JP7824066B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing games.

Gaming machines have been proposed that limit the number of medals a player can win in order to curb gambling. For example, the gaming machine described in JP 2004-344497 A (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) maintains a ball difference counter that indicates the value obtained by subtracting the number of medals bet (number used) set by the player from the number of medals paid out for winnings throughout the day (number awarded), and activates a limiter when the value of the ball difference counter reaches 9,600 or more.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-344497

In the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, there was room for improvement in the update control of the difference ball counter.

The present invention was devised in light of this situation, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine with improved ball difference counter update control.

(A) The gaming machine according to claim 1 is
A gaming machine capable of playing games,
a game control means for controlling the progress of a game;
A performance control means for controlling the performance,
The game control means
when a cumulative number of granted games, which is obtained by cumulatively counting the number of granted game values in games that have been played since a predetermined counting start condition was met, is greater than a cumulative number of uses, which is obtained by cumulatively counting the number of uses of game values in games that have been played since the predetermined counting start condition was met, storing a number obtained by subtracting the cumulative number of uses from the cumulative number of granted games as a difference between the cumulative number of granted games and the cumulative number of uses;
When the cumulative number of granted items is smaller than the cumulative number of used items, 0 is stored as the difference number.
When the stored difference number reaches a limit number, the game is disabled from proceeding , and a specific flag indicating that the game is being controlled to a state in which the game is disabled from proceeding is turned on;
In an advantageous zone that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player, the number of granted gaming values can be controlled to the advantageous zone until it reaches an upper limit value;
An external signal output is possible in the advantageous section,
In a predetermined unit game, when the number of game values granted in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit value and the difference number becomes the limited number, the output of the external signal is stopped and then the progress of the game is disabled;
When the state of the gaming machine is controlled to a state in which the game cannot proceed, the difference number is held;
When the specific flag is in an on state, the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, and then the power supply is resumed , the difference number is held,
transmitting a command capable of specifying the number of gaming values to be used and a command capable of specifying the number of gaming values to be awarded for each unit game to the performance control means;
When the difference between the stored difference number and the limit number is smaller than a predetermined number, a command capable of specifying the difference between the difference number and the limit number is transmitted to the performance control means for each unit game.
It is characterized by:

FIG. 2 is a front view of the card unit and the slot machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card unit and the slot machine. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the transition of game states. 10 is a diagram for explaining the types of winning combinations, the symbol combinations of winning combinations, and the awarding of prizes when winning. 10 is a diagram for explaining the types of winning combinations, the symbol combinations of winning combinations, and the awarding of prizes when winning. 10 is a diagram for explaining the types of winning combinations, the symbol combinations of winning combinations, and the awarding of prizes when winning. 10 is a diagram for explaining the types of winning combinations, the symbol combinations of winning combinations, and the awarding of prizes when winning. 10 is a diagram for explaining the combination of winning roles that are read out as the roles to be selected for each game state. FIG. This is a diagram to explain reel control when a push order role is won. This is a diagram showing the game start command that the main control unit sends to the performance control unit when the start switch is operated. 10 shows a game end command sent by the main control unit to the performance control unit at the time of the third stop. A diagram showing the types of commands that the main control board sends to the medal count control board. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine installation information command. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of gaming machine characteristics. A diagram showing the structure of a reel information command. A diagram showing details of the device operation information. A diagram showing the structure of a favorable zone information command. A diagram showing details of advantageous zone information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an input command. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a settlement command. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a start command. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a termination command. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a dispensing pulse command. A diagram showing the structure of a jackpot command. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of a hall computer signal. A diagram showing the structure of the gaming machine fraud 1 command. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of setting information. A diagram showing the structure of the gaming machine fraud 2 command. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of door information. A diagram showing the structure of the gaming machine fraud 3 command. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main control state command. A diagram showing the configuration of a main control board error command. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of main control board errors. A diagram showing the structure of a gaming machine performance information (preliminary) command. A diagram showing a list of commands from the medal count control board to the main control board. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a response command. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a frame-side information command. A diagram showing an example of communication between the main control board and the medal count control board. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining communication of a frame-side information command. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing performed when the main control board receives a command. This is a diagram showing the flow of communication between the main control board and the medal count control board after the power is turned on. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication when the serial number is normal. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication when a serial number mismatch error occurs. A figure showing an example of communication when an error related to a gaming medal occurs. A figure showing an example of communication occurring before the sending and receiving of a gaming machine installation information command. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timeout when powering on. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the bet number setting operation and the settlement operation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a new bet amount setting operation is performed after a bet amount setting operation and before a response command is received. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a new payment operation is performed after a payment operation and before a response command is received. This figure shows an example in which a new settlement operation is performed after the bet number setting operation and before the response command is received. This figure shows an example in which a new bet number setting operation is performed after a settlement operation and before a response command is received. A diagram explaining a serial number error in the bet number setting operation. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a serial number error during a payment operation. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a process of checking frame side information. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating display control of the number of dispensed coins. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a role ratio monitor. A figure showing an example of the display of a role ratio monitor. A diagram for explaining the initialization process of role ratio information. 1 is an address map of a memory area used by the main control unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a register bank included in a CPU of a main control unit. 10 is a flowchart showing a startup process of a main control unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an initial setting process performed by the main control board. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating variables related to safety device processing. 10 is a diagram illustrating the area F initialization process performed by the main control board. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the control content of the main processing performed by the main control board. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the control content of the RT information output process performed by the main control board. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the control content of safety device-related processing performed by the main control board. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the control content of the safety device processing performed by the main control board. A diagram showing commands sent from the main control board to the performance control board. 10 is a flowchart showing the control content of error processing performed by the main control unit. This is a diagram to explain command communication between the main control board and the performance control board. 10 is a diagram illustrating the control content of the addition process of the cumulative number of uses on the performance control side performed by the performance control unit. FIG. This is a diagram explaining the control content of the addition process of the cumulative awarded number on the performance control side performed by the performance control unit. 10 is a diagram explaining the control content of the notification processing performed by the performance control unit before the safety device is activated. A diagram explaining the control contents of the game start waiting process performed by the main control board. A diagram explaining the control content of the bet number setting operation acceptance process performed by the main control board. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the control content of the settlement operation reception process performed by the main control board. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a card unit and a slot machine according to a second embodiment. This is a diagram to explain communication between the performance control unit, main control unit, medal count control unit, and CU control unit.

The following describes an embodiment of a slot machine, which is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

Embodiment 1.
[Configuration of slot machine]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a card unit and a slot machine.

Referring to Figure 1, each of the gaming islands (not shown) arranged in an amusement hall (hall) is equipped with a slot machine (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as S-machine) 2, and a card unit (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as CU) 3, an example of a gaming device, is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the S-machine 2 at a predetermined side position. The card unit is also referred to as a "game medal lending device."

S-machine 2 is a gaming machine in which the player does not pick up medals and insert them into an insertion slot, and medals are not paid out to the player. For this reason, gaming value is added directly to credits (gaming points that can be used in games (hereinafter also referred to as "gaming medals")) in accordance with lending operations, etc. The added number of credits (number of gaming medals) is displayed on the credit display 11. Furthermore, unlike conventional slot machines, the upper limit on the number of credits that can be added is not limited to "50," but may be set within the range of numbers that can be displayed on the credit display 11. Furthermore, it is not necessary to set an upper limit. Below, the number of credits may also be referred to as the number of gaming medals.

Furthermore, unlike conventional slot machines, not only do they not have a medal insertion slot or payout outlet, but they also do not require devices to control inserted medals, such as medal selectors or hoppers. Slot machines like this, which do not require any medals at all, are called "controlled gaming machines" or "medalless slot machines."

Inside S-machine 2, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter also referred to as the left reel, center reel, and right reel) with multiple types of symbols arranged around the periphery are arranged side by side horizontally, and three consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are arranged so that they can be seen through transmission window 3W.

Each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is rotated by a corresponding reel motor 32L, 32C, and 32R, as shown in FIG. 2. As a result, the symbols on each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed in a continuously changing manner in the transparent window 3W. Furthermore, by stopping the rotation of each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed in the transparent window 3W as a display result.

Reel LEDs 55 (shown in Figure 2) are provided inside reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. The reel LEDs 55 illuminate reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (shown in Figure 1) from behind. The reel LEDs 55 are made up of 12 LEDs corresponding to the three consecutive symbols on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and can illuminate each symbol independently.

A display area of the liquid crystal display 51 is located in front of each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (on the player's side). The liquid crystal display 51 is designed so that each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be seen from the player's side through the transparent area corresponding to the transparent window 3W of the display area and the transparent window 3W.

Figure 3 shows the arrangement of symbols on the reels. As shown in Figure 3, each reel has several types of identifiable symbols ("Character," "Black 7," "White 7," "BAR," "Replay," "Plum," "Cherry," "Watermelon," "Moon," and "Orange") arranged in a predetermined order.

Below the transparent window 3W, a gently sloping surface is formed, sloping from the back to the front, with the operation unit extending further forward from there. The top surface of the operation unit is provided with a MAXBET switch 6, a 1BET switch 20, a bet clear switch 21, a 1BET LED 14, a 2BET LED 15, a 3BET LED 16, a credit display 11, and a game aid display 12, while the front side of the operation unit is provided with a START switch 7, STOP switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and a count button 10.

The credit indicator 11 is made up of a seven-segment LED display and is controlled by the medal count control unit 171 shown in FIG. 2. The game support indicator 12 displays the number of medals paid out when a win occurs, operation information (navigation notification) corresponding to the operation mode, etc. Hereinafter, the number of medals paid out displayed by the game support indicator 12 may be referred to as the "number of medals paid out." In other words, the game support indicator 12 displays the gaming value awarded to the player according to the outcome of a single game. The game support indicator 12 is made up of a seven-segment LED display and is controlled by the main control unit 161.

The various operating means provided on the operating unit will now be explained. The MAXBET switch 6 is a switch operated to set the maximum bet (in this embodiment, "3").

The 1BET LED 14 lights up to indicate that a bet of 1 has been set. The 2BET LED 15 lights up to indicate that a bet of 2 has been set. The 3BET LED 16 lights up to indicate that a bet of 3 has been set.

The start switch 7 is used to start the reels spinning after the bet amount has been set. The stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are used to stop the reels while they are spinning, with 8L corresponding to the left reel, 8C corresponding to the center reel, and 8R corresponding to the right reel. The count button 10 is used to count the number of credits (number of game medals) and convert them into the number of medals held.

The door open detection switch 25 shown in Figure 2 is provided on the inside of the front door of S machine 2. The door open detection switch 25 detects whether the front door is open. Furthermore, a power supply box is provided inside the housing. The setting key switch 37 and reset/setting switch 38 shown in Figure 2 are provided on the front of the power supply box. The setting key switch 37 switches to the setting change state or the setting confirmation state. The reset/setting switch 38 normally functions as a reset switch to cancel an error state or a play stop state, and in the setting change state functions as a setting switch to change the set value of the winning probability (ball payout rate) of the internal lottery.

In this embodiment, of the three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that start spinning, the first reel to stop is referred to as the first stopped reel, and its stop is referred to as the first stop. Similarly, the second reel to stop is referred to as the second stopped reel, and its stop is referred to as the second stop. The third reel to stop is referred to as the third stopped reel, and its stop is referred to as the third stop, final stop, or all reels stop.

Next, we will explain the flow of the game on S-machine 2. When playing a game on S-machine 2, first, a lending operation is performed on CU3 to secure credits (game medals). This lending operation corresponds to the two-step operation of "lending medals" and "manually inserting the loaned medals into the slot" in conventional medal payout slot machines.

When the MAXBET switch 6 is operated while credits are present, the maximum bet within the credit range is added, and the credits are reduced by the added amount. Once the bet is set, the pay line determined based on the bet amount and game status from among the pay lines L1 to L5 becomes active, and operation of the START switch 7 becomes active, i.e., the game can be started.

Here, a winning line is a line set to determine whether the combination of symbols displayed in the transparent window 3W of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R is a winning combination. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, five types of winning lines are defined: winning line L1, which spans the symbols lined up in the middle row of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R; winning line L2, which spans the symbols lined up in the upper row of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R; winning line L3, which spans the symbols lined up in the lower row of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R; winning line L4, which spans the symbols lined up in the upper row of reel 2L, the middle row of reel 2C, and the lower row of reel 2R, i.e., the symbols lined up downward to the right; and winning line L5, which spans the symbols lined up in the lower row of reel 2L, the middle row of reel 2C, and the upper row of reel 2R, i.e., the symbols lined up upward to the right.

When the start switch 7 is operated while the game is ready to start, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R will spin, and the symbols on each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R will change continuously. When any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reel 2L, 2C, or 2R will stop, and the display result will be derived and displayed in the transparent window 3W.

A game ends when all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R come to a stop, and a win occurs when a predetermined combination of symbols appears on any of the activated paylines L1-L5 as a result of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. When a win occurs, the player is awarded a number of points determined according to the win. These points are added to the player's credits.

Credits can be counted and converted into medals by operating the count button 10. By converting them into medals, you can record those medals on your card when you finish playing.

In this embodiment, when the count button 10 is pressed once, all of the game balls currently owned by the player are counted, regardless of how long the button is pressed (whether it is pressed and held or not). However, this is not limited to this, and the counting operation may be repeatedly performed depending on how long the count button 10 is pressed (for example, a counting process of 50 balls is performed every time the button is pressed for 0.3 seconds). Furthermore, regardless of how long the button is pressed, a predetermined number (for example, 50 balls) of game balls may be counted into the player's medals when the button is pressed once.

A credit display segment 7S and speakers 53 and 54 are provided at the top of the LCD display 51. The credit display segment 7S is made up of five 7-segment segments and displays the number of credits held by the player. By being provided at the top of the S machine 2, the credit display segment 7S can display the number of credits stored in the S machine 2 to players other than the player playing on the S machine 2 or to store staff. The speakers 53 and 54 emit sound effects that match the presentation.

[Card unit configuration]
The configuration of the CU 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. This CU 3 accepts visitor cards (also called general cards) with prepaid functions, which are gaming storage media issued to general players who are not registered as members, and member cards, which are gaming storage media issued to member players who are registered as members of the gaming facility. The visitor cards and member cards are composed of IC cards.

CU3, which accepts these cards, has the function of converting the gaming value owned by the player (such as prepaid balance, number of medals held, or number of medals saved (also called "number of balls saved")) identified by the information stored on the card into the number of credits (number of gaming medals).

The front side of CU3 is provided with a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a protrusion 305 that protrudes forward from the front of the device, and a card insertion/ejection slot 309 for inserting member cards and visitor cards. A member card or visitor card inserted into this card insertion/ejection slot 309 is accepted by a card reader/writer (not shown), and the information recorded on the card is read.

The surface of the aforementioned protrusion 305 facing the player is provided with a display 312, a replay button 319 for executing a replay game using the membership card ID (also simply referred to as the card ID or C-ID) recorded on the membership card when a membership card is accepted, and the number of medals (number of balls) specified by the membership card ID, and an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives infrared signals from a remote control (not shown) carried by an amusement center attendant, converts them into electronic signals, and outputs them.

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

When the medal count button 324 is operated, a portion of the medal count recorded on the inserted card is withdrawn and converted into credits (number of game medals). When the replay button 319 is operated, if the inserted card stores the number of medals the player has acquired, a portion of the medal count is withdrawn and converted into credits, and the player can play on S machine 2 based on the converted credits.

On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and does not store the number of medals held, but the saved medals are stored in the hall's management computer, etc., some of the saved medals will be withdrawn and converted into credits, allowing play on S machine 2. In other words, if both saved medals and saved medals are stored in association with the inserted card, the saved medals will be withdrawn first. A dedicated medal payout button for withdrawing saved medals may be provided in addition to the replay button 319, and the replay button 319 may be used as a dedicated button for withdrawing saved medals.

Here, "credits (game medals)" refers to data that can be used to set the bet amount and can also be converted into "owned medals." "Credits" are generated in exchange for withdrawing the balance on a prepaid card, the number of owned medals, or the number of saved medals.

The "number of medals held" is a numerical conversion of the number of credits (number of medals played) that a player owns as a result of playing on a gaming machine. This "number of medals held" is stored in a manner that allows it to be identified by the player's card. The number of medals held may also be managed by a management device for managing the number of medals held that is installed in the gaming facility.

"Number of saved medals (number of saved balls)" refers to the number of medals a player has deposited at the amusement facility. The number of medals a player has won through play is managed as the number of saved medals on the day, but is managed as the "number of saved medals" from the day after they were won. In other words, the number of credits (number of game medals) a player has won and counted at the amusement facility on the day is called "points," and the number of medals a player has won and deposited at the amusement facility on or before the day before is called the "number of saved medals." This "number of saved medals" is generally managed by the hall management computer or other management computer installed at the amusement facility.

The direction in which each of the above data - "Balance," "Number of saved medals (number of saved balls)," "Number of medals held," and "Number of credits (number of game medals)" - can be converted is shown by arrows: "Balance, Number of saved medals, Number of medals held" → "Number of credits" → "Number of medals held" → "Number of saved medals."

In this embodiment, the medal count data is not recorded directly on the membership card, but is stored in a host server such as a hall management computer in association with the membership card number, so that the corresponding medal count can be searched for based on the membership card number. On the other hand, the number of medals held is recorded directly on the card.

However, both may be stored in the upper server in association with the card number. In the case of a visitor card, the number of medals held is also recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the number of medals held may also be stored in the upper server in association with the card number. When storing the number in association with the card number in this upper server, data that can identify the time it was stored in the upper server may be written to the card (membership card, visitor card) and then discharged. In addition, the prepaid balance is written directly to the card (membership card, visitor card) and then discharged.

The number of medals held is stored on the card (membership card, visitor card) or on the host server, for example, when the counting button 10 is operated and the counting process is performed. However, instead, the number may be stored all at once when the card is returned.

Also, when a player finishes playing and returns the card from CU3, the medals stored in CU3 are temporarily stored as saved balls in the hall server, and when the player inserts the card into the same or a different CU3 again on the same day the card is returned, only the medals for that day that were temporarily stored as saved balls are stored again in that CU3, and credits can be added within the range of the medals stored, allowing play.

Banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion slot 302 are taken in by a currency validator (not shown) and their authenticity and banknote type are identified.

The front side of CU3 is also provided with a loan button 321 and a card return button 322. The loan button 321 is a button operated to debit the balance recorded on the inserted card to obtain the number of credits. Specifically, by operating the loan button 321, the number of credits is added according to the balance debited. The card return button 322 is operated when the player ends play, and is an operation button to store the confirmed number of medals held at the end of play (number of medals held at the time the card was inserted - number of medals converted from number of medals to number of credits + number counted by the counting operation) in the inserted card and then eject it.

As explained above, with the S machine 2 according to this embodiment, the number of medals held, as specified by the card, is converted into the number of credits (number of game medals), and the number of credits can then be used to set the bet amount. This makes it possible to provide a new slot machine (controlled gaming machine) that does not use medals for gaming, without causing confusion to players who are accustomed to conventional slot machines where medals are loaned, credits are secured by inserting those medals, and the bet amount is set using those credits.

[Internal configuration of card unit and slot machine]
2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card unit and the slot machine. Referring to FIG. 2, the outline of the control circuits of the CU 3 and the S-machine 2 will be explained.

CU3 is provided with a CU control board 32, which is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer and other components. This CU control unit 323 is the main control function unit of CU3, and is provided with a CPU as the control center, ROM which stores programs and control data for the CPU to operate, RAM which functions as the CPU's work area, and an input/output interface which maintains signal consistency with peripheral devices.

The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external output terminal (not shown) for communicating with the hall management computer and the hall server that performs security management. CU3 transmits the status of CU3 and gaming machine status information received from S-machine 2 to external devices such as the hall management computer (hall computer) and the hall server that performs security management via the external output terminal. The CU control unit 323 communicates with the medal count control board 17 of S-machine 2 via the communication control IC 325. The communication control IC 325 and medal count control board 17 are connected, for example, via an asynchronous serial communication port. Communication between the communication control IC 325 and medal count control board 17 is performed via the connection terminal board 1000.

Communication between the CU control unit 323 and the medal count control board 17 is bidirectional for the exchange of loan information (information regarding the operation to debit the balance stored on the inserted card and use it for play on S machine 2) and loan response information (information regarding the response to the loan information), while other counting information (information regarding the counting process from credit to held medals) and gaming machine information is unidirectionally communicated from the medal count control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. As a result, S machine 2 does not recognize whether CU3 has received the counting information and gaming machine information. CU3 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the S machine 2 side, and S machine 2 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the CU3 side. These connections are composed of, for example, connectors.

The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the medals held by the player while the player is playing. The display unit 312 displays images corresponding to data such as the balance or number of medals held output from the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the touch panel on the surface of the display unit 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the loan button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. Note that the loan button 321 is not limited to being provided on the CU 3, but may also be provided on the S-stand 2 and input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

S-machine 2 is equipped with a main control board 16 that controls the progress of play on S-machine 2, a medal count control board 17 that controls the credits owned by the player, a presentation control board 15 that controls presentations according to the game status, and a power supply board 101. The power supply board 101 generates power to drive the electrical components that make up S-machine 2 and supplies it to each section.

The power supply board 101 is supplied with AC 100V power from an external source, and this AC 100V power generates the DC voltage required to drive the electrical components that make up the S-stand 2, which is then supplied to the main control board 16, medal count control board 17, and performance control board 15.

The medal count control board 17 is equipped with a microcomputer for payout control, which is the medal count control unit 171. The medal count control unit 171 is equipped with a CPU 171a as the control center, a ROM 171b that stores programs and control data for the CPU 171a to operate, a RAM 171c that functions as a work area for the CPU 171a, and an input/output interface to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

The medal count control board 17 is connected to a RAM clear switch 293 for erasing information stored in RAM 171c and a door open detection switch 25, and receives detection signals from these connected switches. The medal count control board 17 is also connected to a count button 10, and receives a detection signal from the count button 10.

The medal count control board 17 is connected to the credit display 11 and the role ratio monitor 89, and the display is controlled by the medal count control unit 171. In addition, a backup memory 294 is connected to the medal count control board 17, which backs up the role ratio information that the medal count control board 17 uses to display on the role ratio monitor 89.

The role ratio monitor 89 normally displays numerical values indicating the performance of the slot machine (hereinafter also referred to as "role ratio information"). Numerical values indicating the performance of the slot machine include, for example, the instructed role payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number, the consecutive role payout ratio for the past 6,000 games, the role payout ratio for the past 6,000 games, the consecutive role payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number, the role payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number, and the role status ratio to the total cumulative payout number. Details of this information will be provided later using Figure 58.

The main control board 16 is equipped with a game control microcomputer, the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 is equipped with a CPU 161a as the control center, a ROM 161b that stores programs and control data for the CPU 161a to operate, a RAM 161c that functions as a work area for the CPU 161a, and an input/output interface to maintain signal integrity with peripheral devices.

Reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are connected to the main control board 16 and are driven under the control of the main control unit 161. The setting key switch 37, reset/setting switch 38, and start switch 7 are also connected to the main control board 16, and detection signals from these connected switches are input. The game support display 12 is also connected to the main control board 16, and the display is controlled by the main control unit 161.

The main control board 16 is also connected to the bet number clear switch 21, 1BET switch 20, stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, door open detection switch 25, and MAXBET switch 6 via the relay board 1100, and receives detection signals from these connected switches. The main control board 16 is also connected to the 1-3BET LEDs 14-16 via the relay board 1100, and the display is controlled by the main control unit 161.

The performance control board 15 is equipped with a performance control microcomputer, the performance control unit 151. The performance control unit 151 is equipped with a CPU 151a as the control center, a ROM 151b that stores programs and control data for the CPU 151a to operate, a RAM 151c that functions as a work area for the CPU 151a, and an input/output interface to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

A performance switch 56 is connected to the performance control board 15, and a detection signal from the performance switch 56 is input. Performance devices such as an LCD display 51, performance effect LEDs 52, speakers 53 and 54, reel LEDs 55, and credit display segments 7S are also connected to the performance control board 15, and these performance devices are driven under the control of the performance control unit 151.

In addition, a light intensity/volume adjustment board 111 is connected to the performance control board 15. Switches for adjusting the light intensity and volume are connected to the light intensity/volume adjustment board 111, and detection signals from these switches are input to the performance control board 15 via the light intensity/volume adjustment board 111.

The main control unit 161 sends various commands to the performance control unit 151. Commands sent from the main control unit 161 to the performance control unit 151 are sent in only one direction; commands are never sent from the performance control unit 151 to the main control unit 161. The performance control unit 151 receives commands sent from the main control unit 161 and performs various controls to produce performances.

The medal count control unit 171 sends various commands to the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 also sends various commands to the medal count control unit 171. In other words, communication between the medal count control unit 171 and the main control unit 161 is two-way communication. In addition, the medal count control board 17 supplies backup power to the main control board 16.

The medal count control unit 171 also stores credits in a predetermined area of RAM 171c. Specifically, the credit count is stored in a credit counter. The medal count control unit 171 updates the credits stored in the predetermined area of RAM 171c during the credit addition process or credit subtraction process.

The set bet amount is stored in a specified area of RAM 161c. Specifically, the set bet amount is stored as a BET counter. When the value stored in the BET counter is "3", the game can begin. Hereinafter, the value stored in the BET counter may be simply referred to as the "bet amount."

As explained above, medalless slot machines that do not require medals are equipped with a medal count control board 17. Functions related to the insertion and payout of medals in conventional slot machines are concentrated on the medal count control board 17. Furthermore, while conventional slot machines that require medals must be equipped with devices related to the insertion and payout of medals, such as medal selectors and hoppers, medalless slot machines do not require such devices.

Furthermore, by configuring a medal-less slot machine as in this embodiment, it is possible to share parts with conventional slot machines. Specifically, because the credit update function (function related to medal insertion and payout) is concentrated in the medal count control board 17, a conventional slot machine can be configured by replacing the medal count control board 17 of the medal-less slot machine. When configuring a conventional slot machine, it is sufficient to provide the medal count control board 17 with functions related to medal insertion and payout, and then connect devices related to medal insertion and payout, such as a medal selector and hopper, to the medal count control board 17. This configuration ensures compatibility with conventional slot machines, and by sharing parts, it is possible to reduce costs in the design and manufacture of the slot machine.

When a detection signal is input from the start switch 7, the main control unit 161 drives the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R to rotate and performs a lottery to determine the winning combination.

The types of winning combinations are determined according to the game status, but can be broadly divided into special combinations that transition to a big bonus (BB) or regular bonus (RB), small combinations that result in the payout of medals, and replay combinations that allow you to start the next game without having to set a bet amount.

The main control unit 161 draws for winning combinations, drives the reels to spin, and then waits for the player to stop the reels. When any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, or 8R is operated, the main control unit 161 stops the rotation of the reel corresponding to that stop switch 8L, 8C, or 8R. The main control unit 161 stops the three symbols and executes a win determination process to determine whether or not a win has occurred. If a win is determined to have occurred, the player is awarded a number of credits corresponding to the type of win. The main control unit 161 subtracts and displays the display on the credit display 11 in response to the subtraction of credits, and adds and displays the display on the credit display 11 in response to the addition of credits. A power-on switch 102 is connected to the power supply board 101, and a detection signal from the power-on switch 102 is input.

In this embodiment, a "game" refers to the period from when the start switch 7 is operated until reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop. When playing a game, the bet amount is set before the start switch 7 is operated, and medals are paid out and the game state is changed after reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop, so these incidental processes are also included in the "game" in a broad sense.

In addition, in this embodiment, operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is also referred to as the MAXBET operation, operation of the start switch 7 as the start operation, operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R as the stop operation, operation of the count button 10 as the count operation, operation of the lend button 321 as the lending operation, and operation of the card return button 322 as the return operation.

S-machine 2 is also configured so that the medal payout rate changes depending on the set value. More specifically, the medal payout rate is changed by using the winning probability according to the set value in lotteries that affect the player's advantage, such as internal lotteries. The set value has six levels, from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate and the payout rate decreasing in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. In other words, when the set value is set to 6, the player has the highest advantage, and the advantage gradually decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1.

