the door relay board 300. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a case (b) in which it is converted into payout game value information and output to the game medium management device 30. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the game system in this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the door relay board | substrate 300 in this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the door relay board | substrate 300 'in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline of the connection state of the door relay board | substrate 300 by 1st Embodiment, the main control board 110, and the sub control board 210. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the outline | summary of the female connector 390 and the male connector 394. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state (a) in which the male connector 394 is not attached, and the state (b) in which the male connector 394 is attached. 5 is a flowchart of a connection check process executed in the door relay board 300. 4 is a flowchart of signal control processing executed in the door relay board 300. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of game machine 100 '' by 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the medal selector relay board | substrate 400. FIG. It is a top view which shows the medal selector relay board | substrate 400. FIG. It is the top view (a) and side view (b) which show the example which formed the coverings 492a and 492b by transparent resin, and fixed each of the light emission part 420 and the 1st optical communication part 440 as a whole. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a first sliding part 520, a second sliding part 540, and a third sliding part 560. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a first sliding part 520, a second sliding part 540, and a third sliding part 560. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a first sliding part 520, a second sliding part 540, and a third sliding part 560. It is a perspective view which shows 1st sliding part 520 ', 2nd sliding part 540', and 3rd sliding part 560 '. It is a perspective view which shows the medal selector relay board | substrate 600 by 3rd Embodiment. 6 is a perspective view showing a male connector portion 700 attached to a medal selector relay board 600. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a medal selector relay board 600 and a male connector portion 700. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a male connector portion 700 is attached to a medal selector relay board 600. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for controlling a medal discharging device 112 by attaching a male connector portion 700. FIG. It is a block diagram showing an example of gaming machine 100 ''. It is a block diagram showing an example of gaming machine 100 ''.

<<<< Embodiment >>>>
Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, the gaming machine is a game device such as a so-called pachinko machine 100a or a pachislot machine 100b, and the pachislot machine 100b is particularly preferable as the gaming machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is
A medal selector optical communication unit (for example, an optical signal light receiving unit 310a) for receiving a game medium use signal output from the medal selector by an optical signal capable of optical communication;
A relay unit (for example, a medal selector relay board 600) provided between the medal selector and the medal selector optical communication unit;
The relay unit is
A light emitting unit (for example, the light emitting unit 420) that emits communication light based on the game medium use signal output from the medal selector;
A control board (for example, a door) that is disposed at a position separated from the light emitting unit, receives communication light emitted from the light emitting unit, performs optical communication with the medal selector optical communication unit, and performs processing related to game media A first optical communication unit (for example, the first optical communication unit 440) connected to the relay substrate 300 ″),
A female connector portion having an opening (for example, an opening 632) formed by a gap between the light emitting portion and the first optical communication portion, and is a flat tongue piece (for example, a tongue piece portion 730). And a female connector portion (for example, male connector portion 700) having a second optical communication portion (for example, second optical communication portion 740) for performing optical communication is attached through the opening. A connector portion (for example, a female connector portion 630);
A first light-shielding part (for example, a fixed light-shielding part 610 or 612) that covers the light-emitting part and the first optical communication part;
A detachable second light shielding portion (for example, a detachable light shielding portion 620) that covers the opening when the male connector portion is not attached to the female connector portion,
When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, the second optical communication portion faces the first optical communication portion so as to be capable of optical communication in both directions.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a medal selector optical communication unit and a relay unit. The medal selector optical communication unit receives the game medium use signal output from the medal selector as an optical signal capable of optical communication. The game medium use signal may be an optical signal or an electric signal other than the optical signal. When the game medium use signal is a signal other than the optical signal, the medal selector optical communication unit receives the game medium use signal converted into the optical signal. The medal selector optical communication unit is preferably provided, for example, on a so-called door relay board. A game medium input signal is output from the medal selector. The relay unit is provided between the medal selector and the medal selector optical communication unit. It is preferable that the relay unit and the medal selector are connected by an optical fiber cable so that optical communication is possible. The relay unit and the medal selector optical communication unit are preferably connected by an optical fiber cable so that optical communication is possible.

  The relay unit includes a light emitting unit, a first optical communication unit, a female connector unit, a first light shielding unit, and a second light shielding unit.

  The light emitting unit emits communication light based on the game medium use signal output from the medal selector. It is preferable that the medal selector and the light emitting unit are connected by an optical fiber cable so that optical communication is possible. The game medium use signal output from the medal selector is propagated to the light emitting unit via the optical fiber cable. The optical signal propagated to the light emitting unit is emitted from the light emitting unit as communication light.

  The first optical communication unit is disposed at a position separated from the light emitting unit. The first optical communication unit receives communication light emitted from the light emitting unit. The first optical communication unit performs optical communication with the medal selector optical communication unit. The first optical communication unit is connected to a control board that performs processing related to the game medium. That is, the first optical communication unit receives communication light emitted as communication light from the light emitting unit, and outputs the received communication light as an optical signal to the medal selector optical communication unit.

  In this way, the game medium use signal output from the medal selector is propagated from the medal selector to the light emitting unit, from the light emitting unit to the first optical communication unit, and from the first optical communication unit to the medal selector optical communication unit. The

  An opening is formed by a gap between the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit. The female connector part has an opening. The second optical communication unit has a flat tongue piece. The second optical communication unit performs optical communication. The male connector part has a second optical communication part. A male connector part is attached to the female connector part through an opening.

  The first light shielding unit covers the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit. The second light shielding portion covers the opening when the male connector portion is not attached to the female connector portion. The second light shielding part is detachable from the opening.

  When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, the second optical communication portion faces the first optical communication portion so as to be capable of optical communication in both directions. When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, optical communication is performed between the second optical communication portion and the first optical communication portion.

  When the male connector portion is detached from the female connector portion, the removable light shielding portion is attached to the opening. In this case, the female connector portion is shielded from light by the removable light shielding portion. By doing in this way, the light-shielding state of a female connector part can be ensured, and the communication state between a light emission part and a 1st optical communication part can be made favorable. In this case, it is preferable to attach the detachable light-shielding part to the opening and seal the detachable light-shielding part to the opening with a seal seal. When the seal seal is peeled off, it can be clearly shown that the seal has been peeled off, and the opening can be prevented from being used illegally.

  When the male connector unit is attached to the female connector unit, the second optical communication unit faces the first optical communication unit so as to be capable of optical communication in both directions. In this case, the first optical communication unit communicates with the second optical communication unit instead of the light emitting unit. Moreover, when light-shielded by the male connector part, the communication state between the first optical communication part and the second optical communication part can be improved.

The gaming machine according to the present embodiment further includes
The male connector portion is positioned between the light emitting portion and the second optical communication portion when attached to the female connector portion, and a third light shielding portion that shields communication light emitted from the light emitting portion. (For example, a light shielding portion 750).

  When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, the communication light emitted from the light emitting portion is shielded by the third light shielding portion. Even when light is emitted from the light emitting unit, the light from the light emitting unit can be blocked by the third light blocking unit, and light can be prevented from entering the first optical communication unit. By doing in this way, the malfunctioning by the light from a light emission part can be prevented, and the communication state between the 1st optical communication part and the 2nd optical communication part can be made still better.

The gaming machine according to the present embodiment further includes
The second optical communication unit is connected to an external device (for example, a game medium management device 30 (more specifically, a so-called ECO unit) to be described later) that executes a value increase / decrease calculation process so that optical communication is possible. ,
When the male connector part is attached to the female connector part,
A game medium indicating that a game medium is inserted based on the use value information by receiving use value information indicating the value to be inserted by the player from the external device via the medal selector optical communication unit. Converted to a turn-on signal,
Based on the game, payout instruction information indicating an instruction to pay out the game medium to the player is received, converted into payout value information indicating a valuable value to be paid out to the player, and the medal selector optical communication unit A control unit (for example, a relay board CPU described later) that further outputs to an external device is further provided.

  Because the control unit converts the valuable value information into a gaming valuable value signal, even when the male connector is attached to the female connector and an external device is connected, it is based on the valuable value information from the external device. The game can be controlled in the same state as when the game medium is used (for example, inserted). For this reason, even when a physical game medium is not used, a conventional pachislot machine can be used effectively.

  Since the payout instruction information is converted into payout value information by the control unit, it is possible to manage game media to be paid out to a player based on the payout value information by connecting an external device. Therefore, the external device can manage the valuable value possessed by the player based on both the valuable value used by the player to play the game and the payout valuable value information paid out to the player according to the result of the game. it can. That is, both use and payout can be managed by an external device.

The gaming machine according to the present embodiment further includes
A game medium payout device (for example, medal discharge device 112) that performs physical payout of game media;
The control unit receives a switching identification signal transmitted from the external device when the male connector unit is attached to the female connector unit, and transmits for transmitting a payout instruction signal to the game medium payout device. The route is blocked (for example, on / off switch 116), and the payout instruction information is converted into the payout valuable value information and output to the external device.

  When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, the transmission path of the game medium payout device is blocked, so that the game medium can be managed by an external device.

<<< Outline of Gaming Machine 100 and Game Medium Management Device 30 >>>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of the gaming machine 100 and the game medium management device 30.
The gaming machine 100 in the present embodiment is a game device such as a so-called pachinko machine 100a and a pachislot machine 100b. The game medium management device 30 is a so-called ECO unit, CR unit, or medal sand (sand). The game medium management device 30 lends game media such as game balls and medals to the player mainly by inputting valuable value. The game medium management device 30 is provided on the side of the gaming machine 100. Specifically, in the case of the pachinko machine 100a, the gaming medium management device 30 is installed on the left side of the gaming machine 100, and in the case of the pachislot machine 100b, the gaming medium management device 30 is installed on the right side of the gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the game medium management device 30 is configured to be installed on either side of the gaming machine 100.

  The gaming machine 100 includes a bet number designation unit, a bet processing unit, a game processing unit, and a payout processing unit. The bet number designation unit accepts designation of the bet number by the player. The betting processing unit enables the gaming medium management device 30 to accept betting of gaming medium data according to the number of bets designated by the betting number designation unit. The game processing unit executes a game under various game states on the precondition that a bet of game medium data is received. The payout processing unit determines the payout number of game medium data based on the game result. The bet number designation unit is realized by a bet button (not shown) for betting operation by the player. Various game states include, for example, a bonus game state (BB state, RB state, etc.) and a normal game state.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the game medium management device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the game medium management device 30 includes a management device side connection terminal plate 921, a medal information processing unit 922, a lending processing unit 923, a deposit processing unit 924, and a relay connection terminal plate 925.

  The management device side connection terminal board 921 is connected to the gaming machine 100 and transmits / receives information and signals to / from the gaming machine 100. The medal information processing unit 922 receives a bet of game media data in the bet processing unit of the gaming machine 100 when the bet number specified in the bet number specifying unit of the gaming machine 100 is equal to or less than the lent number. The lending processing unit 923 manages the number of game medium data to be lent based on the number of betting game medium data in the betting process of the gaming machine 100 and the number of game medium data paid out in the payout process of the gaming machine 100. The deposit processing unit 924 accepts the player's deposit so that it can be added to the number of game media data to be lent. The relay connection terminal board 925 is connected to the hall computer 20 via an optical fiber cable, and can transmit data from the external concentration terminal board 120 to the external hall computer 20 in one direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the game medium management device 30 includes a game preparation state medal information storage unit 981, a medal information storage unit 982, a stored medal information storage unit 983, and a balance information storage unit 984.

  The game preparation state medal information storage unit 981 stores the number of credits used for betting game medium data as game preparation state medal information. The possession medal information storage unit 982 stores the number of possessed medals with the excess number exceeding the upper limit of the number of credits stored in the game ready state medal information storage unit 981 as medal information. The stored medal information storage unit 983 stores the number of stored medals, which is the number of medals deposited in the hall without exchanging prizes, as stored medal information. The balance information storage unit 984 stores the number of balances of the deposit amount received by the deposit processing unit 924 as balance information.

  Further, the game medium management device 30 includes an automatic lending selection unit 991, an automatic credit supplement selection unit 992, an automatic saving medal replay selection unit 993, and the like. The automatic lending selection unit 991 enables switching between enabling and disabling the automatic lending replenishment function which is a function for automatically executing the balance lending process. The automatic credit replenishment selection unit 992 enables switching between enabling and disabling the automatic credit replenishment function. The automatic saving medal replay selection unit 993 makes it possible to switch between enabling and disabling the automatic loan replenishment function.

  In the present specification, a game corresponds to all games that are premised on betting of game media. For example, a pachinko game in the pachinko machine 100a or a pachislot game in the pachislot machine 100b. The game media have game values such as medals, game balls, tokens, electronic money, tickets, and the like. Note that the game medium includes, in addition to a physical game medium, game medium data that is converted into data such as the number of game media that are not substantial but are necessary for the game.

  The game medium data is obtained by converting the game medium into electronic data, and is data for expressing an objective fact with respect to an event in the real world. For example, the data indicates that the number of medals as game media is one or two. The game medium data is included in the game related data. The game-related data includes game medium data and game state data such as a general game state and a BB game state. The game related data means all data related to the game.

  Further, in this specification, the enclosed type may be any configuration in which the gaming machine 100 includes various processing units in a space closed from the outside. Further, a configuration in which the player can play without actually touching the game medium may be employed. For example, there is a configuration in which a game medium is enclosed in the gaming machine 100 and a game is played using the enclosed game medium. Furthermore, the structure which can be played without using a physical game medium may be sufficient.

<< Outline of Functions of Game Medium Management Device 30 >>
An outline of functions of the game medium management device 30 will be described. The game medium management device 30 mainly executes a lending process, a bet process, a payout process, and a settlement process. A lending process, a bet process, a payout process, and a settlement process in the game medium management device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the game medium management device 30 includes the game preparation state medal information storage unit 981, the possession medal information storage unit 982, the stored medal information storage unit 983, and the balance information storage unit 984. Symbols attached to credits, possessed medals, stored medals, and frequencies (cash) in FIGS. 3 to 15 indicate these storage units.

<Lending process>
3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a lending process in the case where a lending operation is performed by inserting cash into the game medium management device 30. FIG. Here, the credit upper limit is 50 sheets, the lending unit is 50 sheets, and the converted value is 20 yen / sheet.

  FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a lending process when there are no credits. When a player puts cash (1,000 yen) into the game medium management device 30 and operates a lending button (not shown) of the game medium management device 30 to perform a lending operation, 1000 yen worth The frequency (cash) is 0 yen, 50 yen for 1000 yen (= 1000 yen / 20 yen), which is 1000 yen multiplied by the converted value, is added to the credit, and the credit is changed from 0 to 50 ((1) Processing).

  FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a lending process when there are 20 credits. When the player puts cash (1,000 yen) into the game medium management device 30 and operates a lending button (not shown) of the game medium management device 30 to perform a lending operation (process (1)) ) If there is no credit limit, the credit is 70 (= 20 + 50 (= 1000 yen / 20 yen)). However, since the credit limit is actually 50, the excess number exceeding the credit limit is added to the medal (process (2)), and the credit is 50 credit limit. Become.

  Further, when the game medium management device 30 has an automatic lending replenishment function and the automatic lending replenishment function is activated, it is possible to automatically replenish credits instead of operating the lending button.

<Bet processing>
The betting process includes the following steps 1 to 4.

(Step 1)
A medal insertion request acceptance state signal is constantly transmitted from the game medium management device 30 to the gaming machine 100. The medal insertion request acceptance state signal includes the number of insertions set (the number of medals necessary for starting the game and the number of medals determined according to the game state) and the number of loans (the number of medals that can be inserted and the current number of credits). The smaller one of these is a signal indicating the selected number of possible inputs.

  This medal insertion request acceptance state signal changes according to medal information that can be inserted. Specifically, the medal information that can be inserted includes the game state (for example, a maximum of 2 cards when the RB is activated and 3 cards when the RB is not activated), arbitrary player settings, hall settings, automatic It changes depending on the validation or invalidation of the credit replenishment function and the validation or invalidation of the automatic saving medal replay function.

  The automatic credit replenishment function described above is a credit replenishment function that automatically converts medals to credit when the credit becomes zero. The automatic saving medal replay function is a saving medal replay function that automatically converts a saved medal into a hand-held coin or credit when the medal is zero.

  For example, when the automatic credit replenishment function is enabled and the automatic saving medal replay function is disabled, the number of medals that can be inserted = the number of credits + the number of medals. When the automatic credit replenishment function is enabled and the automatic saving medal replay function is enabled, the number of medals that can be inserted = the number of credits + the number of medals + the number of stored medals. When the automatic credit replenishment function is disabled and the automatic saving medal replay function is disabled, the number of medals that can be inserted = the number of credits. The number of medals that can be inserted is the maximum number of medals that the player can use in the game.

(Step 2)
Based on the information indicated by the medal insertion request acceptance state signal transmitted from the game medium management device 30, the gaming machine 100 can select the number of bets (requestable bets that can be requested) out of the bets specified by the player. Number) is accepted from the bet number designation unit.

(Step 3)
When the gaming machine 100 receives a bet number that can be requested from the bet number designation unit, the gaming machine 100 transmits a medal insertion request signal to the gaming medium management device 30. Here, the medal insertion request signal is transmitted from the gaming machine 100 to the game medium management device 30 when the bet number specified by the bet number specifying unit is equal to or less than the possible number of insertions indicated by the medal insertion request acceptance state signal. And indicates the designated bet number.

  Receiving the medal insertion request signal, the game medium management device 30 transmits a medal insertion signal corresponding to the medal insertion request signal to the gaming machine 100, and at the same time, calculates the number of medals for the medal insertion signal corresponding to the medal insertion request signal. Subtract from

(Step 4)
Receiving the medal insertion signal, the gaming machine 100 performs the insertion processing for the number of medals, and when the number of games that can be played is input, shifts to a game start standby state.

  The medal replay process is a process of converting the medal to credit or possession medal when there is a medal, triggered by the operation of a medal replay button (not shown) of the game medium management device 30. . The number of units to be converted is set in the game medium management device 30. The hole managing the gaming system can set the upper limit number of medals replay per day to an arbitrary number.

