JP7464221B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that is installed in an amusement facility such as a pachinko parlor and exchanges gaming value as data with an external gaming machine compatible unit.

A gaming machine that is installed adjacent to an external card unit and exchanges gaming value as data with the card unit and has a main control board and a frame control board, and communicates between the main control board and the frame control board, and between the frame control board and the card unit.

In such gaming machines, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the main control board notifies the frame control board of gaming machine information at regular intervals (100 ms), and the frame control board responds to this notification, and the frame control board notifies the card unit of gaming machine information at a cycle of 300 ms, which is slower than the regular cycle (100 ms) of communication with the main control board.

Japanese Patent No. 6538229 (for example, paragraph 0315, FIG. 40, etc.)

However, there are slot machines in which games are played using only electronic data of medals, without using actual medals made of metal or the like. Such slot machines are equipped with a main control CPU mounted on a main control board (corresponding to the "main control board" above) that controls the progress of the game, and a medal count control CPU mounted on a medal count control board (corresponding to the "frame control board" above) that controls the amount of movement of pseudo medals between an external card unit and the external card unit through communication with the external card unit.

In the future, due to changes in the environment surrounding slot machines, such as improvements in CPU performance, the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU may be integrated into a single chip. Even if they are integrated into a single chip, some of the functions of the main control CPU and some of the functions of the medal count control CPU will become the functions of a single-chip CPU, and it is expected that one ROM and one RAM will be provided for the integrated CPU.

In such a case, it is desirable to divide the ROM storage area into storage areas for storing programs by function, such as some of the functions of the main control CPU and some of the functions of the medal count control CPU, and divide the RAM storage area into storage areas for storing data by function, such as some of the functions of the main control CPU and some of the functions of the medal count control CPU, and to prevent a CPU executing a program stored in an area of the ROM related to a certain function from calling up a program stored in an area of the ROM related to another function, or updating data stored in an area of the RAM related to another function, thereby preventing the effects of fraudulent activity as much as possible and improving security.

For example, some of the functions of the medal count control CPU include a function to detect errors in predetermined events such as communication with the card unit, and some of the functions of the main control CPU include a function to perform predetermined error processing such as disabling game progress when an error in a predetermined event is detected by the medal count control CPU. In this way, when processing of both some of the functions of the main control CPU and some of the functions of the medal count control CPU is required, it is usually necessary to call a program stored in an area of the ROM related to some of the functions of the medal count control CPU from a program stored in an area of the ROM related to some of the functions of the main control CPU, and to call a program stored in an area of the ROM related to some of the functions of the main control CPU from a program stored in an area of the ROM related to some of the functions of the medal count control CPU, which may reduce security.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can ensure security against fraudulent activities related to the monitoring of specific events such as communications with an external gaming machine compatible unit and error processing in response to the specific events when some of the functions of the main control CPU and some of the functions of the gaming value amount control CPU (the medal count control CPU mentioned above) are combined into the functions of a single control means.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention has a control means, a first storage means which is readable but write-prohibited, and a second storage means which is readable and writable, and in which a gaming value is awarded in accordance with a game result, the storage area of one of the first storage means comprises a first control program storage area in which a first control program for performing a first control including a game progress control program relating to control relating to the progress of a game, and a second control program storage area which is a storage area different from the first control program storage area and in which a second control program for performing a second control including control relating to the amount of transfer of the gaming value between an external gaming machine compatible unit and the external gaming machine compatible unit by communication performed at a fixed period with the external gaming machine compatible unit is stored. The storage area of one of the second storage means is configured to include a first data storage area corresponding to the first control program storage area and a second data storage area corresponding to the second control program storage area, and one of the control means is capable of functioning as a first control means for executing the first control program stored in the first control program storage area to perform the first control, and is capable of functioning as a second control means for executing the second control program stored in the second control program storage area to perform the second control, and the game progress control program stored in the first control program storage area is stored in the second control program storage area. The second control program stored in the second control program storage area can be called, but the game progress control program stored in the first control program storage area cannot be called from the second control program stored in the second control program storage area. With respect to a predetermined event to be monitored by the second control means, the second control means monitors the predetermined event and performs a predetermined event monitoring process in which contents stored in a predetermined location of the second data storage area are based on the monitoring result of the predetermined event. The first control means performs error processing according to the predetermined event based on the monitoring result of the predetermined event by the second control means. The gaming machine displays a game information display that displays information related to a game at a position that cannot be seen by a player. The gaming machine is equipped with a display unit, and the first control includes a payout control that controls a payout process related to the granting of the gaming value to the player, an information display processing control that controls a process related to the information display of the gaming information display unit, and a gaming machine performance processing control that controls a process related to the performance information of the gaming machine to be transmitted to the external gaming machine compatible unit, and is characterized in that during the period from a stop operation by the player to a start operation of the next game, the payout control starts a process related to the granting of the gaming value, and then the information display processing control starts a process of calculating display information to be displayed on the gaming information display unit, and then the gaming machine performance processing control starts a process of calculating information excluding the display information from the performance information of the gaming machine.

According to this configuration, when a single control means performs the first control including control over game progress and the second control including control over the amount of game value, the memory area of the first memory means is divided to include a first control program memory area in which a first control program for performing the first control is stored, and a second control program memory area in which a second control program for performing the second control is stored, and the game progress control program stored in the first control program memory area can be called from the second control program memory area, but the game progress control program stored in the second control program memory area cannot be called from the second control program stored in the first control program memory area. As a result, even if the second control program stored in the second control program memory area is tampered with, it is not possible to commit fraud against the execution of the game progress control program stored in the first control program memory area, and the security of the game progress control program can be guaranteed.

In addition, with regard to a predetermined event to be monitored by the second control means on the second control program side stored in the second control program storage area, the second control means monitors the predetermined event and uses the contents stored in a predetermined location of the second data storage area as contents based on the monitoring results, and the first control means on the first control program side stored in the first control program storage area periodically refers to the contents of the predetermined location of the second data storage area and performs error processing according to the predetermined event based on the contents, so that it is not necessary to call the game progress control program stored in the first control program storage area from the second control program stored in the second control program storage area for error processing based on monitoring of a predetermined event. Therefore, while ensuring security by disabling the second control program stored in the second control program storage area from calling the game progress control program stored in the first control program storage area, error processing according to the predetermined event can be quickly executed when an error occurs in the predetermined event.

In addition, with regard to a specific event that is different from the predetermined event that is the target of monitoring by the second control means and is the target of monitoring by the first control means, the first control means may monitor the specific event and perform error processing according to the specific event based on the result of monitoring the specific event.

According to this configuration, the monitoring of specific events is performed by the first control means on the side of the first control program stored in the first control program storage area, and the monitoring of predetermined events is performed by the second control means on the side of the second control program stored in the second control program storage area, so that the storage area of the first storage means can be clearly divided according to the functions realized by the control means.

In addition, the first control program memory area may be configured to include a first area for storing, among the first control programs, the game progress control program and an error processing control program for controlling error processing in response to the specific event and error processing in response to the specified event, and a second area, which is a memory area different from the first area, for storing a specified event monitoring program for controlling the specified event monitoring processing.

This configuration makes it possible to simultaneously perform error processing according to a specific event after it has been determined that an error has occurred based on the results of monitoring the specific event, and error processing according to a specific event after it has been determined that an error has occurred based on the results of monitoring the specific event. This allows for a reduction in program capacity by sharing the error processing program between the specific event and the specific event.

The first control means may be configured to allow data updating and data referencing in the first data storage area, and allow data referencing in the second data storage area but not allow data updating, and the second control means may be configured to allow data updating and data referencing in the second data storage area, and allow data referencing in the first data storage area but not allow data updating.

With this configuration, even if the second control program is tampered with, the contents of the first data storage area cannot be changed to an invalid value, and even if the first control program is tampered with, the contents of the second data storage area cannot be changed to an invalid value, thereby improving the security of the contents stored in the second storage means.

1 is a front view of a slot machine and a card unit which are an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication system of the slot machine. 4 is a block diagram showing the device configuration of the card unit and the functions of a unit control board. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine. A functional block diagram showing the functions of the main control board, sub-control board, and medal count control board in Figure 2. 10 is a diagram for explaining the pin arrangement of a connector that connects between a slot machine and a card unit. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a format of a message used for communication between a slot machine and a card unit, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining each item of the message format. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a list of messages used for communication between the slot machine and the card unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing details of the message format of the message “gaming machine information notification” in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the item "Gaming Machine Performance Information" in the item "Gaming Machine Information" in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the item "Gaming Machine Installation Information" in the item "Gaming Machine Information" in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the item "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" in the item "Gaming Machine Information" in FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the item "game information" (excluding the item "number of game information") in FIG. 12. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing details of the message format of the message “counting notification” in FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 is a diagram showing details of the message format of the message “loan notice” in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing details of the message format of the message “loan acceptance result response” in FIG. 8. A diagram showing a basic communication sequence using the messages "Game Machine Information Notification," "Counting Notification," "Lending Notification," and "Lending Receipt Result Response" between the slot machine and the card unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a basic communication sequence between the slot machine and the card unit when the slot machine is started first. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a basic communication sequence between the slot machine and the card unit when the card unit is started up first. A diagram showing the transmission conditions and transmission priority order of "Gaming Machine Installation Information," "Gaming Machine Performance Information," and "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" in the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification." A diagram showing the basic communication sequence of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("Gaming Machine Installation Information", "Gaming Machine Performance Information", "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information") between the slot machine and the card unit. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a specific example of counting between the slot machine and the card unit in the basic communication sequence between the slot machine and the card unit in FIG. 17. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a specific example of lending between the slot machine and the card unit in the basic communication sequence between the slot machine and the card unit in FIG. 17. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sequence relating to the insertion of medals when a bet switch is operated between a main control CPU and a medal count control CPU in a slot machine. A diagram showing a sequence related to the payout of medals between a main control CPU and a medal count control CPU in a slot machine. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing communication sequences between a main control CPU and a medal count control CPU in a slot machine, and between a medal count control CPU of the slot machine and a unit CPU of a card unit. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a communication sequence subsequent to the communication sequence of FIG. 26. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a communication sequence subsequent to the communication sequence of FIG. 27. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a communication sequence subsequent to the communication sequence of FIG. 28. A diagram showing the timing of transmission of "hole control/fraud monitoring information" that is expected to cause problems. 13 is a diagram for explaining the timing of transmission of "hole control/fraud monitoring information" in this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the timing of sending dispensing information. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the circuit configuration of the operating means. A diagram showing the connection configuration of components mounted on a control board of a slot machine, which is an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a modified example of FIG. 34 . 35 is a perspective view of the slot machine of FIG. 34 with the front panel opened. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of components mounted on a control board. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a wiring pattern connecting a main control CPU and a medal count control CPU. FIG. A diagram showing a modified example of the connection configuration between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU in Figure 34. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of components mounted on a control board in a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining switching of an output destination of a selector in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining switching of an output destination of a selector in a first modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the display content of the game medal count display when a normal error occurs, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the display content of the game medal count display when a special error occurs. A diagram for explaining the information transmitted and received between the main control CPU, sub control CPU, medal count control CPU, and unit CPU in the fourth embodiment. A figure to explain the information transmitted and received between the main control CPU, the sub control CPU, and the medal count control CPU in a comparative example to the fourth embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing communication sequences between a main control CPU and a medal count control CPU in a slot machine in a modified example, and between the medal count control CPU of the slot machine and a unit CPU of a card unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sequence relating to the insertion of medals when a bed switch is operated between a main control CPU and a medal count control CPU in a slot machine according to a fifth embodiment. A diagram showing a sequence related to the payout of medals between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU in the slot machine of the fifth embodiment. A diagram showing communication sequences between the main control CPU and the sub-control CPU, and between the medal count control CPU and the sub-control CPU. A diagram showing a communication sequence subsequent to the communication sequence of Figure 49. 13A is a diagram showing the format of a signal transmitted from the main control CPU to the medal count control CPU in the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the format of a signal transmitted from the medal count control CPU to the main control CPU. A diagram showing a sequence related to the insertion of medals when the bet switch is operated in the sixth embodiment. A diagram showing the communication sequence between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU related to the transmission of the telegram ``Gaming Machine Information Notification'' in the sixth embodiment. A figure for explaining the capture of the main control transmission signal of Figure 51 (a) by the medal count control CPU in the sixth embodiment. A block diagram showing a communication system of a slot machine in a seventh embodiment. FIG. 57A is a diagram showing the memory map of the ROM in FIG. 55, and FIG. 57B is a diagram for explaining whether or not a program stored in each area of the ROM allows the calling of a program stored in each area of the ROM. 55A is a diagram showing a memory map of the RAM in FIG. 55, and FIG. 55B is a diagram for explaining whether or not the programs stored in each area of the ROM are permitted to update and refer to the data stored in each area of the RAM. A functional block diagram showing the functions of the main control/medal count control board and sub-control board in Figure 55. A diagram showing the process flow regarding the movement of pseudo medals between the area of the RAM used for main control and the area of the RAM used for medal count control when a medal is inserted. A diagram showing the process flow concerning the movement of pseudo medals between the area of the RAM used for main control and the area of the RAM used for medal count control during payout. A diagram showing a communication sequence between the main control/medal count control CPU of the slot machine and the unit CPU of the card unit. A diagram showing a communication sequence following the communication sequence of Figure 61. This figure explains the processing by the main control/medal count control CPU regarding errors monitored by the program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of the ROM in Figure 56. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a list of errors to be detected in the slot machine.

First Embodiment
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 33. In this specification, for ease of description, data corresponding to gaming value used in games instead of gaming medals will be referred to as "pseudo medals" as appropriate.

(Slot Machine System)
First, the slot machine system will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view of a slot machine SM and a card unit CU according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the slot machine system.

As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine system is composed of a slot machine SM that plays games based on gaming value, a hall computer, a management computer, a card unit CU that is installed adjacent to the slot machine SM and is connected to the slot machine SM to lend and return gaming value in data format, and is configured to be able to transmit various information to the hall computer and the management computer, and a center. In this embodiment, the card unit CU transmits information that can identify the number of bonus wins and the number of games between bonuses, etc. to the hall computer. In addition, the card unit CU transmits information related to the performance of the slot machine SM, such as the ratio of roles, to the management computer. In the slot machine SM, the number of pseudo medals is transmitted from the card unit CU to the medal count control board 300 in the form of number data, and games are played based on the number data management by the medal count control board 300.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the slot machine system, balance data regarding the balance of cash inserted by the player and number data (hereinafter referred to as "held medal number data") indicating the number of pseudo medals possessed by the player that can be lent to the slot machine SM (hereinafter referred to as "held medal number data") are stored in the memory means 502a (see Figure 3) of the unit control board 500 of the card unit CU. Also, number data (hereinafter referred to as "play medal number data") indicating the number of pseudo medals possessed by the player that can be used for playing on the slot machine SM (hereinafter referred to as "play medal number data") is stored in the memory means 302a (see Figure 5) of the medal number control board 300 of the slot machine SM. In addition, the storage means 502a is formed in the RAM portion (volatile memory) of the memory 502, and the storage means 302a is formed in the RAM portion (volatile memory) of the memory 302. The storage means 502a and the storage means 302a can retain their stored contents only when power is being supplied, and the stored contents are erased when power is no longer supplied.

Then, by operating the lending switch 503a of the card unit CU, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are lent from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM. In this lending, the balance data or lendable number data stored in the memory means 502a of the card unit CU is rewritten to balance data with an amount equivalent to the predetermined number of medals subtracted, or lendable number data with a predetermined number of medals subtracted. In addition, the game medal number data stored in the memory means 302a of the slot machine SM is rewritten to game medal number data with an increase by the predetermined number of medals lent.

In addition, by operating the return switch 503b of the card unit CU, the balance data and held medal count data stored in the memory means 502a are stored in the medal card housed in the card insertion/ejection device 504, and the medal card is ejected from the insertion/ejection port 504a of the card insertion/ejection device 504. Then, the balance data and held medal count data stored in the memory means 502a are rewritten to balance data indicating a balance of "0" and loanable medal count data indicating the number of medals "0".

In addition, by operating the bet switch 7 or maximum bet switch 8 of the slot machine SM, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are bet (deposited). With this bet, the game medal number data stored in the memory means 302a of the slot machine SM is rewritten to game medal number data with the predetermined number of medals bet subtracted.

In addition, when a winning combination that results in the payout of pseudo medals is won, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are paid out to the player from the slot machine SM. In this payout, the game medal count data stored in the memory means 302a of the slot machine SM is rewritten to game medal count data that has been increased by the predetermined payout number. In this embodiment, the insertion of pseudo medals, the payout of pseudo medals, and the rewriting of game medal count data are carried out by the exchange of signals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301, but this will be described in detail later.

In addition, information is exchanged bidirectionally between the medal count control board 300 and the card unit CU via the I/F boards 90 and 550. Also, power (voltage) based on an internal power supply (internal power supply of the card unit CU) is supplied from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM via the I/F boards 90 and 550.

Below, we will first provide a detailed explanation of the functions of the slot machine SM and the card unit CU, and then provide a detailed explanation of the power supply to the slot machine SM and the card unit CU, and the connection between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU.

(Card unit)
1 and 3, the card unit CU includes a unit information display device 505, a cash insertion device 506, a card insertion/ejection device 504, a loan switch 503a, a return switch 503b, an absence switch 503c, a unit control board 500, and an I/F board 550. The card unit CU also includes a power supply board (not shown) and an auxiliary power supply (not shown).

The unit information display device 505 displays the player's cash balance (points) and the number of pseudo medals held by the player based on the balance data and medal count data stored in the memory means 502a of the unit control board 500. The unit information display device 505 is, for example, composed of multiple 7-segment LEDs or a liquid crystal display.

The cash insertion device 506 is where cash such as bills are inserted to borrow pseudo medals from the card unit CU, and detects the cash inserted by the player.

When a medal card with a predetermined ID information written therein is inserted from the insertion/ejection port 504a, the card insertion/ejection device 504 stores the medal card, and when the return switch 503b is operated, the card insertion/ejection device 504 ejects the stored medal card from the insertion/ejection port 504a. When the away switch 503c is operated, the card insertion/ejection device 504 stores the ID information written on the stored medal card in the storage means 502a and ejects the medal card from the insertion/ejection port 504a. When a medal card is inserted from the insertion/ejection port 504a after the away switch 503c is operated, the card insertion/ejection device 504 compares the ID information written on the medal card with the ID information stored in the storage means 502a, and if they match, it erases the ID information stored in the storage means 502a and accepts and stores the inserted medal card. If they do not match, it does not accept the inserted medal card and ejects it from the insertion/ejection port 504a. Furthermore, even if a medal card is ejected by operating the away switch 503c, if there are no dummy medals remaining on that medal card (including the insertion of dummy medals), the card insertion and ejection device 504 will not eject the medal card even if a new medal card with ID information different from the ID information stored in the storage means 502a is inserted. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to play using the new medal card.

As shown in FIG. 3, the unit control board 500 is equipped with a unit CPU 501 that controls the entire card unit CU. The unit CPU 501 has a memory 502 and functions as a reception processing means 501a, a loan processing means 501b, a second counting processing means 501c, a return processing means 501d, and a transmission/reception means 501e.

(1) Storage means 502a
The memory 502 includes a RAM section for temporarily storing various data and a ROM section for storing various programs, etc., and a storage means 502a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory). The storage means 502a holds balance data, held medal count data, game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a received from the medal count control board 300, ID information written in medal cards, etc.

(2) Reception Processing Unit 501a
When a medal card is inserted into the insertion/ejection port 504a of the card insertion/ejection device 504, the reception processing means 501a rewrites the balance data and held medal number data stored in the storage means 502a to balance data increased by the amount (which may be "0") stored in the medal card or held medal number data increased by the number of pseudo medals (which may be "0"), and sets the amount or number of pseudo medals stored in the medal card to "0." Also, when cash is inserted into the cash insertion device 506, the reception processing means 501a rewrites the balance data stored in the storage means 502a to balance data increased by the amount inserted.

(3) Lending processing unit 501b
When the lending switch 503a is operated, a signal based on the number data of the predetermined number of lending medals is transmitted to the slot machine SM by the transmission/reception means 501e. The lending processing means 501b rewrites the balance data or the number of medals held stored in the storage means 502a to the balance data with the amount of the predetermined number of lending medals subtracted therefrom or the number of medals held with the predetermined number of lending medals subtracted therefrom based on the transmission of this signal. Note that, instead of updating the contents stored in the storage means 502a when a signal based on the number data of the predetermined number of lending medals is transmitted to the slot machine SM, the lending processing means 501b may update the contents stored in the storage means 502a when, for example, a signal based on the number data of the predetermined number of lending medals is transmitted to the slot machine SM and a response signal to this is received from the slot machine SM.

In this embodiment, when lending out pseudo medals based on the loanable number data stored in the storage means 502a, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are lent out each time the loan switch 503a is operated. However, for example, when the loan switch 503a is operated, all of the pseudo medals stored in the storage means 502a may be lent out at once.

(4) Second counting means 501c
The second counting processing means 501c cooperates with the first counting processing means 301b2 of the medal count control CPU 301 to perform counting processing to transfer some or all of the usable number data stored in the memory means 302a to the memory means 502a of the card unit CU.

Specifically, when the counting switch 31 of the slot machine SM is operated, a signal based on the number data of a predetermined count is transmitted from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e. When the transmission/reception means 501e receives this signal, the second counting processing means 501c rewrites the held medal number data stored in the storage means 502a to held medal number data incremented by the predetermined count. In this embodiment, in the case of a normal press of the counting switch 31 that does not meet the predetermined time, number data of one pseudo medal is transmitted to the card unit CU. On the other hand, in the case of a long press of the counting switch 31 that is longer than the predetermined time, number data of 50 pseudo medals is transmitted to the card unit CU at a predetermined interval (e.g., 300 ms).

(5) Return Processing Unit 501d
When the return switch 503b is operated, the return processing means 501d stores the balance data and held medal count data stored in the memory means 502a in a medal card contained in the card insertion/ejection device 504, and then returns the medal card to the player.

Specifically, when the return switch 503b is operated while both the information regarding the number of game medals (the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the memory means 302a) sent from the medal count control board 300 and the information regarding the number of pseudo medals that have been inserted between the main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300 indicate "0", the return processing means 501d stores the balance data and held medal count data stored in the memory means 502a in a medal card contained in the card insertion/ejection device 504 and ejects the medal card from the insertion/ejection port 504a of the card insertion/ejection device 504, and rewrites the balance data and held medal count data stored in the memory means 502a to balance data indicating a balance of "0" and held medal count data indicating the number of medals "0". If the return switch 503b is operated when both the information regarding the number of pseudo medals inserted and the information regarding the number of game medals sent from the medal count control board 300 are not "0", a notification is issued by the liquid crystal display 14 and speakers 15, 16 to prompt the user to count (count switch 31) or settle (settlement switch 33).

The transmission/reception means 501e receives data on the number of game medals (the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a) at a predetermined interval (e.g., 300 ms).

(6) Transmitting/receiving unit 501e
The transmission/reception means 501e receives signals based on various information from the medal count control board 300 and transmits signals based on various information to the medal count control board 300. Information received from the medal count control board 300 includes the number of pseudo medals returned (number data of the count), the number of available medals (number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a), the total number of pseudo medals inserted, the total number of medals paid out, various ratios displayed on the role ratio monitor 47 such as the role ratio, and error-related information. Information transmitted to the medal count control board 300 includes information on the number of pseudo medals lent out. The game medal count data indicating the game medal count received from the transmission/reception means 501e (game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a) is stored in the storage means 502a, and thus is stored in both the card unit CU and the medal count control board 300, and it is possible to deal with fraudulent acts by using both.

In addition, various game information is transmitted from the card unit CU to the hall computer. The various game information includes, for example, the open state of the front panel 2, information on the number of pseudo medals inserted, information on the number of pseudo medals paid out, information on the occurrence of an error, information that the setting is being changed, information that the setting is being confirmed, information that the bonus state is in, information that a winning combination, a replay combination, or a bonus combination has been won, and information that each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R has stopped.

(Slot Machine)
Next, the outline of the configuration of the slot machine SM will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the slot machine SM in this embodiment, pseudo medals are inserted by operating the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 to establish a predetermined condition for starting a game. In addition, when the start switch 9 is operated by the player on the condition that a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting pseudo medals and a predetermined condition is established, the multiple rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, each of which has a plurality of patterns arranged thereon, start to rotate. In addition, each rotating reel 6L, 6M, and 6R is stopped by operating each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R. If the stopped pattern display result at this time is a predetermined winning mode, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are paid out, and one game ends. Here, inserting pseudo medals means rewriting the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300 to game medal number data in which the number of medals corresponding to the bet number of the game is subtracted. In addition, the payment of pseudo medals means that, when a prize is won in the game, the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal count control board 300 is rewritten to game medal count data to which a medal count set according to the winning combination has been added.

Even if a pseudo medal is inserted and the game medal count data is reduced, the set bet number can be changed until the start switch 9 is operated, and the bet number is updated accordingly, and when the start switch 9 is operated, the amount set as the bet number is provided for play. For example, when setting a bet number in a game state where the specified number is set to "3" or "1", the bet number is set to "3" by operating the maximum bet switch 8, and "3" is subtracted from the game medal count data. After that, when the bet number is changed to "1", the bet number is set to "1" by operating the bet switch 7, and "2" is returned (added) to the game medal count data.

The slot machine SM is configured, for example, as shown in Figure 1. That is, in this slot machine SM, the front of the open-front box-shaped housing KY is closed by a front panel 2 which can be opened and closed freely, and an operation panel 3 is disposed at a position approximately at the center height of the front panel 2, with a front plate 4 disposed above the operation panel 3. The front plate 4 is provided with a horizontally long rectangular display window 5. Also, inside the display window 5, left, center and right rotating reels 6L, 6M and 6R are disposed which variably display a number of different patterns in a predetermined order.

A predetermined number of symbols are arranged in a predetermined arrangement on the circumferential surface of each of the left, center, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. The symbols arranged on the circumferential surface of each of the left, center, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R include a plurality of different types of symbols. Each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is formed by attaching a reel tape on which a plurality of types of symbols are printed to the circumferential surface of the rotating reel. When each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R rotates, the plurality of types of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface of each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are displayed in a variably manner in a predetermined order on the display window 5. When each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R stops rotating, a total of three symbols are displayed on each of the upper, middle, and lower rows of the display window 5 for each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. In other words, when all the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R have stopped, a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are displayed in the display window 5.

Also, to enable each of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R to be rotated independently, left, center, and right reel motors 27L, 27M, 27R (see FIG. 4) made up of stepping motors are connected to each of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R. A support frame that supports each of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R is fixed to the rear wall inside the housing KY, and each of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R is supported by the support frame and disposed inside the housing KY.

The operation panel 3 is provided with a bet switch 7, a maximum bet switch 8, a lever-shaped start switch 9, left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, a counting switch 31, and a settlement switch 33. The bet switch 7 is used by the player to operate to instruct the insertion of one pseudo medal at a time from the available number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal count control board 300 described later. The maximum bet switch 8 is used by the player to operate to instruct the insertion of the maximum number of pseudo medals (prescribed number: set to three) per game (play) from the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal count control board 300. The bet switch 7 and the maximum bet switch 8 are set to be activated when the number of medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal count control board 300 is one or more. Furthermore, when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, if the number of game medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal count control board 300 is less than a specified number (e.g., three medals), a notification may be issued to encourage the player to lend out pseudo medals, or the player may be allowed to play with a specified number less than the specified number (e.g., three medals). In such a case, the operation of the maximum bet switch 8 may not be accepted in the first place.

The counting switch 31 functions as an instruction button when transmitting the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a to the card unit CU. In this embodiment, a normal press instructs the transmission of the number data for one medal, and a long press instructs the transmission of the number data for 50 medals periodically. In the case of a long press, the number data for 50 medals is transmitted to the card unit CU at predetermined time intervals while the button is pressed. Note that if a transmission instruction is issued when the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a falls below 50 medals (a transmission instruction based on a long press), all remaining number data is transmitted to the card unit CU. The settlement switch 33 is used to reset the number of pseudo medals to 0 when the number of pseudo medals is set.

The start switch 9 is for the player to operate the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R to start the variable display of each symbol by rotating the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. The left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are for the player to operate the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R to stop the variable display of each symbol by stopping the rotation of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. The start switch 9 is set to be activated after the game medal count data stored in the memory means 302a of the medal count control board 300 is rewritten to a medal count data obtained by subtracting a predetermined number from the medal count data (a predetermined number of pseudo medals are inserted). The left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are set to be activated after the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, which have started to rotate by operating the start switch 9, have passed a predetermined acceleration period and started to rotate at a constant speed.

In this embodiment, the number of bets (predetermined number) required for one game (one play) is set to three types: 1, 2, and 3. In addition, each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R forms a variable display row that variably displays multiple types of symbols, and each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R is provided corresponding to each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R.

Also, at approximately the center of the upper part of the front panel 4, there is a liquid crystal display 14 for displaying videos and the like to inform the player of wins and prizes, and for displaying the operation status of each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R.

In addition, upper speakers 15 are provided on the left and right above the front panel 4 for producing effects such as music and sound. In addition, a lower panel 18 displaying decorative pictures and the like is provided below the operation panel 3, and lower speakers 16 are provided on the left and right of this lower panel 18 for producing effects such as music and sound.

In addition, an upper lamp section 21 is provided on the upper peripheral portion of the front panel 2, and lower lamp sections 22 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower panel 18 of the front panel 2. Each lamp section 21, 22 is equipped with a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode or organic electroluminescence (EL), or a light-emitting means such as a general light bulb, and performs effects such as informing the player of a win or prize.

In addition, a game medal count display 26 is provided at the lower right of the display window 5 to display the number of pseudo medals owned by the player. This game medal count display 26 is made up of, for example, five seven-segment LEDs, and can display a five-digit number of pseudo medals owned.

Next to the game medal count display 26, a bet lamp section 30 is provided to indicate the number of medals inserted, and the bet lamp section 30 is made up of three bet lamps.

In addition, a payout indicator 46 that displays the number of pseudo medals paid out is provided at the lower left of the display window 5. This payout indicator 46 is, for example, composed of two 7-segment LEDs, and is capable of displaying a two-digit number of pseudo medals paid out.

(Outline of the electrical configuration of a slot machine)
The electrical configuration of the slot machine SM will be described with reference to Fig. 4, which is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine.

The left, center, and right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R are for detecting the rotational positions of the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, respectively, and are, for example, photointerrupters that detect protrusions provided on the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, respectively, and when the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R rotate, they detect the protrusions for each revolution and output the detection signal to the main control board 100. In this slot machine SM, for example, when the left, center, and right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R detect the protrusions, the symbol with frame number 20 out of the frame numbers 0 to 20 set on each reel 6L, 6M, and 6R is configured to be positioned in the middle of the display window 5.

The setting key switch 56 is provided on the main control board 100, and is switched ON and OFF by inserting the setting change key into the key cylinder arranged in the setting change key cylinder storage section K100 and rotating it. The reset switch 52 is provided on the operation switch board 600, and each time it is pressed during a setting change, the setting is provisionally set to the next higher setting value. The reset switch 52 is also used as a switch to reset an error when an error occurs.

In addition, in this slot machine SM, a main control board 100 on which a main control CPU 101 that controls the progress of the game is mounted, a sub-control board 200 on which a sub-control CPU 201 that controls the presentation according to the progress of the game based on information transmitted from the main control board 100 is mounted, a medal count control board 300 on which a medal count control CPU 301 that controls the management of the number of pseudo medals held by the player is mounted, an operation switch board 600 to which signals from an operation means necessary for the progress of the game (for example, a start switch 9) are input, a display board 700 on which a payout indicator 46 and a game medal count indicator 26 are provided, and an I/F board 90 for communicating with external devices as shown in FIG. 2 are separately provided. Here, various game information is transmitted unidirectionally from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200. Also, various information is transmitted bidirectionally between the main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300. In addition, predetermined information is transmitted in one direction from the medal count control board 300 to the sub-control board 200. The predetermined information here refers to, for example, information related to the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a, and information that notifies the player when the count switch 31 is pressed. Therefore, based on the information (predetermined information) received directly from the medal count control board 300, the sub-control board 200 controls the display of the number of pseudo medals held by the player on the liquid crystal display 14, and the sound of a press notification from the speakers 15 and 16 when the count switch 31 is pressed.

As shown in FIG. 61, which will be described later, the main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300 are connected in a BtoB (Board to Board) manner. The display board 700 and the operation switch board 600, the operation switch board 600 and the medal count control board 300, and the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 200 are all connected via harnesses.

Signals from the start switch 9, bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, and stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, which are operation means necessary for the progress of the game, as well as signals from the settlement switch 33 and reset switch 52, are first input to the operation switch board 600 and then input to the medal count control board 300 via a harness. Then, they are input to the main control board 100 via wiring in the medal count control board 300 and a connector connection (BtoB connection). A signal from the count switch 31 is input to the operation switch board 600, input to the medal count control board 300 via a harness, and further input to the medal count control CPU 301.
In addition, signals from the start switch 9 and the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R may be input directly to the main control board 100 without going through the medal count control board 300. Furthermore, signals from the operation means (start switch 9, bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R), the settlement switch 33, the reset switch 52, and the counting switch 31 may be input to the main control board 100 via a harness, and then input to the medal count control board 300 via wiring in the main control board 100 and a connector-connector connection (board-to-board connection).

The control signal (including display data) used to display the payout display 46 is transmitted from the main control board 100. At this time, the transmission path is the main control board 100 → medal count control board 300 → operation switch board 600 → display board 700. The control signal (including display data) used to display the game medal count display 26 is transmitted from the medal count control board 300. At this time, the transmission path is the medal count control board 300 → operation switch board 600 → display board 700.

The role ratio monitor 47 displays various ratios and is provided on the main control board 100. In this embodiment, the role ratio monitor 47 is composed of four 7-segment LEDs. The various ratios include the role ratio, the consecutive role ratio, and the advantageous zone ratio. The role ratio is the ratio of the total number of payouts by roles (e.g., Big Bonus (BB), Chance Bonus (CB), Single Bonus (SB), etc.) to the total number of pseudo medals paid out. The consecutive role ratio is the ratio of the total number of payouts by consecutive roles (e.g., Big Bonus (BB)) to the total number of pseudo medals paid out. The advantageous zone ratio is the ratio of the advantageous zone to the total number of plays when a role (AT role) in which the number of pseudo medals paid out varies depending on the push order is won and there is an advantageous zone in which a notification of an advantageous push order is allowed. The role ratio monitor 47 may be provided on the medal count control board 300. Also, information that can identify various ratios may be sent to the card unit CU without providing a role ratio monitor 47.

The setting display 48 displays the setting values set by the setting value setting means 101b described below, and is provided on the main control board 100. In this embodiment, the setting display 48 is composed of one 7-segment LED.

The memory 102 of the main control board 100 has a RAM section that temporarily stores various data, and a ROM section that stores data and programs necessary for the progress of the game. The RAM section of the main control board 100 stores, for example, various flags and role selection results. The ROM section of the main control board 100 stores preset data (such as the selection table 102a in FIG. 5) and programs for the gaming machine (programs for the slot machine SM).

The main control CPU 101 of the main control board 100 also has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and performs processing related to the progress of the game by executing a game machine program stored in the ROM section. The main control CPU 101 also transmits various game information in command format to the sub-control board 200 (sub-control CPU 201), such as information related to the result of the role selection by the selection means 101e (see FIG. 5), and information related to the operation of the operating devices operated by the player, such as the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R and the start switch 9.

The memory 202 of the sub-control board 200 includes a RAM section for temporarily storing various data, and a ROM section for storing various programs for effects. The sub-control CPU 201 of the sub-control board 200 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and executes a program stored in the memory 202 based on various game information related to the slot machine SM transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to determine the content of the effects related to the game for the player. The sub-control CPU 201 of the sub-control board 200 controls the effects devices such as the LCD display 14 and speakers 15 and 16 via an I/O port of the sub-control board 200 based on the determined content of the effects.

The memory 302 of the medal count control board 300 has a RAM section for temporarily storing various data, and a ROM section for storing various programs. The medal count control CPU 301 of the medal count control board 300 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and performs various controls such as managing the number of pseudo medals held by the player using game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 302, and displaying the number of pseudo medals corresponding to the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a on the game medal count display 26.

The main control board 100, the sub-control board 200, the medal count control board 300, and the I/F board 90 are each sealed in an individual board case with a crimping mechanism so that they cannot be easily accessed from the outside. Methods for connecting each board to prevent fraud include direct board-to-board connection (BtoB connection) using connectors mounted on each board, physical access, connection using signal lines covered with a wire cover that suppresses the effects of electromagnetic noise, wiring the signal lines from a location that is difficult for players to see, encrypting communication signals between boards, and exchanging ID information provided on each board periodically or when an error occurs. When connecting both boards using connectors mounted on each board, it is better to connect them side by side and cover them as a board unit including the connection points to make access difficult, rather than using a stacked connection that reduces the visibility of the boards. Also, the main control board 100 and medal count control board 300 may not be housed in individual board cases, but may be housed together in a single board case and sealed.

(Main control board)
The function of the main control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) Game control means 101a
The game control means 101a is for controlling the game executed in the medal-less slot machine SM.

In playing this slot machine SM, when the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated to instruct the insertion of pseudo medals, a signal based on information that can identify this is transmitted to the medal count control board 300 by the medal management transmission/reception means 101n. In the medal count control board 300 that receives this signal, the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a is rewritten to game medal count data with the number of inserted pseudo medals subtracted. At this time, a signal based on information that can identify the rewriting is transmitted from the medal count control board 300 to the main control board 100, and the bet number is set by receiving this signal by the medal management transmission/reception means 101n. In addition, the bet number can be changed until the start switch 9 is operated, and the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a is updated accordingly. Then, when the start switch 9 is operated after a predetermined bet number is set, first, a random number lottery is performed by the lottery means 101e to determine whether or not a win has been won, and almost simultaneously, all three rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R start rotating.

After that, when one of the three stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R is operated, the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, 6R corresponding to the operated stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R stop spinning. Then, when the operation of all three stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R is completed, all three reels 6L, 6M, 6R stop spinning. At this time, if a predetermined pattern stops in a predetermined position, a win is won, and the player is given a predetermined benefit, such as a payout of a predetermined number of pseudo medals, a replay that allows the player to play the next game without subtracting the game medal number data stored in the memory means 302a, etc.

The game control means 101a is for controlling the game state executed in the slot machine SM to one game state from among multiple game states.

In this embodiment, the game states include a normal game state, a bonus internal winning state, and a bonus game state. The normal game state is a game state that is set when the setting is changed or when the end conditions of the bonus game state are met (for example, a predetermined number of games in the bonus game state or a predetermined number of wins of a role with a payout). The bonus internal winning state is a game state that is set when a winning role group including a bonus role is won in the normal game state or the advantageous game state, but the bonus role is not won in the winning game. The bonus game state is a game state that is set when a winning role group including a bonus role is won and the bonus role is won in the winning game, or when a bonus role carried over from the bonus internal winning state is won. The game states provided in the slot machine SM are not limited to those described above.

The game control means 101a is also for controlling the game zone executed in the slot machine SM to one game zone out of multiple game zones.

In this embodiment, there are non-advantageous and advantageous play areas, and there are non-ball-dispensing and ball-dispensing play areas in the advantageous play areas. The non-advantageous play area is a play area that does not allow a notification effect that notifies the player of the correct push order of the left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R that will win a minor role that will give the maximum number of pseudo medals to be paid out if the player wins a winning role group (hereinafter referred to as the "push order winning role group") consisting of multiple minor roles with different numbers of pseudo medals to be paid out, and is a play area that is disadvantageous to the player. The advantageous play area is a play area that allows a notification effect that notifies the player of the correct push order of the left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R that will win a minor role that will give the maximum number of pseudo medals to be paid out if the player wins a push order winning role group, and is a play area that is advantageous to the player (a play area that is more advantageous to the player than the non-advantageous play area). The non-payout zone in the favorable zone is a play zone where notification effects are permitted but are not actually performed (note that the content of the non-payout zone is not limited to this, and may be a zone where notification effects are performed at a lower rate than the payout zone, for example), and the payout zone in the favorable zone is a play zone where notification effects are permitted and are actually performed. The non-favorable zone is set when the setting is changed or the end condition of the favorable zone is met (for example, a predetermined number of games in the favorable zone, an increase in pseudo medals with a predetermined number of medals, or consumption of a set of play numbers in the payout zone). The non-payout zone in the favorable zone is set when a lottery for transition from the non-favorable zone to the favorable zone is won, which is triggered by the winning of a winning role group (hereinafter referred to as the "favorable zone transition lottery winning role group") that is predetermined in the non-favorable zone, and in the non-payout zone, a lottery for granting a set of play numbers consisting of a predetermined number of play numbers that are entitled to be played in the payout zone (hereinafter referred to as the "lottery for adding a set of play numbers") is held. The ball-out zone in the advantageous zone is set after the condition for transition to the ball-out zone is satisfied in the non-ball-out zone, and a lottery for adding the number of games is performed in the ball-out zone. The lottery for adding the number of games in the non-ball-out zone or the ball-out zone in the advantageous zone is performed, for example, when a predetermined winning role group (hereinafter referred to as the "winning role group for adding the lottery") is won, and the options include the number of games set "0" and "1". The options may be "0", "1", "2", etc. The zones in the advantageous zone prepared in the slot machine SM are not limited to the above. Here, the example shows a role with different advantageous amounts depending on the operation mode of the left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, and the role with different payout medal numbers of the pseudo medals is used as an example. However, roles with different destinations of the game state from the next game depending on the operation mode, roles with different amounts of addition to the advantageous zone (for example, the number of game-number sets given) and the like are also examples of roles with different advantageous amounts. As an example, there is a winning role group that is composed of multiple replay roles with different destinations for the game state from the next play, and regardless of the operation mode, one of the symbol combinations of the multiple replay roles will always be completed, but the replay roles that complete the symbol combination will differ depending on the operation mode, resulting in a different destination for the game state from the next play.

(2) Set value setting means 101b
The setting value setting means 101b in Figure 5 changes the settings (settings 1 to 6) to adjust the ball payout rate (total number of medals paid out ÷ total number of medals inserted × 100 [%]) based on a specified setting change operation.

Here, an example of a setting change operation for changing the set value will be described. For example, before the slot machine SM is powered on, the setting key switch 56 (setting key) is turned ON, and when the power is turned on, the setting change process is started. At this time, when the reset switch 52 is pressed once, the set value is provisionally set to the next higher set value than the set value set before the power was turned on (for example, provisionally set from setting 3 to setting 4). After that, every time the reset switch 52 is pressed, the set value is provisionally set to the next higher set value. However, when the reset switch 52 is pressed when the provisional set value is 6, the set value is provisionally set back to 1. Finally, the set value is confirmed by turning ON the start switch 9, and the provisional set value at that time becomes the set value of the slot machine SM. When the set value is changed, the set value setting means 101b rewrites the set value stored in the set value storage area 102c to the changed set value.

(3) Table Selection Means 101c
5 selects one lottery table from the plurality of lottery tables 102a based on the type of game (e.g., normal game state, bonus game state) controlled by the game control means 101a and the setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) set by the setting value setting means 101b. For example, in a game in the normal game state, the table selection means 101c selects the lottery table 102a (general game lottery table) as the lottery table in accordance with the setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) of the winning probability.

(4) First input processing means 101d
When the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the first insertion processing means 101d cooperates with the second insertion processing means 301b3 of the medal count control CPU 301 described later to insert dummy medals to set the number of bets and establish a predetermined condition for starting a game. When the settlement switch 33 is operated, the second insertion processing means 103 cooperates with the second insertion processing means 301b3 of the medal count control CPU 301 to cancel the number of bets that was once set.

When the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the first insertion processing means 101d adds +1 to the value in the storage area of the provisional insertion number provided in the memory 102, and transmits an insertion processing request signal to the medal count control board 300 by the medal management transmission/reception means 101n. The medal count control board 300 that receives the insertion processing request signal performs a process to subtract -1 from the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a, and then transmits a completion signal of the process to the main control board 100, thereby completing the insertion processing for one medal. When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the process is repeated three times. Then, the first insertion processing means 101d enables the operation of the start switch 9 when the provisional insertion number becomes the value required for one game (for example, three medals) as a result of the insertion processing. The details of the insertion processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 24.

In this embodiment, even if the maximum bet switch 8 instructs the insertion of, for example, three pseudo medals, the first insertion processing means 101d and the second insertion processing means 301b3 perform the insertion processing one by one. The insertion processing of pseudo medals performed in cooperation between the first insertion processing means 101d and the second insertion processing means 301b3 will be described later.

When the settlement switch 33 is operated, a signal based on information that can identify the operation is sent by the medal management transmission/reception means 101n to the medal count control board 300. The medal count control board 300, which has received the signal based on the information, rewrites the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a to game medal count data that has been increased by a number corresponding to the number of bets, and sends a signal based on information that can identify the operation to the main control board 100. Note that even if the settlement switch 33 is operated when the insertion process of three pseudo medals has been completed, the settlement process (return process) is performed one medal at a time between the first insertion process means 101d and the second insertion process means 301b3.

(5) Lottery means 101e
In this embodiment, the lottery means 101e generates and extracts a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) in response to the operation of the start switch 9, and based on the extracted random number and the lottery table 102a, conducts a lottery to determine whether or not a player will win one of a number of roles, including a small role, a re-play role, and a bonus role, or whether the player will lose.

The lottery table 102a predetermines whether or not each random number within a predetermined range generated by the lottery means 101e corresponds to one of the predetermine lottery results.

(6) Reel rotation control means 101f
The reel rotation control means 101f controls the stop of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R based on the operation of the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R by the player and the lottery result of the lottery means 101e. Specifically, the reel rotation control means 101f controls the stop of the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, 6R using the stop table 102b based on the operation of the left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, respectively, and stops the symbols variably displayed by the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, 6R in a display mode corresponding to the role lottery result of the lottery means 101e.

(7) Determination Means 101g
The determination means 101g determines the display mode of the stopped symbols when all the reels 6L, 6M, 6R are stopped by operating the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R. In this embodiment, the determination means 101g determines whether the display result of the symbols when the reels 6L, 6M, 6R are stopped is a predetermined winning mode. The display mode that is determined as a winning mode is predetermined to be different for each winning combination.

(8) First payout processing means 101h
When the result of the judgment by the judgment means 101g is a winning mode of a role with a payout of pseudo medals, the first payout processing means 101h cooperates with the second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301 described later to pay out pseudo medals corresponding to the role, thereby providing a profit to the player. When the result of the judgment by the judgment means 101g is a display mode related to the payout of pseudo medals, the first payout processing means 101h stores the payout number corresponding to the winning role in the memory area of the remaining payout number provided in the memory 102, subtracts -1 from the value of the remaining payout number, and then transmits a payout processing request signal to the medal count control board 300 by the medal management transmission/reception means 101n. The medal count control board 300 that has received the payout processing request signal performs a process of adding +1 to the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a, and then transmits a completion signal of the process to the main control board 100, thereby completing the payout process for one medal. This payout process is repeated until the remaining payout number becomes "0", and the payout process for this game is completed. Details of the payout process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, even if the number of pseudo medals paid out for a winning combination is two or more, the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4 perform the payout processing one by one. The payout processing of pseudo medals performed in cooperation between the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4 will be described later.