To change the setting value, the setting key switch 37 must be turned ON before powering on the S-machine 2. When the setting key switch 37 is turned ON and the power is turned ON, the setting value read from RAM 161c is displayed on the setting value display, and the system transitions to a setting change state in which the setting value can be changed by operating the reset/setting switch 38. In the setting change state, when the reset/setting switch 38 is operated, the value displayed on the setting value display is updated by one (when operated again from setting value 6, it returns to setting value 1). Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the displayed value is confirmed as the setting value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned OFF, the confirmed display value (setting value) is stored in RAM 161c of the main control unit 161, and the system transitions to a state in which game play can proceed.

[state transition]
4 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the game state. As shown in FIG. 4, the states managed by the main control unit 161 include game states related to the payout rate.

Game play states include non-internal, internal, and BB. Internal is a state in which play can proceed and the medal payout rate is guaranteed based on a predetermined design value. In this embodiment, S-machine 2 allows players to play most games internally.

On the other hand, during the non-internal period, the player does not play, or if they do play, the time spent playing is extremely short. During the non-internal period, if a BB is won and the BB prize is missed, the game state will transition to the internal period from the next game. In other words, during the internal period, the BB win is carried over.

Whether inside or outside the internal reels, a game in which BB can be won (hereinafter also referred to as a "BB win game") may be played. Specifically, during a non-internal reels, if the BB symbol combination can be derived by operating stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in a game in which BB is won, BB will be won. In this case, the game state will be controlled to BB from the next game. In other words, during a non-internal reels, a game in which BB is won will be a BB win game.

Inside the machine, the BB win is carried over. Here, if a BB and a small win are won simultaneously, the reels are controlled to prioritize the small win symbol combination. Furthermore, if the small win symbol is a symbol with no misses, in a game in which a BB and a small win are won simultaneously, the small win symbol will always win, regardless of the operation of stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and a BB cannot win. Similarly, if a BB and a replay symbol are won simultaneously, the replay symbol combination is controlled to prioritize the replay symbol combination. Since a replay symbol is generally a symbol with no misses, in a game in which a BB and a replay symbol are won simultaneously, the replay symbol combination will always win, regardless of the operation of stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and a BB cannot win. Therefore, during the internal game, if a BB symbol combination can be derived by operating stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R only in a game that results in a loss in the internal lottery (a game that does not result in any winning combination), the BB will be won. In this case, the game state will be controlled to BB from the next game onwards. In other words, during the internal game, a game that results in a loss in the internal lottery becomes a game in which the BB can be won.

During BB, the BB game is played for a predetermined number of games (for example, 60G), but because the payout rate during BB is approximately 101%, the net increase in the number of coins hardly increases. Therefore, for the player, BB is simply a state in which a predetermined number of games (for example, 60G) are played. When BB ends, the game state transitions back to non-internal.

Internal states include normal zones and advantageous zones. Normal zones are states in which navigation is not executed and are non-announcement states in which navigation information cannot be announced. Advantageous zones are states in which navigation can be executed and are announcement states in which navigation information can be announced. In this embodiment, among the advantageous zones, navigation is not executed in the normal advantageous zone, but navigation can be executed in both the AT state and the ending state. Note that navigation may also be executed in the normal advantageous zone, but in the AT state and ending state, the probability of executing navigation to win the main role when the push order role is won is higher than in the normal advantageous zone. In this way, in the AT state in advantageous zones such as the AT state and ending state, navigation is executed with a higher probability than in the advantageous zone or normal advantageous zone.

In the normal zone, when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won (advantageous zone win), the state is controlled to the advantageous zone. In this embodiment, the condition for winning the advantageous zone is that most of the roles that can be won during normal play are won, so the normal play time is approximately 1G. The condition for winning the advantageous zone may also be met when any of the roles that can be won during normal play is won.

In the normal zone, navigation is not executed in games where the push order role is won, so the net increase in coins a player can win per game will be 0 or a negative number, taking into account the number of medals used to set the bet amount. Note that the net increase in coins per game is the number of medals paid out per game minus the number of medals used to set the bet amount per game. In this embodiment, the normal payout rate is set to 40%. Thus, normally, the payout rate is 1 or less (100% or less) or less than 1 (less than 100%).

Advantageous zones include the normal advantageous zone, the AT state, and the ending state. In the normal advantageous zone, navigation is not executed in games in which the push order role is won, so the net increase in coins that a player can win per game will be 0 or negative, taking into account the number of medals used to set the bet amount. In this embodiment, the payout rate in the normal advantageous zone is set to 40%. Thus, in the normal advantageous zone, the payout rate will be 1 or less (100% or less) or less than 1 (less than 100%).

In this embodiment, the player's advantage increases when certain symbols (watermelon, strong cherry) are won. Specifically, when a strong cherry is won in the AT state, the number of games played in the AT state is confirmed to be increased.

In the normal advantageous zone, processing such as lotteries related to control of the AT state is carried out. In the normal advantageous zone, the main control unit 161, for example, conducts a lottery to acquire points. The points updated by the point acquisition lottery are managed by the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 has an internal point counter (not shown) for counting points. Furthermore, when the value of the point counter reaches a specified value, the main control unit 161 conducts an AT lottery. Note that the main control unit 161 may also conduct an AT lottery based on the winning of a specific symbol (watermelon, strong cherry) without using points.

In a favorable zone, the ending state is controlled when the total number of medals generated by winning during the favorable zone, which is updated based on the progress of the game, reaches a specified ED transition number. The ED transition number is updated during the favorable zone, but is not updated during the normal zone or BB. The ending state is a state in which it is determined that control to the favorable zone will continue until, for example, the total net increase in the number of medals reaches the upper limit (e.g., 2,400 medals) or the number of games played during the favorable zone reaches the upper limit (e.g., 1,500 games). The ED transition number is set when transitioning from the normal zone to the favorable zone. The ED transition number may be determined by lottery or may be set in advance. The ED transition number is managed by the main control unit 161. That is, the RAM 161c of the main control unit 161 stores the ED transition number. The main control unit 161 cumulatively counts the ED transition number and ends the favorable zone in accordance with the counting process.

When a limiter condition is met in a favorable zone, the favorable zone is switched to the normal zone. Specifically, when the number of coins in the favorable zone (the net increase in the number of coins during the favorable zone) reaches 2,400, the favorable zone ends and control is transferred to the normal zone. The number of coins in the favorable zone is counted by a favorable zone number counter stored in RAM 161c. In other words, when the number of coins in the favorable zone reaches the upper limit, it is said that the "limiter condition" is met. Alternatively, in a favorable zone, when the total number of games played (number of games in the favorable zone), which is updated based on the progress of play, reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, 1,500 games), the favorable zone ends and control is transferred to the normal zone. The number of games in the favorable zone is counted by a net increase in coins counter stored in RAM 161c.

When the game changes from a favorable zone to a normal zone, the total number of games played and net increase counted in the favorable zone, as well as the points that can be earned during play, are reset. The number of games played in the favorable zone and the net increase in coins during the favorable zone are updated not only during the favorable zone but also during BB, but are not updated during the normal zone.

If the setting is changed during a favorable zone, the game will be controlled to the normal zone. At this time, the total number of games played and net increase counted during the favorable zone, as well as the points that can be earned during play, are also reset. In this embodiment, the S machine 2 changes the medal payout rate according to the setting value. More specifically, the medal payout rate changes by varying the probability of winning a specified lottery, such as a point acquisition lottery, depending on the setting value (for example, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6). Gaming store staff can change this setting value by changing the setting.

In this way, the conditions for transitioning from the advantageous zone to the normal zone include limiter conditions and optional ending conditions that are met based on the progress of the game, as well as a condition where a setting change is made.

In addition, in this embodiment, the S-machine 2 has a set upper limit on the number of games played in the normal advantageous zone. When the predetermined upper limit on the number of games played in the normal advantageous zone is reached, an AT right is granted, which forces a transition to the AT state regardless of the number of points reached. The upper limit on the number of games played in the normal advantageous zone is, for example, 1,280 games. This upper limit on the number of games played is known as the "ceiling." The main control unit 161 has a lottery counter in RAM 161c to determine whether the ceiling has been reached. That is, the main control unit 161 stores the number of games played in the normal advantageous zone in the lottery counter in RAM 161c. The main control unit 161 increments the value of the lottery counter each time a game is played in the normal advantageous zone. For example, if the upper limit on the number of games played in the normal advantageous zone is set to 700 games, the main control unit 161 grants an AT right when the value of the lottery counter reaches 700. The upper limit on the number of games played in the normal advantageous zone is not limited to 700 games and may be, for example, 1,280 games.

[Winning Role]
5 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the types of winning combinations, winning combinations, and awards at the time of winning. The name column in Fig. 5 to 8 shows the name of the winning combination, and the symbol combination column shows the symbol combination that will result in the winning combination. In addition, the award column shows the value (number of medals paid out, award of replay, etc.) that will be awarded at the time of winning.

As shown in Figure 5, Lip 1 to Lip 6 are provided as replay roles. As shown in Figure 6, BB is provided as a special role. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, Plums 1 to 6, Watermelon, and 1-coin roles 1 to 33 are provided as minor roles. Plums 1 to 6 are main roles that can be won when the push-order role is won, and when won, 9 medals are paid out, which is more than the number of medals used in the bet (3 medals). Plums 1 to 6 are collectively referred to as "Plum roles." 1-coin roles 1 to 33 are secondary roles that can be won when the push-order role is won, and when won, 1 medal is paid out, which is less than the number of medals used in the bet (3 medals). 1-coin roles 1 to 33 are collectively referred to as "1-coin roles."

As shown in Figure 7, among the symbol combinations that result in a 1-coin win 22, when "Character-Character-Black 7" is derived on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three character symbols are arranged in a row on the reels. Specifically, when character symbols are derived on the bottom row of the left reel 2L, the middle row of the middle reel 2C, and the top row of the right reel 2R, the character symbols are arranged in a row, sloping upward to the right. The arrangement of character symbols in a row is also referred to as a "character alignment."

As shown in Figure 8, among the symbol combinations that result in a 1-coin win 23, when "Chara-Chara-Plum" or "Chara-Plum-Plum" is derived on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three 7 symbols are lined up on the reels. Specifically, when 7 symbols are derived on the top row of the left reel 2L, the top row of the middle reel 2C, and the top row of the right reel 2R, three 7 symbols are lined up on the top row. Note that the line-up of 7 symbols is also referred to as a "7-line."

[Role to be selected]
9 is a diagram for explaining the combinations of winning roles read out as lottery target roles for each game state. The role number column in FIG. 9 shows the role number determined for each lottery target role, the flag category column shows the flag category assigned to each type of lottery target role, the lottery target role column shows its name, the game state column shows with a circle that the lottery target role is a lottery target role for each game state, and the advantageous zone win column shows whether or not there is an advantageous zone win. Also, the winning role combination column in FIG. 9 shows the combinations of winning roles included in each lottery target role.

As shown in Figure 9, BB is provided as a special role that can be selected. Roles that can be selected for replay roles include normal reel, 7-match reel, 7-mismatch reel, character reel, and character-mismatch reel. Roles that can be selected for minor roles include common plum, 213-choice roles A-D, 231-choice roles A-D, 312-choice roles A-D, 321-choice roles A-D, watermelon, 7-match 1 or 2, character reel, weak cherry, strong cherry, and chance eye A or B. Minor roles within BB include BB medium-small roles and BB medium 1. Note that 213-choice roles A-D, 231-choice roles A-D, 312-choice roles A-D, and 321-choice roles A-D are roles that can execute navigation when won, and are therefore types of push order roles. The 213-choice roles A-D, 231-choice roles A-D, 312-choice roles A-D, and 321-choice roles A-D are collectively referred to as "push order bells." Additionally, 7-matching 1-card 1 and 2-cards are collectively referred to as "7-matching 1-card."

When not inside the reel, all possible winning combinations are BB small/medium and 1 BB medium, but when inside the reel, the BB win has already been carried over, so BB, BB small/medium, and 1 BB medium cannot be won.

A common flag category is assigned to each role in non-internal, internal, and BB. Furthermore, while role numbers are determined for each role to be drawn, flag categories are assigned for each type of role to be drawn. Therefore, the number of flag categories is fewer than the number of role numbers. Furthermore, the point acquisition lottery in the normal advantageous zone and the bonus lottery in the advantageous zone (hereinafter collectively referred to as "lotteries related to AT control") are both conducted based on flag categories. Therefore, the processing burden can be reduced compared to conducting lotteries related to the control of these AT states based on role numbers.

In this embodiment, flag categories are also assigned to misses and BBs, with BBs being assigned FC1, the same as other roles such as regular replies. Furthermore, common plums are assigned FC4, the same as watermelons.

[Reel control of push order role]
10 is a diagram illustrating reel control when a push-order combination is won. As described above, in this embodiment, in a game in which a push-order combination is won in a favorable zone, navigation is executed and the player is notified of the correct procedure. The player can win a winning combination (main combination) advantageous to the player by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the correct procedure according to the navigation.

For example, as shown in Figure 10, in a game where one of the 213-choice roles A-D, 231-choice roles A-D, 312-choice roles A-D, and 321-choice roles A-D is won, the main role of the plum will be won if the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the correct sequence, while the secondary role of one coin will be won if the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the incorrect sequence. Note that if the secondary role of one coin is not won when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the incorrect sequence, no win may occur.

While the "normal procedure" is not set as the "correct procedure," the "irregular procedure" can be set as the "correct procedure." That is, in a game in which a player wins any of the 213-choice roles A-D, 231-choice roles A-D, 312-choice roles A-D, and 321-choice roles A-D, as long as the player operates the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the normal procedure, the player will not be able to win the main plum role. This could encourage players to operate the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the irregular procedure, but in this embodiment, operating the stop switches in the irregular procedure in a game in which navigation is not implemented imposes a disadvantageous penalty on the player. Therefore, players are encouraged to operate the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the normal procedure in games in which navigation is not implemented.

Figure 11 shows the game start commands that the main control unit 161 sends to the presentation control unit 151 when the start switch 7 is operated. When the start switch 7 is operated (start operation), the main control unit 161 executes an internal lottery process and, depending on the results of the internal lottery process, sends a group of commands containing predetermined information to the presentation control unit 151. Hereinafter, the group of commands No. 1 to No. 13 shown in Figure 11 will be referred to simply as "game start commands." The main control unit 161 sends each command in the order of No. 1 to No. 13 as a game start command. Each command is assigned a serial number, the same as the number, as a "setting serial number." Each command stores various information managed by the main control unit 161.

For example, the No. 2 command "instruction number" stores information related to navigation. That is, the No. 2 command stores information that can identify the order in which to press the buttons in a game in which the start switch 7 is operated. Specifically, the command "instruction number" stores information indicating the order in which to press the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. When the performance control unit 151 receives the No. 2 command "instruction number," it executes a navigation performance on the LCD display 51 based on the operational procedure that can be identified from the command "instruction number." Furthermore, the performance control unit 151 causes the speaker 53 to output a sound that notifies the player of the operational procedure that can be identified from the command "instruction number."

For example, the No. 3 command "Small Role Type" stores information that can identify whether the role won by internal lottery is a small role, a replay role, or a special role. The No. 6 command "Interval Status" stores information that can identify which of the internal states shown in FIG. 4 the game in which the start switch 7 was operated is in. Specifically, the No. 6 command "Interval Status" stores information indicating whether the currently controlled state is a normal interval or an advantageous interval, and further, within the advantageous interval, whether it is a normal advantageous interval, an AT state, or an ending state. Based on receiving the No. 6 command "Interval Status," the presentation control unit 151 can identify which interval state the game in which the start switch 7 was operated is in. The No. 4 command "Ball Out Status" can also store information that can identify the game state of the game in which the start switch 7 was operated. The No. 9 command "ART Premonition G Number" stores the number of games in the AT continuous presentation. Command No. 10 "Points" in the game start commands stores the number of points earned in the previous game. Additionally, command No. 11 "Winning Number" stores information that can identify the winning combination number of the winning combination selected by internal lottery.

In addition, when the main control unit 161 sends a game start command, it stores information indicating that medals have been bet in command No. 12, "Insert medals." If information indicating that medals have been bet is stored in command No. 12, "Insert medals," the performance control unit 151 can determine that a game start command has been received.

Figure 12 shows the game end commands sent by the main control unit 161 to the presentation control unit 151 at the third stop. The main control unit 161 sends commands No. 1 to No. 13 to the presentation control unit 151 in the order of No. 1 to No. 13 not only when the start switch 7 is operated, but also at the third stop of the stop switch. Hereinafter, the command group No. 1 to No. 13 shown in Figure 12 will be simply referred to as the "game end commands." Note that, among the commands sent at the third stop, command No. 11 is different from command No. 11 sent when the start switch 7 is operated. No. 11 is a command that stores information related to winning. In other words, at the third stop, the main control unit 161 sends information related to winning, not information related to the winning number.

Command No. 10 "Points" in the end-of-game command stores the number of points earned in the point-earning lottery process at the third stop, which will be described later. Furthermore, when the main control unit 161 sends an end-of-game command, it stores information indicating that the reels have stopped in command No. 13 "Stop Reels." If information indicating that the reels have stopped is stored in command No. 13 "Stop Reels," the presentation control unit 151 can determine that an end-of-game command has been received. That is, the presentation control unit 151 determines whether the received command group is a start-of-game command or an end-of-game command based on command No. 12 "Insert Medal" and command No. 13 "Stop Reels." When sending a start-of-game command, the main control unit 161 does not need to send command No. 13 "Stop Reels," and when sending an end-of-game command, it does not need to send command No. 12 "Insert Medal."

[Transmission and reception between the main control board and the medal count control board]
The following describes the manner of transmission and reception between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17. In this embodiment, communication is performed by commands between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17. The main control board 16 transmits a predetermined command to the medal count control board 17 every time an event occurs. Events include when the start switch 7 is pressed, when the 1 BET switch 20 or the MAX BET switch 6 is pressed, when all reels have stopped, etc.

If the specified command sent from the main control board 16 is a command that requires a predetermined response, the medal count control board 17 sends a response command to the main control board 16. For example, when S machine 2 is installed in an amusement facility and electrically connected, and the power is turned on, the main control board 16 sends a gaming machine installation information command including the main chip ID (main control chip ID) to the medal count control board 17. When the power is turned on thereafter, the main control board 16 continues to send gaming machine installation information including the main chip ID (main control chip ID) to the medal count control board 17. In other words, when S machine 2 is powered on, the main control board 16 sends a gaming machine installation information command to the medal count control board 17 that can identify the main chip ID, which is unique information possessed by the main control board 16.

Both the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17 assign a "serial number" to the command before sending it. Furthermore, both the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17 store the received "serial number." By assigning a "serial number" to the command, the S-stand 2 prevents a person attempting to fraudulently obtain medals (hereinafter referred to as an "illegal person") from tampering with the S-stand 2. "Illegal operation" refers, for example, to an operation in which the commands sent and received between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17 are altered, or an operation in which an unauthorized person controls the main control board 16 or the medal count control board 17. An unauthorized person can perform fraudulent operation by, for example, connecting a device that performs fraudulent operation (hereinafter referred to as an "illegal device") to the main control board 16 or the medal count control board 17.

The initial value and additional value for the "serial number" are determined by the medal count control board 17 and the main control board 16, respectively. The medal count control board 17 determines the initial value and additional value for the "serial number" based on the gaming machine installation information command received from the main control board 16. The main chip ID included in the gaming machine installation information command includes a 4-byte chip-specific number register. Each byte of the main chip ID stores a hexadecimal value specific to the chip. The medal count control board 17 calculates the total value by adding the hexadecimal values stored in each byte of the main chip ID. The medal count control board 17 converts the value indicated by the lowest 2 bytes of the calculated total value into a decimal number and determines this value as the initial value for the "serial number."

For example, if the total value is "189h" (the "h" indicates that "189" is a hexadecimal number), the initial value for the serial number will be the decimal equivalent of "89h". In other words, the initial value for the "serial number" will be "137".

Furthermore, the medal count control board 17 divides the initial value by a predetermined number. If the predetermined number is, for example, "5," the remainder calculated as a result of the division will be one of four types: "0," "1," "2," "3," and "4." The medal count control board 17 predetermines and stores additional values corresponding to the four remainders. For example, the medal count control board 17 stores "7" corresponding to "0," "11" corresponding to "1," "13" corresponding to "2," "19" corresponding to "3," and "23" corresponding to "4." After dividing the initial value by the predetermined number, the medal count control board 17 sets the value stored corresponding to the remainder resulting from the division as the additional value.

As an example, when the initial value "137" is divided by 5, the remainder is "2." As described above, the medal count control board 17 stores "13" in correspondence with the remainder "2" of the division. Therefore, the medal count control board 17 determines the additional value for the serial number as "13." In this way, based on the main chip ID identified from the gaming machine installation information command, the medal count control board 17 generates the initial value and additional value for the serial number used to determine whether the command sent from the main control board 16 is normal. The main control board 16 also performs similar calculations to generate the initial value and additional value. As a result, the same initial value and additional value are stored in both the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17.

As described above, in this embodiment, the occurrence of an event causes the main control board 16 to send a specified command to the medal count control board 17. The main control board 16 assigns a serial number to the specified command. For example, we will explain an example in which a gaming machine installation information command is sent to the medal count control board 17, and after both the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17 have determined the initial value and additional value for the serial number, a specified event A occurs.

When a predetermined event A occurs, the main control board 16 sends command A to the medal count control board 17. At this time, the main control board 16 assigns an initial serial number to command A, which is sent for the first time after sending the gaming machine installation command. In other words, the main control board 16 assigns the serial number "137" to command A and sends it.

The medal count control board 17 stores "137" as its initial value, and since the serial number assigned to Command A, which is received for the first time after receiving the gaming machine installation command, is "137," it determines that communication is normal.

Next, when a new event B occurs, the main control board 16 sends command B to the medal count control board 17. At this time, the main control board 16 sends command B with a value obtained by adding an additional value to the previously sent serial number. In other words, the main control board 16 sends command B with the value "150", which is the previously sent value "137" plus the additional value "13". Before receiving command B, the medal count control board 17 calculates in advance that the serial number to be assigned to the next command to be sent will be "150". The medal count control board 17 determines that communication with the main control board 16 is normal because the serial number assigned to the received command B is "150", which matches the previously calculated serial number.

In other words, each time the main control board 16 sends a command, it assigns a serial number equal to the value of the previously sent serial number plus an additional value. The medal count control board 17 also stores the initial value and the additional value, so it can calculate in advance the value of the serial number to be assigned to the next command it receives, and can determine whether the serial number is normal each time it receives a command. If the serial number assigned to the received command does not match the calculated serial number value, the medal count control board 17 determines that a communication abnormality has occurred between the main control board 16 and medal count control board 17.

If the value obtained by adding the additional value to the previously transmitted serial number exceeds 255, the main control board 16 will subtract 255 and transmit the resulting serial number. If the main control board 16 receives a response command from the medal count control board 17 indicating that an error has occurred, it will not add the additional value to the serial number of the command to be transmitted after the response command, but will instead assign the same serial number again and transmit it.

[Commands sent from the main control board to the medal count control board]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the types of commands that the main control board 16 transmits to the medal count control board 17. In this embodiment, as shown in the command name column in FIG. 13, the main control board 16 transmits to the medal count control board 17 a gaming machine installation information command, a role information command, a favorable zone information command, a deposit command, a settlement command, an end command, a start command, a payout pulse command, a jackpot command, a gaming machine fraud 1 command, a gaming machine fraud 2 command, a gaming machine fraud 3 command, a main control status command, a main control board error command, and a gaming machine performance information (spare) command. The number column also shows the command number preset for each command. The message length column also shows the message length, i.e., the byte length, of each command.

The "Bidirectional" column indicates whether the medal count control board 17 needs to send a response command after the main control board 16 sends a command. For example, when the medal count control board 17 receives a start command from the main control board 16, it does not send a response command in response to that start command. In other words, the main control board 16 controls the reel drums, etc., without waiting to receive a response command from the medal count control board 17.

On the other hand, when the medal count control board 17 receives a deposit command, settlement command, or end command from the main control board 16, it transmits a response command to the main control board 16 in response to receiving these commands. The deposit command, settlement command, and end command are commands that directly affect the number of credits managed by the medal count control board 17. Therefore, after transmitting the deposit command, settlement command, or end command, the main control board 16 performs the next control operation on the condition that it has received a response command from the medal count control board 17. Below, we will explain the commands transmitted from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17 using Figures 14 to 35.

Figure 14 is a diagram explaining the gaming machine installation information command. As shown in Figure 14, the gaming machine installation information command is a 22-byte command. The first byte stores the message length of the gaming machine installation information command. The second byte transmits the serial number. Since the gaming machine installation information command is transmitted after power-on and before the medal count control board 17 determines the initial value and additional value of the serial number, the serial number is fixed to the value "0." Bytes 3 to 6 store values indicating the command number, gaming machine characteristics, gaming machine type, and identification code, respectively. Bytes 7 to 10 store the values of bytes 1 to 4 of the unique number register of the main chip ID. The medal count control board 17 determines the initial value and additional value of the serial number using the main chip ID values in bytes 7 to 10.

Bytes 11 to 13 store the manufacturer code. Bytes 14 to 21 store the product code. Byte 22 stores a checksum to determine whether there was an error in the information sent in bytes 1 to 21.

Figure 15 shows details of gaming machine characteristics. Below, we will explain the details of the gaming machine characteristics indicated in the fourth byte of the gaming machine installation information command. The gaming machine characteristics are one byte of data from bit 0 to bit 7. Bit 0 indicates whether S machine 2 is equipped with RB (regular bonus). If S machine 2 is equipped with RB, bit 0 will be "1", and if S machine 2 is not equipped with RB, bit 0 will be "0".

The first bit indicates whether S machine 2 is equipped with BB (Big Bonus). If S machine 2 is equipped with BB, the first bit will be "1", and if S machine 2 is not equipped with BB, the first bit will be "0". The second bit indicates whether S machine 2 is equipped with CT (Challenge Time). If S machine 2 is equipped with CT, the second bit will be "1", and if S machine 2 is not equipped with CT, the second bit will be "0". The third bit indicates whether S machine 2 is equipped with CB (Challenge Bonus). If S machine 2 is equipped with CB, the third bit will be "1", and if S machine 2 is not equipped with CB, the third bit will be "0".

The fourth bit indicates whether S machine 2 is equipped with SB (single bonus). If S machine 2 is equipped with SB, the fourth bit will be "1", and if S machine 2 is not equipped with SB, the fourth bit will be "0". The fifth bit indicates whether S machine 2 is equipped with an instruction function. If S machine 2 is equipped with an instruction function, the fifth bit will be "1", and if S machine 2 is not equipped with an instruction function, the fifth bit will be "0". The sixth bit indicates the instruction type of S machine 2. If the instruction type of S machine 2 is 7P type, the sixth bit will be "1", and if the instruction type of S machine 2 is 7U type, the sixth bit will be "0". The seventh bit is unused and "0" is stored.

Figure 16 shows the structure of a reel information command. The reel information command is a command that the medal count control board 17 uses to update gaming machine performance information and reel ratio monitor information. The reel information command is sent to the medal count control board 17 after the end command has been sent.

The reel information command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the reel information command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in Figure 13, the command number for the reel information command is "1".

Byte 4 stores reel operation information. This information stores information indicating whether or not a bonus has currently been won. Byte 5 stores a checksum used to determine whether or not there was an error in the information sent in bytes 1 through 4.

Figure 17 shows details of the reel operation information. The reel operation information is data stored in the fourth byte of the reel information command. The reel operation information consists of one byte of data from bit 0 to bit 7. Bit 0 stores "Type 1" information, which indicates whether RB is in operation. Bit 1 stores "Type 1 consecutive" information, which indicates whether BB is in operation. Bit 2 stores "Type 2" information, which indicates whether CT is in operation. Bit 3 stores "Type 2 consecutive" information, which indicates whether CB is in operation. Bit 5 stores "Normal reel" information, which indicates whether SB is in operation. Bits 4, 6, and 7 are unused and store "0."

Figure 18 shows the structure of the advantageous zone information command. The advantageous zone information command is a command that the medal count control board 17 uses to update gaming machine performance information and role ratio monitor information. The advantageous zone information command is sent after the end command is sent.

The advantageous zone information command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the reel information command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in Figure 13, the command number for the advantageous zone information command is "2".

Byte 4 stores advantageous zone information. This advantageous zone information is used to transmit data regarding replays and instruction information within the advantageous zone. Byte 5 stores a checksum to determine whether there was an error in the information transmitted in bytes 1 through 4.

Figure 19 shows details of advantageous zone information. Advantageous zone information is data stored in the fourth byte of the advantageous zone information command, and is data that indicates information about the game that was played before the advantageous zone information command was sent.

