JP6596143B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

In a gaming machine in which a gaming value can be replenished to a gaming machine from an external replenishing means, notification that it is necessary to replenish from the outside is performed to facilitate the progress of the game. . In a slot machine, the number of medals possessed by a player is stored in a possessed medal number storage area 851, and the data in the area is rewritten whenever the number of medals increases or decreases. When the number of medals specified by the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is larger than the bet number of one game, the illumination lamp 8a of the maximum bet switch 8 is lit in red. On the other hand, when the number of medals defined by the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is smaller than the bet number of one game, the illumination lamp 8a of the maximum bet switch 8 is lit in green. [Selection] Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine installed in a game hall such as a pachinko hall.

  In a slot machine which is one of gaming machines, a CR unit (game media rental machine) is connected to the slot machine through a communication line. A prepaid card is inserted into this CR unit, and information regarding the number of medals that can be lent set according to the card is stored. On the other hand, in the slot machine, a maximum of 50 medals can be stored (credit), and the number of medals stored on the credit display is displayed. Until there is no credit, the game can be performed without inserting medals by operating the MAX bet button. Here, when the remaining credit is less than the number of medals required for one game, there is a case where the operation of the MAX bet button is invalidated. In this type of slot machine, you can replenish credit medals by pressing the CR unit lending button, but the game will be interrupted by checking the credit indicator display and operating the CR unit lending button, There was a risk that the interest of the player would decline. Therefore, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, when the MAX bet button is operated in a state where the remaining credit is less than the number of medals required for one game, the credit is automatically given from the CR unit (up to 50 cards). ) Medals are replenished (automatic lending).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-29365 (paragraphs 0029 to 0030, FIG. 3, etc.)

  However, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, when automatic lending is performed, an automatic lending request signal is transmitted from the slot machine to the CR unit, and the MAXBET button becomes effective after automatic lending is performed. In this case, there is a difference in the timing at which the start lever operation becomes effective between when automatic lending is performed and when there are enough medals in the credit, so the player's operation rhythm is disrupted. For example, the player operates the start lever assuming that there are enough medals in the credit, but it may be invalidated as an operation during automatic lending, and there is a possibility that the game motivation may be reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a gaming machine capable of replenishing gaming value from an external replenishing means to a gaming machine, a notification that it is necessary to replenish from the outside. The purpose is to facilitate the progress of the game.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a symbol display means having a plurality of variable display columns for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and variable display corresponding to each of the plurality of variable display columns. In a gaming machine to which a gaming value is given according to a symbol combination when all the variable display columns are stopped, based on the operation of the betting number instruction operating means by the player A bet number setting means for setting the bet number of the game value, a storage means for storing the game value data possessed by the player, and a rewriting means for rewriting the storage contents of the storage means, Based on the stored contents of the storage means, it is provided with notification means for notifying the information relating to the gaming value possessed by the player in an identifiable manner, and notification mode determination means for determining the notification mode of the notification means. A predetermined amount of the betting number of the gaming value is required to perform one game, and the gaming value stored in the storage means can be supplemented by supply from an external supplementing means, The rewriting means, when the betting number is set by the betting number setting means, rewrites the storage content of the storage means to a value obtained by subtracting the betting number set by the betting number setting means, and all the variable When the game value is given based on the symbol combination when the display sequence is stopped, the storage content of the storage means is rewritten to a value obtained by increasing the given amount, and the replenishment means If there is a supply of valuable gaming, rewriting the value of the stored content increased by the supply of the storage means, the notification manner determining means Zhou the variable display of all of the variable display column is stopped A is, in the bet number set waiting state is a state before the bet number instruction operation means is operated, the first case and the value for a game stored in said memory means is the predetermined amount or more The game value stored in the storage means is smaller than the predetermined amount, but when the supply of the game value is received from the replenishing means, the game value is different from the second case in which the value exceeds the predetermined amount. When the bet number setting operation means is operated in the betting number setting waiting state, the notification mode is determined to be different from the notification mode in the first case and the notification mode in the second case. It is characterized by doing.

  According to this configuration, the notifying mode by the notifying means is different between the case where the gaming value stored in the storing means is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount necessary for one game and the case where the gaming value is less than the predetermined amount. It becomes easy to grasp the status of the game value stored in the storage means, and the game can be performed smoothly. Note that the notification mode determining means has a game value stored in the storage means when the game value stored in the storage means is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, and the game value stored in the storage means is less than the predetermined amount. You may make it determine in a different alerting | reporting aspect with the case where a utility value is more than predetermined amount.

Further, another gaming machine according to the present invention includes a symbol display means having a plurality of variable display columns for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and a stop for stopping the variable display corresponding to each of the plurality of variable display columns. A gaming machine to which a gaming value is given in accordance with a symbol combination when all the variable display columns are stopped, based on an operation of a betting number instruction operating unit by a player. Betting number setting means for setting the betting number of utility value, storage means for storing the game value data possessed by the player, rewriting means for rewriting the storage contents of the storage means, Based on the stored contents, it comprises notification means for notifying information relating to the gaming value possessed by the player in an identifiable manner, and notification mode determination means for determining the notification mode of the notification means. A predetermined amount of the betting number of the gaming value is necessary, and the gaming value stored in the storage means can be supplemented by supply from an external supplementing means. When the betting number is set by the number setting means, when the stored contents of the storage means are rewritten to a value obtained by subtracting the betting number set by the betting number setting means, and all the variable display columns are stopped When the game value is given based on the symbol combination, the stored content of the storage means is rewritten to a value obtained by increasing the given amount, and further, the game value is supplied from the supplement means. If there rewrites the value of the stored content increased by the supply of the storage means, the notification manner determining means, der the value for a game stored in said storage means the predetermined amount or more The game value stored in the storage means is less than the predetermined amount, but the game value stored in the replenishment means is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, and the storage The game value stored in the means is less than the predetermined amount, and even if the game value in the replenishment means is added, the notification mode is determined to be different depending on whether the value is less than the predetermined amount. It may be.

According to this configuration , the notifying mode by the notifying means is different between the case where the gaming value stored in the storing means is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount necessary for one game and the case where the gaming value is less than the predetermined amount. It becomes easy to grasp the status of the game value stored in the storage means, and the game can be performed smoothly. Further, according to the notification mode by the notification means, the case where the game value stored in the storage means is smaller than a predetermined amount and the case where the game value in the external supplement means is added and less than the predetermined value are distinguished. Since it can be grasped separately, the game can be performed more smoothly. Further, it is possible to prevent the player from performing a game start operation on the assumption that a predetermined value or more of game value is stored in the storage means.

  The notification by the notification means may continue until at least all the variable display columns are stopped until the operation of the betting number instruction operation means for performing the next game is performed.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to operate the betting number instruction operation means after grasping the storage contents of the storage means. Here, when the notification by the notification means is performed by sound output of a predetermined sound output means such as a speaker (for example, a sound effect or a speech is output), the output sound is spread around. It will be. For this reason, the notification by the notification means may be performed by a light emission mode (for example, light emission color or light emission pattern) of a predetermined light emitting member such as a lamp or LED. In this case, the notification by the notification means is mainly directed to the player. Since this is done, there is no inconvenience to surrounding players.

  If the gaming value stored in the storage means is smaller than the predetermined amount when the betting number instruction operation means is operated, the game is automatically transferred from the replenishment means to the storage means. After the use value is supplied, the bet number of the predetermined value for the game value may be set by the bet number setting means.

  According to this configuration, when the gaming value stored in the storage means is less than a predetermined amount, when the betting number instruction operation means is operated, the replenishment means automatically replenishes, It is possible to save the trouble of the player instructing replenishment of game value from the replenishing means to the storage means. Furthermore, since a predetermined amount of bets is automatically set, the game can be performed more smoothly.

  The predetermined amount includes a plurality of types including a first predetermined amount and a second predetermined amount larger than the first predetermined amount, and is stored in the storage unit when the betting number instruction operating unit is operated. When the gaming value is greater than the first predetermined amount but smaller than the second predetermined amount, the gaming value is automatically supplied from the replenishing means to the storage means, The betting number setting means may set the second predetermined amount of the betting number for the gaming value.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent a game from being played with the first predetermined amount of bets, even though the betting number instruction operating means is operated to play a game with the second predetermined amount of bets. Can do.

  Further, the gaming value stored in the storage means does not satisfy the predetermined amount, and even if the gaming value supplied for the amount stored in the supplementing means is received, the gaming value is still satisfied. When the bet number instruction operation means is operated when there is not, a shortage notification that notifies information that can be specified that the game value data stored in the storage means is less than the predetermined amount Means may be further provided.

  According to this configuration, when the betting number instruction operating means is operated when the gaming value stored in the supplement means is not enough to satisfy the gaming value required for one game, a further shortage notification is provided. Since the fact is notified by the means, it is possible to reliably grasp that the replenishment means must be replenished with game value.

  Further, the betting number instruction operation means is a maximum bet button for instructing the betting number of the game value of the predetermined amount, and the notification means is an illumination lamp of the maximum bet button capable of changing a lighting color. The notification mode of the notification unit may be changed by changing the lighting color of the illumination lamp.

  According to this configuration, the state of the storage means can be confirmed when the maximum bet button necessary for setting the bet number is operated.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a slot machine and a medal renting unit as an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function of the main control board of FIG. 2, a sub control board, and a medal management control board. It is a block diagram which shows the communication system of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the payout indicator. It is a figure which shows the error display list by a payout display. It is a figure which shows a possession medal indicator and an error display lamp. It is a figure which shows the error display list by an error display lamp. It is a figure which shows transition of the medal number memorize | stored of the medal management control board at the time of maximum bet switch operation. It is a figure which shows transition of the medal number of medal management control boards at the time of the maximum bet switch operation of 1, 2, 3 betting specifications. It is a figure which shows transition of the memorize | stored medal number of the medal management control board at the time of maximum bet switch operation of 1 and 3 betting specifications. It is a figure which shows transition of the lighting color of the BET lamp at the time of card insertion. It is a figure which shows transition of the lighting color of a BET lamp until a balance is replenished from the state with no card balance. It is a flowchart which shows medal insertion processing.

<Embodiment>
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Slot machine system)
First, the slot machine system will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine and a medal lending unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a slot machine system.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine system includes a slot machine 1, a medal lending unit 200 (corresponding to “replenishment means” of the present invention), and a hall computer HP. In the slot machine 1, the medal lending unit 200 sends it to the possessed medal indicator 26 (medal management control board 83) in the form of the number data, and the game is executed by the number data management by the medal management control board 83.

  In the present embodiment, in the slot machine system, the number data relating to the number of medals that can be used in the game is stored in the memory 85 (see FIG. 2) of the medal management control board 83. Then, as will be described in detail later, a predetermined number of bets are set by pressing the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 (corresponding to the “betting number instruction operation means” of the present invention) of the slot machine 1. Then, from the number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83, the number data corresponding to a predetermined number of bets is subtracted. When a predetermined payout number of medals is given as a predetermined profit from the slot machine 1 to the player by winning, in this embodiment, instead of paying out medals, the medal management control board By adding the number data corresponding to a predetermined payout number to the number data stored in the memory 85 (see FIG. 2) 83, medals are virtually paid out to the player. That is, in this slot machine 1, a medal is not used as a game medium, but a game is played using the game value of the number data instead of inserting and paying out medals.

  Various game information is transmitted from the main control board 63 to the hall computer HP via the external terminal board 91. The various game information includes, for example, the open state of the front panel 2, information on the pseudo inserted number of medals, information on the pseudo payout number, error occurrence information, information indicating that the setting is being changed, information indicating that the setting is being confirmed, For example, information indicating that the bonus state is in effect, information indicating that the winning combination / replaying combination / bonus combination has been won, information indicating that each reel 6L, 6M, 6R has been stopped.

  In addition, after connecting the main control board 63 and the rental terminal board 90, a part or all of various game information transmitted through the external terminal board 91 is not sent through the rental terminal board 90 but the external terminal board 91. May be transmitted to the medal lending unit 200. In this case, the information may be transmitted from the medal lending unit 200 to the hall computer HP. Further, the main control board 63 and the lending terminal board 90 are not directly connected, but the information is transmitted from the main control board 63 to the medal lending unit 200 via the medal management control board 83 and the lending terminal board 90. It may be. When all the various game information is transmitted to the medal lending unit 200 via the lending terminal board 90, the external terminal board 91 can be eliminated. In addition, when part of the information is transmitted to the medal lending unit 200 via the lending terminal board 90, wiring for transmitting the part of information to the external terminal board 91 is not necessary. The degree of freedom in designing the substrate 63 is improved.

  In addition, the medal management control board 83 and the medal lending unit 200 exchange information bidirectionally via the lending terminal board 90.

  In addition, the main control board 63 performs control when displaying the pseudo payout number of medals or displaying error type information on the payout display 46. Further, the medal management control board 83 is based on the number data (the number data of the player's possessed medals) related to the number of medals that can be used for the game stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 of the memory 85. Control when displaying the number of possessed medals on the possessed medal indicator 26, control when displaying errors related to the medal management control board 83 with the error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c, and illumination for the maximum bet switch 8 The lighting control of the lamp 8a is performed. In the following, first, the medal lending unit 200 will be described in detail, and then the slot machine 1 will be described in detail.

(Medal rental unit)
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the medal lending unit 200 lends medals that can be used for games to the player in the form of number data, and includes a unit information display device 210, a cash insertion unit (not shown), A card insertion / ejection device 220, a lending switch 230a, a return switch 230b, a leaving switch 230c, and a unit control device 240 are provided.

  The unit information display device 210 stores the cash balance (frequency) stored in the unit control device 240, the number of possessed medals based on the number data transmitted from the medal management control board 83, and the possessed memorized in the inserted medal card. The number of medals is displayed. The unit information display device 210 is composed of, for example, a plurality of 7-segment LEDs or a liquid crystal display. Here, the cash balance is the balance of the inserted cash. The number of possessed medals based on the number of pieces of data transmitted from the medal management control board 83 is, for example, the number of pieces of data (the player's data) held in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 based on an operation of a return switch 230b described later. This is the number of medals according to the number data when the possessed medal data is transmitted to the unit control device 240.

  The cash insertion unit is for inserting cash such as banknotes in order to borrow a medal from the medal lending unit 200, and detects the cash inserted by the player. When cash is inserted into the cash input unit to start the game, the number of medals (for example, 1000 yen = 50 sheets) corresponding to the amount inserted into the data holding means 241 of the unit control device 240 is used as balance data. By memorizing, the medal can be lent out. When medals are lent out, the number of lent medals is subtracted from the number recorded in the data holding means 241 and the balance data is updated. Thereafter, when further cash is inserted into the cash input unit, the number of medals corresponding to the amount is added to the number stored in the data holding means 241 and the balance data is updated. When cash is inserted, the amount inserted is directly recorded on one of a plurality of unrecorded medal cards stored in the card insertion / ejection device 220, and the subsequent cash balance is recorded You may make it manage with a card | curd. In addition to balance data, personal information and the like are recorded on the medal card. Therefore, even if the balance data is “0”, the remaining information such as personal information is recorded. .

  Note that the data holding unit 241 may store the balance data in both forms of data relating to the amount of cash inserted (amount data) and data of the number of medals corresponding to the amount (number data). . In this case, when the medal is lent, the amount data is updated by converting the number of the lent out into the amount and subtracting the lent amount from the stored amount data. Further, the balance data may be stored as money data instead of being stored as the number of medals (number data) corresponding to the inserted money. Also in this case, the data holding means 241 may update the balance data by converting the loaned number into an amount when the loan is made.

