JP2018117797A - Device for game - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for a game capable of prompting recovery of a recording medium which can be forgotten to be taken out in a state before discharging of the recording medium is limited.SOLUTION: A card unit is capable of receiving a card associated with a card balance, and is capable of limiting discharging of the received card based on the fact that a game machine is in a non-playing state in which a game is not played for a predetermined time after the card is received. After receiving the card, the card unit is capable of executing a predetermined output on the basis of the fact that the non-playing state is kept for a specific time shorter than the predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

  The present invention can accept a recording medium associated with a valuable value, and after receiving the recording medium, based on the fact that it is in a non-game state in which no game is played for a predetermined time, The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus capable of restricting discharge.

  In a store such as a pachinko store or a slot store, it is a recording medium for playing a game on a gaming machine corresponding to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, and the remaining amount, possession balls, storage balls, etc. are associated with it. In general, a gaming device such as a card unit configured to accept a card is provided.

  In relation to this, for example, in Patent Document 1, after accepting a card, the time of a non-game state in which no game is played on the gaming machine is timed, and the received card is discharged based on the timed information. An invention relating to a gaming device to be restricted is disclosed.

JP 2010-269028 A

  In the gaming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, when a player forgets to remove the recording medium from the gaming apparatus and leaves, the ejection of the recording medium is limited. In this case, unless the store clerk confirms the gaming device by cleaning the table, etc., the store clerk will not be aware that the player has forgotten to remove the recording medium before the discharge of the recording medium is restricted, and promptly collects the recording medium. There was a risk of being unable to do so.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to encourage the collection of a recording medium that may be forgotten to be removed in a state before the discharge of the recording medium is restricted. An object of the present invention is to provide a game device that can be used.

  The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems. In addition, although the code | symbol used in description of the form for implementing invention mentioned later and drawing is added for reference, the component of this invention is not limited to what attached | subjected this code | symbol.

The invention according to means 1
A recording medium (card; membership card, visitor card, etc.) associated with a valuable value (remaining amount; remaining amount of card, remaining amount of prepaid, etc.) can be received, and a predetermined time (FIG. 14 (5)) after receiving the recording medium. Lock time setting table: lock time, card lock setting data 3295 in FIG. 15: set lock time, etc.), and the discharge of the received recording medium is restricted based on the non-game state in which no game is played A possible gaming device (card lock, etc.) (card unit 3, 1100, etc.)
After receiving the recording medium, a specific time shorter than the predetermined time (pre-output time, pre-output time type setting table in FIG. 18 (3); pre-output time type, lock time ratio setting in FIG. 18 (4) Table: lock time ratio, remaining time setting table in FIG. 18 (5: remaining time, etc.), based on non-game state, predetermined output (lock prior information output: card forgotten suggestion information output, card Output means (communication unit 370 (HUB7), display unit 312 etc.) capable of executing lock notice information output, warning notice forgetting to remove card, card lock notice notice, etc.,
It is provided with the game apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.
According to this, since the predetermined output is made before the discharge of the recording medium is restricted, it is possible to notify the possibility of forgetting to remove the recording medium. As a result, it is possible to prompt the store clerk to collect a recording medium that may be forgotten.

Further, as an invention related to means 2,
A gaming device according to means 1, comprising:
The output means stores information relating to forgetting to remove the recording medium (such as card forgetting suggestion information) or information relating to prior notice that the ejection of the recording medium is restricted (such as card lock notice information) to an external device (hall computer 140). A gaming device characterized by having external output means (communication unit 370 (HUB7), etc.) capable of outputting to management computer 150, island computer 4, etc.
According to this, it is possible to notify the outside that the possibility of forgetting to remove the recording medium or that the ejection of the recording medium is to be limited.

Further, as an invention related to means 3,
A gaming device according to means 1 or 2, wherein
The output means informs (displays, sounds, etc.) information relating to forgetting to remove the recording medium (information for suggesting forgetting to remove the card, etc.) or information relating to prior notice that the ejection of the recording medium is restricted (card lock notice information, etc.) ) May be configured to include a notification means (display unit 312, sound output unit 350, etc.) that can be output.
According to this, it is possible to notify the own device that there is a possibility of forgetting to remove the recording medium or that the ejection of the recording medium is to be limited.

In addition, as an invention related to means 4,
A gaming device described in any one of means 1 to 3,
Output setting means (processing section 310 etc.) capable of executing settings relating to predetermined output by the output means (pre-output setting table 1587 in FIG. 18, pre-output setting data 3297 in FIG. 19, etc.) A gaming device may be configured.
According to this, the versatility of the setting regarding a predetermined output can be improved.

Further, as an invention related to means 5,
A gaming device described in means 4, comprising:
The output setting means determines whether or not predetermined output is executed by the output means (application type setting table in FIG. 18A: valid / invalid, pre-output setting data 3297 in FIG. 19: setting application type No., etc.). You may comprise the game device characterized by setting.
According to this, since it is possible to set whether or not to execute a predetermined output, versatility can be improved.

Further, as an invention related to means 6,
A gaming device according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein
A game further comprising time setting means (processing unit 310, etc.) capable of setting at least one of the predetermined time (locking time, etc.) and the specific time (preliminary output time, etc.). An apparatus may be configured.
According to this, since the time until the discharge of the recording medium is restricted or the time until the predetermined output is executed can be set, versatility can be improved.

As an invention relating to means 7,
A gaming device according to any one of means 1-6,
You may comprise the game apparatus characterized by further providing the restriction | limiting setting means (processing part 310 etc.) which can perform the setting regarding the restriction | limiting of discharge | emission of a recording medium.
According to this, the versatility regarding the restriction | limiting of discharge | emission of a recording medium can be improved.

Further, as an invention related to means 8,
A gaming device according to means 7, comprising:
The restriction setting means determines whether or not to restrict the discharge of the recording medium based on temporal conditions (effective time zone setting table in FIG. 14 (3): effective time zone, card lock setting data 3295 in FIG. 15: setting). You may comprise the game apparatus characterized by setting an effective time slot | zone etc.).
According to this, it is possible to realize the release of the restriction on discharge of the recording medium in accordance with a temporal condition such as a specific time zone or a specific time.

Further, as an invention related to means 9,
A gaming device according to any one of means 1 to 8, wherein
Based on the player's face image information (captured image data, feature amount data, etc.), it is determined whether or not the player at the time of receiving the recording medium is changed or absent (player match determination process, player A determination unit (processing unit 310, etc.) capable of executing absence determination processing, etc .;
Based on the result of the determination by the determination means, the discharge of the received recording medium is limited.
You may comprise the game device characterized by this.
According to this, it is possible to limit the discharge of the recording medium when the player who has received the recording medium is changed or absent.

Further, as an invention related to means 10,
A gaming device according to means 9, comprising:
It further includes imaging means (unit camera 306 etc.),
The determination means may constitute a gaming apparatus characterized by executing the determination based on a player's face image information specified from a captured image captured by the imaging means.
According to this, it is possible to determine whether or not the player at the time of receiving the recording medium is changed or absent based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit.

Further, as an invention related to means 11,
A gaming device according to any one of means 1 to 10, wherein
After the discharge of the recording medium is restricted (after the card lock is executed), a predetermined operation related to the game that is an operation by the player (operation for playing the game with the pachinko machine 2: counting of the operation of the batting operation handle 25, etc.) Actions for operating the payout unit 348: opening / closing shutter opening operation, movement of holding the ball of the upper plate 23 by hand, etc. (out signal, counting signal, payout signal, prize ball signal, handle operation) Release means (processing unit 310, etc.) capable of releasing the restriction on discharge of the recording medium based on the input of the signal, etc.
You may comprise the game device characterized by further providing these.
According to this, it is possible to release the restriction on the discharge of the recording medium based on the input of the specific information after restricting the discharge of the recording medium while ensuring the security by restricting the discharge of the recording medium. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

The invention according to means 12 is
A recording medium (card: membership card, visitor card, etc.) associated with a valuable value (remaining amount: card balance, prepaid balance, etc.) can be received, and a predetermined condition (locking condition: locking time) after receiving the recording medium A game device (card unit 3, 1100, etc.) capable of restricting the discharge of the received recording medium (card lock, etc.) based on the establishment of no operation, player change detection, player absence detection, etc.
After the discharge of the recording medium is restricted (after the card lock is executed), a predetermined operation related to the game that is an operation by the player (operation for playing the game with the pachinko machine 2: counting of the operation of the batting operation handle 25, etc.) Actions for operating the payout unit 348: opening / closing shutter opening operation, movement of holding the ball of the upper plate 23 by hand, etc. (out signal, counting signal, payout signal, prize ball signal, handle operation) Release means (processing unit 310, etc.) capable of releasing the restriction on discharge of the recording medium based on the input of the signal, etc.
It is provided with the game apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.
According to this, it is possible to release the restriction on the discharge of the recording medium based on the input of the specific information after restricting the discharge of the recording medium while ensuring the security by restricting the discharge of the recording medium. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

As an invention relating to means 13,
A gaming device described in means 12, comprising:
The release means provides information (out signal etc.) that can be used to specify the game value used (the number of out balls, etc.) that is the game value used by the player in the game on the gaming machine, and is given to the player in the game on the gaming machine Information (counting signal, etc.) that can specify the execution of counting by a counting device (counting payout unit 348) capable of counting the assigned gaming value (number of prize balls) that is the gaming value that has been played, and a gaming machine for performing the game Based on the fact that at least one piece of information (award ball signal, handle operation signal, etc.) that can specify a gaming machine operation (operation of the hitting ball operation handle 25), which is an operation on the game, is input as the specific information Remove the restriction on the discharge of the recording medium,
You may comprise the game device characterized by this.
According to this, based on a simple operation related to the game being performed by the player,
The restriction on discharge of the recording medium can be lifted.

Further, as an invention relating to means 14,
A gaming device described in means 12 or 13,
Settings relating to recording medium discharge restrictions (card lock setting table 1585 in FIG.
15 is configured to further include restriction setting means (such as the processing unit 310) capable of executing the card lock setting data 3295 in FIG. 15 and the island-specific unit setting data 329 in FIG. Also good.
According to this, the versatility regarding the restriction | limiting of discharge | emission of a recording medium can be improved.

Further, as an invention related to means 15,
A gaming device described in means 14,
The restriction setting means determines whether or not to restrict the discharge of the recording medium based on temporal conditions (effective time zone setting table in FIG. 14 (3): effective time zone, card lock setting data 3295 in FIG. 15: setting). You may comprise the game apparatus characterized by setting an effective time slot | zone etc.).
According to this, it is possible to realize the limitation of the discharge of the recording medium according to the temporal condition such as a specific time zone and a specific time.

As an invention relating to means 16,
A gaming device according to any one of means 12 to 15, comprising:
Settings relating to the release of the recording medium discharge restriction by the release means (card lock release setting table 1586 in FIG. 16, card lock release setting data 3296 in FIG. 17, island unit setting data 329 in FIG. 24, etc.) You may comprise the game apparatus characterized by further providing the cancellation | release setting means (processing part 310 grade | etc.,) Which can be performed.
According to this, the versatility regarding cancellation | release of the restriction | limiting of discharge of a recording medium can be improved.

Further, as an invention related to means 17,
A gaming device according to means 16, comprising:
The release setting means may be configured to set whether or not to execute the release of the restriction on discharge of the recording medium based on a temporal condition.
According to this, it is possible to realize the release of the restriction on discharge of the recording medium in accordance with a temporal condition such as a specific time zone or a specific time.

As an invention relating to means 18,
A gaming device according to any one of means 12 to 17, comprising:
Based on the player's face image information (captured image data, feature amount data, etc.), it is determined whether or not the player at the time of receiving the recording medium is changed or absent (player match determination process, player A determination unit (processing unit 310, etc.) capable of executing absence determination processing, etc .;
Based on the result of the determination by the determination means, the discharge of the received recording medium is limited.
You may comprise the game device characterized by this.
According to this, it is possible to limit the discharge of the recording medium when the player who has received the recording medium is changed or absent.

As an invention relating to means 19,
A gaming device according to means 18, comprising:
It further includes imaging means (unit camera 306 etc.),
The determination means may constitute a gaming apparatus characterized by executing the determination based on a player's face image information specified from a captured image captured by the imaging means.
According to this, it is possible to determine whether or not the player at the time of receiving the recording medium is changed or absent based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit.

As an invention relating to means 20,
A gaming device according to any one of means 12 to 19, comprising:
After receiving the recording medium, a predetermined time (lock time setting table in FIG. 14 (5): lock time, card lock setting data 3295 in FIG. 15: set lock time, etc.), non-game state in which no game is played Based on the fact that it is possible to limit the discharge of the accepted recording medium,
After receiving the recording medium, a specific time shorter than the predetermined time (pre-output time, pre-output time type setting table in FIG. 18 (3); pre-output time type, lock time ratio setting in FIG. 18 (4) Table: lock time ratio, remaining time setting table in FIG. 18 (5: remaining time, etc.), based on non-game state, predetermined output (lock prior information output: card forgotten suggestion information output, card Output means (communication unit 370, display unit 312 and the like) capable of executing lock notice information output, warning notice forgetting to remove card, notice of card lock notice, etc.,
You may comprise the game device characterized by further providing these.
According to this, since the predetermined output is made before the discharge of the recording medium is restricted, it is possible to notify the possibility of forgetting to remove the recording medium. As a result, it is possible to prompt the store clerk to collect a recording medium that may be forgotten.

