JP7029345B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that plays a game using the gaming value owned by the player.

As a gaming machine, a slot machine in which a predetermined number of bets is set and a variable display of a plurality of types of identification information is performed based on a start operation, or a gaming medium such as a gaming ball is launched into a gaming area by a launching device. There is a pachinko gaming machine or the like in which a plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed when a gaming medium wins a prize in a starting area such as a winning opening provided in the gaming area.

Conventionally, some gaming machines of this type can communicate with a lending unit capable of lending medals, and when the lending unit is not connected, a start switch and a bet number are set. There was a slot machine that invalidated the operation of a switch or the like and made it impossible to execute a game (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-148748

The slot machine of Patent Document 1 is designed to stop the progress of a game (game) by disabling a predetermined operation in an unconnected state in which communication with a game device such as a rental unit is not established. However, it did not stop the progress of the game while considering the progress of the game.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably stopping the progress of a game when communication with a gaming device is not established. That is.

(1) A variable display unit capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each is provided.
In a gaming machine in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit after the variable display unit is displayed in a variable manner and a prize can be generated according to the display result.
A game control means that controls the progress of the game,
A value control means that controls the game value owned by the player,
A bet number manipulation means operated to set a bet number using a player-owned game value, and
The start operation means operated to start the variable display of the variable display unit,
With a derivation operation means operated to derive the display result,
The value control means is
It is possible to communicate with the gaming device corresponding to the gaming machine,
A memory means for memorizing the game value owned by the player,
Including the renewal means for updating the game value stored in the storage means.
By operating the bet number operating means, the bet number setting state in which the bet number is set may be set.
By operating the start operation means in the bet number setting state, it is possible to start the variable display of the variable display unit.
Since the derivation operation means is operated after the variable display of the variable display unit is started, the variable display of the variable display unit can be stopped.
If communication is not established between the value control means and the game device before the bet number is set, the bet number setting state is not set even if the bet number operation means is operated.
When communication is not established between the value control means and the game device in the bet number setting state, the variable display of the variable display unit is not started even if the start operation means is operated.
When communication between the value control means and the game device is not established after the variable display of the variable display unit is started, the variable display unit is changed due to the operation of the derivation operation means. The display can be stopped.
The gaming machine may be configured as follows.
In a gaming machine (for example, S machine 2S) that plays a game using the gaming value (for example, credit) owned by the player.
A game control means (for example, main control unit 161) that controls the progress of the game, and
It is equipped with a value control means (for example, a payout control unit 171) that controls the game value owned by the player.
The value control means is
It can communicate with a gaming device (for example, CU3) corresponding to the gaming machine (for example, the payout control unit 171 can communicate with CU3).
A storage means (for example, RAM 171c) for storing the game value owned by the player, and
The storage means includes an update means for updating the game value stored in the storage means (for example, a credit addition process and a credit subtraction process executed by the payout control unit 171).
The game control means is
When communication is not established between the value control means and the game device, the progress of the game is stopped so that the game value stored in the storage means is not updated by the update means (for example, FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 14, when the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3 is not established, the main control unit 161 updates the credit stored in the RAM 171c by the credit addition process or the credit subtraction process. Stop the process related to the progress of the game so that it will not be played) .

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above
The updating means adds the game value given to the game value stored in the storage means when the granting condition (for example, the occurrence of a prize) to which the game value is given according to the result of the game is satisfied. Addition control (for example, credit addition processing) is performed (for example, as shown in FIG. 11, when a prize is awarded, a credit addition process for adding the number of credits given to the credits stored in the RAM 171c is performed. ),
The game control means can advance the game at least until the game is completed when the communication between the value control means and the game device is not established during the game. When is satisfied and the game value is given, the progress of the game is stopped before the addition control is performed (for example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the main control unit 161 is in the game. When communication between the payout control unit 171 and CU3 is no longer established, it is possible to process the progress of the game at least until the game is completed, but when a prize is awarded and credit is given. Stops the processing related to the progress of the game before the credit addition processing is performed).

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2) above
The update means
When an operation for using the game value for a game (for example, MAXBET operation) is performed, a subtraction control (for example, a credit subtraction process) for subtracting the game value according to the operation from the game value stored in the storage means is performed. ) (For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when a MAXBET operation is performed, a credit subtraction process is performed in which the number of credits corresponding to the operation is subtracted from the credits stored in the RAM 171c).
When the communication between the value control means and the gaming device is no longer established, the execution of the subtraction control is prohibited (for example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3 are prohibited. If communication between them is no longer established, execution of the credit subtraction process is prohibited).

(4) In the gaming machines (1) to (3) above,
The value control means periodically transmits communication information (for example, unit connection confirmation result information) capable of specifying a communication state with the game device to the game control means (for example, as shown in FIG. 6). In addition, the payout control unit 171 periodically transmits the unit connection confirmation result information capable of specifying the communication state with the CU 3 to the main control unit 161).

(5) In any of the game machines (1) to (4) above,
The game control means starts the progress of the game on condition that communication is established between the value control means and the game device (for example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). The control unit 161 starts the process related to the progress of the game on condition that the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3 is established).

It is a front view of a card unit and a slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a card unit and a slot machine. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the information sent and received between a card unit and a payout control board. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the information sent and received between the payout control board and the main control board. It is a figure which shows the timing of the information sent and received between a card unit and a payout control board. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence for confirming the connection status with a unit. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence at the time of power-start and the lending operation. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence at the time of counting. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence (the 1) at the time of MAXBET operation. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence (the 2) at the time of MAXBET operation. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence during a game. It is explanatory drawing explaining the process on the S unit 2 side when a unit disconnection occurs. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence when the unit is not connected before the MAXBET operation. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence when the unit is not connected during a game. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the card unit and the slot machine in the modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Slot machine configuration]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a card unit and a slot machine.

With reference to FIG. 1, a slot machine (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as S unit) 2 is installed side by side on each of a plurality of game islands (not shown) arranged in a game hall (hall). A card unit (hereinafter, also abbreviated as CU) 3 as an example of a gaming device is installed one-to-one with respect to the S stand 2 at a predetermined position on the predetermined side of the S stand 2. The card unit is also referred to as a "game medal lending device".

The S-unit 2 is a gaming machine in which the player does not pick up the medal and insert it into the slot, and the medal is not paid out to the player. Therefore, the game value is directly added to the credit (game points that can be used in the game (hereinafter, also referred to as "game medal")) according to the lending operation or the like. The added credit number (game medal number) is displayed on the credit display 11. Further, unlike the conventional slot machine, the upper limit number that can be added as the number of credits is not limited to "50", and may be provided within the range of the number that can be displayed on the credit display 11. Moreover, it is not necessary to set the upper limit number.

Further, unlike a conventional slot machine, not only does it have no medal slot or payout port, but it does not need to be equipped with a device for controlling the inserted medal such as a medal selector or a hopper. Such slot machines that do not require any medals are referred to as "managed game machines" or "medalless slot machines".

Inside the S stand 2, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter, also referred to as left reel, middle reel, and right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer circumference are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and FIG. As shown in the above, three consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are arranged so as to be visible from the transmission window 3.

Each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is rotated by the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R provided corresponding to each. As a result, the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuously changed and displayed on the transmission window 3. Further, by stopping the rotation of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed as a display result on the transmission window 3.

Inside the reels 2L, 2C and 2R, a reel LED 55 that irradiates the reels 2L, 2C and 2R from the back surface is provided. Further, the reel LED 55 is composed of 12 LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols of reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and each symbol can be independently irradiated.

A display area of the liquid crystal display 51 is arranged at a position on the front side (player side) of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. The liquid crystal display 51 is such that the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be visually recognized from the player side through the transmission region corresponding to the transmission window 3 in the display region and the perspective window 3.

From a position below the transmission window 3, an inclined surface that gently inclines from the back to the front side is formed, and an operation portion is formed so as to project further toward the front side from there. MAXBET switch 6, 1BETLED14, 2BETLED15, 3BETLED16 are provided on the upper surface of the operation unit, and a start switch 7, a stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R, a counting button 10, and a credit display 11 are provided on the front side surface of the operation unit. Has been done. The credit display 11 is composed of a 7-segment LED display and is controlled by a payout control unit 171.

Various operation means provided in the operation unit will be described. The MAXBET switch 6 is a switch operated when setting the maximum bet number (“3” in the present embodiment). In addition to the MAXBET switch, a single BET switch that is operated when setting the number of bets using credits corresponding to one medal may be provided.

The 1BETLED 14 notifies by lighting that the number of bets is set to 1. The 2BETLED 15 notifies by lighting that the number of bets is set to 2. The 3BETLED 16 notifies by lighting that the number of bets is set to 3.

The start switch 7 is a switch for starting the rotation of the reel after setting the bet number. The stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are switches for stopping and operating the rotating reels, and 8L corresponds to the left reel, 8C corresponds to the middle reel, and 8R corresponds to the right reel. The counting button 10 is a switch operated when counting the number of credits (number of game medals) and converting it into the number of medals held.

Inside the front door of the S stand 2, a door open detection switch 25 for detecting the open state of the front door is provided. A power supply box is provided inside the housing. On the front of the power supply box, there is a setting key switch 37 for switching to the setting change state or setting confirmation state, and it functions as a reset switch for canceling the error state or the stop state in normal times, and it is inside in the setting change state. A reset / setting switch 38 or the like that functions as a setting switch for changing the set value of the winning probability (ball output rate) of the lottery is provided.

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

Next, the flow of the game in the S unit 2 will be described. When playing a game on the S unit 2, first, a lending operation is performed on the CU 3 to secure credits (game medals). This lending operation corresponds to a two-step operation of "medal lending operation" and "operation of manually inserting the rented medal into the slot" in the conventional medal payout type slot machine.

When the MAXBET switch 6 is operated in the presence of credits, the number of bets is additionally set to be the maximum number within the range of credits, and the number of credits is subtracted by the additional setting. When the bet number is set, the winning line determined according to the betting number and the game state among the winning lines L1 to L5 becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the game can be started. Will be.

Here, the winning line is a line set to determine whether the combination of symbols displayed on the transmission windows 3 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is a combination of winning symbols. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the winning lines L1 set across the symbols arranged in the middle of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, and the symbols arranged in the upper row of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. Winning line L2 set straddling, winning line L3 set straddling the lower row of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, upper row of reel 2L, middle row of reel 2C, lower row of reel 2R, that is, downward to the right Five types of prize lines, the winning line L4 set across the symbols lined up in, the lower row of the reel 2L, the middle row of the reel 2C, and the upper row of the reel 2R, that is, the winning line L5 set across the symbols lined up to the right, are awarded. It is defined as a line.

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

One game ends when all reels 2L, 2C and 2R are stopped, and a predetermined combination of symbols on any of the activated winning lines L1 to L5 is displayed for each reel 2L, 2C and 2R. If it stops as a result, a prize will be awarded.

When a prize is generated, a score determined according to the prize is given to the player. This score will be added to the credit.

Credits can be counted and converted into medals by operating the counting button 10. By converting to a possessed medal, it becomes possible to record the possessed medal on the card at the end of the game.

In the present embodiment, when the counting button 10 is pressed once, all the game balls currently owned by the player are counted regardless of the pressing time (whether or not they are pressed for a long time). .. However, not limited to this, the counting operation is repeatedly executed according to the time that the counting button 10 is continuously pressed (for example, 50 counting processes are executed every time the pressing state for 0.3 seconds is continued). You may do it. Further, regardless of the duration of pressing, if the button is pressed once, a predetermined number (for example, 50) may be counted from the game balls to the medals held.

[Card unit configuration]
Next, the configuration of the CU 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This CU3 is a visitor card (also referred to as a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a storage medium for games issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, or a member player who has registered as a member in the game hall. We accept membership cards, which are storage media for games, issued to. Visitor cards and membership cards are composed of IC cards.

The CU3 that accepts these cards counts the player-owned game value (for example, prepaid balance, number of medals held, or number of medals saved (also referred to as "number of balls saved")) specified by the stored information of the card as the number of credits (also referred to as "number of stored balls"). It has a function to convert to the number of game medals).

On the front side of the CU 3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a protrusion 305 formed so as to protrude from the front of the device toward the front of the device, a card insertion / ejection port 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card, etc. Is provided. The membership card or visitor card inserted in the card insertion / ejection port 309 is accepted by a card reader / writer (not shown), and the information recorded on the card is read.

In the above-mentioned protruding portion 305, on the surface facing the player, a display 312 and a membership card ID recorded on the membership card when the membership card is received (simply referred to as a card ID or C-ID). ) And the replay button 319 for performing the replay game using the number of stored medals (number of stored balls) specified by the membership card ID, and the infrared signal is received from the remote control (not shown) possessed by the staff of the game hall. An IR photosensitive unit 320 is provided which converts the signal into an electronic signal and outputs the signal.

