JP7836660B2 - Gaming device - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a gaming device capable of communicating with a gaming machine that can be played using game value.

Traditionally, pachinko machines required pachinko balls to play, and slot machines required tokens to play. However, in recent years, with the development of sealed-ball, recirculating pachinko machines and token-less machines that do not require token insertion, pachinko balls and tokens are no longer needed for gameplay. Instead, these are managed as information (data) by a game device (card unit). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game device capable of communicating with a game machine containing sealed pachinko balls.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-130881

The gaming device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to notify an external party that a gaming machine has game value when it receives information from a management device regarding the end of business hours, provided that the game value of the connected gaming machine is stored in the machine. This streamlines the process of initializing the game value of the gaming machine at the end of business hours. However, while the gaming device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can notify an external party that a gaming machine has game value at the end of business hours, the management device cannot determine what the remaining game value is, potentially leading to errors in game value counting between the gaming device and the management device.

This invention was conceived in view of the circumstances described above, and its objective is to provide a gaming device that can prevent errors in the counting of game value between the gaming device and the management device.

The gaming device relating to this disclosure is a gaming device (e.g., CU3) that can communicate with a gaming machine (e.g., a gaming machine 2 such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine) that can be played using game value (e.g., game tokens, game balls),
Communication means (for example, CU control unit 323, SC board 325) for sending and receiving information between the gaming machine and the management device (for example, the management computer 802 and the hall computer 810),
The communication means includes a storage means (for example, a RAM provided in the CU control unit 323) that stores the game value (number of tokens inserted, number of game tokens played) based on the game machine information received from the game machine .
The game value stored in the storage means includes the game value used for playing games in the gaming machine and other game values other than the game value used.
The aforementioned communication means is
When business has ended, if the value of games played stored in the storage means is equal to or greater than a first specified number, the information of games played that can identify the value of games played is transmitted to the management device , and if the value of other games played stored in the storage means is equal to or greater than a second specified number, the information of other games that can identify the value of other games is transmitted to the management device.
If, after the end of business and the transmission of the used game value information and/or the other game value information to the management device, the management device receives counting information from the game machine indicating that the game value has been counted, it does not transmit information that can identify the game value based on the counting information to the management device .

This is a front view of a card unit and a coinless gaming machine. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a card unit and a medal-less gaming machine. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the PIF wiring that connects the card unit and the gaming machine. This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a gaming system, including a card unit and a gaming machine. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the general flow of information transmitted and received between the card unit and the gaming machine. This diagram illustrates the general flow of game machine information notifications transmitted from the game machine to the card unit. This is a diagram used to explain the performance information of a gaming machine. This is a diagram to explain the installation information of gaming machines. This is a diagram to explain hall control and fraud monitoring information. This is a diagram to explain hall control and fraud monitoring information. This is a diagram to explain the types of game information. This diagram shows the timing of information transmission and reception between the card unit and the gaming machine. This diagram illustrates the processing of the card unit when there is no change in gameplay for a predetermined period of time after the number of tokens inserted has been set. This diagram illustrates the processing of the card unit when closing procedures are performed in the comparative example. This diagram illustrates the processing of the card unit when closing procedures are performed while there are still tokens remaining in the machine in the embodiment. This diagram illustrates the processing of the card unit when closing procedures are performed while there are still tokens remaining in the machine in the embodiment. This diagram illustrates the processing of the card unit when closing procedures are performed while there are still game tokens remaining in the machine in the embodiment. This diagram illustrates the processing of the card unit when closing procedures are performed while there are still game tokens remaining in the machine in the embodiment. This diagram illustrates the processing of the card unit when closing procedures are performed while there are still tokens remaining in the inserted tokens and game tokens in the embodiment. This diagram illustrates the processing of the card unit when closing procedures are performed while there are still tokens remaining in the inserted tokens and game tokens in the embodiment. This is a front view of the card unit and the pachinko game machine. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a card unit and a pachinko game machine. This is a diagram illustrating the performance information of a pachinko game machine. This is a diagram illustrating the hall control system and fraud monitoring information for pachinko machines. This is a diagram illustrating the hall control system and fraud monitoring information for pachinko machines.

The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration of a coinless gaming machine>
Figure 1 is a front view of a card unit and a medalless gaming machine. First, the configuration of the medalless gaming machine according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Each gaming island (not shown), which is one example of a gaming machine that does not use tokens, is installed alongside a medalless gaming machine (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as gaming machine, slot machine, or S machine). In addition to medalless gaming machines, enclosed circulating pachinko gaming machines (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as gaming machine, pachinko gaming machine, or P machine) may also be installed alongside the gaming hall.

Furthermore, a card unit 3 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as CU or dispensing device), which is an example of a gaming device connected to the gaming machine 2, is installed at a predetermined lateral position on the gaming machine 2. While the card unit is described below as an example of a gaming device in this embodiment, the invention is not limited to this; it could also be a call lamp device connected to the gaming machine 2 that notifies of jackpots and abnormalities, and collects game information such as the number of winning combinations.

Gaming machine 2 is a medalless gaming machine in which the player does not pick up and insert medals into a slot, nor are medals dispensed to the player. Therefore, the game value is directly added to the credits (game points usable in the game (hereinafter also referred to as "game medals")) in accordance with operations such as dispensing. The number of credits (number of game medals) added is displayed on the credit display 11. Furthermore, unlike conventional slot machines, the maximum number of credits that can be added is not limited to "50," but can be set within the range of the number that can be displayed on the credit display 11. In fact, there may be no upper limit at all. Note that the number of game medals, such as the number of medals played or the number of medals held, is a game point (game value) managed electronically, and is a game value that does not use physical medals.

Furthermore, unlike conventional slot machines, it not only lacks a coin slot and payout opening, but also does not require devices to control inserted coins, such as coin selectors or hoppers. Such slot machines that require no coins at all are also called "managed gaming machines," "coinless slot machines," or "coinless gaming machines."

Inside the gaming machine 2, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter also referred to as the left reel, middle reel, and right reel) are arranged horizontally, with multiple types of symbols arranged around their outer edges. As shown in Figure 1, three consecutive symbols from these reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are positioned so that they are visible through the transparent window 30.

Each reel, 2L, 2C, and 2R, is rotated by corresponding reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R. This causes the patterns on each reel (2L, 2C, and 2R) to be continuously displayed in the transparent window 30. Furthermore, by stopping the rotation of each reel (2L, 2C, and 2R), three consecutive patterns are displayed in the transparent window 30 as the result.

Inside reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, there are reel LEDs 55 that illuminate reels 2L, 2C, and 2R from the back. The reel LEDs 55 consist of 12 LEDs corresponding to the three consecutive patterns on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, allowing each pattern to be illuminated independently.

The display area of the liquid crystal display 51 is positioned on the front side (player side) of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. The liquid crystal display 51 allows the player to see each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R through the transparent area and the transparent window 30 corresponding to the display area's transparent window 30.

Below the transparent window 30, a gently sloping surface is formed, extending from the back to the front. The control panel is formed to protrude further forward from this surface. The top surface of the control panel is equipped with a MAX BET switch 6, a 1 BET LED 14, a 2 BET LED 15, and a 3 BET LED 16. The front side of the control panel is equipped with a start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, a counting button 10, and a credit indicator 11. The credit indicator 11 is a 7-segment LED display controlled by the game point control unit 171.

The various operating means provided in the control unit will now be described. The MAXBET switch 6 is operated when setting the maximum bet amount (in this embodiment, "3"). Although not shown in Figure 1, in addition to the MAXBET switch, there is also a 1BET switch 6a which is operated when setting the bet amount using credits equivalent to one token. Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 1, there is a settlement button 12 for settling the bet amount set by operating the MAXBET switch 6 or the 1BET switch 6a. Operation of the MAXBET switch 6 or the 1BET switch 6a is also referred to as "BET operation."

1. BET LED 14 lights up to indicate that the bet is set to 1. 2. BET LED 15 lights up to indicate that the bet is set to 2. 3. BET LED 16 lights up to indicate that the bet is set to 3.

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

Inside the front door of the gaming machine 2, a door open detection switch 25 is provided to detect the open state of the front door. A power supply box is located inside the cabinet. On the front of the power supply box are a setting key 37 for switching between setting change and setting confirmation states, and an error release switch 38, which functions as a reset switch to clear error or stop states during normal operation, and as a setting switch to change the setting value of the internal lottery winning probability (payout rate) in the setting change state.

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

Next, we will explain the game flow in Gaming Machine 2. To play a game in Gaming Machine 2, first, you must perform a dispensing operation at CU3 to secure credits (game tokens). This dispensing operation corresponds to the two-step operation in conventional token-paying slot machines: "dispensing tokens" and "manually inserting the dispensed tokens into the slot."

When the MAXBET switch 6 is operated while credits are available, the number of bets is increased to the maximum possible within the credit limit, and the number of credits is reduced by that amount. Once the bet is set, the winning lines L1 to L5, determined according to the bet and game state, become active, and the start switch 7 becomes active, meaning the game can be started.

Here, the winning line is a line set to determine whether the combination of symbols displayed in the transparent window 30 of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R is a winning symbol combination. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, five types of winning lines are defined: winning line L1 set across the symbols arranged in the middle row of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R; winning line L2 set across the symbols arranged in the upper row of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R; winning line L3 set across the symbols arranged in the lower row of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R; winning line L4 set across the symbols arranged diagonally downwards to the right (upper row of reel 2L, middle row of reel 2C, and lower row of reel 2R); and winning line L5 set across the symbols arranged diagonally upwards to the right (lower row of reel 2L, middle row of reel 2C, and upper row of reel 2R).

When the game is ready to start, operating the start switch 7 causes reels 2L, 2C, and 2R to rotate, and the symbols on each reel change continuously. In this state, operating any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, or 8R stops the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and the display result is shown in the transparent window 30.

A game ends when all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop. A win occurs if a predetermined combination of symbols lands on any of the activated winning lines L1 through L5 as the display result on each reel (2L, 2C, or 2R).

When a win occurs, the player is awarded points according to the winning amount. These points are added to their credits.

Credits can be counted and converted into tokens by operating the counting button 10. By converting to tokens, the number of tokens can be recorded on the card at the end of the game.

In this embodiment, when the counting button 10 is pressed once, all of the game balls currently held by the player are counted, regardless of the duration of the press (whether it is a long press or not). However, the system is not limited to this; the counting operation may be repeated according to the duration the counting button 10 is held down (for example, the counting process of 50 tokens may be performed each time the button is held down for 0.3 seconds). Alternatively, regardless of the duration of the press, a predetermined number of tokens (for example, 50 tokens) may be counted from the game balls to the player's tokens upon a single press.

<Card Unit Composition>
Next, referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the CU3 according to this embodiment will be described. This CU3 accepts visitor cards (also called general cards), which are prepaid game storage media issued to general players who have not registered as members, and member cards, which are game storage media issued to member players who have registered as members at the game arcade. Visitor cards and member cards are made of IC cards.

The CU3, upon receiving these cards, has the function of converting the player's game value (for example, prepaid balance, number of tokens held, or number of stored tokens (also referred to as "stored tokens")) identified by the card's stored information into credits (number of game tokens).

The front of the CU3 is equipped with a banknote slot 302 for inserting banknotes, a protrusion 305 that extends forward from the front of the device, and a card insertion/extraction slot 309 for inserting membership cards and visitor cards. Membership cards and visitor cards inserted into the card insertion/extraction slot 309 are received by a card reader/writer (not shown), and the information recorded on the card is read.

On the aforementioned protruding portion 305, the side facing the player is provided with a display unit 312, a replay button 319 for performing a replay game using the member card ID (also simply called card ID or C-ID) recorded on the member card and the number of stored tokens (stored balls) identified by the member card ID, and an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives infrared signals from a remote control (not shown) held by the arcade staff, converts them into electronic signals, and outputs them.

The display unit 312 can display the prepaid balance (also called the card balance or simply the balance), the number of tokens held, the number of credits (number of game tokens), and various other information recorded on the inserted game recording medium (card). Its surface is a transparent touch panel. Various operations can be input by touching the various display items on the display unit 312 with a finger.

When the "Possession Tokens" button 324 is operated, a portion of the token count recorded on the inserted card is deducted and converted into credits (game tokens).