It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of a 1st game system. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the signal and information in a 1st game system. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance structure of a pachinko machine and a card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a function structure of a card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a card table, game information table, and member game information. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of a captured image database. It is a figure which shows an example of a function structure of a system controller. It is a figure which shows an example of the table structure of a card table. It is a figure which shows an example of a function structure of a management computer. It is a figure which shows an example of a table structure of a savings management table. It is a figure which shows an example of a table structure of a unit management table. It is a figure which shows an example of the table structure of a distribution history table. It is a figure which shows an example of the table structure of the table according to member. It is a figure which shows an example of the table structure of the table for card lock settings. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the data for card lock setting. It is a figure which shows an example of the table structure of the table for card lock cancellation | release setting. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the data for card | curd lock cancellation | release setting. It is a figure which shows an example of the table structure of the table for prior output settings. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the data for prior output setting. It is a figure which shows an example of the table structure of the table for PIN registration setting. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the data for PIN registration setting. It is a figure which shows an example of the table structure of the table for imaging settings. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of a captured image database. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the data for unit setting by island. It is a figure which shows an example of a function structure of an island computer. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a management process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a card unit process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a sub process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a prior output process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a card lock and cancellation | release process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a password registration process. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part of a card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part of a card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part of a card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of a 2nd game system.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1-1. System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the first gaming system 1A in the first embodiment, and games arranged in parallel on each gaming island (not shown) arranged in a store (game room). A card reader pachinko machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”) 2 that is a machine, and a pachinko machine 2 is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the pachinko machine 2 at a side position on a predetermined side. A visitor card, which is a game recording medium issued to a visitor player who has not registered as a member, or a membership card, a game recording medium issued to a member player who has registered as a member in the game hall On the basis of the value of valuable value (prepaid balance) specified from the game value identification information (prepaid balance data) recorded on the visitor card or membership card (hereinafter referred to as “card”). Game The number of pachinko balls acquired in the process for renting pachinko balls, which are game media used in games, and the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is counted, and within the number of pachinko balls already counted. A card unit 3 that pays out (returns) pachinko balls, a visitor card used in the card unit 3, a membership card, and management of the card unit 3 are installed in a system controller 100, which is a kind of management device, and in the amusement hall Hall computer 140, which is a kind of management device for managing game information such as machine data of each pachinko machine 2 that has been played, management of the number of balls counted in each card unit 3, and member games possessing a membership card Is a kind of management device that manages the number of stored balls and the number of possessed balls recorded on the card that can be used for replays A physical computer 150, an island computer 4 that is arranged for each gaming island, and that collects and manages information of the card unit 3 installed on the gaming island for each gaming island; And a distribution device 5 provided at a predetermined position in the game hall, such as a position near the prize counter, and distributing the number of stored membership cards or the number of cards held to other visitor cards or membership cards, and the prize counter in the game hall A prize exchange POS terminal 170 for exchanging prizes, and the value of the valuable value (prepaid balance) specified from the game value identification information (prepaid balance data) recorded on the card after receiving the card ) And a settlement apparatus 180 that pays out and settles money corresponding to the above.

  Each device constituting the first gaming system 1A is connected to be capable of bidirectional data communication via a hub (HUB) 7 and a communication cable 8 as shown in FIG. Each device is assigned a local IP address to form a local area network (LAN), and each of the devices connected to the local area network (LAN) can individually identify the device. Each device is identified from the device (unit) ID by having an IP address table in which the device (unit) ID and the local IP address are associated with each other and a unit management table (to be described later). By sending and receiving data with each local IP address assigned to each other, data can be sent and received It has become the jar.

  As described above, the system controller 100 according to the present embodiment manages the prepaid balance (game value) remaining in each member card and each visitor card, and these member cards via the communication line 11. And a management server 12 installed in a card management company outside the amusement hall that manages the visitor card so that bidirectional data communication can be performed. By transmitting the information, the card management company can grasp the sales etc. by the membership card and the visitor card of each game hall by the management server 12.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, a monitoring camera system for monitoring the inside of the game hall is connected to the hall computer 140 of the present embodiment, and a monitoring image inside the gaming hall captured by the monitoring camera system and The imaging date and time is stored in association with the machine number of each pachinko machine 2 (that is, the device ID of the card unit 3). In addition, the hall computer 140 stores game information such as machine data of each pachinko machine 2 in association with the machine number of each pachinko machine 2, and this machine data will be described later. It is updated to the latest information by transmission data transmitted from the card unit 3 corresponding to each pachinko machine 2.

  The card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 output various signals associated with the lending of a plurality of (25 balls in this embodiment) pachinko balls predetermined as payout units, specifically, output from the pachinko machine 2. Terminal terminal lending completion signal (EXS), stand READY signal (PRDY), card unit READY signal (BRDY) output from control unit 328 and terminal terminal lending request completion confirmation signal (BRQ) (lending-related data in the figure) ) Are connected so as to be able to send and receive, and are provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2, which will be described later, which is output from the pachinko machine 2, a jackpot signal, a probability change signal, a time-shortage signal, a prize ball signal, a start signal, An out signal output from the out ball counter 16 is connected to be inputable. In the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2, the lending unit price of the pachinko ball is set and stored in either 4 yen or 1 yen, and in this embodiment, an example in which the lending unit price is 4 yen will be described.

  Note that the outline of the configuration and processing of the gaming system and apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be similarly applied in the present specification, and accordingly, the configuration and processing that can be similarly applied will be appropriately described. Omitted, the configuration and processing according to the present invention will be mainly described.

[1-2. Information and signal flow]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of signals and information between the devices of the first gaming system 1A. In addition, illustration is abbreviate | omitted about the main component which is not directly related to this invention.

  From the pachinko machine 2, a gaming machine signal including a jackpot signal, a probability change signal, a time reduction signal, a start signal, a prize ball signal, and a security signal is output to the calling lamp device and the hall computer 140. Further, an out signal is output from the out ball counter 16 provided on the back surface of the pachinko machine 2, and is output to the card unit 3, the calling lamp device, and the hall computer 140 via the distributor 18. In addition to the security signal, a signal such as an error signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the own device or a door opening signal indicating that the glass door of the own device has been opened may be output to the outside. .

The jackpot signal is a signal that is output when the pachinko machine 2 is controlled to the jackpot gaming state.
The probability variation signal is a signal that is output when the pachinko machine 2 is controlled to a probability variation state that is a high probability state.
The short time / medium signal is a signal that is output when the pachinko machine 2 is controlled to the short time state when the pachinko machine 2 is in the high base state.
The start signal is a pulse signal having a predetermined width that is output when the display result of the special figure variable display unit is derived and displayed in the pachinko machine 2.
The prize ball signal is a pulse signal having a predetermined width that is output every time the first prescribed number of balls is paid out in the pachinko machine 2. The first specified number of balls may be “10 balls”, for example.
The security signal is a signal that is output when any irregularity or abnormality occurs in the pachinko machine 2.
The out signal is a pulse signal having a predetermined width that is output every time the second specified number of balls (for example, 10 balls) is counted by the out ball counter 16. The second specified number of balls may be “10 balls”, for example.

  From the card unit 3, a unit signal including a card insertion signal, a card discharge signal, a deposit signal, a consumption signal, a ball payout signal, a ball count signal and a unit error signal is output to the calling lamp device.

The card insertion signal is a signal that is output when a card is received, and a signal including the card ID of the received coin card is output.
The card discharge signal is a signal that is output when the received ball card is discharged.
The deposit signal is a signal that is output when the player has made a deposit. The deposit signal can be a signal output in units of a specific amount (for example, 100 yen).
The consumption signal is a signal that is output when the remaining amount is consumed. The consumption signal can also be a signal output in units of a specific amount (for example, 100 yen).
The ball payout signal is a signal that is output when the game ball is paid out, and is output every time the game ball is paid out. One payout of game balls can be, for example, 25 units.
The ball counting signal is a signal that is output when the game balls are counted, and is output every time the game balls are counted. The count of game balls can be, for example, one ball unit.
The unit error signal is a signal that is output when any irregularity or abnormality occurs in the card unit 3.

  Further, the card unit 3 outputs a card reception notification for notifying that the card has been received to the system controller 100. Based on the card acceptance notification input from the card unit 3, the system controller 100 executes an authentication process for determining whether or not the accepted card can be used, and outputs the result to the card unit 3 as a card authentication result.

  Further, the card unit 3 counts the number of counting balls (also referred to as a local counting ball number) counted by a counting payout unit 348, which will be described later, and error information that is information for notifying an error that has occurred with respect to the received card. , Error resolution information that is information for notifying that an error that has occurred has been resolved, captured image data that is data of a captured image captured by the unit camera 306, and information relating to card lock prior output described later. The lock prior information is output to the management computer 150.

  Further, from the management computer 150, the number of stored balls / the number of possessed balls managed in association with the membership card among the received cards and the number of possessed balls managed in association with the visitor card are the card unit. 3 is output.

  Also, the card unit 3 outputs the error information, error resolution information, captured image data, and lock prior information to the hall computer 140.

  Further, the management computer 150 executes processing for generating island-specific unit setting data 329 that is setting data for causing the card unit 3 to perform various settings for each gaming island, and the generated island-specific unit setting data. 329 is output to the island computer 4 arranged on the corresponding game island. Then, the island computer 4 outputs the island-specific unit setting data 329 input from the management computer 150 to each card unit 3 installed on the game island.

  It should be noted that the flow of signals and information in the first gaming system 1A is merely an example, and it is needless to say that it can be changed as appropriate according to the design of the system.

[1-3. Pachinko machine]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the pachinko machine 2 in the present embodiment.
The pachinko machine 2 has a glass door frame 22 formed in a frame shape, and an upper plate 23 which is a hitting ball supply tray is provided on the lower surface of the glass door frame 22. An operation unit 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the upper plate 23, and a lower plate 24 that stores pachinko balls overflowing from the upper plate 23 and a ball hitting operation handle that launches a ball at the lower portion of the upper plate 23. (Hereinafter referred to as a “hit ball operating knob”) 25.

  A game board 26 is detachably attached to the rear side of the glass door frame 22. A game area 27 is provided in front of the game board 26. A special figure variable display section 28 in which a plurality of types of identification information called “special symbols” are variably displayed in a lower area on the right side of the game area 27, and a plurality of types called “effect symbols” in the vicinity of the center thereof. Is provided with an effect display unit 29 on which the identification information is variably displayed and an effect image is displayed, and a variable display device 30 on which a plurality of types of identification information called “ordinary symbols” are variably displayed. The game board 26 is provided with a plurality of winning holes 44, a passing gate 31, a starting winning hole 34, and a variable winning ball device 36. A recovery outlet 46 is formed.

  When a hitting ball is won in each of the winning openings (that is, the grant condition is satisfied), a winning ball corresponding to each winning opening is paid out by a ball cutting / dispensing device (not shown) and paid out by the ball cutting / dispensing device. A prize ball signal corresponding to the number of awarded balls (granted balls) is output to the outside, so that the number of prize balls is notified to the outside.

  Further, the number of hitting balls won in each winning opening and the number of hitting balls collected in the out slot 46 are counted by the out ball counter 16 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2, and the counted hitting balls are counted. The number of shot balls is notified to the outside by outputting a shot ball signal corresponding to the number (1 pulse per 10 balls) to the outside.

  A hit ball fired by a hammer (not shown) that is swung by the operation of the hitting operation knob 25 enters the game area 27 through the hitting rail, and then flows down the game area 27. At this time, pachinko balls whose launch momentum is too weak to reach the game area 27 are circulated to the lower plate 24 through a circulation path (not shown).

  In addition, when the ball that has been driven into the game area 27 passes through the passing gate 31, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the variable display device 30 is variably started.

  When the display result after the variable display operation of the variable display device 30 is a predetermined display result (for example, ◯), the movable piece 35 provided at the start winning opening 34 is opened for a predetermined time and the player This is an advantageous state.

  Further, when a pachinko ball is won in the start winning opening 34, the special figure variable display unit 28 starts variable display (variable display) of all special symbols, and the effect display unit 29 starts the effect display. After that, when the special symbol in the special figure variable display unit 28 is stopped and the stop display result is a specific display mode determined in advance, the left, middle and right effect symbols in the effect display unit 29 are displayed. The variable display is also stopped, and the display mode of the effect symbol is also set to a predetermined specific display mode (for example, 777), so that a specific gaming state (big hit state) is generated and a big hit signal is output. As a result, the occurrence of the jackpot is notified to the outside.

  Further, when the special symbol on the special symbol variable display unit 28 is stopped, a start signal having a predetermined pulse width is output, and the special symbol variable display (variable display) is performed on the special symbol variable display unit 28. Will be notified.

  When the big hit state occurs in this way, the opening / closing plate 40 provided in the variable winning ball apparatus 36 is opened, and a first state advantageous to the player is obtained. This first state is terminated when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number of hit balls (for example, 10) is won, whichever comes first, and then the opening and closing plate 40 Is closed, which is a disadvantageous state for the player.

  If a hit ball that has entered the large winning opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 36 in the first state wins a specific winning area (V pocket) and is detected by a V count switch (not shown), Repeated continuation control is performed to wait from the end of the first state to control from the second state to the first state. The upper limit number of the repeated continuation control is set to 15 times, for example.

  Even when a hitting ball is won in this large winning opening (that is, a grant condition is established), a winning ball corresponding to the winning is paid out by a ball cutout device (not shown) and is also paid out by the ball cutout device. The award ball signal (1 pulse per 10 balls) is output to the outside according to the number of award balls (the number of balls awarded), and the number of award balls is notified to the outside.

  When the display result of the special figure variable display unit 28 and the display result of the effect symbol of the effect variable display unit 29 are stopped and displayed with a combination of predetermined jackpot symbols, a big hit occurs as described above. A reach state may occur in a state before the stop display.

  When the special symbol variably displayed on the special figure variable display unit 28 and the production variable display unit 29 and the production symbol are stopped and displayed with a combination of symbols corresponding to a predetermined probability variation symbol type, After the completion of ”, the probability variation state in which the probability of a big hit again becomes a higher probability state than the normal probability state becomes a probability variation state. In the probability variation state after the end of the probability variation jackpot, the probability variation state signal is output, and the occurrence of the probability variation state is notified to the outside.