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

When the holding medal button 324 is operated, a part of the number of holding medals recorded on the inserted card is deducted and converted into the number of credits (number of game medals).

When the replay button 319 is operated and the inserted card stores the number of medals won by the player, a part of the number of medals held is withdrawn and converted into credits, based on the converted credits. It is possible to play a game with the S stand 2. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and the number of medals held is not stored and the accumulated medals are stored in the management computer for the hall, a part of the accumulated medals is deducted and credited. It is converted to, and the game by the S stand 2 becomes possible. That is, when both the stored medal and the possessed medal are stored in association with the inserted card, the possessed medal is preferentially withdrawn. In addition to the replay button 319, a dedicated medal payout button for withdrawing medals may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be a button dedicated to withdrawing stored medals.

Here, the "number of credits (number of game medals)" is data that can be used for setting the number of bets and can be converted into the "number of medals possessed". The "credit number" is generated in exchange for deducting the balance of the prepaid card, the number of medals held, or the number of accumulated medals.

The "number of medals possessed" is a count conversion of the number of credits (number of game medals) owned by the player as a result of the player playing a game with the game machine. This "number of medals held" is identifiable and stored by the player's card. The number of medals held may be managed by a management device for managing the number of medals held in the amusement park.

The "number of medals stored (number of balls stored)" is the number of medals held in the amusement park. The number of medals held by the player in the game is managed as the number of medals held during the day, but is managed as the "number of accumulated medals" from the day after the player has won. That is, the number of credits (number of game medals) acquired and counted by the player on the day of the game is called "points", and the number of medals acquired by the player before the previous day and deposited in the game is " The number of medals saved. " This "number of accumulated medals" is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed in the amusement park.

If the convertible direction of each of the above "balance", "number of saved medals (number of stored medals)", "number of medals held", and "number of credits (number of game medals)" is indicated by an arrow, "" Balance, number of saved medals ". Number, number of medals held ”→“ number of credits ”→“ number of medals held ”→“ number of medals saved ””.

In the present embodiment, the saved medal number data is not directly recorded in the membership card, but is stored in a higher server such as a hall management computer in association with the membership card number, and the corresponding number of saved medals can be searched based on the membership card number. It is configured as follows. On the other hand, the number of medals held is recorded directly on the card.

However, both may be stored in the upper server in association with the card number. Even in the case of a visitor card, the number of medals held is recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the number of medals held may be stored in the upper server in correspondence with the card number. When storing the card number in the upper server in association with the card number, data that can specify the time stored in the higher server may be written on the card (member card, visitor card) and discharged. In addition, the prepaid balance is directly written on the card (membership card, visitor card) and discharged.

The timing for storing the number of medals held in the card (membership card, visitor card) or the upper server is, for example, the timing when the counting button 10 is operated to perform the counting process. However, instead of this, the cards may be collectively stored when they are returned.

In addition, when the player finishes the game and returns the card from the CU3, the medals stored in the CU3 are temporarily stored in the hall server as stored balls, and the day when the player receives the card return. When a card is inserted into the same or another CU3 again on the same day, only the medals for the day that were once stored as stored balls are stored in the CU3 again, credits are added within the range of the medals, and the game can be played. You may do it.

The bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 302 is taken in by a money classifier (not shown) to identify its authenticity and bill type.

Further, a lending button 321 and a card return button 322 are provided on the front side of the CU 3. The lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation for deducting the balance recorded on the inserted card to obtain the number of credits. Specifically, the number of credits is added according to the balance to be withdrawn by operating the lending button 321. The card return button 322 is operated when the player ends the game, and the fixed number of medals held at the end of the game (number of medals held when the card is inserted-from the number of medals held to the number of credits) is inserted into the inserted card. It is an operation button for storing and discharging the number of conversions + the number counted by the counting operation).

As described above, according to the S unit 2 according to the present embodiment, the number of medals (game medals) is converted according to the number of medals possessed by the card, and the number of credits is used for betting. Since it is possible to set the number, players who are accustomed to conventional slot machines that receive medals lending, insert the medals to secure credits, and set the bet number using the credits It is possible to provide games using a new slot machine (managed game machine) that does not use medals without causing confusion.

[Configuration of card unit and slot machine]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configurations of a card unit and a slot machine. With reference to FIG. 2, the outline of the control circuit between the CU 3 and the S unit 2 will be described.

The CU 3 is provided with a CU control board 32, and the CU control board 32 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. This CU control unit 323 is the main control function unit of the CU 3, a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripherals. An input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with the device is provided.

The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external output terminal (not shown) for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server that manages security. The CU 3 transmits the status of the CU 3 and the gaming machine status information received from the S unit 2 to the outside such as a hall management computer (hall controller) or a hall server that manages security via an external output terminal. The CU control unit 323 communicates with the payout control board 17 of the S unit 2 via the communication control IC 325. The communication control IC 325 and the payout control board 17 are connected, for example, by an asynchronous serial communication port. Communication between the communication control IC 325 and the payout control board 17 is performed via the connection terminal plate 1000.

The communication between the CU control unit 323 and the payout control board 17 is the lending information (information on the operation for withdrawing the balance stored in the inserted card and using it for the game by the S unit 2) and the lending response information (lending information). (Response information to) and other counting information (information related to counting processing from credits to medals) and game machine information are unidirectionally communicated from the payout control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. I'm going at. Therefore, the S unit 2 side does not recognize whether or not the CU 3 has received the counting information and the gaming machine information. The CU 3 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the S stand 2 side, and the S stand 2 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connection portions are composed of, for example, connectors and the like.

The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the medals held by the player when the player is playing. The display 312 displays an image corresponding to data such as the balance or the number of medals held, which is output from the CU control unit 323. Further, when the player operates the touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the lending button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3, and may be provided in the S unit 2 to input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

The S unit 2 includes a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the S unit 2, a payout control board 17 that controls the credits owned by the player, and an effect control board that controls the effect according to the game state. 15 and a power supply board 101 are provided. The power supply board 101 generates a drive power source for the electric components constituting the S stand 2 and supplies it to each part.

An AC100V power supply is supplied to the power supply board 101 from the outside, and a DC voltage necessary for driving the electric components constituting the S unit 2 is generated from the AC100V power supply, and the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 are generated. And it is supplied to the effect control board 15.

A counting button 10, a MAXBET switch 6, and a RAM clear switch 293 for erasing information stored in the RAM are connected to the payout control board 17, and detection signals of these connected switches are input. Further, a credit display 11 is connected to the payout control board 17, and the display is controlled by the payout control unit 171.

The payout control board 17 is equipped with a payout control microcomputer, which is a payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 maintains signal consistency with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM 171c that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripheral devices. Input / output interface etc. are provided.

Reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are connected to the main control board 16 and are driven under the control of the main control unit 161. Further, a setting key switch 37, a reset / setting switch 38, and a start switch 7 are connected to the main control board 16, and detection signals of these connected switches are input.

Further, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R and the door open detection switch 25 are connected to the main control board 16 via the relay board 1100, and the detection signals of these connected switches are input. Further, 1 to 3 BETLEDs 14 to 16 are connected to the main control board 16 via a relay board 1100, and the display is controlled by the main control unit 161.

The game control microcomputer, which is the main control unit 161 is mounted on the main control board 16. The main control unit 161 is for maintaining signal consistency with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM 161c that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripheral devices. Input / output interface etc. are provided.

An effect switch 56 is connected to the effect control board 15, and a detection signal of the effect switch 56 is input. Further, an effect device such as a liquid crystal display 51, an effect LED 52, a speaker 53, 54, and a reel LED 55 is connected to the effect control board 15, and these effect devices are driven based on control by the effect control unit 151. It is supposed to be done.

Further, the light intensity / volume adjustment board 111 is connected to the effect control board 15. Switches for adjusting the light amount and volume are connected to the light amount / volume adjustment board 111, and detection signals from these switches are input to the effect control board 15 via the light amount / volume adjustment board 111. Will be done.

The effect control board 15 is equipped with an effect control microcomputer, which is an effect control unit 151. The effect control unit 151 is for maintaining signal consistency with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM 151c that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripheral devices. Input / output interface etc. are provided.

The main control unit 161 transmits various commands to the effect control unit 151. The command transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151 is sent in only one direction, and the command is not sent from the effect control unit 151 to the main control unit 161. The effect control unit 151 receives a command transmitted from the main control unit 161 and performs various controls for performing the effect.

The payout control unit 171 transmits various commands to the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 also transmits various commands to the payout control unit 171. That is, the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the main control unit 161 is bidirectional communication. Further, a backup power supply for the main control board 16 is supplied from the payout control board 17.

Further, the payout control unit 171 stores credits in a predetermined area of the RAM 171c. Specifically, the number of credits is stored in the credit counter. The payout control unit 171 updates the credits stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 171c in the credit addition process or the credit subtraction process.

Specifically, as will be described later, a credit addition process based on a MAXBET operation, a credit subtraction process based on the occurrence of a prize, a credit addition process based on a lending operation, a counting process based on a counting operation (credit subtraction processing), and the like are performed. Along with this, the payout control board 17 is provided with a credit display 11, a counting button 10, and a MAXBET switch 6. Further, the set bet number is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c. Specifically, the set bet number is stored in the BET counter. When the value stored in the BET counter is "3", the game can be started.

In the medalless slot machine that does not require medals as described above, the payout control board 17 is provided. Then, the functions related to the insertion and withdrawal of medals in the conventional slot machine are concentrated on the payout control board 17. In addition, if it is a conventional slot machine that requires medals, it is necessary to have a device related to the insertion and withdrawal of medals such as a medal selector and a hopper, but in a medalless slot machine, such a device is used. Not needed.

Further, by configuring the medalless slot machine as in the present embodiment, the parts can be shared with the conventional slot machine. Specifically, since the function of updating credits (functions related to the insertion and withdrawal of medals) is concentrated on the payout control board 17, the conventional slot machine can be replaced by replacing the payout control board 17 of the medalless slot machine. Can be configured. When configuring a conventional slot machine, the payout control board 17 is provided with a function related to medal insertion / withdrawal, and then a device related to medal insertion / withdrawal such as a medal selector or a hopper is attached to the payout control board 17. Just connect to. With such a configuration, it is compatible with the conventional slot machine, and by standardizing the parts, it is possible to reduce the cost in the design and manufacture of the slot machine.

When the detection signal is input from the start switch 7, the main control unit 161 rotates and drives the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, and draws a winning combination.

The types of winning roles are determined according to the game status, but can be broadly divided into special roles with a transition to big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB), and small roles with medal payout. There is a replay that allows you to start the next game without the need to set the number of bets.

The main control unit 161 draws a winning combination, drives the reel to rotate, and then waits for the player to stop the reel. When any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated, the main control unit 161 stops the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R. The main control unit 161 stops the three symbols and executes a winning determination process for determining the presence or absence of a winning. If it is determined that a prize has been won, the number of credits corresponding to the type of prize is given to the player.

The payout control unit 171 subtracts and displays the display of the credit display 11 according to the subtraction of the number of credits, and adds and displays the display of the credit display 11 according to the addition of the number of credits.

The "game" in the present embodiment means from the operation of the start switch 7 to the stop of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. When playing a game, the number of bets before the operation of the start switch 7 is set, medals are paid out and the game state is changed after the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped. In a broad sense, it shall be included in "game".

Further, in the present embodiment, the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is the MAXBET operation, the operation of the start switch 7 is the start operation, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is the stop operation, the operation of the counting button 10 is the counting operation, and the lending button. The operation of 321 is also referred to as a lending operation, and the operation of the card return button 322 is also referred to as a return operation.

Further, the S unit 2 has a configuration in which the medal payout rate changes according to the set value. Specifically, the medal payout rate is changed by using the winning probability according to the set value in the lottery that affects the advantage to the player such as the internal lottery. The set value consists of 6 stages from 1 to 6, with 6 having the highest payout rate, and the smaller the value in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 the lower the payout rate. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and the smaller the value in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 is, the lower the advantage is.

In order to change the set value, it is necessary to turn on the power of the S unit 2 after turning on the setting key switch 37. When the power is turned on with the setting key switch 37 turned on, the setting value read from the RAM 161c is displayed as a display value on the setting value display 24, and the setting value can be changed by operating the reset / setting switch 38. Move to the changed state. When the reset / setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change state, the display value displayed on the setting value display is updated by 1 (when the setting value 6 is further operated, the setting value returns to 1). ). Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the display value is fixed as the set value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the confirmed display value (setting value) is stored in the RAM 161c of the main control unit 161 and the game shifts to a state in which the game can proceed.

