JP2005342233A - Service system by game machine manufacturer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus therefor which enable the displaying of an identifier necessary for players to participate in the events pertaining to the events to be held by game machine manufacturers as sponsors without the burden of the extra equipment costs on game parlors. <P>SOLUTION: The subject system has users' terminals 4100 and 4200 usable by the players and a managing server 2000 which is operated by the game machine manufacturers engaged in the transmission and reception of information through the Internet. The managing server 2000 has an input screen supply means which gets a screen displayed on the users' terminals 4100 and 4200 for the players to input the identifier outputted as an authentisization code necessary for the participation in the various events sponsored by the manufacturers in the game machine, a proper information analysis means which analyzes the information proper to the game machine used for the generation of the identifier received from the users' terminals 4100 and 4200 and an authenticity discriminating means which discriminates whether or not the identifier received is authentic based on the information proper to the game machine analyzed by the proper information analysis means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a service system of a gaming machine manufacturer for providing a service to a player who has visited an amusement store by hosting an event.

  Conventionally, various events performed on the premise of providing a predetermined service are one of the advertising methods widely used for the purpose of attracting customers and improving recognition, and even at game stores, other than the original game games In order to improve the ability to attract customers, for example, various game store-specific events are held, such as a return game event by excellent nails, a prize lottery event by lottery, a return game event by a specific game machine, and the like. In addition, game machine manufacturers have been making efforts to raise the name of the game machine model and company name, which are their products, by holding various events.

  In this way, events held by amusement stores and gaming machine manufacturers were divided into methods unique to gaming stores and methods unique to gaming machine manufacturers. Here, if you explain the event by lottery, which is a typical event unique to the amusement store, a lottery will be prepared at the amusement store side and the lottery will be distributed at a specific time, and a predetermined prize will be given to the winner of the lottery Service was to be performed. In this case, a player who was away for some reason during the lottery distribution time zone could not draw a lottery. In addition, it takes time and money to prepare and distribute the lottery, and there is a problem that other services in the amusement store deteriorate during the time period when the lottery is distributed.

  As a technique that can solve such a problem, for example, a lottery device for a gaming machine as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. This connects a portable telephone such as a player's mobile phone or PHS to the gaming machine, reads the telephone number of the portable telephone, and generates lottery information based on the read telephone number. Then, it is determined whether or not the generated lottery information matches the pre-stored winning information. If the lottery information and the winning information match, a notice is given (for example, screen display, buzzer). , Etc.), the contents of the amusement store employees gave the player a prize, and the amusement store's ability to attract customers was improved.

  In addition, with the recent spread of the Internet, game machine manufacturers are carrying out various events using the Internet completely apart from events at game stores. For example, the current event method of each gaming machine manufacturer is to access a gaming machine manufacturer's website established on the Internet and, for example, one or several simple passwords announced in advance by a game shop or magazine, etc. By entering, anyone could easily apply.

JP 2004-24605 A

  However, in the game machine lottery device that can be used for an event held by the conventional game store disclosed in Patent Document 1, a special device for connecting a data input / output terminal of a mobile phone is an indispensable component. It is necessary to equip each game machine as a standard with a connector, a program for reading the phone number of the phone from the portable phone via the connector, and the system as a whole becomes complicated and complicated. There was a problem that the equipment cost accompanying the introduction of the gaming machine in the amusement store increased.

  Recently, in addition to improving the amusement store's ability to attract customers through events unique to the amusement store, the gaming machine manufacturer has also held an event jointly with the amusement store, thereby improving the company's name recognition and Although it is desired to improve the ability to attract customers, the gaming machine lottery device is intended only for holding an event unique to a gaming store, so the gaming machine manufacturer and the gaming store jointly hold an event. In particular, it could not be used effectively.

  On the other hand, special events etc. are not required for events using the Internet that are conventionally held by game machine manufacturers as long as there is an environment that can be connected to the Internet. It is a fact that it is not well known to players, there are few players who are playing with event game machines, and there are many so-called sweepstakes enthusiasts who do not play games on the contrary, It was not possible to provide a fair service to players playing on event machines.

  Therefore, there is a problem that it does not contribute to the advertising effect of raising the name of the gaming machine model and the company name, which is the true purpose of the event. Moreover, as a new problem due to the so-called anonymity peculiar to the Internet, if one or several passwords are used, it can be abused for multiple applications by a small number of people, or a password that a player can know specially. However, there was concern about the possibility of duplicate applications by other players using the password.

  Furthermore, there is a system that can carry out an event that is a trinity of a game store that is a customer as viewed from a gaming machine manufacturer, a player that is a customer as viewed from a game store, and a player who is a final customer as viewed from a gaming machine manufacturer. This is a system that can easily implement such a trinity event and synergistically improve the ability to attract customers at the amusement store and increase the name recognition at the gaming machine manufacturer. Development was anxious in the gaming machine industry.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the problems of the prior art as described above, and can be held as an organizer by a gaming machine manufacturer without incurring extra equipment costs in the gaming store. Aiming to provide a service system for a gaming machine manufacturer that can be attractive and fair for the gamer, and that can be expected to have a synergistic effect of improving the ability to attract customers at the amusement store and increasing the name recognition of the gaming machine manufacturer. It is said.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the object described above resides in the inventions of the following items.
[1] In a gaming machine manufacturer's service system for a gaming machine manufacturer to host an event and provide a service to a player who visits a gaming store,
A user terminal (4100, 4200) that can be used by a player can send and receive information via a communication line, and includes a management server (2000) managed by a gaming machine manufacturer,
The management server (2000)
Providing an input screen for causing the user terminal (4100, 4200) to display a screen for allowing the player to input an identifier output from the gaming machine (1, b) as an authentication code required for participation in various events hosted by a gaming machine manufacturer Means,
Unique information analyzing means for analyzing gaming machine (1, b) or gaming machine specific information for identifying a gaming machine used to create the identifier received from the user terminal (4100, 4200);
Authenticity determination means for determining whether or not the received identifier is authentic based on the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analysis means;
A service system of a gaming machine manufacturer characterized by having at least.

[2] The management server (2000)
A unique information storage means (2410) for storing the gaming machine unique information previously acquired from the gaming machine (1, b);
The true / false determining means may include a case in which the gaming machine unique information stored in the unique information storage means (2410) matches the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means. The game machine manufacturer's service system according to [1], wherein the identifier is determined to be authentic.

  [3] The gaming machine specific information is a serial number stored in advance in an integrated circuit constituting the control device (1100, 1300) of the gaming machine (1, b) [1] or [ 2. The service system of the gaming machine manufacturer described in 2].

  [4] The identifier is obtained by converting the game machine specific information by a predetermined data conversion process so that the player can easily recognize visually by a combination of characters, symbols, symbols, or combinations thereof and colors. A service system for a gaming machine manufacturer according to [1], [2] or [3], characterized in that there is a service system.

  [5] The identifier is a combination of the gaming machine specific information combined with gaming state information related to the gaming state of the gaming machine (1, b) at the time of creation of the identifier, converted by the data conversion process. A service system of a gaming machine manufacturer according to [4], characterized in that it exists.

[6] The management server (2000)
Game state analysis means for analyzing the game state information used to create the identifier received from the user terminal (4100, 4200);
Whether the received identifier is authentic based on not only the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means but also the gaming state information analyzed by the gaming state analyzing means. The game machine manufacturer's service system according to [5], wherein it is determined whether or not.

[7] The management server (2000)
Game state information storage means (2410) for storing the game state information analyzed by the game state analysis means;
The true / false determining means may include a case in which the gaming machine unique information stored in the unique information storage means (2410) matches the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means. Further, it is determined whether or not any of the gaming state information stored in the gaming state information storage unit (2410) matches the gaming state information analyzed by the gaming state analysis unit, and the storage The game machine manufacturer service system according to [6], wherein the identifier is determined to be authentic when the analyzed game state information is not included in the game state information being played.

[8] The management server (2000)
Lottery execution means for drawing a prize when the determination result of the authenticity determination means is authentic;
Lottery result transmission means for transmitting the lottery result by the lottery execution means to the user terminal (4100, 4200);
[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], or [7].

[9] The management server (2000)
When the determination result of the authenticity determination means is authentic, it has a privilege information providing means for displaying privilege information advantageous to a player related to the game on the screen in the user terminal (4100, 4200). [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7] or [8] The service system of the gaming machine manufacturer.

[10] The management server (2000)
[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], characterized by comprising determination result transmission means for transmitting the determination result of the authenticity determination means to the user terminal (4100, 4200). , [6], [7], [8] or [9].

The present invention operates as follows.
According to the service system of a gaming machine manufacturer according to the present invention, the gaming machine manufacturer can host an event and directly provide a service to a player who has come to a gaming store. As described in [1] above, the management server (2000) managed by the gaming machine manufacturer is connected to a user terminal (4100, 4200) that can be used by a player so that information can be transmitted and received via a communication line. First, the input screen providing means of the management server (2000) causes the player connected from the user terminal (4100, 4200) to input an identifier that is an authentication code necessary for participation in various events. The screen is displayed on the user terminal (4100, 4200).

  Here, the player can participate in the event by inputting at least an identifier on the screen of the user terminal (4100, 4200). Further, the screen for inputting the identifier can naturally include advertisements for the company itself of the gaming machine manufacturer or its own products, and can improve the name recognition. Note that the user terminals (4100, 4200) are not limited to terminals such as personal computers and mobile phones / PHSs owned by the player, but also include terminals such as information management devices that can be used by the player at a game store, for example. .

  Since the identifier, which is an authentication code necessary for event participation, is output from the gaming machine (1, b), only those who have seen the identifier from the player who actually played the game are eligible to participate in the event. In other words, it is possible to give a service to those who come into contact with the game by eliminating the so-called sweepstakes mania. Further, to participate in the event, the identifier must be obtained, so the player goes to the game store and plays a game, resulting in an increase in the ability of the game store to attract customers.

  When the management server (2000) receives the identifier input by the player, the unique information analyzing means analyzes the gaming machine (1, b) used for creating the identifier or the gaming machine unique information specifying the gaming machine. Next, the authenticity determination means determines whether or not the received identifier is authentic based on the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means. Here, if the determination result of the authenticity determination means is authentic, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation by giving the player some kind of valuable service. The user can come to the store to acquire an identifier, and can cause the desire to access the management server (2000).

  By providing a service system for a gaming machine manufacturer as described above, it is possible for a gaming machine manufacturer to hold an event instead of holding an event on its own, and the amusement shop bears the expense of holding the event. Furthermore, if a player plays a game with the gaming machine (1, b), he / she can participate in the event, so that the player has more fun to participate in the event in addition to enjoying the game. The store's ability to attract customers can be further improved.

  According to the service system of the gaming machine manufacturer described in [2] above, the management server (2000) has the unique information storage means (2410) for storing the gaming machine unique information acquired from the gaming machine (1, b) in advance. The true / false determining means includes a game machine unique information stored in the unique information storage means (2410) that matches the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means. If there is, it is determined that the identifier is authentic.

  In this way, the true / false determination means determines the gaming machine unique information stored in advance in the unique information storage means (2410) and the gaming machine unique information analyzed from the identifier input by the player. Since it is possible to eliminate gaming machine specific information that is not actually shipped, fraud to event participation can be prevented.

  In addition, the gaming machine specific information which is the original data of the identifier is information for specifying the gaming machine (1, b) or the gaming machine type. Specifically, for example, as described in [3] above, The serial number stored in advance in the integrated circuit constituting the control device (1100, 1300) of the gaming machine (1, b) may be used as it is. Thereby, it becomes possible to effectively utilize different manufacturing numbers for each gaming machine (1, b) as the original data of the identifier.