The advantageous zone information consists of one byte of data from bit 0 to bit 7. Bit 0 stores information indicating whether the game played before the advantageous zone information command was sent was in an advantageous zone. If it was in an advantageous zone, bit 0 stores "1". Bit 1 stores information indicating whether instruction information was present in the game played before the advantageous zone information command was sent. If instruction information was present, bit 1 stores "1". Bit 4 stores information indicating whether a replay symbol combination was displayed in the game played before the advantageous zone information command was sent. If a replay symbol combination was displayed, bit 4 stores "1". Bits 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 are not used and store "0".

Figure 20 is a diagram showing the structure of a deposit command. The deposit command is sent from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17 when the 1 bet switch 20 is pressed or the max bet switch 6 is pressed. That is, the main control board 16 sends the deposit command to the medal count control board 17 when it receives a bet number setting operation to set the bet number for starting a game. Also, referring to Figure 13, since the deposit command is a bidirectional command, when the medal count control board 17 receives the deposit command, it sends a response command in response to the deposit command to the main control board 16. The deposit command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the deposit command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in Figure 13, the command number of the deposit command is "3".

The fourth byte stores the number of inserted medals. If the 1BET switch 20 is pressed when the bet number is 0, 1, or 2, the number of inserted medals will be 1. If the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed when the bet number is 0, the number of inserted medals will be 3. If the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed when the bet number is 1, the number of inserted medals will be 2. If the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed when the bet number is 2, the number of inserted medals will be 1. When the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed and an insertion command is sent during the replay activation state, no data is stored in the number of inserted medals. The fifth byte stores a checksum to determine whether an error occurred in the information sent in bytes 1 through 4. The "replay activation state" refers to the state after a replay winning combination has been achieved.

Figure 21 shows the structure of a settlement command. The settlement command is sent from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17 when the bet clear switch 21 is pressed. That is, the main control board 16 sends the settlement command to the medal count control board 17 when it receives a settlement operation to cancel the bet for starting a game. Also, referring to Figure 13, since the settlement command is a bidirectional command, when the medal count control board 17 receives the settlement command, it sends a response command in response to the settlement command to the main control board 16. The settlement command consists of five bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the settlement command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in Figure 13, the command number of the settlement command is "4".

The fourth byte stores the number of medals to be paid. If the bet clear switch 21 is pressed when the number of medals bet is one, the number of medals to be paid will be one; if the bet clear switch 21 is pressed when the number of medals bet is two, the number of medals to be paid will be two; and if the bet clear switch 21 is pressed when the number of medals bet is three, the number of medals to be paid will be three. The fifth byte stores a checksum to determine whether there was an error in the information sent in bytes 1 through 4.

Figure 22 shows the structure of a start command. The start command is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17 when the start switch 7 is pressed. That is, the main control board 16 transmits the start command to the medal count control board 17 when starting a game. The start command is transmitted even when the start switch 7 is pressed during replay operation. The start command is a command that does not directly affect the number of credits managed by the medal count control board 17. Therefore, when the medal count control board 17 receives a start command, it does not transmit a response command to the main control board 16 in response to the start command, but instead performs control in accordance with the start command. Examples of control in accordance with the start command include control to wait for the game to end and preparation processing for receiving an end command. After transmitting the start command, the main control board 16 performs the next control without waiting for a response from the medal count control board 17. The next control may include control to drive the reels.

The start command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the start command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in Figure 13, the command number of the start command is "6".

Byte 4 stores the number of input pulses (1-3) to be sent to the hall computer. Even when replay is active, the specified number of input pulses is sent. Byte 5 stores a checksum to determine whether there was an error in the information sent in bytes 1-4.

Figure 23 shows the structure of an end command. The end command is sent from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17 when all reels have stopped, i.e., when the third stop occurs. In other words, the main control board 16 sends an end command to the medal count control board 17 when a game ends. The end command includes the number of medals to be paid out, which is determined according to the combination of symbols derived. When medals are paid out to a player, the number of credits increases. Therefore, the end command is a command that directly affects the number of credits managed by the medal count control board 17. Therefore, when the medal count control board 17 receives an end command, it sends a response command to the main control board 16. Furthermore, after sending the end command, the main control board 16 performs the next control operation, provided that it has received the response command. The next control operation corresponds to, for example, updating the data displayed on the game assist display device 12.

In other words, when the medal count control board 17 receives an end command, it sends a response command in response to the end command to the main control board 16 and performs control in accordance with the end command. Control in accordance with the end command is, for example, control to add the number of medals paid out to the number of credits.

The termination command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the termination command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in Figure 13, the command number of the termination command is "5".

The fourth byte stores the number of medals paid out. The maximum number of medals paid out is 15. If a replay symbol combination is derived, or if there are no medals paid out, a "0" is stored in the fourth byte. In other words, the end command is a command that can specify the game value awarded to a player based on the outcome of a game when that game ends. The fifth byte stores a checksum used to determine whether or not there was an error in the information sent in bytes 1 through 4.

Figure 24 shows the structure of a payout pulse command. The payout pulse command is sent from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17 when all reels have stopped, i.e., when the third stop occurs. The payout pulse command is a pulse signal used to transmit the number of medals awarded to a player in response to a win to a hall computer (not shown) connected to the medal count control board 17. After receiving the payout pulse command, the medal count control board 17 sends a payout pulse signal to the hall computer (not shown). This allows the hall computer to store the number of medals paid out at S machine 2. The payout pulse command is sent to the medal count control board 17 even when the replay operation is in progress. After sending the payout pulse command, the main control board 16 performs the next control without waiting for a response from the medal count control board 17.

The dispensing pulse command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the dispensing pulse command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in Figure 13, the command number for the dispensing pulse command is "7".

The fourth byte stores the number of payout pulses to be sent to the hall computer. The maximum number of payout pulses is 15. If a replay symbol combination is derived, or if there are no payout medals, a "0" is stored in the fourth byte. The fifth byte stores a checksum to determine whether there was an error in the information sent in bytes 1 through 4.

Figure 25 shows the configuration of the jackpot command. The jackpot command is sent from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17 at the start and end of a jackpot. The jackpot command is also sent from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17 when the machine is in a hot start state when the power is turned on. This allows the hall computer signal to be restored on S machine 2 without having to back up the hall computer signal.

The jackpot command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the jackpot command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in Figure 13, the command number for the jackpot command is "8."

The fourth byte stores the hall computer signal. The hall computer signal is a signal used to notify the hall computer of jackpot information for machine S2. The jackpot type, such as RB, BB, or AT, is stored. The fifth byte stores a checksum used to determine whether there was an error in the information sent in bytes 1 through 4.

Figure 26 shows details of the hall computer signal. The hall computer signal is data stored in the fourth byte of the jackpot command. The hall computer signal consists of one byte of data from bit 0 to bit 7. Bit 0 stores information indicating that the jackpot type is RB. Bit 1 stores information indicating that the jackpot type is BB. Bit 2 stores information indicating that the jackpot type is AT. Bits 3 to 7 are unused and store "0".

Figure 27 shows the structure of the gaming machine fraud 1 command. The gaming machine fraud 1 command is sent from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17 at the start and end of setting changes and setting confirmations.

The gaming machine fraud 1 command consists of 5 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the gaming machine fraud 1 command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in Figure 13, the command number for the gaming machine fraud 1 command is "9."

The fourth byte contains configuration information. This information includes information on when settings are changed or confirmed, and information indicating whether any fraud was detected during that process. The fifth byte contains a checksum used to determine whether any errors were present in the information sent in bytes 1 through 4.

Figure 28 shows details of the setting information. The setting information is data stored in the fourth byte of the gaming machine fraud 1 command. The setting information consists of one byte of data from bits 0 to 7. Bit 0 stores data indicating whether a setting change is in progress. Bit 1 stores data indicating whether a setting check is in progress. Bits 2 to 4 store data indicating whether a manufacturer-defined fraud has been detected. Bits 6 and 7 are unused and store "0".

Figure 29 shows the structure of the gaming machine fraud 2 command. The gaming machine fraud 2 command is an unused command in S machine 2. In S machine 2, the door open detection switch 25 is connected to the medal count control board 17. Therefore, the main control board 16 does not need to send door information to the medal count control board 17. Therefore, a "0" is stored in the fourth byte.

Figure 30 shows details of the door information. Because the medal count control board 17 detects whether the door is open or closed, all bits contained in the door information are unused and "0" is stored.

Figure 31 shows the structure of the Gaming Machine Illegal 3 command. The Gaming Machine Illegal 3 command is an unused command in S-machine 2. The Gaming Machine Illegal 3 command is an expansion command that will be used in the future if a new command needs to be sent from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17.

Figure 32 shows the structure of a main control status command. A main control status command is a command that indicates the status of the main control board 16. The main control status command is sent from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17 at a predetermined timing. By receiving the main control status command, the medal count control board 17 can obtain the status of the main control board 16 or S-stand 2.

The main control status command consists of five bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the main control status command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in Figure 13, the command number for the main control status command is "12". The fourth byte stores the gaming machine status signal. The fifth byte stores a checksum used to determine whether there was an error in the information sent in bytes 1 through 4.

Figure 33 shows the structure of the main control board error command. The main control board error command is a command that indicates the type of error that has occurred on the main control board 16. The main control board error command is sent from the main control board 16 to the medal count control board 17 when an error occurs on the main control board 16 and when the error that has occurred is resolved.

The main control board error command consists of five bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the main control status command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in Figure 13, the command number for the main control board error command is "13". The fourth byte stores the error number. The error number is a number that indicates the type of error that has occurred on the main control board 16. The fifth byte stores a checksum used to determine whether or not an error has occurred in the information sent in bytes 1 through 4.

Figure 34 shows a list of main control board errors. The error numbers shown in Figure 34 are stored in the fourth byte of the main control board error command. E6 is an error number indicating a reel rotation error. The main control board 16 determines that a reel rotation error has occurred if it is unable to detect input from the origin sensor three times in a row. When a reel rotation error occurs, the main control board 16 sends the fourth byte of the main control board error command with the value "E6". The main control board 16 determines that the error has been resolved when an error release switch (not shown) is pressed. Even when the error has been resolved, the main control board 16 sends a main control board error command.

E7 is an error number indicating a medal count overflow error. The main control board 16 determines that a medal count overflow error has occurred when the medal count exceeds 16,383. When a medal count overflow error occurs, the main control board 16 sends the fourth byte of the main control board error command with "E7" as the value. The main control board 16 determines that the error has been resolved when an error release switch (not shown) is pressed. Even when the error has been resolved, the main control board 16 sends the main control board error command.

E8 is an error number indicating a backup error. When the main control board 16 checks the RAM after power is turned on and finds that the value does not match the RAM value backed up before the power was cut off, it determines that a backup error has occurred. When a backup error occurs, the main control board 16 sends the fourth byte of the main control board error command with "E8" as the value. The main control board 16 determines that the error has been resolved when the power to S unit 2 is turned off and the settings are changed again. Even when the error has been resolved, the main control board 16 sends the main control board error command.

E9 is an error number indicating a communication abnormality error. If the main control board 16 does not receive a response command before 40 ms has elapsed since sending a command requiring a response command to the medal count control board 17, it determines that a communication abnormality error has occurred. When a communication abnormality error occurs, the main control board 16 sends the fourth byte of the main control board error command with the value "E9". When the error release switch (not shown) is pressed, the main control board 16 determines that the error has been resolved. Even when the error has been resolved, the main control board 16 sends a main control board error command.

Figure 35 shows the structure of the gaming machine performance information (preliminary) command. Gaming machine performance information is information intended to aggregate performance information. Gaming machine performance information outputs results calculated based on gameplay.

The gaming machine performance information (preliminary) command consists of 28 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the gaming machine performance information (preliminary) command. The second byte stores the serial number. The third byte stores a value indicating the command number. As shown in FIG. 13, the command number for the gaming machine performance information (preliminary) command is "14." Gaming machine performance information may be stored in bytes 4 through 27. In this embodiment, "0" is stored in this preliminary area. The 28th byte stores a checksum used to determine whether an error occurred in the information sent in bytes 1 through 27.

Figure 36 shows a list of commands sent from the medal count control board 17 to the main control board 16. The medal count control board 17 sends two types of commands to the main control board 16.

A response command is a command used to respond to a command received from the main control board 16. For example, when the medal count control board 17 receives an end command, it sends a response command because that end command affects the number of credits. In other words, a response command is a bidirectional command, responding in response to its receipt. A command number between 3 and 5 can be set for the response command. The message length of a response command is 4 bytes.

The frame side information command is a command that transmits system information, including connection information between the medal count control board 17 and CU3. The medal count control board 17 transmits a frame side information command to the main control board 16 every 0.3 seconds. The specified period for transmitting the frame side information command does not have to be 0.3 seconds, and may be another period. The main control board 16 does not respond even when it receives a frame side information command. Therefore, the frame side information command is a command that is continuously transmitted unidirectionally from the medal count control board 17 to the main control board 16, and is not bidirectional. The command number for the frame side information command is "81h", and the message length is 4 bytes.

Figure 37 is a diagram showing the structure of a response command. A response command consists of 4 bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the response command. The second byte stores a value indicating the command number. The command number in the response command stores the command number of the received command to which the response is made. When sending a response command in response to an input command, the medal count control board 17 stores "3" as the command number. When sending a response command in response to a settlement command, the medal count control board 17 stores "4" as the command number. When sending a response command in response to an end command, the medal count control board 17 stores "5" as the command number.

The third byte contains information indicating the result of the response command reception. The third byte contains a data area of one to four bits. If the zeroth bit in the data area of the third byte is "1," the response command indicates "reception OK." "Reception OK" indicates that the received command received by the medal count control board 17 was normal. Below, a response command in which the zeroth bit in the data area of the third byte is "1" may be referred to as a "response command indicating reception OK." In other words, a response command is a command that notifies the main control board 16 that the received command was normal. A received command is a command sent from the main control board 16 that is the target of the response command. If the first bit in the data area of the third byte is "1," the response command indicates "serial number mismatch." "Serial number mismatch" indicates that the received command received by the medal count control board 17 is abnormal. Below, a response command in which the first bit in the data area of the third byte is "1" may be referred to as a "response command indicating serial number mismatch." In other words, the response command indicates that the serial number of the received command that was the subject of the response did not match the serial number calculated by the medal count control board 17.

If the second bit in the third byte data area is "1", the response command indicates "insufficient number of gaming medals". If the medal count control board 17 receives an insertion command as a received command and is requested to subtract credits, but the number of credits is insufficient, a response command with "1" stored in the second bit is sent.

If the third bit in the data area of the third byte is "1", the response command indicates a "game medal count overflow". If the medal count control board 17 receives a settlement command as a received command and the number of credits (game medal count) is at the upper limit, a response command with a "1" stored in the third bit is sent. The fourth byte stores a checksum to determine whether there was an error in the information sent in bytes 1 through 3.

Figure 38 shows the structure of a frame-side information command. As mentioned above, the frame-side information command is sent from the medal count control board 17 to the main control board 16 every 0.3 seconds.

The frame side information command consists of four bytes of data. The first byte stores the message length of the frame side information command. The second byte stores the command number. The command number for the frame side information command is "81h". The third byte stores information indicating the system status of the medal count control board 17. The system status of the medal count control board 17 includes information on whether the count button has been pressed and whether the CU3 and medal count control board 17 are connected properly. The fourth byte stores a checksum used to determine whether there was an error in the information sent in bytes 1 to 3.

[Communication between the main control board and the medal count control board]
Figure 39 is a diagram showing an example of communication between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17. Serial communication is used for communication between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17. As shown in Figure 39, the main control board 16 transmits an input command when a bet number setting operation is performed. The bet number setting operation includes pressing the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6.

When the medal count control board 17 receives a command from the main control board 16, it uses a counter to measure the elapsed time. If reception of the command is not completed within 10 ms from the time the command is received from the main control board 16, the medal count control board 17 determines that a timeout error has occurred in communication between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17. In the example of Figure 39, the medal count control board 17 completes reception of the insertion command before 10 ms has elapsed since its reception, so no timeout error occurs.

In response to receiving the insertion command, the medal count control board 17 transmits a response command. When the main control board 16 receives a command from the medal count control board 17, it measures the elapsed time using a counter. If reception of the command is not completed within 2.24 ms from the time the command is received from the medal count control board 17, the main control board 16 determines that a timeout error has occurred in communication between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17. In the example of Figure 39, reception of the response command is completed before 2.24 ms has elapsed since reception by the main control board 16, so a timeout error does not occur.

In addition, when the main control board 16 transmits a command that requires a response command from the medal count control board 17, such as a deposit command, it uses a counter to measure the elapsed time from the bet number setting operation that triggered the transmission of the deposit command.

If the reception of a response command from the medal count control board 17 is not completed within 40 ms from the occurrence of an event such as a bet number setting operation, the main control board 16 determines that a timeout error has occurred in communication between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17. In the example of Figure 39, the reception of the response command is completed before 40 ms has elapsed since the bet number setting operation was performed, so a timeout error does not occur.

After receiving the response command to the input command, the main control board 16 begins control corresponding to the bet amount setting operation. In other words, the main control board 16 subtracts the number of credits displayed on the credit display 11.

Next, the player presses the start switch 7 on S machine 2. In response to the start switch 7 being pressed, the main control board 16 sends a start command to the medal count control board 17. As mentioned above, the start command is a command that does not require a response command from the medal count control board 17. Therefore, the medal count control board 17 does not send a response command.

Finally, when the player performs the third stop operation, all reels stop. Based on the fact that all reels have stopped, the main control board 16 sends an end command to the medal count control board 17. In this example, even though the end command requires a response command, the medal count control board 17 does not send the response command. Therefore, the main control board 16 does not receive a response command until 40 ms has elapsed since all reels had stopped, and determines that a timeout error has occurred.

Figure 40 is a diagram explaining the communication of frame side information commands. As shown in Figure 40, the medal count control board 17 sends a frame side information command to the main control board 16 every 300 ms. If more than 2.24 ms elapses between the start of reception of the frame side information command and the completion of reception, the main control board 16 determines that a timeout error has occurred.

Figure 41 is a flowchart showing the processing performed when the main control board 16 receives a command. As shown in Figure 36, the medal count control board 17 sends two types of commands to the main control board 16: a response command or a frame-side information command.

Referring to FIG. 41, the main control board 16 receives a command from the medal count control board 17 (step S10). The main control board 16 determines whether the received command is a frame side information command (step S11). If the received command is a frame side information command (YES in step S11), the main control board 16 checks whether the frame side information command contains error information (step S12). This error information indicates whether the CU 3 is properly connected to the S-stand 2. If the frame side information command contains error information (YES in step S12), the main control board 16 sends the error information to the performance control board 15 and terminates processing. This enables the performance control board 15 to display on the LCD display 51 that an error has occurred, indicating that the CU 3 is not connected to the S-stand 2. If the frame side information command does not contain error information (NO in step S12), processing terminates.

If the received command is not a frame-side information command (NO in step S11), that is, if the received command is a response command, the main control board 16 executes processing according to the response command and terminates processing.

Figure 42 shows the flow of communication between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17 from power-on. When the power-on switch 102 is pressed and power is applied to the main control board 16, the main control board 16 transmits a gaming machine installation information command. Thereafter, when the bet number setting operation is performed, the main control board 16 transmits a deposit command. Since the deposit command requires a response command, the medal count control board 17 transmits a response command to the main control board 16 upon receiving the deposit command. For example, if there are sufficient medals in play, the medal count control board 17 sets bit 0 of the third byte of the response command to "1" (received OK); if the serial numbers do not match, the medal count control board 17 sets bit 1 of the third byte of the response command to "1" (serial number mismatch); and if there are insufficient medals, the medal count control board 17 sets bit 2 of the third byte of the response command to "1" (insufficient medals).

Then, the main control board 16 sends a settlement command to the medal count control board 17 based on the settlement operation being performed. The settlement operation is an operation indicating that the bet number clear switch 21 has been pressed. This executes a process to return the bet number to the number of credits. Since the settlement command requires a response command, the medal count control board 17 sends a response command to the main control board 16 based on receiving the settlement command. For example, if there is a surplus of gaming medals, the medal count control board 17 sets bit 0 of the third byte of the response command to "1" (received OK); if the serial numbers do not match, the medal count control board 17 sets bit 1 of the third byte of the response command to "1" (serial number mismatch); and if the number of gaming medals overflows, the medal count control board 17 sets bit 3 of the third byte of the response command to "1" (game medal number overflow).

In Figure 42, the bet number setting operation is performed again, and communication is performed based on this bet number setting operation. Next, when the start switch 7 is pressed, the main control board 16 sends a start command to the medal count control board 17. After sending the start command, the main control board 16 performs control to progress the game, such as controlling the reels, without waiting for a response from the medal count control board 17. When the medal count control board 17 receives the start command from the main control board 16, it controls the game to wait for the end as a response to the start command. Since the start command is a command that does not require a response command, the medal count control board 17 does not send a response command.

When all reels have stopped, the main control board 16 sends an end command to the medal count control board 17. The medal count control board 17 sends a response command to the main control board 16 based on receiving the end command. For example, if the end command is normal, the medal count control board 17 sets bit 0 of the third byte of the response command to "1" (received OK), and if the serial numbers do not match, sets bit 1 of the third byte of the response command to "1" (serial numbers do not match). Next, the main control board 16 sends a role information command, advantageous zone command, and payout pulse command to the medal count control board 17 in that order.

In this way, when starting a game, the main control board 16 sends a start command and executes the next control without waiting for a response from the medal count control board 17, as this does not affect the number of credits. When ending a game, the main control board 16 sends an end command and executes the next control on the condition that it has received a response command sent from the medal count control board 17, as this may affect the number of credits. By improving the communication between the main control board 16 and medal count control board 17, the main control board 16 can progress through the game while checking the status of the medal count control board 17.

[Example of processing for serial numbers]
As described above, the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17 communicate using serial numbers. That is, the medal count control board 17 executes a process to check whether the serial numbers match in order to determine whether the command sent from the main control board 16 is normal. Below, an example of processing using serial numbers will be explained using Figures 43 to 45. Figure 43 is a diagram showing an example of communication when the serial number is normal.

When the power is turned on, the main control board 16 sends a gaming machine installation information command to the medal count control board 17. As explained above, the serial number assigned to the gaming machine installation information command is "0". The medal count control board 17 determines the initial value and additional value for the serial number based on the main chip ID included in the gaming machine installation information command. In the example of Figure 43, the medal count control board 17 determines the initial value for the serial number to be "137" and the additional value to be "13". Using a similar calculation method, the main control board 16 determines the initial value for the serial number to be "137" and the additional value to be "13" based on the main chip ID.

After transmitting the gaming machine installation information command, the bet number is set and the main control board 16 transmits a deposit command. This deposit command is the first command transmitted to the medal count control board 17 after the gaming machine installation information command is transmitted. Therefore, the main control board 16 transmits the deposit command with the initial serial number "137". The medal count control board 17 transmits a response command to the deposit command. At this time, the medal count control board 17 transmits a response command to the main control board 16 indicating receipt OK, as communication was successful. In other words, when the medal count control board 17 determines that the deposit command transmitted from the main control board 16 is normal through the process of checking whether the serial numbers match, it transmits a response command to the main control board 16 indicating that the deposit command is normal in response to the deposit command.

Next, when the start switch 7 is pressed, the main control board 16 sends a start command. At this time, the main control board 16 adds an additional value of "13" to the previously sent serial number value of "137" and sends it. In other words, the main control board 16 sends the start command with a serial number of "150".

When the medal count control board 17 receives an input command with the serial number "137", it calculates that the serial number of the next command to be received will be "150" based on the added value. When the medal count control board 17 receives a start command, it executes a process to check whether the serial number value calculated before reception matches the serial number value assigned to the actually received start command. Because the serial numbers match, the medal count control board 17 determines that communication is normal.

Figure 44 shows an example of communication when a serial number mismatch error occurs. The processing up until the main control board 16 receives a response command corresponding to the bet number setting operation is the same as in Figure 42, so the explanation will not be repeated. As mentioned above, when the medal count control board 17 receives the insertion command, it calculates that the serial number assigned to the next command to be received is "150".

In the example of Figure 44, after the bet number setting operation is performed, fraudulent operation is performed. As described above, fraudulent operation refers to, for example, an operation in which commands transmitted and received between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17 are altered, or an operation in which a fraudster controls the main control board 16 or the medal count control board 17. In Figure 44, the main control board 16 is controlled by a fraudster, causing the main control board 16 to send an end command even though all reels have not stopped. In other words, in Figure 44, fraudulent operation is performed with the aim of causing the medal count control board 17 to execute a payout process even though no win has occurred. However, because the fraudster cannot obtain the initial value and additional value of the serial number determined based on the main chip ID of the main control board 16, nor the number of times commands have been transmitted and received, he or she is unable to know the value of the serial number to be assigned to the next command. Therefore, in the example of Figure 44, the fraudster sends the end command with the serial number "78." However, because the calculated serial number "150" does not match the actually received serial number "78," the medal count control board 17 determines that a serial number mismatch error has occurred and sends a response command indicating a serial number mismatch to the main control board 16. In other words, when the medal count control board 17 determines that the end command sent from the main control board 16 is incorrect through the process of checking whether the serial numbers match, it responds to the end command by sending a response command to the main control board 16 indicating that the end command is incorrect. Upon receiving the response command indicating a serial number mismatch, the main control board 16 does not execute the payout control that is performed after the end command. This prevents fraudulent operations.

Illegal operations include not only those that cause the main control board 16 to send an end command even though no winning has occurred, as shown in Figure 44, but also the following types of illegal operations.

For example, one possible fraudulent operation would be to have the main control board 16 send a bet cancellation command even though the bet number set in the BET counter of RAM 161c on the main control board 16 is 0. This allows the fraudster to increase the number of credits stored in the medal count control board 17 even though no bet number has been set.

Another possible fraudulent operation is altering the response command sent by the medal count control board 17 in response to the insertion command sent by the main control board 16. For example, a fraudster could have the medal count control board 17 send a response command indicating receipt OK to the main control board 16 even though the number of credits is "0". This allows the fraudster to set the bet amount even though the number of credits is "0".

As such, possible types of fraudulent operations include forging commands sent by the main control board 16 and forging commands sent by the medal count control board 17. In this embodiment, the S-machine 2 can prevent all of the fraudulent operations described above by using a "serial number."

Next, a start command with the serial number "150" assigned is sent to the medal count control board 17. The serial number "150" assigned to the start command matches the serial number calculated in advance by the medal count control board 17. Due to this match, the medal count control board 17 determines that the serial number mismatch error has been resolved, and sends a response command indicating receipt OK to the main control board 16. In this way, S machine 2 can easily determine that the medal number mismatch error has been resolved on the medal count control board 17.

As shown in Figures 43 and 44, when the medal count control board 17 receives a command sent from the main control board 16, it uses the initial value of the serial number and the additional value to determine whether the command sent from the main control board 16 is normal. In other words, when the medal count control board 17 receives a command that requires a response, it sends a response command, and since the response command is accompanied by information indicating whether the communication is normal, the main control board 16 can proceed with the game while checking the status of the medal count control board 17.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 44, if the serial numbers do not match, it is possible to determine that tampering may be occurring, thereby increasing security regarding communication between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17.

Figure 45 shows an example of communication when an error related to game medals occurs. The processing up until the medal count control board 17 receives the start command is the same as Figure 42, so the explanation will not be repeated. After sending the start command, the main control board 16 sends an end command with the serial number "163" attached based on the fact that all reels have stopped. At this time, the end command includes the number of medals to be paid out, but because the number of credits is at the upper limit, an error related to game medals occurs. Therefore, the medal count control board 17 sends a response command indicating a game medal count overflow to the main control board 16. As a result, the main control board 16 does not execute any processing related to payout.

Then, based on whether the count button 10 has been operated or not, the number of credits is subtracted, and the medal count control board 17 is ready to accept medals for payment. In other words, the error related to the gaming medals is resolved. The main control board 16 then again sends an end command with the serial number "163" to the medal count control board 17. In response, the medal count control board 17 sends a response command indicating that the medals have been accepted, as no error related to the gaming medals has occurred.

[Communication before sending and receiving gaming machine installation information command]
46 is a diagram showing an example of communication occurring before the transmission and reception of the gaming machine installation information command. As described above, the main control board 16 transmits the gaming machine installation information command to the medal count control board 17 after power-on.