[Transmission / reception mode between the card unit side and the pachinko game machine side]
Next, the main data stored in each of the CU3 side and the S unit 2 side and their transmission / reception modes will be described.

In the present embodiment, the fluctuation of the number of credits is calculated on the S unit 2 side, and the current latest number of credits is stored and managed. The CU3 side also calculates and stores the current number of credits, but the number of credits is based on the information transmitted from the S unit 2 side. On the other hand, the medals held, the number of medals saved, and the prepaid balance (balance) are managed and stored on the CU3 side.

When the power supply is turned on in a state where the S stand 2 and the CU 3 are electrically connected for the first time after being installed in the playground, the payout control board 17 on the S stand 2 side is the main chip ID (main chip ID) from the main control board 16. The control chip ID) is transmitted, the main chip ID is transmitted to the CU3 side, and the payout chip ID (payout control chip ID) stored in the payout control board 17 itself is transmitted to the CU3 side.

On the CU3 side, the transmitted main chip ID and payout chip ID are stored. In this state, the information of the main chip ID and the payout chip ID is stored in the CU3 side and the S unit 2 side. When the power is turned on after that, the two pieces of information, that is, the main chip ID and the payout chip ID, are transmitted from the S unit 2 side to the CU3 side.

On the CU3 side, the transmitted data and the already stored data are collated, and it is determined whether or not the same S unit 2 as the previous time is connected. On the other hand, in the S unit 2, after the power is turned on, information such as the main chip ID and the payout chip ID, which are installation information, is transmitted to the CU 3, and then the gaming machine information is transmitted to the outside including the CU 3 at predetermined intervals. Is possible. Since the gaming machine information can be output on the S machine 2 without going through the authentication process, the processing load can be reduced.

Both the CU 3 and the S unit 2 transmit the telegram with a "serial number" added. Further, both the CU 3 and the S unit 2 store the "serial number" received from the other party. There are two types of "serial number", "credit number serial number" and "counting serial number". "Serial number" indicates the sequence number of the telegram. The "serial number" is transmitted by counting up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission by the transmitting side (primary station side) with the initial value set to "1". However, when resending, the "serial number" is not counted up. The receiving side (secondary station side) transmits the received serial number as it is. If the continuity of the serial numbers is not established, there is no response. The "credit number serial number" is a serial number used when the S unit 2 notifies the CU 3 of the credit number. The "counting serial number" is a serial number used when the S unit 2 requests the CU 3 to count the game balls.

As will be described later, when the CU 3 requests the S unit 2 to lend (transmits the lending information), the information is not transmitted periodically, so that the telegram is not transmitted by adding a "serial number". .. However, when the loan information is transmitted periodically, a "rental serial number" may be added and transmitted.

The latest gaming machine performance information, hall control information, and fraud monitoring information are transmitted from the S machine 2 side to the CU 3 side. The latest gaming machine performance information, hall control information, and fraud monitoring information are stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 171 on the S unit 2 side. As for the number of credits, the value of the credit counter (credit information) is transmitted from the S unit 2 side to the CU3 side as fraud monitoring information.

On the CU3 side, the number of credits (number of game medals), the value of the CU credit counter (value of the credit counter received from the S unit 2), and the number of medals held by the card (simply the number of medals held) are stored in the cumulative data storage area in the RAM. Also called), the number of medals saved, the balance, etc. are memorized.

The CU 3 has an area for storing the number of credits, and also receives the count value (number of credits) of the credit number counter from the S unit 2 side. The CU 3 updates the area for storing the number of credits by the following procedure. That is, the CU 3 grasps the change in the number of credits (credit addition / subtraction information) from the latest game machine performance information and hall control information transmitted from the S unit 2 side, and also counts the value of the counting medal counter and the lending medal. Based on the value of the number, the stored credit number is updated, and it is determined whether or not the value of the credit counter transmitted from the S unit 2 side and the updated credit number match. If they match, the game is allowed to continue, but if they do not match, control is performed to shift to an error state.

As a result, for example, an error notification is performed by the abnormality notification lamp or the display 312, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or the hall server (in this case, the hall management computer). And error notification may be performed by the hall server). As a result, a predetermined notification is performed to encourage the staff to take an artificial response.

Instead of shifting to the error state and stopping the game, the number of credits stored on the CU3 side may be replaced with the count value of the credit number counter transmitted from the S unit 2 side. Alternatively, instead, it may be corrected to the average value of the number of credits managed on the CU3 side and the number of game medals stored on the S unit 2 side.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the number of credits is also stored on the CU3 side, but it is possible to determine whether or not the number of credits matches the number of credits managed and stored on the S unit 2 side. (CU3 side function). Therefore, even if a situation occurs in which the number of credits stored on the S unit 2 side does not match the number of credits stored on the CU3 side due to fraudulent activity or other circumstances, it is possible to check to that effect. Here, the determination function is provided on the CU3 side, but for example, the number of credits stored on the CU3 side and the number of credits stored on the S unit 2 side are stored by the hall server or hall management computer connected to the CU3. It may be possible to receive the number of credits and determine whether or not the two are consistent.

Further, when the CU 3 cannot receive the counting information, the number of credits stored on the CU 3 side and the number of credits managed and stored on the S unit 2 side do not match, so that the CU 3 executes a special process. As the special processing, a process of displaying the history information of the gaming machine information is performed in order to compensate the number of credits based on the gaming machine information, the number of credits is compensated based on the history information, and an error notification is performed. ..

Further, the CU 3 has a storage area for storing the number of medals held and the number of medals stored in the card, a storage area for storing the prepaid balance of the received (inserted) card, and a storage area for storing the medals held when the card is inserted. Further have. The CU control unit 323 is from a storage area for storing the stored medals in response to an input requesting the use of the stored medals (for example, a pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 (however, when there is no medal possession)). Subtract a predetermined number of saved medals.

The CU control unit 323 receives a predetermined number of medals from the storage area for storing the medals in response to an input requesting the use of the medals (for example, a pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 when the medals are held). Subtract your medals. Further, the CU control unit 323 subtracts a predetermined value from the storage area for storing the prepaid balance in response to an input requesting the use of the prepaid balance (for example, a pressing input of the lending button 321).

When a player performs an operation to lend a value of a predetermined size from the possessed value owned by the player (for example, the number of medals held, the number of medals saved, or the prepaid balance) and use it for the game, the medal for the withdrawal amount. The number of medals to be lent out for adding the number to the credit number counter is transmitted from the CU3 side to the S unit 2 side. In response to this, the credit count counter is added and updated on the S unit 2 side.

[Connection between CU and S unit]
The CU 3 and the S unit 2 are connected between the communication control IC 325 and the payout control board 17 by PIF wiring. The wiring number and information name of the PIF wiring connecting the CU 3 and the S unit 2 will be described. The information name of the wiring number 1 is "insulation GND", and the isolation GND is assigned. The information name of the wiring number 2 is "insulated GND", and the wiring number 2 is used for the signal GND of the wiring number 6. The information name of the wiring number 3 is "insulation GND", and the wiring number 3 is used for the signal GND of the wiring number 7. The wiring number 4 has an information name of "PSI" and is used for transmitting connection confirmation information from the S unit 2 to the CU 3. The S unit 2 outputs a PSI signal to the CU 3 as a special signal for connection confirmation while detecting the connection with the CU 3 (VL = ON), and PSI while the connection with the CU 3 is not detected (VL = OFF). Do not output the signal to CU3. The information name of the wiring number 5 is "insulation GND", and the isolation GND is assigned. The wiring number 6 has an information name of "rental response information, counting information, and gaming machine information", and is used for transmitting each information from the S unit 2 to the CU 3. The wiring number 7 has an information name of "rental information" and is used for transmitting rental information from the CU 3 to the S unit 2. The wiring numbers 8 and 9 have an information name of "insulation 5V (VL)" and are assigned as signal lines of 5V for isolation (power supply VL for connection confirmation), respectively.

[Information sent and received between the card unit and the payout control board]
Next, the communication between the CU 3 and the S unit 2 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. The telegram used in the communication is composed of frames having a predetermined format. Transmission data (telegram) is always transmitted in units of one frame. That is, the telegram is not divided and transmitted. In addition, when transmitting telegrams continuously, leave an interval of 1 millisecond or more.

[Information sent and received between the CU and the S unit]
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the outline of the information (telegram) transmitted / received between the CU 3 and the S unit 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of information transmitted / received between the card unit and the payout control board.

The payout control unit 171 of the S unit 2 communicates with the CU 3 via a common asynchronous serial communication port with a telegram in which lending information, lending response information, counting information, and gaming machine information are separated from each other. The four types of information (telegrams) transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the S unit 2 have different telegram headers, and it is possible to distinguish the type of the telegram by the header.

Even if the lending information and the lending response information are communicated by the common asynchronous serial communication port, or the lending information and the counting information are communicated by the common asynchronous serial communication port, the lending information and the game machine Information may be communicated with a common asynchronous serial communication port. Further, even if the lending response information and the counting information are communicated with the common asynchronous serial communication port, or the lending response information and the gaming machine information are communicated with the common asynchronous serial communication port, the counting information and the counting information The game machine information may be communicated with a common asynchronous serial communication port.

The lending information includes information on the number of medals to be lent as information included in the telegram of the lending notification transmitted by the CU 3 to the S unit 2 (payout control unit 171). The information on the number of rented medals is information on the number of game medals related to lending, and includes, for example, 50 pieces of information as information on the number of game medals transmitted in one information. In addition, when the number of rented medals is 0 (zero), the loan information may be transmitted by including the information of 0 (zero) in the information of the number of rented medals.

The lending response information includes information on the lending medal number receipt result as information included in the message of the lending receipt result response transmitted by the S unit 2 to the CU 3. The information on the number of rented medals received is information that informs the CU3 of the result of receiving the information on the number of rented medals transmitted from the CU3.

In the counting information, the S unit 2 transmits to the CU 3 as a counting notification message including the number of counting medals, the number of cumulative counting medals, and the counting serial number for communication management. The S unit 2 does not receive information for confirming the transmission result from the CU 3. The number of counting medals, the number of cumulative counting medals, and the counting serial number are all information for the purpose of counting game medals. Further, the number of counting medals transmitted at one time is, for example, 50. In addition, when the number of counting medals is 0 (zero), the counting information may be transmitted by inserting the information of 0 (zero) in the information of the number of counting medals.

In the gaming machine information, the S machine 2 transmits the gaming machine installation information, the gaming machine performance information, the hall control information, and the fraud monitoring information to the CU 3. The S unit 2 does not receive information for confirming the transmission result from the CU 3. The gaming machine installation information is information for the purpose of managing the machine history, and is transmitted to the CU 3 as a telegram of the gaming machine installation information notification after the power is turned on. The gaming machine installation information includes information such as a manufacturer code, a model code, and a chip ID number of the main / payout control CPU.

The gaming machine performance information is information for the purpose of totaling the performance information, and is transmitted to the CU 3 as a telegram of the gaming machine performance information notification. The gaming machine performance information outputs the result calculated based on the gaming.

The hallcon information is information for the purpose of aggregating the information of the hallcon, and is transmitted to the CU3 as a telegram of the hallcon / fraud monitoring information notification. The fraud monitoring information is information for the purpose of fraud monitoring by the CU3, and is transmitted to the CU3 as a telegram of the hall control / fraud monitoring information notification. Hallcon information includes information such as credit information. The credit information is information that can specify the number of credits. The number of credits is the value of the credit counter held in the payout control unit 171.

[Information sent and received between the payout control board and the main control board]
Next, commands sent and received between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of information transmitted / received between the payout control board and the main control board.

The payout control unit 171 transmits a unit connection confirmation result notification command to the main control unit 161. The unit connection confirmation result notification command is a command for notifying the unit connection confirmation result information. The unit connection confirmation result information is the unit connection (communication is established between the payout control unit 171 and CU3) or the unit is not connected (communication is not established between the payout control unit 171 and CU3). Contains information that can be identified as being. In addition, when the power is turned on, the unit connection confirmation result notification command also notifies the gaming machine installation information. The gaming machine installation information includes information such as a manufacturer code, a model code, and a chip ID number of the main / payout control CPU.

Upon receiving the unit connection confirmation result notification command, the main control unit 161 transmits a unit connection confirmation result response command to the payout control unit 171. The unit connection confirmation result response command is transmitted to the payout control unit 171 as a response to the unit connection confirmation result notification command.

The main control unit 161 transmits a setting change notification command to the payout control unit 171 when controlled to the setting change state. The setting change notification command is a command that can identify that the setting change status has been controlled.

