JP2017159113A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine in which a player does not suffer disadvantage because a number of game media that have been lent is not stored due to detection abnormality, despite the fact that the game media have been lent.SOLUTION: There is provided a slot machine in which games can be played by using a number of credited balls stored in a credit counter. In the slot machine, a lending control is performed for putting out a predetermined number of game balls from a put-out device on the basis of a reception of a lending request notification, and a number of take-in balls which are the game balls put out and passing a take-in passage detected by a take-in ball detection switch is added to the credit counter. Further, a put-out control unit determines a detection abnormality of the take-in balls by the take-in ball detection switch, and when the detection abnormality is determined, interrupts a put-out operation by the put-out device and stops the lending control being performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 33

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game using the number of game media stored in a game media storage means.

  A slot machine represented by this type of gaming machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of (usually three) reels having a plurality of types of symbols as identification information drawn on the outer periphery. A player sets a bet by inserting a medal as a game medium or using a credit, and a start operation is performed with a specified bet set. The rotation is stopped by operating the stop button provided. When all reels stop rotating, a winning combination occurs when a predetermined winning symbol combination (for example, 7-7-7, hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is arranged on the winning line. Then, medals are paid out by a medal hopper provided inside the housing.

  When playing a game with a slot machine, cash is put into a medal lending machine arranged on the side of the slot machine, etc., and a number of medals equivalent to the inserted amount are borrowed and used to play a game. For example, a card unit having a card reader capable of reading a value recorded on a recording medium capable of specifying a player-owned value is arranged corresponding to the slot machine. In response to a lending request from a card unit, some medals corresponding to the value requested for lending are paid out from the medal hopper.

  As a slot machine of this type, the medal paid out from the medal circulation device in response to the occurrence of a winning or a loan request is detected by the payout sensor or the lending sensor, and then taken from the take-in port and returned to the medal circulation device. And a slot machine that allows the player to play a game without touching a medal by using the stored number of medals as a player-owned point and using the stored point. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-126176 (page 9, FIG. 8-10)

  In the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, a medal paid out from a medal circulation device in response to the occurrence of a winning or a lending request is detected by a payout sensor or a lending sensor and then taken in from a slot. Although returned to the circulation device, if a medal clogging or sensor abnormality occurs in the middle of the circulation path, the paid out medal may not be detected even though the medal is paid out from the medal circulation device. Conceivable. In such a case, since the number of medals paid out is not stored as a player-owned point, there is a problem that the player suffers a disadvantage.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and despite the fact that game media has been rented out, the number of game media lent out due to a detection abnormality is not stored and the player is disadvantaged. An object is to provide a gaming machine that does not suffer.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of means 1 of the present invention is:
In a gaming machine comprising game ball storage means for storing the number of game balls owned by a player and capable of playing a game using the number of game balls stored in the game ball storage means,
Lending means for performing a sending operation control for sending out a predetermined number of game balls by repeatedly sending out a predetermined number of gaming balls for a predetermined number of units based on a predetermined lending request, a predetermined number of times;
A sending game ball detecting means for detecting a send game ball sent out by the lending means;
A take-in passage through which a game ball sent out by the lending means enters;
An incoming game ball detecting means for detecting an incoming game ball that has entered the intake passage;
Adding means for adding the number of game balls captured by the game ball detection means to the number of game balls stored in the game ball storage means;
An abnormality determining means for determining an abnormal detection of the captured game ball by the captured game ball detecting means;
Lending stop means for stopping the sending operation control based on the detection abnormality determined by the abnormality determination means,
With
The abnormality determining means is based on the fact that the difference between the number of game balls detected by the game ball detection means and the number of game balls detected by the game game detection means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. It is determined that the detection is abnormal,
The predetermined value is equal to or greater than the number of game balls that can stay between the sending game ball detecting means and the taking game ball detecting means in the take-in passage,
The abnormality determining means is characterized in that a detection abnormality is determined every time the sending operation for sending out the game balls for the predetermined number of units of 2 or more is completed.

The gaming machine of means 2 of the present invention is:
A game having a game medium storage means (credit counter) for storing the number of game media owned by the player (number of credit balls) and capable of playing a game using the number of game media stored in the game medium storage means Machine (slot machine 1)
Sending operation control for sending out a predetermined number (250 balls) of game media by repeating a sending operation of sending out a predetermined number of game media of two or more predetermined units based on a predetermined lending request (lending request notification). Lending means (dispensing device 200) for performing
Sending game medium detecting means for detecting the sending game medium sent out by the lending means;
A take-in passage (220) through which the game medium sent out by the lending means enters;
Intake game medium detection means (intake ball detection switch 203) for detecting the ingestion game medium (number of ingestion balls) that has entered the intake passage;
Adder means for adding the number of game media detected by the game medium detection means to the number of game media stored in the game medium storage means (in Steps Se10-14 of the BET process in the main control unit 41) Part to execute)
An abnormality determining means (a part for executing steps Sk6 to 15 of the switch detection process in the payout control unit 61) for determining an abnormal detection (difference ball error, lending prohibition error) of the taken game medium by the taken game medium detecting means; ,
Lending stop means for stopping the sending operation control on the basis of the detection abnormality determined by the abnormality determining means (part for executing a payout stop waiting process in the payout control unit 61);
With
The abnormality determination means is based on the fact that the difference between the number of game media detected by the game game detection means and the number of game media detected by the game medium detection means has reached a predetermined value or more. It is determined that the detection is abnormal,
The predetermined value is equal to or greater than the number of game media that can stay between the sending game medium detecting means and the taking game medium detecting means in the take-in passage,
The abnormality determining means is characterized in that a detection abnormality is determined every time when the sending operation for sending out two or more predetermined number of game media is completed.
According to this feature, the game medium sent out by the lending operation based on the predetermined lending request is taken in after being detected by the take-in game medium detecting means in the middle of moving through the take-in path. When it is determined that a detection abnormality such as a game medium clogging occurs or a game medium is not detected by the captured game medium detection means due to generation of noise, the sending operation is stopped at the determined time. Thus, it is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage because the sending operation is performed despite the situation where the number of taken-in game media is not added to the game media storage means.

A gaming machine according to means 3 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to means 2,
Game control means (main control unit 41) for controlling the progress of the game,
The game control means is characterized in that the game medium storage means (credit counter) is used even when the sending operation (lending control) is stopped by the lending stop means (the part where the payout control unit 61 executes the payout stop waiting process). If the number of game media stored (number of balls to be taken in) remains, the remaining game media are used to control the game (the BET processing step Se14 in the main control unit 41; the portion for executing Yes)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, even if the sending operation is stopped, a game can be performed using the number of game media stored in the game media storage means, so that it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered.

The gaming machine of means 4 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to means 2 or 3,
When the detection abnormality (difference ball error) is resolved after the sending operation (lending control) is stopped by the lending stop means (the part that executes the payout stop waiting process in the payout control unit 61), the game progresses. The lending on condition that a predetermined return condition determined according to the condition is satisfied (the payout reset switch 210 is operated in a state other than during the BET process, during the BET settlement process, during the credit settlement process, or during the game) Lending resumption means (a part for executing payout recovery waiting processing in the payout control unit 61) for resuming the sending operation by the means (payout device 200) is provided.
According to this feature, even if the detection abnormality is resolved after the sending operation is stopped, the sending operation is not resumed unless a predetermined return condition determined according to the progress of the game is satisfied. There is no risk of causing trouble.

The gaming machine of means 5 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of means 2 to 4,
The take-in passage (220) includes a window portion (take-in see-through window 106) that makes it impossible to take out a game medium (game ball) and makes it visible.
According to this feature, whether or not the game medium is paid out can be visually confirmed through the window, and it is possible to prevent the game medium from being taken out and illegally detected.

It is a front view showing a slot machine which is an example of a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view which shows the state which opened the front door of the slot machine. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of a slot machine. (A) is a schematic side view which shows the structure of a ball | bowl circulation apparatus, (b) is a schematic front view of (a). It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the exchange condition of the notification transmitted between the game control board and payout control board of a slot machine, and a payout control board and a card unit. It is a figure which shows the name of the notification transmitted / received between a game control board, a payout control board, and a card unit, and its content. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the game process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the BET process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the BET process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the payout process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the power-on process (payout) which a payout control part performs at the time of power activation. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the interruption process (payout) performed regularly based on the output of an internal timer, after a payment control part cancels | releases interruption prohibition. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the switch detection process which a payout control part performs in the step of Sq1. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the connection confirmation process which a payout control part performs in the step of Sq2. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the main board | substrate communication process which a payout control part performs in the step of Sq3. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the main board | substrate communication process 1 which a payout control part performs in the step of Ss2. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the main board | substrate communication process 2 which a payout control part performs in the step of Ss3. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the main board | substrate communication process 3 which a payout control part performs in the step of Ss4. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the main board | substrate communication process 4 which a payout control part performs in the step of Ss5. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the main board | substrate communication process 5 which a payout control part performs in the step of Ss6. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the lending control process which a payout control part performs in the step of Sq4. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the lending communication process 1 which a payout control part performs in the step of St2. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the lending communication process 2 which a payout control part performs in the step of St3. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the lending communication process 3 which a payout control part performs in the step of St4. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the lending communication process 4 which a payout control part performs in the step of St5. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the payout control process which a payout control part performs in the step of Sq5. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the payout start waiting process which a payout control part performs in the step of Su4. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the payout stop waiting process which a payout control part performs in the step of Su5. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the payout passage waiting process which a payout control part performs in the step of Su6. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the payout recovery waiting process which a payout control part performs in the step of Su7. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the lifting control process which a payout control part performs in the step of Sq7. (A) is a figure which shows the flow of a normal lending process, (b) is a figure which shows the flow when an error generate | occur | produces during execution of lending control. It is a figure which shows the flow of a credit payment process. It is a figure which shows the flow of a loan prohibition condition.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  An embodiment of a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the slot machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the front door of the slot machine is opened. FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the slot machine. 4A is a schematic side view showing the structure of the ball circulation device, and FIG. 4B is a front view of FIG. 4A. In the following description, the description will be made based on the horizontal and vertical directions when facing the front of the slot machine 1 of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a base frame 110 formed in a square frame shape, a front frame 111 pivotally supported on the left side of the base frame 110, and A front door 112 pivotally supported on the left side of the front frame 111 and capable of opening and closing the front surface of the front frame 111 is mainly configured.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the front frame 111 has reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 1, three consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are arranged so as to be seen from the see-through window 3 provided on the front door 112.

  On the outer peripheries of the reels 2L, 2C and 2R, “Black 7”, “White 7”, “BAR”, “Replay”, “Bell”, “Watermelon” (not shown), “Cherry”, “Orange” A plurality of identifiable symbols such as (not shown), “grape” (not shown), and “plum” are drawn in a predetermined order, 21 pieces each. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed in the upper, middle, and lower three stages in the see-through window 3, respectively.

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are provided in correspondence with each other and rotated by reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (see FIG. 5), so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuously formed in the see-through window 3. In addition to being displayed while changing, by stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3 as display results.

  Inside the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R (see FIG. 5) for detecting a reference position for each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R and the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R from the back A reel LED 55 for irradiation is provided. The reel LED 55 includes a plurality of LEDs arranged corresponding to three consecutive symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and can irradiate each symbol independently.

  A liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) for displaying an effect image or the like is disposed above the fluoroscopic window 3 in the front door 112. In addition, at the lower position of the fluoroscopic window 3, a specified number of bets determined according to the gaming state within the range using credits (the number of game balls stored as game values owned by the player). When the maximum bet number is set, the MAXBET switch 6 operated when setting the maximum bet number, the game ball used for setting the bet number is settled (BET checkout for returning the game balls used for setting the bet number). The player can operate the settlement switch 10 that is operated, the start switch 7 that is operated when starting the game, and stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that are operated when stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, respectively. Are provided respectively.

  Also, the front door 112 displays a credit indicator 11 that displays the number of credit balls stored as credits, the number of balls paid out due to the occurrence of a prize, an error code indicating the contents when an error occurs, and the like. The game auxiliary indicator 12, 1 BETLED 14 for informing that the bet number is set by 1 lighting, 2 BETLED 15 for informing that the bet number is set 2 by lighting, and that the bet number is set to 3 3BETLED 16 to notify, a BET request LED 17 to notify that the bet number can be set by lighting, a start effective LED 18 to notify that the game start operation by operating the start switch 7 is effective, and a replay game to be described later Replaying LED 20 to notify that it is in progress, LED 1 during waiting Is a game display section 13 provided is provided with.