  In addition, by using the production number, the same identifier is not created in the other gaming machines (1, b), and there is no possibility of the identifier being abused due to event participation or the like. For example, the gaming machine manufacturer knows the amusement shop that delivered the gaming machine (1, b) for each serial number, so the identifier of the gaming machine (1, b) delivered to Hokkaido is assumed to be a participant in Kyushu. Will immediately tell you that the identifier has been abused.

  In addition, as described in [4] above, an identifier is visually recognized by the player by combining the gaming machine specific information with a predetermined data conversion process, by combining characters, symbols, symbols, or combinations thereof with colors. It is recommended that the conversion is performed with ease. Such an identifier can be easily created by using only the original configuration of the gaming machine by using the gaming machine unique information originally provided as an attribute in all gaming machines (1, b).

  That is, in the gaming machine (1, b), it is possible to easily create an identifier as an event participation qualification in various patterns without requiring external input of special data for creating the identifier. By using such an identifier as an authentication code necessary for participation in various events hosted by the gaming machine manufacturer, it becomes easy for the gaming machine manufacturer to directly hold the event for the player who is the final customer.

  By the way, when the identifier is created using the manufacturing number of the gaming machine (1, b), the identifier created in the same gaming machine (1, b) is basically the same. If the identifier is abused in the same district, the machine manufacturer will not be able to tell the true / false distinction. Therefore, as described in [5] above, a combination of the gaming machine specific information and gaming state information related to the gaming state of the gaming machine (1, b) at the time of creating the identifier is combined with the data conversion process. It is good to convert it into an identifier.

  Since the gaming state of the gaming machine (1, b) at the time of creating the identifier changes every moment, and the gaming state information related to this gaming state is rich in variations, the gaming machine in one gaming machine (1, b) Even if the unique information is uniform, it is possible to create an identifier that does not overlap each other based on the data of the gaming machine (1, b) only by combining various game state information at that time. For this reason, it is very rare that the same identifier is created even in the same district, and the abuse of the identifier in event participation can be prevented, and the service can be imparted to event participants fairly.

  According to the gaming machine manufacturer's service system described in [6] above, the management server (2000) analyzes the gaming state information used to create the identifier received from the user terminal (4100, 4200). The authenticity determination means is adapted to verify whether the received identifier is authentic based on not only the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means but also the gaming state information analyzed by the gaming state analyzing means. It is determined whether or not. In this way, by determining the game state information in addition to the gaming machine specific information and determining the authenticity of the identifier, it is possible to more reliably prevent the abuse of the identifier such as a double application for event participation.

  More specifically, as described in [7] above, the management server (2000) includes a game state information storage unit (2410) for storing the game state information analyzed by the game state analysis unit. In the case where the true / false determination means has a match with the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means in the gaming machine unique information stored in the unique information storage means (2410). In addition, it is determined whether there is any game state information stored in the gaming state information storage means (2410) that matches the gaming state information analyzed by the gaming state analysis means, If the analyzed game state information is not included in the stored game state information, the identifier may be determined to be determined to be authentic.

  By the way, when the determination result of the authenticity determination means is authentic, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation by providing some valuable service to the player. Here, various specific contents of the service can be considered. For example, as described in [8] above, when the determination result of the authenticity determination unit is authentic, the lottery execution of the management server (2000) is executed. The prizes may be drawn by means, and the lottery results sent by the lottery execution means may be sent to the user terminals (4100, 4200) by the lottery result sending means in the management server (2000).

  Of course, the event participation service is not limited to the awarding of prizes by lottery. For example, as described in [9] above, when the determination result of the authenticity determination means is authentic, the management server Even if the privilege information providing means of (2000) causes the user terminal (4100, 4200) to display on the screen privilege information (such as disclosure of a service stand or a capture method) advantageous to a player related to the game, Can be fascinated.

  In addition, as described in [10] above, if the determination result transmission means of the management server (2000) transmits the determination result of the authenticity determination means to the user terminal (4100, 4200), that fact. Can be surely notified to the player, and illegal event participation can be prevented more reliably.

  According to the service system of the gaming machine manufacturer according to the present invention, it is possible to hold an event at the gaming machine manufacturer side instead of holding an event by itself, and the gaming shop reduces the burden of expenses due to the event holding. In addition, if a player plays a game on a gaming machine, he / she can participate in the event, so that the player has more fun to participate in the event in addition to enjoying the game. You can plan even more.

  In addition, an identifier, which is an authentication code necessary for participating in an event, is a character, a design, a symbol, a combination of these, or a combination of these and a color, by performing a predetermined data conversion process on the gaming machine specific information for identifying a gaming machine or a gaming machine. Since it is assumed that all the gaming machines originally have an attribute as an attribute by using the combination, it is assumed that the player easily recognizes it visually, so that a special identifier for creating an identifier from outside is used in the gaming machine. It is possible to easily create a game machine with only the original configuration without requiring data input.

  Furthermore, a combination of gaming machine specific information and gaming state information related to the gaming state of the gaming machine at the time of creation of the identifier is converted into an identifier by the data conversion process, thereby allowing a single gaming machine to play a game. Even if the machine-specific information is uniform, it is possible to create identifiers that do not overlap each other based on the data of the gaming machine alone by combining various game state information from time to time. The abuse of the identifier can be prevented, and the service can be imparted to the event participants fairly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments representing the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.
The service system of the gaming machine maker according to the present embodiment is for providing a service to a player who has visited an amusement store (pachinko hall) by hosting an event.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the service system of a gaming machine manufacturer can be used by a player who transmits / receives information to / from the management server 2000 via a communication line such as the Internet in addition to the management server 2000 managed by the gaming machine manufacturer. A personal computer 4100 as a simple user terminal, a mobile phone 4200, and gaming machines 1 and b installed in a gaming store, a gaming machine shipment management device 3000 managed by a gaming machine manufacturer, and the like.

  Among these, the gaming machines 1 and b execute an original game of the gaming machine and execute creation and display output of an identifier serving as an authentication code for participating in the event. As shown in FIG. 2. A gaming machine main body 1 that executes a game for launching a game ball (hereinafter also referred to as “ball”) on the card 2 and a card unit (CR ball lending machine) b that lends a game ball by inserting a valuable card attached thereto. Become.

First, an outline of the entire gaming machine main body 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the gaming machine main body 1 and the card unit b. The gaming machine main body 1 includes a gaming machine state lamp 422 for notifying a special gaming state by lighting, a glass frame 11 formed in a frame shape to fix the front glass, and a glass frame for detecting the opening of the glass frame 11 A release detection switch 132 and a game board 2 to which a game ball launched by a player moves and a part for advancing the game are attached and are detachable are provided.

  On the lower surface of the glass frame 11, an upper receiving tray 3 for storing balls and prize balls, a lower receiving tray 4 for storing balls overflowing from the upper receiving tray 3, and a ball stored in the upper receiving tray 3 are extracted. An upper tray ball removal lever 7, a lower tray ball removal lever 8 for extracting a ball stored in the lower reception tray 4, and a handle 5 for a player to perform a hitting operation are provided. Further, the handle 5 is provided with a firing stop switch 652 for stopping the firing of the ball. An ashtray 6 for smokers is also provided beside the lower tray 4.

  Furthermore, as a device for the player to operate the card unit b, a frequency display unit 12 for displaying and confirming the remaining frequency of the valuable value card, a lending button 9 for instructing a lending game ball, A return button 10 for instructing the return of the valuable card is provided in the vicinity of the upper tray 3, and these output terminals are respectively connected to the operation panel board a on the back of the gaming machine.

  Although not shown, on the back surface of the gaming machine main body 1, control boards and parts for various functions constituting the control device are arranged. As shown in FIG. 4, the configuration of the control board includes a main board 1100 that manages and controls the operation of the entire game, and control of prize ball payout operation by receiving instruction information from the main board 1100 by parallel communication. And a payout control board 200 for controlling the lending operation by communicating with the card unit b through the card unit connection board 900, and external information for the board connected to an external device (one jackpot signal, two jackpot signals, symbol) A board external terminal board 850 is provided for outputting a (definite number of times signal).

  Furthermore, as a control board, an effect control board 1300 that performs display control and voice control, a launch control board 600 that controls the launch of a game ball, a launch motor 653 that is controlled by the launch control board 600, and a predetermined power for each board Power supply board 1700 for supplying the ball, the prize ball information from the main board 1100, the ball lending information from the payout control board 200, and the detection information of the prize ball tank ball presence / absence switch 801 are externally outputted. In addition, a card unit connection board 900 and the like for connection to the card unit b are also provided.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board 2. On the front side of the game board 2, a guide rail 16 for guiding the launched game ball to the game area 17, a nail (not shown) and a windmill for changing the flow of the game ball guided to the game area 17 15, each winning opening, normal symbol operation gates 26 a and 26 b, lamps and LEDs that are decoration devices, a variable display device 310 that performs variable display of identification information, a normal symbol display device 140, and the like.

  Further, at the lowermost part of the game board 2, there is provided an out port 29 for discharging a ball that has fallen without entering any of the winning ports in the game area 17 to the outside of the gaming machine. When a ball enters the out port 29, no special privilege is given to the player, and no prize ball is paid out. Furthermore, as a lamp or LED as a decoration device, a special symbol holding LED 420 for notifying the player of the number of balls to be held for operating the variable display device 310 (upper limit is 4 for example) and a normal symbol display device 140 are operated. A normal symbol hold LED 421, a side case lamp 423, a game frame state LED 424, a center LED 425, a gate LED 426, an attacker LED 427, a side LED 428, etc. for informing the player of the number of balls to be held (upper limit is 4 for example). Is provided.

  Each winning opening includes a start opening 21, a right sleeve winning opening 22a, a left sleeve winning opening 22b, a right dropping winning opening 23a, a left dropping winning opening 23b, a large winning opening 24, and the like. When a game ball wins each winning opening, a winning ball is detected by a switch attached to each winning opening, and a predetermined number of winning balls assigned to each winning opening are paid out each time a winning ball is detected. The right and left normal symbol operation gates 26a and 26b are passage openings, and no prize balls are paid out even if game balls pass.

  Of these, the starting port 21 is a winning port for securing the right to execute variable display (display game) executed on the variable display device 310, and the big winning port 24 gives a predetermined game value to the player. The right normal symbol operating gate 26a and the left normal symbol operating gate 26b are used to generate a variable game (ordinary symbol game) to be executed on the normal symbol display device 140. It is a passage for securing the.

  Each winning opening is provided with a switch comprising an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like that detects a winning game ball. As shown in FIG. 4, as a switch for detecting a winning ball of each winning opening, a start opening switch 121, a right sleeve winning opening switch 122a, a left sleeve winning opening switch 122b, a right dropping winning opening switch 123a, and a left dropping winning combination are provided. A mouth switch 123b and the like are installed in each winning opening. At the winning opening of the big winning opening 24, an accessory continuous action device switch 124 and a count switch 125 are provided. The switch for each winning opening is provided in the vicinity of each winning opening, but it can also be arranged on the passage until the winning ball is discharged out of the gaming machine.

  When a ball is won in each winning opening, it is detected by each winning opening switch, and each time it is detected, the next predetermined winning ball assigned to each winning opening is paid out. 5 in the start opening 21, right sleeve winning opening 22 a, left sleeve winning opening 22 b, right dropping winning opening 23 a, 8 in left dropping winning opening 23 b, large winning opening 24 (the consecutive action device switch 124 and the count 15 for the winning ball detection by the switch 125). Further, as a switch for detecting a game ball for operating the normal symbol display device 140, the right normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126a is provided in the right normal symbol display device operation gate 26a, and the left normal symbol display device operation gate switch. 126b is provided in the left normal symbol operation gate 26b.