When the control to the setting change state is completed, the main control unit 161 transmits a setting change completion notification command to the payout control unit 171. The setting change completion notification command is a command that can specify that the control to the setting change state has ended.

When the main control unit 161 is controlled to the setting confirmation state, the main control unit 161 transmits a setting confirmation notification command to the payout control unit 171. The setting confirmation notification command is a command that can identify that the setting confirmation status has been controlled.

When the control to the setting confirmation state is completed, the main control unit 161 transmits a setting confirmation completion notification command to the payout control unit 171. The setting confirmation completion notification command is a command that can specify that the control to the setting confirmation state has ended.

When the MAXBET switch 6 is operated, BET-related processing is executed. The BET-related processing includes a BET-related process (payout control) executed by the payout control unit 171 and a BET-related process (main control) executed by the main control unit 161.

The payout control unit 171 performs a command transmission process, a BET confirmation process, and a credit subtraction process to the main control unit 161 in the BET-related process (payout control). The commands transmitted to the main control unit 161 include a BET confirmation notification command, a BET instruction notification command, and a MAXBET completion notification command.

The main control unit 161 performs a command transmission process, a specified number confirmation process, a BET process, and the like to the payout control unit 171 in the BET-related process (main control). As the command to be transmitted to the payout control unit 171, a process of transmitting a BET confirmation response command, a BET instruction response command, and a MAXBET completion response command is performed.

The payout control unit 171 sets the value of the MAXBET counter to "3" when the MAXBET operation is performed. The MAXBET counter is a counter for setting a bet number that has not yet been set in the BET counter among the bet numbers (“3” in the present embodiment) set by the MAXBET operation.

After the MAXBET operation, the payout control unit 171 transmits a BET confirmation notification command to the main control unit 161. The BET confirmation notification command is a command for notifying BET confirmation information. The BET confirmation notification command inquires the main control unit 161 whether or not BET is possible. The BET confirmation information includes information that can specify the "number of BETs (number of bets to be set in the BET counter)".

The bet number set by the MAXBET operation is "3", but in the present embodiment, the bet number is set one by one. Therefore, "1" is transmitted as the number of BETs. That is, the payout control unit 171 transmits the BET confirmation notification command three times.

When the main control unit 161 receives the BET confirmation notification command, the main control unit 161 performs a specified number confirmation process. The specified number confirmation process is a process of determining whether or not the number of BETs that can be specified by the BET confirmation notification command can be set in the BET counter (BET availability).

For example, if the number of BETs is "1" and the value stored in the BET counter is "1", the specified number (maximum number of bets) "3" is not reached, so the number of BETs is added to the BET counter. It is judged that it is possible to set it to "2" (BET possible). On the other hand, when the value stored in the BET counter is "3", the number of BETs cannot be set in the BET counter because the specified number "3" has already been reached (BET impossible). Judged.

The main control unit 161 transmits a BET confirmation response command to the payout control unit 171 after performing the specified number confirmation process. The BET confirmation response command is a command for notifying BET confirmation response information. The BET confirmation response command is transmitted to the payout control unit 171 as a response to the BET confirmation notification command. The BET confirmation response information includes information that can identify "BET availability information". The BET possibility information is a determination result (BET possible or BET impossible) determined by the specified number confirmation process.

When the payout control unit 171 receives the BET confirmation response command, the payout control unit 171 performs a BET possibility confirmation process. The BET possibility confirmation process is a process of determining whether or not to give a BET instruction to the main control unit 161 based on the "BET possibility information" that can be specified by the BET confirmation notification command.

If it is "BET impossible", the payout control unit 171 decides not to give a BET instruction in the BET possibility confirmation process. On the other hand, when it is "BET possible", the payout control unit 171 decides to give a BET instruction to set the "BET number" notified by the BET confirmation notification command in the BET counter.

When the payout control unit 171 decides to give a BET instruction in the BET possibility confirmation process, the payout control unit 171 transmits a BET instruction notification command to the main control unit 161. The BET instruction notification command is a command for notifying BET instruction information. The BET instruction notification command is transmitted to the main control unit 161 as a response to the BET confirmation response command. The BET instruction information includes information that can specify the "number of BETs".

When the main control unit 161 receives the BET instruction notification command, the main control unit 161 performs BET processing. The BET process is a process of adding the number of BETs that can be specified by the BET instruction notification command to the value of the BET counter and setting the BET counter.

After performing the BET process, the main control unit 161 transmits a BET instruction response command to the payout control unit 171. The BET instruction response command is a command for notifying BET instruction response information. The BET instruction response command is transmitted to the payout control unit 171 as a response to the BET instruction notification command. The BET instruction response information includes information that can identify "BET completion information". The BET completion information is information that can identify that the "number of BETs" has been set in the BET counter.

When the payout control unit 171 receives the BET instruction response command, the payout control unit 171 performs a credit subtraction process. The credit subtraction process is a process of subtracting the "number of BETs (" 1 "in this embodiment)" from the value of the credit counter based on the "BET completion information" that can be specified by the BET instruction response command. For example, when the current credit counter value (number of credits) is "50", the BET number "1" is subtracted and the credit counter value is set to "49".

Further, the payout control unit 171 subtracts the number of BETs from the value of the MAXBET counter. For example, when the value of the MAXBET counter is "3", the number of BETs "1" is subtracted and the value of the MAXBET counter is set to "2". When the value of the MAXBET counter is "1", the number of BETs "1" is subtracted and the value of the MAXBET counter is set to "0". When the value of the MAXBET counter becomes "0", it means that all the bets to be set in the BET counter have been set by the MAXBET operation.

The payout control unit 171 transmits a BET confirmation command to the main control unit 161 after performing the credit subtraction process. The flow after the BET confirmation command is transmitted is the same as the above description. In this way, the BET process is performed one by one.

Further, when the BET confirmation command is transmitted after the credit subtraction process, even if the value of the MAXBET counter is "0", the BET is checked to confirm whether the BET counter has reached the specified number. Send a confirmation command.

After that, when it is specified by the BET confirmation notification command that "BET is impossible", the payout control unit 171 transmits a MAXBET completion notification command to the payout control unit 171. The MAXBET completion notification command is a command for notifying MAXBET completion information. From the MAXBET completion information, it is possible to specify that the MAXBET process has been completed.

When the main control unit 161 specifies that the MAXBET process has been completed by receiving the MAXBET completion notification command, it terminates the BET-related process (main control) and sets the status of the main control unit 161 to "waiting for payout control instruction / Control to "waiting for start operation".

Further, the main control unit 161 transmits a MAXBET completion response command to the payout control unit 171 as a response to the MAXBET completion notification command.

Upon receiving the MAXBET completion response command, the payout control unit 171 ends the BET-related processing (payout control) and controls the state of the payout control unit 171 to the "customer waiting state".

When the start operation is performed, the main control unit 161 transmits a game start notification command to the payout control unit 171. The game start notification command is a command for notifying game start information. The game start information is information that can identify that the game has started. After transmitting the game start notification command, the main control unit 161 controls the state on the main control unit 161 side to the "game state". When the payout control unit 171 receives the game start notification command, the payout control unit 171 controls the state of the payout control unit 171 to the "game end waiting state".

When the display result combination is derived by the third stop operation, the main control unit 161 performs a winning determination process. The main control unit 161 transmits a game result notification command to the payout control unit 171 after the winning determination process. The game result notification command is a command for notifying game result information. The game result information includes information that can identify the result of the game.

For example, when a bell winning with eight payouts is generated by the winning determination process, the game result information is information that can specify that the bell winning has occurred and the number of payouts (8 pieces). When a replay prize has occurred, the game result information is information that can specify that the replay prize has occurred and the number of payouts (0). When a bonus (BB or RB) prize is generated, the game result information is information that can specify that a bonus (BB or RB) prize has been generated and the number of payouts (0). In the case of loss, the game result information is information that can identify the loss and the number of payouts (0).

When the number of payouts is 1 or more, the main control unit 161 controls the state of the main control unit 161 to "wait for payout control instruction" after transmitting the game result notification command. When the replay winning occurs, the main control unit 161 controls the state of the main control unit 161 side to "waiting for start operation" after transmitting the game result notification command. When the number of payouts is 0 and the game is not a replay prize, the main control unit 161 controls the state of the main control unit 161 to the "customer waiting state" after transmitting the game result notification command.

When the payout control unit 171 receives the game result notification command and the game result notification command specifies that the number of payouts is one or more, the payout control unit 171 performs a credit addition process. The credit addition process is a process of adding the "number of payouts" specified based on the game result notification command to the value of the credit counter. For example, if the number of payouts is "5" and the current credit counter value (number of credits) is "20", the number of payouts "5" is added and the value of the credit counter is set to "25". do.

The payout control unit 171 transmits a credit addition completion notification command to the main control unit 161 after performing the credit addition process. The addition completion notification command is a command for notifying the addition completion information. The addition completion information is information that can identify that the credit addition process has been completed.

After transmitting the addition completion notification command, the payout control unit 171 controls the state of the payout control unit 171 to the "customer waiting state". After receiving the addition completion notification command, the main control unit 161 controls the state on the main control unit 161 side to the "customer waiting state".

When the counting operation is performed, the payout control unit 171 transmits a counting confirmation notification command to the main control unit 161. The count confirmation notification command inquires the main control unit 161 about the number of BET clears.

When the main control unit 161 receives the count confirmation notification command, the main control unit 161 performs a BET clear process. The BET clear process is a process of clearing (initializing) the value set in the BET counter. For example, when the value set in the BET counter is "3" (MAXBET state), it is cleared by updating the value "3" set in the BET counter to "0". At this time, the number of BET clears is "3". If the value set in the BET counter is "0", it remains "0" and the number of BET clears is "0".

After performing the BET clear processing, the main control unit 161 transmits a count confirmation response command to the payout control unit 171. The counting response command is a command for notifying the counting confirmation response information. The count confirmation response information is information that can specify the number of BET clears.

When the payout control unit 171 receives the count confirmation notification command, the payout control unit 171 performs counting processing. In the counting process, if the number of BET clears is 0, it is possible to have credits and convert them into medals. In this case, the value of the credit counter is set in the counting number counter, and the value of the credit counter is cleared (set to 0).

After that, the value of the counting number counter is transmitted by the counting information periodically transmitted to the CU control unit 323. The CU control unit 323 adds the value of the counting number counter specified from the counting information to the number of medals held. For example, if the number of credits is 23 and the number of medals held is 150, the number of credits becomes 0 and the number of medals held becomes 173 (150 + 23) by the counting operation.

On the other hand, in the counting process, if the number of BET clears is one or more, the credit is held and the medal is not converted. In this case, the number of cleared BETs is added to the number of credits. For example, if the number of BET clears is 3 and the number of credits is 23, the number of credits is 26 (23 + 3). The value of the counting counter remains 0. Therefore, even if the value of the counting number counter is transmitted by the counting information periodically transmitted to the CU control unit 323, the number of medals held does not increase.

[Differences in processing methods between credit subtraction processing and addition processing]
In the present embodiment, the MAXBET switch 6 is connected to the payout control unit 171 and the signal for detecting the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected on the payout control unit 171 side. Further, the BET counter is managed on the main control unit 161 side, and the setting of the bet number is executed by the main control unit 161. Therefore, the payout control unit 171 cannot grasp the bet number currently set in the main control unit 161.

For example, if some value has already been set in the BET counter, even if the payout control unit 171 sets the maximum number of bets (3) and sends a BET confirmation notification command, BET indicating that BET is not possible is possible. An acknowledgment command is returned. In such a case, it is necessary to reduce the number of BETs and send the BET confirmation notification command again. When such a retransmission process is performed, not only the program capacity for the retransmission process increases, but also the processing load due to the retransmission process increases.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the number of BETs is set to one, and the BET confirmation notification command is transmitted one by one. By doing so, the value is set in the BET counter one by one, and the credit subtraction process of subtracting the number of credits by one is performed. This makes it possible to prevent the above-mentioned useless retransmission processing and the resulting increase in program capacity and processing load.

On the other hand, when a prize is generated, the main control unit 161 sends a game result notification command using all the number of payouts due to the prize as game result information. As a result, the payout control unit 171 collectively adds all of the number of payouts to the value of the credit counter in the credit addition process. In this way, the credit addition process is performed for all the number of payouts at once because there is no upper limit on the value of the credit counter (or because the upper limit is large, it is difficult to reach the upper limit). Therefore, in the credit addition process, it is not necessary to update the credits one by one as in the above-mentioned credit subtraction process, and all of them are updated at once.