(9) Error detection means 101i
The error detection means 101i detects whether an abnormal state different from the normal state, that is, an error, has occurred. However, in this embodiment, even if the voltage VL is not supplied from the card unit CU, the absence of this condition alone is not detected as an error.

(10) Payout display control means 101j
The payout indicator control means 101j controls the display of the payout indicator 46. Specifically, the payout indicator control means 101j controls the payout indicator 46 so that, when a winning combination is achieved, the payout indicator 46 displays the payout number of pseudo medals set for the winning combination. In addition, when the error detection means 101i detects the occurrence of an error, the payout indicator control means 101j controls the payout indicator 46 so that a predetermined identification number for the detected error is displayed on the payout indicator 46.

(11) Command creation means 101k
The command creation means 101k generates commands for transmitting various information such as information on the result of the lottery by the lottery means 101e, information on the type of game state such as the general game state and the bonus game state, the spinning/stop state of each reel 6L, 6M, 6R, and the payout state of the pseudo medal by the first payout processing means 101h to the sub-control board 200 (sub-control CPU 201). The command generated by the command creation means 101k is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 by the command transmission means 101m described later. The sub-control board 200 selects the performance to be executed based on the command sent from the main control board 100. In other words, the command creation means 101k generates a command that indicates the content of the performance to be executed in the sub-control board 200.

(12) Command sending means 101m
The command transmission means 101m transmits a command including various information created by the command creation means 101k from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200 in a one-way manner.

(13) Medal management transmission/reception means 101n
The medal management transmission/reception means 101n transmits signals based on various information to the medal count control board 300, and receives signals based on various information from the medal count control board 300. Information transmitted to the medal count control board 300 includes, for example, information on winning combinations, information on the operation of the bet switch 7 and the maximum bet switch 8, information on the insertion of pseudo medals (insertion processing request signal), information on the payout of pseudo medals (payout processing request signal), the ID number of the main control CPU 101, gaming machine information including various ratios such as the ratio of roles, etc. Information received from the medal count control board 300 includes, for example, information on the insertion of pseudo medals (insertion processing response signal), information on the payout of pseudo medals (payout processing response signal), etc. In this embodiment, information regarding the operation of the loan switch 503a, return switch 503b, and away switch 503c of the card unit CU, and information regarding errors in the medal count control board 300 are configured to be transmitted directly from the medal count control board 300 to the sub-control board 200, but this information may also be first transmitted from the medal count control board 300 to the main control board 100, and then transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200.

(14) Operation management means 101p
The operation management means 101p manages whether operations of the operation means related to the progress of the game are to be validated or invalidated.

As described below, in this embodiment, a voltage (VL) is supplied from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM. If the card unit CU is not powered on, mutual communication with the medal count control board 300 is not possible, and in such a case, the operation management means 101p disables the operation of the operation means, thereby preventing further play from proceeding.

Specifically, when the medal management transmission/reception means 101n receives information that can identify that voltage (VL) is not being supplied from the card unit CU, the operation management means 101p disables the operation even if the operation of the operation means is normally permitted. On the other hand, when the medal management transmission/reception means 101n does not receive information that can identify that voltage (VL) is not being supplied from the card unit CU, if the operation means is operated, the operation is enabled. Therefore, when a situation occurs in which voltage (VL) is not being supplied from the card unit CU, no further pseudo medals will be inserted or dispensed, and it is possible to reduce discrepancies between the information regarding the insertion and dispensing of pseudo medals transmitted from the medal count control board 300 to the card unit CU and the information grasped by the card unit CU.

In this embodiment, the target operating means are the bet switch 7, the maximum bet switch 8, the start switch 9, the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, the counting switch 31, and the settlement switch 33.

In addition, when the medal management transmission/reception means 101n receives information that can identify that voltage (VL) is not being supplied from the card unit CU, the operation management means 101p controls so as not to supply power to each of the seven segments of the game medal count display 26, so that the number of game medals is not displayed when voltage (VL) is not being supplied from the card unit CU. Note that even when voltage (VL) is not being supplied from the card unit CU, the displays of the payout display 46, the role ratio monitor 47, etc. are maintained.

In this embodiment, the operation management means 101p disables the operation of each operation means based on the fact that the medal management transmission/reception means 101n has received information that can identify that voltage (VL) is not being supplied from the card unit CU. However, even if the operation management means 101p does not manage the enable/disable status of each operation means, a circuit may be formed in which the operation of each operation means is disabled when voltage VL is not being supplied from the card unit CU.

For example, as shown in FIG. 33, a circuit (AND circuit) may be formed for each of the bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, count switch 31, start switch 9, and stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, which cannot be used unless both the voltage VL on the slot machine SM side and the voltage VL on the card unit CU side are supplied. Similarly, the game medal count display 26 may be formed with a circuit (AND circuit) in which power is not supplied to each segment unless both the voltage VL on the slot machine SM side and the voltage VL on the card unit CU side are supplied.

In this embodiment, the main control CPU 101 (operation management means 101p) determines whether each operation means (bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, start switch 9, stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, count switch 31, and settlement switch 33) is enabled or disabled based on the presence or absence of voltage (VL) supplied from the card unit CU. However, this determination for each operation means may be made by the medal count control CPU 301 (VL supply determination means 301f).

In addition, for example, the medal count control CPU 301 may determine whether the operation of the counting switch 31 is enabled/disabled based on the presence or absence of a supply of voltage (VL), while the main control CPU 101 may determine whether the operation of the other operating means is enabled/disabled. In this case, the control CPU that performs the determination may be changed as necessary, such as by using the control CPU that is particularly closely involved in the operation of the operating means to determine whether the operation is enabled/disabled.

Furthermore, software-based judgment means such as a control CPU may be combined with hardware-based judgment means such as the circuit (AND circuit) described with reference to FIG. 33. For example, the medal count control CPU 301 may determine whether the count switch 31 is enabled or disabled, the circuit shown in FIG. 33 may determine whether the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are enabled or disabled, and the main control CPU 101 may determine whether the other operation means are enabled or disabled. In this way, these judgment means may be used in combination according to the type of operation means.

(15) Game history information management means 101q
The game history information management means 101q in Fig. 5 is for tallying up game history information according to the progress of the game. For example, the game history information includes the total number of insertions (the number of insertions accumulated since the power was turned on, excluding replays), the total number of payouts (the number of payouts accumulated since the power was turned on, excluding replays), MY (the maximum MY calculated after the power was turned on), the number of payouts of the role (the number of payouts due to the operation of the role accumulated since the power was turned on), the number of consecutive payouts of the role (the number of payouts due to the differential of the first type special role accumulated since the power was turned on), the role ratio (the number of payouts of the role ÷ the total number of payouts × 100 [%]), the consecutive role ratio (the number of payouts of the consecutive role ÷ the total number of payouts × 100 [%]), the advantageous zone ratio, the role ratio with instructions, the role status ratio, etc.

(Sub-control board)
Next, the function of the sub-control board 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) Command Receiving Unit 201a
The command receiving means 201a receives commands including various information transmitted by the command transmitting means 101m of the main control board 100. When the command receiving means 201a receives a command transmitted from the main control board 100, it notifies each function of the sub-control board 200 according to the type of command.

(2) Presentation content determination means 201b
The presentation content determining means 201b is for determining the content of the presentation in response to the command received by the command receiving means 201a. Specifically, from presentation patterns preset in response to the progress of the game and the result of the lottery by the lottery means 101e, the means 201b determines the video to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, the music or sound to be played from the speakers 15 and 16, and the light sources of the upper lamp section 21 and the lower lamp section 22 to blink simultaneously or individually.

Then, the performance content determination means 201b transmits a signal including data regarding the determined performance content to the liquid crystal display control means 201c and the audio control means 201d.

(3) Liquid crystal display control means 201c
The liquid crystal display control means 201c performs control such as displaying a moving image (image) on the liquid crystal display 14 and blinking light sources such as the upper lamp unit 21 and the lower lamp unit 22 all at once or individually based on the data included in the signal transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b. For example, the liquid crystal display control means 201c causes the light sources such as the upper lamp unit 21 and the lower lamp unit 22 to flash all at once or individually based on the data transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b.

(4) Audio control unit 201d
The sound control means 201d performs control such as playing music or outputting sound from the speakers 15 and 16 based on data included in the signal transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b. For example, the sound control means 201d sounds a winning sound of a replay role from the speaker 15 and a sound of inserting a medal from the speaker 16 based on data transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b.

(Medal count control board)
Next, the function of the medal count control board 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) Storage unit 302a
The storage means 302a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 302, and stores data on the number of pseudo medals that can be used by the player.

(2) Flag storage unit 302b
The flag storage means 302b stores an insertion completion flag which is set to on when the main board transmission/reception means 301a receives information capable of identifying that the start switch 9 has been operated and a game has started, and which is set to off when information indicating the number of inserted medals for the game after the start switch 9 has been operated ("Game Information" of "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information": see Figure 13 (b-1)) is transmitted to the card unit CU, or when the time assumed to have elapsed since the information was transmitted.

(3) Main board transmitting/receiving means 301a
The main board transmission/reception means 301a receives signals based on various information such as instructions to insert pseudo medals and information on the number of pseudo medals paid out for winning combinations, which are transmitted from the main control board 100, and gaming machine information including various ratios such as the ID number of the main control CPU 101 and the ratio of roles, and transmits a response signal to the main control board 100 in response to the instructions to insert pseudo medals and information on the number of medals paid out from the main control board 100. When the main board transmission/reception means 301a receives a signal based on information transmitted from the main control board 100 or a signal based on information transmitted from the card unit CU, it notifies each function of the medal count control board 300 according to the type of information. Note that the main board transmission/reception means 301a may be a separate means for receiving a signal from the main control board 100 and a separate means for receiving a signal from the card unit CU.

(4) Game medal count management means 301b
The game medal number management means 301b manages the usable medal number data stored in the memory means 302a, and includes a borrowing processing means 301b1, a first counting processing means 301b2, a second insertion processing means 301b3, and a second payout processing means 301b4.

a) Rental processing means 301b1
The borrowing processing means 301b1 performs borrowing processing of pseudo medals between the card unit CU and the card unit CU. Specifically, when the lending switch 503a of the card unit CU is operated, a signal based on the number data of a predetermined number of medals to be lent is transmitted from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM, and this signal is received by the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e described later. When this signal is received by the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e, the borrowing processing means 301b1 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to game medal number data increased by the predetermined number of medals to be lent. In addition, when the borrowing processing means 301b1 rewrites the game medal number data to the game medal number data increased by the predetermined number of medals to be lent, it transmits a loan receipt result response signal to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e.

b) First counting means 301b2
The first counting processing means 301b2 cooperates with the second counting processing means 501c of the card unit CU to perform counting processing for transferring part or all of the usable medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to the card unit CU. Specifically, when the counting switch 31 of the slot machine SM is operated, a signal based on the medal number data of a predetermined count is transmitted from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmitting/receiving means 301e. When this signal is transmitted by the inter-unit transmitting/receiving means 301e, the first counting processing means 301b2 rewrites the medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to medal number data with the predetermined count subtracted.

In this embodiment, the predetermined count number is data on the number of pseudo medals of one when the count switch 31 is pressed normally, i.e., when the count switch 31 is pressed for less than the predetermined time, and data on the number of pseudo medals of 50 when the count switch 31 is pressed for a long time or longer. In the case of a long press, data on the number of pseudo medals of 50 is sent to the card unit CU at predetermined intervals (e.g., 300 ms) while the count switch 31 is being pressed. Accordingly, the first count processing means 301b2 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a at predetermined intervals (e.g., 300 ms) to game medal number data with 50 pseudo medals subtracted from it.

c) Second input processing means 301b3
The second insertion processing means 301b3 cooperates with the first insertion processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 to set the number of bets by inserting pseudo medals and to establish predetermined conditions for starting a game.

When the bet switch 7 is operated, a signal based on information that can identify this fact is sent by the medal management transmission/reception means 101n to the medal count control board 300. When the main board transmission/reception means 301a receives a signal based on this information, the second insertion processing means 301b3 rewrites the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a to game medal count data that is reduced by the number of medals (1 medal) according to the number of bets, and sends a signal based on information that can identify this fact to the main control board 100 via the main board transmission/reception means 301a.

When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, a signal based on information that can identify the fact is transmitted to the medal count control board 300 by the medal management transmission/reception means 101n. When the main board transmission/reception means 301a receives a signal based on the information, the second insertion processing means 301b3 rewrites the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a to game medal count data that has been subtracted by the number of medals (3 medals) corresponding to the number of bets, and transmits a signal based on information that can identify the fact to the main control board 100 via the main board transmission/reception means 301a. However, in this embodiment, even when three pseudo medals are inserted, the exchange between the first insertion processing means 101d and the second insertion processing means 301b3 is performed one medal at a time. In other words, by repeating the exchange between the first insertion processing means 101d and the second insertion processing means 301b3 three times when the bet switch 7 is operated, the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a is rewritten to game medal count data that has been subtracted by the number of medals (3 medals) corresponding to the number of bets. The flow of the input process will be explained later.

d) Second payout processing means 301b4
The second payout processing means 301b4 cooperates with the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 to award a profit to the player by paying out pseudo medals corresponding to the role when the judgment result of the judgment means 101g is a winning pattern for any role that involves the payout of pseudo medals.

If the result of the judgment by the judgment means 101g is a display mode for the payout of pseudo medals (a winning mode for a role with a payout of a small role, etc.), a signal based on the number data of the number of pseudo medals to be paid out to the player by the first payout processing means 101h is transmitted to the medal number control board 300 by the medal management transmission/reception means 101n. When the main board transmission/reception means 301a receives a signal based on this information, the second payout processing means 301b4 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to game medal number data increased by the number of medals to be paid out, and transmits a signal based on information that can identify this to the main control board 100. However, in this embodiment, even if the number of pseudo medals to be paid out for a winning role is two or more, the payout process is performed one by one between the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4. On the other hand, the second payout processing means 301b4 does not rewrite the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a even if a replay role is won. The flow of the pseudo medal payout processing performed by the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4 in cooperation will be described later.

(5) Game medal count display control means 301c
The game medal count display control means 301c controls the game medal count display 26 so that the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the memory means 302a is displayed on the game medal count display 26.

(7) Inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e
The inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e transmits various information to the card unit CU, such as information regarding the number of pseudo medals inserted and the number of medals paid out, information regarding errors occurring in the slot machine SM, information regarding various ratios displayed on the role ratio monitor 47, information that can identify the number data of the counted number based on the operation of the counting switch 31, and information unique to the slot machine SM, and receives information that can identify the number data of the loaned number sent from the card unit CU based on the operation of the loan switch 503a.

(8) VL supply determination means 301f
The slot machine SM is supplied with a voltage VL from the card unit CU via a connector. If the card unit CU is not powered on or if the slot machine SM and the card unit CU are not properly connected, the voltage VL supplied from the card unit CU will be cut off. The VL supply determination means 301f detects the voltage of the wiring line in the medal count control board 300 through which the voltage VL is supplied from the card unit CU, thereby determining whether or not the voltage VL is being supplied from the card unit CU.

(9) Transmission item control means 301g
The information transmitted to the card unit CU by the unit-to-unit transmitting/receiving means 301e includes gaming machine information, counting information, and information regarding the loan receipt result response. The transmission item control means 301g controls the transmission contents or transmission items of these pieces of information, and each piece of information and its transmission will be described later.

The communication between the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU described above is performed by serial communication, and the communication between the main control CPU 101 of the slot machine SM and the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM is performed by parallel communication. Note that the communication between the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU is not limited to serial communication, and the communication between the main control CPU 101 of the slot machine SM and the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM is not limited to parallel communication.

Below, the messages used for communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU are explained with reference to Figures 7 to 16.

(Format of the message and its items)
First, the format of the message used for communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU and each item of the message format will be described with reference to FIGS.

The message used for communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU includes five items, "Message length," "Command," "Serial number," "Data section," and "Checksum," as shown in Figure 7(a), and the data format of each item is HEX (hexadecimal), as shown in Figure 7(b).

The "Message Length" item stores the length of the message from the "Message Length" to the "Checksum" items, as shown in Figure 7 (b).

As shown in FIG. 7(b), the item "Command" stores the command code assigned to the message (messages "Game Machine Information Notification", "Counting Notification", "Loan Notification", and "Loan Receipt Result Response" in FIG. 8).

As shown in FIG. 7(b), the "serial number" item stores the sequence number assigned to the message (messages "game machine information notification", "counting notification", "loan notification", and "loan receipt result response" in FIG. 8), and in this embodiment stores a value between "0x00" and "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "255" in decimal notation).

The "Data section" item stores the data of the message, as shown in Figure 7 (b).

As shown in Figure 7 (b), the "checksum" item adds up the data from the "message length" item through the "data section" item, and stores the lowest 1 byte of the total. The data in the "checksum" item is used by the device that receives the message to check whether the message has been corrupted due to an error during communication, etc.

(Type of message)
Next, the types of messages used in communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU will be described with reference to FIG.

There are four types of messages used for communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU: "Game Machine Information Notification," "Counting Notification," "Loan Notification," and "Loan Receipt Result Response."

The message "Game Machine Information Notification" is used to notify the slot machine SM of "Game Machine Information" to the card unit CU, and is assigned a dedicated command code to be stored in the item "Command". The message "Counting Notification" is used to notify the slot machine SM of "Counting Information (Number of Counted Medal)" to the card unit CU, and is assigned a dedicated command code to be stored in the item "Command". The message "Lending Notification" is used to notify the card unit CU of "Lending Information (Number of Lending Medal)" to the slot machine SM, and is assigned a dedicated command code to be stored in the item "Command". The message "Lending Receipt Result Response" is a response from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU in response to the message "Lending Notification", and is assigned a dedicated command code to be stored in the item "Command". In this embodiment, the message that is permitted to be sent from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM is only the message "Lending Notification".

Below, we will explain each of the messages "Game Machine Information Notification," "Counting Notification," "Lending Notification," and "Lending Receipt Result Response" in order.

(Telegram: "Amusement Machine Information Notification")
First, the details of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" will be described with reference to Figs.

As shown in FIG. 9, the message "Game Machine Information Notification" includes the items "Message Length," "Command," "Serial Number," "Game Machine Type," "Game Machine Information Type," "Game Machine Information," and "Checksum." However, the item "Message Length" corresponds to the item "Message Length" in FIG. 7, the item "Command" corresponds to the item "Command" in FIG. 7, the item "Serial Number" corresponds to the item "Serial Number" in FIG. 7, the items "Game Machine Type," "Game Machine Information Type," and "Game Machine Information" correspond to the item "Data Section" in FIG. 7, and the item "Checksum" corresponds to the item "Checksum" in FIG. 7.

The "Message Length" field stores the length of the message from the "Message Length" field to the "Checksum" field.

The "Command" item stores the dedicated command code for the "Game Machine Information Notification" message.

The "serial number" item stores a sequence number, and in this embodiment, it stores a value between "0x00" and "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "255" in decimal notation). In detail, when the power is turned on, a "game machine information notification" message is sent in which the "serial number" item stores "0x00" (hexadecimal notation: "0" in decimal notation). After that, each time a "game machine information notification" message is sent, a "game machine information notification" message is sent in which the "serial number" item stores a value of "+1" (decimal notation). However, the "serial number" item stores "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: "255" in decimal notation) followed by "0x01" (hexadecimal notation: "1" in decimal notation), which is "+2" (decimal notation).

The item "Machine type" stores the machine type code that indicates the type of machine assigned to each machine, such as pachinko machines, reel-type machines such as slot machines (SM), arrange ball machines, and jan-ball machines.

The item "Gaming machine information type" stores a gaming machine information type code indicating the type of gaming machine information. In this embodiment, three types of "gaming machine information" are prepared: "gaming machine performance information", "gaming machine installation information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information", which will be described later. As gaming machine information type codes, "0x00" (hexadecimal notation) is assigned to "gaming machine performance information", "0x01" (hexadecimal notation) is assigned to "gaming machine installation information", and "0x02" (hexadecimal notation) is assigned to "hall control/fraud monitoring information".

When "0x00" (hexadecimal notation) is stored in the "Game Machine Information Type" item, the "Game Machine Information" item stores "Game Machine Performance Information" such as the total number of inserted coins, the total number of paid out coins, and MY (the maximum difference in the number of pseudo medals in a certain period (e.g., since the power was turned on)). Also, when "0x01" (hexadecimal notation) is stored in the "Game Machine Information" item, the "Game Machine Information" item stores "Game Machine Installation Information" such as the manufacturer code, product code, and chip ID number of the main control/medal count control. Also, when "0x02" (hexadecimal notation) is stored in the "Game Machine Information" item, the "Game Machine Information" item stores "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" such as IN, OUT, BB, RB, AT, door open signal, and security signal.

The "checksum" item adds up the data from the "message length" item through the "game machine information" item, and stores the lowest byte of the total. The data in the "checksum" item is used by the device that received the message to check whether the message was corrupted due to an error during communication, etc.

Below, we will explain the "Gaming Machine Performance Information," "Gaming Machine Installation Information," and "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" stored in the "Gaming Machine Information" section.

(Gaming machine performance information)
First, the "gaming machine performance information" will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The "gaming machine performance information" includes information displayed on the winning combination monitor 47 and related information, and is transmitted from the card unit CU to the management computer, and then from the management computer to the center. The "gaming machine performance information" is used to check whether the slot machine SM is performing better than the performance required to pass the screening, whether the player is cheating, etc.

"Gaming machine performance information" includes the items "Total number of inserts", "Total number of payouts", "MY", "Number of device payouts", "Number of consecutive device payouts", "Device ratio", "Continuous device ratio", "Advantageous zone ratio", "Device ratio with instructions", "Device status ratio", "Reserve", and "Reservation".

The "Total Inserts" item stores the cumulative number of inserts since the power was turned on, not including replays. The "Total Payouts" item stores the cumulative number of payouts since the power was turned on, not including replays. The "MY" item stores the maximum MY (the maximum difference in the number of pseudo medals) calculated after the power was turned on. Explanations of the other items will be omitted.

(Gaming machine installation information)
Next, the "gaming machine installation information" will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The "gaming machine installation information" includes information related to the main control chip (main control CPU 101) and the medal count control chip (medal count control CPU 301), and is information that is sent from the card unit CU to the management computer, and then sent from the management computer to the center. The "gaming machine installation information" is used to check whether the main control CPU 101 and medal count control CPU 301 provided in the slot machine SM are genuine or not.

"Amusement machine installation information" includes the items "Main control chip ID number", "Main control chip manufacturer code", "Main control chip product code", "Medal count control chip ID number", "Medal count control chip manufacturer code", and "Medal count control chip product code".

The items "Main control chip ID number", "Main control chip manufacturer code", and "Main control chip product code" store the ID number, manufacturer code, and product code of the main control chip (main control CPU 101). In addition, the items "Medal count control chip ID number", "Medal count control chip manufacturer code", and "Medal count control chip product code" store the ID number, manufacturer code, and product code of the medal count control chip (medal count control CPU 301). However, if the medal count control chip (medal count control CPU 301) is not installed, "0x00" (hexadecimal notation) is stored in the items "Medal count control chip ID number", "Medal count control chip manufacturer code", and "Medal count control chip product code".

(Hall control and fraud monitoring information)
Finally, the "hall control/fraud monitoring information" will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The "hall control/fraud monitoring information" includes "gaming machine information (hall control/fraud monitoring information)" and "game information", and is information transmitted from the card unit CU to the hall computer.

"Gaming machine information (hall computer/fraud monitoring information)" includes the items "Number of gaming medals inserted," "Number of medals inserted," "Number of medals paid out," "Main control status 1," ..., "Gaming machine error status," "Gaming machine fraud 1 (main control)," ..., "Gaming machine fraud 2 (main control or medal count control)," .... Note that data for the items "Number of medals inserted" and "Number of medals paid out" are not treated as signals for the hall computer, and data for the other items are treated as signals for the hall computer, but are not limited to this.

The "Number of medals played" item stores the current number of medals played displayed on the medal count display 26, and in this embodiment stores a value between "0x000000" and "0xFF3F00" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "16383" in decimal notation). Note that in this embodiment, the gaming machine is designed to be able to manage the number of medals played within the range of "0x000000" to "0xFF3F00" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "16383" in decimal notation).

The item "Number of inserted medals" stores the number of pseudo medals inserted between the transmission timings of the "Game Machine Information Notification" message that stores the consecutive "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" messages, which are sent at a predetermined cycle. In this embodiment, a value between "0xFD" and "0x03" (hexadecimal notation: "-3" to "+3" in decimal notation) is stored, and the most significant bit of the 8 bits is the sign (+/-) bit. The "number of inserted pseudo medals" here is the number of inserted pseudo medals, which is added when medals are inserted based on the pressing of the bet switch (bet switch 7 or maximum bet switch 8 in this embodiment), and is the number of returned pseudo medals, which is subtracted when pseudo medals are returned based on the pressing of the settlement switch (settlement switch 33 in this embodiment).

The "Number of paid out medals" item stores the number of pseudo medals paid out between the transmission timings of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message, which is sent at a predetermined cycle and which stores successive "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" messages, and in this embodiment stores a value between "0x00" and "0x15" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "15" in decimal notation). The "number of paid out pseudo medals" here is the number of pseudo medals paid out when a player wins a combination that earns pseudo medals, and is obtained by adding them up.

Explanations of other items will be omitted.

"Game Information" includes the items "Game Information Number", "Type Information 1", "Count Information 1", "Type Information 2", and "Count Information 2". Note that the data in the items "Game Information Number", "Type Information 1", "Count Information 1", "Type Information 2", and "Count Information 2" are treated as signals for the hall computer.

The "Game Information Count" item stores the number (n) of pairs of type information and count information, and in this embodiment, stores the value of n = "0x00" to "0x02" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "2" in decimal notation). Note that when the "Game Information Count" item is "0", it does not include the items "Type Information 1", "Count Information 1", "Type Information 2", and "Count Information 2", when it is "1", it includes the items "Type Information 1" and "Count Information 1", and when it is "2", it includes the items "Type Information 1", "Count Information 1", "Type Information 2", and "Count Information 2".

The item "Type information 1" stores either insertion or payout. The item "Count information 1" stores the number of pseudo medals inserted in the game when the item "Type information 1" is insertion, and stores the number of pseudo medals paid out in the game when the item "Type information 1" is payout. The "number of pseudo medals inserted in the game" here is different from the "number of inserted medals" in FIG. 12, and is the number of pseudo medals inserted (the number of pseudo medals used (consumed) in one game) at the time of operation of the start switch (start switch 9 in this embodiment), and is set in the telegram "Game machine information notification" that stores the first "Hall control/fraud monitoring information" after the start switch 9 is operated and transmitted. In this embodiment, the "number of pseudo medals inserted in the game" is "0x01" to "0x11" (hexadecimal notation: "1" to "3" in decimal notation). Also, the "number of pseudo medals paid out in the game" here is different from the "number of medals paid out" in FIG. 12, and is the number of pseudo medals that is predetermined for the role in which the player wins a role that earns pseudo medals, and is sent as a setting in the "game machine information notification" message that stores the first "hole control/fraud monitoring information" after the number of pseudo medals paid out is determined.

The item "Type information 2" stores either insertion or payout. The item "Count information 2" stores the number of pseudo medals inserted in the game when the item "Type information 2" is insertion, and stores the number of pseudo medals paid out in the game when the item "Type information 2" is payout. The "number of pseudo medals inserted in the game" here is different from the "number of inserted medals" in FIG. 12, and is the number of pseudo medals inserted (the number of pseudo medals used (consumed) in one game) at the time of operation of the start switch (start switch 9 in this embodiment), and is set in the telegram "Game machine information notification" that stores the first "Hall control/fraud monitoring information" after the start switch 9 is operated and transmitted. In this embodiment, the "number of pseudo medals inserted in the game" is "0x01" to "0x11" (hexadecimal notation: "1" to "3" in decimal notation). Also, the "number of pseudo medals paid out in the game" here is different from the "number of medals paid out" in FIG. 12, and is the number of pseudo medals that is predetermined for the role in which the player wins a role that earns pseudo medals, and is sent as a setting in the "game machine information notification" message that stores the first "hole control/fraud monitoring information" after the number of pseudo medals paid out is determined.

Here, the items "Type information 1," "Count information 1," "Type information 2," and "Count information 2" in FIG. 12 will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 13. Note that since the pair of "Type information 1" and "Count information 1" and the pair of "Type information 2" and "Count information 2" have the same content, they will be explained together as a pair of "Type information" and "Count information."

As shown in FIG. 13(a), the 2-byte "game information" includes 1 byte of "type information" and 1 byte of "count information."

The 1-byte "type information" indicates whether the "game information" is related to an input or output in one game, and includes a "data type" and a "data number" as shown in FIG. 13(b), with bits 4 to 7 (high-order bits) assigned to the "data type" and bits 0 to 3 (low-order bits) assigned to the "data number."

As shown in FIG. 13(b-1), bits 4 to 7 assigned to "data type" are set to "1 (0001)" ("Number of Inserts (IN)") if the "game information" is a notification related to insertion (notification of the number of inserts for the game), and are set to "2 (0010)" ("Number of Payouts (OUT)") if the "game information" is a notification related to payout (notification of the number of payouts for the game).

As shown in FIG. 13(b-2), when the value of bits 4 to 7 assigned to "data type" is "1 (0001)" (number of coins inserted (IN)), the values of bits 0 to 3 assigned to "data number" are fixed to "1 (0001)" and "0 (0000)", "2 (0010)" to "15 (1111)" are unused. Also, when the value of bits 4 to 7 assigned to "data type" is "2 (0010)" (number of coins paid out (OUT)), the values of bits 0 to 3 are fixed to "1 (0001)" and "0 (0000)", "2 (0010)" to "15 (1111)" are unused.

The following combinations are unused: Bits 4 to 7 have a value of "0 (0000)" and Bits 0 to 3 have values of "0 (0000)" to "15 (1111)", and Bits 4 to 7 have values of "3 (0011)" to "15 (1111)" and Bits 0 to 3 have values of "0 (0000)" to "15 (1111)".

The 1-byte "count information" stores the number of coins inserted in a game (the number inserted when the start switch 9 is operated, notified after the start switch 9 is operated) if the "game information" in question is related to the insertion of coins in one game, and stores the number of coins paid out in that game (notified after the number of pseudo medals paid out is determined) if the "game information" in question is related to the payment of coins in one game.

Specifically, when the "data type" is "1 (0001)" (number of medals inserted (IN)), as shown in FIG. 13(c-1), in Bits 0 to 7 of the "count information", the values of Bits 4 to 7 are fixed to "0 (0000)" (unused), and the values of Bits 0 to 3 are set to the number of medals inserted in the game ("1 (0001)" to "3 (0011)") (number of medals inserted). The "number of medals inserted in the game" here is the number of pseudo medals used (consumed) in one game. Note that in this embodiment, the settable allowable number of medals inserted that can be generally assumed (defined by rules, etc.) for the slot machine SM and other slot machines and that is allowed to be set as the number of medals used in one game is 1 to 3 medals.

When the "data type" is "2 (0010)" (amount of payout (OUT)), as shown in FIG. 13(c-2), in Bits 0 to 7 of the "count information", the values of Bits 4 to 7 are fixed to "0 (0000)" (unused), and the values of Bits 0 to 3 are set to the amount of payout for the game ("1 (0001)" to "15 (1111)") (amount of payout). The "amount of payout for the game" here is the number of pseudo medals that is predetermined for the role in which the player wins a role that earns pseudo medals. In this embodiment, the settable allowable payout number that is generally expected (defined by rules, etc.) for the slot machine SM and other slot machines and that is allowed to be set as the number of medals to be paid out in one game is 1 to 15 medals.

In the [game information] described using Figures 13(a) to (c-2), when the number of coins inserted for the game is three, as shown in Figure 13(d-1), the value of "data type" (Bits 4 to 7) of "type information" is set to "1 (0001)" indicating that the "game information" is a notification related to insertion (notification of the number of coins inserted for the game), the value of "data number" (Bits 0 to 3) of "type information" is set to "1 (0001)" (fixed), the value of "unused" (Bits 4 to 7) of "count information" is set to "0 (0000)" (fixed), and the value of "number inserted" of "count information" is set to the number of coins inserted for the game, "3 (0011)."

When the payout number for the game is 10, as shown in FIG. 13 (d-2), the value of "Data Type" (Bits 4-7) of "Type Information" is set to "2 (0010)" indicating that the "Game Information" is a notification related to a payout (notification of the payout number for the game), the value of "Data Number" (Bits 0-3) of "Type Information" is set to "1 (0001)" (fixed), the value of "Unused" (Bits 4-7) of "Count Information" is set to "0 (0000)" (fixed), and the value of "Payout Number" of "Count Information" is set to the payout number for the game, "10 (1010)."

(Telegram: "Counting Notice")
Next, the details of the telegram “counting notification” will be described with reference to FIG.

The message "Counting notification" includes the items "Message length," "Command," "Counting serial number," "Counted medal count," "Cumulative counted medal count," and "Checksum." However, the item "Message length" corresponds to the item "Message length" in Figure 7, the item "Command" corresponds to the item "Command" in Figure 7, the item "Counting serial number" corresponds to the item "Serial number" in Figure 7, the items "Counted medal count" and "Cumulative counted medal count" correspond to the item "Data section" in Figure 7, and the item "Checksum" corresponds to the item "Checksum" in Figure 7.

The "Message Length" field stores the length of the message from the "Message Length" field to the "Checksum" field.

The "Command" item stores the command code specific to the "Counting Notification" message.

The "Counting Serial Number" item stores a sequence number, and in this embodiment, it stores a value between "0x00" and "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "255" in decimal notation). In detail, when the power is turned on, a "Counting Notification" message is sent in which the "Counting Serial Number" item stores "0x00" (hexadecimal notation: "0" in decimal notation). Thereafter, each time a "Counting Notification" message is sent, a "Counting Notification" message is sent in which the "Counting Serial Number" item stores a value of "+1" (decimal notation). However, the "Counting Serial Number" item stores "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: "255" in decimal notation) followed by "0x01" (hexadecimal notation: "1" in decimal notation), which is "+2" (decimal notation).

The item "Counted medal count" stores the number of medals to be counted (the number of medals moving from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU: described as "Counted medal count"). In this embodiment, the counted medal count is a value between "0x00" and "0x32" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "50" in decimal notation).

The "cumulative medal count" item stores the cumulative number of medals counted since power was turned on (referred to as "cumulative medal count"), including the number of medals counted according to the current "counting notification" message, and the cumulative medal count is cleared to "0" when the power is turned off. In this embodiment, the cumulative medal count is stored as a value between "0x0000" and "0xFFFF" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "65535" in decimal notation). In detail, when the power is turned on, "0x00 (hexadecimal notation: 0 in decimal notation)" is stored in the "cumulative medal count" item. Thereafter, each time a "counting notification" message is sent, the value of the "cumulative medal count" item in that "counting notification" message is added to the "cumulative medal count". However, the addition is done so that "0xFFFF" (hexadecimal notation: "65535" in decimal notation) is followed by "0x0000" (hexadecimal notation: "0" in decimal notation).

The "checksum" item adds up the data from the "message length" item through the "cumulative medal count" item, and stores the lowest byte of the total. The data in the "checksum" item is used by the device that received the message to check whether the message was corrupted due to an error during communication, etc.

(Telegram "Loan Notice")
Next, the details of the electronic message "loan notice" will be described with reference to FIG.

The message "Lending notification" contains the items "Message length", "Command", "Lending serial number", "Number of lent medals", and "Checksum". However, the item "Message length" corresponds to the item "Message length" in Figure 7, the item "Command" corresponds to the item "Command" in Figure 7, the item "Lending serial number" corresponds to the item "Serial number" in Figure 7, the item "Number of lent medals" corresponds to the item "Data section" in Figure 7, and the item "Checksum" corresponds to the item "Checksum" in Figure 7.

The "Message Length" field stores the length of the message from the "Message Length" field to the "Checksum" field.

The "Command" item stores the dedicated command code for the "Loan Notification" message.

The item "Lending Serial Number" stores a sequence number, and in this embodiment, it stores a value between "0x00" and "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "255" in decimal notation). In detail, when the card unit CU starts communication with the slot machine SM, it transmits a "Lending Notification" message in which the "Lending Serial Number" item stores "0x00" (hexadecimal notation: "0" in decimal notation). After that, it transmits a "Lending Notification" message in which the "Lending Serial Number" item stores the value of the "Lending Serial Number" item of the most recently received message "Lending Receipt Result Response" +1 (decimal notation). However, the "Lending Serial Number" item stores "0x01" (hexadecimal notation: "1" in decimal notation), which is "+2" (decimal notation), next to "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: "255" in decimal notation).

The item "Number of medals loaned" stores the number of medals loaned (the number of medals moved from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM: described as "Number of medals loaned"). In this embodiment, the number of medals loaned is a value between "0x00" and "0x32" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "50" in decimal notation). However, if the state is inappropriate for loaning or if processing should be prioritized over loaning, for example, (1) if the message "Game Machine Information Notification" has not been received, (2) in the message "Game Machine Information Notification", a game machine information type code other than the game machine information type code "0x02" (hole control/fraud monitoring information) is stored in the item "Game Machine Information Type", or (3) in the message "Counting Notification", a value of 1 (decimal notation) or more is stored in the item "Counted medal number", the item "Number of medals loaned" is set to "0". If none of the above (1) to (3) apply, the "Number of Loaned Medal" item can be set to a number of loaned medals of "1" or more, and even in this case, the "Number of Loaned Medal" item may be set to a number of loaned medals of "0."

The "checksum" item adds up the data from the "message length" item through the "number of medals loaned" item, and stores the lowest byte of the total. The data in the "checksum" item is used by the device that received the message to check whether the message was corrupted due to an error during communication, etc.

(Message: "Loan acceptance result response")
Finally, the details of the message "loan acceptance result response" will be described with reference to FIG.

The message "Lending Receipt Result Response" contains the items "Message Length", "Command", "Lending Serial Number", "Lending Medal Count Receipt Result", and "Checksum". However, the item "Message Length" corresponds to the item "Message Length" in Figure 7, the item "Command" corresponds to the item "Command" in Figure 7, the item "Lending Serial Number" corresponds to the item "Serial Number" in Figure 7, the item "Lending Medal Count Receipt Result" corresponds to the item "Data Section" in Figure 7, and the item "Checksum" corresponds to the item "Checksum" in Figure 7.

The "Message Length" field stores the length of the message from the "Message Length" field to the "Checksum" field.

The "Command" item stores the dedicated command code for the "Loan Receipt Result Response" message.

The "loan serial number" item stores a sequence number, and in this embodiment, it stores a value between "0x00" and "0xFF" (hexadecimal notation: "0" to "255" in decimal notation). In detail, when the power is turned on, the value of the "loan serial number" item is cleared to "0x00" (hexadecimal notation: "0" in decimal notation). When "0x00" (hexadecimal notation) (normal) is stored in the "loan medal count receipt result" item of the "loan receipt result response" message, the "loan receipt result response" message is sent with the value of the "loan serial number" item set to the value of the "loan serial number" item of the most recently received "loan notification" message. On the other hand, when "0x01" (hexadecimal notation) (abnormal) is stored in the "Lend Medal Count Receipt Result" item of the "Lend Receipt Result Response" message, the "Lend Receipt Result Response" message will be sent with the value of its "Lend Serial Number" item set to the value of the "Lend Serial Number" item of the "Lend Notification" message corresponding to the "Lend Receipt Result Response" message that most recently stored "0x00 (hexadecimal notation)" (normal) in the "Lend Medal Count Receipt Result" item.

The item "Loaned Medal Count Receipt Result" stores the loaned medal count receipt result. In this embodiment, the item "Loaned Medal Count Receipt Result" stores "0x00" (hexadecimal notation) (normal) when the loaned medal count receipt result is normal, and stores "0x01" (hexadecimal notation) (abnormal) when the loaned medal count receipt result is abnormal. The item "Lend Medal Count Receipt Result" stores "0x01" (hexadecimal notation) (abnormal) when (1) the value of the "Lend Serial Number" item in the "Lend Notification" message is not consecutive, (2) the slot machine SM is in a state where it cannot receive a loan from the card unit CU, or (3) the result of adding the number of game medals (the current number of medals for the player managed by the slot machine SM: the current number of game medals displayed on the game medal count display 26) to the number of loaned medals stored in the "Lend Medal Count" item in the "Lend Notification" message exceeds "0xFF3F00" (hexadecimal notation: "16383" in decimal notation). The item "Lend Medal Count Receipt Result" stores "0x00 (hexadecimal notation)" (normal) when none of (1) to (3) apply.

The "checksum" item adds up the data from the "message length" item through the "number of loaned medals received" item, and stores the lowest byte of the total. The data in the "checksum" item is used by the device that received the message to check whether the message was corrupted due to an error during communication, etc.

(Communication sequence between slot machine SM and card unit CU)
The following describes a communication sequence between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU using the messages "Game Machine Information Notification,""CountingNotification,""LendingNotification," and "Lending Receipt Result Response."

(Basic communication sequence)
First, a basic communication sequence using messages "game machine information notification", "counting notification", "loan notification", and "loan receipt result response" between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU will be described with reference to Fig. 17. In Fig. 17, communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 is realized by the function of the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e of the medal count control CPU 301 and the function of the transmission/reception means 501e of the unit CPU 501.

The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("serial number = n") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("serial number = n") (step S101). After transmitting the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("serial number = n"), the medal count control CPU 301 transmits a message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m") to the unit CPU 501 at a timing in the range of 90 ms to 100 ms (hereinafter referred to as the "second transmission timing"), and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m") (step S102). The unit CPU 501 transmits the message "loan notification" ("loan serial number = k") to the medal count control CPU 301 at a timing of 170 ms or less (hereinafter referred to as the "third transmission timing") after receiving the message "counting notification" ("counting serial number = m"), and the medal count control CPU 301 receives the message "loan notification" ("loan serial number = k") (step S103). The medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "loan receipt result response" ("loan serial number = k") to the unit CPU 501 at a timing of 10 ms or less (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth transmission timing") after receiving the message "loan notification" ("loan serial number = k"), and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "loan receipt result response" ("loan serial number = k") (step S104).

After transmitting the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("serial number = n"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("serial number = n + 1") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU at a timing in the range of 300 ms to 310 ms (hereinafter referred to as the "first transmission timing"), and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("serial number = n + 1") (step S105). Note that there is a time of 20 ms or more between the reception of the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" ("Loan Serial Number = n") and the transmission of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("serial number = n + 1"). After transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n"), the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m + 1") to the unit CPU 501 at a timing (second transmission timing) in the range of 90 ms to 100 ms, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m + 1") (Step S106). After receiving the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m + 1"), the unit CPU 501 transmits the message "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k + 1") to the medal count control CPU 301 at a timing (third transmission timing) of 170 ms or less, and the medal count control CPU 301 receives the message "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k + 1") (Step S107). After receiving the message "loan notification" ("loan serial number = k+1"), the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "loan receipt result response" ("loan serial number = k+1") to the unit CPU 501 at a timing of 10 ms or less (fourth transmission timing), and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "loan receipt result response" ("loan serial number = k+1") (step S108). Even after step S108, the messages "game machine information notification", "counting notification", "loan notification", and "loan receipt result response" are each transmitted at a timing within the corresponding period described above.

In this embodiment, the medal count control CPU 301 is set to receive the message "loan notification" from the unit CPU 501 within a specified range from the start of transmission of the message "counting notification" (by a specified time (the upper limit of the specified range) before the timing for transmitting the message "loan receipt result response" arrives). In this embodiment, the specified time is set as the time from the start of transmission of the message "counting notification" to 170 ms. When the medal count control CPU 301 receives the message "loan notification" from the unit CPU 501 within a specified range from the start of transmission of the message "counting notification" (by a specified time before the timing for transmitting the message "loan receipt result response"), the medal count control CPU 301 does not discard the received message "loan notification" but accepts it, and updates the game medal count data stored in the memory 302 using the number of loaned medals notified by the message "loan notification", and transmits the message "loan receipt result response" to the card unit CU as a response to the message "loan notification". On the other hand, if the medal count control CPU 301 receives a "loan notification" message from the unit CPU 501 at a time outside the specified range from the start of transmission of the "counting notification" message (a time exceeding the specified time before the timing for transmitting the "loan receipt result response" message), it discards the received "loan notification" message, does not update the game medal count data stored in memory 302 using the number of loaned medals notified in the "loan notification" message, and does not send a "loan receipt result response" message to the card unit CU in response to the "loan notification" message.

Thus, in this embodiment, in a cycle in which the time length of one cycle is in the range of 300 ms or more and 310 ms or less, the messages "Gaming Machine Information Notification", "Counting Notification", "Loan Notification", and "Lending Receipt Result Response" are transmitted at different times within one cycle, with the first transmission timing of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" being the start of one cycle, the second transmission timing of the message "Counting Notification" being in the range of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after the transmission of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification", the third transmission timing of the message "Lending Notification" being 170 ms or less after the reception of the message "Counting Notification", and the fourth transmission timing of the message "Lending Receipt Result Response" being 10 ms or less after the reception of the message "Lending Notification".

Next, the basic communication sequence using the messages "Game Machine Information Notification," "Counting Notification," "Loan Notification," and "Loan Receipt Result Response" between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU when the slot machine SM is started first will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

When both the slot machine SM and the card unit CU are powered OFF, the voltage V supplied from the card unit CU is OFF (0V). In addition, it is also impossible to determine whether the connection confirmation signal (pin number: 4 in Figure 6) sent from the slot machine SM is ON/OFF (PSI = OFF in Figure 18). Here, if the power supply of the slot machine SM and the power supply of the card unit CU are turned ON at the same time, for example, each will start booting up.

Until startup is complete, the card unit CU keeps the voltage VL supplied to the slot machine SM OFF (0V) and does not determine whether the connection confirmation signal is ON/OFF (PSI = OFF in Figure 18). If startup of the slot machine SM is completed first, the slot machine SM sends a gaming machine information notification to the card unit CU. The serial number at this time starts from "0". Next, at the communication timing mentioned above (100 ms later), a counting notification is sent. The serial number at this time starts from "0". However, because startup on the card unit CU side has not been completed, these notifications cannot be received.

After that, the slot machine SM sends gaming machine information notifications and counting notifications with the serial numbers incremented by +1 at 300 ms intervals. After that, when the card unit CU has completed booting up, it turns on the voltage VL (5V) to supply voltage to the slot machine SM and starts judging whether the connection confirmation signal with the slot machine SM is on or off, and judges that the signal is on since the slot machine SM and the card unit CU are connected. It also starts receiving gaming machine information notifications and counting notifications, and also starts communicating loan notifications and loan receipt result responses. At this time, the card unit CU manages the serial numbers from when it started receiving them. For example, if the first gaming machine information notification since booting up is number n, it starts managing them from here.