  Further, when the special symbol variably displayed on the special symbol variable display unit 28 and the production variable display unit 29 and the production symbol are stopped and displayed with a combination of symbols other than the predetermined probability variation symbol, the “big hit” by the repeated continuation control is performed. The special symbol and effect variable display unit in the special symbol variable display unit 28 until the variable display reaches a predetermined number of times or the next big hit occurs in the special figure variable display unit 28 and the effect variable display unit 29. When the variable display time (variation time) of the effect symbol in 29 is shortened compared to the normal gaming state, it becomes a short state, and during these short states, the short and medium signal is output, The occurrence of a short time condition is notified to the outside.

  The pachinko machine 2 of the present embodiment is equipped with an information output board (not shown) for outputting these signals to the outside, and the information output board and the card unit 3 are connected via a signal cable (not shown). From the information output board, an external output signal consisting of a big hit signal, a probability changing signal, a short time signal, a start signal, and a winning ball signal is output to the card unit 3 via a signal cable.

  Here, the big hit signal is a signal that is in the output state during the big hit state period, the probability changing signal is a signal that is in the output state only during the probability changing state period, and the short and medium time signal is the period in the short time state The start signal is a pulse having a predetermined width that is output when all the display results of the special figure variable display section 28 are derived and displayed and the variable display ends. The prize ball signal is a pulse signal having a predetermined width that is output every time a predetermined number of balls (in this embodiment, 10 balls) are paid out.

  The pachinko machine 2 of the present embodiment has a control for counting and paying out a predetermined number of prize balls based on a prize ball signal output based on a prize from a game control board that controls the game in the pachinko machine 2. And a prize ball control board (not shown) for performing control for counting and lending out 25 pachinko balls, which are payout units, based on signals input / output from the card unit 3 as in the case of a normal CR machine. The pachinko balls that are multiples of 25 balls, which is the payout unit, can be lent out.

  Next, the visitor card and the membership card used in the present embodiment will be briefly described. The visitor card and the membership card used in the present embodiment are nonvolatile memories for storing various data. And an IC card on which an IC chip having a control unit for performing non-contact communication with an external reader / writer device is rewritten and read out. In the membership card, a card ID that can identify each card, specifically, a visitor card that has a card ID that begins with VC, and a membership card that has a membership card ID that starts with KC is stored in a non-rewritable manner in advance. In addition, the type can be identified from the card ID, and the prepaid balance that is an integral multiple of the number of times (= 100 yen) is specified. And ability prepaid balance data, sorting identifiable distributed flags the presence of (indicates there "1" is distributed, "0" indicating no sorting) various data of are stored.

  The member card is issued to a member player who has registered as a member in the game hall, and a member ID assigned to the member is stored in a non-rewritable manner. In addition, as will be described later, the member player using the member card can store the pachinko balls once acquired and counted, which can be used again for the game or used for prize exchanges after the next day. However, the membership card does not directly record the number of pachinko balls in which the stored balls are stored, and the number of stored balls is stored in the management computer 150 as will be described later. By being stored in association with the member card ID and the member ID, the member card ID and the member ID are specified. Also, the membership card does not directly record the number of balls based on the counted number of balls counted by the player who owns the membership card, and the number of balls is also recorded as described later. By being stored in association with the ID, it is specified from the member card ID or the member ID, and the number of possessed balls is used for the game in each card unit 3 in the game hall only on that day. In addition, the gift exchange POS terminal 170 can be used for gift exchange.

  In addition, the visitor card accepts money (for example, 1000 yen bill, 2000 yen bill, 5000 yen bill, and / or 10000 yen bill) by a card issuing / payment machine (not shown) installed in the amusement hall. When the purchase amount is selected within the range of the amount of money, the selected purchase amount is recorded and issued as prepaid balance data, and the card unit 3 accepts money (for example, 1000 yen banknote). The received money amount is recorded and issued as prepaid balance data. The visitor card stores the number of balls and date based on the counted number of balls counted by the player who owns the visitor card, and the number of balls is stored only on the day of the game. The card unit 3 can be used for games, and the prize exchange POS terminal 170 can be used for prize exchange. Here, the number of possessed balls is recorded separately from the number of possessed balls by the game on the pachinko machine 2 having a lending unit price of 4 yen and the number of balls possessed by the game on the pachinko machine 2 having a lending unit price of 1 yen.

[1-4. Card unit]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the card unit 3.
On the front surface of the card unit 3, a multi-function lamp 301 that is configured by a full color LED and is lit in a plurality of colors so that the state of the card unit 3 can be notified, and a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting a bill. And a payout button 311 for accepting a counting payout operation for paying out the counted number of balls, a card insertion slot 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card, and a front side of the device so as to protrude from the device front side. A unit camera 306 (imaging unit) is provided in such a manner that the formed display unit 312 and the lens project forward and the lens faces the player side.

  The unit camera 306 functions as an imaging unit, and an imaging region is set so as to be able to image a player side who plays a game with the corresponding pachinko machine 2, and the player's face portion is controlled according to the control of the processing unit 310. It is configured to be able to image a player at the center.

  The display unit 312 includes a liquid crystal display 313 in which a touch panel 314 is integrally configured, and each display item displayed on the liquid crystal display 313 can be input by touching the touch panel 314 with a finger. The display unit 312 is provided with an IR light receiving unit 315 that receives an infrared signal from a setting remote controller owned by a store clerk, converts the infrared signal into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal.

  A card insertion slot 309 provided on the front surface of the card unit 3 is connected to a card slot 392 of a card reader / writer 327 built in a position corresponding to the card insertion slot 309, and the card insertion slot 309 is connected via the card insertion slot 309. Card (visitor card, member card) can be inserted into the card slot 392.

  The card includes an IC chip having a non-volatile memory for storing various data and a control unit for rewriting and reading out the recorded information and performing non-contact communication with an external reader / writer device. The mounted IC cards are used, and in these cards, member card ID / visitor card ID capable of identifying individual cards are stored in advance so as not to be rewritten. The type is identified from the card ID, and prepaid balance data that can specify the prepaid balance is stored.

  The member card is issued to a member player who has registered as a member in the store, and a member ID assigned to the member is stored in an irreplaceable manner. In addition, as will be described later, the member player using the membership card can use the game balls once acquired and counted for the game after the next day, or to store the balls that can be used for prize exchange. However, the number of stored balls, which is the number of game balls in which the stored balls have been stored, is not directly recorded on the member card, and the number of stored balls is stored in the management computer 150 by the card ID and the member. By being stored in association with the card ID, it is specified from the member card ID.

  Also, the membership card does not directly record the number of balls based on the number of locally counted balls counted by the counting payout unit 348, and the number of balls is also stored in the management computer 150 with the card ID and the membership card ID. By being stored in association with each other, the member card ID and the member ID are specified, and the number of possessed balls can be used for a game in each card unit 3 in the store only on that day. The premium exchange POS terminal (not shown) can be used for prize exchange.

  In this embodiment, the visitor card does not directly record the number of balls based on the number of locally counted balls counted by the counting payout unit 348, and the management computer 150 corresponds to the card ID and the latest issue date and time. By being added and stored and managed, it is specified from the visitor card ID and can be used for prize exchange at a prize exchange POS terminal (not shown).

  In this embodiment, the player is described as performing various operations on the card unit 3 by operating the touch panel 314. For example, the display unit 312 displays menu buttons and table data for performing menu selection. Operation of a replay button or the like for executing a replay game using the membership card ID recorded on the membership card and the number of stored balls specified by the membership ID when the membership data button or membership card is received A button may be provided.

  Further, the display unit 312 is provided with a switch corresponding to a liquid crystal display 313 and operation buttons, which will be described later, and these are connected to a display control board 329 provided at a position in the apparatus corresponding to the display unit 312. Thus, display control of the liquid crystal display 313, input position detection by the touch panel 314, and the like are performed by the display control board 329.

  At the upper position in the card unit 3, a banknote inserted in the banknote insertion slot 302 is connected, and a bill inserted into the banknote insertion slot 302 is taken to identify its authenticity and banknote type. A banknote identification unit 302a that is output to a control unit 300, which will be described later, is provided in the section. In the banknote identification unit 302a, various banknotes (10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen, and 1,000 yen banknotes) are provided. ) Can be accepted.

  A control unit 300 for controlling the operation of the card unit 3 is provided at a substantially central position of the card unit 3 so as to be easily connected to each part constituting the card unit 3. As will be described later, Various operations of the card unit 3 are controlled by the control unit 300.

  Further, the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 are configured to be able to send and receive a lending-related signal associated with lending a plurality of game balls and a payout-related signal associated with paying out the game balls, which are predetermined as a payout unit. For example, the lending-related signals include a lending request signal for lending the game ball from the card unit 3 to the pachinko machine 2, a terminal terminal lending completion signal, a table READY signal, and a unit READY signal output from the pachinko machine 2. The terminal terminal lending request completion confirmation signal is included.

  A card fraud signal is output from the card unit 3. The card unit 3 has, for example, an unauthorized radio wave detection function, a vibration detection function, a forgery card or counterfeit bill discrimination function as functions for detecting a player's fraud, and when these functions detect fraudulent radio waves and vibrations. Alternatively, when it is determined that a counterfeit card or counterfeit bill has been used, the unit fraud signal is output to the outside via the external output board.

  Further, a unit abnormality signal is output from the card unit 3. The card unit 3 has a card insertion / discharge failure detection function and a counting / payout failure detection function by the counting / payout unit 348 as functions for detecting an abnormality, and the card insertion / discharge failure is detected by these functions. In addition, when a count payout failure by the count payout unit 348 is detected, a unit abnormality signal is output to the outside via the external output board.

  The prepaid balance is an integer part of the quotient calculated by the equation “card balance / unit amount”, and the card balance is the balance in yen recorded on the card. For example, the unit amount can be 100 yen, and if the remaining card amount is 10,000 yen, the prepaid balance is 100.

  The remaining amount may be recorded directly on the card, or may be managed by a management device such as the management computer 150 without being recorded on the card. When the remaining amount is recorded on the card, the card unit 3 may specify the remaining amount owned by the player by reading the remaining amount from the received card. Further, when the remaining amount is not recorded on the card, the card unit 3 outputs the card ID of the accepted card to the management device, and obtains the remaining amount data associated with the card ID from the management device. What is necessary is just to specify the remaining amount which a person owns.

  The card unit 3 stores the remaining amount specified as described above in the storage unit 320 as prepaid remaining amount data or card remaining amount data. Further, while accepting the card, the card unit 3 updates the remaining amount data by consuming the remaining amount for the game or adding the remaining amount due to payment. In the operation of recording the remaining amount on the card, the card unit 3 records the remaining amount on the card when the card is returned. Further, in the operation of managing the remaining amount by the management device, the remaining amount data is output to the management device when the card is returned or after the card is returned.

  In the present embodiment, the term “remaining amount” will be described as meaning the remaining amount associated with the card. That is, it means the remaining amount recorded directly on the card by depositing, or the remaining amount managed by the upper management device in association with the card ID or member ID of the card by depositing.

  Further, in the present specification, balls acquired by a player in a game with a pachinko machine and deposited in the hall are referred to as “storing balls”. In addition, the number of stored balls deposited in the hall is referred to as “the number of stored balls”. The number of stored balls is managed by a management device. In principle, the number of stored balls cannot be recorded on the membership card, and the number of stored balls managed by the management device is transmitted to the recording medium processing device in response to the recording medium processing device accepting the membership card. . Further, the balls acquired by the player on the current business day are referred to as “current day storage balls”, and the balls acquired and saved by the member players before the current business day are referred to as “past storage balls”. Although not in principle, the number of stored balls may be recorded on the member card.

  The number of stored balls acquired by the player on the day is determined as the number of stored balls by the player on that day according to the establishment of a predetermined condition, and managed as the past number of stored balls on the next business day or later. The predetermined condition can be determined, for example, as a tightening process being performed after the store operation ends on the day. The closing process is based on the fact that the time has reached a predetermined closing time (for example, midnight, midnight, midnight), that the store manager has performed an operation to execute the closing process, or that the store is closed. The process is executed in response to the establishment of a condition such as the power supply of the management apparatus being once cut off and the power supply of the management apparatus being turned on for the next business day. By executing this tightening process, the number of balls stored on that day is added to the number of balls stored in the past and reset, and managed as past balls stored on the next business day.

  Further, in the present specification, the number of game balls owned by a player as a result of the player playing a game with a pachinko machine is referred to as “mochitama”. In addition, the number of balls recorded on the visitor card is referred to as “the number of holding balls” in order to distinguish it from the same day storage balls associated with the membership card.

  Further, in the present specification, pachinko balls that can be launched by the pachinko machine 2 and pachinko balls generated in exchange for withdrawing the remaining amount, holding balls, and storage balls are referred to as “game balls”.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the card unit 3.
The card unit 3 is a control unit that provides various functions of the card unit 3 by controlling each part of the bill recognition unit 302a, the card reader / writer 327, the display control board 329, and the card unit 3 with a control program. 300, the bill recognition unit 302a, the card reader / writer 327, and the display control board 329 are connected to the control unit 300 and can transmit and receive various data.

  The card reader / writer 327 reads and writes recorded information such as (member) card ID, member ID (member card only), prepaid balance data, and the like recorded in the member card and visitor card inserted from the card insertion slot 309. I do.

  The control unit 300 includes a processing unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a clock unit 335.

  The processing unit 310 is a control device and an arithmetic device configured to include a processor such as a CPU and a DSP that collectively control the card unit 3 and an integrated circuit such as an ASIC.

  The storage unit 320 is a storage device that includes a memory such as a ROM, a flash ROM, an EEPROM, or a RAM. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 320 stores a card unit processing program 321 that is read by the processing unit 310 and executed as card unit processing.

  In addition, the storage unit 320 stores a card table 322, a game information table 323, member game information 324, a captured image database 325, a local counting ball count 326, and island-specific unit setting data 329. .

  The control unit 300 is connected to the award ball control board (not shown) provided in the corresponding pachinko machine 2 so as to be able to carry out the transmission and reception of various signals accompanying the lending of the game balls, and the above-mentioned Thus, the game machine signal can be input by being connected to the information output board of the pachinko machine 2 through the signal cable.

