JP2009291329A - Game system and authentication device constituting the same, and business-use game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To carry out individual processing using the result of individual authentication device, and to achieve high security in an existing business-use game machine having a player-discriminating information-receiving means but not having an authentication information-receiving means. <P>SOLUTION: The game system is constituted by communicatably connecting the business-use game machine having the player-discriminating information-receiving means but not having the authentication information-receiving means and the authentication device equipped with both the means via a communication network, and the business-use game device carries out the processing for restarting games using the game continuing information corresponding to the player-discriminating information upon receiving the authentication result information corresponding to the player-discriminating information of the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system including an arcade game apparatus that performs individual processing for each player using a personal authentication result, an authentication apparatus constituting the game system, and the arcade game apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, game facilities such as game centers have been known that perform personal authentication processing of players and perform individual processing different from that for other players in a professional game device played by the player. . In general, in player personal authentication processing at a game facility, first, player identification information and authentication confirmation information are registered in advance in a state associated with each other. When the personal authentication process is performed in the arcade game device, the player identification information and the authentication information are received from the player, the authentication confirmation information corresponding to the player identification information is called, and the received authentication confirmation information and the received authentication are received. It is determined whether the information matches or corresponds to each other. If it is determined that they match each other in this determination, personal authentication is performed. If it is determined that they do not match, personal authentication is not performed. After the personal authentication, the arcade game device performs individual processing for each player, such as using individual data for each player stored in association with the corresponding player identification information. Provide service.

  For example, a game system described in Patent Document 1 is known as such a player personal authentication process. In this game system, first, the player performs an operation for storing the player ID determined by the player in advance in the entry card. In this game system, this player ID is used as player identification information and authentication confirmation information. When the player inserts an entry card into the card insertion slot of the entry gate, the player ID is read from the entry card. When the player inputs the player ID (authentication information) from the key input mechanism of the entry gate, it is determined whether or not the input player ID (authentication information) matches the player ID (authentication confirmation information) read from the entry card. If it is judged and matched, the personal authentication of the player is completed. When the authentication is completed by the personal authentication process at the entry gate, the date information of the day is stored in the entry card. After that, when the player plays with the horse racing game machine that executes the breeding type horse racing simulation game, when the entry card is inserted into the card insertion slot of the horse racing game machine and the date information of the entry card is read by the horse racing game machine, The player data stored in association with the player ID in the entry card is read, and the continuation of the previous game can be played.

  By performing the personal authentication process as in the game system described in Patent Document 1, even if the entry card is used by another company without the owner (person) of the entry card, the player ID is given to the other person. If it is not known, the player data of the person cannot be used illegally. Therefore, a higher security effect can be obtained as compared with a configuration in which the player data can be used only with the entry card.

JP 2003-38853 A

  In the case of performing individual processing for each player in the arcade game device by performing personal authentication processing of the player, conventionally, an input button for inputting a password (authentication information), an input mechanism such as a touch panel (authentication information receiving means) Is generally provided in each arcade game machine. On the other hand, an arcade game device that does not execute such individual processing is not provided with such an authentication information receiving means due to cost, user interface space, and the like. However, even for arcade game devices that were not originally scheduled for individual processing, there may be cases where individual processing is desired after that, and in such cases, authentication information is received from arcade game devices already on the market. It is very costly and difficult to perform additional attachment work. For this reason, there is a problem in that individual processing cannot be performed by an existing arcade game machine that does not include authentication information receiving means. However, if it becomes possible to perform individual processing with an existing arcade game machine that does not have authentication information receiving means, the game arcade machine will be used to provide new gaming or new services to players. It is possible to provide and is very beneficial.

Further, in the game system described in Patent Document 1, a pre-registered player ID (authentication confirmation information) is stored in the entry card. Since the entry card is carried by the player, it is relatively easy to illegally read and write the stored contents of the entry card at that time. Therefore, it is relatively easy to read the player ID from the entry card and to illegally obtain the player ID corresponding to the entry card. Therefore, there is a possibility that the entry card is used without permission from the owner of the entry card and the player data is illegally used.
In the game system described in Patent Document 1, date information (authentication result information) indicating that the authentication at the entry gate is completed is also stored in the entry card. Therefore, even though the authentication at the entry gate has not been completed, the date information of the day is illegally written on the entry card, and the player data of the owner is illegally used without the consent of the owner of the entry card. There was also a risk.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and the object of the present invention is to perform personal authentication processing with an existing arcade game device that has player identification information receiving means but does not have authentication information receiving means. A game system capable of performing individual processing using the results of the above, and realizing higher security than the case where authentication confirmation information and authentication result information are stored in a portable storage medium possessed by the player, and this Providing an authentication device and an arcade game device.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 has player identification information receiving means for receiving player identification information, and the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means and the player corresponds to the player identification information. A business game device that does not have authentication information receiving means for receiving authentication information for confirming the identity of the user, and the business game device are configured separately from the player identification information receiving means and the authentication A game system in which an authentication device having both information receiving means is communicably connected via a communication network, wherein the authentication device receives the authentication information received by the authentication information receiving means and the player identification information Personal authentication using pre-registered authentication confirmation information corresponding to the player identification information received by the means Personal authentication means for performing authentication, and when the personal authentication means authenticates, the authentication result information indicating that is output via the communication network in a state associated with the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means Authentication result information output means, and the arcade game device uses the game progress control means for controlling the progress of the game and the authentication result information output from the authentication result information output means of the authentication device. Authentication result information receiving means for receiving via the communication network in a state associated with corresponding player identification information, and the authentication result information receiving means for receiving authentication result information corresponding to the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means. And individual processing means for performing individual processing corresponding to the player identification information on the condition that it is received. The one in which the features.
In this game system, when a player (user) is authenticated by personal authentication processing in an authentication device, the authentication result information is output via a communication network. Thereafter, the player game information is passed to the player identification information receiving means provided in the arcade game device, so that the arcade game device has authentication result information corresponding to the player identification information output from the authentication device. Receive. Thereby, the arcade game apparatus can confirm that the personal authentication processing of the player is completed based on the authentication result information. Therefore, the arcade game apparatus can perform individual processing using the result of the personal authentication processing even if it does not include the authentication information receiving means.
Moreover, in this game system, authentication result information indicating that the authentication device has been authenticated is delivered to the arcade game device via the communication network, so that the authentication result information is stored in the portable storage medium possessed by the player. Compared to the case, a higher security effect can be obtained. Further, in this game system, since the arcade game device does not have the authentication information receiving means, even if the authentication confirmation information registered in advance in the portable storage medium is stored, the individual processing is illegally performed. I can't accept it. In addition, authentication is not performed for each arcade game device, but authentication processing shared by multiple arcade game devices is performed. There is no burden.

Further, the invention of claim 2 is the game system according to claim 1, wherein when the game progress control means interrupts the game, the arcade game device allows the player to play the game from a predetermined time before the interruption time. Game continuation information output means for outputting game continuation information necessary for continuation in a state associated with the player identification information of the player, and the individual processing performed by the individual processing means includes the player identification information The game continuation information corresponding to the player identification information received by the receiving means is acquired, and the game progress from the predetermined time point is controlled based on the game continuation information.
In this game system, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the game continuation information of the player is illegally used by a person other than the player without permission from the player corresponding to the player identification information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the first or second aspect, the authentication information receiving means comprises a password input device for inputting a password as the authentication information. Is.
Examples of the authentication information include player's biometric information (information such as fingerprints and vein patterns), but such authentication information is very difficult for a person other than the user to use. Therefore, although high personal authentication accuracy is obtained, since this is registered and managed in advance, very high manageability is required. In some cases, a player who does not like to register personal information such as biometric information in advance may refrain from using the game system.
In this game system, a password input by the player can be used as authentication information. The password is not generally information that can identify an individual, and does not require management as high as the biological information of the player. Therefore, the operating cost of this game system can be reduced. In addition, since the use of a password as authentication information has a long track record, it is considered that the player hardly refrains from using the game system because the password is pre-registered.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the authentication device is another business-use game device provided with a game progress control means for controlling the progress of the game. It is characterized by being.
In this game system, personal authentication processing is performed by a business game device provided with authentication information receiving means, and the result of the personal authentication processing is used by another business game device not provided with the authentication information receiving means. Thus, individual processing for each player can be executed in the other arcade game device. According to this game system, for example, when a new arcade game device is introduced into a game facility, if the arcade game device includes an authentication information receiving means, an independent authentication device is not introduced. Individual processing for each player can be executed for other existing arcade game devices. In this case, the cost can be kept lower than when an independent authentication device is introduced.