When the replay button 319 is operated, if the inserted card has a record of the player's acquired tokens, a portion of those tokens will be withdrawn and converted into credits, allowing the player to play on the gaming machine 2 based on the converted credits. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and does not have a record of acquired tokens, and the stored tokens are stored in the hall's management computer, a portion of those stored tokens will be withdrawn and converted into credits, allowing the player to play on the gaming machine 2. In other words, if both stored tokens and acquired tokens are recorded on the inserted card, the acquired tokens will be withdrawn preferentially. Alternatively, a separate button for withdrawing acquired tokens may be provided in addition to the replay button 319, making the replay button 319 solely for withdrawing stored tokens.

Here, "Credit Count (Number of Game Tokens)" refers to data that can be used to set the bet amount and can also be converted to "Number of Tokens Held." "Credit Count" is generated in exchange for deducting the balance from a prepaid card, the number of tokens held, or stored tokens.

"Number of tokens held" refers to the number of credits (game tokens) acquired by a player as a result of playing games on the gaming machine. This "number of tokens held" is stored specifically on the player's card. Alternatively, the number of tokens held may be managed using a token management device installed at the gaming facility.

"Stored tokens (stored tokens)" refers to the number of tokens a player has deposited at the arcade. Tokens earned by a player during gameplay are managed as "held tokens" on the day of play, but from the following day onward, they are managed as "stored tokens." In other words, the number of credits (game tokens) earned and counted by a player at the arcade on a given day is called "held tokens," while the number of tokens earned by a player on previous days and deposited at the arcade is called "stored tokens." This "stored tokens" is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed at the arcade.

The conversion directions for the above data—"Balance," "Number of Stored Medals," "Number of Medals Held," and "Number of Credits (Number of Playing Medals)"—can be represented by arrows as follows: "Balance, Number of Stored Medals, Number of Medals Held" → "Number of Credits" → "Number of Medals Held" → "Number of Stored Medals."

In this embodiment, the number of stored tokens is not directly recorded on the member card, but is stored in a higher-level server such as the hall management computer (for example, the management computer 802 or hall computer 810 described later) in association with the member card number, allowing the corresponding number of stored tokens to be retrieved based on the member card number. On the other hand, the number of tokens held is directly recorded on the card.

However, both systems may store the card number and associated information on a higher-level server. In the case of visitor cards, the number of medals held is recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the number of medals held may also be stored on a higher-level server, associated with the card number. When storing this information on the higher-level server, data that identifies the time the information was stored on the higher-level server may be written to the card (member card, visitor card) before it is dispensed. Furthermore, the prepaid balance is written directly to the card (member card, visitor card) before it is dispensed.

The timing for storing the number of medals held on the card (member card, visitor card) or in the higher-level server is, 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.

Furthermore, when a player finishes playing and returns their card from the CU3, the tokens they had stored in the CU3 may be temporarily stored as saved tokens on the higher-level server. If the player inserts the card again into the same or a different CU3 on the same day they received the card back, only the tokens for that day that were temporarily stored as saved tokens will be stored again in that CU3. Credits will then be added within the limits of those tokens, allowing the player to continue playing.

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

On the front of the CU3, there are further buttons: a dispensing button 321 and a card return button 322. The dispensing button 321 is used to deduct the balance recorded on the inserted card and obtain credits. Specifically, the number of credits is increased according to the balance deducted by operating the dispensing button 321. The card return button 322 is operated when the player finishes playing, and it stores the final number of tokens held at the end of the game (number of tokens held at the time of card insertion - number of tokens converted to credits + number counted by the counting operation) on the inserted card and ejects it.

As explained above, according to the gaming machine 2 of this embodiment, the number of tokens held, as identified by the card, is converted into credits (number of game tokens), and furthermore, the number of credits can be used to set the bet amount. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new type of tokenless gaming machine (managed gaming machine) that does not use tokens, without confusing players who are accustomed to conventional slot machines where tokens are lent, those tokens are inserted to secure credits, and then the bet amount is set using those credits.

<Configuration of card unit and medalless gaming machine>
Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the card unit and the medalless gaming machine. Referring to Figure 2, the schematic of the control circuit between the CU3 and the gaming machine 2 will be explained.

The CU3 is equipped with a CU control board 32, which in turn houses a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer and other components. This CU control unit 323 is the main control function unit of the CU3 and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as the control center, a ROM (Read-only memory) that stores programs and control data for the CPU's operation, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as the CPU's work area, and input/output interfaces to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external output terminal (not shown) for communication with the hall management computer (for example, the management computer 802 or hall computer 810 described later) and the hall server that performs security management. The CU 3 transmits its status and game machine information received from the game machine 2 to external parties such as the hall management computer (for example, the management computer 802 or hall computer 810 described later) and the hall server that performs security management via the external output terminal. The CU control unit 323 communicates with the game point control board 17 (also called the medal count control board) of the game machine 2 via the SC board 325 (also called the communication control IC). The SC board 325 and the game point control board 17 are connected, for example, via an asynchronous serial communication port. Communication between the SC board 325 and the game point control board 17 is performed via the connection terminal plate 1000.

Communication between the CU control unit 323 and the game point control board 17 is bidirectional for the exchange of loan information (information regarding the operation to withdraw the balance stored on the inserted card and use it for gameplay on the game machine 2) and loan response information (response information to the loan information). Other information, such as counting information (information regarding the counting process from credit to held tokens) and game machine information, is communicated unidirectionally from the game point control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. Therefore, the game machine 2 does not recognize whether the CU 3 has received the counting information and game machine information. The CU 3 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the game machine 2, and the game machine 2 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the CU 3. These connection parts are composed of, for example, connectors.

The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's tokens while the player is playing. The display unit 312 displays images corresponding to data such as the balance or number of tokens output from the CU control unit 323. Furthermore, 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 dispensing button 321, the operation signal is also input to the CU control unit 323. Note that the dispensing button 321 is not limited to being located on the CU 3; it may also be located on the gaming machine 2 and its operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is also input to the CU control unit 323.

The gaming machine 2 is equipped with a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game, a game point control board 17 that controls the credits owned by the player, an effect control board 15 that controls the effects according to the game state, and a power supply board 101. The power supply board 101 generates the power to drive the electrical components that make up the gaming machine 2 and supplies it to each part.

The power supply board 101 is supplied with AC 100V power from an external source and is also connected to ground. This AC 100V power supply generates the DC voltage necessary to drive the electrical components that make up the gaming machine 2. The power supply board 101 supplies the necessary DC voltage to the main control board 16, the game point control board 17, and the performance control board 15.

The game point control board 17 is connected to a counting button 10 and a RAM clear switch 293 for erasing information stored in RAM. Detection signals from these connected switches are input to the board. Furthermore, a credit display 11 is connected to the game point control board 17, and the game point control unit 171 controls the display of the current number of credits (number of game tokens).

The game point control board 17 is equipped with a game point control unit 171, which is a microcomputer for game point control. The game point control unit 171 includes a CPU as the control center, ROM for storing programs and control data for the CPU's operation, RAM 171c which functions as the CPU's work area, and input/output interfaces for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices.

The main control board 16 is connected to reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, which are driven based on the control of the main control unit 161. The main control board 16 is also equipped with a setting key 37, a setting indicator 37a, an error release switch 38, and a RAM clear switch 38a. A start switch 7, a MAXBET switch 6, and a 1BET switch 6a are also connected. Detection signals from these switches are input to the main control board 16. Since signals from the MAXBET switch 6 and the 1BET switch 6a are input to the main control board 16, the lottery table to be referenced can be changed depending on the BET number. Although not shown, the main control board 16 may also be equipped with a payout ratio monitor.

Furthermore, the main control board 16 is connected to stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and a door open detection switch 25 via the relay board 1100, and detection signals from these connected switches are input. Also, the main control board 16 is connected to 1-3 BET LEDs 14-16 via the relay board 1100, and their display is controlled by the main control unit 161.

The main control board 16 is equipped with a main control unit 161, which is a microcomputer for game control. The main control unit 161 includes a CPU as the control center, ROM for storing programs and control data for the CPU's operation, RAM 161c which functions as the CPU's work area, and input/output interfaces for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices.

The performance control board 15 is connected to a performance switch 56, and receives detection signals from the performance switch 56. Furthermore, the performance control board 15 is connected to various performance devices, including a liquid crystal display 51, performance effect LEDs 52, speakers 53 and 54, and reel LEDs 55. These performance devices are driven based on control from the performance control unit 151.

Furthermore, a light intensity/volume adjustment board 111 is connected to the performance control board 15. Switches for adjusting 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 performance control board 15 is equipped with a performance control unit 151, which is a performance control microcomputer. The performance control unit 151 includes a CPU as the control center, ROM for storing programs and control data for the CPU's operation, RAM 151c which functions as the CPU's work area, and input/output interfaces for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices.

The main control unit 161 transmits various commands to the performance control unit 151. Commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the performance control unit 151 are sent in one direction only; no commands are sent from the performance control unit 151 back to the main control unit 161. The performance control unit 151 receives the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 and performs various controls necessary for the performance.

The game point control unit 171 transmits various control commands to the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 also transmits various control commands to the game point control unit 171. In other words, communication between the game point control unit 171 and the main control unit 161 is bidirectional. Furthermore, the game point control board 17 supplies backup power to the main control board 16.

Furthermore, the game point control unit 171 stores the credits in a predetermined area of the RAM 171c. Specifically, the number of credits is stored in the credit counter. During credit addition or subtraction processing, the game point control unit 171 updates the credit counter stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 171c.

Specifically, as will be described later, the game point control board 17 performs credit deduction processing based on MAXBET operations, credit addition processing based on winnings, credit addition processing based on lending operations, and counting processing (credit deduction processing) based on counting operations. Accordingly, the game point control board 17 is equipped with a credit display 11 and a counting button 10. Furthermore, the set bet amount is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 161c. Specifically, the set bet amount is stored in the BET counter. When the value stored in the BET counter is "3", the game becomes ready to start. Accordingly, the main control board 16 is equipped with a MAXBET switch 6 and a 1BET switch 6a.

As described above, a medal-less gaming machine that does not require tokens is equipped with a game point control board 17. The functions related to token insertion and payout, which are typically found in conventional slot machines, are centralized on this board. Furthermore, while conventional slot machines that require tokens need to include devices related to token insertion and payout, such as token selectors and hoppers, such devices are unnecessary in a medal-less gaming machine.

Furthermore, by configuring a coinless gaming machine as in this embodiment, it is possible to share components with conventional slot machines. Specifically, since the function of updating credits (functions related to inserting and dispensing medals) is concentrated on the game point control board 17, a conventional slot machine can be configured by replacing the game point control board 17 of the coinless gaming machine. When configuring a conventional slot machine, the game point control board 17 should be equipped with functions related to inserting and dispensing medals, and devices related to inserting and dispensing medals, such as medal selectors and hoppers, should be connected to the game point control board 17. This configuration allows for compatibility with conventional slot machines, and the commonality of components can reduce costs in the design and manufacturing of slot machines.

When the main control unit 161 receives a detection signal from the start switch 7, it rotates the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R and performs a lottery for winning combinations. The main control unit 161 changes the lottery table to be referenced based on the BET number signals from the MAXBET switch 6 and the 1BET switch 6a.

The types of winning combinations are determined according to the game state, but they can be broadly categorized into special combinations that lead to a transition to a Big Bonus (BB) or Regular Bonus (RB), minor combinations that result in a payout of medals, and replay combinations that allow the next game to start without requiring a bet setting.

The main control unit 161 draws the winning combinations, drives the reels to rotate, and then waits for the player to stop the reels. When any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, or 8R are 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 performs a winning combination determination process to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved. If a winning combination is determined, the player is awarded a number of credits corresponding to the type of winning combination.

The game point control unit 171 decreases the display on the credit indicator 11 in accordance with the decrease in the number of credits, and increases the display on the credit indicator 11 in accordance with the increase in the number of credits.

In this embodiment, "game" refers to the period from when the start switch 7 is operated until reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop. Furthermore, during gameplay, the bet amount is set before operating the start switch 7, and after reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop, medal payouts and transitions to game states also occur. Therefore, these incidental processes are also broadly included in the definition of "game."

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

Furthermore, the game machine 2 is configured so that the payout rate of medals changes according to the set value. Specifically, the payout rate of medals changes by using the winning probability corresponding to the set value in the internal lottery, which affects the player's advantage. The set value consists of six levels, from 1 to 6, with 6 having the highest payout rate, and the payout rate decreasing as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. In other words, when the set value is 6, the player has the greatest advantage, and the advantage decreases in stages as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1.