  The related devices for variably operating the winning combination include a large winning opening solenoid 134 for opening and closing the door of the large winning opening 24, and the flow of the ball that has won the large winning opening 24 as the above-mentioned continuous moving apparatus switch 124 and a count switch. There are provided a direction switching solenoid 135 for switching to any one of the directions 125, and a normal electric combination solenoid 136 for expanding / contracting the start port 21 which is a normal electric combination.

Next, the main components on the game board 2 will be described in more detail.
The starting port 21 is generally called a starting chucker, and a pair of movable pieces are rotatably provided at the left and right ends of the winning port. Each of these movable pieces can be expanded / contracted by a drive source comprising a normal electric accessory solenoid 136. The start port 21 is configured as a so-called electric tulip accessory that changes between a normal contracted state in which a ball is difficult to win and an expanded state in which a winning is easily achieved by expanding and contracting each movable piece. Even if each movable piece is in the contracted state, the winning opening of the start opening 21 is open to the extent that it is difficult for the ball to win.

  Each movable piece of the starting port 21 operates based on the display result of variable display in the normal symbol display device 140. The normal symbol display device 140 performs variable display by turning on two LEDs provided on the left and right sides, and “win” and “off” are assigned to the LEDs provided on the left and right, respectively, and the display result is “win”. Then, each movable piece of the start port 21 is temporarily operated from a normal contracted state where the ball is difficult to win to an expanded state where it is easy to win. In addition to these two LED lights, as a variable display of normal symbols, a 7-segment display may be used, or it may be displayed in a part of the display area of the variable display device 310.

  In the normal symbol display device 140, when the passing of the game ball is detected by the left and right normal symbol display device operation gate switches 126a and 126b, the right of variable display is acquired, and variable display is performed based on this right. The variable display is started by alternately blinking the left and right LEDs of the normal symbol display device 140. When the variable display is performed for a predetermined time and stopped, either the left or right lighting is displayed, and the player visually confirms the determination result as the display result. can do. The normal symbol display device operation gate switches 126a and 126b on the left and right may be configured by various sensors such as an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, or a magnetic sensor, for example.

  When the normal symbol display device 140 is variably displayed and the game balls passed by the right and left normal symbol display device operation gate switches 126a and 126b are detected, the right of the normal symbol game in the normal symbol display device 140 is acquired. Is put on hold, and the regular symbol game currently in progress is digested, and then the held rights are sequentially digested. The number of normal symbol games held is, for example, an upper limit of 4 and is notified by the normal symbol hold LED 421.

  The winning of a game ball at the start port 21 is set as a start condition for executing a display game on the variable display device 310 described below. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the start port 21 has a start port switch 121 for detecting a winning of a game ball inside, and when a winning game ball is detected by the start port switch 121, the variable display device 310. The right to execute the variable display is acquired and the display game is performed.

  The variable display device 310 is also referred to as a so-called special symbol display device, and includes a display area in which a plurality of types of symbols can be variably displayed as various images on the screen, and is configured by a liquid crystal unit. It is also possible to employ a CRT display, a drum unit, a 7 segment display, or the like. When a game ball wins the start opening 21, the right of display game in the variable display device 310 is acquired, and the display game is executed.

  In the display game, the variation of the identification information is developed as if it is a symbol matching game in the slot machine as a whole. That is, when the display game is started, after the plurality of types of identification information are scrolled and fluctuated in three horizontal rows on the display area, the three symbols are stopped and displayed. If the combination of symbols finally determined to stop is determined to be a predetermined specific combination (specific display mode), a special gaming state (big hit) is established. In addition, before the specific display mode is determined, one central symbol that stops last is left, and a display mode in which the left and right symbols that have already stopped correspond to “reach display”.

  When the display result of the display game is finally determined in the specific display mode, a special game state can be formed in which the special winning opening 24 described below is repeatedly opened and closed a predetermined number of times. When the display result when the display game is stopped and confirmed is not finally confirmed in the specific display mode, it corresponds to the out-of-display mode. The identification information used for the display game is not limited to numbers and symbols of 0 to 9, but may be information imitating a specific character, for example.

  In addition, the display result of the display game is arranged in any of the probability variation patterns (for example, “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”) which are the specific identification information among the identification information. When the specific display mode (probability change jackpot) is confirmed, a special game state with a probability variation state occurs. That is, when the specific display mode (probability jackpot) arranged in the probability variation pattern is confirmed, the display result of the display game is the specific display mode until the next special game state occurs after the special game state generated based on this is completed. The probability of being fixed to changes to a high probability.

  As described above, a gaming state having an increased probability of being confirmed in a specific display mode as compared with a normal gaming state (low probability state) is a probability variation state (also referred to as “probability variation state” / “probability variation mode”). is there. Further, during the probability variation state, a time shortening state (or also referred to as “time-short state” / “time-short mode”) in which the variation time of the display game is shortened is also generated.

  On the other hand, the display result of the display game is one of the non-probable variables (for example, “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”) which is non-specific identification information among the identification information. When the specific display mode (non-probable change jackpot) is confirmed, a special game state with only a time reduction state is generated without a probability variation state. In other words, when the specific display mode (non-probable big hits) arranged with non-probable variation symbols is confirmed, after the special game state generated based on this is finished, the variation time in the display game after the next time is limited to the predetermined number of short-time fluctuations Will be shortened.

  If a game ball wins at the start port 21 during the execution of the display game described above or during the occurrence of a special game state to be described later, the right to execute the display game is acquired but is put on hold and is currently in progress. After the display game and the like are finished, the held rights are sequentially digested. Here, the upper limit of the number of display game execution rights held is set to four, and the number is notified by the special symbol hold LED 420. Note that the configuration of the special symbol hold LED 420 may be omitted, and the number of held balls may be displayed on the variable display device 310.

  The big winning opening 24 is generally called an attacker, and the winning opening is not a game ball won by the operation of a drive source such as a solenoid (large winning opening solenoid 134, direction switching solenoid 135) or the like. It is comprised so that it can change into a closed state and an open state which is easy to win. The door that opens and closes the winning opening of the big winning opening 24 is opened by tilting forward with its lower end as a swing center.

  The special prize opening solenoid 134 operates to open and close the door of the special prize opening 24 a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) when the special gaming state is established. The direction switching solenoid 135 operates the passage member so as to guide the winning ball to the accessory continuous actuating device switch 124 side in a state where the door of the big winning opening 24 is opened. When the winning ball is detected, next, the passage member is operated so as to guide the winning ball to the count switch 125 side.

  That is, the special winning opening 24 is controlled to be opened and closed so as to be in a special game state when the display game is in a specific display mode. Here, the special game state is a state in which an opening / closing operation of maintaining the open state for a predetermined time and then returning to the closed state for a short time is repeatedly executed up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10) wins the grand prize opening 24 or when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses, the door of the big prize opening 24 is closed. And when a series of operation | movement is complete | finished by the said predetermined number of times, the said special game state will be complete | finished. Here, the number of times of opening and closing the special winning opening 24 in the special gaming state is called a round.

  In addition, a special area is provided inside the special winning opening 24, and at least one game ball wins in the specific area for each round, and the accessory continuous action device switch 124 in the specific area. It is a continuation condition for shifting to the next round that the winning game ball is detected by. In other words, if no game ball is detected by the accessory continuous actuating device switch 124 for each round, the special game state is terminated halfway.

Next, various control boards used for controlling the gaming machine main body 1 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing various control boards and related components used for controlling the gaming machine main body 1. FIG. 4 shows a main board 1100, a payout control board 200, an effect control board 1300, a launch control board 600, a power supply board 1700, and the like as control boards. The main board 1100 controls the entire gaming machine. It is a substrate.

  The main board 1100 has a function as a gaming machine specific information reading means for reading gaming machine specific information for identifying a gaming machine or a gaming machine from its storage destination, and the effect control board 1300 stores the gaming machine specific information as predetermined data. The conversion process comprises a character, a design, a symbol, or a combination thereof, or a combination of these and a color, and has a function as data conversion execution means for converting the identifier into an identifier that can be easily recognized by the player. Needless to say, the realization of these functions is not limited to any one of the specific substrates 1100 and 1300.

  Here, the gaming machine specific information is information for specifying a gaming machine or a gaming machine type, for example, a different gaming machine manufacturing number for each gaming machine, or a gaming machine unique information, There is unique information specific to the model stored in the control ROM and image and / or audio data. Among these, the gaming machine serial number is a serial number stored in advance in an integrated circuit constituting the control device of the gaming machine, and specifically corresponds to the serial number inside the CPU 1102 of the main board 1100.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the address map connected to the CPU 1102 mounted on the one-chip microcomputer 1101 is mainly composed of five areas, and a user program ROM area (user can freely use) ROM 1103), user work RAM area (RAM 1104), HW parameter area (ROM 1103) for CPU operation / setting, security area (ROM 1103) that can be used only by IC manufacturers, and memory mapped I / O area Become.

  In the HW parameter area (ROM 1103), an arithmetic processing program for a special CPU dedicated to a gaming machine manufacturer is stored, and in the security area (ROM 1103), security codes and data are encrypted to store internal logic. In addition to storing data for normal operation, an ID unique to the IC is stored by a special ROM writer at the time of shipment of the IC manufacturer (manufacturer). The security area (ROM 1103) is configured and controlled by hard logic inside the one-chip microcomputer 1101 so that even a ROM reader / writer dedicated to the one-chip microcomputer 1101 cannot read and write.

  As described above, in order to operate the one-chip microcomputer 1101 normally, the security area data is read by the CPU 1102 when the power is turned on, and the internal logic is changed in software. At this time, an ID in the data of the security area is acquired as gaming machine specific information, and the acquired ID is transmitted to the effect control board 1300. Since it is transmitted to the outside even inside the gaming machine, it is encrypted by the encryption means and output to the effect control board 1300. It will be the same work when reset.

  In the present embodiment, when the gaming machine body 1 is turned on, the security code and data are encrypted and the data for operating the internal logic normally is read, and accordingly, the IC-specific ID is acquired as the gaming machine serial number. It is set to be possible. Alternatively, as another example, a manufacturing number or a management number inside a commercially available control ROM 1310 mounted on the effect control board 1300 may be used as the gaming machine specific information.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the production number or management number in the management area in the control ROM 1310 can be used. Unlike the main board 1100, the manufacturing number for the control ROM 1310 is not particularly restricted and can be written by a gaming machine manufacturer. However, generally, a commercially available general-purpose ROM is used. In reality, it is considered that it is actually difficult to write a new serial number or the like in the general-purpose ROM.

  Of course, the gaming machine specific information is not limited to a different gaming machine serial number or the like for each of these gaming machines. For example, as the gaming machine specific information, the control ROM of each control board, the image And / or model-specific unique information stored in the audio data may be employed. Specifically, it corresponds to a unique character used in a variable display game peculiar to a certain model, image data such as a background, and the like. In the present embodiment, the display control, the lighting control, and the voice control are configured to be collectively performed by the effect control board 1300. However, when the display control is performed by an independent display control board, The manufacturing number or management number in the management area in the display control ROM mounted on the display control board may be used.

  The identifier created by the data conversion execution means based on such game machine specific information is stored in, for example, an identifier storage means corresponding to the control RAM 1311 in the effect control board 1300. In addition, when the specific condition is established in the gaming machine, the effect control board 1300 reads the identifier from the identifier storage unit as an authentication code necessary for participation in various events, and displays the identifier on the screen of the variable display device 310. It has a function as a display control means for outputting in a visible manner. The details of the identifier creation method and the created identifier display method will be described later.