Next, the basic communication sequence using the messages "Game Machine Information Notification," "Counting Notification," "Lending Notification," and "Lending Receipt Result Response" between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU when the card unit CU is started first will be described with reference to FIG. 19.

When the card unit CU is turned on while the slot machine SM is powered off, if the card unit CU is started first, the voltage V supplied from the card unit CU is OFF (0V) until the start-up is complete. Also, the connection confirmation signal (pin number: 4 in FIG. 6) sent from the slot machine SM is OFF because the judgment has not started. When the start-up of the card unit CU is completed, the voltage VL supplied from the card unit CU is ON (5V). Also, if the slot machine SM is not started but the connection between the card unit CU and the slot machine SM is normal, the connection confirmation signal (pin number: 4 in FIG. 6) is sent and judged as ON. Since the slot machine SM is still powered off, neither the "game machine information notification" nor the "counting notification" is sent, and the slot machine SM is in a communication standby state. Next, even if the slot machine SM is powered on and starts to start, the card unit CU maintains a communication standby state until the start-up is completed.

When the slot machine SM has finished booting up, the slot machine SM sends a gaming machine information notification to the card unit CU. The serial number at this time starts from "0". Next, at the above-mentioned communication timing (100 ms later), the slot machine SM sends a counting notification to the card unit CU. At this time, the serial number starts from "0". Next, the card unit CU sends a loan notification to the slot machine SM, and then the slot machine SM sends a loan receipt result response to the card unit CU. These serial numbers also start from "0", and the receiving side starts managing each piece of information ("gaming machine information notification", "counting notification", "loan notification", "loan receipt result response") from the serial number "0".

(Basic communication sequence for the message "game machine information notification")
Next, the basic communication sequence of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" will be described.

First, the transmission conditions and transmission priorities of the "Gaming Machine Installation Information", "Gaming Machine Performance Information", and "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" in the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message will be described with reference to FIG. 20. The "Gaming Machine Installation Information", "Gaming Machine Performance Information", and "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" are stored and transmitted according to the respective transmission conditions and transmission priorities in the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message, which is transmitted periodically with a time length (within the range of 300 ms to 310 ms) as one cycle.

The "gaming machine performance information" is transmitted for a time period equivalent to 200 cycles of the "gaming machine information notification" message (within a range of 60 seconds to 62 seconds) from the completion of startup of the gaming machine (in this embodiment, the slot machine SM), and is then transmitted at intervals in which the time length of one cycle is equal to 200 cycles of the "gaming machine information notification" message (within a range of 60 seconds to 62 seconds).

The "gaming machine installation information" is transmitted for a time period equivalent to 600 cycles of the "gaming machine information notification" message (within a range of 180 s to 186 s) from the completion of startup of the gaming machine (in this embodiment, the slot machine SM), and is then transmitted at intervals in which the time length of one cycle is equal to 600 cycles of the "gaming machine information notification" message (within a range of 180 s to 186 s).

The "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted immediately after the start-up of the gaming machine (in this embodiment, the slot machine SM) is completed, and is then transmitted periodically with a time length equivalent to one period of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message (within the range of 300 ms to 310 ms).

The "gaming machine performance information", "gaming machine installation information", and "hall control and fraud monitoring information" transmitted under the above transmission conditions may have overlapping transmission timings, so the transmission priorities for the "gaming machine performance information", "gaming machine installation information", and "hall control and fraud monitoring information" are pre-determined, and in this embodiment, the "gaming machine installation information", "gaming machine performance information", and "hall control and fraud monitoring information" are assigned priorities of "1" (high), "2" (medium), and "3" (low), respectively.

At each first transmission timing for transmitting the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification", those that satisfy the transmission conditions among "Gaming Machine Performance Information", "Gaming Machine Installation Information", and "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" are stored as transmission candidates. Then, at each first transmission timing, the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" stores the message with the highest transmission priority among those stored so far as transmission candidates, and transmits it. Note that the first transmission timing of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" in which "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is stored is the start timing of one cycle for the transmission of the next "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", the first transmission timing of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" in which "Gaming Machine Performance Information" is stored is the start timing of one cycle for the transmission of the next "Gaming Machine Performance Information", and the first transmission timing of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" in which "Gaming Machine Installation Information" is stored is the start timing of one cycle for the transmission of the next "Gaming Machine Installation Information".

For example, if the timing of transmitting the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" overlaps with the timing of transmitting other "Gaming Machine Information" ("Gaming Machine Performance Information", "Gaming Machine Installation Information") at the first transmission timing A11 for transmitting the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message, the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the other "Gaming Machine Information" are stored as transmission candidates, and at the first transmission timing A11, the other "Gaming Machine Information" that has a higher priority than the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is stored in the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message and transmitted, and the first transmission timing A11 becomes the start timing of one cycle for transmitting the next other "Gaming Machine Information". At the first transmission timing A12 following the first transmission timing A11 at which the message "gaming machine information notification" is sent, "Hall control/fraud monitoring information" is stocked as a transmission candidate, and at the first transmission timing A12, the "Hall control/fraud monitoring information" that was not sent at the first transmission timing A11 because it had a low priority is stored in the message "gaming machine information notification" and sent, and the first transmission timing A12 becomes the start timing of one cycle for the transmission of the next "Hall control/fraud monitoring information".

In addition, if the timing of transmitting the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", the timing of transmitting the "Gaming Machine Performance Information", and the timing of transmitting the "Gaming Machine Installation Information" overlap at the first transmission timing A21 at which the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message is transmitted, the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", the "Gaming Machine Performance Information", and the "Gaming Machine Installation Information" are stored as transmission candidates, and at the first transmission timing A21, the "Gaming Machine Installation Information", which has the highest priority, is stored in the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message and transmitted, and the first transmission timing A21 becomes the timing for starting one cycle for transmitting the next "Gaming Machine Installation Information". At the first transmission timing A22 following the first transmission timing A21 at which the "gaming machine information notification" message is transmitted, "hall control/fraud monitoring information" and "gaming machine performance information" are stored as transmission candidates, and at the first transmission timing A22, the "gaming machine performance information" which has a higher priority among the "hall control/fraud monitoring information" and "gaming machine performance information" which were not transmitted at the first transmission timing A21 because they had a lower priority is stored in the "gaming machine information notification" message and transmitted, and the first transmission timing A22 becomes the timing for the start of one cycle for transmitting the next "gaming machine performance information". At the first transmission timing A23 following the first transmission timing A22 at which the message "gaming machine information notification" is sent, "Hall control/fraud monitoring information" is stocked as a transmission candidate, and at the first transmission timing A23, the "Hall control/fraud monitoring information" that was not sent at the first transmission timings A21 and A22 because it had a low priority is stored in the message "gaming machine information notification" and sent, and the first transmission timing A23 becomes the start timing of one cycle for the transmission of the next "Hall control/fraud monitoring information".

Next, the basic communication sequence of the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Game Machine Installation Information", "Game Machine Performance Information", "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information") between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU under the transmission conditions and transmission priority order in FIG. 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 21. In FIG. 21, communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 is realized by the function of the unit-to-unit transmission/reception means 301e of the medal count control CPU 301 and the function of the transmission/reception means 501e of the unit CPU 501.

When the slot machine SM has finished booting up, out of the "game machine installation information," "game machine performance information," and "hall control and fraud monitoring information," only the "hall control and fraud monitoring information" satisfies the transmission conditions, so the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a message "game machine information notification" that contains the "hall control and fraud monitoring information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S401).

The first transmission timing of each of the 199 subsequent "Gaming Machine Information Notification" messages is the time equivalent to one cycle of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message (in the range of 300 ms to 310 ms) from the previous transmission of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message containing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information". Therefore, the transmission conditions for the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" are met, but the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message containing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" is not transmitted in step S401, which is immediately after the start-up of the slot machine SM is completed. Since the time equivalent to 200 cycles of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" (range of 60 s to 62 s) has not yet elapsed since the start of the slot machine SM was completed in step S401, which is the time immediately after the start of the slot machine SM was completed, the time equivalent to 600 cycles of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" (range of 180 s to 186 s) has not yet elapsed since the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" containing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" was sent, so the transmission condition for the "Gaming Machine Performance Information" is not met. Therefore, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM sends the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" containing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU at the first transmission timing (steps S402, ..., S403).

The first transmission timing of the next telegram, "Gaming Machine Information Notification", is the time equivalent to one cycle of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" after the transmission of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" in step S403 (in the range of 300 ms to 310 ms), and is also the time equivalent to 200 cycles of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" after the transmission of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" in step S401, which is immediately after the startup of the slot machine SM, (in the range of 60 s to 62 s). Therefore, the transmission conditions for "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" and "Gaming Machine Installation Information" are met, but the transmission condition for "Gaming Machine Performance Information" is not met because the time equivalent to 600 cycles of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" after the transmission of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" in step S401, which is immediately after the startup of the slot machine SM, (in the range of 180 s to 186 s) has not yet been reached. Therefore, at the first transmission timing, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU a message "Game Machine Information Notification" that contains "Game Machine Installation Information," which has a higher transmission priority than "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" (step S404).

The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" that was not transmitted in step S404 due to its low priority to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU at the first transmission timing, which is a time equivalent to one cycle of the message "Game Machine Information Notification" (within the range of 300 ms to 310 ms) from the transmission of the "Game Machine Installation Information" in step S404 (step S405).

The first transmission timing of each of the 198 subsequent "Gaming Machine Information Notification" messages is the time equivalent to one cycle of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message (in the range of 300 ms to 310 ms) from the previous transmission of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message storing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information", so the transmission condition for the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" is met; however, the transmission condition for the "Gaming Machine Installation Information" is not met because the time equivalent to 200 cycles of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message (in the range of 60 s to 62 s) has not yet been reached since the transmission of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message storing the "Gaming Machine Installation Information" in step S404, and the transmission condition for the "Gaming Machine Performance Information" is not met because the time equivalent to 600 cycles of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message (in the range of 180 s to 186 s) has not yet been reached since the transmission of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message storing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" in step S401, which is immediately after the startup of the slot machine SM is completed. Therefore, at the first transmission timing, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a message "Game Machine Information Notification" that contains the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU.

In step S406, the first transmission timing of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message is a time equivalent to one cycle of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message (in the range of 300 ms to 310 ms) from the previous transmission of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message storing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information", and is also a time equivalent to 200 cycles of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message (in the range of 60 s to 62 s) from the previous transmission of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message storing the "Gaming Machine Installation Information". Therefore, the transmission conditions for the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" and "Gaming Machine Installation Information" are met; however, the transmission conditions for the "Gaming Machine Performance Information" are not met because the time equivalent to 600 cycles of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message (in the range of 180 s to 186 s) has not yet been reached from the transmission of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message storing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" message in step S401, which is immediately after the startup of the slot machine SM is completed. Therefore, at the first transmission timing, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits to the unit CPU 501 a message "Game Machine Information Notification" that contains "Game Machine Installation Information," which has a higher transmission priority than "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information."

In step S407, the first transmission timing of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message is the time equivalent to one cycle of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message (in the range of 300 ms to 310 ms) from the previous transmission of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message storing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information", so the transmission condition for the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" is met; however, the transmission condition for the "Gaming Machine Installation Information" is not met because the time equivalent to 200 cycles of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message (in the range of 60 s to 62 s) has not yet been reached since the transmission of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message storing the "Gaming Machine Installation Information" in step S406, and the transmission condition for the "Gaming Machine Performance Information" is not met because the time equivalent to 600 cycles of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message (in the range of 180 s to 186 s) has not yet been reached since the transmission of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message storing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" in step S401, which is immediately after the startup of the slot machine SM is completed. Therefore, at the first transmission timing, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a message "Game Machine Information Notification" that contains the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU.

The first transmission timing of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" following the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" transmitted in step S407 is a time equivalent to one cycle of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" after the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted in step S407 (a range of 300 ms to 310 ms), a time equivalent to 200 cycles of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" after the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing "Gaming Machine Installation Information" is transmitted in step S406 (a range of 60 s to 62 s), and a time equivalent to 600 cycles of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" after the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted in step S401, which is immediately after the startup of the slot machine SM is completed (a range of 180 s to 186 s). Therefore, all of the transmission conditions for "Gaming Machine Installation Information", "Gaming Machine Performance Information", and "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" are satisfied. Therefore, at the first transmission timing, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a message "Game Machine Information Notification" that contains the "Game Machine Installation Information" that has the highest priority to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S408).

The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, at the first transmission timing corresponding to one cycle of the message "gaming machine information notification" (within the range of 300 ms to 310 ms) from the transmission of the "gaming machine installation information" in step S408, a message "gaming machine information notification" that stores the "gaming machine performance information" that has a higher transmission priority among the "gaming machine performance information" and the "hall control/fraud monitoring information" that were not transmitted in step S408 (step S409). After this, the "gaming machine performance information" is periodically transmitted by changing the reference for starting the cycle, which has a time length equivalent to 600 cycles of the message "gaming machine information notification" (within the range of 180 s to 186 s), to the first transmission timing corresponding to step S409. It is not necessary to change the reference for starting the cycle for transmitting the "gaming machine performance information".

The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" that was not transmitted in steps S408 and S409 due to its low transmission priority to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU at the first transmission timing, which is a time period equivalent to one period of the message "Game Machine Information Notification" (range of 300 ms to 310 ms) from the transmission of the "Game Machine Performance Information" in step S409 (step S410).

The card unit CU may generate mixed information to be sent to the management computer by mixing predetermined information from the hall control and fraud monitoring information, predetermined information from the gaming machine installation information, and predetermined information from the gaming machine performance information when it receives the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the hall control and fraud monitoring information, the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the gaming machine installation information, and the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the gaming machine performance information. The mixed information may be generated, for example, every time the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the gaming machine performance information is received (every three minutes), or only once when the power is turned on.

(One specific example of counting in a basic communication sequence)
Next, a specific example of counting between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU in the basic communication sequence between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU in Fig. 17 will be described with reference to Fig. 22. However, in the communication sequence in Fig. 22, the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal number control CPU 301 on the slot machine SM side (the number of medals held by the player on the slot machine SM side managed using the game medal number data stored in the memory 302) is "200" before the counting switch 31 is pressed, and the number of medals held and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 on the card unit CU side (the number of medals held by the player on the card unit CU side managed using the medal number data stored in the memory 502) is "20". Note that the timing of transmission of the messages "game machine information notification", "counting notification", "loan notification", and "loan receipt result response" has been described in detail with reference to Fig. 17, so the description of Fig. 22 will be omitted. In FIG. 22, communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 is realized by the function of the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301 e of the medal count control CPU 301 and the function of the transmission/reception means 501 e of the unit CPU 501.

The medal count control CPU 301 on the slot machine SM detects the pressing of the count switch 31 (step S501). This pressing of the count switch 31 is assumed to be a long press (e.g., continuous pressing for more than 1 second) that exceeds a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second).

In this embodiment, the counted medal number notified in the "counting notification" message is set to an upper limit of "50". The upper limit of the counted medal number is described as the "upper medal count limit". In the case of a long press, the counted medal number notified in the "counting notification" message is set to "50" based on the number of game medals if the number of game medals stored and managed in memory 302 by medal count control CPU 301 is equal to or greater than the upper medal count limit of "50", is set to "the number of game medals stored and managed in memory 302 by medal count control CPU 301" based on the number of game medals if the number of game medals is "1" or greater and less than the upper medal count limit of "50", and is set to "0" based on the number of game medals if the number of game medals is "0". In addition, in the case of a short press (e.g., continuous press for 1 second or less) that does not exceed a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second), the counted medal count notified in the "Counting Notification" message is set to "1" based on the game medal count stored and managed in memory 302 by medal count control CPU 301 if the game medal count is "1" or greater, and is set to "0" based on the game medal count if the game medal count is "0."

The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n", "Number of Game Medals = 200") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n", "Number of Game Medals = 200") (step S502).

After transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n", "Number of Game Medals = 200"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM determines the number of counted medals to be the upper medal count limit of "50" based on the number of game medals "200" stored and managed in memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 through the first counting processing means 301b2. The medal count control CPU 301 then transmits the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m", "Counted Medals = 50", "Cumulative Counted Medals = 50") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m", "Counted Medals = 50", "Cumulative Counted Medals = 50") (step S503). The medal count control CPU 301 uses the first counting processing means 301b2 to update the number of game medals stored and managed by the medal count control CPU 301 in memory 302 to "150", subtracting the counted medal number of "50" (step S504). Also, the unit CPU 501 uses the second counting processing means 501c to update the number of held medals stored and managed by the unit CPU 501 in memory 502 to "70", adding the counted medal number of "50" (step S505).

After receiving the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m", "Counted Medal Count = 50", "Cumulative Counted Medal Count = 50"), the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU sends the message "Loan Notification" ("Loan Serial Number = k", "Loaned Medal Count = 0") to the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM, and the medal count control CPU 301 receives the message "Loan Notification" ("Loan Serial Number = k", "Loaned Medal Count = 0") (step S506). After receiving the message "Loan Notification" ("Loan Serial Number = k", "Loaned Medal Count = 0"), the medal count control CPU 301 sends the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" ("Loan Serial Number = k", "Receipt Result = Normal") to the unit CPU 501, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" ("Loan Serial Number = k", "Receipt Result = Normal") (step S507). Since the number of lent medals is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in memory 302 by medal number control CPU 301 remains at "150", and the number of held medals stored and managed in memory 502 by unit CPU 501 remains at "70".

After sending the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" ("Loan Serial Number = k", "Receipt Result = Normal"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM sends the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n+1", "Number of Gaming Medals = 150") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n+1", "Number of Gaming Medals = 150") (step S508).

After transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n+1", "Number of Game Medals = 150"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM determines the number of counted medals to be the upper medal count limit of "50" based on the number of game medals "150" stored and managed in memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 through the first counting processing means 301b2. The medal count control CPU 301 then transmits the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m+1", "Counted Medals = 50", "Cumulative Counted Medals = 100") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m+1", "Counted Medals = 50", "Cumulative Counted Medals = 100") (step S509). The medal count control CPU 301 uses the first counting processing means 301b2 to update the number of game medals stored and managed by the medal count control CPU 301 in memory 302 to "100", subtracting the counted medal number of "50" (step S510). Also, the unit CPU 501 uses the second counting processing means 501c to update the number of held medals stored and managed by the unit CPU 501 in memory 502 to "120", adding the counted medal number of "50" (step S511).

After receiving the "Counting Notification" message ("Counting serial number = m+1", "Counted medal count = 50", "Cumulative counted medal count = 100"), the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU sends a "Loan Notification" message ("Loan serial number = k+1", "Loaned medal count = 0") to the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM, and the medal count control CPU 301 receives the "Loan Notification" message ("Loan serial number = k+1", "Loaned medal count = 0") (step S512). After receiving the message "Lending notification" ("Lending serial number = k+1", "Number of lent medals = 0"), the medal count control CPU 301 sends the message "Lending receipt result response" ("Lending serial number = k+1", "Receipt result = normal") to the unit CPU 501, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Lending receipt result response" ("Lending serial number = k+1", "Receipt result = normal") (step S513). Note that since the number of lent medals is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 remains at "100", and the number of held medals stored and managed in memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains at "120".

Then, the medal count control CPU 301 on the slot machine SM detects the end of the pressing operation of the count switch 31 (step S514).

After sending the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" ("Loan Serial Number = k+1", "Receipt Result = Normal"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM sends the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n+2", "Number of Gaming Medals = 100") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n+2", "Number of Gaming Medals = 100") (step S515).

After transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n+2", "Number of Game Medals = 100"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the message "Count Notification" ("Count Serial Number = m+2", "Number of Counted Medals = 0", "Cumulative Counted Medals = 100") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Count Notification" ("Count Serial Number = m+2", "Number of Counted Medals = 0", "Cumulative Counted Medals = 100") (step S516). Note that since the number of counted medals is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 remains "100", and the number of held medals stored and managed in memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains "120".

After receiving the telegram "Counting Notification" ("Counting serial number = m+2", "Counted medal count = 0", "Cumulative counted medal count = 100"), the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU sends a telegram "Loan Notification" ("Loan serial number = k+2", "Loaned medal count = 0") to the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM, and the medal count control CPU 301 receives the telegram "Loan Notification" ("Loan serial number = k+2", "Loaned medal count = 0") (step S517). After receiving the message "Lending notification" ("Lending serial number = k+2", "Number of lent medals = 0"), the medal count control CPU 301 sends the message "Lending receipt result response" ("Lending serial number = k+2", "Receipt result = normal") to the unit CPU 501, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Lending receipt result response" ("Lending serial number = k+2", "Receipt result = normal") (step S518). Note that since the number of lent medals is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 remains at "100", and the number of held medals stored and managed in memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains at "120".

In the communication sequence of FIG. 22, if the number of game medals stored and managed in memory 302 by medal count control CPU 301 on the slot machine SM side before pressing the count switch 31 is "70", in step S503 the count medal count "50", which is the upper limit of the count medal count "50", is notified using the "count notification" message, and in step S509 the count medal count "20", which is less than the upper limit of the count medal count "50", is notified using the "count notification" message.

Furthermore, if the timing at which the count switch 31 is released is later than in the case of the communication sequence of FIG. 22, after step S513, processing similar to steps S508 to S513 (for example, sending and receiving the message "Counting Notification" ("Number of Serial Number = m + 2", "Number of Counted Medals = 50", Cumulative Counted Medals = 150"), updating the number of game medals to "50", and updating the number of held medals to "170") are performed. In this way, for example, while the count switch 31 is pressed, the message "Counting Notification" notifying the number of counted medals up to the upper limit of the counted medals is repeatedly sent and received in a cycle with a time length of 300 ms to 310 ms.

In addition, if the count switch 31 is pressed briefly in step S101 in the communication sequence of FIG. 22, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM notifies the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU of the count medal count "1" using the message "Count notification."

(One specific example of lending in the basic communication sequence)
Next, a specific example of lending between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU in the basic communication sequence between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU in Fig. 17 will be described with reference to Fig. 23. However, in the communication sequence in Fig. 23, the number of game medals stored and managed in the memory 302 by the medal number control CPU 301 on the slot machine SM side (the number of medals held by the player on the slot machine SM side managed using the game medal number data stored in the memory 302) is "10" before the lending switch 503a is pressed, and the number of medals held and managed in the memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 on the card unit CU side (the number of medals held by the player on the card unit CU side managed using the medal number data stored in the memory 502) is "150". Note that the timing of transmission of the messages "Game Machine Information Notification", "Counting Notification", "Lending Notification", and "Lending Receipt Result Response" is omitted from the description in Fig. 23, since the details are described with reference to Fig. 17. In FIG. 23, communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 is realized by the function of the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301 e of the medal count control CPU 301 and the function of the transmission/reception means 501 e of the unit CPU 501 .

The unit CPU 501 on the card unit CU side detects the pressing of the loan switch 503a (step S601).

In this embodiment, the number of loaned medals notified in the "loan notification" message is set to an upper limit of "50". The upper limit of the number of loaned medals is referred to as the "maximum loaned medal number". The number of loaned medals notified in the "loan notification" message is set to "50" based on the number of possessed medals if the number of possessed medals stored and managed in memory 502 by unit CPU 501 is equal to or greater than the maximum loaned medal number of "50", and is set to "the number of possessed medals stored and managed in memory 502 by unit CPU 501" based on the number of possessed medals if the number of possessed medals is equal to or greater than "1" and less than the maximum loaned medal number of "50". In addition, if the number of medals held is "0", the number of medals to be lent out notified in the telegram "Lending Notification" is set to "50" based on the cash balance if the number of medals equivalent to the cash balance stored and managed in memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 (the cash balance held by the player on the card unit CU side, which is managed using the balance data stored in memory 502) is equal to or greater than the upper limit of medals to be lent out, "50"; if the number of medals equivalent to the cash balance is "1" or greater and less than the upper limit of medals to be lent out, "50", the number is set to "the number of medals equivalent to the cash balance stored and managed in memory 502 by the unit CPU 501" based on the cash balance; if the number of medals equivalent to the cash balance is "0", the number is set to "0" based on the cash balance.

Note that, although it is said that lending based on the number of medals held takes priority over lending based on the cash balance, this is not limited to this. Also, the number of medals that corresponds to 1000 yen in cash varies depending on the rate, etc., for example, 47 medals (equivalent), 200 medals (5 slots), 500 medals (2 slots), etc., and 1000 yen worth of medals can be lent out with one operation of the lending switch 503a (for example, 47 medals (equivalent) can be lent out with one operation of the lending switch 503a), or 500 yen worth of medals can be lent out with one operation of the lending switch 503a (for example, 100 medals (5 slots) can be lent out in two operations in units of 50 medals with one operation of the lending switch 503a).

The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits a message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n", "Number of Game Medals = 10") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n", "Number of Game Medals = 10") (step S602).

After transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n", "Number of Game Medals = 10"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m", "Number of Counted Medals = 0", "Cumulative Counted Medals = 0") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m", "Number of Counted Medals = 0", "Cumulative Counted Medals = 0") (step S603). Note that since the number of counted medals is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 remains "10", and the number of held medals stored and managed in memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains "150".

After receiving the "Counting Notification" message ("Counting Serial Number = m", "Counted Medal Count = 0", "Cumulative Counted Medal Count = 0"), the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU determines the number of medals to be lent out to the upper limit of "50" for lent out medals, based on the number of medals held of "150" stored and managed by the unit CPU 501 in memory 502, through the lending processing means 501b. The unit CPU 501 transmits the "Lending Notification" message ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Lending Medal Count = 50") to the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM, and the medal count control CPU 301 receives the "Lending Notification" message ("Lending Serial Number = k", "Lending Medal Count = 50") (step S604). After receiving the message "Lending notification" ("Lending serial number = k", "Number of lent medals = 50"), the medal count control CPU 301 sends the message "Lending receipt result response" ("Lending serial number = k", "Reception result = normal") to the unit CPU 501, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Lending receipt result response" ("Lending serial number = k", "Reception result = normal") (step S605). The medal count control CPU 301 updates the number of game medals stored and managed by the medal count control CPU 301 in the memory 302 by the borrowing processing means 301b1 to "60", which is the sum of the number of lent medals "50" (step S606). In addition, the unit CPU 501 updates the number of possessed medals stored and managed by the unit CPU 501 in the memory 502 by the lending processing means 501b to "100", which is the sum of the number of lent medals "50" (step S607).

After sending the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" ("Loan Serial Number = k", "Receipt Result = Normal"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM sends the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n+1", "Number of Gaming Medals = 60") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n+1", "Number of Gaming Medals = 60") (step S608).

After transmitting the message "Game Machine Information Notification" ("Serial Number = n+1", "Number of Game Medals = 60"), the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM transmits the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m+1", "Number of Counted Medals = 0", "Cumulative Counted Medals = 0") to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m+1", "Number of Counted Medals = 0", "Cumulative Counted Medals = 0") (step S609). Note that since the number of counted medals is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 remains "60", and the number of held medals stored and managed in memory 502 by the unit CPU 501 remains "100".

After receiving the message "Counting Notification" ("Counting Serial Number = m+1", "Counted Medal Count = 0", "Cumulative Counted Medal Count = 0"), the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU sends the message "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k+1", "Lending Medal Count = 0") to the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM, and the medal count control CPU 301 receives the message "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k+1", "Lending Medal Count = 0") (step S610). After receiving the message "Lending Notification" ("Lending Serial Number = k+1", "Lending Medal Count = 0"), the medal count control CPU 301 sends the message "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Serial Number = k+1", "Receipt Result = Normal") to the unit CPU 501, and the unit CPU 501 receives the message "Lending Receipt Result Response" ("Lending Serial Number = k+1", "Receipt Result = Normal") (step S611). Since the number of loaned medals is "0", the number of game medals stored and managed in memory 302 by medal number control CPU 301 remains at "60", and the number of held medals stored and managed in memory 502 by unit CPU 501 remains at "100".

In the communication sequence of FIG. 23, if the number of medals held and stored and managed in memory 502 by unit CPU 501 before pressing loan switch 503a is "20", in step S604 the number of loaned medals "20", which is less than the upper limit of loaned medals "50", is notified using the telegram "loan notification".

During the counting process (during the sending and receiving of the "Counting Notification" message in which the counted medal count is "1" or more), the loan switch 503a may be disabled and the "Loan Notification" message in which the loaned medal count is "0" may be sent and received. In contrast, during the loan process (during the sending and receiving of the "Loan Notification" message in which the loaned medal count is "1" or more and the corresponding "Loan Receipt Result Response" message), the counting switch 31 may be enabled, and if the counting switch 31 is pressed during the loan process, the process may switch from the loan process to the counting process.

In this embodiment, the maximum number of game medals that can be managed by the medal count control CPU 301 using the game medal count data stored in the memory 302 (the maximum number of game medals that can be displayed on the game medal count display 26) is 16,383 (= 2 ¹⁴ - 1).

In this case, if the number of game medals managed by the medal count control CPU 301 using the game medal count data is between 0 and 15,499 (as an example), payout is "Yes" and lending is "Yes".

In addition, when the number of game medals managed by the medal count control CPU 301 using the game medal count data is between 15,500 and 16,383, the payout is set to "Yes" and the loan is set to "No." In this case, the following processes (1) to (3) are performed.
(1) A notification is given to the player to encourage him/her to press the counting switch 31 (for example, the medal count control CPU 301 requests the sub-control CPU 201 to make such a notification, and the sub-control CPU 201 gives a notification encouraging the player to press the counting switch 31, such as by displaying a message on the liquid crystal display 14 (see FIG. 1 ) encouraging the player to press the counting switch 31). However, the notification encouraging the player to press the counting switch 31 is the only notification, and the player can continue playing the game.
(2) A state is set in which pseudo medals cannot be lent from the card unit CU to the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM. In response to the message "loan notification" received from the card unit CU, the medal count control CPU 301 sends a message "loan receipt result response" indicating that the receipt result of the lent medal count is abnormal to the card unit CU, and even if the number of lent medals in the message "loan notification" is 1 or more, the medal count control CPU 301 does not update the number of game medals managed using the game medal count data, and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU does not update the number of held medals managed using the held medal count data stored in memory 502.
(3) Regardless of the pressing operation of the count switch 31, for example, the slot machine SM or a test interface board for connecting to a test device generates and outputs a test count signal for a predetermined period (for example, about 3500 ms equivalent to 500 pseudo medals). When connected to the test device (via the test interface board), the medal count control CPU 301 transmits a "count notification" message indicating that the count medal count is 50 a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times) to the card unit CU during the predetermined period in which the test count signal is generated, and the medal count control CPU 301 updates the game medal count managed by using the game medal count data, and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU updates the held medal count managed by using the held medal count data.

In addition, if the number of game medals managed by the medal count control CPU 301 using the game medal count data exceeds 16,383 due to the payout of pseudo medals, payout is set to "not possible" and lending is set to "not possible." In this case, the slot machine SM goes into a standby state for payout processing, and as soon as the count switch 31 is pressed to send a "count notification" message indicating that the counted medal number is 50 to the card unit CU and payout becomes "possible," the slot machine SM automatically returns to payout processing.

(Transfer of dummy medals between main control CPU and medal count control CPU in slot machine)
Below, with regard to the movement of pseudo medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM, the sequence involved in pressing the bet switch 7 (hereinafter referred to as the "insertion sequence") and the sequence involved in the generation of the payout of pseudo medals (the number of pseudo medals predetermined for a role in the event that a player wins a role in which pseudo medals are obtained) (hereinafter referred to as the "payout sequence") will be described in order with reference to Figures 24 and 25.

However, the memory 102 used by the main control CPU 101 includes the following:
A coin insertion count CT11 for managing the number of medals used (consumed) in one game (used to set "count information 1" and "count information 2" in FIG. 12),
A payout number CT12 for managing the number of medals paid out in one game (used to set "count information 1" and "count information 2" in FIG. 12),
A provisional medal count CT13 for managing the number of medals inserted during the process of inserting pseudo medals or settlement (cancelling insertion) (in the case of insertion, "+1" is added for each medal, and in the case of settlement, "-1" is added for each medal; hereafter referred to as the "provisional medal count");
A remaining payout number CT14 for managing the number of medals that have not yet been paid out during the payout of the pseudo medals (which is decremented by "-1" for each medal paid out; hereinafter referred to as the "remaining payout number");
A comparative medal insertion count CT15 (used for comparison with the medal insertion count CT31 described later) for managing the number of medals inserted during the insertion of pseudo medals or the process of settlement (in the case of insertion, "+1" is added for each medal, and in the case of settlement, "-1" is added for each medal) between the first transmission timing of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the next "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information",
A comparative medal payout count CT16 (used for comparison with the medal payout count CT32 described later) for managing the number of medals paid out during the payout of pseudo medals (+1 is added for each medal paid out) between the first transmission timing of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the next "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information"
Each counter such as the above is formed.

In addition, the memory 302 used by the medal count control CPU 301 includes:
A game medal count CT30 (used to set the above-mentioned "game medal count data": "game medal count" in FIG. 12) for managing the above-mentioned game medal count (the number of medals held by the player on the slot machine SM side: "-1" is subtracted for each medal when the medal is inserted, and "+1" is subtracted for each medal when the medal is paid out or settled).
Between the first transmission timing of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the next "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", the number of medals inserted CT31 (used to set the "Number of medals inserted" in FIG. 12) for managing the number of medals inserted during the insertion of pseudo medals or the process of settlement (cancellation of insertion) (in the case of insertion, "+1" is added for each medal, and in the case of settlement, "-1" is added for each medal),
A medal payout count CT32 (used to set the "medal payout count" in FIG. 12) for managing the number of medals paid out during the medal payout process between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 ("+1" is added for each medal paid out) between the first transmission timing of the message "gaming machine information notification" storing "hall control and fraud monitoring information" and the first transmission timing of the message "gaming machine information notification" storing the next "hall control and fraud monitoring information"
The value of the number of game medals CT30 may be subtracted by the "number of counted medals" stored in the electronic message "counting notification" or may be added by the "number of loaned medals" stored in the electronic message "loan notification."

(Input sequence)
First, the sequence (insertion sequence) related to the insertion of pseudo medals when the bet switch 7 is operated between the main control CPU101 and medal count control CPU301 in the slot machine SM will be described with reference to Fig. 24. In Fig. 24, communication between the main control CPU101 and medal count control CPU301 is realized by the function of the medal management transmission/reception means 101n of the main control CPU101 and the function of the main board transmission/reception means 301a of the medal count control CPU301.

The medal presence/absence signal is a signal by which the medal count control CPU 301 notifies the main control CPU 101 whether the game medal count CT30 is 1 or more, and a medal presence/absence signal of "ON" (1 or more) is output from the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101 (step S701). Since the medal presence/absence signal is "ON", the main control CPU 101 confirms that the game medal count CT30 is 1 or more (step S702).

The processing possible signal is a signal by which the medal count control CPU 301 notifies the main control CPU 101 whether the medal count control CPU 301 can newly accept and execute a process for moving pseudo medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 (hereinafter referred to as "medal movement between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU"), and a processing possible signal of "ON" (executable) is output from the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101 (step S703). Since the processing possible signal is "ON", the main control CPU 101 confirms that the medal count control CPU 301 can newly accept and execute a process for moving medals between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU (step S704).

When the bet switch 7 is pressed (step S705), the first insertion processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 inverts the processing start signal for requesting the start of processing of a new medal transfer between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU from "OFF" to "ON" (request) (step S706). The second insertion processing means 301b3 of the medal count control CPU 301, upon receiving the inversion of the processing start signal from "OFF" to "ON", is able to confirm that processing of a new medal transfer between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU can be started, so inverts the processing ready signal from "ON" to "OFF", and in response to the processing start signal that has now turned "ON", inverts the processing in progress signal for notifying that processing of a medal transfer between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU has started from "OFF" to "ON" (start) (step S707).

The first input processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 can confirm that the medal count control CPU 301 is in the process of a new medal transfer between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU by receiving the inversion of the processing in progress signal from "OFF" to "ON", and inverts the processing start signal again from "ON" to "OFF", and inverts the input processing request signal for requesting the processing of the input of one medal from "OFF" to "ON" (request) (step S708). The second input processing means 301b3 of the medal count control CPU 301 can confirm that the requested processing is the input processing of one medal by receiving the inversion of the input processing request signal from "OFF" to "ON", and inverts the processing in progress signal again from "ON" to "OFF", and in response to the input processing request signal that has become "ON", inverts the input processing response signal for notifying that the processing of the input of one medal has started from "OFF" to "ON" (start) (step S709).

The first insertion processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101, upon receiving the inversion of the insertion processing response signal from "OFF" to "ON", is able to confirm that the medal count control CPU 301 has started the insertion processing of one medal, so it re-inverts the insertion processing request signal from "ON" to "OFF", inverts the first processing completion signal for notifying the main control CPU 101 of the completion of processing on the main control CPU 101 side corresponding to the requested insertion processing of one medal from "OFF" to "ON" (completed), increments the value of the provisional insertion count CT13 by one, and increments the value of the comparative insertion count CT15 by one (step S710). In this embodiment, the first processing completion signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" before the provisional insertion count CT13 and the comparative insertion count CT15 are updated, so "notification of the completion of processing on the main control CPU 101 side corresponding to the processing of inserting the requested one medal" refers to "notification that the processing on the main control CPU 101 side will be completed." The value of the comparative insertion count CT15 is cleared to "0" when the message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted in response to the first transmission timing (see Figures 26 to 29), so the value of the comparative insertion count CT15 is the number of inserted medals between the first transmission timings at which consecutive messages "Game Machine Information Notification" containing "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" are transmitted.

In this embodiment, the following steps are executed in the order of (1) re-inversion of the input processing request signal, (2) inversion of the first processing completion signal, (3) incrementing the provisional input count CT13 by 1, and incrementing the comparative input medal count CT15 by 1; however, the execution order is not limited to this.

The second insertion processing means 301b3 of the medal count control CPU 301 receives the inversion of the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", and is therefore able to confirm that the main control CPU 101 has completed the insertion processing of one medal, so it re-inverts the insertion processing response signal from "ON" to "OFF", and in response to the first processing completion signal that has now turned "ON", it inverts the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON" (completed) to notify the completion of processing on the medal count control CPU 301 side corresponding to the processing of the requested insertion of one medal, and sets the value of the game medal count CT30 to a value subtracted by 1 and sets the value of the inserted medal count CT31 to a value added by 1 (step S711). In this embodiment, the second processing completion signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" prior to the update processing of the game medal count CT30 and the inserted medal count CT31, so the "notification regarding the completion of processing on the medal count control CPU 301 side corresponding to the processing of inserting the requested amount of one medal" refers to the "notification that the processing on the medal count control CPU 301 side will be completed." The value of the inserted medal count CT31 is cleared to "0" when the message "game machine information notification" storing the "hole control and fraud monitoring information" is transmitted in response to the first transmission timing (see Figures 26 to 29), so the value of the inserted medal count CT31 is the number of inserted medals between the first transmission timings for transmitting the message "game machine information notification" storing the consecutive "hole control and fraud monitoring information."

In this embodiment, the following steps are executed in the order of (1) re-inversion of the insertion process response signal, (2) inversion of the second process completion signal, and (3) subtraction of 1 from the number of game medals CT30 and addition of 1 to the number of inserted medals CT31; however, the execution order is not limited to this.

When the first insertion processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 receives the inversion of the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", it is confirmed that the medal count control CPU 301 has completed the insertion processing of one medal, and so it re-inverts the first processing completion signal from "ON" to "OFF". In addition, since the insertion of the pseudo medal has been completed, the first insertion processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 inverts the processing end signal, which notifies the instruction to end the processing of medal movement between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU, from "OFF" to "ON" (end) (step S712). The second insertion processing means 301b3 of the medal count control CPU 301 receives the inversion of the processing end signal from "OFF" to "ON", and since the main control CPU 101 has confirmed that the entire processing of medal movement between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU has been completed, it inverts the second processing completion signal again from "ON" to "OFF" and inverts the processing ready signal from "OFF" to "ON" (step S713).

When the first insertion processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 receives a reversal of the processing ready signal from "OFF" to "ON", it is able to confirm that the medal count control CPU 301 has completed the entire processing of medal movement between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU, and so it reverses the processing end signal from "ON" to "OFF" (step S714). When this processing ready signal is reversed from "OFF" to "ON", the start switch 9 becomes effective.

Thereafter, when the start switch 9 is pressed (step S715), the first input processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 sets the value of the input number CT11 to the value of the provisional input number CT13, and then clears the value of the provisional input number CT13 to "0" (step S716). When the start switch 9 is pressed in step S715 to start playing, the start switch 9 is disabled. The value of the insertion count CT11 is cleared to "0" when the "Game Machine Information Notification" message containing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" is sent in response to the first transmission timing (see Figures 26 to 29). Therefore, the value of the insertion count CT11 set by the value of the provisional insertion count CT13, that is, the number of medals to be used (consumed) in the game started by pressing the start switch 9, is sent from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301 once, corresponding to the first transmission timing when the "Game Machine Information Notification" message containing the first "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" is sent after the start switch 9 is pressed.

(Payout sequence)
Next, a sequence (payout sequence) related to the payout of pseudo medals between the main control CPU101 and medal count control CPU301 in the slot machine SM will be described with reference to Fig. 25. In Fig. 25, communication between the main control CPU101 and medal count control CPU301 is realized by the function of the medal management transmission/reception means 101n of the main control CPU101 and the function of the main board transmission/reception means 301a of the medal count control CPU301.

The medal count control CPU 301 outputs a processing enable signal of "ON" (executable) to the main control CPU 101 (step S1101). Since the processing enable signal is "ON", the main control CPU 101 confirms that the medal count control CPU 301 is able to newly accept and execute a medal transfer process between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU (step S1102).

In this game, a payout of pseudo medals occurs due to the winning combination that will earn pseudo medals (step S1103), and the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 sets the value of the payout number CT12 to "A" and the value of the remaining payout number CT14 to "A" (step S1104). Note that the value of the payout number CT12 is cleared to "0" when the message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is sent in accordance with the first transmission timing (see Figures 26 to 29), so the number of medals paid out in one game is sent from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301 once, which corresponds to the first transmission timing at which the message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing the first "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is sent after a payout occurs.

The first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 inverts the processing start signal for requesting the start of processing of medal movement between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU from "OFF" to "ON" (request) (step S1105). The second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301, upon receiving the inversion of the processing start signal from "OFF" to "ON", is able to confirm that processing of a new medal movement between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU will be started, so inverts the processing ready signal from "ON" to "OFF", and in response to the processing start signal that has now turned "ON", inverts the processing in progress signal for notifying that processing of medal movement between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU has started from "OFF" to "ON" (start) (step S1106).

The first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 can confirm that the medal count control CPU 301 is in the process of a new medal transfer between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU by receiving the inversion of the in-process signal from "OFF" to "ON", and inverts the processing start signal again from "ON" to "OFF", and inverts the payout processing request signal for requesting the processing of the payout of one medal from "OFF" to "ON" (request) (step S1107). The second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301 can confirm that the requested processing is the payout processing of one medal by receiving the inversion of the payout processing request signal from "OFF" to "ON", and inverts the in-process signal again from "ON" to "OFF", and in response to the payout processing request signal that has become "ON", inverts the payout processing response signal for notifying that the processing of the payout of one medal has started from "OFF" to "ON" (start) (step S1108).

The first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101, upon receiving the inversion of the payout processing response signal from "OFF" to "ON", is able to confirm that the medal count control CPU 301 has started the payout processing of one medal, so it re-inverts the payout processing request signal from "ON" to "OFF", inverts the first processing completion signal for notifying the main control CPU 101 of the completion of processing corresponding to the requested payout of one medal from "OFF" to "ON" (completed), sets the value of the remaining payout count CT14 to a value subtracted by 1, and sets the value of the comparative payout medal count CT16 to a value added by 1 (step S1109). In this embodiment, the first processing completion signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" prior to the update processing of the remaining payout number CT14 and the comparative number of medals paid out CT16, so "notification of the completion of processing on the main control CPU 101 side corresponding to the processing of the payout of one requested medal" refers to "notification that the processing on the main control CPU 101 side will be completed." Note that the value of the comparative number of medals paid out CT16 is cleared to "0" when the message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted in response to the first transmission timing (see Figures 26 to 29), so the value of the comparative number of medals paid out CT16 is the number of medals paid out between the first transmission timings at which consecutive messages "Game Machine Information Notification" containing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" are transmitted.

In this embodiment, the following steps are executed in the order of (1) re-inversion of the payout process request signal, (2) inversion of the first process completion signal, and (3) subtraction of 1 from the remaining payout number CT14 and addition of 1 to the comparative payout medal number CT16, but the execution order is not limited to this.

The second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301 receives the inversion of the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", and is therefore able to confirm that the main control CPU 101 has completed the payout processing for one medal, so it re-inverts the payout processing response signal from "ON" to "OFF", and in response to the first processing completion signal that has now turned "ON", it inverts the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON" (completed) to notify the completion of processing on the medal count control CPU 301 side corresponding to the processing of the requested payout of one medal, increments the value of the game medal count CT30 by 1, and increments the value of the payout medal count CT32 by 1 (step S1110). In this embodiment, the second processing completion signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" before updating the game medal count CT30 and the inserted medal count CT31, so "notification regarding the completion of processing on the medal count control CPU 301 side corresponding to the requested payout of one medal" refers to "notification that the processing on the medal count control CPU 301 side will be completed." Note that the value of the paid medal count CT32 is cleared to "0" when the electronic message "game machine information notification" storing "hole control and fraud monitoring information" is transmitted in response to the first transmission timing (see Figures 26 to 29), so the value of the paid medal count CT32 is the number of paid medals between the first transmission timings for transmitting the electronic message "game machine information notification" storing consecutive "hole control and fraud monitoring information".

In this embodiment, the following steps are executed in the order of (1) re-inversion of the payout process response signal, (2) inversion of the second process completion signal, (3) incrementing the number of game medals CT30 by 1, and incrementing the number of paid medals CT32 by 1; however, the execution order is not limited to this.

The first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101, upon receiving the inversion of the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", is able to confirm that the medal count control CPU 301 has completed the settlement processing for one medal, so it re-inverts the first processing completion signal from "ON" to "OFF", but in order to perform the payout processing for one medal continuously, it inverts the payout processing request signal from "OFF" to "ON" (request) (step S1111). The second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301, upon receiving the inversion of the payout processing request signal from "OFF" to "ON", is able to confirm that the requested processing is the payout processing for one medal, so it re-inverts the second processing completion signal from "ON" to "OFF", and in response to the payout processing request signal that has become "ON", it inverts the payout processing response signal from "OFF" to "ON" (start) (step S1112).