The invention according to claim 5 is the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of the arcade game devices that do not have the authentication information receiving means, and these arcade games The authentication result information output from the authentication result information output means of the authentication device is provided to each arcade game device until a predetermined time. An authentication result information providing device that is not provided to each arcade game device after the time period is provided, and the authentication result information receiving means of each arcade game device receives the authentication result information provided by the authentication result information providing device. It is characterized by being received via a communication network.
In this game system, once the player is authenticated by the authentication device, it is not necessary to authenticate again in any game game device until a predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the work burden of the player for receiving personal authentication by the authentication device, and the convenience of the player is improved.

The invention of claim 6 has player identification information receiving means for receiving player identification information. The player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means and the player is the person corresponding to the player identification information. The player identification is configured to be communicably connected via a communication network to a business game device that does not have authentication information receiving means for receiving authentication information for confirmation, and is configured separately from the business game device An authentication apparatus comprising both an information receiving means and an authentication information receiving means, wherein the authentication information received by the authentication information receiving means and the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means in advance Personal authentication means for performing personal authentication processing using the registered authentication confirmation information, and the personal authentication means And authentication result information output means for outputting the authentication result information indicating that fact in association with the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means via the communication network. It is.
In this authentication device, by cooperating with the arcade game device that does not have the authentication information receiving means, the arcade game device can also perform individual processing using the result of the personal authentication process. In addition, a higher security effect can be obtained than when authentication result information is stored in a portable storage medium possessed by the player.

The invention of claim 7 confirms that the player identification information receiving means for receiving the player identification information, the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means, and the player is the person corresponding to the player identification information. And an authentication information receiving means for receiving authentication information for communication, and is communicably connected via a communication network, and is configured separately from the authentication apparatus, and the player identification information receiving means is provided. However, the authentication information receiving means does not include the game progress control means for controlling the progress of the game, and the authentication result information output from the authentication apparatus is the player identification information corresponding thereto. Authentication result information receiving means received via the communication network in a state associated with the player identification information, and the player identification information And an individual processing means for performing individual processing corresponding to the player identification information on the condition that the authentication result information receiving means receives the authentication result information corresponding to the player identification information received by the receiving means. Is.
In this arcade game device, by cooperating with the authentication device having the authentication information receiving means, individual processing using the result of the personal authentication processing can be performed even if the authentication information receiving means is not provided. It becomes. In addition, a higher security effect can be obtained than when authentication result information is stored in a portable storage medium possessed by the player.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform an individual process using a result of the personal authentication process in an existing arcade game machine that includes a player identification information receiving unit but does not include an authentication information receiving unit. Thus, it is possible to obtain an excellent effect that higher security can be realized as compared with the case where authentication confirmation information and authentication result information are stored in a portable storage medium possessed by the player.

  Hereinafter, the present invention relates to three types of medal game machines, which are arcade game machines (business-use game machines) as a plurality of game machines having different game contents, and a store as a problem notification device connected to be communicable with them. An embodiment applied to a game system including a terminal unit and a management server will be described.

[System overview]
First, the overall configuration of the game system according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire game system according to the present embodiment.
Three types of medal game machines 1000, 2000, and 3000 constituting this game system are different types of game machines having different hardware. These medal game machines 1000, 2000, and 3000 are installed in a game facility such as the same game center in this embodiment. These medal game machines 1000, 2000, and 3000 and the store terminal unit 5000 of the store are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) as a high-speed communication network. The management server 4000 is connected to the store terminal unit 5000 and the medal game machines 1000, 2000, and 3000 of each store through a gateway device 7000 of each store via a WAN (Wide Area Network) as a low-speed communication network. The management server 4000 manages the entire game system by performing data communication with each medal game machine 1000, 2000, 3000, or performing data communication with a store terminal unit that performs system management of the entire store. In addition, although this embodiment demonstrates the game system over multiple stores, it is the same also in the game system in a single store.

  Next, the configuration and operation of each medal game machine 1000, 2000, 3000 will be described.

[Horse racing game machine 1000]
The medal game machine 1000 is a horse racing game machine.
In this horse racing game machine 1000, one or more players predict the order of arrival of a horse racing race to be performed on this horse racing game machine, and when the prediction is successful, the medal is paid out according to the odds of the arrival order. Can receive.
FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of the horse racing game machine 1000.
The horse racing game machine 1000 includes a field unit 1002 provided in the central portion, and a plurality of stations 1010 provided so as to surround the field unit 1002. The field portion 1002 is provided with a field surface 1004 that is a moving surface simulating a racetrack where a horse race gate 1003 that is a model is placed, and a plurality of model horses (not shown) move within the field surface 1004. The race is developed. Around the field portion 1002, a plurality of speakers 1005 for delivering the actual race and cheering are arranged. Above the field portion 1002, a display portion 1006 for displaying various information, an illumination device 1007 for illuminating the field portion 1002, and a camera 1009 as an imaging means for imaging the field portion 1002 are arranged. The display unit 1006, the illumination device 1007, and the camera 1009 are supported by a support column 1008. The speaker 1005 and the lighting device 1007 function as rendering means of the horse racing game machine 1000.

  The station 1010 is provided with a display 1011 that displays a game screen according to the progress of the game, and a touch panel 1012 that is superimposed on the display surface of the display 1011. When the player touches a predetermined position on the game screen displayed on the display 1011 in accordance with an instruction on the game screen, the position is detected by the touch panel 1012, and the operation content of the player is recognized by the horse racing game machine 1000. In the station 1010, a medal insertion unit 1013 into which medals are inserted by the player, a medal payout exit 1014 through which medals are paid out to the player, and a card reader as identification information receiving means for reading out the card ID from the user card. A card reading surface 1015 is provided.

  In the horse racing game machine 1000, races having the same name as the actual central horse race are sequentially held according to a predetermined cycle. Approximately 60 races are prepared for one year, and for each race, the time for betting medals, that is, the time for purchasing a betting ticket, the time for which a model horse is raced, and the race results are displayed. Time is secured. Players can predict the order of arrival for each race and freely purchase betting tickets. The betting ticket is purchased by betting medals, and if the purchased betting ticket matches the result of the race, the number of medals according to the number of bets and odds are paid out as a dividend.

  In addition, the player can use his / her user card to train his / her own racehorse character (owned horse) and participate in the race. Specifically, the player selects a favorite racehorse character from a plurality of racehorse characters prepared, and acquires the racehorse character by paying a predetermined number of medals. Then, the player can train (train) to increase the ability of the acquired competitive horse character, and train the competitive horse character. In addition, the trained racehorse character can start running in the race he desires.