  In addition, the game display unit 13 displays the balance of the valuable value read from the prepaid card (not shown) or the membership card (not shown) being received by the card unit 300 arranged in parallel with the slot machine 1. Remaining amount indicator 26, a ball lending switch 27 that is operated when a game ball is lent within the range of the remaining value of the value displayed on the remaining amount indicator 26, and a prepaid card that is being accepted in the card unit 300 arranged in parallel Alternatively, a return switch 28 that is operated when returning the membership card is provided. In this embodiment, based on the operation of the return switch 28, the number of credit balls owned by the player stored in the credit is recorded on the prepaid card or membership card being accepted.

  Inside the MAXBET switch 6, there is provided a BET switch valid LED 21 (see FIG. 5) for notifying that the setting operation of the betting number by the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is valid, and the stop switches 8L, 8C, Inside the 8R, left, middle and right stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C and 22R (see FIG. 5) for notifying that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C and 8R is effective are provided. It has been.

  On the front face of the front frame 111 and the back face of the front door 112, as shown in FIG. 5, a reset switch 23 for detecting an error state described later by a predetermined key operation and a reset operation for releasing a stop state described later, A setting value display 24 that displays a setting value at that time while changing a setting value or checking a setting value, which will be described later, a door opening detection switch 25 for detecting the open state of the front door 112, and a hit at the end of BB described later. A stop switch 36a for selecting validity / invalidity of a stop function for controlling to a stop state (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until a reset operation is performed), automatic settlement processing (stored as credits) at the end of BB described later An automatic checkout switch 36b is provided for selecting whether to enable / disable the automatic checkout function for controlling (returning) the game balls that have been played to checkout (returning without depending on the player's operation). It is.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the front surface of the front frame 111, the reel unit 2 in which the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R described above are assembled, an external output board 1000 (see FIG. 5) for outputting an external output signal, A power supply substrate 101 is provided. The power supply board 101 functions as a setting key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, and functions as a reset switch for canceling the error state or the aforementioned stop state in a normal state. There are provided a reset / setting switch 38 functioning as a setting switch for changing a setting value of a winning probability (balling rate) of internal lottery described later, and a power switch 39 operated when turning on / off the power. .

  Further, on the lower left side of the reel unit 2 in the front frame 111, a game ball is paid out based on a lending request as described later, and the paid game ball is detected and the inside of the slot machine (the back of the front frame 111). ) Is provided with a ball circulation device 120 which is taken in and then used for circulation.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the ball circulation device 120 is a payout device 200 for paying out game balls, and a take-in passage that is bent downward from the lower portion of the payout device 200 and then bent toward the back side. 220, a lifting device 230 for lifting the game ball flowing down the intake passage 220, a lifting passage 221 extending upward from the upper portion of the lifting device 230, and a lifting passage 221 A supply passage 222 that extends from the upper end toward the front side and then bends downward is formed mainly, and each device and each passage form a circulation path for lending game balls. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, the intake passage 220, the lifting passage 221, and the supply passage 222 are each composed of five passages, but are not limited to the five passages, for example, one passage. Alternatively, it may be configured with six or more passages.

  The payout device 200 is provided with a sprocket 206 that is rotationally driven by the payout motor 201 in correspondence with each line of the supply passage 222. Also, below the sprocket 206, a payout ball detection switch 202 for individually detecting the passage of game balls discharged from each sprocket 206 based on payout of rental balls or the like is provided corresponding to each item. The game balls discharged by the rotation of the sprockets 206 are detected by the payout ball detection switches 202 and then discharged to the intake passages 220 extending downward from the lower portion of the payout device 200. It is like that.

  In the present embodiment, each sprocket 206 arranged corresponding to each line of the supply passage 222 is rotationally driven in synchronization by the payout motor 201 so as to pay out two game balls in one rotation. However, each may be driven by a separate dispensing motor.

  The game ball paid out from the payout device 200 is detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203 in the middle of flowing down the take-in passage 220, and then guided toward the back side and supplied to the lifting device 230. . The downstream side of the intake passage 220 extends through the front frame 111 to the back side of the front frame 111. In addition, each take-in ball detection switch 203 is arranged on the downstream side of each payout ball detection switch 202 with an interval corresponding to 10 game balls, and both ball detection switches 202 and 203 will be described later. By detecting, it is determined that one ball has been lent.

  The lifting device 230 is provided with a sprocket 231 that is rotationally driven by a lifting motor 212 corresponding to each strip of the intake passage 220. On the upstream side of the sprocket 231, a lift ball detection switch 204 for rotating each sprocket 231 is provided corresponding to each item, and a game ball is detected by the lift ball detection switch 204 as will be described later. Accordingly, the sprocket 231 rotates for a predetermined time. Since a plurality of game balls stay in the lifting passage 221 in the vertical direction, when the game balls supplied from the intake passage 220 are transferred to the lifting passage 221 by the sprocket 231, A game ball located at the top of the passage 221 is pushed out and discharged to the supply passage 222.

  Further, the lifting device 230 is formed with a ball passage 232 so that all the game balls remaining in the passage can be discharged when a ball clogging or the like occurs. Further, a cleaning device 240 is provided in the middle of the lifting passage 221 so that the game ball is cleaned in the middle of lifting.

  In this embodiment, each sprocket 231 arranged corresponding to each strip of the intake passage 220 is driven to rotate synchronously by the lift motor 212, but each is individually driven by a separate lift motor. You may make it drive by.

  A supply passage 222 provided continuously from the upper end of the lifting passage 221 extends through the front frame 111 and gradually inclines downward toward the front. By being provided meandering back and forth after being bent downward, a large amount of game balls can be superposed vertically to make it stand by efficiently. The supply passage 222 is provided with a supply ball detection switch 205 for detecting that a predetermined number of game balls are supplied to the payout device 200. In this embodiment, the supply ball detection switch 205 detects that 50 game balls have been supplied to each item of the supply passage 222, and 50 balls × 5 items = 250 games. The lending process is executed on the condition that the ball is waiting on the upstream side of the dispensing device 200.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the ball circulation device 120 configured as described above includes a supply passage 222, a dispensing device 200, and an intake passage 220 arranged on the front side of the front frame 111, and a lifting device 230, The upstream side of the feed passage 221 and the supply passage 222 is fixed to the lower left side of the front frame 111 so that the upstream side is disposed on the back side of the front frame 111. In addition, for example, about 500 game balls are enclosed in the take-in passage 220 and the lift passage 221 in the ball circulation device 120 in advance.

  Each of the passages 220, 221, and 222 is composed of a cylindrical member made of a synthetic resin material having translucency, so that the game ball cannot be taken out from the player and is visible. Yes. In particular, the vertical portion 220a of the intake passage 220 is disposed below the front door 112, and is provided close to the back surface of the title panel 105 on which the title, model name, and the like of the slot machine are displayed.

  Specifically, the title panel 105 is non-translucent, and a sheet panel 105a on which the title, model name, and the like of the slot machine is printed is provided on the back surface. The seat panel 105a is decorated as a whole, and a transparent see-through window 106 for taking in is formed in a part of the seat panel 105a. Since the vertical portion 220a of the take-in passage 220 is disposed so as to face the see-through see-through window 106, the take-in see-through window 106 is taken in even when the front door 112 is closed. The vertical portion 220a of the passage 220 can be visually observed. Further, since the vertical portion 220a of the take-in passage 220 is formed of a light-transmitting synthetic resin material, it is possible to visually confirm the situation in which the game ball passes through the take-in passage 220. is there.

  The ball circulation device 120 has a structure in which the game ball can be taken out only from the ball passage 232 from each passage 220, 221, 222, but for example, the game ball is placed on a part of the vertical portion 220 a of the take-in passage 220. An opening that can be taken out is formed, and a see-through see-through window 106 is provided so as to be openable and closable. By opening the see-through see-through window 106, a game ball may be taken out.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the taking-in see-through window 106 is a window portion that allows the game ball passing through the vertical portion 220 a of the taking-in passage 220 to be visually recognized, but the gaming ball waiting in the supply passage 222 You may provide the window part which can be visually recognized.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the payout device 200 of the ball circulation device 120 pays out the game ball based on the rental request from the player, but the payout game ball is detected without being touched by the player. Then, it is taken into the back side of the front frame 111 and the taken game ball is lifted by the lifting device 230 and supplied to the payout device 200 again.

  In the present embodiment, the capturing fluoroscopic window 106 is provided in the title panel 105, but the arrangement positions of the ball circulation device 120 and the capturing fluoroscopic window 106 can be variously changed. The see-through window 106 may be located on the side of the see-through window 3 or at an upper position.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided in parallel with a card unit 300 that accepts a prepaid card or a membership card in which a valuable value is recorded. The card unit 300 can send and receive various types of notification data regarding gaming ball lending to and from the corresponding slot machine 1, and in response to a request from the card unit 300 based on the operation of the ball lending switch 27 described above. It is possible to rent game balls using valuable values recorded on prepaid cards and membership cards that are being accepted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a card insertion slot 301 for inserting a prepaid card or a membership card, a banknote insertion slot 302 for inserting a banknote, and a display unit 303 are provided on the front surface of the card unit 300. The card insertion slot 301 is connected to a card slot (not shown) of a card reader / writer (not shown) built in the card unit 300, and a prepaid card or a membership card is inserted into the card slot via the card insertion slot 301. Can be inserted. The card reader / writer (not shown) is a member card inserted from the card insertion slot 301 and a (member) card ID recorded on the prepaid card, a member ID (member card only), prepaid balance data, premium sphere Read and write recording information such as numerical data.

  The prepaid card and the membership card used in this embodiment are a non-volatile memory for storing various data, and rewriting and reading out the recorded information, and non-contact with an external reader / writer device A prepaid card or a membership card having an IC chip having a control unit for performing communication is used, and in these prepaid cards and membership cards, card IDs that can identify individual cards are stored in advance. The type can be identified from the card ID, and various data such as prepaid balance data that can specify the prepaid balance in the card unit 300 and prize ball number data acquired by the player are stored. Note that the prepaid card of this embodiment is purchased and issued in an issuing machine (not shown) installed in the game hall.

  Further, at the upper position in the card unit 300, a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 302 is connected, the bill inserted into the bill insertion port 302 is taken in, and its authenticity and bill type are identified, and the identification result is shown in the apparatus. A banknote identification unit (not shown) for output to a control unit (not shown) provided at a substantially central portion is provided, and various banknotes (10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen) are provided in the banknote identification unit. , Thousand yen bills) can be accepted.

  As described above, the control unit (not shown) includes the remaining amount indicator 26 provided in the corresponding slot machine 1, the ball lending switch 27 for detecting the operation of the lending button, the prepaid card and the membership card being accepted. A return switch 28 that is operated when returning the item is connected.

  Further, a full color LED (provided in a multi-function lamp connected to the control unit) receives money identification information by a banknote identification unit (not shown) and card insertion information from a card reader / writer (not shown). LED, card reader / writer (not shown), display control board (not shown) control, balance indicator display control, etc., overall operation control, and prepaid card inserted into the card insertion slot 301 Card acceptance processing for determining whether or not a member card can be used in cooperation with a management computer (not shown), prepaid balance data read from a member card or prepaid card being accepted, or RAM (not shown) Lending process for lending a ball using the prepaid balance specified from the prepaid balance data stored in (see FIG. 33) By operating the return switch 28, the credit ball number stored in the credit is written as a premium ball number on the prepaid card or the member card, and the credit checkout process for returning the prepaid card or the member card being accepted or being accepted Deposit processing (not shown) is performed for depositing money by inserting money into the prepaid card remaining in the prepaid card or membership card.

  In this embodiment, the replay process using the number of prize balls recorded on the prepaid card or the membership card cannot be executed. However, for example, a predetermined number or more of the prize balls are recorded on the received prepaid card or the membership card. In such a case, a replay switch may be displayed on the display unit 303, and when the replay switch is operated, a predetermined number of prize balls may be added to the credit so that replay can be performed.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, a bet amount is set using credits. To use the credit, the MAXBET switch 6 may be operated. When a predetermined number of bets determined according to the gaming state are set, the pay lines L1 to L4 (see FIG. 1) become valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the game can be started. It becomes a state.