The first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101, upon receiving the inversion of the payout processing response signal from "OFF" to "ON", is able to confirm that the medal count control CPU 301 has started the payout processing for one medal, so it re-inverts the payout processing request signal from "ON" to "OFF", inverts the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON" (completed), subtracts 1 from the value of the remaining payout number CT14, and adds 1 to the value of the comparative number of medals to be paid out CT16 (step S1113). Note that the value of the comparative number of medals to be paid out CT16 is cleared to "0" when the message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted in response to the first transmission timing (see Figures 26 to 29), so the value of the comparative number of medals to be paid out CT16 is the number of medals to be paid out between the first transmission timings at which consecutive messages "Game Machine Information Notification" containing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" are transmitted.

In this embodiment, the following steps are executed in the order of (1) re-inversion of the payout process request signal, (2) inversion of the first process completion signal, and (3) subtraction of 1 from the remaining payout number CT14 and addition of 1 to the comparative payout medal number CT16, but the execution order is not limited to this.

The second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301 receives the inversion of the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", and is therefore able to confirm that the main control CPU 101 has completed the payout processing for one medal, so it re-inverts the payout processing response signal from "ON" to "OFF", and in response to the first processing completion signal that has now become "ON", it inverts the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON" (completed), increments the value of the game medal count CT30 by 1, and increments the value of the payout medal count CT32 by 1 (step S1114). The value of the number of medals paid out CT32 is cleared to "0" when the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message containing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is sent in response to the first transmission timing (see Figures 26 to 29), so the value of the number of medals paid out CT32 is the number of medals paid out between the first transmission timings at which consecutive "Gaming Machine Information Notification" messages containing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" are sent.

In this embodiment, the following steps are executed in the order of (1) re-inversion of the payout process response signal, (2) inversion of the second process completion signal, (3) incrementing the number of game medals CT30 by 1, and incrementing the number of paid medals CT32 by 1; however, the execution order is not limited to this.

The processing of steps S1111 to S1114 is repeated until the value of the remaining payout amount CT14 becomes "0" at the end of step S1114.

When the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 receives the inversion of the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", it is confirmed that the medal count control CPU 301 has completed the payout processing for one medal, and so it re-inverts the first processing completion signal from "ON" to "OFF". In addition, since the payout of the pseudo medals has been completed, it inverts the processing end signal, which notifies the instruction to end the processing of medal movement between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU, from "OFF" to "ON" (end) (step S1115). The second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301 receives an inversion of the processing end signal from "OFF" to "ON", and since the main control CPU 101 has confirmed that the entire processing of medal movement between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU has been completed, it re-inverts the second processing completion signal from "ON" to "OFF" and inverts the processing ready signal from "OFF" to "ON" (step S1116).

When the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 receives an inversion of the processing possible signal from "OFF" to "ON", it is confirmed that the medal count control CPU 301 has completed the entire processing of medal movement between the main control CPU and medal count control CPU, and so it re-inverts the processing end signal from "ON" to "OFF" (step S1117).

In addition to the above, there is also a sequence related to pressing the maximum bet switch 8 (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum insertion sequence") and a sequence related to pressing the settlement switch 33 (hereinafter referred to as the "settlement sequence") regarding the movement of pseudo medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM, and in the maximum insertion sequence and settlement sequence, the movement of pseudo medals is carried out one at a time until the maximum insertion number is reached and settlement is completed. When moving one pseudo medal in the maximum insertion sequence, the main control CPU 101 adds 1 to the values of the provisional insertion number CT13 and the comparative insertion medal number CT15, and the medal count control CPU 301 subtracts 1 from the value of the game medal number CT30 and adds 1 to the value of the insertion medal number CT31. Furthermore, when one pseudo medal is moved in the settlement sequence, the main control CPU101 subtracts 1 from the provisional number of inserted medals CT13 and the comparative number of inserted medals CT15, and the medal count control CPU301 adds 1 to the number of game medals CT30 and subtracts 1 from the number of inserted medals CT31. When one pseudo medal is moved in this settlement sequence, a settlement process request signal (a request signal from the main control CPU101 to the medal count control CPU301 to request the settlement process for one medal), a settlement process response signal (a response signal sent by the medal count control CPU301 to the main control CPU101 in response to the settlement process request signal), a first process completion signal, and a second process completion signal are used.

(Communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301, and between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501)
Next, the communication sequence of the communication between the main control CPU101 and medal count control CPU301 in the slot machine SM, and the communication between the medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU501 of the card unit CU will be described with reference to Figures 26 to 29. In Figures 26 to 29, the communication between the medal count control CPU301 and the unit CPU501 is realized by the function of the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e of the medal count control CPU301 and the function of the transmission/reception means 501e of the unit CPU501, and the communication between the main control CPU101 and medal count control CPU301 is realized by the function of the medal management transmission/reception means 101n of the main control CPU101 and the function of the inter-main board transmission/reception means 301a of the medal count control CPU301.

As described above, between the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, the message "Game Machine Information Notification" is transmitted periodically with a transmission cycle in which the time length of one cycle is within the range of 300 ms to 310 ms.

The medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM responds to the first transmission timing of the periodically arriving telegram "gaming machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and makes a request for information to the main control CPU 101 of the slot machine SM at a timing prior to the transmission of the telegram "gaming machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (hereinafter referred to as the "request timing") (step S1301). The main control CPU 101, which has received a request from the medal count control CPU 301, determines that the request is related to "Hall control/fraud monitoring information" based on the transmission cycles of the above-mentioned "Hall control/fraud monitoring information", "Game machine installation information", and "Game machine performance information" and their priorities, and responds to the medal count control CPU 301 with information related to at least items such as "Count information 1" and "Count information 2" that are not managed by the medal count control CPU 301 (number of inserted medals CT11, number of paid out medals CT12, etc.) out of the multiple items of "Hall control/fraud monitoring information", and information on items used to monitor irregularities such as fraud in the medal count control CPU 301 (comparative number of inserted medals CT15, comparative number of paid out medals CT16, etc.) (step S1302).

Here, the value of the number of coins to be inserted CT11 (the number of pseudo coins to be used (consumed) in a game started by pressing the start switch 9) set to the value of the provisional number of coins to be inserted CT13 is sent from the main control CPU 101 to the coin count control CPU 301 once, corresponding to the first transmission timing at which the message "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the first "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" after the start switch 9 is pressed is sent. Note that the value of the number of coins to be inserted CT11 sent from the main control CPU 101 to the coin count control CPU 301 in response to the first transmission timing at which the message "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the other "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is sent is "0".

The payout number CT12 value, which is set to the number of pseudo medals to be paid out when a player wins a role that earns pseudo medals (the number of pseudo medals that is predetermined for that role when a player wins a role that earns pseudo medals), is sent from the main control CPU101 to the medal count control CPU301 once, corresponding to the first transmission timing when the message "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores the first "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" after the occurrence of a payout is sent. Note that the value of the payout number CT12 sent from the main control CPU101 to the medal count control CPU301 in response to the first transmission timing when the message "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores the other "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is sent is "0".

The value of the comparative medal insertion count CT15 transmitted from the main control CPU101 to the medal count control CPU301 is the number of medals inserted or settled (deposits canceled) between the previous request related to "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the current request related to "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", counted by the main control CPU101, that is, the number of medals inserted or settled (deposits canceled) between the first transmission timing of the transmission of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" containing the previous "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the transmission of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" containing the current "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information". After the value of the comparative medal insertion count CT15 is transmitted in response to the request related to "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", the value of the comparative medal insertion count CT15 is cleared to "0".

The value of the comparative medal payout number CT16 sent from the main control CPU101 to the medal count control CPU301 is the number of medals paid out between the previous request related to "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the current request related to "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", counted by the main control CPU101, that is, the number of medals paid out between the first transmission timing of the transmission of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" containing the previous "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the transmission of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" containing the current "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information". After the value of the comparative medal payout number CT16 is transmitted in response to the request related to "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", the value of the comparative medal payout number CT16 is cleared to "0".

In addition, in step S1301, the medal count control CPU 301 may determine to make a request related to "hall control/fraud monitoring information" based on the transmission cycles of the above-mentioned "hall control/fraud monitoring information," "gaming machine installation information," and "gaming machine performance information" and their priorities, and may make the request, and in step S1302, the main control CPU 101 may respond to the request related to "hall control/fraud monitoring information."

The medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM transmits the message "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" to the unit CPU501 of the card unit CU at the first transmission timing of the periodically arriving message "Game Machine Information Notification" to the unit CPU501 of the card unit CU (step S1303). Next, the medal count control CPU301 transmits the message "Counting Notification" to the unit CPU501 (step S1304). Next, the unit CPU501 transmits the message "Lending Notification" to the medal count control CPU301 (step S1305). Next, the medal count control CPU301 transmits the message "Lending Receipt Result Response" to the unit CPU501 (step S1306).

When the medal count control CPU 301 stores the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" in the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message, for the multiple items in the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" that are managed by the medal count control CPU 301, the contents managed by the medal count control CPU 301 are set, and for the items that are managed by the main control CPU 101, the contents managed by the main control CPU 101 that are obtained by making a request to the main control CPU 101 and receiving a response from the main control CPU 101 are set.

Of the multiple items in the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", for example, the items "Number of Game Medals", "Number of Inserted Medals", and "Number of Payout Medals" in FIG. 12 are items whose values are managed by the medal count control CPU 301, and the items "Number of Game Medals", "Number of Inserted Medals", and "Number of Payout Medals" respectively store the value of the number of game medals CT30, the value of the number of inserted medals CT31, and the value of the number of paid out medals CT32.

The value of the number of inserted medals CT31 is the number of medals inserted or settled (cancelled insertion) between the first transmission timing of the previous "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the current "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", as counted by the medal count control CPU 301. After storage in the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and comparison with the comparative number of inserted medals CT15 are completed, the value of the number of inserted medals CT31 is cleared to "0".

The value of the number of medals paid out CT32 is the number of medals paid out between the first transmission timing of the previous "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the current "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", as counted by the medal count control CPU 301. After storage in the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and comparison with the comparative number of medals paid out CT16 are completed, the value of the number of medals paid out CT32 is cleared to "0".

In addition, among the multiple items of the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", for example, the items "Count Information 1" and "Count Information 2" in FIG. 12 are items whose values are managed by the main control CPU 101, and predetermined information is stored in the "Game Information" ("Number of Game Information", "Type Information 1", "Count Information 1", "Type Information 2", "Count Information 2") including the "Count Information 1" and "Count Information 2" as follows. Specifically, if the value of the number of coins inserted CT11 and the value of the number of coins paid out CT12 sent from the main control CPU 101 are both "0", "0" is stored in the item "Number of Game Information". In addition, if the value of the number of coins inserted CT11 sent from the main control CPU 101 is other than "0" and the value of the number of coins paid out CT12 is "0", "1" is stored in the item "Number of Game Information", a value to notify insertion is stored in the item "Type Information 1", and the value of the number of coins inserted CT11 is stored in the item "Count Information 1" as the number of coins inserted. In addition, when the value of the number of coins inserted CT11 sent from the main control CPU 101 is "0" and the value of the number of coins paid out CT12 is other than "0", "1" is stored in the item "number of game information", a value for notifying a payout is stored in the item "type information 1", and the value of the number of coins paid out CT12 is stored in the item "count information 1" as the number of coins paid out. In addition, when the value of the number of coins inserted CT11 sent from the main control CPU 101 is other than "0" and the value of the number of coins paid out CT12 is other than "0", "2" is stored in the item "number of game information", a value for notifying a coin insertion is stored in the item "type information 1", the value of the number of coins inserted CT11 is stored in the item "count information 1" as the number of coins inserted, a value for notifying a payout is stored in the item "type information 2", and the value of the number of coins paid out CT12 is stored in the item "count information 2" as the number of coins paid out. In addition, the items "main control state 1" and "game machine fraud 1" in FIG. 12 are also items whose values are managed by the main control CPU 101.

In step S1307, the medal count control CPU 301 performs the following (Process 1) to (Process 4).

(Process 1) When the value of the insertion count CT11 received from the main control CPU 101 is not "0", the medal count control CPU 301 checks whether the value of the insertion count CT11 is the settable insertion count (in this embodiment, "1" to "3") that is generally expected (defined by rules, etc.) for the slot machine SM and other slot machines and that can be set as the number of medals to be inserted in one game, and if it is not the settable insertion count, it issues a specified notification (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the number of insertions in one game).

(Process 2) When the value of the payout number CT12 received from the main control CPU 101 is not "0", the medal count control CPU 301 checks whether the value of the payout number CT12 is the set allowable payout number (in this embodiment, "1" to "15") that is generally expected (defined by rules, etc.) for the slot machine SM and other slot machines and that is allowed to be set as the number of medals to be paid out in one game, and if it is not the set allowable payout number, it issues a specified notification (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the number of payouts in one game).

(Process 3) The medal count control CPU 301 compares the value of the comparison medal count CT15 received from the main control CPU 101 with the value of the medal count CT31, and checks whether the result of subtracting the value of the medal count CT31 from the value of the comparison medal count CT15 is within the range of "-1" to "1", and if it is not within the range, issues a prescribed alert (for example, an alert of an abnormality in the number of medals inserted between the previous transmission of "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the transmission of the current "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information"). The normal range is set to "-1" to "1" because, if there is a first transmission timing of the "hole control/fraud monitoring information" between the counting process by the main control CPU 101 and the counting process by the medal count control CPU 301, for example, in the insertion sequence or maximum insertion sequence, the value of the comparative number of inserted medals CT15 will be 1 greater than the value of the number of inserted medals CT31, and in the settlement sequence, the value of the comparative number of inserted medals CT15 will be 1 less than the value of the number of inserted medals CT31, and at the next first transmission timing, in the insertion sequence or maximum insertion sequence, the value of the comparative number of inserted medals CT15 will be 1 less than the value of the number of inserted medals CT31, and in the settlement sequence, the value of the comparative number of inserted medals CT15 will be 1 greater than the value of the number of inserted medals CT31.

(Process 4) The medal count control CPU 301 compares the value of the comparative payout medal count CT16 received from the main control CPU 101 with the value of the payout medal count CT32, and checks whether the result of subtracting the value of the payout medal count CT32 from the value of the comparative payout/in/out medal count CT16 is within the range of "-1" to "1", and if it is not within the range, it issues a prescribed alert (for example, an alert of an abnormality in the number of payouts between the previous transmission of "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the transmission of the current "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information"). The normal range is between "-1" and "1" because, if the first transmission timing of the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" occurs between the counting process by the main control CPU 101 and the counting process by the medal count control CPU 301, in the payout sequence, for example, the value of the comparative medal payout number CT16 may be 1 greater than the value of the medal payout number CT32, and at the next first transmission timing, the value of the comparative medal payout number CT16 may be 1 less than the value of the medal payout number CT32.

After processing step S1302, the main control CPU 101 clears the number of medals inserted CT11, the number of medals paid out CT12, the comparative number of medals inserted CT15, and the comparative number of medals paid out CT16 to "0" (step S1308). After processing step S1307, the medal count control CPU 301 clears the number of medals inserted CT31 and the number of medals paid out CT32 to "0" (step S1309).

When an opportunity to move a pseudo medal occurs related to either the insertion of a pseudo medal, settlement of the pseudo medal (cancellation of the insertion of a pseudo medal), or payout of a pseudo medal before the request timing corresponding to the first transmission timing at which the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the next "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is sent, the pseudo medal movement sequence is performed without waiting for the request timing to arrive, and in this case the entire movement sequence is performed (step S1310).

Here, if the movement of the pseudo medal is triggered by pressing the bet switch 7 for inserting a medal, the movement sequence implemented will be steps S706 to S716 of the insert sequence in FIG. 24. Also, if the movement of the pseudo medal is triggered by pressing the maximum bet switch 8 for inserting a pseudo medal, the movement sequence implemented will be the maximum insert sequence. Also, if the movement of the pseudo medal is triggered by pressing the settlement switch 33 for settling the pseudo medal (cancelling the insertion), the movement sequence implemented will be the settlement sequence. Also, if the movement of the pseudo medal is triggered by the payout of the pseudo medal, the movement sequence implemented will be steps S1104 to S1117 of the payout sequence in FIG. 25.

Steps S1311 to S1319 are the same as steps S1301 to S1309 described above.

If an opportunity to move a pseudo medal occurs related to inserting a pseudo medal, settling the pseudo medal (cancelling the insertion of a pseudo medal), or paying out a pseudo medal before the request timing corresponding to the first transmission timing at which the message "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the next "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is sent, the pseudo medal movement sequence is performed without waiting for the request timing, but if the request timing occurs during the pseudo medal movement sequence, steps S1321 to 1329 are performed with priority. Here, only the first half of the movement sequence is performed (step S1320).

Here, if the movement of the pseudo medal is triggered by pressing the bet switch 7 for inserting a medal, the movement sequence that is implemented is a continuous part of the insertion sequence in FIG. 24, starting from step S706. Also, if the movement of the pseudo medal is triggered by pressing the maximum bet switch 8 for inserting a medal, the movement sequence that is implemented is a continuous part of the first half of the maximum insertion sequence. Also, if the movement of the pseudo medal is triggered by pressing the settlement switch 33 for medal settlement (cancellation of insertion), the movement sequence that is implemented is a continuous part of the first half of the settlement sequence. Also, if the movement of the pseudo medal is triggered by a payout of the pseudo medal, the movement sequence that is implemented is a continuous part of the payout sequence in FIG. 25, starting from step S1104.

In this embodiment, when the request timing arrives during the pseudo medal movement sequence, the pseudo medal movement sequence is immediately interrupted and steps S1321 to 1329 are carried out as a priority, but this is not limited to the above. For example, if the request timing arrives during steps S708 to S711 in FIG. 24, the pseudo medal movement sequence may be interrupted after the processing of step S711 is completed, and steps S1321 to 1329 may be carried out. Alternatively, if the request timing arrives during the movement processing of one medal, the pseudo medal movement sequence may continue until the movement processing of one medal is completed, and after the movement processing of one medal is completed, the pseudo medal movement sequence may be interrupted and steps S1321 to 1329 may be carried out. In this case, when the value of the comparative number of inserted medals CT15 received from the main control CPU 101 is compared with the value of the number of inserted medals CT31, if the value of the comparative number of inserted medals CT15 and the value of the number of inserted medals CT31 are not the same, a predetermined notification (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the number of inserted medals between the previous transmission of the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the current transmission of the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information") may be made, and when the value of the comparative number of paid out medals CT16 received from the main control CPU 101 is compared with the value of the number of paid out medals CT32, if the value of the comparative number of paid in/out medals CT16 and the value of the number of paid out medals CT32 are not the same, a predetermined notification (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the number of paid out medals between the previous transmission of the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the current transmission of the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information") may be made.

Steps S1321 to S1329 are the same as steps S1301 to S1309 described above.

By the time the request timing corresponding to the first transmission timing at which the message "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the next "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted arrives, the second half of the movement sequence, the first half of which was performed in step S1320, is performed (step S1330).

Here, if the first half of the insertion sequence is performed in step S1320, the process continues from the insertion sequence in FIG. 24 up to step S716. Also, if the first half of the maximum insertion sequence is performed in step S1320, the process continues from the maximum insertion sequence and then goes to the second half. Also, if the first half of the settlement sequence is performed in step S1320, the process continues from the settlement sequence and then goes to the second half. Also, if the first half of the withdrawal sequence is performed in step S1320, the process continues from the withdrawal sequence in FIG. 25 up to step S1117.

Steps S1331 to S1339 are the same as steps S1301 to S1309 described above.

Note that the movement sequence may involve all or part of one movement sequence and all or part of another movement sequence between the previous "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message and the current "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message, or the movement sequence may be divided into three or more parts and implemented.

By the time the request timing corresponding to the first transmission timing at which the message "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the next "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted arrives, no opportunity occurs to move the quasi-medals related to the insertion of the quasi-medals, settlement of the quasi-medals (cancellation of the insertion of the quasi-medals), or payout of the quasi-medals, and no movement sequence is performed. In this case as well, steps S1340 to S1348 are performed in the same way as steps S1301 to S1309.

Next, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM responds to the first transmission timing of the periodically arriving telegram "gaming machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and makes an information request to the main control CPU 101 of the slot machine SM at the timing (request timing) prior to the transmission of the telegram "gaming machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S1349). The main control CPU 101, which has received a request from the medal count control CPU 301, determines that the request is related to "gaming machine installation information" based on the transmission cycles of the above-mentioned "hall control/fraud monitoring information," "gaming machine installation information," and "gaming machine performance information" and their priorities, and responds to the medal count control CPU 301 with information on at least the items not managed by the medal count control CPU 301 (items "main control chip ID number" to "main control chip product code" in FIG. 11) among the multiple items of "gaming machine installation information" at a timing within a predetermined time range from the request timing (timing prior to transmission of the message "gaming machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501: response timing) (step S1350).

The medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM transmits the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the "Gaming Machine Installation Information" to the unit CPU501 of the card unit CU at the first transmission timing of the periodically arriving message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" to the unit CPU501 of the card unit CU (step S1351). Next, the medal count control CPU301 transmits the message "Counting Notification" to the unit CPU501 (step S1352). Next, the unit CPU501 transmits the message "Lending Notification" to the medal count control CPU301 (step S1353). Next, the medal count control CPU301 transmits the message "Lending Receipt Result Response" to the unit CPU501 (step S1354).

Next, the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM responds to the first transmission timing of the periodically arriving telegram "gaming machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and makes an information request to the main control CPU 101 of the slot machine SM at the timing (request timing) prior to the transmission of the telegram "gaming machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S1355). The main control CPU 101, which has received a request from the medal count control CPU 301, determines that the request is related to "game machine performance information" based on the transmission cycles of the above-mentioned "hall control/fraud monitoring information," "game machine installation information," and "game machine performance information" and their priorities, and responds to the medal count control CPU 301 with information on at least the items of the "game machine performance information" that are not managed by the medal count control CPU 301 (in this embodiment, items "total number of inserts" to "status ratio of gimmicks, etc." in FIG. 10) within a predetermined time range from the request timing (timing prior to sending the message "game machine information notification" to the unit CPU 501: response timing) (step S1356).

The medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM transmits the message "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the "Game Machine Performance Information" to the unit CPU501 of the card unit CU at the first transmission timing of the periodically arriving message "Game Machine Information Notification" to the unit CPU501 of the card unit CU (step S1357). Next, the medal count control CPU301 transmits the message "Counting Notification" to the unit CPU501 (step S1358). Next, the unit CPU501 transmits the message "Lending Notification" to the medal count control CPU301 (step S1359). Next, the medal count control CPU301 transmits the message "Lending Receipt Result Response" to the unit CPU501 (step S1360).

Note that, with regard to the first transmission timing for transmitting the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message that stores "Gaming Machine Installation Information" and the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message that stores "Gaming Machine Performance Information", the processing corresponding to steps S1307 to S1309 in FIG. 25 is not performed.

(When the transmission timing of each item of "machine information" overlaps)
The transmission item control means 301g transmits the message "gaming machine information notification" to the card unit CU periodically, with one cycle being 300 ms. "Gaming machine information", which is part of the data section of the "gaming machine information notification", is also transmitted to the card unit CU every 300 ms. The "gaming machine information" further includes three types of items: "gaming machine performance information", "gaming machine installation information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information", and the transmission item control means 301g transmits one of the "gaming machine performance information", "gaming machine installation information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information" in one transmission timing.

Regarding the basic transmission timing of the "gaming machine performance information", "gaming machine installation information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information" by the transmission item control means 301g,
The "gaming machine installation information" is transmitted to the card unit CU as "gaming machine information" in the message "gaming machine information notification" 60 seconds after the start-up of the slot machine SM is completed, and is thereafter transmitted at 60 second intervals.
The "gaming machine performance information" is transmitted to the card unit CU as "gaming machine information" in a "gaming machine information notification" message 180 seconds after the start-up of the slot machine SM is completed, and is thereafter transmitted at 180 second intervals.
The "Hall control/fraud monitoring information" is sent to the card unit CU as "Gaming machine information" in the message "Gaming machine information notification" when the startup of the slot machine SM is completed, and is thereafter sent at intervals of 300 ms.

According to these transmission timings, there are cases where the transmission timings of "gaming machine installation information" and "hall control"/fraud monitoring information" overlap, and cases where the transmission timings of all of "gaming machine performance information", "gaming machine installation information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information" overlap. In this case, based on the priority order shown in FIG. 20, the transmission item control means 301g transmits to the card unit CU "gaming machine installation information", "gaming machine performance information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information" in that order. Therefore, when the transmission timings of all of "gaming machine installation information", "gaming machine performance information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information" overlap, the transmission item control means 301g transmits a telegram "gaming machine information notification" that stores "gaming machine installation information", which has the highest priority.

At this time, the remaining "gaming machine installation information" and "hall control and fraud monitoring information" will be sent in the next cycle (300 ms later), but in the next cycle, the message "gaming machine information notification" containing the "gaming machine installation information" which has the higher priority will be sent. Then, in the next cycle, the message "gaming machine information notification" containing the "hall control and fraud monitoring information" will be sent.

With this type of transmission configuration, the following problems may occur. For example, the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" stores the number of pseudo medals inserted that have been processed between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 between the previous transmission timing and the current transmission timing (see "Number of Inserted Medals" in "Gaming Machine Information" in FIG. 12). As shown in FIG. 30, let us assume that of the specified number of pseudo medals (3 medals) required to play one game, only one medal has been inserted between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 and a "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message storing the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted (transmission timing A1). In this case, one medal is transmitted to the card unit CU as the "Number of Inserted Medals".

Then, let us say that the remaining insertion process is completed by the time of the next cycle, transmission timing A2, and then the start switch 9 is operated to start playing, and the transmission timings of "Gaming Machine Installation Information," "Gaming Machine Performance Information," and "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" all coincide at transmission timing A2. In this case, according to the above-mentioned priority order, at transmission timing A2, the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" containing the "Gaming Machine Installation Information" is transmitted, and the transmission of the remaining items is put on hold.

At the transmission timing A3 of the next cycle, which arrives after the information that a game has started, a message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing the "Game Machine Performance Information" which has the higher priority is transmitted, and the transmission of the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" is put on hold. Furthermore, let us assume that the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are operated before the transmission timing A4 of the next cycle arrives, ending the game and completing the insertion process for the next game (three pseudo medals). In this case, at the transmission timing A4, a message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted, but the "Number of Inserted Medals" will be five, consisting of two from the previous game and three from the current game, and this information is transmitted to the card unit CU.

The maximum number of medals that can be inserted in one game is set to three, and assuming that the insertion of three medals is canceled, the range of the "number of inserted medals" received by the card unit CU is set to -3 to +3. If information outside this range is received, the card unit CU recognizes it as an error. Therefore, in a configuration in which each piece of information ("game machine installation information," "game machine performance information," "hall control/fraud monitoring information") is sent in the order of priority as shown in Figure 30, the card unit CU may recognize an error even if the insertion process is normal. Therefore, in order to prevent such errors, the transmission item control means 301g controls the transmission of each item as shown in Figure 31.

For example, let us say that, of the prescribed number of pseudo medals (3 medals) required to play one game, only one medal has been inserted between the main control CPU 101 and medal count control CPU 301, and then a message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is sent (transmission timing B1). In this case, one medal is sent to the card unit CU as the "number of inserted medals". Then, let us say that the remaining insertion processes are completed by the time of the next cycle, transmission timing B2, and that the start switch 9 is operated to start the game. At this time, the main control CPU 101 transmits an insertion signal indicating that the game has started, and based on the reception of this signal, the transmission item control means 301g sets the insertion completion flag to ON. The insertion completion flag can be set, for example, in a specified area of the flag storage means 302b.

At the next transmission timing B2, all of the transmission timings of "game machine installation information", "game machine performance information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information" overlap. At this time, the transmission item control means 301g checks the insertion completion flag before determining the priority of the information with overlapping transmission timing. If the flag is set to ON as a result of the check, the electronic message "game machine information notification" containing the "hall control/fraud monitoring information" is sent before reaching the flow for determining the predetermined priority. In this case, the remaining two medals are sent to the card unit CU as the "number of inserted medals" (within the range of -3 to +3 medals). At this time, the "game machine installation information" and "game machine performance information" are suspended from transmission. The insertion completion flag may be set to OFF when the electronic message "game machine information notification" containing the "hall control/fraud monitoring information" is sent, or when a signal indicating that all stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R have been operated and the game has ended is sent from the main control CPU 101.

At the transmission timing B3 of the next cycle, which comes with the information that the game has started, the insertion completion flag is set to OFF, so the message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing the "Game Machine Installation Information" with the higher priority is transmitted, and the "Game Machine Performance Information" with the lower priority is reserved. Furthermore, assume that the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are operated to end the game and the insertion process for the next game (three pseudo medals) is completed by the time of the transmission timing B4 of the next cycle. If the start switch 9 is not operated and the game has not started at the transmission timing B4, the insertion signal is not set and the insertion completion flag is set to OFF. In this case, the transmission item control means 301g transmits the message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing the "Game Machine Performance Information" with the higher priority and in a reserved state, and the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is reserved. Then, at the transmission timing (not shown) of the next cycle after the transmission timing B4, the message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" in a reserved state is transmitted. At this time, +3 medals are sent to the card unit CU as the "number of medals inserted" (within the range of -3 to +3 medals).

If the insertion completion flag up to transmission timing B4 is set to ON, the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" takes priority, and the remaining +3 medals are sent to the card unit CU as the "number of inserted medals" (within the range of -3 to +3 medals). The "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" also includes an item for "number of paid out medals," with the range of the number of paid out medals for one game specified as 0 to +15 medals, and if information outside this range is received, the card unit CU recognizes it as an error. Therefore, if the transmission timing arrives for the number of paid out medals in the middle of the payout process for a game, an error similar to that for the "number of inserted medals" may occur.

For example, when a winning combination that allows for the payout of 15 pseudo medals is won, the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted when the payout process for three medals is completed between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301. If the timing of transmission of the "Game Machine Installation Information", "Game Machine Performance Information", and "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" all overlap in the next cycle, the transmission of the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is put on hold, and when the next game ends and a winning combination that allows for the payout of 15 pseudo medals is won, the "Number of Medals Paid Out" transmitted will be the remaining 12 medals from the previous game plus the 15 medals from that game, totaling 27 medals (outside the range of 0 to +15 medals).

Therefore, when the game ends and the payout process is completed, the main control CPU 101 transmits a payout completion signal to the medal count control CPU 301, and the transmission item control means 301g, which receives the signal, sets the payout completion flag to ON. Then, when the flag is set to ON, the message "Game Machine Information Notification" which stores "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is transmitted even if the transmission timing overlaps with other items. The payout completion flag can be set, for example, in a specified area of the flag storage means 302b. In this way, it is possible to prevent the card unit CU from recognizing the number of medals paid out as an error.

It is also possible to provide a timer to manage the timing of transmission of the "gaming machine installation information", "gaming machine performance information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information", and the transmission item control means 301g may be configured to increment the timers of the "gaming machine installation information" and "gaming machine performance information" by +300 ms when the insertion completion flag is set to ON. In this way, the transmission mode will be the same as that shown in FIG. 31.

In the above embodiment, the condition for changing the priority is that the transmission timing of all of the "game machine installation information", "game machine performance information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information" coincides, and the priority is changed by checking the insertion completion flag and the payout completion flag. However, this is not limited to this, and the condition may be that the transmission timing of the "game machine installation information" or "game machine performance information" and the "hall control/fraud monitoring information" coincide, or the priority may be changed only by the ON/OFF of the insertion completion flag without the transmission timing overlapping.

(Payment information generation process)
Next, the payout process at the end of the game will be described with reference to FIG. 32. In this embodiment, the stop control of each reel 6L, 6M, 6R by the reel rotation control means 101f starts at the timing when the stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R corresponding to the reel 6L, 6M, 6R is operated (pressed) in each reel 6L, 6M, 6R. At this time, the reel rotation control means 101f determines the stop table 102b based on the result of the role selection and the timing when the stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R is operated, and performs the stop control of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R based on the table 102b. In other words, at the time when the reel rotation control means 101f determines the stop table 102b, it is already determined at which position the reels 6L, 6M, 6R will stop. Furthermore, when the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are pressed while their operation is valid, the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R will stop even if the switches continue to be pressed.

Which role has been won can be determined when the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R of the third stop reel are operated and the reel rotation control means 101f selects the stop table 102b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the determination means 101g makes a decision based on (i) the stop state of the first and second stop reels, i.e., the operation timing of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R of the first and second stop reels, respectively, (ii) the role selection result, and (iii) the operation timing of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R of the third stop reel (the timing at which the stop table 102b is selected based on the operation of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R of the third stop reel).

Therefore, the determination means 101g executes a determination process (payout information generation process) at the timing when the stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R of the third stop reel is pressed, regardless of whether the press continues (whether the press is stopped). The generated payout information is sent from the main control CPU 101 (determination means 101g) to the medal count control CPU 301 when the payout information generation process is completed, regardless of whether the press of the stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R of the third stop reel continues (whether the press is stopped), and is further sent from the medal count control CPU 301 to the unit CPU 501. The "payout information" referred to here is stored in the "game information" ("type information 2", "count information 2": see Figures 12 and 13) of the "game machine information notification".

On the other hand, even if the judgment process by the judgment means 101g is completed and a winning combination is confirmed, the payout process by the first payout process means 101h is not started until the operation (pressing) of the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R of the third stop reel is completed. Therefore, if the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R of the third stop reel are pressed and kept pressed for a while, the payout information is sent to the card unit CU while the press continues, but the information on the payout process is sent to the card unit CU after the press ends. The "information on the payout process" referred to here is stored in the "game machine information (hall control/fraud monitoring information)" ("number of medals paid out": see FIG. 12) of the "game machine information notification".

In actual play, the player may continue to press the stop switch 10L, 10M, or 10R on the third reel to enjoy the afterglow until the bonus begins or to enjoy the desired reach pattern. Here, we will explain the transmission of "payout information" and "information related to the payout process" using an example where the power supply to the card unit CU is cut off while the stop switch 10L, 10M, or 10R on the third reel is being pressed.

As described above, even if the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R on the third stop reel are pressed and the pressing continues, the "payout information" is sent to the card unit CU, and the card unit CU grasps the information. If the power supply to the card unit CU is interrupted while the pressing continues, the card unit CU will not supply voltage (VL) to the slot machine SM, and the operation of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R will be invalidated (control is performed so that the operation is not valid) and the pressing will end. The main control CPU 101 (first payout processing means 101h) will perform a payout process after the pressing of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R has ended, and the payout process (game value update process) will end in the slot machine SM. Furthermore, when the payout process is completed, the game medal count display 26 displays the available number data reflecting the process, and the payout display 46 displays the data (processing based on the results of the game value update process). Note that if the specifications are such that the operation of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is not disabled even when the card unit CU does not supply voltage (VL) to the slot machine SM, the payout process will be performed after the actual pressing is completed.

Incidentally, in a configuration in which the determination process by the determination means 101g is started when the pressing of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R on the third reel is stopped, as in the case of the first payout process means 101h, if the power supply to the card unit CU is cut off while the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R on the third reel are being pressed, the "payout information" cannot be received. Furthermore, when no voltage (VL) is supplied from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM, the operation of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is disabled (pressing has ended), and the payout process is performed by the main control CPU 101 (first payout process means 101h). In this case, a discrepancy will occur between the number of medals owned by the player (available medal count data) managed by the slot machine SM and the available medal count data managed by the card unit CU, and the card unit CU will not be able to grasp the "payout information" either (see the dashed line of "Sending payout information to the unit" in FIG. 32). Furthermore, if the card unit CU or hall computer is displaying the (number of inserted medals)/(number of paid out medals) calculation or the current medal count along with the "payout information" and "insertion information," a discrepancy will occur between this value and the available medal count data displayed on the game medal count display 26, which may cause the player to become suspicious.

On the other hand, according to the configuration of this embodiment, since the "payout information" can be received before the power supply to the card unit CU is cut off, even if the power supply to the card unit CU is cut off while pressing the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R on the third reel, there is no discrepancy between the available number data based on the "payout information" received before the power supply is cut off and the available number data based on the result of the payout process performed in the slot machine SM after the power supply is cut off. Also, if the power supply to the card unit CU is cut off before the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R on the third reel are operated (for example, when two reels are stopped but the last reel is spinning), the voltage VL is no longer supplied from the card unit CU, and the operation of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R on the third reel is invalid, so that the payout process is not performed in the slot machine SM after the power supply to the card unit CU is cut off. Therefore, in this case, too, no discrepancy occurs between the available number data stored in the slot machine SM and the available number data stored in the card unit CU. Also, in a configuration in which the determination process by the determination means 101g is started when the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R on the third stop reel are no longer pressed, a discrepancy may occur between the available number data stored in the slot machine SM and the available number data stored in the card unit CU, making it difficult for the administrator to determine which available number data, the slot machine SM side or the card unit CU side, should be trusted when processing the slot machine SM, making recovery difficult. On the other hand, in this embodiment, no discrepancy occurs between the available number data stored in the slot machine SM and the available number data stored in the card unit CU, making subsequent recovery easier.

From the above, according to this embodiment, the transmission of the message "Game Machine Information Notification" containing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the like from the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM to the external card unit CU is performed at the first transmission timing in a predetermined cycle. In addition, between the main control CPU 101 of the slot machine SM and the medal count control CPU 301, communication related to the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the like stored in the message "Game Machine Information Notification" is performed at a communication timing prior to the first transmission timing in a predetermined cycle, corresponding to the first transmission timing. Therefore, unnecessary communication at a timing that does not correspond to the first transmission timing is not performed. In addition, by periodically sending the "game machine information" used by the store clerk to monitor errors and fraud to the card unit CU, the store clerk can respond appropriately and promptly to errors and fraud. Furthermore, when a trigger for moving the pseudo medals occurs, communication is performed between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 to move the pseudo medals by the amount of movement without waiting for the first transmission timing or request timing after the trigger occurs. Therefore, no waiting time occurs after the trigger for moving the pseudo medals, and pseudo medals by the amount of movement can be moved without delay between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301, preventing the player from feeling frustrated by delays in game progress due to the movement of pseudo medals between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301. In this way, the communication of the "Game Machine Information Notification" message, which stores "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the like, between the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM and the external card unit CU, the communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the main control CPU 101 related to the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" stored in the message "Game Machine Information Notification", and the communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the main control CPU 101 related to the movement of pseudo medals can be appropriately controlled according to the information sent and received in each communication.

In addition, since the first communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the main control CPU 101, which communicates the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" stored in the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification", is initiated by a request from the medal count control CPU 301, it becomes easy to adjust the timing of the first communication to a timing based on the timing of the first transmission to the card unit CU. In addition, since it is possible to avoid the first communication monopolizing the processing between the medal count control CPU 301 and the main control CPU 101 due to unnecessary communication, it is possible to start the second communication early without waiting time after an opportunity to transfer gaming value between the main control device and the gaming value amount control device occurs.

Furthermore, when the medal count control CPU301 receives the number of medals to be used (consumed) in one game (the value of the insertion number CT11) from the main control CPU101, if the received number of medals is not the set allowable insertion number, it detects that an abnormality such as fraud has occurred and issues a prescribed notification in such a case (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the number of medals inserted in one game), making it easy to discover the occurrence of such an abnormality. Furthermore, when the medal count control CPU301 receives the number of medals to be paid out in one game (the value of the payout number CT12) from the main control CPU101, if the received number of medals is not the set allowable payout number, it detects that an abnormality such as fraud has occurred and issues a prescribed notification in such a case (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the number of medals paid out in one game), making it easy to discover the occurrence of such an abnormality.

In addition, in the movement of one pseudo medal, which takes place after the main control CPU 101 and medal count control CPU 301 have completed the transmission and reception of signals (e.g., a deposit processing request signal and a deposit processing response signal) relating to the type of movement of one pseudo medal (insertion, settlement, payout), the main control CPU 101 starts processing regardless of whether a pseudo medal is inserted, settled (cancellation of insertion), or paid out, and inverts the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON" and updates a specified one of CT11 to CT16, and when the medal count control CPU 301 receives that the first processing completion signal has changed from "OFF" to "ON", it inverts the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON" and updates a specified one of CT30 to CT32. Contrary to the embodiment, in the movement of one pseudo medal, regardless of whether the pseudo medal is inserted, settled (cancelled insertion), or paid out, processing is initiated from the medal count control CPU 301 side and the second processing completion signal is inverted from "OFF" to "ON" and a specified one of CT30 to CT32 is updated, and when the main control CPU 101 receives that the second processing completion signal has changed from "OFF" to "ON", it inverts the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON" and updates a specified one of CT11 to CT16. In this case, depending on the timing of the occurrence of an error or the like, a state may occur in which the number of game medals (the number of pseudo medals held by the player) stored and managed in memory 302 by the medal count control CPU 301 has increased or decreased, but the corresponding insertion, settlement, or payout of the pseudo medal has not been determined, resulting in a situation in which the player or the hall suffers a loss or gain from something other than playing the game. On the other hand, if the embodiment is followed, regardless of the timing of an error or the like, when the number of game medals (the number of pseudo medals held by the player) stored and managed in memory 302 by medal count control CPU 301 increases or decreases, the corresponding insertion, settlement, or payout of pseudo medals is confirmed, and no situation occurs in which the player or the hall suffers a gain or loss other than from playing the game. In this respect, the processing order of the embodiment is superior to the processing order reversed from that of the embodiment.

In addition, for the types of movement of one pseudo medal between the main control CPU101 and medal count control CPU301 (insertion, settlement, payout) and the movement of one pseudo medal, the main control CPU101 and medal count control CPU301 each start processing corresponding to the signal when two signals that control "ON" and "OFF" on the other side change from "OFF" to "ON". This prevents the main control CPU101 from proceeding with processing alone when the medal count control CPU301 processing has not progressed, and prevents the medal count control CPU301 from proceeding with processing alone when the main control CPU101 processing has not progressed, and ensures consistency between the updates of CT11 to CT16 in the main control CPU101 and the updates of CT30 to CT32 in the medal count control CPU301.

In addition, the main control CPU101 updates a specified CT among CT11 to CT16 after changing the first processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON", and the medal count control CPU301 updates a specified CT among CT30 to CT32 after changing the second processing completion signal from "OFF" to "ON". In this case, compared to when the first processing completion signal is changed from "OFF" to "ON" after updating a specified CT among CT11 to CT16, the medal count control CPU301 can start updating the specified CT among CT30 to CT32 at an earlier stage after the main control CPU101 starts updating the specified CT among CT11 to CT16. Therefore, for example, it is possible to achieve consistency between the update process of CT11 to CT16 of the main control CPU 101 and the update process of CT30 to CT32 of the medal count control CPU 301, and when a processing request signal such as a throw-in processing request signal is re-inverted from "ON" to "OFF" and then a specific CT among CT11 to CT16 is updated and then the first processing completion signal is changed from "OFF" to "ON", it is possible to achieve consistency even in the case of an error at an early stage where consistency cannot be achieved between the update process of CT11 to CT16 of the main control CPU 101 and the update process of CT30 to CT32 of the medal count control CPU 301, and it is possible to reduce adverse effects on players and the hall.

In addition, when the medal count control CPU 301 receives the value of the comparative medal count CT15 from the main control CPU 101, if the result of subtracting the value of the medal count CT31 from the received value of the comparative medal count CT15 is not within the range of "-1" to "1", it detects that an abnormality such as fraud has occurred, and in such a case issues a specified alert (for example, an alert of an abnormality in the number of medals inserted between the previous transmission of "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the transmission of the current "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information"), so that occurrence of an abnormality such as fraud can be easily discovered.

In addition, when the medal count control CPU 301 receives the value of the comparative medal payout number CT16 from the main control CPU 101, if the result of subtracting the value of the medal payout number CT32 from the received value of the comparative medal payout number CT16 is not within the range of "-1" to "1", it detects that an abnormality such as fraud has occurred, and in such a case issues a specified alert (for example, an alert of an abnormality in the number of payouts between the previous transmission of "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the transmission of the current "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information"), so that the occurrence of an abnormality such as fraud can be easily discovered.

In this embodiment, the communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU is performed by serial communication to transmit and receive the "game machine information notification", "count notification", "loan notification", and "loan receipt response", and is configured so that the transmission timing does not overlap (see FIG. 17). However, for the "game machine information notification", the "game machine information" item in the data section further includes three types: "game machine performance information", "game machine installation information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information", and one of them is transmitted to the card unit CU as the "game machine information" in the data section at a transmission timing of 300 ms cycles, but there is a table showing the priority order when the transmission timing of the "game machine performance information", "game machine installation information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information" overlaps, and the information is transmitted according to the table showing the priority order. The items whose transmission has been suspended are transmitted at the transmission timing in the next cycle. In addition, since the "hall computer and fraud monitoring information" is data that reflects the number of games played and the increase and decrease of medals in the hall computer, it is necessary to transmit it in a short cycle close to real time, whereas the "game machine performance information" and "game machine installation information" are for the purpose of monitoring the game machine performance in the medium to long term and checking the parts of the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU, and it is sufficient to check them once a day, so they are allowed to be transmitted in a long cycle. Here, if the priority of the short-cycle information is set high, the short-cycle information will be transmitted at the timing when the long-cycle information is transmitted, and there is a possibility that the long-cycle information will not be transmitted. Therefore, in this embodiment, the priority of the "hall computer and fraud monitoring information", which has the shortest transmission cycle, is set to the lowest. With such a priority, if the transmission timings of all of the "game machine performance information", "game machine installation information", and "hall computer and fraud monitoring information" overlap, 900 ms may pass from the previous transmission timing to the transmission timing. In such a case, for example, the start switch 9 may be operated within 900 ms, causing the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R to stop, and the bet switch 7 (or the maximum bet switch 8) for the next game to be operated. In this case, there is a risk that the number of inserted medals between transmission timings may exceed the allowable range (-3 to +3 medals) (see FIG. 30). Therefore, in this embodiment, if the start switch 9 is operated between the previous transmission timing and the current transmission timing (when the insertion completion flag is ON), the "hole control/fraud monitoring information" is configured to be transmitted even if it overlaps with the transmission timing of other items ("gaming machine performance information", "gaming machine installation information"). With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the insertion of pseudo medals between the previous transmission timing and the current transmission timing in the "hole control/fraud monitoring information" from spanning multiple games. Therefore, appropriate information that falls within the allowable range (-3 to +3 medals) for the "number of inserted medals" for one game can be transmitted to the card unit CU.

In addition, because the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" includes the "Number of Medals Paid Out (see FIG. 12)," problems similar to those with the "Number of Medals Inserted" can occur. However, if the payout process is completed between the previous transmission timing and the current transmission timing (if the payout completion flag is ON), the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" is configured to be transmitted even if it overlaps with the transmission timing of other items ("Game Machine Performance Information", "Game Machine Installation Information"). With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the payout of pseudo medals between the previous transmission timing and the current transmission timing in the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" from spanning multiple games. Therefore, appropriate information that falls within the range (0 to +15) allowed for the "Number of Medals Paid Out" for one game can be transmitted to the card unit CU.