To change the setting value, the setting key 37 (lock switch) must be turned ON before turning on the power to the gaming machine 2. When the setting key 37 is turned ON and the power is turned ON, the setting value read from the RAM 161c is displayed on the setting display unit 37a, and the system transitions to a setting change state where the setting value can be changed by operating the error release switch 38 (setting change switch). In the setting change state, when the error release switch 38 is operated, the displayed value on the setting display unit 37a is updated by 1 (if the value is further changed 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. Finally, when the setting key 37 is turned OFF, the confirmed displayed value (setting value) is stored in the RAM 161c of the main control unit 161, and the system transitions to a state where gameplay can proceed.

<Connection between CU and gaming machine>
CU3 and the gaming machine 2 are connected by PIF wiring between the SC board 325 and the game point control board 17 shown in Figure 2. The configuration of the PIF wiring will be explained in detail. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the PIF wiring connecting the card unit and the gaming machine. Figure 3(a) shows the wiring numbers and information names of the PIF wiring connecting CU3 and the gaming machine 2, and Figure 3(b) shows the orientation of the information and a description of the information for each information name.

Specifically, wiring number 1 has the information name "Isolated GND" and is assigned an isolation GND. Wiring number 2 has the information name "Isolated GND" and is used for the signal GND of wiring number 6. Wiring number 3 has the information name "Isolated GND" and is used for the signal GND of wiring number 7. Wiring number 4 has the information name "PSI" and is used to transmit connection confirmation information from the gaming machine 2 to the CU3. Note that the PSI wiring and the VL wiring form a loop in the CU3. When the VL wiring is connected, the voltage of the VL wiring, 5V, is supplied as the voltage of the PSI wiring. When the VL wiring is disconnected, the voltage of the VL wiring changes from 5V to 0V, and the voltage of the PSI wiring also changes from 5V to 0V. Therefore, when the gaming machine 2 is detecting a connection with CU3 (VL = ON), a PSI signal (5V ON signal) is output to CU3 as a special signal for connection confirmation. When the connection with CU3 is not detected (VL = OFF), the PSI signal is not output to CU3.

Wiring number 5 has the information name "Isolated GND" and is assigned to the isolation GND. Wiring number 6 has the information name "Loan Response Information, Counting Information, Gaming Machine Information" and is used to transmit the respective information from gaming machine 2 to CU3. Wiring number 7 has the information name "Loan Information" and is used to transmit loan information from CU3 to gaming machine 2. Wiring numbers 8 and 9 have the information name "Isolated 5V (VL)" and are assigned as signal lines for isolation 5V (power supply VL for connection confirmation), respectively.

<Configuration of the gaming system, including the card unit and gaming machine>
Gaming machine 2 is connected to CU3 on a one-to-one basis. Multiple sets of gaming machine 2 and CU3 exist within the gaming hall, and each set is connected to a management computer and a hall computer to form a gaming system. The gaming system including CU3 and gaming machine 2 will be described below. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the gaming system including the card unit and gaming machine. In the gaming system shown in Figure 4, for the sake of simplicity, an example is illustrated in which two sets of gaming machine 2 and CU3—one set of a pachinko gaming machine (P machine) and CU3, and another set of a medalless gaming machine (S machine) and CU3—are connected to the management computer 802 and the hall computer 810. In an actual gaming parlor, numerous sets of pachinko gaming machines (P machines) and CU3, and numerous sets of medalless gaming machines (S machines) and CU3 are connected to the management computer 802, the hall computer 810, etc.

The gaming machine 2 and the CU 3 are connected via PIF wiring 322P. This PIF wiring 322P connects the PIF-E circuit 171a, which is connected to the game point control unit 171 of the gaming machine 2, to the PIF-E circuit 325a, which is connected to the SC board 325 of the CU 3. In the CU 3, information transmitted from the gaming machine 2 is anonymized as needed using the SC board 325 and output to an external source (management computer 802 or hall computer 810) via the CU control unit 323. The SC board 325 is a security monitoring board for the gaming system. Note that the SC board 325 and the CU control unit 323 may be combined into a single configuration.

The management computer 802 is a computer connected to the external output terminal of CU3, the card company data center 801 is a card company center connected to the management computer 802, and the gaming machine information center 800 is a center that collects various information output from the gaming machine 2.

The Hall Computer 810 is a computer that collects game information output from the gaming machine 2. The Hall Computer Output Box 811 is a device that converts the information output from the external output terminal of the CU 3 into a signal that can be received by the Hall Computer 810 or data lamps, and outputs it. Although Figure 4 shows a configuration where the Hall Computer Output Box 811 is located outside the CU 3, the Hall Computer Output Box 811 may also be located inside the CU 3.

When the counting button 10 is operated in the gaming machine 2, the number of inserted tokens and the number of game tokens played are counted, and a counting notification that identifies the counted number of inserted tokens and game tokens is sent from the gaming machine 2 to the CU 3. Based on the counting notification, the CU 3 adds the counted number of inserted tokens and game tokens to the number of tokens it stores. Furthermore, the CU 3 sends a counting notification that identifies the number of inserted tokens and game tokens counted by the operation of the counting button 10 to the management computer 802. As a result, the management computer 802 can identify the number of inserted tokens and game tokens converted to the number of tokens held by the CU 3 and use it for sales calculations, etc.

<Communication between CU3 and game machine 2>
Next, the communication between the CU3 and the gaming machine 2 according to this embodiment will be explained in more detail. The messages used in this communication consist of frames in a predetermined format. The transmitted data (messages) are always transmitted in units of one frame. In other words, messages are not transmitted in segments. Also, when transmitting messages continuously, an interval of 1 millisecond or more is left between transmissions.

Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the general outline of the information transmitted and received between CU3 and the gaming machine 2. The following explanation will refer to Figure 5 to describe the general outline of the information (messages) transmitted and received between CU3 and the gaming machine 2. Between the gaming machine 2's game point control board 17 and the CU3's SC board 325, messages categorized into (a) loan information, (b) loan response information, (c) counting information, and (d) gaming machine information are communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port. The four types of information (messages) (a) to (d) transmitted and received between CU3 and the gaming machine 2 each have different message headers, allowing for the distinction of message types based on these headers.

Furthermore, (a) loan information and (b) loan response information may be communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port, (a) loan information and (c) counting information may be communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port, or (a) loan information and (d) gaming machine information may be communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port. Also, (b) loan response information and (c) counting information may be communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port, (b) loan response information and (d) gaming machine information may be communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port, or (c) counting information and (d) gaming machine information may be communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port.

Figure 5(a) shows the loan information. This loan information includes the number of tokens loaned and the loan serial number for communication management, both included in the loan notification message transmitted from CU3 to the gaming machine 2. The loan number information is the number of gaming tokens loaned, and for example, information of 125 tokens is included in each transmission. Note that if the number of tokens loaned is 0, the loan information may also include the value of 0.

Figure 5(b) shows the loan response information. This information includes the loan receipt result information and the loan serial number information for communication management, which are included in the loan receipt result message transmitted from the gaming machine 2 to the CU3. The loan receipt result information is information that informs the CU3 of the result of receiving the loan number information transmitted from the CU3.

Figure 5(c) shows the counting information. The counting information is transmitted from the gaming machine 2 to the CU3 as a counting notification message, including the number of tokens counted, the cumulative number of tokens counted, and a counting serial number for communication management. The gaming machine 2 does not receive any information from the CU3 to confirm the transmission result. The number of tokens counted, the cumulative number of tokens counted, and the counting serial number are all information intended for counting game tokens. The number of tokens transmitted in a single message is, for example, 250 tokens. Note that if the number of tokens counted is 0 (zero), the counting information may be transmitted with 0 (zero) included in the number of tokens information.

Figure 5(d) shows the gaming machine information. In this information, gaming machine 2 transmits gaming machine installation information, gaming machine performance information, and hall control/fraud monitoring information to CU3. Note that gaming machine 2 does not receive information from CU3 to confirm the transmission results. The gaming machine installation information is for the purpose of machine history management and is transmitted to CU3 as a gaming machine installation information notification message after power-on. The gaming machine installation information includes information such as the manufacturer code, model code, and chip ID number of the main/game point control CPU.

The gaming machine performance information is information intended for the aggregation of performance data and is transmitted to the CU3 as a message for notification of gaming machine performance information. The gaming machine performance information outputs results calculated based on gameplay and includes information such as total number of tokens inserted, total number of tokens paid out, MY (maximum difference in tokens per day), total number of tokens paid out by special features, total number of tokens paid out by consecutive special features, special feature ratio, consecutive special feature ratio, advantageous section ratio, special feature ratio including instructions, and special feature status ratio. Furthermore, the conditions for the gaming point control board 17 to notify the CU3 of the gaming machine performance information include, for example, (1) notification after 3 minutes have elapsed since the power of the gaming machine 2 was turned on, (2) notification at cycles of a specified number of games (for example, 1000 games) or a specified time (for example, 10 hours), (3) notification prioritizing notification over gaming machine installation information notification, and (4) notification in the next cycle (300ms later) after notification of hall computer/fraud monitoring information. These conditions are merely examples; other conditions may be adopted, and only one of the above conditions may be adopted, or a combination of multiple conditions may be adopted.

Hall computer/fraud monitoring information is information compiled by the Hall Computer 810 and used for fraud monitoring by CU3. This information includes hall computer information such as jackpots and Big Bonuses, the number of tokens played (current number of tokens), the serial number of tokens played, the machine error status, and fraud monitoring information such as machine fraud.

<Gaming Machine Information Notification>
Next, we will explain in detail the commands for notifying gaming machine information. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the general outline of gaming machine information notifications sent from the gaming machine to the card unit. The commands for notifying gaming machine information shown in Figure 6 are commands used by gaming machine 2 to notify CU3 of gaming machine information, and the gaming machine information includes three types: gaming machine installation information, gaming machine performance information, and hall computer/fraud monitoring information. The type of gaming machine information included in the gaming machine information notification command is determined to be one of the following based on the notification conditions for each type of information, and is notified to CU3.

The command for notifying game machine information includes message length information, command information, sequence number information, game machine type information, game machine information type information, and game machine information. Message length information indicates the length of the message to be transmitted (message length to the error detection code (CRC) of the communication frame). Command information indicates the command code of the message. Sequence number information indicates the sequence number. The sequence number is a sequence number that the primary station (e.g., the game machine side) sends, starting with an initial value of "0" and counting up (+1) upon transmission. However, the primary station does not increment the sequence number upon retransmission, and the secondary station (e.g., the CU side) also transmits the received sequence number as is. Since message length information, command information, and sequence number information are commonly included in commands and responses used in communication, explanations of these are omitted in the following commands and responses.

The gaming machine type information indicates the gaming machine type of gaming machine 2. For example, if the gaming machine type information is "0x01", it indicates that gaming machine 2 connected to CU3 is a "pachinko gaming machine" of "Organization A" with a management medium of "game balls". If it is "0x11", it indicates that gaming machine 2 connected to CU3 is a "pachinko gaming machine" of "Organization B" with a management medium of "game balls". If the gaming machine type information is "0x82", it indicates that it is a "slot machine" of "Organization A" with a management medium of "game tokens". If it is "0x83", it indicates that it is an "arrange ball gaming machine" of "Organization A" with a management medium of "game tokens". If the gaming machine type information is "0x84", it indicates a "Jankyu gaming machine" belonging to "Organization A" with "gaming tokens" as the management medium. If it is "0x92", it indicates a "slot machine" belonging to "Organization B" with "gaming tokens" as the management medium.

Furthermore, in CU3, if the management medium for the type of gaming machine transmitted is "gaming balls," the number of gaming balls will be displayed, for example, using the unit used for gaming as "balls." If the management medium for the type of gaming machine is "gaming medals," the number of gaming medals will be displayed, for example, using the unit used for gaming as "pieces." Also, "pachinko gaming machine" refers to a pachinko gaming machine, and "slot machine" refers to a medalless gaming machine. In addition, CU3 performs lending processing in response to information on the unit price of gaming (unit price of gaming value) transmitted from the management computer 802, which is a management device. For example, if CU3 receives information from the management computer 802 to set the game price to "20 yen," it will process the lending of one token at 20 yen for a tokenless gaming machine, enabling gameplay. If CU3 receives information from the management computer 802 to set the game price to "4 yen," it will process the lending of one ball at 4 yen for a pachinko machine, enabling gameplay.