  The control unit 300 is connected to an out ball counter 16 provided at a lower position of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 so that an out signal from the out ball counter 16 can be input. The payout rate aggregation data 325 is updated in response to the input of the out signal from the device 16.

  Further, the control unit 300 can grasp the presence / absence of an operation on the touch panel 314. When an operation on the touch panel 314 is detected, the control unit 300 executes a process corresponding to the operation.

  In addition, as described above, the control unit 300 includes a remaining amount indicator provided in the operation unit of the corresponding pachinko machine 2, a lending button switch for detecting the operation of the lending button, a member card or a visitor card being received. A return button switch that detects the operation of the return button that is operated when returning the item is connected, and the operation of the lending button and the operation of the return button can be detected, and the display control of these remaining amount indicators is performed.

  The control unit 300 outputs various information input from the display control board 329 according to the output from the IR light receiving unit 315 according to transmission from the remote controller, the operation of various buttons provided on the display unit 312 or the operation of the touch panel. The full color provided in the multifunction lamp connected to the control unit 300 in response to the currency identification information by the banknote identification unit 302a, the card insertion information from the card reader / writer 327, the visitor card storage state information, etc. Overall operation control is performed such as lighting control of each LED such as the LED 301a, control of the card reader / writer 327 and the display control board 329, display control of the balance indicator, and the like.

  In addition, the control unit 300 provides a card acceptance process for determining whether or not a member card or a visitor card inserted into the card insertion slot 309 can be used, and a loan that uses a remaining amount specified from the accepted card. Depending on the processing and receipt of money, deposit the remaining amount on the accepted card, issue / payment processing by issuing the prepaid remaining amount written on a new card, and the membership card being accepted by the return operation with the return button Or the number of game media possessed by the return processing for returning the visitor card or the operation of the payout button 311 (the number of balls obtained by adding the number of stored balls and the number of balls possessed to the number of locally counted balls) A process such as a payout process for paying out game balls is executed.

  Further, the control unit 300 includes a communication unit 370 configured to include a communication device such as a wired communication module for performing wired communication. The communication unit 370 is locally connected via the HUB 7 according to the control of the processing unit 310. It is connected to an external device such as a hall computer 140 and a management computer 150 connected to an area network (LAN) so as to be able to perform data communication, and various data can be transmitted to and received from these computers.

  The display control board 329 connected to the control unit 300 includes a liquid crystal display 313 and a touch panel 314 that constitute the display unit 312, switches corresponding to various operation buttons 316, an IR light receiving unit 315, and the replay display unit described above. An electronic component such as an LED 320a provided on the touch panel 314 is connected to the display control board 329. Information on the operation information of the touch panel 314, operation information of various switches, and information based on an output signal output from the IR light receiving unit 315 is displayed on the display control board 329. To the control unit 300.

  In the display control board 329 of the present embodiment, a display driving circuit (not shown) that performs display driving of the liquid crystal display 313 and a position that is pressed based on an output signal from the touch panel 314 are specified and specified. An input position detection circuit (not shown) that outputs input position information, a VDP (not shown) that performs processing related to a display image displayed on the display unit 312, and a VROM (not shown) that stores image data used for menu display and the like. (Omitted), VRAM (not shown) for temporarily storing display data to be displayed on the display unit 312, and independent of the control unit 300, judgments and processes associated with inputs from various switches and touch panels are based on the processing program. A display control microcomputer to be implemented is mounted, and various displays are performed based on display data (page data) output from the control unit 300. Surfaces, and it is capable of displaying on the liquid crystal display device 313 constituting the display unit 312.

  The card unit 3 is configured to be able to accept a card, and the card unit 3 that has received the card executes the above-described ball lending process according to the prepaid balance specified from the card. Further, the above-described payout process is executed according to the number of stored balls and the number of possessed balls specified from the card.

  On the front surface of the card unit 3, a bill insertion slot for inserting bills and a card insertion slot 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card are provided. The member card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion slot 309 is received by the card reader / writer, and the information recorded on the card is read. The banknote inserted into the banknote insertion slot is taken in by a currency discriminator (not shown), and its authenticity and banknote type are identified.

  When the player finishes the game and receives a card return from the card unit 3, the possession ball stored in the card unit 3 is temporarily stored in the management computer 150 as a stored ball, and the player returns the card. When a card is inserted into the same or another card unit 3 again on the same day as the date of receipt, only the possession balls for that day once stored as stored balls are stored in the card unit 3 again, and the range of the possessed balls The game balls may be added to allow the game to be played.

  In addition, a sound output control board 319 is connected to the control unit 300. The sound output control board 319 is connected to the sound output unit 350 and controls the sound output unit 350 to output various sounds according to the control of the control unit 300.

  Also, at the lowest position of the card unit 3, the game balls are counted and taken in, and the counted game balls are the maximum fraction, that is, the maximum value of the fraction less than the unit less than the payout unit number in the corresponding pachinko machine 2. A counting payout unit 348 is provided for storing and counting game balls with a fractional number less than the unit. Hereinafter, “fraction less than unit” is referred to as “fraction”.

  The game ball is not stored and paid out by the counting / dispensing unit 348 of the card unit 3, but a conventionally known game ball storage and circulation device is configured on the game island, and the game ball is stored from the game ball storage and circulation device. You may make it pay out.

  The counting and payout unit 348 is connected to a connection box 340 that is a horizontally long box and is disposed between the lower plate 24 of the pachinko machine 2 and the repair plate of the game island.

  The connection box 340 is formed on the terminal side of the connection box 340 and has a relatively large height box (not shown) in the height direction, and a relatively small thickness in the height direction. It is comprised from the path | route box (not shown) formed so that a connection part may be connected.

  The connection box 340 is connected to the counting / dispensing unit 348 so that the terminal box is positioned below the lower plate 24. A game ball discharged from the lower plate 24 is placed on the upper surface of the terminal box. A feeding portion 345 having a hopper shape is formed. Also, at the lower front position of the terminal box, there is an open / close shutter that can be opened and closed by the player and is normally energized so as to be closed, and the fraction paid back (returned) from the counting payout unit 348 A return port 342 through which the game balls are discharged is provided.

  Further, two channels are provided at an upper position in the path box so as to incline toward the count payout unit 348 and guide the game balls thrown into the input portion 345 to the count payout unit 348 in a natural flow. A counting passage 343 is provided. A return passage 344 is provided below the counting passage 343 so as to incline toward the return opening 342 and guides the game balls paid out from the counting payout unit 348 to the return opening 342 in a natural flow. .

  A counting lever 341 is provided at the upper front position of the terminal box 340a. The counting lever 341 is slidable by the player. By sliding the counting lever 341 against the biasing force, the insertion portion 345 is provided. The opening / closing shutter 346 provided at the entrance to the counting passage 343 is opened.

  The counting payout unit 348 to which the connection box 340 is connected has an inflow passage connected to the counting passage 343 and inclined from the front side of the card unit 3 toward the inner side of the card unit 3. A counting sensor (not shown) that detects and counts the game balls flowing down the inflow path is provided for each flow path at the end position of the inflow path. The game balls that have flowed into the payout unit 348 are detected and counted by the counting sensor. When counted by the counting sensor, a detection signal of a predetermined pulse is output from the counting payout unit 348 to the control unit 300 in response to detection of one game ball. Each time the detection signal is input, the control unit 300 adds 1 to the stored number of possessed balls.

  The card unit 3 stores the number of balls counted by the counting / dispensing unit 348 in the storage unit 320 as the local counted number of balls 326. Further, the card unit 3 transmits the unit ID, the card ID, and the local counting ball number 326 to the management computer 150 when the card is returned.

  Based on the unit ID, the card ID, and the number of local counting balls 326 transmitted from the card unit 3, the management computer 150 sets the local counting ball to the number of balls stored on the day / the number of balls of the corresponding card ID of the corresponding card unit 3. The number 326 is added and updated.

  Specifically, when the type of card ID is a member card ID, the management computer 150 adds the number of locally counted balls 326 to the number of balls stored on the day of the storage management data of the member card management data corresponding to the member card ID. Update by adding.

  In addition, when the card ID type is a visitor card ID, the management computer 150 adds the number of locally counted balls 326 to the number of balls in the ball management data of the visitor card management data corresponding to the visitor card ID. And update.

  In the conventional card unit as disclosed in Patent Document 1, during the reception of a card, a deposit operation (insertion of banknotes), a ball lending operation (remaining amount consumption), and a withdrawal operation (replay operation) ), Etc., when the card unit is not operated for a certain period of time, there is a card that locks the use of the accepted card (card lock). In addition, if a card is locked and a ball lending operation, a storage / holding ball payout operation, or a card return operation is performed, (1) If a visitor card is being accepted, a return error status (2) If you are accepting a membership card, you will be asked to enter your PIN and unlock the card according to your PIN Then, there is one that performs control such as returning to the standby state.

  In such a card unit, since a return error state (error down method) is applied in the case of a visitor card (so-called error down method), an intervention of a store clerk is required to eject the visitor card, There was a problem of lack of convenience.

  The card unit 3 in the present embodiment is applicable to a card unit that performs the control as described above, and can easily release the card lock without necessarily interposing a store clerk.

  That is, the card unit 3 in the present embodiment is an error-down card unit, and releases the card lock when a condition for executing card lock (hereinafter referred to as “lock condition”) is satisfied. Until the condition for this (hereinafter referred to as “unlock condition”) is satisfied, the use of the accepted card is locked (hereinafter referred to as “card lock”).

  As a basic control, when a predetermined time (lock time) elapses, the card unit 3 executes a card lock with the lock flag turned ON, and if a card return operation is performed, a return error state (error down) ). When the unlock condition is satisfied, the card lock is released, the lock flag is turned OFF, and the card can be returned.

  In a state where the card lock is being executed (hereinafter referred to as “lock state”), the card unit 3 executes processing for enabling the player to play a game on the pachinko machine 2, such as ball lending processing and ball payout processing. The card is prohibited from being returned even if a card return operation is performed. This is to prevent the card from being stolen by a malicious person.

  In addition, the unlocking condition in the present embodiment is a predetermined operation related to the game, which is an action by the player, in addition to the release by the remote controller by interposing a store clerk as described above and the release by inputting the player's personal identification number. The specific information based on is input to the card unit 3. The lock condition and unlock condition will be described later in detail.

  What is characteristic in the present embodiment is that the card unit 3 can release the card lock based on the input of the specific information based on the predetermined operation. The “predetermined operation” includes an operation for playing a game on the pachinko machine 2 (for example, operation of the hitting ball operating handle 25) and an operation for operating the counting payout unit 348 (for example, opening / closing shutter opening operation, upper plate 23 For example, a specific signal (for example, an out signal, a count signal, a payout signal, a prize ball signal, Information corresponding to a signal such as a steering wheel operation signal is included.

  The card unit 3 is configured to be able to determine the type of the specific signal based on the above-described various predetermined operations, and is configured to be able to specify information corresponding to the specific signal from the type of the input specific signal. For this reason, in this embodiment, “specific information” will be described as a concept including “specific signal”. The system may be configured such that information corresponding to the various specific signals is input to the card unit 3 instead of inputting the various specific signals to the card unit 3. Good.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described error-down method is applied to the card unit 3, but the card unit 3 to which the error-down method is not applied may be configured.

  Further, after receiving the card, the card unit 3 executes a predetermined output based on the non-game state for a specific time shorter than the predetermined time. In the “predetermined output”, notification information such as predetermined information (for example, card forgetting suggestion information or card lock notice information) is externally output to the management apparatus (higher apparatus), This includes notifying and outputting information for notification such as predetermined information (for example, warning information forgetting to remove a card or card lock notice information).

  This is because the card unit 3 notifies the management device (higher level device) of information suggesting forgetting to remove the card or information for notifying the execution of the card lock before the card lock. Before the store clerk can quickly collect cards that may have been forgotten, or to alert you that you have forgotten to take a card or forewarning the execution of card lock This is so that the player can take out the card without forgetting before the card lock is executed.

[1-5. Clearing device]
The settlement device 180 accepts a card (visitor card or membership card), and money corresponding to the value of value (prepaid balance) specified from the game value specification information (prepaid balance data) recorded on the card. Pays out and settles.

  Specifically, when the settlement apparatus 180 receives a card, the settlement apparatus 180 transmits a settlement request including the card ID read from the card and the prepaid balance to the system controller 100. The system controller 100 that has received the settlement request matches the prepaid balance included in the settlement request with the prepaid balance stored in the member card table or visitor card table in association with the card ID included in the settlement request. As a condition, the stored prepaid balance is set to zero and a settlement permission notice is returned to the settlement apparatus 180. The settlement apparatus 180 that has received the settlement permission notice zeroes the prepaid balance recorded on the card and pays out money corresponding to the prepaid balance. Then, the checkout device 180 returns the membership card, and the visitor card returns the membership card if the number of possessed balls is not zero, and takes in if the number of possession balls is zero.

  Since the prepaid balance used in the lending process is always an integral multiple of the number of times (= 100 yen), the prepaid balance specified from the prepaid balance data recorded on the card is always the number of times (= 100). Yen) is an integer multiple of less than 100 yen. Accordingly, the settlement apparatus 180 only needs to be able to pay out money of 100 yen or more, and does not need to be able to pay out fractions less than 100 yen.

[1-6. Sorting device]
The distribution device 5 is configured in a vertically long box shape, and on the front surface thereof, for example, an operation notification lamp for informing operation status, a display device including a liquid crystal display having a touch panel, a visitor card of distribution source, or a member A first card insertion slot into which a card is inserted, a first insertion slot LED provided corresponding to the first card insertion slot and notifying the discharge of the card from the first card insertion slot by blinking, etc., and a destination visitor A card or membership card is inserted and a new distribution destination visitor card is issued. It is provided corresponding to the second card insertion slot and the second card insertion slot, and the card is discharged from the second card insertion slot. A second insertion port LED for informing the user by flashing or the like is provided. In the sorting device 5, an operation guide is displayed on the display device, and according to the operation guide, a card can be easily inserted by inserting a card or selecting a menu.