As described above, when the MAXBET operation is performed, the credit deduction process of subtracting the number of credits corresponding to the operation by 1 from the credits stored in the RAM 171c is performed, while when a prize is generated, the RAM 171c is used. A credit addition process is performed in which all the credits given to the stored credits are collectively added. As a result, the credit can be appropriately renewed depending on the situation, when the credit is used for the game by the BET operation and when the credit is given due to the occurrence of a prize.

[Communication timing]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the timing of information transmitted / received between the card unit and the payout control board. FIG. 5A is a communication sequence showing information transmitted for each specified period A, and FIG. 5B is a communication sequence showing information transmitted / received based on a lending operation.

As shown in FIG. 5 (A), the game machine information and the counting information shown in FIG. 3 are transmitted from the S unit 2 to the CU 3 through a common asynchronous serial communication port. The gaming machine information including the credit information is transmitted every specified period A. That is, the period from the transmission of information from the S unit 2 to the CU 3 to the transmission of the next information is controlled to the specified period A (for example, 300 ms = 0.3 seconds). The S unit 2 can transmit the gaming machine information to the CU 3 every specified period A regardless of the reception status of the gaming machine information in the CU 3. Therefore, in the S unit 2, it is not necessary to retransmit the gaming machine information, it is not necessary to store the past gaming machine information, and the processing load can be reduced.

The gaming machine information communicates with the asynchronous serial communication port common to the counting information. Therefore, if you try to send counting information at the timing of sending gaming machine information, there is a possibility that the information will be congested within the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision will occur, and communication will not be performed correctly. be. Therefore, in the S unit 2, when the gaming machine information is transmitted to the CU 3 every specified period A, in order to optimize the information transmission, the specified period shorter than the specified period A after the gaming machine information is transmitted. At the timing corresponding to B (for example, 100 ms), the counting information is communicated with the CU3.
In FIG. 5A, after the hall control information and fraud monitoring information are transmitted to the CU 3 as the game machine information, and before the timing of the next transmission of the game machine information (after the lapse of the specified period A), the game machine information is immediately before. Is transmitted to the CU3 as counting information within the specified period B after the counting number and the counting serial number are transmitted. When the counting operation by the player is performed before the gaming machine information is transmitted, the counting information is transmitted within the specified period B from the timing after waiting for the timing of transmitting the gaming machine information after the operation. It is done in. In this way, the gaming machine information and the counting information are periodically transmitted.

The transmission of the counting information is not limited to the case where the counting information is transmitted within the specified period B from the timing of transmitting the gaming machine information, as long as the timing does not cause congestion with the gaming machine information, and the next game is performed after the specified period B has elapsed. It may be until the timing when the machine information is transmitted.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the lending information and the lending response information shown in FIG. 3 are transmitted and received based on the lending operation.

As for the lending information, the player operates the lending, and the information on the number of medals to be rented is transmitted from the CU 3 to the S unit 2. The rental information communicates with the game machine information via an asynchronous serial communication port. On the other hand, the lending response information for the lending information communicates with the asynchronous serial communication port common to the gaming machine information. In this way, the lending information is transmitted only when there is a lending operation.

The lending information is not limited to being transmitted only when there is a lending operation, and may be periodically transmitted. Further, the counting information is not limited to the information transmitted separately from the gaming machine information, and may be included in the gaming machine information and transmitted.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a communication sequence for confirming the connection status with the unit. The payout control unit 171 detects whether or not communication has been established with the CU control unit 323 (unit connection or unit connection). The payout control unit 171 notifies the main control unit 161 of the unit connection confirmation result information.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a sequence for confirming the connection status with the unit. Actually, the payout control unit 171 detects the communication status with the CU control unit 323 by using the power supply VL for connection confirmation. Specifically, when a non-connection occurs due to disconnection of the PIF wiring between the CU 3 and the S unit 2, the voltage of the connection confirmation power supply VL supplied to the wiring numbers 8 and 9 is changed from 5V to 0 (). Zero) Change to V (change from VL = ON to OFF). The payout control unit 171 determines "unit connection" when VL = ON, and determines "unit not connected" when VL = OFF.

The payout control unit 171 transmits a unit connection confirmation result notification command that can identify whether the unit is connected or not connected to the main control unit 161. The unit connection confirmation result notification command is transmitted every specified period A (for example, 100 ms). Therefore, if "unit connection" is determined at the transmission timing of the unit connection confirmation result notification command, the unit connection confirmation result notification command that can identify the unit connection is transmitted. If it is determined that "unit is not connected" at the transmission timing of the unit connection confirmation result notification command, the unit connection confirmation result notification command that can identify that the unit is not connected is transmitted.

Upon receiving the unit connection confirmation result notification command, the main control unit 161 transmits a unit connection confirmation result response command to the payout control unit 171.

Here, communication between the main control board 16 (main control unit 161) provided in the S stand 2 and the payout control board 17 (payout control unit 171) will be described. The communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is performed by the polling method with the payout control unit 171 as the primary station, and the polling interval is, for example, 100 ms. The payout control unit 171 retransmits the notification message when the response cannot be received for 100 ms after the notification message is transmitted. If the response cannot be received 10 times in a row, the communication line is disconnected. If the main control unit 161 cannot receive the next notification for 1000 ms after receiving the notification message, the main control unit 161 disconnects the communication line. As a result, it can be detected that communication has not been established between the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17.

Further, the main control unit 161 transmits a response command to the payout control unit 171 only when normal data is received. The serial number used for transmission / reception is stored in the storage unit together with the payout control unit 171 by the main control unit 161 and used for command normality confirmation, power failure recovery, and communication line disconnection recovery.

Specifically, to explain the communication sequence, first, when the power is turned on, communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is started after waiting for the activation of the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. For example, a maximum of 10000 ms is used to start the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. Although the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is performed in plain text, encrypted communication may be performed.

First, the payout control unit 171 notifies the main control unit 161 of a unit connection confirmation result notification command including game machine installation information after activation. Specifically, the payout control unit 171 transmits a unit connection confirmation result notification command to the main control unit 161 with the communication serial number set to "1". The main control unit 161 that has received the command of the unit connection confirmation result notification command sends the response of the unit connection confirmation result response command to the payout control unit 171 with the communication serial number set to "1" without counting up.

The payout control unit 171 notifies the main control unit 161 of the unit connection confirmation result notification command, and then notifies the main control unit 161 of the unit connection confirmation result notification command at regular intervals (100 ms). Specifically, the payout control unit 171 transmits a unit connection confirmation result notification command to the main control unit 161 with the communication serial number set to "2". The main control unit 161 that has received the unit connection confirmation result notification command sends the unit connection confirmation result response command to the payout control unit 171 with the communication serial number set to "2" without counting up. After that, when the payout control unit 171 transmits a command to the main control unit 161 while counting up the communication serial number, the unit connection confirmation result notification command is notified to the main control unit 161. In this way, the payout control unit 171 periodically transmits the unit connection confirmation result information capable of specifying the communication state with the CU 3 to the main control unit 161.

In the present embodiment, the payout control unit 171 determines that the unit is not connected when VL = OFF, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the following may be used. For example, although shown schematically in FIG. 6, the unit connection confirmation information may actually be transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the CU control unit 323 every specified period A. Then, as a response to this, the CU control unit 323 may transmit a unit connection confirmation response to the payout control unit 171. In this case, the payout control unit 171 may determine that the unit is not connected when the unit connection confirmation response is not received for a predetermined period (for example, 1000 ms). Further, the following may be performed. For example, the CU control unit 323 may cause the payout control unit 171 to transmit the lending information shown in FIG. 5B every specified period A (for example, 300 ms). In this case, the payout control unit 171 may determine that the unit is not connected when the unit lending information is not received for a predetermined period (for example, 1000 ms).

Further, in the present embodiment, only the "unit connection confirmation result notification command" and "unit connection confirmation result response command" commands are periodically transmitted in the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the main control unit 161. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other commands shown in FIG. 4 may be periodically transmitted.

Further, the "unit connection confirmation result notification command" is not limited to the one that is periodically transmitted, and may be transmitted when the connection status between the CU control unit 323 and the payout control unit 171 changes. Specifically, the unit connection confirmation result notification command is sent at the timing when "unit connection" changes to "unit unconnected" and at the timing when "unit not connected" changes to "unit connection". You may.

[Communication sequence when power is turned on and when lending is performed]
Next, the communication sequence at the time of turning on the power and at the time of lending operation will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a communication sequence at the time of power activation and at the time of lending operation.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the power of the S unit 2 is turned on. At this time, it is assumed that the value of the credit counter (number of credits) is "0" and the value of the BET counter (number of BETs) is "0". The value of the credit counter is a value indicating the number of credits (number of game medals) that can be used in the game. The value of the credit counter is displayed on the credit display 11. The value of the BET counter is a value indicating the number of bets set by the MAXBET operation. The 1BETLED14, 2BETLED15, and 3BETLED16 are turned on based on the value of the BET counter. At this time, the power of the CU 3 is not turned on.

When the power of the S unit 2 is turned on, the payout control unit 171 confirms whether or not communication with the CU control unit 323 is established. As shown in FIG. 7, since the power of the CU 3 is not turned on, the payout control unit 171 determines that communication with the CU control unit 323 has not been established (unit not connected state).

The payout control unit 171 transmits a unit connection confirmation result notification command that can identify that the unit is not connected to the main control unit 161. The unit connection confirmation result notification command is a command that is periodically transmitted every specified period A. At this time, the payout control board 17 is controlled to wait for error cancellation.

The main control unit 161 transmits a unit connection confirmation result response command to the payout control unit 171 as a response to the unit connection confirmation result notification command. At this time, the main control unit 161 is controlled to wait for error cancellation.

When the payout control unit 171 detects that the unit is not connected (communication is not established between the payout control unit 171 and the CU control unit 323), the S unit 2 uses the following method for the unit. Notify that a disconnection has occurred.

The main control unit 161 identifies that the unit is not connected by the unit connection confirmation result notification command transmitted from the payout control unit 171. Then, the main control unit 161 transmits a command that can identify that the unit is not connected to the effect control unit 151. Upon receiving the command, the effect control unit 151 notifies that the unit is not connected by using a predetermined effect means. For example, the effect control unit 151 uses the speakers 53 and 54 and the effect LED 52 to perform error notification by sound or light. Further, the liquid crystal display 51 may be made to display that the unit is not connected. After that, when the main control unit 161 identifies that the unit disconnection has been resolved by the unit connection confirmation result notification command, a command that can identify that the unit disconnection has been resolved is transmitted to the effect control unit 151. , This ends the error notification.

If the above is done, the processing load due to the error notification in the main control unit 161 will increase. Since the main control board 16 performs processing for controlling the progress of the game, it is not desirable to increase the processing load in this way. Therefore, it is possible to notify that the unit is not connected by the following method without going through the main control unit 161. For example, the payout control board 17 may be configured to be connected to the speakers 53, 54 and other speakers. Then, when the payout control unit 171 detects that the unit is not connected, the payout control unit 171 may notify the error by using the speaker connected to the payout control board 17. Alternatively, the notification lamp may be connected to the payout control board 17, and the notification lamp may be used to notify the error.

Further, the payout control board 17 and the effect control board 15 may be configured to be communicable. Then, the payout control unit 171 transmits a command that can identify that the unit is not connected to the effect control unit 151. Upon receiving the command, the effect control unit 151 may perform error notification using the speakers 53, 54, the effect effect LED 52, the liquid crystal display 51, and the like.

After that, it is assumed that the power of the CU 3 is turned on. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the value (number of credits) of the CU credit counter held on the CU3 side is "0", and the value of the medal counter held (number of medals held) is "0". ..

The value of the CU credit counter is a value indicating the number of credits held on the CU3 side. The value of the CU credit counter is updated based on the credit information periodically transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the CU control unit 323. The value of the CU credit counter and the value of the medal counter can be displayed on the display 312.

Here, it is assumed that the power of the CU 3 is turned on. As a result, the payout control unit 171 determines that the unit is connected (communication with the CU control unit 323 is established).

After the payout control unit 171 determines that the unit is connected, information that can identify that the unit is connected is transmitted when the unit connection confirmation result notification command that is periodically executed is transmitted. At this time, on the payout control board 17 side, the error state is canceled and the medal insertion waiting state is controlled.

The main control unit 161 transmits a unit connection confirmation result response command to the payout control unit 171 as a response to the unit connection confirmation result notification command. At this time, on the main control unit 161 side, the error is cleared and the medal lending wait state is controlled.

After that, the CU control unit 323 can receive the credit information periodically transmitted from the payout control board 17. Currently, the value of the credit counter is "0", so the number of credits that can be specified from the credit information is also "0".