Conventional card units had different lending functions and display content for pachinko machines and medalless gaming machines, requiring separate units for each type of machine. Therefore, when a pachinko parlor switched from pachinko machines to medalless machines, it was necessary not only to change the machines but also to replace the card units, and sometimes even change the configuration of higher-level equipment, which was a time-consuming process. However, with CU3, the lending functions, counting functions, and display content are standardized across managed gaming machines (pachinko machines, P-machines) and medalless gaming machines (S-machines) (for example, the program is divided into common and dedicated functions to reduce software capacity), allowing it to be used universally regardless of the type of gaming machine. Furthermore, since the gaming machine transmits information about the type of gaming machine, CU3 determines the type of connected gaming machine based on this information and switches the lending function, counting function, and display content depending on whether it is a pachinko machine or a coinless gaming machine.

The "Gaming Machine Information Type" information is a type code indicating the type of information included in the gaming machine information. If the "Gaming Machine Information Type" information is "0x00", it indicates that the information included is gaming machine performance information; if it is "0x01", it indicates that the information included is gaming machine installation information; and if it is "0x02", it indicates that the information included is hall control/fraud monitoring information. If the "Gaming Machine Information Type" information is any other value, the notified CU3 is judged to be abnormal.

The gaming machine information includes one of the following based on the type code set in the gaming machine information type information: gaming machine installation information, gaming machine performance information, or hall control/fraud monitoring information, and is notified to CU3. Gaming machine performance information includes information such as total number of tokens inserted, total number of tokens paid out, and MY; gaming machine installation information includes information such as the manufacturer code, model code, and chip ID number of the main control CPU and game point control CPU; and hall control/fraud monitoring information includes information such as IN, OUT, BB, RB, AT, door open signal, and security signal. In coinless gaming machines, the number of game tokens is managed using information on the specified number (IN) and the number of tokens paid out (OUT). Incidentally, in pachinko gaming machines, the number of game balls is managed using information on the number of shots (corresponding to IN information) and information on the number of prize balls (corresponding to OUT information).

Furthermore, the gaming machine information will be explained in more detail. Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining gaming machine performance information. In Figure 7, the gaming machine performance information included in the gaming machine information is shown when the gaming machine information type information is "0x00". For example, the gaming machine information includes the total number of tokens inserted, the total number of tokens paid out, MY (maximum difference in tokens in one day), the total number of tokens paid out by special features, the total number of tokens paid out by consecutive special features, the special feature ratio, the consecutive special feature ratio, the advantageous section ratio, the special feature ratio including instructions, and the special feature state ratio. The total number of tokens inserted is the cumulative number of tokens inserted from the time the power is turned on, and does not include replays. The total number of tokens paid out is the cumulative number of tokens paid out from the time the power is turned on, including the number of tokens awarded for winning small wins in BB, RB, CB, or AT, and the number of tokens awarded for winning small wins in the normal state, and does not include replays. MY is the maximum difference in tokens in one day, and is the maximum MY calculated from the time the power is turned on. The total payout from special features is the cumulative payout from feature activation since the power was turned on. The total payout from consecutive special features is the cumulative payout from the activation of Type 1 special features since the power was turned on. The feature ratio, consecutive feature ratio, advantageous section ratio, feature ratio including instructions, and feature status ratio are all based on information from the feature ratio monitor. The feature ratio is calculated as: Total number of medals acquired during BB, RB, and CB / Total number of medals acquired × 100.

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the installation information of a gaming machine. Figure 8 shows the installation information included in the gaming machine information when the gaming machine information type is "0x01". For example, the gaming machine information includes the main control chip ID number, main control CPU manufacturer code, main control CPU model code, game point control chip ID number, game point control CPU manufacturer code, and game point control CPU model code.

Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating hall control and fraud monitoring information. Figures 9 and 10 show the hall control and fraud monitoring information included in the gaming machine information when the gaming machine information type is "0x02". For example, the gaming machine information includes "Number of game tokens played," "Number of tokens inserted," "Number of tokens paid out," "Main control status," "Gaming machine error status," "Gaming machine fraud," and "Number of game information entries."

"Number of Game Tokens" indicates the current number of game tokens. For example, if the number of game tokens is 2000, it will be displayed as "0xD00700". "Number of Tokens Inserted" indicates the number of tokens inserted (-3 to 3), and subtracts any tokens returned via the payout button. "Number of Tokens Payout" indicates the number of tokens dispensed.

The "Main Control State" is information about the game state of the gaming machine 2 and includes "Main Control State 1" and "Main Control State 2". "Main Control State 1" includes information on RB, BB, and AT, and information on gaming machine state signals 1 to 4. Gaming machine state signals 1 to 4 are used to output the state to an external device such as a hall computer via the external output terminal 340 of the CU3, and correspond to the "External Terminal Board State Output Signal Terminals 1 to 2" output from the external output terminal of the CU3. "Main Control State 2" includes information on gaming machine state signals 5 to 7.

The "Gaming Machine Error Status" contains information about the error code currently occurring in the gaming machine. Specifically, in the "Gaming Machine Error Status," Bits 0 through 5 represent the error code. If Bit 6 is "0," it indicates an error on the game point control side; if it is "1," it indicates an error on the main control side. Furthermore, if Bit 6 is "0," only an alert is issued; if it is "1," an alert is issued plus output to the hall computer. Note that "alert" refers to an alert issued by the dedicated unit, CU3.

"Gaming machine fraud" includes "Gaming machine fraud 1" to "Gaming machine fraud 3". "Gaming machine fraud 1" indicates a setting change in progress signal (information of setting change mode) in Bit0, indicating that a setting change is being made on the main control board 16, and a setting confirmation in progress signal (information of setting confirmation mode) in Bit1, indicating that a setting confirmation is being made on the main control board 16. Fraud detection signals 1 to 3 and security signals on the main control board 16 are shown in Bits 2 to 5. The security signal is output together with the setting change in progress signal or the setting confirmation in progress signal, because existing hall computers can only determine whether a setting change or setting confirmation is in progress based on the "security signal" due to their connection configuration, etc. "Gaming machine fraud 2" indicates gaming machine fraud on the main control board 16 or the game point control board 17, and includes a setting door open signal in Bit0, a door open signal in Bit1, and game token count clear detection information in Bit3. "Gaming Machine Irregularity 3" indicates gaming machine irregularity on the main control board 16 or the game point control board 17. "Number of Game Information Items" indicates the number of type information and count information items included in "Game Information." When it is "0," the type information and count information included in "Game Information" are not transmitted.

The "Game Information Count" consists of type information and count information. The type information indicates whether the game occurred in the gaming machine 2 (either a predetermined number or a payout), while the count information indicates the number of coins generated by the type information. The game information is treated as a signal for the hall computer, and the game information output from the gaming machine 2 is directly output from CU3 to the hall computer 810. Specifically, the "Game Information Count" consists of two bytes: the upper byte for type information and the lower byte for count information. The type information consists of a data type and a data number, with a data number assigned to each data type.

Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the type information of game data. The type information consists of a data type (upper 4 bits) and a data number (lower 4 bits). A type is assigned to each value of the data type (bits 4-7). For example, as shown in Figure 11(a), if the data type value is 1, information for the specified number (IN) is assigned; if the data type value is 2, information for the number of coins dispensed (OUT) is assigned. Details of the data number (lower 4 bits) assigned to each data type are shown in Figure 11(b).

The count information is set differently for each data type. When the data type is 1 = specified number (IN), the count information consists of the specified number of coins for that game (1 to 3 coins). For example, in the case of a game with a specified number of 3 coins, the game information (0x1103) is set with data type (Bit 4 to 7) as "1 = specified number (IN)", data number (Bit 0 to 3) as "1 fixed", and specified number (Bit 0 to 3) as "3 = 3 specified number of coins". Also, when the data type is 2 = payout number (OUT), the count information consists of the payout number for that game (1 to 15 coins). For example, if 10 medals are dispensed as a prize, the game information (0x210A) will be set with data type (Bits 4-7) set to "2 = Payout Amount (OUT)", data number (Bits 0-3) set to "1 fixed", and payout amount (Bits 0-3) set to "10 = 10 medals dispensed".

<Communication between CU3 and game machine 2>
Next, we will explain the communication between the CU3 and the gaming machine 2 using the messages described in Figures 5 to 11. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the timing of information transmitted and received between the card unit and the gaming machine. In the communication between the card unit and the gaming machine, (b) information No. 3 and No. 4 of the loan response information, (c) counting information, and (d) gaming machine information shown in Figure 5 are transmitted from the gaming machine 2 to the CU3 via a common asynchronous serial communication port. Conversely, (a) information No. 1 and No. 2 of the loan information shown in Figure 5 are transmitted from the CU3 to the gaming machine 2 via a common asynchronous serial communication port.

Furthermore, in the communication between the card unit and the gaming machine, the sequence shown in Figure 5, where (c) counting information and (d) gaming machine information are transmitted from the gaming machine 2 to the CU3 via a common asynchronous serial communication port, is also acceptable. In this sequence, the information for (a) loan information No. 1 to No. 2 shown in Figure 5 is transmitted from the CU3 to the gaming machine 2 via a separate asynchronous serial communication port, and the information for (b) loan information No. 3 to No. 4 is transmitted from the gaming machine 2 to the CU3 via a separate asynchronous serial communication port. Alternatively, the sequence shown in Figure 5, where the information for (a) loan information No. 1 to No. 2 is transmitted from the CU3 to the gaming machine 2 via a common asynchronous serial communication port, and the information for (b) loan information No. 3 to No. 4 and (c) counting information shown in Figure 5 are transmitted from the gaming machine 2 to the CU3 via a common asynchronous serial communication port, is also acceptable. In this sequence, the sequence shown in Figure 5(d) may also be one in which the gaming machine information is transmitted from the gaming machine 2 to the CU3 via a separate asynchronous serial communication port.

Of the information transmitted from the gaming machine 2 to the CU 3, (d) gaming machine information is transmitted at predetermined intervals A, as shown in Figure 12. That is, the period between the transmission of information from the gaming machine 2 to the CU 3 and the transmission of the next piece of information is controlled to a predetermined interval A (for example, 300 ms = 0.3 seconds). The gaming machine 2 can transmit gaming machine information to the CU 3 at predetermined intervals A, regardless of the reception status of the gaming machine information at the CU 3. Therefore, the gaming machine 2 does not need to retransmit gaming machine information, does not need to store past gaming machine information, and thus the processing burden is reduced.

In this way, information is transmitted from the gaming machine 2 to the CU 3 at intervals of 300ms. On the other hand, the gaming machine 2 requires at least a few seconds between games. As a result, multiple pieces of information are transmitted and received during a single game.

Gaming machine information and counting information are communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port. Therefore, if an attempt is made to transmit counting information at the same time as transmitting gaming machine information, the information may become congested within the common asynchronous serial communication port, potentially causing data collisions and preventing proper communication. To optimize information transmission, when gaming machine 2 transmits gaming machine information to CU3 at predetermined intervals A, (c) counting information is transmitted to CU3 at a timing corresponding to a predetermined interval B (e.g., 100 ms) shorter than predetermined interval A, after transmitting gaming machine information. Counting information is transmitted to CU3 at predetermined intervals B, regardless of the reception status at CU3. Note that if the player operates the counting button 10 before transmitting gaming machine information, the counted number will include information for, for example, 250 coins. If the player does not operate the counting button 10 before transmitting gaming machine information, the counted number will include information for 0 (zero) coins.

The transmission of counting information is not limited to within the specified period B from the time the gaming machine information is transmitted; it may be done at any time that does not cause congestion with the gaming machine information, and may even occur between the end of the specified period B and the time the next gaming machine information is transmitted.

In Figure 12, after transmitting counting information to the CU3, the system receives lending information from the CU3 during the reception validity period (for example, 170 ms). The lending information transmitted from the CU3 to the gaming machine 2 includes the number of tokens lent and the serial number. If the player operates the lending button 321 or the replay button 319 before transmitting the gaming machine information, the number of tokens lent will include information such as 125 tokens. If the player does not operate the lending button 321 or the replay button 319 before transmitting the gaming machine information, the number of tokens lent will include information of 0 (zero) tokens.