  The unit control device 240 controls the medal lending unit 200 as a whole, and the amount of money and number of data that can be used for borrowing medals in the card insertion / discharge device 220 when cash is inserted into the cash insertion unit. When a medal card on which is recorded is inserted, medals are lent out to the player in the form of number data. Further, the unit control device 240 returns the medal card to the player by the player's operation or the like when ending the game. At this time, the medal number storage area in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 The number of pieces of data (return data) stored in 851 and a plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26 stored in the data holding means 241 (FIG. 7) Determine the number of medals to be returned based on each lighting data, and add the determined number of returned medals to the number of medals indicated by the number data stored in the medal card stored in the card insertion / ejection device 220 As a result, the number data is updated. The process of returning medals to the medal card stored in the card insertion / ejection device 220 in the form of the number data is performed by the return means 246 described later, and details thereof will be described later. The unit control device 240 includes a data holding unit 241, a lending unit 242, a subtracting unit 243, an adding unit 244, a lighting data managing unit 245, a returning unit 246, and a transmitting / receiving unit 247.

  The data holding unit 241 outputs the number data based on return data, which will be described later, transmitted from the medal management control board 83, the number data based on settlement data, which will be described later, transmitted from the medal management control board 83, and the medal management control board 83. The lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP (see FIG. 7) of each of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26, and balance data (in cash) The number of data corresponding to the balance) is held.

  When the lending switch 230a is pressed, the lending unit 242 sends, through the transmission / reception unit 247, the number data for a predetermined lending number (for example, 50 sheets) based on the balance data stored in the data holding unit 241. By transmitting the tokens to the medal management control board 83, the medals that can be used for the game are lent out to the player in the form of the number data. In addition to the case where the lending switch 230a is pressed, the lending unit 242 also receives the medal request signal from the medal management control board 83 received via the lending terminal board 90, and the lending unit 242 also receives the predetermined lending number. The number data (lending number data) for (for example, 50 sheets) is transmitted to the medal management control board 83. However, the lending unit 242 notifies that the balance is insufficient when the balance data recorded in the data holding unit 241 is less than the predetermined lending number even though the medal request signal is received from the medal management control board 83. To transmit the signal (balance shortage notification signal) to the medal management control board 83. The lending unit 242 may transmit the balance data recorded in the data holding unit 241 to the medal management control board 83 every predetermined time (for example, the time interval of the interrupt process).

  The number data (rented number data) lent from the medal lending unit 200 to the medal management control board 83 includes, for example, a header portion indicating that it is a loan medal, a data portion indicating the number information of loan medals, and a data portion. Command data (a plurality of bytes) including a checksum portion indicating the result of the checksum. The balance shortage notification signal has the same configuration.

  Further, based on the depression of the lending switch 230a or the reception of the medal request signal from the medal management control board 83, the lending means 242 transmits the number data (lending number data) to the medal management control board 83. In the case where it has been done, the balance data is updated by subtracting the lent number from the balance data (number data) stored in the data holding means 241 by the subtracting means 243 described later. The medal request signal includes, for example, a header portion indicating a medal lending request, a data portion indicating requested lending number (for example, 50) information, and a check indicating a checksum result of the data portion. It can be composed of command data (a plurality of bytes) consisting of a thumb part. Further, after the number of lent sheets is subtracted from the balance data (number data) stored in the data holding means 241, the number data (rented number data) may be transmitted along with this.

  In addition, when a medal card in which a possessed medal remains is inserted into the card insertion / ejection device 220, the lending unit 242 transmits the number data corresponding to the number to the medal management control board 83, thereby playing the game The medals that can be used in the game are lent out to the player in the form of the number data. Further, when the lending switch 230a is pressed, the lending unit 242 clears the number data (owned medal) of the medal card when the number data is transmitted to the medal management control board 83.

  In the present embodiment, data transmission from the lending unit 242 to the medal management control board 83 is performed via the lending terminal board 90 (see FIG. 4). In this way, medals are lent out to the player in the form of the number data. Further, in this embodiment, when a medal card storing possessed medals is inserted, the number data for the total number is automatically transmitted to the medal management control board 83, but the lending switch 230a You may make it transmit to the medal management control board 83 by pressing down. Alternatively, the number data of some medals (for example, the number data for 50 medals) may be transmitted to the medal management control board 83 each time the lending switch 230a is pressed.

  Based on the transmission of the number data to the medal management control board 83, the subtracting means 243 subtracts the number corresponding to the loaned number data from the balance data (number converted data) stored in the data holding means 241 to determine the balance. The data is updated.

  When the cash is inserted into the cash input unit, the adding means 244 adds the number data corresponding to the input amount to the balance data (number conversion data) stored in the data holding means 241, or the settlement switch 80 operates If it is, the settlement data transmitted from the medal management control board 83 side (stored in the possession medal count storage area 851) is stored in the count data stored in the data holding means 241 (the count data that is not balance data). The balance data is updated by adding the number of data).

  The lighting data management means 245 includes a plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26 output from the medal management control board 83 by the transmission / reception means 247 (FIG. 7). (Refer to) When each lighting data is received, each of the lighting data of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B of the possession medal indicator 26 stored in the data holding unit 241 It is rewritten to the lighting data of the corresponding segment received.

  In this embodiment, the timing at which the display content of the possessed medal indicator 26 changes, that is, the five medal indicators 26 that constitute the possessed medal indicator 26 output from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83. The timing when the lighting data of each of the segments A to G and DP of each of the seven segment displays SEG1B to SEG5G changes is as follows: (1) When the lending switch 230a is pressed or the number of pieces of data is not zero at the insertion / discharge port 220a. When a stored medal card is inserted (lending the number data), (2) when a pseudo medal is inserted, (3) when a pseudo medal is paid out, (4) the settlement switch 80 is operated (5) When the return switch 230b is pressed (return of the number data). At this time, each of a plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5G constituting the possessed medal display 26 outputted from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83. Is also supplied to the medal lending unit 200.

  In the cases (1) to (4) above, it is a period in which the update of the lighting data stored in the data holding unit 241 is not prohibited by the return unit 246 described later. For this reason, the lighting data management means 245 constitutes the possessed medal indicator 26 output from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83, for example, every predetermined time (for example, time interval of interrupt processing). The lighting data stored in the data holding unit 241 is updated by storing the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5G. In this manner, the lighting data of each segment stored in the data holding unit 241 is updated and stored with the lighting data that has not changed at a predetermined timing when the display content of the possessed medal indicator 26 has not changed. When the display content changes, it changes at almost the same timing as the change timing.

  On the other hand, in the case of (5), the update of the lighting data stored in the data holding unit 241 is prohibited by the return unit 246 described later during the period from when the return operation is accepted until the collation in the return process is completed. It is a period. For this reason, the lighting data management means 245 constitutes the possessed medal indicator 26 output from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83, for example, every predetermined time (for example, time interval of interrupt processing). The lighting data stored in the data holding unit 241 is updated without storing the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5G. Absent. Therefore, the lighting data of each segment stored in the data holding means 241 will maintain the lighting data of each segment at the return operation timing, and the return means 246 described later is used for collation described later at the return operation timing. The lighting data of each segment can be used. And after collation is complete | finished, it becomes a period when the update of the lighting data memorize | stored in the data holding means 241 is not prohibited by the return means 246 mentioned later. For this reason, the lighting data management means 245 constitutes the possessed medal indicator 26 output from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83, for example, every predetermined time (for example, time interval of interrupt processing). The lighting data stored in the data holding unit 241 is updated by storing the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5G. In this manner, the lighting data of each segment stored in the data holding unit 241 is updated and stored with the lighting data that has not changed at a predetermined timing when the display content of the possessed medal indicator 26 has not changed. When the display content changes, the display content changes at a timing different from the change timing.

  Note that the lighting data of each segment stored in the data holding unit 241 may be updated only when the display content of the possessed medal indicator 26 changes.

  In this embodiment, from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83, each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26 is provided. In addition, signal lines for supplying lighting data (the number of signal lines is 5 (number of 7-segment displays) × 8 (number of segments constituting one 7-segment display) = 40) are provided. . For example, the lighting data when the segment is turned on is “1 (High)”, and the lighting data when the segment is turned off is “0 (Low)”.

  Then, each of the 40 signal lines from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83 to the possessed medal indicator 26 is branched in the middle, and each of the branched signal lines is lent to the rental terminal board 90. To the medal lending unit 200. Thereby, the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26 are stored in the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301 of the medal management control board 83). ) To the medal lending unit 200 in parallel. In the medal lending unit 200, the lighting data management means 245 causes the lighting data of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B of the possessed medal display 26 stored in the data holding means 241. Each is rewritten to the supplied lighting data of the corresponding segment.

  The management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83 for the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26. The supply to the medal lending unit 200 is not limited to the above, and may be as follows, for example. The medal management control board 83 or the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83 has a plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26. Each time, two output terminals for outputting lighting data are provided, one output terminal is connected to the possessed medal indicator 26, and the other terminal is connected to the medal lending unit 200 via the lending terminal plate 90. May be.

  The storage format of the lighting data of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B of the possessed medal indicator 26 stored in the data holding means 241 is not limited, and any segment display Any format can be used as long as it can be understood which segment is turned on or off.

  When the return unit 246 accepts a return operation for pressing the return switch 230b, the return unit 246 configures the possessed medal indicator 26 stored in the data holding unit 241 for a period from when the return operation is received until the collation in the return process is completed. The updating of the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B is prohibited. The return means 246 permits the update of each lighting data after the period has elapsed. However, the collation here is based on the number of medals based on each lighting data stored in the data holding means 241 and medals based on return data described later from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83. This is a comparison with the number of sheets.

  After the update of each lighting data is prohibited in response to the return operation, information indicating that the return switch 230b has been operated is transmitted to the medal management control board 83 by the transmission / reception means 247 described later. In the medal management control board 83, the management CPU 81 creates return data regarding the number of return medals based on the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 of the memory 85, and returns the return data to the lending terminal board 90. Is output to the medal lending unit 200. This return data is received by the transmission / reception means 247 described later.

  When the return unit 246 receives the return data from the medal management control board 83, the return unit 246 stores the number data indicating the number of returned medals in the data holding unit 241. Note that the return operation timing includes the timing from the last update of the number of possessed medals displayed on the possessed medal indicator 26 to the return operation by pseudo insertion, pseudo payout, and lending. Further, for example, the return means 246 determines which of the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26 stored in the data holding means 241. It is possible to identify whether the segment is lit and calculate the number of displayed possessed medals from the position of the lit segment.

  The return means 246 collates the number data of returned medals stored in the data holding means 241 and the number data of displayed possessed medals stored in the data holding means 241, and determines the number of pieces of data based on the collation result. Return the medal in the format and perform the return process.

  However, when the number of returned medals matches the number of displayed possessed medals, the return means 246 stores the number of medals indicated by the number of returned medals in the medal card. Return processing is performed in which the number of medals indicated by the number of pieces of data is added to the number of medals to update the number of pieces of data.

  On the other hand, as a result of the collation, when the number data of the returned medals does not match the number data of the displayed possessed medals, the return means 246 performs an error process in the return process. As error processing, for example, error notification may be performed without returning medals in the form of number data to a medal card. Further, the number of displayed medals may be added to the number indicated by the number data stored in the medal card to update the number data (returning only the number of displayed medals). In some cases, error notification may be performed, or error notification may not be performed. Further, the return process may not be completed.

  When the return means 246 returns the medal to the medal card in the form of the number data, the return means 246 initializes the number data held in the data holding means 241 (number data of returned medals, number data of displayed possessed medals). To do.

  The transmission / reception means 247 receives various information from the medal management control board 83 and transmits various information to the medal management control board 83. Information received from the medal management control board 83 includes return data based on the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851, settlement data, error information, and a medal request signal. The information to be transmitted to the medal management control board 83 includes information regarding the operation state of each of the switches 230a to 230c, information regarding balance data stored in the data holding unit 241 (including a balance shortage notification signal), and the like.

  The card insertion / ejection device 220 stores the card when a medal card is inserted from the insertion / discharge port 220a, and records predetermined information when the return switch 230b or the away switch 230c is operated. The medal card is discharged from the insertion / discharge port 220a.

(Slot machine)
Next, an outline of the configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment, the pseudo insertion of medals is performed in order to establish a predetermined condition for starting the game by operating the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8. Further, when the player operates the start switch 9 on condition that a predetermined number of bets are set by pseudo insertion of medals and a predetermined condition is satisfied, a plurality of symbols each having a plurality of symbols arranged therein are arranged. The rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R (corresponding to the “symbol display means” of the present invention) start to rotate. In addition, each rotary reel 6L, 6M, 6R is stopped by the operation of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R (corresponding to “stop operation means” of the present invention). If the stop symbol display result at this time is a predetermined winning mode, one game is completed by performing a pseudo payout of medals for a predetermined predetermined number of payouts. Here, the pseudo insertion of medals means that the number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 is rewritten to the number data obtained by subtracting the number of medals according to the number of bets on the game. In addition, the pseudo payout of medals is the number data obtained by adding the number of medals set according to the winning combination to the number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 when winning in the game. It means to rewrite.

  Even if pseudo insertion is performed and the number data is reduced, the set bet number can be changed until the start switch 9 is operated, and the bet number and the number of sheets can be changed accordingly. The data is updated as appropriate, and when the start switch 9 is operated, the amount set as the number of bets is provided to the game. For example, by operating the maximum bet switch 8, “3” is set as the bet number, and “3” is subtracted from the number data. Thereafter, when the bet number is changed to “1”, by operating the bet switch 7, “1” is set as the bet number, and “2” is returned (added) to the number data. . However, in this embodiment, since the prescribed number of games for one game is set to “3”, when the number of bets is “1”, the operation of the start switch 9 is invalid and the game cannot be performed. ing.

  The slot machine 1 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, in this slot machine 1, the front surface of the box-shaped housing whose front surface is opened is closed by the front panel 2 so that it can be opened and closed, and the operation plate 3 is disposed at a substantially central height position of the front panel 2. In addition, a front plate 4 is disposed above the operation plate 3. The front plate 4 is provided with a horizontally-long rectangular display window 5. Inside the display window 5, left, middle and right rotating reels 6L, 6M and 6R for variably displaying a plurality of kinds of symbols in a predetermined order are arranged.

  A predetermined number of symbols are provided in a predetermined arrangement on the peripheral surfaces of the left, middle and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R. The plurality of symbols provided on the peripheral surfaces of the left, middle, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R include a plurality of different types of symbols. Each rotary reel 6L, 6M, 6R is formed by affixing a reel tape on which a plurality of types of symbols are printed on the peripheral surface of the rotary reel. When each rotating reel 6L, 6M, 6R rotates, a plurality of types of symbols provided on the peripheral surfaces of each rotating reel 6L, 6M, 6R are variably displayed on the display window 5 in a predetermined order. Further, when the rotation of each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R is stopped, a total of three symbols, one for each of the upper, middle, and lower stages of the display window 5, are provided for each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R. It is set to be displayed. That is, when all the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R are stopped, a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are stopped and displayed on the display window 5.

  In addition, each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is provided with left, middle, and right reel motors 27L, 27M, and 27R configured by stepping motors so that the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R can be independently rotated. 27R (refer to FIG. 2) corresponds to the “symbol display means” of the present invention. In addition, a support frame that supports each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is fixed to a rear wall in the housing, and each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is supported by the support frame and is installed in the housing. It is arranged.