  In the horse racing game machine 1000 according to the present embodiment, the field unit 1002 forms a field surface 1004, and the field surface 1004 is provided with a model such as an artificial turf imitating an actual dressing place, a horse race gate 1003, and the like. A model horse as a moving body moves on the field surface 1004.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing a main control unit for controlling the overall operation of the horse racing game machine 1000 in an integrated manner.
FIG. 4 is a control block diagram showing a station control unit provided for each station 1010.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 1100 arranged on the field unit side controls the main control device 1101, a movement control device 1102 for controlling the movement of the model horse in the field unit 1002, and the illumination device 1007. Necessary for the game, the lighting control device 1103 for controlling the sound, the sound control device 1104 for controlling the cheering and the actual situation, etc., the SRAM 1105 and the flash memory 1106 for temporarily recording the data processed by the main control device 1101 A ROM 1107 storing various programs and various databases, an external communication device 1108 for performing data communication with the store terminal unit 5000 via the LAN, and performing data communication with the management server 4000 via the gateway device 7000 Is provided. The main control device 1101 is connected to a movement control device 1102, an illumination control device 1103, an acoustic control device 1104, an SRAM 1105, a flash memory 1106, a ROM 1107, an external communication device 1108, and a camera 1009, respectively. The ROM 1107 stores a movement control program, which is movement control information for each model horse, a database of various data relating to each horse used in the race, a race schedule, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a station control unit 1200 provided in each station 1010 temporarily records a station control device 1201, a medal management device 1202 that manages the payout of medals, and various data of players. A RAM 1203 and a card reader 1204 as identification information receiving means for reading a card ID from a user card held over the card reading surface 1015 are provided. The station control device 1201 is connected to the medal management device 1202, the RAM 1203, and the card reader 1204, respectively. In addition, the station control device 1201 includes a display 1011 and a touch panel 1012 illustrated in FIG. 2 provided in the station 1010, and a medal insertion sensor (not illustrated) that detects a medal inserted through the medal insertion unit 1013. Each is connected.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the station control device 1201 of each station 1010 is connected to the main control device 1101 on the game machine body side, and necessary data communication can be performed between them. Yes.

  The main controller 1101 of the main controller 1100 controls the movement of each model horse for each race according to various data such as parameters of each horse in order to realistically reproduce the actual horse racing race when the race is held. The contents are changed. The content of the movement control is determined before the start of the race, and the model horse is controlled to move according to the content of the movement control. Specifically, the main control unit 1101 of the main control unit 1100 reads various parameters of horses running in the race, data such as the state of the horse from the ROM 1107 before the start of the race, and determines the arrival order of the race. . Since only the first and second finishes are related to the payout of medals to the player, it is not necessary to determine all the finish order of the horses to run, if at least only the first and second finish horses are determined. Good. In this case, the other horses are controlled to move to the first and second places according to various parameters. Arrival order data determined by the main control device 1101, parameters of each horse, and the like are sent to the movement control device 1102.

  The movement control device 1102 that has received data from the main control device 1101 executes a movement control program recorded in a ROM (not shown), and performs movement control for each horse. The movement control device 1102 that executes the movement control program calculates the movement pattern of each horse from the parameters of each horse and transmits a control command to each control chip 1022 so that each model horse 1060 moves according to the movement pattern. To do. Specifically, a control command is transmitted to each control chip of each magnetic field generation substrate in order to generate a magnetic field that causes each model horse 1060 to move according to the movement pattern of each horse. Upon receiving the control command, each control chip 1022 controls the current flowing through each coil so as to sequentially generate a magnetic force that pulls the south pole of the permanent magnet of each model horse 1060 along the planned movement path of each model horse 1060. Thereby, each model horse 1060 can be moved along a movement planned route. As a result, each model horse 1060 whose movement is controlled by the movement control device 1102 develops a race on the play field.

  When a player plays using a user card, the player holds his / her user card over the card reading surface 1015 before playing. As a result, the card ID is read from the user card by the card reader 1204, and the card ID is stored in the SRAM 1105 or the flash memory 1106. Then, as will be described later, by using this card ID, the player is authenticated by receiving permission information, which is authentication result information indicating that the personal authentication processing has been performed, from the store terminal unit 5000 through the LAN. Make sure. Thereafter, game state data (game continuation information) corresponding to the card ID is downloaded from the management server 4000. Thereby, in the SRAM 1105 or the flash memory 1106, based on the game state data, data relating to the racehorse character that the player has developed by playing the game, etc. (horse name data, parameter data, achievement information such as the winning GI race, etc.) ) Is stored in a state associated with the card ID. As a result, the player can play the game from the previous continuation.

  In this horse racing game machine 1000, when a player who plays using a user card ends the game, game state data (game continuation information) for restoring the game state at the end of the next game restart is The information is stored in the management server 4000 in a state associated with the card ID of the player. The game state data includes data on racehorse characters trained by the player. When the player resumes the game from the previous game, the game state data corresponding to the card ID in the user card is obtained by holding the user card over the card reading surface 1015 before playing. And the data is stored in the SRAM 1105 or the flash memory 1106, and the game is resumed.

[Pusher game machine 2000]
Next, the medal game machine 2000 will be described.
The medal game machine 2000 is a pusher game machine.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the station unit ST in the pusher game machine 2000.
The pusher game machine 2000 is provided with four satellite portions SA so as to surround a center lottery device (not shown). Each satellite unit SA includes four station units ST, and each player plays a game at each station unit ST. In addition, each satellite unit SA includes one satellite lottery device 2001, and each station unit ST is arranged around the satellite lottery device 2001.

  The station unit ST mainly includes a medal insertion mechanism (insertion unit) 2100, a play field 2500, a station control unit (not shown), and a display unit 2700. In the station unit ST, a medal insertion mechanism 2100 is disposed on the upper front side, a display unit 2700 as a display unit is disposed on the upper back side, and a play field 2500 is disposed on the upper center. Here, “front side” means the side located when the player plays the game, “back side” means the side opposite to the side where the player plays the game, and “center” means the above-mentioned side. It means the area between the “front side” and the “back side”.

  The medal insertion mechanism 2100 is a mechanism for inserting the medal M into the pusher game machine 2000 when the player plays a game. The medal M inserted into the medal insertion mechanism 2100 is transported to the lift-up hopper via a medal transport path (not shown) inside the casing of the station unit ST, and is temporarily stored in the lift-up hopper. The lift-up hopper includes a medal storage unit for accumulating medals M, a lift-up unit for lifting the medals M to a predetermined height, and a medal for discharging the lifted medals M at a predetermined timing. A discharge part (discharge part). In addition, a medal discharge path 2400 for guiding the discharged medal M to the play field 2500 is provided at the discharge port of the medal discharge unit so as to be swingable left and right. The upper end of the lift-up unit is disposed above the play field 2500. Along with this, the medal discharge unit provided at the upper end of the lift-up unit is also disposed above the play field 2500. Accordingly, the medal M temporarily accumulated in the medal storage unit provided below the play field 2500 is lifted above the play field 2500 by the lift-up unit, and then played from the medal discharge unit via the medal discharge path 2400. Injection into field 2500.

  In the play field 2500, there are mainly provided a main table 2501 as a medal placement table for storing medals M, and a pusher portion 2510 as a medal pushing member placed on the main table 2501. The pusher unit 2510 has an upper surface for storing medals M (referred to as a sub table), an inclined table on which the medals M dropped from the sub table slide, and a push for pushing the medals M stored in the main table 2501. And a wall. The pusher unit 2510 is slidably provided on the main table 2501 in the play field 2500, and slides back and forth at a constant cycle or an arbitrary cycle. A part (the back side) of the pusher unit 2510 is stored in a storage unit (described later) provided below the display unit 2700. The pusher portion 2510 reciprocates back and forth by sliding so as to enter and exit from the storage portion.

  The frame member of the display unit 2700 is slidably contacted with the sub table. Therefore, when the pusher portion 2510 moves in the direction in which the pusher portion 2510 is stored in the storage portion, the medal M on the sub table is pushed forward by the frame member. As a result of this pushing, some medals M on the sub-table drop onto the tilting table. A part of the medals M dropped from the sub table enters an opening (this is called “chucker”) as a medal passage provided in the tilt table. Further, the remaining medals M fall as they are to the main table 2501 and are stored in the main table 2501.

  The medal M on the main table 2501 is pushed forward by the sliding movement of the pusher portion 2510 in the same manner as the medal M on the sub table. That is, since the pusher portion 2510 is placed on the main table 2501 without a gap, when the pusher portion 2510 moves in the direction of unloading from the storage portion, the pusher wall on the front surface of the pusher portion 2510 causes the pusher portion 2510 to move on the main table 2501. The medal M is pushed forward. Due to this pushing, some medals M on the main table 2501 fall. Of the dropped medals M, the medals M that have dropped from the player side end (this is referred to as “front end”) to the medal drop groove are paid out to the player, and other medals M, for example, both sides of the main table 2501 (this) The medal M dropped from the “side end”) is stocked in a predetermined storage section in the station section ST.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the station unit ST includes a ball throwing mechanism 2800 on at least one side. The ball throwing mechanism 2800 has a configuration for throwing balls B1 and B2, which are spherical objects as irregular shapes described later, into the play field 2500, and includes a ball throwing slope 2801 and a ball throwing position lottery mechanism 2810. The balls B1 and B2 are lottery objects for executing a bingo game described later.