In the example of Figure 46, the main control board 16 sends an end command to the medal count control board 17 after power is turned on and before sending the gaming machine installation information command. If the medal count control board 17 receives a command from the main control board 16 before receiving the gaming machine installation information command, it discards the command regardless of the type of command or the assigned serial number. In other words, the medal count control board 17 will not execute processing in response to commands other than the gaming machine installation information command from the main control board 16 until it receives at least the gaming machine installation information command.

As a result, the medal count control board 17 does not communicate with the main control board 16 when communication with the main control board 16 has not been established based on the gaming machine installation information command, thereby increasing security regarding communication between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17. In other words, it is possible to prevent unauthorized operations that occur before the gaming machine installation information command is received.

In the example of Figure 46, after the termination command is discarded, when the power is turned on, gaming machine installation information command A is sent to the medal count control board 17. Based on receiving gaming machine installation information command A, the medal count control board 17 determines the initial value and additional value for the serial number.

Next, in Figure 46, the medal count control board 17 receives gaming machine installation information command B from the main control board 16. At this time, because the medal count control board 17 has already received gaming machine installation information command A, it does not update the initial value and additional value of the serial number based on gaming machine installation information command B. In other words, even if the main control board 16 sends another gaming machine installation information command after receiving the gaming machine installation information command, the medal count control board 17 does not execute processing according to the gaming machine installation information command.

This allows the medal count control board 17 to prevent the main control board 16 from being spoofed by, for example, an unauthorized board other than the main control board 16 connected to the medal count control board 17. In other words, it is possible to prevent the initial value and additional value of the serial number from being fraudulently rewritten.

[Power-on timeout]
47 is a diagram showing an example of a timeout when the power is turned on. The main control board 16 transmits a gaming machine installation information command when the power is turned on. The main control board 16 measures the elapsed time from when the power is turned on using a counter.

If the main control board 16 does not complete transmission of the gaming machine installation information command within 5000 ms from when the main control board 16 is powered on, the main control board 16 determines that an error has occurred in the communication between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17. In other words, if the medal count control board 17 is unable to receive the gaming machine installation information command within 5000 ms after S-machine 2 is powered on, it will enter an abnormal state. In the example of Figure 47, because the gaming machine installation information command was not sent within 5000 ms from when the main control board 16 was powered on, the medal count control board 17 determines that a communication error has occurred. The medal count control board 17 displays the fact that a communication error has occurred on the display 312 of CU3.

As a result, if communication cannot be established with the medal count control board 17 based on the gaming machine installation information command after S-machine 2 is powered on, the medal count control board 17 can notify the outside world that a communication abnormality has occurred.

The medal count control board 17 is connected to the CU control board 32. Even if a communication error occurs on the main control board 16, the medal count control board 17 can communicate with the CU control board 32.

The communication error that occurred on the main control board 16 is resolved by turning the power back on, successfully transmitting the gaming machine installation information command within 5000 ms from when the main control board 16 was powered on, and transmitting a response command indicating receipt OK from the medal count control board 17.

[About bet setting and settlement operations]
48 is a diagram illustrating the bet number setting operation and the settlement operation. As described above, the main control board 16 transmits an insertion command to the medal number control board 17 based on the bet number setting operation in which the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed. In addition, the main control board 16 transmits a settlement command to the medal number control board 17 based on the settlement operation in which the bet number clear switch 21 is pressed.

As shown in FIG. 48, the main control board 16 sends a deposit command to the medal count control board 17 based on the bet number setting operation. The deposit command is a command that includes the number of medals inserted. The medal count control board 17 reads the number of medals inserted included in the received deposit command and performs the bet number setting process. Specifically, the medal count control board 17 subtracts the number of medals inserted from the number of credits managed by the medal count control board 17 and adds the number of medals inserted to the bet number. For example, if the number of bets before the bet number setting process is executed is 0 and the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed to set the bet number, the medal count control board 17 subtracts 3 from the number of credits and adds 3 to the bet number. The medal count control board 17 sends a response command to the main control board 16 based on receiving the deposit command.

Next, the main control board 16 sends a settlement command to the medal count control board 17 based on the settlement operation. The settlement command is a command that includes the number of settled medals. The medal count control board 17 reads the number of settled medals included in the received settlement command and performs bet number cancellation processing. Specifically, it subtracts the number of settled medals from the number of bets managed by the medal count control board 17 and adds the number of settled medals to the number of credits. For example, if the number of bets before the bet number cancellation processing was executed was three and the bet number clear switch 21 was pressed, the medal count control board 17 subtracts three from the number of bets and adds three to the number of credits. Based on receiving the settlement command, the medal count control board 17 sends a response command to the main control board 16.

Here, the medal count control board 17 sends a common response command in response to the insertion command and the settlement command. That is, the medal count control board 17 sends a common response command to the main control board 16 when it receives an insertion command and when it receives a settlement command. Specifically, the medal count control board 17 sends a response command to the main control board 16 both when it receives an insertion command and when it receives a settlement command. Here, when the medal count control board 17 receives an insertion command, it does not execute the process of adding the number of credits (number of game medals), so game medal count overflow cannot occur. Therefore, the medal count control board 17 does not store "1" in the third bit of the third byte of the response command to the insertion command and send it.

Furthermore, when the medal count control board 17 receives a settlement command, it does not execute the process of subtracting the number of credits, so a shortage of game medals cannot occur. Therefore, the medal count control board 17 does not store "1" in the second bit of the third byte of the response command to the insertion command and transmit it.

In this way, the medal count control board 17 notifies the main control board 16 of a medal shortage or medal overflow by using different data stored in the third byte when it receives an insertion command and when it receives a settlement command. This allows the medal count control board 17 to use the same response command when a bet number setting operation is performed and when a bet number cancellation operation is performed, thereby reducing the processing load.

Figure 49 shows an example in which a new bet setting operation is performed after a bet setting operation, but before a response command is received. As shown in Figure 49, the main control board 16 sends a deposit command based on bet setting operation A. The main control board 16 controls the deposit command so that it is completed before 40 ms has elapsed since the start of transmission, so as to prevent a timeout error. The medal count control board 17 sends a response command in response to receiving the deposit command.

In the example of Figure 49, after accepting bet number setting operation A, a new bet number setting operation B is performed before receiving a response command to the input command based on bet number setting operation A. The main control board 16 does not accept bet number setting operation B. In other words, after sending an input command to the medal count control board 17, the main control board 16 does not accept a new bet number setting operation until it receives a response command from the medal count control board 17. This makes it possible to prevent a new bet number setting operation B from being accepted in a situation where the processing in response to bet number setting operation A has not been confirmed in the medal count control board 17.

Figure 50 shows an example in which a new settlement operation is performed after a settlement operation and before a response command is received. As shown in Figure 50, the main control board 16 sends a settlement command based on settlement operation A. The main control board 16 controls the transmission of the settlement command so that it is completed before 40 ms has elapsed since the start of transmission, to prevent a timeout error. The medal count control board 17 sends a response command in response to receiving the settlement command.

In the example of Figure 50, after settlement operation A is accepted, a new settlement operation B is performed before a response command to the input command based on settlement operation A is received. The main control board 16 does not accept settlement operation B. In other words, after sending a settlement command to the medal count control board 17, the main control board 16 does not accept a new settlement operation until it receives a response command from the medal count control board 17. This makes it possible to prevent a new settlement operation B from being accepted in a situation where the processing according to settlement operation A has not been confirmed in the medal count control board 17.

Figure 51 shows an example in which a new settlement operation is performed after the bet number setting operation and before the response command is received. As shown in Figure 51, the main control board 16 sends a deposit command based on the bet number setting operation. The medal count control board 17 sends a response command in response to receiving the deposit command.

In the example of Figure 51, a new settlement operation is performed after the bet number setting operation is accepted, but before the response command to the insertion command based on that bet number setting operation is received. The main control board 16 does not accept that settlement operation. In other words, after sending an insertion command to the medal count control board 17, the main control board 16 does not accept a new settlement operation until it receives a response command from the medal count control board 17. This makes it possible to prevent a new settlement operation from being accepted when the medal count control board 17 has not yet confirmed processing in response to the bet number setting operation.

Figure 52 shows an example in which a new bet number setting operation is performed after the settlement operation and before the response command is received. As shown in Figure 52, the main control board 16 sends a coin insertion command based on the settlement operation. The medal count control board 17 sends a response command in response to receiving the coin insertion command.

In the example of Figure 52, after accepting a settlement operation, a new bet number setting operation is performed before receiving a response command to the settlement command based on that settlement operation. The main control board 16 does not accept that bet number setting operation. In other words, after sending a settlement command to the medal count control board 17, the main control board 16 does not accept a new bet number setting operation until it receives a response command from the medal count control board 17. This makes it possible to prevent a new bet number setting operation from being accepted when the medal count control board 17 has not yet confirmed processing in response to the settlement operation.

[Bet setting operation and serial number]
53 is a diagram illustrating a serial number error during the bet number setting operation. As shown in FIG. 53, the medal number control board 17 determines the initial value of the serial number to be "137" based on the reception of the gaming machine installation information command.

After that, a bet number setting operation is performed on S machine 2. The main control board 16 sends a coin insertion command based on the bet number setting operation. The serial number "78" is assigned to the coin insertion command. In other words, the serial number assigned to the coin insertion command does not match the initial serial number value. Therefore, the medal count control board 17 sends a response command to the main control board 16 indicating a serial number mismatch. Once the main control board 16 receives the response command indicating a serial number mismatch, it will not accept new bet number setting operations. In other words, if the main control board 16 receives a response command indicating an abnormality, it will not resume accepting bet number setting operations.

Figure 54 is a diagram explaining a serial number error during a settlement operation. As shown in Figure 54, the medal count control board 17 determines the initial value of the serial number to be "137" based on receiving the gaming machine installation information command.

After that, the bet number is set on machine S2. The main control board 16 sends a deposit command based on the bet number setting operation. The deposit command is assigned the serial number "137". In other words, the serial number assigned to the deposit command matches the initial serial number value. Therefore, the medal count control board 17 sends a response command indicating receipt OK to the main control board 16. Based on receiving the response command indicating receipt OK, the main control board 16 accepts the bet number setting operation and performs the following control.

Next, in Figure 54, a settlement operation is performed. The main control board 16 sends a settlement command based on the settlement operation. The settlement command is assigned the serial number "78". In other words, the serial number assigned to the settlement command does not match the serial number calculated by the medal count control board 17. Therefore, the medal count control board 17 sends a response command indicating a serial number mismatch to the main control board 16. Based on receiving the response command indicating a serial number mismatch, the main control board 16 does not accept new settlement operations. In other words, when the main control board 16 receives a response command indicating an abnormality, it does not resume accepting settlement operations.

Referring to Figures 53 and 54, the main control board 16 can prevent a new bet number setting operation or bet number cancellation operation from being accepted when processing corresponding to the bet number setting operation or settlement operation has not been confirmed on the medal number control board 17.

[Frame side information confirmation process]
55 is a diagram illustrating the process of checking the frame-side information. As described above, the medal count control board 17 periodically transmits a frame-side information command to the main control board 16. The system information contained in the frame-side information command includes information indicating the connection status, which indicates whether the medal count control board 17 and the CU control board 32 are connected normally.

In the example of Figure 55, the connection between the medal count control board 17 and the CU control board 32 is disconnected. After the connection is disconnected, the medal count control board 17 sends a frame-side information command indicating a connection abnormality to the main control board 16. After the main control board 16 receives the frame-side information command indicating a connection abnormality, the start switch 7 is pressed. At this time, the main control board 16 does not send a start command.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 55, even after the main control board 16 receives a frame-side information command indicating a connection abnormality, if a bet number setting operation and a settlement operation are performed, the main control board 16 will send a deposit command and a settlement command. That is, when the main control board 16 receives a bet number setting operation to set the bet number to start a game, it sends a deposit command to the medal count control board 17 regardless of whether the connection between the medal count control board 17 and the CU 3 is normal. Also, when the main control board 16 receives a settlement operation to cancel the bet number to start a game, it sends a settlement command to the medal count control board 17 regardless of whether the connection between the medal count control board 17 and the CU 3 is normal. Furthermore, after the connection between the medal count control board 17 and the CU control board 32 is restored and the main control board 16 receives a frame-side information command indicating a normal connection, it sends a start command. That is, at the start of a game, the main control board 16 checks the connection status between the medal count control board 17 and CU3 based on the frame-side information command, and starts that game if the connection between the medal count control board 17 and CU3 is normal. After sending the start command, the main control board 16 performs the next control without waiting for a response from the medal count control board 17. This next control includes controlling the drive of the reels to start the game.

As a result, the main control board 16 starts a game on the condition that the connection between the medal count control board 17 and CU3 is normal, allowing the game to proceed while checking the status of the medal count control board 17. Furthermore, because the main control board 16 does not affect the game value when starting a game, it can execute the next control after sending the start command without waiting for a response from the medal count control board 17.

In addition, the main control board 16 can send a deposit command in response to the bet number setting operation and a settlement command in response to the settlement operation, regardless of whether the connection between the medal count control board 17 and the CU3 is normal or not.

[Display of payout quantity]
FIG. 56 is a diagram illustrating the display control of the number of payout coins. After all reels have stopped, the main control board 16 transmits an end command to the medal count control board 17. The end command shown in FIG. 56 is a command that involves the payment of at least one medal. The medal count control board 17 transmits a response command upon receiving the end command. Furthermore, the medal count control board 17 adds credits and updates the credit display 11 according to the number of medals paid out indicated by the end command. After receiving the response command, the main control board 16 displays the number of payout coins on the gaming support display 12. That is, after transmitting the end command, the main control board 16 causes the gaming support display 12 to display the number of payout coins, provided that it receives a response command. This allows the main control board 16 to display the number of payout coins on the gaming support display 12 while checking the status of the medal count control board 17.

After transmitting the response command, the main control board 16 transmits a role information command, a favorable zone command, and a payout pulse command. In other words, after transmitting the end command, the main control board 16, on the condition that it has received the response command, transmits to the medal count control board 17 a role information command and a favorable zone command that can identify whether or not the special role has been controlled to a winning state. This allows the main control board 16 to notify the medal count control board 17 of whether or not it is controlled to a favorable zone, etc., while checking the status of the medal count control board 17, and therefore can have the medal count control board 17 output the proportion of the number of payout medals awarded in favorable zones, etc., while checking the status of the medal count control board 17.

[About the Yakubiki Monitor]
FIG. 57 is a diagram showing the role ratio monitor 89. FIG. 57 shows the role ratio monitor 89 when it is off. As shown in FIG. 57, the role ratio monitor 89 is composed of five role ratio information displays 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e that can respectively turn on/off the first segment A, the second segment B, the third segment C, the fourth segment D, the fifth segment E, the sixth segment F, the seventh segment G, and the eighth segment DP. The medal count control board 17 is a display that can display various information by turning on or off the first to eighth segments A to DP by setting display data for each of the role ratio information displays 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e.

Figure 58 is a diagram showing an example of the display on the role ratio monitor 89. The medal count control board 17 causes the role ratio monitor 89 to display, in the order of (1) to (6), (1) the instructed role payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number, (2) the consecutive role payout ratio for the past 6,000 games, (3) the role payout ratio for the past 6,000 games, (4) the consecutive role payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number, (5) the role payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number, and (6) the role status ratio to the total cumulative payout number. Hereinafter, the information shown in (1) to (6) may be referred to as the display content.

The payout ratio of special features indicates the ratio of the payout number of special features when a special feature (BB) is achieved to the total payout number for a specified period. The consecutive feature ratio indicates the ratio of the payout number of special features when a special feature (RB) is achieved to the total payout number for a specified period. The payout ratio of special features with instructions indicates the ratio of the payout number of special features to the total payout number for a specified period, when the payout number when an instruction (navigation) is generated is included in the payout number of special features. In other words, it is the ratio of the total number of medals paid out when a navigation notification is issued and the total number of medals paid out for BB or RB to the total cumulative payout number of medals. The feature status ratio indicates the ratio of the number of games played when a special feature (BB, RB, CB, and SB) is achieved to the total number of games played for a specified period. In other words, the feature status monitor 89 outputs the ratio of the number of medals awarded when a special feature is achieved to the total number of medals awarded. The display content displayed on the winning ratio monitor 89 is calculated by the medal count control board 17.

When the medal count control unit 171 switches the display content every predetermined period in the display order (1) to (6) shown in Figure 58 and described above, even if the game progresses and these values can be updated to new values within the period until each display has completed a cycle, it restricts updating to new values and cycles through the display using the original values.

More specifically, if these values may be updated to new values as the game progresses during a period until the display completes one cycle, new values are calculated and stored in RAM 171c. However, the original values may be set instead of the new values in the output buffer used to display the display content on the role ratio monitor 89, so that the display on the role ratio monitor 89 is completed using the original values set in the output buffer. Once the display completes, new values may be set in the output buffer, and the new values may then be displayed. Also, if these values may be updated to new values during a period until the display completes one cycle, calculations to determine new values may be restricted, and the display on the role ratio monitor 89 may be completed. Once the display completes one cycle, calculations to determine new values may be performed, and the new values may then be used to display the display on the role ratio monitor 89. This prevents values calculated at different times from being mixed together during the period until the display content on the role ratio monitor 89 completes one cycle.

Furthermore, if the consecutive feature payout ratio over the past 6,000 games or the consecutive feature payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number exceeds a specified ratio (for example, 60%), the medal count control board 17 displays the consecutive feature payout ratio in a different display format than usual (for example, if the normal display is always on, the top two digits of the feature ratio monitor 89 will flash).Furthermore, if the consecutive feature payout ratio over the past 6,000 games or the consecutive feature payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number exceeds a specified ratio (for example, 70%), the medal count control board 17 displays the consecutive feature payout ratio in a different display format than usual (for example, if the normal display is always on, the top two digits of the feature ratio monitor 89 will flash).

In this way, when the consecutive feature payout ratio or feature payout ratio exceeds a specified percentage, it is displayed in a different way than usual, warning that there is a possibility that the game is being controlled to a highly gambling state.

Furthermore, when the medal count control board 17 displays the consecutive feature payout ratio and feature payout ratio for the past 6,000 games on the role ratio monitor 89, if the total number of games played since power-on has not yet reached 6,000, the medal count control board 17 controls the display mode to an unusual mode, such as by flashing all of the digits on the role ratio monitor 89, so that it is possible to recognize that the total has not yet reached 6,000 games. That is, in the process of calculating the display content to be displayed on the role ratio monitor 89, the medal count control board 17 flashes all of the digits on the role ratio monitor 89 when a period of 6,000 games has not elapsed since the start of accumulation of data used in the process. Note that, in the process of calculating the display content to be displayed on the role ratio monitor 89, the medal count control board 17 may flash some of the digits on the role ratio monitor 89 when a period of 6,000 games has not elapsed since the start of accumulation of data used in the process. This makes it possible to recognize the possibility of bias in the displayed ratios and rates, and the medal count control board 17 can notify the outside world that there may be a lack of data when displaying the consecutive feature payout ratio and feature payout ratio on the feature ratio monitor 89.

The medal count control board 17 may display "00" in the lowest two digits of the role ratio monitor 89 when 6,000 games have not been played, and may display the percentage or ratio that should be displayed in the lowest two digits of the role ratio monitor 89 after 6,000 games have been played. In other words, it is preferable to configure the display mode of the lowest two digits of the role ratio monitor 89 to be different from the display mode after 6,000 games when 6,000 games have not been played. By configuring it in this way, when 6,000 games have not been played, it is possible to recognize that the tally of the consecutive role payout ratio, etc., specified by the display of the highest two digits of the role ratio monitor 89 (for example, "1C") has not reached 6,000 games, and it is possible that there is a bias in the displayed percentage or ratio. Furthermore, by configuring the role ratio monitor 89 to display "00" in the last two digits when 6000 games have not been played, data will always be displayed in the last two digits of the role ratio monitor 89 when 6000 games have not been played. For example, if no data is displayed in one of the last two digits of the role ratio monitor 89, an abnormality in the role ratio monitor 89 can be recognized.

In addition, when the medal count control board 17 displays the consecutive feature payout ratio to the total cumulative payout number on the feature ratio monitor 89, if the number of past games has not reached the specified number of games (for example, 175,000 games) at which the consecutive feature payout ratio generally converges to the slot machine's design value, the medal count control board 17 controls the display mode to be different from normal, for example by flashing the top two digits on the feature ratio monitor 89, so that it is possible to recognize that the specified number of games at which the consecutive feature payout ratio generally converges to the slot machine's design value has not yet been reached, and it is possible to recognize that there may be a bias in the displayed percentages and ratios.

In addition, when the medal count control board 17 displays the payout ratio of the reel to the total cumulative payout number on the reel ratio monitor 89, if the number of past games has not reached the specified number of games (for example, 175,000 games) at which the payout ratio of the reel converges roughly to the design value of the slot machine, the medal count control board 17 controls the display mode to be different from normal, for example by flashing the top two digits of the reel ratio monitor 89, so that it is possible to recognize that the specified number of games at which the payout ratio of the reel converges roughly to the design value of the slot machine has not been reached, and it is possible to recognize that there may be a bias in the displayed ratios and proportions.

In addition, when the medal count control board 17 displays the instruction-based feature payout ratio relative to the total cumulative payout number on the role ratio monitor 89, if the number of past games has not reached the specified number of games (for example, 175,000 games) at which the instruction-based feature payout ratio generally converges to the slot machine's design value, the medal count control board 17 controls the display mode to be different from normal, for example by flashing the top two digits on the role ratio monitor 89, so that it is possible to recognize that the specified number of games at which the instruction-based feature payout ratio generally converges to the slot machine's design value has not yet been reached, and it is possible to recognize that there may be a bias in the displayed ratios and rates.

The medal count control board 17 also determines whether the data used to calculate the consecutive feature payout ratio and feature payout ratio over the past 6,000 games is normal, and if it is determined to be abnormal (for example, if the stored value is in a certain data format (such as repeated 01)), it initializes the data determined to be abnormal and the data related to that data, and causes the feature ratio monitor 89 to display (for example, "FFFF") that an abnormality has been detected, thereby alerting the player to the fact that the calculation of this data is not being performed correctly.

When initializing data determined to be abnormal and data related to that data, if, for example, either the consecutive feature payout ratio or the feature payout ratio over the past 6,000 games is determined to be abnormal, all of the data related to this may be initialized, or only some of the data may be initialized.

In addition, the system may determine whether the data used to calculate the continuous feature payout ratio, feature payout ratio, and command-included feature payout ratio for the past 6,000 games or total cumulative payout coins is normal, and if an abnormality is determined, a notification to that effect may be issued, and then the data may be initialized by performing a predetermined operation (for example, operating switches such as start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and setting key switch 37 in a predetermined sequence).

Furthermore, when an abnormality has been detected, the notification may be given by having the winning ratio monitor 89 display a message (for example, "FFFF") indicating that an abnormality has been detected, as described above, or, when an abnormality is detected, a command that can identify this may be sent to the performance control unit 151, which may then notify the user by using the LCD display 51 or the like on the performance control unit 151 side.

In this embodiment, during the period from when the power is turned on until the power supply is cut off, the following are displayed at predetermined intervals: the instructed feature payout ratio to the total cumulative payout coins, the consecutive feature payout ratio for the past 6,000 games, the feature payout ratio for the past 6,000 games, the consecutive feature payout ratio to the total cumulative payout coins, the feature payout ratio to the total cumulative payout coins, and the feature status ratio to the total cumulative payout coins. However, these may be displayed only when the front door 1b is detected to be open, or only when operation of a predetermined operation switch (e.g., reset/setting switch 38) is detected, or when a game is not being played, or when settings are being changed or confirmed, or only for a predetermined period after the power is turned on. Furthermore, rather than automatically switching at predetermined intervals, the displayed content may be switched each time a predetermined operation is performed.

In addition, in this embodiment, the role ratio monitor 89 is configured to notify the user when an abnormality has been detected in the data used to calculate the display content of the role ratio monitor 89, or when there is a period of time when there is insufficient data to calculate the display content.However, a command that can identify this fact may be sent to the performance control unit 151, so that the information can be confirmed on the LCD display 51 or performance device controlled by the performance control unit 151.

In addition, in this embodiment, the payout ratio of instructed feature devices to the total cumulative payout number, the payout ratio of consecutive feature devices over the past 6,000 games, the payout ratio of feature devices over the past 6,000 games, the payout ratio of consecutive feature devices to the total cumulative payout number, the payout ratio of feature devices to the total cumulative payout number, and the status ratio of feature devices to the total cumulative payout number are displayed on the feature ratio monitor 89. In addition to these displays, the feature ratio monitor 89 may also display information that makes it possible to recognize when RAM 171c has been initialized due to a setting change, or when a break has been detected in the wiring (such as the wiring for the backup power supply) installed on S-stand 2.

In particular, if a setting change is made during a bonus, during a favorable zone, or while a bonus is being carried over, forcing the bonus or favorable zone to end, or if a carried-over bonus is cleared, if more than the specified number of games are played while a bonus is being carried over, or if an operation is performed intentionally to end an advantageous zone, i.e., if the player is intentionally shifted from a relatively favorable gaming state to an unfavorable gaming state, or if it is detected that the role ratio monitor 89 may not be properly connected due to a wire break or the like, a notification of this will be issued in an identifiable manner. This makes it possible to recognize the possibility of fraudulent manipulation that prevents the correct information from being displayed, such as the role payout ratio, consecutive role payout ratio, and role payout ratio with instructions.

Furthermore, in a configuration in which the total cumulative data, etc., is initialized to avoid overflow of the total cumulative number of games played or the total cumulative number of payouts, it is preferable to notify this in an identifiable manner, different from when there is a possibility of fraudulent operation to prevent the display of correct information such as the aforementioned feature payout ratio, consecutive feature payout ratio, and instructed feature payout ratio. In this way, it is possible to recognize that the total cumulative number of games played or the total cumulative number of payouts has been initialized by the process to avoid overflow, separately from initialization due to fraudulent operation to prevent the display of correct information such as feature payout ratios.

As mentioned above, if there is a possibility of fraudulent operation so that correct information such as the reel payout ratio, consecutive reel payout ratio, or instructed reel payout ratio is not displayed, this is detected and the history of the detection is recorded on the medal count control board 17 side, and instead of issuing an alert at the time of detection, a specified operation is then performed, allowing these histories to be confirmed on a display provided on the medal count control board 17 side (for example, the reel ratio monitor 89), a display provided on the performance control unit 151 side (for example, the LCD display 51), or an external display on the S-stand 2 (for example, the display 312).

It may also be possible to confirm on a display or presentation device controlled by the presentation control unit 151 that settings have been changed, that a disconnection has been detected, that a connection problem has occurred in the role ratio monitor 89 that may prevent correct information from being displayed such as the role payout ratio, consecutive role payout ratio, and role payout ratio with instructions, and that, as mentioned above, there may have been fraudulent manipulation to prevent correct information from being displayed such as the role payout ratio, consecutive role payout ratio, and role payout ratio with instructions. It may also be possible for the presentation control unit 151 to record a history of detections of possible fraudulent manipulation to prevent correct information from being displayed such as the role payout ratio, consecutive role payout ratio, and role payout ratio with instructions, such as when settings are changed during a bonus, advantageous period, or while a bonus is being carried over, forcing the bonus or advantageous period to end, or clearing a carried-over bonus, and this history can then be confirmed by a specified operation.

The ratio displays may be displayed not only on the winning ratio monitor 89 but also on the credit display 11. The credit display 11 is a display that displays information according to the progress of the game, and since the ratio display cannot be displayed constantly, it is preferable to display the ratio display when a predetermined operation is performed by a gaming parlor employee or the like when no game is being played, and to switch back to the original display content that was displayed before the ratio display was displayed and end the ratio display when any of the following is detected while the ratio display is displayed on the credit display 11: closure of the front door 1b, operation to set the number of bets on S machine 2, occurrence of an error, operation of the setting key switch 37, operation of the number of bets clear switch 21, or interruption of the power supply to S machine 2.

[Initialization process of role ratio information]
59 is a diagram for explaining the initialization process of the role ratio information. As shown in Fig. 59, after power-on, the main control board 16 transmits a gaming machine installation information command A to the medal count control board 17. After that, the game is repeated, and the main control board 16 transmits an advantageous zone command and a payout pulse command to the medal count control board 17.