After that, it is assumed that a card in which "200" medals are recorded is inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 309. As a result, the value of the possessed medal counter is updated to "200".

Next, it is assumed that the player has performed a lending operation. By the lending operation, 50 medals are converted into credits (game medals).

Specifically, the value of the possessed medal counter is subtracted by "50" from "200" and updated to "150". Next, the CU control unit 323 transmits the loan information to the payout control board 17. The loan information includes information that can specify the number of medals to be lent "50".

The payout control board 17 executes the credit addition process by receiving the loan information. The payout control board 17 executes a process of adding and updating the number of medals to be lent to the value of the credit counter in the credit addition process. Specifically, the process of adding the number of medals to be lent "50" and updating the value of the credit counter from "0" to "50" is executed.

After executing the credit addition process, the payout control board 17 transmits the loan response information to the CU control unit 323 as a response to the loan information.

At this time, the value of the credit counter is "50", but the value of the CU credit counter is "0". After that, the payout control board 17 transmits information that can identify that the number of credits is "50" in the credit information periodically transmitted to the CU control unit 323. Upon receiving the credit information, the CU control unit 323 updates the value of the CU credit counter from "0" to "50".

Next, it is assumed that the player has performed a return operation. By the return operation, the value of the medal counter held is stored in the card, and the card is returned. As a result, the value of the possessed medal counter is updated from "150" to "0", and the card in which 150 cards are stored is returned.

Since the counting operation is not performed, the number of credits remains "50". For this reason, credits are not stored in the card when the card is returned and remain.

[Communication sequence at the time of counting]
Next, a counting notification sequence for counting and subtracting credits (game medals) will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a communication sequence at the time of counting. FIG. 8A describes a case where the counting operation is performed in a state where the value is not set in the BET counter, and FIG. 8B shows a case where the value is set in the BET counter. The case where the counting operation is performed will be described.

First, a case where a value is not set in the BET counter will be described. As shown in FIG. 8A, it is assumed that the value of the credit counter is currently "23" and the value of the BET counter is "0". Further, it is assumed that the value of the CU credit counter is "23" and the value of the possessed medal counter is "150".

It is assumed that the counting operation is performed in this state. When the counting operation is performed, the payout control unit 171 transmits a counting confirmation notification command for inquiring about the number of BET clears to the main control unit 161.

The main control unit 161 performs the BET clear process by receiving the count confirmation notification command. However, since the value of the BET counter is "0", it remains "0" even after the BET clear processing is performed. After performing the BET clear processing, the main control unit 161 transmits a count confirmation response command capable of specifying that the number of BET clears is "0" to the payout control unit 171.

When the payout control unit 171 receives the count confirmation notification command, the payout control unit 171 performs counting processing. Since the number of BET clears is "0", the value of the credit counter is updated from "23" to "0", and the counting number counter is updated from "0" to "23".

After that, the above information is transmitted in the counting information and the credit information that are periodically transmitted. That is, the payout control board 17 transmits the counting information that can specify that the number of counting sheets is "23" to the CU control unit 323. Further, the payout control board 17 transmits credit information that can identify that the number of credits is "0" to the CU control unit 323.

Upon receiving the counting information, the CU control unit 323 adds the value of the possessed medal counter by "23" and updates it from "150" to "173". Further, the CU control unit 323 updates the value of the CU credit counter from "23" to "0" by receiving the credit information.

After that, when the return operation is performed, the value of the possessed medal counter is updated from "173" to "0", and 173 cards are stored in the card and returned.

Next, a case where a value is set in the BET counter will be described. As shown in FIG. 8B, it is assumed that the value of the credit counter is currently "23" and the value of the BET counter is "3". Further, it is assumed that the value of the CU credit counter is "23" and the value of the possessed medal counter is "150".

It is assumed that the counting operation is performed in this state. When the counting operation is performed, the payout control unit 171 transmits a counting confirmation notification command for inquiring about the number of BET clears to the main control unit 161.

The main control unit 161 performs the BET clear process by receiving the count confirmation notification command. By the BET clear process, the value of the BET counter is updated (cleared) from "3" to "0". After performing the BET clear processing, the main control unit 161 transmits a count confirmation response command capable of specifying that the number of BET clears is "3" to the payout control unit 171.

When the payout control unit 171 receives the count confirmation notification command, the payout control unit 171 performs counting processing. Since the number of BET clears is "3", the value of the credit counter is updated from "23" to "26". If "1" or more is set for the number of BET clears, the number of counts is not set. Therefore, the counting number counter remains "0".

After that, the above information is transmitted in the counting information and the credit information that are periodically transmitted. That is, the payout control board 17 transmits the counting information that can specify that the number of counting sheets is "0" to the CU control unit 323. Further, the payout control board 17 transmits credit information that can identify that the number of credits is "26" to the CU control unit 323.

Since the number of counting sheets is "0", the CU control unit 323 does not update the value of the ball holding counter even if the counting information is received (it remains "150"). Further, the CU control unit 323 updates the value of the CU credit counter from "23" to "26" by receiving the credit information.

After that, when the return operation is performed, the value of the possessed medal counter is updated from "150" to "0", and 150 cards are stored in the card and returned. The number of credits remains "26".

[Communication sequence during MAXBET operation]
Next, the communication sequence of the BET-related processing executed when the MAXBET operation is performed will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a communication sequence (No. 1) at the time of MAXBET operation.

As shown in FIG. 9, the payout control unit 171 is controlled to wait for customers. Further, the main control unit 161 is also controlled to wait for customers. Currently, the value of the credit counter is "50" and the value of the BET counter is "0".

Here, it is assumed that the MAXBET operation is performed. At this time, if the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is established, the MAXBET operation is valid, but the communication is established between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. If not, the MAXBET operation is invalid. Further, the MAXBET operation is invalid even when the unit is not connected. If the MAXBET operation is invalid, the following processing is not executed.

When the MAXBET operation is valid, the payout control unit 171 changes the state from the "customer waiting state" to the "main control response waiting state". In addition, the MAXBET operation executes a BET-related process for setting the maximum bet number (3). As the BET-related process, the payout control unit 171 executes the BET-related process (payout control), and the main control unit 161 executes the BET-related process (main control).

First, the payout control unit 171 sets the value of the MAXBET counter to "3" in the BET-related processing (payout control). In the BET-related process, a process of setting the number of bets one by one is executed.

The payout control unit 171 transmits a BET confirmation notification command to the main control unit 161 in order to inquire whether the BET is possible or not. The payout control unit 171 transmits information that can identify that the number of BETs is "1" as BET confirmation information.

The main control unit 161 executes the specified number confirmation process by receiving the BET confirmation notification command. Currently, the BET counter is "0", and even if the number of BETs "1" is added, the upper limit value (3) is not exceeded. Therefore, it is determined by the specified number confirmation process that BET is possible. As a result, the main control unit 161 transmits a BET confirmation response command that can identify that BET is possible.

The payout control unit 171 executes the BET possibility confirmation process by receiving the BET confirmation response command. Since BET is possible, the payout control unit 171 decides to give a BET instruction in the BET possibility confirmation process. As a result, the payout control unit 171 transmits a BET instruction notification command that can be specified to be set in the BET counter with the number of BETs "1" to the main control unit 161.

Upon receiving the BET instruction notification command, the main control unit 161 executes BET-related processing (main control) set in the BET counter with the number of BETs “1”. The BET counter is updated from "0" to "1" by the BET-related processing (main control). After executing the BET-related processing (main control), the main control unit 161 transmits a BET instruction response command that can specify to the payout control unit 171 that the number of BETs “1” is set in the BET counter.

The payout control unit 171 performs the credit subtraction process by receiving the BET instruction response command. By the credit subtraction process, the process of subtracting the number of BETs "1" set in the BET counter from the value "50" of the credit counter is executed. As a result, the value of the credit counter is updated from "50" to "49". Further, the payout control unit 171 subtracts the number of BETs “1” and updates the value of the MAXBET counter from “3” to “2”.

Since "2" is set in the MAXBET counter, the payout control unit 171 further transmits a BET confirmation command. When the credit subtraction process is executed by the same process as above, the BET counter value is updated from "1" to "2", the credit counter value is updated from "49" to "48", and the MAXBET counter is updated. The value is updated from "2" to "1".

Further, when the payout control unit 171 transmits the BET confirmation command and then the credit subtraction process is executed, the value of the BET counter is updated from "2" to "3", and the value of the credit counter is changed from "48" to "48". It will be updated to 47 ". The value of the MAXBET counter is updated from "1" to "0".

Further, the payout control unit 171 transmits a BET confirmation command, and when a BET confirmation notification command that can identify "BET impossible" is received from the main control unit 161 as a response, the payout control unit 171 transmits a MAXBET completion command. do.

Upon receiving the MAXBET completion notification command, the main control unit 161 controls the state of the main control unit 161 to "waiting for payout control instruction / waiting for start operation", and transmits a MAXBET completion response command to the payout control unit 171. do.

The payout control unit 171 controls the state of the payout control unit 171 to the "customer waiting state" by receiving the MAXBET completion response command. This completes the BET-related processing.

In this state, even if the MAXBET operation is performed, the payout control unit 171 does not send the BET confirmation command. This is because the payout control unit 171 receives the BET confirmation response command that can identify that BET is not possible from the main control unit 161. Therefore, it is not necessary to send the BET confirmation command to inquire whether the BET is possible or not.

As described above, when the MAXBET operation is performed, the credit subtraction process is performed on condition that communication is established between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. Further, when the MAXBET operation is performed, a credit subtraction process is performed in which the number of credits corresponding to the operation is subtracted by 1 from the credits stored in the RAM 171c. Further, when the payout control unit 171 receives a BET confirmation response command (a BET confirmation response command that can identify that BET is not possible) from the main control unit 161 that does not allow the credit subtraction process, the payout control unit 171 does not transmit the BET confirmation response command. ..

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a communication sequence (No. 2) at the time of MAXBET operation. In the example described with reference to FIG. 9, the situation where the value of the BET counter is “0” has been described. In the example described with reference to FIG. 10, the situation where the value of the BET counter is “2” will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, the payout control unit 171 is controlled to wait for customers. Further, the main control unit 161 is also controlled to wait for customers. At present, it is assumed that the value of the credit counter is "50", the value of the BET counter is "2", and the value of the MAXBET counter is "3".

Here, it is assumed that the MAXBET operation is performed. After the payout control unit 171 sends the BET confirmation command, when the credit subtraction process is executed, the value of the BET counter is updated from "2" to "3", and the value of the credit counter is changed from "50" to "49". Will be updated to. The value of the MAXBET counter is updated from "3" to "2".

Since the value of the MAXBET counter is "2", the payout control unit 171 further transmits a BET confirmation command. However, since the value of the BET counter has already reached the upper limit value "3", the main control unit 161 transmits a BET confirmation response command that can identify that BET is not possible.

The payout control unit 171 considers that MAXBET has been completed by receiving the BET confirmation response command that can identify that BET is not possible, and clears the value of the MAXBET counter (from "2" to "0"). Change to). As a result, the payout control unit 171 does not transmit the BET confirmation command any more.

The payout control unit 171 transmits a MAXBET completion command, and ends the BET-related processing when the MAXBET completion response command is received.

As described above, when the payout control unit 171 receives the BET confirmation response command (BET confirmation response command that can identify that BET is not possible) from the main control unit 161 that does not allow the credit subtraction process, the payout control unit 171 issues a BET confirmation command. Do not send.

[Communication sequence during game]
Next, the communication sequence during the game will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a communication sequence during a game.

As shown in FIG. 11, the payout control unit 171 is controlled to wait for customers. Further, the main control unit 161 is also controlled to wait for customers. Currently, the value of the credit counter is "50" and the value of the BET counter is "0". Further, it is assumed that the value of the CU balance counter is "150" and the value of the CU credit counter is "50".

As described above, the payout control unit 171 periodically transmits credit information to the CU control unit 323. As a result, both the value of the credit counter and the value of the CU credit counter become "50".

Here, it is assumed that the MAXBET operation is performed. Similar to the example described with reference to FIG. 9, the MAXBET operation is effective when communication is established between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. When the MAXBET operation is valid, the payout control unit 171 transmits the BET confirmation command, and finally receives the MAXBET completion command to complete the BET-related processing. As a result, the value of the credit counter is updated from "50" to "47", and the value of the BET counter is updated from "0" to "3". Further, the state of the main control unit 161 side is controlled to "waiting for payout control instruction / waiting for start operation", and the state of the payout control unit 171 side is controlled to "waiting for customer".

The CU control unit 323 updates the CU credit counter from "50" to "47" according to the credit information received thereafter.