In addition, in FIG. 31, a case was described in which the transmission of "hall control/fraud monitoring information" was prioritized when the transmission timings of "gaming machine installation information", "gaming machine performance information", and "hall control/fraud monitoring information" all overlap while the input completion flag (or payout completion flag) is set to ON. In this embodiment, the transmission timing of "hall control/fraud monitoring information" may overlap with the transmission timing of "gaming machine installation information", but may not overlap with the transmission timing of "gaming machine performance information". In this case, even if the "gaming machine installation information" is transmitted with priority, the transmission interval of "hall control/fraud monitoring information" will be 600 ms. Since there is little risk of it spanning multiple games at 600 ms, in such a case, even if the input completion flag (or payout completion flag) is set to ON, the "gaming machine installation information" may be transmitted without prioritizing the "hall control/fraud monitoring information". In this case, appropriate information such as the "number of inserted medals (see FIG. 12)" and "number of paid out medals (see FIG. 12)" for one game can be sent to the card unit CU, while other items ("gaming machine installation information", "gaming machine performance information") can be sent smoothly.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the power supply to the card unit CU is interrupted (voltage VL = OFF) while the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R on the third stop reel are being pressed, the card unit CU will no longer supply voltage (VL) to the slot machine SM, invalidating the operation of the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R and putting an end to the pressing, after which the first payout processing means 101h performs a payout process and the usable number data (storage means 302a) is rewritten. On the other hand, if the power supply to the card unit CU is interrupted, it will not be able to receive information from the slot machine SM. Therefore, in a configuration in which "payout information" (see Figs. 12 and 13) is transmitted after the start of the payout process, if the power supply to the card unit CU is interrupted while the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R of the third reel are being pressed, a discrepancy occurs between the available number data stored in the storage means 302a and the available number data (storage means 502a) stored on the card unit CU side. However, in this embodiment, when the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R of the third reel are pressed, a judgment is made by the judgment means 101g, and if the judgment result is a winning combination for the payout of pseudo medals, the "payout information" (see Figs. 12 and 13) is transmitted to the card unit CU even if the pressing has not ended. Therefore, even if the power supply to the card unit CU is cut off while the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R on the third stop reel are being pressed and held, the "payout information" has already been sent to the card unit CU, preventing any discrepancy between the available number data stored in the memory means 302a and the available number data stored on the card unit CU side (memory means 502a) (see Figure 32).

In addition, the operation management means 101p disables the operation of the operation means related to the progress of the game (start switch 9, stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, etc.) when voltage VL is not being supplied from the card unit CU, such as when the harness between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU is disconnected or the card unit CU is not powered on. In this case, the game progresses without communication between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU, which can prevent a malfunction that causes a discrepancy between the available number data stored in the storage means 302a and the available number data stored on the card unit CU side (storage means 502a).

Also, as shown in FIG. 33, if a circuit (AND circuit) is formed for each of the bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, counting switch 31, start switch 9, stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, and settlement switch 33, which cannot be used unless both the voltage VL on the slot machine SM side and the voltage VL on the card unit CU side are supplied, the progress of the game can be reliably stopped when the voltage VL is not supplied from the card unit CU, thereby preventing a malfunction caused by a discrepancy between the available number data stored in the memory means 302a and the available number data stored on the card unit CU side (memory means 502a).

Also, as shown in FIG. 33, if a means (e.g., an AND circuit) is formed that allows the game medal count display 26 to display only when both the voltage VL on the slot machine SM side and the voltage VL on the card unit CU side are supplied, the game medal count display 26 will not display the available number data when the voltage VL is not supplied from the card unit CU, preventing players from becoming suspicious due to differences between the available number data stored on the card unit CU side and the available number data displayed on the game medal count display 26.

Even if the power supply to the card unit CU is cut off while the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R on the third stop reel are pressed and remain pressed, the slot machine SM disables the operation of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R based on the fact that the voltage VL is no longer being supplied from the card unit CU, and a payout process is performed after the pressing is stopped, and when this process is completed, the usable number data stored in the memory means 502a is rewritten. This prevents the player from suffering a disadvantage due to the lack of power supply only to the card unit CU.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 34, 36 to 38. The slot machine according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 33 in that, whereas in the first embodiment, the main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300 were formed as separate boards, they are formed as a single control board 1000. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used and the description will be omitted.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 34 and 37, various components are mounted on the mounting surface 1000A of the control board 1000, such as the main control CPU 101, a crystal oscillator 1001 for generating a clock signal for the main control CPU 101, the medal count control CPU 301, a crystal oscillator 1002 for generating a clock signal for the medal count control CPU 301, multiple ICs 1100-1108, a role ratio monitor 47, a CU communication connector CN1, a main-sub connector CN2, a game medal count display connector CN3, a payout display/operation-related connector CN4, and a reel communication connector CN5.

The CU communication connector CN1 is a connector used to connect the control board 1000 (medal count control CPU 301) and the card unit CU. The main-sub connector CN2 is a connector used to connect the control board 1000 (main control CPU 101) and the sub control board 200 (sub control CPU 201). The game medal count display connector CN3 is a connector used to connect the control board 1000 (medal count control CPU 301) and the game medal count display 26. The payout display/operation-related connector CN4 is a connector used to connect the control board 1000 (main control CPU 101) and the payout display 46, and to connect the control board 1000 (main control CPU 101) and the operation switch board 600. The reel communication connector CN5 is a connector used to connect the control board 1000 (main control CPU 101) and the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. In addition to connectors CN1 to CN5, the control board 1000 also includes connectors that are connected to a power supply board, connectors that are connected to a test board, etc., but these are not shown in the figure.

The IC 1100 is provided on a path formed by a wiring pattern along which information (signals) exchanged between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is transmitted, and is, for example, a buffer IC that temporarily stores the information.

IC1101 is provided on a path formed by a wiring pattern that connects the terminal of the CU communication connector CN1 and the receiving terminal S_Rx of the medal count control CPU 301, and is, for example, a buffer IC that temporarily stores information sent from the card unit CU (unit CPU 501) to the medal count control CPU 301.

IC1102 is provided on a path formed by a wiring pattern that connects the terminal of the CU communication connector CN1 and the transmission terminal S_Tx of the medal count control CPU 301, and is, for example, a buffer IC that temporarily stores information transmitted from the medal count control CPU 301 to the card unit (unit CPU 501).

IC1103 is provided on a path formed by a wiring pattern that connects the terminal of the main-sub connector CN2 and the transmission terminal S_Tx2 of the main control CPU 101, and is, for example, a buffer IC that temporarily stores information transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the sub control CPU 201.

IC1104 is provided on a path formed by a wiring pattern along which a transmission signal is transmitted from the medal count control CPU 301 to the game medal count display 26, and is, for example, a buffer IC that temporarily stores the transmission signal.

IC1105 is provided on a path formed by a wiring pattern that connects the terminal of the dispensing display/operation-related connector CN4 and the transmission terminal S_Tx1 of the main control CPU 101, and is, for example, a buffer IC that temporarily stores information transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the dispensing display 46.

IC1106 is provided on a path formed by a wiring pattern connecting each terminal of the payout display/operation-related connector CN4, which receives signals from each of the operating means such as the bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, settlement switch 33, counting switch 31, start switch 9, left/middle/right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, etc., signals from the reset switch 52, setting value information, signals from the door switch that detects the open/closed state of the front panel 2, and signals to the payout display 46, to a specified input terminal of the main control CPU 101, and is, for example, a buffer IC that temporarily stores signals output from each operating means.

IC1107 is provided on a path formed by a wiring pattern along which a transmission signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to the role ratio monitor 47, and is, for example, a buffer IC that temporarily stores the signal.

IC1108 is provided on a path formed by a wiring pattern that connects each terminal of the reel communication connector CN5 and each output terminal of the reel control signal of the main control CPU101, and is a buffer IC that temporarily stores, for example, signals for controlling the reel motors 27L, 27M, 27R of each reel 6L, 6M, 6R from the main control CPU101, and input signals from the left, center, and right reel sensors 55L, 55M, 55R. Note that, instead of each of IC1100 to IC1108, a configuration may be used in which, for example, resistor groups are arranged.

Next, the communication between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 will be described with reference to FIG. 34. The main control CPU101 has multiple transmission/reception ports P1 for communication with the medal count control CPU301, and the medal count control CPU301 also has multiple transmission/reception ports P2 for communication with the main control CPU101. Each transmission/reception port P1 of the main control CPU101 is paired with one transmission/reception port P2 of the medal count control CPU301.

Here, the connection configuration of the pair of transmission/reception ports P1, P2 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 34, one transmission/reception port P1 of the main control CPU 101 and one transmission/reception port P2 of the medal count control CPU 301 are connected via IC1100. Specifically, the transmission/reception port P1 of the main control CPU 101 and a specific port P3 of the IC1100 are connected by a communication bus B1 formed on the control board 1000. Also, the transmission/reception port P2 of the medal count control CPU 301 and a specific port P4 of the IC1100 are connected by a communication bus B2 formed on the control board 1000. Then, the path formed by the communication bus B1-IC1100-communication bus B2 is used as a transmission path of a signal (information) from the transmission/reception port P1 to the transmission/reception port P2 at a specific communication timing, and is used as a transmission path of a signal (information) from the transmission/reception port P2 to the transmission/reception port P1 at a specific communication timing different from the specific communication timing.

The same is true for the other pair of transmission/reception ports P1 of the main control CPU 101 and P2 of the medal count control CPU 301. That is, for each pair of transmission/reception ports P1, P2, a communication bus that connects the main control CPU 101 and the IC 1100 and a communication bus that connects the medal count control CPU 301 and the IC 1100 are provided, and mutual communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is performed between the pair of transmission/reception ports P1, P2 according to the communication timing.

In addition, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 use the same type of IC, and share one power regulator (not shown). In this embodiment, for example, the processing when the pseudo medals increase and decrease are both configured so that the medal count control CPU 301 processes after the main control CPU 101 processes. Therefore, if the timing of resetting the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 when the power is turned off is the same, if a power cut occurs after the main control CPU 101 processes but before the medal count control CPU 301 processes, the processing in the main control CPU 101 at the time of reset will not be reflected in the medal count control CPU 301 processes, and there is a risk of a discrepancy in the number of pseudo medals.

In addition, if an error occurs in the voltage VL from the card unit CU, the medal count control CPU 301 first detects the error, and the main control CPU 101 receives a signal from the medal count control CPU 301, and in the event of an abnormality, the state transitions to an error state. Therefore, if the main control CPU 101 is designed to start up before the medal count control CPU 301, there is a risk that the main control CPU 101 will start up first even in a normal start-up, resulting in a transition to an error state. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the power is turned on, the medal count control CPU 301 starts up before the main control CPU 101, and when resetting, the main control CPU 101 is configured to be reset before the medal count control CPU 301. This can be achieved by making the voltage values for detecting a power outage different between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301. It can also be achieved by making the timing from detecting a power outage to resetting the control CPUs 101 and 301 different from each other.

The main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 may each have their own power regulator. In this case, it is possible to change the start-up/reset timing of the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 by providing a battery (capacity) to one of the power regulators or wiring to delay the power drop.

As shown in FIG. 36, the control board 1000 is housed in a board case KC1 made of transparent resin or the like. A support plate (not shown) is attached to the top of the back plate KYa of the housing KY (above the reels 6L, 6M, 6R), and the control board 1000 is rotatably attached to this support by a pivot shaft located at the bottom end of the board case KC1. The sub-control board 200 is housed in a board case KC2, which is attached to the top of the left side plate KYb of the housing KY (above the reels 6L, 6M, 6R).

Before being rotated, the board case KC1 that houses the control board 1000 is fixed in a position where the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 1000A of the control board 1000 is approximately parallel to the front-to-rear direction, so that the mounting surface 1000A can be seen when the front panel 2 is opened. When the board case KC1 is rotated based on the rotation axis AX (see Figure 37) located below the board case KC1, the upper part of the board case KC1 rotates forward (forward in Figure 36), so that both the mounting surface 1000A and the back surface 1000B of the control board 1000 can be seen without removing the board case KC1 from the rotation axis AX.

37, the mounting surface 1000A is rectangular, and in a fixed state before rotation, has a first rectangular side K1000a located closest to each reel 6L, 6M, 6R, a second rectangular side K1000b parallel to the first rectangular side K1000a and facing the rectangular side K1000a, a third rectangular side K1000d perpendicular to the first rectangular side K1000a and located closest to the board case KC2 housing the sub-control board 200, and a fourth rectangular side K1000c parallel to the third rectangular side K1000d and facing the rectangular side K1000d. Here, the control board 1000 is stored in the board case KC1 at a position where the first rectangular side K1000a (or the second rectangular side K1000b) and the rotation axis AX are approximately parallel. In addition, a partition wall SB (see FIG. 34, etc.) is provided in the board case KC1 to surround the mounting areas of the main control CPU 101, medal count control CPU 301, and IC 1100, and the mounting area of the control CPUs 101 and 301 that control the progress of the game is separated from the other mounting areas by the partition wall SB.

As shown in FIG. 34, the CU communication connector CN1 is mounted near the third rectangular side K1000d and toward the first rectangular side K1000a. The main-sub connector CN2, the game medal count display connector CN3, the payout display and operation-related connector CN4, and the reel communication connector CN5 are all mounted near the first rectangular side K1000a. The connectors CN2 to CN5 are arranged in a row along the first rectangular side K1000a in the order of the main-sub connector CN2, the game medal count display connector CN3, the payout display and operation-related connector CN4, and the reel communication connector CN5, from the side closest to the third rectangular side K1000d.

As shown in FIG. 34, the connectors CN1 to CN5 are arranged on the first rectangular side K1000a, while the main control CPU 101, medal count control CPU 301, IC 1100, and crystal oscillators 1001 and 1002 are all arranged on the second rectangular side K1000b opposite the first rectangular side K1000a. Specifically, when viewed perpendicularly to the mounting surface in a state where they are mounted on the control board 1000, the main control CPU 101 and medal count control CPU 301 both have a vertically elongated rectangular shape and are substantially the same shape. In addition, the two long sides of the main control CPU 101 and medal count control CPU 301 are both arranged substantially parallel to the third rectangular side K1000d (or the fourth rectangular side K1000c). In addition, the two short sides of the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 are both arranged approximately parallel to the first rectangular side K1000a (or the second rectangular side K1000b). In addition, when mounted on the control board 1000 and viewed perpendicularly to the mounting surface, the IC 1100 also has a vertically elongated rectangular shape, with both of its two long sides arranged approximately parallel to the third rectangular side K1000d (or the fourth rectangular side K1000c), and both of its two short sides arranged approximately parallel to the first rectangular side K1000a (or the second rectangular side K1000b).

In this embodiment, the sealing form of the main control CPU101, medal count control CPU301, and IC1100 is a DIP structure in which the connection terminals t1, t2, and t3 connected to each port extend from the mounting surface 1000A to the back surface 1000B (see FIG. 38). Here, each connection terminal t1 connected to each port of the main control CPU101 (including P1, S_Tx1, and S_Tx2: see FIG. 34) is arranged on the two long sides of the main control CPU101, and is not arranged on the short sides. Each connection terminal t2 connected to each port of the medal count control CPU301 (including P2, S_Rx, and S_Tx: see FIG. 34) is arranged on the two long sides of the medal count control CPU301, and is not arranged on the short sides. Each connection terminal t3 connected to each port of the IC1100 (not shown) is arranged on the two long sides of the IC1100, and is not arranged on the short sides.

Then, each connection terminal t1 of the main control CPU 101, each connection terminal t2 of the medal count control CPU 301, and each connection terminal t3 of the IC 1100 are inserted into a predetermined through-hole conductor (not shown) that penetrates the thickness direction of the control board 1000, thereby conducting with the wiring pattern (including communication buses B1 and B2) of the control board. Specifically, sockets SK (see FIG. 38) are mounted on the control board 1000 at the mounting location of the main control CPU 101 and the mounting location of the medal count control CPU 301. Each socket SK has an insertion hole formed at a location corresponding to the connection terminal, and when the main control CPU 101 is placed in the appropriate position of the socket SK, each connection terminal t1 is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole, and each connection terminal t1 and the corresponding through-hole conductor are conductive. The same is true for the medal count control CPU 301. The main control CPU 101, medal count control CPU 301, IC 1100 and control board 1000 may be connected via via conductors in addition to through-hole conductors. In this embodiment, the socket SK in which the main control CPU 101 is placed and the socket SK in which the medal count control CPU 301 is placed are formed to have the same shape.

In this embodiment, the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 have the same shape, and the socket SK is also the same shape, so there is a risk that the two control CPUs 101 and 301 will be placed in the opposite socket SK. For this reason, it is advisable to make the socket SK of the main control CPU 101 transparent and the socket SK of the medal count control CPU 301 colored so that it is possible to distinguish which one is which by color, or to attach an identifiable marking. In addition, when removing both control CPUs 101 and 301 from the socket SK, it is necessary to insert a removal jig into the gap between the control CPUs 101 and 301 and the socket SK from the short side of the control CPUs 101 and 301 (the side on which the connection terminals t1 and t2 are not arranged), so it is advisable to separate the two control CPUs 101 and 301 to a distance that allows the jig to be inserted. In particular, if the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 are positioned so that their short sides face each other, it is advisable to separate one control CPU 101, 301 by a predetermined distance so that the other control CPU 101, 301 (including the socket SK) does not interfere with the insertion of a removal tool when removing the other control CPU 101, 301 from the socket SK.

In addition, when the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 are mounted on the control board 1000, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 1000A of the control board 1000, the distance between the side of the main control CPU101 closest to the second rectangular side K1000b and the second rectangular side K1000b is the same as the distance between the side of the main control CPU101 closest to the second rectangular side K1000b and the second rectangular side K1000b. In other words, when the board case KC1 is fixed to the back plate KYa of the housing KY, the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 are disposed at approximately the same height (height in the vertical direction in FIG. 36). Regarding the height positions of the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301, it is preferable to arrange them so that there is at least an overlapping portion between the two control CPUs 101 and 301 when viewed from the left and right of FIG. 36, for example.

When mounted on the control board 1000, the IC1100 is disposed between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 in a direction parallel to the first rectangular side K1000a (or the second rectangular side K1000b) of the control board (direction parallel to the rotation axis AX). The IC1100 is also disposed in a position that is parallel to the mounting surface 1000A of the control board 1000 and overlaps with the main control CPU101 (or medal count control CPU301) when viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis AX.

As shown in FIG. 37, in this embodiment, each communication bus B1 connecting the main control CPU 101 and the IC 1100, and each communication bus B2 connecting the medal count control CPU 301 and the IC 1100 are formed within the range of the region R1 between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301. Note that a portion of each communication bus B1, B2 may be formed on the second rectangular side K1000b side or the first rectangular side K1000a side of the region R1.

In this embodiment, the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 are disposed at the same distance as the second rectangular side K1000b, but they do not necessarily have to be disposed at the same distance. However, it is preferable that the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 are disposed at positions where they do not overlap when viewed in a direction parallel to the mounting surface 1000A of the control board 1000 and perpendicular to the rotation axis AX. In other words, it is preferable that the control CPUs 101 and 301 are disposed at positions where they do not overlap in the viewing direction of the control CPUs 101 and 301. In this way, it is possible to prevent one control CPU 101 or 301 from interfering with the viewing of the other control CPU 101 or 301 when viewed in a direction parallel to the mounting surface 1000A of the control board 1000 and perpendicular to the rotation axis AX.

As shown in FIG. 37, when mounted on the control board 1000, the crystal oscillator 1001 is positioned closer to the second rectangular side K1000b than the main control CPU 101, and when mounted on the control board 1000, the crystal oscillator 1002 is positioned closer to the second rectangular side K1000b than the medal count control CPU 301. In addition, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 1000A of the control board 1000, if the distance between the crystal oscillator 1001, which is the crystal oscillator closer to each connector CN1 to CN5, and the second rectangular side K1000b (the distance between the bottom end of the crystal oscillator 1001 and the second rectangular side K1000b) is distance W1, and the distance between the medal count control CPU 301, which is the control CPU closer to the second rectangular side K1000b, and the second rectangular side K1000b (the distance between the top end of the control CPU 301 and the second rectangular side K1000b) is distance W2, the two control CPUs 101, 301 and the crystal oscillators 1001, 1002 are arranged so that distance W2 > W1. In other words, both crystal oscillators 1001 and 1002 are positioned closer to the second rectangular side K1000b than the medal count control CPU 301, which is the control CPU closer to the second rectangular side K1000b.

The wiring patterns connecting the main control CPU 101 and each connector CN1, CN3 and the wiring patterns connecting the medal count control CPU 301 and each connector CN2, CN4 to CN5 are generally formed in region R2, which is closer to the first rectangular side K1000a than region R1. ICs 1101 to 1108 may also be placed in region R2.

These components (main control CPU 101, medal count control CPU 301, crystal oscillators 1001, 1002, IC 1100, CN1-CN5) are arranged in the order of (connectors CN1-CN5) → (main control CPU 101, medal count control CPU 301, IC 1100) → (crystal oscillators 1001, 1002) in a direction parallel to the third rectangular side K1000d (or the fourth rectangular side 1000c), in a position close to the first rectangular side K1000a. The wiring patterns connecting the main control CPU 101 and the connectors CN2, CN4-5, and the wiring patterns connecting the medal count control CPU 301 and the connectors CN1, CN3 are all drawn out in a direction generally parallel to the short sides (third and fourth rectangular sides 1000d, 1000c) of the mounting surface 1000A. On the other hand, each communication bus B1 that connects the main control CPU 101 and the IC 1100, and each communication bus B2 that connects the medal count control CPU 301 and the IC 1100 are both pulled out in a direction generally parallel to the long sides (first and second rectangular sides 1000a, 1000b) of the mounting surface 1000A.

In addition, it is preferable that the path connecting the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301, which is formed by each communication bus B1, B2, does not have through-hole conductors (or via conductors) other than the connection terminal t1 of the main control CPU101, the connection terminal t2 of the medal count control CPU301, and the connection terminal t3 of the IC1100. For example, as shown in FIG. 38(a), the communication bus B1 connecting the main control CPU101 and the IC1100 is formed only on the back surface 1000B without forming via conductors or through-hole conductors along the way and wiring to the mounting surface 1000A. In addition, it is preferable that the communication bus B2 connecting the medal count control CPU301 and the IC1100 is formed only on the back surface 1000B without forming via conductors or through-hole conductors along the way and wiring to the mounting surface 1000A.

As shown in FIG. 38(b), the communication bus B1 connecting the main control CPU 101 and the IC 1100 is formed only on the mounting surface 1000A, without forming via conductors or through-hole conductors along the way and wiring to the back surface 1000B. Also, it is preferable that the communication bus B2 connecting the medal count control CPU 301 and the IC 1100 is formed only on the mounting surface 1000A, without forming via conductors or through-hole conductors along the way and wiring to the back surface 1000B.

Also, as shown in FIG. 38(c), the communication bus B1 connecting the main control CPU 101 and the IC 1100 is formed only on the mounting surface 1000A, without forming via conductors or through-hole conductors along the way and wiring to the back surface 1000B. Also, it is preferable that the communication bus B2 connecting the medal count control CPU 301 and the IC 1100 is formed only on the back surface 1000B, without forming via conductors or through-hole conductors along the way and wiring to the mounting surface 1000A.

For example, if the specifications are such that no command is sent from the medal count control CPU 301 to the sub-control CPU 201, in order to sound a counting sound based on pressing the count switch 31, the wiring from the count switch 31 may be supplied to both the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 and controlled separately. Also, in the case of a configuration in which a signal from the count switch 31 is sent to both the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301, the signal may be sent from the main control CPU 101 to the sub-control CPU 201. Also, the signal from the count switch 31 may be sent from the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101, and further the signal may be sent from the main control CPU 101 to the sub-control CPU 201. In this case, the wiring from the count switch 31 to the main control CPU 101 is not necessary.

When the RWM (memory 102) of the main control CPU 101 is cleared, the data stored in the main control CPU 101 is erased, but the data in the medal count control CPU 301 remains. Therefore, for example, if a setting change is made (RWM clear) when a pseudo medal has been inserted and the game is again made playable, the number of pseudo medals inserted in the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 will differ. In this case, an error may occur. Even if the specifications do not treat such a state as an error, the number of pseudo medals inserted in the main control CPU 101 when the game is again playable is "0", so the medals will be inserted again, and in this case, the medal count control CPU 301 may consider that a specified number or more (three or more) of pseudo medals have been inserted, and an error may occur. In order to avoid such an error, (i) the number of inserted medals is automatically settled at the timing of an operation to clear the RWM (for example, to change the setting) (operation to change the setting).
(ii) Information on clearing the RWM is sent to the medal count control CPU 301, and the number of inserted medals is replenished based on the insertion history.
(iii) When the power is turned off, data regarding the medal insertion history is erased.
Either of the above may be adopted.

When the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 are mounted on a single control board 1000, there is a possibility that heat may build up inside the board case KC1. For this reason, a heat sink may be placed on the control board 1000 or the board case KC1, or a mechanism may be provided to release the built-up heat to the outside of the board case KC.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 are mounted on one control board 1000, so that the cost of the slot machine SM can be reduced compared to a configuration in which they are mounted on separate control boards, and the free space in the housing KY can be increased. In addition, if the crystal oscillators 1001 and 1002 are placed between the control CPUs 101 and 301 and the connectors CN1 to CN5 (region R2: see FIG. 37), there is a risk that the crystal oscillators 1001 and 1002 will interfere with the wiring connecting the control CPUs 101 and 301 and the connectors CN1 to CN5, causing a clock signal misalignment. In this case, there is a risk that the operation timing of the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 will be misaligned, making it difficult to perform control smoothly. However, in this embodiment, the crystal oscillators 1001 and 1002 are positioned closer to the second rectangular side K1000b than the formation area (area R1) of the communication buses B1 and B2 and the other communication bus formation area R2, so interference between the crystal oscillators 1001 and 1002 and the communication buses B1 and B2 and other communication buses can be prevented, and the clock performance of the crystal oscillators 1001 and 1002 is stabilized.

In addition, by arranging the crystal oscillators 1001, 1002 and the control CPUs 101, 301 in close proximity to each other, the length of the wiring pattern connecting the crystal oscillators 1001, 1002 and the control CPUs 101, 301 can be shortened, thereby improving the performance of the oscillators.

In addition, since each connector CN1 to CN5 is arranged close to the first rectangular side K1000a closest to each reel 6L, 6M, 6R, for example, the harness connecting each reel 6L, 6M, 6R to the control board 1000 can be shortened. In addition, both control CPUs 101, 301 are arranged on the second rectangular side K1000b side opposite to the first rectangular side K1000a on which each connector CN1 to CN5 is arranged. In this case, since the control CPUs 101, 301 can be separated from the connectors CN1 to CN5 where wiring is densely concentrated, noise to the communication buses B1, B2 can be reduced. In this embodiment, when the control board 1000 is arranged in the housing KY of the slot machine SM, the CU communication connector CN1 is mounted on the third rectangular side K1000d side closest to the card unit CU. Of the two control CPUs 101, 301, the medal count control CPU 301 connected to the connector CN is also mounted on the third rectangular side K1000d. This arrangement allows the wiring connecting the medal count control CPU 301 and the connector CN1, and the harness connecting the connector CN1 and the card unit CU to be shortened, reducing the number of points where command communication problems due to noise, etc., and fraudsters can target.

In addition, the board case KC1 is provided with a partition wall SB that separates the area in which the control CPUs 101, 301 and IC 1100 are mounted from other areas, thereby reducing fraudulent activity caused by accessing the control CPUs 101, 301 from the other areas.

The main control CPU 101 is arranged in a position parallel to the mounting surface 1000A of the control board 1000 and not overlapping with the medal count control CPU 301 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AX. Therefore, for example, when viewed from that direction, one control CPU 101, 301 is not in the shadow of the other CPU 101, 301, improving the visibility of both control CPUs 101, 301. Therefore, for example, early detection of fraudulent acts such as hiding fraudulent ICs in the gap between the socket SK of the control CPUs 101, 301 and the control board 1000 becomes possible.

In addition, both control CPUs 101, 301 and their respective sockets SK are approximately the same shape, and both control CPUs 101, 301 are located at approximately the same distance from the rotation axis AX. This makes it easy to visually compare the two control CPUs 101, 301, and makes it easier to discover an abnormality if, for example, an unauthorized IC is installed in only one of the control CPUs 101, 301.

In addition, the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 share a single power regulator, which helps reduce the cost of the slot machine SM.

In addition, by not providing through-hole conductors or via conductors in the middle of the communication buses B1 and B2, the formation surface (mounting surface 1000A or back surface 1000B) of the communication buses B1 and B2 does not change along the way, making it difficult to commit fraud targeting the communication buses B1 and B2.

In this embodiment, the crystal oscillator 1001 for generating a clock signal for the main control CPU 101 and the crystal oscillator 1002 for generating a clock signal for the medal count control CPU 301 are provided separately, but for example, as shown in FIG. 35, one crystal oscillator 1003 may be mounted on the mounting surface 1000A of the control board 1000, and the oscillator 1003 may be used in common as an oscillator for generating clock signals for the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301. In this case, the crystal oscillator 1003 may be located closer to the second rectangular side K1000b than the formation area (area R1 in FIG. 37) of the communication buses B1 and B2 connecting the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301. With this configuration, only one crystal oscillator 1003 is required, so the cost of the slot machine SM can be reduced. In addition, it is easier to synchronize the communication timing of both control CPUs 101 and 301. In this case, it is preferable to make the length of the wiring pattern connecting the crystal oscillator 1003 and the main control CPU 101 approximately the same as the length of the wiring pattern connecting the crystal oscillator 1003 and the medal count control CPU 301. By doing so, the clock timing input to both control CPUs 101 and 301 becomes approximately the same, and the control of both control CPUs 101 and 301 becomes stable.

Next, a modified example of the connection configuration between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 will be described with reference to FIG. 39. This example and the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 34 are implemented with two ICs 1100a and 1100b: IC1100a for transmission signals from the main control CPU101 to the medal count control CPU301, and OC1100b for transmission signals from the medal count control CPU301 to the main control CPU101. The other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 34, so the same reference numerals are used and the description will be omitted.

IC1100a and IC1100b are buffer ICs similar to IC1100 in FIG. 34, and are the same type of IC. Here, IC1100a has ports P5 equal to the number of transmitting/receiving ports P1 of the main control CPU 101, and each transmitting/receiving port P1 is paired with one port P5 and connected via a communication bus B1. Also, IC1100b has ports P7 equal to the number of transmitting/receiving ports P1 of the main control CPU 101, and each transmitting/receiving port P1 is paired with one port P7 and connected via a communication bus B1. Also, IC1100a has ports P6 equal to the number of transmitting/receiving ports P2 of the medal count control CPU 301, and each transmitting/receiving port P2 is paired with one port P6 and connected via a communication bus B2. In addition, IC1100b has ports P8 in the same number as the number of transmission/reception ports P2 of the medal count control CPU 301, and each transmission/reception port P2 is paired with one port P8 and connected via communication bus B2.

Regarding the connection configuration of the pair of transmission/reception ports P1, P2, as shown in FIG. 39, one transmission/reception port P1 of the main control CPU 101 and one transmission/reception port P2 of the medal count control CPU 301 are connected via IC1100a and IC1100b. Specifically, the transmission/reception port P1 of the main control CPU 101 is connected to a specified port P5 of IC1100a via a communication bus B1. Furthermore, the transmission/reception port P1 is connected to a specified port P7 of IC1100b via a communication bus B1. The specified port P5 of IC1100a is a port through which a transmission signal from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301 is input, and the specified port P7 of IC1100b is a port through which a transmission signal from the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101 is output.

One port P6 of IC1100a is paired with one port P5 through which a transmission signal is input from the main control CPU101 to the medal count control CPU301, and the port P6 is connected to the transmission/reception port P2 that is paired with the transmission/reception port P1 via a communication bus B2. Furthermore, one port P8 of IC1100b is paired with one port P7 through which a transmission signal is output from the medal count control CPU301 to the main control CPU101, and the transmission/reception port P8 is connected to the transmission/reception port P2 that is paired with the transmission/reception port P1 via a communication bus B2. The port P6 of IC1100a is a port through which a transmission signal is output from the main control CPU101 to the medal count control CPU301, and the port P8 of IC1100b is a port through which a transmission signal is input from the medal count control CPU301 to the main control CPU101.

When the time comes for the main control CPU101 to send a signal to the medal count control CPU301, IC1100b is controlled to be inactive, blocking signal transmission between the input port P8 of IC1100b and the output port P7. On the other hand, IC1100a is controlled to be active, allowing signal transmission between the input port 5 of IC1100a and the output port P6. Therefore, a communication path for a transmission signal from the main control CPU101 to the medal count control CPU301 is formed through port P1 of the main control CPU101 → communication bus B1 → IC1100a (ports P5, P6) → communication bus B2 → port P2 of the medal count control CPU301.

On the other hand, when it is time to send a signal from the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101, IC 1100a is controlled to be inactive, blocking signal transmission between the input port P5 of IC 1100a and the output port P6. On the other hand, IC 1100b is controlled to be active, allowing signal transmission between the input port P8 of IC 1100b and the output port P7. Therefore, a communication path for a transmission signal from the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101 is formed by the medal count control CPU 301 port P2 → communication bus B2 → IC 1100b (ports P8, P7) → communication bus B1 → port P1 of the main control CPU 101. The same applies to the other pair of transmission/reception port P1 of the main control CPU 101 and transmission/reception port P2 of the medal count control CPU 301, so a description will be omitted.

Also, an identification marking is provided on the top surface of each of the chips IC1100a and IC1100b. As shown in FIG. 39, in this embodiment, the top surface of IC1100a is marked with the characters "1100a" and the top surface of IC1100b is marked with the characters "1100b". These characters are provided along the long sides of the top surfaces of IC1100a and 1100b, respectively, but the characters "IC1100a" and "IC1100b" are oriented in opposite directions (see FIG. 39). In this way, an inspector can check the markings on IC1100a and 1100b to determine the direction of the signal, whether it is from the main control CPU101 to the medal count control CPU301 or from the medal count control CPU301 to the main control CPU101.

As shown in FIG. 39, the characters "IC1100a" are applied by silk printing or the like to region R3 near IC1100a on mounting surface 1000A of control board 1000. At this time, the orientation of the characters is parallel to second rectangular side K1000b, making it easy to check the characters when front panel 2 is opened with control board 1000 stored and fixed in board case KC1. Furthermore, marking Ma is applied by silk printing or the like to the vicinity of pin 1 of IC1100a on mounting surface 1000A.

In addition, the characters "IC1100b" are printed by silk screen printing or the like in the region R4 near IC1100b on the mounting surface 1000A of the control board 1000. At this time, the orientation of the characters is parallel to the second rectangular side K1000b, so that the characters can be easily confirmed when the front panel 2 is opened with the control board 1000 stored and fixed in the board case KC1. Furthermore, a marking Mb is printed by silk screen printing or the like near the first pin of IC1100b on the mounting surface 1000A. In this way, even if the ICs are the same type, it is possible to prevent IC1100a and IC1100b from being erroneously inserted into the opposite sockets SK. In addition, the orientation of the characters printed on the control board 1000 makes it easy to tell the up and down orientation of the control board 1000 stored and fixed in the board case KC1. Also, by checking the markings Ma, Mb on pin 1 and the position of pin 1, incorrect insertion of the IC (IC1100a, 1100b) can be prevented.

A product number is also attached to the top surface of the main control CPU 101. In this embodiment, the product number is written in the characters "Main Control CPU". The orientation of the characters corresponds to the pin arrangement of the main control CPU 101, and it is possible to identify which signal the pin is for inputting or outputting from the characters "Main Control CPU" and the position of the pin. An identification sticker S1 is also attached to the top surface of the main control CPU 101. In this embodiment, the characters "Pulsar/Y011" are attached to the top line of the identification sticker S1, and the characters "YY-A-123" are attached to the bottom line. Here, the characters "Pulsar" are an identification part of the model of the slot machine SM, and it is possible to identify which model of the control CPU it is. Also, "Y011" is the management number of the manufacturer of the slot machine SM. Also, "YY" is an identification part of the manufacturer of the slot machine SM, and it is possible to identify which manufacturer it is from the characters. The letter "A" is an identification part for the type of control CPU, and this letter makes it possible to identify that it is a main control CPU 101. The letters "123" are, for example, a serial number. The letters on the identification sticker S1 are affixed in the same direction as the product number "main control CPU" on the top surface.

Also, a product number is attached to the top surface of the medal count control CPU 301. In this embodiment, the product number is written in the letters "medal count control CPU". The orientation of the letters corresponds to the pin arrangement of the medal count control CPU 301, and it is possible to identify which signal the pin is for inputting or outputting from the letters "medal count control CPU" and the position of the pin. Also, an identification sticker S2 is attached to the top surface of the medal count control CPU 301. In this embodiment, the letters "Y111" are attached to the upper row of the identification sticker S2, and the letters "YY-B-456" are attached to the lower row. Here, "Y111" is the management number of the manufacturer of the slot machine SM. Also, "YY" is an identification part of the manufacturer of the slot machine SM, and the manufacturer can be identified by the letters. Also, the letters "B" are an identification part of the type of control CPU, and it is possible to identify that it is the medal count control CPU 301 by the letters. Also, the letters "456" are, for example, a serial number. The letters on the identification sticker S2 are affixed in the same direction as the product number "Medal Count Control CPU" on the top. Of the identification stickers S1 and S2, only the identification sticker S1 has the word "Pulsar" written on the top line because the main control CPU 101 that controls the progress of the game is unique to each model, whereas the medal count control CPU 301 can be used in common with all models. Also, since the medal count control CPU 301 can be recycled without rewriting the contents, not writing model-specific letters on the identification sticker S2 eliminates the need to replace the identification sticker.

In addition, since the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 use the same type of IC, the product numbers on the top of both control CPUs 101, 301 may be identical or nearly identical. Also, in this case, as shown in Figure 35, a single crystal oscillator may be used for both the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301.

Third Embodiment
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 40 to 41. In the third embodiment, the medal count control CPU 301 performs serial communication with the card unit CU as in the first and second embodiments, and also performs serial communication with the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is mounted. Except for this point, the third embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments, and the same reference numerals as in the second embodiment are used for the same components as in the first and second embodiments.

<Components mounted on the control board 1000>
First, the mounted components of the control board 1000 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 40. Each IC in Fig. 40 is for temporarily buffering data, for example.

In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40, the main control CPU 101, which controls the progress of the game, and the medal count control CPU 301, which exchanges pseudo medals with the card unit CU and controls the management of the number of pseudo medals that a player can use in the game, are provided on the mounting surface of the same control board 1000. The main control CPU 101 has multiple transmission terminals (hereinafter referred to as "serial transmission terminals") S_Tx1, S_Tx2, ... for transmitting serial data, and multiple reception terminals (hereinafter referred to as "serial reception terminals") for receiving serial data not shown in FIG. 40. The medal count control CPU 301 has one transmission terminal (serial transmission terminal) S_Tx for transmitting serial data, and one reception terminal (serial reception terminal) S_Rx for receiving serial data.

In the medal count control CPU 301, a serial transmission terminal S_Tx is assigned for transmitting serial data to the card unit CU, and a serial reception terminal S_Rx is assigned for receiving serial data from the card unit CU. In addition, in the medal count control CPU 301, a serial transmission terminal S_Tx is assigned for transmitting serial data to a display board 700 (see FIG. 4) on whose mounting surface a game medal count display 26 capable of displaying a multi-digit (in this embodiment, five digits) medal count is provided. The game medal count display 26 has seven segments corresponding to each digit. In this way, in the medal count control CPU 301, a common serial transmission terminal S_Tx is used for transmitting serial data to the card unit CU and for transmitting serial data to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided. Note that the medal count control CPU 301 is equipped with one serial transmission terminal S_Tx, and assuming that serial communication is performed between the medal count control CPU 301 and the card unit CU, the serial transmission terminal S_Tx cannot be dedicated for serial transmission to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is mounted, and the serial transmission terminal S_Tx is shared for transmitting both types of serial data.

As shown in FIG. 40, the control board 1000 is provided with a CU communication connector CN1 for attaching a first communication harness (not shown in FIG. 40) for connecting the control board 1000 and the card unit CU so that they can communicate with each other. The first communication harness may be directly connected to the card unit CU, for example, or may be connected to another board capable of communicating with the card unit CU. The control board 1000 is also provided with a game medal number display connector CN3 for attaching a second communication harness (not shown in FIG. 40) for connecting the control board 1000 and the display board 700 on which the game medal number display 26 is provided so that they can communicate with each other. The second communication harness may be directly connected to the display board 700, for example, or may be connected to another board capable of communicating with the display board 700.

Also, as shown in FIG. 40, the control board 1000 is provided with a selector 1201. The input end of the selector 1201 is connected to the serial transmission terminal S_Tx of the medal count control CPU 301 via a transmission path provided on the control board 1000. The first output end of the selector 1201 is connected to the CU communication connector CN1 via a transmission path including the IC 1102 provided on the control board 1000, and the second output end of the selector 1201 is connected to the game medal count display connector CN3 via a transmission path including the IC 1202 provided on the control board 1000. The selector 1201 switches the output destination of the serial data transmitted from the serial transmission terminal S_Tx of the medal count control CPU 301 and input to the input end between the first output end connected to the CU communication connector CN1 (i.e., the card unit CU) and the second output end connected to the game medal count display connector CN3 (i.e., the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided).

The medal count control CPU 301 transmits multiple types of transmission information to the card unit CU by serial data transmitted from the serial transmission terminal S_Tx, and transmits game medal count information related to the display of the game medal count to the game medal count display 26. Details of the transmission of multiple types of transmission information by the medal count control CPU 301 to the card unit CU and the transmission of game medal count information to the game medal count display 26 will be described later.

Here, the various types of information transmitted by the medal count control CPU 301 to the card unit CU are as follows:
Telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" (Telegram to notify game machine information related to game machines or games (hall control/fraud monitoring information, game machine installation information, game machine performance information))
A message "counting notification" (a message for notifying the card unit CU of the number of counted medals moved from the medal count control CPU 301),
Message "Lending Receipt Result Response" (message for responding with the lending medal count receipt result in response to the message "Lending Notification" received by the medal count control CPU 301 from the card unit CU)
There is.

The game medal count information is information related to the display of the game medal count (the current number of medals of the player managed by the slot machine SM) managed by the medal count control CPU 301 using the game medal count data stored in the memory 302.

As shown in FIG. 40, the serial receiving terminal S_Rx of the medal count control CPU 301 is connected to the CU communication connector CN1 via a transmission path including IC1101 provided on the control board 1000. The medal count control CPU 301 receives transmission information sent from the card unit CU by the serial data received by the serial receiving terminal S_Rx. Here, the transmission information sent from the card unit CU is the message "loan notification" (a message to notify the medal count control CPU 301 of the number of loaned medals to be moved from the card unit CU).

<Switching of Output Destination of Selector 1201>
Next, switching of the output destination of the selector 1201 will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above with reference to FIG. 17, the transmission and reception of messages between the medal count control CPU 301 and the card unit CU is performed in a cycle with a time length of one cycle ranging from 300 ms to 310 ms. The medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "Game Machine Information Notification" to the card unit CU at the start of one cycle (0 ms in one cycle) (first transmission timing). The medal count control CPU 301 also transmits the message "Counting Notification" to the card unit CU at a timing (second transmission timing) within one cycle that is 90 ms to 100 ms from the start of transmission of the message "Game Machine Information Notification". The card unit CU also transmits the message "Lending Notification" to the medal count control CPU 301 at a timing (third transmission timing) within one cycle that is within 170 ms from the start of reception of the message "Counting Notification". In addition, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "loan receipt result response" to the card unit CU within one cycle, at a timing (fourth transmission timing) within 10 ms after receiving the message "loan notification."

The medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "Game Machine Information Notification", the message "Counting Notification", and the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" to the card unit CU at the first transmission timing, the second transmission timing, and the fourth transmission timing within one cycle, with the time length of one cycle being in the range of 300 ms to 310 ms inclusive, in priority to the gaming medal count information to the gaming medal count display 26.

In the third embodiment, it is assumed that, based on the data size and transmission rate, etc., the time required to transmit the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing hall control and fraud monitoring information is 3 ms, the time required to transmit the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing gaming machine installation information is 6 ms, and the time required to transmit the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing gaming machine performance information is 8 ms. Also, based on the data size and transmission rate, etc., it is assumed that the time required to transmit the message "Counting Notification" is 1 ms, and the time required to transmit the message "Lending Receipt Result Response" is 1 ms. In FIG. 41, one cycle is 300 ms, the timing of sending the "Counting Notification" message is 100 ms from the start of the transmission of the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message, the timing of sending the "Lending Receipt Result Response" message is 180 ms from the start of the transmission of the "Counting Notification" message, and the timing of sending the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message is 20 ms from the start of the transmission of the "Lending Receipt Result Response" message.

The medal count control CPU 301 transmits a message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" that stores hall control and fraud monitoring information to the card unit CU in preference to medal count information during the transmission period from the start of one cycle (first transmission timing) until 3 ms has elapsed (T101). Alternatively, during the transmission period from the start of one cycle (first transmission timing) until 6 ms has elapsed (T111), the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" that stores gaming machine installation information in preference to medal count information. Alternatively, during the transmission period from the start of one cycle (first transmission timing) until 8 ms has elapsed (T121), the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" that stores gaming machine performance information in preference to medal count information.

The medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "Counting Notification" to the card unit CU in priority to the gaming medal count information during the period from 100 ms from the start of transmission of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" that contains hall control/fraud monitoring information, gaming machine installation information, or gaming machine performance information until 1 ms has elapsed (T102, T112, T122).

The medal count control CPU 301 sends the message "loan receipt result response" to the card unit CU in priority to the game medal count information during the period from 180 ms after the start of transmission of the message "count notification" until 1 ms has elapsed (T103, T113, T123).

In the above-mentioned transmission of messages from the medal count control CPU 301 to the card unit CU, between the transmission period of the message "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores the hall control and fraud monitoring information and the transmission period of the message "Counting Notification", there is a non-transmission period of 97 ms during which the medal count control CPU 301 does not transmit any information to the card unit CU (T201). In addition, between the transmission period of the message "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores the gaming machine installation information and the transmission period of the message "Counting Notification", there is a non-transmission period of 94 ms during which the medal count control CPU 301 does not transmit any information to the card unit CU (T211). In addition, between the transmission period of the message "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores the gaming machine performance information and the transmission period of the message "Counting Notification", there is a non-transmission period of 92 ms during which the medal count control CPU 301 does not transmit any information to the card unit CU (T221).

In addition, between the period for sending the "Counting Notification" message and the period for sending the "Loan Receipt Result Response" message, there is a non-transmission period of 179 ms during which the medal count control CPU 301 does not send any information to the card unit CU (T202, T212, T222).