Upon receiving a payout pulse command, the medal count control board 17 executes a backup process to store the role ratio information in the backup memory 294. Role ratio information is data used to calculate the data to be displayed on the role ratio monitor 89, and is included in the role information command, advantageous zone command, and payout pulse command. The medal count control board 17 may store the role ratio information in the backup memory 294 each time it receives a command including role ratio information.

In the example of FIG. 59, after the backup process is executed, an unauthorized operation is performed on the main control board 16. As described above, "unauthorized operation" refers to an operation that alters the commands exchanged between the main control board 16 and the medal count control board 17, or an operation that unauthorizedly controls the main control board 16 or the medal count control board 17. In the example of FIG. 44, as a result of the unauthorized operation, the main control board 16 is controlled by an unauthorized connected device, and the main control board 16 sends gaming machine installation information command B to the medal count control board 17. At this time, the medal count control board 17 again performs backup initialization, which initializes the role ratio information stored in the backup memory 294, based on the reception of the gaming machine installation information command. In other words, if the main chip ID identified from the gaming machine installation information command differs from the main chip ID identified from the previously received gaming machine installation information command, the medal count control board 17 initializes the data used to display the role ratio monitor 89.

As a result, the medal count control board 17 initializes the data used to display the role ratio information if the main control board 16 is not legitimate, based on the main chip ID possessed by the main control board 16, thereby ensuring that the correct role ratio corresponding to each slot machine is output.

[Regarding gaming programs and non-gaming programs]
In this embodiment, the main control unit 161 of the S unit 2 executes a gaming program and a non-gaming program. A gaming program is a program that contains instructions related to the progress of the game, such as internal lottery processing. A non-gaming program is a program that contains instructions that are not directly related to the progress of the game, such as processing to output data to a winning combination monitor. Malfunctions can occur when data is unintentionally mixed between gaming and non-gaming programs. For example, if data in a non-gaming RAM area is rewritten by an instruction from a gaming program when it should be rewritten, this can result in a program malfunction. To prevent such malfunctions, the main control unit 161 distinguishes between gaming and non-gaming programs and executes the programs to progress the game.

The following explains the areas in which non-game programs and game programs are stored, using Figure 60. Figure 60 is an address map of the memory area used by the main control unit 161. As shown in Figure 60, the memory area used by the main control unit 161 includes a memory area allocated to ROM 161b (0000H to EFFFH) and a memory area allocated to RAM 161c (F000H to FFFFH).

The memory area of ROM 161b consists of a program/data area where programs and fixed data are stored, an unused area where access is prohibited, and other areas. The other areas include a ROM comment area where arbitrary data such as the program title and version can be set, a vector table area where the upper addresses of the CALLV instruction subroutine and the starting address of the timer interrupt process (main) are set, a HW parameter area where parameters for setting the internal functions of the main control unit 161 via hardware are set, and an unused area where access is prohibited.

The memory area of RAM 161c consists of a usable area (F000H-F400H) that can be used as a work area, and other areas (F401H-FFFFH). The other areas include an internal function register area (FE00H-FEACH) that stores registers for controlling the various functions implemented in the main control unit 161. The various functions implemented in the main control unit 161 include, for example, the functions of the serial communication circuit, which will be described later. In other words, the internal function register area of RAM 161c includes a storage area for setting the functions of the serial communication circuit.

The program/data areas in ROM 161b include a game program area in which game programs related to the progress of the game are stored, a game data area in which game data used by the game programs is stored, unused area 1, a non-game program area in which non-game programs not related to the progress of the game are stored, a non-game data area in which non-game data used by the non-game programs is stored, and unused area 2.

The progression of a game refers to the progression of a series of processes that make up the game. In the case of a slot machine, this refers to the progression of the stages of setting the bet amount and allowing the game to start, starting the game and spinning the reels, stopping the reels and deriving the display result, and awarding value such as medals based on the display result.

Note that in the above, "before" or "after" a storage area refers to the relative size of the address values assigned to the storage areas, with smaller addresses being closer to the front and larger addresses being closer to the back. Therefore, a storage area allocated behind a certain storage area is one with a larger address value than that storage area, and a storage area allocated ahead of a certain storage area is one with a smaller address value than that storage area.

RAM 161c includes a gaming RAM area used by gaming programs as a workspace, unused area 3, a stack area where gaming programs save data, a non-gaming RAM area used by non-gaming programs as a workspace, unused area 4, and a stack area where non-gaming programs save data.

The game RAM area is made up of areas A to D. Areas A to D are called the areas to be initialized entirely, areas B to D are called the areas to be initialized when a setting change ends, areas C to D are called the areas to be initialized when a bonus (BB) ends, and area D is called the area to be initialized when each game ends. The areas to be initialized entirely are areas that are initialized by performing a specified operation when a RAM error occurs. The areas to be initialized when a setting change ends are areas that are initialized when a setting change ends. The areas to be initialized when a bonus ends are areas that are initialized when a bonus ends. The areas to be initialized when each game ends are areas that are initialized every time a game ends.

In the following, the game program area, game data area, and game RAM area may be collectively referred to as the game area, and the non-game program area, non-game data area, and non-game RAM area may be collectively referred to as the non-game area.

The non-game RAM area is made up of areas E and F. Area E is referred to as the area to be initialized at the end of each game, and area F is referred to as the area to be initialized when the power is turned on. The area to be initialized at the end of each game (area E) in the non-game RAM area is an area that is initialized every time a game ends, just like the area to be initialized at the end of each game (area D) in the game RAM area. The area to be initialized at the time of power on (area F) is an area that is initialized when power is turned back on after a power outage to S-machine 2. Area F stores various variables for counting the difference number used in the safety device processing described below. Area E stores a play stop flag used in the safety device processing described below.

[Instructions used by the program]

The programs executed by the main control unit 161 include a main routine that manages the progress of the entire program, and subroutines that are called while other programs are running.

The LD instruction is included as an instruction for the main control unit 161 to read data stored in the program/data area. The LD instruction is an instruction for reading one byte of data stored at an address specified in the main routine or subroutine into a specified register. The main control unit 161 reads the data stored at the address specified by the LD instruction and stores the read data in the register specified by the LD instruction.

LD instructions include the normal LD instruction and the special LD instruction, the LDQ instruction. The normal LD instruction specifies both an upper address and a lower address, and is an instruction that reads data stored in a specific area of ROM 161b or RAM 161c using the specified upper and lower addresses. In contrast, the LDQ instruction specifies only the lower address, and is an instruction that specifies an address using the upper address pre-set in a special register (Q register) in the internal function register area of RAM 161c mentioned above and the specified lower address, reads data stored in a specific area of ROM 161b or RAM 161c, and stores the read data in the specified register. This makes it possible to store specified data in a specified register using a smaller amount of data than the normal LD instruction.

When reading data stored in a specific area of ROM 161b or RAM 161c in a main routine or subroutine, the LDQ instruction, a special LD instruction, can be used to read data from a specific area by specifying only the lower part of the address, rather than specifying the entire address (upper and lower parts) that indicates the specific area. Using the LDQ instruction makes it possible to read a smaller amount of data than with a normal LD instruction, which specifies both the upper and lower addresses to read data, reducing the amount of program waste required to specify addresses when reading data.

Furthermore, among the game data stored in the game RAM area of RAM 161c, particularly frequently used game data is stored in an area of the game RAM area whose starting address is a specific value, and this specific value is set as the upper address of the game data in a special register (Q register).When the main control unit 161 reads this game data, by specifying only the lower address using the LDQ command, it becomes possible to read game data with a smaller amount of data than with a normal LD command, which reads data by specifying both the upper and lower addresses, thereby reducing the amount of program waste required to specify addresses when reading this game data.

The main control unit 161 can also change the value set in the special register (Q register) in the main routine or subroutine. As described below, during the initialization process performed at startup, the built-in registers are set in the special register (Q register) with a specific value indicating the starting address of game data frequently used by game programs. In this embodiment, the special register (Q register) includes two registers, a first Q register and a second Q register. Hereinafter, the first Q register and the second Q register will be collectively referred to simply as the "special register (Q register)." For example, "F0" is stored in the special register (Q register). As a result, when a game program is being executed, a specific value indicating the starting address of game data frequently used by the game program is set in the special register (Q register), allowing the game program to read out the frequently used game data using the LDQ command.

The upper address used when reading with the LDQ instruction as a special LD instruction may be set in a specified memory area other than a special register (e.g., the Q register), such as a vector table area. This special LD instruction, in which part of the address is specified using a value stored in a specified memory area such as the vector table area and the remaining part of the address is specified by the program, can reduce the amount of program waste required to specify an address when reading data. Furthermore, even if a special LD instruction is used, in which multiple areas making up the vector table area are assigned identification values with smaller data amounts than the addresses, data storage addresses are set in each of these multiple areas, and the storage address of the data stored in the area corresponding to the identification value is specified by specifying the identification value, it can reduce the amount of program waste required to specify an address when reading data.

The main control unit 161 also includes a CALL instruction (call instruction) as an instruction to cause the main control unit 161 to execute a program stored in the program/data area. The CALL instruction is an instruction to call and execute a subroutine stored at a specified address in a main routine or subroutine. When the main control unit 161 calls a subroutine with a CALL instruction, it stores the caller's address in the stack area and calls and executes the subroutine stored at the specified address. Then, when the subroutine ends, a RET instruction (return instruction) is used to return to the caller's address stored in the stack area, i.e., the main routine or subroutine program that executed the CALL instruction.

Furthermore, the main control unit 161 includes a CALLEX instruction as an instruction that causes the main control unit 161 to execute a program stored in the program/data area. The CALLEX instruction not only calls a subroutine stored at an address specified in the main routine or subroutine, but also switches register banks. Figure 61 is a diagram explaining the register banks included in the CPU 161a of the main control unit 161. As shown in Figure 61, the CPU 161a has a first register bank R1 and a second register bank R2.

The first register bank R1 includes ten registers: the first Q register, the first U register, the first A register, the first B register, the first C register, the first D register, the first E register, the first F register, the first H register, and the first L register. Similarly, the second register bank R2 includes ten registers: the second Q register, the second U register, the second A register, the second B register, the second C register, the second D register, the second E register, the second F register, the second H register, and the second L register.

In this embodiment, the main control unit 161 uses the first register bank R1 when executing instructions according to a program written in the game program area, and uses the second register bank R2 when executing instructions according to a program written in the non-game program area. In other words, the main control unit 161 does not use the second register bank R2 when executing instructions according to a program written in the game program area, and does not use the first register bank R1 when executing instructions according to a program written in the non-game program area. This prevents the S machine 2 in this embodiment from unintentionally mixing data between game programs and non-game programs, which could cause malfunctions. Note that, hereinafter, programs written in the game program area will be referred to simply as "game programs," and programs written in the non-game program area will be referred to simply as "non-game programs."

In other words, the main control unit 161 uses the first register bank R1 when executing a game program as the main routine, but switches from the first register bank R1 to the second register bank R2 when a non-game program is called as a subroutine using a CALLEX instruction. More specifically, when the main control unit 161 calls a non-game program area as a subroutine using a CALLEX instruction, it stores the caller's address in the stack area and calls and executes the subroutine stored at the specified address. Then, upon completion of the subroutine, the main control unit 161 issues a RETEX instruction (return instruction) to return to the caller's address stored in the stack area, i.e., the game program that executed the CALLEX instruction, and switches from the second register bank R2 to the first register bank R1. This allows the S unit 2 in this embodiment to use different register banks when executing a game program and when executing a non-game program, preventing the processing contents of the game program area and the non-game program area from being mixed on the registers.

[Q register setting]
62 is a flowchart showing the startup process of the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 is realized as a control computer such as a microcomputer. Before a user program is executed, the main control unit 161 executes a startup process to set up the hardware functions of the microcomputer, for example. The user program is a program for controlling the progress of a game, is stored in the ROM 161b, and is designed by a gaming machine manufacturer or the like. On the other hand, the startup process is a process provided in the main control unit 161 itself, and is executed automatically when the main control unit 161 is started up.

The main control unit 161 executes the startup process of the main control unit 161 shown in FIG. 62, also based on the supply of power to the main control unit 161. In FIG. 62, as an example of a setting process related to the hardware functions of the main control unit 161, initial values are set in the first Q register and the second Q register (step Sj1). After executing step Sj1, although not shown, the main control unit 161 may perform setting processes related to the hardware functions of the main control unit 161. The setting process related to the hardware functions may, for example, set the functions of the serial communication circuit.

In step Sj1 of this embodiment, the initial value of the first Q register is, for example, "F0," and the initial value of the second Q register is, for example, "F3." This allows the main control unit 161 to reduce unnecessary program time for specifying addresses when calling a game RAM area that is frequently referenced and written to when executing a game program. Similarly, the main control unit 161 can reduce unnecessary program time for specifying addresses when calling a non-game RAM area that is frequently referenced and written to when executing a non-game program. This allows the main control unit 161 of this embodiment to reduce the program capacity required when executing instructions for both game programs and non-game programs.

In step Sj1, the main control unit 161 sets initial values in the first Q register and the second Q register, and then executes the user program (step Sj2). The user program includes the initial setting process described later in FIG. 63 and the main process described later in FIG. 66. In this way, before the user program starts controlling the game, an initial value is set in the first Q register, and an initial value is also set in advance in the second Q register. This allows the main control unit 161 to set initial values in the first Q register and the second Q register before starting control of the game, simplifying processing. Furthermore, this configuration eliminates the need to set values in the first Q register and the second Q register in the user program. In other words, it is possible to reduce the amount of processing performed in the user program. Note that in this embodiment, the initial values in the first Q register and the second Q register are different values, but the same value may be set as the initial value.

[Initial setting process of main control board 16]
63 is a diagram illustrating the initial setting process performed by the main control board 16. The initial setting process is included in the user program and is described in the game program area of the ROM 161b.

When power is supplied to S-machine 2, the main control board 16 starts up with timer interrupts disabled due to a reset, and performs various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 161b of the main control board 16. After starting up, it first initializes all output ports 0 to 9 and performs the initial setting process included in the game program.

The initial setup process begins with timer interrupts disabled. As shown in FIG. 63, the initial setup process first references a specified area of the input port (Sa1) to determine whether the power interruption detection signal output from the power interruption detection circuit is ON (Sa2). If the power interruption detection signal is ON, the process waits until the power interruption detection signal turns OFF. After that, once the power supply voltage of S-unit 2 returns to normal and the power interruption detection signal turns OFF, the main control unit 161 sets values in the first Q register and the second Q register (Sa2Q). In step Sa2Q, "F0" is set in the first Q register and "F3" is set in the second Q register. In other words, step Sa2Q performs the same process as step Sj1 in FIG. 62. In other words, the same values are reset in the first Q register and the second Q register.

In this way, the main control unit 161 sets a value in the first Q register and a value in the second Q register not only during the startup process but also during the user program. This allows the main control unit 161 to set any value in the first Q register and the second Q register during the user program. Even if an abnormality occurs during the startup process of the main control unit 161 and initial values are not set in the first Q register and the second Q register in step Sj2, the values are set in the first Q register and the second Q register in the user program, preventing an abnormality from occurring in the user program due to values not being set in the first Q register and the second Q register. In this embodiment, S-unit 2 sets values in the first Q register and the second Q register in both step Sj1 in FIG. 62 and step Sa2Q in FIG. 63. However, S-unit 2 may be configured to perform only one of step Sj1 in FIG. 62 and step Sa2Q in FIG. 63.

Next, the main control unit 161 calculates the parity of a specified area of RAM 161c (Sa3) and sets a predetermined initial address in the stack pointer (Sa4). It then determines whether the parity calculated in step Sa3 is normal (Sa5). If the parity is normal, it acquires fixed data for RAM destruction diagnosis that was set in a specified area of RAM 161c at the time of power outage (Sa6) and diagnoses whether the contents of RAM 161c have been destroyed based on the fixed data for RAM destruction diagnosis (Sa7).

If it is determined in step Sa5 that the parity is normal, and if the contents stored in RAM 161c are diagnosed in step Sa7, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in RAM 161c based on the RAM parity calculated in step Sa3 and the results of the diagnosis in Sa7 (Sa8). An abnormality in RAM 161c occurs when the parity is abnormal, or when the parity is normal but the stored contents are diagnosed as abnormal.

If an abnormality is detected in RAM 161c, the values of the flag registers in the main control board 16 that store the calculation results are saved by storing them in a predetermined order in the game stack area of the game RAM area, and then the non-game RAM area initialization process included in the non-game program is called (Sa10). In other words, the process of step Sa10 is a process that calls a non-game program from a game program. For this reason, the process name of step Sa10 is prefixed with the word "(non-game)." In the initialization process shown in FIG. 63 and the main process shown in FIG. 66, the process name that calls a non-game program from a game program is prefixed with the word "(non-game)." Specifically, steps Sa10, SaF1, and Sa30 in FIG. 63 and steps Sb2, Sb13, Sb36, and Sb50 in FIG. 66 correspond to the process of calling a non-game program from a game program. Hereinafter, this process of calling a non-game program from a game program will be referred to simply as "non-game program call processing." The above-described CALLEX command can be used for non-game program call processing.

When non-game program call processing such as the non-game RAM area initialization processing shown in step Sa10 is executed, the main control unit 161 executes processing to switch the register bank used by the CPU 161a from the first register bank R1 to the second register bank R2 and processing to set the value of the second Q register at the beginning of the processing corresponding to the non-game program call processing. At this time, "F3" is set in the second Q register. In other words, in the non-game program call processing, the value of the second Q register is reset, similar to step Sj1 in Figure 62 and step Sa2Q in Figure 63.

In this way, the main control unit 161 sets a value in the first Q register in step Sj1 in FIG. 62 and step Sa2Q in FIG. 63 before game control begins, and sets a value in the second Q register each time a non-game program call process is executed to call a non-game program from a game program. As a result, in the S machine 2 of this embodiment, even if an unintended value is set in the second Q register of the second register bank R2, the value in the second Q register of the second register bank R2 can be reset each time a non-game program is called, thereby ensuring prevention of malfunctions. Note that the main control unit 161 does not need to set the value in the second Q register each time a non-game program is called. That is, as described above, in the S machine 2 of this embodiment, values are set in the first Q register and the second Q register in advance in step Sj1 in FIG. 62 and step Sa2Q in FIG. 63 before game progress control is initiated. Therefore, a value is already set in the second Q register even if the value in the second Q register does not need to be set each time a non-game program is called.

Furthermore, in the processing of step Sj1 in FIG. 62 and the processing of step Sa2Q in FIG. 63, the main control unit 161 may set a value only in the first Q register without setting a value in the second Q register, and set the value of the second Q register when a non-game program is called. In this case, the main control unit 161 may set the value of the second Q register only when a non-game program is called for the first time after power-on. In other words, as described above, to ensure the prevention of malfunctions, the value of the second Q register is not reset every time a non-game program is called, but the value of the second Q register is set only when a non-game program is called for the first time after power-on, thereby simplifying the processing.

Then, the non-game RAM area is initialized, which is the purpose of the non-game RAM area initialization process. More specifically, the main control unit 161 specifies the start address (the first address of the unused area) and end address (the last address of the non-game RAM area) of the RAM to be initialized, and repeatedly executes a process of clearing the data at the specified address using the start address as the initial value of the specified address and then updating the specified address to the next address until the specified address becomes the specified end address. This initializes the area from the start address to the end address of the RAM to be initialized (in this embodiment, the area from the beginning of the unused area to the end of the non-game RAM area). Then, a process is executed to switch the register bank used by the CPU 161a from the second register bank R2 to the first register bank R1. After initializing the non-game RAM area of RAM 161c, the process returns to the initial setting process.

In addition, in the non-game RAM area initialization process, the capacity of the RAM to be initialized can be calculated by specifying the start address and end address of the RAM to be initialized, and the RAM area equivalent to that capacity can be cleared sequentially from the start address of the RAM to be initialized, thereby initializing the area from the start address to the end address of the RAM to be initialized.

If it is determined in step Sa8 that there is no abnormality in RAM 161c, the fixed data for RAM destruction diagnosis set in RAM 161c is cleared (Sa12), and a RAM destruction initialization start address is set to specify the address of the game RAM area that will be subjected to initialization processing if there is an abnormality in RAM 161c (Sa13).

Next, in this embodiment, machine S2 executes area F initialization processing, which is a non-game program call process (SaF1). Area F initialization processing is processing that initializes area F, which is included in the non-game RAM area shown in Figure 60. Details of area F initialization processing will be explained later. After that, input port 2 is referenced to determine whether the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state (Sa14).

If it is determined in step Sa14 that the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state, a gaming machine installation information command is sent to the medal count control board 17 (Sa14a), and setting change processing is performed. In the setting change processing, the reset/setting switch 38 and start switch 7 are operated in a predetermined sequence to confirm the setting value, and when it is detected that the setting key switch 37 has been turned OFF, the setting change processing is terminated and the game transitions to a state where it can proceed. Furthermore, in the setting change processing, when the setting change processing starts, a setting command (start) indicating that the setting change processing is to be started is sent to the performance control unit 151, and when the setting change processing ends, a setting command (end) indicating that the setting change processing is to be ended is sent. Furthermore, when the setting change processing ends, the setting change processing specifies the starting address of the RAM area to be initialized at the time of the setting change, and returns to step Sb47 of the main processing, which will be described later. Then, in step Sb47, RAM initialization processing is performed, initializing the area from the first address of the RAM area to be initialized when the settings are changed to the last address of the game RAM area, i.e., all game RAM areas. Note that it is also possible to configure RAM 161c so that all game RAM areas are initialized except for the stack area currently in use.

If it is determined in step Sa14 that the setting key switch 37 is not ON, it determines whether or not there is an abnormality in RAM 161c based on the RAM parity calculated in step Sa3 and the diagnosis result in Sa7 (Sa15). If it is determined that there is no abnormality in RAM 161c, it clears the output buffer for outputting external output signals (Sa16). It also clears a reel error counter, which is set in a specified area of RAM 161c and counts the number of times a reel rotation error is detected in the main processing described below (Sa17). Then, it sets the stack pointer SP to the address at the time of power outage based on the contents stored in RAM 161c, thereby restoring the stack pointer to its state at the time of power outage (Sa18). Then, it sends a gaming machine installation information command to the medal count control board 17 (Sa15a), and performs port input processing twice in succession (Sa19, Sa20).

Port input processing is a process that updates input status data related to the input status of various switches, such as detection signals input to the parallel input port (input data indicating the current input status of the various switches, confirmed data indicating that the current and previous input data are the same, and edge data indicating that the confirmed data has changed since the previous time). Port input buffers 0-2 that store input status data of various switches are provided in a designated area of the game RAM area of RAM 161c, and the input status data of various switches updated by port input processing is stored in designated bits of the port input buffers predetermined for each type. In port input processing, the data is set to input ports 0-2 of the parallel input port.

The detected states (ON or OFF) of various switches are used as input data and stored in a specified bit of the port input buffer. The detected states (ON or OFF) from the previous and current port input processes are compared. If the current and previous input data are the same, the confirmed data is updated to indicate the detected state of the current input data. If the current and previous input data are different, the previous confirmed data is maintained. The current and previous confirmed data are compared. If the confirmed data changes from an OFF state to an ON state, ON edge data indicating that the confirmed data has changed from an OFF state to an ON state is stored in a specified bit of port input buffers 0-2. If the confirmed data changes from an ON state to an OFF state, OFF edge data indicating that the confirmed data has changed from an ON state to an OFF state is stored in a specified bit of port input buffers 0-2. The input data, confirmed data, and edge data of the various switches stored in the port input buffer can be referenced by game programs and non-game programs.

Furthermore, by performing the port input process twice consecutively during the initial setup process, input status data relating to the input status of the detection signals of the various switches is created based on the input status of the various switches after the initial setup process, i.e., the input status of the various switches after power supply to S-unit 2 is resumed, when the port input process is subsequently performed. This prevents unintended input conditions from being identified. Furthermore, the port input process may be configured to create finalized data based on input data acquired through three or more port input processes (e.g., input data from the current, previous, and previous-previous processes). In such a configuration, by performing the port input process consecutively in the initial setup process one less time than the number of port input processes required to create finalized data, input status data can be created when the port input process is performed after the initial setup process based on the input status of the various switches after the initial setup process.

After performing port input processing in steps Sa19 and Sa20, the specified input port is referenced (Sa21), and it is determined whether the reset/setting switch 38 is in the ON state (Sa22). If the reset/setting switch 38 is in the ON state, status data indicating that the reset/setting switch 38 is in the ON state is set in a specified area of RAM 161c (Sa23).

If it is determined in step Sa22 that the reset/setting switch 38 is not in the ON state, and after the status data is set in step Sa23, a restoration command indicating that the control state before power failure has been restored is sent to the performance control unit 151 (Sa24), and then, in the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process (main), a door command transmission flag indicating that a door command indicating the detection state of the door open detection switch 25 will be transmitted is set in a predetermined area of RAM 161c (Sa25). In the command transmission process, a door command is normally transmitted when the detection state of the door open detection switch 25 changes, but if the door command transmission flag is set in the predetermined area of RAM 161c, a door command indicating the detection state of the door open detection switch 25 is transmitted regardless of whether the detection state of the door open detection switch 25 has changed.

After setting the door command transmission flag in step Sa25, all registers are restored to the state they were in before the power was cut off as stored in RAM 161c (Sa26), the timer interrupt is set to enabled (Sa27), the initial setting process is terminated, and the process transitions to the timer interrupt process (main), after which the process returns to the main process that was being executed before the power supply to S unit 2 was cut off.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step Sa15 that RAM 161c has an abnormality, a gaming machine installation information command is sent to the medal count control board 17 (Sa15b), gaming RAM initialization processing is performed (Sa28), and the area from the RAM destruction initialization start address set in step Sa13 to the end of the gaming RAM area of RAM 161c is initialized. Then, similar to the processing in Sa10, the main control unit 161 executes non-gaming RAM area initialization processing, which is a non-gaming program call processing (Sa30). That is, at the beginning of the processing, the main control unit 161 executes processing to switch the register bank used by CPU 161a from the first register bank R1 to the second register bank R2 and processing to set the value of the second Q register. Next, after initializing the non-gaming RAM area, the main control unit 161 executes processing to switch the register bank used by CPU 161a from the second register bank R2 to the first register bank R1. Next, the main control unit 161 sets the door command transmission flag (Sa32), enables the timer interrupt (Sa33), prepares a RAM abnormality error number indicating an abnormality in the RAM 161c in a specified register (Sa34), ends the initial setting process, and transitions to error processing.

Error processing is a process that controls the game to an error state in which game progress is disabled. An error command that can identify an error number stored in a specified register is sent to the presentation control unit 151, and the error number is set in a specified area of RAM 161c as an error flag that can be referenced by other processes (for example, the sensor monitoring process described below). The error number is also controlled to be displayed on the game auxiliary display 12. Thereafter, the error state is controlled until it is determined that the conditions for clearing the error state corresponding to the error number stored in the specified register have been met. If a RAM abnormality error number is stored in the specified register and the game enters an error state, turning on the power switch with the setting key switch 37 turned on will transition to a setting change state and initialize all game RAM areas, thereby reliably resolving the data abnormality in RAM 161c and clearing the error state. On the other hand, if the power switch is turned on without the setting key switch 37 turned on, an abnormality in RAM 161c will be detected again, and the game will enter an error state again.

As such, after power supply to S-stand 2 is initiated, the main control board 16 executes the startup process of the main control unit 161 shown in FIG. 62, and then executes a user program including initial setup processing. During the initial setup processing, the main control board 16 transitions to either timer interrupt processing (main), setting change processing, or error processing, depending on the state of the main control board 16 when power supply to S-stand 2 is initiated. When transitioning to these processes, a command capable of identifying the type of processing to transition to is sent to the performance control unit 151. When transitioning to timer interrupt processing (main), i.e., when returning to the control state before power supply to S-stand 2 was stopped, a return command is sent to the performance control unit 151. When starting setting change processing and transitioning to the setting change state, a setting command (start) is sent to the performance control unit 151. When starting error processing and transitioning to the error state due to an abnormality in RAM 161c, an error command is sent to the performance control unit 151.

After transitioning from the initial setting process to the setting change process, the main control board 16 passes through the setting change state and returns to a state in which the game can be played. When returning to the state in which the game can be played, it sends a setting command (end) to the performance control unit 151, which can specify that the setting change state has ended, but it does not send a return command. Furthermore, after transitioning to error processing due to an abnormality in RAM 161c, the main control board 16 is transitioned to the setting change process as described above, the error state is cleared, and the game is returned to a state in which the game can be played. Even when the error processing is terminated and the game is returned to a state in which the game can be played, it does not send a return command to the performance control unit 151.