  In this way, a medal insertion request signal is transmitted from the gaming machine 100 to the gaming medium management device 30 based on a bet number designation section by the player in the gaming machine 100, that is, a so-called betting operation. The game medium management device 30 transmits a medal insertion signal to the gaming machine 100 in response to the medal insertion request signal. The gaming machine 100 performs insertion processing for the number of medals in response to the medal insertion signal, and is ready to start a game and enters a standby state.

  4 to 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of bet processing when a MAX bet operation is performed.

  FIG. 4 shows a bet process when the maximum bet number of 3 bets is performed under the condition that the automatic bet number changing function is disabled and the game medium management device 30 has 50 credits. It is the schematic which shows the example of.

  In this case, the number of credits is three or more, and a signal for accepting three cards as a medal insertion request acceptance state signal is constantly transmitted from the game medium management device 30 to the gaming machine 100 at regular time intervals. Since the maximum bet number “3” by the MAX bet operation is equal to or less than the possible insertion number “3” indicated by the three insertion possibility signal, the three medal insertion request signals are sent from the gaming machine 100 to the gaming medium management device 30. Sent. Thereafter, a three-sheet insertion signal, which is a medal insertion signal, is transmitted from the game medium management device 30 to the gaming machine 100, and the betting is completed.

  As a result, regardless of whether the automatic credit replenishment function and the automatic saving medal replay function are enabled or disabled, the credit is reduced from 50 to 47, and 3 of the reduced credit is 0 in the gaming machine 100. Used to change from the bet state to the 3-bet state (processing (1)). That is, in this case, the MAX bet operation is accepted as a 3-bet operation.

  FIG. 5 shows a bet process when the credit of the game medium management device 30 is 2 in the case where a MAX bet operation with a maximum bet number of 3 is performed under the condition that the automatic bet number changing function is disabled. It is the schematic which shows the example of.

  In this case, if the credit is less than 3 and the automatic credit replenishment function and the automatic saving medal replay function are disabled, the game medium management device 30 does not change the credit, and the gaming machine 100 has 0 bet. The state is maintained (processing (1)). That is, in this case, the MAX bet operation is not accepted.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a bet process when the game medium management device 30 has two credits when a MAX bet operation is performed under the condition that the automatic bet number changing function is enabled. is there.

  In this case, two medal insertion request signals are transmitted from the gaming machine 100 to the game medium management device 30 in accordance with a two-sheet insertion possible signal as a medal insertion request acceptance state signal. Therefore, in this case, the credit is changed from 2 to 0 in the game medium management device 30 regardless of whether the automatic credit replenishment function and the automatic saving medal replay function are enabled or disabled. At the same time, the 0 bet state in the gaming machine 100 is changed to the 2 bet state (process (1)). That is, in this case, the MAX bet operation is accepted as a 2-bet operation.

  FIG. 7 shows that when the automatic bet number changing function is disabled, the automatic credit replenishment function is enabled, and a MAX bet operation with a maximum bet number of 3 is performed when there are 2 credits and 100 medals. It is the schematic which shows the example of the betting process at the time.

  In this case, since there are less than three credits, the gaming machine 100 is changed from the 0 bet state to the 3 bet state after the medals are replenished to the credits. That is, the number of medals is decreased from 100 to 99, and the credit is increased from 2 to 3 (processing (1)). Then, the gaming machine 100 is put into a 3-bet state, and the credit is reduced from 3 to 0 (processing (2)).

  When the credit is replenished to the upper limit (50), the number of medals is reduced from 100 to 52, and the credit is increased from 2 to 50. Then, the gaming machine 100 is put into a 3-bet state, and the credit is reduced from 50 to 47.

  Further, in this case, two of the credits are used for betting first (2 → 0), and then 0 credits are replenished (0 → 50), and the remaining one is bet ((0 → 50)) 50 → 49).

  FIG. 8 shows the case where the automatic bet number changing function is disabled, the automatic credit replenishment function is enabled, 2 credits, 0 held medals, 0 stored medals, and the frequency (cash) is 1000 yen. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a bet process when a MAX bet operation with a maximum bet number of 3 is performed.

  In this case, the frequency is reduced from 1000 yen to 0 yen, the credit is increased from 2 to 50 (process (1)), and surplus exceeding 50 is generated, so the number of medals is 0 The number is increased from two to two ((2) processing). Thereafter, the credit is reduced from 50 to 47, and the gaming machine 100 is changed from the 0 bet state to the 3 bet state. Note that the amount of 3 bets may be reduced in the state where the credits are increased from 2 to 52 (the processing of (3)).

  Also, two credits are used for betting first (2 → 0), then the frequency is reduced from 1000 yen to 0 yen, and 0 credits are replenished with 50 yen for 1000 yen (0 → 50). ), The remaining one from the replenished credit may be bet (50 → 49).

<Payment processing>
In the payout process, when a medal payout signal corresponding to a winning is transmitted from the gaming machine 100 to the game medium management device 30, the game medium management device 30 that has received the medal payout signal adds the payout medal amount to the number of credits. It is. When the upper limit of the number of credits is exceeded, the excess number is added to the number of medals.

  The payout process will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 9, when paying out 10 cards, if the number of credits is 20 less than 41, the credits are increased from 20 to 30 (process (1)).

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the case of paying out 10 cards, if there are 45 credits and 100 medals, the credits are increased from 45 to 50 ((1) ), The surplus is added to the possessed medals, and the retained medals are increased from 100 to 105 (process (2)).

<Checkout process>
The settlement process is a process for storing the stored medal information (unsettled medal information) in the card, and is executed with an operation of a settlement button (not shown) of the game medium management device 30 as a trigger.

  The settlement process will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 11, in the state where a stored medal card is inserted into the game medium management device 30 and there are 0 credits, 500 medaled medals, and 100 medaled medal, Is reduced from 500 to 0. Then, after the number of saved medals is increased from 100 to 600 (processing (1)), 600 are written on the card and the number of stored medals is reduced from 600 to 0 (processing (2)). ). Thereafter, 600 pieces stored on the card are processed at the prize counter (processing (3)).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, 500 medals may be directly written on a stored medal card. Specifically, when a stored medal card is inserted in the game medium management device 30 and there are 0 credits, 500 held medals, and 100 stored medals, 500 medals are stored. While being written in the first storage area of the saving medal card (process (1)), 100 medals are written in the second storage area of the saving medal card (process (2)). That is, 500 medals and 100 stored medals are individually written on the stored medals card. Next, the number of held medals and stored medals is reduced to 0 (processing (1) and (2)).

  Note that it is possible to select 500 medal medals as medal information or 500 medal stored data by operating the player on the game medium management device 30.

  Thereafter, 500 and 100 sheets stored in the card are processed at the prize counter (process (3)). At this time, 500 medals and 100 stored medals may be added together and exchanged for prizes. Further, a part of the stored medals may be added up. For example, 500 medals and 20 stored medals may be added together and exchanged for prizes. Furthermore, the player may select either 500 medals or 100 stored medals so that the player can exchange them for prizes. Further, the medal information may be converted into accumulated medal information by the operation of the player or the game hall manager of the prize counter.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the settlement process in the state where a stored medal card is inserted in the game medium management device 30 and there are 50 credits, 500 held medals, and 100 stored medals. .

  First, by adding 50 credits to the medal, credits are reduced to 0 and medals are increased to 550 (processing (1)). Then, by adding 550 medals to the stored medals, the number of held medals is reduced to 0 and the number of stored medals is increased to 650 (process (2)). Thereafter, 650 medals are written on the medals card, so that the number of medals is reduced to 0 and 650 are written on the medals card (process (3)). The 650 sheets stored on the medal card are processed at the prize counter (process (4)).

  As shown in FIG. 14, 550 medals may be directly written on the saving medal card (processing (2)). In the operation in this case, as in FIG. 12, 550 medals and 100 stored medals are individually written on the stored medals card.

  In general, medals can be replayed free of charge, while saved medals require a fee for replaying, or if there is no fee, a replay usage limit is set. Yes. Therefore, a medal is more advantageous for the player. However, storing medals across days is not desirable because it increases the burden on management means such as the hall computer 20 and a medal server (not shown). For this reason, when the date is changed, it is preferable to automatically convert the medal information into the stored medal information. Therefore, even if there is a player who has returned home without memorizing the medal information while memorizing the medal information, the medal information is cleared and converted to accumulated medal information, so if the date changes The medal data to be managed is only the stored medal data, and the load on the management means can be reduced. Note that the timing of conversion to the medal data may be any time as long as the game hall is closed, and is not limited to the timing when the date is changed.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a checkout process when a visitor card is inserted in the game medium management device 30 instead of a stored medal card, when there are 0 credits, 500 medals, and a frequency of 1000 yen. FIG. In this case, both 500 medals and 1000 yen of frequency are written on the visitor card (the processes (1) and (2)). Then, 500 visitor cards can be processed by the free gift counter (process (3)), and 1000 yen of visitor cards can be processed by the checkout machine (process (4)). At this time, the frequency may be exchanged as a medal on a POS (Point of sale system).

  The game medium management device 30 has a display device (not shown). The display device displays current values such as credits, possessed medals, stored medals, and counts, and the player can visually recognize these values.

<<< Difference in configuration between conventional gaming machine and enclosed gaming machine, and conversion of information and signals >>>
In this embodiment, since a conventional gaming machine is made to correspond to an enclosing type, it is basically unnecessary to handle a physical gaming medium such as a medal. However, since the gaming machine is used for a transition period until the complete transition to the encapsulated type, the game can be performed even using a physical gaming medium. Accordingly, the pachislot machine 100b in the present embodiment is provided with a medal insertion unit and a medal discharge device, similarly to the conventional gaming machine, and similarly, the game medium management device 30 receives a medal from the player. A medal discharging device is provided for lending.

<< Introduction of medals in the pachislot machine 100b >>
In the pachislot machine 100b, a medal selector 202 is provided in the medal insertion part. When a medal is inserted from the insertion unit, the medal selector 202 determines the authenticity of the inserted medal. Output a signal. The medal selector 202 outputs one pulse signal as a genuine medal insertion signal for each inserted medal.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16A and FIG. 18 described later, the medal selector 202 outputs a pulse signal string as a genuine medal insertion signal. The genuine medal insertion signal is output to the main control board 110 of the pachi-slot machine 100b via the door relay board 300. The main control board 110 counts the inserted medals based on the genuine medal insertion signal and increases the credit. In addition, when the credit becomes a predetermined number or more, for example, 50 or more, medals are paid out to a lower plate (not shown) of the pachislot machine 100b.

<< Introduction in enclosed pachislot machine >>
As described above, in the case of a sealed pachislot machine, a medal insertion request signal is transmitted from the gaming machine 100 to the game medium management device 30 based on a betting operation by the player in the gaming machine 100. The game medium management device 30 transmits a medal insertion signal to the gaming machine 100 in response to the medal insertion request signal (FIGS. 4 to 8). The gaming machine 100 performs insertion processing for the number of medals in response to the medal insertion signal, and is ready to start a game and enters a standby state. Thus, in the case of an enclosed pachislot machine, no physical game medium is used.

<< Correspondence to enclosed type of medal use (injection) in pachislot machine 100b >>
As described above, the authentic medal insertion signal output from the medal selector 202 is not used in the case of corresponding to the enclosing type. In this case, a signal such as a genuine medal insertion signal is generated using the valuable value information output from the game medium management device 30. For this reason, in the present embodiment, in the door relay board 300, valuable value information output from the game medium management device 30 is converted into a genuine medal insertion signal and transmitted to the main control board 110.

  In this specification, valuable value information (value information) is information obtained by converting a conventional game medium into data, and is information indicating a valuable value in a game. The valuable value information is information on the number of game media, for example. The valuable value information may include information that can be converted into the number of game media such as monetary information. Furthermore, value information such as electronic money that can be converted into cash may be included in the valuable value information. Further, the valuable value information can be exchanged for a prize (general prize or special prize).

  As shown in FIG. 16 (b), the valuable value information output from the game medium management device 30 includes a header portion and a data portion. Various information is output from the game medium management device 30 to the pachi-slot machine 100b. The pachislot machine 100b needs to identify and process these pieces of information. For this reason, a header portion is provided in various types of information output from the game medium management device 30.

  The header portion of the valuable value information includes information for identifying the valuable value information, information for identifying the game medium management device 30, and the like. In addition, the header portion may include identification information of a gaming machine whether the gaming machine is a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine, and information such as a rental rate at a store. Information such as identification information and rental rate of these gaming machines may be set in advance and stored in the gaming medium management device 30 by the store. Note that the gaming machine identification information and the rental rate information may be stored in the data portion instead of the header portion.

  The data portion can be data indicating the number of game media used (input) (number of game media used). Since the number of used game media is used, the pachislot machine 100b can add the number of used game media as it is to the number of credits. As described above, the value information may be amount information or the like, and therefore the data portion of the use value information may be data such as amount information.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 16B, valuable value information is output from the game medium management device 30 to the door relay board 300. As described above, data indicating the number of input game media is stored in the data portion of the use value information. The door relay board 300 converts the valuable value information into a genuine medal insertion signal and outputs it to the main control board 110 (see FIGS. 18 and 19) of the pachislot machine 100b. The genuine medal insertion signal output from the door relay board 300 is a pseudo signal and a genuine medal insertion signal output from the medal selector 202. That is, the door relay board 300 outputs a signal having the same period, pulse width, rising edge, and falling edge as the genuine medal insertion signal output from the medal selector 202 as the genuine medal insertion signal.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16B, the door relay board 300 mainly uses the same number of pulse signals as the number of inserted game media stored in the data portion of the valuable value information as the genuine medal insertion signal. Output to the control board 110. As with the case where the medal selector 202 is connected, the main control board 110 can count the inserted medals and increase the credits based on the genuine medal insertion signal.

  It should be noted that the main control board 110 only needs to be able to properly process it as a genuine medal insertion signal regardless of whether it is output from the medal selector 202 or the door relay board 300. There may be a difference in the waveform.

  In this way, by converting the valuable value information output from the game medium management device 30 into a genuine medal insertion signal, it is possible to increase the credit in the pachislot machine 100b using the credit function of the pachislot machine 100b. By doing in this way, the credit function with which the pachislot machine 100b is equipped can be utilized effectively, and it can be made to correspond to an enclosure type. The genuine medal insertion signal obtained by converting the use value information by the door relay board 300 corresponds to the game value signal.

  Note that the credit function of the pachislot machine 100b may not be used. For example, depending on the pachislot machine 100b, it may be assumed that a credit function is not provided. Moreover, even if the pachislot machine 100b has a credit function, it may be assumed that it is not desired to use it. In such a case, the pachislot machine 100b needs to perform processing so as to bet directly without crediting based on the predetermined information output from the game medium management device 30. In this case, basically, the processing may be performed as described with reference to FIGS.

  That is, the game medium management device 30 constantly outputs a medal insertion request acceptance state signal to the main control board 110 via the door relay board 300. Here, the medal insertion request acceptance status signal includes the number of insertion settings (the number of medals necessary for starting a game and the number of medals determined according to the gaming state) and the number of loans (the number of medals that can be inserted and the current number of medals). Of the number of credits, the smaller one is a signal indicating the selected possible number. It should be noted that, here, it is expressed as “insertion” as in the medal insertion request acceptance state signal, but, unlike physical game medium insertion, it means the use of virtualized virtual game media. . As described above, this medal insertion request acceptance state signal changes according to medal information that can be inserted.

  Next, the main control board 110, based on the information indicated by the medal insertion request acceptance status signal transmitted from the game medium management device 30, out of the bet numbers designated by the player (the number of bets that can respond to the request ( Only the bet number that can be requested) is accepted from the bet number designation unit.

  Next, when the main control board 110 receives a bet number that can be requested from the bet number designation unit, the main control board 110 transmits a medal insertion request signal to the game medium management device 30 via the door relay board 300. Here, the medal insertion request signal is transmitted from the main control board 110 to the game medium management device 30 when the bet number specified by the bet number specifying unit is equal to or less than the possible number of insertions indicated by the medal insertion request acceptance state signal. Is a signal indicating the designated bet number.

  The game medium management device 30 receives the medal insertion request signal and transmits a medal insertion signal corresponding to the medal insertion request signal to the main control board 110 via the door relay board 300. At the same time, the game medium management device 30 subtracts the number of medals for the medal insertion signal corresponding to the medal insertion request signal from the number of credits.

  The main control board 110 receives the medal insertion signal and performs insertion processing for the number of medals. The pachislot machine 100b shifts to a game start standby state when the number of games that can be played is inserted.

  As described above, between the main control board 110 (pachislot machine 100b) and the game medium management device 30, signals such as a medal insertion request acceptance state signal, a medal insertion request signal, and a medal insertion signal are transmitted via the door relay board 300. Sent and received. In this case, the door relay board 300 may be appropriately converted into a desired signal or information according to a signal to be transmitted / received, similarly to the above-described valuable value information and genuine medal insertion signal. The medal insertion request acceptance state signal output from the game medium management device 30 to the main control board 110 (pachislot machine 100b) and the signal obtained by converting the medal insertion signal by the door relay board 300 correspond to the game value signal.

<< Payout of medals in pachislot machine 100b >>
When the pachislot machine 100b is provided with a credit function when paying out a game medium such as a medal to the player based on the game, the main control board 110 of the pachislot machine 100b first increases the credit. When the credit exceeds the credit upper limit, the number of game media exceeding the credit upper limit is paid out from the medal discharging device (such as a hopper) 112.

  When paying out game media from the medal discharging device 112, the main control board 110 outputs a motor drive signal to the medal discharging device 112 (see FIG. 18). A motor (not shown) of the medal discharging device 112 is driven by a motor driving signal and pays out one medal (physical game medium). The medal discharging device 112 is also provided with a photo sensor (not shown). The photosensor detects that one medal has been paid out, and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 110 as a payout game medium signal (FIGS. 17A and 18). The main control board 110 counts the game media paid out from the medal discharge device 112 based on the payout game media signal output from the photo sensor. The main control board 110 drives the motor of the medal discharging device 112 until paying out the number of game media exceeding the credit upper limit, and stops the motor when paying out the number of game media exceeding the credit upper limit.