  The operation plate 3 is provided with a bet switch 7, a maximum bet switch 8, a lever-like start switch 9, left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, and a settlement switch 80. The bet switch 7 is for the player to perform an operation to instruct the pseudo insertion of medals one by one from the number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83. The maximum bet switch 8 is a pseudo medal for the number of inserted coins per game (game) (specified number: set to 3) based on the number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 by the player. This is for performing an operation for instructing insertion. The settlement switch 80 is for performing an operation to instruct the medal lending unit 200 to transmit the number data corresponding to the possessed medals stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 of the medal management control board 83. . Further, the maximum bet switch 8 includes an illumination lamp 8a composed of, for example, a full color LED. In this embodiment, the maximum bet switch 8 can be illuminated with three colors of red, blue, and green.

  The start switch 9 is for a player to perform an operation of rotating the rotary reels 6L, 6M, 6R to start variable display of the symbols. The left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R are used by the player to stop the variable display of each symbol by stopping the rotation of the left / middle / right rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R. It is. The start switch 9 performs pseudo insertion of a predetermined number of medals from the number data stored in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 (rewriting to the number data obtained by subtracting the predetermined number), It is set to be enabled. Further, the left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are configured to rotate at a constant speed after a predetermined acceleration period has elapsed in the respective reels 6L, 6M, and 6R that have started rotating by the operation of the start switch 9. It is set to be activated later. Note that when a medal is pseudo-inserted, the lighting control of a START lamp (not shown) is performed to notify that the operation of the start switch 9 has become effective. This START lamp is controlled to be turned off when the start switch 9 is operated.

  In the present embodiment, one type of three bets is set as the number of bets (specified number) required for one game (one game). In addition, a variable display row for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols is formed by each of the rotary reels 6L, 6M, 6R, and each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R is provided on each of the rotary reels 6L, 6M, 6R. Correspondingly provided.

  In addition, a video or the like is displayed at substantially the center above the front plate 4 to notify the player of winning or winning, or to give an effect of notifying the operation mode of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R. A liquid crystal display 14 (corresponding to the “insufficient notification means” of the present invention) is provided.

  In addition, on the left and right above the front plate 4 are provided upper speakers 15 for performing effects such as music and voice. In addition, a lower panel 18 on which a decorative image or the like is displayed is provided below the operation panel 3, and lower speakers 16 are provided on the left and right of the lower panel 18 for performing effects such as music and voice. Yes.

  Further, an upper lamp portion 21 is provided on the upper peripheral portion of the front panel 2, and lower lamp portions 22 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower panel 18 of the front panel 2. Each of the lamp units 21 and 22 includes light emitting elements such as a light emitting diode and an organic EL, and a general light bulb, and performs effects such as notifying a player of winning and winning.

  Also, a possessed medal indicator 26 for displaying the number of medals according to the game value (number data) owned by the player is disposed at the lower right of the display window 5. As shown in FIG. 7, the possessed medal indicator 26 includes five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B, and can display the number of 5-digit medals. Each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B is formed in a bar shape, and is combined with seven segments A to G arranged in a character of “8” and one small round segment DP as a decimal point. A total of eight segments A to G and DP are provided, and each segment is formed of a light emitting diode.

  As described above, the lighting data is supplied from the management CPU 81 (medal display control unit 301) of the medal management control board 83 to each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B. Signal lines (the number of signal lines is 40).

  Then, each of the 40 signal lines from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83 to the possessed medal indicator 26 is branched in the middle, and each of the branched signal lines is lent to the rental terminal board 90. To the medal lending unit 200. Thereby, the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26 are stored in the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301 of the medal management control board 83). ) To the medal lending unit 200 in parallel. In the medal lending unit 200, the lighting data management means 245 causes the lighting data of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B of the possessed medal display 26 stored in the data holding means 241. Each is rewritten to the supplied lighting data of the corresponding segment.

  Next to the possessed medal indicator 26, three error display lamps 30a, 30b, 30c for displaying an error related to the medal management control board 83 are arranged.

  In addition, a payout display 46 for displaying the pseudo payout number of medals is disposed at the lower left of the display window 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the payout display unit 46 is composed of two 7-segment displays SEG1A to SEG2A, and can display a 2-digit payout number. Each of the two 7-segment displays SEG1A to SEG2A is formed in a bar shape, and is combined with 7 segments A to G arranged in the shape of "8" and one small round segment DP as the decimal point. A total of eight segments A to G and DP are provided, and each segment is formed of a light emitting diode.

  Signal lines (signals) for supplying lighting data from the main CPU 61 (dispensing display control means 107) of the main control board 63 to each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the two seven-segment displays SEG1A to SEG2A The number of lines is 2 (the number of 7-segment displays) × 8 (the number of segments constituting one 7-segment display) = 16). For example, the lighting data when the segment is turned on is “1 (High)”, and the lighting data when the segment is turned off is “0 (Low)”.

(Outline of electrical configuration of slot machine)
An outline of the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 while also referring to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine.

  The left / middle / right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R are for detecting the rotational positions of the left / middle / right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, respectively. For example, the left / middle / right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R Each of the photointerrupters for detecting the protrusions provided is detected. When the left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R rotate, the protrusions are detected every round and a detection signal is output to the main control board 63. In this slot machine 1, for example, when the left / middle / right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R detect the protrusions, the frame numbers of symbols 0 to 20 set on the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, respectively. Among them, the symbol of frame number 20 is configured to be positioned in the middle of the display window 5.

  The change process start switch 56 is provided inside the key cylinder of the operation box 49, and is turned on and off by inserting and rotating a setting change key (not shown) into the key cylinder. The reset switch 52 is provided in the operation box 49, and is temporarily set to a setting value one higher each time it is pressed during setting change. The power switch 50 is used to switch the power on and off, and is provided in the operation box 49.

  Further, in this slot machine 1, a main control board 63 on which a main CPU 61 that performs control relating to the progress of the game is mounted, and a sub that performs control of effects in accordance with the progress of the game based on information transmitted from the main control board 63. A sub control board 73 on which the CPU 71 is mounted and a medal management control board 83 on which a management CPU 81 for managing the number of medals possessed for performing pseudo insertion and pseudo payout in games are provided separately, and the main control Various game information is transmitted from the board 63 to the sub-control board 73 in one direction. Various information is transmitted bidirectionally between the main control board 63 and the medal management control board 83. Various game information is transmitted from the medal management control board 83 to the sub control board 73 in one direction. Note that the medal management control board 83 and the sub control board 73 may transmit various game information bidirectionally.

  As information transmitted from the main control board 63 (or the medal management control board 83) to the medal lending unit 200, for example, loan confirmation information when receiving settlement data, a medal request signal, and medal lending number data described later ( For example, “00” is normal and “01” is abnormal), and game information transmitted every predetermined period (for example, total pseudo-injection number, total pseudo-payout number, gaming state, error state, etc.). On the other hand, the information transmitted from the medal lending unit 200 to the main control board 63 (or the medal management control board 83) includes lending number data, balance shortage notification information, and unit information transmitted at regular intervals (for example, error). Information, card insertion information).

  The RAM 65 of the main control board 63 temporarily stores data relating to the game such as the game state of the slot machine 1, and various storage areas for storing various data are formed. For example, the RAM 65 is set with a storage area for storing data related to the number of pseudo-throws provided for the game, a storage area for storing data indicating whether or not pseudo-throwing is possible, and the like.

  The ROM 67 of the main control board 63 stores a game machine program (a program for the slot machine 1) including preset data (such as a role lottery table 671 in FIG. 3).

  Further, the main CPU 61 of the main control board 63 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and executes a game machine program stored in the ROM 67 to perform processing related to the progress of the game. The main CPU 61 also provides information on the result of lottery by the lottery means 102 (see FIG. 3) (including information necessary for winning a winning combination to be described later), players such as the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, and the start switch 9. Various game information such as information related to the operation of the operating tool operated by the command is transmitted to the sub control board 73 (sub CPU 71) in a command format.

  The memory 75 of the sub-control board 73 includes a RAM unit that temporarily stores various data and a ROM unit that stores various programs for effects. The sub CPU 71 of the sub control board 73 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and the sub CPU 71 is stored in the memory 75 based on various game information regarding the slot machine 1 transmitted from the main CPU 61. By executing the program, the contents of the production related to the game for the player are determined. In addition, the sub CPU 71 of the sub control board 73 controls the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 14 and the speakers 15 and 16 via the I / O port of the sub control board 73 based on the determined contents of the effect. I do.

  The memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 includes a RAM unit that temporarily stores various data and a ROM unit that stores various programs. Further, the management CPU 81 of the medal management control board 83 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and is pseudo-inserted in a game based on information transmitted from the main CPU 61 or medal information transmitted from the medal lending unit 200. / Manages the number of medals to be paid out (held medal data). In addition, the management CPU 81 performs control to display the medal number (owned medal) on the possessed medal indicator 26 according to the number data stored in the memory 85. Further, lighting control of the error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c is performed based on information transmitted from the main CPU 61. Further, the management CPU 81 performs lighting control of the illumination lamp 8a for the maximum bet switch 8 based on the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851.

  When the management CPU 81 receives a signal indicating that the return switch 230b of the medal lending unit 200 has been pressed, the management CPU 81 transmits return data regarding the number of returned medals based on the number of data stored in the memory 85 to the medal lending unit 200. To do. At this time, the management CPU 81 clears the number data stored in the memory 85. When the management CPU 81 receives a signal indicating that the settlement switch 80 has been pressed from the main control board 63, the management CPU 81 transmits settlement data relating to the number of settlement medals based on the number data stored in the memory 85 to the medal lending unit 200. To do. At this time, the management CPU 81 clears the number data stored in the memory 85.

  In addition, when the management CPU 81 receives a signal indicating that the away switch 230c of the medal lending unit 200 has been pressed, regardless of whether or not the bet switch 7 and the maximum bet switch 8 are operated, the medal pseudo insertion is performed. Prohibit control. That is, when the away switch 230c is pressed, the game is temporarily disabled. Note that when the away switch 230c is pressed, one medal card is discharged from the insertion / discharge port 220a. When the player returns from his / her seat and inserts the medal card into the insertion / eject port 220a, a signal to that effect is transmitted to the management CPU 81. The management CPU 81 controls pseudo-injection of medals based on this signal. Is released. In this case, ID information is stored in the medal card, and when the away switch 230 c is operated, the ID information is stored in, for example, the data holding unit 241. Then, when the player returns and the medal card is inserted, ID information is collated, and if they match, the information to that effect is transmitted to the medal management control board 83, thereby prohibiting pseudo insertion of medals. Control is released.

  The main control board 63, the sub control board 73, the medal management control board 83, and the lending terminal board 90 are sealed in individual board cases having a caulking mechanism so that they cannot be easily accessed from the outside. As a method of connecting each board to prevent fraud, in addition to a method of connecting directly between boards (BtoB connection) with a connector mounted on each board, physical access, a wire cover that suppresses the influence of electromagnetic noise A method of connecting using a covered signal line, a method of routing a signal line from a place where it is difficult for a player to visually recognize, a method of encrypting communication signals between boards, and ID information provided on each board periodically or error There are ways to communicate when they occur. In addition, when connecting both boards with connectors mounted on each board, it is difficult to access by connecting side by side and covering as a board unit including the connection place, instead of the laminated connection that lowers the visibility of the board. It is good to.

(Main control board)
The function of the main control board 63 will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) Game control means 100
The game control means 100 is for controlling a game executed in the medalless slot machine 1. In the game of the slot machine 1, when the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated and a medal pseudo-instruction is instructed, the medal management control board 83 stores the medal number in the possessed medal number storage area 851. The number data is rewritten to the number data reduced by the number of the pseudo-inserts. At this time, information that can be specified to be rewritten is transmitted from the medal management control board 83 to the main control board 63, whereby the bet number is set. Further, the number of bets can be changed until the start switch 9 is operated, and the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 of the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 is updated accordingly. Will be. When the start switch 9 is operated after a predetermined number of bets are set, first, a random number lottery is performed by the lottery means 102 for determining whether or not to win, almost simultaneously, all three rotating reels 6L , 6M, 6R starts to rotate.

  Thereafter, when one of the three stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R is operated, one of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R corresponding to the operated stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R. Stops rotating. Then, when the operation on all three stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is completed, the rotation of all three rotary reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is stopped. At this time, when a predetermined symbol stops at a predetermined position, a prize is awarded, and a pseudo-payout of a predetermined number of medals, the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 of the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83 (owned medals) A predetermined benefit such as a replay that can execute the next game without subtracting (data) is given to the player.

(2) Input control means 101
The insertion control means 101 (corresponding to the “betting number setting means” of the present invention) is a pseudo insertion of a predetermined number of medals in cooperation with the medal management control board 83 when the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated. By setting the bet number, the predetermined condition for starting the game is established. At this time, when the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the insertion control unit 101 transmits information that can specify the fact to the medal management control board 83. The medal management control board 83 that has received the information replaces the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 (corresponding to the “storage means” of the present invention) with the number data corresponding to the number of bets reduced. To the main control board 63. Information that can specify the fact is transmitted to the main control board 63. When receiving information from the medal management control board 83, the insertion control unit 101 validates the operation of the start switch 9. On the other hand, the input control means 101 disables the operation of the start switch 9 until receiving information that can specify that the number data has been rewritten.

(3) Lottery means 102
In the present embodiment, the lottery means 102 is for performing a lottery for winning or losing a plurality of roles including a small role, a replaying role, and a bonus role in response to an operation of the start switch 9. It is. The lottery means 102 includes a random number generation means, a random number extraction means, a lottery table, and a lottery determination means. The random number generation means generates a random number for lottery within a predetermined range (in this embodiment, for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal number). The random number generating means is constituted by an oscillation circuit and a counter circuit that counts clock signals generated by the oscillation circuit. The random number extraction means extracts the random number generated by the random number generation means, and extracts the random number generated by the random number generation means in response to the operation of the start switch 9. Since the random number generating means is constituted by a counter circuit or the like, the numerical value generated by the random number generating means is not strictly a random number. However, since the timing at which the start switch 9 is operated is considered to be random, the numerical value extracted by the random number extraction means can be practically handled as a random number. A random number may be generated by a random number generator.

  In the combination lottery table 671, it is determined in advance whether each random number within the range generated by the random number generator corresponds to one of the lottery results set in advance. The lottery determination unit is configured to collate the random number extracted by the random number extraction unit with the lottery table and determine which of the plurality of lottery results the extracted random number corresponds to.

(4) Stop control means 103
The stop control means 103 performs stop control of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R based on the operation mode for the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R by the player and the lottery result of the lottery means 102. In the present embodiment, when the lottery result by the lottery means 102 is a winning of any of a plurality of roles, the stop control means 103 has an appropriate timing when the player operates the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R. Then, stop control of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is performed so that it is determined that the winning combination is won by the determination means 104 described later. The operation mode of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R by the player is not limited to the above-described operation timing, and may be an operation order such as which stop switch 10L, 10M, or 10R is operated first. . Further, depending on the type of winning combination, no matter what timing the stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R is operated by the player, each rotation is performed so that the stop symbol is displayed in a winning manner corresponding to the winning combination. The arrangement positions of the symbols on the reels 6L, 6M, 6R are set.

(5) Determination means 104
The determination means 104 determines the display pattern of the stop symbol when all the rotary reels 6L, 6M, 6R are stopped by operating the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R. In the present embodiment, the determination means 104 determines whether the symbol display result when each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R is in a predetermined winning mode. In addition, the display mode determined as winning is determined in advance for a different display mode for each winning combination.