It is assumed that the start operation is performed in this state. At this time, if the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is established, the start operation is valid, but the communication is established between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. If not, the start operation is invalid. Also, the start operation is invalid even when the unit is not connected. If the start operation is invalid, the following processing will not be executed.

When the start operation is valid, the main control unit 161 transmits a game start notification command that can identify that the game has started to the payout control unit 171 due to the start operation. Further, the main control unit 161 controls the state on the main control unit 161 side to the "gaming state".

The payout control unit 171 controls the state of the payout control unit 171 to the "game end waiting state" by receiving the game start notification command.

Next, it is assumed that the player operates the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and finally stops at the third stop, and the bell winning symbol combination is derived. In the winning determination process, the main control unit 161 determines that the bell that generates eight payouts has won a prize.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the figure is exaggerated for the sake of clarity, but in reality, when compared with the time from "game start" to "game result transmission" shown in the figure, " The time from "BET confirmation" to "MAXBET completion response" and the time from "game result" to "addition completion" are very short. The same applies to the following figures.

The main control unit 161 transmits a game result notification command to the payout control unit 171 after the winning determination process. By the game result notification command, it is possible to specify that a bell has been won and the number of payouts (8). The main control unit 161 controls the state of the main control unit 161 side to "waiting for payout control instruction".

The payout control unit 171 performs the credit addition process by receiving the game result notification command. In the credit addition process, unlike the credit subtraction process, the credit counters are not updated one by one, but are all updated at once. The payout control unit 171 adds the number of payouts "8" by the credit addition process, and updates the value of the credit counter from "47" to "55".

After performing the credit addition process, the payout control unit 171 sends an addition completion notification command to the main control unit 161 and controls the state of the payout control unit 171 to the "customer waiting state". The main control unit 161 controls the state on the main control unit 161 side to the "customer waiting state" by receiving the addition completion notification command.

The CU control unit 323 updates the CU credit counter from "47" to "55" according to the credit information received thereafter.

As described above, when a prize is awarded, the credit addition process is performed on condition that communication is established between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. Further, when a prize is awarded, a credit addition process is performed in which all the credits given to the credits stored in the RAM 171c are collectively added.

[Processing by S unit 2 when unit disconnection occurs]
Next, the processing in the S unit 2 when the unit is not connected will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing in the S unit 2 when a unit is not connected.

The S unit 2 can start the game on the condition that the communication with the CU is established (the unit is not connected). While the unit is not connected, the predetermined operation is invalidated and the execution of the predetermined process is prohibited. The predetermined operation is an operation for starting the game and an operation for updating the credit. The predetermined process is an operation for renewing the credit.

Specifically, when communication is not established between the payout control unit 171 and the CU control unit 323 (when the unit is not connected), the MAXBET operation (operation of the MAXBET switch 6) and the start operation (start switch). 7 operation) and counting operation (operation of counting button 10) are invalidated. The start operation is an operation for starting the game. The MAXBET operation and the counting operation are operations for renewing credits.

If the unit is not connected, execution of credit subtraction processing, credit addition processing, counting processing, and game result command transmission processing when payout occurs is prohibited. All of these processes are processes executed to renew the credit.

As a method of invalidating a predetermined operation (operation of the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the counting button 10) while the unit is not connected, a method of executing the invalidation process of the operation (disabled by software). (Things), but may be those that are disabled by stopping the power supply to the physical signal line (those that are disabled in terms of hardware).

When disabling it by software, for example, the payout control unit 171 performs a process of determining that the signal from the counting button 10 or the MAXBET switch 6 is not detected even if the signal is detected. Further, the main control unit 161 performs a process of determining that the signal is not detected even if the signal from the start switch 7 is detected.

When disabling it in terms of hardware, for example, the power supply to the physical signal line to which the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the counting button 10 are connected may be stopped. By doing so, the signals from these switches will not be detected. As the operation to be invalidated while the unit is not connected, all operations of the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the counting button 10 may be invalidated, or some operations may be invalidated. There may be.

Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to FIG. If the MAXBET operation is performed while the CU is not connected, the MAXBET operation is invalid and the execution of the credit subtraction process is also prohibited. Therefore, even if the unit is not connected after the MAXBET operation, the credit will not be renewed.

When the unit unconnected state is resolved, the MAXBET operation is enabled and the credit subtraction process can be executed. This makes it possible to set the bet number (credit subtraction update) by the MAXBET operation.

If the start operation is performed while the CU is not connected, the game cannot be started because the start operation is invalid. When the unit unconnected state is resolved, the start operation is enabled, so that the game can be started by the start operation.

If a counting operation is performed while the CU is not connected, the counting operation is invalid and execution of the counting process is prohibited. Therefore, even if the unit is not connected after the counting operation, the credit is not updated by the counting process.

When the unit unconnected state is resolved, the counting operation is enabled and the counting process can be executed. This makes it possible to perform counting processing (credit subtraction update) by counting operations.

Next, a case where a CU not connected state occurs while the game is started by the start operation will be described. In this case, it is possible to process the progress of the game at least until the game is completed (the symbol combination is derived). Therefore, the stop operation (operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is not invalidated. When the symbol combination is derived by the third stop operation, the winning determination process is executed.

Here, the process related to the progress of the game is various processes executed in the game control process. The game control process is a process for controlling a series of games such as a BET-related process, an internal lottery process, a reel rotation process, a winning determination process, and a credit addition process for winning, as shown in FIG.

When a prize with a payout occurs, the process related to the progress of the game is stopped so that the credit is not renewed. Specifically, the transmission of the game result transmission command and the execution of the credit addition process are prohibited so that the credits are not updated. Therefore, the credit will not be added and renewed. Further, even if the unit is not connected after the game result transmission command is transmitted, the credit is not added and updated because the execution of the credit addition process is prohibited.

When the unit unconnected state is resolved, the process related to the progress of the game is resumed. Therefore, after the unit unconnected state is resolved, the game result transmission command is transmitted and the credit addition process is executed, and the credit is added and updated.

Further, even when a power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like during the game and both the CU and the S unit 2 are turned off, the same processing as described above is executed. For example, it is assumed that a power failure occurs immediately after the third stop and the power is restored. In this case, the process related to the progress of the game can be restarted based on the backup data stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 161c. However, at that time, if the power supply on the CU side has not been restored (CU not connected state), the process related to the progress of the game is restarted (started) after waiting for the CU unconnected state to be resolved. .. When the process related to the progress of the game is restarted, the winning determination process is performed based on the derived symbol combination, and the game result transmission command is transmitted. Further, the credit addition process is executed and the credit is added and updated.

Next, a case where a prize with payout does not occur and a replay prize occurs will be described. In this case, since the credits are not added and updated, the main control unit 161 transmits a game result transmission command that can specify that the occurrence of the replay winning and the number of payouts are 0. On the other hand, the payout control unit 171 continues the game state of "waiting for the end of the game" without executing the credit addition process.

Further, when the replay is won, the replay is given, so that the payout control unit 171 does not execute the credit subtraction process by the BET-related process. Therefore, the payout control unit 171 executes an automatic BET process for updating the BET counter from "0" to "3" for the next game, and controls the state to "wait for the start of the game". However, in the CU not connected state, the game cannot be started because the start operation is invalidated. In this state, when the unit unconnected state is resolved, the start operation is enabled, so that the game can be started by the start operation.

Next, the case where the payout other than the replay prize does not occur will be described. In this case, since the credits are not added and updated, the main control unit 161 transmits a game result transmission command that can specify that the occurrence of the replay winning and the number of payouts are 0. On the other hand, the payout control unit 171 continues the game state of "waiting for the end of the game" without executing the credit addition process. However, since the MAXBET operation is disabled, BET-related processing cannot be executed. In this state, when the unit unconnected state is resolved, the MAXBET operation is enabled, so that the bet number can be set by the MAXBET operation.

[Communication sequence when unit disconnection occurs]
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, an example in which a unit is not connected before the MAXBET operation will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a communication sequence when a unit is not connected before the MAXBET operation.

As shown in FIG. 13, the payout control unit 171 is controlled to wait for customers. Further, the main control unit 161 is also controlled to wait for customers. Currently, the value of the credit counter is "50" and the value of the BET counter is "0". Further, it is assumed that the value of the CU balance counter is "150" and the value of the CU credit counter is "50".

In this state, it is assumed that the power supply of the CU 3 is cut off and the unit is not connected. As a result, the main control unit 161 side and the payout control unit 171 side are controlled to wait for error cancellation.

Here, it is assumed that the MAXBET operation is performed. However, since the unit is not connected, the MAXBET operation is disabled and BET-related processing is also prohibited. Therefore, the payout control unit 171 cannot transmit the BET confirmation command. When the BET-related process is executed, the value of the credit counter is originally subtracted and updated from "50" to "47". However, since the BET-related processing is not executed, the value of the credit counter remains "50".

After that, it is assumed that the power of the CU 3 is turned on and the unit unconnected state is resolved. At this time, the value of the CU credit counter of CU3 is "50" as before the power was cut off. By eliminating the unit unconnected state, the CU 3 can receive the credit information periodically transmitted from the payout control unit 171. Since the number of credits that can be specified from the credit information is "50", the value of the CU credit counter on the CU3 side and the value of the credit counter on the payout control unit 171 side match.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the credit is not updated on the payout control unit 171 side (the value of the credit counter is not updated by subtraction from "50" to "47") in the unit unconnected state, so that the CU 3 Data inconsistency regarding the number of credits does not occur between the side and the S unit 2 side.

If such a data inconsistency occurs, as described above, there is a possibility that fraudulent activity has occurred. Therefore, the CU3 side is controlled to shift to an error state, and the staff members take artificial measures. The urging error notification is performed by the abnormality notification lamp or the display 312.

MAXBET operation becomes possible by eliminating the unit unconnected state. When the player performs the MAXBET operation, the payout control unit 171 transmits the BET confirmation command and then receives the MAXBET completion command to complete the BET-related processing. As a result, the value of the credit counter is updated from "50" to "47", and the value of the BET counter is updated from "0" to "3". As described above, the main control unit 161 restarts (starts) the process related to the progress of the game on condition that the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3 is established. Hereinafter, the same as in FIG. 11, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, when the unit is not connected, the operation for renewing the credit is invalidated and the process executed for renewing the credit is prohibited for the following reasons. As described above, when the value of the credit counter is updated when the unit is not connected, data inconsistency regarding the number of credits occurs between the CU 3 side and the S unit 2 side.

When data inconsistency occurs, as described above, there is a possibility that the data has been tampered with on the S unit 2 side due to fraud. For this reason, an error notification is sent on the CU3 side, and the person in charge is made to confirm whether or not the fraud has occurred. However, if the credit is not renewed when the unit is not connected, data inconsistency will not occur, the staff will have to check each time by error notification, and the player will interrupt the game. This is because there is no need.

As described above, when the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3 is no longer established, the execution of the credit subtraction process is prohibited. Further, when the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3 is not established, the main control unit 161 relates to the progress of the game so that the credits stored in the RAM 171c are not updated by the credit addition process or the credit subtraction process. Stop processing. As a result, data inconsistency due to the update of credits does not occur, so that the progress of the game can be suitably stopped in the unit unconnected state in which communication with the CU 3 is not established.

Next, an example in which a unit is not connected occurs during the game will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a communication sequence when a unit is not connected during a game.

Since it is the same as in FIG. 11 until the start operation is performed and the game is started, the description thereof will be omitted. The game starts by the start operation. At this time, the values of the credit counter and the CU credit counter are both "47".

In this state, it is assumed that the power supply of the CU 3 is cut off and the unit is not connected. However, even in this case, the game can be advanced on the main control unit 161 side and the payout control unit 171 side, and the stop operation is not invalidated.

It is assumed that the player performs a stop operation and the bell winning symbol combination is derived by the third stop operation. At this time, the winning determination process is executed, and it is determined that a bell winning with 8 payouts has occurred.

However, due to the occurrence of unit disconnection, the process related to the progress of the game is stopped so that the credit is not updated. Specifically, the game result transmission command is not transmitted, and the credit is not added and updated by the credit addition process.

When the credit is added and updated, the value of the credit counter is originally added and updated from "47" to "55". However, since the credit addition process is not executed, the value of the credit counter remains "47".

After that, it is assumed that the power of the CU 3 is turned on and the unit unconnected state is resolved. At this time, the value of the CU credit counter of CU3 is "47" as before the power was cut off. By eliminating the unit unconnected state, the CU 3 can receive the credit information periodically transmitted from the payout control unit 171. Since the number of credits that can be specified from the credit information is "47", the value of the CU credit counter on the CU3 side and the value of the credit counter on the payout control unit 171 side match.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the credit is not updated on the payout control unit 171 side (the value of the credit counter is not added and updated from "47" to "55") in the unit unconnected state, so that the CU 3 Data inconsistency regarding the number of credits does not occur between the side and the S unit 2 side.