  For example, a case will be described in which the payout number is 15 according to the game result, the credit is 40, and the credit upper limit is 50. In this case, first, the credit is increased to the upper limit of 50 credits. Thereafter, in order to pay out 5 (= 40 + 15-50) game media exceeding the credit limit, the main control board 110 has a count value based on the payout game media signal output from the photosensor 5 times (5 cards). Min) until the count reaches 5 times, and the motor is stopped. Thus, in the pachislot machine 100b, a signal such as a payout game medium signal is used when paying out the game medium.

<< Payout in enclosed pachislot machine >>
As described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, in the case of a sealed pachislot machine, a physical game medium such as a medal is not used. Therefore, in the enclosed pachislot machine, a medal payout signal corresponding to the winning is output from the gaming machine 100 to the gaming medium management device 30. The game medium management device 30 increases the credit based on the medal payout signal. When the credit upper limit of credit is exceeded, the excess number is held and added to the number of medals (FIGS. 9 and 10).

<< Corresponding to enclosed type of payout of medals in pachislot machine 100b >>
As described above, when the pachislot machine 100b is made to correspond to the enclosing type, a physical game medium such as a medal is not paid out. Therefore, when making the pachislot machine 100b compatible with the enclosing type, using the signal such as the payout game medium signal output from the medal discharge device 112 described above, payout value information indicating the value to be paid out to the player is displayed. Need to be generated. That is, in the present embodiment, the door relay board 300 converts a signal such as a payout game medium signal into payout valuable value information and transmits it to the game medium management device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, a payout game medium signal is output from the medal discharge device 112 to the door relay board 300. The door relay board 300 converts the payout game medium signal into payout value information and outputs it to the game medium management device 30. That is, the payout game medium signal is converted into information that can be processed by the game medium management device 30, and the payout valuable value information is generated by adding a header portion indicating that the payout game medium signal. The game medium management device 30 can manage the valuable value owned by the player based on the payout valuable value information.

  As described above, the payout game medium signal is output from the medal discharging device 112 only when the credit upper limit of the credit in the pachislot machine 100b is exceeded. Until the credit limit is reached, the credit function of the pachislot machine 100b is used. Therefore, when the payout game medium signal is used, it is necessary to output data indicating the adjusted credit to the game medium management apparatus 30 when the pachislot machine 100b adjusts the credit.

  On the other hand, when a medal payout signal corresponding to a prize can be output from the main control board 110 of the pachislot machine 100b, the medal payout signal may be output to the game medium management device 30 via the door relay board 300. In this case, the medal payout signal may be appropriately converted so that the game medium management device 30 can process it. The medal payout signal includes information on the number of game media to be paid out in accordance with winning. By doing so, it is possible to manage all of the game media paid out to the player with the game media management device 30 without depending on the credit function of the pachislot machine 100b.

  Further, when the payout game medium signal output from the medal discharging device 112 is used, a signal line for outputting the payout game medium signal may be connected to the door relay board 300. The signal line is preferably an optical fiber cable for optical communication. By using an optical fiber cable, it is possible to make it difficult to intervene a device for fraud.

  Further, in the case of using a payout game medium signal, the motor of the medal discharging device 112 can be driven and the photo sensor can detect the medal.

  Note that instead of actually driving the motor, it may be possible to output the payout game medium signal in a pseudo manner, assuming that the motor is driven in a pseudo manner. For example, a motor drive signal output from the main control board 110 is output to the door relay board 300, and the door relay board 300 generates a payout game medium signal according to the motor drive signal and outputs it to the main control board 110. . By doing in this way, since it becomes unnecessary to drive an actual motor, a movable object can be abolished and durability can be improved and noise can be reduced.

  As described above, when the pachislot machine 100b is made to be sealed, it can be used as a substitute for the conventional genuine medal insertion signal by using the valuable value information output from the game medium management device 30. Also, by inputting payout instruction information indicating the valuable value to be paid out to the player to the game medium management device 30, the number of game media paid out to the player by the game medium management device 30 can be managed. Furthermore, the number of medals bet by the game medium management device 30 can be managed by signals such as a medal insertion request acceptance state signal, a medal insertion request signal, and a medal insertion signal. As described above, when the enclosure type is used, the game medium management device 30 can manage the increase / decrease of medals in the pachislot machine 100b.

  Furthermore, since it is not necessary to consider the difference of game media according to the gaming machine 100 when the enclosure type is used, the game media management device 30 is applied to both the pachinko machine 100a and the pachislot machine 100b. Can do.

<<<< Game System >>>>
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the gaming system in the present embodiment. The gaming system in the present embodiment includes a gaming machine 100, a hall computer 20, and a gaming medium management device 30. The game medium management device 30 is connected to the gaming machine 100 so that various information and signals can be transmitted and received.

  The pachi-slot machine 100b in this embodiment includes a main control board 110, a sub control board 210, a sub relay board 220, a door relay board 300, an external concentration terminal board 120, and other peripheral devices.

<< Main control board 110 >>
The main control board 110 includes a microcomputer as a main component. The microcomputer includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as a main CPU), a ROM (hereinafter referred to as a main ROM), a RAM (hereinafter referred to as a main RAM), an I / O, a communication circuit, and the like.

  The main ROM stores a control program executed by the main CPU, various data tables such as an internal lottery table, data for transmitting various control commands (commands) to the sub control board 210, and the like. The main RAM is provided with a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination determined by execution of the control program.

  A clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, a sampling circuit, and the like are connected to the main CPU of the main control board 110, and the main CPU executes a control program based on the generated clock pulses. . The random number generator generates a random number in a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535), and the sampling circuit extracts one value from the generated random number and performs a lottery process regarding the game.

  The main control board 110 includes a reel motor drive circuit 114 that controls rotation and stop of a reel (not shown), a medal discharge device (hopper) 112 that controls payout of medals, a relay board such as a door relay board 300, and the like. Connected by signal cable. The main control board 110 is also connected to the hall computer 20 of the game hall through the external concentration terminal board 120.

  Further, the main control board 110 transmits various information to the sub control board 210 via the door relay board 300 and the sub relay board 220. The sub-control board 210 is a board that controls devices for various effects, and controls the display device 222, the lamp board 226, the sound board 224, and the like. Various types of information transmitted to the sub control board 210 include information such as medal insertion, start lever operation, stop button operation, internal winning combination, display combination, and game state.

  The main control board 110 receives signals output from various devices connected to the door relay board 300. Further, the main control board 110 controls peripheral devices such as the reel motor drive circuit 114 and the medal discharging device 112, and stores the number of stored items, the number of items displayed, the number of items displayed, the winning indicator, and other output means. The display information is output to the game.

  The reel motor drive circuit 114 controls the drive of the stepping motor arranged for each reel of the pachislot machine 100b. A reel position detection circuit is connected to each reel. The reel position detection circuit detects a reel index indicating that the reel has made one rotation by an optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit.

  The driving force of the stepping motor that rotates each reel is transmitted to the reel through a gear having a predetermined reduction ratio. Each time a pulse is output to the stepping motor, the reel rotates at a certain angle.

  When the main CPU of the main control board 110 detects the reel index, it counts the number of times the pulse is output to the stepping motor, thereby rotating the reel rotation angle (mainly, how many symbols the reel has. Rotate) and manage the position of each symbol placed on the reel surface.

  The medal discharge device 112 is provided with a medal detection unit. The medal detection unit detects the number of medals to be paid out. It is possible to check whether or not the medals discharged from the medal discharging device 112 have reached the payout number.

<< External concentration terminal board 120 >>
An external concentration terminal plate 120 for relaying various signals output from the main control board 110 is provided inside the housing of the pachislot machine 100b. The external concentration terminal board 120 relays various signals such as the number of inserted / withdrawn medals output from the main control board 110, the number of games, the bonus winning information, etc., and outputs them to the hall computer 20 in the game hall.

<< Sub-control board 210 >>
A sub relay board 220 is provided on the back surface of the front door of the pachislot machine 100b. The sub relay board 220 is a board for relaying wiring such as the sub control board 210 and the peripheral board described above.

  The sub control board 210 is connected to the main control board 110 through the sub relay board 220 and the door relay board 300 so as to communicate with the main control board 110. The sub-control board 210 controls various effects processing based on various control signals output from the main control board 110. The sub-control board 210 basically includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as sub CPU), ROM (hereinafter referred to as sub ROM), RAM (hereinafter referred to as sub RAM), rendering processor, drawing RAM, driver, DSP (digital signal processor), Includes audio RAM and A / D converter.

  The sub CPU of the sub control board 210 controls the output of video, sound, and light according to the control program stored in the sub ROM in accordance with the command transmitted from the main control board 110. The sub-RAM is provided with a storage area for storing the determined contents and effects data, and a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination transmitted from the main control board 110.

  The sub ROM includes a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area stores a control program executed by the sub CPU. For example, the control program includes a main board communication task for controlling communication with the main control board 110, and an effect registration task for extracting and registering effect contents (effect data) by extracting effect random numbers. Also, a drawing control task for controlling the display of video by the display device 222 based on the determined content of the presentation, a lamp control task for controlling the output of light by a lamp (not shown), and a sound by a speaker (not shown) A voice control task for controlling the output of the.

  A sub relay board 220 is connected to the sub control board 210. A display device 222, a sound board 224, a lamp board 226, and the like are connected to the sub relay board 220 as peripheral devices controlled by the sub control board 210.

  The sub CPU, the rendering processor, the drawing RAM (including the frame buffer), and the driver of the sub control board 210 create video data according to the animation data specified by the contents of the presentation. The sub CPU of the sub control board 210 transmits the created video data as a video signal to the display device 222 via the sub relay board 220. The display device 222 displays a video based on the transmitted video signal.

  The sub CPU, DSP, audio RAM, and A / D converter of the sub control board 210 transmit the sound data designated by the production contents to the sound board 224 via the sub relay board 220. A speaker (not shown) is connected to the sound board 224. The sound board 224 generates a drive signal for driving the speaker according to the sound data and transmits the drive signal to the speaker. Various sounds such as BGM are output from the speaker by this drive signal.

  The sub CPU of the sub control board 210 transmits the lamp data designated by the contents of the effect to the lamp board 226 via the sub relay board 220. A lamp (not shown) is connected to the lamp substrate 226. The lamp board 226 generates a drive signal for turning on and off the lamp according to the transmitted lamp data, and transmits the drive signal to the lamp.

  The reel backlight (not shown) is also connected to the sub-control board 210 via the sub-relay board 220, and the light emission mode is controlled by the sub-control board 210.

<Optical fiber cable 40>
As described above, the main control board 110, the sub control board 210, the door relay board 300, the sub relay board 220, the external concentration terminal board 120, the hall computer 20 and other peripheral devices constituting the pachislot machine 100b are necessary information. Are connected to each other by a communication cable. In the pachislot machine 100b, an electric cable is used as a communication cable. In the present embodiment, it is preferable to use the optical fiber cable 40 as the communication cable.

  The optical fiber cable 40 has high security and high safety against unauthorized electromagnetic or mechanical means from the outside. That is, in the conventional electric cable, it is easy to interpose a device for fraud in the middle of the electric cable. However, the optical fiber cable 40 communicates by the propagation of light, and it is difficult to propagate the light through a device for fraud in the middle of the optical fiber cable 40. For this reason, by using the optical fiber cable 40, various illegal acts can be suppressed in advance.

<<< Sub Relay Board 220 >>>

  The sub relay board 220 connects the door relay board 300 and the sub control board 210 to each other. The sub relay board 220 and the door relay board 300 are preferably connected by an optical fiber cable 40. Similarly, the sub relay board 220 and the sub control board 210 are preferably connected by the optical fiber cable 40. By doing in this way, it can be made difficult to interpose the apparatus for performing an illegal act between these board | substrates.

  The main control board 110 outputs various control signals to the sub control board 210 via the door relay board 300 and the sub relay board 220. As described above, the sub control board 210 generates video signals, sound data, and lamp data based on various control signals output from the main control board 110 and outputs them to the sub relay board 220. The sub relay board 220 outputs the video signal, sound data, and lamp data output from the sub control board 210 to the display device 222, the sound board 224, and the lamp board 226. In this way, the display device 222, the speaker (not shown), and the lamp (not shown) are controlled.

<<< Door Relay Board 300 >>>
As shown in FIG. 18, the door relay board 300 connects the main control board 110 and the sub relay board 220 to each other and relays them. The door relay board 300 and the main control board 110 are preferably connected by an optical fiber cable 40. Similarly, the door relay board 300 and the sub relay board 220 are preferably connected by the optical fiber cable 40. By doing in this way, it can be difficult to interpose a device for performing an illegal act between these substrates.

  The main control board 110 outputs various control signals to the door relay board 300. The door relay board 300 relays various control signals output from the main control board 110 and outputs them to the sub control board 210 via the sub relay board 220.

  To the door relay board 300, a medal selector (coin selector) 202, a bet switch, a stop switch 206, a start switch 208, and the like are connected. These connections may be made by an electric signal cable or an optical fiber cable 40. It is preferable to connect with the optical fiber cable 40 from the viewpoint of preventing fraud.

  When the player operates the start lever, a start lever operation signal indicating that the start lever has been operated is output from the start switch 208. When the player operates the bet button, a bet button operation signal indicating that the bet button has been operated is output from the bet switch 204. When the player operates the stop button, a stop button operation signal indicating that the stop button has been operated is output from the stop switch 206. When the player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot, the medal selector 202 determines the authenticity of the inserted medal, and the medal selector 202 inserts a genuine medal if the inserted medal is authentic. A genuine medal insertion signal indicating that this is output. The medal selector 202 outputs one pulse signal as a genuine medal insertion signal for each inserted medal.

  These start lever operation signal, bet button operation signal, stop button operation signal, and genuine medal insertion signal are output to the main control board 110 via the door relay board 300. In the case of a sealed pachislot machine, the medal slot and the medal selector 202 are not necessary and are not provided. In this case, the useful value information is output from the game medium management device 30, converted into a genuine medal insertion signal by the door relay board 300, and output to the main control board 110.

  The main control board 110 advances the game based on these various signals, and controls the operation of peripheral devices such as the reel motor drive circuit 114 and the medal discharge device 112.

  As described above, the door relay board 300 outputs various signals output from the main control board 110 to the sub-control board 210 and also controls the signals output from peripheral devices such as the medal selector (coin selector) 202. Output to the substrate 110. That is, the door relay board 300 is a board for relaying bidirectional communication between a signal output from the main control board 110 and a signal transmitted to the main control board 110.

  Furthermore, the door relay board 300 is connected to the game medium management device 30. Since the game medium management device 30 is installed outside the pachislot machine 100b, it is desirable that the door relay board 300 and the game medium management device 30 are connected by an optical fiber cable 40. As described above, between the door relay board 300 and the game medium management device 30, signals such as use valuable value information and payout valuable value information are communicated.

  The door relay board 300 is also provided with a door monitoring switch (not shown). The door monitoring switch is a switch that detects that a front door (not shown) of the pachislot machine 100b is opened. The door monitoring switch outputs a detection signal to the main control board 110. The main control board 110 can determine from the detection signal that the front door has been opened.

  FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of the door relay board 300 in the present embodiment. Specifically, the door relay board 300 includes various types of electronic devices such as a CPU (hereinafter, relay board CPU), ROM (hereinafter, relay board ROM), RAM (hereinafter, relay board RAM), I / O, and communication circuit. Consists of components, optical elements, and the like. Each of the blocks shown in FIG. 19 is constituted by these.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 19, the game medium management device 30 and the medal selector 202 are connected to the door relay board 300 by the optical fiber cable 40, but the configuration in which the game medium management device 30 and the medal selector 202 are connected by the conventional electric signal cable is also shown. Good. Further, any one of the game medium management device 30 and the medal selector 202 may be connected to the door relay board 300 by an electric signal cable.

  Mainly connected to the door relay board 300 are a main control board 110, a sub control board 210, and a game medium management device 30. As described above, the sub control board 210 is connected via the sub relay board 220. FIG. 19 shows the sub control board 210 that is substantially connected to the door relay board 300.

  In the case of the pachislot machine 100b corresponding to the enclosing type, a medal selector (coin selector) 202 is connected to the door relay board 300. A genuine medal insertion signal is output from the medal selector 202 to the door relay board 300. On the other hand, in the case of a sealed pachislot machine, the medal selector (coin selector) 202 is not connected. When the medal selector 202 is included in an encapsulated pachislot machine, the medal selector 202 may be connected but is invalidated.

  The door relay board 300 mainly includes an optical signal light receiving unit 310, an electric signal modulation unit 320, a reception signal analysis unit (connection determination unit, output destination determination unit) 330, a transmission signal generation unit 340, an output destination control unit 350, an optical signal. A modulation unit 360, an optical signal light emitting unit 370, and an enabling switch 380 are included.

  The optical signal light receiving unit 310 receives an optical signal emitted from the optical fiber cable 40 when the optical fiber cable 40 is connected to the female connector 390 (see FIGS. 22 and 23) provided on the door relay board 300. . The optical signal light receiving unit 310 includes various optical elements such as lenses.

  The optical signal light receiving unit 310 includes an optical signal light receiving unit 310d for receiving an optical signal from the main control board 110, an optical signal light receiving unit 310c for receiving an optical signal from the sub control board 210, and a game medium management. The optical signal receiver 310b for receiving the optical signal from the device 30 and the optical signal receiver 310a for receiving the optical signal from the medal selector 202 are included. In this specification, when it is not necessary to distinguish these optical signal light receiving units 310a to 310d, they are simply referred to as an optical signal light receiving unit 310.