[1-7. System controller]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the system controller 100.
The system controller 100 includes a processing unit 102, an input unit 103, a display unit 104, a first communication unit 105, a second communication unit 106, a clock unit 107, and a storage unit 108. It is a computer system.

  The processing unit 101 is a control device and arithmetic device that comprehensively controls each unit of the system controller 100 in accordance with various programs such as a system program stored in the storage unit 108, such as a processor such as a CPU or DSP, an ASIC, or the like. It is configured with an integrated circuit.

  The input unit 103 is an input unit configured to include, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a pressed key or button signal (operation signal) to the processing unit 102.

  The display unit 104 is a display device that performs various displays based on a display control signal output from the processing unit 102, and includes an LCD or the like. The display unit 104 displays data contents of various databases stored in the storage unit 108.

  The first communication unit 105 is a communication device for performing communication with the management server 12 installed in the card company, and includes, for example, a wired communication module that performs communication via a wired cable.

  The 2nd communication part 106 is a communication apparatus for communicating with the various apparatuses installed in a shop, for example, is comprised including a wired communication module which communicates via a wired cable.

  The clock unit 107 is an internal clock of the system controller 100, and includes an RTC (real time clock), a crystal oscillator including a crystal resonator and an oscillation circuit, and the like. The clock unit 107 outputs time information and calendar information.

  The storage unit 108 is a storage device that includes a ROM, an EEPROM, a hard disk, a RAM, and the like. The storage unit 108 stores a system management program 1081 that is read by the processing unit 102 and executed as a system management process, a card table 1083, and a unit management table 1085.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the card table 1083. The card table 1083 includes a member card table 1083a and a visitor card table 1083b.

  In the member card table 1083a, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), each member card is associated with a member card ID that can be individually identified, and the member ID of the member player who has received the member card is issued. A prepaid balance and an unusable flag indicating whether or not the member card is unusable are stored, and the prepaid balance and the use of the member card are determined from the member card ID or member ID stored in the member card. Whether it is possible or not can be specified.

  In the visitor card table 1083b, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), each visitor card is associated with a card ID that can be individually identified, and the status of the visitor card (whether in use or in storage). And the latest issuance date and time when the prepaid card was issued, the prepaid balance, and an unusable flag indicating whether or not the card is unusable are stored in the visitor card. The prepaid balance, whether or not the visitor card can be used, and the latest issue date and time can be specified from the card ID.

  The system controller 100 (processing unit 102) of the present embodiment transmits the device ID of the card unit 3 and the received membership card transmitted from each card unit 3 in response to the acceptance of the membership card or visitor card in the card unit 3. Or, in response to receiving a card acceptance notification including the (member) card ID read from the visitor card and the prepaid balance, a card acceptance process is performed for determining whether or not the member card or visitor card can be used and returning it to the card unit 3 To do.

  In addition, the system controller 100 (processing unit 102) of the present embodiment is included in the received lending completion notification in response to reception of a lending completion notification (described later) transmitted along with the lending processing in the card unit 3 ( (Member) A subtraction update process for subtracting and updating the tax-included use amount included in the lending completion notice from the prepaid balance stored in the member card table or visitor card table corresponding to the card ID is performed.

  In addition, the system controller 100 (processing unit 102) of the present embodiment receives the card payment notification described later in response to the issuance / payment processing performed in the card unit 3 or the card issuance / payment machine. In response to the (member) card ID included in the received card payment notification, a payment update process is performed to update the prepaid balance stored in the member card table or visitor card table by adding the payment amount included in the card payment notification. .

  In addition, the system controller 100 according to the present embodiment receives the distribution issuance notification transmitted from the card unit 3 or the distribution device 5 in response to the issuance of the visitor card in the card unit 3 or the distribution device 5. Corresponding to the card ID included in the distribution issue notification, “0” is stored in the prepaid balance stored in the visitor card table, and update processing is performed to update the data of the status and the latest issue date.

[1-8. Management computer]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the management computer 150.
The management computer 150 is a computer system that includes a processing unit 152, an input unit 153, a display unit 154, a communication unit 155, a clock unit 157, and a storage unit 158.

  The processing unit 151 is a control device and an arithmetic device that comprehensively control each unit of the management computer 150 according to various programs such as a system program stored in the storage unit 158, such as a processor such as a CPU or DSP, an ASIC, or the like. It is configured with an integrated circuit.

  The input unit 153 is an input unit configured to include a keyboard and a mouse, for example, and outputs a pressed key or button signal (operation signal) to the processing unit 152.

  The display unit 154 is a display device that performs various displays based on a display control signal output from the processing unit 152, and includes an LCD or the like. The display unit 154 displays data contents of various databases stored in the storage unit 158.

  The communication unit 155 is a communication device for performing communication with various devices installed in the store, and includes, for example, a wired communication module that performs communication via a wired cable.

  The clock unit 157 is an internal clock of the management computer 150, and includes an RTC (real time clock), a crystal oscillator including a crystal resonator and an oscillation circuit, and the like. The clock unit 157 outputs time information and calendar information.

  The storage unit 158 is a storage device that includes a ROM, an EEPROM, a hard disk, a RAM, and the like. The storage unit 158 stores a management program 1481 that is read by the processing unit 152 and executed as management processing. The management process will be described later using a flowchart.

  The storage unit 158 also includes a saving management table 1582, a unit management table 1085, a distribution history table 1583, a member-specific table 1584, a card lock setting table 1585, a card lock release setting table 1856, An output setting table 1587, a password registration setting table 1588, an imaging setting table 1589, a captured image database 159, and island-specific unit setting data 329 generated uniquely for each gaming island are stored.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the savings management table 1582. The savings management table 1582 includes a member savings management table 1582a and a visitor savings management table 1582b.

  In the member saving management table 1582a, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), a member which is member identification information which can be associated with each member card ID and which can individually identify the member player who has been issued the member card. The ID, the total number of balls acquired by the member player on the day of the business, and the number of balls that are unused for the game or prize exchange, and the member player acquired the day before the business day The number of balls that have been acquired and the number of balls that have not been used for game or prize exchange are stored, and from the member card ID or member ID stored in the member card, the member player It is possible to specify the number of possessed balls and the number of stored balls that are the number of stored balls.

  In this member saving management table 1582a, the number of balls is based on the number of balls in the pachinko machine 2 having a lending unit price of 4 yen (that is, counted by the card unit 3 having a lending unit price of 4 yen) and the lending unit price of 1 yen. It is stored separately from the number of balls held by the game on the pachinko machine 2 (that is, counted by the card unit 3 having a lending unit price of 1 yen), and the number of stored balls is also stored by the game on the pachinko machine 2 having a lending unit price of 4 yen. The number is stored separately from the number of balls stored in the pachinko machine 2 with a lending unit price of 1 yen. The number of balls managed in the member savings management table is managed as the number of balls only on that business day, and the number of balls in the member savings management table in the closing process after the end of business is the number of balls After being updated, everything is reset.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 10B, the visitor saving management table 1582b associates each visitor card with an individually identifiable card ID, the latest issue date and time of the visitor card, and possession of the visitor card. Is the total number of balls that the player has earned on that business day, and the number of balls that are unused for gaming or prize exchange is stored, and from the card ID stored in the visitor card The number of balls possessed by the player can be specified.

  In this visitor savings management table, the number of balls is based on the number of balls in the pachinko machine 2 with a loan unit price of 4 yen (that is, counted by the card unit 3 with a loan unit price of 4 yen) and the number of pachinko machines with a loan unit price of 1 yen. The number of held balls by the game in the machine 2 (that is, counted by the card unit 3 having a lending unit price of 1 yen) is stored separately. The number of balls managed in the visitor savings management table is valid only on that business day, and all the existing balls in the visitor savings management table are reset in the closing process after the end of business. , Disabled. In addition, when the number of balls held before the previous day is recorded on the visitor card, the number of balls held is erased as invalid.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the unit management table 1085.
In the unit management table 1085, the local IP in which the local IP address of the card unit 3 is stored in association with the device ID uniquely assigned to each card unit 3 installed in the game hall, and the card unit 3 An installed island that stores the island number of the installed game island, a situation that stores whether the card unit 3 is accepting a card or is waiting, and a pachinko machine that the card unit 3 corresponds to The corresponding unit number in which the unit number of 2 is stored, the reception ID in which the card ID of the receiving membership card or visitor card is stored, and the number of balls counted in each card unit 3 at that time are stored. The data of the counted number of balls is shared with each card unit 3 periodically in response to reception of a transmission request from the management computer 150. , After a predetermined after changing the count already piece count time (e.g. 5 seconds), that is sent from each card unit 3, so that the latest count already piece count is managed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the distribution history table 1583.
In the distribution history table 1583, the date when the distribution is performed, the device ID of the card unit 3 or the distribution device 5 where the distribution is performed, the card ID of the distribution source card, the card ID of the distribution destination card, When the distribution destination is a visitor card, the card unit 3 is issued to indicate whether the visitor card has been issued, the distribution ball number that is the distribution ball number, and the distribution destination card to use. A distribution history including usage acceptance indicating whether or not it is accepted is stored, and in this embodiment, a distribution history for one month, which is a maximum period that can be selected as a totaling target period of a distribution setting screen described later, is stored. It has come to be.

  As data stored in “issue”, “1” is stored when a visitor card is issued, and “0” is stored when no visitor card is issued. Further, as data stored in “use acceptance”, “1” is stored when it has been accepted, and “0” is stored when it has not been accepted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the distribution history tables indicate the total number of pachinko balls distributed in the game hall for a predetermined period, for example, one day, and the distribution numbers of all the history storing the date of the day. In addition, the same card ID is stored in the distribution source card and the number of distributions of all histories in which the date of the day is stored is totaled. The total number of pachinko balls distributed in can be specified, and furthermore, the same card ID is stored in the distribution destination card, and the distribution number of all the history in which the date of the day is stored is totaled, the distribution destination You can also specify the total number of pachinko balls assigned to the card that day.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the member-specific table 1584. The member-specific table 1584 includes a member information table 1584a and a game history table 1585b.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (a), the member information table 1584a is associated with the member ID of the member player who possesses the member card, and is assigned according to the personal identification number and the acceptance of the member card. It consists of store points that are updated with a predetermined number of store visits once a day, rank based on the store visit status, member's name (first name and last name), gender, age, birthday, occupation, address, and e-mail address. Member attribute information (personal information) is registered.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, the member-specific game history table 1584b includes, for each member ID, the game history of the member player, specifically, the date of visit to the store, the pachinko machine 2 that played the game. Machine number, model name, game start time (time), game end time (time), game time from game start to game end, number of starts, number of bonuses, number of probability fluctuations (number of probability changes), number of balls acquired, The game history which consists of the amount of money to spend, the number of replay balls, and the number of used balls is stored. The visit date of the member-specific game history table stores the date when the game history is stored based on the calendar information output from the RTC 154, and the game start time, game end time, game time, start count, The game history of the number of bonuses, the number of chances of change, the number of balls acquired, and the amount of money spent is stored based on member game history data transmitted from the card unit 3 when the member card is returned.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the card lock setting table 1585.
The card lock setting table 1585 is a table used to generate setting data for causing the card unit 3 to perform settings relating to card return restrictions (hereinafter referred to as “card lock”).

  FIG. 14A is an example of an application type setting table used for setting whether to apply card lock, and shows a table in which an application type No and an application type are associated with each other. In this example, “valid” is defined for the application type No “1”, and “invalid” is defined for the application type No “2”. “Valid” indicates that the card lock is applied (valid), and “invalid” indicates that the card lock is not applied (valid).

  FIG. 14 (2) is an example of a card type setting table used for setting which type of card is to be applied when accepting the card lock and when the card lock is valid. The table which matched No and card classification is shown. In this example, “member card” is defined for the card type “1”, and “visitor card” is defined for the card type “2”. “Member card” indicates that the card lock is applied to the member card, and “visitor card” indicates that the card lock is applied to the visitor card.

  FIG. 14 (3) is an example of a valid time zone setting table used to set in which time zone the card lock is valid. The valid time zone No and the valid time zone are associated with each other. Shows the table. In this example, the effective time zone No “1 (normal)” is “all day”, the effective time zone No “2 (special)” is “(arbitrary setting)”, and the effective time zone No “3 (adjustment date). ) "Is defined with"-".

  The valid time zone No “1” (ordinary) indicates a normal business day, and “all day” indicates that the card lock is valid within the business hours of the store. (Special) of the valid time zone No “2” indicates the valid time zone of the card lock in a special case, and “(arbitrary setting)” indicates that the valid time zone can be set according to the case. Further, the (adjustment date) of the effective time zone No “3” indicates the adjustment date of the gaming machine or the gaming device in the store, and “−” indicates that the card lock is invalidated all day.

  Among the above, as an example of the valid time zone No. “2 (special)”, the valid time zone on the grand opening date of the store or the new stand replacement date can be determined. On the grand opening or new stand replacement date, there may be a case where a player is allowed to enter the store before the store's business start time and to reserve a seat first. That is, the store entry time and the game start time may be different. In this case, if the player inserts a card into the card unit 3 between the entrance time and the game start time, the card may be locked. Therefore, it is preferable that “business hours after the game start time” is defined as “(arbitrary setting)” of the card lock effective time zone so that the card is not locked in the time zone from the entry time to the game start time. It is.

  In addition, there are stores that allow a game to be played by applying a so-called quantitative system. Quantitative system limits the number of games that can be continued when the player's game value (the number of balls earned on a pachinko machine or the number of medals earned on a slot machine) obtained by playing a game on a gaming machine reaches the upper limit of quantification. It means the operation to do. In addition, the operation for limiting the game in this case means an operation for resetting and stopping the game machine even if the game state is advantageous for the player.