The loan response information is communicated via a shared asynchronous serial communication port with the gaming machine information. Therefore, if loan response information is transmitted from CU3 at the same time as the gaming machine information is transmitted, the information may become congested within the shared asynchronous serial communication port, potentially causing data collisions and preventing proper communication.

Therefore, CU3 transmits the loan information to the gaming machine 2 within the reception validity period after receiving the counting information. In other words, the gaming machine 2 receives the loan quantity and loan serial number information from CU3 within the reception validity period after transmitting the counting information, and transmits the loan quantity receipt result and loan serial number loan response information to CU3 within the response time.

Figure 12 illustrates an example of communication between the CU3 and the gaming machine 2, where the timing for transmitting counting information is determined based on the timing for transmitting gaming machine information, and the timing for receiving loan information is determined based on the timing for transmitting counting information. However, the communication between the CU3 and the gaming machine 2 may also be based on other timings, such as determining the timing for sending and receiving counting information and loan information based on the timing for transmitting gaming machine information.

<Processing when there is no change in gameplay after a set number of tokens have been inserted>
Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the processing of CU3 when there is no change in gameplay for a predetermined time after the number of tokens inserted has been set. In Figure 13 (and similarly in Figures 14 to 20 described later), the number of tokens inserted is represented by "I", the number of tokens played is represented by "C", and the number of tokens held is represented by "T". Furthermore, the processing of CU3 in Figure 13 and Figures 14 to 20 described later corresponds to the processing by the CU control unit 323.

As shown in Figure 13, when a BET operation is performed on the gaming machine 2 with the number of inserted tokens = 0 and the number of game tokens = 50, the number of tokens is transferred from the number of game tokens to the number of inserted tokens by the amount corresponding to the BET operation. In this example, 3 tokens are transferred from the number of game tokens to the number of inserted tokens, resulting in the number of inserted tokens = 3 and the number of game tokens = 47. Based on the number of inserted tokens = 3 and the number of game tokens = 47 included in the gaming machine information notification received from the gaming machine 2, the CU3 stores the identified number of inserted tokens = 3 and the number of game tokens = 47.

Subsequently, when the start switch 7 is operated on the gaming machine 2, the number of inserted tokens = 3 is consumed, and the number of inserted tokens becomes = 0. Based on the specified number (IN) = 3, the number of inserted tokens = 0, and the number of game tokens = 47 included in the gaming machine information notification received from the gaming machine 2, the CU 3 updates the number of inserted tokens from 3 to 0 and stores the identified number of inserted tokens = 0 and the number of game tokens = 47.

In this way, CU3 stores and updates its own stored number of inserted tokens and number of played tokens in accordance with the number of inserted tokens and number of played tokens stored and updated in the gaming machine 2, based on the gaming machine information notification received from the gaming machine 2.

Here, we will explain the processing of CU3 when there is no change in gameplay for a predetermined time after the number of inserted tokens has been set. Referring to Figure 13, when the number of inserted tokens = 0 and the number of game tokens = 47, a BET operation is performed on the game machine 2. The number of tokens moves from the number of game tokens to the number of inserted tokens by the amount corresponding to the BET operation. In this example, 3 tokens move from the number of game tokens to the number of inserted tokens, resulting in 3 inserted tokens and 44 game tokens. CU3 stores the identified number of inserted tokens = 3 and game tokens = 44 based on the number of inserted tokens = 3 and the number of game tokens = 44 included in the game machine information notification received from the game machine 2.

When CU3 detects that no game has been played on the gaming machine 2 for a predetermined period of time, while it has stored a number of inserted tokens of 1 or more (3 in this example), it sends an external notification to the management computer 802 to send an external notification. For example, even though CU3 has stored a number of inserted tokens of 1 or more (3 in this example), if the specified number (IN) included in the gaming machine information notifications received from gaming machine 2 remains unchanged from 0 for a predetermined period of time, that is, if it continues to receive gaming machine information notifications with a specified number (IN) = 0 and never receives a gaming machine information notification with a specified number (IN) = 3, it sends an external notification to the management computer 802.

When the management computer 802 receives an external notification from the CU3, it issues an external notification to inform staff that no game has been played on the gaming machine 2 for a predetermined period of time while the number of inserted tokens is stored (i.e., the number of tokens bet is set). This allows the CU3 to prompt staff to perform the appropriate action (e.g., counting). The external notification may include information that identifies the number of inserted tokens stored in the CU3 (in this example, the number of inserted tokens = 3), and the management computer 802 may also externally notify staff of the number of inserted tokens stored in the CU3. In this way, staff can recognize the number of inserted tokens remaining in the gaming machine 2 and the CU3 without any game being played, thus preventing counting errors between the CU3 and the management computer 802.

<Processing at the end of business hours>
If a player leaves the arcade with a remaining number of tokens inserted or played in arcade machine 2, there may be instances where arcade machine 2 still has tokens remaining after closing time (end of business). If tokens remain in arcade machine 2 after closing time, it is necessary to clear the remaining tokens by counting them onto a card and clearing them with a counter, or by clearing the RAM of arcade machine 2. However, if an employee forgets to clear the tokens, the remaining tokens can be used during the next day's business hours, but the management computer 802 has not calculated the remaining tokens, which may result in a sales error. In other words, there is a risk of a token counting error between the management computer 802, which manages the tokens used in arcade machine 2 and the tokens dispensed from arcade machine 2 for sales calculations, and the CU 3 corresponding to arcade machine 2.

For example, Figure 14 illustrates the processing of CU3 when closing procedures are performed in the comparative example. As shown in Figure 14, when the number of inserted tokens becomes 2 and the number of played tokens becomes 0 due to a BET operation performed on the gaming machine 2, CU3 identifies the number of inserted tokens as 2 and the number of played tokens as 0 based on the gaming machine information notification received from the gaming machine 2, and stores the identified number of inserted tokens as 2 and the number of played tokens as 0.

When CU3 receives a closing notification from the management computer 802 regarding the end of business hours, if there are still tokens remaining in the gaming machine 2 as described above, there is a risk of a token counting error occurring between CU3 and the management computer 802 by the amount of the remaining tokens. Therefore, in order to prevent such counting errors, CU3 in this embodiment is configured to transmit information that can identify the number of tokens inserted and the number of tokens currently in use to the management computer 802. The processing by CU3 will be described in detail below. In the following example, the management computer 802 is used as an example of the "management device," but the "management device" may be the hall computer 810.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the processing of the CU3 when closing procedures are performed while there are still tokens remaining in the machine in this embodiment. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, with the number of tokens inserted being 2 and the number of tokens in play being 0, the CU3 identifies the number of tokens inserted as 2 and the number of tokens in play as 0 based on the game machine information notification received from the game machine 2, and stores the identified number of tokens inserted as 2 and the number of tokens in play as 0.

When CU3 receives a closing notification from the management computer 802 while it has stored a number of inserted tokens of 1 or more (2 in this example), it sends an inserted token count notification to the management computer 802 that allows it to identify the inserted token count as 2. Based on the inserted token count notification received from CU3, the management computer 802 identifies the inserted token count as 2 and uses this identified inserted token count as 2 for sales calculations and other purposes.

In this way, the management computer 802 can identify the number of tokens inserted that CU3 has stored at the end of business hours based on the token count notification, thus preventing token counting errors between CU3 and the management computer 802.

As shown in Figure 15, the number of inserted tokens = 2 stored in the gaming machine 2 is erased when the gaming machine 2 is RAM-cleared by a store employee. Furthermore, the number of inserted tokens = 2 stored in CU 3 is erased based on the gaming machine information notification received from gaming machine 2 (number of inserted tokens = 0, number of tokens played = 0). Alternatively, the number of inserted tokens = 2 stored in CU 3 may be erased when CU 3 is RAM-cleared.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, after receiving a closing notification and sending a notification of the number of tokens inserted from CU3 to the management computer 802, when the counting button 10 is operated on the gaming machine 2, the number of tokens is transferred from the number of inserted tokens to the number of tokens in play by the amount of the counted tokens. In this example, the number of tokens = 2 is transferred from the number of inserted tokens to the number of tokens in play, resulting in the number of inserted tokens = 0 and the number of tokens in play = 2. Then, the number of tokens in play = 2 is counted, resulting in the number of tokens in play = 0. Finally, the gaming machine 2 sends a counting notification to CU3 to specify the counted number = 2.

Based on the counting notification received from the gaming machine 2, CU3 identifies the counted number as 2 and counts the identified number of tokens. In this example, the tokens = 2 are moved from the number of tokens inserted to the number of tokens being played, resulting in the number of tokens inserted becoming 0 and the number of tokens being played becoming 2. Furthermore, the number of tokens being played becoming 0 is counted, and the counted tokens = 2 are moved to the number of tokens held, becoming the number of tokens held, and then becoming the number of tokens held becoming 0. As a result, the final numbers are: number of tokens inserted = 0, number of tokens being played = 0, and number of tokens held = 0. Note that the number of tokens held = 2 after the counted tokens have been moved may be erased by clearing the RAM of CU3.

Here, the number of tokens inserted into the gaming machine 2 (the number of tokens converted to the number of tokens held) has already been notified to the management computer 802 from the CU3 as a token insertion notification. If the CU3 were to send a count notification to the management computer 802 that specifically identifies the number of tokens inserted into the gaming machine 2 as 2 (the number of tokens converted to the number of tokens held as 2), the management computer 802 would calculate the number of tokens inserted as 2 twice. Therefore, the CU3 is configured not to send a count notification to the management computer 802 that specifically identifies the number of tokens inserted into the gaming machine 2 as 2 (the number of tokens converted to the number of tokens held as 2).

Thus, after CU3 sends a notification of the number of tokens inserted to the management computer 802 at the end of business hours, even if it receives a counting notification from the gaming machine 2, it does not send a counting notification to the management computer 802 indicating that it will count the tokens. This prevents the management computer 802 from counting the number of inserted tokens that are subject to counting multiple times.

Figures 17 and 18 illustrate the processing of the CU3 when closing procedures are performed while there are remaining game tokens in the embodiment. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, with the number of inserted tokens = 0 and the number of game tokens = 2, the CU3 identifies the number of inserted tokens = 0 and the number of game tokens = 2 based on the game machine information notification received from the game machine 2, and stores the identified number of inserted tokens = 0 and the number of game tokens = 2.

When CU3, having stored a number of game tokens of 1 or more (2 in this example), receives a closing notification from the management computer 802, it sends a count notification to the management computer 802 that identifies the number of game tokens as 2. Based on the count notification received from CU3, the management computer 802 identifies the number of game tokens as 2 and uses this identified number for sales calculations, etc.

In this way, the management computer 802 can identify the number of game tokens stored by the CU3 at the end of business hours based on the counting notification, thus preventing counting errors between the CU3 and the management computer 802.

As shown in Figure 17, the number of game tokens = 2 stored in the game machine 2 is erased when the game machine 2 is RAM-cleared by a store employee. Furthermore, the number of game tokens = 2 stored in CU 3 is erased based on the game machine information notification received from game machine 2 (number of tokens inserted = 0, number of game tokens played = 0). Alternatively, the number of game tokens = 2 stored in CU 3 may also be erased when CU 3 is RAM-cleared.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, after receiving the closing notification and sending a counting notification from CU3 to the management computer 802, when the counting button 10 is operated on the gaming machine 2, the number of game tokens = 2 is counted, and the number of game tokens = 0. Then, the gaming machine 2 sends a counting notification to CU3 to specify the counted number = 2.

Based on the counting notification received from the gaming machine 2, CU3 identifies the number of tokens to be counted as 2 and counts the identified number of tokens. In this example, since the number of game tokens = 2 is counted, the number of game tokens becomes 0. Furthermore, the counted number of game tokens = 2 is moved to the number of tokens held, becoming 2, and then the number of tokens held becomes 0. As a result, the final values are: number of tokens inserted = 0, number of game tokens = 0, and number of tokens held = 0. Note that the number of tokens held = 2 after the counted number of game tokens has been moved may be erased by clearing CU3's RAM.