(6) Dispensing control means 105
The payout control means 105 performs pseudo payout of a predetermined payout number of medals in cooperation with the medal management control board 83 when the determination means 104 determines that the stop symbol display result is a predetermined winning. Specifically, the payout control unit 105 transmits information related to the number data for the number of medals virtually paid out from the slot machine 1 to the medal management control board 83. When the medal management control board 83 receives the information, the medal management control board 83 rewrites the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 to the number data obtained by adding the number of pseudo-paid medals. Note that some or all of these processes may be performed by the medal management control board 83.

(7) Error detection means 106
The error detection means 106 detects whether an abnormal state different from the normal state has occurred, that is, whether a so-called error has occurred. The errors detected by the error detection unit 106 include, for example, an RWM error, a reel error, a main control / medal management control communication error, a medal management control error, a unit communication error, a medal number upper limit error, and the like. When these errors occur, the process proceeds to error processing based on the occurrence of the error, and the game is stopped.

  For each error, an error code (E0, E1, E2, EA, EC, EF in the above order) for classifying the type is set. These errors will be described later with reference to FIG.

(8) Dispensing indicator control means 107
The payout display controller 107 controls the display on the payout display 46. Specifically, the payout display control means 107 controls the payout display 46 so that when the winning combination is won, the payout display 46 displays the payout number of medals set for the winning combination.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the payout indicator 46 has two 7-segment displays SEG1A and SEG2A. Each of the two 7-segment displays SEG1A and SEG2A is composed of eight segments A to G and DP that can be lit, and some numbers (0 to 9), A, C, E, F, etc. Can be displayed. Therefore, for example, when a winning combination is obtained in which one payout is obtained, the payout display controller 107 lights up the segments A, B, C, D, E, and F of the 7-segment display SEG1A (“0”). And the payout display 46 is controlled so that the segments B and C of the 7-segment display SEG2A are lit (displays “1”).

  Further, in the payout display 46, when an error occurs, an error display capable of identifying the error type is also performed. In this case, an error display may be performed at the time of occurrence of an error, or an error display may be performed when the process is shifted to error processing based on the occurrence of the error and the game is stopped. The payout display controller 107 also controls error display. The error display is performed based on the error type detected by the error detection means 106. Hereinafter, the contents of each error and the display mode by the payout display 46 will be described with reference to FIG.

  An RWM error (error code: E0) is a state in which a backup failure or the like of an RWM ((Read Write Memory) read / write memory, also referred to as a RAM (Random Access Memory) occasional write / read memory) has occurred. In this case, the payout display control means 107 turns on the segments A, D, E, F, and G of the 7-segment display SEG1A (displays “E”), and segments A, B, C, and 7 of the 7-segment display SEG2A. The payout indicator 46 is controlled so that D, E, and F are lit (display “0”). Further, when the error is canceled, the payout display control means 107 performs the extinction control of all the segments of the seven-segment displays SEG1A and SEG2A. The error can be canceled by re-entering the setting value of the slot machine 1.

  The reel error (error code: E1) is a rotation (reel) position detection error (position detection error by the left / middle / right position sensors 55L, 55M, 55R), and the left / middle / right reels 6L, 6M, Position detection of left / middle / right reels 6L, 6M, 6R when the power is cut off during 6R stop processing or due to a failure of the reel unit during stop processing of left / middle / right reels 6L, 6M, 6R An error related to is occurring. In this case, the payout display control means 107 lights up the segments A, D, E, F, and G of the 7-segment display SEG1A (displays “E”) and lights up the segments B and C of the 7-segment display SEG2A ( The payout display 46 is controlled to display “1”. Further, when the error is canceled, the payout display control means 107 performs the extinction control of all the segments of the seven-segment displays SEG1A and SEG2A. The error can be canceled by pressing the reset switch 52.

  The main control / medal management control communication error (error code: E2) is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in communication between the main control board 63 and the medal management control board 83. As the cause of occurrence, for example, breakage of a signal line connecting both substrates, disconnection of a connector, and the like can be mentioned. In this case, the payout display control means 107 turns on the segments A, D, E, F, and G of the 7-segment display SEG1A (displays “E”), and segments A, B, D, and 7 of the 7-segment display SEG2A. The payout indicator 46 is controlled so that E and G are lit (display “2”). Further, when the error is canceled, the payout display control means 107 performs the extinction control of all the segments of the seven-segment displays SEG1A and SEG2A. The error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation of the slot machine 1 after the cause of the error is resolved. In addition, the configuration may be such that the error can be canceled by pressing the reset switch 52 after the cause of the error is resolved.

  The medal management control error (error code: EA) is a state in which a defect or the like has occurred in the medal management control board 83, specifically, a data defect in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83, This is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the signal transmitted to the main control board 63. In this case, the payout display control means 107 turns on the segments A, D, E, F, and G of the 7-segment display SEG1A (displays “E”), and segments A, B, C, and 7 of the 7-segment display SEG2A. The payout indicator 46 is controlled so that E, F, and G are lit (display “A”). Further, when the error is canceled, the payout display control means 107 performs the extinction control of all the segments of the seven-segment displays SEG1A and SEG2A. The error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation of the slot machine 1.

  The unit communication error (error code: EC) is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in communication between the medal management control board 83 and the medal lending unit 200. As the cause of occurrence, for example, the signal line between the medal management control board 83 and the lending terminal board 90 is broken, the signal line between the lending terminal board 90 and the medal lending unit 200 is broken, and the connector is disconnected. . In this case, the payout display control means 107 lights up the segments A, D, E, F, and G of the 7-segment display SEG1A (displays “E”), and segments A, D, E, and 7 of the 7-segment display SEG2A. The payout indicator 46 is controlled so that F lights up (displays “C”). Further, when the error is canceled, the payout display control means 107 performs the extinction control of all the segments of the seven-segment displays SEG1A and SEG2A. The error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation of the slot machine 1 after the cause of the error is resolved. In addition, the configuration may be such that the error can be canceled by pressing the reset switch 52 after the cause of the error is resolved.

  The medal number upper limit error (error code: EF) is a state in which the upper limit of the medal number that can be counted by the medal management control board 83 has been reached. In this embodiment, the upper limit value of medals that can be counted is set to 60000, and when this is exceeded, the error occurs. In this case, the payout display control means 107 turns on the segments A, D, E, F, and G of the 7-segment display SEG1A (displays “E”), and segments A, E, F, and G of the 7-segment display SEG2A. The payout indicator 46 is controlled so that G lights up (displays “F”). Further, when the error is canceled, the payout display control means 107 performs the extinction control of all the segments of the seven-segment displays SEG1A and SEG2A. In the case of the error, the return switch 230b of the medal lending unit 200 is pushed, the number data stored in the medal number storage area 851 of the medal management control board 83 is transferred to the medal card, and the medal number storage area 851 is stored. It can be canceled by clearing. The payout control means 105, when a situation where the upper limit is exceeded at the time of pseudo payout of medals, temporarily pays up to the upper limit, and after the error is released, pays out the remaining amount.

  Further, regarding the medal number upper limit error, for example, when the storage area of the possessed medal number storage area 851 is set with a capacity of 60000 sheets, the number of possessed medal number data reaches the data amount of 59999 sheets. Such an error may be generated. Further, for example, when the maximum number of medals obtained in one game is 15, the error may be generated when the number of possessed medals exceeds the data amount of 60000-15 = 59985. . Further, when the number of possessed medals stored in the medal card exceeds a predetermined data amount (for example, 59985), the error also occurs when the card is inserted into the insertion / ejection slot 220a. You may make it do.

  In addition, when the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are rotating, for example, when a medal card storing number data (owned medal) exceeding the data amount for 59985 is inserted into the insertion / discharge slot 220a, After the game is over, the medal number upper limit error is displayed on the payout display 46. Furthermore, when a winning combination relating to the pseudo-payout of medals is won in the game, the payout control means 105 interrupts the pseudo payout process until the error is cleared.

  Other errors include a sub-communication error, a liquid crystal communication error, and a wrong prize error. The sub communication error is a state where there is an abnormality in communication between the main control board 63 and the sub control board 73. The liquid crystal communication error is a state in which a signal from the sub control board 73 is not input to the liquid crystal display 14, and the erroneous winning error is a state in which the symbol combination of the winning combination is stopped on the winning line. is there. Regarding these errors, an error code is displayed on the payout display 46, but a description thereof will be omitted.

(9) Command creation means 108
The command creating means 108 transmits various information such as information related to the result lottery result of the lottery means 102 and information related to the type of gaming state such as the normal gaming state and bonus gaming state to the sub control board 73 (sub CPU 71). Generate commands. Then, the command generated by the command creation unit 108 is transmitted to the sub control board 73 by the command transmission unit 109 described later. The sub control board 73 selects an effect to be executed based on the command sent from the main control board 63. In other words, the command creation means 108 creates a command that indicates the content of the effect executed on the sub control board 73.

  The command creating means 108 is a command for transmitting information indicating the state of the management CPU 81 (medal management control board 83) and the state of the medal lending unit 200 acquired by the management CPU 81 to the sub control board 73 (sub CPU 71). Also generate. For example, the command creation means 108 has the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 of the medal management control board 83 smaller than a predetermined value (three in this embodiment) required to play one game. In addition, when the number data based on the balance data stored in the data holding unit 241 of the medal lending unit 200 is less than a predetermined value necessary for playing one game, a command to notify that is provided. create.

(10) Command transmission means 109
The command transmission unit 109 transmits the command including various information created by the command creation unit 108 from the main control board 63 to the sub control board 73 in one way. In this case, the sub-control includes a command including information indicating the state of the slot machine 1 such as the result of the lottery by the lottery means 102, the rotation / stop state of each reel 6L, 6M, 6R, and the pseudo payout state of medals by the payout control means 105. Transmit to the board 73.

(11) Medal management transmission / reception means 110
The medal management transmission / reception means 110 transmits various information to the medal management control board 83 and receives various information from the medal management control board 83. The medal management transmission / reception means 110 transmits various information such as information relating to a winning combination and information relating to operations of the bet switch 7 and the maximum bet switch 8 to the medal management control board 83. On the other hand, from the medal management control board 83, for example, information on pseudo payout, information on operation of the lending switch 230a, return switch 230b, and away switch 230c of the medal lending unit 200, information on errors of the medal management control board 83, medal Various information such as information relating to the balance data of the medal card stored in the data holding means 241 of the lending unit 200 is received. In this embodiment, the game control means 100, the lottery means 102, the stop control means 103, the determination means 104, the command creation means 108, the command handling means 109, etc. The component placement area on the main control board 63 is separated from components handling pseudo insertion and pseudo payout control of medals by the payout control means 105, the payout display control means 107, the medal management transmission / reception means 110, and the like. .

(Sub control board)
Next, the sub control board 73 will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-control board 73 in FIG. 3 receives the command transmitted from the main control board 63 and gives an effect according to the operation and state of the main control board 63, various error notifications, notification that the return processing is being performed, and the like. Is what you do. The sub-control board 73 has various functions realized by executing a program stored in the memory 75 (see FIG. 2) and various functions realized by controlling hardware.

(1) Command receiving means 150
The command receiving unit 150 in FIG. 3 receives commands including various information transmitted by the command transmitting unit 109 of the main control board 63. When receiving a command transmitted from the main control board 63, the command receiving means 150 notifies each function provided in the sub-control board 73 according to the type of the command.

(2) Production content determination means 151
The effect content determining means 151 of FIG. 3 is for determining the contents of the effect according to the command received by the command receiving means 150. Specifically, a moving image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 is determined from an effect pattern set in advance corresponding to the progress of the game, the role lottery result of the lottery means 102, or the like and flows from the speakers 15 and 16. Effects such as determining music and voice, and flashing the light sources of the upper lamp unit 21 and the lower lamp unit 22 all at once or individually are determined.

  As a more specific example of the effect determined by the effect content determining means 151, there is a medal shortage notification effect that is performed according to the status of possessed medals when a medal is pseudo-inserted. The notification effect is performed using the liquid crystal display 14 and is an effect in which characters such as “Please insert cash or medal card” are displayed on the display screen.

(Indication of lack of medals when only 3 bets are placed)
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the number of bets is not set and the number data stored in the possession medal number storage area 851 is three or more, the number data necessary to play one game In other words, the medal shortage notification effect is not performed. That is, it is a normal game flow. When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated regardless of the presence or absence of the balance data of the medal lending unit 200, three bets are set by the insertion control means 101, and the start switch 9 Becomes effective. When the start switch 9 is operated, the reels 6L, 6M, 6R start to rotate, and the game starts.

  On the other hand, when the number of bets is not set and the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is less than three, the number of pieces of data necessary to play one game is not possessed. become. In this case, when there is balance data in the medal lending unit 200, the medal shortage notification effect is not performed, but when there is no balance data, the medal shortage notification effect is performed.

  That is, when the bet number is not set and the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is 0 to 2 and the medal lending unit 200 has balance data, the maximum bet switch 8 Is operated, the medal lending unit 200 (lending means 242) automatically transmits a predetermined lending number (for example, 50) number data to the medal management control board 83. Then, the number data is added to the possessed medal number storage area 851 (replenishment of medals), the number of bets of three is set by the insertion control means 101, and the start switch 9 is activated. When the start switch 9 is operated, the reels 6L, 6M, 6R start to rotate, and the game starts.

  On the other hand, if the bet number is not set and the number data stored in the owned medal number storage area 851 is 0 to 2 and there is no balance data in the medal lending unit 200, the stored medal number is stored. Even if the number data stored in the area 851 and the balance data recorded in the medal lending unit 200 are combined, the number of bets required for one game (three) is not reached. When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated in this state, a medal shortage notification effect is performed. Then, the operation of the start switch 9 is disabled until cash is inserted or until a medal card storing medal count data necessary for one game is inserted into the insertion / discharge slot 220a.

  If the maximum bet switch 8 is operated when the number of bets has already been set (one or two), the total number is 3 or more when combined with the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851. Is a normal game flow, and when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated regardless of the presence or absence of balance data of the medal lending unit 200, three bets are set by the insertion control means 101, and the start switch 9 becomes effective.

  Further, when the number of pieces of data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is less than three, and there is balance data in the medal lending unit 200, the same as the above-described three-wager dedicated machine. . In other words, when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the medal lending unit 200 (lending means 242) automatically transmits a predetermined lending number (for example, 50) number data to the medal management control board 83 to start. The operation of the switch 9 becomes effective. On the other hand, when the number of pieces of data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is less than three and there is no balance data in the medal lending unit 200, a medal shortage notification effect is performed. Then, the operation of the start switch 9 is disabled until cash is inserted or until a medal card storing medal count data necessary for one game is inserted into the insertion / discharge slot 220a.

(Indication of insufficient medals when there is 1 bet, 2 bets, 3 bets)
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a description will be given of gaming machines in which the number of bets required to play one game is one, two, or three depending on the gaming state, for example. To do. In this case, if the number data stored in the possession medal number storage area 851 is three or more, the bet number more than necessary to play one game in any game state regardless of the existing bet number setting state. Is stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851, so that the medal shortage notification effect is not performed. That is, it is a normal game flow. When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated regardless of the presence or absence of the balance data of the medal lending unit 200, three bets are set by the insertion control means 101, and the start switch 9 Becomes effective. When the start switch 9 is operated, the reels 6L, 6M, 6R start to rotate, and the game starts.