  Further, in such a store, there is a case where an operation in which a player performs a game by setting a time zone in which a quantitative system is applied may be applied. In this case, since the game cannot be performed for a certain period of time when the game is stopped, the player may leave the seat with the card left in order to take a break until the fixed quantity system is released. Therefore, the “stop time to the release time of the quantitative system” is defined as “(optional setting)” of the effective time zone of the card lock, and during the period from the stop to the release of the quantitative system, the card lock is It may be executed.

  FIG. 14 (4) is an example of a lock condition setting table used for setting the lock condition, and shows a table in which the lock condition No and the lock condition are associated with each other. In this example, the lock condition No “1” has “no lock time operation”, the lock condition No “2” has “player change detection”, and the lock condition No “3” has “player absence detection”. Are defined respectively.

  “No lock time operation” is a case where no operation is performed on the pachinko machine 2 or the card unit 3 for a predetermined time (hereinafter, this predetermined time is referred to as “lock time”). Indicates that the card is to be locked.

  Here, the operation on the pachinko machine 2 includes the operation of the hitting ball operating handle. When a ball is shot out by operating the hitting operation handle, an out signal is output from the out ball counter 16, and counting is executed by the counting payout unit 348 with a winning ball, and a count signal is output. For this reason, the card lock is executed when the out signal is not input or the count signal is not input for a predetermined time (lock time).

  On the other hand, the operations on the card unit 3 include a deposit operation, a ball lending operation (remaining amount consumption), and a stored / held ball payout operation. In other words, the card lock is executed when a predetermined time (lock time), when no deposit is made, when the remaining amount is not consumed, or when the stored / held ball is not paid out.

  “Player change detection” indicates that the card lock is executed when it is determined that the player at the time of the card return operation has changed from the player at the time of card insertion. “Player absence detection” indicates that the player The card lock is executed when it is determined that the user has been absent for a certain period of time.

  FIG. 14 (5) is an example of a lock time setting table used for setting the lock time, and shows a table in which the lock time No and the lock time are associated with each other. In this example, “10 minutes” is set for the lock time No “1”, “15 minutes” is set for the lock time No “2”, and “20 minutes” is set for the lock time No “3”. .

  FIG. 14 (6) is an example of an action type setting table used for setting an action type to be executed by the card unit 3 when card lock is executed. The action type No and the action type are associated with each other. Shows the table. In this example, “card lock” is set for the action type No “1”, “card lock notification” is set for the action type No “2”, and “error information output” is set for the action type No “3”. ing. “Card lock” indicates that the card lock is executed until the unlock condition is satisfied, and “Card lock notification” notifies the player, the clerk, or the like when the card lock is executed. “Error information output” indicates that error information is output to the host device when card lock is executed. The host device in this case can be a management device such as the hall computer 140, the management computer 150, and the island computer 4, for example.

  Note that the items shown in each setting table of the card lock setting table 1585 may be set as an and (and) condition, or may be set as an or (or) condition.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of card lock setting data 3295 generated for each game island based on the card lock setting table 1585 shown in FIG.
Each card lock setting data 3295 stores a game island ID, which is identification information of the game island, and is associated with this game island ID to set a setting application type No, a set card type No, and a set valid time zone No. And set lock condition No, set lock time No, and set operation type No. are stored.

  The setting application type No. is the number of the card lock application type to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and is a number from among the application type Nos. Shown in the application type setting table of FIG. Is selected and stored.

  The set card type No is a card type number to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and the number is selected from the card type Nos shown in the card type setting table of FIG. Is remembered.

  The set valid time zone No is the number of the valid time zone to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island. From the valid time zone Nos shown in the valid time zone setting table of FIG. A number is selected and stored.

  The set lock condition No is a lock condition number to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and the number is selected from the lock condition Nos shown in the lock condition setting table in FIG. Is memorized.

  The set lock time No is a lock time number to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and the number is selected from the lock time Nos shown in the lock time setting table of FIG. Is memorized. When the lock condition No “2” “no lock time operation” is not applied as the lock condition, the set lock time No is set to “-(none)”.

  The set action type No is the number of the action type to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and the number is selected from the action type Nos shown in the action type setting table of FIG. 14 (6). Is memorized.

  For example, the card lock setting data 3295 shown at the top of FIG. 15 is data for causing the card unit 3 installed on the game island having the game island ID “S1” to perform settings related to the card lock. “1” for the application type No., “1, 2” for the setting card type No. “1” for the setting valid time zone No. “1-3” for the setting lock condition No. “1” is stored as the time No, and “1 to 3” is stored as the set operation type No. For the card unit 3 installed on the game island with the game island ID “S1”, the target card is “member card” and “visitor card”, the valid time zone is “all day”, the lock condition is “no lock time” Any one of “operation”, “player change detection” and “player absence detection” means that the lock time is set to “10 minutes” and the card lock is executed. When executing card lock, this means that “card lock”, “card lock notification” and “error information output” are executed.

  Here, usually, if there is no remaining balance or number of balls in the accepted visitor card, even if a card return operation is performed, the accepted visitor card is not returned and collected in the card unit 3 Is done. For this reason, when neither the remaining amount nor the number of possessed balls exists in the received visitor card, the card lock may not be executed even when the above-described lock condition is satisfied. In other words, the card lock may be executed when the above-mentioned lock condition is satisfied and there is a remaining amount or the number of possessed balls in the received visitor card.

  In addition, in the above lock condition, a remaining amount threshold that is a threshold for the remaining amount and a retained number threshold that is a threshold for the number of retained balls are set, and a visitor card whose remaining amount has reached the remaining amount threshold, Only the visitor card that has reached the threshold value may be locked when the lock condition is satisfied.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the card lock release setting table 1586. The card lock release setting table 1586 is a table used to generate setting data for causing the card unit 3 to make settings relating to card lock release.

  FIG. 16A is an example of an unlock condition setting table used for setting the unlock condition, and shows a table in which the unlock condition No and the unlock condition are associated with each other. In this example, the lock release condition No “1” has an “out signal input (out ball counter)”, the lock release condition No “2” has a “count signal input (count payout unit)”, and an unlock condition. “No payout signal input (count payout unit)” for No “3”, “Prize ball signal input (pachinko machine)” for unlock condition No “4”, “Release” for unlock condition No “5” “Signal reception (setting remote control)”, “PIN registration contents input (visitor card)” for unlock condition “6”, and “PIN input (member card)” for lock condition “7” are set. ing.

  “Out signal input (out ball counter)” indicates that the card unit 3 has input an out signal from the out ball counter 16 of the corresponding pachinko machine 2. The out signal is output from the out ball counter 16 when a ball that has been launched by the player operating the hitting operation handle of the pachinko machine 2 is collected. For this reason, the card unit 3 is input with information that can specify the game value used, which is the game value used by the player in the game on the pachinko machine 2 based on the operation on the pachinko machine 2 for playing the game. Based on this, it can be said that the card lock can be released.

  “Count signal input (count payout unit)” indicates that the card unit 3 has input a count signal indicating that the card unit 3 has executed counting from its own count payout unit 348. The counting signal is output from the counting payout unit 348 when the player manually opens the open / close shutter of the counting payout unit 348 and the balls paid out by the prize balls of the pachinko machine 2 are counted. Further, counting may be performed by the counting payout unit 348 when the player grabs the ball on the upper plate 23 of the pachinko machine 2 by hand and flows it to the counting payout unit 348. For this reason, the card unit 3 can specify the execution of the counting by the counting device based on the operation or operation for causing the counting device capable of counting the assigned game value given to the player in the game at the pachinko machine 2 to perform the counting. It can be said that the card lock can be released based on the input of information.

  The “payout signal input (counting payout unit)” indicates that the payout signal indicating that the card unit 3 has executed the ball payout from the counting payout unit 348 of the own device is input. The payout signal is output from the count payout unit 348 when the player performs a ball payout operation. For this reason, the card unit 3 can release the card lock based on the input of information that can specify the execution of the payout by the payout device based on the operation on the card unit 3 for playing the game on the pachinko machine 2. It can be said that there is.

  “Prize ball signal input (pachinko machine)” indicates that the card unit 3 has received a prize ball signal from the corresponding pachinko machine 2. The prize ball signal is output from the pachinko machine 2 when a ball that the player has struck by operating the hitting operation handle of the pachinko machine 2 wins and wins a prize. For this reason, the card unit 3 is a card based on the input of information that can specify the assigned game value given to the player in the game on the gaming machine based on the operation on the pachinko machine 2 for playing the game. It can be said that the lock can be released.

  “Release signal reception (setting remote control)” indicates that the card lock is released when the card unit 3 receives the release signal from the setting remote control owned by the store clerk.

  “Password registration content input (visitor card)” indicates that the card lock is released by inputting the password registered content when the card is locked with respect to the visitor card.

  “PIN code input (member card)” indicates that the card lock is released by inputting the password when the card is locked with respect to the member card.

  Here, “out signal input (out ball counter)” of unlock condition No “1”, “count signal input (count payout unit)” of unlock condition No “2”, unlock condition No “3” For each of “Payout signal input (counting payout unit)” and “Prize ball signal input (Pachinko machine)” of unlock condition No. “4”, the card lock is released when the signal is input only once. However, a threshold number of times (for example, several times to about 10 times) that is a threshold of the number of times of inputting a signal is set, and when the number of times of inputting a signal reaches the threshold number of times, the card lock is performed. You may make it cancel.

  This is because if the card lock is released when the signal is input only once, the card may be removed by a malicious person. That is, there is a possibility that a person who knows how to release the card lock may slightly manipulate the hitting operation handle of the pachinko machine 2 to drive the ball, thereby releasing the card lock and removing the card. is there. By setting the threshold number of times, it is possible to prevent such a situation from occurring.

  In addition to setting the threshold number as described above, for example, a threshold time (for example, a time of about several minutes to 10 minutes) that is a threshold for the time when the card unit 3 continuously inputs the signal is set. In addition, the card lock may be released when the time measured after the card unit 3 starts inputting the signal reaches the threshold time.

  In the card unlocking based on the unlocking condition using the above thresholds (threshold number and threshold time), a signal corresponding to a game-related action (player action) by a player over a certain period of time. Is continuously input to the card unit 3, and as a result, the card lock is released. In other words, since the card lock is not released unless an operation related to the game (player operation) is continuously performed by the player, it is possible to improve security.

  Further, “Release signal reception (setting remote control)” of the unlocking condition No. “5” means that the card lock is released when the release signal is received from the setting remote control possessed by the store clerk. Based on the card type, whether to apply the card lock release by receiving this release signal may be set. For example, the setting may be made so that the card lock release by receiving the release signal is applied only when the card type is “visitor card”.

  In addition, “password registration content input (visitor card)” of the unlocking condition No. “6” is a password registered to the visitor card (password) when a card lock is executed during reception of the visitor card. This indicates that the card lock is released when the player inputs 4 digits or 3 types of mark), and the “PIN code entry (member card)” of the lock release No “7” When the card lock is executed during the reception, it indicates that the card lock is released when the password entered when the membership card is issued is input by the player. That is, in this embodiment, in addition to the case where the unlock conditions of unlock conditions No. “1” to “5” are satisfied, the card lock is released by inputting the contents registered by the player himself / herself. Making it possible.

  Different unlock conditions may be set according to the type of card received by the card unit 3. For example, for a membership card, the unlocking condition is set that two types of conditions of at least one of Nos. “1” to “4” and No. “7” are met. , That at least one of the conditions of “1” to “4” is satisfied may be set as the unlock condition. Conversely, for a membership card, the fact that at least one of the conditions “No 1” to “4” is satisfied is set as an unlock condition, and for a visitor card, at least one of No “1” to “4” It may be set as the unlocking condition that the two types of conditions, the condition of No. 6 and the condition of “No 6”, are satisfied.

  FIG. 16B is an example of an action type setting table used to set an action type to be executed by the card unit 3 when releasing the card lock. The action type No and the action type are associated with each other. Shows the table. In this example, the action type No “1” is “Card unlock release”, the action type No “2” is “Card unlock release notification”, and the action type No “3” is “Error resolution information output”. Each is defined. “Card unlock” indicates that the card is unlocked, “Card unlock notification” indicates that the player has released the card lock, and the “error canceling information output” "Indicates that information indicating that the error has been resolved by releasing the card lock is output to the host device. The host device in this case can be a management device such as the hall computer 140, the management computer 150, and the island computer 4, for example.

  Similar to the card lock setting table 1585, the card lock release setting table 1586 may include an effective time zone setting table for setting a time zone in which the card lock release is valid. It is inconvenient for both the player side and the store side that the card locked in the valid time period cannot be taken out even if the card lock valid time period ends and the card lock becomes invalid. Therefore, in order to be able to release the card lock even after the card lock is disabled, the effective time zone of the card lock release is “all day” (valid all day) or “the start time of the card lock effective time zone ~ It is preferable to be able to set a time zone such as “the end time of the card lock effective time zone + a certain time”.

  Note that the items shown in each setting table of the card unlock setting table 1586 may be set as an and (and) condition, or may be set as an or (or) condition.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of card lock release setting data 3296 generated for each game island based on the card lock release setting table 1586 shown in FIG.
Each card lock release setting data 3296 stores a game island ID which is identification information of the game island, and stores a set lock release condition No and a set operation type No in association with the game island ID. .

  The set unlock condition No. is the number of the unlock condition that is set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island. From the unlock condition conditions shown in the unlock condition setting table in FIG. A number is selected and stored.

  The set action type No is the number of the action type to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and the number is selected from the action type Nos shown in the action type setting table in FIG. Is memorized.

  The set lock release condition No and the set operation type No are set when applying the card lock to the card unit 3 based on the contents defined in the card lock setting data shown in FIG.