  The ball throwing slope 2801 is configured to guide balls B1 and B2 thrown from a ball carrier 2520, which will be described later, to the ball throwing position lottery mechanism 2810 by gravity. Therefore, it is a downward slope. The ball throwing position lottery mechanism 2810 is a structure for drawing lots on the play field 2500 where the balls B1 and B2 are thrown. In this way, the balls B1 and B2 thrown into the station unit ST from the ball carrier 2520 described later are thrown into the play field 2500 via the ball throwing slope 2801 and the ball throwing position lottery mechanism 2810.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the station unit ST has a ball transport mechanism 2900 on at least one side. The ball transport mechanism 2900 is configured to transport the balls B1 and B2 to the satellite lottery apparatus 2001 when the balls B1 and B2 fall from the main table 2501 in the play field 2500 to the medal drop groove provided on the front side thereof. And has a ball conveyance path (not shown), a ball conveyance unit 2910, and a ball conveyance unit traveling slope 2901. The ball transport path is provided below the front end of the main table 2501 and guides the balls B1 and B2 dropped from the front end to the ball transport unit 2910. The ball transport unit 2910 is configured to transport the balls B1 and B2 received via the ball transport path to the satellite lottery apparatus 2001, and travels on the ball transport unit travel slope 2901 according to the control of the control unit of the station unit ST. . The balls B1 and B2 conveyed to the satellite lottery apparatus 2001 are delivered to the ball carrier 2520.

  In addition, the station unit ST includes a medal payout mechanism 2030. By driving this medal payout mechanism, the same number of medals M as the medals M dropped from the front end of the main table 2501 into the medal drop groove are medal insertion mechanisms 2100. The storage part 2101 is discharged.

Next, a control system of the pusher game machine 2000 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the game control system of the pusher game machine 2000. In the block diagram, for convenience of explanation, the configuration of a drive control system and the like for driving each unit according to the progress of the game is omitted.
The configuration of the game control system in the pusher game machine 2000 mainly includes a control unit 2600 of the station unit ST, a control unit 2610 of the satellite lottery device 2001, and a control unit 2620 of the center lottery device 2002. The control unit 2600 of the station unit ST mainly controls overall progress of a slot game and a bingo game, which will be described later, and the control unit 2610 of the satellite lottery apparatus 2001 mainly controls the physical lottery of the bingo game and the ball B1, The control unit 2620 of the center lottery apparatus 2002 is mainly responsible for control of a single jackpot lottery, which will be described later, and overall control of the pusher game machine 2000.

  The control unit 2600 of the station unit ST mainly includes a control device 2601, a ROM 2602, a RAM 2603, a communication device 2604, and a card reader 2605 as identification information receiving means. The control device 2601 executes various programs stored in the ROM 2602 and performs various controls. The ROM 2602 stores various control execution programs to be performed by the control unit 2600 of the station unit ST. The RAM 2603 temporarily stores various data or information. The communication device 2604 is for performing data communication with the control unit 2610 of the satellite lottery device 2001. The card reader 2605 reads a card ID from a user card possessed by the user. Although not shown, the station unit ST is provided with presentation means such as speakers and lighting devices for various presentations, and the control device 2601 controls these presentation means to perform various presentations. Do.

  The control unit 2610 of the satellite lottery apparatus 2001 mainly includes a control device 2611, a ROM 2612, a RAM 2613, a station side communication device 2614, and a center side communication device 2615. The control device 2611 executes various programs stored in the ROM 2612 and performs various controls. The ROM 2612 stores various control execution programs to be performed by the control unit 2610 of the satellite lottery apparatus 2001. The RAM 2613 temporarily stores various data or information. The station side communication device 2614 is for performing data communication with the control unit 2600 of each station unit ST belonging to the satellite unit SA. The center side communication device 2615 is for performing data communication with the control unit 2620 of the center lottery device 2002. Although not shown, the satellite unit SA is provided with presentation means such as speakers and lighting devices for various presentations, and the control device 2611 controls these presentation means to perform various presentations. Do.

  The control unit 2620 of the center lottery device 2002 mainly includes a control device 2621, a ROM 2622, a RAM 2623, a communication device 2624, and an external communication device 2625. The control device 2621 executes various programs stored in the ROM 2622 and performs various controls. The ROM 2622 stores various control execution programs to be performed by the control unit 2620 of the center lottery apparatus 2002. The RAM 2623 temporarily stores various data or information. The communication device 2624 is for performing data communication with the control unit 2610 of each satellite unit SA. The external communication device 2625 is for performing data communication with external devices such as the store terminal unit 5000 and the management server 4000. Although not shown, the center lottery apparatus 2002 is provided with presentation means such as speakers and lighting devices for various presentations, and the control device 2621 controls these presentation means to perform various presentations. I do.

  In the above configuration, in the pusher game machine 2000, in addition to the pusher game, the slot game screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 2700 to execute the slot game, and for the bingo as shown in FIG. A game screen is displayed on the display unit 2700 to execute a bingo game. The pusher game machine 2000 also performs a single jackpot lottery using the center lottery device 2002. The display unit 2700 also displays a single accumulated medal number indicating the number of payouts in a single jackpot lottery to be described later.

  The slot game is a digital lottery game in which the control unit 2600 in the station unit ST mainly draws digitally. The starting condition of this slot game is that the medal M enters any one of the chuckers provided on the tilting table of the pusher unit 2510. A slot game screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 2700 during a period in which a later-described bingo game is not progressing, and the medal M enters one of the chuckers and the slot lottery start condition is satisfied. Then, the control unit 2600 performs display control for rotating the three dice slots DS. In the digital lottery in the slot game, the control unit executes a predetermined lottery program and determines whether the generated random number is won or lost in light of a predetermined winning table. Thereafter, the control unit 2600 performs display control to stop the rotation of the three dice-shaped slots DS so that the combination of symbols related to the winning combination is stopped and displayed on the display unit 2700 when the winning combination is determined.

  In this embodiment, as a combination of the digital lottery, a small winning combination A for supplying three medals to the play field 2500, a small winning combination B for supplying eight medals to the play field 2500, and a ball B1 to the play field 2500. The supplied ball supply combination, the normal bonus combination for supplying 30 medals to the play field 2500, the 30 supply medals to the play field 2500, and the winning table in which the winning probability is set higher in the subsequent digital lottery. Probability bonus combinations, a direct satellite combination that directly supplies the ball B1 to the satellite lottery apparatus 2001, a direct center combination that directly supplies the ball B1 to the center lottery apparatus 2002, and the like are prepared. The winning probability of each combination is set to be lower in this order. In addition, what kind of combination is prepared and what winning probability is set for each combination is arbitrary. For example, various benefits such as paying out the medal M directly to the player may be provided to the player. Then, when these winning combinations are won, the control device 2601 of the station unit ST controls a speaker, a lighting device, etc., and performs individual effects for exciting the winning.

  The bingo game is a physical lottery game that progresses by physical lottery using two types of balls B1 and B2 and the satellite lottery device 2001, and is advanced by the control unit 2610 of the satellite lottery device 2001 and the control unit 2600 of the station unit ST. To do. In the bingo game, the control unit 2610 of the satellite lottery apparatus 2001 mainly controls the lottery for determining the winning bingo numbers of the bingo game, and the control unit of each station unit ST belonging to the satellite unit SA including the satellite lottery apparatus 2001. 2600 is mainly in charge of control such as a bingo game production and a bingo establishment determination. In this embodiment, a physical lottery is performed in which one winning bingo number (winning object) is selected from a plurality of different bingo numbers (lottery objects) by moving the balls B1 and B2 with the satellite lottery apparatus 2001. . In the physical lottery of this embodiment, one winning bingo number is selected from among the bingo numbers “1” to “9”. Then, the bingo card arrangement information in which bingo numbers of “1” to “9” are arranged in a matrix is individually obtained for each station unit ST by the control unit 2600 as an arrangement information generating unit of the station unit ST, for example. To generate. Thereafter, a bingo card image BC in which images of bingo numbers “1” to “9” (lottery target images) are arranged according to the arrangement information is displayed on the display unit 2700 of each station unit ST as shown in FIG. . Then, when bingo is established, the control device 2601 of the station unit ST and the control device 2611 of the satellite unit SA control the respective speakers, illumination devices, and the like, and perform individual effects for exciting the bingo establishment.