  When the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is less than three, whether or not the medal shortage notification effect is performed depends on the type of gaming state and the presence or absence of balance data of the medal lending unit 200. For example, when the number of bets required in the gaming state when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated is compared with the number of bets combined with the number of existing bets and the number data stored in the medal number storage area 851 In addition, when the number of existing bets and the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is larger, the medal shortage notification effect is not performed. On the other hand, when these are compared, if the total number of bets combined with the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is smaller, the medal lending unit 200 has balance data. Except, the medal shortage notification effect is performed. When the medal lending unit 200 has balance data, the medal (number data) is automatically replenished from the medal lending unit 200 when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, as in the case of the 3-bet dedicated machine. The number of bets is set and the start switch 9 is activated.

(Indication of lack of medals when there is one bet and three bets)
As shown in FIG. 11, whether or not a medal shortage notification effect is performed for a gaming machine in which the number of bets necessary to play one game is one or three depending on the gaming state is shown. In addition, this is the same as the case where there is one bet, two bets, and three bets.

  In other words, when the number data stored in the possession medal number storage area 851 is three or more, the bet number more than necessary to play one game in any game state regardless of the existing bet number setting state. Since the number data is stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851, the medal shortage notification effect is not performed.

  On the other hand, if the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is less than three, it is determined whether or not a medal shortage notification effect is performed depending on the type of gaming state and the presence / absence of balance data of the medal lending unit 200. Different. For example, when the number of bets required in the gaming state when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated is compared with the number of bets combined with the number of existing bets and the number data stored in the medal number storage area 851 In addition, when the number of existing bets and the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is larger, the medal shortage notification effect is not performed. On the other hand, when these are compared, if the total number of bets combined with the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is smaller, the case where the medal lending unit 200 has balance data Except, the medal shortage notification effect is performed. When the medal lending unit 200 has balance data, when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the medal (number data) is automatically replenished from the medal lending unit 200, the bet number is set, and the start switch 9 Becomes effective.

  Then, the effect content determination unit 151 transmits a signal including data regarding the determined effect content to the liquid crystal display control unit 152 and the sound control unit 153.

(3) Liquid crystal display control means 152
The liquid crystal display control unit 152 in FIG. 3 displays a moving image (image) on the liquid crystal display 14 based on the data included in the signal transmitted from the effect content determination unit 151, or displays the upper lamp unit 21 and the lower lamp unit. Control is performed such as flashing light sources such as 22 simultaneously or individually. For example, the liquid crystal display control unit 152 flashes light sources such as the upper lamp unit 21 and the lower lamp unit 22 all at once or individually based on the data transmitted from the effect content determination unit 151.

(4) Voice control means 153
The voice control unit 153 in FIG. 3 performs control such as playing music from the speakers 15 and 16 and outputting voice based on data included in the signal transmitted from the production content determination unit 151. . For example, the sound control unit 153 sounds a re-game winning prize sound from the speaker 16 based on the data transmitted from the effect content determination unit 151 or sounds a medal insertion sound from the speaker 16.

(Medal management control board)
Next, the medal management control board 83 will be described with reference to FIG. The medal management control board 83 in FIG. 3 receives various information transmitted from the main control board 63 and the like, and performs processing related to pseudo payout of medals and processing related to pseudo insertion. The medal management control board 83 has various functions realized by executing a program stored in the memory 85 (see FIG. 2) and various functions realized by controlling hardware. .

(1) Receiving means 300
The receiving means 300 receives various types of information, such as a pseudo medal insertion instruction and information related to the pseudo payout number related to the winning combination, transmitted from the main control board 63, and is also transmitted from the medal lending unit 200. , 230b, 230c and the like. When receiving the information transmitted from the main control board 63 or the information transmitted from the medal lending unit 200, the receiving unit 300 notifies each function provided in the medal management control board 83 according to the type of information. As for the receiving means 300, the means for receiving information from the main control board 63 and the means for receiving information from the medal lending unit 200 may be separate means.

  In this embodiment, information on the pseudo number of medals and the number of pseudo payouts for winning a prize is transmitted as a signal for one pulse for each one, but data corresponding to the number is collectively transmitted. You may do it.

(2) Medal display control means 301
The medal display control means 301 is based on information from the main control board 63 and information from the medal lending unit 200, and the player possesses the medal number indicated by the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851. The possessed medal indicator 26 is controlled so as to be displayed as the number of medals to be displayed. The medal display control unit 301 includes a storage area rewriting unit 301a.

  When the storage area rewriting means 301a (corresponding to the “rewriting means” of the present invention) receives information indicating that the lending switch 230a of the medal lending unit 200 has been operated, the number stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 The data is rewritten to the number-of-sheets data to which the predetermined lending number (50 in this embodiment) is added. The medal management control board 83 is provided with a backup power supply (not shown) and a memory for backing up the data in the possessed medal number storage area 851. Even if a defect or the like occurs, the data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 can be restored. Further, if it is determined that the state in which the data in the possessed medal number storage area 851 and the data in the backup memory are different from each other continues several times, an error notification (described above) Main control / medal management control communication error, etc.) may be performed.

  The storage area rewriting unit 301a receives a medal number stored in the medal card when a medal card storing a predetermined number of medals is inserted into the insertion / ejecting port 220a of the medal lending unit 200. The number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is rewritten to the number data added with the number of medals stored in the medal card.

  Further, when the information regarding the pseudo insertion instruction is received from the main control board 63 by the operation of the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8, the storage area rewriting means 301a stores the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851. Is rewritten to the number-of-sheets data obtained by subtracting medals according to the types of the bet switches 7 and 8. After the rewriting, a message to that effect is transmitted to the main control board 63, whereby the operation of the start switch 9 becomes effective.

  Further, when the medal display control means 301 receives information on the pseudo insertion instruction from the main control board 63 by operating the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8, the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851. Is less than the number of medals set according to the type of the bet switches 7 and 8, a medal request signal is transmitted to the medal lending unit 200 via the lending terminal board 90.

  When the storage area rewriting unit 301a receives the information indicating that the predetermined number of loaned sheets (for example, 50 sheets) is transmitted from the lending unit 242 of the medal lending unit 200 based on the transmission of the medal request signal, the medal possessed medal The number data stored in the number storage area 851 is rewritten to the number data obtained by adding a predetermined number (50 in this embodiment), and the number data obtained by subtracting medals according to the type of the bet switches 7 and 8 is used. rewrite. After the rewriting, a message to that effect is transmitted to the main control board 63, the number of bets is set by the game control means 100, and the operation of the start switch 9 becomes effective.

  That is, in this embodiment, when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the number data (the number of medals) stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is more than a predetermined value (three) required for one game. When the number is small, medals are automatically replenished from the medal lending unit 200 even if the lending switch 230a is not operated, and the operation of the start switch 9 becomes effective.

  However, even if the medal request signal is transmitted, the number data is not transmitted from the medal lending unit 200, that is, the balance data stored in the data holding means 241 of the medal lending unit 200 is the predetermined lending. If the number is less than the number (for example, balance “0”), the transmission unit 304 transmits information to that effect to the main control board 63. In this case, the operation of the start switch 9 remains invalid, and the information is transmitted from the main control board 63 to the sub control board 73, and the player is notified by the liquid crystal display 14.

  In addition, when the information regarding the pseudo payout instruction is received from the main control board 63 due to winning of the winning combination, the storage area rewriting means 301a uses the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 as the type of winning combination. The number of payouts set according to is rewritten to the added number data. However, even if a re-game is won, the storage area rewriting means 301a does not rewrite the number data in the possessed medal number storage area 851. Note that, when a re-game is won, a predetermined number of pulse signals are transmitted from the main control board 63 to the hall computer HP via the external terminal board 91. For example, when a re-game player is won in a game with three bets, a pulse signal having a predetermined width is transmitted three times to the hall computer HP. On the other hand, also when winning a small combination where three payouts can be obtained, a pulse signal having a specific width is transmitted three times to the hall computer HP. In this embodiment, a signal with a different pulse width is used when the small winning combination is won and when the re-playing winning combination is won. Therefore, on the hall computer HP side, it is possible to identify whether the pulse signal is based on the small winning combination winning or the pulse signal based on the re-game winning winning.

  When the receiving unit 300 receives information indicating that the return switch 230b has been operated from the medal lending unit 200, the transmitting unit 304 described later returns the return medal based on the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851. Return data relating to the number of cards is created, and the created return data is transmitted to the medal lending unit 200 via the lending terminal board 90. The return data includes, for example, a header portion indicating the number of returned medals, a data portion indicating the number of returned medals (the number stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851), and a checksum of the header portion and the data portion. It can be formed by a command consisting of a checksum part indicating the result.

  In the medal lending unit 200, the return processing described above is performed by the return means 246. The storage area rewriting unit 301 a rewrites the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 to the number data of 0 after the transmission of the return data by the transmission unit 304 is completed. Thereby, the lighting data of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26, which are output from the medal display control means 301, are updated. Here, before the above-mentioned collation by the return means 246, the lighting data of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26 outputted from the medal display control means 301 is updated. However, since the return means 246 prohibits the update of the lighting data of each segment held in the data holding means 241 during the period from when the return operation is accepted until the collation is completed as described above, the return means 246 can use the lighting data of each segment at the return operation timing held in the data holding unit 241 for the above collation.

  Further, when the settlement switch 80 is operated, the transmission means 304 creates settlement data relating to the number of settlement medals based on the number data stored in the possession medal number storage area 851, and the created settlement data is sent to the lending terminal board. 90 to the medal lending unit 200. The storage area rewriting means 301 a rewrites the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 to the number data of 0 after the transmission of the settlement data by the transmission means 304 is completed. The adjustment data includes, for example, a header portion indicating the number of adjustment medals, a data portion indicating the adjustment number (the number stored in the possession medal number storage area 851), and a checksum of the header portion and the data portion. It can be formed by a command consisting of a checksum part indicating the result. When the settlement switch 80 is operated in a state where the bet number is set, the bet number is canceled by the insertion control means 101 and stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 as the settlement data. The number data is created by adding the number of bets to the number data.

  The update of the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 by the storage area rewriting means 301a when the medal is returned is not limited to the above, and may be as follows, for example. When the medal lending unit 200 finishes receiving the return data, the medal lending unit 200 transmits information indicating that the return data has been received to the medal management control board 83, and the storage area rewriting unit 301 a receives the receiving unit 300. When the information is received, the number of pieces of data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 may be rewritten to zero number data. Thereby, the lighting data of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26, which are output from the medal display control means 301, are updated. Further, when the return data is transmitted to the medal lending unit 200, the storage area rewriting means 301a subtracts 1 from the medal number indicated by the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 for each pulse. Data may be updated. In this case, as the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is updated for each pulse, the lighting data of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26 are displayed. Will be updated.

  The medal display control means 301 has five seven-segment displays so that the medal number indicated by the number data is displayed on the possessed medal display 26 based on the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851. Lighting data for each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of SEG1B to SEG5B is created. The medal display control means 301 supplies the created lighting data to each segment using the 40 signal lines provided from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) to the possessed medal display 26. To do. As a result, the possessed medal indicator 26 displays the medal number indicated by the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851. At this time, the created lighting data is also supplied to the medal lending unit 200 using the signal lines branched from the 40 signal lines. In the medal lending unit 200, the lighting data management means 245 causes the lighting data of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B of the possessed medal display 26 stored in the data holding means 241. Each is rewritten to the supplied lighting data of the corresponding segment. In this embodiment, the lighting data supplied to each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to 5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26 is a return operation for the return switch 230b. Regardless, the token is supplied from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83 to the medal lending unit 200.

  When the number data is 0, “0” may be displayed, or the light may be turned off.

  In this embodiment, the return switch 230b is operated at any timing except when there is an abnormality in communication between the medal lending unit 200 and the medal management control board 83 or when there is an abnormality in the medal management control board 83. Also, the medal card is discharged from the insertion / discharge port 220a. For example, when the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are rotating, the medals that are pseudo inserted in the game are not returned, but the number of medals stored during rotation is stored, that is, the number of medals held during rotation. Return data regarding the number of returned medals based on the number data stored in the area 851 is transmitted to the medal lending unit 200. Even if an error other than the above-described abnormality has occurred, the same medal return process is performed when the return switch 230b is operated.

  In addition, when the return switch 230b is operated while the pseudo payout process is being performed, or when the lending switch 230a is operated and the medal lending process is being performed, the return switch 230b is operated. If the return process overlaps with another process, as in the case, etc., (i) wait for the other process until one process started earlier ends (ii) the other process is performed (Iii) Any one of (i) to (iii) in which the operation of the return switch 230b is invalidated while (iii) a priority is given to the return process and other processes, and the process having a higher priority is given priority. This method can be adopted.

(3) Error display lamp control means 302
The error display lamp control means 302 notifies the error related to the medal management control board 83 by controlling the three error display lamps 30a, 30b, 30c to be turned on / off. The type of error can be determined by the combination of lighting / extinguishing of the three error display lamps 30a, 30b, 30c. Even when an error that can be detected by the medal management control board 83 occurs, information to that effect is transmitted to the main control board 63 and the game is stopped.

  The three error display lamps 30a, 30b, and 30c are arranged next to the possessed medal indicator 26 and arranged in one vertical row. Hereinafter, the upper error display lamp 30a may be referred to as a first error display lamp 30a, the middle error display lamp 30b as a second error display lamp 30b, and the lower error display lamp 30c as a third error display lamp 30c.

  Errors related to the medal management control board 83 include a medal management control error, unit communication error, medal number upper limit error, main control / medal management control communication error, main control board error, and the like. Hereinafter, each error will be described with reference to FIG.

  The medal management control error is a state in which a defect or the like has occurred from the medal management control board 83 to the main control board 63. Specifically, the medal management control error is a data defect in the memory 85 of the medal management control board 83, The signal transmitted to the control board 63 is in an abnormal state. In this case, the error display lamp control means 302 performs lighting control of the first error display lamp 30a and the second error display lamp 30b. Further, when the error is canceled, the error display lamp control means 302 controls the turn-off of all the error display lamps 30a, 30b, 30c. The error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation of the slot machine 1.

  The unit communication error is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in communication between the medal management control board 83 and the medal lending unit 200. As the cause of occurrence, for example, the signal line between the medal management control board 83 and the lending terminal board 90 is broken, the signal line between the lending terminal board 90 and the medal lending unit 200 is broken, and the connector is disconnected. . In this case, the error display lamp control means 302 controls the lighting of the first error display lamp 30a. Further, when the error is canceled, the error display lamp control means 302 controls the turn-off of all the error display lamps 30a, 30b, 30c. The error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation of the slot machine 1 after the cause of the error is resolved. In addition, the configuration may be such that the error can be canceled by pressing the reset switch 52 after the cause of the error is resolved.

  The medal number upper limit error is a state in which the upper limit of the medal number that can be counted by the medal management control board 83 has been reached. In this case, the error display lamp control means 302 controls the lighting of the second error display lamp 30b. Further, when the error is canceled, the error display lamp control means 302 controls the turn-off of all the error display lamps 30a, 30b, 30c. In the case of the error, the return switch 230b of the medal lending unit 200 is pushed, the number data stored in the medal number storage area 851 of the medal management control board 83 is transferred to the medal card, and the medal number storage area 851 is stored. It can be canceled by clearing.

  The main control / medal management control communication error is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in communication between the main control board 63 and the medal management control board 83. As the cause of occurrence, for example, breakage of a signal line connecting both substrates, disconnection of a connector, and the like can be mentioned. In this case, the error display lamp control means 302 controls the lighting of the first error display lamp 30a and the third error display lamp 30c. Further, when the error is canceled, the error display lamp control means 302 controls the turn-off of all the error display lamps 30a, 30b, 30c. The error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation of the slot machine 1 after the cause of the error is resolved.