Here, the number of game tokens counted in the gaming machine 2 (the number of tokens converted to the number of tokens held) has already been notified to the management computer 802 from the CU3 as a counting notification. If the CU3 were to send a counting notification to the management computer 802 that specifically identifies the number of game tokens counted in the gaming machine 2 as 2 (the number of tokens converted to the number of tokens held as 2), the management computer 802 would calculate the number of tokens inserted as 2 twice. Therefore, the CU3 is configured not to send a counting notification to the management computer 802 that specifically identifies the number of game tokens counted in the gaming machine 2 as 2 (the number of tokens converted to the number of tokens held as 2).

Thus, after CU3 sends a counting notification to the management computer 802 at the end of business hours, it does not send a counting notification to the management computer 802 even if it receives a counting notification from the gaming machine 2. This prevents the management computer 802 from duplicate-counting the number of gaming tokens that are to be counted.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate the processing of the CU3 when closing procedures are performed while the number of inserted tokens and the number of game tokens remaining in the embodiment. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, with the number of inserted tokens = 2 and the number of game tokens = 2, the CU3 identifies the number of inserted tokens = 2 and the number of game tokens = 2 based on the game machine information notification received from the game machine 2, and stores the identified number of inserted tokens = 2 and the number of game tokens = 2.

When CU3 receives a closing notification from the management computer 802 while it has stored at least one (two in this example) the number of tokens inserted and at least one (two in this example) the number of tokens being played, it sends an inserted token count notification and a count notification to the management computer 802 that can identify the inserted token count = 2. Based on the inserted token count notification received from CU3, the management computer 802 identifies the inserted token count = 2, and based on the count notification received from CU3, identifies the number of tokens being played = 2. The identified inserted token count = 2 and the number of tokens being played = 2 are then used for sales calculations and other purposes.

Thus, the management computer 802 can identify the number of tokens inserted by the CU3 at the end of business hours based on the token insertion number notification, and also identify the number of game tokens played based on the counting notification. Therefore, it is possible to prevent token counting errors between the CU3 and the management computer 802.

Furthermore, the management computer 802 can identify the medals stored by the CU3 at the end of business hours, based on the number of medals inserted and the counted values for each type of medal. This prevents counting errors between the CU3 and the management computer 802.

As shown in Figure 19, the number of tokens inserted (=2) and the number of tokens played (=2) stored in the gaming machine 2 are erased when the gaming machine 2 is RAM-cleared by a store employee. Furthermore, the number of tokens inserted (=2) and the number of tokens played (=2) stored in the CU 3 are erased based on the gaming machine information notification received from the gaming machine 2 (number of tokens inserted = 0, number of tokens played = 0). Alternatively, the number of tokens inserted (=2) and the number of tokens played (=2) stored in the CU 3 may also be erased when the CU 3 is RAM-cleared.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, after receiving the closing notification, the CU3 sends a notification of the number of tokens inserted and a counting notification to the management computer 802. When the counting button 10 is operated on the gaming machine 2, the number of tokens transferred from the number of inserted tokens to the number of tokens in play is equal to the counted number of tokens inserted. In this example, the number of tokens transferred from the number of inserted tokens to the number of tokens in play is 2, resulting in the number of inserted tokens being 0 and the number of tokens in play being 4. Then, the number of tokens in play being 4 is counted, making the number of tokens in play 0. Finally, the gaming machine 2 sends a counting notification to the CU3 to specify the counted number of tokens as 4.

Based on the counting notification received from the gaming machine 2, CU3 identifies the counted number as 4 and counts the identified number of tokens. In this example, tokens = 2 are moved from the number of inserted tokens to the number of tokens in play, resulting in inserted tokens = 0 and number of tokens in play = 4. Furthermore, since the number of tokens in play = 4 is counted, the number of tokens in play becomes 0, and the counted tokens = 4 are moved to the number of tokens held, becoming the number of tokens held = 4, and then the number of tokens held becomes 0. Therefore, ultimately, the number of inserted tokens = 0, the number of tokens in play = 0, and the number of tokens held = 0. Note that the number of tokens held = 4 after the counted tokens have been moved may be erased by clearing the RAM of CU3.

Here, the number of tokens inserted into the gaming machine 2 (the number of tokens converted to the number of tokens held) has already been notified to the management computer 802 from CU3 as an inserted token notification, and the number of game tokens played (the number of tokens converted to the number of tokens held) that was counted in the gaming machine 2 has already been notified to the management computer 802 as a count notification. If CU3 were to send a count notification to the management computer 802 that could identify the inserted tokens = 2 and the game tokens = 2 (the number of tokens converted to the number of tokens held = 4) in the gaming machine 2, the management computer 802 would calculate the inserted tokens = 2 and the game tokens = 2 twice. Therefore, CU3 is configured not to send a count notification to the management computer 802 that could identify the inserted tokens = 2 and the game tokens = 2 (the number of tokens converted to the number of tokens held = 4) in the gaming machine 2.

Thus, after CU3 sends a notification of the number of tokens inserted and a counting notification to the management computer 802 at the end of business hours, even if it receives a counting notification from the gaming machine 2, it does not send a counting notification to the management computer 802 indicating that it will count the tokens. This prevents the management computer 802 from double-counting the number of tokens inserted and the number of tokens played.

Furthermore, while the CU3 (CU control unit 323) described using Figures 15 to 20 transmitted the number of inserted tokens and the counting notification to the management computer 802 as specific information upon receiving a closing process notification from the management computer 802, the CU3 (CU control unit 323) may also transmit the number of inserted tokens and the counting notification to the management computer 802 when it determines that business has ended, without using a closing process notification. Specifically, the CU3 (CU control unit 323) may determine that business has ended upon receiving an operation from a store employee indicating that business has ended (closing procedures), and then transmit the number of inserted tokens and the counting notification to the management computer 802.

<Pachinko gaming machines>
Next, we will explain pachinko machines as another example of gaming machines. Figure 21 is a front view of a card unit and a pachinko machine. In relation to the abbreviation "S-machine" used for medalless gaming machines in the previous explanation, we will also abbreviate pachinko machines as "P-machine".

The above-described gaming system using game tokens and player tokens is also applicable to pachinko machines. However, since pachinko games are played without using tokens, in the following, game tokens will be referred to as "game balls," and player tokens will be referred to as "player balls."

First, the configuration of the pachinko game machine according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 21. Each of the multiple game islands (not shown) arranged within the game hall is fitted with an example of a game machine: a sealed-circulation type pachinko game machine (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as game machine, pachinko game machine, or P-machine) 2. A card unit (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as CU) 3, an example of a game device, is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the P-machine 2P at a predetermined lateral position. The CU 3 connected to the P-machine 2P can be used in common with the CU 3 connected to the game machine 2, which is a medal-less game machine, and the display, button positions, etc., can be changed depending on the specifications.

The P-machine 2P contains a game ball (pachinko ball) as an example of the game medium (hereinafter referred to as the "sealed ball"). The player operates the ball-shooting handle 25P, which drives the launching solenoid of the launching mechanism, allowing the player to shoot the sealed balls one by one into the game area 27P on the front of the game board 26P. Specifically, touch sensors are provided around the ball-shooting handle 25P. When the player operates the ball-shooting handle 25P, their hand touches the touch sensor, and the touch sensor detects this contact, driving the launching solenoid. In this state, the launching force is adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the ball-shooting handle 25P by the player, and the sealed ball is launched into the game area 27P.

When the launch solenoid is driven to fire the enclosed balls one by one into the game area 27P, the subtraction mechanism subtracts one ball from the number of playable balls on the P machine 2P. The launch intensity of the game balls (hereinafter also simply referred to as launch intensity T) can be adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the ball-firing handle 25P (hereinafter also simply referred to as handle operation amount). As the handle operation amount increases, the launch intensity T increases. Therefore, the player can adjust the launch intensity T by adjusting the handle operation amount so that the game balls pass through the area they aim for. Furthermore, if the launching device is located below the game board 26P, foul balls may be routed down a foul ball return path and detected by a foul ball detection switch located along the path, resulting in a negative number of launched balls being counted (i.e., game points may be added in response to the detection by the foul ball detection switch).

The P-machine 2P shown in Figure 21 is a so-called Type 1 pachinko game machine, with a variable display device (also called a special symbol) 278P located in the center of the game area 27P. The game area 27P also has multiple types of prize slots into which the inserted sealed balls can be awarded prizes. The game area 27P shown in Figure 21 includes one large prize slot (variable prize ball device) 271P, three regular prize slots 272P, 273P, and 274P, and three starting prize slots 275P, 276P, and 277P. In particular, the starting prize slot 276P is composed of an electric tulip that can change between a first state advantageous to the player (e.g., open state) and a second state disadvantageous to the player (e.g., closed state).

The variable display device 278P is equipped with a variable display unit capable of variably displaying multiple types of identification information (patterns). Based on the detection signal of the starting prize balls that enter the respective starting prize slots 275P, 276P, and 277P, it begins the variable display of these multiple types of identification information. When the display result of the variable display device becomes a specific combination of identification information (for example, matching numbers), the game enters a jackpot state (also called a jackpot game state), and the large prize slot 271P opens.

Furthermore, when the display result of the variable display device 278P becomes a predetermined special identification information combination (for example, a combination of probability-increasing symbols such as 777) among the combinations of winning symbols (double numbers), a probability-increasing jackpot state is triggered. Following the end of this jackpot state, a probability-increasing state (probability-increasing state) is triggered, in which the probability of a jackpot occurring is increased.

Enclosed balls launched into the game area 27P either enter one of the prize slots or are collected into the out slot 154P without entering a prize slot. Enclosed balls that enter any of the prize slots, and those collected into the out slot 154P, are returned to the launch position via the collection path within the P machine 2P. Then, when the player operates the launch handle 25P, the enclosed balls from that launch position are launched back into the game area 27P.

Furthermore, a game ball count indicator is provided above the ball-shooting handle 25P of machine 2P to display the number of game balls. The game ball count indicator 29P is composed of a 7-segment LED display and is controlled by the game point control unit 171 (see Figure 22). This game ball count indicator 29P displays the number of game balls, the error number of any errors that have occurred, and other information. Note that the game ball count indicator 29P is not limited to a 7-segment LED display; it may also be composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or other types of displays.

Furthermore, a counting button 28P for counting game balls from the player's possession to their possession is provided to the left of the game ball count display 29P on the P machine 2P. In this embodiment, the counting operation is repeatedly performed according to the duration for which the counting button 28P is pressed (for example, 250 balls are counted each time the button is pressed for 0.3 seconds). Alternatively, regardless of the duration of the press, a predetermined number of balls (for example, 250 balls) may be counted from the player's possession to their possession upon a single press, or all game balls currently possessed by the player may be counted upon a single press of the counting button 28P, regardless of the duration of the press (whether it is a long press or not). The counting speed is further improved when performing a card return operation, enabling a smooth card return process.

As described above, since the counting button 28P is located on the P-machine 2P side, the operability for players sitting directly facing P-machine 2P can be improved compared to the case where the counting button 28P is located on the CU3 side. Furthermore, P-machine 2P is equipped with speakers 270P at the upper right and upper left positions of the game area 27P to output music data to be played in accordance with the effects displayed on the variable display device 278P. Note that the position and number of speakers are not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 21, and may be changed as needed.

The P machine 2P in this embodiment can be divided into the game board 26P and the other game frames (game frame, front frame) 5P. In particular, the game board 26P differs for each pachinko machine model developed by each company, while the game frames 5P are a common frame regardless of the model. Therefore, when replacing machines with new ones, the amusement parlor only needs to replace the game board 26P.

<Card Unit Composition>
Next, referring to Figure 21, the configuration of the CU3 according to this embodiment will be described. This CU3 accepts visitor cards (also called general cards), which are prepaid game storage media issued to general players who have not registered as members, and member cards, which are game storage media issued to member players who have registered as members at the game arcade. Visitor cards and member cards are made of IC cards.

The CU3, upon receiving these cards, has the function of converting the game value owned by the player (e.g., prepaid balance, number of balls held, or number of stored balls) identified by the card's stored information into "game ball data." In P-machine 2P, the number of balls identified by the game ball data allows for gameplay equivalent to the number of balls available. In other words, "game ball data" is data indicating the remaining number of balls that can be launched. In the following explanation, "game ball data" will be simply referred to as "game balls," similar to stored balls or held balls. Note that the CU3 shown in Figure 21 has the same configuration as the CU3 shown in Figure 1; therefore, the same configuration will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will not be repeated.