  FIG. 5 shows details of the main board 1100. The main board 1100 operates based on the clock generated by the clock circuit 1110 inside the main board. The CPU 1102 executes timer interrupt processing at regular time intervals by inputting an interrupt signal at regular time intervals obtained by dividing the clock generated by the clock circuit 1110 by the internal timer 1107 to the CPU 1102. The CPU 1102 performs a series of operations by executing, for each interrupt, a process divided so as to end in a time shorter than the timer setting time interval.

  Start opening switch 121, right normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126a, left normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126b, right sleeve winning port switch 122a, left sleeve winning port switch 122b, right dropping winning port switch 123a, left dropping winning port Each of the switches 123b is a switch for detecting a winning of a game ball, and input signals from these switches are input to the input interface circuit 1115a.

  Each input signal from the accessory continuous operation device switch 124, the count switch 125, the right prize ball detection switch 130a, the left prize ball detection switch 130b, the shot ball break switch 131, the glass frame open detection switch 132, and the overflow switch 133 is input. It is input to the interface circuit 1115b.

  The addresses of the input interface circuits 1115a and 1115b are set in the address space of the CPU 1102 by the memory mapped I / O method. The address select circuit 1113 decodes the address signal and the write / read control signal output from the CPU 1102 in accordance with the system clock output from the CPU 1102, thereby generating a chip select signal.

  When the input interface circuits 1115a and 1115b are selected by the chip select signal, the input signals from the start port switch 121 and the like are output to the data bus through the input interface circuits 1115a and 1115b. Each input signal on the data bus is specified for each input signal after it has been detected multiple times and chattering prevention processing is performed until the next interrupt processing is executed by an interrupt signal generated at regular intervals. The stored RAM area (RAM 1104) is stored.

  The input signal from the start port switch 121 is a five-point ball signal, and is input from the right sleeve winning port switch 122a, the left sleeve winning port switch 122b, the right dropping winning port switch 123a, and the left dropping winning port switch 123b. Each signal is treated as a prize ball signal for eight prize balls, and further, an input signal from the accessory continuous actuator switch 124 and the count switch 125 is treated as a prize ball signal for 15 prize balls. The number is stored in each designated RAM area. At the same time, the total number of winning balls is calculated by the CPU 1102 and stored in a designated RAM area. The payout of the switch provided at each winning opening is fixed, but the number of payouts can be changed according to the specifications of the gaming machine.

  In addition, random numbers are acquired for input signals from the start port switch 121, the right normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126a, and the left normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126b, and these values are obtained as random number values in the RAM area. Based on this data stored in the storage area, the gaming state, gaming effects, etc. of the gaming machine main body 1 are set, and the gaming state, gaming effects, etc. are sequentially output to each control board.

  Output data to each control board passes through a buffer 1114 provided in the middle of the data bus, and is further output to the latch circuits 1116a to 1116e through the output data bus. By disposing the buffer 1114 in the middle of the data bus connecting the output latch circuits 1116a to 1116e and the CPU 1102, the bus signal flows in one direction, which is a countermeasure against fraud.

  There are data in the starting ball switch 5 prize ball RAM area, left and right sleeve winning prize switch, left and right drop prize opening switch 8 prize ball RAM area, accessory continuous actuator switch, 15 count switch prize ball RAM area, The CPU 1102 sequentially outputs 8-bit prize ball data set for each prize ball number to the latch circuit 1116a through the data bus and the output data bus. In synchronization with this, an interrupt signal for the payout control board 200 and a control signal for the strobe signal are output to the latch circuit 1116c through the data bus and the output data bus.

  When the chip select signal decoded by the address decoding circuit 1113 controlled by the memory mapped I / O is sequentially output to the latch circuit 1116a and the latch circuit 1116c, the 8-bit prize ball data is interrupted to the latch circuit 1116a. The control signal of the signal and the strobe signal is latched by the latch circuit 1116c, and the output signal composed of the 8-bit parallel prize ball output signal, the interrupt signal, and the 2-bit control signal of the strobe signal is given to the payout control board 200. Output as data.

  The payout control board 200 to which the winning ball data is input controls the ball discharging mechanism to discharge the number of winning balls corresponding to the input winning ball data. The discharged prize balls are detected by the right prize ball detection switch 130a and the left prize ball detection switch 130b, input to the input interface circuit 1115b and taken into the CPU 1102, and the number of prize balls is managed. The detection signal is also output to the payout control board 200.

  Based on these detection signals, the number of prize balls actually paid out is calculated by the CPU 1102, the value is subtracted from the stored data in the RAM area, and the data of the number of prize balls is updated in real time. An output signal is output to the latch circuit 1116d for each set number of winning prize balls, and is output to the outside in synchronization with the chip select signal of the address decode circuit 1113, and for management via the frame external output terminal board 800. It is output to a computer (not shown) or the like.

  When random number values are stored in a RAM area in which random number values corresponding to input signals of the start port switch 121, the right normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126a, and the left normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126b are stored, The type of game effect (control pattern) is determined immediately before the start of variable display on the normal symbol display device 140 and variable display device 310, and the determined control pattern is transmitted to the effect control board 1300 related to the effect and generated. Data is stored in the RAM area.

  When the gaming state is the special gaming state (big hit), the control data of the big prize opening solenoid 134 is output to the latch circuit 1116b in synchronization with the effect output data, and the chip select signal from the address decoding circuit 1113 is sent to the latch circuit 1116b. Entered. As a result, the control data of the special prize opening solenoid 134 is output from the latch circuit 1116b, the special prize opening solenoid 134 is driven, the special prize opening 24 is opened and closed, and the ball can be guided to the special prize opening 24.

  When the accessory continuous operation device switch 124 arranged in a specific area inside the big prize opening 24 detects a game ball, a ball detection signal is output, and this signal is output to the data bus via the input interface circuit 1115b and taken into the CPU 1102. It is. As a result of the detection process based on the ball detection signal output from the accessory continuous actuator switch 124, the control data of the direction switching solenoid 135 is output to the latch circuit 1116b, and the direction switching solenoid 135 is braked. At the same time, round continuation data indicating whether or not to continue the big hit state to the next round is stored in the RAM area based on the ball detection signal output from the accessory continuous actuator switch 124.

  When the direction switching solenoid 135 is braked, the game balls are counted by the count switch 125 disposed in the special winning opening 24. When the total count of the data counted by the count switch 125 reaches a predetermined quantity, the output data of the latch circuit 1116b is changed, and the big winning opening solenoid 134 and the direction switching solenoid 135 are deactivated, and one big hit round Ends. When the round continuation data indicates the continuation of the round after a predetermined time, the jackpot round is further continued by the control method described above.

  When power is supplied to the main board 1100, a reset signal is supplied from the power board 1700, and each device on the main board 1100 is reset. Thereafter, the system reset signal becomes inactive, and each device transitions to the active state. When the system reset signal changes to the inactive state, the reset signal to the one-chip microcomputer 1101 becomes inactive after a lapse of a predetermined time due to delay processing by the clock synchronization / delay circuit 1111. As a result, the one-chip microcomputer 1101 enters an operating state, and the operating state of the main board 1100 is maintained. Thereafter, initial setting of the one-chip microcomputer 1101 is performed.

  When the power supply externally supplied from the gaming machine is unstable, a power failure detection signal is supplied from the power supply board 1700 to the NMI (non-maskable interrupt) 1105 of the one-chip microcomputer 1101, and the one-chip microcomputer 1101 performs a save operation for each storage area. Done. Specifically, after detecting the winning ball detection data for a certain period of time, the power failure processing determination data is stored in the RAM area to protect the RAM 1104. That is, as the power supply voltage decreases, the backup power supply DC5VBB is supplied from the power supply board 1700 to the RAM 1104, and the storage state of the RAM 1104 is maintained.

  When power is next supplied, the one-chip microcomputer 1101 performs power failure recovery processing upon recognizing that power failure processing has occurred based on the presence or absence of power failure processing determination data. If the RAM initialization signal is active during initialization, the CPU 1102 detects data in the I / O port 1106 and initializes the RAM area.

  A signal for detecting the ball breakage with the shot ball break switch 131 and a signal for detecting the ball clogging of the award ball in the lower tray 4 of the gaming machine body 1 with the overflow switch 133 are sent to the one-chip microcomputer through the input interface circuit 1115b and the data bus. 1101 is taken in. After the data conversion, these signals are output from the latch circuit 1116a to the payout control board 200 with the same configuration as the prize ball output data. The outputs of the latch circuits 1116a to 1116e are unidirectional and take an irreversible output form.

  In addition, the main board 1100 is provided with a collation output terminal 1117, which can transmit data in the ROM 1103 in the one-chip microcomputer 1101. A data request signal (serial communication) is input from the verification output terminal 1117 to the communication 1109 through the isolation input / output circuit 1112. The one-chip microcomputer 1101 outputs the data requested in response to the input data request signal from the collation output terminal 1117 through the communication 1109 and the isolation input / output circuit 1112 from the data stored in the ROM 1103.

  Through the output terminal for verification 1117, the gaming machine main body 1 performs serial communication with the gaming machine shipment management apparatus 3000 (see FIG. 1) on the gaming machine manufacturer side at the time of shipment, and transmits the model name and the gaming machine manufacturing number. As a result, the gaming machine shipment management apparatus 3000 acquires and manages the model name and gaming machine specific information from the gaming machine body 1 in advance. Note that by providing the isolation input / output circuit 1112, it is impossible to electrically connect to the outside.

Next, the effect control board 1300 shown in FIG. 6 will be described.
The effect control board 1300 is mainly used for display control of the variable display device 310 installed on the game board 2, lighting control of the normal symbol display device 140, various lamps / LEDs 420 to 428, etc., and sound effects caused by game effects on the speaker 510. This controls the operation of various effect devices installed on the game board 2, such as voice control for voice and voice.

  The effect control board 1300 is based on the clock transmitter 1316 for operating the microcomputer 1301, the control RAM 1311 for temporarily storing the information acquired by executing the effect control and storing the ID, and the control information. It has a control ROM 1310 in which a control program for performing effect control is stored, acquires control information through an input interface 1314 for inputting control information from the main board 1100, and executes a game effect based on the acquired information. .

  The microcomputer 1301 operates based on the clock generated by the clock generator 1316, and control information from the main board 1100 is input to the PIOa 1306 a and PIOj 1306 j in the microcomputer 1301 through the input interface 1314, and is variably displayed based on the input information. Display effects on the device 310 and the normal symbol display device 140, effects by lighting with various lamps / LEDs, effects by sound from the speaker 510, and the like are executed in accordance with the procedure of the program stored in the control ROM 1310.

  The reset signal from the power supply board 1700 resets the microcomputer 1301 according to the control procedure that is input from the power supply board 1700 to the microcomputer 1301 and stored in the control ROM 1310 when the gaming machine body is turned on. The control board 1300 is initialized.

  The microcomputer 1301 is connected with a first switch 1315a and a second switch 1315b as external input means. The first switch 1315a is a switch that allows an administrator (game shop) other than the player to arbitrarily change the appearance rate of the identifier, which is the probability of actually outputting the identifier on the screen of the variable display device 310. The second switch 1315b is a switch that allows an administrator (game shop) other than the player to arbitrarily change the contents of the specific condition that is a prerequisite for outputting the identifier. Details of these switches will be described later.

  Next, an image processing unit that performs display effects in the variable display device 310 will be described. In order to perform display control of the variable display device 310 installed on the game board 2, the microcomputer 1301 gives a specific instruction to the image control IC 1320 based on control information from the main board 1100.