  The main control board error is a state in which an error has occurred on the main control board 63 side. In this case, the error display lamp control means 302 controls the lighting of the third error display lamp 30c. Further, when the error is canceled, the error display lamp control means 302 controls the turn-off of all the error display lamps 30a, 30b, 30c. The error is canceled when the error of the main control board 63 is canceled. As described above, in this embodiment, when any error occurs, the error display lamp control means 302 controlled by the medal management control board 83 and the payout display 46 controlled by the main control board 63 are notified of the error. It becomes.

(4) Bed lamp illumination control means 303
The bet lamp illumination control unit 303 (corresponding to the “notification mode determination unit” of the present invention) is stored in the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 or in the data holding unit 241 of the medal lending unit 200. Based on the balance data and the progress of the game, the lighting lamp 8a of the maximum bet switch 8 (corresponding to "notification means" of the present invention) is turned on / off and the lighting color is controlled.

  Before the game is started, that is, before the medal card storing the predetermined number of medal number data is inserted into the insertion / ejecting port 220a of the medal lending unit 200, no data is stored. The number data stored in 241 is “0”, and the number data of medals stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 of the medal management control board 83 is “0”. At this time, the bed lamp illumination control means 303 performs the extinction control of the illumination lamp 8a (see FIG. 12). In this case, the main control board 63 (for example, the game control means 100) controls the extinction of the START lamp. Thereby, it is notified that the game cannot be started even if the maximum bet switch 8 is operated. The START lamp is turned on when the operation of the start switch 9 is enabled, and is turned off when the operation of the start switch 9 is disabled.

  Next, for example, suppose that a medal card storing the number data (balance data) corresponding to 100 medals is inserted into the insertion / discharge port 220a of the medal lending unit 200. In this case, the number data corresponding to 100 medals is stored in the data holding means 241 of the medal lending unit.

  In this embodiment, since the number data is not transmitted from the medal lending unit 200 to the medal management control board 83 until the lending switch 230a is pressed, even if a medal card is inserted, the medal management control board 83. The number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 remains “0”. However, when a medal card is inserted, information on balance data is transmitted from the transmission / reception means 247 of the medal lending unit 200 to the medal management control board 83. The bed lamp illumination control unit 303 performs control to turn on the illumination lamp 8a in green when the reception unit 300 receives information on balance data from the transmission / reception unit 247. That is, the bet lamp illumination control unit 303 sets the medal lending unit 200 side even when the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is smaller than the number of medals required for one game. If there is balance data, the illumination lamp 8a is turned on from green to green.

  Subsequently, when the lending switch 230 a of the medal lending unit 200 is operated, the lending means 242 transmits the number data (lending number data) corresponding to 50 medals to the medal management control board 83. At this time, the subtracting unit 243 subtracts the lending fee corresponding to the lending number data (50 sheets) from the balance data (100 sheet number data) stored in the data holding unit 241 and updates the balance data. When the medal management control board 83 receives the 50-sheet-number data, the storage area rewriting means 301a rewrites the stored data in the possessed medal-number storage area 851 from the “0” -number data to the 50-sheet number data. The bet lamp illumination control means 303 performs control to change the lighting color of the illumination lamp 8a from green to red when the stored data in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is rewritten to the number data of 50 sheets. In other words, the bet lamp illumination control means 303 is playing a game when the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is the number data exceeding “3” necessary to play one game from “0”. Except for, control is performed to turn on the illumination lamp 8a in red.

  When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated when the illumination lamp 8a is lit red, the insertion control means 101 sets the number of bets for three medals. When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, information capable of specifying the fact is transmitted to the medal management control board 83. Receiving the information, the medal management control board 83 (storage area rewriting means 301a) replaces the number data (50 sheets) stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 with the number data obtained by subtracting the number corresponding to the number of bets. Rewrite to (47). When the number of three bets is set, the bet lamp illumination control unit 303 performs the extinction control of the illumination lamp 8a that has been controlled to be illuminated in red. When three bets are set, the main control board 63 controls the lighting of the START lamp. As a result, a condition for starting one game is established, and the operation of the start switch 9 becomes effective.

  When the start switch 9 is operated after the three bets have been set, the reels 6L, 6M, 6R start to rotate, and the main control board 63 controls the turning off of the START lamp (in the first game). start). In this state, both the illumination lamp 8a and the START lamp of the maximum bet switch 8 are extinguished, the operation of the maximum bet switch 8 and the start until each reel 6L, 6M, 6R stops and the game ends. The operation of the switch 9 becomes invalid. When all the reels 6L, 6M, 6R are rotated at a constant speed, the operation of the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R becomes effective.

  When the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are operated and all the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are stopped, the first game is finished. At this time, for example, if the winning combination lottery result of the game is lost, the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is maintained as “47”. On the other hand, when winning a winning combination in the game, the number-of-winning data set according to the winning combination is added by the storage area rewriting means 301a.

  When the first game ends, the bet number is cleared by the insertion control means 101 and the bet number of the next game (second game) can be set. At this time, the bed lamp illumination control unit 303 switches the control to turn on the illumination lamp 8a from the extinguished state to red. Thereby, it can be seen that the player is in a state where the betting number of the next game (second game) can be set.

  When the result of lottery in the first game is lost and the maximum bet switch 8 for setting the bet number of the second game is operated, the bet number (three) of the second game is set. At this time, similarly to the first game, information capable of specifying the fact is transmitted to the medal management control board 83, and the medal management control board 83 that has received the information has the possession medal by the storage area rewriting means 301a. The number data (47 sheets) stored in the number storage area 851 is rewritten to the number data (44 sheets) obtained by subtracting the number corresponding to the bet number. When the number of three bets is set, the bet lamp illumination control means 303 controls the illumination lamp 8a that has been controlled to be lit in red as in the previous game. When three bets are set, the main control board 63 controls the lighting of the START lamp. As a result, a condition for starting one game (second game) is established, and the operation of the start switch 9 becomes effective.

  The control of the bet lamp illumination control means 303 from when the start switch 9 is operated until the second game is finished is the control from when the start switch 9 is operated in the first game until the first game is finished. It is the same. Further, the control of the bet lamp illumination control means 303 after the third game is the second until the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 becomes smaller than the bet number (three) for one game. This is the same as the control of the bet lamp illumination control means 303 in the game.

  As a result of repeating the game, it is assumed that the number data stored in the possession medal number storage area 851 becomes, for example, “0” when the predetermined game (X game) ends. At this time, when all the reels 6L, 6M, 6R are stopped, the bet lamp illumination control unit 303 switches the control to turn on the illumination lamp 8a from green to green (see FIG. 13). When the illumination lamp 8a is lit in green, the number data stored in the possession medal number storage area 851 is less than the number of bets necessary for playing one game (three), but the medal lending unit When the balance data stored in the 200 data holding means 241 is added, the number of bets (three) is exceeded.

  When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated in the state where the X game is finished and the lighting lamp 8a is controlled to be turned on in green, information that can specify that fact is sent from the transmission means 304 (medal management control board 83). It is transmitted to the medal lending unit 200. When the information is received, the medal lending unit 200 (lending unit 242) transmits the number data (lending number data) corresponding to 50 medals to the medal management control board 83. At this time, the subtracting unit 243 subtracts the lending fee corresponding to the lending number data (50 sheets) from the balance data (50 number data) stored in the data holding unit 241 and updates the balance data ( Update balance to 0).

  When the medal management control board 83 (storage area rewriting means 301a, transmitting means 304) receives the number data of 50 sheets, the medal number storage area 851 stores the data stored in the owned medal number storage area 851 from the number data of "0" to the number of sheets of 50 To the main control board 63. Information that can specify the fact is transmitted to the main control board 63. When the main control board 63 receives the information, the insertion control means 101 sets the number of bets required for one game (three), and information that can specify that is transmitted to the medal management control board 83.

  When the medal management control board 83 (storage area rewriting means 301a) receives the information, the number data (50 sheets) stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is reduced by the number corresponding to the number of bets. Rewrite the data (47 sheets). At this time, the bed lamp illumination control means 303 performs the extinction control of the illumination lamp 8a that has been controlled to be illuminated in green. When three bets are set, the main control board 63 controls the lighting of the START lamp. As a result, a condition for starting one game (X + 1 game) is established, and the operation of the start switch 9 becomes valid.

  That is, in this embodiment, the number data stored in the owned medal number storage area 851 is smaller than the number of bets required for one game, but if the balance data stored in the medal lending unit 200 is added, the number of bets If the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the number of bets stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is automatically supplemented and the number of bets is automatically set.

  The bet lamp illumination control means from when the start switch 9 of the X + 1 game is operated until the game (Y game) in which the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is smaller than the bet number required for one game. The control 303 is the same as the control from the second game to the X game. However, when all the reels 6L, 6M, 6R are stopped in the Y game, the bet lamp illumination control means 303 switches the extinction control of the illumination lamp 8a to the control to turn on blue. The lighting of the illumination lamp 8a in blue indicates that the number data stored in the medal number storage area 851 is less than the number of bets required for one game (three) and the balance data of the medal lending unit 200 is added. However, it is less than the number of bets (3).

  The number data stored in the medal possession number storage area 851 is less than the number of bets required for one game (three), and the number of bets (three) even if the balance data of the medal lending unit 200 is added. ), Information capable of specifying this is transmitted from the transmission means 304 to the main control board 63, and further transmitted from the main control board 63 to the sub control board 73. When the sub-control board 73 receives the information, the sub-control board 73 displays a character such as “There is no medal. Please replenish.” On the liquid crystal display 14 to insert cash into the player or insert a medal card. Prompt.

  After the Y game is over, for example, when a medal card storing the number data (balance data) corresponding to 100 medals is newly inserted into the insertion / ejecting port 220a of the medal lending unit 200, or the medal 100 When the cash equivalent to the coins is inserted into the cash insertion unit, the number data corresponding to 100 medals is stored in the data holding means 241 of the medal lending unit. At this time, information that can specify that is transmitted from the medal lending unit 200 to the medal management control board 83. When the medal management control board 83 receives the information, the bet lamp lighting control unit 303 switches from the blue lighting control of the lighting lamp 8a to the green lighting control. The control of the bet lamp illumination control means 303 after the Y + 1 game is the same as the control after the X + 1 game described above.

(5) Transmission means 304
The transmission unit 304 includes information on the operation state of various switches of the medal lending unit 200 and information on the completion of rewriting of the number data in the possessed medal number storage area 851 by the storage area rewriting unit 301a (information indicating that pseudo insertion or pseudo payout has been completed). ) And various information such as information relating to error states that can be detected by the medal management control board 83 are transmitted to the main control board 63, and the return is related to the number of return medals based on the number data stored in the possession medal number storage area 851. Various information such as data is transmitted to the medal lending unit 200.

(Operation)
Next, an example of medal insertion processing in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing medal insertion processing when a game is played in the slot machine.

  First, the insertion control means 101 determines whether or not the maximum bet switch 8 has been operated (step S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the maximum bet switch 8 is not operated, the insertion control unit 101 waits until it is operated (NO in step S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the maximum bet switch 8 has been operated, the insertion control means 101 transmits information that can specify that fact to the medal management control board 83 (step S2).

  Next, the medal display control means 301 determines whether or not the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is more than three pieces of data necessary for playing one game (step S3). ).

  Here, the medal display control means 301 determines that the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is the number data exceeding three pieces necessary for playing one game (YES in step S3). ), The storage area rewriting means 301a rewrites the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 to the number data obtained by subtracting three, which is the bet number for one game. Then, information that can specify that fact is transmitted to the main control board 63, and the process ends (step S4).

  On the other hand, in step S3, the medal display control means 301 determines that the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is not the number data exceeding three required for playing one game (step S3). NO), a medal request signal is transmitted to the medal lending unit 200 (step S5).

  When the medal lending unit 200 receives the medal request signal, the lending unit 242 determines whether there is balance data recorded in the data holding unit 241 (step S6). When it is determined that there is balance data stored in the data holding unit 241 (YES in step S6), the lending unit 242 transmits the number data corresponding to 50 medals to the medal management control board 83 (step S7). . At this time, the subtracting means 243 updates the balance data recorded in the data holding means 241 to the balance data obtained by subtracting the amount based on the transmitted number data.

  When the number data is transmitted by the lending means 242, information capable of specifying that the number data is transmitted from the medal lending unit 200 is transmitted from the medal management control board 83 to the sub control board 73 via the main control board 63. (Step S8), the process proceeds to Step S4. Note that the sub-control board 73 that has received the information may control the liquid crystal display 14 to notify that effect.

  In step S6, when the lending unit 242 determines that there is no balance data stored in the data holding unit 241 (NO in step S6), information that can specify that fact is transmitted to the medal management control board 83. At the same time (step S9), the token is transmitted from the medal management control board 83 to the sub control board 73 via the main control board 63 (step S10). The sub-control board 73 that has received the information controls the liquid crystal display 14 to notify that effect.

  Subsequent to step S10, the medal management control board 83 transmits the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 to the main control board 63, and the process ends (step S11). At this time, the main control board 63 (insertion control means 101) has received the number data that is less than the number required to play one game, but sets the bet number according to the number data.

  Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is three or more necessary to play one game, the bet lamp illumination control means 303 turns the illumination lamp 8a red. Lighting control is performed. On the other hand, the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is less than three required for playing one game, but there is balance data recorded in the medal lending unit 200 (data holding means 241). In this case, the bed lamp illumination control means 303 performs control to turn on the illumination lamp 8a in green. In this way, if the lighting color of the illumination lamp 8a of the maximum bet switch 8 is seen, whether or not the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is greater than or equal to the number of bets required to play one game. Can be easily grasped.

  When the illumination lamp 8a is lit in green, it can be recognized that by operating the maximum bet switch 8, the number data for pseudo insertion from the medal lending unit 200 is replenished. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the act of the player operating the start switch 9 assuming that there is a sufficient number of pieces of data in the possessed medal number storage area 851. As a result, the start switch 9 is invalidated as an operation during the replenishment of the number data by the medal lending unit 200, so that it is possible to prevent the game motivation from decreasing.

  Furthermore, the number data stored in the medal possession number storage area 851 is less than three required for playing one game, and the number data defined from the balance data stored in the medal lending unit 200 is If the number is less than three required to play one game, the bet lamp illumination control means 303 controls the illumination lamp 8a to light blue. In this way, by looking at the lighting color of the illumination lamp 8a of the maximum bet switch 8, not only the possessed medal number storage area 851, but also the status of the balance data of the medal lending unit 200 can be grasped. Smoothing can be achieved.

  In addition, when the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is less than three required to play one game, but the medal lending unit 200 has balance data, the maximum bet switch 8 is operated. In this case, the number data is automatically supplemented by the lending means 242 and the number of bets (3) is set, so that the game can be performed smoothly.

  Further, the maximum bet switch 8 is operated in a state where the number data stored in the medal number storage area 851 is less than three required for one game and the medal lending unit 200 has no balance data. When this is done, the fact is notified on the liquid crystal display 14, so that the state of the possessed medal number storage area 851 and the state of the balance data of the medal lending unit 200 can be reliably grasped.

  Further, the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the plurality of 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26 is sent from the management CPU 81 of the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 to the medal lending unit 200. The return data relating to the number of return medals based on the number data stored in the possession medal number storage area 851 of the medal management control board 83 in response to the return operation on the return switch 230b is the medal management control of the slot machine 1 The data is output from the management CPU 81 of the board 83 to the medal lending unit 200. In the medal lending unit 200, when the return data is received, the return means 246 compares the number data based on the return data with the number data based on the lighting data, and returns the number data based on the comparison result. Thus, since the return means 246 performs the return process only when the return data is received, the process for grasping the game value possessed by the player for each game is unnecessary, and the processing load is reduced. Figured.