  The enabling switch 380 is a switch for enabling one of the optical signal light receiving unit 310a and the optical signal light receiving unit 310b. The door relay board 300 shown in FIG. 19 can connect both the game medium management device 30 and the medal selector 202 at the same time. When only the medal selector 202 is connected to the door relay board 300, the medal selector 202 is validated. On the other hand, when both the game medium management device 30 and the medal selector 202 are connected to the door relay board 300, or when only the game medium management apparatus 30 is connected to the door relay board 300, the game medium management device 30. Enable

  The enabling switch 380 may be a mechanical switch or an electronic switch. In the case of a mechanical switch, it can be a manually operated switch such as a dip switch. When only the medal selector 202 is connected to the door relay board 300, the medal selector 202 is validated by sliding the mechanical switch in the first direction. On the other hand, when both the game media management device 30 and the medal selector 202 are connected to the door relay board 300, or when only the game media management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300, a mechanical switch is turned on. The game medium management device 30 is activated by sliding in the second direction.

  The enabling switch 380 can be an electronic switch, for example, a switching element such as a multiplexer. In this case, when the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300 by executing the processing of FIG. 24 described later, the game medium management device 30 is enabled and the medal selector 202 is disabled. Is done. The enabling switch 380 performs a switching operation according to the result of the process of FIG. 24 to enable either the game medium management device 30 or the medal selector 202.

  Further, the enabling switch 380 may be a photosensor having a light emitting unit that emits predetermined light and a light receiving unit that can receive light emitted from the light emitting unit. The enabling switch 380 outputs a detection signal when it is detected that the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300. When the detection signal is output, the game medium management device 30 can be activated.

  Based on the optical signal output from the one activated by the enabling switch 380 out of the game medium management device 30 and the medal selector 202, processing of the received signal analyzing unit 330 described later is performed.

  The electrical signal modulator 320 converts the optical signal received by the optical signal receiver 310 into electricity. The electric signal modulation unit 320 includes, for example, a light receiving element or an analog / digital converter. The electrical signal modulation unit 320 can convert the digital signal.

  The electric signal modulator 320 includes an electric signal modulator 320d for converting an optical signal from the main control board 110, an electric signal modulator 320c for converting an optical signal from the sub control board 210, and a game medium management. The electric signal modulation unit 320b for converting the optical signal from the device 30 and the electric signal modulation unit 320a for converting the optical signal from the medal selector 202 are included. In the present specification, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, they are simply referred to as an electric signal modulator 320.

  The received signal analysis unit 330 performs various processes based on the digital signal converted by the electric signal modulation unit 320. The reception signal analysis unit 330 is mainly configured by a relay board CPU, a relay board ROM, a relay board RAM, and an I / O.

  The relay board ROM stores a control program executed by the relay board CPU, various data tables, and the like. The relay board RAM is provided with a storage area for storing various data used for executing the control program.

  The reception signal analysis unit 330 mainly analyzes various signals output from the main control board 110, various signals output from the sub control board 210, and various signals output from the game medium management device 30. .

  The reception signal analysis unit 330 analyzes the type and content of the signal output from the electrical signal modulation unit 320 and the device from which the signal is output to determine the transmission destination (step S911 in FIG. 25 described later), and the output described later Instructs the destination controller 350. Furthermore, the transmission signal generation unit 340 described later generates transmission data for transmission (step S915 in FIG. 25 described later).

  For example, information such as valuable information on use value output from the game medium management device 30 has a data portion and a header portion (see FIG. 16B). The reception signal analysis unit 330 can determine the transmission destination of the transmission data by analyzing the header part.

  Specifically, the reception signal analysis unit 330 sets the transmission destination of the transmission data to the main control board 110 when the valuable value information is output from the game medium management device 30 (see FIG. 16B). ). In addition, when a genuine medal insertion signal is output from the medal selector 202, the reception signal analysis unit 330 sets the transmission destination of the transmission data to the main control board 110 (see FIG. 16A). Furthermore, when the payout game medium signal is output from the medal discharge device 112, the reception signal analysis unit 330 sets the transmission destination of the transmission data to the game medium management device 30 (see FIG. 17B).

  Further, the received signal analysis unit 330 determines the transmission destination of the transmission data not only by the game medium management device 30 but also by a signal output from the main control board 110 or a signal output from the sub control board 210. Can do.

  Further, the received signal analysis unit 330 executes a connection check process shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300. If the game medium management apparatus 30 is connected to the door relay board 300, the game medium management device 30 is validated.

  If the information output from the game medium management device 30 is encrypted, the received signal analysis unit 330 decrypts the data part and the header part and converts them into the original information. Encrypting can prevent fraud even in a configuration in which a signal is received from the outside of the pachislot machine 100b as in the game medium management device 30.

  The transmission signal generation unit 340 generates a signal to be transmitted based on the analysis by the reception signal analysis unit 330. The transmission signal generation unit 340 is also mainly configured by the above-described relay board CPU, relay board ROM, relay board RAM, and I / O.

  As described above, the transmission signal generation unit 340 generates data according to the analysis result of the reception signal analysis unit 330. For example, when the valuable value information is output from the game medium management device 30, data for transmission for a genuine medal insertion signal is generated (see FIG. 16B). In this case, the transmission destination is the main control board 110.

  Furthermore, the transmission signal generation unit 340 needs to add a header portion so that the information output to the game medium management device 30 can be processed by the game medium management device 30. The transmission signal generation unit 340 adds a header portion with the data generated for output to the game medium management device 30 as a data portion, and generates transmission data. For example, the transmission signal generation unit 340 generates payout game value information having a data part and a header part (see FIG. 17B).

  When information is output to the game medium management device 30, the transmission signal generation unit 340 encrypts the information to be output. Encrypting can prevent fraud even in a configuration in which a signal is output to the outside of the pachislot machine 100b as in the game medium management device 30.

  Signals and information can be converted by the analysis by the reception signal analysis unit 330 and the generation of data by the transmission signal generation unit 340. When the analysis by the reception signal analysis unit 330 determines that the generation of data by the transmission signal generation unit 340 is not necessary, the reception signal analysis unit 330 determines the output destination and the transmission signal generation unit 340 The signal and information output from the signal modulation unit 320 are output to the output destination control unit 350 as they are. For example, when the medal selector 202 is enabled and the genuine medal insertion signal is output from the medal selector 202, it is not necessary to convert the signal, and therefore the reception signal analysis unit 330 outputs the main control board 110 to the output destination. The transmission signal generation unit 340 outputs the genuine medal insertion signal to the output destination control unit 350 as it is.

  As described above, the reception signal analysis unit 330 instructs the transmission signal generation unit 340 to convert the signal or information when conversion is necessary, and the transmission signal generation unit 340 generates the transmission data. To do. In this way, conversion of signals and information is performed. On the other hand, if no signal or information conversion is required, the transmission signal generation unit 340 is instructed that conversion is not necessary, and the transmission signal generation unit 340 outputs the signal and information as they are.

  The processing of the reception signal analysis unit 330 and the transmission signal generation unit 340 described above, that is, conversion processing of signals, information, and the like may be executed by software or hardware.

  The output destination control unit 350 controls the output destination in accordance with an instruction from the received signal analysis unit 330. Specifically, it is determined which of the main control board 110, the sub control board 210, and the game medium management device 30 is the transmission destination for transmitting the transmission signal. The output destination control unit 350 includes a switching element such as a multiplexer, for example. The output destination control unit 350 controls the switching element in accordance with an instruction from the reception signal analysis unit 330.

  The optical signal modulator 360 converts a digital signal that is a transmission signal generated by the transmission signal generator 340 into an optical signal. The optical signal modulator 360 includes a digital / analog converter, a light emitting element, and the like.

  The optical signal modulator 360 includes an optical signal modulator 360c for converting an optical signal to the main control board 110, an optical signal modulator 360b for converting the optical signal to the sub control board 210, and a game medium management It comprises an optical signal modulator 360a for converting the optical signal to the device 30. In the present specification, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, they are simply referred to as an optical signal modulation unit 360.

  The optical signal light emitting unit 370 emits the optical signal converted by the optical signal modulating unit 360. When the optical fiber cable 40 is connected to the female connector 390 (see FIGS. 22 and 23) provided on the door relay board 300, the optical signal light emitting unit 370 emits light to the optical fiber cable 40. The optical signal light emitting unit 370 includes, for example, various optical elements such as lenses.

  The optical signal light emitting unit 370 includes an optical signal light emitting unit 370 c for emitting an optical signal to the main control board 110, an optical signal light emitting unit 370 b for emitting an optical signal to the sub control board 210, and the game medium management device 30. And an optical signal light emitting unit 370a for emitting an optical signal. In the present specification, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, they are simply referred to as an optical signal light emitting unit 370.

  In the door relay board 300 shown in FIG. 19, the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 are connected by the optical fiber cable 40 and communicate with each other by an optical signal. However, the door relay board 300 is configured to communicate using an electrical signal. May be. Both the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 may perform communication using electrical signals, or only one of them may perform communication using electrical signals. When communicating using an electrical signal, it is not necessary to use the optical signal light receiving unit 310, the electrical signal modulating unit 320, the optical signal modulating unit 360, or the optical signal light emitting unit 370 shown in FIG. In addition, according to the connection method using the optical fiber cable 40, since it is not an electrical connection, it is difficult to perform an illegal act even when there is an unused connector such as the door relay board 300. The risk of having a connector can be reduced.

  FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the door relay board 300 ′ in the present embodiment. The door relay board 300 shown in FIG. 19 has a configuration in which both the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 can be connected to the door relay board 300 at the same time (see FIG. 21B described later). On the other hand, the door relay board 300 ′ shown in FIG. 20 has a configuration in which either one of the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 can be connected to the door relay board 300 ′ at the same time (FIG. 21A described later). reference).

  Similarly to the door relay board 300 shown in FIG. 19, the door relay board 300 ′ has a CPU (hereinafter, relay board CPU), ROM (hereinafter, relay board ROM), RAM (hereinafter, relay board RAM), I / O. The communication circuit is composed of various electronic components and optical elements. Each of the blocks shown in FIG.

  The door relay board 300 'includes the optical signal light receiving unit 310a and the electric signal modulation unit 320a, but does not include the optical signal light receiving unit 310b and the electric signal modulation unit 320b. Therefore, for example, when the medal selector 202 is connected to the door relay board 300 ′, the genuine medal insertion signal output from the medal selector 202 is processed by the optical signal light receiving unit 310 a and the electric signal modulation unit 320 a. When the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300 ′, the use value information output from the game medium management device 30 is processed by the optical signal light receiving unit 310 a and the electric signal modulation unit 320 a.

  The door relay board 300 ′ has a selection switch 385. The selection switch 385 is a switch for instructing the reception signal analysis unit 330 which one of the game medium management device 30 and the medal selector 202 is connected to the door relay board 300 ′. The selection switch 385 is preferably a manually operable switch such as a dip switch.

  The received signal analysis unit 330 executes processing according to the instruction of the selection switch 385. For example, if the reception signal analysis unit 330 determines that the medal selector 202 is connected to the door relay board 300 ′ according to an instruction from the selection switch 385, the reception signal analysis unit 330 outputs the main control board 110. The transmission signal generation unit 340 outputs the genuine medal insertion signal to the output destination control unit 350 as it is. In addition, when the received signal analysis unit 330 determines that the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300 ′ according to the instruction of the selection switch 385, the received signal analysis unit 330 sets the main control board 110. And the transmission signal generation unit 340 converts the valuable value information into a genuine medal insertion signal and outputs it.

  The other configuration of the door relay board 300 ′ is the same as that of the door relay board 300. The reception signal analysis unit 330, the transmission signal generation unit 340, the output destination control unit 350, the optical signal modulation unit 360, and the optical signal light emission unit 370 Have the same function and the same function.

<<<< first embodiment >>>>
<< Outline of First Embodiment >>
The gaming machine according to the first embodiment is
A medal selector (for example, a medal selector 202 to be described later) that outputs a game medium use signal indicating passage of a game medium that the player uses for a game, and an external device (for example, to be described later) that executes a value value increase / decrease calculation process A game medium management device 30 (more specifically, a so-called ECO unit, etc.) and a connection part (for example, a connector 390 or 392 described later) that can connect at least one of them
A selection unit (for example, an activation switch 380 or a selection switch 385 described later) that activates one of the medal selector and the external device;
When the external device is activated by the selection unit, valuable value information indicating a valuable value used by a player for a game is received from the external device via the connection unit, and the valuable value for use is received. A control unit (for example, a relay board CPU, which will be described later) that converts information into a game value signal used for game control.

  The gaming machine according to the first embodiment includes a connection unit, a selection unit, and a control unit.

  At least one of the medal selector and the external device can be connected to the connection unit. The medal selector outputs a game medium use signal indicating the passage of the game medium used by the player for the game. The external device executes a value increase / decrease calculation process.

  In addition to physical game media, the game media includes game media data that is converted into data such as the number of game media that are not substantial but are required for the game.

  The valuable value of the player is preferably stored in a recording medium (for example, an information card) in the external device. When physical game media are abolished, so-called dollar boxes are not required. In order to play a game smoothly at a game store, a means for at least temporarily storing a player's valuable value is required. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a read / write device for the recording medium in the external device so that the player's valuable value can be stored in the recording medium.

  Furthermore, by using the recording medium, it becomes possible to play a stored-ball game or a possession ball-moving game at a game store. Here, the stored ball game is a game played with a game medium stored before the previous day. The possession ball movement game is a game performed with another game machine using a game medium acquired with one game machine.

  The selection unit validates either the medal selector or the external device. Any one of them may be validated, and what is connected to the connection portion may be detected and validated by a detection device such as a sensor, or may be set and validated manually. Some detection devices detect mechanically, electronically, and optically.

  The control unit converts the use value information into a game value signal when the external device is activated by the selection unit. The valuable value information used is information indicating the valuable value that the player uses for the game. The control unit receives the valuable value information from the external device via the connection unit. The game value signal is a signal used for controlling the game. For example, the game value signal can be a signal similar to the game medium use signal output from the medal selector.

  Since the control unit converts the valuable value information into a gaming value signal, even when an external device is connected to the connection unit instead of the coin selector, the game medium is used based on the valuable value information from the external device. The game can be controlled in the same state as when (for example, thrown).

  Therefore, the game can be executed even if the coin selector is connected to the connection portion, and the game can be executed even if an external device is connected to the connection portion instead of the coin selector. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the case where a physical game medium is used or not, and the conventional pachislot machine can be used effectively.

The gaming machine according to the first embodiment further includes:
The connecting portion includes a first connecting portion (for example, a connector 392 described later) to which the medal selector is connected, and a second connecting portion to which the external device is connected (for example, a connector 390 described later). Have
When the medal selector is connected to the first connection unit and the external device is connected to the second connection unit, the selection unit enables the external device.

  The connection part has a first connection part and a second connection part. A medal selector is connected to the first connection portion. An external device is connected to the second connection unit.

  When the medal selector is connected to the first connection unit and the external device is connected to the second connection unit, the selection unit validates the external device. Therefore, the medal selector can be validated in a state where the medal selector is connected to the first connecting portion and the external device is not connected to the second connecting portion. Further, when the external device is connected to the second connection unit while the medal selector is connected to the first connection unit, the selection unit enables the external device with priority. Therefore, the work can be completed only by connecting an external device without removing the medal selector. For this reason, the operation | work which makes the conventional game machine respond | correspond to an enclosure type can be made easy and simple.

  For example, conventional game machines so far are provided with a slot, a medal selector, an internal hopper, a lower plate, and the like. The player inserts a game medium such as a medal from the insertion slot in order to advance the game. When a game medium is inserted from the insertion unit, the medal selector determines the authenticity of the inserted game medium. When the inserted game medium is authentic, it indicates that the genuine game medium has been inserted A signal (for example, a genuine medal insertion signal described later) is output.

  The medal selector is enabled or disabled by driving the lockout solenoid. When the lockout solenoid is activated, the medal selector is activated. When the medal selector is activated, the game medium determined to be authentic passes through the medal selector and is guided to the hopper. The hopper is a device for temporarily storing game media determined to be authentic in the gaming machine.

  On the other hand, when the lockout solenoid is not operated, the medal selector is invalidated. For example, when it corresponds to the enclosing type, or when the upper limit of the game medium has already been inserted (when 3 credits are inserted with 50 credits), the lockout solenoid is inactivated and the medal selector is It is invalidated. When the medal selector is invalidated, the game medium inserted from the insertion slot passes through a cancel chute (passage for discharging the game medium without passing through the hopper) and is returned to the lower plate. In this case, electrical control is not performed. The lower tray is a device for storing the discharged game media outside the game machine.

The gaming machine according to the first embodiment is
The control unit receives payout instruction information indicating an instruction to pay out game media based on a game, converts the payout instruction information into payout value information indicating a payout value, and outputs the payout value information to the external device.

  The control unit converts the payout instruction information into payout valuable value information and outputs it to the external device. The payout instruction information is information indicating an instruction to pay out the game medium to the player based on the game. This information includes information on the number of game media to be paid out to the player. The payout value information is information indicating the value to be paid out to the player.

  Since the payout instruction information is converted into payout value information by the control unit, it is possible to manage game media to be paid out to a player based on the payout value information by connecting an external device. Therefore, the external device can manage the valuable value possessed by the player based on both the valuable value used by the player to play the game and the payout valuable value information paid out to the player according to the result of the game. it can. That is, both use and payout can be managed by an external device. In the present specification, payout is a process that occurs by winning a winning combination or the like in a gaming machine, and is a process for giving a profit to a player based on a game result. The payout includes not only a case where a physical game medium is paid out to a player but also a case where a game medium is virtually given by intangible game medium data, for example, a case where credit is added as a credit.

The gaming machine according to the first embodiment is
The control unit determines whether or not the external device is connected via the connection unit and becomes communicable.

  Since it is determined that an external device is connected and signal conversion is performed, the number of parts can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified compared to mechanical determination.

  The external device is provided outside the gaming machine and communicates with the gaming machine. For this reason, the communication path between the gaming machine and the external device is likely to be a target for providing a device for cheating. Therefore, it is preferable that communication between the gaming machine and the external device be optical communication.

That is, the gaming machine according to the first embodiment further includes
The external device and the connection portion are connected by an optical fiber cable so that optical communication is possible.