  The image control IC 1320 operates and controls on the basis of the clock signal of the clock generator 1316. Further, according to the control information of the microcomputer 1301, the image data in the image data ROM 1322 is obtained, a specific video signal is generated, and output to the variable display device 310. In FIG. 6, the VRAM, which is an area for temporarily storing image data generated by the image control IC 1320, pallet (color) information, and the like is not shown, but the image control with the VRAM built in the image control IC 1320 is not shown. An IC 1320 is used.

  The image correction IC 1321 corrects and outputs the input image signal (analog R, G, B signals, horizontal and vertical synchronization signals) from the image control IC 1320 for the variable display device 310. The power generation circuits 1324a to 1324f supply the image processing IC 1320 and the image correction by supplying DC13V, 23V, -5V, 3.3V, and 2.5V to the image processing unit based on the power from the power supply board 1700. The IC 1321 is driven.

  Next, a lamp / LED drive circuit unit that produces an effect by light will be described. Based on the control information from the main board 1100, the lamp / LED drive circuit unit causes the lamp, LED, solenoid and the like installed on the gaming machine main body 1 and the game board 2 to perform a specific effect. Such effects are executed through the LED drive circuit a1400a, the LED drive circuit b1400b, the LED drive circuit c1400c, and the drive circuit 1401.

  Under the control of the CPU 1302, control signals are output to the LED drive circuit a1400a through the PIOb 1306b, to the LED drive circuit b1400b through the PIOc 1306c, to the LED drive circuit c1400c through the PIOd 1306d, and to the drive circuit 1401 through the PIOe 1306e. Operate the lamp and solenoid.

  Next, an audio control unit that performs an effect using sound will be described. The microcomputer 1301 outputs control information to the audio control IC 1500 in order to cause the speaker 510 installed in the gaming machine body 1 to perform a specific effect based on the control information from the main board 1100. The voice control IC 1500 divides the clock signal of the clock generator 1316 by the frequency divider 1317 and uses it as an operation clock of the voice control IC 1500. Further, according to the control information of the microcomputer 1301, the audio data in the audio data ROM 1501 is obtained, a specific audio signal is generated, and output to the speaker 510.

  The CPU 1302 outputs control information based on sound to the voice control IC 1500 through the PIOF 1306f and the PIOg 1306g. The PIOF 1306f outputs data, and the PIOF 1306g outputs control signals (chip select, read, write, etc.). The voice control IC 1500 acquires the data in the voice data ROM 1501 based on the control information from the microcomputer 1301 and converts it into a voice signal.

  In addition, onomatopoeia, sound effects, and the like are produced and output by a transmitter built in the voice control IC 1500. The audio signal from the audio control IC 1500 is output voltage adjusted by the filter 1502 to remove noise components other than audio, output to the amplifier 1503, amplified to a voltage level at which the speaker can be driven by the amplifier 1503, and output from the speaker 510. Output as sound.

Next, the management server 2000 managed by the gaming machine manufacturer will be described.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the management server 2000. The management server 2000 is provided with a CPU 2100 as means for performing various data processing. The CPU 2100 is connected to a ROM 2200 as a main memory and a RAM 2300 via a bus. The CPU 2100 operates in accordance with the system program and data stored in the ROM 2200 and the program and data loaded in the RAM 2300.

  In addition, the CPU 2100 includes, as peripheral devices, a fixed disk device 2400 for storing various information, a display means 2500 for displaying various information, a printer 2600 for printing various information, and an operating means 2700 for performing various operations. Connected through an interface. Further, a gaming machine shipment management device 3000, which will be described later, also managed by a gaming machine manufacturer, is connected to the CPU 2100 via a communication interface. Further, a personal computer 4100 of a player who is a user terminal is connected to the CPU 2100 via a communication interface for the Internet. A mobile phone 4200 is also connected.

  In this embodiment, a personal computer 4100 and a mobile phone 4200 will be described as examples of user terminals, but other examples of user terminals include PHS, personal digital assistants, CATV (cable television), WebTV (web television), and communication. This includes televisions and game machines that can receive communication services using satellites and communication satellites. Furthermore, the terminal is not limited to the one owned by the player, but is also a terminal such as an information management device that is installed in a game store and can be used by the player.

  The programs and data loaded into the RAM 2300 include a display control program 2310, an operation control program 2320, a gaming machine management information processing program 2330, a player information processing program 2340, a lottery processing program 2350, and a prize dispatch processing program 2360. is there.

  The display control program 2310 is a program that can control not only the display unit 2500 but also the display output to the gaming machine shipment management device 3000 and the user terminals 4100 and 4200. The operation control program 2320 is a program that executes the contents operated by the operation unit 2700. The gaming machine management information processing program 2330 collects various types of information such as gaming machine specific information from the gaming machine shipment management device 3000 and stores it in the gaming machine management information database 2410 of the fixed disk device 2400, or stores and accumulates data. It is a program that erases a part.

  The player information processing program 2340 collects various types of information related to the player such as user IDs from the user terminals 4100 and 4200, and stores them in the player information database 2420 of the fixed disk device 2400, or stores the stored data. It is a program that erases a part. The lottery processing program 2350 is a program for drawing prizes. The prize shipment processing program 2360 is a program for instructing the player who has won the lottery to send prizes.

  By executing these programs alone or in cooperation, input screen providing means, unique information analysis means, gaming state analysis means, authenticity determination means, determination result transmission means, lottery execution, which constitute the service system that forms the basis of the present invention Functions such as a means and a lottery result transmitting means are realized. Further, the gaming machine management information database 2410 corresponds to unique information storage means and gaming state information storage means.

  The input screen providing means is a function for causing the user terminals 4100 and 4200 to display a screen for allowing the player to input an identifier output from the gaming machine as an authentication code necessary for participation in various events hosted by the gaming machine manufacturer. Such a function is mainly realized by the display control program 2310. Here, the screen is provided in a promotional web page produced and managed by the gaming machine manufacturer, and as a gaming machine manufacturer, the player can access the web page to participate in the event. It has been created so that you can expect the advertising effect of the company itself or its own products.

  The unique information analysis means is a function of analyzing the gaming machine unique information used for creating the identifier received from the user terminals 4100 and 4200. The game state analysis means is a function of analyzing the game state information used for creating the identifier received from the user terminals 4100 and 4200. Each function of the unique information analysis means and the game state analysis means is mainly executed by the gaming machine management information processing program 2330.

  The authenticity judging means is a function for judging whether or not the received identifier is authentic based on the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means. The true / false determining means determines that if there is a piece of gaming machine unique information stored in the unique information storage means that matches the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means, the identifier is If it is “authentic” and there is no match, the identifier is set to be determined to be “false”.

  The true / false determining means determines whether or not the identifier is authentic based on not only the gaming machine specific information analyzed by the specific information analyzing means but also the gaming state information analyzed by the gaming state analyzing means. . That is, the authenticity determination means further includes the game machine unique information stored in the unique information storage means when there is a match with the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analysis means. It is determined whether there is any game state information stored in the game state information storage means that matches the game state information analyzed by the game state analysis means, and the stored game state information When there is no analyzed game state information, the identifier is finally determined to be “authentic”.

  The determination result transmission unit has a function of transmitting the determination result of the authenticity determination unit to the user terminals 4100 and 4200. The transmission data here is only a final determination result by the authenticity determination means, that is, information indicating whether the identifier is “authentic” or “false”, and is not a prize lottery result. Of course, the lottery is executed by the lottery executing means described below only when the determination result of the true / false determining means is “authentic”.

  The lottery execution means is a function for drawing a prize when the determination result of the authenticity determination means is authentic. This function is mainly realized by the lottery processing program 2350. Here, the lottery specifically refers to, for example, a random number lottery or a random function for collating a random value extracted from random values generated by a random number generating means (for example, a sampling circuit) with a predetermined winning probability table. It may be used. As a general rule, there are two lottery results: “Win (winning the prize)” or “Drop”. The winning probability table stores data associating the extracted random number value with the winning mode.

  The lottery result transmission means has a function of transmitting the lottery result by the lottery execution means, that is, information on “winning (winning a prize)” or “failure” to the user terminals 4100 and 4200. The unique information storage means stores gaming machine unique information acquired from a gaming machine in advance, and the gaming state information storage means stores gaming state information analyzed by the gaming state analysis means. .

  More specifically, the fixed disk device 2400 includes a gaming machine management information database 2410, a player information database 2420, a prize information database 2430, and a change history area 2440. The gaming machine management information database 2410 stores and manages information such as the gaming machine unique information and the gaming state information, and corresponds to the unique information storage means and the gaming state information storage means.

  The player information database 2420 corresponds to the player's user ID, password, address information, name, telephone number, and other attribute information, and a lottery log related to event participation, a winning log related to hitting a lottery result, and a prize delivery. Information such as a shipping log, a prize indicating the type of prize, and the like are stored and managed. The prize information database 2430 stores and manages information such as the type and number of prizes given as a service to a player who has won a lottery as an event. The change history area 2440 stores and manages a history regarding rewriting of data in each of the databases 2410, 2420, and 2430.

  Next, the gaming machine shipment management apparatus 3000 managed by the gaming machine manufacturer will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the gaming machine shipment management apparatus 3000. The gaming machine shipment management apparatus 3000 is provided with a CPU 3100 as means for performing various data processing. The CPU 3100 is connected to a ROM 3200 as a main memory and a RAM 3300 via a bus. The CPU 3100 operates in accordance with the system program and data stored in the ROM 3200 and the program and data loaded in the RAM 3300.

  In addition, the CPU 3100 includes a fixed disk device 3400 for storing various information, a display means 3500 for displaying various information, a printer 3600 for printing out various information, and an operating means 3700 for performing various operations as peripheral devices. Connected through an interface. In addition, to the CPU 3100, gaming machines 1 and b installed in a gaming store are connected via a communication interface.

  The programs and data loaded into the RAM 3300 include a display control program 3310, an operation control program 3320, and a gaming machine management information processing program 3330. Here, the display control program 3310 is a program for controlling display output in the display means 3500. The operation control program 3320 is a program for executing the contents operated by the operation means 3700.

  The gaming machine management information processing program 3330 collects various types of information such as gaming machine specific information from the gaming machines 1 and b, and stores them in the gaming machine management information database 3410 of the fixed disk device 3400 or stores and stores the stored data. It is a program that erases part of it. By executing this program, the gaming machine shipment management device 3000 performs serial communication with the gaming machine main body 1 via the collation output terminal 1117 (see FIG. 5) when the gaming machine is shipped. The game machine serial number is set to be acquired.

  The fixed disk device 3400 includes a gaming machine management information database 3410 and a change history area 3420. The gaming machine management information database 3410 stores and manages information such as the gaming machine specific information and the gaming state information. Further, the change history area 3420 stores and manages a history regarding rewriting of data in the gaming machine management information database 3410.

The operation of the service system will be described below.
First, based on FIGS. 11 to 13, an identifier creation method and a display method, which are prerequisites for service system operation, will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the overall flow from acquisition of gaming machine specific information (gaming machine serial number) to display of identifiers. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow from obtaining the gaming machine specific information (gaming machine serial number) from the main board 1100 until encryption and external output. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow from the acquisition of gaming machine specific information (game machine serial number) on the effect control board 1300 to the creation and display of an identifier.

First, the overall flow will be described along the flowchart of FIG.
When the gaming machine main body 1 is turned on when the game shop starts its operation, data that causes the internal logic in the CPU 1102 of the main board 1100 to operate normally is read. A machine manufacture number is acquired as gaming machine specific information (step S101). Then, during business hours, it is determined at any time whether or not the specific condition is established during the game in the gaming machine main body 1 (step S102).