  In the slot machine 1, the medal management control board 83 stores the number data in the possessed medal number storage area 851 of the memory 85, and in the medal lending unit 200, the data holding unit 241 uses the 5 medal display unit 26 for the five 7 segments. The lighting data of each of the segments A to G and DP of the displays SEG1B to SEG5B are stored. It is possible to grasp the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 based on the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B of the possessed medal indicator 26. it can. This is equivalent to storing the number data in each of the medal management control board 83 and the medal lending unit 200 of the slot machine 1. For this reason, even if an abnormality occurs in one of the medal management control board 83 and the medal lending unit 200 of the slot machine 1, the number data is not lost completely, and the resistance to the loss of the number data is increased.

  Further, in the slot machine 1, the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83 has a plurality of segments A to G, DP of a plurality of 7 segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26. Each lighting data is output to the medal lending unit 200. In the slot machine 1, the management CPU 81 (transmission means 304) of the medal management control board 83 sends return data regarding the number of returned medals based on the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 to the medal lending unit 200. Output. The number data stored in the possession medal number storage area 851 can be grasped from the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B of the possession medal display 26. . This is equivalent to the fact that the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is output to the medal lending unit 200 from the management CPU 81 of the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 with the output of two systems. There is one (one is an output system for lighting data, and the other is an output system for return data). For this reason, there is a high possibility that the return means 246 can correctly return the medal number data.

  In addition, the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83 of the slot machine 1 provides the medal lending unit 200 with a plurality of segments of each of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26. The lighting data of A to G and DP are output in parallel. For this reason, since the number of lighting data output in parallel increases and it becomes difficult to know which segment each lighting data corresponds to, it becomes difficult to perform fraud.

  Further, the lighting data at the return operation timing is maintained from the return operation until the comparison in the return processing is completed, so that the return unit 246 performs the return processing of the number data using each lighting data at the return operation timing. And the number data can be returned correctly.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications other than those described above can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is less than the number of bets required to play one game (three), and the data holding means of the medal lending unit 200 When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated in a state where the balance data stored in 241 is less than the predetermined number of loans (for example, the balance “0”), the liquid crystal display 14 notifies that fact. However, the notification means can be changed as appropriate. For example, a character meaning that a medal is insufficient may be printed on a part of the front plate 4 and the part may be illuminated with an effect lamp for notification. Further, this may be notified by voice.

  In the embodiment described above, the status of the number data stored in the medal number storage area 851 is notified by the type of the lighting color of the illumination lamp 8a of the maximum bet switch 8. For example, the display may be performed using the display screen of the liquid crystal display 14, the sound of the speakers 15 and 16, and the effect lamp. In this case, the determination by the notification mode determination means determines the type of video displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, determines the type of sound content and sound effect output from the speakers 15, 16, The type of the light emission pattern of the lamp is determined.

  In addition, the number data stored in the medal possession number storage area 851 is less than the number of bets required to play one game (three) and is stored in the data holding means 241 of the medal lending unit 200. When the balance data is less than the predetermined number of loans (for example, balance “0”), the illumination lamp 8a is lit in blue. In this case, the game can be performed without replenishment of cash or the like. There is no state. Therefore, as in the prior art, in such a state, the illumination lamp 8a may be turned off to notify that the game cannot be performed.

  Although the number data stored in the medal possession number storage area 851 is less than the number of bets required to play one game (three), the maximum bet switch 8 is operated while the medal lending unit 200 has balance data. In this case, the number data is automatically transmitted from the medal lending unit 200 and the bet number is set. However, when the medal lending unit 200 still has balance data, the maximum bet switch 8 is operated again. In this case, the number data (for example, the number data corresponding to 50 sheets) may be further transmitted from the medal lending unit 200.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the betting number (three) necessary for playing one game is set by the insertion control means 101, the illumination lamp 8a is turned off. The lighting state may be maintained until 9 is operated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the number data stored in the medal number storage area 851 is less than the number of bets required to play one game (three), but the medal lending unit 200 has balance data. When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated in this state, both the supplementation of the number data from the medal lending unit 200 and the setting of the bet number are performed, but the maximum bet switch 8 is operated in this state. Then, when the number data from the medal lending unit 200 is replenished and the maximum bet switch 8 is operated again, the bet number may be set. In this case, once the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the illumination lamp 8a changes from green lighting to red lighting. When the second maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the number data in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is displayed. Is preferably subtracted from 50 to 47.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the maximum bet switch 8 is operated in a state where the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is smaller than the number of bets required for playing one game (three). In this case, the number data corresponding to the same 50 sheets as when the lending switch 230a of the medal lending unit 200 is operated is transmitted, but may be different. For example, the number data corresponding to the number of bets required to play one game (three) may be transmitted. Also, the number of pieces of data that are insufficient for the number of bets (three) may be transmitted. Even if only the shortage is replenished, the replenishment is automatically performed by the operation of the maximum bet switch 8, so that the operation burden on the player does not increase.

  Moreover, the setting method of the betting number when the medals are replenished can be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of bets corresponding to the number stored in the medal number storage area 851 is set before the first replenishment, and then the shortage bet number is set after the replenishment from the medal lending unit 200. May be.

  Also, regarding the transmission of the number data from the medal lending unit 200 (medal supplementation), when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the number of possessed medals number storage area 851 is subtracted by the number of bets set. You may make it replenish from the medal rental unit 200 each time. In this case, the game rhythm does not change between when the medals are replenished and when the medals are not replenished, so that the game can be performed without a sense of incongruity.

  Further, the lighting color of the illumination lamp 8a may not be changed depending on the presence / absence of balance data of the medal lending unit 200. Even in this way, it is possible to determine whether or not the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is equal to or greater than the number of bets required for one game.

  Further, transmission of signals from the medal management control board 83 to the sub control board 73 may be performed via the main control board 63.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the medal lending unit 200 is arranged on the right side of the slot machine 1, but may be arranged on the left side.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, information that can specify the pseudo medal payout number may be displayed on the possessed medal display 26. In this case, the payout display 24 and the payout display control means 107 are not necessary.

  Also, there may be no cash insertion unit, and the game may be performed using only the number of possessed medals stored in the medal card.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the return switch 230b is operated, the number of possessed medals stored in the medal management control board 83 is transmitted to the medal lending unit 200 and added to the data holding unit 241. The number data is returned, but when the return switch 230b is operated, only the number data stored on the medal lending unit 200 side may be returned. In this case, when it is desired to pay out the number data on the medal management control board 83 side, the settlement number switch 80 is pressed first to transfer the number data to the medal lending unit 200 side.

  Further, the lighting control of the illumination lamp 8a may be performed by the main control board 63 or the sub control board 73.

  In this embodiment, the return data and the settlement data are not limited to the above-described data (header part + data part + checksum part), but, for example, the number indicated by the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 You may be comprised by the signal which consists of a minute pulse.

  Further, the number of bets required to play one game is not limited to three, but may be a plurality of types (for example, three types of one, two, and three). In this case, the number of bets necessary to play one game may vary depending on the game state.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, when the return switch 230b is pressed, the number data of the possessed medal number storage area 851 is transmitted to the medal lending unit 200 side at once. You may make it transmit separately.

  Further, when the number of bets in one game is two types, one and three, the maximum bet switch 8 is operated when the number of pieces of data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is three or more. The bet number 3 may be set, and if it is 2 or less, the bet number 1 may be set. When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated when the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is less than the minimum bet number (one), the automatic lending function may be activated. Good.

  When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated when the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 is less than the number of bets required for one game, the medal lending unit 200 automatically supplies the replenishment. The number-of-sheets data is transmitted. The operation mode (for example, the number of operations and the pressing time) at this time is the range of the number-of-sheets data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 without being supplemented from the medal lending unit 200. The game may be different from the operation mode in the case of playing a game (a game without supplement). For example, in a state where a sufficient number of pieces of data are stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851, the bet number is set by one press (short time), but the number stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 When the data is less than the number of bets required for one game, when the maximum bet switch 8 is continuously pressed for a certain time or when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated a plurality of times within a certain time. The medal lending unit 200 may automatically replenish. When the number data is automatically replenished from the medal lending unit 200 and the bet number (three) is set, the START lamp is lit at that time, and it is informed that the game is possible. The start switch 9 is activated.

  Further, in the present invention, “the game value is given according to the symbol combination” does not specifically include an operation of actually paying out medals, and such a physical game medium payout operation. Instead, for example, it is given to the player as number data indicating the number of payouts set in advance corresponding to the symbol combination. For example, the number data is stored in the medal number storage area of the medal management control board 83 This is to add (store) the data stored in 851 in a state where it can be taken out by the player's operation (for example, settlement operation).

  Further, in the present invention, “notifying information relating to a game value possessed by a player in an identifiable manner” means, for example, that a player can play a game for the number of bets required to perform one game. This is to inform the player of how much the value is possessed (how much is stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851) in an identifiable manner.

  Further, in the present invention, “can be replenished by supply from an external replenishing means” specifically means that the actual medal is supplied from an external replenishing means (medal replenishment unit) through a predetermined passage rod member. For example, a gaming machine and an external replenishing means (medal lending unit) are preliminarily connected to each other via a predetermined communication cable so that the number of bets settable from the replenishing means The number data is received and added to the number data in the possessed medal number storage area 851.

  In the present invention, “the betting number of a predetermined amount of gaming value is set by the betting number setting means” means that, for example, when one kind of betting number (for example, only three) is provided, The bet number (three) is set. For example, when a plurality of types of bets (for example, 1, 2, 3) are provided, any one of these bets is set. Further, when a plurality of types of bets are set, the maximum bet number may be set with priority.

  In the present invention, “notifying information that can specify that the game value data stored in the storage means is less than a predetermined amount” means, for example, that the balance data of the medal lending unit 200 is insufficient. The content indicating that the player is in the game may be notified, or because the balance data of the medal lending unit 200 is insufficient, the content prompting the player to insert cash may be notified.

  In the above-described embodiment, the possessed medal indicator 26 is composed of five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is composed of 7-segment displays other than five. It may be.

  Further, in this embodiment, as a mechanism in which the lighting data of each segment stored in the data holding unit 241 is not changed (maintained) during the period from when the return operation is accepted until the collation in the return process is completed, In the period, updating of the lighting data of each segment stored in the data holding unit 241 is prohibited. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be as follows, for example. For example, in the medal rental unit 200, the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26 is held by the holding circuit, and the return operation is performed. A signal for holding the state in the holding circuit is supplied in the period from the receipt of the check to the completion of the verification in the return process (the lighting data of each segment is latched), and the state is held in the holding circuit in the other periods. It is also possible not to supply a signal for making it happen (the state of the holding circuit can be changed). However, the holding circuit may be arranged to hold at least the lighting data of each segment supplied to the medal lending unit 200, and the lighting data of each segment supplied to the possessed medal indicator 26 is held. It does not have to be. For example, a flip-flop circuit can be given as an example of the holding circuit, but other circuits may be used.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the period during which the update of the lighting data of each segment is prohibited includes at least the period from when the return operation is accepted until the collation in the return process is completed, for example, after the return operation is accepted, It may be a period until the end or the like, and the number of medals based on the lighting data of each segment at the return operation timing may be a period that can be used for verification. Similarly, the period during which the lighting data of each segment in the above-described modification is latched includes at least the period from when the return operation is accepted until the collation in the return process is completed. For example, the return process is completed after the return operation is accepted It may be a period until it is done, etc., and the number of medals based on the lighting data of each segment at the return operation timing may be a period that can be used for collation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the medal lending unit 200 side is provided with a mechanism that can use the lighting data of each segment at the timing when the return operation is performed for the above-described collation by the return means 246. For example, it may be provided on the medal management control board 83 side of the slot machine 1 as follows.

  For example, when the management CPU 81 receives information indicating that the return switch 230b has been operated from the medal lending unit 200, the possession medal indicator is based on the number data stored in the possession medal number storage area 851 for a predetermined time. The creation of lighting data for each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the H.26 is made, and lighting data for each segment is created after the predetermined time has elapsed. To allow. Alternatively, when the management CPU 81 receives information indicating that the return switch 230b has been operated from the medal lending unit 200, the management CPU 81 prohibits updating the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 for a predetermined time. Thus, the update of the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 may be permitted after a predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, the storage area rewriting unit 301a stores the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 when, for example, the transmission of the return data is completed or when the information indicating that the return process is completed is received from the return unit 246. Is rewritten to the number data of 0 sheets. By doing so, the lighting data of each segment at the return operation timing continues to be output to the medal lending unit 200 until a predetermined time elapses. Here, for example, the predetermined time is required from when the management CPU 81 receives information indicating that the return switch 230b is operated from the medal lending unit 200 to when the above collation by the return means 246 of the medal lending unit 200 is completed. It is better to make a decision based on time.

  Further, for example, when the above collation is completed, the medal lending unit 200 transmits information indicating that the collation is completed to the medal management control board 83. When the management CPU 81 receives information indicating that the return switch 230b has been operated from the medal lending unit 200, the management CPU 81 configures the possessed medal display 26 based on the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851. When it is prohibited to create lighting data for each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B, Allow to create lighting data of. Alternatively, when the management CPU 81 receives information indicating that the return switch 230b has been operated from the medal lending unit 200, the management CPU 81 prohibits updating the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 and the medal lending. When the information indicating that the collation is completed is received from the unit 200, updating of the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 may be permitted. In this case, the storage area rewriting unit 301a stores the number data stored in the possessed medal number storage area 851 when, for example, the transmission of the return data is completed or when the information indicating that the return process is completed is received from the return unit 246. Is rewritten to the number data of 0 sheets. By doing so, the lighting of each segment at the return operation timing after the management CPU 81 receives the information indicating that the return switch 230b has been operated until receiving the information indicating that the verification has been completed. Data continues to be output to the medal lending unit 200.

  Further, for example, on the medal management control board 83 among the signal lines for transmitting the lighting data of the respective segments A to G and DP of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26, for example. A holding circuit is provided in the provided portion to hold the lighting data. When the management CPU 81 receives information indicating that the return switch 230b has been operated from the medal lending unit 200, the management CPU 81 supplies a signal for holding the state in the holding circuit for a predetermined time (the lighting data of each segment is stored). (Latch), a signal for holding the state in the holding circuit is not supplied in other periods (the state of the holding circuit can be changed). By doing so, the lighting data of each segment at the return operation timing continues to be output to the medal lending unit 200 until a predetermined time elapses. Here, for example, the predetermined time is required from when the management CPU 81 receives information indicating that the return switch 230b is operated from the medal lending unit 200 to when the above collation by the return means 246 of the medal lending unit 200 is completed. It is better to make a decision based on time. However, the holding circuit may be arranged to hold at least the lighting data of each segment supplied to the medal lending unit 200, and the lighting data of each segment supplied to the possessed medal indicator 26 is held. It does not have to be. For example, a flip-flop circuit can be given as an example of the holding circuit, but other circuits may be used.