In this way, the main control board 16 in this embodiment starts up when power supply to S unit 2 is started, and initializes all output ports 0 to 9. After initializing output ports 0 to 9, the main control board 16 performs the initial setting process included in the gaming program. If the initial setting process determines that there is an abnormality in RAM 161c, it calls the non-game RAM area initialization process included in the non-game program to initialize a predetermined area in the non-game RAM area of RAM 161c. The initial setting process also calls the RAM initialization process included in the gaming program to initialize a predetermined area in the gaming RAM area of RAM 161c, and is configured so that the gaming RAM area is initialized by the gaming program and the non-game RAM area is initialized by the non-game program.

[Safety device processing]
In this embodiment, S machine 2 sets an upper limit on the number of medals a player can acquire over the course of a day, and executes safety device processing to restrict the player from acquiring too many medals. The number of medals acquired is the number of medals awarded to a player over the course of a day minus the number of medals used by the player. If the sign of the number of medals acquired is a positive value, it means that a large number of medals have been awarded to the player. On the other hand, if the sign of the number of medals acquired is a negative value, it means that a large number of medals have been used by the player.

The safety device processing executed by the main control unit 161 disables game progress when the number of medals won reaches the limit. By executing the safety device processing, it is possible to prevent the number of medals won from increasing excessively. As a result, the S machine 2 in this embodiment can prevent excessive medals from being paid out from the slot machine due to fraud. Furthermore, if the number of medals won by a particular player increases over the course of a day, this could lead to a situation that could significantly stimulate gambling. Therefore, by setting an upper limit and limiting the number of medals won over the course of a day, it is possible to prevent the S machine 2 from becoming a situation that significantly stimulates gambling. The safety device processing is explained in detail below using diagrams.

Figure 64 shows variables related to safety device processing. Figure 64 shows the following variables related to safety device processing: number of winning medals, number of inserted medals, calculation replay flag, cumulative awarded number, cumulative used number, difference number, number remaining until safety device activation, and play stop flag. These variables are stored in a specified area in the non-game RAM area. A variable is a memory area for reading and writing data with a specific meaning.

The "number of winning medals" is a variable with a size (area) of 1 byte, and indicates the number of medals awarded to a player in one game. For example, if a plum role is won when the push order role is selected and nine medals are paid out, data indicating nine medals will be stored in the number of winning medals. Alternatively, if a 1-coin role 1 to 33 is won when the push order role is selected and one medal is paid out, data indicating one medal will be stored in the number of winning medals. The number of winning medals is stored in area F, which is included in the non-game RAM area.

The "Number of Inserted Medals" is a variable with a size of 1 byte that indicates the number of medals used by a player in one game. For example, if the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed to bet the maximum number of three medals, and the START switch 7 is then pressed, data indicating three medals will be stored in the Number of Inserted Medals. Also, if the 1BET switch 20 is pressed only once to bet one medal, and the START switch 7 is then pressed, data indicating one medal will be stored in the Number of Inserted Medals. The Number of Inserted Medals is stored in area F, which is included in the non-game RAM area.

In this embodiment, the variables "number of winning medals" and "number of inserted medals" are newly set in the non-game RAM area for the safety device processing, but the main control unit 161 may also refer to variables used to progress the game. Variables used to progress the game are, for example, variables stored in the game RAM area, and, like "number of winning medals" and "number of inserted medals," variables that store the number of medals when a prize is won and variables that store the number of medals set as the bet amount. In other words, the main control unit 161 may refer to variables stored in the game RAM area when executing the safety device processing.

The "calculation replay flag" is a variable with a size of 1 byte and is a flag related to the replay activation state. In other words, the calculation replay flag is a flag that indicates whether the replay is activated or not. The calculation replay flag is a variable stored in area F, which is included in the non-game RAM area.

The "cumulative number of medals awarded" is a 3-byte variable that indicates the number of medals awarded for the entire day. The number of medals awarded for the entire day is the total number of medals awarded to the player over the course of the day. In other words, it is the cumulative number of medals awarded in one game. The cumulative number of medals awarded is stored in area F, which is included in the non-game RAM area.

"Cumulative usage count" is a 3-byte variable that indicates the number of usages for the entire day. The number of medals awarded for the entire day is the total number of medals used by the player over the course of the day. In other words, it is the cumulative number of medals used in one game. The cumulative usage count is stored in area F, which is included in the non-game RAM area.

The "difference number" is a variable with a size of 3 bytes, and represents the number of medals acquired as described above. As described above, the number of medals acquired is the number of medals awarded to a player over the course of a day minus the number of medals used by the player. In other words, the difference number stores the number obtained by subtracting the "cumulative number used" from the "cumulative number awarded." However, if the sign of the difference number is negative, the main control unit 161 stores "0" in the difference number. The difference number is stored in area F, which is included in the non-game RAM area.

The "safety activation remaining number" is a variable with a size of 1 byte that indicates the number of medals remaining up to the limit. The limit is a predetermined number that is the upper limit on the number of medals that can be earned throughout the day. In this embodiment, the limit is 19,000 medals, but it may be other numbers such as 20,000 medals or 15,000 medals. For example, when data indicating 100 medals is stored in the safety activation remaining number, this means that the difference is +18,900 medals. The safety activation remaining number is stored in area F, which is included in the non-game RAM area.

The "stop flag" is a variable with a size of 1 byte, and is a flag that indicates whether or not game progress has been disabled by safety device processing. When the difference number reaches the limit and game progress is disabled by the main control unit 161, the stop flag stores information indicating ON, such as "1." On the other hand, when the difference number is less than the limit and game progress is possible, the stop flag stores information indicating OFF, such as "0." Unlike other variables related to safety device processing, the stop flag is stored in area E, which is included in the non-game RAM area.

It was explained that area F initialization processing is executed in step SaF1 of the initial setting processing in Figure 63. As explained in Figure 64, area F of the non-gaming RAM area stores variables related to safety device processing, except for the stop-play flag. Safety device processing is a process that places a limit on the number of medals earned in a day; in other words, it places a limit on the number of medals earned from the opening of the gaming facility to its closing. In other words, the data stored in the "difference number," which is stored as a variable corresponding to the number of medals earned, is initialized after each business day.

Figure 65 is a diagram explaining the area F initialization process performed by the main control board 16. The area F initialization process is a process included in the initial setting process shown in Figure 63. The area F initialization process is executed regardless of whether the setting key switch is ON or OFF or whether there is an abnormality in the RAM. In other words, when power is applied to S machine 2, the main control unit 161 executes the area F initialization process. This allows the main control unit 161 to cumulatively count the number of gaming values awarded and used in games played throughout the day.

As explained in Figure 63, the area F initialization process corresponds to non-game program call processing. Therefore, as shown in Figure 65, the main control unit 161 switches register banks at the beginning of the area F initialization process (step SQ1). That is, the main control unit 161 switches the register bank used by the CPU 161a from the first register bank R1 to the second register bank R2. Next, the main control unit 161 sets the value of the second Q register (step SQ2). That is, the main control unit 161 sets "F3" to the second Q register. As a result, even if an unintended value is set in the second Q register of second register bank R2 on machine S2, the value of the second Q register is set each time the non-game RAM area is called, ensuring the prevention of malfunctions.

Next, the main control unit 161 determines whether the stop flag is OFF (step Sh1). If the stop flag is OFF (YES in step Sh1), the main control unit 161 initializes the difference number, cumulative awarded number, cumulative used number, remaining number of safety device activations, and calculation replay flag (step Sh2). In other words, the main control unit 161 initializes (clears) variables related to safety device processing stored in area F. The bits of each variable can be initialized to "0" by being initialized. After initialization, the main control unit 161 switches the register bank (step Sh3) and ends processing. In other words, the main control unit 161 returns the register bank used by the CPU 161a from the second register bank R2 to the first register bank R1. The register bank switching process can be performed based on the CALLEX instruction described above. If the stop flag is ON and not OFF (NO in step Sh1), the main control unit 161 returns the register bank (step Sh3) without performing the initialization process in Sh2, and ends the process.

In this way, in S machine 2 in this embodiment, the variables related to safety device processing contained in area F are initialized when S machine 2 is powered on. The difference number, cumulative awarded number, cumulative used number, and remaining number until safety device activation are all variables used to determine whether or not game progress on S machine 2 will be disabled. By initializing these variables when S machine 2 is powered on, it becomes possible to limit the number of medals earned on each business day. In other words, the number of gaming values used throughout the day and the number of gaming values awarded throughout the day are initialized when S machine 2 is powered on again. This allows the difference number throughout the day to be stored in an appropriate manner.

The calculation replay flag is also initialized (cleared) when power is restored to S-machine 2 after a power outage. This prevents the number of medals used from being mistakenly updated to 0 in games after power is restored.

In addition, when the main control unit 161 controls the state of S machine 2 to a state where game progress is disabled, it retains the difference number, cumulative awarded number, cumulative used number, remaining number of safeguard activations, and calculation replay flag without initializing them. This allows it to control the state to disable game progress again even if it is controlled to a state where game progress is enabled due to a malfunction. In other words, even if S machine 2 is powered on when the play stop flag is unintentionally turned ON due to a malfunction even though the difference number has not reached the limit, the difference number, cumulative awarded number, cumulative used number, remaining number of safeguard activations, and calculation replay flag are not initialized, so the main control unit 161 can continue to count the values of the difference number, cumulative awarded number, cumulative used number, and remaining number of safeguard activations. Furthermore, because the calculation replay flag is not initialized, it is possible to prevent the number of medals used from being mistakenly set to 0 and updated in the game after power is restored.

Next, the timing at which variables related to the safety device processing are counted will be described in detail using a flowchart. The safety device processing is included in the main processing, which is repeatedly executed by the main control unit 161, and is executed once per unit game.

Figure 66 is a diagram explaining the control content of the main processing performed by the main control board 16. The main processing is repeatedly executed for each unit of play (one game). One cycle of the main processing corresponds to one unit of play. The main processing is included in the game program and includes multiple processes. As explained above, even in the main processing shown in Figure 66, the process names that correspond to non-game program call processes are prefixed with the words "(non-game)."

As shown in Figure 66, the main control board 16 first performs RT information output processing included in the non-game program (Sb2). Figure 67 is a diagram explaining the control content of the RT information output processing performed by the main control board 16. As described above, in the non-game program call processing, the register bank switching (SQ4, SQ6) and setting of the value of the second Q register (SQ2) are executed first. Steps SQ4, SQ5, and SQ6 in Figure 67 are the same as the processing of steps SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3 in Figure 65, so the explanation will not be repeated.

The main control unit 161 sets the stack pointer to a non-game RAM area (step Si2) and acquires the RT status (step Si3). Specifically, it references information about the game status (RT status) of S-machine 2 set in a specified area of the game RAM area, and sets the information about that game status (for example, the RT status) to be output as an external output signal from the output port.

In other words, in step Si3, the number of the external output signal to be output is read into a register, and external output signal processing is performed to output the external output signal to external devices such as call lamps and hall computers. The external output signal includes, for example, a signal indicating whether or not the vehicle is being controlled in an advantageous zone. This makes it possible to notify external devices such as hall computers whether or not the vehicle is being controlled in an advantageous zone. Furthermore, in the main processing, external output signal processing is executed before the safety device-related processing (Sb50) described below.

Next, the main control unit 161 initializes the betting stop flag (step Si4). After that, the register bank is switched to the first register bank R1, and the RT information output process ends. The main control unit 161 then executes a process to wait for multiple interrupts (Sbw1). The process to wait for multiple interrupts is executed to ensure the output time of the information output in the RT information output process. After that, the main control unit 161 executes a process to wait for the start of a game (described below) (Sb5), and performs the process from the end of control of the previous game to the start of the next game. In the process to wait for the start of a game, the number of bets is set in accordance with the bet number setting operation, and when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected with the specified number of bets set, the process to start the next game is executed.

Then, an internal lottery process is performed to determine whether or not a winning event will be allowed (internal lottery) (Sb6). In the internal lottery process, an internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not a winning event will be allowed (i.e., whether or not a display result will be allowed to be derived) based on a preset setting value (1-6) in the S machine 2 and a random number value for the internal lottery obtained simultaneously with the start of play upon detection of the start switch 7.

After that, after an AT lottery or the like is executed, the following processes are performed in sequence: presentation control processing (Sb12), test signal output processing (Sb13), control state command group transmission processing (Sb14), and freeze control execution processing (Sb16). The test signal output processing corresponds to non-game program call processing. The presentation control processing sets a presentation flag that the main control board 16 references when performing presentation control. The test signal output processing transmits a test signal so that the control state of S-machine 2 can be confirmed by a test device installed outside the gaming machine. The control state command group transmission processing transmits a control state command group containing multiple commands that can identify various control states at the start of a game to the presentation control unit 151. The freeze control execution processing checks whether there is a request for freeze control, which delays the progress of the game until a specified termination condition is met, and if there is a request, the type of freeze control and the timing to perform the freeze control are set in a specified area of RAM 161c.

Freeze execution processing is performed to execute freeze control based on the type of freeze control and execution timing of freeze control set in RAM 161c (Sb16). During the freeze execution processing, if freeze control is set to be executed at the start of gameplay in step Sb13, freeze control is executed to delay game control for a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, if the type of freeze control is set to include an effect using reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter referred to as reel effect), an effect acceleration pattern (e.g., an acceleration pattern that rotates the reels in a direction different from the rotation direction of the reels in game, an acceleration pattern that starts rotation in the same direction as the rotation direction of the reels in game at a slower speed than the rotation direction of the reels in game, an acceleration pattern that vibrates the reels, etc.) is set in a predetermined area of RAM 161c as the excitation pattern for exciting the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, and control is performed to execute the reel effect during the freeze control period. The main control unit 161 then executes a multiple interrupt wait process (Sbw2). The multiple interrupt wait process is performed to ensure the output time of the information output during the test signal output process.

After the freeze control execution process is performed in step Sb16, a single game time management timer set in a predetermined area of RAM 161c is referenced to measure the elapsed time from the start of reel rotation in the previous game (Sb18), and based on the single game time management timer, it is determined whether the specified time for one game (4.1 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed from the start of reel rotation in the previous game (Sb19). If it is determined that the prescribed time for one game has not elapsed, the process waits until the prescribed time for one game has elapsed based on the one game time management timer, and after the prescribed time for one game has elapsed based on the one game time management timer, the process sets a predetermined value (in this embodiment, a value corresponding to 4.1 seconds) in the one game time management timer to newly start timing the elapsed time from the start of reel rotation (Sb20), controls the wait LED 19 to the OFF state (light-out state) (Sb21), and performs a reel rotation start command transmission process to transmit to the performance control unit 151 a reel rotation start command that can specify that rotation control of reels 2L, 2C, and 2R will begin (Sb22). On the other hand, if it is determined in step Sb19 that the prescribed time for one game has elapsed, the process immediately proceeds to steps Sb20 to Sb22. After the predetermined value is set in step Sb20, the timer for managing one game's time is decremented every predetermined time, and becomes 0 when the specified time for one game (4.1 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed from the start of reel rotation in a game. Whether the specified time for one game has elapsed can be determined based on whether the timer for managing one game's time is 0.

After the reel rotation start command transmission process is performed in step Sb22, a normal acceleration pattern that controls the rotation of the reels at a predetermined gaming speed is set in a predetermined area of RAM 161c as the excitation pattern for controlling the excitation of reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (Sb23), and reel startup process is performed to start the rotation of the reels by controlling the excitation of reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R based on the excitation pattern set in RAM 161c (Sb24).

Then, the navigation notification process is performed (Sb25). During the navigation notification process, the automatic transmission (AT) is controlled, and if a role to be notified is won in the internal lottery, the game auxiliary display 12 is controlled to display a navigation number that can identify a stop pattern that is advantageous to the player according to the role to be notified. On the other hand, if the automatic transmission (AT) is not controlled, the game auxiliary display 12 is controlled not to display the navigation number.

The reel stop initial setting process (Sb26) is performed, which sets various information necessary for reel stop control according to the RT state and the results of the internal lottery. Then, the freeze control process (Sb27) is performed, and if freeze control is set to be performed at that timing, the set type of freeze control is performed.

After performing the freeze control process in step Sb27, the reel stop control process (Sb28) is performed to stop the reels. The reel stop control process determines whether the reels under rotation control are rotating at a predetermined constant speed. If any reels are not rotating at a constant speed, a reel error is detected, and an excitation pattern is set for the corresponding reel to accelerate to a constant speed, controlling all reels under rotation control to rotate at a constant speed. On the other hand, if all reels under rotation control are rotating at a constant speed, the process enables acceptance of stop operations for the reels under rotation control and waits for a stop operation via the stop switch. Then, when a valid stop operation is detected for a reel for which a stop operation is enabled (ON edge data is detected for a stop switch for which a stop operation is enabled), the process performs reel stop control to stop the reel for which a valid stop operation has been performed at a predetermined stop position based on information set in the reel stop initial setting process. This reel stop control is repeatedly performed for the reels under rotation control until all reels have stopped rotating, completing the reel stop process.

After the reel stop process is completed, freeze control process is performed (Sb29), and if freeze control is set to be performed at that timing, the set type of freeze control is performed.

Then, the RT state check process (Sb30) and winning determination process (Sb31) are performed. The RT state check process determines whether a combination of RT transition symbols that will cause a transition to the RT state has stopped on the reels, and if a combination of RT transition symbols has stopped, the current RT state set in a specified area of RAM 161c is updated to the RT state corresponding to the combination of RT transition symbols. The winning determination process determines whether an illegal win has occurred based on the internal lottery results and the symbol combination that has stopped on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R.

After the winning determination process in step Sa31 is performed, a deposit/payout error check process is performed (Sb32), and data processing for the role ratio monitor, which corresponds to non-game program call processing, is performed (Sb36).

In the data processing for the winning ratio monitor, first, similar to the RT information output processing described above, the register bank used by the calling gaming program is switched and the value of the second Q register is set. Each state count process included in the non-gaming program is performed, and data regarding the number of medals paid out during a predetermined period (for example, the period from the current game up to 6,000 games ago, the period from the current game up to 175,000 games ago, an area controlled to be advantageous to the player (advantageous area), etc.) is updated.

Then, the replay LED is controlled to the OFF state (lights off) (Sb39), the replay in progress flag indicating that a replay is in progress is cleared (Sb40), the display of the navigation number on the game support display 12 is cleared (Sb41), an end command is sent to the medal count control board 17 (Sb42a), freeze control processing is performed (Sb43), and if freeze control is set to be performed at that timing, the set type of freeze control is performed.

Then, a role information command (Sb43a) and a favorable zone command (Sb43b) are sent to the medal count control board 17. Thereafter, the game end setting process is performed (Sb44), determining whether a replay symbol combination has stopped on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. If a replay symbol combination has stopped, the main control unit 161 performs the following processes: setting the number of bets for replay in the next game (in this embodiment, the replay medal counter set in a predetermined area of RAM 161c is set to 3 as the number of replay medals); setting the replay flag in a predetermined area of RAM 161c; and controlling the replay LED to the ON state (illuminated). During the game end setting process, the main control unit 161 determines whether the number of coins in the favorable zone (the net increase in the number of coins during the favorable zone) has reached 2,400 (limiter condition). If the number of coins in the favorable zone reaches 2,400, the main control unit 161 terminates the favorable zone and switches back to the normal zone.

Then, a payout pulse command (Sb44a) and a jackpot command (Sb44b) are sent to the medal count control board 17. After that, a ball payout control process is performed to control the payout at the end of the game (Sb45), and the starting address of the area in RAM 161c to be initialized at the end of the game is set (Sb46), and RAM initialization process is performed (Sb47), initializing the area from the starting address to the end of RAM 161c.

Then, after clearing the winning flag, which is set in a specified area of RAM 161c and indicates the result of the internal lottery for the game (Sb48), a game end command transmission process is performed to transmit a game end command that can identify the end of one game to the performance control unit 151 (Sb49).

The main control unit 161 then executes safety device-related processing as the final process of the main processing (Sb50). Figure 68 is a diagram explaining the control content of the safety device-related processing performed by the main control board 16. The safety device-related processing corresponds to non-game program call processing. Therefore, the main control unit 161 executes register bank switching processing in steps SQ7 and SQ9, and sets the value of the second Q register in step SQ8. Steps SQ7, SQ8, and SQ9 are similar to steps SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3 described above, so their explanation will not be repeated.

After executing the processing of step SQ8, the main control unit 161 executes safety device processing (Sk1). Figure 69 is a diagram explaining the control content of the safety device processing performed by the main control board 16. The main control unit 161 sets the "Number of Inserted Medals" stored in the non-game RAM area described in Figure 64 to 0 (Sg1). The main control unit 161 determines whether the "Calculation Replay Flag" stored in the non-game RAM area described in Figure 64 is ON (Sg2). If the "Calculation Replay Flag" is not ON (NO in Sg2), the main control unit 161 obtains the number of inserted medals (Sg3). Specifically, the main control unit 161 references the number of medals set as the bet amount stored in the game RAM area. The main control unit 161 updates the "Number of Inserted Medals," a variable in the non-game RAM area, with the number of medals set as the bet amount referenced from the game RAM area. For example, if the bet amount is set to three medals, the "Number of inserted medals" will be set to three.

If the "calculation replay flag" is ON (YES in Sg2), the main control unit 161 does not update the value of the number of inserted medals. When the "calculation replay flag" is ON, the game was played as a result of a replay, so the main control unit 161 considers the number of bets to be 0 and keeps the number of inserted medals at "0." Next, the main control unit 161 adds the number of inserted medals to the cumulative number of uses (Sg4). If the number of inserted medals is set to 3, the main control unit 161 adds 3 to the cumulative number of uses contained in the non-game RAM area. If the "calculation replay flag" is ON, the number of inserted medals remains 0, so no value is added to the cumulative number of uses. Note that in the example of Figure 69, a configuration was described in which the processing of step Sg4 is executed regardless of whether the "calculation replay flag" is ON or OFF. However, the main control unit 161 may execute the processing of step Sg4 only when the "calculation replay flag" is OFF. In this case, the main control unit 161 does not need to perform the process of setting the number of inserted medals to "0" in advance as shown in step Sg1.

In this way, S machine 2 can store the cumulative number of medals used by the player by repeatedly adding the set bet number to the cumulative number of medals used, which is a variable, for each unit of play (one game). In other words, the main control unit 161 accumulates the number of medals used in games played over the course of an entire day.

Next, the main control unit 161 obtains the number of winning medals (Sg5). Specifically, the main control unit 161 obtains the number of winning medals determined in the winning determination process (Sb31) of the main processing by referencing the game RAM area (Sg6). The main control unit 161 updates the "number of winning medals," a variable in the non-game RAM area, with the number of winning medals referenced from the game RAM area. For example, if the winning determination process determines that a plum role has been won when the push order role is selected, the number of winning medals is set to 9, data indicating nine medals. In other words, the main control unit 161 cumulatively counts the number of medals awarded in games played throughout the day.

Next, the main control unit 161 turns OFF the calculation replay flag stored in the non-game RAM area (Sg7). In this way, the calculation replay flag is initialized (cleared) when the number of medals used in a new game based on the successful replay is updated to 0. In other words, the calculation replay flag initialization process (Sg7) is executed within the safety device process, just like the cumulative medal count addition process (Sg4). This prevents inconsistencies between the number of medals used in a new game and the cumulative number used throughout the day, even in the event of a power outage.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 69, the main control unit 161 sets the number of medals awarded in a game in which a replay is established to 0, and sets the number of medals used in the next game executed as a result of the replay to 0. This allows the main control unit 161 to manage data without carrying over information from the previous game.

Next, the main control unit 161 acquires the most significant bit of the cumulative given number (Sg10). As described above, the cumulative given number is a variable having a 3-byte area. The main control unit 161 acquires the most significant bit of the 3-byte area contained in the cumulative given number. The main control unit 161 acquires the most significant bit of the cumulative usage number (Sg11). As described above, the cumulative usage number is a variable having a 3-byte area. The main control unit 161 acquires the most significant bit of the area of the lowest byte of the 3 bytes contained in the cumulative usage number.

The main control unit 161 determines whether the most significant bits obtained in steps Sg10 and Sg11 are both "1" (step Sg12). If both most significant bits are "1" (YES in step Sg12), the main control unit 161 performs a subtraction process on the most significant bits of the cumulative awarded number and cumulative used number (step Sg13). If the most significant bit is "1," this means that the cumulative awarded number and cumulative used number store a medal count of 128 or more. In other words, the main control unit 161 updates the most significant bit of each of the cumulative awarded number and cumulative used number from "1" to "0." In other words, the main control unit 161 subtracts the same number (the number indicated by the most significant bit) from both the cumulative awarded number and cumulative used number. This allows the subtraction process to be performed on the cumulative awarded number and cumulative used number without changing the difference between the cumulative awarded number and cumulative used number, simplifying the subtraction process that will be performed later.

The main control unit 161 subtracts the cumulative number of uses from the cumulative number of awarded coins to obtain the difference (Sg14). That is, it updates the difference, which is a variable stored in the non-game RAM area, to the number indicated by the result of subtracting the cumulative number of uses from the cumulative number of awarded coins. For example, if the cumulative number of awarded coins is 300 and the cumulative number of uses is 200, the main control unit 161 stores data indicating +100 coins in the difference, which is a variable. Alternatively, if the cumulative number of awarded coins is 200 and the cumulative number of uses is 300, the main control unit 161 stores data indicating -100 coins in the difference, which is a variable.

The main control unit 161 determines whether the sign of the difference number is negative (Sg15). That is, the main control unit 161 determines whether the number of medals indicated by the difference number is less than 0. If the sign of the difference number is negative (YES in Sg15), the main control unit 161 updates the difference number to "0" (Sg16). That is, the main control unit 161 initializes the difference number. As described above, the safety device processing is executed to set an upper limit on the number of medals a player can acquire over the course of a day and to restrict the player from acquiring excessive medals. If the sign of the difference number is negative, the player has not acquired any medals, and there is no need to store the data as a difference number. Therefore, in this embodiment, the main control unit 161 updates the difference number to "0" if the sign of the difference number is negative.

In this way, S machine 2 executes safety device processing to control the state of S machine 2 to a state where game progress is disabled when the difference between the cumulative number of medals used and the cumulative number of medals awarded reaches the all-day limit. If the cumulative number of medals awarded is equal to or less than the cumulative number of medals used, the difference is calculated and stored as 0, eliminating the need to store the difference when the cumulative number of medals awarded is equal to or less than the cumulative number of medals used, thereby preventing an increase in memory area usage.

The main control unit 161 subtracts the difference from the limit to obtain the remaining number of coins required to activate the safety device (Sg17). As described above, the limit in this embodiment is +19,000 coins. For example, if the difference is +18,600 coins, in step Sg17 the main control unit 161 subtracts +18,600 coins from +19,000 coins to obtain +400 coins. Also, if the difference is +18,900 coins, in step Sg17 the main control unit 161 subtracts +18,900 coins from +19,000 coins to obtain +100 coins.

The main control unit 161 determines whether the remaining safety activation number exceeds 127 (step Sg18). That is, the main control unit 161 determines whether data indicating a number of medals exceeding +127 is stored in the remaining safety activation number. More specifically, the main control unit 161 determines whether the 8th bit of the remaining safety activation number field in the non-game RAM area is "1." That is, the main control unit 161 uses the 8th bit of the remaining safety activation number as the judgment value to determine whether the remaining safety activation number exceeds 127. This simplifies the judgment process because the 8th bit of the remaining safety activation number in the non-game RAM area can be used to determine whether the difference is approaching the limit number. Note that the main control unit 161 may use a value other than the 8th bit of the remaining safety activation number as the judgment value. For example, if the remaining safety activation number is converted from binary to hexadecimal, the main control unit 161 may use the converted hexadecimal number to determine whether the remaining safety activation number exceeds 127. At this time, a specific bit of the remaining safety activation count in hexadecimal becomes the judgment value.

If the remaining number of medals to activate the safety device exceeds 127 (YES in step Sg18), the main control unit 161 updates the remaining number of medals to 127. In other words, the remaining number of medals to activate the safety device is updated to indicate 127 medals. If the remaining number of medals to activate the safety device does not exceed 127 (NO in step Sg18), the main control unit 161 does not update the remaining number of medals to activate the safety device. This is because when the remaining number of medals to activate the safety device is sent from the main control unit 161 to the performance control unit 151, the available area is 7 bits. Figure 70 shows the commands sent from the main control board 16 to the performance control board 15.