  Optical fiber cables communicate by the propagation of light. In order to perform optical communication by cutting the middle of the optical fiber cable, it is necessary to fuse or provide a connector, which is difficult. In other words, since optical signals are transmitted, it is necessary to accurately position the joint surfaces of the optical fibers, and if they are not fixed and joined with a predetermined jig, the attenuation of light intensity will be excessive and be transmitted appropriately. I can't. Further, if a branch coupler or the like is used, the optical fiber cable can be branched in the middle. In this case as well, various processes such as polishing the end of the optical fiber cable are required, and parts such as a branching coupler need to be used. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to quickly and inconspicuously provide a device for cutting an optical fiber cable and performing fraud in the middle of the optical fiber cable. For this reason, when an external device provided outside the gaming machine is adapted to be sealed, various illegal acts can be prevented in advance by using an optical fiber cable.

  As described above, it is difficult to provide a device for fraud in the middle of an optical fiber cable. Furthermore, if security at both ends for connecting the optical fiber cable is increased, fraud can be prevented more. For example, it is possible to make it difficult to remove the optical fiber cable by providing and sealing a device (substrate or the like) to which the optical fiber cable is connected in a sealable case. By doing in this way, the connection state of an optical fiber cable can be ensured, it can be made more difficult to interpose the device for performing an illegal act, and the burden of discovering an illegal activity can be reduced.

<<< Specific Description of First Embodiment >>>
FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating a connection state of the door relay board 300, the main control board 110, and the sub control board 210 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an outline of the door relay board 300 of the pachi-slot machine 100b.

  FIG. 21A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the medal selector 202 connected to the door relay board 300 is removed from the connector, and the game medium management device 30 is connected to the connector. For example, in the case of the door relay board 300 in which both the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 cannot be connected and only one of them can be connected, such a mode is assumed. That is, only one of the optical signal light receiving portions 310a and 310b of the door relay board 300 in FIG. 19 is provided on the door relay board 300.

  A selection switch 385 shown in FIG. 21A is a switch for indicating which one of the game medium management device 30 and the medal selector 202 is connected to the door relay board 300. The selection switch 385 is a switch corresponding to the enabling switch 380 shown in FIG. The selection switch 385 is preferably a mechanical switch operated manually, for example, a switch such as a dip switch. When the medal selector 202 is connected to the door relay board 300, the medal selector 202 is validated by sliding the mechanical switch in the first direction. On the other hand, when the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300, the mechanical medium management device 30 is enabled by sliding the mechanical switch in the second direction.

  The medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 may emit an electrical signal or an optical signal.

  When the medal selector 202 generates an electric signal, the medal selector 202 and the door relay board 300 are connected by an electric cable. In this case, when the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300 instead of the medal selector 202, the game medium management apparatus 30 is connected to the door relay board 300 by an electric cable.

  Further, when the medal selector 202 emits an optical signal, the medal selector 202 and the door relay board 300 are connected by the optical fiber cable 40. In this case, when the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300 instead of the medal selector 202, the game medium management apparatus 30 is connected to the door relay board 300 by the optical fiber cable 40. In this case, the female connector 390 shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 can be used.

  When the medal selector 202 is connected to the door relay board 300, the selection switch 385 determines that the medal selector 202 is connected. In this case, the genuine medal insertion signal output from the medal selector 202 is transmitted to the main control board 110 as it is.

  If the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300 instead of the medal selector 202, the selection switch 385 determines that the game medium management device 30 is connected. In this case, the door relay board 300 converts the valuable value information output from the game medium management device 30 into a genuine medal insertion signal and transmits it to the main control board 110.

  Thus, the genuine medal insertion signal converted by the door relay board 300 is transmitted from the door relay board 300 to the main control board 110 in the same manner as when the medal selector 202 is connected to the door relay board 300. Therefore, even when the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300 instead of the medal selector 202, the main control board 110 determines whether or not the game medium management apparatus 30 is connected to the door relay board 300. However, the game in the pachislot machine 100b can be advanced by executing the same processing as the case where the medal selector 202 is connected to the door relay board 300 as before.

  FIG. 21B shows a state in which a female connector 390 for the game medium management device 30 is provided in advance on the door relay board 300 and the game medium management device 30 is connected to the female connector 390. The medal selector 202 is connected to the connector 392. The connector 392 only needs to be able to connect the medal selector 202 and may be used for electrical communication or optical communication. The genuine medal insertion signal is output from the medal selector 202 to the door relay board 300 via the connector 392.

  The door relay board 300 shown in FIG. 21B is the door relay board 300 shown in FIG. In the case of FIG. 21B, both the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 are connected to the game medium management device 30.

  Therefore, the door relay board 300 determines whether or not the game medium management device 30 is connected. When the game medium management device 30 is connected, the door relay board 300 validates the game medium management device 30 and plays the game medium management device. The process is executed with priority given to 30. This process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this way, when both the medal selector 202 and the game media management device 30 are connected to the game media management device 30, the game media management device 30 is enabled and the medal selector 202 is disabled. Thus, the game medium management device 30 can be prioritized.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), when both the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 can be connected to the game medium management device 30, it is inserted inside the medal slot of the pachislot machine 100b. It is preferable to provide a shutter that can open and close the mouth. The shutter is driven by a solenoid 50. As described above, when it is determined that the game medium management device 30 is activated and the game medium management device 30 is prioritized, the main control board 110 supplies a drive current to the solenoid 50 to close the slot. . By doing so, it is possible to prevent the player from erroneously inserting a medal into the insertion slot when the game medium management device 30 has priority.

<Connection check process>
FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the connection check process executed in the door relay board 300. The connection check process of FIG. 24 is preferably called and executed by an interrupt process or the like at every predetermined timing. Specifically, using a circuit such as an oscillation circuit using a crystal oscillator for the door relay board 300, the door relay board 300 uses the data stored in the relay board ROM to be transferred to a device such as the game medium management device 30. Send at intervals. Since devices such as the game medium management device 30 can be attached to or removed from the door relay board 300, the connection state may change. For this reason, it is necessary to confirm the connection state at a predetermined timing. By executing the connection check process at every predetermined timing, the connection state can always be updated to the latest state.

  First, the relay board CPU transmits certain data for transmission confirmation (step S811). This transmission is executed to a connector used for connection of the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30. In addition, you may perform with respect to all the connectors provided in the door relay board | substrate 300. FIG.

  Next, the relay board CPU determines whether or not the identification information has been received (step S813). The identification information is information indicating that the game medium management device 30 is used. When the relay board CPU determines that the identification information has not been received (NO), it determines that the game medium management device 30 is not connected (step S815), and ends this subroutine.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the identification information has been received (YES), the relay board CPU determines whether or not certain data for reception confirmation has been received (step S817). The certain data for confirmation of reception is data for confirming whether or not the game medium management device 30 is a genuine device and whether or not the communication is stable.

  When the relay board CPU determines that certain data for reception confirmation has not been received (NO), it determines that the game medium management device 30 is not properly connected (step S815), and ends this subroutine. . In this case, the genuine medal insertion signal output from the medal selector 202 is transmitted to the main control board 110 as it is.

  When the relay board CPU determines that certain data for confirmation of reception has been received (YES), it determines that the game medium management device 30 is properly connected (step S819), and enables the game medium management device 30 ( In step S821, the medal selector 202 is disabled (step S823).

  By enabling the game medium management device 30 and disabling the medal selector 202, the game medium management device 30 can be given priority. Even when both the game medium management device 30 and the medal selector 202 are connected to the game medium management device 30, the signal output from the game medium management device 30 instead of the medal selector 202 is preferentially processed. can do. By doing so, it is possible to convert the valuable value information output from the game medium management device 30 into a genuine medal insertion signal and transmit it to the main control board 110. In addition, when a conventional gaming machine cannot be used due to a revision of the rules, a complicated operation for switching to an enclosed gaming machine is not necessary.

  When the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300 instead of the medal selector 202, it is not necessary to determine whether the game medium management device 30 is valid or invalid, so that the processing in steps S821 and S823 can be omitted.

<Signal control processing>
FIG. 25 is a flowchart of signal control processing executed in the door relay board 300.

  First, the relay board CPU determines an output destination of information output from the door relay board 300 based on the header portion of the information output from the game medium management device 30 (step S911). As described above, for example, when the information output from the game medium management device 30 is use value information, the header portion includes information for identifying the use value information. Yes. If it is valuable value information, the output destination is determined to be the main control board 110 by the process of step S911. This process is a process in the received signal analysis unit 330 and the output destination control unit 350 described above.

  Next, the relay board CPU determines whether or not the game medium management device 30 is connected (step S913). When the relay board CPU determines that the game medium management device 30 is not connected (NO), the present subroutine is terminated. If the connected device is not the game medium management device 30, it is not necessary to convert signals and information in the next step S915, and this subroutine is immediately terminated.

  When the relay board CPU determines that the game medium management device 30 is connected (YES), it converts information and signals (step S915), and ends this subroutine. For example, when the information output from the game medium management device 30 is valuable value information, it is converted into a genuine medal insertion signal. This process is a process in the transmission signal generation unit 340 described above.

<< Female connector 390 >>
FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an outline of the female connector 390 provided on the door relay board 300 and the male connector 394 of the optical fiber cable 40 connected to the female connector 390. The female connector 390 shown in FIG. 22 is a connector for connecting the game medium management device 30 as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21B.

  Note that the medal selector 202 is connected to the connector 392 as shown in FIG.

  The female connector 390 according to the present embodiment is provided at the end of the door relay board 300. The female connector 390 is for connecting the optical fiber cable 40. The female connector 390 is provided with an optical signal light receiving unit 310 for optical communication and an optical signal light emitting unit 370 (see FIG. 19). As shown in FIG. 19, the optical signal light receiving unit 310 and the optical signal light emitting unit 370 are connected to the reception signal analysis unit 330 and the transmission signal generation unit 340 of the door relay board 300.

  A male connector 394 is provided at the tip of the optical fiber cable 40. When the male connector 394 is inserted into the female connector 390, the male connector 394 is hooked on the female connector 390. By doing so, it is possible to prevent omission. Further, the male connector 394 can be detached from the female connector 390 by releasing the latch. Thus, the male connector 394 is configured to be detachable from the female connector 390.

  The tip of the optical fiber cable 40 is positioned so that the optical signal light receiving unit 310 and the optical signal light emitting unit 370 can communicate with each other. The optical signal emitted from the optical fiber cable 40 enters the optical signal light receiving unit 310. Further, the optical signal emitted from the optical signal light emitting unit 370 enters the optical fiber cable 40. By doing so, optical communication can be performed between the door relay board 300 and the game medium management device 30 by joining the female connector 390 and the male connector 394.

  The female connector 390 is provided with an enabling switch 380. The enabling switch 380 is a mechanically detecting sensor that can be moved by an urging force. As shown in FIG. 23 (a), when the male connector 394 is not attached, the enabling switch 380 is protruded, and a signal indicating that the male connector 394 is not attached is emitted. Further, as shown in FIG. 23B, when the male connector 394 is attached, the enabling switch 380 is pressed and accommodated, and the male connector 394 is attached. Issue a signal to indicate.

  The door relay board 300 can determine whether or not the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300 by detecting a signal issued from the enabling switch 380. When the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay board 300, the game medium management device 30 is validated.

  The enabling switch 380 only needs to be able to detect that the optical fiber cable 40 is connected, and may be an optically detecting switch.

<<< Second Embodiment >>>
FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gaming machine 100 ″ according to the second embodiment. As the gaming machine 100 ″, a pachislot machine is preferable. The gaming machine 100 ″ according to the second embodiment has a medal selector relay board 400. As shown in FIG. 26, the medal selector relay board 400 is connected to the door relay board 300 ″. The medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 are connected to the medal selector relay board 400. More specifically, the medal selector relay board 400 is provided between the medal selector 202 and the door relay board 300 ′.

  The medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 can be simultaneously connected to the door relay board 300 of the first embodiment. In addition, either the medal selector 202 or the game medium management device 30 can be connected to the door relay board 300 ′ of the first embodiment.

  In contrast, in the second embodiment, the medal selector relay board 400 can be attached to and maintained in the door relay board 300 ″. The medal selector relay board 400 can be attached to and detached from the door relay board 300 ″. However, it is not necessary to remove the medal selector relay board 400 from the door relay board 300 ″ for communication between the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30.

  In the second embodiment, by using the medal selector relay board 400, the game media management device 30 is connected to the medal selector relay board 400 while maintaining the state where the medal selector 202 is connected to the medal selector relay board 400. can do. When only the medal selector 202 is connected to the medal selector relay board 400, the medal selector 202 communicates with the door relay board 300 "via the medal selector relay board 400. On the other hand, the game medium management device 30 relays the medal selector relay. When connected to the board 400, the game medium management device 30 can communicate with the door relay board 300 ″ via the medal selector relay board 400. When the game medium management device 30 is connected to the medal selector relay board 400, the medal selector 202 does not communicate with the door relay board 300 ″.

  The medal selector 202 and the medal selector relay board 400 are connected by an optical fiber cable 40. The door relay board 300 ″ and the medal selector relay board 400 are connected by an optical fiber cable 40.

  The gaming machine 100 ″ according to the second embodiment has the same function as the gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment except for the configuration of the medal selector relay board 400, that is, has the same function. The main control board 110, the sub control board 210, the sub relay board 220, the medal selector 202, and the like have the same configuration as the first embodiment and function in the same manner.

  Further, the door relay board 300 ″ has the same configuration and the same function as the door relay board 300 or 300 ′ except that the medal selector relay board 400 is connected. That is, the door relay board 300 ″. Are mainly an optical signal light receiving unit 310, an electric signal modulation unit 320, a reception signal analysis unit (connection determination unit, output destination determination unit) 330, a transmission signal generation unit 340, an output destination control unit 350, an optical signal modulation unit 360, An optical signal light emitting unit 370 is provided, and these have the same function.

  Note that the activation switch 380 and the selection switch 385 are not provided on the door relay board 300 ″ of the gaming machine 100 ″ according to the second embodiment.

<< Outline of Second Embodiment >>
The gaming machine according to the second embodiment is
A medal selector optical communication unit (for example, an optical signal light receiving unit 310a) for receiving a game medium use signal output from the medal selector by an optical signal capable of optical communication;
A relay unit (for example, a medal selector relay board 400) provided between the medal selector and the medal selector optical communication unit;
The relay unit is
A light emitting unit (for example, the light emitting unit 420) that emits communication light based on the game medium use signal output from the medal selector;
A control board (for example, a door) that is disposed at a position separated from the light emitting unit, receives communication light emitted from the light emitting unit, performs optical communication with the medal selector optical communication unit, and performs processing related to game media A first optical communication unit (for example, the first optical communication unit 440) connected to the relay substrate 300 ″,
A second optical communication unit (for example, the second optical communication unit 460) for performing optical communication with an external device that executes the increase / decrease calculation process of the valuable value, the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit A branch part (for example, a branch part 480) for placement between
When the second optical communication unit is disposed in the branching unit, optical communication is performed between the second optical communication unit and the first optical communication unit,
When the second optical communication unit is not disposed in the branching unit, optical communication is performed between the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit.

  The gaming machine according to the second embodiment includes a medal selector optical communication unit and a relay unit. The medal selector optical communication unit receives the game medium use signal output from the medal selector as an optical signal capable of optical communication. The game medium use signal may be an optical signal or an electric signal other than the optical signal. When the game medium use signal is a signal other than the optical signal, the medal selector optical communication unit receives the game medium use signal converted into the optical signal. The medal selector optical communication unit is preferably provided, for example, on a so-called door relay board. A game medium input signal is output from the medal selector. The relay unit is provided between the medal selector and the medal selector optical communication unit. It is preferable that the relay unit and the medal selector are connected by an optical fiber cable so that optical communication is possible. The relay unit and the medal selector optical communication unit are preferably connected by an optical fiber cable so that optical communication is possible.

  The relay unit includes a light emitting unit, a first optical communication unit, and a branching unit. The light emitting unit emits communication light based on the game medium use signal output from the medal selector. It is preferable that the medal selector and the light emitting unit are connected by an optical fiber cable so that optical communication is possible. The optical signal emitted from the medal selector is propagated to the light emitting unit via the optical fiber cable. The optical signal propagated to the light emitting unit is emitted from the light emitting unit as communication light.

  The first optical communication unit is disposed at a position separated from the light emitting unit. The first optical communication unit receives communication light emitted from the light emitting unit. The first optical communication unit performs optical communication with the medal selector optical communication unit. That is, the first optical communication unit receives communication light emitted as communication light from the light emitting unit, and outputs the received communication light as an optical signal to the medal selector optical communication unit.

  In this way, the game medium use signal output from the medal selector is propagated from the medal selector to the light emitting unit, from the light emitting unit to the first optical communication unit, and from the first optical communication unit to the medal selector optical communication unit. The

  A second optical communication unit is disposed in the branching unit. The branching part is an area between the light emitting part and the first optical communication part. The second optical communication unit performs optical communication with an external device. The external device executes a value increase / decrease calculation process. The valuable value is information indicating the value used for the game in the gaming machine, and is obtained by converting a conventional game medium into data. Based on the result of the game performed by the player on the gaming machine, the valuable value owned by the player changes. The external device executes arithmetic processing related to the valuable value. In addition, it is preferable that the 2nd optical communication part is arrange | positioned at the branch part so that attachment or detachment is possible.

  When the second optical communication unit is arranged at the branching unit, optical communication is performed between the second optical communication unit and the first optical communication unit. That is, in this state, an optical signal emitted from the external device is transmitted from the external device to the second optical communication unit, from the second optical communication unit to the first optical communication unit, and from the first optical communication unit to the medal. Propagated to selector optical communication unit.

  When the second optical communication unit is not arranged at the branching unit, optical communication is performed between the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit. As described above, the optical signal emitted from the medal selector is propagated from the medal selector to the light emitting unit, from the light emitting unit to the first optical communication unit, and from the first optical communication unit to the medal selector optical communication unit. .

  As described above, when the second optical communication unit is arranged at the branching unit, optical communication can be performed between the external device and the medal selector optical communication unit (for example, a door relay board). On the other hand, when the second optical communication unit is arranged at the branching unit, optical communication can be performed between the medal selector and the medal selector optical communication unit (for example, a door relay board).