In addition, between the period for sending the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" and the period for sending the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" that stores hall control/fraud monitoring information, gaming machine installation information, or gaming machine performance information, there is a non-transmission period of 19 ms during which the medal count control CPU 301 does not send any information to the card unit CU (T203, T213, T223).

Of the multiple non-transmission periods mentioned above (T201, T202, T203, T211, T212, T213, T221, T222, T223), the non-transmission period between the transmission period of the "Counting Notification" message and the transmission period of the "Lending Receipt Result Response" message (the non-transmission period after the end of transmission of the "Counting Notification" message) (T202, T212, T222) is the longest.

The medal count control CPU 301 transmits game medal count information to the game medal count display 26 using a non-transmission period in which the medal count control CPU 301 does not transmit any information to the card unit CU. Note that the entire period within each non-transmission period (T201, T202, T203, T211, T212, T213, T221, T222, T223) may be used to transmit the game medal count information, or a portion of each non-transmission period (T201, T202, T203, T211, T212, T213, T221, T222, T223) may be used. Here, "using the entire non-transmission period" or "using a portion of the non-transmission period" means that the medal count control CPU 301 transmits game medal count information during all or part of the period during which the medal count control CPU 301 is not performing other processing, for example, during the entire non-transmission period (for example, 97 ms in a non-transmission period (T201) whose length is 97 ms) or during a portion of the non-transmission period (for example, less than 97 ms, for example 90 ms in a non-transmission period (T201) whose length is 97 ms).

During each transmission period (T101, T102, T103, T111, T112, T113, T121, T122, T123) during which the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the messages "Game Machine Information Notification", "Counting Notification", and "Loan Receipt Result Response" to the card unit CU, the selector 1201 changes the output destination of the serial data transmitted from the serial transmission terminal S_Tx of the medal count control CPU 301 and input to the input terminal to the first output terminal (i.e., the card unit CU) connected to the CU communication connector CN1, as shown in FIG. 41. As a result, the serial data output from the first output terminal of the selector 1201 is transmitted to the card unit CU via the CU communication connector CN1.

In addition, the selector 1201, by the medal count control CPU 301's output destination switching control, during the non-transmission periods (T201, T202, T203, T211, T212, T213, T221, T222, T223) during which the medal count control CPU 301 does not transmit any information to the card unit CU, sets the output destination of the serial data transmitted from the medal count control CPU 301's serial transmission terminal S_Tx and input to the input terminal to the second output terminal connected to the medal count display connector CN3 (i.e., the display board 700 on which the medal count display 26 is provided), as shown in FIG. 41. As described above, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits medal count information to the medal count display 26 using the non-transmission periods (T201, T202, T203, T211, T212, T213, T221, T222, T223). As a result, the serial data output from the second output terminal of the selector 1201 is transmitted to the display board 700 on which the game medal number display 26 is provided via the game medal number display connector CN3. The serial data related to the game medal number information transmitted to the display board 700 is converted by a serial-parallel conversion circuit provided on the display board 700 into parallel data consisting of segment data related to the lighting/extinguishing of each of the eight segments constituting the seven segments for each of the five digits of the game medal number display 26, and is supplied to the game medal number display 26. Each seven segment of the game medal number display 26 turns on and off the segments based on the segment data related to the lighting/extinguishing of each of the eight segments constituting the seven segments constituting the parallel data. As a result, the game medal number display 26 displays the game medal number managed by the medal number control CPU 301 using the game medal number data stored in the memory 302.

Next, we will explain an example of the control of switching the output destination of the selector 1201 by the medal count control CPU 301.

The medal count control CPU 301 controls the switching from the first output terminal (i.e., the card unit CU) connected to the CU communication connector CN1 of the selector 1201 output destination to the second output terminal (i.e., the display board 700 on which the medal count display 26 is provided) connected to the game medal count display connector CN3 as follows.

During the transmission of each of the messages "Game Machine Information Notification" (hall control/fraud monitoring information, game machine installation information, game machine performance information), "Counting Notification", and "Loan Receipt Result Response", the output destination of the selector 1201 is the card unit CU. When the transmission of the message being transmitted is completed, the medal count control CPU 301 decides to switch the output destination of the selector 1201 from the card unit CU to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided, based on the status of the medal count control CPU 301 after the transmission of the message is completed, and this decision switches the output destination of the selector 1201 from the card unit CU to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided. For example, when the transmission of the message being transmitted is completed, the status of the medal count control CPU 301 becomes the status after the transmission of the message is completed. Because the status is after the transmission of the message has ended, the medal count control CPU 301 decides to switch the output destination of the selector 1201 from the card unit CU to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is mounted, and as a result of this decision, the output destination of the selector 1201 is switched from the card unit CU to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is mounted.

The medal count control CPU 301 controls the switching from the second output terminal connected to the game medal count display connector CN3 (i.e., the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided) of the selector 1201 output destination to the first output terminal connected to the CU communication connector CN1 (i.e., the card unit CU) as follows.

When the transmission of each of the messages "Gaming Machine Information Notification" (hall control/fraud monitoring information, gaming machine installation information, gaming machine performance information), "Counting Notification", and "Loan Receipt Result Response" is completed, the output destination of selector 1201 described above is switched to the display board 700 on which the gaming medal count display 26 is provided. When the transmission of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" (hall control/fraud monitoring information, gaming machine installation information, gaming machine performance information) is completed and the output destination of the selector 1201 is the display board 700 on which the gaming medal count display 26 is provided, the medal count control CPU 301 switches the output destination of the selector 1201 from the display board 700 on which the gaming medal count display 26 is provided to the card unit CU (switching the output destination of the selector 1201 related to the transmission of the message "Counting Notification") at a predetermined time for the next message "Counting Notification" to be transmitted (a time within 100 ms from the start of one cycle (first transmission timing); in the third embodiment, a time 100 ms from the start of one cycle (first transmission timing)). In addition, when the transmission of the message "Counting Notification" is completed and the output destination of the selector 1201 is the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided, the medal count control CPU 301 switches the output destination of the selector 1201 from the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided to the card unit CU (switching the output destination of the selector 1201 related to the transmission of the message "Lending Receipt Result Response") at a predetermined time for the next message "Lending Receipt Result Response" to be transmitted (a time within 180 ms from the start of transmission of the message "Counting Notification"; in the third embodiment, a time 180 ms from the start of transmission of the message "Counting Notification"). In addition, when the transmission of the message "loan receipt result response" is completed and the output destination of the selector 1201 is the display board 700 on which the gaming medal count display 26 is provided, the medal count control CPU 301 switches the output destination of the selector 1201 from the display board 700 on which the gaming medal count display 26 is provided to the card unit CU (switching the output destination of the selector 1201 related to the transmission of the message "gaming machine information notification") at a predetermined time (a time within 20 ms from the start of the transmission of the message "loan receipt result response"; in the third embodiment, a time 20 ms from the start of the transmission of the message "loan receipt result response") for the message "gaming machine information notification" to be transmitted next (hall control/fraud monitoring information, gaming machine installation information, gaming machine performance information).

If the serial communication performed by the gaming value amount control chip were monopolized by communication with the gaming machine compatible unit, there is a risk that long-term communication will cause flickering in the display of the gaming value amount display device, or if the amount of gaming value managed by the gaming value amount control chip increases or decreases during communication with the gaming machine compatible unit, the amount of gaming value after the increase or decrease will not be displayed smoothly. On the other hand, a breakdown in communication related to the transfer of gaming value between the gaming value amount control chip and the gaming machine compatible unit will result in a serious error.

According to the third embodiment described above, in the medal count control CPU 301, the serial transmission terminal S_Tx is assigned for serial transmission to the card unit CU, and multiple types of transmission information (messages "game machine information notification", "counting notification", and "loan receipt result response") are transmitted from the serial transmission terminal S_Tx to the card unit CU, and these multiple types of transmission information are transmitted at a transmission timing that is predetermined for each of the multiple types of transmission information within one period in a predetermined cycle, and between a transmission period in which a certain type of transmission information is transmitted and a transmission period in which a different type of transmission information is transmitted, there is a non-transmission period in which no transmission information is transmitted to the card unit CU. The serial transmission terminal S_Tx with the non-transmission period assigned to this card unit CU is also assigned for serial transmission to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided, and the transmission of multiple types of transmission information to the card unit CU is prioritized, and the game amount information is transmitted from the serial transmission terminal S_Tx using the above-mentioned non-transmission period. The selector 1201 switches the output destination so that the serial data transmitted by the medal count control CPU 301 from the serial transmission terminal S_Tx is output to the card unit CU during the period when multiple types of transmission information are being transmitted, and is output to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided during the non-transmission period. In this way, in the medal count control CPU 301, the serial transmission terminal S_Tx assigned to the card unit CU, which has non-transmission periods (T201, T202, T203, T211, T212, T213, T221, T222, T223) during the transmission of multiple types of transmission information to the card unit CU, is also assigned to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided, and the transmission of multiple types of transmission information to the card unit CU is prioritized, and the non-transmission periods (T201, T202, T203, T211, T212, T213, T221, T222, T223) are used to display the game medal count display By transmitting the game amount information to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is mounted, the transmission of the game amount information to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is mounted does not interfere with the transmission of multiple types of transmission information to the card unit CU, so that it is possible to appropriately share one serial transmission terminal S_Tx for communication between the two, preventing the occurrence of the above-mentioned serious errors while preventing flickering of the display of the game medal count display 26, and enabling smooth display of the game medal count of the pseudo medals after the increase or decrease when the game medal count of the pseudo medals managed by the medal count control CPU 301 increases or decreases.

In addition, when the lending switch 503a is pressed once, the number of times that the message "Lending Notice" is sent from the card unit CU to the medal count control CPU 301, indicating that the number of medals lent exceeds 0, up to a maximum of 50, is only once, and even if the lending switch 503a is pressed once and long, the number of times that the message "Lending Notice" is sent from the card unit CU to the medal count control CPU 301, indicating that the number of medals lent exceeds 0, up to a maximum of 50, is only once, and never twice or more. In addition, it is not necessary for the slot machine SM to display the number of medals counted up one by one on the medal count display 26 to show the player, and it is considered acceptable to display the number of medals lent up at once. On the other hand, when the counting switch 31 is pressed once and long, the number of times that the message "Counting Notice" is sent from the medal count control CPU 301 to the card unit CU, indicating that the number of medals counted exceeds 0, up to a maximum of 50, may be several times, for example, several tens of times. Also, so that the player can enjoy the large number of pseudo medals acquired, it is considered that the slot machine SM will display the number of game medals being counted down one by one on the game medal number display 26. For this reason, it is assumed that the change in the number of game medals of the pseudo medals managed by the medal number control CPU 301 based on the counted medal number notified in the telegram "counting notification" sent from the medal number control CPU 301 to the card unit CU will become large, and it will take time to update the display content of the game medal number display 26. In the third embodiment described above, among the multiple non-transmission periods (T201, T202, T203, T211, T212, T213, T221, T222, T223), the non-transmission period between the transmission period of the "Counting Notification" message and the transmission period of the "Lending Receipt Result Response" message (the non-transmission period after the end of transmission of the "Counting Notification" message) (T202, T212, T222) is set to be the longest, so that more time can be allocated to updating the display content of the game medal count display 26 related to the "Counting Notification" message, which requires update time.

In the third embodiment, the period during which the output of the selector 1201 is directed to the first output terminal (card unit CU) may be the transmission periods of the messages "game machine information notification" (hall control/fraud monitoring information, game machine installation information, game machine performance information), "counting notification", and "loan receipt result response", and a portion of the non-transmission period following each transmission period, and the period during which the output of the selector 1201 is directed to the second output terminal (display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided) may be the remaining period excluding the portion of the non-transmission period following each transmission period. In this case, the medal count control CPU 301 will transmit game medal count information to the game medal count display 26 using the remaining period of the non-transmission period.

<Modification 1 of the third embodiment>
A first modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 42. The first modified example of the third embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the timing of switching the output destination of the selector 1201 related to the transmission of the message "loan receipt result response" from the first output terminal (i.e., card unit CU) connected to the CU communication connector CN1 of the output destination of the selector 1201 to the second output terminal (i.e., the display board 700 on which the game medal number display 26 is provided) connected to the game medal number display connector CN3 is different, and is the same as the third embodiment except for this point.

In the first modified example of the third embodiment, the transmission timing and the length of the transmission period when the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" (hall control/fraud monitoring information, gaming machine installation information, gaming machine performance information), the message "Counting Notification", and the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" to the card unit CU, as well as the length of the non-transmission period during which the medal count control CPU 301 does not transmit any information to the card unit CU between the transmission period of the message and the transmission period of the message to be transmitted next to that message, are the same as in the third embodiment. In addition, the transmission timing when the card unit CU transmits the message "Loan Notification" to the medal count control CPU 301 is the same as in the third embodiment, and the time required to receive the message "Loan Notification" is assumed to be 1 ms based on the data size, transmission rate, etc.

The switching of the output destination of the selector 1201 from the card unit CU to the display board 700 on which the gaming medal count display 26 is provided is the same as in the third embodiment. In addition, the switching of the output destination of the selector 1201 from the display board 700 on which the gaming medal count display 26 is provided to the card unit CU is the same as in the third embodiment with regard to the switching of the output destination of the selector 1201 related to the transmission of the telegram "Counting Notification" and the switching of the output destination of the selector 1201 related to the transmission of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" (hall control/fraud monitoring information, gaming machine installation information, gaming machine performance information).

The medal count control CPU 301 controls the switching of the output destination of the selector 1201, which is involved in sending the message "loan receipt result response", from the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is mounted to the card unit CU as follows.

As described in FIG. 17, the medal count control CPU 301 is set to receive the message "loan notification" from the unit CPU 501 within a specified time range from the start of transmission of the message "counting notification", and to transmit the message "loan receipt result response" to the card unit CU within a specific time range from the reception of the message "loan notification". In this embodiment, the specified range is set to within 170 ms from the start of transmission of the message "counting notification", and the specific time range is set to within 10 ms from the start of reception of the message "loan notification". The upper limit time (specified time) of this specified range is hereinafter referred to as the "switching specified time". The medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "loan receipt result response" to the card unit CU as a response to the message "loan notification" received by the switching specified time, but does not transmit the message "loan receipt result response" to the card unit CU as a response to the message "loan notification" received beyond the switching specified time.

When the transmission of the message "Counting Notification" is completed, the output destination of the selector 1201 is changed to the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided by the switching control of the output destination of the selector 1201. When the transmission of the message "Counting Notification" is completed and the output destination of the selector 1201 is the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided, as shown in the section T300 of FIG. 42, the medal count control CPU 301 receives the message "Loan Notification" from the card unit CU at the time when the time from the start of the transmission of the message "Counting Notification" until the specified switching time is 170 ms. The medal count control CPU 301 transmits the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" in response to this message "Loan Notification", so that the reception of this message "Loan Notification" is the trigger to switch the output destination of the selector 1201 from the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is provided to the card unit CU. In this case, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits game medal count information to the game medal count display 26 using the period from the end of transmission of the "counting notification" message to the end of reception of the "loan notification" message during the non-transmission period. Note that the switching of the output destination of the selector 1201 from the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is mounted to the card unit CU may be based on the reception of the "loan notification" message, such as the end of reception of the "loan notification" message or the start of reception of the "loan notification" message.

In addition, when the transmission of the message "Counting Notification" is completed and the output destination of the selector 1201 is the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is mounted, as shown in section T301 of FIG. 42, the medal count control CPU 301 receives the message "Loan Notification" from the card unit CU at a time that exceeds the specified switching time and is 170 ms after the start of the transmission of the message "Counting Notification". Since the medal count control CPU 301 does not transmit the message "Loan Receipt Result Response" in response to this message "Loan Notification", the output destination of the selector 1201 is not switched based on the reception of the message "Loan Notification", and the output destination of the selector 1201 remains the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is mounted. Therefore, in this case, as shown in section T301 of FIG. 42, the output destination of the selector 1201 can be the display board 700 on which the game medal count display 26 is mounted until the time 200 ms (= 180 ms + 20 ms) has elapsed since the start of transmission of the "counting notification" message.

According to the above-mentioned variant 1 of the third embodiment, in regard to switching from the display board 700 on which the gaming medal count display 26, which is the output destination of the selector 1201, is provided to the card unit CU, the switching related to the transmission of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" (hall control/fraud monitoring information, gaming machine installation information, gaming machine performance information) and the message "Counting Notification", which are not responses to information from the card unit CU, uses the elapsed time from the start of transmission of the previous message, and the switching related to the transmission of the message "Loan Receipt Result Response", which is a response to the message "Loan Notification" from the card unit CU, uses the reception of the message "Loan Notification" from the card unit CU, so that the output of the selector 1201 can be easily switched at an appropriate timing.

In addition, the response message "loan receipt result response" is not sent to the card unit CU, and the output of the selector 1201 is not switched based on the message "loan notification" received from the card unit CU beyond the specified switching time. This extends the time available for sending game medal count information from the medal count control CPU 301 to the game medal count display 26, allowing more time to be spent on updating the display contents of the game medal count display 26, and also reduces the load associated with switching the output destination of the selector 1201.

In the third embodiment and the first modified example of the third embodiment, the serial data of the 5-digit 7-segment display of the medal count display 26 output from the second output terminal immediately before the output terminal of the selector 1201 is switched from the second output terminal (i.e., the display board 700 on which the medal count display 26 is provided) to the first output terminal (i.e., the card unit CU) is latched until the output terminal of the selector 1201 is next switched from the first output terminal to the second output terminal. Then, on the display board 700 side, this latched serial data is converted into parallel data consisting of segment data related to the lighting/extinguishing of each of the 8 segments constituting the 7-segment for each of the 5-digit 7-segments of the medal count display 26, and supplied to the medal count display 26, so that the display contents of the medal count display 26 can be maintained at the medal count managed by the medal count control CPU 301. Also, the serial data of the 5-digit 7-segment display of the medal count display 26 output from the second output terminal immediately before the output destination of the selector 1201 is switched from the second output terminal (i.e., the display board 700 on which the medal count display 26 is provided) to the first output terminal (i.e., the card unit CU) may be converted on the display board 700 side into parallel data consisting of segment data related to the lighting/extinguishing of each of the 8 segments constituting the 7-segment for each of the 5-digit 7-segments of the medal count display 26, and the parallel data may be latched until the output destination of the selector 1201 is next switched from the first output terminal to the second output terminal, and the latched parallel data may be supplied to the medal count display 26, so that the display content of the medal count display 26 can be maintained at the medal count managed by the medal count control CPU 301.

As a result, even if, for example, a communication interruption occurs between the medal count control CPU 301 and the card unit CU, causing the card unit CU to lose track of the number of game medals that the player can use for play, as managed by the medal count control CPU 301, the game medal count display 26 will display the number of game medals managed by the medal count control CPU 301, thereby ensuring that the player knows the number of medals.

In addition, the following errors may occur in the slot machine:
Errors that allow the player to return to playing the game after removing the cause of the error, such as a door open error where the front panel 2 is open, a communication error (such as a communication error between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301), and a numerical error in increasing or decreasing the medal count, while retaining the game information related to the game stored in the memory 102 (hereinafter referred to as "normal errors");
There are errors (hereinafter referred to as "special errors") that require initialization of game information related to the game stored in memory 102 and, in some cases, memory 302 when removing the cause of the error, such as an RWM error (for example, a checksum error in which a setting value other than "1" to "6" is detected) in memory 102 or memory 302. To clear a special error, it is necessary to turn the power OFF, turn the setting key switch 56 from OFF to ON while the power is OFF, and then turn the power ON while the setting key switch 56 is ON, thereby enabling the setting to be changed. On the other hand, to clear a normal error, the operation to enable the setting to be changed is not required, and the error is cleared by pressing the reset switch 52, etc.

If a normal error occurs while the game medal count display 26 shown in FIG. 43(a) is displaying "0, 3, 1, 0, 0," (the "," means that the dots are not lit), the medal count control CPU 301 will use the non-transmission period described above to transmit game medal count information corresponding to the game medal count "3100," which is managed by the medal count control CPU 301 using the game medal count data stored in memory 302, to the game medal count display 26, and the game medal count display 26 will maintain the display of "0, 3, 1, 0, 0," as shown in FIG. 43(a).

In addition, when a special error occurs, the medal count control CPU 301 uses the non-transmission period to transmit special information (here, information indicating the lighting of all segments of all 7 segments for 5 digits) that is not based on the medal count (the medal count may be "0" to "16383") managed by the medal count control CPU 301 using the medal count data stored in the memory 302 to the medal count display 26, and the medal count display 26 displays "8.8.8.8.8." (hereinafter, referred to as "special display") as shown in FIG. 43(b). By using "8.8.8.8.8." (all lit) as the special display, it is also possible to perform a lighting test of each 7 segment of the medal count display 26. Note that the special display may be any display that does not display content that is not displayed in the medal count display based on the medal count managed by the medal count control CPU 301 using the medal count data stored in the memory 302.

According to this, in the case of a normal error, the number of game medals managed by the medal count control CPU 301 using the game medal count data stored in memory 302 is accurate, so by displaying that number of game medals, the player can grasp the player's own number of game medals. On the other hand, in the case of a special error, there is a high possibility that the number of game medals managed by the medal count control CPU 301 using the game medal count data stored in memory 302 is abnormal, so by displaying a special number without displaying the number of game medals that is likely to be abnormal, it is possible to avoid the player misunderstanding the number of game medals.

The third embodiment, variant 1 of the third embodiment, and variants thereof can also be applied to a case where the main control CPU 101 is mounted on the main control board 100 and the medal count control CPU 301 is mounted on the medal count control board 300.

The third embodiment, variant 1 of the third embodiment, and their variants can also be applied when the wiring structure between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is replaced from the wiring structure including IC 1100 etc. in FIG. 40 to a wiring structure including ICs 1100a, 1100b etc. as in FIG. 39.

Fourth Embodiment
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 44 to 45. The fourth embodiment describes in detail the transmission information from the main control CPU 101 to the sub-control CPU 201 and the medal count control CPU 301 when the push order winning combination group is won in the slot machine SM of the first embodiment.

The main control CPU 101 is equipped with each of the means of FIG. 5, such as the game control means 101a of FIG. 5, the lottery means 101e of FIG. 5, and the game history information management means 101q of FIG. 5, and controls the progress of the game. The sub-control CPU 201 is equipped with each of the means of FIG. 5, and controls the presentation according to the progress of the game based on the information transmitted from the main control CPU 101. The medal count control CPU 301 is equipped with each of the means of FIG. 5, and transfers the number of pseudo medals between the external card unit CU and the sub-control CPU 201, and controls the management of the number of pseudo medals that the player can use in the game. As explained in the first embodiment, the counting of the number of pseudo medals between the medal count control CPU 301 and the external card unit CU and the exchange of the number of pseudo medals for loaning are performed based on the transmission of a "counting notification" message from the medal count control CPU 301 to the external card unit CU for counting, and based on the transmission of a "loan notification" message from the medal count control CPU 301 to the external card unit CU for loaning, and the transmission of a "loan receipt result response" message from the medal count control CPU 301 to the external card unit CU for loaning.

In this embodiment, multiple winning role groups are prepared for the lottery by the lottery means 101e. Among the multiple winning role groups, there are a winning role group (push order winning role group) that includes multiple small roles and in which the number of pseudo medals acquired by the player varies depending on the order in which the player presses the left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, and a winning role group (hereinafter referred to as the "replay winning role group") that includes one or more replay roles and always results in a matching pattern combination for the replay role. In addition, some of the multiple winning role groups are set as winning role groups (advantageous zone transition lottery winning role group) in which a lottery is held for a transition from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone when a win is won in a non-advantageous zone. In addition, some of the multiple winning role groups are set as winning role groups (addition lottery winning role group) in which a lottery is held for the above-mentioned number of play sets when a win is won in an advantageous zone.

The push order winning role group includes a small role (hereinafter referred to as a "correct small role") in which a predetermined number of pseudo medals greater than one (hereinafter referred to as the "first predetermined number of medals") is paid out upon winning, and a small role (hereinafter referred to as a "one-coin small role") in which one pseudo medal is paid out upon winning. When the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are pressed in the "left → middle → right" (correct push order), a correct small role is won, and when the push order is "left → right → middle", a one-coin small role is won, and any other push order will either win a one-coin small role or result in a loss. This push order winning role group is referred to as the push order winning role group "left-middle-right 2".

The push order winning role group also includes a correct minor role in which a first predetermined number of pseudo medals are paid out upon winning, and a 1-coin minor role in which one pseudo medal is paid out upon winning; if the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are pressed in the "left → middle → right" (correct push order), the correct minor role is won, if the push order is "middle → left → right", the 1-coin minor role is won, and any other push order will either win the 1-coin minor role or result in a loss. This push order winning role group is referred to as the push order winning role group "left-middle-right 3".

The push order winning role group also includes a correct minor role in which a first predetermined number of pseudo medals are paid out upon winning, and a 1-coin minor role in which one pseudo medal is paid out upon winning; if the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are pressed in the correct order of "left → middle → right" (the correct order), the correct minor role is won, if the order is "middle → right → left" the 1-coin minor role is won, and any other push order will either win the 1-coin minor role or result in a loss. This push order winning role group is referred to as the push order winning role group "left-middle-right 4".

The push order winning role group also includes a correct minor role in which a first predetermined number of pseudo medals are paid out upon winning, and a 1-coin minor role in which one pseudo medal is paid out upon winning; if the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are pressed in the "left → middle → right" (correct push order), the correct minor role is won, if the push order is "right → left → middle", the 1-coin minor role is won, and any other push order will either win the 1-coin minor role or result in a loss. This push order winning role group is referred to as the push order winning role group "left-middle-right 5".

The push order winning role group also includes a correct minor role in which a first predetermined number of pseudo medals are paid out upon winning, and a one-coin minor role in which one pseudo medal is paid out upon winning; if the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are pressed in the correct order of "left → middle → right" (the correct order), the correct minor role is won, if the order is "right → middle → left" the one-coin minor role is won, and any other push order will either win the one-coin minor role or result in a loss. This push order winning role group is referred to as the push order winning role group "left-center-right 6".

The push order winning group also includes a correct small win, in which a first predetermined number of pseudo medals are paid out upon winning, and a one-coin small win, in which one pseudo medal is paid out upon winning; if the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are pressed in the "left → center → right" (the correct push order), the correct small win is won, if the push order is "left → right → center" (the push order in which the first stop is correct and the second stop is incorrect), the one-coin small win is won, and any other push order will either win the one-coin small win or not. This push order winning group is referred to as the push order winning group "left-center-right 1," and is different from the push order winning group "left-center-right 2" described above in that the operation timing at which the one-coin small win is won in the other push orders described above.

In addition, there are other groups of winning roles for the push order, such as "left/right middle 1" to "left/right middle 6", "middle left/right 1" to "middle left/right 6", "middle right/left 1" to "middle right/left 6", "right left middle 1" to "right left middle 6", and "right middle/left 1" to "right middle/left 6". Note that "left/right middle *" wins the correct small role when the push order is "left → right → middle" (correct push order), "middle left/right *" wins the correct small role when the push order is "middle → left → right" (correct push order), "middle right left *" wins the correct small role when the push order is "middle → right → left" (correct push order), "right left middle *" wins the correct small role when the push order is "right → left → middle" (correct push order), and "right middle left *" wins the correct small role when the push order is "right → middle → left" (correct push order). "***1" will win one small prize if the buttons are pressed in the order "left → middle → right", "***2" will win one small prize if the buttons are pressed in the order "left → right → middle", "***3" will win one small prize if the buttons are pressed in the order "middle → left → right", "***4" will win one small prize if the buttons are pressed in the order "middle → right → left", "***5" will win one small prize if the buttons are pressed in the order "right → left → middle", and "***6" will win one small prize if the buttons are pressed in the order "right → middle → left".
However, if the push order for winning the 1-coin small prize is the same as the correct push order, the first stop is the correct push order for winning the 1-coin small prize, and the second stop is the incorrect push order. If the push order does not win either the correct small prize or the 1-coin small prize, the 1-coin small prize will be won or lost. Note that if the push order for the correct small prize and the 1-coin small prize are the same, the operation timing for winning the 1-coin prize will be different for other push orders that win or lose the 1-coin prize (e.g., "left center right 1" and "left center right 2", or "center left right 3" and "center right left 4", etc.).

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the game zone includes the above-mentioned non-advantageous zone that does not allow the notification effect that notifies the correct push order that will win the minor role that will obtain the maximum number of pseudo medals paid out among the multiple push orders for the left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R when the push order winning role group is won, and the above-mentioned advantageous zone that allows the notification effect. In addition, the advantageous zone includes the above-mentioned non-ball payout zone where the notification effect is allowed but is not actually performed, and the above-mentioned ball payout zone where the notification effect is allowed and is actually performed. Note that the zone within the advantageous zone prepared in the slot machine SM is not limited to this. The game zone of the slot machine SM is controlled by the game control means 101a as described in the first embodiment.

(Transmission Information in Comparative Example)
First, the information transmitted and received between the main control CPU 101, the sub control CPU 201, and the medal count control CPU 301 in a comparative example to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

When the push order winning role group is won by the role lottery by the lottery means 101e in the non-advantageous zone, the main control CPU 101 transmits any of the data of the first grouping information to the sub-control CPU 201. The first grouping information includes a plurality of data in which a plurality of push orders are grouped so that the push order (correct push order) for the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R that will obtain the maximum number of pseudo medals paid out in the winning push order winning role group (i.e., winning the correct small role) is not specified. In the example of FIG. 45(b), the first grouping information includes data X and data Y. Data X includes a plurality of push orders that will win a one-coin small role, such as "left → center → right", "left → right → center", "center → left → right", "center → right → left", "right → left → center", and "right → center → left". For this reason, the sub-control CPU 201 that receives the data X cannot uniquely identify the correct push order to win the correct small win, and cannot uniquely identify the push order to win the 1-coin small win. In addition, the data Y includes push orders (correct push orders) that win the correct small win, such as "left → center → right," "left → right → center," "center → left → right," "center → right → left," "right → left → center," and "right → center → left," which are multiple patterns of push orders that win the 1-coin small win. For this reason, the sub-control CPU 201 that receives the data Y cannot uniquely identify the correct push order to win the correct small win, and cannot uniquely identify the push order to win the 1-coin small win.

In addition, when a push order winning role group is selected by the lottery means 101e in the advantageous zone, the main control CPU 101 may transmit to the sub-control CPU 201 information (hereinafter referred to as "correct push order information") that can identify the push order (correct push order) for the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R that will obtain the maximum number of pseudo medals paid out for the selected push order winning role group (i.e., win the correct minor role). In this comparative example, the correct push order information is not transmitted in the non-ball-dispensing zone within the advantageous zone, and the correct push order information is transmitted in the ball-dispensing zone within the advantageous zone. Based on this correct push order information, the sub-control CPU 201 performs an effect in which the correct push order for the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 (see FIG. 1).

For each game, the main control CPU 101 transmits information (hereinafter referred to as "winning role group information") that enables identification of a winning role group, such as a push order winning role group selected by the lottery means 101e, to the medal count control CPU 301.

For each game, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits one of the data of the second grouping information to the sub-control CPU 201 when the result of the role selection by the lottery means 101e is a winning push order winning role group based on the winning role group information received from the main control CPU 101. The second grouping information includes a plurality of data groupsing a plurality of push orders so that the push order (correct push order) for the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R that will obtain the maximum number of pseudo medals paid out (i.e., win the correct minor role) in the winning push order winning role group is not specified. In the example of FIG. 45(c), the second grouping information includes data α and data β. Data α includes multiple patterns of push orders to win a one-coin small prize, such as "left → center → right", "left → right → center", "center → left → right", "center → right → left", "right → left → center", and "right → center → left". For this reason, the sub-control CPU 201 that received data α cannot uniquely identify the correct push order to win a correct small prize, and cannot uniquely identify the push order to win a one-coin small prize. In addition, data β includes multiple patterns of push orders to win a one-coin small prize, such as "left → center → right", "left → right → center", "center → left → right", "center → right → left", "right → left → center", and "right → center → left". For this reason, the sub-control CPU 201 that receives the data β cannot uniquely identify the correct press sequence to win the correct small win, and cannot uniquely identify the press sequence to win the 1-coin small win.

However, when the data α and β of the second grouping information are used in conjunction with the data X and Y of the first grouping information, it may be possible to identify the push order to win the one-piece minor prize, even though it is not possible to identify the correct push order to win the correct minor prize of the push order winning group, which may result in the following problems:

When the push order winning role group middle left right 2 is won, the main control CPU 101 sends data X including middle left left 2 from the first grouping information to the sub-control CPU 201, and sends winning role group information related to the push order winning role group middle left left 2 to the medal count control CPU 301. The medal count control CPU 301 sends data β including middle left left 2 from the second grouping information to the sub-control CPU 201 based on the winning role group information related to the push order winning role group middle left left 2 received from the main control CPU 101. The contents included in both data X and data β are left middle right 2, left middle left 2, middle left right 2, middle right left 2, right left middle 2, and right left middle 2, so the sub-control CPU 201 can identify it as "***2". As a result, even if the correct push order for winning the correct small role cannot be identified as "middle left left", the push order for winning the one-coin small role can be identified as "left left middle". This makes it possible to inform the player of the follow-up of winning a one-coin small prize (announcement of the push order to win a one-coin small prize) by using the liquid crystal display 14 of the sub-control CPU 201 when the correct push order "middle left right" is not followed when the first reel stops. This has the problem that it is possible to perform a presentation that notifies the player of the next best push order to win a one-coin small prize, in a manner that allows the player to specify it, even if it is not the best push order (the correct push order) to win a correct small prize when a push order winning role group is won in a non-advantageous zone. Also, even if the slot machine SM only performs a presentation in which one of the push order winning role groups is won, if a transmission command to the sub-control CPU 201 is obtained through fraudulent conduct, the player can specify the next best push order to win a one-coin small prize.

(Transmission information in this embodiment)
Next, the information transmitted and received between the main control CPU 101, the sub control CPU 201, the medal count control CPU 301, and the unit CPU 501 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, the main control CPU 101 transmits any of the data of the first grouping information to the sub-control CPU 201 when the push order winning role group is won by the role lottery by the lottery means 101e in the non-favorable zone, as in the comparative example of FIG. 45. The first grouping information includes a plurality of data in which a plurality of push orders are grouped so that the push order (the correct push order) for the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R that will obtain the maximum number of pseudo medals paid out (i.e., win the correct minor role) in the winning push order winning role group is not specified. In this embodiment, in the example of FIG. 44(b), the first grouping information includes data X and data Y, as in the comparative example of FIG. 45(b). The contents of data X and Y are the same as the contents of data X and Y in the comparative example of FIG. 45(b). For this reason, the sub-control CPU 201 that receives the data X and Y cannot uniquely identify the correct press sequence to win the correct small win, and cannot uniquely identify the press sequence to win the 1-coin small win.

Also, as in the comparative example of FIG. 45, when a push order winning role group is selected by the lottery means 101e, the main control CPU 101 may transmit to the sub-control CPU 201 information (correct push order information) that can identify the push order (correct push order) for the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R that will obtain the maximum number of pseudo medals paid out for the selected push order winning role group (i.e., win the correct minor role). In this embodiment, correct push order information is not transmitted in the non-ball-dispensing zone within the advantageous zone, and correct push order information is transmitted in the ball-dispensing zone within the advantageous zone. Based on this correct push order information, the sub-control CPU 201 performs an effect in which the correct push order for the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 (see FIG. 1).

The main control CPU 101 transmits to the medal count control CPU 301 information including information updated as the game progresses by the main control CPU 101 (hereinafter referred to as "update information") and information capable of identifying the main control chip ID number, main control chip manufacturer code, and main control chip product code of the main control CPU 101. The update information includes game history information (total number of inserts, total number of payouts, MY, number of device payouts, number of consecutive device payouts, device ratio, consecutive device ratio, advantageous zone ratio, device ratio with instruction, device etc. state ratio, etc.) compiled by the game history information management means 101q of the main control CPU 101 (see Figure 5) as the game progresses, as well as information that can identify the number of pseudo medals inserted in one game (number of inserts (IN)) (hereinafter referred to as ``number of inserts (IN) information for one game'') and information that can identify the number of pseudo medals paid out based on the stopping result of reels 6L, 6M, and 6R in one game (number of payouts (OUT)) (hereinafter referred to as ``number of payouts (OUT) information for one game''). In addition, the game history information is sent, for example, in the response of step S1356 in Figures 26 to 29 (related to gaming machine performance information), the main control chip ID number of the main control CPU 101, the main control chip manufacturer code, and information that can identify the main control chip manufacturer code are sent, for example, in the response of step S1350 in Figures 26 to 29 (related to gaming machine installation information), and the number of coins inserted in one game (IN) and the number of coins paid out in one game (OUT) are sent, for example, in the response of steps S1302, 1312, S1332, and S1341 in Figures 26 to 29 (related to hall control and fraud monitoring information).

However, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 101 does not transmit to the medal count control CPU 301 information related to multiple push sequences for the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, such as second grouping information and information indicating the push sequence itself, nor does it transmit winning role group information that enables identification of winning role groups, such as the push sequence winning role group selected by the lottery means 101e transmitted in the comparative example of Figure 45, which is necessary for generating correct push sequence information that can identify the correct push sequence (for example, information indicating the winning push sequence winning role group).

The medal count control CPU 301 transmits to the card unit CU information including the game history information received from the main control CPU 101 (total number of inserts, total number of payouts, MY, number of reel payouts, number of consecutive reel payouts, reel ratio, consecutive reel ratio, advantageous zone ratio, reel ratio with instruction, reel status ratio, etc.), update information including number of inserts in one game (IN), number of payouts in one game (OUT), and information including the main control chip ID number of the main control CPU 101, the main control chip manufacturer code, and information that can identify the main control chip manufacturer code. In addition, game history information (total number of inserts, total number of payouts, MY, number of feature payouts, number of consecutive feature payouts, feature ratio, consecutive feature ratio, advantageous zone ratio, feature ratio with instructions, feature status ratio, etc.) is stored in the message "Game Machine Information Notification" (game machine performance information) and transmitted, the main control chip ID number, main control chip manufacturer code, and information that can identify the main control chip manufacturer code are stored in the message "Game Machine Information Notification" (game machine installation information) and transmitted, and information on the number of inserts (IN) per game and the number of payouts (OUT) per game are stored in the message "Game Machine Information Notification" (hall control/fraud monitoring information) and transmitted.

The medal count control CPU 301 transmits information (hereinafter referred to as "game medal count notification information") related to the number of game medals that enables notification of the number of game medals (the number of pseudo medals that the player can use for playing, which is managed by the slot machine SM) that is managed using the game medal count data stored in the memory 302, to the sub-control CPU 201. The sub-control CPU 201 notifies the number of game medals, for example by displaying the number of game medals on the liquid crystal display 14, based on this game medal count notification information. In addition, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits information (hereinafter referred to as "payout medal count notification information") related to the payout of one game, which enables notification of the number of pseudo medals paid out in one game, based on the payout number (OUT) information for one game received from the main control CPU 101. The sub-control CPU 201 notifies the number of pseudo medals paid out, for example by displaying the number of pseudo medals paid out on the liquid crystal display 14 based on this paid out medal number notification information.

However, in this embodiment, the medal count control CPU 301 does not transmit to the sub-control CPU 201 information related to multiple push orders for the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, such as the second grouping information transmitted in the comparative example of FIG. 45, nor does it transmit correct push order information that allows the correct push order to be identified. Therefore, unlike the comparative example of FIG. 45, when correct push order information is not transmitted from the main control CPU 101, the sub-control CPU 201 cannot identify the push order that is advantageous to the player (such as the best or second most advantageous push order). In this embodiment, the slot machine SM is configured so that the medal count control CPU 301 does not receive winning combination group information from the main control CPU 101 or the like that allows the identification of winning combination groups, such as the push order winning combination group selected by the lottery means 101e, which is necessary for generating the second grouping information and correct push order information.

According to the fourth embodiment described above, the medal count control CPU 301 can communicate with the card unit CU, such as communication related to counting the number of pseudo medals between the card unit CU and the exchange of the number of pseudo medals for lending, and transmission of information including game history information received from the main control CPU 101, the number of inserts (IN) per game, and the number of payouts (OUT) per game, as well as information including the main control chip ID number, main control chip manufacturer code, and information that can identify the main control chip manufacturer code of the main control CPU 101 to the card unit CU. Therefore, the main control CPU 101 can leave the role of communicating with the card unit CU to the medal count control CPU 301, and as a result, the burden on the main control CPU 101 can be reduced. Also, unlike the comparative example in FIG. 45, the medal count control CPU 301 is configured not to receive from the main control CPU 101 the winning combination group information required for generating the second grouping information and correct push order information, and therefore, unlike the comparative example in FIG. 45, the medal count control CPU 301 cannot transmit the second grouping information and correct push order information. As a result, it is possible to perform an effect that allows the push order related to the winning push order group that was won in a play section in which the sub-control CPU 201 does not receive correct push order information from the main control CPU 101 to be narrowed down, and it is possible to prevent the narrowing down of the push order by removing commands through fraudulent conduct.

The medal count control CPU 301 also transmits medal count notification information to the sub-control CPU 201, which enables notification of the number of game medals (the number of pseudo medals that are managed by the slot machine SM and available for play by the player) that it manages using the medal count data stored in the memory 302. This allows the sub-control CPU 201 to appropriately notify the number of game medals that it manages without placing any additional load on the main control CPU 101.

The medal count control CPU 301 also transmits medal payout count notification information enabling notification of the number of pseudo medals paid out in one game to the sub-control CPU 201, based on the payout number (OUT) information for one game related to transmission to the card unit CU received from the main control CPU 101. Therefore, the sub-control CPU 201 can appropriately notify the number of pseudo medals paid out in one game without imposing an additional burden on the main control CPU 101 of sending medal payout count notification information enabling notification of the number of pseudo medals paid out in one game to the sub-control CPU 201.

In addition, the main control chip ID number of the main control CPU 101, which is completed by the main control CPU 101, and the game history information that the main control CPU 101 compiles as the game progresses can also be transmitted from the medal count control CPU 301 to the card unit CU, so that the card unit CU can properly manage the gaming machine related to this information.

In the fourth embodiment, the order in which the left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are pressed is used to give an example of a role in which the number of pseudo medals paid out differs as an advantageous amount. However, this is not limited to this, and other examples include roles in which the game state to which the player transitions from the next play differs depending on the order in which the switches are pressed, roles in which the amount of added advantageous zones (for example, the number of play sets awarded) differ, etc.

Fifth Embodiment
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 47 to 50. The fifth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, in which the number of pseudo medals transferred between the main control CPU 101 and medal count control CPU 301 in association with insertion or cancellation of insertion (settlement) and the number of pseudo medals transferred between the main control CPU 101 and medal count control CPU 301 in association with payout are managed by both the main control CPU 101 and medal count control CPU 301, and the sub-control CPU 201 compares the number of medals managed by both the main control CPU 101 and medal count control CPU 301 and notifies of an abnormality based on the comparison result.

The main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 are communicatively connected via a physically formed communication path (a communication path consisting of a wiring network provided on the main control board 100, a communication harness connecting the main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300, a wiring network provided on the medal count control board 300, etc.; hereinafter, referred to as the "first communication path"). The main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 communicate with each other via the first communication path, for example, regarding the number of pseudo medals that move with insertion, cancellation of insertion (settlement), and payout. Note that two-way communication is possible between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301.

The main control CPU 101 and the sub-control CPU 201 are communicatively connected via a physically formed communication path (a communication path consisting of a wiring network provided on the main control board 100, a communication harness connecting the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 200, a wiring network provided on the sub-control board 200, etc.; hereinafter, referred to as the "second communication path") that is different from the first communication path. The main control CPU 101 transmits, via the second communication path, for example, normal performance-related information related to the control of the performance (e.g., battle performance, navigation performance, etc.; hereinafter, referred to as the "normal performance") performed by the sub-control CPU 201 as the game progresses. In addition, the main control CPU 101 transmits, via the second communication path, for example, information related to the medal count of the pseudo medals that have moved between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 to the sub-control CPU 201 each time a first transmission condition described later is satisfied. For example, the transmission of information from the main control CPU 101 to the sub-control CPU 201 is permitted, but the transmission of information from the sub-control CPU 201 to the main control CPU 101 is not permitted.

The medal count control CPU301 and the sub-control CPU201 are communicatively connected via a physically formed communication path (a communication path consisting of a wiring network provided on the medal count control board 300, a communication harness connecting the medal count control board 300 and the sub-control board 200, a wiring network provided on the sub-control board 200, etc.; hereinafter, referred to as the "third communication path") that is different from both the first communication path and the second communication path. The medal count control CPU301 transmits information related to the medal count of the pseudo medals that have moved between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 to the sub-control CPU201 via the third communication path, for example, each time a second transmission condition described later is satisfied. Note that, for example, transmission of information from the medal count control CPU301 to the sub-control CPU201 is permitted, while transmission of information from the sub-control CPU201 to the medal count control CPU301 is not permitted.

The main control CPU 101, sub-control CPU 201, and medal count control CPU 301 are implemented on different main control boards 100, sub-control boards 200, and medal count control boards 300, respectively.

In the fifth embodiment, a communication sequence is implemented that is the same as the communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM in Figures 26 to 29 described in the first embodiment, and the communication sequence between the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU.

(Transfer of dummy medals between main control CPU and medal count control CPU in slot machine)
Hereinafter, the insertion sequence and payout sequence for the movement of dummy medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM in the fifth embodiment will be described in order with reference to FIG. 47 and FIG.

In the fifth embodiment, the memory 102 used by the main control CPU 101 includes:
A coin insertion count CT11 for managing the number of medals used (consumed) in one game (used to set "count information 1" and "count information 2" in FIG. 12),
A payout number CT12 for managing the number of medals paid out in one game (used to set "count information 1" and "count information 2" in FIG. 12),
A provisional medal count CT13 for managing the number of medals inserted during the process of inserting pseudo medals or settlement (cancelling insertion) (in the case of insertion, "+1" is added for each medal, and in the case of settlement, "-1" is added for each medal; hereafter referred to as the "provisional medal count");
A remaining payout number CT14 for managing the number of medals that have not yet been paid out during the payout of the pseudo medals (which is decremented by "-1" for each medal paid out; hereinafter referred to as the "remaining payout number");
A comparative medal insertion count CT15 (used for comparison with the medal insertion count CT31 described later) for managing the number of medals inserted during the insertion of pseudo medals or the process of settlement (in the case of insertion, "+1" is added for each medal, and in the case of settlement, "-1" is added for each medal) between the first transmission timing of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the telegram "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the next "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information",
A comparative medal payout count CT16 (used for comparison with the medal payout count CT32 described later) for managing the number of medals paid out during the payout of the pseudo medals (+1 is added for each medal paid out) between the first transmission timing of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the message "Gaming Machine Information Notification" storing the next "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information";
A first comparative number of inserted medals CT17 (used for comparison with a second comparative number of inserted medals CT33 described later) for managing the number of medals inserted during the process of inserting pseudo medals or settling (cancelling insertion) between the transmission timing when the first transmission condition is satisfied and the transmission timing when the first transmission condition is satisfied the next time (in the case of insertion, "+1" is added for each medal, and in the case of settlement, "-1" is added for each medal).
A first comparative number of medals paid out CT18 (used for comparison with a second comparative number of medals paid out CT34 described later) for managing the number of medals paid out in the process of paying out pseudo medals (+1 is added for each medal paid out) between the transmission timing when the first transmission condition is satisfied and the transmission timing when the first transmission condition is satisfied the next time
Each counter such as the above is formed.