  In the single jackpot lottery, the balls B1 and B2 enter the winning spot to which the right to start the single jackpot lottery in the center lottery device 2002 is assigned in the physical lottery in the satellite lottery device 2001 in the bingo game described above. When the start condition of the single jackpot lottery for either winning the center role directly in the slot game is satisfied, the control device 2621 of the control unit 2620 in the center lottery device 2002 stores the single jackpot execution program stored in the ROM 2622. To start a single jackpot lottery. Then, in the center lottery apparatus 2002, a physical lottery is performed in which a ball B1 is moved to determine whether a single jackpot award or a loss (including a case where a prize other than a single jackpot award is won). When the single jackpot award is won, the control device 2621 of the center lottery apparatus 2002 controls the speaker, the lighting device, etc., and performs an individual effect for exciting the single chuckpot award.

  When the single jackpot prize is won, the control device 2621 reads out the single JP storage number data as the payout amount data from the RAM 2623, and starts the jackpot lottery for the number of medals M indicated by the count value of the data. Processing for supplying to the play field 2500 of the station unit ST that satisfies the conditions is performed. At this time, a medal supply command is output from the control device 2621 to the control device 2601 of the control unit 2600 in the station unit ST, and the medal M is played in the play field 2500 under the control of the control device 2601 in the same manner as the normal medal supply process. You may make it supply to. However, the number of medals supplied when winning the single jackpot award is a part of the number of medals inserted into all station sections ST after the single JP stored number data is reset to the initial value (for example, 500). Since the number of sheets corresponding to (for example, 0.03 sheets) is cumulatively added, the number is large. Therefore, a process using an original medal supply mechanism may be performed separately from the normal medal supply process. In this case, it is also suitable as an effect when winning a single jackpot award. When the single jackpot prize is won, the control device 2621 resets the single JP stored number data stored in the RAM 2623 to the initial value.

  When the player plays the pusher game machine 2000, the player holds the user card over a card reading surface (not shown) before the play. As a result, the card ID is read from the user card by the card reader 2605, and the card ID is stored in the RAM 2603. Then, as will be described later, by using this card ID, permission information that is authentication result information indicating that the card has been authenticated in the personal authentication process is received from the store terminal unit 5000 via the LAN, and the player is stored in the RAM 2603. Is associated with the card ID of play information on the pusher game machine 2000 (cumulative medal inserted number, role won in slot game, number of bingo established in bingo game, number of winning single jackpot prize, etc.) Stored in state. When the player who plays using the user card ends the game, the play information (game continuation information) stored in the RAM 2603 is stored in the management server 4000 in a state associated with the card ID. . When the player holds his / her user card over the card reading surface before the next play, play information (game continuation information) corresponding to the card ID in the user card is downloaded from the management server 4000 and these data are stored in the RAM 2603. Then, the play result of the play is added to the play information.

[Slot Machine 3000]
Next, the medal game machine 3000 will be described.
The medal game machine 3000 is a slot machine.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the slot machine 3000 according to the present embodiment.
The slot machine 3000 includes a box-shaped casing 3002, a front panel 3003 attached to the front side of the casing 3002 so as to be freely opened and closed, and the like. On the front panel 3003, a display window 3004 for displaying a part of a later-described variable display unit, a medal slot 3005, a start button 3006 as a start operation device, a dice display window 3007, a credit clearing button 3008, a speaker 3009, A medal tray 3010 having a medal payout box 3010a, an effect panel 3011, a card reading surface 3013a, a count display unit 3014, a BET operation unit 3015, and the like are provided. The speaker 3009 and the effect panel 3011 function as effect means of the slot machine 3000. In addition, various information is displayed on the effect panel 3011.

  Inside the housing 3002, three reels are incorporated as variable display portions in which a plurality of types of symbols are printed on the outer peripheral surface. The three reels (hereinafter referred to as “left reel”, “middle reel”, and “right reel” in turn) are each driven to rotate by a reel drive motor (not shown) constituted by a stepping motor. Also, a plurality of types of symbols such as “white 7”, “blue 7”, “green 7”, “red 7”, “cherry”, “blank”, etc. are printed in a predetermined order. In the present embodiment, the “blank” symbol is a symbol that does not constitute any role. In addition, a main control circuit board on which an electronic circuit is formed by a CPU, a ROM, and other various electronic components, a medal payout device having a medal hopper capable of accommodating a large number of medals, an internal speaker, and the like are also incorporated.

FIG. 10 is a detailed front view showing a part of the front panel 3003.
The symbols for about three frames at a predetermined rotational position of each reel are visually recognized by the player through the display window 3004. In this display window 3004, five winning lines IL are drawn so as to extend over all reels. When a combination of symbols relating to a combination corresponding to a predetermined prize group is arranged on these winning lines IL (hereinafter simply referred to as “combining a combination”), a medal is paid out to the medal tray 3010 or a special combination. The player is given game value such as shifting to a special game period in which a game can be played. In the slot machine 3000 according to the present embodiment, five winning lines IL are provided, but the number of winning lines may be reduced or increased. The winning line may be any line that is not visible to the player but can be recognized by a CPU 17a (to be described later) that controls stop of the slot machine.
The count display unit 3014 includes a credit display unit 3014a, a bonus count display unit 3014b, a medal payout number display unit 3014c, and the like.
The BET operation unit 3015 includes two buttons, a 1 BET button 3015a and a Max BET button 3015b.

FIG. 11 is a control block diagram relating to the main configuration of the slot machine 3000.
The main control unit 3100 of the slot machine 3000 includes a control device 3101, a reel control device 3102 that controls driving of three reels, a storage device 3103 that stores various programs and various databases necessary for the game, and a count A display control device 3104 that performs display control of the display unit 3014, an illumination control device 3105 that controls illumination of the effect panel 3011, an acoustic control device 3106 that controls sound output from the speaker 3009, a store terminal unit 5000, and management An external communication device 3107 for performing data communication with an external device such as the server 4000 is provided. In addition to these devices, the main control device 1101 includes a medal insertion sensor 3022, a card reader 3013 as identification information receiving means for reading a card ID from a user card held over the card reading surface 3013a, a BET operation unit 3015, a medal payout device. 3018 etc. are also connected.

Next, the game flow of the slot machine 3000 will be described.
Before playing the game, first, the player needs to insert a medal into the medal slot 3005 as preparation. When the player inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 3005, the medal passes through a passage (not shown) and falls to the medal hopper. In this passage, a drop opening for dropping a medal smaller than the standard and returning it to the medal payout rod 3010a, a medal block solenoid for preventing the medal from passing and returning to the medal payout rod 3010a, or passing through A medal insertion sensor 3022 configured with a photo sensor or the like for detecting medals one by one is provided. A medal detection signal output from the medal insertion sensor 3022 that has detected a medal is sent to the control device 3101 of the main control unit 3100. In response to this, the control device 3101 controls the credit display 3014a to increase the display count value by one by the display control device 3104 and increases the credit number data stored in the storage device 3103 by one. Let Usually, a plurality of medals are inserted at a time, and the number of credits is increased to some extent. When the player performs a bet operation by operating the BET operation unit 3015, the control device 3101 reduces the credit number data stored in the storage device 3103 by the bet number and also displays the display count value of the credit indicator 3014a. Control to reduce by the number of bets is performed. In addition, the control device 3101 recognizes the winning line IL that has become effective according to the number of bets. Note that if the winning combination is not aligned on the effective winning line IL, no winning is achieved even if the winning combination is aligned on the ineffective winning line IL.