  For example, the card lock release setting data 3296 shown at the top of FIG. 17 is data for causing the card unit 3 installed on the game island having the game island ID “S1” to perform settings related to card lock release. In addition, “1 to 7” is stored in the setting unlock condition No., and “1 to 4” is stored in the setting operation type No. The card unit 3 installed on the game island with the game island ID “S1” is enabled to lock the card based on the card lock setting data, and the unlock condition is set to “out signal input (out ball count”). ) ”,“ Counting signal input (counting payout unit) ”,“ Payout signal input (counting payout unit) ”,“ Prize ball signal input (pachinko machine) ”,“ Release signal reception (setting remote control) ”,“ PIN ” When either “Registration details input (visitor card)” or “PIN number input (member card)” is used, card unlock is executed and the card unlock is executed. This means that "release notification" and "error resolution information output" are executed.

  In the conventional gaming device as disclosed in Patent Document 1, since a personal identification number could not be registered for a visitor card (non-member card), if the visitor card is locked, the player After calling the store clerk, it was necessary to unlock the card via the store clerk's operation, which was not convenient. However, the card unit 3 of the present embodiment can release the card lock based on the input of specific information based on a predetermined operation by the player, so that convenience is improved while ensuring security. Can do.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the advance output setting table 1587.
The advance output setting table 1587 is a table used to generate setting data for causing the card unit 3 to make settings relating to advance output before executing card lock.

  FIG. 18A is an example of an application type setting table used for setting whether to apply prior output, and shows a table in which an application type No and an application type are associated with each other. In this example, “valid” is defined for the application type No “1”, and “invalid” is defined for the application type No “2”. “Valid” indicates that the advance output is applied (enabled), and “invalid” indicates that the advance output is not applied (disabled).

  FIG. 18 (2) is an example of a card type setting table used for setting which type of card is to be executed when pre-output is enabled, and which pre-output is executed. And a table in which card types are associated with each other. In this example, “member card” is defined for the card type “1”, and “visitor card” is defined for the card type “2”. “Member card” indicates that advance output is executed for the member card, and “visitor card” indicates that advance output is executed for the visitor card.

  FIG. 18 (3) shows a prior output time used for setting how to determine a specific time until the prior output is executed (hereinafter, this specific time is referred to as “preliminary output time”). It is an example of a type setting table, and shows a table in which a prior output time type No and a prior output time type are associated with each other. In this example, a “lock time ratio” is defined for the prior output time type No. “1”, and a “remaining time” is defined for the prior output time type No. “2”. The “lock time ratio” means that the prior output time is determined based on the ratio to the above-described lock time (time until card lock is executed). “Remaining time” means that the prior output time is determined based on the remaining time until the above-described lock time elapses.

  FIG. 18 (4) is an example of a lock time ratio setting table used for setting the lock time ratio, and shows a table in which the lock time ratio No and the lock time ratio are associated with each other. In this example, the lock time ratio No “1” is “2/3”, the lock time ratio No “2” is “1/2”, and the lock time ratio No “3” is “4/5”. Are defined respectively. “2/3” means that 2/3 of the lock time is the pre-output time, “1/2” means that half the lock time is the pre-output time, “4/5” means that the time of “4/5” of the lock time is set as the prior output time.

  FIG. 18 (5) is an example of a remaining time setting table used for setting the remaining time, and shows a table in which the remaining time No and the remaining time are associated with each other. In this example, “1 minute” is set for the remaining time No “1”, “1 minute 30 seconds” is set for the remaining time No “2”, and “2 minutes” is set for the remaining time No “3”. ing. “1 minute” means that the time until the remaining time until the lock time elapses becomes 1 minute is the advance output time, and “1 minute 30 seconds” means the remaining time until the lock time elapses. This means that the time until the time becomes 1 minute 30 seconds is set as the advance output time, and “2 minutes” means the time until the remaining time until the lock time elapses becomes 2 minutes as the advance output time. It means to do.

  FIG. 18 (6) is an example of a pre-output type setting table used for setting the pre-output type to be executed by the card unit 3, and a table in which the pre-output type No and the pre-output type are associated with each other. Show. In this example, the advance output type No. “1” includes “card removal forgotten suggestion information output (higher apparatus)”, and the advance output type No “2” includes “card lock notice information output (higher apparatus)”. The output type No. “3” is defined as “Notice of forgetting to remove a card (own unit)”, and the prior output type No. “4” is defined as “Card lock notice (own unit)”.

  “Card removal suggestion information output (higher-level device)” indicates that information suggesting forgetting to remove a card is output to the higher-level device. “Card lock notice information output (higher-level device)” indicates execution of card lock. Indicates that information to be notified is output to the host device. The host device in this case can be a management device such as the hall computer 140, the management computer 150, the island computer 4, or the like. The card forgetting suggestion information and the card lock advance notice information are examples of the lock advance information related to the card lock advance output.

  In addition, the notice for forgetting to remove a card (own unit) indicates that the card unit 3 performs a notice for alerting that the card unit 3 forgets to remove the card. Indicates that the unit will notify the lock execution notice.

  It should be noted that the items shown in each setting table of the above-mentioned advance output setting table 1587 may be set as an and (and) condition, or may be set as an or (or) condition.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of advance output setting data 3297 generated for each game island based on the advance output setting table 1587 shown in FIG.
Each advance output setting data 3297 stores a game island ID, which is identification information of the game island, and is associated with this game island ID, a setting application type No., a set pre-output time type No., and a set lock time. The ratio No, the remaining set time No, and the set advance output type No are stored.

  The setting application type No. is the number of the pre-output application type to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and is a number from among the application type Nos. Shown in the application type setting table of FIG. Is selected and stored.

  The set card type No is a card type number to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and the number is selected from the card type Nos shown in the card type setting table in FIG. Is memorized.

  The set prior output time type No is the number of the prior output time type to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and the prior output time type shown in the prior output time type setting table in FIG. A number is selected from No and stored.

  The set lock time rate No is a lock time rate number set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island. From the lock time rate No shown in the lock time rate setting table of FIG. A number is selected and stored. When “remaining time” is set as the prior output time type, the set lock time ratio No is set to “− (none)”.

  The remaining set time No is the number of the remaining time to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and the number is selected from the remaining time ratio No shown in the remaining time setting table in FIG. And memorized. When “lock time ratio” is set as the prior output time type, the remaining set time No is set to “-(none)”.

  The set prior output type No. is a number of the prior output type to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island. From the prior output type Nos shown in the prior output type setting table in FIG. A number is selected and stored.

  For example, the advance output setting data 3297 shown at the top of FIG. 19 is data for causing the card unit 3 installed on the game island having the game island ID “S1” to make settings related to the advance output. “1” for the application type No., “1, 2” for the setting card type No., “1” for the set pre-output time type No, “1” for the set lock time ratio No. “-(None)” is stored as the time No, and “1 to 3” is stored as the setting prior output type No. For the card unit 3 installed on the game island with the game island ID “S1”, the advance output is “valid”, the card types are “member card” and “visitor card”, and the advance output time type is “ "Lock time ratio", lock time "2/3 of lock time", advance output type "card removal forget suggestion information output (higher device)", "card lock notice information output (higher device)", "card This means that pre-output is executed as “forgetting to call attention alert (own unit)”.

  As described above, some of the conventional card units lock a card that is being accepted after a predetermined period of time (card lock), and control to a return error state (error down) that invalidates the card return, thereby allowing a salesclerk to There are some that enable unlocking by using a remote control. In such a card unit, even if a clerk who finds that he / she has forgotten to remove the card, he / she needs to move the card unit to a return error state, and the clerk needs to wait until the card unit returns to the return error state. was there. However, before the card lock is executed, the card unit that may have forgotten to take out the card is made to output the lock prior information to the management device, or the card unit is notified of the lock prior information. Before the card is executed, the store clerk can collect in advance a card that may be forgotten.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the password registration setting table 1588.
The password registration setting table 1588 is a table used to generate setting data for causing the card unit 3 to perform settings related to card password registration.

  FIG. 20 (1) is an example of a card type setting table used for setting a card type as a target of password registration, and shows a table in which a card type No and a card type are associated with each other. In this example, “visitor card” is defined for application type No. “1”.

  FIG. 20B is an example of a password registration type setting table used for setting the password registration type, and shows a table in which the password registration type No and the password registration type are associated with each other. In this example, the password registration type No. “1” is set to “4-digit password number”, and the password registration type No. “2” is set to “3 types of marks”. “4-digit password” indicates that the player is allowed to register an arbitrary 4-digit password that is a combination of the numbers 0 to 9, and “3 types of marks” indicates that the player has 3 types of marks. Indicates that an arbitrary mark is registered. For the mark, for example, a mark represented by a relatively simple figure such as a circle, a double circle, a triangle, a quadrangle, or a star shape can be applied.

  FIG. 20 (3) is an example of a password registration trigger setting table used for setting a trigger for executing password registration, and shows a table in which a password registration trigger No and a password registration trigger are associated with each other. The password registration opportunity No “1” is set with a password registration opportunity “menu operation”, and the password registration opportunity No “2” is set with a password registration opportunity “payment”.

  “Menu operation” indicates that when a menu operation is performed on the card unit 3 and password registration is selected on the menu screen, the password registration screen is displayed and the player is allowed to perform password registration.

  “When depositing” indicates that when the deposit amount set in the deposit amount setting table of FIG. 20 (4) is deposited, the password registration screen is automatically displayed to allow the player to perform password registration. .

  In this case, unlike the case where the player performs password registration from the menu screen, the password registration screen is automatically displayed every time payment is made. It becomes necessary to perform an operation. For this reason, in order to prevent the player from feeling bothersome, on this password registration screen, the presence / absence of automatic display of the password registration screen corresponding to the payment is registered, or a button related to an unnecessary operation (for example, “Back button”). It may be possible to register the presence or absence of the display of “

  FIG. 20 (4) is an example of a deposit amount setting table used to set how much amount of money is deposited in the above-mentioned password registration at the time of deposit. The table which matched No and the deposit amount is shown. The deposit amount “1” has a deposit amount “10000 yen”, and the deposit amount No “2” has a deposit amount “5000 yen or more”. “10000 yen” indicates that the password registration is executed when a 10,000 yen bill is inserted, and “5000 yen or more” indicates that the password registration is performed when a 5000 yen bill or 10,000 yen bill is inserted. Indicates to execute.

  It should be noted that the items shown in each setting table of the above-mentioned advance output setting table 1587 may be set as an and (and) condition, or may be set as an or (or) condition.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the password registration setting data 3298 generated for each game island based on the password registration setting table 1588 shown in FIG.
Each password registration setting data 3298 stores a game island ID, which is identification information of the game island, and is associated with the game island ID to set a set card type No, a set password registration type No, and a set password registration opportunity. No and the set deposit amount No are stored.

  The set card type No is a card type number to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and the number is selected from the card type Nos shown in the card type setting table in FIG. Is remembered.

  The set password registration type No is the number of the password registration type to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island. From the password registration type No shown in the password registration type setting table of FIG. A number is selected and stored.

  The set password registration opportunity No. is a password registration opportunity number to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island. From the password registration opportunity No shown in the password registration opportunity setting table of FIG. A number is selected and stored.

  The set deposit amount No is a deposit amount number to be set in the card unit 3 installed on the game island, and the number is selected from the deposit amount No shown in the deposit amount setting table of FIG. 20 (4). Is memorized. When only “4-digit password” is set as the password registration type, the set deposit amount No is set to “-(none)”.

  For example, the password registration setting data 3298 shown at the top of FIG. 21 is data for causing the card unit 3 installed on the game island having the game island ID “S1” to perform settings related to the password registration. “1” is stored as the card type No., “2” is stored as the set password registration type No, “1or2” is stored as the set password registration opportunity No, and “1” is stored as the set deposit amount No. For the card unit 3 installed on the game island with the game island ID “S1”, the card type is “visitor card”, the password registration type is “3 types of marks”, and the password registration opportunity is “menu operation”. And “at the time of deposit”, which means that the password registration is executed with “10000 yen” as the deposit amount.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the imaging setting table 1589.
The imaging setting table 1589 is a table used for causing the card unit 3 to perform settings relating to imaging by the unit camera 306, and a game island ID, which is an ID of a game island, and an imaging setting are defined in association with each other. Yes.

  The imaging setting is a setting related to when and at what timing the card unit 3 performs imaging. For example, with respect to the card unit 3 of the game island ID “S1”, as an opportunity to cause the unit camera 306 to take an image, “(1) When receiving” and “(2 There are three types of triggers: “) Accepting” and “(3) Return” when the card is returned. In “(2) Accepting”, “every 5 seconds” is defined as a time interval for imaging (hereinafter referred to as “imaging time interval”).

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the captured image database 159.
The captured image database 159 stores captured image data for each date.
In each captured image data, captured image data for each card is stored for each card ID in association with the date.

  In each captured image data for each card, a card ID and a captured image data set for verification are stored. Along with these pieces of information, a unit ID, an imaging type, an imaging date and time, and captured image data are stored.

  The collated captured image data set is a data set including a plurality of captured image data used for collation of a player who has a card with the card ID. As shown in the modified example, this matching captured image data set is obtained when, for example, the management computer 150 executes a player match determination process or a player absence determination process (details will be described later). Data used for face matching.

The unit ID is the ID of the card unit 3 that has received the card with the card ID.
The imaging type is a type in which the card unit 3 that has received the card with the card ID has taken an image, and is specified from the imaging type defined in the captured image database 324.
The imaging date and time is the time when the card unit 3 that received the card with the card ID performs imaging, and is specified from the imaging date and time set in the captured image database 324.
The captured image data is image data acquired by the card unit 3 that has received the card with the card ID capturing, and is specified from captured image data defined in the captured image database 324.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the island-specific unit setting data 329.
The island-specific unit setting data 329 includes a game island ID 3291, display setting data 3292, sound output setting data 3293, imaging setting data 3294, card lock setting data 3295, and card unlock setting. Data 3296, advance output setting data 3297, and password registration setting data 3298 are stored.

  The amusement island ID 3291 is an ID of the amusement island where the card unit 3 that provides the island-specific unit setting data 329 is installed.