  With the configuration described above, when the second optical communication unit is not arranged at the branching unit and an external device is not connected, the medal selector optical communication unit (for example, a door relay board) receives a game medium input signal from the medal selector. Receive. On the other hand, when the second optical communication unit is arranged at the branching unit and an external device is connected, the medal selector optical communication unit (for example, a door relay board) can communicate with the external device. For this reason, when used as a conventional gaming machine, the second optical communication unit does not have to be arranged at the branching unit, and when used corresponding to the enclosed type, the second optical communication unit is used as the branching unit. What is necessary is just to arrange. Therefore, communication can be performed without changing the configuration, and the mounting operation of the external device can be simplified. Moreover, since it is optical communication, a signal cannot be branched in places other than a branch part, and fraud can be prevented beforehand.

The gaming machine according to the second embodiment further includes:
The light emitting surface (for example, light emitting surface 422) of the light emitting unit and the optical communication surface (for example, optical communication surface 442) of the first optical communication unit are provided facing each other,
Each of the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit is preferably fixed to the relay unit by a fixing unit (for example, a fixing unit 490).

  The light emitting surface of the light emitting unit and the optical communication surface of the first optical communication unit are arranged to face each other. Each of the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit is fixed to the relay unit by a fixing means.

  Since each of the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit is fixed, it is difficult to remove the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit from the relay unit, and a device for performing an illegal act is provided in the relay unit. Can be difficult. In addition, since each of the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit is fixed, even if vibration or the like occurs, optical communication can be performed while always maintaining an appropriate state without changing the light intensity.

The gaming machine according to the second embodiment further includes:
The relay unit is
A first sliding part (for example, the first sliding part 520) on which the light emitting part can slide;
A second sliding part (for example, a second sliding part 540) on which the first optical communication part is slidable,
The first sliding part has a first terminal part (for example, the first terminal part 528) for locking the light emitting part,
The second sliding part has a second terminal part (for example, a second terminal part 548) that locks the first optical communication part,
The light emitting portion is guided by the first sliding portion and locked to the first terminal portion, and the first optical communication portion is guided by the second sliding portion and the second sliding portion. It is preferable that the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit and the optical communication surface of the first optical communication unit face each other when locked to the terminal end of the first optical communication unit.

  The relay part has a first sliding part and a second sliding part. In the first sliding portion, the light emitting portion can be slid. In the second sliding part, the first optical communication part can be slid.

  The first sliding part has a first terminal part for locking the light emitting part. The second sliding part has a second terminal part for locking the first optical communication part.

  The light emitting part is guided by the first sliding part and locked to the first terminal part. The first optical communication part is guided by the second sliding part and locked to the second terminal part. When the light emitting part is locked to the first terminal part and the first optical communication part is locked to the second terminal part, the light emitting surface of the light emitting part and the light of the first optical communication part are The communication side faces each other.

  Since the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit are guided by the sliding unit and locked by the locking unit, the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit can be positioned at a desired position, and are desired. Stable optical communication with light intensity can be performed.

The gaming machine according to the second embodiment is
When the second optical communication unit is arranged in the branching unit,
The first optical communication unit receives the communication light emitted from the second optical communication unit;
The second optical communication unit preferably receives communication light emitted from the first optical communication unit.

  When the second optical communication unit is arranged at the branching unit, the first optical communication unit receives the communication light emitted from the second optical communication unit, and the second optical communication unit The communication light emitted from the optical communication unit is received.

  Since the external device is capable of two-way communication, it is possible to transmit and receive information on the valuable value, and it is possible to manage increase / decrease in the valuable value in the external device. Further, since optical communication is possible, even if bidirectional communication is possible, signals cannot be branched at locations other than the branching portion, and fraud can be prevented in advance.

<<< Specific Description of Second Embodiment >>>
<< Medal selector relay board 400 (relay part) >>
FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the medal selector relay board 400. FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the medal selector relay board 400.

  The medal selector relay substrate 400 includes a base 402 having a flat plate shape and a rectangular shape. As described above, the medal selector relay board 400 is provided between the medal selector 202 and the door relay board 300 ″. The medal selector relay board 400 relays the medal selector 202 and the door relay board 300 ″. Since it is a thing, it is preferable to be provided in the front door of the pachi-slot machine 100b. Further, the medal selector relay board 400 is a board for connecting any one of the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 to the door relay board 300 ″ so that optical communication is possible.

  The medal selector relay board 400 includes a light emitting unit 420 and a first optical communication unit 440. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 have a predetermined interval and are provided in the base 402 at positions separated from each other. A region defined by the gap between the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 is a branching unit 480 described later.

<Light Emitting Unit 420>
The light emitting unit 420 includes a connector 424. An optical fiber cable 40 is connected to the connector 424. The medal selector relay board 400 is connected to the medal selector 202 by the optical fiber cable 40.

  The light emitting unit 420 includes an optical element (not shown) such as a lens and a light emitting surface 422. The genuine medal insertion signal output from the medal selector 202 is emitted from the end of the optical fiber cable 40 as an optical signal and enters the optical element. The optical element adjusts the optical path of the incident optical signal and emits it from the light emitting surface 422 as communication light.

  It is assumed that the genuine medal insertion signal output from the medal selector 202 is not an optical signal but an electrical signal. In this case, the light emitting unit 420 includes an element that converts an electrical signal into an optical signal, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode (LD). In this way, the light emitting unit 420 can emit the genuine medal insertion signal output from the medal selector 202 from the light emitting surface 422 as communication light. Furthermore, an element that converts an electric signal into an optical signal may be provided between the medal selector 202 and the light emitting unit 420 without being included in the light emitting unit 420.

<First optical communication unit 440>
The first optical communication unit 440 includes a connector 444. The optical fiber cable 40 is connected to the connector 444. The medal selector relay board 400 is connected to the door relay board 300 ″ by the optical fiber cable 40.

  The first optical communication unit 440 includes an optical element (not shown) such as a lens and an optical communication surface 442. The communication light emitted from the light emitting surface 422 of the light emitting unit 420 enters the optical communication surface 442. The optical element adjusts the optical path of the optical signal incident on the optical communication surface 442 and makes the optical element enter the end of the optical fiber cable 40 connected to the first optical communication unit 440. The optical signal incident on the optical fiber cable 40 is output to the optical signal light receiving unit 310a of the door relay board 300 ″ as a genuine medal insertion signal.

<Branching unit 480>
The branching unit 480 is a part or region for switching the connection between the medal selector 202 and the door relay board 300 ″ and the connection between the game medium management device 30 and the door relay board 300 ″. When a later-described second optical communication unit 460 is provided in the branching unit 480, the game medium management device 30 is connected to the door relay substrate 300 "via the medal selector relay substrate 400. On the other hand, the second light When the communication unit 460 is not provided in the branching unit 480, the medal selector 202 is connected to the door relay substrate 300 ″ via the medal selector relay substrate 400.

<Second optical communication unit 460>
The second optical communication unit 460 is a connection device that is detachably provided on the branching unit 480 so that the game medium management device 30 can communicate with the first optical communication unit 440. The optical fiber cable 40 is connected to the second optical communication unit 460. A game medium management device 30 is connected to the optical fiber cable 40.

  The second optical communication unit 460 includes an optical element (not shown) such as a lens or a prism and an optical communication surface 462. When the second optical communication unit 460 is provided in the branching unit 480, the optical communication surface 462 of the second optical communication unit 460 faces the optical communication surface 442 of the first optical communication unit 440 so as to be capable of optical communication. Is positioned. The light emitted from the optical communication surface 462 of the second optical communication unit 460 enters the optical communication surface 442 of the first optical communication unit 440. The light emitted from the optical communication surface 442 of the first optical communication unit 440 enters the optical communication surface 462 of the second optical communication unit 460.

  In the present embodiment, bidirectional optical communication is performed between the door relay board 300 ″ and the game medium management apparatus 30. Accordingly, various information is output from the door relay board 300 ″ to the game medium management apparatus 30. In addition, various information is output from the game medium management device 30 to the door relay board 300 ″.

  As in the first embodiment, the valuable value information output from the game medium management device 30 is output to the door relay board 300 "via the medal selector relay board 400. Also, the door relay board 300" The payout game value information output from is output to the game medium management device 30 via the medal selector relay board 400.

  In this manner, bidirectional optical communication can be performed between the door relay board 300 ″ and the game medium management device 30. The game medium management device 30 is provided outside the pachislot machine 100b. The game media management device 30 that outputs various data to the machine 100b and the communication line between the pachislot machine 100b and the game media management device 30 are likely to be targeted for fraudulent acts. In this case, more types of information and data than before are output to the pachislot machine 100b from the game medium management device 30. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen fraud prevention when shifting to the encapsulated type.

  As described above, in the optical fiber cable 40, communication is performed by the propagation of light. For this reason, it is difficult to cut light in the middle of the optical fiber cable 40 and propagate light accurately. If a branch coupler or the like is used, the optical fiber cable 40 can be branched in the middle. However, it is necessary to perform various processes such as polishing the end of the optical fiber cable 40, and it is also necessary to use parts such as a branch coupler. For this reason, time is required for the work or the work becomes complicated, and more parts are required. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to quickly and inconspicuously provide a device for fraud in the middle of the optical fiber cable 40 by cutting the optical fiber cable 40 or the like. For this reason, even if the game medium management device 30 provided outside the pachislot machine 100b is made to be sealed, various illegal acts can be prevented in advance by using the optical fiber cable 40.

  Further, the medal selector relay board 400 is sealed in a sealable case (not shown). By providing the medal selector relay board 400 in the sealed case, it is difficult to remove the optical fiber cable 40 from the medal selector relay board 400, and the connection state of the optical fiber cable 40 can be maintained. It is also possible to make it difficult to remove the optical fiber cable 40 from the medal selector relay board 400 and interpose a device for performing an illegal act between the medal selector relay board 400 and the optical fiber cable 40. The sealing case is preferably a case coated with a light shielding agent that blocks light from the outside and prevents fraud, or a case that has been plated to block light. Further, the sealing is preferably performed by caulking or the like, and the opened trace remains.

  Note that optical communication in only one direction from the medal selector 202 to the door relay board 300 ″ is performed between the door relay board 300 ″ and the medal selector 202. Therefore, the light emitting unit 420 only emits an optical signal such as a genuine medal insertion signal output from the medal selector 202 as communication light, and no communication light is incident on the light emitting unit 420. Therefore, even if communication light is emitted from the optical communication surface 442 of the first optical communication unit 440, no optical signal is transmitted to the medal selector 202.

  The medal selector 202 is activated when a solenoid (lockout solenoid) (not shown) that allows the medal selector 202 to pass a medal is in an operating state. On the other hand, when the solenoid is in an inoperative state (lockout solenoid is released), the medal selector 202 is invalidated. The solenoid is independently connected to the main control board 110 and is driven by the control of the main control board 110.

  For example, the conventional pachislot machine 100b is provided with a slot, a medal selector, an internal hopper, a lower plate, and the like (not shown). The player inserts medals from the slot to advance the game. When a medal is inserted from the insertion unit, the medal selector determines the authenticity of the inserted medal. If the inserted medal is authentic, a signal indicating that a genuine medal has been inserted (for example, A genuine medal insertion signal (to be described later) is output.

  The medal selector is enabled or disabled by driving the lockout solenoid. When the lockout solenoid is activated, the medal selector is activated. When the medal selector is activated, the medal determined to be authentic passes through the medal selector and is guided to the hopper. The hopper is a device for temporarily storing medals determined to be authentic in the pachislot machine 100b.

  On the other hand, when the lockout solenoid is not operated, the medal selector is invalidated. For example, when the enclosure type is used, or when the upper limit of medals has already been inserted (when 3 credits have been inserted with 50 credits), the lockout solenoid is deactivated and the medal selector is disabled. It becomes. When the medal selector is invalidated, the medal inserted from the insertion slot passes through the cancel chute (passage for discharging the medal without going through the hopper) and is returned to the lower plate. In this case, electrical control is not performed. The lower plate is a container for collecting discharged medals outside the pachislot machine 100b.

  The second optical communication unit 460 is not provided with an optical communication surface that communicates with the light emitting surface 422 of the light emitting unit 420. That is, even if the second optical communication unit 460 is provided in the branching unit 480, an optical communication surface that can communicate with the light emitting surface 422 of the light emitting unit 420 is not provided in the second optical communication unit 460. Therefore, the second optical communication unit 460 performs optical communication only with the first optical communication unit 440 and does not perform optical communication with the light emitting unit 420.

  Further, the second optical communication unit 460 is provided with a light shielding unit 466 on the opposite side of the optical communication surface 462. When the second optical communication unit 460 is provided in the branching unit 480, the light shielding unit 466 faces the light emitting surface 422 of the light emitting unit 420. Therefore, even if an optical signal such as a genuine medal insertion signal is emitted from the light emitting surface 422 of the light emitting unit 420 as communication light, the light is blocked by the light blocking unit 466, so that the communication light is optical communication surface 442 of the first optical communication unit 440. It is not incident on. Thus, when the second optical communication unit 460 is provided in the branching unit 480, the optical signal from the medal selector 202 is not output to the door relay board 300 ″ via the medal selector relay board 400. .

  Further, in place of the above-described configuration, a light receiving unit (not shown) for detecting a communication state is provided in the light emitting unit 420, and the first optical communication unit 440 emits light to the light receiving unit at regular intervals. May be. When the light receiving unit does not receive light, it may be determined that the branching unit 480 is blocked by the second optical communication unit 460, the operation of the solenoid of the medal selector 202 may be canceled, and the medal selector 202 may be disabled. . By doing so, even if a member or device other than the second optical communication unit 460 is illegally intervened in the branching unit 480 by an unauthorized player, it is possible to automatically prevent the game and thus prevent the unauthorized operation. be able to.

  With the above-described configuration, when the second optical communication unit 460 is provided in the branching unit 480, the door relay substrate 300 ″ and the game medium management device 30 are connected via the medal selector relay substrate 400. Bidirectional optical communication is performed, and when the second optical communication unit 460 is not provided in the branching unit 480, the medal selector 202 to the door relay board 300 ″ is connected to the door relay board 300 ″ via the medal selector relay board 400. Directional optical communication is performed.

<Fixing means 490>
The fixing unit 490 fixes both the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 to the base unit 402. The fixing unit may be any unit that can fix the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 to the base unit 402 and maintain the positional relationship between the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440.

  The fixing means 490 includes, for example, one that solidifies resin and fixes the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 to the base unit 402.

  FIG. 29 is a plan view (a) and a side view (b) showing an example in which coverings 492a and 492b made of transparent resin are formed and each of the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 is fixed as a whole. It is. Cover bodies 492a and 492b made of transparent resin can seal the light emitting portion 420 and the first optical communication portion 440 to the base portion 402, respectively. By doing so, it is difficult to remove the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 from the base 402, and it is difficult to provide a device for fraud on the medal selector relay board 400.

  Covering bodies 492a and 492b made of a transparent resin may be formed of an adhesive or the like as long as it is difficult to remove the light emitting section 420 and the first optical communication section 440 from the base section 402.

  Further, the cover 492 a made of transparent resin is not formed on the light emitting surface 422 of the light emitting unit 420. The cover 492b made of transparent resin is not formed on the optical communication surface 442 of the first optical communication unit 440. Since the coverings 492a and 492b made of a transparent resin are transparent, they have translucency. However, since the coverings 492a and 492b are formed on the light emitting surface 422 and the optical communication surface 442, there is a possibility that the optical path of the communication light is changed by scattering or refracting the communication light. For this reason, by preventing the coverings 492a and 492b from being formed on the light emitting surface 422 and the optical communication surface 442, communication light can be accurately exchanged between the optical communication surface 442 and the light emitting surface 422.

  In the above-described example, the case where the fixing is performed using the resin is shown, but the fixing may be performed using an engaging member such as a screw. Furthermore, it may be fixed by being detachable by being latched by an urging force such as a spring.

<< first sliding portion 520, second sliding portion 540, and third sliding portion 560 >>
30, 31, and 32 are perspective views showing the first sliding portion 520, the second sliding portion 540, and the third sliding portion 560.

<First sliding portion 520>
The first sliding part 520 is a part for sliding the light emitting part 420 to guide to a first terminal part 528 described later. The first sliding portion 520 has a long concave shape. The first sliding portion 520 gradually increases in width toward the bottom portion 526. The width is the length in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first sliding portion 520. Since the width of the first sliding portion 520 gradually increases, the first sliding portion 520 has two inclined portions 522 and 524 formed along the longitudinal direction. The two inclined portions 522 and 524 are formed with the bottom portion 526 interposed therebetween.

  The light emitting unit 420 has leg portions 428 whose skirts gradually widen. The leg portion 428 has two inclined portions 430 and 432 and a bottom portion 434 sandwiched between the two inclined portions 430 and 432. The inclined portion 430 of the leg portion 428 is slidably engaged with the inclined portion 522 of the first sliding portion 520. The inclined portion 432 of the leg portion 428 is slidably engaged with the inclined portion 524 of the first sliding portion 520. The bottom portion 434 of the leg portion 428 is slidably engaged with the bottom portion 526 of the first sliding portion 520. With these engagements, the light emitting unit 420 can move while sliding with the first sliding unit 520 along the longitudinal direction of the first sliding unit 520. In this way, the light emitting unit 420 is guided by the first sliding unit 520.

<First Termination Unit 528>
The first terminal part 528 is a part for locking the light emitting part 420 and holding it at a certain position. The first end portion 528 has a wall portion 530 perpendicular to the first sliding portion 520. By bringing the light emitting unit 420 into contact with the wall 530, the light emitting unit 420 can be held at a certain position. The certain position is a position where the communication light emitted from the light emitting unit 420 can efficiently enter the first optical communication unit 440.