A two-byte command shown in Figure 70 is sent from the main control board 16 to the performance control board 15. The main control unit 161 includes the remaining number of times to activate the safety device in the two-byte command shown in Figure 70 and sends it to the performance control unit 151. Of the two-byte command shown in Figure 70, the first byte shown at the top of Figure 70 is a command that indicates the type of information. For example, the first byte shown at the top of Figure 70 stores data that indicates the type of information in the command being sent, such as whether it is a command related to an internal lottery or a command indicating the remaining number of times to activate the safety device in safety device processing.

On the other hand, of the two-byte commands shown in Figure 70, the second byte command shown at the bottom of Figure 70 is a command that indicates the information content. The first byte command shown at the bottom of Figure 70 stores data indicating the result of the internal lottery and the number of remaining safety device activations. In both the first byte command and the second byte command, the eighth bit (first bit) stores information that allows the command itself to distinguish between the first byte command and the second byte command. More specifically, the performance control unit 151 receives a two-byte command from the main control unit 161. The performance control unit 151 references the eighth bit (first bit) of one of the received two-byte commands, and if a "0" is stored, it determines that the referenced command is a first-byte command that indicates the information type. On the other hand, the performance control unit 151 references the eighth bit (first bit) of the other of the received two-byte commands, and if a "1" is stored, it determines that the referenced command is a first-byte command that indicates the information content.

In other words, the upper limit of the data area for storing the actual information, such as the remaining number of safety device activations, is a total of seven bits, from bits 1 through 7 of the second byte of the command. The maximum number that can be stored in a seven-bit area is 127. As such, if the remaining number of safety device activations exceeds 127, it cannot be stored in the seven-bit area, and so the main control unit 161 updates the remaining number of safety device activations to 127 in step Sg18 shown in FIG. 69.

In this way, when the remaining number for activating the safety device, which is the difference between the stored difference number and the limit number, is smaller than 127, the main control unit 161 sends a command that can identify the difference between the difference number and the limit number to the performance control unit 151. As a result, when the difference between the difference number and the limit number becomes smaller than 127, a command that can identify the difference between the difference number and the limit number is sent from the main control unit 161 to the performance control unit 151, thereby suppressing the increase in data volume caused by communication.

Furthermore, until the difference between the difference number and the limit number becomes smaller than 127, the main control unit 161 sends the command shown in Figure 70 to the performance control unit 151, indicating that the remaining number for activating the safety device is 127. In this way, when the difference between the difference number and the limit number is 127 or greater, the main control unit 161 can make the performance control unit 151 recognize that the remaining number for activating the safety device is 127 by uniformly sending a command indicating that the remaining number for activating the safety device is 127. In other words, when the performance control unit 151 receives a command indicating that the remaining number for activating the safety device is 127, it can recognize that the remaining number is 127 or greater.

The main control unit 161 determines whether the difference is greater than or equal to the limit (19,000 coins) (Sg20). If the difference is greater than or equal to the limit (YES in Sg20), the main control unit 161 turns the stop flag ON (Sg21) and ends processing. If the difference is less than the limit (NO in Sg20), the main control unit 161 ends processing without turning the stop flag ON.

In this way, during safety device processing, the main control unit 161 updates the values of the variables shown in Figure 64 contained in the non-game RAM area each time a unit game is played. This allows the main control unit 161 to appropriately store the latest difference number each time a unit game is played.

The processing of step Sg20, which determines whether the difference is equal to or greater than the limit, is executed for each unit game. That is, in this embodiment, the main control unit 161 executes the processing of step Sg20 regardless of the number of bets and number of wins set for the unit game. This allows the main control unit 161 to reliably determine whether the difference is equal to or greater than the limit for each unit game.

Note that if the difference in number does not change before and after a unit game is played, the main control unit 161 does not need to execute the processing of step Sg20. An example of a case where the difference in number does not change before and after a unit game is when three medals are set as the bet number and three medals are paid out as a result of a win. In this case, three medals are added to both the number of awarded medals and the number of used medals, and the difference in number does not change before and after the unit game. In other words, if the number of awarded medals and the number of used medals in a unit game are the same, the main control unit 161 does not need to execute the processing of step Sg20. Also, if a replay role is won, the main control unit 161 does not need to execute the processing of step Sg20 in the game in which the replay role is won. The main control unit 161 executes the processing of step Sg20 again from the next game played as a result of a replay win.

Returning to Figure 68, the main control unit 161 sends a command including the remaining number of times to activate the safety device to the presentation control board 15 (Sk2). That is, as explained in Figure 70, the main control unit 161 stores the remaining number of times to activate the safety device in the area from bits 1 to 7 of the command (second byte) indicating the information content of the two-byte command, and sends it to the presentation control board 15. This allows the presentation control unit 151 on the presentation control board 15 to obtain the remaining number of times to activate the safety device from the main control unit 161 each time a unit game is executed.

The main control unit 161 determines whether the stop flag is ON (Sk3). That is, the main control unit 161 determines whether the stop flag was updated to ON in Sg21 of the safety device processing. If the stop flag is not ON (NO in Sk3), the main control unit 161 returns the register bank to the first register bank R1 (SQ9) and terminates the safety device-related processing. If the stop flag is ON (YES in Sk3), the main control unit 161 turns the RWM abnormality release flag OFF (Sk4). The RWM abnormality release flag is a flag used to determine whether RAM clearing is permitted when RAM clear processing is executed. If the RWM abnormality release flag is OFF, the main control unit 161 cannot clear the RAM even if RAM clear processing is executed. Therefore, by turning the RWM abnormality release flag OFF and restricting RAM clear processing when the stop flag is ON, the stop flag that was ON in Sg21 is prevented from being updated to OFF due to a malfunction or fraud.

Next, the main control unit 161 sets a play stop error number (Sk5) and then executes error processing (Sk6). By executing error processing, the main control unit 161 controls the state of S machine 2 to a state in which game progress is disabled. In other words, referring to the main processing in Figure 66, the processing in which game progress is disabled when the difference number reaches the limit number is performed in the safety device-related processing (step Sb50).

As shown in Figure 66, the safety device-related processing (step Sb50) is performed at the end of all processing, such as the external output signal processing (step Sbw3) that notifies external devices such as hall computers whether or not they are in a favorable zone, and the game end setting processing (step Sb44) that determines whether or not the number of coins in the favorable zone (net increase in the number of coins in the favorable zone) has reached 2,400 (limiter condition).

In this way, the safety device-related processing (Sb50), which can disable game progress when the difference number reaches the limit, is performed at the end of the main processing. Therefore, before control is made to a state in which game progress is disabled, game end setting processing is performed. Therefore, if the limiter condition is met, control is made to the normal section, and then control is made to a state in which game progress is disabled.

In addition, because external output signal processing is performed in step Sb2 before controlling the game to a state where progress is disabled, it is possible to control the game to a state where progress is disabled after informing the external device whether or not it is controlled to a favorable zone. In this way, even when the main control unit 161 disables progress of the game because the difference number has reached the limit number, it can disable progress of the game after appropriately processing information related to the favorable zone. This makes it possible to prevent inconsistencies from occurring regarding information related to the favorable zone after the disablement of progress of the game is lifted.

As described above, the safety device processing has been described as a process that disables game progress when the number of medals acquired by the player over the course of a day reaches a limit. In this embodiment, the end-of-game setting processing determines whether the number of medals in the advantageous zone (net increase in medals during the advantageous zone) has reached 2,400 (limiter condition). The determination of the limiter condition in the advantageous zone may be performed within the flowcharts of Figures 68 and 69 described in the safety device processing.

At this time, the RAM 161c of the main control unit 161 may further store a "favorable zone difference number" as a variable representing the value obtained by subtracting the number of uses from the number awarded during the favorable zone. The main control unit 161 starts counting the "favorable zone difference number" when the favorable zone begins, and returns the "favorable zone difference number" to its initial value (0) when the favorable zone ends, and does not perform counting during normal zones. This allows the main control unit 161 to count the difference number during favorable zones. In other words, the safety device processing and the limiter condition determination processing can be performed as the same process.

Figure 71 is a flowchart showing the control content of the error processing performed by the main control unit 161. As shown in Figure 71, the error processing first stores the error number (error number) that was set before the error processing was executed (Sf1). If the error processing is called in step Sk6 of the safety device-related processing, the stop error number is set as the error number. The error number includes numbers that indicate errors other than the stop error number. For example, if the error processing is called from the deposit/withdrawal error check processing, the error number E4 or E5 is set in a specified area of RAM 161c.

The main control unit 161 executes an error start command sending process that sends an error command that can identify an error number (Sf2). The main control unit 161 acquires the error cause corresponding to the error number (Sf3) and executes an error number display process that controls the game support display 12 to display the error number (Sf3). Thereafter, the error state is controlled until it is determined that the error state release condition corresponding to the error number stored in a specified register has been met (Sf5).

If the difference number reaches the limit and a play stop error number is set, and the machine transitions to an error state, the error state is released by waiting until the setting key switch is turned ON and power is applied to S machine 2. In other words, S machine 2 is in a state where play cannot proceed until the setting change process is executed. As another example, if the error number (E5) is stored in the register and the machine transitions to the error state, the error state is released by waiting until the detection status of the inserted medal sensors 31a-31c is OFF and the reset/setting switch 38 or reset switch 23 is turned ON.

If the conditions for canceling the error state are met (YES in Sf5), proceed to Sf6 and perform processing to wait for one interrupt. Then, input buffers 1 and 2 are obtained (Sf7), and based on the obtained input buffers 1 and 2, it is determined whether the payout sensor, inserted medal sensor, and full sensor are normal (Sf8). If it is determined that they are normal in Sf8, proceed to Sf9. On the other hand, if it is determined that they are not normal in Sf8, return to Sf6 and repeat steps Sf6 to Sf8 until it is determined that they are normal in Sf8.

In step Sf9, the ON edge state of input buffer 0 is obtained, and the process waits until the reset/setting switch 38 or reset switch 23 is in the ON edge state (until it is operated) (NO in Sf10). When the reset/setting switch 38 or reset switch 23 is in the ON edge state (YES in Sf9), the process proceeds to Sf11.

In step Sf11, the dispensed number display data is stored, the error number is cleared (Sf12), and the error clear command transmission process (Sf13) is executed. In the error clear command transmission process, an error clear command is sent to clear the error state. In step Sf14, one interrupt wait process is performed, and the error processing ends.

In this way, when the setting change process is performed, the main control unit 161 controls the state of S machine 2 from a state in which game progress is impossible to a state in which game progress is possible. The setting change process is a process in which information related to control of advantageous zones, AT, and BB is initialized, and cannot be executed unless the setting key switch is changed to the ON state by a store clerk. This allows the main control unit 161 to prevent excessive medals from being awarded.

In this way, when error processing is executed based on the difference number reaching the limit, the setting change processing is performed, which ends the error processing shown in FIG. 71 and the safety device-related processing shown in FIG. 68. Furthermore, the main control unit 161 ends step Sb50 of the main processing shown in FIG. 66 based on the end of the safety device-related processing.

As a result, the main control unit 161 returns to step Sb2 and repeats steps Sb2 and beyond. Once the main processing has completed one cycle, the processing related to controlling one unit of play is completed, and the main processing is repeatedly executed for each unit of play.

In this manner, the main processing performed by the main control board 16 in this embodiment is included in the game program and calls processing included in non-game programs, such as RT information output processing, win information output processing, and role ratio monitor data processing. When calling processing included in a non-game program, each time the processing of the corresponding non-game program is called, the calling game program stores and saves the value of the flag register among the registers provided by the main control board 16 in the game stack area, while the called non-game program stores and saves the value of the stack pointer SP used in the game program in the non-game RAM area, and stores and saves the values of all registers provided by the main control board 16 in the non-game stack area. Processing is then performed according to the called non-game program (for example, initialization of the non-game RAM area in the non-game RAM area initialization processing, state counting processing in the role ratio monitor data processing described below, sensor monitoring processing, test signal output processing, role ratio monitor display data selection processing, etc. in the non-game-related processing described below).

Furthermore, after processing a non-game program, the main control board 16 loads into the appropriate registers all register values that were saved to the non-game stack area at the start of the non-game program on the non-game program side, restoring the registers to the state they were in at the start of the non-game program. It also sets the stack pointer SP value that was stored in the non-game RAM area at the start of the non-game program to the stack pointer SP, restoring the stack pointer SP to the state it was in at the start of the non-game program. Furthermore, it loads into the appropriate flag register the flag register value that was stored in the game stack area before the non-game program was called on the calling game program side, restoring the registers to the state they were in before the non-game program was called.

In addition, when the main control board 16 performs various processes according to a non-game program, it calls the non-game program from the game program using the above-mentioned CALLEX command, etc., performs various processes according to the non-game program, and returns to the game program that called it when each process according to the non-game program is completed.

[Counting the Difference in the Performance Control Unit 151]
In the above, it has been explained that the variables related to the safety device processing are updated for each unit game by the main control unit 161. The performance control unit 151 also holds variables similar to those related to the safety device processing held in the main control unit 161, and updates these for each unit game. That is, in the S machine 2 of this embodiment, the main control unit 161 and the performance control unit 151 each hold variables related to the safety device processing.

Figure 72 is a diagram illustrating command communication between the main control board 16 and the presentation control board 15. As shown in Figure 72, when the start switch 7 is operated (start operation), the main control unit 161 transmits the game start command shown in Figure 11 to the presentation control unit 151. Also, as shown in Figure 72, when the stop switch is stopped for the third time (when all reels stop), the main control unit 161 transmits the game end command shown in Figure 12 to the presentation control unit 151.

As shown in Figure 11, the start-of-game command includes command No. 12, "Insert medal," which stores information indicating that medals have been bet. Furthermore, the end-of-game command includes the command "Winning number," which stores information regarding winning.

Figure 73 is a diagram explaining the control content of the addition process of the cumulative usage number on the effect control side performed by the effect control unit 151. The effect control unit 151 determines whether or not a game start command has been received (Sm1). If a game start command has not been received (NO in Sm1), the effect control unit 151 terminates the process without performing the addition process of the cumulative usage number on the effect control side. If a game start command has been received (YES in Sm1), the effect control unit 151 references the "insert medal" command included in the game start command to obtain the number of medals used in the game in which the start switch 7 was pressed (Sm2). The effect control unit 151 then adds this to the cumulative usage number on the effect control side (Sm3). The cumulative usage number on the effect control side is a variable included in RAM 151c of the effect control unit 151, and is a variable corresponding to the cumulative usage number of the main control unit 161. In this way, the presentation control unit 151 adds up the number of uses each time it receives a game start command, so the cumulative number of uses on the presentation control unit 151 side and the cumulative number of uses on the main control unit 161 side will be the same at the end of the unit game, unless there is any fraud or malfunction.

Next, the cumulative awarded number on the presentation control unit 151 side will be explained. Figure 74 is a diagram explaining the control content of the addition process of the cumulative awarded number on the presentation control side performed by the presentation control unit 151. The presentation control unit 151 determines whether or not a game end command has been received (Sn1). If a game end command has not been received (NO in Sn1), the presentation control unit 151 terminates the process without performing the addition process of the cumulative awarded number on the presentation control side. If a game end command has been received (YES in Sn1), the presentation control unit 151 references the "insert medal" command included in the game end command to obtain the number of medals used in the game in which the start switch 7 was pressed (Sn2). The presentation control unit 151 then adds this to the cumulative awarded number on the presentation control side (Sn3). The cumulative awarded number on the presentation control side is a variable contained in RAM 151c of the presentation control unit 151, and is a variable corresponding to the cumulative awarded number of the main control unit 161. In this way, the presentation control unit 151 adds the number of points awarded each time it receives a game end command, so the cumulative number of points awarded on the presentation control unit 151 side and the cumulative number of points awarded on the main control unit 161 side will be the same at the end of a unit game, unless there is any fraud or malfunction.

In this way, the presentation control unit 151, like the main control unit 161, counts the cumulative number of medals used and the cumulative number of medals awarded for each unit game. That is, for each unit game, the main control unit 161 sends to the presentation control unit 151 a game start command that can specify the number of medals used in that unit game, and a game end command that can specify the number of medals awarded in that unit game. The presentation control unit cumulatively counts the number of medals used in games played over the course of an entire day, and cumulatively counts the number of medals awarded in games played over the course of an entire day. This allows the presentation control unit 151 to also calculate the cumulative number of medals awarded and the cumulative number of medals used for the entire day.

Figure 75 is a diagram explaining the control content of the notification process performed by the performance control unit 151 before the safety device is activated. As explained above, the main control unit 161 controls the state of S machine 2 so that game progress is disabled when the difference number reaches the limit. In this embodiment, S machine 2 notifies the player in advance that game progress may become disabled before the difference number reaches the limit.

The notification process before the safety device is activated shown in Figure 75 is performed by the presentation control unit 151. In this embodiment, the presentation control unit 151 executes the notification process before the safety device is activated when it receives a game end command, but it may also be executed at other times during the unit game period. In other words, the notification process before the safety device is activated shown in Figure 75 is executed once per unit game.

The performance control unit 151 subtracts the cumulative number of uses on the performance control side from the cumulative number of awards on the performance control side to obtain the difference on the performance control side (Sp1). The difference on the performance control side may be stored in RAM 151c of the performance control unit 151, or may be temporarily stored in a register while the notification process is being performed before the safety device is activated. The performance control unit 151 determines whether the difference on the performance control side obtained in step Sp1 is less than a specific number (Sp2). The specific number is, for example, 300 coins, but may be any other number.

If the difference number on the effect control side is not less than the specific number (NO in Sp2), the effect control unit 151 ends processing. If the difference number on the effect control side is less than the specific number (YES in Sp2), the effect control unit 151 determines whether or not a specific state is in effect (Sp3). A specific state is a state advantageous to the player in which the increase rate in the number of medals exceeds 1, such as an AT state. A specific state can also include an ending state. The effect control unit 151 determines whether or not a specific state is in effect using information contained in the game start command or the game end command.

If the specific state is not reached (NO in Sp3), the presentation control unit 151 terminates processing. If the specific state is reached (YES in Sp3), the presentation control unit 151 notifies the player that progress in the game will be disabled by the award of new medals equal to the difference. For example, if the difference is "100," the presentation control unit 151 displays the following message on the LCD display 51: "The remaining 100 medals will be awarded, rendering game progress disabled." Alternatively, the presentation control unit 151 issues a warning sound from the speakers 53 and 54 indicating that progress in the game will be disabled. This prevents the player from suddenly being unable to play without any prior notification, which would otherwise reduce their interest in the game. Furthermore, if the specific state is reached and the medal increase rate exceeds 1, the presentation control unit 151 notifies the player before the safety device is activated. This allows the performance control unit 151 to notify the difference in number when the medal increase rate exceeds 1, i.e., when the difference in number is decreasing.

Next, the performance control unit 151 determines whether the remaining number of times to activate the safety device is less than 127 (Sp5). That is, the performance control unit 151 determines whether the remaining number of times to activate the safety device included in the command sent from the main control unit 161 to the performance control unit 151 in step Sk2 of FIG. 68 is less than 127. If the remaining number of times to activate the safety device is not less than 127 (NO in Sp5), the performance control unit 151 terminates processing.

If the remaining number of coins to activate the safety device is less than 127 (YES in Sp5), the performance control unit 151 determines whether the difference number on the performance control side and the remaining number of coins to activate the safety device are inconsistent (Sp6). That is, the performance control unit 151 determines whether the difference number counted on the performance control unit 151 side and the difference number calculated on the main control unit 161 side are consistent. More specifically, the performance control unit 151 subtracts the difference number on the performance control unit side from the limit number (19,000 coins), and determines whether the result of this subtraction is the same as the remaining number of coins to activate the safety device sent from the main control unit 161. If the numbers are the same, the performance control unit 151 determines that there is no inconsistency; if the numbers are not the same, the performance control unit 151 determines that there is an inconsistency.

If it determines that there is no inconsistency (NO in Sp6), the performance control unit 151 ends the processing. If it determines that there is an inconsistency (YES in Sp6), the performance control unit 151 notifies the fact that an abnormality has occurred (Sp7). Specifically, the performance control unit 151 sends a command to the main control unit 161 indicating that an abnormality has occurred, where the difference number is inconsistent. The performance control unit 151 also displays information on the LCD display 51 indicating that an abnormality has occurred, where the difference number is inconsistent.

[Regarding game start waiting process]
76 is a diagram illustrating the control content of the game start waiting process performed by the main control board 16. The game start waiting process is included in the game program and is a subroutine called in the main process included in the game program.

As shown in Figure 76, the game start waiting process first performs a bet number display process (Sc1), controlling the 1-3 BET LEDs 14-16 corresponding to the number of medals set as the bet number to be ON (lit). Then, proceed to step Sc5. The value of the replay medal counter set in a specified area of RAM 161c is read into a specified register (Sc5). The replay medal counter is set to a value corresponding to the result of the previous game by the game end setting process in the previous main process. If a replay combination was won and a replay was awarded in the previous game, a value equivalent to the specified number of bets required to play the game (for example, 3) is set. However, if a replay was not awarded in the previous game, the counter is set to 0.

Then, the replay medal counter in RAM 161c is cleared (Sc6), and a determination is made as to whether the value of the replay medal counter read in step Sc5 is greater than 0, i.e., whether a replay has been awarded (Sc7). If a replay has been awarded, a bet number setting process is performed (Sc8). In the bet number setting process, the value of the replay medal counter is set to the bet number, and the 1-3 BET LEDs 14-16 are set to the ON state (lit state) to indicate that the specified number of bets (3 in this embodiment) has been set. In addition, a coin insertion number command that can identify the number of medals used to set the bet number is sent to the performance control unit 151.

If it is determined in step Sc7 that the value of the replay medal counter is 0, meaning that a replay has not been awarded, or if a replay has been awarded in step Sc8 and the bet number setting process has been performed, a one-time interrupt wait process is performed (Sc10). By performing the one-time interrupt wait process, a timer interrupt process (main) is performed, and the detection status of various switches, the illumination status of LEDs, various timers, etc. are updated, and subsequent processing can be performed with the detection status of these various switches updated.

After waiting for one interrupt in step Sc10 and receiving one timer interrupt, various switches are enabled to accept operation, and when an enabled switch is operated, operation input acceptance processing is performed to accept operation by that switch (Sc14).

During the operation input acceptance process, if the credit set in a predetermined area of RAM 171c is 1 or more, acceptance of operations via the 1 BET switch 20 and MAX BET switch 6 is enabled. Furthermore, if the bet number set in a predetermined area of RAM 171c is the specified number, acceptance of operations via the start switch 7 is enabled. Furthermore, acceptance of operations via the bet number clear switch 21 and setting key switch 37 is enabled.

In addition, during the operation input acceptance process, if operation of the start switch 7 is detected while operation of the start switch 7 is enabled, a start flag indicating that the start switch 7 has been operated is set in a specified register. Furthermore, if operation of the setting key switch 37 is enabled and operation of the setting key switch 37 is detected, a setting value display process is performed to display the setting value on the setting value display 24. Furthermore, if operation of the 1BET switch 20 and MAXBET switch 6 is enabled and operation of the 1BET switch 20 or MAXBET switch 6 is detected, the number of medals up to the specified number possible based on the credit is set as the bet, and the number of medals set as the bet is subtracted from the credit. After performing the process corresponding to the switch whose operation was detected, the operation input acceptance process is terminated.

After performing the operation input reception process in step Sc14, it is determined based on the start flag whether a valid operation of the start switch 7 has been detected (Sc15). If the start flag is not set in the specified register and it is determined that a valid operation of the start switch 7 has not been detected, the process proceeds to step Sc16, where LED display processing is performed to control the lighting state of the start valid LED.

In the LED display process, when operation by the start switch 7 is enabled by the operation input acceptance process in step Sc14 and no operation of switches other than the reset switch is detected, the start enable LED is controlled to the ON state (lit state).When operation by the start switch 7 is enabled and operation of switches other than the reset switch is detected, or when operation by the start switch 7 is not enabled, the start enable LED is controlled to the OFF state (unlit state), and the lighting state of the start enable LED indicates whether operation by the start switch 7 is enabled or disabled.

If it is determined in step Sc15 that a start flag has been set in a predetermined register and a valid operation of the start switch 7 has been detected, a random number value for internal lottery is obtained from the random number circuit and set in a predetermined area of RAM 161c (Sc17). Then, bet number setting status data that identifies the set bet number is set in a predetermined area of RAM 161c (Sc18), the start valid LED is set to the OFF state (unlit state) (Sc19), the medal handling permission flag is cleared from the predetermined area of RAM 161c (Sc20), and control is performed to clear the display of the payout number on the game support display 12 (Sc21), the game start wait process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process. Then, in the main process, an internal lottery is performed using the random number value obtained in step Sc17. In response to the detection of operation of the start switch 7, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R begin to rotate, thereby starting a game.

Figure 77 is a diagram explaining the control content of the bet setting operation acceptance process performed by the main control board 16. During the operation input acceptance process of Figure 77, if operation by the 1 BET switch 20 or the MAX BET switch 6 is detected after operation by the 1 BET switch 20 and the MAX BET switch 6 has become valid, the main control board 16 executes the bet setting operation acceptance process shown in Figure 77.

The main control board 16 acquires the bet number, between 0 and 3, set in the BET counter of RAM 161c (Sd1). The main control board 16 calculates the number of inserted medals based on the acquired bet number and whether the switch whose operation was detected was the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6 (Sd2). For example, if operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected when the bet number is 0, the number of inserted medals will be 3; if operation of the 1BET switch 20 is detected when the bet number is 0 to 2, the number of inserted medals will be 1.

The main control board 16 sends a throw-in command including the calculated number of thrown-in medals to the medal count control board 17 (Sd3). The medal count control board 17 sends a response command to the throw-in command. In response to receiving the response command, the main control board 16 executes a bet number setting process (Sd4). In other words, the main control board 16 adds the bet number stored in the BET counter in RAM 161c.

Figure 78 is a diagram explaining the control content of the settlement operation acceptance process performed by the main control board 16. During the operation input acceptance process of Figure 78, if operation of the bet number clear switch 21 is detected after operation of the bet number clear switch 21 becomes valid, the main control board 16 executes the settlement operation acceptance process.

The main control board 16 determines whether or not a replay is in progress (Se1). If a replay is in progress, the main control board 16 ends processing. If a replay is not in progress, the main control board 16 determines whether or not a bet of 1 or more has been set (Se2). If a bet of 1 or more has not been set, the main control board 16 ends processing. If a bet of 1 or more has been set, the main control board 16 obtains the bet number of 1 to 3 set in the BET counter of RAM 161c (Se3).

The main control board 16 sends a settlement command including the acquired bet number as the settled medal count to the medal count control board 17 (Se4). The medal count control board 17 sends a response command to the insertion command. In response to receiving the response command, the main control board 16 executes the settlement operation process (Se5). In other words, the main control board 16 subtracts the bet number.

Embodiment 2.
The following describes communication between the performance control unit 151, main control unit 161, medal count control unit 171, and CU control unit 323 using embodiment 2. In embodiment 1, the main control unit 161 is included in the main control board 16, and the medal count control unit 171 is included in the medal count control board 17. For S-stand 2 in embodiment 2, the description will be made of a configuration in which the medal count control unit 171 is included in the main control board 16 together with the main control unit 161.

Figure 79 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a card unit and slot machine in embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 79, the main control unit 161 includes both the medal count control unit 171 and the main control unit 161. In other words, the main control unit 161 and the medal count control unit 171 are mounted on the same board. This eliminates the need to connect the main control unit 161 and the medal count control unit 171 with a connector or the like, thereby improving security. Furthermore, the reduced number of parts reduces the probability of malfunctions occurring.

As shown in FIG. 79, the main control unit 161 is connected to the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, the setting key switch 37, the reset/setting switch 38, the start switch 7, and the game support display 12. The main control unit 161 may also be configured to be connected to the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, the setting key switch 37, the reset/setting switch 38, the start switch 7, and the game support display 12 via the medal count control unit 171. In other words, the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, the setting key switch 37, the reset/setting switch 38, the start switch 7, and the game support display 12 may be connected to the medal count control unit 171.