  When the start button 3006 is operated by the player, the control device 3101 executes a start command receiving program stored in the storage device 3103, thereby functioning as a start command receiving means, and a variable display from the start button 3006. Accept start command. The control device 3101 that has received this change display start command first causes the reel control device 3102 to start rotational driving of all reels. In addition, the control device 3101 that has received the change display start command executes a prize group lottery program stored in the storage device 3103 to select one of the prize groups from among a plurality of prize groups. It functions as a means for performing an internal lottery to determine a loss in which no prize group is selected, and performs an internal lottery. This internal lottery is performed by comparing the random number data sent from the random number generation circuit with the prize group lottery table stored in the storage device 3103. This award group lottery table associates each random number with one of the award groups or a loss. By associating in this way, any prize group is won with a predetermined probability, or a loss occurs with a predetermined probability.

  The rotation position of the reel that has started to rotate is detected by a reel position sensor (not shown). Then, the reel control device 3102 calculates the reel rotation speed based on the output signal from each reel position sensor. When the reel rotation speed is stabilized, the reel control device 3102 can recognize the position of each symbol on each reel based on the output signal from each reel position sensor. Then, the control device 3101 executes a stop control program stored in the storage device 3103, and controls the reel so that a predetermined symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the winning line based on the lottery result of the internal lottery. The apparatus 3102 performs reel stop control. Specifically, when any prize group is won by internal lottery, stop control is performed so that the combination of symbols related to the winning combination corresponding to the winning prize group is stopped and displayed on the winning line IL. On the other hand, in the event that the player loses without selecting any prize group due to the internal lottery, stop control is performed so that combinations of symbols that do not correspond to any prize group are stopped and displayed on the winning line IL.

  In the normal game, an internal lottery is performed using a prize group lottery table corresponding to the normal game. The prize group that can be won in the internal lottery of the regular game includes a cherry award corresponding to a cherry role consisting of “cherry-ANY (regardless of design) -ANY (regardless of design)”, “ANY7 (“ 7 ”). ANY7 award corresponding to the ANY7 role consisting of “7” of multiple colors, “ANY7 (regardless of the color of“ 7 ”) — ANY7 (regardless of the color of“ 7 ”), White 7 award corresponding to white 7 role consisting of “white 7-white 7-white 7”, Blue 7 award corresponding to blue 7 role consisting of “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7”, “green 7- There are medal payout awards such as a green 7 award corresponding to a green 7 role consisting of “green 7-green 7” and a red 7 award corresponding to a red 7 role consisting of “red 7-red 7-red 7”. When any one of the medal payout prizes is won by the internal lottery and the corresponding role is arranged on the payline IL, the control device 3101 corresponds to the winning prize on the medal payout number display 3014c of the count display unit 3014. Display the number of medals to be paid. Then, the control device 3101 performs a medal payout process for the number of coins corresponding to the winning prize. Specifically, the control device 3101 increases the credit number data stored in the storage device 3103 by this medal payout number and increases the medal credit of the credit indicator 3014a by this medal payout number. I do. When the upper limit value of the medal credit is exceeded, the medal payout device 3018 pays out the medal from the medal payout tray 3010a to the medal tray 3010 for the excess amount. Note that the number of medals to be paid out is large according to the order in which the prize group is described.

  When the player plays with the slot machine 3000, the player holds the user card over the card reading surface 3013a before the play. As a result, the card ID is read from the user card by the card reader 3013, and the card ID is stored in the storage device 3103. Then, as will be described later, by using this card ID, permission information, which is authentication result information indicating that it has been authenticated by the personal authentication process, is received from the store terminal unit 5000 via the LAN, The play information (the cumulative number of medals inserted, the number of times the player wins a red 7 prize, etc.) in the slot machine 3000 is stored in a state associated with the card ID. When the player who plays using the user card ends the game, the play information (game continuation information) stored in the storage device 3103 is stored in the management server 4000 in a state associated with the card ID. Is done. When the player holds his / her user card over the card reading surface 3013a before the next play, play information (game continuation information) corresponding to the card ID in the user card is downloaded from the management server 4000, and these data are stored in the storage device. 3103 and the play result of the play is added to the play information.

FIG. 12 is a control block diagram of the management server 4000 that performs control related to personal authentication processing described later together with each store terminal unit 5000.
The management server 4000 mainly includes a control device 4001, a storage device 4002, and an external communication device 4003. The storage device 4002 stores various control programs. The storage device 4002 also stores game continuation information for each medal game machine. The external communication device 4003 is for performing data communication with an external device such as the store terminal unit 5000 of each store or each medal game machine 1000, 2000, 3000, etc. of each store via the WAN.

FIG. 13 is an external view of a store terminal unit 5000 for managing a system in each store and performing data communication between the management server 4000 and each medal game machine in the store.
FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of the store terminal unit 5000.
The store terminal unit 5000 mainly includes a control device 5001, a storage device 5002 as storage means, an external communication device 5003, an in-store communication device 5004, a display device 5005, a touch panel 5006 as operation receiving means, a card reader 5007, a medal. The payout device 5008 and the biological information reading device 5009 are configured. The storage device 5002 stores various control programs. The external communication device 5003 is for data communication with an external device such as the management server 4000. The in-store communication device 5004 is for data communication with each medal game machine 1000, 2000, 3000, etc. via the LAN. The display device 5005 is for displaying various information. The touch panel 5006 is for accepting a user operation. A card reader 5007 reads a card ID from a user card possessed by the user. The medal payout device 5008 is for paying out medals from the medal payout exit 5008a. The biometric information reading device 5009 is for reading the biometric information of the user, and in this embodiment is configured with a scanner for reading a vein pattern (biometric information).

Next, personal authentication processing, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described.
FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of the management server 4000, the store terminal unit 5000, and the medal game machine related to the personal authentication process in the present embodiment.
Since the functional block diagrams of the medal game machines 1000, 2000, and 3000 related to the personal authentication process are the same, only the horse racing game machine 1000 will be described here.

  The medal game machines 1000, 2000, and 3000 include an ID receiving unit 6001 as a player identification information receiving unit, a game progress control unit 6002 as a game progress control unit and an individual processing unit, and a communication unit 6003 as an authentication result information receiving unit. And have.

The ID receiving unit 6001 mainly includes card readers 1204, 2605, and 3013 of each medal game machine, and reads a card ID that is player identification information from the user card.
The game progress control unit 6002 mainly includes control devices 1101, 1201, 2601, 2261, 2621, 3101 for each medal game machine, and controls the progress of the game of each medal game machine. In addition, the game progress control unit 6002 performs play as individual processing corresponding to the card ID on condition that the communication unit 6003 receives permission information that is authentication result information corresponding to the card ID received by the ID receiving unit 6001. Resume processing.
The communication unit 6003 is mainly composed of communication devices 1108, 2625, and 3107 for each medal game machine, and the permission information output from the game machine side communication unit 5105 of the store terminal unit 5000 is used as a card ID corresponding thereto. Received via the LAN in a state associated with. The communication unit 6003 receives game continuation information such as game state data and play information output from the management server 4000.

The shop terminal unit 5000 functions as an authentication device by cooperating with the management server 4000.
The store terminal unit 5000 includes an ID receiving unit 5101 as a player identification information receiving unit, a biometric information reading unit 5102 as an authentication information receiving unit, a management server side communication unit 5103, a permission information storage unit 5104, and authentication result information. And a game machine side communication unit 5105 as output means.

The ID receiving unit 5101 mainly includes a card reader 5007, and reads a card ID that is player identification information from the user card.
The biometric information reading unit 5102 mainly includes a biometric information reading device 5009 and reads a vein pattern (biometric information) such as a user's finger or arm.
The management server side communication unit 5103 mainly includes an external communication device 5003, and communicates card ID, biometric information, permission information, and the like with the management server 4000 via the WAN.
The permission information storage unit 5104 mainly includes a storage device 5002, and stores the permission information received by the management server side communication unit 5103 in association with the corresponding card ID.
The game machine side communication unit 5105 mainly includes an in-store communication device 5004, and communicates card IDs, permission information, and the like with each medal game machine 1000, 2000, 3000 via the LAN. .