  The winning line is a line that is set to determine whether a combination of symbols displayed on the perspective windows 3 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is a winning symbol combination. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a winning line L1 set across the upper row of the reel 2L, the middle row of the reel 2C, the lower row of the reel 2R, that is, the symbols arranged in the lower right direction, the lower row of the reel 2L, the reel In the middle stage of 2C, the upper stage of reel 2R, that is, the winning line L2 set across the symbols that are lined up to the right, the upper stage of reel 2L, the middle stage of reel 2C, the upper stage of reel 2R, that is, the symbols arranged in a V shape Four types of winning lines L3 set across straddling symbols L3, lower reel 2L, middle reel 2C, lower reel 2R, that is, a winning line L4 set across a mountain-shaped pattern are defined as winning lines. Yes.

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

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is completed, and a combination of symbols (hereinafter also referred to as roles) that are validated and predetermined on the winning line is each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. When the display result is stopped, a winning occurs, and the number of balls determined according to the winning is given to the player, and all are added to the credit. In addition, when a combination of symbols with payout of game balls is arranged on a plurality of activated pay lines, the number of payout balls determined for each activated combination of symbols on the winning line is set. The total number of balls will be given to the player. However, an upper limit (75 balls in this embodiment) is set for the number of game balls to be awarded in one game, and if the total number of payout balls exceeds the upper limit, the game of the upper limit ball number A sphere will be given. In addition, when the combination of symbols accompanied by the transition of the gaming state is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R on the winning line, the gaming state is shifted according to the combination of symbols. ing.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, an effect control board 90, and a power supply board 101. The game state is controlled by the game control board 40, and the game state is controlled by the effect control board 90. The production according to the control is controlled, and the power supply board 101 generates the drive power for the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 and supplies them to each part.

  The power supply board 101 is supplied with AC100V power from the outside, and from this AC100V power supply, a DC voltage necessary for driving electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated, and the game control board 40 and the game control board 40 are generated. It is supplied to the production control board 90 connected through the. In addition, a command transmission line from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91, which will be described later, and a power supply line for supplying power from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 are connected via a single cable and connector. Are connected to each other, and all the connectors that connect these cables and the respective boards are connected to each other so that the respective parts on the side of the effect control board 90 can operate and receive commands from the main control part 41. Become. For this reason, unless the command transmission line for transmitting a command from the main control unit 41 is connected to the effect control board 90, power is not supplied to the effect control board 90, and only the effect control board 90 side operates. There is no end to it.

  Further, the setting key switch 37, the reset / setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 described above are connected to the power board 101.

  On the game control board 40, the above-described MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, settlement switch 10, reset switch 23, door opening detection switch 25, stop switch 36a, automatic settlement switch 36b, reel The sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R are connected, and the setting key switch 37 and the reset / setting switch 38 described above are connected via the power supply board 101, and detection signals of these connected switches are input. It is like that.

  The game control board 40 includes the credit indicator 11, the game auxiliary indicator 12, 1-3 BET LEDs 14-16, the BET request LED 17, the start valid LED 18, the waiting LED 19, the replaying LED 20, the BET switch valid LED 21, the left , Middle and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R, set value display 24, reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are connected, and these electrical components are a main control unit 41 (described later) mounted on the game control board 40. It is driven based on this control.

  The game control board 40 includes a microcomputer having a main CPU 41a, ROM 41b, RAM 41c, and I / O port 41d. The main control unit 41 controls the game, and random numbers in a predetermined range (0 to 65535 in this embodiment). A random number circuit 42 for generating a signal, a pulse oscillator 43 for supplying a clock signal of a constant frequency to the random number circuit 42, and a detection signal input from a switch connected directly to the game control board 40 or via the power supply board 101. Supplied to the switch detection circuit 44, the motor drive circuit 45 that controls the drive of the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, the various displays connected to the game control board 40, the LED drive circuit 47 that controls the drive of LEDs, and the slot machine 1 When the power supply voltage is monitored and a voltage drop is detected, a voltage drop signal indicating that A power interruption detection circuit 48 output to the main control unit 41, a reset circuit 49 that gives a reset signal to the main CPU 41a when the power is turned on or when an initialization command is not input from the main CPU 41a, and other various devices and circuits are mounted. ing.

  The main CPU 41a has an interrupt function (including an interrupt prohibition function) such as a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 41b, and performs processing related to the progress of the game. Each part of the control circuit mounted on the game control board 40 is controlled directly or indirectly. The ROM 41b stores fixed data such as programs executed by the main CPU 41a and various tables. The RAM 41c is used as a work area when the main CPU 41a executes a program. The I / O port 41d inputs / outputs a control signal to / from each circuit connected via a signal input / output terminal included in the main control unit 41.

  Further, the main control unit 41 is supplied with backup power even during a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 41c is held while the backup power is being supplied.

  The main CPU 41a repeatedly loops the process according to the control state until the detection state of the various switches connected to the game control board 40 is changed as a basic process, and step by step according to the change of the detection state of the various switches. Execute the process to move to. Further, the main CPU 41a has an interrupt function as described above, and can interrupt the basic process by the occurrence of the interrupt and execute the interrupt process. The voltage output from the power interruption detection circuit 48 The power interruption interrupt process (main) is executed in response to the input of the decrease signal, and the timer interrupt process (main) is executed at regular time intervals (about 0.56 ms in this embodiment). In addition, the execution interval of the timer interrupt process (main) is set to a time longer than the sum of the time required to complete the repeated process according to the control state in the basic process and the execution time of the timer interrupt process (main) Therefore, the process that is repeated according to the control state between the current and next timer interrupt processes (main) is completed at least once.

  The main CPU 41a transmits various commands to the effect control board 90 via the I / O port 41d. A command transmitted from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is sent in only one direction, and no command is sent from the effect control board 90 to the game control board 40. The transmission line of the command transmitted from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is composed of a strobe (INT) signal line, a data transmission line, and a ground line, and is connected via the effect relay board 80. The game control board 40 and the effect control board 90 are not directly connected.

  The payout control board 60 is connected to the payout ball detection switch 202, the take-in ball detection switch 203, the lifting ball detection switch 204, the supply ball detection switch 205, and the payout reset switch 210 described above. A detection signal is input. The take-in ball detection switch 203 is connected to both the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60, and a detection signal from the take-in ball detection switch 203 is sent to the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60. Input to both sides.

  Also, the payout control board 60 is connected with electrical components such as the payout motor 201, the lifting motor 212, and the error notification LED 211 described above, and these electrical components are described later in the payout control mounted on the payout control board 60. It is driven based on control by the unit 61.

  Similarly to the main control unit 41, the payout control board 60 has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a payout control unit 61 composed of a microcomputer having an I / O port, and a detection input from a switch connected to the payout control board 60. A switch detection circuit 62 to which a signal is input, a motor circuit 63 that performs drive control of the payout motor 201, a display drive circuit 64 that performs drive control of various LEDs, and the like are mounted. In response to a signal or notification output from the main control unit 41 mounted on the control board 40 and a detection signal from the payout reset switch 210 connected to the payout control board 60, control is performed to reset the error state.

  The payout control board 60 is connected to the card unit 300 arranged in parallel via the connection terminal board 70, and the payout control unit 61 receives a request from a control unit (not shown) mounted on the card unit 300. In response to this, the lending control is performed to pay out as many game balls as the number of balls based on the lending request from the dispensing device 200 of the ball circulation device 120.

  The number of taken-in balls detected by the taking-in ball detection switch 203 by executing this lending control is a credit counter (credit ball) set in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 as a valuable value owned by the player. It is added to the counter indicating the number.

  The payout control unit 61 includes an internal timer (not shown) like the main control unit 41, and the CPU of the payout control unit 61 interrupts the interrupt process into the basic process based on the output of the internal timer, and periodically. It can be executed. Note that, unlike the RAM of the main control unit 41, the RAM of the payout control unit 61 is not supplied with backup power and does not hold the stored data at the time of power failure.

  The effect control board 90 is connected to effect devices such as a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) disposed on the front door 112 of the slot machine 1, an effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 described above. These effect devices are driven based on control by a later-described sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90.

  In this embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90 controls the output of the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, effect effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, and reel LED 55. However, in addition to the sub-control unit 91, an output control unit that directly controls the output of the effect device is mounted on the effect control board 90 or another board, and the sub-control unit 91 is based on a command from the main control unit 41. The output control unit may determine the output pattern of the effect device, and the output control unit may control the output of the effect device based on the output pattern determined by the sub control unit 91. In such a configuration, the sub control unit 91 and the output control may be performed. The output control of the rendering device is performed by both of the units.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display 51, the effect effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 are exemplified as the effect device, but the effect device is not limited to these, for example, a mechanically driven display. A device or a mechanically driven item may be applied as the effect device.

  The effect control board 90 is composed of a microcomputer including a sub CPU 91a, ROM 91b, RAM 91c, I / O port 91d, etc., and a liquid crystal display connected to the sub control unit 91 for effect control and the effect control board 90. Display control circuit 92 for performing display control of the device 51, LED drive circuit 93 for performing drive control of the effect LED 52 and reel LED 55, an audio output circuit 94 for controlling audio output from the speakers 53 and 54, at power-on or power-off Detects detection signals input from switches such as a reset circuit 95 that sometimes gives a reset signal to the sub CPU 91a, an effect switch connected to the effect control board 90 or via a relay board, and a sensor (not shown) of an accessory Switch detection circuit 96, and clock device for outputting time information including date information and time information 7. A power interruption detection circuit 98 is mounted which monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 and outputs a voltage drop signal indicating that to the sub-control unit 91 when a voltage drop is detected. The sub-control unit 91 receives various commands from the main control unit and performs various controls for performing the effects, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90. Control.

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

  Similar to the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 has an interrupt function, generates an interrupt when receiving a command from the main control unit 41, and acquires a command transmitted from the main control unit 41. Execute command reception interrupt processing to be stored in the buffer. Further, the sub control unit 91 executes an interrupt process (sub), which will be described later, by generating an interrupt every time the number of input system clocks reaches a certain number, that is, every certain interval.

  Also, unlike the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 interrupts the process even when the timer interrupt process (sub) is being executed when an interrupt is generated based on the reception of the command. The command reception interrupt process is executed at the same time, and the command reception interrupt process is executed with the highest priority even if interrupts that trigger the timer interrupt process (sub) occur at the same time.

  The sub-control unit 91 is also supplied with backup power at the time of a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 91c is held while the backup power is supplied.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the payout rate of game balls changes according to the set value. Specifically, the payout rate of the game balls is changed by using a winning probability corresponding to a set value in an internal lottery described later. The set value is composed of 6 levels of 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate and the payout rate being lower as the value is decreased in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and as the value decreases in order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, the advantage decreases stepwise.

  In order to change the setting value, it is necessary to turn on the power of the slot machine 1 after the setting key switch 37 is turned on. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on and the power is turned on, the setting value read from the RAM 41c is displayed as a display value on the setting value display 24, and the setting value can be changed by operating the reset / setting switch 38. Transition to the setting change state. When the reset / setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change state, the display value displayed on the setting value display 24 is updated one by one (when further operation is performed from the setting 6, the display returns to the setting 1). . When the start switch 7 is operated, the display value is determined as the set value. When the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the determined display value (setting value) is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41, and the state shifts to a state in which the game can proceed.

  In order to check the set value, after the game is over, the setting key switch 37 may be turned on in a state where the bet amount is not set. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on in such a situation, the setting value read out from the RAM 41c is displayed on the setting value display 24, thereby shifting to a setting confirmation state in which the setting value can be confirmed. In the setting confirmation state, the game cannot be progressed, and by setting the setting key switch 37 to the off state, the setting confirmation state is ended and the state in which the game can proceed is returned.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 48 is detected every time the timer interruption process (main) is executed. If the determination process is performed and it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected in the power failure determination process, the power interruption process (main) is executed. In the power interruption process (main), a register is saved in a stack of a RAM 41c, which will be described later, and data for destructive diagnosis (in this embodiment, 5AH) in which any bit is 1, that is, specific data other than 0 is stored in the RAM 41c. In addition to the storage, the RAM parity adjustment data is calculated so that the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c becomes 0, and stored in the RAM 41c. The RAM parity is a value calculated as an exclusive OR of values stored in each bit of the corresponding area (all areas in this embodiment) of the RAM 41c. Therefore, if the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c is 0, the RAM parity adjustment data is 0, and the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c is 1. In this case, the RAM parity adjustment data is 1.