<Second sliding portion 540>
The second sliding part 540 is a part for sliding the first optical communication part 440 to guide to a second terminal part 548 described later. Similar to the first sliding part 520, the second sliding part 540 has a long concave shape. The second sliding portion 540 gradually increases in width toward the bottom portion 546. The width is the length in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second sliding portion 540. The second sliding portion 540 has two inclined portions 542 and 544 formed along the longitudinal direction because the width of the second sliding portion 540 gradually increases. The two inclined portions 542 and 544 are formed with the bottom portion 546 interposed therebetween.

  Similar to the light emitting unit 420, the first optical communication unit 440 includes a leg portion 448 whose skirt gradually widens. The leg portion 448 includes two inclined portions 450 and 452 and a bottom portion 454 sandwiched between the two inclined portions 450 and 452. The inclined portion 450 of the leg portion 448 is slidably engaged with the inclined portion 542 of the second sliding portion 540. The inclined portion 452 of the leg portion 448 is slidably engaged with the inclined portion 544 of the second sliding portion 540. The bottom portion 454 of the leg portion 448 is slidably engaged with the bottom portion 546 of the second sliding portion 540. With these engagements, the first optical communication unit 440 can move while sliding with the second sliding unit 540 along the longitudinal direction of the second sliding unit 540. In this way, the first optical communication unit 440 is guided by the second sliding unit 540.

<Second Termination Portion 548>
The second terminal part 548 is a part for locking the first optical communication part 440 and holding it at a fixed position. The second end portion 548 has a wall portion 550 that is perpendicular to the second sliding portion 540. By bringing the first optical communication unit 440 into contact with the wall 550, the first optical communication unit 440 can be held at a certain position. The certain position is a position where the communication light emitted from the light emitting unit 420 can efficiently enter the first optical communication unit 440.

<Third sliding portion 560 and third terminal portion 568>
In the above-described example, the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 are guided, locked to the base unit 402, and held in a fixed position.

  Further, the third sliding part 560 and the third terminal part 568 may be provided for the second optical communication part 460 as well. The third sliding part 560 is a part for guiding to the branch part 480. The third terminal end 568 is a part for locking the second optical communication unit 460 guided to the branching unit 480.

  Unlike the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440, the second optical communication unit 460 is detachably attached to the base unit 402. That is, when controlling a game using a physical game medium, the second optical communication unit 460 is removed from the base unit 402. On the other hand, when the game is controlled in accordance with the enclosing type without using a physical game medium, the second optical communication unit 460 is attached to the base unit 402.

<Third sliding portion 560>
The 3rd sliding part 560 is a site | part for sliding the 2nd optical communication part 460, and guiding it to the 3rd termination | terminus part 568 mentioned later. The third sliding portion 560 has a long concave shape like the first sliding portion 520 and the second sliding portion 540. The third sliding portion 560 gradually increases in width toward the bottom portion 566. The width is the length in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the third sliding portion 560. By making the width of the third sliding portion 560 gradually widen, the third sliding portion 560 has two inclined portions 562 and 564 formed along the longitudinal direction. The two inclined portions 562 and 564 are formed with the bottom portion 566 interposed therebetween.

  Similar to the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440, the second optical communication unit 460 includes legs (not shown) whose hems gradually widen. The leg portion of the second optical communication unit 460 includes a first inclined portion and a second inclined portion (not shown), and a bottom portion sandwiched between the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion. The first inclined portion of the leg portion of the second optical communication unit 460 is slidably engaged with the inclined portion 562 of the third sliding portion 560. The second inclined portion of the leg portion of the second optical communication unit 460 is slidably engaged with the inclined portion 564 of the third sliding portion 560. The bottom part of the leg part of the second optical communication part 460 is slidably engaged with the bottom part 566 of the third sliding part 560. With these engagements, the second optical communication unit 460 can move while sliding with the third sliding unit 560 along the longitudinal direction of the third sliding unit 560. By doing so, the second optical communication unit 460 is guided by the third sliding unit 560.

<Third terminal portion 568>
The third end portion 568 is a part for locking the second optical communication unit 460 and holding it at a certain position. The third end portion 568 has a wall portion 570 perpendicular to the third sliding portion 560. By bringing the second optical communication unit 460 into contact with the wall portion 570, it can be held at a fixed position. The certain position is a position where the first optical communication unit 440 and the second optical communication unit 460 can efficiently transmit / receive communication light to / from each other.

<Hanging part>
Furthermore, a latching portion (not shown) such as a lever is provided on the wall portion 570. In a state where the second optical communication unit 460 is locked to the third terminal end 568, the second optical communication unit 460 is hooked to the third terminal end 568 by the hooking unit. In this way, the second optical communication unit 460 can be held at a certain position of the branching unit 480. The second optical communication unit 460 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the base unit 402. However, the second optical communication unit 460 is branched by hooking the second optical communication unit 460 with the hooking unit. 480 can be held at a certain position. By doing so, stable optical communication can be performed between the first optical communication unit 440 and the second optical communication unit 460. Further, the second optical communication unit 460 can be detached from the third terminal end 568 by releasing the latch by the latch unit. By doing in this way, the 2nd optical communication part 460 can be easily provided in the base 402 so that attachment or detachment is possible.

<Modification of First Sliding Part 520, Second Sliding Part 540, and Third Sliding Part 560>
The first sliding portion 520, the second sliding portion 540, and the third sliding portion 560 shown in FIGS. 30 to 32 have long concave portions. The first sliding part 520 is only required to guide the light emitting part 420, the second sliding part 540 only needs to be able to guide the first optical communication part 440, and the third sliding part 560 is the second optical communication part. What is necessary is just to be able to guide 460. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 33, the first sliding portion 520 ′, the second sliding portion 540 ′, and the third sliding portion 560 ′ are long protrusions protruding from the surface of the base portion 402. The shape may be a shape.

  In this case, the legs of the light emitting unit 420, the first optical communication unit 440, and the second optical communication unit 460 are the first sliding unit 520 ′, the second sliding unit 540 ′, and the third sliding unit. What is necessary is just to make it the shape adapted to the elongate convex shape of sliding part 560 '. The light-emitting part 420, the 1st optical communication part 440, and the 2nd optical communication part 460 should just be slid and arrange | positioned in a fixed position.

  In this case, the first terminal portion 528 ′, the second terminal portion 548 ′, and the third terminal portion 568 ′ can also be wall portions protruding from the surface of the base portion 402. Even in this case, the light emitting unit 420, the first optical communication unit 440, and the second optical communication unit 460 can be held at fixed positions.

  The first sliding part 520 (520 ′), the second sliding part 540 (540 ′) and the third sliding part 560 (560 ′) described above are the light emitting part 420 and the first optical communication part 440. It was formed along the direction perpendicular to the direction of the communication light between. The communication light between the first optical communication unit 440 and the light emitting unit 420, the first optical communication unit 440, and the second optical communication unit 460 is not limited to this direction. It may be formed along a direction parallel to the direction of the other, or may be formed along another direction.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 30 to 33, the fixing means 490 is omitted, but it is preferable to provide the fixing means 490 shown in FIG. The fixing means 490 makes it difficult to remove the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 from the base unit 402, making it difficult to provide a device for fraud on the medal selector relay board 400.

  In the second embodiment, the structure of the medal selector relay board 400 has been mainly described. However, the conversion from the use value information described in the first embodiment to the game value signal, and the payout from the payout instruction information. Various signals such as conversion to valuable value information and information processing can be applied to the second embodiment in the same manner. Various configurations such as the selection unit in the first embodiment can be similarly applied to the second embodiment.

<<< Third Embodiment >>>
FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a medal selector relay board 600 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a male connector portion 700 attached to the medal selector relay board 600. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view showing the medal selector relay board 600 and the male connector portion 700. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the male connector portion 700 is attached to the medal selector relay board 600.

  The medal selector relay board 600 according to the third embodiment is connected to the door relay board 300 ″ similarly to the medal selector relay board 400 according to the second embodiment. Therefore, the medal selector relay shown in FIG. The medal selector relay board 600 can be replaced in place of the board 400. The configuration of the gaming machine 100 ″ shown in FIG. 34 is the same as that of the medal selector relay board 600 and has the same function. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 are connected to the medal selector relay board 600. More specifically, the medal selector relay board 600 is provided between the medal selector 202 and the door relay board 300 ″.

  In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the medal selector relay board 600 and the game medium management device 30 can be attached to the door relay board 300 ″ at the same time, and the state can be maintained. The selector relay board 600 is detachably attached to the door relay board 300 ″, but it is not necessary to remove the medal selector relay board 600 from the door relay board 300 ″ for communication with the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30.

  Also, in the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, by using the medal selector relay board 600, the medal selector 202 is maintained connected to the medal selector relay board 600, and the game The medium management device 30 can be connected to the medal selector relay board 600. When only the medal selector 202 is connected to the medal selector relay board 600, the medal selector 202 communicates with the door relay board 300 "via the medal selector relay board 600. On the other hand, the game medium management device 30 relays the medal selector relay. When connected to the board 600, the game medium management device 30 can communicate with the door relay board 300 ″ via the medal selector relay board 600. When the game medium management device 30 is connected to the medal selector relay board 600, the medal selector 202 does not communicate with the door relay board 300 ″.

  The medal selector 202 and the medal selector relay board 600 are connected by an optical fiber cable 40. The door relay board 300 ″ and the medal selector relay board 600 are connected by an optical fiber cable 40.

  The gaming machine 100 ″ according to the third embodiment is similar to the gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment and the gaming machine 100 ′ according to the second embodiment except for the configuration of the medal selector relay board 600. In other words, the main control board 110, the sub control board 210, the sub relay board 220, the medal selector 202, etc. have the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Have the same function.

  Further, the door relay board 300 ″ has the same configuration and the same function as the door relay board 300 or 300 ′ except that the medal selector relay board 600 is connected. That is, the door relay board 300 ″. Are mainly an optical signal light receiving unit 310, an electric signal modulation unit 320, a reception signal analysis unit (connection determination unit, output destination determination unit) 330, a transmission signal generation unit 340, an output destination control unit 350, an optical signal modulation unit 360, An optical signal light emitting unit 370 is provided, and these have the same function.

  Note that the activation switch 380 and the selection switch 385 are not provided on the door relay board 300 ″ of the gaming machine 100 ″ according to the third embodiment.

  As described above, the medal selector relay board 600 can be replaced in place of the medal selector relay board 400. That is, the medal selector relay board 600 can send and receive the same optical signal as the medal selector relay board 400. For example, a genuine medal insertion signal is output from the medal selector 202. Valuable value information is output from the game medium management device 30. The payout game value information is output to the game medium management device 30. Thus, the signal output from the medal selector 202 and the information transmitted to and received from the game medium management device 30 are the same as those of the medal selector relay board 400 according to the second embodiment.

<< Outline of Third Embodiment >>
The gaming machine according to the third embodiment is
A medal selector optical communication unit (for example, an optical signal light receiving unit 310a) for receiving a game medium use signal output from the medal selector by an optical signal capable of optical communication;
A relay unit (for example, a medal selector relay board 600) provided between the medal selector and the medal selector optical communication unit;
The relay unit is
A light emitting unit (for example, the light emitting unit 420) that emits communication light based on the game medium use signal output from the medal selector;
A control board (for example, a door) that is disposed at a position separated from the light emitting unit, receives communication light emitted from the light emitting unit, performs optical communication with the medal selector optical communication unit, and performs processing related to game media A first optical communication unit (for example, the first optical communication unit 440) connected to the relay substrate 300 ″),
A female connector portion having an opening (for example, an opening 632) formed by a gap between the light emitting portion and the first optical communication portion, and is a flat tongue piece (for example, a tongue piece portion 730). And a female connector portion (for example, male connector portion 700) having a second optical communication portion (for example, second optical communication portion 740) for performing optical communication is attached through the opening. A connector portion (for example, a female connector portion 630);
A first light-shielding part (for example, a fixed light-shielding part 610 or 612) that covers the light-emitting part and the first optical communication part;
A detachable second light shielding portion (for example, a detachable light shielding portion 620) that covers the opening when the male connector portion is not attached to the female connector portion,
When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, the second optical communication portion faces the first optical communication portion so as to be capable of optical communication in both directions.

  The gaming machine according to the third embodiment includes a medal selector optical communication unit and a relay unit. The medal selector optical communication unit receives the game medium use signal output from the medal selector as an optical signal capable of optical communication. The game medium use signal may be an optical signal or an electric signal other than the optical signal. When the game medium use signal is a signal other than the optical signal, the medal selector optical communication unit receives the game medium use signal converted into the optical signal. The medal selector optical communication unit is preferably provided, for example, on a so-called door relay board. A game medium input signal is output from the medal selector. The relay unit is provided between the medal selector and the medal selector optical communication unit. It is preferable that the relay unit and the medal selector are connected by an optical fiber cable so that optical communication is possible. The relay unit and the medal selector optical communication unit are preferably connected by an optical fiber cable so that optical communication is possible.

  The relay unit includes a light emitting unit, a first optical communication unit, a female connector unit, a first light shielding unit, and a second light shielding unit.

  The light emitting unit emits communication light based on the game medium use signal output from the medal selector. It is preferable that the medal selector and the light emitting unit are connected by an optical fiber cable so that optical communication is possible. The game medium use signal output from the medal selector is propagated to the light emitting unit via the optical fiber cable. The optical signal propagated to the light emitting unit is emitted from the light emitting unit as communication light.

  The first optical communication unit is disposed at a position separated from the light emitting unit. The first optical communication unit receives communication light emitted from the light emitting unit. The first optical communication unit performs optical communication with the medal selector optical communication unit. The first optical communication unit is connected to a control board that performs processing related to the game medium. That is, the first optical communication unit receives communication light emitted as communication light from the light emitting unit, and outputs the received communication light as an optical signal to the medal selector optical communication unit.

  In this way, the game medium use signal output from the medal selector is propagated from the medal selector to the light emitting unit, from the light emitting unit to the first optical communication unit, and from the first optical communication unit to the medal selector optical communication unit. The

  An opening is formed by a gap between the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit. The female connector part has an opening. The second optical communication unit has a flat tongue piece. The second optical communication unit performs optical communication. The male connector part has a second optical communication part. A male connector part is attached to the female connector part through an opening.

  The first light shielding unit covers the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit. The second light shielding portion covers the opening when the male connector portion is not attached to the female connector portion. The second light shielding part is detachable from the opening.

  When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, the second optical communication portion faces the first optical communication portion so as to be capable of optical communication in both directions. When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, optical communication is performed between the second optical communication portion and the first optical communication portion.

  When the male connector portion is detached from the female connector portion, the removable light shielding portion is attached to the opening. In this case, the female connector portion is shielded from light by the removable light shielding portion. By doing in this way, the light-shielding state of a female connector part can be ensured, and the communication state between a light emission part and a 1st optical communication part can be made favorable. In this case, it is preferable to attach the detachable light-shielding part to the opening and seal the detachable light-shielding part to the opening with a seal seal. When the seal seal is peeled off, it can be clearly shown that the seal has been peeled off, and the opening can be prevented from being used illegally.

  When the male connector unit is attached to the female connector unit, the second optical communication unit faces the first optical communication unit so as to be capable of optical communication in both directions. In this case, the first optical communication unit communicates with the second optical communication unit instead of the light emitting unit. Moreover, when light-shielded by the male connector part, the communication state between the first optical communication part and the second optical communication part can be improved.

The gaming machine according to the third embodiment further includes:
The male connector portion is positioned between the light emitting portion and the second optical communication portion when attached to the female connector portion, and a third light shielding portion that shields communication light emitted from the light emitting portion. (For example, a light shielding portion 750).

  When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, the communication light emitted from the light emitting portion is shielded by the third light shielding portion. Even when light is emitted from the light emitting unit, the light from the light emitting unit can be blocked by the third light blocking unit, and light can be prevented from entering the first optical communication unit. By doing in this way, the malfunctioning by the light from a light emission part can be prevented, and the communication state between the 1st optical communication part and the 2nd optical communication part can be made still better.

The gaming machine according to the third embodiment further includes:
The second optical communication unit is connected to an external device (for example, a game medium management device 30 (more specifically, a so-called ECO unit) to be described later) that executes a value increase / decrease calculation process so that optical communication is possible. ,
When the male connector part is attached to the female connector part,
A game medium indicating that a game medium is inserted based on the use value information by receiving use value information indicating the value to be inserted by the player from the external device via the medal selector optical communication unit. Converted to a turn-on signal,
Based on the game, payout instruction information indicating an instruction to pay out the game medium to the player is received, converted into payout value information indicating a valuable value to be paid out to the player, and the medal selector optical communication unit A control unit (for example, a relay board CPU described later) that further outputs to an external device is further provided.

  Because the control unit converts the valuable value information into a gaming valuable value signal, even when the male connector is attached to the female connector and an external device is connected, it is based on the valuable value information from the external device. The game can be controlled in the same state as when the game medium is used (for example, inserted). For this reason, even when a physical game medium is not used, a conventional pachislot machine can be used effectively.

  Since the payout instruction information is converted into payout value information by the control unit, it is possible to manage game media to be paid out to a player based on the payout value information by connecting an external device. Therefore, the external device can manage the valuable value possessed by the player based on both the valuable value used by the player to play the game and the payout valuable value information paid out to the player according to the result of the game. it can. That is, both use and payout can be managed by an external device.

The gaming machine according to the third embodiment further includes:
A game medium payout device (for example, medal discharge device 112) that performs physical payout of game media;
The control unit receives a switching identification signal transmitted from the external device when the male connector unit is attached to the female connector unit, and transmits for transmitting a payout instruction signal to the game medium payout device. The route is blocked (for example, on / off switch 116), and the payout instruction information is converted into the payout valuable value information and output to the external device.

  When the male connector portion is attached to the female connector portion, the transmission path of the game medium payout device is blocked, so that the game medium can be managed by an external device.

<< Medal selector relay board 600 >>
Similar to the medal selector relay board 400, the medal selector relay board 600 includes a base 402 having a flat plate shape and a rectangular shape. As described above, the medal selector relay board 600 is provided between the medal selector 202 and the door relay board 300 ″. The medal selector relay board 600 relays the medal selector 202 and the door relay board 300 ″. Since it is a thing, it is preferable to be provided in the front door of the pachi-slot machine 100b. Further, the medal selector relay board 600 is a board for connecting any one of the medal selector 202 and the game medium management device 30 to the door relay board 300 ″ so that optical communication is possible.