  The management server 4000 includes a communication unit 4101, an authentication confirmation information storage unit 4102, a personal authentication processing unit 4103 as personal authentication means, and a game continuation information storage unit 4104.

The communication unit 4101 is mainly composed of an external communication device 4003, and with each store terminal unit 5000, a card ID, biological information, permission information, game continuation information such as game state data and play information, and the like. Communicate via the WAN.
The authentication confirmation information storage unit 4102 mainly includes a storage device 4002, and stores biometric information (authentication confirmation information) registered in advance by the user in association with the card ID of the user.
The personal authentication processing unit 4103 is mainly configured by the control device 4001, and is stored in the authentication confirmation information storage unit 4102 in association with the biometric information received by the communication unit 4101 and the card ID corresponding to the biometric information. The personal authentication process is performed depending on whether or not the biometric information matches. As a result of the personal authentication process, when it is determined that they match, permission information is output from the communication unit 4101 to the store terminal unit 5000 in a state associated with the card ID.
The game continuation information storage unit 4104 stores game continuation information such as game state data and play information transmitted from each medal game machine 1000, 2000, 3000 when the player stops the game.

FIG. 16 is a sequence flow showing a flow of personal authentication processing in the present embodiment.
In the personal authentication process in the present embodiment, first, the user performs in advance a process of registering his / her biometric information using his / her user card. In this process, for example, the user card is placed over the store terminal unit 5000 over the card reading surface 5007a of the card reader 5007, and the registration procedure is performed according to the guidance screen displayed on the display device 5005. Specifically, the biometric information registration screen is read by operating the touch panel 5006, and the biometric information reading device 5009 reads the biometric information of itself. Thereby, the biometric information read by the biometric information reading device 5009 is output to the management server 4000 via the WAN together with the card ID read by the card reader 5007. Then, the management server 4000 stores the received biometric information in the authentication confirmation information storage unit 4102 as authentication confirmation information in a state associated with the card ID received together.

When a user who has registered biometric information in advance as described above plays in any store (game facility), he / she first visits the location of the store terminal unit 5000 in the store and performs a personal authentication procedure. More specifically, when the user holds his / her user card over the card reading surface 5007a of the store terminal unit 5000 and causes the ID receiving unit 5101 to read the card ID, a guidance screen for the personal authentication procedure is displayed on the display device 5005. The In accordance with this guidance screen, the user causes the biological information reading unit 5102 to read his / her biological information. Thereby, the biometric information read by the biometric information reading unit 5102 is output from the management server side communication unit 5103 to the management server 4000 via the WAN together with the card ID read by the ID receiving unit 5101. In the management server 4000, when the communication unit 4101 receives the card ID and the biometric information, the personal authentication processing unit 4103 performs personal authentication processing. Specifically, the personal authentication processing unit 4103 matches the biometric information received by the communication unit 4101 with the biometric information stored in the authentication confirmation information storage unit 4102 in association with the card ID received together with the biometric information. A personal authentication process is performed to determine whether or not. As a result of this personal authentication processing, when it is determined that they match, permission information is output from the communication unit 4101 to the store terminal unit 5000 together with the card ID. When the store terminal unit 5000 receives the card ID and the permission information at the management server side communication unit 5103, the store terminal unit 5000 stores the permission information in the permission information storage unit 5104 in a state associated with the card ID. Then, the shop terminal unit 5000 displays a personal authentication completion screen on the display device 5005 for notifying the user that the personal authentication is completed, and ends the personal authentication work.

  As a result of personal authentication processing in the personal authentication processing unit 4103 of the management server 4000, when it is determined that the biometric information does not match, or when it is determined that the corresponding card ID is not stored in the authentication confirmation information storage unit 4102, etc. When authentication is not possible, information indicating that is output from the communication unit 4101 to the store terminal unit 5000. The store terminal unit 5000 that has received this displays the content indicated by the information on the display device 5005 and provides necessary guidance to the user.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the store terminal unit 5000 receives permission information (authentication result information) indicating that the authentication has been performed by the personal authentication processing unit 4103 of the management server 4000, and the business hours of the store on the day when the authentication is performed. Will be provided in response to requests from each medal game machine 1000, 2000, 3000 until the end of the business hours of the store on that day, the request from each medal game machine 1000, 2000, 3000 We do not offer even if there is. Specifically, for example, the store terminal unit 5000 receives the card ID and the biometric information (authentication confirmation information) stored from the authentication confirmation information storage unit 4102 on the day at the timing when the business hours of the store on that day end. delete. By adopting such a configuration, if the user performs personal authentication only once a day, it is necessary to perform a personal authentication procedure again when playing with any medal game machine 1000, 2000, 3000 in the store. Absent. However, if the day changes, the user needs to go through the personal authentication procedure again.

  When the user who has completed the personal authentication procedure as described above plays on the horse racing game machine 1000 in the store, the user holds his / her user card over the card reading surface 1015 before playing. Thereby, the card ID is read from the user card by the ID receiving unit 6001. The card ID read by the ID receiving unit 6001 is output from the communication unit 6003 to the store terminal unit 5000 through the LAN as an authentication confirmation request. When the store terminal unit 5000 receives the authentication confirmation request (card ID) at the game machine side communication unit 5105, the store terminal unit 5000 confirms whether or not the permission information is stored in the permission information storage unit 5104 in a state associated with the card ID. To do. When it is confirmed that the information is stored, the permission information together with the card ID is output from the game machine side communication unit 5105 to the medal game machine 1000 that is the transmission source of the authentication confirmation request. When the medal game machine 1000 receives the card ID and the permission information by the communication unit 6003, the medal game machine 1000 causes the display 1011 to display a screen for notifying the user that the confirmation of the personal authentication is completed. Thereafter, when the user (player) performs an operation of selecting to continue the previous game, the request for game continuation information for the card ID is managed through the gateway device 7000 from the communication unit 6003 of the medal game machine 1000. Output to server 4000. When the communication server 4101 receives a game continuation information request (card ID), the management server 4000 stores game state data (game continuation information) stored in the game continuation information storage unit 4104 in a state associated with the card ID. ) Is output to the medal game machine 1000 that has transmitted a request for game continuation information from the communication unit 4101. When the game continuation information is received by the communication unit 6003 of the medal game machine 1000, the game progress control unit 6002 based on the game state data, the data related to the racehorse character that the player has trained in the past game, etc. (horse name data, Parameter data, actual information such as the winning GI race) is stored in the SRAM 1105 or the flash memory 1106 in a state associated with the card ID, and a process for restarting the game is performed. Thereby, the player can play a game from the previous continuation.

As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the medal game machines 1000, 2000, and 3000 are not equipped with a biometric reader, biometric information is used in the store terminal unit 5000 that includes the biometric reader. By performing personal authentication processing, it is possible to perform game resumption processing (individual processing) using game continuation information of individual players using the result of personal authentication processing using biometric information. Therefore, even in an existing medal game machine that is not provided with the biometric authentication reading device, it is possible to provide each player with a highly secure service using the result of personal authentication processing using biometric information.
In addition, in the present embodiment, permission information (authentication result information) indicating that the store terminal unit 5000 has been authenticated is transferred to each medal game machine 1000, 2000, 3000 via the communication network, so that the recorded content is read. Compared to storing permission information in a user card (portable storage medium) that can be easily tampered with or tampered with, it is possible to obtain a higher security effect.