  The main control unit 41 calculates the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c at the time of activation regardless of whether the system reset or the user reset, and the value of the data for destructive diagnosis And the processing state of the main control unit 41 is restored to the state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM 41c on the condition that the RAM parity is 0 and the value of the data for destructive diagnosis is also correct. However, if the RAM parity is not 0 (in the case of 1) or the value of the destruction diagnosis data is not correct, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, and the RAM abnormal error code is set in the register to control the RAM abnormal error state. However, the progress of the game is disabled. Unlike the normal error state, the RAM abnormal error state is not canceled even if the reset switch 23 or the reset / setting switch 38 is operated, and a new set value is set in the above-described setting change state. It will not be released until

  In this embodiment, all data stored in the RAM 41c is held by the backup power source even in the event of a power failure, and the main control unit 41 determines that the data in the RAM 41c is normal when the power is turned on. In addition, although the configuration is such that the control state before power interruption is restored based on the data stored in the RAM 41c, only the data necessary for the restoration of the control state during a power failure is backed up among the data stored in the RAM 41c and the power is turned on. It may be configured to return to the control state before power interruption based on the data backed up at the time.

  In addition, when returning to the control state before the power interruption when the power is turned on, it is not necessary to return all the control states to the control state before the power interruption, and the minimum control state that does not disadvantage the player For example, it is not necessary to restore the state of all input ports to the state before power interruption.

  The sub control unit 91 also determines whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 98 is detected in the timer interrupt process (sub), and if it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected, Disconnection processing (sub) is executed. In the power interruption process (sub), the register is saved in a stack of a RAM 91c, which will be described later, and destructive diagnosis data in which any bit is 1 is stored in the RAM 91c, and also based on data stored in all areas of the RAM 91c. The RAM parity adjustment data is calculated so that the RAM parity becomes 0 and stored in the RAM 91c.

  Then, the sub-control unit 91 calculates the RAM parity based on the data stored in all the areas of the RAM 91c at the time of activation, and sets the data stored in the RAM 91c on the condition that the RAM parity is 0. Based on this, the processing state of the sub-control unit 91 is restored to the state before the power interruption, but when the RAM parity is not 0 (in the case of 1), it is determined that the RAM is abnormal and the RAM 91c is initialized. . In this case, unlike the main control unit 41, only the RAM 91c is initialized, and the performance is not disabled.

  In this embodiment, all data stored in the RAM 91c is held by the backup power supply even in the event of a power failure, and the sub-control unit 91 determines that the data in the RAM 91c is normal when the power is turned on. In addition, the configuration is such that the control state before power interruption is restored based on the data stored in the RAM 91c, but only the data required to return to the control state during a power failure is backed up among the data stored in the RAM 91c and the power is turned on. It may be configured to return to the control state before power interruption based on the data backed up at the time.

  In addition, when returning to the control state before the power interruption when the power is turned on, it is not necessary to return all the control states to the control state before the power interruption, and the minimum control state that does not disadvantage the player It is not necessary to restore the state of the input port or the progress in the middle of the production when it is interrupted.

  Next, initialization of the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 will be described. The storage area of the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 is divided into an important work, a general work, a special work, a set value work, an RT work, a stop phase work, a non-saved work, an unused area, and a stack area.

  The important work is a work in which data which is inconvenient if it is initialized at the end of the BB, such as various display devices, LED display data, I / O input / output data, and game time counter. The general work is a work that stores data that can be initialized at the end of the BB, such as a stop control table, a stop symbol, the number of game balls paid out, the total number of game balls paid out in the BB, and the like. The special work is a work that stores data such as various software random numbers that are initialized only before the setting is started. The unsaved work is a work that holds the state of various switches, and a value is always set regardless of whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is destroyed at the time of activation. The uninitialized work is a work that stores data that is not initialized even when a RAM error or setting is changed. The non-initialized work further includes a set value work for storing a set value used when a lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, and a command buffer (in the command buffer) in which a command transmitted to the effect control board 90 is temporarily stored. Are maintained until the next command is stored, so the last transmitted command is always stored), so that the game ball IN signal and game ball OUT signal output to the external output board 1000 are stored. , RB signal, BB signal, door opening signal, setting change signal, lending prohibition error signal, difference ball error signal, door opening signal, setting changing signal, lending constituting security signal output from external output board 1000 A security work in which an output state (on / off state) of an error signal and a difference ball error signal is stored is assigned. The unused area is an unused area in the storage area of the RAM 41c, and is initialized if any one of a plurality of initialization conditions described later is satisfied. The stack area is an area in which data saved from the register of the main control unit 41 is stored, and the unused stack area is one of a plurality of initialization conditions to be described later, like the unused area. However, if it is established, it will be initialized, but the in-use stack area is not initialized because the program continues.

  In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 stores the data in the RAM 41c when the setting key switch 37 is turned on, when a RAM error occurs, when the BB ends, or when the setting key switch 37 is turned off. When not being destroyed, when five initialization conditions at the end of one game are satisfied, four types of initializations that are initialized in accordance with each initialization condition are performed.

  Initialization 1 is an initialization performed when the setting key switch 37 is turned on at the time of startup and transitions to a setting change state, or initialization performed when a RAM abnormality error occurs. In the storage area of the RAM 41c, all areas (including the unused area and the unused stack area) other than the used stack area and the non-initialized area are initialized. Initialization 2 is initialization performed at the end of the BB. In initialization 2, the general work, the unused area, and the unused stack area are initialized in the storage area of the RAM 41c. Initialization 3 is an initialization performed when the setting key switch 37 is off at the time of startup and the data in the RAM 41c is not destroyed. In the initialization 3, the unsaved work, the unused area, and the The used stack area is initialized. Initialization 4 is initialization performed at the end of one game. In initialization 4, an unused area and an unused stack area in the storage area of the RAM 41c are initialized.

  In this embodiment, initialization 1 is performed before the change of the setting change state. However, the initialization 1 is performed at the end of the setting change state, or both before the change of the setting change state and at the end of the setting change state. Also good.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when a RAM abnormality error occurs at the time of power-on or the like, initialization 1 is executed and the control state before that is initialized. The data stored in the command buffer, setting value work, and security work allocated to the data area is not initialized but is retained. At this time, the command buffer has the command sent last when the RAM abnormality error occurred, the set value work has the set value when the RAM abnormal error occurs, and the security work has the door when the RAM abnormal error occurs. Since the output status of the release signal, setting change signal, lending prohibition error signal, and difference ball error signal is held in a stored state, it is set whether any error command is transmitted from these data when a RAM abnormality occurs. It is possible to specify whether the value of the value has not been changed, or the output status of the door opening signal, setting change signal, lending prohibition error signal, and difference ball error signal, and the cause of the RAM abnormality In addition, it is possible to identify the possibility that some kind of fraud has been performed.

  Furthermore, in order to eliminate the RAM abnormality error, the uninitialized area is not initialized even if the setting value is changed, and the stored data in the uninitialized area is intentionally initialized. Since it is impossible, even if a RAM abnormality error occurs due to fraud, the stored data of the command buffer, setting value work, and security work can be left as a trace.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the prescribed number of bets that can be set according to the gaming state is determined as described above, and the prescribed number of bets that are determined according to the gaming state is set. It becomes possible to start the game on the condition. In the present embodiment, all the pay lines L1 to L5 are activated when a specified number of bets according to the gaming state are set.

  In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, the activated pay line (in the present embodiment, all the pay lines are always enabled. The activated winning line is simply referred to as a winning line). When a combination of symbols called a combination is arranged on the winning line, a winning is achieved. The combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols. The types of winning combinations are determined according to the game state, but can be broadly divided into small roles with payout of game balls and the start of the next game without the need to set the number of bets. There are a re-playing role and a special role with a transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player. Below, a small role and a re-playing role are collectively called a general role. In order for winning of each combination determined according to the gaming state to occur, it is necessary to win an internal lottery to be described later and set a winning flag of the combination in the RAM 41c.

  Of the winning flags for each of these combinations, the winning flag for the small role and the re-playing role is valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and is invalid in the next game. It is valid until a combination of combinations permitted by the flag is completed, and is invalid in a game having a combination of combinations permitted. In other words, once the special combination winning flag is won, even if the combination of the combinations permitted by the flag cannot be made, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game. It becomes.

  As a combination in the slot machine 1, a big bonus is defined as a special combination, a replay is defined as a re-playing combination, and grapes, watermelons, cherries, a ten-piece combination, a two-piece combination, a one-piece combination, etc. are defined as small combinations.

  Hereinafter, the internal lottery of the present embodiment will be described. In the internal lottery, it is determined whether or not the above winning combination is permitted before the display results of all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived and displayed (actually, when the start switch 7 is detected). To do. In the internal lottery, first, a random value for internal lottery (an integer from 0 to 65535) is acquired when the start switch 7 is detected.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 6, various data shown in FIG. 7 are transmitted and received between the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60, and the card unit 300 is sent from the payout control unit 61 to the game control board 40. A signal indicating that the card unit is being connected is output indicating that the card is connected. Further, various data shown in FIG. 7 are transmitted and received between the payout control board 60 and the card unit 300, and the card unit 300 is sent from the control unit (not shown) of the card unit 300 to the payout control board 60. A card unit connection confirmation signal (VL) indicating that is normally connected is output.

  The remaining amount indicator 26, the return switch 28 and the ball lending switch 27 mounted in the slot machine 1 are connected to the card unit 300, and the remaining amount indicator 26 displays the remaining number output based on the control of the control unit. While being driven based on the control signal, the detection signal (return operation detection signal) of the return switch 28 and the detection signal (lending operation detection signal) of the ball lending switch 27 are input to the card unit 300.

  Then, the control unit mounted on the card unit 300 detects that the ball lending switch 27 is detected, so that the value read from the prepaid card or the membership card that is being accepted remains on the slot machine 1. In response to this, a lending request notification requesting lending of gaming balls for lending units (250 balls in this embodiment) is output. In this embodiment, the lending unit is 250 balls, but the number of lending unit balls can be variously changed.

  Further, when the return switch 28 is detected, a process for outputting a credit settlement request notification for requesting settlement of the number of credit balls stored in the credit counter to the slot machine 1 is performed. When a credit ball number notification indicating the credit ball number is received in response to this credit settlement request notification, the ball number indicated in the credit ball number notification is recorded as a premium ball number on the accepted prepaid card or member card. At the same time, when recording is completed, a credit settlement completion notification designating completion of credit settlement is transmitted, and then processing for returning the prepaid card or membership card being accepted is performed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the names of notifications sent and received between the game control board 40, the payout control board 60, and the card unit 300, and their contents.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 prohibits the payout control board 60 from prohibiting the execution of the lending prohibition notification and the lending control for designating the prohibition of the lending control. A lending prohibition cancellation notification designating cancellation is output, and a credit ball number notification indicating the number of balls stored in the credit counter is output in response to a credit settlement request. A loan prohibition notice is output when a BET process, a BET settlement process, a credit settlement process or a game is started, and a loan prohibition release notice is output when a BET process, a BET settlement process, a credit settlement process or a game ends. Is done. That is, during the BET process, the BET settlement process, the credit settlement process, and the execution of the lending control during the game are prohibited.

  On the other hand, the payout control unit 61 requests the game control board 40 to start lending to specify that the lending control based on the lending request has started, to issue a lending end notification to specify that the lending control has ended, and to perform credit settlement. A credit settlement request notification specifying that the credit settlement is completed, and a credit settlement completion notification designating that the credit settlement is completed.

  That is, the main control unit 41 simply repeats the process of adding the value of the credit counter based on the detection of the take-in ball detection switch 203 until the payout control unit 61 starts and ends the lending control. Since the process does not proceed to the above process, the progress of the game is prohibited.

  Also, after the payout control unit 61 accepts the credit settlement request notification from the card unit 300, the number of credit balls owned by the player stored in the credit counter is settled (subtracted) to the prepaid card or member card as the number of prize balls. Until the recording, the main control unit 41 does not proceed to another process until receiving a credit settlement completion notice, and thus the progress of the game is prohibited.

  Thus, for example, lending control or settlement control is executed by prohibiting the progress of the game when the lending control to which the value of the credit counter is added or the credit settlement control to which the value of the credit counter is subtracted is performed. When the number of bets is set, the credit counter value is subtracted, or a winning occurs and the credit counter value needs to be added to avoid complicated control. be able to.