In the fifth embodiment, the memory 302 used by the medal count control CPU 301 includes:
A game medal count CT30 (used to set the above-mentioned "game medal count data": "game medal count" in FIG. 12) for managing the above-mentioned game medal count (the number of medals held by the player on the slot machine SM side: "-1" is subtracted for each medal when the medal is inserted, and "+1" is subtracted for each medal when the medal is paid out or settled).
Between the first transmission timing of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the first transmission timing of the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" storing the next "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information", the number of medals inserted CT31 (used to set the "Number of medals inserted" in FIG. 12) for managing the number of medals inserted during the insertion of pseudo medals or the process of settlement (cancellation of insertion) (in the case of insertion, "+1" is added for each medal, and in the case of settlement, "-1" is added for each medal),
A medal payout count CT32 (used to set the "medal payout count" in FIG. 12) for managing the number of medals paid out during the medal payout process between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 ("+1" is added for each medal paid out) between the first transmission timing of the message "gaming machine information notification" storing the "hall control and fraud monitoring information" and the first transmission timing of the message "gaming machine information notification" storing the next "hall control and fraud monitoring information"
A second comparison number of inserted medals CT33 (used for comparison with the above-mentioned first comparison number of inserted medals CT17) for managing the number of medals inserted during the process of inserting pseudo medals or settling (cancelling insertion) between the transmission timing when the second transmission condition is satisfied and the transmission timing when the second transmission condition is satisfied the next time (in the case of insertion, "+1" is added for each medal, and in the case of settlement, "-1" is added for each medal).
A second comparison number of medals paid out CT34 (used for comparison with the above-mentioned first comparison number of medals paid out CT18) for managing the number of medals paid out during the process of paying out the pseudo medals (+1 is added for each medal paid out) between the transmission timing when the second transmission condition is satisfied and the transmission timing when the second transmission condition is satisfied next time
The value of the number of game medals CT30 may be subtracted by the "number of counted medals" stored in the electronic message "counting notification" or may be added by the "number of loaned medals" stored in the electronic message "loan notification."

(Input sequence)
First, the insertion sequence between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 47. In the insertion sequence in Fig. 47, communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is performed via a first communication path that is physically formed. Note that the insertion sequence in Fig. 47 will be described with a focus on differences from the insertion sequence in Fig. 24 of the first embodiment.

In steps S701 to S704, the same processing as in steps S701 to S704 described in FIG. 24 is performed.

When the bet switch 7 is pressed (step S705), steps S706 to S709 are carried out, which are the same as steps S706 to S709 described in FIG. 24.

In step S710A, the main control CPU 101 performs the same process as step S710 described in FIG. 24, and also increments the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 by 1. When the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 is transmitted to the sub-control CPU 201 in accordance with the transmission timing at which the first transmission condition is satisfied, the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 is cleared to "0" (see FIGS. 49-50), so the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 becomes the number of inserted medals between successive transmission timings at which the first transmission condition is satisfied.

In step S711A, the medal count control CPU 301 performs the same process as step S711 described in FIG. 24, and also increments the value of the second comparison medal count CT33 by 1. When the value of the second comparison medal count CT33 is transmitted to the sub-control CPU 201 in accordance with the transmission timing at which the second transmission condition is satisfied, the value of the second comparison medal count CT33 is cleared to "0" (see FIGS. 49-50), so the value of the second comparison medal count CT33 becomes the number of medals inserted between successive transmission timings at which the second transmission condition is satisfied.

In steps S712 to S714, the same processing as in steps S712 to S714 described in FIG. 24 is performed.

After that, when the start switch 9 is pressed (step S715), in step S716, the same processing as in step S716 described in FIG. 24 is performed.

(Payout sequence)
Next, the payout sequence between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM will be described with reference to Fig. 48. In the payout sequence in Fig. 48, communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is performed via a physically formed first communication path. In addition, the insert sequence in Fig. 48 will be described with a focus on the differences from the insert sequence in Fig. 25 of the first embodiment.

In steps S1101 and S1102, the same processing as in steps S1101 and S1102 described in FIG. 25 is performed.

In the current game, a pseudo medal is paid out due to the winning combination that will earn the pseudo medal (step S1103), and in step S1104, the same processing as in step S1104 described in FIG. 25 is carried out.

In steps S1105 to S1108, the same processing as in steps S1105 to S1108 described in FIG. 25 is performed.

In step S1109A, the main control CPU 101 performs the same process as step S1109 described in FIG. 25, and also increments the value of the first comparison number of medals to be paid out CT18 by 1. When the value of the first comparison number of medals to be paid out CT18 is transmitted to the sub-control CPU 201 in accordance with the transmission timing at which the first transmission condition is satisfied, the value of the first comparison number of medals to be paid out CT18 is cleared to "0" (see FIGS. 49-50), so the value of the first comparison number of medals to be paid out CT18 becomes the number of medals inserted between successive transmission timings at which the first transmission condition is satisfied.

In step S1110A, the medal count control CPU 301 performs the same process as step S1110 described in FIG. 25, and also increments the value of the second comparison medal payout count CT34 by 1. Note that when the value of the second comparison medal payout count CT34 is transmitted to the sub-control CPU 201 in accordance with the transmission timing at which the second transmission condition is satisfied, the value of the second comparison medal payout count CT34 is cleared to "0" (see FIGS. 49-50), so the value of the second comparison medal payout count CT34 becomes the number of medals inserted between successive transmission timings at which the second transmission condition is satisfied.

In steps S1111 and S1112, the same processing as in steps S1111 and S1112 described in FIG. 25 is performed.

In step S1113A, the main control CPU 101 performs the same process as step S1113 described in FIG. 25, and also increments the value of the first comparison number of medals to be paid out CT18 by 1. Note that when the value of the first comparison number of medals to be paid out CT18 is sent to the sub-control CPU 201 in accordance with the transmission timing at which the first transmission condition is met, the value of the first comparison number of medals to be paid out CT18 is cleared to "0" (see FIGS. 49-50), so the value of the first comparison number of medals to be paid out CT18 becomes the number of medals paid out between successive transmission timings at which the first transmission condition is met.

In step S1114A, the medal count control CPU 301 performs the same process as step S1114 described in FIG. 25, and also increments the value of the second comparison medal payout count CT34 by 1. Note that when the value of the second comparison medal payout count CT34 is transmitted to the sub-control CPU 201 in accordance with the transmission timing at which the second transmission condition is satisfied, the value of the second comparison medal payout count CT34 is cleared to "0" (see FIGS. 49-50), so the value of the second comparison medal payout count CT34 becomes the number of medals paid out between successive transmission timings at which the second transmission condition is satisfied.

The processing of steps S1111 to S1114A is repeated until the value of the remaining payout amount CT14 becomes "0" at the end of step S1114A.

In steps S1115 to S1117, the same processing as in steps S1115 to S1117 described in FIG. 25 is performed.

In addition to the above, there is a sequence (maximum insertion sequence) related to pressing the maximum bet switch 8 and a sequence (settling sequence) related to pressing the settlement switch 33 for the movement of pseudo medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM, and in the maximum insertion sequence and settlement sequence, the movement of pseudo medals is performed one at a time until the maximum insertion number is reached and settlement is completed. When moving one pseudo medal in the maximum insertion sequence, the main control CPU 101 adds 1 to the values of the provisional insertion number CT13, the comparison insertion number CT15, and the first comparison insertion number CT17, and the medal count control CPU 301 subtracts 1 from the value of the game medal number CT30 and adds 1 to the values of the insertion number CT31 and the second comparison insertion number CT33. In addition, when one pseudo medal is moved in the settlement sequence, the main control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from each of the provisional number of inserted medals CT13, the comparative number of inserted medals CT15, and the first comparative number of inserted medals CT17, and the medal count control CPU 301 adds 1 to the number of game medals CT30, and subtracts 1 from each of the number of inserted medals CT31 and the second comparative number of inserted medals CT33. When one pseudo medal is moved in this settlement sequence, a settlement process request signal (a request signal from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301 to request the settlement process for one medal), a settlement process response signal (a response signal sent by the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101 in response to the settlement process request signal), a first process completion signal, and a second process completion signal are used.

(Communication between the main control CPU 101 and the sub-control CPU 201, and between the medal count control CPU 301 and the sub-control CPU 201)
Next, the communication sequences between the main control CPU 101 and the sub-control CPU 201 and between the medal count control CPU 301 and the sub-control CPU 201 will be described with reference to Figures 49 and 50. In the communication sequences of Figures 49 and 50, communication between the main control CPU 101 and the sub-control CPU 201 is performed via a physically formed second communication path, and communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the sub-control CPU 201 is performed via a physically formed third communication path.

In the fifth embodiment, the memory 202 used by the sub-control CPU 201 includes:
a medal insertion difference number CT51 for managing the difference between the first comparison medal insertion number CT17 received from the main control CPU101 and the second comparison medal insertion number CT33 received from the medal number control CPU301;
A medal payout difference number CT52 for managing the difference between the first comparison medal payout number CT18 received from the main control CPU101 and the second comparison medal payout number CT34 received from the medal number control CPU301
Each counter such as the above is formed.

The sub-control CPU 201 also uses the inserted medal difference management timer TIMERA to manage time related to the inserted medal difference CT51, and uses the paid-out medal difference management timer TIMERB to manage time related to the paid-out medal difference CT52.

The main control CPU 101 transmits the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the first comparison number of paid-out medals CT18 to the sub-control CPU 201 via the second communication path each time the first transmission condition is satisfied, and clears the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the first comparison number of paid-out medals CT18 to "0" after transmission.

The medal count control CPU 301 transmits the value of the second comparison medal count CT33 and the value of the second comparison medal count CT34 to the sub-control CPU 201 via the third communication path each time the second transmission condition is satisfied, and clears the value of the second comparison medal count CT33 and the value of the second comparison medal count CT34 to "0" after transmission.

In the fifth embodiment, the first transmission condition is the start timing of one cycle in a cycle whose time length is T1 (hereinafter referred to as the "main control side cycle"). The second transmission condition is the start timing of one cycle in a cycle whose time length is T2 (hereinafter referred to as the "medal count control side cycle"). In the fifth embodiment, T1=T2, for example, T1=T2=100 ms, but this is not limited to this, and other time lengths such as T1=T2=200 ms may also be acceptable, or T1≠T2 may also be acceptable. In the fifth embodiment, the start timing of the first cycle of the main control side cycle is earlier than the start timing of the first cycle of the medal count control side cycle, but this is not limited to this.

When the start of one cycle in the main control cycle is reached, the main control CPU 101 transmits the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 to the sub-control CPU 201 via the second communication path (step S2001), and after transmission, clears the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 to "0" (step S2002). The sub-control CPU 201 adds the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 to the value of inserted medal difference CT51 to update the value of inserted medal difference CT51, and adds the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 to the value of paid out medal difference CT52 to update the value of paid out medal difference CT52 (step S2003).

When the medal count control CPU 301 reaches the start of one cycle in the medal count control side cycle, it transmits the value of the second comparison medal inserted number CT33 and the value of the second comparison medal paid out number CT34 to the sub-control CPU 201 via the third communication path (step S2004), and after transmission, it clears the value of the second comparison medal inserted number CT33 and the value of the second comparison medal paid out number CT34 to "0" (step S2005). The sub-control CPU 201 updates the value of the inserted medal difference number CT51 by subtracting the value of the second comparison medal inserted number CT33 from the value of the inserted medal difference number CT51, and updates the value of the paid out medal difference number CT52 by subtracting the value of the second comparison medal paid out number CT34 from the value of the paid out medal difference number CT52 (step S2006).

The processing of steps S2003 and S2006 may be as follows. In step S2003, a first comparison cumulative number of inserted medals CT17' and a first comparison cumulative number of paid-out medals CT18' are provided, and the sub-control CPU 201 adds the value of the first comparison cumulative number of inserted medals CT17 to the value of the first comparison cumulative number of inserted medals CT17' to update the value of the first comparison cumulative number of inserted medals CT17'(CT17'←CT17'+CT17), and adds the value of the first comparison number of paid-out medals CT18 to the value of the first comparison cumulative number of paid-out medals CT18' to update the value of the first comparison cumulative number of paid-out medals CT18'(CT18'←CT18'+CT18). In step S2006, a second comparison cumulative number of inserted medals CT33'
A second comparison cumulative number of medals paid out CT34' is provided, and the sub-control CPU 201 adds the value of the second comparison cumulative number of medals inserted CT33 to the value of the second comparison cumulative number of medals inserted CT33' to update the value of the second comparison cumulative number of medals inserted CT33'(CT33'←CT33'+CT33), and adds the value of the second comparison cumulative number of medals paid out CT34 to the value of the second comparison cumulative number of medals paid out CT34' to update the value of the second comparison cumulative number of medals paid out CT34'(CT34'←CT34'+CT34). The sub-control CPU 201 then subtracts the second comparison cumulative number of inserted medals CT33' from the first comparison cumulative number of inserted medals CT17' to set the value of the inserted medal difference CT51 (CT51←CT17'-CT33'), and subtracts the second comparison cumulative number of paid-out medals CT34' from the first comparison cumulative number of paid-out medals CT18' to set the value of the paid-out medal difference CT52 (CT52←CT18'-CT34'). The sub-control CPU 201 may use the value of the inserted medal difference CT51 and the value of the paid-out medal difference CT52 to perform the processes of steps S2007 to S2012, which will be described later.

Following step S2006, the sub-control CPU 201 performs processing appropriate to the situation from among steps S2007 to S2012.

When the sub-control CPU 201 determines that the absolute value of the inserted medal difference number CT51 exceeds the allowable inserted medal difference number ThA, it performs processing of step S2007 (case 1). In step S2007, the sub-control CPU 201 issues a notification that the absolute value of the inserted medal difference number CT51 exceeds the allowable inserted medal difference number ThA and is abnormal (hereinafter referred to as an "inserted medal difference allowable number exceeded abnormality notification") by outputting a predetermined sound from the speakers 15, 16.

If the sub-control CPU 201 determines that the absolute value of the inserted medal difference number CT51 is greater than 0 and equal to or less than the inserted medal difference allowable number ThA, it performs processing of step S2008 (case 2). In step S2008, if the value of the inserted medal difference number management timer TIMERA is 0, the sub-control CPU 201 starts timing using the inserted medal difference number management timer TIMERA. Alternatively, if the value of the inserted medal difference number management timer TIMERA is greater than 0 and equal to or less than the inserted medal difference allowable duration ThC1, it continues timing using the inserted medal difference number management timer TIMERA. Alternatively, if the value of the inserted medal difference management timer TIMERA exceeds the allowable inserted medal difference duration ThC1, a notification is issued by outputting a predetermined sound from speakers 15, 16 to the effect that the absolute value of the inserted medal difference CT51 exceeds 0 and is equal to or less than the allowable inserted medal difference ThA and has continued beyond the allowable inserted medal difference duration ThC1, resulting in an abnormality (hereinafter referred to as an "inserted medal difference allowable duration exceeded abnormality notification").

If the sub-control CPU 201 determines that the absolute value of the inserted medal difference number CT51 is 0, it performs processing in step S2009 (case 3). In step S2009, the sub-control CPU 201 resets the inserted medal difference number management timer TIMERA. Note that the inserted medal difference number management timer TIMERA is also reset based on a reset process by a store clerk due to a malfunction, a power outage that lasts for two days, etc.

When the sub-control CPU 201 determines that the absolute value of the payout medal difference number CT52 exceeds the allowable payout medal difference number ThB, it performs processing of step S2010 (case 4). In step S2010, the sub-control CPU 201 issues a notification that the absolute value of the payout medal difference number CT52 exceeds the allowable payout medal difference number ThB and is abnormal (hereinafter referred to as the "exceeding the allowable payout medal difference number abnormality notification") by outputting a predetermined sound from the speakers 15, 16.

If the sub-control CPU 201 determines that the absolute value of the payout medal difference number CT52 is greater than 0 and equal to or less than the payout medal difference allowable number ThB, it performs processing of step S2011 (case 5). In step S2011, if the value of the payout medal difference number management timer TIMERB is 0, the sub-control CPU 201 starts timing using the payout medal difference number management timer TIMERB. Alternatively, if the value of the payout medal difference number management timer TIMERB is greater than 0 and equal to or less than the payout medal difference allowable duration ThC2, it continues timing using the payout medal difference number management timer TIMERB. Alternatively, if the value of the payout medal difference management timer TIMERB exceeds the allowable payout medal difference duration ThC2, a notification is issued by outputting a predetermined sound from speakers 15, 16 to indicate that the state in which the absolute value of the payout medal difference CT52 exceeds 0 and is equal to or less than the allowable payout medal difference ThB has continued beyond the allowable payout medal difference duration ThC2 and is abnormal (hereinafter referred to as an "exceeding the allowable payout medal difference duration abnormality notification").

When the sub-control CPU 201 determines that the absolute value of the medal payout difference CT52 is 0, it performs processing in step S2012 (case 6). In step S2012, the sub-control CPU 201 resets the medal payout difference management timer TIMERB. Note that the medal payout difference management timer TIMERB is also reset based on a reset process by a store clerk due to a malfunction, a power outage that lasts for two days, etc.

For example, a movement sequence (insertion sequence, maximum insertion sequence, settlement sequence, payout sequence) may be executed between the execution of step S2001 and the execution of step S2004. In this case, the sub-control CPU201 receives from the main control CPU101 the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the first comparison number of paid-out medals CT18, which do not reflect the number of pseudo medals that have moved between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 by the movement sequence. On the other hand, the sub-control CPU201 receives from the medal count control CPU301 the second comparison number of inserted medals CT33 and the second comparison number of paid-out medals CT34, which reflect the number of pseudo medals that have moved between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 by the movement sequence. In such a case, the difference in the number of inserted medals CT51 and the difference in the number of paid out medals CT52 may exceed 0, but since there is an upper limit to the number of movement sequences that can be executed between the execution of step S2001 and the execution of step S2004, there is an upper limit to the difference in the number of inserted medals CT51 and the difference in the number of paid out medals CT52 (allowable difference in the number of inserted medals ThA, allowable difference in the number of paid out medals ThB).

In addition, the number of pseudo medals that have moved between the main control CPU 101 and the medal number control CPU 301 and that were not reflected in the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 or the first comparison number of paid-out medals CT18 is usually reflected in the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 or the first comparison number of paid-out medals CT18 in the next cycle, and the difference in the number of inserted medals CT51 and the difference in the number of paid-out medals CT52 become "0".

In the fifth embodiment, an abnormality in which the difference between inserted medals exceeds the allowable difference between inserted medals is notified when it is determined that the absolute value of the difference between inserted medals CT51 exceeds the allowable difference between inserted medals ThA, and an abnormality in which the difference between paid out medals exceeds the allowable difference between paid out medals is notified when it is determined that the absolute value of the difference between paid out medals CT52 exceeds the allowable difference between paid out medals ThB.

In addition, when the absolute value of the difference in the number of inserted medals CT51 exceeds 0 and is equal to or less than the allowable difference in the number of inserted medals ThA and continues beyond the allowable duration of the difference in the number of inserted medals ThC1, an abnormality is reported for an excess of the allowable duration of the difference in the number of inserted medals, and when the absolute value of the difference in the number of paid-out medals CT52 exceeds 0 and is equal to or less than the allowable duration of the difference in the number of paid-out medals ThB and continues beyond the allowable duration of the difference in the number of paid-out medals ThC2, an abnormality is reported for an excess of the allowable duration of the difference in the number of paid-out medals.

The allowable difference in inserted medals ThA, the allowable difference in paid out medals ThB, the allowable duration of the difference in inserted medals ThC1, and the allowable duration of the difference in paid out medals ThC2 may be set taking into consideration the various conditions of the slot machine SM.

For example, the sounds output from speakers 15, 16 for the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable number of inserted medal differences, the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable number of paid-out medal differences, the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable duration of inserted medal differences, and the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable duration of paid-out medal differences may all be the same, and the sounds output for the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable duration of inserted medal differences and the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable duration of paid-out medal differences may all be the same, and the sounds output for the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable number of inserted medal differences and the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable duration of paid-out medal differences may all be different, and the sounds output for the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable number of inserted medal differences and the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable number of paid-out medal differences may all be different from the sounds output for the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable duration of inserted medal differences and the notification of an abnormality of exceeding the allowable duration of paid-out medal differences.

Note that the notification of an abnormality when the difference between inserted medals exceeds the allowable number, the abnormality when the difference between paid out medals exceeds the allowable number, the abnormality when the difference between inserted medals exceeds the allowable duration, and the abnormality when the difference between paid out medals exceeds the allowable duration are not limited to being made using sounds from the speakers 15 and 16, but may also be made using, for example, illumination by the upper lamp unit 21 or the lower lamp unit 22 or a display on the liquid crystal display 14.

When the start timing of the next cycle in the main control cycle arrives, the main control CPU 101 performs the same processing as in steps S2001 and S2002 (steps S2013, S2014), and the sub-control CPU 201 performs the same processing as in step S2003 (step S2015).

When the start timing of the next cycle in the medal count control cycle arrives, the medal count control CPU 301 performs the same processing as in steps S2004 and S2005 (steps S2016, S2017), and the sub-control CPU 201 performs the same processing as in step S2006 (step S2018).

The sub-control CPU 201 performs the same processing as that in steps S2007 to S2012 depending on the situation (step S2019).

When the next cycle in the main control cycle begins, the main control CPU 101 performs the same processing as steps S2001 and S2002 (steps S2020 and S2021), and the sub-control CPU 201 performs the same processing as step S2003 (step S2022).

When the next cycle in the medal count control cycle begins, the medal count control CPU 301 performs the same processing as in steps S2004 and S2005 (steps S2023, S2024), and the sub-control CPU 201 performs the same processing as in step S2006 (step S2025).

The sub-control CPU 201 performs the same processing as that in steps S2007 to S2012 depending on the situation (step S2026).

According to the fifth embodiment described above, the sub-control CPU 201 is not involved in the movement of pseudo medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301. The main control CPU 101 transmits the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 to the sub-control CPU 201, and the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the value of the second comparison number of inserted medals CT33 and the value of the second comparison number of paid out medals CT34 to the sub-control CPU 201. The sub-control CPU 201 calculates the value of the inserted medal difference number CT51 from the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the second comparison number of inserted medals CT33, calculates the value of the paid out medal difference number CT52 from the value of the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 and the value of the second comparison number of paid out medals CT34, and issues an abnormality alert when it is determined that there is some kind of malfunction from the absolute value of the inserted medal difference number CT51 or the absolute value of the paid out medal difference number CT52. This improves security against fraud, since a fraudster attempting to obtain pseudo medals fraudulently must commit fraud against the main control CPU 101, medal count control CPU 301, and first communication path in order to obtain the fraudulent pseudo medals, as well as fraud against at least one of the second communication path, third communication path, and sub-control CPU 201 to prevent abnormality notifications from being issued.

In addition, since there is an existing second communication path for transmission from the main control CPU 101 to the sub-control CPU 201, it is possible to use the existing second communication path to transmit the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17, which indicates the number of pseudo medals that has changed in the main control CPU 101, and the value of the first comparison number of paid-out medals CT18, eliminating the need to provide a new communication path.

In addition, when the absolute value of the inserted medal difference number CT51 exceeds the inserted medal difference allowable number ThA, an input medal difference allowable number exceeded abnormal notification is made promptly, and when the absolute value of the paid-out medal difference number CT52 exceeds the paid-out medal difference allowable number ThB, an input medal difference allowable number exceeded abnormal notification is made promptly, so that it is possible to prevent the illegal acquisition of a large amount of pseudo medals in a short period of time. In addition, when the state in which the absolute value of the inserted medal difference number CT51 exceeds 0 and is equal to or less than the inserted medal difference allowable number ThA continues beyond the inserted medal difference allowable duration ThC1, an input medal difference allowable duration exceeded abnormal notification is made, and when the absolute value of the paid-out medal difference number CT52 exceeds 0 and is equal to or less than the paid-out medal difference allowable number ThB continues beyond the paid-out medal difference allowable duration ThC2, an input medal difference allowable duration exceeded abnormal notification is made, so that it is possible to prevent the illegal acquisition of a small amount of pseudo medals that are equal to or less than the inserted medal difference allowable number ThA or the paid-out medal difference allowable number ThB.

In addition, the sub-control CPU 201 periodically receives the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 from the main control CPU 101, and periodically receives the value of the second comparison number of inserted medals CT33 and the value of the second comparison number of paid out medals CT34 from the medal count control CPU 301. This makes it possible to periodically check the medal difference using the value of the inserted medal difference number CT51 and the value of the paid out medal difference number CT52, which can lead to an effective deterrence of fraudulent activity.

The fifth embodiment may be modified as follows:

(Modification 1 of the fifth embodiment)
In the communication sequences of Figures 48 and 49, steps S2001 to S2006 may be replaced with the following processing. When the start timing of one cycle in the main control side cycle arrives, the main control CPU 101 transmits the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 to the sub-control CPU 201 via the second communication path, and the sub-control CPU 201 replaces the stored value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 with the newly received value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18. When the medal count control CPU 301 reaches the start timing of one cycle in the medal count control side cycle, it transmits the value of the second comparison medal input number CT33 and the value of the second comparison medal payout number CT34 to the sub-control CPU 201 via the third communication path, and the sub-control CPU 201 replaces the stored value of the second comparison medal input number CT33 and the second comparison medal payout number CT34 with the newly received value of the second comparison medal input number CT33 and the second comparison medal payout number CT34, and further uses the stored content to calculate the input medal difference number CT51 = first comparison medal input number CT17 - second comparison medal input number CT33, and the payout medal difference number CT52 = first comparison medal payout number CT18 - second comparison medal payout number CT33. The calculated input medal difference number CT51 and payout medal difference number CT52 may be used to perform the processing of steps S2007 to S2012. In this modification 1, processes corresponding to steps S2002 and S2005 are not performed. The same applies to steps S2013 to S2019 and steps S2021 to S2026.

(Modification 2 of the fifth embodiment)
48 and 49 in the fifth embodiment, steps S2001 to S2006 may be replaced with the following processing. When the start timing of one cycle in the main control side cycle is reached, the main control CPU 101 transmits the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 to the sub-control CPU 201 via the second communication path to clear the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 to "0", and the sub-control CPU 201 replaces the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 that are stored and held with the newly received value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18. When the start timing of one cycle in the medal count control side cycle is reached, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the value of the second comparison number of inserted medals CT33 and the value of the second comparison number of paid out medals CT34 to the sub-control CPU 201 via the third communication path, and clears the value of the second comparison number of inserted medals CT33 and the value of the second comparison number of paid out medals CT34 to "0". The sub-control CPU 201 replaces the values of the second comparison number of inserted medals CT33 and the second comparison number of paid out medals CT34 that it has stored with the newly received value of the second comparison number of inserted medals CT33 and the second comparison number of paid out medals CT34, and further calculates the difference in medals inserted CT51 = first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 - second comparison number of inserted medals CT33 and the difference in medals paid out CT52 = first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 - second comparison number of paid out medals CT33. The sub-control CPU 201 may then issue an abnormality notification of an excess of the allowable inserted medal difference when the absolute value of the calculated inserted medal difference number CT51 exceeds the allowable inserted medal difference number ThA, and may issue an abnormality notification of an excess of the allowable paid-out medal difference when the absolute value of the calculated paid-out medal difference number CT52 exceeds the allowable paid-out medal difference number ThB. The same applies to steps S2013 to S2019 and steps S2021 to S2026.

In the fifth embodiment and variants 1 and 2 of the fifth embodiment, the main control CPU 101 transmits the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the first comparison number of paid-out medals CT18 to the sub-control CPU 201 in a main control side cycle, and the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the value of the second comparison number of inserted medals CT33 and the value of the second comparison number of paid-out medals CT34 to the sub-control CPU 201 in a medal count control side cycle, but this is not limited to this and may be, for example, as follows. The main control CPU 101 may transmit the value of the first comparison number of inserted medals CT17 and the value of the first comparison number of paid out medals CT18 to the sub-control CPU 201 when it receives a request of FIGS. 26 to 29 from the medal count control CPU 301 (steps S1301, S1311, S1321, S1331, S1340, S1349, S1355), and the medal count control CPU 301 may transmit the value of the second comparison number of inserted medals CT33 and the value of the second comparison number of paid out medals CT34 to the sub-control CPU 201 when it receives a response of FIGS. 26 to 29 (steps S1302, S1312, S1322, S1332, S1341, S1350, S1356).

In addition, the transmission of the first comparison number of medals inserted CT17 and the first comparison number of medals inserted CT18 from the main control CPU 101 to the sub-control CPU 201 may be other than periodically, and the transmission of the second comparison number of medals inserted CT33 and the second comparison number of medals paid out CT34 from the medal count control CPU 301 to the sub-control CPU 201 may be other than periodically.

In addition, in the fifth embodiment and variants 1 and 2 of the fifth embodiment, the number of pseudo medals moving between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is monitored by separating insertion and cancellation of insertion (settlement) from payout, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the number of pseudo medals moving between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 may be monitored together without separating insertion and cancellation of insertion (settlement) from payout.

The fifth embodiment and its modified examples are a specific method in which the main CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 each manage the number of pseudo medals moving between the main CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 by communication between the main CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 via a first communication path, the main CPU 101 transmits the number of pseudo medals it manages to the sub-control CPU 201 via a second communication path, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the number of pseudo medals it manages to the sub-control CPU 201 via a third communication path, and the sub-control CPU 201 compares the numbers of pseudo medals received from both, and if the comparison result indicates some kind of malfunction, notifies the user that a malfunction (abnormality) has occurred regarding the movement of pseudo medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301.

The following content may be added to the above-mentioned fifth embodiment and its modified examples.

When a transfer of pseudo medals has occurred between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 (when the "counted medal count" stored in the "counting notification" message is 1 or more or the "loaned medal count" stored in the "loan notification" message is 1 or more), the medal count control CPU 301 uses the third communication path to send notification information (hereinafter referred to as "SM-CU medal transfer notification information") to notify that a transfer of pseudo medals has occurred between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501. Then, when the sub-control CPU 301 receives the SM-CU medal transfer notification information from the medal count control CPU 301 via the third communication path, it issues a notification that a transfer of pseudo medals has occurred between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 (hereinafter referred to as "SM-CU medal transfer notification"). This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent counting or lending due to fraudulent communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501, and allows the player to easily understand that the transfer of pseudo medals between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 was performed normally when the count switch 31 or lending switch 503a was pressed.

In addition, when the sub-control CPU 201 performs the SM-CU medal movement notification by output control that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as the "SM-CU medal movement notification sound") from the speakers 15, 16, it may do so as follows.

The output volume of the SM-CU medal movement notification sound may be changeable by game establishment staff and other game establishment personnel, but may not be changeable by players and other personnel. This can be achieved, for example, by placing an adjustment switch for the output volume of the SM-CU medal movement notification sound in a position (on the rear side of the front panel 2) that can be operated with the front panel 2 open but cannot be operated with the front panel 2 closed, but the method of realization is not particularly limited. This makes it impossible for a cheater to lower the output volume of the specified sound for the SM-CU medal movement notification in order to make it more difficult for game establishment staff and others to notice their cheating.

The sub-control CPU 201 also performs output control to output a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as "normal performance sound") from the speakers 15, 16 during normal performances (for example, battle performances, navigation performances, etc.) that occur as the game progresses. The sub-control CPU 201 also performs output control to output a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as "abnormal medal movement sound between main control and medal count control") from the speakers 15, 16 during abnormal notification of an excess of the allowable number of inserted medals difference, an abnormal notification of an excess of the allowable number of paid-out medals difference, an abnormal notification of an excess of the allowable duration of an inserted medals difference, and an abnormal notification of an excess of the allowable duration of a paid-out medal difference. In this case, when the situation for outputting the SM-CU medal movement notification sound and the situation for outputting the normal effect sound overlap, the SM-CU medal movement notification sound is given priority over the normal effect sound, but when the situation for outputting the SM-CU medal movement notification sound and the situation for outputting the main control-medal count control medal movement abnormal sound overlap, the main control-medal count control medal movement abnormal sound may be given priority over the SM-CU medal movement notification sound. According to this, by giving priority to the output of the SM-CU medal movement notification sound, which may be caused by the player's pressing of the counting switch 31 or the lending switch 503a as well as illegal acquisition of pseudo medals, over the normal effect sound which is not caused by illegal acquisition of pseudo medals, illegal acquisition can be effectively prevented. Furthermore, by prioritizing the abnormal medal movement sound between the main control and medal count control, which is likely to be caused by the illegal acquisition of pseudo medals, over the medal movement notification sound between the SM and CU, which can be caused by the player pressing the counting switch 31 or the lending switch 503a in addition to the illegal acquisition of pseudo medals, illegal acquisition can be effectively prevented.

In addition, when the situation for outputting the SM-CU medal movement notification sound and the situation for outputting the normal effect sound overlap, the output volume of the normal effect sound is lowered to give priority to the SM-CU medal movement notification sound over the normal effect sound, but when the situation for outputting the SM-CU medal movement notification sound and the situation for outputting the main control-medal count control medal movement abnormal sound overlap, the channels for the SM-CU medal movement notification sound and the main control-medal count control medal movement abnormal sound may be split and each sound output separately.

Furthermore, when a pseudo medal is moved between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 (when an insertion, a cancellation of insertion (settlement), or a payout occurs), the main control CPU101 uses the second communication path, or the medal count control CPU301 uses the third communication path, to send notification information (hereinafter referred to as "main control-medal count control medal movement notification information") to notify that a pseudo medal has been moved between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU501. Then, when the sub-control CPU301 receives the main control-medal count control medal movement notification information, it issues a notification that a pseudo medal has been moved between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 (hereinafter referred to as "main control-medal count control medal movement notification"). This main control-medal count control medal movement notification is issued by output control that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as "main control-medal count control medal movement notification sound") from the speakers 15, 16. In this case, when the situation for outputting the medal movement notification sound between SM-CU and the situation for outputting the medal movement notification sound between main control and medal count control overlap, (1) the medal movement notification sound between main control and medal count control is given priority over the medal movement notification sound between SM-CU, (2) the medal movement notification sound between SM-CU is given priority over the medal movement notification sound between main control and medal count control, or (3) the medal movement notification sound between SM-CU and the medal movement notification sound between main control and medal count control are split into channels and output in parallel.

The medal movement notification between SM and CU may be the same for the movement (counting) of pseudo medals from medal count control CPU 301 to unit CPU 501 and the movement (loan) of pseudo medals from unit CPU 501 to medal count control CPU 301, or may be different. Also, the medal movement notification between main control and medal count control may be all the same with regard to insertion, cancellation of insertion (settlement), and payout, or only some of them may be the same, or all of them may be different from each other.

In addition, instead of using the speakers 15, 16 for pseudo medal movement notification (medal movement notification between main control and medal count control, medal movement notification between SM and CU), the liquid crystal display 14 or the upper lamp unit 21 may be used.

Sixth Embodiment
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 51 to 54. In the first embodiment, communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is performed by parallel communication, whereas in the sixth embodiment, communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is performed by serial communication.

(Serial communication signal)
The signals for serial communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

(Main control transmission signal)
First, the signal (hereinafter referred to as the "main control transmission signal") that the main control CPU 101 transmits to the medal count control CPU 301 via serial communication will be described with reference to Figure 51 (a).

As shown in FIG. 51(a), the main control transmission signal includes the following items: "STX" (Start of Text), "Main Board STB Signal" (Main Board Strobe Signal), "Processing Start Signal", "Deposit Processing Request Signal", "Settlement Processing Request Signal", "Payout Processing Request Signal", "First Processing Completion Signal", "Processing End Signal", "Reserve", "Event" (identification information such as role ratio and MY), "Numerical Value 1" to "Numerical Value 3", "Checksum", and "ETX" (End of Text).

The "main board STB signal" is a timing signal for the receiving side to capture the main control transmission signal, and in the sixth embodiment, the receiving side captures the main control transmission signal when it detects a change in the value of the "main board STB signal."

The "processing start signal", "insertion processing request signal", "settlement processing request signal", "payout processing request signal", "first processing completion signal", and "processing end signal" are used as signals related to the movement of pseudo medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 when inserting, canceling insertion (settlement), and paying out, and correspond to the processing start signal, insertion processing request signal, settlement processing request signal, payout processing request signal, first processing completion signal, and processing end signal transmitted by parallel communication from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301 in the first and fifth embodiments. In the main control transmission signals related to the movement of pseudo medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 transmitted when inserting, canceling insertion (settlement), and paying out, the value "1" is set in one of the "processing start signal", "insertion processing request signal", "settlement processing request signal", "payout processing request signal", "first processing completion signal", and "processing end signal", and the value "0" is set in the other positions. When the value "0" is set to the "processing start signal", it corresponds to "OFF" of the processing start signal in the first embodiment or the fifth embodiment, and when the value "1" is set, it corresponds to "ON" of the processing start signal in the first embodiment or the fifth embodiment. The values "0" and "1" of the "insertion processing request signal", "settlement processing request signal", "payout processing request signal", "first processing completion signal", and "processing end signal" also correspond to "OFF" and "ON" of the insertion processing request signal, settlement processing request signal, payout processing request signal, first processing completion signal, and processing end signal in the first embodiment or the fifth embodiment. In addition, for main control transmission signals other than the main control transmission signals related to the movement of pseudo medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 transmitted at the time of insertion, cancellation of insertion (settlement), and payout, the value "0" is set to all of the "processing start signal", "insertion processing request signal", "settlement processing request signal", "payout processing request signal", "first processing completion signal", and "processing end signal".

"Event", "Numerical value 1" to "Numerical value 3" are the parts that the main control CPU 101 transmits to the medal count control CPU 301 the information stored and managed in memory 102 by the main control CPU 101, among the information included in the telegram "Game Machine Information Notification" that the medal count control CPU 301 transmits to the unit CPU 501, and correspond to the responses in Figures 26 to 29 of the first embodiment. "Event" stores identification information such as the role ratio and MY, and "Numerical value 1" to "Numerical value 3" store the actual values of the role ratio, MY, etc. stored in "Event".

The "checksum" is used by the medal count control CPU 301 that receives the main control transmission signal to check whether the main control transmission signal has been corrupted due to an error during communication, etc.

(Medal count control transmission signal)
Next, the format of the signal (hereinafter referred to as the "medal count control transmission signal") that the medal count control CPU 301 transmits to the main control CPU 101 by serial communication will be described with reference to Figure 51 (b).

As shown in FIG. 51(b), the medal count control transmission signal includes the following items: "STX", "game machine information transmission request signal", "medal presence/absence signal", "processing possible signal", "processing in progress signal", "insertion processing response signal", "settlement processing response signal", "payout processing response signal", "second processing completion signal", "event" (identification information such as medal count, error, etc.), "number 1" to "number 3", "checksum", and "ETX".

The "gaming machine information transmission request signal" is a portion for requesting the main control CPU 101 to transmit information that the main control CPU 101 has stored and managed in memory 102, among the information contained in the "gaming machine information notification" message that the medal count control CPU 301 transmits to the unit CPU 501, and corresponds to the request in Figures 26 to 29 of the first embodiment. When the medal count control CPU 301 requests the main control CPU 101 to transmit the information, the value "1" is set to the "gaming machine information transmission request signal", and otherwise the value "0" is set.

The "medal presence/absence signal" is used by the medal count control CPU 301 to notify the main control CPU 101 of whether the value of the game medal count CT30 stored in the memory 302 managed by the medal count control CPU 301 is 1 or greater, and corresponds to the medal presence/absence signal transmitted by parallel communication from the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101 in the first and fifth embodiments. If the value of the game medal count CT30 is 1 or greater, the value "1" is set to the "medal presence/absence signal" (corresponding to the medal presence/absence signal being "ON" in the first and fifth embodiments), and if it is 0, the value "0" is set (corresponding to the medal presence/absence signal being "OFF" in the first and fifth embodiments).

The "processing possible signal" is used by the medal count control CPU 301 to notify the main control CPU 101 whether or not the medal count control CPU 301 is capable of starting a new series of processes, and corresponds to the processing possible signal sent by parallel communication from the medal count control CPU 301 to the main control CPU 101 in the first and fifth embodiments. If it is possible to start a new process, the "processing possible signal" is set to a value of "1" (corresponding to the medal presence/absence signal being "ON" in the first and fifth embodiments), and if it is not possible to start a new process, the value of "0" is set (corresponding to the processing possible signal being "OFF" in the first and fifth embodiments).

The "processing signal", "insertion processing response signal", "settlement processing response signal", "payout processing response signal", and "second processing completion signal" are used as signals related to the movement of pseudo medals between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301 when inserting, canceling insertion (settlement), or paying out, and correspond to the processing signal, insertion processing response signal, settlement processing response signal, payout processing response signal, and second processing completion signal transmitted by parallel communication from the medal count control CPU301 to the main control CPU101 in the first and fifth embodiments. In the medal count control transmission signals related to the movement of pseudo medals between the medal count control CPU301 and the main control CPU101 transmitted when inserting, canceling insertion (settlement), or paying out, the value "1" is set in one of the "processing signal", "insertion processing response signal", "settlement processing response signal", "payout processing response signal", and "second processing completion signal", and the value "0" is set in the other locations. In addition, when the value "1" is set in one of the "processing signal", "insertion processing response signal", "settlement processing response signal", "withdrawal processing response signal", and "second processing completion signal", the "processing possible signal" is set to the value "0", and when the value "1" is set in the "processing possible signal", the "processing possible signal", the "insertion processing response signal", the "settlement processing response signal", the "withdrawal processing response signal", and the "second processing completion signal" are each set to the value "0". When the "processing signal" is set to the value "0", it corresponds to the "OFF" of the processing signal in the first embodiment and the fifth embodiment, and when the value "1" is set, it corresponds to the "ON" of the processing signal in the first embodiment and the fifth embodiment. In addition, the values "0" and "1" of the "insertion processing response signal", "settlement processing response signal", "withdrawal processing response signal", and "second processing completion signal" also correspond to the "OFF" and "ON" of the input processing response signal, the settlement processing response signal, the withdrawal processing response signal, and the second processing completion signal in the first embodiment and the fifth embodiment. In addition, for medal count control transmission signals other than the medal count control transmission signal related to the movement of pseudo medals between the medal count control CPU 301 and the main control CPU 101 that is sent when inserting, canceling an insert (settlement), or paying out, the value "0" is set for all of the "insertion process response signal," "settlement process response signal," "payout process response signal," and "second process completion signal."

"Event" stores identification information such as the number of medals and errors, and "Number 1" to "Number 3" store the actual value of the identification information stored in "Event".

The "checksum" is used by the main control CPU 101, upon receiving the medal count control transmission signal, to check whether the medal count control transmission signal has been corrupted due to an error during communication, etc.

In the sixth embodiment, a communication sequence is implemented that is the same as the communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 in the slot machine SM in Figures 26 to 29 described in the first embodiment, and the communication sequence between the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU.

(Transfer of medals between main control CPU and medal count control CPU in slot machine)
In the sixth embodiment, the insertion sequence, maximum insertion sequence, settlement sequence, and settlement sequence, which move the pseudo medals one by one between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 a required number of times, are performed using the main control transmission signal and medal count control transmission signal whose formats are shown in Fig. 51 (a) and (b). For example, the transmission of the processing start signal "OFF" and the insertion processing request signal "ON" in step S708 of the insertion sequence in Fig. 24 in the first and fifth embodiments corresponds to the transmission of the main control transmission signal set to "processing start signal" = "0", "insertion processing request signal" = "1", "first processing completion signal" = "0", "processing end signal" = "0", and "spare" = "0" in the sixth embodiment. The same applies to the others.

(Input sequence)
In the sixth embodiment, the movement of dummy medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 using the main control transmission signal and medal count control transmission signal whose formats are shown in Fig. 51(a) and (b) will be described with reference to Fig. 52, taking the insertion sequence as an example. Note that the maximum insertion sequence, the settlement sequence, and the payout sequence will be omitted.

The medal count control CPU301 transmits to the main control CPU101 a medal count control transmission signal set to "game machine information transmission request signal" = "0", "medal presence/absence signal" = "1", "processing possible signal" = "1", "processing in progress signal" = "0", "insertion process response signal" - "payout process response signal" = "0", and "second process completion signal" = "0". The main control CPU101 receives the medal count control transmission signal from the medal count control CPU301 (step S2101).

When the bet switch 7 is pressed, the main control CPU101 sends a main control transmission signal to the medal count control CPU301, with the following settings set: "Main board STB signal" = "1" (the value switched from the value at the time of the previous transmission), "Processing start signal" = "1", "Insert processing request signal" - "Payout processing request signal" = "0", "First processing completion signal" = "0", "Processing end signal" = "0", "Reserve" = "0". The medal count control CPU301 receives the main control transmission signal from the main control CPU101 (step S2102).

The medal count control CPU301 transmits to the main control CPU101 a medal count control transmission signal set to "game machine information transmission request signal" = "0", "medal presence/absence signal" = "1", "processing possible signal" = "0", "processing in progress signal" = "1", "insertion processing response signal" - "payout processing response signal" = "0", and "second processing completion signal" = "0". The main control CPU101 receives the medal count control transmission signal from the medal count control CPU301 (step S2103).

The main control CPU101 sends a main control transmission signal to the medal count control CPU301, with the following settings set: "Main board STB signal" = "0" (the value switched from the value at the time of the previous transmission), "Processing start signal" = "0", "Insertion process request signal" = "1", "Payout process request signal" to "Payout process request signal" = "0", "First processing completion signal" = "0", "Processing end signal" = "0", "Reserve" = "0". The medal count control CPU301 receives the main control transmission signal from the main control CPU101 (step S2104).

The medal count control CPU301 transmits to the main control CPU101 a medal count control transmission signal set to "game machine information transmission request signal" = "0", "medal presence/absence signal" = "1", "processing possible signal" = "0", "processing in progress signal" = "0", "insertion processing response signal" = "1", "settlement processing response signal" to "payout processing response signal" = "0", and "second processing completion signal" = "0". The main control CPU101 receives the medal count control transmission signal from the medal count control CPU301 (step S2105).

The main control CPU101 sends a main control transmission signal to the medal count control CPU301 with the following settings: "Main board STB signal" = "1" (the value switched from the value at the time of the previous transmission), "Processing start signal" = "0", "Insertion process request signal" - "Payout process request signal" = "0", "First processing completion signal" = "1", "Processing end signal" = "0", "Reserve" = "0", and adds 1 to the provisional inserted number CT13, and adds 1 to the comparative inserted medal number CT15 and the first comparative inserted medal number CT17. The medal count control CPU301 receives the main control transmission signal from the main control CPU101 (step S2106).