In the P-machine 2P, the game frame (hereinafter also referred to as the cell) 5P and the glass door 6P are mounted on a frame-like outer frame (not shown), with the left edge of the frame pivoting around it so that they can be opened and closed.

A rear mechanism release switch 13P, shown in Figure 22, is provided at the point where the lower part of the game frame 5P contacts the outer frame, and this switch detects when the game frame 5P is opened. Furthermore, a front ornament release switch 12P, also shown in Figure 22, is provided at the point where the upper part of the game frame 5P contacts the glass door 6P, and this front ornament release switch 12P detects when the glass door 6P is opened.

The number of times the front ornament release switch 12P and the rear mechanism release switch 13P are opened is counted by a counter (not shown). The counter is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and can operate using a backup power supply even when the power supply to the P-machine 2P is interrupted. Even when the power is off, such as at night, it can count the number of times the glass door 6P and the game frame 5P are opened and transmit the counted value to the game point control unit 171 (see Figure 22). Here, the backup power supply is, for example, a capacitor or battery installed inside the P-machine 2P.

The main control board 16, as shown in Figure 22, is mounted on the back of the game board 26P (the side opposite to the side facing the glass door 6P). Since the back of the outer frame 4 is closed, the main control board 16 becomes detachable from the game board 26P only after opening the game frame 5P and removing the game board 26P from it. In other words, to remove the main control board 16 from the game board 26P, or to replace the semiconductor chip on the main control board 16, it is necessary to open the game frame 5P, and this operation can always be detected by the back mechanism release switch 13P. Therefore, if the main control board 16 is illegally removed from the game board 26P, or the semiconductor chip on the main control board 16 is illegally replaced, this can always be detected by the back mechanism release switch 13P.

Furthermore, a game point control board 17 (also called a frame control board), as shown in Figure 22, is provided on the back of the game frame 5P. The game point control board 17 must also be removed from the back of the game frame 5P after the game frame 5P has been opened. Therefore, if the game point control board 17 is illegally removed from the back of the game frame 5P, or if the semiconductor chip on the game point control board 17 is illegally replaced, this can always be detected by the back mechanism release switch 13P.

<Configuration of the card unit and the pachinko game machine>
Figure 22 is a block diagram showing the control circuits used in CU3 and P-unit 2P. The schematic of the control circuits between CU3 and P-unit 2P will be explained with reference to Figure 22.

The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external output terminal 340 for communication with a management computer or hall computer. The CU 3 transmits its status and gaming machine information received from the P-machine 2P (including information displayed on the performance display monitor 40P) to an external device such as a management computer or hall computer via the external output terminal 340. The CU control unit 323 communicates with the game point control board 17 of the P-machine 2P via an SC board (communication control IC) 325. The SC board 325 and the game point control board 17 are connected, for example, by a dedicated PIF wiring 322P (see Figure 21). Communication between the CU control unit 323 and the game point control board 17 is bidirectional, exchanging loan information (information regarding the operation to withdraw the remaining balance stored on the inserted card and use it for gameplay on the P-machine 2P) and loan response information (response information to the loan information). Other information, such as counting information (information regarding the counting process from game balls to held balls) and game machine information, is communicated unidirectionally from the game point control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. Therefore, the P-machine 2P does not recognize whether the CU 3 has received the counting information and game machine information. The CU 3 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the P-machine 2P side, and the P-machine 2P is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connection parts are, for example, made up of connectors. The SC board 325 is equipped with an SC microcontroller (SC) that performs various processes to ensure security during communication between the P-machine 2P and the CU 3.

The P-machine 2P is equipped with a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game on the P-machine 2P, a game point control board 17 that manages and stores game balls, a launch control board 31P that drives and controls the launch solenoid 31aP based on commands from the game point control board 17, a variable display device 278P, and a performance control board 15 that controls the display on the variable display device 278P based on commands transmitted from the main control board 16.

The main control board 16 and the performance control board 15 are installed on the game board 26P. The main control board 16 is equipped with a game control microcomputer, which is the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 is the main control function unit of the game machine. The game machine control microcomputer includes a CPU as the control center, ROM that stores programs and control data for the CPU's operation, RAM that functions as the CPU's work area, and input/output interfaces to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices. The main control unit 161 is connected to the prize sensor 162P and the radio wave sensor 163P, which are installed on the game board 26P.

The main control unit 161, upon receiving a ball in each of the starting prize entry slots 275P, 276P, and 277P, draws a random number to determine whether it is a jackpot (or even a minor jackpot) or a miss, and stores this random number. This is called the reserved storage. The maximum number of reserved storages is, for example, "4". When the variable display device 278P is ready to start a new variable display, the main control unit 161 consumes one reserved storage and makes a jackpot determination based on that reserved storage, and also determines the variable display time from multiple options, from the start of the variable display to the derivation of the display result. Furthermore, when a jackpot is determined, it also determines whether or not to trigger a probability change. The main control unit 161 transmits the result of the jackpot determination (including whether or not to trigger a probability change) and information regarding the variable display time as a command to the performance control unit 151 mounted on the performance control board 15.

The commands related to the variable display transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the performance control unit 151 include a variable start command indicating the start of the variable display, a display result command indicating the result of the variable display (jackpot/loss), a variable display time command that can specify the variable display pattern, and a variable stop command indicating the timing for displaying the variable display result. Furthermore, the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the performance control unit 151 include commands that can specify the progress of a jackpot during a jackpot, commands indicating the occurrence of a new hold memory, and commands indicating the occurrence of an error in the game state.

The performance control unit 151 determines the variable display content of the variable display device 278P based on these commands transmitted from the main control unit 161. For example, the performance control unit 151 identifies the variable display result and variable display time based on the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161, determines the stop symbols, determines the variable display pattern (presence or absence of a reach, type of reach), and further determines the performance pattern for the announcement effects related to the jackpot and reach. The performance control unit 151 controls the display of the variable display device 278P according to the determined variable display content.

The game point control board 17 is installed in the game frame 5P. The game point control board 17 is equipped with a game point control unit 171, which is a microcomputer for game point control. The game point control unit 171 is the game point control function unit of the gaming machine. The microcomputer for game point control includes a CPU as the control center, ROM that stores programs and control data for the CPU's operation, RAM that functions as the CPU's work area, and input/output interfaces to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

Furthermore, the game point control board 17 is electrically connected to the following: a counting button 28P, a performance display monitor 40P, a radio wave sensor 173P, a subtraction solenoid 32aP, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32bP, a subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32cP, a lifting mechanism outlet sensor 33P, an out-ball detection switch 701P, a front decoration release switch 12P, and a rear mechanism release switch 13P. The performance display monitor 40P corresponds to a payout ratio monitor. An out-ball detection signal is input to the game point control board 17 from the out-ball detection switch 701P. The main control board 16 calculates a base value (also simply called the base) based on the out-ball detection signal. The radio wave sensor 173P is for detecting fraudulent activity, mainly by illegally transmitting radio waves to keep the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32bP constantly on. The detection signal from this radio wave sensor 173 is input to the game point control unit 171 via an input port (not shown) of the game point control board 17. The subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32bP detects the launch of a game ball when it changes from off to on, and based on this detection, the game point control unit 171 subtracts "1" from the number of game balls.

Here, the base is the ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value awarded when game balls enter the winning slots located in the game area 27P of machine 2P, such as the large winning slot 271P, the regular winning slots 272P to 274P, and the starting winning slots 275P to 277P, to the total number of game balls shot into the game area 27P of machine 2P. The bonus ratio (also called the bonus ratio) refers to the proportion of game balls obtained from the activation of bonus features out of the game balls shot over a 10-hour period. In this embodiment, the bonus ratio refers to the ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value awarded by game balls entering the starting bonus slot 276P, which is composed of an electric tulip that is one of the bonus features, and the large bonus slot 271P, which is composed of a variable bonus ball device that is one of the bonus features, out of the total number of game balls corresponding to the game value awarded by game balls entering all bonus slots of game balls launched in 10 hours (60,000 balls, since 100 balls can be launched per minute). Furthermore, the continuous bonus ratio (also called the continuous ratio) refers to the ratio of the number of game balls obtained from game balls launched in 10 hours that are due to the operation of a bonus feature when the bonus feature operates continuously. In this embodiment, the continuous prize ratio refers to the ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value awarded by game balls entering the large prize slot 271P, which is equipped with a variable prize ball device (one of the prize features), to the total number of game balls corresponding to the game value awarded by game balls entering all prize slots (60,000 game balls, since 100 game balls can be launched per minute) over a 10-hour period.

The main control board 16 transmits the following information to the game point control board 17: main control chip ID, prize entry information, round information, prize entry detection signal, start prize entry information, error information, number of symbol confirmations, and jackpot information.

The main control chip ID (also called the main chip ID) is the chip ID stored in the main control board 16 of P-machine 2P, and is transmitted to the game point control board 17 when P-machine 2P is powered on. The prize entry information includes the type of prize entry (start prize entry, normal prize entry, big prize entry) and the number of prize balls (the number of balls dispensed when a game ball enters the prize entry; in sealed-type gaming machines, this is managed by the game value as game points used for the player's game; hereafter, the number of game balls awarded when a game ball enters the prize entry; in medal-less slots, the number of medals awarded for winning bonuses such as BB (game value equivalent to medals)). This information is transmitted to the game point control board 17 when P-machine 2P is powered on. The round information is the number of rounds when a jackpot is won, and is transmitted to the game point control board 17 when P-machine 2P is powered on.

The prize entry detection signal is a signal that detects a game ball that has entered a prize entry slot other than the starting prize entry slot. Upon receiving this detection signal, the game point control board 17 performs control by adding the number of balls to be awarded for that single prize ball to the total number of game balls and the number of added balls.

The "Start Prize Entry Information" refers to information indicating that a game ball has entered one of the start prize entry slots. The "Error Information" refers to information used to notify the game point control board 17 of an error that occurred while the main control board 16 was performing game control.

The number of confirmed symbols refers to the information on the symbols confirmed as a result of the display on the variable display device for each starting prize entry point.

Jackpot information refers to information indicating that a jackpot has occurred. This information is divided into common jackpot information, which indicates jackpots common to all manufacturers, and manufacturer-specific jackpot information, which indicates jackpots unique to a particular manufacturer. Common jackpot information includes jackpots commonly adopted by all gaming machine manufacturers, such as a 15-round jackpot. If a probability variation occurs as a result of this jackpot, it includes probability variation information. If a time-saving state (a control state that shortens the variable display time of the variable display device) occurs as a result of this jackpot, it also includes time-saving information. Manufacturer-specific jackpots refer to jackpot states adopted only by a particular gaming machine manufacturer, such as a sudden probability variation (sudden probability variation).

<Circulation path of game balls>
Here, with reference to Figures 21 and 22, the circulation path of the game balls in machine 2P will be outlined. When the player operates the ball-shooting handle 25P, the launch solenoid 31aP is driven. As a result, one game ball that has been supplied to the launch position is propelled by the ball-shooting hammer and shot into the game area 27P.

When the launch solenoid 31aP is activated and a game ball is launched, a subtraction reference signal is output to the subtraction mechanism. In the subtraction mechanism, the subtraction solenoid 32aP is energized based on the outputted subtraction reference signal, causing a movable piece to move and send the game ball back to the launch mechanism. The number of game balls is then subtracted as the game ball passes through the subtraction mechanism's inlet sensor 32bP.

Of the balls hit into the game area 27P, those that enter the out-port 154P (see Figure 21) flow down the out-ball flow path and are detected by the out-ball detection switch 701P located along the path.

All winning balls that enter the winning slots or variable winning ball devices are collected at the back of the game machine and guided to the ball recovery path. Similarly, out-of-bounds balls and foul balls are also guided to the ball recovery path. A lifting mechanism exit sensor 33P is provided in the ball recovery path. Therefore, all winning balls, out-of-bounds balls, and foul balls are detected by the lifting mechanism exit sensor 33P. In other words, the lifting mechanism exit sensor 33P is a switch that detects all launched game balls. When the number detected by this switch equals the number of game balls launched by the launch solenoid 31aP, it can be determined that all launched game balls have been recovered.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the difference between the number of detections by the lifting mechanism exit sensor 33P and the number of shots fired is calculated. If this difference is not zero, it is determined that the balls that were launched into the game area 27P have not yet been collected. By making this determination, it is possible to determine whether there are any floating balls that are rolling around in the game area 27P or that are stuck between the nails or other objects in the game area and have not fallen.