  The card unit 300 designates a lending request for designating a request for executing lending control, a credit settlement request notification for designating a credit settlement request, and a credit for designating completion of credit settlement to the dispensing control board 60 of the slot machine 1. Output a payment completion notice.

  Also, the payout control unit 61 outputs to the card unit 300 a lending end notification that specifies the end of lending control based on the lending request and a credit ball number notification that specifies the number of credit balls based on the credit settlement request.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the payout ball paid out from the payout device 200 of the ball circulation device 120 is detected by the payout ball detection switch 202 and the intake ball detection switch 203, and the main control unit 41 performs the lending control. When the game ball is detected by the payout ball detection switch 202 or the take-in ball detection switch 203 during the prohibition of the game (such as during a game), that is, in a situation where the lending control cannot be executed. If detected, it is assumed that an abnormality has been detected, the error notification LED 211 is lit, and the credit prohibition error state is entered, so that a credit counter is added due to false detection due to noise, etc., or fraud detection due to magnetism or radio waves, etc. You can discover that there is a possibility.

  In the present embodiment, the payout ball paid out from the payout device 200 of the ball circulation device 120 is detected by the payout ball detection switch 202 and the intake ball detection switch 203, and the game ball is played by the payout ball detection switch 202. When a ball is detected, a difference ball counter provided in the RAM (a counter for confirming the difference between the number of game balls detected by the payout ball detection switch 202 and the number of game balls detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203) The value of the difference ball counter is decremented by 1 when a game ball is detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203.

  During the execution of the lending control, if a difference of a predetermined value or more occurs between the number of game balls detected by the payout ball detection switch 202 and the number of game balls detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203, that is, the difference When the value of the ball counter exceeds a predetermined threshold value (20 in this embodiment), the driving of the dispensing motor 201 is stopped on the assumption that an abnormal detection such as a ball clogging or a failure of one of the switches has occurred. Thus, the lending control is interrupted, and the error notification LED 211 is turned on to shift to the difference ball error state. Therefore, it is possible to detect that there is a possibility that an abnormality is detected due to a ball clogging or a switch failure.

  In addition, when the payout control unit 61 shifts to the difference ball error state and interrupts the lending control, the payout control unit 61 transmits a lending end notification to the game control board 40. Thereby, the main control unit 41 that has prohibited the progress of the game based on the reception of the lending start notification controls the progress of the game so that the progress of the game is prevented by shifting to the difference ball error state. Can be avoided.

  Then, after the transition to the difference ball error state, when the payout reset switch 210 is operated in a state where the cause of the error is removed, the payout control unit 61 is loaned to resume the suspended loan control. Since the number of balls that have not been lent out, the player is prevented from suffering a disadvantage.

  In addition, the payout control unit 61, when the payout reset switch 210 is operated in the state of shifting to the loan prohibition error state or the difference ball error state, when the loan prohibition flag is set, that is, during BET processing In the BET settlement process, the credit settlement process, or the game execution, the error state is not canceled, so that recovery at a timing when the control becomes complicated is prevented.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the lending control is finished, when the number of game balls detected by the payout ball detection switch 202 does not match the number of game balls detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203, that is, a difference ball counter If the value is not 0, the error notification LED 211 is turned on and a new lending control is performed by illuminating the error notification LED 211 on the assumption that an abnormal detection such as a ball clogging or a failure of any switch has occurred. In order to prohibit, it can be discovered that there may be anomaly detection due to ball clogging or switch failure.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the game process executed by the main control unit 41.

  In the game process, a BET process (Sd1), an internal lottery process (Sd2), a reel rotation process (Sd3), a winning determination process (Sd4), a payout process (Sd5), and a game end process (Sd6) are sequentially executed. When the end-time process ends, the process returns to the BET process again.

  In the BET process in the step of Sd1, the process waits in a state where a bet number can be set, and a process for starting a game when a specified number of bets is set according to the gaming state and the start switch 7 is operated is executed. .

  In the internal lottery process in the step of Sd2, it is determined whether or not the above winning combination is allowed based on the internal lottery random value latched simultaneously with the start of the game by the detection of the start switch 7 in the step of Sd1. Process. In this internal lottery process, a winning flag is set in the RAM 41c based on the respective lottery results.

  In the reel rotation process in the step of Sd3, the process of rotating each reel 2L, 2C, 2R and the operation of the corresponding reel 2L, 2C, 2R in response to the operation of the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R detected by the player are detected. A process for stopping the rotation is executed.

  In the winning determination process in the step Sd4, when it is determined in the step Sd3 that the rotation of all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, the winning is determined according to the display result derived for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. A process of determining whether or not it has occurred is executed.

  In the payout process in step Sd5, when it is determined that a winning is made in step Sd4, processing such as addition of credits is performed based on the number of payout balls according to the win.

  In the game end process in the step of Sd6, a process of setting a gaming state in preparation for the next game is executed.

  9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the control content of the BET process executed by the main control unit 41 in the step Sd1.

  In the BET process, first, the value of the BET counter in which the value of the betting number is stored in the RAM 41c is cleared (Se1), the specified number corresponding to the gaming state is set in the RAM 41c (Se2), and the RAM 41c is a replay game. Whether or not the game is a replay game is determined on the basis of whether or not the replay game flag indicating is set (Se3).

  If it is determined in step Se3 that the game is a replay game, the value of the BET counter is incremented by 1 (Se4), the specified number of bets set in the RAM 41c is referred to, and the value of the BET counter is It is determined whether or not the number is a specified number, that is, whether or not the number of bets serving as a game start condition is set (Se5). If the value of the BET counter is not the specified number, the process returns to the step of Se4, If the value is a specified number, the process proceeds to step Se19.

  If it is determined in step Se3 that the game is not a replay game, a setting before waiting for a BET is made (Se6), a lending prohibition release notice is transmitted to the payout control board 60 (Se7), and then the step of Se8 is performed. move on. In the setting before waiting for a BET, the BET impossibility flag set in the RAM 41c is cleared, and a game ball can be inserted.

  In Step Se8, it is determined whether or not a loan start notification is received from the payout control board 60 (Se8). If it is determined in Step Se8 that a loan start notification is not received, a credit settlement request notification is further issued. Is received (Se9), and if the credit settlement request notification is not received in the step of Se9, the process proceeds to the step of Se19.

  If it is determined in step Se8 that the lending start notification has been received, it is determined whether or not the take-in ball detection switch 203 is on, that is, whether or not a game ball has been detected (Se10). When the detection switch 203 is on, it is determined whether or not the value of the BET counter has reached a specified number (Se11). If the value has not reached the specified number, 1 is added to the value of the BET counter (Se12). If the specified number has been reached, 1 is added to the value of the credit counter (Se13). That is, when the number of bets has not reached the specified number, the value of the BET counter is added in preference to the credit.

  If the captured ball detection switch 203 is not on in step Se10, that is, if a game ball is not detected, if the value of the BET counter is incremented by 1 in step Se12, the credit counter in step Se13 If 1 is added, the process proceeds to Se14, where it is determined whether or not a lending end notice is received from the payout control board 60 (Se14). If a lending end notice is received, the lending control is completed. Returning to the step of Se8, if the lending end notification has not been received, it is determined that the lending control has not ended, the processing returns to the step of Se10, and the steps of Se10 to Se14 are repeatedly executed.

  As described above, when the lending start notification is received in the Se8 step, the Se10 to Se14 steps are repeatedly performed until the lending end notification is received in the Se14 step, and the process does not shift to other processes. That is, when the lending control is started, the game is not started until the lending control is ended, so that the control related to the progress of the game is prevented from becoming complicated.

  If it is determined in step Se9 that the credit settlement request notification has been received, it is determined whether or not the game is a replay game based on whether or not the replay game flag is set (Se15), and the replay game is determined. If so, the process proceeds to the step Se19.

  If it is not a replay game, the value of the credit counter at that time, that is, a credit ball number notification is transmitted to the payout control board 60 (Se16), and after the value of the credit counter is cleared (Se17), a credit settlement completion notification is sent. Is received (Se18), and when a credit settlement completion notice is received, the process returns to Step Se8.

  As described above, when the credit settlement request notification is received in the step of Se9, the process does not proceed to other processes until the credit settlement completion notification is received in the step of Se18. That is, when credit settlement is started, a series of processes based on the credit settlement, that is, the game does not start until the card unit 300 writes the credit to the prepaid card or the membership card and returns the card. Complicating the control related to the progress of the game is prevented.

  Next, in step Se19, it is determined whether or not a change from on to off of the start switch 7 is detected, that is, whether or not a rising edge indicating a rising edge of the start switch 7 is set.

  If it is determined in step Se19 that no change from on to off of the start switch 7 is detected, the process proceeds to step in step Se28, and if a change from on to off in the start switch 7 is detected, an interrupt occurs. (Se20), based on the confirmed data, it is determined whether or not the other switch is on (Se21). If any switch is on, the interrupt is permitted (Se23), Return to the Se8 step.

  If none of the other switches are in the ON state in step Se21, the bet number that is set in the RAM 41c is further referred to and the BET counter value is the specified number, that is, a bet that becomes a game start condition. It is determined whether or not the number is set (Se22).

  If the value of the BET counter is not the specified number in the step of Se22, the interrupt is permitted (Se23), and the process returns to the step of Se8. If the value of the BET counter is the specified number, the value of the random number storage work is stored internally. A random number value for lottery is set in the lottery work (Se24), interruption is permitted (Se25), a loan prohibition notice is transmitted to the payout control board 60 (Se26), and a setting at the start of the game is performed (Se27) . Then, after the step of Se27, the BET process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  After the change of the start switch 7 from off to on is detected in this way, it is determined that the operation of the start switch 7 is invalid or valid, and the value of the random value storage work is set as the lottery work. In the meantime, interrupts are prohibited and timer interrupt processing (main) is executed during this period to prevent rewriting of the random value storage work value. .

  In the step of Se28, it is determined whether or not the game is a replay game based on whether or not the replay game flag is set (Se28). If it is a replay game, the process returns to the step of Se19, and the start switch 7 Waiting to be detected. If it is not a replay game, it is determined whether or not a change from on to off of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected, that is, whether or not a rising edge indicating the rising of the MAXBET switch 6 is set (Se29). If the change of on from the OFF of the MAXBET switch 6 is not detected in the step of Se29, it is determined whether or not the change of on is detected from the off of the settlement switch 10 (Se30). If no change is detected, the process returns to the step of Se8 and waits for one of reception of a lending start notification, reception of a credit settlement request notification, detection of the start switch 7, detection of the MAXBET switch 6, detection of the settlement switch 10 become.

  When a change from on to off of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected in the step of Se29, a lending prohibition notice is transmitted to the payout control board 60 (Se36), and the specified number of bets set in the RAM 41c is referred to, and the BET counter It is determined whether or not the value is a specified number (Se37). If the value of the BET counter is a specified number, since a specified number of bets has already been set, a lending prohibition release notice is transmitted to the payout control board 60 (Se41), and the process returns to the Se8 step.

  If the value of the BET counter is not the prescribed number in the step of Se37, it is determined whether or not the value of the credit counter is 0 (Se38). If the value of the credit counter is 0, lending to the payout control board 60 is prohibited. A cancellation notification is transmitted (Se41), and the process returns to the Se8 step. If the value of the credit counter is not 0 in the step of Se38, 1 is subtracted from the value of the credit counter (Se39), 1 is added to the value of the BET counter (Se40), and the process returns to the step of Se37.

  As described above, when a change from on to off of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected in the step of Se29, the processing of Se37 to Se40 is repeated, and the bet number is set using credits until the BET counter reaches a specified number. Since the lending prohibition notice is sent and the lending control is not performed while setting the bet amount, the credit counter subtraction based on the bet number setting and the credit counter addition based on the lending control are confused. Thus, the processing is prevented from becoming complicated.

  Further, if a change from on to off of the settlement switch 10 is detected in the step of Se30, after sending a loan prohibition notice to the payout control board 60 (Se31), it is determined whether or not the value of the BET counter is 0. (Se32) If the value of the BET counter is 0, the process proceeds to step Se35, a lending prohibition release notice is transmitted to the payout control board 60 (Se35), and the process returns to step Se8. If the BET counter value is not 0 in the Se32 step, the BET counter value is decremented by 1 (Se33), the credit counter value is incremented by 1 (Se34), the process returns to the Se32 step, and the BET counter value is The process is repeated until 0, that is, until the number of balls set as the bet number is returned to the credit.