  Here, the specific condition is a precondition for outputting the identifier, and the specific content can be arbitrarily changed by the second switch 1315b (see FIG. 6) by the manager (game shop) side other than the player. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, the specific condition in the present embodiment is [1] per hit (ordinary), that is, during the occurrence of a special gaming state based on non-probable change big hit, [2] per hit (probability change), During the occurrence of a special gaming state based on the probability variation jackpot, [3] Reaching, that is, when the reach display is derived in the display game, [4] When winning, that is, when the game ball wins the start opening 21, [5 ] During the change, that is, when the display game is being executed on the variable display device 310, [6] can be arbitrarily selected from [7] random at regular intervals.

  When the specific condition selected in advance is satisfied (step S102; Y), game state information related to the gaming state of the gaming machine main body 1 at the time is acquired (step S103), and data synthesis is performed in parallel therewith. A pattern is drawn (step S104). The game state information is information for specifying a game state that changes every moment during the game. Specifically, for example, the main board 1100 that controls the gaming machine main body 1 has a state, a calculated value, a display count, etc. Is stored in the RAM 1104, the information stored in the RAM 1104 may be used, or the time information may be used using an RTC (Time Information IC) or the like.

  The gaming state information is combined with the gaming machine unique information read by the gaming machine unique information reading means, and data is synthesized according to the data synthesis pattern selected by the data synthesis pattern lottery (step S105). Based on this synthesized data, it is converted into a specific identifier by a predetermined data conversion process (step S106). In this embodiment, it is assumed that identifiers are created a plurality of times and the contents of each identifier are different from each other. As described above, not only gaming machine specific information but also a combination of gaming state information is used as original data. As an identifier.

  The data conversion processing including the data synthesis is performed by data conversion execution means. As a specific method of the data conversion processing, a method as shown in FIG. That is, the read gaming machine specific information (gaming machine serial number) and the gaming state information currently stored in the RAM 1104 are synthesized so that they are continuously arranged in units of 8 bit data. In order of 10 bits, identifiers are created by converting upper 5 bits and lower 5 bits into corresponding characters, numbers, symbols, and the like based on the rules defined in the table of FIG.

  The identifier is not limited to a password (see FIG. 21 (a)) composed of a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols shown in the table of FIG. 17 (b). b))), and the key is an image that can be expressed and consists of characters, designs or symbols, or a combination of these, or a combination of these, and a color that can be easily recognized by the player. Anything is fine.

  By the way, if the identifier is created by the method shown in FIG. 17 using only the gaming machine manufacturing number as the original data, the identifier created in the same gaming machine is basically the same. Therefore, if this identifier is abused in the same district, there is a possibility that even a gaming machine maker will not know the true / false distinction, but by converting the combined data combining gaming state information into gaming machine specific information into an identifier, The probability that the same identifier is created becomes very rare, and it is possible to prevent abuse of the identifier in event participation and the like, and it is possible to impart service to event participants fairly.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the data conversion process as shown in FIG. 17 is not performed uniformly, and when an identifier is created a plurality of times, the data conversion process related to the creation of the identifier every time the identifier is created The contents of have been changed. The above-described data composition pattern lottery in step S104 in FIG. 11 is a process for changing the contents of the data conversion process. In the present embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 18 is actually performed. .

  That is, when the read gaming machine specific information (gaming machine serial number) and the gaming state information currently stored in the RAM 1104 and 1311 are combined, first, these pieces of information are allocated as image information by the number of bits. The pattern information (data synthesis pattern) for determining whether or not is selected. In the example of FIG. 18, the pattern information “sa” is selected as a pattern to be allocated in order of 2 bits. In the pattern information, a plurality of patterns different from each other such as 1 bit or 3 bits are prepared in addition to the pattern assigned in order of 2 bits.

  A series of synthesized data synthesized by any of the patterns is based on the rules defined in the table of FIG. 17B for each piece of data arranged 10 bits in order from the beginning, as in the case of FIG. The identifier is created by converting the upper 5 bits and the lower 5 bits into corresponding characters, numbers, symbols, and the like.

  If the contents of the data conversion process related to the creation of the identifier are changed every time the identifier is created in this way, the possibility that the same identifier is duplicated can be further eliminated. The method shown in FIG. 17 is also prepared as a data synthesis pattern option together with the plurality of data synthesis patterns described in FIG. 18, and one of these patterns is selected by lottery each time. You may make it do. Of course, the data conversion process for converting the gaming machine specific information or the like into an identifier is not limited to the method described with reference to FIGS.

  Next, the flow from the acquisition of the gaming machine specific information (hereinafter also referred to as a gaming machine manufacturing number) of the main board 1100 to the display timing of the identifier will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As described in step S101 of FIG. 11, when the gaming machine serial number that is the gaming machine specific information is read from the security area (see FIG. 7) of the CPU 1102 that is the storage destination (step S201), the gaming machine serial number is read. Is first encrypted for external output from the main board 1100 (step S202).

  Specific examples of the encryption method include a public key encryption method and a common key encryption method. The gaming machine serial number may be leaked by external output, but by encrypting it, it is possible to prevent the contents from being known to a third party. Here, the external output refers to the case of external output from the main board 1100 constituting the control device to the effect control board 1300 or the like in one gaming machine, or management of a gaming store that is separate from the gaming machine from the gaming machine control device. The case of outputting to a computer (not shown) is also included. Note that an encryption program for encrypting the gaming machine serial number is stored in the ROM 1103 of the one-chip microcomputer 1101, for example.

  The encrypted gaming machine serial number is transmitted to the effect control board 1300 (step S203). Further, as described in step S102 of FIG. 11, it is determined at any time during the game whether or not the specific condition is satisfied, but when the specific condition is satisfied (step S204; Y), The game state information related to the game state of the gaming machine main body 1 is acquired (step S205), and this game state information is also transmitted to the effect control board 1300 (step S206). It should be noted that there is no problem even if the gaming state information is leaked, and it is not particularly necessary to encrypt it. Further, step S204 and subsequent steps can be omitted. In this case, it is only necessary to cause the effect control board 1300 to execute the processes after step S204. The gaming machine state information can be substituted with information on a state related to the control of the effect control board 1300.

  Next, the flow from the acquisition of the gaming machine specific information (the gaming machine serial number) on the effect control board 1300 to the display of the identifier will be described along the flowchart of FIG. When the production control board 1300 obtains the gaming machine unique information encrypted and output by the main board 1100 (step S301), the gaming machine unique information is subjected to data analysis by the encryption key program (step S302). The analyzed gaming machine specific information is stored (step S303). For example, the encryption key program is stored in the control ROM 1310 of the effect control board 1300, and the analyzed gaming machine specific information is stored in the control RAM 1311.

  Similarly, when the effect control board 1300 obtains the game state information when the specific condition output from the main board 1100 is satisfied (step S304; Y), as described in step S104 of FIG. Any one of the prepared data composition patterns is selected (step S305). The game machine specific information and the gaming state information are data-synthesized in accordance with the data synthesis pattern selected here (step S306). Then, the synthesized data is converted into a specific identifier by the data conversion process detailed based on FIGS. 17 and 18 (step S307).

  The identifier created in this way is temporarily stored in the corresponding identifier storage means in the control RAM 1311 on the effect control board 1300, and on the screen of the variable display device 310 of the gaming machine as shown in FIG. The application password (authentication code) necessary for participation in various events is displayed and output so as to be visible (step S308). The display output here is controlled by the display control means. As described above, the identifier is not limited to a password consisting of a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols as shown in FIG. 21A, but is a combination of symbols such as characters as shown in FIG. Also good.

  According to the identifier creation method as described above, it is possible to easily create an identifier with only the original configuration of the gaming machine by using the gaming machine specific information originally provided as an attribute in all gaming machines. Therefore, in the gaming machine main body 1, an identifier can be easily created without requiring external input of special data for creating the identifier. The identifier can be used for a variety of purposes, such as being used for lottery of events at amusement stores, but by making the authentication code necessary for participation in various events organized by the gaming machine manufacturer, the gaming machine manufacturer can make the final customer It becomes easy to hold an event directly for a player who is.

  In addition, as in the identifier display method described above, an event is performed by outputting the identifier visibly on the screen of the variable display device 310 on condition that a specific condition is satisfied in the gaming machine. The player can be surely notified. In addition, only those who have seen the identifier of the player who actually played the game will be eligible to participate in the event, and the service will be granted to those who have come into contact with the game to eliminate so-called prize enthusiasts Can do. Furthermore, in order to participate in the event, the identifier must be obtained, so the player goes to the game store and plays a game, resulting in an improvement in the ability of the game store to attract customers.

  By the way, even when the specific condition is established in the gaming machine, it is not always necessary to output the identifier 100%, and the appearance rate that is the probability of actually outputting the identifier is the same as the change of the specific condition described above. An administrator (game shop) side other than the player can arbitrarily change the first switch 1315a (see FIG. 6). As a result, it is possible to increase the value of the identifier, and it is also easy to increase the appearance rate of the identifier or change it to a lower value according to the value of the value of the service provided by the event.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, in the present embodiment, when the gaming machine unique information is used as the original data for creating the identifier (indicated as “with unique information” in FIG. 19), “1” ”, That is, the appearance rate is high,“ medium ”in [2], that is, the appearance rate is medium,“ low ”in [3], that is, the appearance rate is low, and“ very small ”in [4], that is, the appearance rate is extremely high It can be arbitrarily selected from among the low values by operating the first switch 1315a.

  Here, the lower the appearance rate, the more valuable the identifier. For example, when the prizes of the event are gorgeous, it is considered appropriate to select “4” as the appearance rate. Further, “no unique information” in FIG. 19 is a case where an identifier is created without using gaming machine unique information. For example, it may be used for spot lottery at an amusement store. Even in such a case, the appearance rate can be selected from four types of “many”, “medium”, “small”, and “very small”. Note that as [9], it is possible to select not to create an identifier at all.

  Further, as described above, the specific condition itself can be arbitrarily changed by the second switch 1315b (see FIG. 6) on the manager (gaming store) side other than the player, but as one of the specific conditions in the gaming machine, Alternatively, as a requirement weighted to a specific condition, an identifier may be created or output based on a predetermined operation by the player's intention. This encourages players to be aware of their participation, and can support both players who want to participate in the event and players who are not interested in the event, and the player can display or hide the identifier. You can choose freely. It is also possible to give the player time to prepare a note of the identifier.

  Here, as the predetermined operation, for example, an operation using an external input switch or a touch panel provided on the front side of the gaming machine can be considered. More specifically, a push-button type external input switch is provided on the edge of the upper tray 3 with sufficient space, or a touch panel is provided on the screen of the variable display device 310 or the glass surface in the glass frame 11. Also good. Furthermore, the player's intention is increased by allowing the player to win a ball at a specific winning opening provided in the game area 17 or passing the ball on a guide rail 16 of the game board 2 or a specific part of the game area 17. It may be configured to allow input.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, before the identifier is displayed on the screen of the variable display device 310, the identifier may be output in advance. Thereby, the player's attention to the appearance of the identifier can be alerted. Specifically, for example, on the screen of the variable display device 310, a message such as “Your application password will be issued!” Or a special lamp or LED is displayed before the identifier is displayed. May be turned on, or a warning sound may be output from the speaker 510.

  Further, when the identifier is displayed and output, it may be notified separately from the output of the identifier. As a result, the player can be surely notified of the appearance of the identifier. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, on the screen of the variable display device 310, a message such as “Your password for application! Alternatively, a decorative lamp or LED may be turned on in a special manner, or a notification sound may be output from the speaker 510.