In the present embodiment, biometric information (authentication confirmation information) registered in advance is also sent to the management server 4000 via the communication network and managed. Even if such biometric information (authentication confirmation information) is stored in a user card (portable storage medium), the store terminal unit 5000 can perform the same personal authentication procedure as described above. There is a possibility that the user card is transferred to another person's hand and the biometric information (authentication confirmation information) in the user card is read and known to the other person. In this embodiment, since the personal authentication process using the biometric information is performed, even if the biometric information (authentication confirmation information) is known to another person, the other person who does not have the same biometric information is authenticated by the store terminal unit 5000. The procedure cannot be completed. However, when password information is used as authentication information instead of biometric information, if password information (authentication confirmation information) registered in advance is stored in the user card, password information (authentication confirmation information) in the user card is stored. May be read and known to others. In this case, the other person can complete the personal authentication procedure on behalf of the person (the original owner of the user card) using the user card and the password information. As a result, for example, after reading the game state data of the person on the medal game machine 1000, the game state data is saved using another user card (the other person's user card) when the game is ended. The game state data of the user is stored in association with the card ID of the other person's user card. As a result, the person himself / herself cannot use his / her game state data even if he takes a procedure such as reissuing a user card. According to the present embodiment, even when password information is used as authentication information, there is no fear of such fraud and high security can be ensured.
Further, in this embodiment, biometric information (authentication confirmation information) and password information (authentication confirmation information) are not recorded on the user card. Therefore, even if the user card is stolen, the user card is not stored unless the authentication confirmation information is stolen. It cannot be used by others. Further, since the player does not input the authentication confirmation information for each game device, the possibility that the authentication confirmation information is stolen can be reduced. In addition, since the authentication confirmation information is not recorded on the user card, it is not necessary to make the user card highly secure, it can be made inexpensively, it can be easily reissued when lost, and at the same time lost If the card is invalidated or illegally used, it can be easily detected on the management server side and can be recovered immediately.

  Note that, according to the present embodiment, the case where permission information (authentication result information) is managed by the store terminal unit 5000 and an authentication confirmation request from each medal game machine is output to the store terminal unit 5000 has been described. (Authentication result information) may be managed by the management server 4000 and an authentication confirmation request from each medal game machine may be output to the management server 4000.

In this embodiment, the case where the user performs the personal authentication procedure with the store terminal unit 5000 is described as an example. However, the personal authentication procedure is performed with any medal game machine equipped with the biometric information reader. May be. For example, when the medal game machine 3000 includes a biometric information reader, the medal game machine 3000 also becomes a part of the authentication device and performs personal authentication processing.
More specifically, when a user who has registered biometric information in advance plays in any store (game facility), he / she first visits the medal game machine 3000 equipped with the biometric information reader and inserts his / her user card. The card ID is read over the card reading surface 3013a of the medal game machine 3000. Subsequently, the biometric information reading unit reads the biometric information of the user. Thereby, the biometric information read by the biometric information reading unit 5102 is output to the management server 4000 via the communication network through the store terminal unit 5000 or directly together with the card ID. When the management server 4000 receives the card ID and the biometric information, the personal authentication processing unit 4103 performs personal authentication processing. When the management server 4000 is authenticated, the management server 4000 outputs the permission information to the store terminal unit 5000 together with the card ID. When the store terminal unit 5000 receives the card ID and the permission information at the management server side communication unit 5103, the store terminal unit 5000 stores the permission information in the permission information storage unit 5104 in a state associated with the card ID. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the biometric reader in the store terminal unit 5000. In addition, if the game machine newly introduced in the store is equipped with the latest authentication information reading device with higher security, the result of the personal authentication processing using the latest authentication information reading device is changed to the other existing ones. Since it can also be used in game machines, the results of highly secure personal authentication processing based on the latest authentication information reader are used throughout the store, including existing game machines that are not equipped with the latest authentication information reader. Could provide individual services.

The medal game machine applicable to the game system of the present embodiment is not limited to the type described above, and can be widely applied.
The game device applied to the present game system may not be a medal game machine.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire game system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is an external view which shows an example of the horse racing game machine which comprises the game system. It is a control block diagram which shows the main control part for controlling the whole operation | movement of the horse racing game machine integratedly. It is a control block diagram which shows the station control part provided for every station of the horse racing game machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the station part in the pusher game machine which comprises the same game system. It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of the game control system of the pusher game machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the game screen for slots displayed on the display part of the same pusher game machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the game screen for bingo displayed on the display part of the same pusher game machine. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the slot machine which comprises the game system. It is a detailed front view which shows a part of front panel of the slot machine. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram related to the main configuration of the slot machine. It is a control block diagram of a management server. It is an external view of a store terminal unit. It is a control block diagram of a store terminal unit. It is a functional block diagram of a management server, a store terminal unit, and a medal game machine related to personal authentication processing in the embodiment. It is a sequence flow which shows the flow of the personal authentication process.

Explanation of symbols

1000 Horse racing game machine (medal game machine)
1010 station 1015, 3013a, 5007 card reading surface 1101 main control device 1108, 2625, 3107, 4003, 5003 external communication device 1201 station control device 1204, 2605, 3013, 5007 card reader 2000 pusher game machine (medal game machine)
2500 Play field 2601, 2161, 2621 Control device 3000 Slot machine (medal game machine)
3101 Control device 4000 Management server 4101 Communication unit 4102 Authentication confirmation information storage unit 4103 Personal authentication processing unit 5000 Store terminal unit 5007 Card reader 5009 Biometric information reading device 5101 ID receiving unit 5102 Biometric information reading unit 5103 Management server side communication unit 5104 Permission information Storage unit 5105 Game machine side communication unit 5106 Game continuation information storage unit 6001 ID receiving unit 6002 Game progress control unit 6003 Communication unit

Claims (7)

Authentication having a player identification information receiving means for receiving the player identification information, and receiving the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means and authentication information for confirming that the player is the person corresponding to the player identification information A communication network comprising an arcade game device having no information receiving means and an authentication device configured separately from the arcade game device and having both the player identification information receiving means and the authentication information receiving means. A game system that is communicably connected via
The authentication device
Personal authentication means for performing personal authentication processing using the authentication information received by the authentication information receiving means and the authentication confirmation information registered in advance corresponding to the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means;
And authentication result information output means for outputting via the communication network in a state where the authentication result information indicating that is associated with the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means when the personal authentication means is authenticated. And
The above arcade game device
Game progress control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Authentication result information receiving means for receiving the authentication result information output from the authentication result information output means of the authentication device via the communication network in a state associated with the corresponding player identification information;
And individual processing means for performing individual processing corresponding to the player identification information on condition that the authentication result information receiving means receives authentication result information corresponding to the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means. A game system characterized by The game system according to claim 1,
When the game progress control means interrupts the game, the arcade game device displays the game continuation information necessary for the player to continue the game from a predetermined time before the time of the interruption. It has a game continuation information output means for outputting in a state associated with information,
The individual processing performed by the individual processing means acquires game continuation information corresponding to the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means, and controls the game progress from the predetermined time point based on the game continuation information. A game system characterized by The game system according to claim 1 or 2,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information receiving means comprises a password input device for inputting a password as the authentication information. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A game system, wherein the authentication device is another arcade game device provided with a game progress control means for controlling the progress of the game. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A plurality of the arcade game devices that do not have the authentication information receiving means, and are connected to the arcade game devices and the authentication device via a communication network so that they can communicate with each other. Provided with the authentication result information output from each business game device until a predetermined time, and provided with an authentication result information providing device not provided to each business game device after the time,
An authentication result information receiving means of each business game device receives the authentication result information provided by the authentication result information providing device via the communication network. Authentication having a player identification information receiving means for receiving the player identification information, and receiving the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means and authentication information for confirming that the player is the person corresponding to the player identification information The player identification information receiving means and the authentication information receiving means, which are communicably connected to an arcade game apparatus having no information receiving means via a communication network, and are configured separately from the arcade game apparatus. An authentication device having both of
Personal authentication means for performing personal authentication processing using the authentication information received by the authentication information receiving means and the authentication confirmation information registered in advance corresponding to the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means;
Authentication result information output means for outputting, via the communication network, authentication result information indicating that when the personal authentication means is authenticated in association with the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means. An authentication apparatus characterized by that. Player identification information receiving means for receiving player identification information, authentication information reception for receiving player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means and authentication information for confirming that the player is the person corresponding to the player identification information Is connected to an authentication device that is communicable via a communication network, and is configured separately from the authentication device and includes the player identification information receiving means, but the authentication information receiving means includes An arcade game device not provided,
Game progress control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Authentication result information receiving means for receiving the authentication result information output from the authentication device via the communication network in a state associated with the corresponding player identification information;
And individual processing means for performing individual processing corresponding to the player identification information on condition that the authentication result information receiving means receives authentication result information corresponding to the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving means. An arcade game machine characterized by the above.