  As described above, when a change from on to off of the settlement switch 10 is detected in the step of Se30, the processing of Se32 to Se34 is repeated and returned to the credit until the value of the BET counter becomes 0. Since the loan prohibition notice is transmitted and the loan control is not performed while the process is being executed, the credit counter addition based on the BET settlement process is confused with the credit counter addition based on the loan control. It is prevented from becoming complicated.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the payout process executed by the main control unit 41 in step Sd5.

  In the payout process, first, it is confirmed whether or not a prize accompanied by a prize ball is generated (Sf1). If no prize accompanied by a prize ball is generated, the game of Sd6 shown in FIG. Transition to end processing.

  In addition, when a winning accompanied by awarding of a winning ball has occurred in the step of Sf1, the number of winning balls awarded when the winning is generated is set in a giving counter set in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41. (Sf2). Then, 1 is added to the value of the credit counter (Sf3), and after 1 is subtracted from the value of the grant counter (Sf4), it is determined whether or not the value of the grant counter is 0 (Sf5). The process of Sf3 to Sf5 is repeated until 0 becomes 0, and when the value of the grant counter becomes 0, that is, when the number of prize balls given by the occurrence of winning is added to the credit, the game of Sd6 shown in FIG. Transition to end processing.

  Next, various control contents executed by the payout control unit 61 mounted on the payout control board 60 in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  When the power is turned on and the CPU is reset, the payout control unit 61 performs a power-on process (payout) shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  In the power-on process (payout), the payout control unit 61 first executes an initialization process for initializing the data stored in the RAM, that is, the control state of the payout control unit 61 (Sp1), and then interrupts. The prohibition is canceled (Sp2), and the process proceeds to loop processing.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the interrupt process (payout) that is periodically executed based on the output of the internal timer after the payout control unit 61 cancels the prohibition of interrupt.

  In the interrupt process (payout), switch detection process (Sq1), connection confirmation process (Sq2), main board communication process (Sq3), lending control process (Sq4), payout control process (Sq5), motor control process (payout) (Sq6), a lifting control process (Sq7), and a motor control process (lifting) (Sq8) are sequentially executed.

  In the switch detection process in the step of Sq1, a process of acquiring detection states of various sensors, switches, and signals is executed. In the connection confirmation process in the step of Sq2, a process of confirming the connection status with the card unit 300 is executed. In the main board communication process in step Sq3, a process of performing data communication with the game control board 40 is executed. In the lending control process in step Sq4, a process of performing data communication with the card unit is executed. In the payout control process in step Sq5, a process for setting the drive state of the payout motor 201 is executed. In the motor control process (payout) of Sq6, a process for controlling the output of the phase signal of the payout motor 201 is executed based on the driving state of the payout motor 201 set in the step of Sq5. In the lifting control process in step Sq7, a process for setting the driving state of the lifting motor 212 is executed. In the motor control process (lifting) of Sq8, a process for controlling the output of the phase signal of the lifting motor 212 based on the driving state of the lifting motor 212 set in the step of Sq7 is executed.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the switch detection process executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Sq1.

  In the switch detection process, first, a game ball is detected by the payout ball detection switch 202 or the take-in ball detection switch 203 in a state in which whether or not a lending prohibition error flag, which will be described later, is set, that is, execution of lending control is prohibited. It is determined whether or not the lending prohibition error state is controlled on the basis of the detected (Sk1). When the loan prohibition error flag is set in the step of Sk1, it is determined whether or not the loan prohibition flag is set, that is, whether or not a loan prohibition notification is received from the game control board 40 (Sk2). ), If the lending prohibition flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the payout reset switch 210 is on (Sk3).

  If the payout reset switch 210 is on in the step of Sk3, it is determined that an error canceling operation has been performed, the loan prohibition error flag is reset (Sk4), and the process returns to the original processing even when the error notification LED 211 is turned off. If the loan prohibition flag is set in the step Sk2, or if the payout reset switch 210 is not on in the step Sk3, the process returns to the original process.

  As described above, when the state is shifted to the lending prohibition error state based on the setting of the lending prohibition error flag, the lending prohibition flag is not set, that is, during the BET processing, the BET settlement processing, the credit settlement processing, or the game is being executed. The loan prohibition error state is canceled based on the reset operation by the payout reset switch 210 when the payout reset switch 210 is not.

  If the lending prohibition error flag is not set in the step of Sk1, it is determined whether or not the payout ball detection switch 202 is on, that is, whether or not a game ball has been detected (Sk6). When a game ball is detected in the step of Sk6, it is determined whether or not the lending prohibition flag is set (Sk7). If the lending prohibition flag is not set, the lending selection processing flag is 1 or not. Whether or not lending control is being executed (Sk7 +), and if the lending selection processing flag is 1, that is, if lending control is being executed, the value of the difference ball counter is Add 1 (Sk8) and go to the step of Sk9.

  If a game ball is not detected in the step of Sk6, it is determined whether or not the take-in ball detection switch 203 is on, that is, whether or not a game ball is detected (Sk9). If it is detected, it is determined whether or not the lending prohibition flag is set (Sk10). If the lending prohibition flag is not set, the value of the difference ball counter is incremented by 1 (Sk11), and the step of Sk12 is performed. Proceed to

  In step Sk12, it is determined whether or not the value of the difference ball counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (10 in the present embodiment). Assuming that the abnormality detection by 203 has occurred, the difference ball error flag is set (Sk13), and the processing returns to the original processing.

  Here, the game balls that are paid out from the payout device 200 are separated because the payout ball detection switch 202 and the take-in ball detection switch 203 in each section of the intake passage 220 are separated by 10 balls. After being detected by the payout ball detection switch 202 in each section of the entry passage 220, the game ball paid out from the payout device 200 is detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203 because it is detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203. At the time of passing, the value of the difference ball counter becomes zero. However, when ten game balls stay between the payout ball detection switch 202 and the take-in ball detection switch 203, that is, when a ball is clogged, or when fraud is detected by noise, magnets, radio waves, or the like. The difference between the detected number of game balls in the payout ball detection switch 202 and the detected number of game balls in the take-in ball detection switch 203, that is, the value of the difference ball counter is 10 or more.

  When the ball clogging occurs in this way, the sprocket 206 cannot rotate and a load is applied to the dispensing motor 201. Therefore, in order to stop the driving of the dispensing motor 201 promptly when such a situation occurs, until the value of the difference ball counter reaches 10 (for example, when the value of the difference ball counter becomes 5). Although it is preferable to set the difference ball error flag to, and to stop the driving of the payout motor 201 based on this, the detection state of the payout ball detection switch 202 and the intake ball detection switch 203 of each item in the intake passage 220 is determined. Since the difference ball counter value is added or subtracted on the basis of the difference in detection timing in each item, the payout ball detection switch 202 detects the subsequent ball until the game ball is detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203. As a result, the value of the difference ball counter may approach 10 temporarily. In this case, if the threshold value is smaller than 10, the difference ball error flag may be set even though it is normal. In this embodiment, the threshold value of the game ball in the payout ball detection switch 202 is set. The difference between the number of detections and the number of game balls detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203 is 10.

  In the present embodiment, the threshold value is set to 10, but various changes can be made. In addition, a difference ball counter may be provided corresponding to each strip of the intake passage 220, and each block may detect ball clogging individually. In this case, the threshold value can be set to a value less than 10. Therefore, the load applied to the dispensing motor 201 can be reduced.

  Further, if the loan prohibition flag is set in the steps of Sk7 or Sk10, it is assumed that the game ball is detected abnormally by the payout ball detection switch 202 or the take-in ball detection switch 203 even though the loan is prohibited. After the lending prohibition error flag is set (Sk14), the error notification LED 211 is turned on (Sk15), and the process returns to the original process.

  If the lending selection processing flag is not 1 in the steps Sk7 + or Sk10 +, the game ball is detected abnormally by the paying ball detection switch 202 or the take-in ball detection switch 203 even though the lending control is not executed. As a result, the lending prohibition error flag is set (Sk14), the error notification LED 211 is turned on (Sk15), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the connection confirmation process executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Sq2.

  In the connection confirmation process, first, it is confirmed whether or not VL on is detected, that is, whether or not it is connected to the card unit 300 (Sr1). If VL on is detected in step Sr1, the card unit connection signal is turned on (Sr2). On the other hand, if VL on is not detected in step Sr1, the card unit connecting signal is turned off (Sr3).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication processing executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Sq3.

  In the main board communication process, first, the main board communication process selection flag (0 to 4) indicating the type of the main board communication process is confirmed (Ss1). If the main board communication process selection flag is 0, the main board communication process 1 is performed. (Ss2), if the main board communication process selection flag is 1, the main board communication process 2 is executed (Ss3), and if the main board communication process selection flag is 2, the main board communication process 3 is executed ( If the main board communication process selection flag is 3, the main board communication process 4 is executed (Ss5), and if the main board communication process selection flag is 4, the main board communication process 5 is executed (Ss6).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication processing 1 executed by the payout control unit 61 in the step Ss2.

  In the main board communication process 1, it is first determined whether or not a loan prohibition notice is received from the game control board 40 (Ss11). If a loan prohibition notice is received, a loan prohibition flag is set (Ss12). The main board communication process selection flag is set to 1 (Ss13), and the process returns to the original process.

  If the loan prohibition notification has not been received in the step of Ss11, it is determined whether or not a loan processing flag to be described later is 1 (Ss14), and if the loan processing flag is 1, that is, loan from the card unit 300 When the request notification is received, a lending start notification is transmitted to the game control board 40 (Ss15), the main board communication process selection flag is set to 2 (Ss16), and the process returns to the original process.

  In step Ss14, if the lending process flag is not 1, it is determined whether or not a lending process flag to be described later is 2 (Ss17). If the lending process flag is 2, that is, the card unit 300 issues a settlement request. When the notification is received, a credit clearing request notification is transmitted to the game control board 40 (Ss18), the main board communication process selection flag is set to 3 (Ss19), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication process 2 executed by the payout control unit 61 in the step Ss3.

  In the main board communication process 2, first, it is determined whether or not a loan prohibition release notice is received from the game control board 40 (Ss21). If a loan prohibition release notice is received, the loan prohibition flag is reset ( In Ss22), the main board communication process selection flag is set to 0 (Ss23), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication process 3 executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Ss4.

  In the main board communication process 3, it is first determined whether or not the lending process selection flag is 0, that is, whether or not the lending request or settlement request is waiting (Ss31), and the lending process selection flag must be 0. For example, it is determined whether or not the payout process selection flag is 3, that is, whether or not it is a difference ball error or a lending prohibition error state (Ss32).

  In the step of Ss31, when the lending process selection flag is 0, it is determined that the lending process is normally completed, and a lending end process notification is transmitted to the game control board 40 (Ss33), and the main board communication process selection flag is set to 0. (Ss34), the process returns to the original process. In Ss32, even when the payout process selection flag is 3, that is, a difference ball error or a loan prohibition error state, the process proceeds to step Ss33 in order to interrupt the lending process being executed, and a loan end process notification is sent. The game control board 40 is transmitted (Ss33), the main board communication process selection flag is set to 0 (Ss34), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication process 4 executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Ss5.

  In the main board communication process 4, it is first determined whether or not a credit ball number notification has been received from the game control board 40 (Ss41). (Ss42), the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication process 5 executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Ss6.

  In the main board communication process 5, it is first determined whether or not the lending process selection flag is 0, that is, whether or not the lending request or settlement request is waiting (Ss51), and the lending process selection flag is 0. For example, a credit settlement completion notice is transmitted to the game control board 40 as the settlement process is completed (Ss52), the main board communication process selection flag is set to 0 (Ss53), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the lending control process executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Sq4.

  In the lending control process, first, the lending process selection flag (0 to 3) indicating the type of the lending control process is confirmed (St1). If the lending process selection flag is 0, the lending communication process 1 is executed (St2). If the lending process selection flag is 1, execute the lending communication process 2 (St3), if the lending process selection flag is 2, execute the lending communication process 3 (St4), and lend if the lending process selection flag is 3. The communication process 4 is executed (St5).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the lending communication processing 1 executed by the payout control unit 61 in the step St2.