The medal count control unit 171 is also connected to the count button 10, credit display 11, RAM clear switch 293, and role ratio monitor 89. The medal count control unit 171 may be configured to be connected to the count button 10, credit display 11, RAM clear switch 293, and role ratio monitor 89 via the main control unit 161. The count button 10, credit display 11, RAM clear switch 293, and role ratio monitor 89 may be connected to the main control unit 161.

Figure 80 is a diagram illustrating communication between the performance control unit 151, main control unit 161, medal count control unit 171, and CU control unit 323. As shown in Figure 80, the main control board 16 in embodiment 2 is equipped with the medal count control unit 171 and main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 includes a first serial communication circuit SR1, a second serial communication circuit SR2, and a third serial communication circuit SR3. The first serial communication circuit SR1 to the third serial communication circuit SR3 are serial communication circuits equipped in the main control unit 161, which is realized as a control computer such as a microcomputer. The medal count control unit 171 includes a fourth serial communication circuit SR4, a fifth serial communication circuit SR5, and a sixth serial communication circuit SR6. The fourth serial communication circuit SR4 to the sixth serial communication circuit SR6 are also serial communication circuits equipped in the medal count control unit 171, which is realized as a control computer such as a microcomputer.

The first serial communication circuit SR1 and third serial communication circuit SR3 of the main control unit 161 have transmission and reception functions. As shown in FIG. 80, the first serial communication circuit SR1 has a transmission terminal Tx1 and a reception terminal Rx1 as terminals for connecting to other devices. The first serial communication circuit SR1 also has a transmission buffer Tb1, which is a buffer for transmission, and a reception buffer Rb1, which is a buffer for reception. The third serial communication circuit SR3 also has a transmission terminal Tx3, a reception terminal Rx3, a transmission buffer Tb3, and a reception buffer Rb3.

On the other hand, the second serial communication circuit SR2 of the main control unit 161 has only the transmission function of both the transmission and reception functions. In other words, the second serial communication circuit SR2 is a serial communication circuit dedicated to transmission. As shown in FIG. 80, the second serial communication circuit SR2 has only a transmission terminal Tx2 and a transmission buffer Tb2 as terminals for connecting to other devices. For this reason, the second serial communication circuit SR2 is configured so that it cannot receive signals (commands) from other devices. This makes it ideal for unidirectional signal transmission. In other words, the second serial communication circuit SR2 can be ideally used for communication between the main control unit 161 and the performance control unit 151, where unidirectional signal transmission is required.

The fifth serial communication circuit SR5 and sixth serial communication circuit SR6 of the medal count control unit 171 have both transmission and reception functions, similar to the first serial communication circuit SR1 and third serial communication circuit SR3. That is, the fifth serial communication circuit SR5 has a transmission terminal Tx5, a reception terminal Rx5, a transmission buffer Tb5, and a reception buffer Rb5. Furthermore, the sixth serial communication circuit SR6 has a transmission terminal Tx6, a reception terminal Rx6, a transmission buffer Tb6, and a reception buffer Rb6. Furthermore, the fourth serial communication circuit SR4 of the medal count control unit 171 has only a transmission function, similar to the second serial communication circuit of the main control unit 161. That is, the fourth serial communication circuit SR4 has a transmission terminal Tx4 and a transmission buffer Tb4.

As shown in FIG. 80, the main control unit 161 and medal count control unit 171 communicate signals using the first serial communication circuit SR1 and the fifth serial communication circuit SR5. As described above, bidirectional commands such as insertion commands and settlement commands are transmitted between the medal count control unit 171 and the main control unit 161. In other words, communication between the medal count control unit 171 and the main control unit 161 includes bidirectional communication. In this way, bidirectional communication is achieved by using the first serial communication circuit SR1 and the fifth serial communication circuit SR5, which have both transmission and reception functions.

In addition, because communication between the medal count control unit 171 and the CU control unit 323 is bidirectional, the medal count control unit 171 uses a sixth serial communication circuit SR6, which has both transmission and reception functions, to communicate with the connection terminal board 1000. The medal count control unit 171 is connected to the CU control unit 323 via the connection terminal board 1000. In addition, the frame side information command is a command that is continuously sent in one direction from the medal count control board 17 to the main control board 16, and does not have bidirectionality. The medal count control unit 171 sends the frame side information command to the third serial communication circuit SR3 of the main control unit 161 using the fourth serial communication circuit SR4, which has only a transmission function. The third serial communication circuit SR3 sends a test signal to the test board 300. In this way, in S-unit 2 of embodiment 2, one-way communication is performed using a serial communication circuit with only a transmission function, and two-way communication is performed using a serial communication circuit with both a transmission and a reception function. This allows the serial communication circuit to be used separately for one-way command transmission and two-way command transmission, allowing for optimal data communication.

In addition, the main control unit 161 receives bidirectional commands, such as input commands, from the medal count control unit 171 using the receiving terminal Rx1 of the first serial communication circuit SR1, and transmits response commands using the transmitting terminal Tx1 of the first serial communication circuit SR1. This allows the sending and receiving of bidirectional commands between the main control unit 161 and the medal count control unit 171 to be completed using only the first serial communication circuit SR1, thereby improving security.

Furthermore, as explained in FIG. 41, when the main control unit 161 receives a bidirectional command that is sent irregularly, such as an insertion command, it sends a response command to the medal count control unit 171 indicating that the command has been received. This allows the medal count control unit 171 to determine that the insertion command, etc., has been successfully received by the main control unit 161.

Furthermore, the main control unit 161 receives frame side information commands from the medal count control unit 171 using the receiving terminal Rx3 of the third serial communication circuit SR3, which is different from the first serial communication circuit SR1. This allows the main control unit 161 to receive commands from the medal count control unit 171 using the third serial communication circuit SR3 even if an abnormality occurs in the first serial communication circuit SR1.

Furthermore, communication of frame side information commands that are sent periodically is carried out using the fourth serial communication circuit SR4 of the medal count control unit 171 and the third serial communication circuit SR3 of the main control unit 161. On the other hand, communication of input commands and the like that does not take place periodically uses the fifth serial communication circuit SR5 rather than the fourth serial communication circuit SR4 in the medal count control unit 171, and the first serial communication circuit SR1 rather than the third serial communication circuit SR3 in the main control unit 161. This prevents the frame side information commands that are sent periodically from overlapping with input commands and the like that are sent based on player operation, causing an overflow.

Next, we will explain the capacity of the transmit buffers. The transmit buffers Tb2 of the second serial communication circuit SR2 and Tb4 of the fourth serial communication circuit SR4, which are used for one-way communication, are 128 bytes. On the other hand, the transmit buffers Tb1 of the first serial communication circuit SR1, Tb3 of the third serial communication circuit SR3, Tb5 of the fifth serial communication circuit SR5, and Tb6 of the sixth serial communication circuit SR6, which are used for two-way communication, are 64 bytes. This makes it less likely for the serial communication circuits for one-way communication to overflow, even when many commands are transmitted.

Next, we will explain the memory areas for setting the functions of each serial communication circuit contained in the internal function register area. The internal function register area of RAM 161c described in Figure 60 includes an area for setting the functions of the first serial communication circuit SR1 to the third serial communication circuit SR3, which are installed as functions of the main control unit 161, which is a control computer such as a microcomputer. Similarly, the internal function register area (not shown) of RAM 171c includes an area for setting the functions of the fourth serial communication circuit SR4 to the sixth serial communication circuit SR6, which are installed as functions of the medal count control unit 171, which is a control computer such as a microcomputer.

The capacity of the function setting area of a serial communication circuit used for one-way communication is smaller than the capacity of the function setting area of a serial communication circuit used for two-way communication. This eliminates the need for complex settings in the serial communication circuit for one-way communication, simplifying the settings. In other words, the capacity of the function setting area of the second serial communication circuit SR2 in RAM 161c is smaller than the capacity of the function setting area of the first serial communication circuit SR1 in RAM 161c.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 80, the main control unit 161, medal count control unit 171, performance control unit 151, and connection terminal board 1000 are connected via a serial communication circuit. This makes it easier to handle the wiring pattern. In other words, compared to parallel communication, the number of wires can be reduced, making it easier to arrange the wiring pattern.

[Main components]
The above has described the S-stand 2 according to this embodiment. The main configuration of the S-stand 2 according to this embodiment will now be described.

(1) A gaming machine (for example, S machine 2) capable of playing a game,
A game control means (for example, a main control unit 161) that controls the progress of the game;
A performance control means (for example, a performance control unit 151) for controlling the performance,
The game control means
The number of uses of the gaming value in the games played after a predetermined counting start condition (for example, powering on the S machine 2) is met is cumulatively counted (for example, the use number counting process by the main control unit 161 shown in FIG. 69: Sg4),
The number of awarded gaming values in the games played after the predetermined counting start condition is met is cumulatively counted (for example, the awarded number counting process by the main control unit 161 shown in FIG. 69: Sg6),
When the cumulative number of granted items obtained by cumulatively counting the number of granted items is greater than the cumulative number of uses obtained by cumulatively counting the number of uses (for example, NO in Sg15 of FIG. 69), a number obtained by subtracting the cumulative number of uses from the cumulative number of granted items is stored as a difference between the cumulative number of granted items and the cumulative number of uses;
When the cumulative given number is smaller than the cumulative used number (for example, YES in Sg15 of FIG. 69), 0 is stored as the difference number (for example, the difference number is updated to 0 in Sg14 of FIG. 69),
When the stored difference number reaches a limit number (for example, 19,000 coins), the progress of the game is disabled (for example, the stop flag is turned ON at Sg21 in Figure 69).

Specifically, as shown in Figure 69, when the difference between the cumulative number of medals used and the cumulative number of medals awarded reaches the all-day limit, the gaming machine is controlled to a state where game progress is disabled. If the cumulative number of medals awarded is equal to or less than the cumulative number of medals used, the difference is calculated and stored as 0, eliminating the need to calculate the difference when the cumulative number of medals awarded is equal to or less than the cumulative number of medals used, and preventing an increase in memory usage capacity.

(1-1) A gaming machine in which the gaming control means, when the difference between the stored difference number and the limit number (for example, the remaining number for activating a safety device) is smaller than a predetermined number (for example, 127), sends a command to the presentation control means that can identify the difference between the difference number and the limit number (for example, as shown in Sk2 of FIG. 68, when the difference number becomes smaller than 127 at Sg18 of FIG. 69, a remaining number for activating a safety device command that can identify a numerical value corresponding to the remaining number for activating a safety device is sent).

Specifically, when the difference between the difference number and the limit number becomes smaller than 127, a command indicating the remaining number of times to activate the safety device, which can determine the difference between the difference number and the limit number, is sent from the main control unit 161 to the performance control unit 151, thereby suppressing the increase in data volume caused by communication.

(1-2) The game control means
When the difference between the difference number and the limit number becomes smaller than the predetermined number, a command capable of specifying the difference between the difference number and the limit number is transmitted;
If the difference between the difference number and the limit number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, a command that can identify a specific value (e.g., 127) that is equal to or greater than the predetermined number is sent until the difference becomes smaller than the predetermined number (for example, if the difference exceeds 127 at Sg18 in Figure 69, a safety device activation remaining number command that includes 127 as a fixed value is sent).

Specifically, if the difference between the difference number and the limit number is 127 or more, a command indicating that the remaining number for activating the safety device is 127 or more can be sent to make the performance control unit 151 recognize that the difference number has not reached the limit.

(1-3) The difference number is stored in an n-bit storage area (for example, RAM 161c),
Whether the difference between the difference number and the limit number has become smaller than the specified number is determined by using the value of a specified bit (for example, the 8th bit) in an n-bit memory area as a judgment value (for example, in Sg18 of Figure 69, it is determined whether the difference number has become smaller than the specified number based on whether the 8th bit of the difference number or the remaining number of safety device activations stored in RAM 161c is "1" or "0").

Specifically, the value of a specified bit is used to determine whether the difference number is approaching the limit number, which simplifies the determination process.

(1-4) The number of game values awarded in a game for which a replay display result is derived is set to 0 (for example, in the case of a replay win in Sg5 of FIG. 69, the number of medals won is set to 0), and the number of game values used in a game executed as a replay due to a derived replay display result is set to 0 (for example, if Sg2 of FIG. 69 is NO, the number of inserted medals is not obtained).

Specifically, you can manage data without carrying over information from the previous game.

(1-5) When a replay wins, a first replay flag (for example, the replay in progress flag in Sb40 of FIG. 66) and a second replay flag (for example, the replay calculation flag shown in FIG. 64) are set (for example, when a replay wins as shown in FIG. 69, the replay calculation flag is turned ON in Sg9).
The re-play first flag is cleared when the bet amount for a new game based on the re-play is set (for example, Sb40 in FIG. 66 ).
The second replay flag is cleared when the number of gaming values to be used in a new game based on the replay is updated to 0 (for example, the calculation replay flag is turned OFF at Sg7 in Figure 69).

Specifically, even if a power outage occurs, this prevents inconsistencies between the number of medals used in a new game and the number used throughout the day.

(1-6) The second replay flag (for example, the calculation replay flag in FIG. 64) is cleared when the gaming machine is restored from a power outage (for example, the calculation replay flag is initialized at Sh2 shown in FIG. 65).

Specifically, even when settings are changed, it is possible to prevent the number of gaming values to be used in the game after power is restored from being erroneously updated to 0.

(1-7) The game control means transmits, for each unit game, a command (for example, a game start command shown in FIG. 11 or a game end command shown in FIG. 12) that can identify the number of game values used in the unit game and the number of game values awarded in the unit game to the presentation control means (for example, as shown in FIG. 72, the main control unit 161 transmits a game start command and a game end command),
The presentation control means is capable of cumulatively counting the number of uses of gaming value in games played after the specified counting start condition is met (for example, the number of uses on the presentation control side), and cumulatively counting the number of awards of gaming value in games played after the specified counting start condition is met (for example, as explained in Figures 73 and 74, in S machine 2, the cumulative number of awards and the cumulative number of uses are counted not only on the main control unit 161 but also on the presentation control unit 151 side).

Specifically, the performance control unit 151 can also calculate the cumulative number of points awarded and the cumulative number of points used throughout the day.

(1-8) The game control means can control a normal state in which the increase rate of the gaming value does not exceed 1 (for example, a normal section or a favorable section normal state) and a specific state in which the increase rate of the gaming value exceeds 1 (for example, an AT state or an ending state),
When the presentation control means is controlled to the specific state (for example, YES in Sp3 of Figure 75), it notifies the player (for example, as shown in Figure 75, the presentation control unit 151 notifies the player that play will be disabled in step Sp4).

Specifically, when the increase rate of the gaming value exceeds 1, i.e., when the difference number is decreasing, the difference number can be notified.

(1-9) When the gaming control means controls the gaming machine to a state in which game progress is disabled (for example, NO at Sh1 in FIG. 65), it retains the difference number (for example, as shown in FIG. 65, if the play stop flag is ON when power is restored after a power outage, it is not initialized).

Specifically, even if a malfunction causes the game to be controlled to a state where it can proceed, it can be controlled again to an unplayable state while properly maintaining the variables.

(1-10) When the gaming control means controls the state of the gaming machine from a state in which game progress is impossible to a state in which game progress is possible, it initializes information related to control to a specific state (for example, information related to advantageous zones) (for example, as shown in Sf5 of FIG. 71, the error will not be cleared unless a setting change process is performed).

Specifically, this prevents excessive gaming value from being awarded.

(1-11) The number of gaming values used throughout the day and the number of gaming values awarded throughout the day are initialized when the power to the gaming machine is turned back on (for example, as shown in FIG. 65, the cumulative number of uses and cumulative number of awards are initialized in Sh2, which is executed after a power outage).

Specifically, the difference in the number of days can be conveniently stored.

(1-12) The game control means
The game can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player until the number of game values granted in the advantageous zone reaches an upper limit value (for example, 2,400 coins) (for example, transition to an ending state as shown in FIG. 4 ),
In a specified unit game, if the number of gaming values awarded in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit value and the difference number becomes the limited number (for example, 19,000 coins), the advantageous zone is ended and the game progress is disabled (for example, as shown in Figure 66, the safety device processing of Sb50 is executed at the end of the main processing).

Specifically, the advantageous period can be ended appropriately before the game is controlled to a state where progress is no longer possible.

(1-13) The game control means
The advantageous zone can be controlled until the number of gaming values granted in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit value (for example, 2,400 coins) (for example, transition to an ending state as shown in FIG. 4 ),
An external signal output is possible in the advantageous section,
In a specified unit game, when the number of gaming values awarded in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit value and the difference number becomes the limited number (for example, 19,000), the external signal output is stopped and the game progress is disabled (as shown in Figure 66, the external output signal processing of Sbw2 is executed before the safety device processing of Sb50).

Specifically, external signal output can be terminated appropriately.

(2) The game control means
When executing an instruction according to a first program (for example, a game RAM area (in-capacity program)), a register in a first bank (for example, the first register bank R1 shown in FIG. 61) is used,
When executing instructions according to a second program (for example, a non-play RAM area (extraneous program)) called from the first program, a second bank of registers (for example, the second register bank R2 shown in FIG. 61) is used,
A special read instruction (e.g., an LDQ instruction) can be executed, which can specify an address from which data is read, with the value of a specific register (e.g., a first Q register or a second Q register) as the upper address and a value specified for each instruction as the lower address;
When the special read command is executed in the first program, the value of a first specific register (for example, a first Q register) included in the first bank is used as the upper address (for example, when executing a program in the game RAM area, the first register bank R1 is used),
When executing the special read command in the second program, the value of a second specific register (e.g., a second Q register) contained in the second bank is used as the upper address (e.g., when executing a program in the non-game RAM area, the second register bank R2 is used).

Specifically, the program capacity required for executing instructions can be reduced for both game programs and non-game programs.

(2-1) Before starting game control, the game control means sets a value in the first specific register and also sets a value in the second specific register (for example, as shown in Sj1 of FIG. 62, the values of the first Q register and the second Q register are set by a microcomputer function. Alternatively, in Sa2Q of the initial setting process of FIG. 63, the values of the first Q register and the second Q register are set before game control starts).

Specifically, processing is simplified by setting values in advance before game control begins.

(2-2) The values of the first and second specific registers are set after the game control means is started and before a user program (e.g., a program executed in step Sj2 of FIG. 62 that includes the initial setting process) is executed. (For example, as shown in FIG. 62, the values of the first and second Q registers are set by a microcomputer function.)

Specifically, there is no need for the user program to set the value of the Q register.

(2-3) The game control means executes an initial setting process in the user program to progress the game, and sets a value in the first specific register and a value in the second specific register during the initial setting process (for example, as shown in FIG. 63, during the initial setting process, values in the first Q register and the second Q register are set in Sa2Q before game control begins).

Specifically, the user program can set any value in the Q register.

(2-4) Before starting game control, a value is set in the first specific register, and the value of the second specific register is set each time the second program is called from the first program (for example, as shown in SQ2 of FIG. 65 and SQ5 of FIG. 67, the value of the second Q register is reset each time a program in the non-game RAM area is executed).

Specifically, even if an unintended value is set in the second Q register, the value of the second Q register is set each time the non-game RAM area is called, ensuring that malfunctions are prevented.

(2-5) The first specified register and the second specified register store the same value (for example, the internal lottery area of the first bank).

Specifically, there is no longer a need to distinguish between game programs and non-game programs in how LDQ commands are handled.

(3) the game control means (for example, the main control unit 161);
a specific control means (for example, a medal count control unit 171) that can receive commands from the game control means and transmit commands to the game control means;
The presentation control means (for example, a presentation control unit 151) can receive commands from the game control means but cannot transmit commands to the game control means,
The game control means
a first communication means (for example, a first serial communication circuit SR1 (capable of transmitting and receiving));
a second communication means (for example, a second serial communication circuit SR2 (capable of transmission only)),
Transmit data to the specific control means using the first communication means (for example, as shown in FIG. 80, the main control unit 161 transmits data to the medal count control unit 171 using the first serial communication circuit SR1),
Data is transmitted to the performance control means using the second communication means (for example, as shown in FIG. 80, the main control unit 161 transmits data to the performance control unit 151 using the second serial communication circuit SR2).

Specifically, it can be used for both one-way and two-way command transmission, allowing for optimal data communication.

(3-1) The first communication means (for example, the first serial communication circuit SR1) has a transmission function (for example, a transmission terminal Tx1) and a reception function (for example, a reception terminal Rx1),
The second communication means (e.g., the second serial communication circuit SR2) has only the transmitting function (e.g., the transmitting terminal Tx2) out of the transmitting function and the receiving function (e.g., as shown in FIG. 80, the second serial communication circuit SR2 has only the transmitting terminal Tx2).

Specifically, it is ideal for transmitting signals in one direction.

(3-2) The first communication means (for example, the first serial communication circuit SR1) has the first transmission buffer (for example, the transmission buffer Tb1) of a first amount (for example, 64 bytes) capable of storing data to be transmitted,
the second communication means (for example, the second serial communication circuit SR2) has the second transmission buffer (for example, the transmission buffer Tb2) of a second amount (for example, 128 bytes) capable of storing data to be transmitted,
The second amount is greater than the first amount.

Specifically, overflow is less likely to occur in a communication circuit for one-way communication, even when many commands are sent.

(3-3) The capacity of a memory area for function setting in the first communication means (for example, the internal function register area in FIG. 60) is a third quantity,
The capacity of a storage area for function setting in the second communication means (for example, the internal function register area in FIG. 60) is a fourth amount smaller than the third amount.

Specifically, in communication circuits for one-way communication, complex settings are not required, and settings can be simplified.

(3-4) The game control means (e.g., the main control unit 161) transmits commands to the specific control means (e.g., the medal count control unit 171) using the transmission function (e.g., the transmission terminal Tx1) of the first communication means (e.g., the first serial communication circuit SR1), and receives commands from the specific control means using the reception function (e.g., the reception terminal Rx1) of the first communication means.

Specifically, transmission and reception can be completed using the first serial communications circuit SR1, enhancing security.

(3-5) The game control means (e.g., the main control unit 161) receives commands from the specific control means (e.g., the medal count control unit 171) using a receiving function (e.g., the receiving terminal Rx3) of a third communication means (e.g., the third serial communication circuit SR3) that is different from the first communication means.

Specifically, even if an abnormality occurs in the first serial communication circuit SR1, commands can still be received via the third serial communication circuit SR3.

(4-1) The game control means (for example, the main control unit 161) and the specific control means (for example, the medal count control unit 171) are provided,
The specific control means
A periodic command transmission process (for example, a frame side information command transmission process shown in FIG. 40) for periodically transmitting commands to the game control means;
Execute an irregular command transmission process (for example, a transmission process of a deposit command, a settlement command, etc. shown in FIG. 39 ) for irregularly transmitting commands to the game control means;
The specific control means (for example, the medal count control unit 171)
a fourth communication means (for example, a fourth serial communication circuit SR4) for transmitting a command stored in a fourth transmission buffer (for example, a transmission buffer Tb4) capable of storing data to be transmitted;
a fifth communication means (for example, a fifth serial communication circuit SR5) for transmitting a command stored in a fifth transmission buffer (for example, a transmission buffer Tb5) capable of storing data to be transmitted;
The command (for example, a frame side information command) transmitted by the periodic command transmission process is transmitted to the game control means using the fourth communication means (for example, a fourth serial communication circuit SR4),
The commands transmitted by the irregular command transmission process (for example, input commands, settlement commands, etc.) are transmitted to the game control means using the fifth communication means (for example, the fifth serial communication circuit SR5).

Specifically, this prevents periodic and non-periodic commands from overlapping and causing overflow.

(4-2) The game control means (for example, the main control unit 161) and the specific control means (for example, the medal count control unit 171) are provided,
The specific control means is
A periodic command transmission process (for example, a frame side information command transmission process shown in FIG. 34) for periodically transmitting commands to the game control means;
Execute an irregular command transmission process (for example, a transmission process of an input command, a settlement command, etc.) for irregularly transmitting commands to the game control means;
The game control means (for example, the main control unit 161)
the third communication means (for example, a third serial communication circuit) for transmitting commands stored in the third receive buffer (for example, a receive buffer Rb3) capable of storing data to be received;
the first communication means (for example, a first serial communication circuit) for transmitting commands stored in the first receive buffer (for example, a transmit buffer Tb1) capable of storing data to be received;
The command transmitted by the periodic command transmission process (for example, a frame side information command) is received by the game control means using the third communication means (for example, the third serial communication circuit SR3),
The commands transmitted by the irregular command transmission process (for example, input commands, settlement commands, etc.) are received by the game control means using the first communication means (for example, the first serial communication circuit SR1).

Specifically, this prevents periodic and non-periodic commands from overlapping and causing overflow.

(4-1) When the game control means receives a command transmitted by the irregular command transmission process, it transmits a command indicating that the command was received to the specific control means (for example, as shown in FIG. 41, it transmits a response command in step S13).

Specifically, the medal count control unit 171 can determine that the command was received successfully.

(4-2) The game control means and the specific control means are mounted on the same board (e.g., main control board 16).

Specifically, there is no need to connect the main control unit 161 and the medal count control unit 171 using a connector or the like, thereby improving security.

(4-3) Each of the first communication means to the fifth communication means is a circuit that performs serial communication.

Specifically, it makes it easier to handle wiring patterns.

[Modification]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Modifications of the above-described embodiment that can be applied to the present invention will be described below.

[Regarding the value set in the second Q register]
In the first embodiment, it was explained that the first Q register and the second Q register are used for the LDQ instruction, and that "F0" is set in the first Q register and "F3" is set in the second Q register. That is, as shown in the address map of the memory area used by the main control unit 161, "F0", which is the upper address of the game RAM area, is set in the first Q register used for executing the game program, and "F3", which is the upper address of the non-game RAM area, is set in the second Q register used for executing the non-game program. This is because it is considered that the game RAM area is frequently referenced when the game program is executed, and the non-game RAM area is frequently referenced when the non-game program is executed.

However, in a modified example, for example, "F0," the upper address of the game RAM area, may be set in both the first Q register and the second Q register. When "F0" is set in the second Q register, the LDQ instruction can be used when referencing the game RAM area from a non-game program. Furthermore, by setting the same upper address in both the first Q register and the second Q register, program design becomes easier. In other words, programs can be designed without distinguishing between game programs and non-game programs in how the LDQ instruction is handled.

[Serial communication circuit]
In the second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the main control unit 161, medal count control unit 171, performance control unit 151, and connection terminal board 1000 are connected by a serial communication circuit. However, at least a portion of the communication between the main control unit 161, medal count control unit 171, performance control unit 151, and connection terminal board 1000 may be parallel communication. This can increase the communication speed.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention using drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and that modifications and additions that do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications that are equivalent in meaning to and within the scope of the claims.

2 S machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reels, 6 MAXBET switch, 7 Start switch, 8L, 8C, 8R Stop switches, 51 LCD display, 16 Main control board, 17 Medal count control board.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing games,
a game control means for controlling the progress of a game;
A performance control means for controlling the performance,
The game control means
when a cumulative number of granted games, which is obtained by cumulatively counting the number of granted game values in games that have been played since a predetermined counting start condition was met, is greater than a cumulative number of uses, which is obtained by cumulatively counting the number of uses of game values in games that have been played since the predetermined counting start condition was met, storing a number obtained by subtracting the cumulative number of uses from the cumulative number of granted games as a difference between the cumulative number of granted games and the cumulative number of uses;
When the cumulative number of granted items is smaller than the cumulative number of used items, 0 is stored as the difference number.
When the stored difference number reaches a limit number, the game is disabled from proceeding , and a specific flag indicating that the game is being controlled to a state in which the game is disabled from proceeding is turned on;
In an advantageous zone that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player, the number of granted gaming values can be controlled to the advantageous zone until it reaches an upper limit value;
An external signal output is possible in the advantageous section,
In a predetermined unit game, when the number of game values granted in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit value and the difference number becomes the limited number, the output of the external signal is stopped and then the progress of the game is disabled;
When the state of the gaming machine is controlled to a state in which the game cannot proceed, the difference number is held;
When the specific flag is in an on state, the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, and then the power supply is resumed , the difference number is held,
transmitting a command capable of specifying the number of gaming values to be used and a command capable of specifying the number of gaming values to be awarded for each unit game to the performance control means;
When the difference between the stored difference number and the limit number is smaller than a predetermined number, the gaming machine transmits a command capable of specifying the difference between the difference number and the limit number for each unit game to the presentation control means.