  Furthermore, after the identifier is output, a recording medium on which the identifier is recorded may be issued to the player. This eliminates the inconvenience of the player trying to memorize or writing down the identifier. Specifically, for example, if the cost is not taken into account, a ticket issuing device comprising a small printer is attached to the gaming machine body 1 and a receipt printed with an identifier is output, or a card unit b attached to the CR machine is used. Thus, the identifier may be recorded on the card.

  As described above, the notification of the output of the identifier or the notification that it has been output can be performed by displaying on the screen of the variable display device 310 or by lighting a lamp or LED, or by outputting sound from the speaker 510. However, it is technically possible to output the identifier not only by display but also by sound from the speaker 510 from the same idea.

  Hereinafter, the operation procedure of the service system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow until the management server 2000 registers the gaming machine specific information. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow from the display of the identifier until it is determined whether or not the identifier input by the player is authentic. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow until the management server 2000 ships prizes.

  First, the flow until the management server 2000 registers the gaming machine specific information will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When a gaming machine manufacturer ships a gaming machine, it performs serial communication with the gaming machine shipment management apparatus 3000 via the matching output terminal 1117 (see FIG. 5) of the gaming machine, and the model name of the gaming machine to be shipped The gaming machine manufacturing number is registered in the gaming machine shipping management apparatus 3000 (step S401).

  The gaming machine shipment management device 3000 acquires the model name and the gaming machine serial number from the gaming machine by executing the gaming machine management information processing program 3330 shown in FIG. 10, and stores it in the gaming machine management information database 3410 of the fixed disk device 3400. Remember. Subsequently, the management server 2000 communicates with the gaming machine shipment management device 3000 via a wired or wireless dedicated communication line to obtain the model name and gaming machine serial number of the shipped gaming machine (step In step S403, these pieces of information are also registered in the management server 2000 (step S403).

  The management server 2000 acquires the model name and gaming machine serial number of the gaming machine from the gaming machine shipment management device 3000 by executing the gaming machine management information processing program 2330 shown in FIG. 9, and the gaming machine management information of the fixed disk device 2400 It is stored in the database 2410. This allows the gaming machine manufacturer to grasp the gaming machine serial number of the gaming machine actually shipped as the gaming machine specific information of each gaming machine in association with the data relating to the gaming store that shipped the gaming machine. Managed.

  Next, the flow from the display of the identifier to the determination of whether or not the identifier input by the player is authentic will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. An authentication code required for participation in an event hosted by a gaming machine manufacturer is created and displayed on the gaming machine as described above with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 (step S501). Thereby, only the player who actually played the game at the game store can obtain the identifier that becomes the event participation qualification.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the player who has obtained the identifier accesses the web page of the gaming machine manufacturer from the personal computer 4100 or the mobile phone 4200 which is a user terminal via the Internet. In response to this access, the management server 2000 causes the user terminals 4100 and 4200 to display a screen for entering a user ID and a user password (see FIG. 23A). Such a screen is included in a web page established by a gaming machine manufacturer, and is created using, for example, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language).

  When the player inputs a user ID and a user password in a predetermined entry field from the input screen (step S502), the management server 2000 uses the received user ID and user password as the player information database 2420 (see FIG. 9). (Step S503). Subsequently, the management server 2000 displays a screen (see FIG. 23B) for inputting an identifier on the user terminals 4100 and 4200 by the input screen providing means.

  Thus, since the identifier that is the authentication code necessary for participation in the event is output in the gaming machine (step S501), only the person who has seen the identifier by the player who actually played the game is notified of the event. You will be given a qualification for participation, and you can give out services to those who have been in contact with the game to eliminate so-called prize enthusiasts. Further, to participate in the event, the identifier must be obtained, so the player goes to the game store and plays a game, resulting in an increase in the ability of the game store to attract customers.

  When the player inputs the identifier (“gaming machine password” in FIG. 23B) on the identifier input screen (step S 504), the unique information analysis means and the game state analysis means of the management server 2000 each have the user terminal 4100. , 4200, the game machine specific information and the game state information used to create the identifier are analyzed (step S505). Based on the analysis result here, the authenticity determination means of the management server 2000 determines whether or not the received identifier is authentic.

  As an analysis method of gaming machine specific information and gaming state information, specifically, for example, when the data conversion processing including data synthesis related to creation of an identifier is the method shown in FIG. First, based on the rules defined in the table of FIG. 17B, characters, numbers, symbols, etc. constituting the identifier are converted into binary numbers, and then data composition or conversion relating to creation of the identifier is performed as shown in FIG. By the method of tracing the reverse of the above, it is possible to determine the gaming machine specific information and the gaming state information which are the original data used for the creation from the identifier.

  Further, when the data conversion process including the data synthesis related to the creation of the identifier is the method as shown in FIG. 18, the type of the pattern information is first analyzed and then analyzed, although not shown. The game machine specific information and the game state information, which are the original data used for the creation, can be determined from the identifier by a known method for tracing the reverse of data synthesis or conversion based on the pattern information.

  In this way, after the gaming machine unique information and the gaming state information are analyzed, the authenticity determination means of the management server 2000 first matches the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means. It is determined whether or not the information is in the gaming machine specific information stored in the gaming machine management information database 2410 which is information storage means (step S506).

  If the analyzed gaming machine specific information is not registered in the gaming machine management information database 2410 (step S506; N), since the gaming machine serial number that is the original data of the identifier received this time does not exist, The false determination means determines that the identifier is “false”. The determination result when the identifier is determined to be “false” is transmitted to the user terminals 4100 and 4200 as “error information” by the determination result transmission unit of the management server 2000 (step S510). Thereby, the player can be surely informed that the identifier is “false”, and unauthorized event participation can be more reliably prevented.

  On the other hand, if the analyzed gaming machine unique information is registered in the gaming machine management information database 2410 (step S506; Y), the authenticity determination means first determines that the gaming machine unique information analyzed from the identifier is authentic. Next, in the gaming state information stored in the gaming machine management information database 2410 which is also the gaming state information storage means, the gaming state information analyzed by the gaming state analysis means and It is determined whether there is a match (step S507).

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the game state information that is the original data of each identifier does not overlap each other, and when the same game state information is already registered (step S507; N) The identifier received this time is already used for the application, and the authenticity determination means determines that the identifier is “false” from the viewpoint of prohibiting double application.

  Thus, the determination result when the identifier is determined to be “false” at the stage of determining the game state information is transmitted to the user terminals 4100 and 4200 as “error information” by the determination result transmission unit of the management server 2000. (Step S510). Thereby, it is possible to notify the player that the application is a double application using the same identifier, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the abuse of the identifier related to event participation.

  On the other hand, if the analyzed gaming state information is not registered in the gaming machine management information database 2410 (step S507; Y), it is an identifier displayed and output from the same gaming machine, and the gaming machine specific information Even if they are the same, a completely different identifier that is different in output time from the gaming machine, that is, the authenticity determination means determines that the identifier is “authentic”. Thus, the lottery is executed by the lottery execution means only when the determination result of the authenticity determination means is “authentic” (step S508).

  Specifically, the lottery is, for example, as described above, a random number lottery that compares a random value extracted from random values generated by random number generation means (for example, a sampling circuit) with a predetermined winning probability table, or a random function It is conceivable to use At the time of lottery, the management server 2000 causes the user terminals 4100 and 4200 to display a screen (see FIG. 23C) indicating that the lottery is being performed.

  Here, for example, an interesting variable display that produces a lottery or a variable display with a story may be displayed on the user terminals 4100 and 4200. It is also interesting to run a simple game and run a lottery based on the results. It should be noted that not only a lottery of “winning (winning a prize)” or “off”, but any one prize may be drawn out of a predetermined prize list.

  The lottery result after the lottery is recorded and updated in the player information database 2420 corresponding to the attribute information such as the user ID of the applied player (step S509). Next, the management server 2000 transmits the lottery result to the user terminals 4100 and 4200, and causes the user terminal 4100 and 4200 to display a screen for announcing the lottery result (see FIG. 24D) (step S601).

  Subsequently, the management server 2000 causes the user terminals 4100 and 4200 to display a screen (see FIG. 24E) that allows the winning player to input attribute information such as an address and name. When the player inputs and transmits attribute information such as his address and name on this screen (see FIG. 24E) (step S602), the management server 2000 receives the player's address and name. Is updated and stored in the player information database 2420 (see FIG. 9) in association with the user ID, the lottery result, and the like (step S603).

  Thereafter, in the gaming machine manufacturer, a prize shipping process is performed for the winning player (step S604). Here, with regard to the prize shipping process, the player's attribute information and prize information may be transmitted from the management server 2000 to the management device of the affiliated shipping-related organization and sent to the player from the shipping-related organization. In addition, prizes may be shipped directly to the player by the gaming machine manufacturer. If the identifier input by the player is “false”, the process ends without performing the processes of steps S601 to S604 described above.

  Next, details of various screens displayed on the user terminals 4100 and 4200 under the control of the management server 2000 will be described with reference to FIGS. These screens are included in the web page established by the gaming machine manufacturer as described above, and are created using, for example, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language).

  FIG. 23A is a screen for allowing the player to input a user ID and a user password, and the player can input a user ID and a user password in a predetermined input field by his / her own operation. After this input, if “OK” is selected at the lower left of the screen, the input information is transmitted to the management server 2000, and if “Cancel” is selected at the lower right of the screen, input processing such as a user ID is performed. Ends. Here, the selection is executed by a method of clicking a mouse or the like with a pointer on “OK” or “Cancel”, or a method of selecting one by operating a key or a button.

  FIG. 23B is a screen for allowing the player to input a gaming machine password that is an identifier displayed and output from the gaming machine. The player can input the gaming machine password in a predetermined input field by his / her own operation. it can. FIG. 23C is a screen for informing that the lottery executed when it is determined that the identifier of the gaming machine password is authentic is being executed.

  Next, FIG. 24D is a screen for announcing the lottery result, and the player is informed of the winning fact and the type of prize. FIG. 24 (e) is a screen for allowing the winning player to input attribute information such as address and name, and FIG. 24 (f) is for allowing the player to confirm the input of these attribute information again. It is a screen. If there is no problem here, by selecting “OK”, an intention display indicating that the prize is desired to be sent out is displayed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 25, a screen displaying that the prize has been shipped by the gaming machine maker is displayed, and the series of display processing ends.

  By providing the gaming machine manufacturer service system as described above, it is possible to hold an event at the gaming machine manufacturer instead of holding an event on its own. Furthermore, if a player plays with a gaming machine, he / she can participate in the event, so that the player will have more fun to participate in the event in addition to enjoying the game. It can be planned.

  By the way, by giving the player some kind of valuable service as a price for participating in the event, it is possible to make the player have a sense of expectation for participating in the event. However, the specific content of the service is not limited to the awarding of prizes by lottery as described above.

  Specifically, for example, in addition to or in place of the awarding of prizes by the lottery, when the determination result by the authenticity determination means is “authentic”, provision of privilege information provided in the management server 2000 Even if the user terminal 4100 or 4200 displays privilege information (such as disclosure of a service stand or a strategy method) advantageous to the player on the user terminal 4100 or 4200 on the screen, the player can be similarly attracted. . As prizes, in addition to various commodities that can generally be exchanged for game balls at game stores, game balls may be given.

  Alternatively, in the prize lottery method, the determination result by the authenticity determination means is “authenticity” in addition to the method of winning when the random number value is acquired and the predetermined random value is determined as described above. In this case, the game providing means provided in the management server 2000 displays a screen for executing a game capable of acquiring a prize on the user terminals 4100 and 4200, and a prize is given to the player according to the execution result of this game. It may be provided unconditionally or a lottery for determining the awarding of prizes.