  In the lending communication process 1, first, it is confirmed whether or not VL on is detected, that is, whether or not it is connected to the card unit 300 (St11). Return to processing. If the VL on is detected in the step of St11, it is determined whether or not the loan prohibition flag is set (St12). If the loan prohibition flag is set, the process returns to the original process. If the lending prohibition flag is not set in step St12, it is determined whether or not a lending request notification is received from the card unit 300, that is, whether or not a lending operation is performed from the card unit 300. If it is determined (St13) and a rental request notification is received, it is determined whether or not the supply ball detection switch 205 is on, that is, whether or not 250 game balls are waiting in the supply passage 222 (St14). ) If the supply ball detection switch 205 is on, in order to start lending, the number of lending balls (250 balls in this embodiment) is set in the payout counter (St15), and the lending process selection flag is set to 1 (St16). ) And return to the original process.

  If the lending request notification has not been received in the step of St13, it is determined whether or not a credit settlement request notification has been received (St17). If it has been received, the lending process selection flag is set to 2 (St18). Return to the original process, and if not received, return to the original process.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the lending communication processing 2 executed by the payout control unit 61 in the step St3.

  In the lending communication process 2, first, it is confirmed whether or not VL on is detected, that is, whether or not it is connected to the card unit 300 (St21). Return to processing. Further, if VL on is detected in the step of St21, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout counter is 0, that is, whether or not the payout of the number of balls set in the payout counter has ended ( St22) When the value of the payout counter is 0, that is, when the payout of the number of balls set in the payout counter is completed, the lending process selection flag is set to 0 (St23), and the process returns to the original process. . If the value of the payout counter is not 0 in step St22, that is, if the payout of the number of balls set in the payout counter has not ended, the process returns to the original processing.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the lending communication process 3 executed by the payout control unit 61 in the step St4.

  In the lending communication processing 3, first, it is confirmed whether or not VL on is detected, that is, whether or not it is connected to the card unit 300 (St31). Return to processing. Also, if VL on is detected in the step of St31, it is determined whether or not the main board communication processing flag is 3, that is, whether or not a credit ball number notification is received from the game control board 40 ( If it is received, a credit ball number notification is transmitted to the card unit 300 (St33), the lending process selection flag is set to 3 (St34), and the process returns to the original process. If the credit ball number notification is not received in step St32, the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the lending communication processing 4 executed by the payout control unit 61 in the step St5.

  In the lending communication process 4, first, it is confirmed whether or not VL on is detected, that is, whether or not the VL is connected to the card unit 300 (St41). Return to processing. Further, if VL on is detected in the step of St41, it is determined whether or not a credit settlement completion notification is received from the card unit 300 (St42). If a credit settlement completion notification is received, a lending process is selected. The flag is set to 0 (St43), and the process returns to the original process. If the credit settlement completion notification is not received in step St42, the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the payout control process executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Sq5.

  In the payout control process, first, the detection status of the payout ball detection switch 202 is checked to check whether or not a payout ball has been detected (Su1). If a payout ball is detected, 1 is determined from the value of the payout counter. Is subtracted (Su2), and if not detected, the process proceeds to the step of Su3.

  Next, the payout control process selection flag (0 to 2) indicating the type of payout control process is confirmed (Su3). If the payout control process selection flag is 0, the payout start waiting process is executed (Su4), and the payout control process is performed. If the selection flag is 1, a payout stop waiting process is executed (Su5). If the payout control process selection flag is 2, a payout waiting process is executed (Su6). If the payout control process selection flag is 3, payout is performed. A recovery waiting process is executed (Su7).

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the payout start waiting process executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Su4.

  In the payout start waiting process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the payout counter is 0, that is, whether or not any unpaid balls remain (Su11). Return. If the value of the payout counter is not 0 in step Su11, it is determined that there is a payout ball, and it is determined whether the payout ball detection switch 202 is on, that is, whether a game ball is detected (Su12). ) If no game ball is detected, it is determined whether or not the take-in ball detection switch 203 is on, that is, whether or not a game ball is detected (Su13).

  When the payout ball detection switch 202 is on in the step Su12 or when the take-in ball detection switch 203 is on in the step Su13, that is, the game ball is detected even though the payout operation is not started. If the error notification LED 211 is turned on (Su17), the payout control process selection flag is set to 3 (Su18), and the process returns to the original process.

  When neither the payout ball detection switch 202 nor the take-in ball detection switch 203 detects a game ball, the rotational drive amount of the payout motor 201 according to the value of the payout counter, that is, the value set in the payout counter A rotational drive amount necessary to pay out the number of balls is set (Su14). Then, after setting the payout motor 201 to ON and starting the payout motor 201 (Su15), the payout control process selection flag is set to 1 (Su16), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the payout stop waiting process executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Su5.

  In the payout stop waiting process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the rotation corresponding to the rotation drive amount, that is, the value of the payout counter is completed (Su21). It is determined whether or not the error flag is set, that is, whether or not the value of the difference ball counter exceeds the threshold during the payout operation (Su22). If the difference ball error flag is not set, the payout is completed. Since it has not, it returns to the original process.

  In the step of Su21, when the rotation corresponding to the value of the payout counter is completed, that is, when the payout operation is normally completed, or when the difference ball error flag is set in the step of Su22, that is, in the middle of payout If a difference ball error occurs, the setting of the payout motor 201 is turned off and the drive of the payout motor 201 is stopped (Su23). Then, a passing waiting timer counter set in the RAM of the payout control unit 61 (in order to measure the waiting time required for the game ball paid out by the rotation of the payout motor 201 to be detected by the payout ball detection switch 202). Is set to the initial value (Su24), the payout control process selection flag is set to 2 (Su25), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the payout passing waiting process executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Su6.

  In the payout passage waiting process, first, the value of the passage waiting timer counter is decremented by 1 (Su31), and it is confirmed whether or not the value of the passage waiting timer counter is 0, that is, whether the passage waiting time has elapsed (Su32). If the value of the passage waiting timer counter is not 0, the process returns to the original process. If the value of the waiting timer counter is 0 in step Su32, it is determined whether or not the difference ball error flag is set (Su33). If the difference ball error flag is not set, the difference is determined. It is determined whether or not the value of the sphere counter is 0 (Su34). In the step of Su34, if the value of the difference ball counter is 0, the payout process selection flag is set to 0 (Su35), assuming that the payout is normally completed, and the process returns to the original process.

  If the difference ball error flag is set in step Su33 or if the value of the difference ball counter is not 0 in step Su34, it is determined that a difference ball error has occurred and the error notification LED 211 is turned on (Su36). ), The payout process selection flag is set to 3 (Su37), and the process returns to the original process.

  When the value of the difference ball counter is not 0 in the step of Su34, when the value of the difference ball counter is 1 or more, that is, the number of balls detected by the payout ball detection switch 202 on the upstream side is detected as the intake ball When the number of balls detected by the switch 203 is larger, there is a high possibility of a detection error due to a ball clogging. If the number of balls detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203 is larger than the number of balls detected by the upstream payout ball detection switch 202, the detection error based on fraud detection by magnetism or radio waves. Is likely. Therefore, for example, when the value of the difference ball counter is not 0 in the step of Su34, the error mode may be changed according to the value of the difference ball counter.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the payout recovery waiting process executed by the payout control unit 61 in step Su7.

  In the payout recovery waiting process, first, it is determined whether or not a loan prohibition flag is set, that is, whether or not a BET process, a BET settlement process, a credit settlement process, or a game is being executed (Su41). If the lending prohibition flag is set, the process returns to the original process assuming that the BET process, the BET settlement process, the credit settlement process, or the game is being executed. That is, even if the payout reset operation is performed, the reset process is not performed.

  In the step of Su42, if the lending prohibition flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the payout reset switch 210 is on, that is, whether or not a reset operation has been performed (Su42). If the payout reset switch 210 is on in Su42, the difference ball error flag is reset (Su43), the error notification LED is turned off (Su44), and the payout process selection flag is set to 0 (Su45). Return to the original process.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the lifting control process executed by the payout control unit in step Sq7.

  In the lifting control process, first, it is determined whether or not the lifting ball detection switch 204 is turned on, that is, whether or not a game ball is detected (Sv1). If the lifting ball detection switch 204 is turned on, The hoisting motor is driven (Sv2), an initial value (for example, 10 seconds in this embodiment) is set in the detection wait timer counter (Sv3), and the process returns to the original process. That is, every time a game ball is detected, an initial value is set in the detection wait timer counter.

  In Sv1, if the lifting ball detection switch 204 is not on, it is checked whether the value of the detection waiting timer counter is 0, that is, whether the detection waiting time has elapsed (Sv4). If not 0, after subtracting 1 from the value of the detection waiting timer counter (Sv6), the process returns to the original process.

  If the value of the detection waiting timer counter is 0 in step Sv4, the driving of the lifting motor 212 is stopped and the process returns to the original process.

  Next, the flow of lending control will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 33A shows a flow when the lending control is normally executed. First, the control unit mounted on the card unit 300 is detected on the condition that the valuable value read from the prepaid card or the membership card being accepted remains as a result of the ball rental switch 27 being detected. In response to this, a lending request notification requesting lending of gaming balls for lending units (250 balls in this embodiment) is transmitted.

  The payout control unit 61 sets the lending process selection flag from 0 to 1 based on the reception of the lending request notification, starts lending control, and transmits a lending start notification to the game control board 40. As a result, the main control unit 41 only repeats the monitoring of the take-in ball detection switch 203 and the addition process of the value of the credit counter while the lending control is being executed. It is forbidden.

  When the lending control ends normally, the payout control unit 61 returns the lending process selection flag from 1 to 0, ends the lending control, and transmits a lending end notification to the game control board 40. As a result, the main control unit 41 can shift to another process, so that the game can be started.

  Next, FIG. 33 (b) shows a flow in the case of shifting to an error state during the lending control. The control unit mounted on the card unit 300 detects the value of the prepaid card or the membership card that is being accepted by the ball rental switch 27 being detected. Then, a lending request notification requesting lending of gaming balls for lending units (250 balls in this embodiment) is transmitted.

  The payout control unit 61 sets the lending process selection flag from 0 to 1 based on the reception of the lending request notification, starts lending control, and transmits a lending start notification to the game control board 40. As a result, the main control unit 41 only repeats the monitoring of the take-in ball detection switch 203 and the addition process of the value of the credit counter while the lending control is being executed. It is forbidden.

  Here, when a difference ball error occurs before the lending control for 250 balls is completed, the payout control unit 61 changes the lending process selection flag from 2 to 3, stops the driving of the payout motor 201, and performs lending control. Once interrupted, a lending end notice is transmitted to the game control board 40. As a result, the main control unit 41 can shift to another process, so that the game can be started even in the state of shifting to the difference ball error state.

  Next, the payout control unit 61 changes the lending process selection flag from 3 to 1 and drives the payout motor 201 based on the fact that the payout reset switch 210 has been effectively accepted in the state where the cause of the difference ball error has been eliminated. Then, after the lending control is resumed, a lending start notification is transmitted to the game control board 40.

  Then, when the resumed lending control is completed, the payout control unit 61 returns the lending process selection flag from 1 to 0, ends the lending control, and transmits a lending end notification to the game control board 40. As a result, the main control unit 41 shifts to another process, so that the game can be started.

  FIG. 34 shows the flow of the credit checkout process. The control unit mounted on the card unit 300 transmits a credit settlement request notification to the slot machine 1 on the condition that the prepaid card or the membership card is accepted by detecting the return switch 28. .

  The payout control unit 61 changes the lending process selection flag from 0 to 2 based on the reception of the credit settlement request notification and transmits the credit settlement request notification to the game control board 40. As a result, the main control unit 41 only repeats monitoring of the credit settlement completion notice while the credit settlement process is being executed, and does not shift to another process, so that the progress of the game is prohibited.

  Next, the main control unit 41 transmits a credit ball number notification indicating the number of credit balls, which is a value stored in the credit counter, to the payout control board 60 based on the reception of the credit settlement request notification. Set the value to 0.

  The payout control unit 61 changes the lending process selection flag from 2 to 3 based on the reception of the credit ball number notification, and transmits the credit ball number notification to the card unit 300.

  The control unit of the card unit 300 records the credit ball number specified from the received credit ball number notification on the prepaid card or the membership card being accepted as a prize ball owned by the player, and then issues a credit settlement completion notification. After transmitting to the control board 60, the prepaid card or membership card being accepted is discharged and returned to the player.