The medal count control CPU301 transmits a medal count control transmission signal to the main control CPU101, with the following settings set: "Game machine information transmission request signal" = "0", "Medal presence/absence signal" = "1", "Processing possible signal" = "0", "Processing in progress signal" = "0", "Insertion processing response signal" - "Payout processing response signal" = "0", "Second processing completion signal" = "1", and subtracts 1 from the game medal count CT30 and adds 1 to the inserted medal count CT31 and second comparison inserted medal count CT33. The main control CPU101 receives the medal count control transmission signal from the medal count control CPU301 (step S2107).

The main control CPU101 sends a main control transmission signal to the medal count control CPU301, with the following settings set: "Main board STB signal" = "0" (the value switched from the value at the time of the previous transmission), "Processing start signal" = "0", "Insertion process request signal" - "Payout process request signal" = "0", "First processing completion signal" = "0", "Processing end signal" = "1", "Reserve" = "0". The medal count control CPU301 receives the main control transmission signal from the main control CPU101 (step S2108).

The medal count control CPU301 transmits to the main control CPU101 a medal count control transmission signal set to "game machine information transmission request signal" = "0", "medal presence/absence signal" = "1", "processing possible signal" = "1", "processing in progress signal" = "0", "insertion processing response signal" - "payout processing response signal" = 0, and "second processing completion signal" = "0". The main control CPU101 receives the medal count control transmission signal from the medal count control CPU301 (step S2109).

The main control CPU101 sends a main control transmission signal to the medal count control CPU301, with the following settings set: "Main board STB signal" = "1" (the value switched from the value at the time of the previous transmission), "Processing start signal" = "0", "Insertion process request signal" - "Payout process request signal" = "0", "First processing completion signal" = "0", "Processing end signal" = "0", "Reserve" = "0". The medal count control CPU301 receives the main control transmission signal from the main control CPU101 (step S2110).

(Communication sequence between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU related to the transmission of the message "game machine information notification")
Next, the communication sequence between the main control CPU and the medal count control CPU related to the transmission of the telegram "gaming machine information notification" in the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The medal count control CPU301 transmits to the main control CPU101 a medal count control transmission signal set to "game machine information transmission request signal" = "1", "medal presence/absence signal" = "1", "processing possible signal" = "1", "processing in progress signal" = "0", "insertion process response signal" - "payout process response signal" = 0, "second process completion signal" = "0", etc. The main control CPU101 receives the medal count control transmission signal from the medal count control CPU301 (step S2151).

The main control CPU101 transmits a main control transmission signal to the medal count control CPU301, which is set to "Main board STB signal" = "1" (a value switched from the value at the time of the previous transmission), "Processing start signal" = "0", "Input processing request signal" to "Payout processing request signal" = "0", "First processing completion signal" = "0", "Processing end signal" = "0", "Backup" = "0", "Event" = "Information identification information", "Numerical value 1" to "Numerical value 3" = "Actual value of information whose identification information is set to event". The medal count control CPU301 receives the main control transmission signal from the main control CPU101 (step S2152). The timing for clearing the number of inserted medals CT11, the number of paid out medals CT12, the comparative number of inserted medals CT15, and the comparative number of paid out medals CT16 to "0", and the timing for clearing the number of inserted medals CT31 and the number of paid out medals CT32 to "0" are the same as those in FIG. 26 to FIG. 29.

By repeating the processing of steps S2151 and S2152, the information stored and managed by the main control CPU 101 in memory 102 among the information to be included in the message "game machine information notification" that the medal count control CPU 301 sends to the unit CPU 501 is sent from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301.

(Acquisition of main control transmission signal by medal count control CPU)
The following describes how the medal count control CPU 301 receives the main control transmission signal, which has the format shown in FIG. 51(a) and is sent from the main control CPU 101, with reference to FIG.

In the sixth embodiment, the time length TM of one cycle of the interrupt processing period of the medal count control CPU 301 (hereinafter referred to as the "medal count control side interrupt period") is shorter than the time length TS of one cycle of the interrupt processing period of the main control CPU 101 (hereinafter referred to as the "main control side interrupt period") (TM < TS). For example, TS = 1.49 ms, TM = 1 ms, but this is not limited to this.

When the power is turned on, the main control CPU 101 and medal count control CPU 301 start processing with the "main board strobe signal" set to "0".

In interrupt ZS1, the main control CPU 101 sends a main control transmission signal that switches the main board STB signal from "0" to "1" to the medal count control CPU 301.

The medal count control CPU 301 confirms that the main board STB signal has switched from "0" to "1" in interrupt ZM1, and takes in the main control transmission signal sent from the main control CPU 101.

The medal count control CPU 301 confirms that the main board STB signal remains at "1" in interrupt ZM2, and does not receive the main control transmission signal sent from the main control CPU 101 in that interrupt ZM2.

In interrupt ZS2, the main control CPU 101 sends a main control transmission signal that switches the main board STB signal from "1" to "0" to the medal count control CPU 301.

In interrupt ZM3, the medal count control CPU 301 confirms that the main board STB signal has switched from "1" to "0", and takes in the main control transmission signal sent from the main control CPU 101.

The same thing will happen from then on.

According to the sixth embodiment described above, by using serial communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301, the communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 can be made faster than in the first and fifth embodiments, in which the communication between the two is parallel communication.

In addition, the medal count control CPU 301 checks whether the main board STB signal has switched and then imports the main control transmission signal sent from the main control CPU 101, which avoids the problem of importing the same main control transmission signal multiple times.

In the first and fifth embodiments, if the time length TM of one cycle in the medal count control side interrupt cycle is shorter than the time length TS of one cycle in the main control side interrupt cycle (TM<TS), a specific signal equivalent to the main board STB signal may be prepared, and the main control CPU 101 may switch the specific signal when switching the transmission of the main control transmission signal, and the medal count control CPU 301 may take in the main control transmission signal only when it is confirmed that the specific signal has been switched.

Seventh Embodiment
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 55 to 62. In the first embodiment, the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 are configured as separate chips, but in the seventh embodiment, the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 are integrated into a single chip. In the seventh embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same configurations and steps as in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 55, a main control CPU 101A is mounted on a main control board 100A, and the main control CPU 101A has a built-in ROM (Read Only Memory) 102D and a RAM (Random Access Memory: a type of RWM (Read Write Memory)) 102E. Since the main control board 100A and the main control CPU 101A have both main control and medal count control functions, the main control board 100A and the main control CPU 101A are hereinafter referred to as the "main control/medal count control board 100A" and the "main control/medal count control CPU 101A". The main control/medal count control means corresponds to the "control means" of the present invention, the ROM 102D corresponds to the "first storage means" of the present invention, and the RAM 102E corresponds to the "second storage means" of the present invention.

The main control/medal count control CPU 101A performs control over the progress of the game and management of the number of pseudo medals on a single chip.

(ROM)
First, the ROM 102D in FIG. 55 will be described with reference to FIG. 56. FIG. 56(a) is a diagram showing a memory map of the ROM 102D, and FIG. 56(b) is a diagram showing whether the programs (main control program (usage area), main control program (outside of use area), medal count control program) described in the top row permit the calling of the programs stored in each program area in FIG. 56(a). The main control program (usage area) refers to a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of the ROM 102D, the main control program (outside of use area) refers to a program stored outside the main control use area (program area) of the ROM 102D, and the medal count control program refers to a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of the ROM 102D. In addition, the area used for main control (program area) and the area outside the area used for main control (program area) correspond to the ``first control program memory area'' of the present invention, the area used for main control (program area) corresponds to the ``first area'' of the present invention, the area outside the area used for main control (program area) corresponds to the ``second area'' of the present invention, and the area for medal count control (program area) corresponds to the ``second control program memory area'' of the present invention.

As shown in the memory map in FIG. 56(a), the memory area of ROM 102D is divided by assigning addresses and capacities to an area for main control (used area (program area, data area) and outside the used area (unused area, program area, data area, unused area)), an area for medal count control (program area, data area), and a management area.

The main control usage area (program area, data area) of ROM 102D stores programs and data (lottery table 102a, stop table 102b, etc.: see FIG. 5) that the main control/medal count control CPU 101A uses to control the progress of the game. By executing the programs stored in this main control usage area (program area), the main control/medal count control CPU 101A functions as each means within the usage area function unit 110A1 of the main control function unit 110A in FIG. 58.

Outside the main control use area (program area, data area) of ROM 102D, the main control/medal count control CPU 101A stores programs and data for detecting specific errors such as errors in RAM 102E (hereinafter referred to as "RAM errors" where appropriate) and errors in reels 6L, 6M, and 6R (hereinafter referred to as "reel errors" where appropriate), as well as programs and data for error processing (for example, controlling gameplay to be disabled). By executing the programs stored outside the main control use area (program area), the main control/medal count control CPU 101A functions as each means within the outside use area function unit 110A2 of the main control function unit 110A in FIG. 58.

The medal count control area (program area, data area) of ROM 102D stores programs and data for the main control/medal count control CPU 101A to control the management of the number of pseudo medals (for example, control of the number of pseudo medals moved between the card unit CU through communication with the card unit CU performed by the borrowing processing means 301b1 and first counting processing means 301b2 in FIG. 58) and to detect specific errors such as communication errors with the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU and errors in increasing or decreasing the medal count of the pseudo medals. By executing the programs stored in this medal count control area (program area), the main control/medal count control CPU 101A functions as each means within the medal count control function section 120A in FIG. 58.

As shown in FIG. 56(b), it is possible to call up programs stored in the area used for main control (program area) from a program stored in the area used for main control (program area), programs stored outside the area used for main control (program area), and programs stored in the area used for medal count control (program area).

Also, as shown in FIG. 56(b), a program stored outside the area used for main control (program area) can call a program stored outside the area used for main control (program area), but a program stored outside the area used for main control (program area) cannot call a program stored in the area used for main control (program area) or a program stored in the area used for medal count control (program area).

Also, as shown in FIG. 56(b), a program stored in the area for medal count control (program area) can call a program stored in the area for medal count control (program area), but a program stored in the area for medal count control (program area) cannot call a program stored in the area used for main control (program area) or a program stored outside the area used for main control (program area).

(RAM)
Next, the memory map of the RAM 102E in FIG. 55 will be described with reference to FIG. 57. FIG. 57(a) is a diagram showing the memory map of the RAM 102E, and FIG. 57(b) is a diagram showing whether the programs (main control program (usage area), main control program (outside of use area), medal count control program) described in the top row permit updating and referencing of data stored in each data area in FIG. 57(a). The main control program (usage area) refers to a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of the ROM 102D, the main control program (outside of use area) refers to a program stored in the outside of the main control use area (program area) of the ROM 102D, and the medal count control program refers to a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of the ROM 102D.

As shown in the memory map of FIG. 57(a), the memory area of RAM 102E is divided by allocating addresses and capacity to an area for main control (usage area and outside of use area) and an area for medal count control. Note that the usage area for main control and the outside of use area for main control correspond to the "first data storage area" of the present invention, and the area for medal count control corresponds to the "second data storage area" of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 57(b), when executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, the main control use area of RAM 102E can be referenced and updated, and areas outside the main control use area of RAM 102E and the medal count control area of RAM 102E can be referenced but cannot be updated.

Also, as shown in FIG. 57(b), with regard to the execution of a program stored outside the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, it is possible to reference and update outside the main control use area of RAM 102E, and it is possible to reference but not update the main control use area of RAM 102E and the medal count control area of RAM 102E.

Also, as shown in FIG. 57(b), when executing a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, the medal count control area of RAM 102E can be referenced and updated, and the main control area of RAM 102E and areas outside the main control area of RAM 102E can be referenced but not updated.

(Function block of main control/medal count control CPU 101A)
Next, the main control/medal count control CPU 101A in FIG. 55 will be described with reference to FIG.

The main control/medal count control CPU 101A executes the programs stored in the main control use area (program area) of the ROM 102D, thereby functioning as each means of the use area function unit 110A1 of the main control function unit 110A. The first insertion processing means 101dA cooperates with the second insertion processing means 301b3A described later to move pseudo medals for the number of medals related to insertion and cancellation of insertion (settlement) between the main control use area of the RAM 102E and the medal count control area of the RAM 102E. The first payout processing means 101hA cooperates with the second insertion processing means 301b4A described later to move pseudo medals for the number of medals related to payout between the main control use area of the RAM 102E and the medal count control area of the RAM 102E. The error detection confirmation means 101r confirms whether an error has been detected by the error detection means 301h described later.

The main control/medal count control CPU 101A executes a program stored outside the main control use area (program area) of the ROM 102D, thereby functioning as each means of the outside use area function unit 110A2 of the main control function unit 110A in FIG. 58. The error detection means 101iA monitors specific events (corresponding to the "specific events" of the present invention) and detects errors to see if there is a problem with the specific events, for example by monitoring the state of the RAM 102E and the state of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R to detect RAM errors, reel errors, etc. The error processing means 101s performs error processing according to the specific events in which an error is detected by the error detection means 101iA, or the predetermined events described below in which an error is detected by the error detection means 301h described below.

The main control/medal count control CPU 101A executes the program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, thereby functioning as each means of the medal count control function unit 120A in FIG. 58. The second insertion processing means 301b3A cooperates with the first insertion processing means 101dA to move pseudo medals for the number of medals involved in insertion and cancellation of insertion (settlement) between the main control use area of RAM 102E and the medal count control area of RAM 102E. The second insertion processing means 301b4A cooperates with the first payout processing means 101hA to move pseudo medals for the number of medals involved in payout between the main control use area of RAM 102E and the medal count control area of RAM 102E. The error detection means 301h, for example, monitors the state of communication with the card unit CU, the state of increase/decrease in the number of pseudo medals, and the state of the number of game medals CT30 to detect communication errors with the card unit CU, errors in increase/decrease in the number of pseudo medals, and upper limit errors for pseudo medals, etc., and monitors a specified event (corresponding to the "specified event" of the present invention) different from the specific event monitored by the error detection means 101iA to detect whether or not there is a malfunction in the specified event.

(Transfer of dummy medals between the main control area of RAM 102E and the medal count control area of RAM 102E)
Below, with reference to Figures 59 and 60, we will explain in sequence the processing flow related to the pressing of the bet switch 7 (hereinafter referred to as the "insertion processing flow") and the processing flow related to the generation of the payout of pseudo medals (a predetermined number of pseudo medals for a role in which a player wins a role in which pseudo medals are obtained) (hereinafter referred to as the "payout processing flow") in relation to the movement of pseudo medals between the main control area of RAM 102E used by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A and the medal count control area of RAM 102E.

However, in the main control area of RAM102E, counters such as the number of inserted medals CT11, the number of paid out medals CT12, the provisional number of inserted medals CT13, and the remaining number of paid out medals CT14 are formed. In addition, in the medal count control area of RAM102E, counters such as the number of game medals CT30, the number of inserted medals CT31, and the number of paid out medals CT32 are formed.

(Input processing flow)
The process flow (insertion process flow) concerning the movement of pseudo medals between the area of RAM 102E used for main control and the area of RAM 102E for medal count control by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A when the bet switch 7 is operated will be explained using FIG.

The bet switch 7 is operated (step S3001). The first insertion processing means 101dA, which is functioned by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, references the value of the game medal count CT30 stored in the medal count control area of RAM 102E and confirms whether one pseudo medal can be inserted, and in this example confirms that one pseudo medal can be inserted (step S3002).

The first input processing means 101dA increments the value of the provisional input number CT13 stored in the main control area of RAM 102E by 1 (step S3003).

While executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, the main control/medal count control CPU 101A calls and executes a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, and the second insertion processing means 301b3A, which is functioned by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A while executing the called program, subtracts 1 from the value of the game medal count CT30 stored in the medal count control area of RAM 102E, and adds 1 to the value of the inserted medal count CT31 (step S3004).

The number of pseudo medals held by a player is the sum of the provisional insertion count CT13 and the game medal count CT30. When inserting a pseudo medal, the player moves one pseudo medal held by the player from the game medal count CT30 to the provisional insertion count CT13 by the first insertion processing means 101dA increasing the value of the provisional insertion count CT13 by 1, and then the second insertion processing means 301b3A subtracting 1 from the game medal count CT30.

Then, the start switch 9 is operated (step S3005). The first insert processing means 101dA, which is functioned by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, sets the value of the insert count CT11 stored in the main control use area of RAM 102E to the value of the provisional insert count CT13, and clears the value of the provisional insert count CT13 to "0" (step S3006).

(Payment process flow)
The process flow (payout process flow) for the movement of pseudo medals by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A between the area of RAM 102E used for main control and the area of RAM 102E for medal count control when pseudo medals are paid out is described below with reference to FIG.

A payout of pseudo medals occurs when a winning combination that earns pseudo medals is achieved in the current game (step S3101). The first payout processing means 101hA, which is operated by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A executing a program stored in the main control usage area (program area) of ROM 102D, sets the value of the payout number CT12 stored in the main control usage area of RAM 102E to "A (the number of pseudo medals paid out in the current game (the number of pseudo medals won by the player))" and sets the value of the remaining payout number CT14 to "A" (step S3102). The number of pseudo medals held by the player is the sum of the value of the remaining payout number CT14 and the value of the game medal count CT30, and has been increased by "A" by the processing of step S3102.

The first payout processing means 101hA clears the value of the remaining payout number CT14 in RAM 102E to "0" (step S3103).

While executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, the main control/medal count control CPU 101A calls and executes a program stored in the area for medal count control (program area) of ROM 102D, and the second payout processing means 301b4A functioning in the main control/medal count control CPU 101A while executing the called program sets the value of the game medal count CT30 stored in the medal count control area of RAM 102E to a value incremented by "A", and sets the value of the payout medal count CT32 to a value incremented by "A" (step S3104).

The number of pseudo medals held by a player is the sum of the remaining payout number CT14 and the number of game medals CT30. When pseudo medals are paid out, the transfer of A pseudo medals acquired by the player through play from the remaining payout number CT14 to the number of game medals CT30 is performed by the first payout processing means 101hA clearing the value of the remaining payout number CT14 to "0" (subtracting "A" from the value of the remaining payout number CT14), and then the second payout processing means 301b4A adding "A" to the value of the number of game medals CT30.

In addition to the above, there is a process flow related to pressing the maximum bet switch 8 (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum insertion process flow") and a process flow related to pressing the settlement switch 33 (hereinafter referred to as the "settlement process flow") regarding the movement of pseudo medals between the main control area of RAM 102E and the medal count control area of RAM 102E by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A. In the maximum insertion process flow, if the number of pseudo medals required to reach the maximum insertion number is "Ma", the first insertion process means 101dA adds "Ma" to the value of the provisional insertion number CT13 (CT13←CT13+Ma), and then the second insertion process means 301b3A subtracts "Ma" from the value of the game medal number CT30 (CT30←CT30-Ma) and adds "Ma" to the value of the inserted medal number CT31 (CT31←CT31+Ma). Also, in the settlement process flow, if the number of pseudo medals provisionally inserted when the settlement switch 33 is operated (the value of the provisional insertion number CT13) is "Mb", the first insertion process means 101dA clears the value of the provisional insertion number CT13 to "0" (subtracting "Mb" from the value of the provisional insertion number CT13; CT13←0), and then the second insertion process means 301b3A adds "Mb" to the value of the number of game medals CT30 (CT30←CT30+Mb) and subtracts "Mb" from the value of the number of inserted medals CT31 (CT31←CT31-Mb).

(Communication sequence between the main control/medal count control CPU 101A and the unit CPU 501)
Next, the communication sequence of communication between the main control/medal count control CPU 101A of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU will be described with reference to FIGS.

When the time comes to transmit the message "Game Machine Information Notification" that stores "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information", the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, calls and executes the program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, and the transmission item control means 301g, which is functioning of the main control/medal count control CPU 101A that is executing the called program, transmits at least one of the items of "Hall Control and Fraud Monitoring Information" that is not stored and held in the medal count control area of RAM 102E, "Count Information". The unit CU ... After that, the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, clears the value of the input number CT11 and the value of the payout number CT12 to "0" (step S3503).

When the time comes to send the message "count notification", the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, calls and executes a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D. The first counting processing means 301b2, which is functioned by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing the called program, notifies the presence or absence of a pressing operation on the count switch 31, the pressing time, the RAM 10 Based on the value of the game medal count CT30 stored in the medal count control area of 2E, the count medal count of the pseudo medals to be handed over to the card unit CU is determined, and the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e transmits a message "counting notification" in which the determined count medal count is stored in the item "counted medal count" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the first counting processing means 301b2 performs an update process of the game medal count CT30 based on the value of the item "counted medal count" of the transmitted message "counting notification" (step S3504).

When the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, receives the message "loan notification", it calls and executes the program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, and the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e in which the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing the called program, functions receives the message "loan notification" from the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S3505).

When the time comes to send the message "loan receipt result response", the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, calls and executes the program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, and the borrowing processing means 301b1, which is functioning of the main control/medal count control CPU 101A executing the called program, determines the contents of the loaned medal count receipt result, and the unit-to-unit transmission/reception means 301e sends the message "loan receipt result response" in which the determined loaned medal count receipt result is stored in the item "loaned medal count receipt result" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU, and the borrowing processing means 301b1 updates the game medal count CT 30 based on the value of the item "loaned medal count" of the received message "loan notification" (step S3506).

When it is time to transmit a message "gaming machine information notification" storing "gaming machine installation information", the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control in the ROM 102D, calls and executes the program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control in the ROM 102D. The transmission item control means 301g, which is functioning of the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing the called program, acquires information on at least the items (items "main control chip ID number" to "main control chip product code" in FIG. 11) that are not stored in the area for medal count control in the RAM 102E among the multiple items of the "gaming machine installation information" by referring to the area for main control in the RAM 102E, creates a message "gaming machine information notification" storing the "gaming machine installation information", and the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e transmits the message "gaming machine information notification" storing the "hall control/fraud monitoring information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S3507). For example, if the information in the items "Main control chip ID number" to "Main control chip product code" in FIG. 11 is stored in the main control use area (data area) of ROM 102D, it is copied in advance to the main control use area of RAM 102E. Also, since the main control chip and medal count control chip are integrated into a single chip, the items "Medal count control chip ID number" to "Medal count control chip product code" in FIG. 11 are set to "0" and transmitted. Note that when transmitting the telegram "Gaming machine information notification" which stores "Gaming machine installation information", the values of the number of inserted CT11, number of paid out CT12, number of inserted medals CT31, and number of paid out medals CT32 are not cleared to "0".

In steps S3508 to S3510, the same processing as in steps S3504 to S3506 in FIG. 61 is performed.

When the time comes to transmit a "gaming machine information notification" message storing "gaming machine performance information", the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, calls up and executes the program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, and the transmission item control means 301g, which is functioning of the main control/medal count control CPU 101A executing the called program, acquires information on at least the items of the "gaming machine performance information" that are not stored in the medal count control area of RAM 102E (items "Total number of inserted balls" to "Ratio of state of gimmicks, etc." in FIG. 10) by referring to the main control use area of RAM 102E, creates a "gaming machine information notification" message storing the "gaming machine performance information", and the unit-to-unit transmission/reception means 301e transmits the "gaming machine information notification" message storing the "gaming machine performance information" to the unit CPU 501 of the card unit CU (step S3511). In addition, when sending the "Gaming Machine Information Notification" message that stores "Gaming Machine Performance Information," the values of the number of coins inserted CT11, the number of coins paid out CT12, the number of coins inserted CT31, and the number of coins paid out CT32 are not cleared to "0."

In steps S3512 to S3514, the same processing as in steps S3504 to S3506 in FIG. 61 is performed.

(Processing by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A regarding errors monitored by the program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of the ROM 102D)
Next, the processing by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A regarding errors monitored by the program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of the ROM 102D will be described with reference to FIG.

The error detection confirmation means 101r, which is functioned by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A while executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, references the value in a specified location in the area for medal count control in RAM 102E (hereinafter referred to as the "medal count control error management location": equivalent to the "specified location in the second data storage area" of the present invention) and confirms that the value is "0" (no error detected) (Figure 63 (a)). In this case, no error processing is performed. Note that the value in the medal count control error management location is referenced periodically, for example.

The main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, periodically calls and executes a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, and the error detection means 301h, which the main control/medal count control CPU 101A functions to execute while executing the called program, checks whether an error (e.g., a communication error with the card unit CU, an error in increasing or decreasing the number of pseudo medals, an error in the upper limit of pseudo medals, etc.) has occurred in the event for which the error detection means 301h performs error detection. This check is performed, for example, when an event occurs, such as data transmission/reception (communication with the card unit CU, an increase or decrease in the number of pseudo medals, a VL change) or when the power is turned on. In this example, the error detection means 301h detects that a communication error has occurred with the card unit CU (Fig. 63(b)).

Then, the error detection means 301h rewrites the value of the medal count control error management location in the medal count control area of RAM 102E to "1" (error detected) (Fig. 63(c)). If the error detection means 301h does not confirm that an error has occurred in the event for which error detection is performed, the value of the medal count control error management location is maintained at "0" (error not detected). The value of the medal count control error management location in the medal count control area of RAM 102E is reset, for example, when the medal count of the pseudo medals falls below the specified value in the case of a pseudo medal upper limit error (an error in which the medal count of the pseudo medals exceeds a specified value below the upper limit of the game medal count CT30), when the count is greater than the specified value, when the communication error with the card unit CU is automatically performed when the VL is on, and when there is an error in increasing or decreasing the number of pseudo medals, the reset operation is performed by the store clerk (pressing the reset switch 52).

The error detection confirmation means 101r, which is functioning of the main control/medal count control CPU 101A while executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, references the value of the medal count control error management location in the medal count control area of RAM 102E and confirms that the value is "1" (error detected) (Figure 63 (d)).

Because an error has occurred in the event targeted for error detection by the error detection means 301h, the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, calls and executes a program stored outside the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, and the error processing means 101s, which is functioning when the main control/medal count control CPU 101A is executing the called program, performs a predetermined error processing (for example, controls the progress of the game to be disabled) (Figure 63 (e)).

If the content of the error processing by the error processing means 101r differs depending on the event for which the error detection means 301h performs error detection, a medal count control error management area is provided in the medal count control area of the RAM 102E for each event for which the error detection means 301h performs error detection. Also, the error processing for errors detected by the error detection means 301h may be performed by a program stored in the main control area (program area) of the ROM 102D.

The main control/medal count control CPU 101A processes errors monitored by a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, for example, as follows. The main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, calls and executes the program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, for example, periodically, and the error detection means 101iA, which is functioning when the main control/medal count control CPU 101A is executing the called program, checks whether an error (e.g., RAM error, reel error, etc.) has occurred in the event for which the error detection means 101iA is performing error detection. If an error has occurred, the error processing means 101s performs a predetermined error processing (e.g., disables the progress of the game).

According to the seventh embodiment described above, when control over game progress (main control) and control over the number of pseudo medals (medal count control) are performed by a single main control/medal count control CPU 101A, the memory area of ROM 102D is divided into an area for main control (usage area, outside of use area) and an area for medal count control, and the area for main control (usage area, outside of use area) is divided into a usage area and an outside of use area. Then, it is possible for a program stored in the use area for main control to call up a program stored in other areas (outside of the use area for main control, area for medal count control), but it is not possible for a program stored in the use area for main control to call up a program stored in the other areas (outside of the use area for main control, area for medal count control). This means that even if a program stored in another area of ROM 102D (outside the area used for main control, the area used for medal count control) is tampered with, it is not possible to tamper with the execution of a program stored in the area used for main control of ROM 102D, thereby ensuring the security of the program stored in the area used for main control.

The memory area of RAM 102E is divided into an area for main control (usage area, outside of use area) and an area for medal count control, and the area for main control (usage area, outside of use area) is divided into the use area and the outside of use area. For example, the main control/medal count control CPU 101A executing a program stored in another area of ROM 102D (outside of the use area for main control, area for medal count control) can refer to data stored in the use area for main control of RAM 102E but cannot update it. Therefore, even if a program stored in another area of ROM 102D (outside of the use area for main control, area for medal count control) is tampered with, the data in the use area for main control of RAM 102E cannot be changed to an incorrect value, and the security of the data stored in the use area for main control of RAM 102E can be guaranteed. The same applies to other areas of RAM 102E (outside of the use area for main control, area for medal count control).

In addition, in the movement of pseudo medals between the main control use area of RAM 102E and the medal count control area of RAM 102E based on the insertion of a pseudo medal, the cancellation of the insertion of a pseudo medal (settling), or the payout of a pseudo medal, in either case of the insertion of a pseudo medal, the cancellation of the insertion of a pseudo medal (settling), or the payout of a pseudo medal, the main control/medal count control CPU 101A executing a program stored in the main control use area of ROM 102D first updates the provisional insertion number CT13 and the remaining payout number CT14 stored in the main control use area of RAM 102E, and then the main control/medal count control CPU 101A executing a program stored in the main control use area of ROM 102D calls and executes a program stored in the medal count control area of ROM 102D, and the main control/medal count control CPU 101A executing the called program updates the game medal count CT30 stored in the medal count control area of RAM 102E. In this way, it is necessary to call a program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control of ROM 102D from a program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control of ROM 102D, but it is possible to move pseudo medals between the area (program area) for medal count control of RAM 102E and the area (program area) for medal count control of RAM 102E without needing to call a program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control of ROM 102D from a program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control of ROM 102D, thereby realizing the condition that the movement cannot be performed by calling a program stored in the area (program area) for medal count control of ROM 102D from the area (program area) for medal count control of ROM 102D.

In particular, when pseudo medals are inserted, the flow of movement of the pseudo medals is usually from the game medal count CT30 to the provisional medal count CT13, so it is considered normal to first decrease the value of the game medal count CT30 and then increase the value of the provisional medal count CT13. However, doing so requires calling up a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D from a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, making it difficult to realize the prohibition of calling up a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D from a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D in order to ensure security. On the other hand, as in the seventh embodiment, when inserting pseudo medals, the flow is reversed from the normal flow of pseudo medals, but in the case where the value of the provisional insertion count CT13 is first increased and then the value of the game medal count CT30 is decreased, it is necessary to call a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D from a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, but it is not necessary to call a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D from a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, so it is possible to realize the inability to call a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D from a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D to ensure security.

In addition, the main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the medal count control area of ROM 102D, checks whether an error (such as a communication error with the card unit CU or an error in the number of pseudo medals increased or decreased) has occurred in a specific event monitored by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A (monitored by the medal count control side) while executing the program, and if it confirms that an error has occurred, sets the value of the medal count control error management location in the medal count control area of RAM 102E to "1" (error detected). The main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area of ROM 102D, periodically refers to the value of the medal count control error management location to check whether the value is "1" (error detected). If it confirms that the value is "1" (error detected), the main control/medal count control CPU 101A calls and executes a program stored outside the main control use area of ROM 102D, and performs a specific error process (for example, control to disable play). In this way, security is ensured by preventing programs stored in the area for main control (used area, unused area) from being called from programs stored in the area for medal count control, while a specified error process can be quickly executed when an error occurs in a specified event monitored by the medal count control side.

In addition, specific events are monitored by program-side error detection means 101iA stored outside the area used for main control in ROM 102D, and predetermined events are monitored by program-side error detection means 301h stored in the area for medal count control in ROM 102D, making it possible to clearly divide the storage area of ROM 102D according to the functions realized by the main control/medal count control CPU 101A.

The function of the error detection means 101iA may be realized by a program stored outside the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, the function of the error detection means 301h may be realized by a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, and the functions of the error detection confirmation means 101r and the error processing means 101s may be realized by a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D. The function of the error detection confirmation means 101r and the error processing means 101s may be realized by a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, and the other may be realized by a program stored outside the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D.

The following processing is performed for specific event errors and predetermined event errors:

Regarding errors in a specific event monitored in a program stored outside the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, for example, the following is done: The main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, periodically calls and executes a program stored outside the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, and while executing the called program, the main control/medal count control CPU 101A checks whether an error has occurred in a specific event, and if it confirms that an error has occurred, it rewrites the value of a specified location outside the main control use area of RAM 102E (hereinafter referred to as the "outside use area error management location") to "1" (error detected), and if it does not confirm that an error has occurred, it leaves it at "0" (error not detected). The main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, periodically checks the value of the out-of-use area error management location outside the main control use area of RAM 102E, and if it is "1" (error detected), performs error processing according to the event in which an error occurred, and if it is "0" (error not detected), does not perform error processing.

Regarding errors in a specified event monitored by a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, for example, the following is done: The main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, periodically calls and executes a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D, and while executing the called program, the main control/medal count control CPU 101A checks whether an error has occurred in the specified event, and if it confirms that an error has occurred, it rewrites the value of the medal count control error management location in the medal count control area of RAM 102E to "1" (error detected), and if it does not confirm that an error has occurred, it leaves it at "0" (error not detected). The main control/medal count control CPU 101A, which is executing a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, periodically references the value of the medal count control error management location in the medal count control area of RAM 102E, and if the value is "1" (error detected), performs error processing according to the event in which an error occurred, and if the value is "0" (error not detected), does not perform error processing.

By doing so, the error processing according to a specified event after it has been determined that an error has occurred based on the results of monitoring the specified event, and the error processing according to a specific event after it has been determined that an error has occurred based on the results of monitoring the specific event, can be performed together using a program stored in the main control usage area (program area) of ROM 102D. This makes it possible to reduce program capacity by sharing the error processing program between the specified event and the specific event.

Also, a program stored outside the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D may check the status of a specific event, but may not determine whether the status of the specific event is an error, and the program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D may determine whether the status of the specific event is an error based on the results of checking the status of the specific event.Also, a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D may check the status of a specific event, but may not determine whether the status of the specific event is an error, and the program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D or outside the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D may determine whether the status of the specific event is an error based on the results of checking the status of the specific event.

In addition, calling of a program stored outside the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D or calling of a program stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D may be performed from among the programs stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, which are used during an interrupt.

In addition, there are no restrictions on calling up programs stored outside the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D from a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D, but calling up programs stored in the medal count control area (program area) of ROM 102D from a program stored in the main control use area (program area) of ROM 102D is restricted when the power is turned on and during interrupt processing.

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

For example, in the above embodiment, in the sequence in Figures 26 to 29, a predetermined notification is made if the value of the input number CT11 in step S1307 is not the set allowable input number that is permitted to be set as the number of medals to be used in one game that can be generally expected in the slot machine SM and other slot machines (as defined by rules, etc.), and a predetermined notification is made if the value of the payout number CT12 is not the set allowable payout number that is permitted to be set as the number of medals to be paid out in one game that can be generally expected in the slot machine SM and other slot machines (as defined by rules, etc.). However, instead of this, a predetermined notification may be made if the value of the input number CT11 is not the number of medals set as the number of medals to be used in one game in the slot machine SM (hereinafter referred to as the "unique set input number"), and a predetermined notification may be made if the value of the payout number CT12 is not the number of medals set as the number of medals to be paid out in one game in the slot machine SM (hereinafter referred to as the "unique set payout number"). An example of this will be described using Figure 46. In FIG. 46, communication between the medal count control CPU 301 and the unit CPU 501 is realized by the function of the inter-unit transmission/reception means 301e of the medal count control CPU 301 and the function of the transmission/reception means 501e of the unit CPU 501, and communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is realized by the function of the medal management transmission/reception means 101n of the main control CPU 101 and the function of the main board transmission/reception means 301a of the medal count control CPU 301.

When the power of the slot machine SM is turned "ON", the main control CPU 101 of the slot machine SM transmits the unique set input number and unique set payout number to the medal count control CPU 301 of the slot machine SM (step S1401), and the medal count control CPU 301 stores the unique set input number and unique set payout number received from the main control CPU 101 in the memory 302 (step S1402).

Steps S1301 to S1306 are the same as steps S1301 to S1306 described in FIG. 26.

In step S1403, the medal count control CPU 301 performs the following (Process 1) to (Process 4).

(Process 1) When the value of the number of coins inserted CT11 received from the main control CPU 101 is not "0", the medal count control CPU 301 checks whether the value of the number of coins inserted CT11 is the unique set number of coins inserted (in this modified example, "2" to "3"), and if it is not the unique set number of coins inserted, issues a specified notification (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the number of coins inserted in one game).

(Process 2) If the value of the payout number CT12 received from the main control CPU 101 is not "0", the medal count control CPU 301 checks whether the value of the payout number CT12 is a unique set payout number (in this modified example, "1", "8", or "15"), and if it is not a unique set payout number, issues a specified notification (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the payout number for one game).

(Process 3) The medal count control CPU 301 compares the value of the comparative medal count CT15 received from the main control CPU 101 with the value of the medal count CT31, and checks whether the result of subtracting the value of the medal count CT31 from the value of the comparative medal count CT15 is within the range of "-1" to "1", and if it is not within the range, issues a specified notification (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the number of medals inserted between the previous transmission of "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the transmission of the current "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information").

(Process 4) The medal count control CPU 301 compares the value of the comparative medal payout number CT16 received from the main control CPU 101 with the value of the medal payout number CT32, and checks whether the result of subtracting the value of the medal payout number CT32 from the value of the comparative medal payout number CT16 is within the range of "-1" to "1", and if it is not within the range, issues a specified notification (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the number of payouts between the previous transmission of "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information" and the transmission of the current "Hall Control/Fraud Monitoring Information").

Steps S1308 to S1309 are the same as steps S1308 to S1309 described in FIG. 26.

For example, if the uniquely set input number or uniquely set payout number set in the slot machine SM is a part of the set allowable input number or set allowable payout number, an abnormality such as fraud has occurred even if the input number CT11 or payout number CT12 is an input number other than the uniquely set input number among the set allowable input number or a payout other than the uniquely set payout among the set allowable payout number.

According to this configuration, when the number of medals to be used (consumed) in one game (the value of the input number CT11) is received from the main control CPU101, if the received number of medals is not the uniquely set input number, it detects that an abnormality such as fraud has occurred, and in such a case issues a prescribed notification (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the number of medals input in one game), so that the occurrence of such an abnormality such as fraud can be easily discovered. Also, when the medal count control CPU301 receives the number of medals to be paid out in one game (the value of the payout number CT12) from the main control CPU101, if the received number of medals is not the uniquely set payout number, it detects that an abnormality such as fraud has occurred, and in such a case issues a prescribed notification (for example, a notification of an abnormality in the number of medals paid out in one game), so that the occurrence of such an abnormality such as fraud can be easily discovered.

In addition, when the power is turned on, the unique setting input number and the unique setting payout number are sent from the main control CPU 101 to the medal count control CPU 301 and stored in the memory 302 of the medal count control CPU 301, so the workload of setting the unique setting input number and the unique setting payout number in advance in the memory 302 of the medal count control CPU 301 can be avoided.

In the above, the main control CPU 101 transmits the unique setting input number and unique setting payout number to the medal count control CPU 301 when the power is turned on, and the medal count control CPU 301 retains the received unique setting input number and unique setting payout number, but this is not limited to this. For example, when the main control board 100 on which the main control CPU 101 is mounted and the medal count control board 300 on which the medal count control CPU 301 is mounted are attached to the slot machine SM, the unique setting input number and unique setting payout number may be set in the memory 302 of the medal count control CPU 301.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the amount of medals exchanged between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 per transaction is one medal, but this is not limited to this and may be two or more medals.

In addition, the "ON" content of each signal in the above embodiment may be changed to "OFF" content, and the "OFF" content may be changed to "ON" content, and the inversion and re-inversion processing of each signal may be performed accordingly.

In addition, when the counting switch 31 is pressed by the player, the medal count control CPU 301 detects the pressing of the counting switch 31 and performs counting processing using the "counting notification" message, the medal count control CPU 301 transmits information to the sub-control CPU 201 to notify that counting is in progress (hereinafter referred to as "counting notification information"). When the sub-control CPU 201 receives the counting notification information from the medal count control CPU 301, it may notify the player that counting is in progress by displaying "Counting" on the liquid crystal display 14 or outputting a voice message saying "Counting is in progress" from the speakers 15, 16. With this configuration, it is possible to inform the player that counting is in progress. Furthermore, even if the main control CPU 101 is unable to operate due to a malfunction or the like, it is possible to notify the player that counting is in progress.

In addition, when the pseudo medals are moved between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 based on the pressing of the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8, or the settlement switch 33, or when the pseudo medals are moved between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 based on the winning of a role that has a pseudo medal payout, the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 each count the number of pseudo medals that have been moved. The main control CPU 101 transmits the number of pseudo medals that have been moved that the main control CPU 101 is counting to the sub-control CPU 201, and the medal count control CPU 301 transmits the number of pseudo medals that have been moved that the medal count control CPU 301 is counting to the sub-control CPU 201. The sub-control CPU 201 may compare the number of pseudo medals received from the main control CPU 101 with the number of pseudo medals received from the medal count control CPU 301. For example, if the transfer of pseudo medals between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 is performed by a signal between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301, it is possible that the number of pseudo medals may be obtained fraudulently by forging the signal between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301. However, with this configuration, the sub-control CPU 201 can monitor for fraudulent acquisition of the number of pseudo medals by comparing the number of pseudo medals received from both.

In addition, when one game is completed, a payout process may be performed, followed by calculation of numerical values of information related to the role ratio monitor 47, followed by calculation of numerical values of other information related to the gaming machine performance, and then updating of the gaming status. In terms of communication information with the card unit CU, the information to be displayed on the role ratio monitor 47 among the gaming machine performance information may be calculated first, the rest may be calculated later, and then information on some of the hole control and fraud information (AT, BB, etc.) may be updated.

Furthermore, the errors detected by the medal count control CPU 301 and the main control CPU 101 will be explained with reference to FIG. 64.

In FIG. 64, the error code is a code uniquely assigned to each error to identify the error, and is displayed in the top three digits (ten thousandths, thousands, and hundreds) of the game medal count display 26 when an error occurs. The error name is the name of the corresponding error. The detection CPU is the CPU that detects the corresponding error. The error occurrence condition is the condition under which the corresponding error occurs. The error occurrence timing is the timing at which the corresponding error occurs. The error release condition is the condition under which the corresponding error is released.

Regarding the error with error code "H00", the error name is a medal upper limit error, the detection CPU that detects this error is the medal count control CPU 301, the error occurrence condition is that the number of game medals exceeds a specified value of "16383" (14 bits are allocated as the storage area for the number of game medals, so 16383 (= 2 ¹⁴ - 1)) due to a payout due to winning, etc., the error occurrence timing when an error may occur is during payout or lending, and the error release condition is that the count falls below the specified value. Note that the specified value may be a value less than 16383.

Regarding the error with error code "H01", the error name is a unit connection error, the detection CPU that detects the error is the medal count control CPU 301, the error occurrence condition is when the VL of the card unit CU is turned off, the error occurrence timing at which an error may occur is constant, and the error release condition is when the VL is turned on. The conditions for transitioning to an error state are when the reels (6L, 6M, 6R) are spinning, when settings are being changed, or when an error is occurring. Furthermore, when the VL is turned on, the unit connection error is automatically released.

Regarding the error with error code "H02", the error name is an information detection error, the detection CPU that detects the error is the medal count control CPU 301, the error occurrence condition is that the difference between the increase/decrease in the number of pseudo medals managed by the main control CPU 101 and the increase/decrease in the number of pseudo medals managed by the medal count control CPU 301 is two or more, the error occurrence timing at which an error may occur is constant, and the error release condition is the pressing of the reset switch 52.

Regarding the error with error code "H03", the error name is a medal count control RAM error, the detection CPU that detects the error is the medal count control CPU 301, the condition for the error to occur is that the RAM used by the medal count control CPU 301 becomes abnormal, the timing of the error occurrence is when the RAM used by the medal count control CPU 301 becomes abnormal, and the condition for clearing the error is pressing the reset switch 52.

Regarding the error with error code "P04", the error name is a main control RAM error, the detecting CPU that detects the error is the main control CPU 101, the error occurs when the RAM used by the main control CPU 101 becomes abnormal, the error occurs when the RAM used by the main control CPU 301 becomes abnormal, and the error is released when the settings are changed.

Regarding the error with error code "P05", the error name is a board connection error, the detection CPU that detects the error is the main control CPU 101, the error occurs when there is no response for 3129 ms or more during communication between the main control CPU 101 and the medal count control CPU 301 regarding the number of game medals, the error may occur during insertion, cancellation of insertion (settlement), and payout, and the error is released when the reset switch 52 is pressed.

In addition, although the above embodiments have been described with respect to slot machines, the present invention is not limited to slot machines and can also be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

The above embodiments and variations can be combined as appropriate.

This invention can also be widely applied to gaming machines installed in gaming facilities such as pachinko parlors.

SM... slot machine, CU... card unit, 100A... main control/medal count control board, 101A... main control/medal count control CPU, 101iA... error detection means, 301h... error detection means, 101r... error detection confirmation means, 101s... error processing means, 102D... ROM, 102E... RAM

Claims (1)

A gaming machine having a control means, a readable but write-inhibited first storage means, and a readable and writable second storage means, in which gaming values are awarded according to game results,
a memory area of one of the first storage means is configured to include a first control program memory area in which a first control program for performing a first control including a game progress control program related to control regarding the progress of a game is stored, and a second control program memory area which is a memory area different from the first control program memory area and in which a second control program for performing a second control including control regarding the amount of transfer of the game value between an external game machine compatible unit and the external game machine compatible unit through communication performed at a constant period with the external game machine compatible unit is stored;
a storage area of one of the second storage means is configured to include a first data storage area corresponding to the first control program storage area and a second data storage area corresponding to the second control program storage area;
one of the control means is capable of functioning as a first control means for performing the first control by executing the first control program stored in the first control program storage area, and is also capable of functioning as a second control means for performing the second control by executing the second control program stored in the second control program storage area,
The game progress control program stored in the first control program storage area can call the second control program stored in the second control program storage area.
The second control program stored in the second control program storage area cannot call the game progress control program stored in the first control program storage area,
Regarding a predetermined event to be monitored by the second control means,
The second control means is
performing a predetermined event monitoring process in which the predetermined event is monitored and the contents stored in the predetermined location of the second data storage area are based on the monitoring result of the predetermined event;
The first control means is
based on a result of monitoring the predetermined event by the second control means, an error process is performed according to the predetermined event;
The gaming machine includes a game information display unit that displays information related to a game at a position that is not visible to a player,
The first control is
A payout control that controls a payout process related to the provision of the gaming value to a player;
An information display processing control that controls a process related to the information display of the game information display unit;
and a gaming machine performance processing control for controlling a process related to the performance information of the gaming machine to be transmitted to the external gaming machine compatible unit.
A gaming machine characterized in that, during the period from a stop operation by a player to the start operation of the next game, the payout control starts a process related to the granting of the gaming value, then the information display processing control starts a process of calculating display information to be displayed on the gaming information display unit, and then the gaming machine performance processing control starts a process of calculating information excluding the display information from the performance information of the gaming machine.

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