Next, we will explain the information that P-machine 2P transmits to CU3 that differs from the information transmitted to CU3 by a medalless gaming machine. First, Figure 23 is a diagram for explaining the gaming machine performance information of a pachinko gaming machine. Figure 23 shows the gaming machine performance information included in the gaming machine information when the gaming machine information type information is "0x00". For example, the gaming machine information includes the total number of game balls launched, the total number of game balls acquired, the payout rate, the number of game balls acquired per minute (low base), the ratio of special features, the ratio of consecutive special features, the number of times the continuous special feature activation device operates, and the maximum difference in the number of balls. The total number of game balls launched is information accumulated from the number of game balls launched, the total number of game balls acquired is information accumulated from the number of prize balls, and the payout rate is information obtained by dividing the total number of game balls acquired by the total number of game balls launched. Furthermore, the number of game balls won per minute (low base) is calculated by dividing the number of prize balls by the number of shots and multiplying by 100. The bonus feature ratio is calculated as: cumulative value of bonus feature activation prize balls / cumulative value of prize balls × 100. The continuous bonus feature ratio is calculated as: cumulative value of continuous bonus feature activation prize balls / cumulative value of prize balls × 100. The number of times the continuous bonus feature device operates is the cumulative number of bonus feature operations.

Next, Figures 24 and 25 are diagrams illustrating the hall control and fraud monitoring information for pachinko machines. Figures 24 and 25 show the hall control and fraud monitoring information included in the machine information when the machine information type is "0x02". For example, the machine information includes "Number of game balls," "Number of balls launched," "Total number of prize balls," "Main control status," "Machine error status," "Fraud detection status," and "Game information."

"Number of Playing Balls" indicates the current number of playing balls. For example, if the number of playing balls is 10,000, it will be displayed as "0x102700". "Number of Balls Launched" indicates the number of balls launched (-128 to 127). If there are back balls, the number of back balls is subtracted. If multiple balls were launched at the time of transmission, the total number is shown. "Total Prize Balls" indicates the sum of prize balls multiplied by the number of winning balls.

The "Main Control State" is information about the game state of P-machine 2P and includes "Main Control State 1" and "Main Control State 2". "Main Control State 1" includes information on Jackpot 1 (all jackpots), Jackpot 2 (specific jackpots), and Jackpot 3 (jackpots with reduced spin time), as well as information on game machine status signals 1-4. Game machine status signals 1-4 are used to output the state to an external device such as a hall computer via the external output terminal 340 of CU3, and correspond to the "External Terminal Board Status Output Signal Terminals 1-2" output from the external output terminal of CU3. "Main Control State 1" includes information on jackpot + reduced spin time, high probability mode, and reduced spin time mode.

The "Gaming Machine Error Status" contains information about the error code currently occurring in the gaming machine. Specifically, in the "Gaming Machine Error Status," Bits 0 through 5 represent the error code. If Bit 6 is "0," it indicates an error on the frame control side; if it is "1," it indicates an error on the main control side. Furthermore, if Bit 6 is "0," only an alert is issued; if it is "1," an alert is issued plus output to the hall computer.

The "fraud detection state" includes "fraud detection state 1" to "fraud detection state 3". "Fraud detection state 1" shows information in Bit0 indicating that a setting change is being made on the main control board 16, and information in Bit1 indicating that a setting confirmation is being made on the main control board 16, and information in Bits 2 to 6 indicating that fraud detection status on the main control board 16, in particular board fraud 1 to 6 has been detected. "Fraud detection state 2" shows the fraud detection status on the game point control board 17, and includes information in Bit0 indicating that the front decoration has been opened, Bit1 indicating that the back mechanism has been opened, Bit2 indicating fraudulent radio wave detection, Bit3 indicating that the game ball count has been cleared, Bit4 indicating that an abnormality in the number of winning balls 1 has been detected, and Bit5 indicating that an abnormality in the number of winning balls 2 has been detected. Here, the detection of an anomaly in the number of winning balls 1 occurs when the difference between the number of winning balls detected by the main control board 16 and the number of winning balls detected by the game point control board 17 exceeds 100 balls. The detection of an anomaly in the number of winning balls 2 occurs when the difference between the number of balls launched and the total number of returned balls (number of winning balls + number of non-winning balls) exceeds 100 balls. "Fraud detection state 3" indicates the fraud detection state on the game point control board 17, and includes information indicating that small balls were detected in Bit0 and steel balls were detected in Bit1.

The "Game Information" includes information that the main control board 16 notifies the game point control board 17 of, for example, the number of times a starting gate entry, a big prize entry, and the number of times a symbol is confirmed. The "Game Information" consists of two bytes: type information (upper byte) and count information (lower byte). The type information consists of a data type and a data number, with a data number assigned to each data type.

The data type information is set for each data type value (Bits 4-7). For example, if the data type value is 1, it indicates information about a win at the starting gate. Furthermore, each data type has a data number (Bits 0-3) assigned to it; if the data number is 1, it indicates the starting gate number (e.g., starting gate 1).

The count information is set differently for each data type. When the data type is 1 = entry into the starting gate, 2 = entry into the main prize gate, 3 = entry into a prize gate, 9 = entry into the starting gate due to mechanism activation, 10 = entry into the main prize gate due to continuous mechanism activation, or 11 = entry into a prize gate due to mechanism activation, the count information consists of the number of prize balls (upper 4 bits) and the number of entries (lower 4 bits). For example, if two balls enter starting gate 1, which awards three prize balls, the game information (0x1131) will be 2 data points with the data type (Bits 4-7) being "1 = starting gate 1", data number (Bits 0-3) being "1 = starting gate 1", number of prize balls (Bits 4-7) being "3 = 3 prize balls", and number of entries (Bits 0-3) being "1 = 1 entry".

In the P-machine 2P configured as described above, similar to the processes shown in Figures 17 and 18, when CU3 receives a closing notification from the management computer 802 while it has stored one or more game balls, it may send a count notification that allows for the identification of the game ball count to the management computer 802. Based on the count notification received from CU3, the management computer 802 can identify the game ball count and use the identified number for sales calculations, etc. In this way, since the management computer 802 can identify the number of game balls stored by CU3 at the end of business based on the count notification, it is possible to prevent counting errors between CU3 and the management computer 802.

Furthermore, in machine 2P, similar to the process shown in Figure 18, CU3 may, after sending a counting notification to the management computer 802 at the end of business hours, refrain from sending another counting notification to the management computer 802 even if it receives a counting notification from machine 2P. This prevents the management computer 802 from counting the number of game balls that are to be counted multiple times.

<Configuration of the Embodiment>
(1) A gaming device (e.g., CU3) that can communicate with a gaming machine (e.g., a slot machine, a pachinko machine, etc.) that can be played using game value (e.g., game tokens, game balls),
Communication means (for example, CU control unit 323, SC board 325) for sending and receiving information between the gaming machine and the management device (for example, the management computer 802 and the hall computer 810),
The system includes a storage means (for example, a RAM provided in the CU control unit 323) that stores game values (number of tokens inserted, number of game tokens played) that can be identified based on the game machine information received by the communication means,
When business has ended (for example, when a closing notification is received), the communication means transmits to the management device specific information (notification of the number of tokens inserted, counting notification) that can identify the game value stored in the storage means (for example, the process shown in Figures 15 to 20).

According to the above configuration, the management device can identify the game value stored by the gaming machine at the end of business hours based on specific information, thereby preventing errors in the counting of game value between the gaming machine and the management device.

(2) In the gaming device described in (1) above,
When the business is closed, the communication means transmits the specific information (e.g., notification of the number of tokens inserted, notification of the number of tokens counted) which differs depending on the type of game value (e.g., the number of tokens inserted, the number of tokens played) stored in the storage means to the management device (for example, the process shown in Figures 15 to 20).

According to the above configuration, the management device can identify the game value stored by the gaming device at the end of business hours, based on specific information for each type of game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent errors in the counting of game value between the gaming device and the management device.

(3) In the gaming device described in (1) or (2) above,
The game value stored in the storage means includes the game value used to play the game in the game machine (for example, the number of tokens inserted) and other game values other than the game value used (for example, the number of game tokens played).
When the business has ended, if the value of the games played stored in the storage means is equal to or greater than a first specific number (for example, 1), the communication means transmits information that can identify the value of the games played (for example, a notification of the number of tokens inserted) to the management device as the specific information (for example, the process shown in Figures 15, 16, 19, and 20).

According to the above configuration, the management device can identify the value of games played that the gaming machine has stored at the end of business hours based on specific information, thereby preventing errors in the counting of game value between the gaming machine and the management device.

(4) In the gaming device described in (1) or (2) above,
The game value stored in the storage means includes the game value used to play the game in the game machine (for example, the number of tokens inserted) and other game values other than the game value used (for example, the number of game tokens played).
The system further includes notification means (for example, a process for sending an external notification) that detects that no game has been played on the game machine for a predetermined period of time when the value of the game used stored in the storage means is equal to or greater than a specific number (for example, 1) (for example, the process shown in Figure 13).

According to the above configuration, the gaming device can notify external parties via external notification if, despite the gaming value being set in the gaming machine, no game has been played for a predetermined period of time.

(5) In the gaming devices described in (1) to (4) above,
The game value stored in the storage means includes the game value used to play the game in the game machine (for example, the number of tokens inserted) and other game values other than the game value used (for example, the number of game tokens played).
When the business has ended, if the value of other games stored in the storage means is equal to or greater than a second specific number (for example, 1), the communication means transmits information that can identify the value of other games (for example, a counting notification) to the management device as the specific information (for example, the process shown in Figures 17 to 20).

According to the above configuration, the management device can identify the game value stored by the gaming device at the end of business hours based on specific information, thereby preventing errors in the calculation of game value between the gaming device and the management device.

(6) In the gaming devices described in (1) to (5) above,
Even if the communication means receives counting information (e.g., a counting notification) from the gaming machine indicating that the game value should be counted after the business has ended and the specific information has been transmitted to the management device, it does not transmit the information indicating that the game value should be counted (e.g., a counting notification) to the management device (for example, the process shown in Figures 16, 18, and 20).

According to the above configuration, after the gaming device transmits specific information to the management device at the end of business hours, even if it receives counting information from the gaming machine, it does not transmit information to the management device indicating that it is counting the game value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the management device from counting the game value twice.

(7) In the gaming devices described in (1) to (6) above,
When the communication means receives termination information regarding the end of business operations (for example, a closing processing notification) from the management device, it transmits the specific information to the management device.

According to the above configuration, upon receiving termination information regarding the end of business operations from the management device, the gaming device can transmit specific information that identifies the game value stored in its storage means to the management device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent errors in the calculation of game value between the gaming device and the management device at the end of business operations.

(8) In the gaming devices described in (1) to (6) above,
The system further includes a determination means (for example, a CU control unit 323) for determining whether or not the business has ended.
The communication means transmits the specific information to the management device when the determination means determines that the business has ended.

According to the above configuration, when the gaming device determines that business has ended, it can transmit specific information that identifies the game value stored in its memory to the management device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent errors in the calculation of game value between the gaming device and the management device at the end of business.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

2. Gaming machine, 3. Card unit, 11. Credit display, 16. Main control board, 17. Game point control board, 161. Main control unit, 171. Game point control unit, 309. Card insertion/ejection slot, 320. IR light receiving unit, 321. Loan button, 322. Return button, 323. CU control unit.

Claims (1)

A gaming device that can communicate with a gaming machine that can be played using game value,
A communication means for sending and receiving information between each of the aforementioned gaming machines and management devices,
The communication means includes a storage means that stores the game value based on game machine information received from the game machine ,
The game value stored in the storage means includes the game value used for playing games in the gaming machine and other game values other than the game value used.
The aforementioned communication means is
When business has ended, if the value of games played stored in the storage means is equal to or greater than a first specified number, the information of games played that can identify the value of games played is transmitted to the management device , and if the value of other games played stored in the storage means is equal to or greater than a second specified number, the information of other games that can identify the value of other games is transmitted to the management device.
A gaming device that, after the end of business and the transmission of the aforementioned gaming value information and/or other gaming value information to the management device, receives counting information from the gaming machine indicating that the gaming value has been counted, and does not transmit information that can identify the gaming value based on the counting information to the management device .