  On the other hand, the payout control unit 61 returns the lending process selection flag from 3 to 0 based on the reception of the credit settlement completion notification, and transmits the credit settlement completion notification to the game control board 40. As a result, the main control unit 41 enters a state where the game can be started because the main control unit 41 shifts to another process.

  FIG. 35 shows the flow of the lending prohibition situation.

  The main control unit 41 transmits a lending prohibition notification to the payout control board 60 when any of the BET process, the BET settlement process, the credit settlement process, and the game is started. The payout control unit 61 sets a lending prohibition flag based on the receipt of the lending prohibition notification. As a result, the lending control and the settlement control are invalidated, and when a take-in ball is detected by the pay-out ball detection switch 202 and the take-in ball detection switch 203, a shift to a lending prohibition error state is made.

  Then, when any of the BET process, the BET settlement process, the credit settlement process, and the game ends, a lending prohibition release notice is transmitted to the payout control board 60. The payout control unit 61 resets the lending prohibition flag based on the reception of the lending prohibition release notification. Thereby, the lending control and the settlement control are validated.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the game ball paid out from the payout device 200 by the lending operation based on the lending request is collected while flowing down the take-in passage 220. Detected by the incoming ball detection switch 203 and then taken in, but a detection abnormality has occurred such as a clogged ball in the intake passage 220 or a game ball not being detected by the incoming ball detection switch 203 due to noise. If it is determined that the number of captured balls is not added to the credit counter because the lending operation is stopped at the time of the determination and the lending operation is stopped, that is, the lending control is interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged because the lending control is performed.

  In addition, for example, when a take-in ball is detected even though the execution of the lending control is prohibited based on any one of the BET process, the BET settlement process, the credit settlement process, and the game being executed, In other words, if a captured ball is detected in a situation that cannot be detected, it is determined as a detection abnormality, and the captured ball is illegally detected by the captured ball detection switch 203 by shifting to a lending prohibition error state. Or it can be discovered that there is a possibility that it has been erroneously detected.

  Further, for example, when the lending control is prohibited based on any one of the BET process, the BET settlement process, the credit settlement process, and the game being executed, the capture ball by the capture ball detection switch 203 is used. You may make it invalidate the detection of. Specifically, when the lending control is prohibited, the detection of the captured ball by the captured ball detection switch 203 may not be monitored, or the captured ball is detected by the captured ball detection switch 203. Even if detected, the value of the credit counter may not be incremented by one. Even in this way, it is possible to prevent the captured ball from being detected illegally or erroneously detected in a situation where it cannot be detected by the captured ball detection switch 203.

  It should be noted that invalidating the detection of the captured ball by the captured ball detection switch 203 means that the detection of the captured ball by the captured ball detection switch 203 is not monitored as in this embodiment, The detection signal of the take-in ball by the detection switch 203 is not output, and even if the detection signal of the take-in ball by the take-in ball detection switch 203 is output, 1 is not subtracted from the value of the difference ball counter. Etc.

  In addition, when a ball is clogged in the take-in passage 220 or a take-in ball is not detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203 due to the generation of noise, the rotational driving of the payout motor 201 for 250 balls is completed. If the difference ball counter value is not 0, that is, it is determined that a difference ball error (detection abnormality) has occurred because the number of balls to be taken in does not match the number of balls to be paid out, the number of balls to be taken in becomes a credit counter Lending control is performed in spite of the situation in which the player is not added to the game, and the player can be prevented from suffering a disadvantage.

  In addition, even if the main control unit 41 that controls the progress of the game shifts to an error state in the middle of the executed lending control, the lending control is temporarily interrupted so that the number of credit balls stored in the credit counter is reduced. If it remains, the number of bets can be set using the remaining number of balls and the game can be started. Therefore, even if the lending control is stopped, the game can be played using the number of credit balls stored in the credit counter, so that the progress of the game can be prevented from being hindered.

  In addition, when the cause of the error is resolved after shifting to the difference ball error state, a predetermined return condition determined according to the progress of the game is satisfied, that is, BET processing, BET settlement processing, credit settlement processing, Even if the cause of the error is resolved after the lending control is stopped by resuming the lending control on condition that the payout reset switch 210 is operated in a state where none of the games are being executed, the BET processing, When any one of the BET settlement process, the credit settlement process, and the game is executed, the lending control is not resumed even if the payout reset switch 210 is operated, so that there is no possibility that the progress of the game will be hindered.

  Further, since the execution of the lending control is prohibited during the period from the start to the end of the game, the lending control is not performed while the game is in progress, so the control during the game is complicated. Is prevented.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, during the process of adding or subtracting the value of the credit counter, such as BET processing, BET settlement processing, credit settlement processing, and during the game (the number of balls corresponding to the occurrence of winning is credited during the game) Since the lending process for adding the value of the credit counter is not performed based on the detection of the captured ball by the captured ball detection switch 203, the update process of the credit counter value becomes complicated. Can be prevented.

  Further, even when the lending prohibition error flag is not set, when the take-in ball is detected by the take-in ball detection switch 203 when the lending control by the payout device 200 is not executed, for example, Sk9 in the switch detection process When the fetching ball is detected by the fetching ball detection switch 203 in step, if the lending selection processing flag is not 1 in the step of Sk10 +, an error notification is performed.

  In addition, from the start of the lending control based on the reception of the lending request notification in the step St13 of the lending communication processing 1 until the sprocket 206 starts to rotate by the dispensing motor 201, that is, in the Su13 of the dispensing start waiting process. When a game ball is detected in the step, or when the value of the difference ball counter is less than 0 in the step of Su34 in the payout passing waiting process, a game ball having a number of balls corresponding to the rotational drive amount of the payout motor 201 is detected. Will be.

  That is, even when the lending prohibition error flag is not set, when the payout motor 201 is not driven, or when more balls are detected than the number of payout balls corresponding to the set rotational drive amount, etc. If the captured ball is detected in a situation that cannot be detected, it is determined that the detected ball is abnormal, and the captured ball may have been illegally detected or erroneously detected by the captured ball detection switch 203. You can discover that.

  Further, when the lending prohibition error flag is not set, the detection of the captured ball by the captured ball detection switch 203 is invalidated. For example, the payout control unit 61 executes the process after Sk6 of the switch detection process. It is determined whether or not the lending process selection flag is 1, and if it is not 1, the process returns to the original process. Since the detection of the captured ball is invalidated, the value of the credit counter is prevented from being added in a situation where the captured ball cannot be detected.

  In addition, when the loan control is executed, the execution of the loan control based on the new loan request is prohibited, so that the loan control based on the new loan request is not performed before the loan control is finished. Therefore, the lending control is prevented from becoming complicated.

  Further, as long as 250 gaming balls are not supplied to the supply passage 222, the lending control is not started, so that only the number of payout operations that are reliably waiting in the supply passage 222 are performed. It can be avoided that the payout operation is interrupted without being supplied or the processing load is increased by performing a useless payout operation.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the lending control executed based on the lending request, the lending operation for 250 balls is performed at one time. For example, 50 lending is performed based on the lending request for 250 balls. It is also possible to repeat the minute lending operation five times. In this case, by performing the lending operation for 50 balls on condition that 50 game balls are supplied to the supply passage 222, the payout operation is interrupted in the middle without being supplied with game balls. It is avoided that the amount of processing performed in one lending operation is excessive.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the value of the difference ball counter exceeds the threshold value (Sk12 in switch detection process; Yes), a difference ball error flag is set (Sk13 in switch detection process), and the lending operation is stopped halfway. However, without performing such a process, the lending operation for a predetermined number of lending units (for example, 50 balls) is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 balls) based on the lending request for 250 balls as described above. (5 times) In the case of repeated, the lending operation for 50 balls is performed on condition that 50 game balls are supplied to the supply passage 222, and a predetermined number of lending units (for example, 50 balls) It is possible to determine whether or not there is a difference ball error based on the value of the difference ball counter every time a minute lending operation is completed. In this way, a lending operation for the number of lending units (for example, 50 balls). Is interrupted Since it is being prevented, it is avoided that the control of the recovery process is complicated.

  Further, the intake passage 220 is provided with a see-through see-through window 106 that makes it impossible to take out a game ball and makes it visible. It is possible to visually check through and to prevent the game ball from being taken out and illegally detected.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention has been described based on drawing, this invention is not limited to this Example, Even if there is a change or addition in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention, it is in this invention. Needless to say, it is included.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, about 500 game balls, for example, are enclosed in the take-in passage 220 and the lift passage 221 in the ball circulation device 120 in advance, and in the lending control executed based on the lending request. The game balls that were paid out from the payout device 200 and entered the take-in passage 220 were used for circulation by being lifted by the lifting device 230, that is, the game balls were used in a circulation manner in each slot machine 1. However, for example, the game balls stored in the gaming machine installation island where the slot machine 1 is installed are supplied to each slot machine 1, and after the rented game balls are taken in, the gaming machine installation island It is possible to discharge it to the game machine installation island and lift it with a transfer device provided on the game machine installation island, and circulate it within the game machine installation island.

  In the above embodiment, the game control board 40 for controlling the game and the payout control board 60 for controlling the payout and lending are separately provided. However, the game control board 40 may perform all the controls. good. Alternatively, the take-out control board 60 side may control take-in, or a board for take-in control may be provided separately so that the board controls the take-in.

  In the embodiment, the payout control board 60 and the card unit 300 are connected via the connection terminal board 70, but the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 pays out in addition to the game control. The game control board 40 and the card unit 300 may be connected directly or via the connection terminal board 70 or the like.

  In the embodiment, the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60 and the effect control board 90 are directly connected, but may be connected via a relay board or the like. In particular, when connecting to the effect control board 90, the connection between the game control board 40 and the effect control board 90 is facilitated by connecting via the relay board, and from the effect control board 90 to the game control board 40. On the other hand, it is possible to suppress an illegal signal or the like from being directly input.

  In the embodiment, the card unit 300 that accepts a prepaid card storing a valuable value as a storage medium and causes the gaming machine to lend a gaming ball using the valuable value read from the received prepaid card. Although it is applied as a lending device, for example, it accepts money, and a storage medium provided in the device with a valuable value based on the received money amount (for example, a recording medium enclosed so that a player cannot take it out) It is also possible to apply a lending device that allows a gaming machine to be rented using a valuable value stored in a memory (a memory built in a lending device such as a RAM) and stored in a storage medium in the device. Further, the function of the card unit 300 may be built in the slot machine 1.

  In the embodiment, a slot machine is applied as a gaming machine. However, the gaming machine storage means for storing the number of gaming media owned by the player is provided, and the number of gaming media stored in the gaming medium storage means is calculated. Any game machine that can be used to play a game is applicable regardless of the type of the game machine. For example, a sparrow ball game machine or an arrangement ball game machine that plays a game by driving a predetermined number of game media into the game area. The present invention can also be applied.

1 slot machine 2L, 2C, 2R reel 6 MAXBET switch 7 start switch 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch 41 main control unit 91 sub control unit 120 ball circulation device 200 payout device 202 payout ball detection switch 203 intake ball detection switch 205 supply Ball detection switch 220 Intake passage 221 Lifting passage 222 Supply passage 230 Lifting device

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine comprising game ball storage means for storing the number of game balls owned by a player and capable of playing a game using the number of game balls stored in the game ball storage means,
Lending means for performing a sending operation control for sending out a predetermined number of game balls by repeatedly sending out a predetermined number of gaming balls for a predetermined number of units based on a predetermined lending request, a predetermined number of times;
A sending game ball detecting means for detecting a send game ball sent out by the lending means;
A take-in passage through which a game ball sent out by the lending means enters;
An incoming game ball detecting means for detecting an incoming game ball that has entered the intake passage;
Adding means for adding the number of game balls captured by the game ball detection means to the number of game balls stored in the game ball storage means;
An abnormality determining means for determining an abnormal detection of the captured game ball by the captured game ball detecting means;
Lending stop means for stopping the sending operation control based on the detection abnormality determined by the abnormality determination means,
With
The abnormality determining means is based on the fact that the difference between the number of game balls detected by the game ball detection means and the number of game balls detected by the game game detection means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. It is determined that the detection is abnormal,
The predetermined value is equal to or greater than the number of game balls that can stay between the sending game ball detecting means and the taking game ball detecting means in the take-in passage,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality judging means judges a detection abnormality every time when the sending operation for sending out the game balls of the predetermined unit number of 2 or more is completed.