  Further, when the determination result by the authenticity determination means is “authenticity”, the point calculation means provided in the management server 2000 gives points each time the player registers an identifier, and the number of points Are added and stored in association with the player information stored in the management server 2000, and when the number of accumulated points reaches a predetermined value, the player is provided with a prize unconditionally, or a prize is given. You may make it perform the lottery to determine.

  In addition, when the determination result by the authenticity determination means is “authentic”, the prize is unconditionally given to the player for the player who has transmitted the identifier in a first-come-first-served basis for a predetermined number of prizes. Or a lottery for determining the awarding of prizes. Further, when the determination result by the authenticity determination means is “authentic”, the identifier transmitted within a predetermined application period is registered, and after the application period has elapsed, Whether or not to provide a prize to a player unconditionally or by lottery may be determined from the identifiers registered therein.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention can be modified or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. Included in the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the identifier creation method and the identifier creation device, and the identifier display method and the identifier display device are realized by a pachinko machine (a gaming machine main body 1) that is a gaming machine. The present invention is not limited to pachinko machines, and the present invention can be similarly applied to other game machines such as smart ball game machines and arrange ball game machines, slot machines using medals as game media, and the like.

  In the above embodiment, the data used for creating the identifier uses a combination of gaming machine specific information and gaming state information, or only gaming state information ([5] to [8] in FIG. 19). In other cases, for example, when the same identifier may be created in duplicate, as in the case of using only the game state information, the identifier is created using only the gaming machine specific information as data. You may do it. Further, outputting the identifier is not limited to the variable display device 310, and it may be possible to attach a special display to the gaming machine for displaying the identifier.

  In the above embodiment, the control device of the gaming machine is composed of a plurality of control boards for various functions, but there may be one or a plurality of control devices, and the control board constituting the control board. The number may be plural as described above, but may be configured as one. Specifically, for example, the function of the effect control board 1300 may be divided, and instead of the effect control board 1300, the display device control board, the lamp control board, and the sound control board may be configured as separate boards.

  In addition to the configuration of various control boards, for example, the function of the display control board and the voice control board may be provided on the same board, and the lamp control board may be combined with this as the effect control board, or the lamp control board and the voice The function of the control board may be provided on the same board as a sound / lamp control board, and a display control board may be combined therewith. Thus, the specific structure which implement | achieves a control apparatus is not limited to the various control board specifically shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example has been described in which the player uses the personal computer 4100 or the mobile phone 4200 of the player as the user terminal. However, as described above, the user terminal is limited to the personal computer 4100 or the mobile phone 4200. In addition to other information terminals owned by the player, an identifier (game machine) output from the game machine connected to the Internet by an information display terminal installed in the game shop (pachinko hall) Password) or the announcement of the lottery result may be confirmed.

  In the embodiment, the identifier is determined based on not only the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means but also the gaming state information analyzed by the gaming state analyzing means by the authenticity judging means. It is determined whether or not it is authentic. If there is no problem even if the same identifier is issued twice, it is stored in the unique information storage means by the authenticity determination means. If there is a piece of gaming machine unique information that matches the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means, the identifier may be determined to be authentic only by this. .

It is a block diagram which shows roughly the whole structure of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game machine which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which expands and shows the game board of the game machine which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole circuit structure of the game machine which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the main board | substrate which the game machine which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the presentation control board which the game machine which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows CPU internal address map of the main board | substrate which the gaming machine which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows the control ROM internal address map of the presentation control board which the game machine which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram which shows the management server which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the gaming machine shipment management apparatus which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart showing an overall flow from the acquisition of gaming machine specific information to the display of identifiers in the gaming machine that is a component of the service system according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow from the acquisition of gaming machine specific information on the main board to the encryption and external output in the gaming machine which is a component of the service system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the gaming machine which is a component of the service system according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is a flowchart showing a flow from the acquisition of gaming machine specific information on the effect control board until the identifier is created and displayed. In the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart which shows the flow until a management server registers game machine specific information. In the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart which shows the flow until it determines whether the identifier which the player input from the display of an identifier is authentic. In the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart which shows the flow until it ships a prize with a management server. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data conversion processing for creating an identifier based on gaming machine specific information and gaming state information in a gaming machine that is a component of a service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of data conversion processing for creating an identifier based on gaming machine specific information and gaming state information in a gaming machine that is a component of a service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the kind which changes the appearance rate of an identifier with the 1st switch which the game machine which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows the kind which changes the special conditions used as the precondition of the appearance of an identifier with the 2nd switch which the game machine which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the identifier displayed on the variable display apparatus which the game machine which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the method which analyzes the game machine specific information and game state information from an identifier in the management server which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the various screens displayed in the user terminal which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the various screens displayed in the user terminal which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the various screens displayed in the user terminal which is a component of the service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine body 2 ... Game board 3 ... Upper tray 4 ... Bottom tray 5 ... Handle 6 ... Ashtray 7 ... Upper tray ball release lever 8 ... Lower tray ball release lever 9 ... Lending button 10 ... Return button 11 ... Glass frame 12 ... Frequency display section 15 ... Wind turbine 16 ... Guiding rail 17 ... Game area 21 ... Starting port 22a ... Right sleeve winning port 22b ... Left sleeve winning port 23a ... Right dropping winning port 23b ... Left dropping winning port 24 ... Large winning port 26a ... Right normal symbol operating gate 26b ... Left normal symbol operating gate 29 ... Out port 121 ... Starting port switch 122a ... Right sleeve winning port switch 122b ... Left sleeve winning port switch 123a ... Right dropping winning port switch 123b ... Left dropping winning port switch 124 ... Container continuous operation device switch 125 ... Count switch 126 ... Normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126a General symbol display device operation gate switch 126b ... Left normal symbol display device operation gate switch 130 ... Prize ball detection switch 130a ... Right prize ball detection switch 130b ... Left prize ball detection switch 131 ... Shoot ball break switch 132 ... Glass frame open detection switch 133 ... Overflow switch 134 ... Grand prize opening solenoid 135 ... Direction switching solenoid 136 ... Normal electric accessory solenoid 140 ... Normal symbol display device 200 ... Discharge control board 201 ... One-chip microcomputer 600 ... Launch control board 652 ... Launch stop switch 800 ... External terminal board for frame 850 ... External terminal board for board 900 ... Card unit connection board 1100 ... Main board 1101 ... One-chip microcomputer 1102 ... CPU
1103 ... ROM
1104 ... RAM
1105 ... NMI
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1107 ... Internal timer 1108 ... Reset 1109 ... Communication 1110 ... Clock circuit 1111 ... Clock synchronization / delay circuit 1112 ... Isolation input / output circuit 1113 ... Address decode circuit 1114 ... Buffer 1115a, 1115b ... Input interface circuit 1116a-e ... Latch circuit 1117 ... collation output terminal 1300 ... production control board 1301 ... microcomputer 1302 ... CPU
1303 ... CRC
1304 ... Timer 1305 ... RAM
1306a ... PIOa
1306b ... PIOb
1306c ... PIOc
1306d ... PIOd
1306e ... PIOe
1306f ... PIOf
1306g ... PIOg
1306j ... PIOj
1307 ... RESET
1308 ... System clock 1310 ... Control ROM
1311 ... Control RAM
1312 ... Buffer 1313 ... Buffer 1314 ... Input / output interface 1315a ... First switch 1315b ... Second switch 1316 ... Clock generator 1317 ... Divider 1320 ... Image control IC
1321 ... Image correction IC
1322 ... Image data ROM
1323... Clock generators 1324 a to 13 f... Power generation circuit 1400 a.
1400b ... LED drive circuit b
1400c ... LED drive circuit c
1401 ... Drive circuit 1500 ... Audio control IC
1501 ... Audio data ROM

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1502 ... Filter 1503 ... Amplifier 1600 ... Lamp relay board 1700 ... Power supply board 1701 ... Voltage circuit 1702 ... Backup circuit 1709 ... Power failure detection circuit 2000 ... Management server 2100 ... CPU
2200 ... ROM
2300 ... RAM
2310 ... Display control program 2320 ... Operation control program 2330 ... Gaming machine management information processing program 2340 ... Player information processing program 2350 ... Lottery processing program 2360 ... Prize sending processing program 2400 ... Fixed disk device 2410 ... Gaming machine management information database 2420 ... player information database 2430 ... principal information database 2440 ... change history area 2500 ... display means 2600 ... printer 2700 ... operating means 3000 ... game machine shipping management device 3100 ... CPU
3200 ... ROM
3300 ... RAM
3310 ... Display control program 3320 ... Operation control program 3330 ... Game machine management information processing program 3400 ... Fixed disk device 3410 ... Game machine management information database 3420 ... Change history area 3500 ... Display means 3600 ... Printer 3700 ... Operation means 4100 ... Personal computer 4200 ... Mobile phone a ... Operation panel board b ... Card unit c ... Power supply AC24V

Claims (10)

In a gaming machine manufacturer's service system for a game machine manufacturer to host an event and provide a service to a player who has visited an amusement store,
It is possible to send and receive information via a communication line with a user terminal that can be used by a player, equipped with a management server managed by the gaming machine manufacturer,
The management server
An input screen providing means for displaying on the user terminal a screen for allowing the player to input an identifier output from the gaming machine as an authentication code required for participation in various events hosted by the gaming machine manufacturer;
Unique information analyzing means for analyzing gaming machine specific information for identifying a gaming machine or a gaming machine used to create the identifier received from the user terminal;
Authenticity determination means for determining whether or not the received identifier is authentic based on the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analysis means;
A service system of a gaming machine manufacturer characterized by having at least. The management server
A unique information storage means for storing the gaming machine unique information acquired in advance from the gaming machine;
The true / false determination means, when the gaming machine unique information stored in the unique information storage means matches the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means, The game machine manufacturer's service system according to claim 1, wherein the service system is determined to be authentic.   The gaming machine manufacturer service system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine specific information is a serial number stored in advance in an integrated circuit constituting a control device of the gaming machine.   The identifier is obtained by converting the gaming machine specific information by a predetermined data conversion process so that the player can easily visually recognize the character, the design, the symbol, the combination thereof, or the combination thereof with the color. 4. A service system for a gaming machine manufacturer according to claim 1, 2 or 3.   The identifier is a combination of the gaming machine specific information combined with gaming state information related to the gaming state of the gaming machine at the time of creation of the identifier, converted by the data conversion process. 4. The service system of the gaming machine manufacturer according to 4. The management server
Comprising gaming state analysis means for analyzing the gaming state information used to create the identifier received from the user terminal;
Whether the received identifier is authentic based on not only the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means but also the gaming state information analyzed by the gaming state analyzing means. 6. The service system of a gaming machine manufacturer according to claim 5, wherein it is determined whether or not. The management server
Game state information storage means for storing the game state information analyzed by the game state analysis means;
The true / false determination means further includes the game machine unique information stored in the unique information storage means when there is a match with the gaming machine unique information analyzed by the unique information analyzing means. It is determined whether there is any game state information stored in the game state information storage means that matches the game state information analyzed by the game state analysis means, and the stored game state information The game machine manufacturer's service system according to claim 6, wherein the identifier is determined to be authentic when the analyzed game state information is not included in the game machine. The management server
Lottery execution means for drawing a prize when the determination result of the authenticity determination means is authentic;
Lottery result transmission means for transmitting the lottery result by the lottery execution means to the user terminal;
8. The service system of a gaming machine manufacturer according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7. The management server
Claims 1 and 2 further comprising privilege information providing means for displaying privilege information advantageous to a player related to a game on a user terminal on a screen when the determination result of the authenticity determination means is authentic. , 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. The management server
The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, further comprising determination result transmission means for transmitting the determination result of the authenticity determination means to the user terminal. Manufacturer's service system.

Images