When the unit is not connected, the process related to the progress of the game is resumed. This makes it possible to send the game result. The payout control unit 171 performs the credit addition process by receiving the game result notification command. As a result, the value of the credit counter is added and updated from "47" to "55". Hereinafter, the same as in FIG. 11, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the main control unit 161 prevents the credit stored in the RAM 171c from being updated by the credit addition process or the credit subtraction process when the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3 is not established. Stop the process related to the progress of the game. Further, when the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3 is not established during the game, the main control unit 161 can advance the game at least until the game is completed, but a prize is generated. When credits are granted, the processing related to the progress of the game is stopped before the credit addition processing is performed. As a result, data inconsistency due to the update of credits does not occur, so that the progress of the game can be suitably stopped in the unit unconnected state in which communication with the CU 3 is not established.

[Main effect]
Next, the main effects obtained by the above-described embodiment will be described.

(1-1) As shown in FIG. 9, when a MAXBET operation is performed, a credit subtraction process is performed in which the number of credits corresponding to the operation is subtracted by 1 from the credits stored in the RAM 171c. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the BET counter from being set and unnecessary retransmission processing, and the resulting increase in program capacity and processing load. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, since there is no upper limit to the value of the credit counter, all the credits given to the credits stored in the RAM 171c when a prize is won are collectively added. Credit addition processing is performed. In this way, the credit can be appropriately renewed depending on the situation when the credit is used for the game by the BET operation and when the credit is given due to the occurrence of a prize.

(1-2) As shown in FIG. 9, when the MAXBET operation is performed, the credit subtraction process is performed on condition that communication is established between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. .. By doing so, it is possible to limit the deduction and renewal of credits when the main control unit 161 or the payout control unit 171 is not operating normally.

(1-3) As shown in FIG. 11, when a prize is awarded, the credit addition process is performed on condition that communication is established between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. By doing so, it is possible to limit the addition and renewal of credits when the main control unit 161 or the payout control unit 171 is not operating normally.

(1-4) As shown in FIG. 9, the payout control unit 171 transmits a BET confirmation command for performing a credit deduction process each time the credits are deducted one by one to the main control unit 161. By doing so, the credit can be suitably renewed according to the situation in the main control unit 161.

(1-5) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the payout control unit 171 receives a BET confirmation response command that can identify that BET is not possible from the main control unit 161, the payout control unit 171 does not transmit the BET command. .. By preventing unnecessary inquiries to the main control unit 161 in this way, the processing load can be reduced.

(2-1) As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, when the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3 is not established, the main control unit 161 stores in the RAM 171c by the credit addition process or the credit subtraction process. Stop the process related to the progress of the game so that the credits that have been credited are not updated. As a result, data inconsistency due to the update of credits does not occur, so that the progress of the game can be suitably stopped in the unit unconnected state in which communication with the CU 3 is not established.

(2-2) As shown in FIG. 11, when a prize is won, a credit addition process for adding the number of credits given to the credits stored in the RAM 171c is performed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, when the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3 is not established during the game, the main control unit 161 processes related to the progress of the game at least until the game is completed. However, if a prize is awarded and credits are granted, the processing related to the progress of the game is stopped before the credit addition processing is performed. By doing so, it is possible to limit the addition and renewal of credits when the unit is not connected.

(2-3) As shown in FIG. 10, when the MAXBET operation is performed, a credit subtraction process is performed in which the number of credits corresponding to the operation is subtracted from the credits stored in the RAM 171c. Further, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the communication between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3 is no longer established, the execution of the credit subtraction process is prohibited. By doing so, it is possible to limit the deduction and renewal of credits when the unit is not connected.

(2-4) As shown in FIG. 6, the payout control unit 171 periodically transmits the unit connection confirmation result information capable of specifying the communication state with the CU 3 to the main control unit 161. By doing so, the main control unit 161 can grasp the connection status between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3.

(2-5) As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the main control unit 161 starts a process related to the progress of the game on condition that communication is established between the payout control unit 171 and the CU 3. .. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being controlled in an abnormal state.

[Modification example]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, a modified example of the above embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[About the configuration of the card unit and slot machine]
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a card unit and a slot machine in a modified example.

As described with reference to FIG. 2, the payout control unit 171 performs a process of updating the credit. Specifically, a credit addition process based on a MAXBET operation, a credit subtraction process based on the occurrence of a prize, a credit addition process based on a lending operation, a counting process based on a counting operation (credit subtraction processing), and the like are performed. Along with this, the payout control board 17 is provided with a credit display 11, a counting button 10, and a MAXBET switch 6.

In the S stand 2 in the modified example, the main control board 16 has a part of the functions provided in the payout control board 17 of FIG. Specifically, the main control unit 161 is made to execute the BET-related processing based on the MAXBET operation, and the main control board 16 is provided with the MAXBET switch 6 accordingly.

In the case of a conventional slot machine, the slot machine of FIG. 2 has a payout control unit 171 having a function related to payout and payout, whereas the slot machine of FIG. 15 has a payout control unit 171 having a function related to payout and is related to payout. The function corresponds to that provided by the main control unit 161. In the conventional slot machine, the medal selector, hopper, etc. are connected to the payout control board 17 in the slot machine of FIG. 2, whereas in the slot machine of FIG. 15, the payout control board 17 is connected. A hopper or the like is connected, and a medal selector or the like is connected to the main control board.

With the above configuration, the processing of the S unit 2 in the modified example is as follows.

Specifically, the BET-related processing as shown in FIG. 9 is, for example, as follows. When the MAXBET switch 6 connected to the main control board 16 is operated, the main control unit 161 inquires the payout control unit 171 whether or not the credit can be subtracted. Make inquiries one by one. When the main control unit 161 receives a response that the credit can be deducted, the main control unit 161 sets the bet number and notifies the payout control unit 171 that the bet number setting is completed. The payout control unit 171 executes the credit subtraction process when it is notified that the bet number setting is completed. By repeating the above process three times (for the number of bets), the credit subtraction process is executed three times, and the BET-related process is terminated.

At that time, if the value of the BET counter has already reached the maximum value (3), the main control unit 161 does not transmit the command to the payout control unit 171 any more. Further, even when the credit cannot be deducted, the main control unit 161 does not further transmit the command to the payout control unit 171. Further, when the unit is not connected, the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated and the execution of the BET process is prohibited. When the unit disconnection is resolved, the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is enabled and the BET process can be executed. Other processes are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 14.

Further, the conventional slot machine and the medalless slot machine may be configured to be switchable by a switch. As for the hardware, as with the conventional slot machine, a hopper, a medal selector, etc. are provided, and the process (software) executed by the payout control unit 171 is switched between the medalless type and the conventional type by operating a switch. The configuration should be feasible.

[About pachinko machines]
The above-mentioned gaming machine 1 is provided with a plurality of variable display units capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each, and after variable display of the variable display unit, display is performed by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit. It may be a slot machine capable of deriving a result and generating a prize according to a display result combination which is a combination of display results of a plurality of variable display units. The above-mentioned gaming machine 1 may be a pachinko gaming machine that can be controlled to a jackpot gaming state that is advantageous to the player according to the result of variable display of a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each.

[About BET-related processing]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, between the transmission of the BET confirmation command and the execution of the credit subtraction process, the communication reciprocates between the payout control unit 171 and the main control unit 161 twice. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be completed in one round trip as follows.

For example, when the BET confirmation notification command is transmitted, the main control unit 161 may update the value of the BET counter if BET is possible. Further, when the payout control unit 171 receives a command from the main control unit 161 that can identify that the BET counter has been updated, the payout control unit 171 performs a credit subtraction process. Further, when the value of the BET counter is updated to "3", the payout control unit 171 may not send the BET confirmation response notification command again.

Further, the MAXBET completion notification command or the MAXBET completion notification command may not be sent, or only the MAXBET completion notification command may be sent.

Further, when the MAXBET operation is performed, the credit subtraction process of subtracting the number of credits corresponding to the operation by 1 from the credits stored in the RAM 171c is performed, but the credit subtraction process is not limited to this, and all of them are collectively performed. You may try to subtract.

[About game start notification]
In the present embodiment, the game start notification is transmitted at the time of the start operation, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the game start notification may not be transmitted. In this case, the payout control unit 171 is not controlled to the "waiting for the end of the game" state, and continues to be in the "waiting for customer state".

[About game result notification]
In the present embodiment, the game result notification is transmitted, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the game start notification may not be transmitted. In this case, the main control unit 161 side is controlled to the "customer waiting state" instead of being controlled by the "payout control instruction waiting". Also, in the game result notification, information that can specify the number of payouts and information that can specify the winning combination are transmitted, but not limited to this, these information are transmitted by different commands. You may.

[Processing on S unit 2 when unit disconnection occurs]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, while the unit is not connected, the operation for starting the game and the operation for updating the credit are invalidated, and the operation for updating the credit is performed. Changed to prohibit execution. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these operations may not be invalidated even when the unit is not connected. Further, the execution of these processes may not be prohibited. Further, only some operations may be disabled, or only some processes may be disabled. For example, the MAXBET operation may be disabled, but the credit subtraction process may be executable.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when a unit is not connected during the game, the game result transmission command is not transmitted so that the credit is not updated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the winning determination process after the third stop operation is performed may not be executed. Further, although the game result transmission command can be transmitted, the credit addition process may be prohibited from execution.

[Application to pachinko machines]
Next, an example when the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine will be described. Hereinafter, detailed description of the same parts as those in the above embodiment will be omitted. The pachinko gaming machine launches a game medium such as a game ball into the game area by operating the ball striking operation handle, and when the game medium wins a prize at the start winning opening provided in the game area, a plurality of types of identification information are variable. The display is done. When the jackpot symbol is derived and displayed as a result of the variable display, it is controlled to the jackpot game state and the jackpot is opened. A predetermined prize ball is obtained by winning a prize in the winning opening.

When the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine, the following may be used. In a configuration in which an enclosed game machine in which a game ball is enclosed (hereinafter referred to as "P unit") and a card unit (CU), which is an example of a game device, are installed in a one-to-one correspondence, the P unit is a P unit. It is provided with a main control board that controls the progress of the game, a frame control board that manages and stores the game balls, and an effect control board that displays and controls a variable display device based on a command transmitted from the main control board. The CU control unit and the frame control board can communicate with each other, and the frame control board and the main control board can communicate with each other. In addition, the ball held on the card is converted into a game ball by the ball lending operation in the CU. In addition, the counting operation is performed to perform a counting process in which the game ball is converted into a holding ball. The game ball is stored on the frame control board side, is subtracted and updated by the launch of the game ball, and is added and updated by the prize ball due to the winning. When the hitting operation handle is operated, the number of game balls corresponding to the operation is subtracted by 1 from the number of stored game balls, and when a prize ball is generated, it is given to the number of stored game balls. A process is performed in which all of the number of game balls (number of prize balls) are collectively added. When communication is not established between the frame control board and the CU, the main board stops the process related to the progress of the game so that the game ball is not updated by addition / subtraction.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

2 slot machine, 3 card unit, 6 MAXBET switch, 10 counting button, 11 credit display, 7 start switch, 16 main control board, 17 payout control board, 161 main control unit, 171 payout control unit, 321 lending button, 322 Card return button, 323 CU control unit.

Claims (1)

Equipped with a variable display unit that can variablely display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each.
In a gaming machine in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit after the variable display unit is displayed in a variable manner and a prize can be generated according to the display result .
A game control means that controls the progress of the game,
A value control means that controls the game value owned by the player ,
A bet number manipulation means operated to set a bet number using a player-owned game value, and
The start operation means operated to start the variable display of the variable display unit,
With a derivation operation means operated to derive the display result ,
The value control means is
It is possible to communicate with the gaming device corresponding to the gaming machine,
A memory means for memorizing the game value owned by the player,
Including the renewal means for updating the game value stored in the storage means.
By operating the bet number operating means, the bet number setting state in which the bet number is set may be set.
By operating the start operation means in the bet number setting state, it is possible to start the variable display of the variable display unit.
Since the derivation operation means is operated after the variable display of the variable display unit is started, the variable display of the variable display unit can be stopped.
If communication is not established between the value control means and the game device before the bet number is set, the bet number setting state is not set even if the bet number operation means is operated.
When communication is not established between the value control means and the game device in the bet number setting state, the variable display of the variable display unit is not started even if the start operation means is operated.
When communication between the value control means and the gaming device is not established after the variable display of the variable display unit is started, the variable display unit is changed due to the operation of the derivation operation means. A gaming machine whose display can be stopped .

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