  The medal selector relay board 600 includes a light emitting unit 420 and a first optical communication unit 440. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 have a predetermined interval and are provided in the base 402 at positions separated from each other. A region formed by the gap between the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 is a branching unit 480 described later.

  The base 402, the light emitting unit 420, the first optical communication unit 440, and the branching unit 480 have the same configuration and function in the same manner as the medal selector relay board 400 of the second embodiment.

  Also in the third embodiment, bidirectional optical communication is performed between the door relay board 300 ″ and the game medium management apparatus 30. Therefore, various information is transmitted from the door relay board 300 ″ to the game medium management apparatus 30. And various information are also output from the game medium management device 30 to the door relay board 300 ″.

  As in the second embodiment, the valuable value information output from the game medium management device 30 is output to the door relay board 300 "via the medal selector relay board 600. The door relay board 300" The payout game value information output from is output to the game medium management device 30 via the medal selector relay board 600.

<Fixed light shielding parts 610 and 612, detachable light shielding part 620>
Unlike the medal selector relay board 400, the medal selector relay board 600 includes fixed light shielding parts 610 and 612 and a detachable light shielding part 620. The fixed light shielding parts 610 and 612 are fixed to the medal selector relay board 600. The detachable light-shielding portion 620 is detachably provided on the medal selector relay board 600. The fixed light shielding units 610 and 612 and the removable light shielding unit 620 shield light.

  The fixed light shielding units 610 and 612 and the detachable light shielding unit 620 prevent light from the outside of the medal selector relay board 600 from entering the first optical communication unit 440. When a second optical communication unit 740, which will be described later, is attached to the branching unit 480, external light may enter not only the first optical communication unit 440 but also the second optical communication unit 740. To prevent.

  The fixed light-shielding parts 610 and 612 and the removable light-shielding part 620 can attenuate the intensity of light that may be incident on the first optical communication part 440 or the second optical communication part 740 to a predetermined intensity or less. That's fine.

  When light from the outside enters the first optical communication unit 440, depending on the incident light, the door relay board 300 ″ may malfunction or the main control board 110 or the sub control board may be connected via the door relay board 300 ″. 210 may malfunction.

  Similarly, when external light is incident on the second optical communication unit 740, depending on the incident light, the game medium management device 30 malfunctions, and communication light is emitted from the game medium management device 30 due to malfunction, There is a possibility that the door relay board 300 ″ may malfunction, or the main control board 110 and the sub control board 210 may malfunction via the door relay board 300 ″.

  In addition, there is a possibility that the communication state of the first optical communication unit 440 and the second optical communication unit 740 may be reduced by external light. By shielding the light in this way, it is possible to prevent malfunctions and improve the communication state.

  In particular, even when light is emitted from the outside of the medal selector relay substrate 600 to the first optical communication unit 440 and the second optical communication unit 740 for improper purposes, the fixed light shielding units 610 and 612 are attached to and detached from The light intensity can be sufficiently attenuated by the light shielding portion 620. By providing the fixed light-shielding parts 610 and 612 and the removable light-shielding part 620, the door relay board 300 ″, the main control board 110, and the sub-control board 210 are controlled for illegal purposes by light from outside the medal selector relay board 600. Can be prevented.

<Fixed light shielding unit 610>
As shown in FIG. 34, the fixed light-shielding portion 610 has a thin plate shape and a rectangular shape. The fixed light shielding unit 610 is provided so as to cover both the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 provided on the base unit 402. In other words, the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 are sandwiched between the base unit 402 and the fixed light shielding unit 610.

<Fixed light shielding part 612>
As shown in FIGS. 34 and 36, the fixed light-shielding portion 612 has a thin plate shape and a rectangular shape. The fixed light shielding part 612 is provided so as to cover the side part between the light emitting part 420 provided in the base part 402 and the first optical communication part 440. The fixed light-shielding part 612 only needs to cover the entire gap formed between the light emitting part 420 and the first optical communication part 440 without any gap.

<Female connector portion 630>
As shown in FIG. 34, the branching unit 480 is surrounded by the light emitting unit 420, the first optical communication unit 440, the base unit 402, and the fixed light shielding unit 610. The female connector portion 630 is configured by an area defined by the light emitting portion 420, the first optical communication portion 440, the base portion 402, and the fixed light shielding portion 610. A male connector 700 (second optical communication unit 740) described later is detachably attached to the female connector 630.

<Opening 632>
An opening 632 is formed at the end of the female connector portion 630. The male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630 through the opening 632. The opening 632 has a rectangular shape. When the male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630, the opening 632 is sealed by the female connector portion 630, and the female connector portion 630 is shielded from light.

<Removable light shielding part 620>
The detachable light shielding unit 620 is detachably provided in the opening 632. The detachable light shielding part 620 has a thin plate shape and a rectangular shape. As described above, the removable light blocking unit 620 prevents light from the outside of the medal selector relay board 600 from entering the first optical communication unit 440.

  When the male connector portion 700 (second optical communication portion 740) is attached to the female connector portion 630, the removable light shielding portion 620 is removed from the opening 632. In this case, the female connector portion 630 is shielded from light by the male connector portion 700. On the other hand, when the male connector portion 700 (second optical communication portion 740) is detached from the female connector portion 630, the detachable light shielding portion 620 is attached to the opening 632. In this case, the female connector portion 630 is shielded from light by the removable light shielding portion 620. By doing in this way, the light-shielding state of the female connector part 630 can be ensured.

  Note that the base 402 is preferably light-shielding. In this way, light from all directions that can enter the medal selector relay substrate 600 can be attenuated and blocked.

<Male connector 700>
FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the male connector portion 700. The male connector part 700 is detachably attached to the female connector part 630. The male connector unit 700 has a second optical communication unit 740. When the male connector unit 700 is attached to the female connector unit 630, the second optical communication unit 740 can perform optical communication with the first optical communication unit 440.

  The male connector part 700 has a stepped shape. As shown in FIG. 35, the male connector portion 700 has a main body portion 710, a tongue piece portion 730, and a protruding portion 720. The protruding portion 720 protrudes from the main body portion 710 of the male connector portion 700. The width and height of the protruding portion 720 are slightly larger than the width and height of the opening 632 of the female connector portion 630. When the male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630, the protruding portion 720 is fitted with the opening 632 of the female connector portion 630.

  The main body portion 710 of the male connector portion 700 has a extending material portion 712. When the male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630, the extended material portion 712 is in close contact with the side portion 640 of the female connector portion 630. The spread material portion 712 is in close contact with the side portion 640 so that light can be shielded.

  The tongue piece 730 protrudes from the protrusion 720. The tongue piece 730 has a thin plate-like shape and has a first surface 732 and a second surface 734.

<Second optical communication unit 740>
A second optical communication unit 740 is provided on the first surface 732 of the tongue piece 730. When the male connector unit 700 is attached to the female connector unit 630, the second optical communication unit 740 faces the first optical communication unit 440 and is disposed at a position separated from the first optical communication unit 440. . By doing in this way, the male connector part 700 can be attached to the female connector part 630, and optical communication can be performed between the first optical communication part 440 and the second optical communication part 740.

<Light shielding part 750>
The second surface 734 of the tongue piece 730 has a light shielding portion 750. When the male connector part 700 is attached to the female connector part 630, the light shielding part 750 is positioned so as to be in close contact with the light emitting surface 422 of the light emitting part 420. Even when light is emitted from the light emitting surface 422 of the light emitting unit 420, the light can be blocked by the light blocking unit 750 so that the light from the light emitting surface 422 of the light emitting unit 420 does not spread. The light blocking unit 750 can prevent light from entering the first optical communication unit 440. By doing in this way, the malfunctioning by the light from the light emission part 420 can be prevented.

<Attaching the male connector 700>
FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630.

  As shown in FIG. 36, when the male connector portion 700 is not attached to the female connector portion 630, the removable light shielding portion 620 can be attached to the opening 632 of the female connector portion 630. By attaching the detachable light-shielding part 620 to the opening 632, light from the outside of the medal selector relay board 600 is prevented from entering the first optical communication part 440. Specifically, the female connector portion 630 is shielded by the fixed light shielding portion 610 and the detachable light shielding portion 620. The communication light emitted from the light emitting unit 420 enters the first optical communication unit 440 without being blocked by light from the outside of the medal selector relay substrate 600.

  When the male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630, the detachable light-shielding portion 620 is removed from the opening 632 of the female connector portion 630, and the opening 632 is opened. The male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630 through the opening 632. When the male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630, the protruding portion 720 of the female connector portion 630 is fitted with the opening 632 of the female connector portion 630. In addition, the extended material portion 712 of the male connector portion 700 is in close contact with the side portion 640 of the female connector portion 630. In this manner, the opening 632 can be sealed by the protruding portion 720 of the female connector portion 630, and light from the outside of the medal selector relay board 600 is transmitted from the first optical communication portion 440 and the second optical communication portion 740. To prevent the light from entering.

<Control of Medal Discharge Device 112 by Attaching Male Connector Unit 700>
When the male connector portion 700 is not attached to the female connector portion 630, it is necessary to make the medal discharging device 112 effective and pay out a physical game medium from the medal discharging device 112 as in the conventional case. On the other hand, when the male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630, the medal discharging device 112 is disabled and the game medium management device 30 is enabled. By enabling the game medium management device 30, the game medium can be managed by the game medium management device 30.

  FIG. 38 shows a flowchart for controlling the medal discharging device 112 by attaching the male connector portion 700. This process is executed by the relay board CPU of the door relay board 300 ″. A program for executing this process is stored in the relay board ROM.

  The relay board CPU of the door relay board 300 ″ first determines whether or not the male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630 (step S3811). The optical signal is output from the first optical communication unit 440 via the optical fiber cable 40. When the male connector unit 700 is attached to the female connector unit 630, the second optical communication unit 740 is disposed to face the first optical communication unit 440. Therefore, when the male connector unit 700 is attached to the female connector unit 630, the second optical communication unit 740 receives the optical signal for connection confirmation output from the first optical communication unit 440.

  When the game medium management device 30 receives an optical signal for connection confirmation, the game medium management device 30 outputs a connection response signal (switching identification signal) from the second optical communication unit 740 via the optical fiber cable 40. The first optical communication unit 440 receives the connection response optical signal output from the second optical communication unit 740. The relay board CPU of the door relay board 300 ″ can determine that the male connector part 700 is attached to the female connector part 630 by receiving the optical signal for connection response.

  The optical signal for connection confirmation is preferably a signal that can be processed only by the game medium management device 30. The connection response optical signal is preferably a signal that can be processed only by the relay board CPU of the door relay board 300 ″. For example, it includes identification information for identifying the game medium management device 30 and the door relay board 300 ″. It is preferable. In this way, fraud can be prevented. Further, by encrypting the optical signal for connection confirmation and the optical signal for connection response, it is possible to further prevent fraud.

  When the relay board CPU of the door relay board 300 ″ determines that the male connector portion 700 is not attached to the female connector portion 630 (NO), this subroutine is immediately terminated.

  When the relay board CPU of the door relay board 300 ″ determines that the male connector portion 700 is attached to the female connector portion 630 (YES), the medal discharge device 112 is disconnected (step S3813). By releasing the connection 112, the physical game medium is not paid out from the medal discharging device 112.

  39 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the gaming machine 100 ″. Basically, the gaming machine 100 has the same configuration as the gaming machine 100 illustrated in FIG. 5. As described above, the gaming machine 100 has the main control board 110. A motor drive signal is output to the medal discharge device 112, and the motor of the medal discharge device 112 is driven in accordance with the motor drive signal, and the medal discharge device 112 detects that one medal has been paid out, A payout game medium signal is output to the main control board 110.

  Unlike the gaming machine 100, the gaming machine 100 ″ shown in FIG. 39 outputs a motor drive signal to the door relay board 300 ″. The motor drive signal is output to the medal discharging device 112 via the door relay board 300 ″. The door relay board 300 ″ is provided with a switching element (not shown) such as a relay switch. The motor drive signal output from the main control board 110 is supplied to the medal discharging device 112 by turning on the switching element. In this way, the motor of the medal discharging device 112 can be driven. On the other hand, the motor driving signal output from the main control board 110 is not supplied to the medal discharging device 112 by driving the switching element in the cut-off state by the process of step S3813 described above, and the motor of the medal discharging device 112 is driven. Not.

  Note that the gaming machine 100 ″ shown in FIG. 39 differs only in the control related to the medal discharging device 112 described above, and otherwise functions and has the same configuration as the gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. Constituent elements similar to those of the gaming machine 100 shown in FIG.

  40 is a block diagram showing an example of the gaming machine 100 ″. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine 100 ″ of FIG.

  The gaming machine 100 ″ shown in FIG. 40 is different from the gaming machine 100 in that an on / off switch 116 is provided between the main control board 110 and the medal discharging device 112. The on / off switch 116 is also a switching element (such as a relay switch). The on / off switch 116 is turned on or off by a control signal from the door relay board 300 ″. The main control board 110 outputs a motor drive signal to the medal discharging device 112 via the on / off switch 116.

  When the on / off switch 116 is turned on, the motor drive signal output from the main control board 110 is transmitted to the medal discharging device 112. In this way, the motor of the medal discharging device 112 can be driven. On the other hand, the motor drive signal output from the main control board 110 is not supplied to the medal discharging device 112 by turning the on / off switch 116 in the off state by the process of step S3813 described above, and the motor of the medal discharging device 112 is Not driven.

  Note that the gaming machine 100 ″ shown in FIG. 40 also has the same configuration as the gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. Constituent elements similar to those of the gaming machine 100 shown in FIG.

  The technical ideas described in each of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment described above can be combined with each other.

  For example, in the third embodiment, the structure of the medal selector relay board 600 has been mainly described. However, the conversion from the use value information described in the first embodiment to the game value signal, the payout instruction information, and the like. The processing of various signals and information such as the conversion from payout value to payout value information can be similarly applied to the third embodiment. Various configurations such as the selection unit in the first embodiment can be similarly applied to the third embodiment.

  It is preferable to use the fixing means 490 described in the second embodiment. The fixing means 490 makes it difficult to remove the light emitting unit 420 and the first optical communication unit 440 from the medal selector relay board 600, and it is difficult to provide a device for fraud on the medal selector relay board 600.

  Further, the first sliding portion 520 (520 ′), the second sliding portion 540 (540 ′), and the third sliding portion 560 (560 ′) described in the second embodiment are relayed to the medal selector. By applying to the substrate 600, the light emitting unit 420, the first optical communication unit 440, and the second optical communication unit 740 can be provided on the medal selector relay substrate 600. By doing in this way, the light emission part 420, the 1st optical communication part 440, and the 2nd optical communication part 740 can be arrange | positioned in the optimal position, and a favorable communication state can be maintained. Furthermore, a latching portion such as a lever described in the second embodiment may be provided on the wall portion 570.

  It is not restricted to the technical idea mentioned above, It is also possible to combine the other technical ideas in 1st Embodiment-3rd Embodiment mutually.

30 Game media management device (external device)
100b Pachislot machine (game machine)
300 "door relay board (medical selector optical communication unit)
310a Optical signal receiver (medal selector optical communication unit)
390 connector (female connector) (connection, first connection)
392 connector (connector, second connector)
394 Male connector (connector, first connector)
330 Received signal analysis unit (control unit)
340 Transmission signal generation unit (control unit)
400 Medal selector relay board (relay part)
420 Light emitting unit 440 First optical communication unit 460 Second optical communication unit 480 Branching unit 490 Fixing means 492a, 492b Cover (fixing means)
520, 520 ′ first sliding part 540, 540 ′ second sliding part 528 first terminal part 548 second terminal part 600 medal selector relay board (relay part)
610, 612 Fixed light shielding portion 620 Detachable light shielding portion 630 Female connector portion 700 Male connector portion 740 Second optical communication portion 750 Light shielding portion

Claims (4)

An optical communication unit for a medal selector that receives a game medium use signal output from the medal selector by an optical signal capable of optical communication;
A relay unit capable of relaying the medal selector and the medal selector optical communication unit;
The relay unit is
A light emitting unit for emitting communication light based on a game medium use signal output from the medal selector;
A first optical communication unit disposed at a position spaced apart from the light emitting unit and receiving communication light emitted from the light emitting unit and performing optical communication with the medal selector optical communication unit, wherein the male connector unit A first optical communication unit capable of bidirectional optical communication with a second optical communication unit provided in
A first light shielding unit for shielding light incident on the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit from outside the relay unit;
It has an opening formed by a gap between the light emitting unit and the first optical communication unit, and includes the relay unit, the light emitting unit, the first optical communication unit, and the first light shielding unit, A second light shielding part for shielding light incident from the outside of the relay part can be attached to the first optical communication part via the opening, and the male connector part can be attached. A female connector portion,
A gaming machine in which the first optical communication unit performs optical communication with the second optical communication unit when the male connector unit is attached to the female connector unit.   The male connector portion is positioned between the light emitting portion and the second optical communication portion when attached to the female connector portion, and a third light shielding portion that shields communication light emitted from the light emitting portion. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a portion. The second optical communication unit is connected to an external device that executes a value increase / decrease calculation process so that optical communication is possible,
When the male connector part is attached to the female connector part,
A game medium indicating that a game medium is inserted based on the use value information by receiving use value information indicating the value to be inserted by the player from the external device via the medal selector optical communication unit. Converted to a turn-on signal,
Based on the game, payout instruction information indicating an instruction to pay out the game medium to the player is received, converted into payout value information indicating a valuable value to be paid out to the player, and the medal selector optical communication unit The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that outputs to an external device. A game media payout device for performing physical payout of game media;
The control unit receives a switching identification signal transmitted from the external device when the male connector unit is attached to the female connector unit, and transmits for transmitting a payout instruction signal to the game medium payout device. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the gaming machine is configured to block a route, convert the payout instruction information into the payout valuable value information, and output the information to the external device.