  Further, for example, on the medal management control board 83 among the signal lines for transmitting the lighting data of the respective segments A to G and DP of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26, for example. A holding circuit is provided in the provided portion to hold the lighting data. Further, when the above collation is completed, the medal lending unit 200 transmits information indicating that the collation is completed to the medal management control board 83. When the management CPU 81 receives information indicating that the return switch 230b has been operated from the medal lending unit 200, the management CPU 81 supplies a signal for holding the state in the holding circuit (latch the lighting data of each segment), and the medal lending When information indicating that the collation is completed is received from the unit 200, the supply of a signal for holding the state to the holding circuit may be stopped (the state of the holding circuit can be changed). By doing so, the lighting of each segment at the return operation timing after the management CPU 81 receives the information indicating that the return switch 230b has been operated until receiving the information indicating that the verification has been completed. Data continues to be output to the medal lending unit 200. However, the holding circuit may be arranged to hold at least the lighting data of each segment supplied to the medal lending unit 200, and the lighting data of each segment supplied to the possessed medal indicator 26 is held. It may or may not be done. For example, a flip-flop circuit can be given as an example of the holding circuit, but other circuits may be used.

  In addition, the medal management control board 83 or the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83 has a plurality of segments AG of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26. For each DP, two output terminals for outputting lighting data are provided, one of the output terminals is connected to the possessed medal indicator 26, and the other terminal is connected to the medal lending unit 200 via the lending terminal board 90. In this case, for example, the following may be used. For example, the lighting data of each segment supplied to the medal lending unit 200 may be held for a predetermined time after receiving information indicating that the return operation has been performed. The lighting data of each segment to be supplied to may or may not be retained. Here, for example, the predetermined time is required from when the management CPU 81 receives information indicating that the return switch 230b is operated from the medal lending unit 200 to when the above collation by the return means 246 of the medal lending unit 200 is completed. It is better to make a decision based on time.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a mechanism in which the lighting data of each segment at the timing when the return operation is performed can be used for the above-described collation by the return unit 246 is the lighting of each segment stored in the data holding unit 241. The mechanism is maintained (not changed) during the period from when the data is returned to the end of the above collation in the return means 246, but is not limited to this. For example, the following mechanism is used. There may be.

  For example, when the return switch 230 b is pressed and a return operation is performed, the return unit 246 transmits the information indicating that the return switch 230 b is operated to the management CPU 81 of the medal management control board 83 before the data holding unit 241. Is calculated based on the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26 stored in The data holding means 241 stores the number data indicating the number of displayed possessed medals. Accordingly, the number data indicating the number of displayed medal held in the data holding unit 241 at the time of the above collation is the number data indicating the number displayed on the possessed medal indicator 26 at the return operation timing. Become.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26 are parallel from the management CPU 81 of the medal management control board 83. The tokens are supplied to the medal lending unit 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the following may be used. The lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G of the five 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26 is supplied in parallel from the management CPU 81 of the medal management control board 83 to the medal lending unit 200. Alternatively, the lighting data of the segment DP of each of the 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B is not supplied from the management CPU 81 of the medal management control board 83 to the medal lending unit 200. In this case, the lighting data of the segment DP of each of the 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B may be supplied from the management CPU 81 to the possessed medal indicator 26 or may not be supplied.

  In the above-described embodiment and the above-described modified examples, the segments used for displaying the number of possessed medals are the plurality of segments AG of the plurality of 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal display 26. , DP is a segment excluding segment DP. For this reason, among the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the plurality of 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26, at least the lighting data of the segments excluding the segment DP is the possessed medal indicator 26 and the medal. It is made to supply to the rental unit 200.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of each of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26 is independent of the return operation for the return switch 230b. The token is supplied from the management CPU 81 (medal display control means 301) of the medal management control board 83 to the medal lending unit 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. Also good. When there is a return operation for the return switch 230b, information indicating that there has been a return operation for the return switch 230b is transmitted from the medal lending unit 200 to the management CPU 81 of the medal management control board 83, and possessed when the management CPU 81 receives the information. The lighting data of each of the plurality of segments A to G and DP of the five seven-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the medal indicator 26 may be transmitted to the medal lending unit 200. In this case, although the number data stored in the medal number storage area 851 cannot be backed up on the medal lending unit 200 side, the effects of the embodiments other than this can be achieved.

  In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of 7-segment displays SEG1B to SEG5B constituting the possessed medal indicator 26 stored in the data holding means 241 triggered by an error in the slot machine 1 or an error in the medal lending unit 200 You may make it prohibit the update of each lighting data of each segment A-G and DP.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the medal management is performed by the medal management control board 83. For example, the functions of the medal management control board 83 such as mounting the management CPU 81 and the memory 85 on the main control board 63 are provided. The structure mounted in the main control board 63 may be sufficient.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the lending switch 230a, the return switch 230b, and the leaving switch 230c are provided in the medal lending unit 200 has been described, but some or all of them may be provided on the slot machine 1 side. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the main control board 63 and the medal management control board 83 are sealed in separate cases, but may be sealed in the same case.

  Moreover, although the above-described embodiment is an example applied to a slot machine system including the slot machine 1, the medal lending unit 200, and the hall computer HP, the present invention is not limited to the hole machine as shown below. A slot machine that can be connected to the computer HP via a predetermined connection terminal plate (for example, the external terminal plate 91) but is not connected to the medal lending unit 200 without the predetermined connection terminal plate (for example, the rental terminal plate 90). 1 and can be applied to a general slot machine in which medals as game values are inserted or paid out instead of pseudo medals being inserted or paid out. In other words, the notification by the notification means according to the present invention can be applied not only to the slot machine 1 corresponding to the medal lending unit 200 but also to the slot machine 1 not corresponding to the medal lending unit 200.

  Specifically, symbol display means having a plurality of variable display columns (for example, rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R) that variably display a plurality of types of symbols, and variable display corresponding to each of the plurality of variable display columns. In addition to stop operation means for stopping (for example, the left stop switch 10L, the middle stop switch 10M, and the right stop switch 10R), a medal insertion unit (for example, a medal insertion slot) capable of inserting a predetermined gaming value (for example, a medal), A medal payout device (for example, a hopper device) for storing the game value input from the medal input unit and discharging the stored game value from a predetermined medal discharge unit (for example, a medal payout port), A gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1) to which a gaming value (for example, a medal) is given according to the symbol combination when the variable display row stops. .

  Then, the gaming machine has a bet number setting means (for example, insertion control) for setting the bet number of the gaming value based on the operation of the bet number instruction operation means (for example, the maximum bet switch 8 and the bet switch 7) by the player. Means 101), storage means for storing the number of game media deposited as so-called credits (for example, the main RAM 65 of the main control board 63), and rewrite means for rewriting the storage contents (for example, the remaining number of credits) of the storage means. For example, a processing program for controlling the number of credits executed by the main CPU 61 and a notification means (for example, a maximum bet) for notifying information relating to the gaming value possessed by the player based on the stored contents of the storage means. (A lighting lamp built in the maximum bet button corresponding to switch 8 and capable of emitting light in multiple colors) A notification mode determination unit (for example, a processing program for controlling light emission of the illumination lamp executed by the main CPU 61 or the sub CPU 71) for determining a notification mode (for example, a light emission color or a light emission pattern of the illumination lamp) of the notification unit. ing.

  The gaming machine needs a predetermined amount of the betting number of the gaming value (for example, “1 or 3” including “1”) to perform one game, and the rewriting means When the bet number is set by the number setting means (for example, when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated and the bet number is set from the credit), the storage contents of the storage means are set to the bet number set by the bet number setting means. The value is rewritten to a value obtained by subtracting the minutes (for example, when “3” is set as the betting number, “3” is subtracted from the data indicating the remaining credit number). In addition, when the game value is given based on the combination of symbols when all the variable display columns are stopped, the rewriting unit sets the stored content of the storage unit to a predetermined number (for example, 50) as an upper limit. The given amount is rewritten to an increased value (for example, when there are 10 payouts, “10” is added to the data indicating the number of remaining credits). In addition, when the game value is supplied from a medal slot (for example, a medal is inserted) provided in the gaming machine, the rewriting unit stores the content stored in the storage unit with a predetermined number (for example, 50) as an upper limit. (For example, even if there are 10 payouts, if the data indicating the number of remaining credits is “43”, it is rewritten to “50” increased by “7”).

  When the storage content (for example, the remaining number of credits) of the storage means reaches the upper limit, the storage content of the storage means is not rewritten by the storage means, and a separate payout control means (for example, a medal executed by the main CPU 61) With a medal payout device (for example, a hopper device) controlled by a medal payout device (for example, a hopper device), the game value payout (for example, 3 medals) exceeding the upper limit from a medal discharge unit formed in the gaming machine Is paid out).

In particular, the notification mode determination means of the gaming machine is
i) The game value stored in the storage means in a state where the operation of the betting number instruction operation means can be accepted (for example, a period from the end of one game until the game is started) If it is above a certain amount (for example, if the number of remaining credits is greater than or equal to the number of bets),
ii) There is no game value stored in the storage means in a state where the operation of the betting number instruction operation means can be accepted (for example, a period from the end of one game until the game is started) Case (for example, 0),
iii) Regardless of the game value stored in the storage means, the operation of the betting number instruction operation means cannot be accepted (for example, a period from the start of one game to the end). If yes,
The state of the game value stored in the storage means (for example, whether the bet number can be set by operating the bet number instruction operation means) is determined according to the notification mode of the notification means. And whether or not it is necessary to perform a medal insertion action).

  For example, when the predetermined bet number is “1 or 3”, when the remaining credit amount at the time of one game is “3 or more”, the illumination lamp is made to emit “red”. When the number of credits remaining at the time of the end of one game is “0”, the illumination lamp emits light in “blue”, and when one game is started, the light emitted in red or blue Turn off the lamp.

  In such a gaming machine, whether or not the betting number instruction operation means can be operated through the notification mode of the notification means, and whether or not a medal should be inserted from the medal insertion unit, Can be discriminated in advance, so that the player can avoid the useless operation of the betting number instruction operation means and the medal insertion operation to the medal insertion unit. Note that when the gaming value stored in the storage means sufficiently exceeds the predetermined amount, the betting number instruction operating means is usually operated to perform the next game when one game is completed. Is done. Accordingly, since the player's line of sight after the game is finished moves to the betting number instruction operating means, the notifying means is preferably provided in the betting number instruction operating means.

  Further, in the gaming machine, the notification means is notified in a notification mode when the gaming value stored in the storage means is not present (for example, a state where the illumination lamp emits blue light). When the betting number instruction operation means is operated, the game value stored in the storage means by a second notification means (for example, a liquid crystal display 14 larger than the illumination lamp) different from the notification means. May be notified of information that can be specified to be less than the predetermined amount (for example, a message indicating that a medal must be inserted is output to the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display 14).

  Moreover, you may combine suitably the content of above-described embodiment, and the content of the above-mentioned modification.

  And, comprising a display means having a plurality of variable display columns for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and a stop operation means for stopping the variable display of each variable display column, the symbol combination when all the variable display columns are stopped Accordingly, the present invention can be widely applied to gaming machines that give gaming value to players.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine, 6L, 6M, 6R ... Rotary reel, 7 ... Bet switch, 8 ... Maximum bet switch, 8a ... Illumination lamp, 10L, 10M, 10R ... Stop switch, 14 ... Liquid crystal display, 101 ... Insertion control means , 200 ... medal lending unit, 301a ... storage area rewriting means, 303 ... bet lamp illumination control means 303, 851 ... possessed medal number storage area 851

Claims (7)

A symbol display means having a plurality of variable display rows for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols; and a stop operation means for stopping the variable display corresponding to each of the plurality of variable display rows; In a gaming machine to which a gaming value is given according to the symbol combination when the line stops,
Bet number setting means for setting the bet number of the gaming value based on the operation of the bet number instruction operation means by the player;
Storage means for storing the game value data possessed by the player;
Rewriting means for rewriting the storage contents of the storage means;
Informing means for informing the information relating to the gaming value possessed by the player based on the stored contents of the storage means in an identifiable manner;
A notification mode determination unit for determining a notification mode of the notification unit;
With
A predetermined number of bets for the gaming value are required to play a single game,
The gaming value stored in the storage means can be supplemented by supply from an external supplementing means,
The rewriting means, when the betting number is set by the betting number setting means, rewrites the storage content of the storage means to a value obtained by subtracting the betting number set by the betting number setting means, When the game value is given based on the symbol combination when the variable display row is stopped, the storage content of the storage means is rewritten to a value obtained by increasing the given amount, and further from the supplement means If there is a supply of the game value, rewrite the storage content of the storage means to a value increased by the supply,
The notification mode determination means includes
In a state in which the variable display of all the variable display columns is stopped and the betting number setting waiting state is a state before the betting number instruction operation unit is operated, the storage unit stores the storage unit. In the first case where the gaming value is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount , and when the gaming value stored in the storage means is less than the predetermined amount, but the supply of gaming value is received from the replenishing means A different notification mode is determined in the second case, which is in a state exceeding the predetermined amount ,
When the betting number instruction operation means is operated in the betting number setting waiting state, the notification mode is determined to be different from the notification mode in the first case and the notification mode in the second case. Gaming machine. A symbol display means having a plurality of variable display rows for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols; and a stop operation means for stopping the variable display corresponding to each of the plurality of variable display rows; In a gaming machine to which a gaming value is given according to the symbol combination when the line stops,
Bet number setting means for setting the bet number of the gaming value based on the operation of the bet number instruction operation means by the player;
Storage means for storing the game value data possessed by the player;
Rewriting means for rewriting the storage contents of the storage means;
Informing means for informing the information relating to the gaming value possessed by the player based on the stored contents of the storage means in an identifiable manner;
A notification mode determination unit for determining a notification mode of the notification unit;
With
A predetermined number of bets for the gaming value are required to play a single game,
The gaming value stored in the storage means can be supplemented by supply from an external supplementing means,
The rewriting means, when the betting number is set by the betting number setting means, rewrites the storage content of the storage means to a value obtained by subtracting the betting number set by the betting number setting means, When the game value is given based on the symbol combination when the variable display row is stopped, the storage content of the storage means is rewritten to a value obtained by increasing the given amount, and further from the supplement means If there is a supply of the game value, rewrite the storage content of the storage means to a value increased by the supply,
The notification mode determination means includes
When the gaming value stored in the storage means is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, and the gaming value stored in the storage means is less than the predetermined amount, the gaming value is stored in the supplementing means. The game value stored in the storage means is less than the predetermined amount and the game value in the supplement means is added. Yu Technical machine you and determines the different notification manner between when less than the predetermined amount even.   2. The notification by the notification means continues after at least all of the variable display rows are stopped until the operation of the betting number instruction operation means for performing the next game is performed. Or the gaming machine of 2.   If the game value stored in the storage means is smaller than the predetermined amount when the betting number instruction operation means is operated, the game value is automatically transferred from the replenishment means to the storage means. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the betting number setting means sets the predetermined number of betting numbers for the gaming value. There are a plurality of types in which the predetermined amount includes a first predetermined amount and a second predetermined amount larger than the first predetermined amount,
When the betting number instruction operation means is operated, if the gaming value stored in the storage means is larger than the first predetermined amount but smaller than the second predetermined amount, the replenishing means The game value is automatically supplied from the storage means to the betting number setting means, and then the betting number of the second predetermined amount of the gaming value is set by the betting number setting means. The gaming machine described.   The betting number when the gaming value stored in the storage means does not reach the predetermined amount, and is still less than the predetermined amount even if the gaming value is supplied from the supplementing means. When the instruction operation means is operated, it further comprises a shortage notifying means for notifying information capable of specifying that the game value data stored in the storage means is less than the predetermined amount. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The bet number instruction operation means is a maximum bet button for instructing the bet number of the game value of the predetermined amount,
The notification means is an illumination lamp of the maximum bet button capable of changing a lighting color,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the notification mode of the notification unit is changed by changing a lighting color of the illumination lamp.

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