  The display setting data 3292 is data for setting related to the display of the card unit 3 of the gaming island with the gaming island ID 3291.

  The sound output setting data 3293 is data for setting related to the sound output of the card unit 3 of the game island having the game island ID 3291.

  The imaging setting data 3294 is data for setting related to imaging of the card unit 3 of the gaming island with the gaming island ID 3291. Specifically, the imaging setting corresponding to the game island ID 3292 is selected from the imaging settings determined in the imaging setting table 1589 (see FIG. 22) and stored.

  The card lock setting data 3295 is data for setting regarding the card lock of the card unit 3 of the game island having the game island ID 3291. Specifically, of the card lock setting data (see FIG. 14) generated based on the card lock setting table 1585 (see FIG. 14), the card lock setting data 3295 corresponding to the game island ID 3291 is stored. It corresponds to this.

  The card lock release setting data 3296 is data for setting related to the card lock release of the card unit 3 of the game island with the game island ID 3291 concerned. Specifically, for the card unlock setting corresponding to the game island ID 3291 in the card unlock setting data (see FIG. 17) generated based on the card unlock setting table 1586 (see FIG. 16). Data 3296 corresponds to this.

  The advance output setting data 3297 is data for setting related to the advance output of the card unit 3 of the game island having the game island ID 3291. Specifically, the preliminary output setting data 3297 corresponding to the game island ID 3291 in the preliminary output setting data (see FIG. 19) generated based on the preliminary output setting table 1587 (see FIG. 18) is stored. It corresponds to this.

  The password registration setting data 3298 is data for setting the password registration of the card unit 3 of the game island having the game island ID 3291. Specifically, the password registration setting data 3298 corresponding to the game island ID 3291 out of the password registration setting data (see FIG. 20) generated based on the password registration setting table 1588 (see FIG. 20). It corresponds to this.

[1-9. Island computer]
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the island computer 4.
The island computer 4 includes a processing unit 410, an operation unit 420, a display unit 430, a first communication unit 440, a second communication unit 450, a clock unit 460, and a storage unit 480.

  The processing unit 410 is a control device and an arithmetic device that comprehensively control each unit of the island computer 4 according to various programs such as a system program stored in the storage unit 480, such as a processor such as a CPU or DSP, an ASIC, or the like. It is configured with an integrated circuit.

  The operation unit 420 is an operation unit configured to include, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a pressed key or button signal (operation signal) to the processing unit 410.

  The display unit 430 is a display device that performs various displays based on a display control signal output from the processing unit 410, and includes an LCD or the like.

  The first communication unit 440 is a communication device for performing communication with the management computer 150 installed in the store, and includes a wired communication module that performs communication via a wired cable, for example.

  The second communication unit 450 is a communication device for performing communication with each of the card units 3 installed on the amusement island where the own device is arranged. For example, wired communication that performs communication via a wired cable. It has a module.

  The clock unit 460 is an internal clock of the island computer 4 and includes an RTC (real time clock), a crystal oscillator including a crystal resonator, and an oscillation circuit. The clock unit 460 outputs time information and calendar information.

  The storage unit 480 is a storage device that includes a ROM, an EEPROM, a hard disk, a RAM, and the like. The storage unit 480 is a unit that is data for managing the main program 481 that is read by the processing unit 410 and executed as the main processing, and information of each card unit 3 acquired through the second communication unit 450. The management data 483 and island-specific unit setting data 329 acquired from the management computer 150 via the first communication unit 440 are stored.

  The island computer 4 is arranged for each gaming island, and has a function of counting and managing information of the card units 3 installed on the gaming island. In this embodiment, the island computer 4 acquires the island-specific unit setting data 329 corresponding to the game island ID of the game island where the own device is located from the management computer 150 and stores it in the storage unit 480. Then, the island computer 4 outputs the island-specific unit setting data 329 to each card unit 3 installed on the game island.

[1-10. processing]
[1-10-1. Management computer processing]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of management processing executed by the processing unit 152 of the management computer 150 in accordance with the management program 1581 stored in the storage unit 158.

  First, the processing unit 152 performs processing of loop A for each game island (A1 to A7). In the process of Loop A, the processing unit 152 uses the various setting tables stored in the storage unit 158 to set the island-specific setting data that is the setting data for the card unit 3 installed on the game island. A setting data generation process for generating data is performed (A3).

  Specifically, a display setting table (not shown), a sound output setting table (not shown), a card lock setting, and the like stored in the storage unit 158 in accordance with an operation of a store manager or the like with respect to the input unit 153 Table 1585 (see FIG. 14), card lock release setting table 1586 (see FIG. 16), advance output setting table 1587 (see FIG. 18), password registration setting table 1588 (see FIG. 20), imaging setting table Based on 1589 (see FIG. 22), the setting to be applied to the card unit 3 of the game island is determined, and various setting data corresponding to each setting table are generated. Settings to be applied to the card unit 3 can be freely selected and determined on the store side. Then, island-specific unit setting data 329 in which the generated various setting data is associated with the game island ID of the game island is generated and stored in the storage unit 158 (A3a).

  Next, the processing unit 152 outputs the generated island-specific unit setting data 329 for the game island to the island computer 4 arranged on the game island (A5). Then, the processing unit 152 moves the process to the game island.

  If the processing of the loop A for all the game islands is completed (A7), the processing unit 152 determines whether or not to end the processing (A9). For example, when the power of the own device is turned off at the end of the business of the store, it is determined that the process is finished. If it determines with continuing a process (A9; No), the process part 152 will wait as it is. If it is determined that the process is to be ended (A9; Yes), the processing unit 152 ends the management process.

[1-10-2. Card unit processing]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of card unit processing executed by the processing unit 310 of the card unit 3 in accordance with the card unit processing program 321 stored in the storage unit 320.

  First, the processing unit 310 determines whether it is the setting timing of the own device (B1). The setting timing can be, for example, the timing when the power of the own device is turned on. The setting timing in this case may be determined by confirming whether or not the set flag indicating that the own apparatus has been set is set to “ON”. The set flag may be set to “ON” after the setting is made, and cleared to “OFF” when the power of the own apparatus is turned off at the time of closing the store.

  When it is determined that it is the setting timing (when it is determined that the set flag is “OFF”) (B1; Yes), the processing unit 310 acquires the island-specific unit setting data 329 from the island management computer 5, and It memorize | stores in the memory | storage part 320 (B3).

  Next, the processing unit 310 executes a setting process (B5). Specifically, display setting data 3292, sound output setting data 3293, imaging setting data 3294, card lock setting data 3295, and card lock release setting data 3296 stored in island-specific unit setting data 329 are stored. In accordance with the advance output setting data 3297 and the password registration setting data 3298, the operation of the own apparatus and its mode are set for each of display, sound output, imaging, card lock, card lock release, advance output and password registration. In this case, the program of the card unit 3 should just prescribe | regulate the program which can perform the operation | movement according to each setting.

  When it is determined that it is not the set timing (B1; No), or after B5, the processing unit 310 executes sub-processing (B7). And the process part 310 determines whether a process is complete | finished (B9), and if it determines with continuing a process (B9; No), a process will be returned to B1. If it is determined that the process is to be ended (B9; Yes), the processing unit 310 ends the card unit process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of sub-processing.
First, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not a card has been inserted into its own device (C1). If it is determined that the card has been inserted (C1; Yes), a card reception process is executed (C3). Specifically, a card acceptance notification including the card ID of the accepted card is output to the system controller 100. Then, the card authentication result is acquired from the system controller 100. If the authentication result is OK, the inserted card is accepted. If the authentication result is NG, the inserted card is returned.

  Next, the processing unit 310 controls the unit camera 306 to start an imaging process for executing imaging at a timing according to the imaging setting data 3924 (C5). Next, the processing unit 310 executes a pre-output process (C7), a card lock / release process (C9), a password registration process (C11), and a game related process (C13). The advance output process, card lock / release process, and password registration process will be described with reference to flowcharts.

  In the game-related processing, the processing unit 310 executes various types of processing for enabling the player to play a game on the corresponding pachinko machine 2. Specifically, this includes a ball lending process according to a ball lending operation, a ball payout process according to a ball payout operation, a distribution process according to a distribution operation, and the like.

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not to end the process (C15). If it is determined to continue the process (C15; No), the process returns to C7. If it is determined that the process is to be ended (C15; Yes), the processing unit 310 ends the sub-process.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the advance output process.
First, the processing unit 310 refers to the set card type No in the pre-output setting data 3297 and determines whether or not a target card to be pre-output is being received (D1). Specifically, if the “member card” is set as the target card, it is determined whether or not the member card is being accepted. If the “visitor card” is set as the target card, Judge whether or not a visitor card is being accepted, and if a “member card” and “visitor card” are set as eligible cards, either a member card or a visitor card is being accepted It is determined whether or not.

  If it is determined that the target card is being accepted (D1; Yes), the processing unit 310 refers to the setting application type No. in the pre-output setting data 3297, and the setting to apply (enable) pre-output is performed. It is determined whether it has been done (D3). And if it determines with having been made (D3; Yes), a gaming state determination process will be performed (D5).

  Specifically, for example, (1) whether a gaming machine signal is input from the corresponding pachinko machine 2, (2) whether an out signal is input from the out ball counter 16, or (3) whether there is a deposit to the own device, (4) Game determination conditions ((1) to (5) alone or a combination of (1) to (5) such as whether the remaining amount of the card has been consumed or (5) counting / payout by the counting payout unit 348 has been executed ), It is determined whether or not a non-game state in which no game is played for a certain period of time.

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the non-gaming state is based on the determination result of D5 (D7). If it is determined that the non-gaming state is detected (D7; Yes), the advance output timer is activated. It is determined whether it is in the middle (D9). The advance output timer is a timer for measuring the time until the advance output is executed.

  If it is determined that the advance output timer is not operating (D9; No), the processing unit 310 starts the advance output timer (D11). On the other hand, if it determines with the prior output timer being in operation (D9; Yes), the process part 310 will transfer a process to D13.

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether it is a prior output timing (D13). Specifically, referring to the set advance output time type No, the set lock time ratio No, and the set remaining time No in the advance output setting data 3297, the time output of the advance output timer is specified from these settings. Determine if the time has been reached. And when it has reached, it determines with it being a prior output timing.

  If it determines with it being a prior output timing (D13; Yes), the process part 310 will perform a prior output process (D15). Specifically, the advance output of the advance output type specified from the set advance output type No of the advance output setting data 3297 is executed. Then, after resetting the advance output timer (D17), the processing unit 310 ends the advance output process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in D7 that it is not in the non-game state (D7; No), the processing unit 310 resets the preliminary output timer if the preliminary output timer is operating (D19), and then ends the preliminary output process. .

  Further, when it is determined that the target card is not being accepted at D1 (D1; No), when it is determined that the setting of the prior output is invalid at D3 (D3; No), or at D13, it is not the prior output timing. (D13; No), the processing unit 310 ends the advance output process.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of a card lock / release process.
First, the processing unit 310 refers to the set card type No in the card lock setting data 3295, and determines whether or not a target card that is a target of card lock is being received (E1). Specifically, if the “member card” is set as the target card, it is determined whether or not the member card is being accepted. If the “visitor card” is set as the target card, Judge whether or not a visitor card is being accepted, and if a “member card” and “visitor card” are set as eligible cards, either a member card or a visitor card is being accepted It is determined whether or not.

  If it is determined that the target card is being accepted (E1; Yes), the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the operation on the own device is no operation (E3), and if it is determined that there is no operation. If (E3; Yes), it is determined whether or not the lock timer is operating (E5). The lock timer is a timer for measuring the time until the card lock is executed.

  If it is determined that the lock timer is operating (E5; Yes), the processing unit 310 starts the lock timer (E7). On the other hand, if it is determined that an operation has been performed on the device itself (E3; No), the processing unit 310 resets the lock timer if the lock timer is operating (E9).

  After E7, E9, or when it is determined in E5 that the lock timer is operating (E5; Yes), the processing unit 310 executes a player absence determination process (E11). Specifically, based on the captured image output from the unit camera 306 at each imaging time interval (imaging time interval determined in the imaging setting table 1589 in FIG. 22), the time during which the player's face cannot be detected is previously stored. When a predetermined set time (for example, a time set in the range of 10 to 30 minutes) is exceeded, it is determined that the player is absent.

  If it determines with a player being absent (E13; Yes), the process part 310 will perform a card | curd lock process (E15). In this case, the processing unit 310 executes the operation of the operation type specified from the set operation type No of the card lock setting data 3295. Specifically, the card lock flag is set to “ON” and the card lock described above is executed. If “card lock notification” is set, the card lock notification flag is set to “ON”. If “error information output” is set, error information is output to the hall computer 140 and the management computer 150.

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not a card return operation has been performed (E17). If it is determined that the card return operation has been performed (E17; Yes), the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the card is locked (E19). When it is determined that the card is locked (E19; Yes), if the card lock notification flag is “ON”, the processing unit 310 executes a card lock notification process (E21). Specifically, a message indicating that the return of the card is locked is displayed on the display unit 312 to notify the player, the clerk, and the like accordingly. Then, the processing unit 310 ends the card lock / release process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the card is not locked (E19; No), the processing unit 310 executes a player match determination process (E23). Specifically, based on the image captured by the unit camera 306, the player's face identified from the captured image captured at the time of accepting the card and the player's identified from the captured image captured during the card return operation. It is determined whether or not the face matches. As a face matching method (face authentication method) in this case, a conventionally known face matching method (face authentication method) can be applied.

  In the face matching process, the processing unit 310 executes a feature amount calculation process (feature point extraction process for extracting a face feature point) for calculating a face feature amount for a captured image captured by the unit camera 306. Then, one feature value data composed of the calculated feature values or a feature value data set consisting of a plurality of feature value data is stored in the storage unit 320, and face matching is performed using these data. You may make it perform.

  If the player's faces match, it can be determined that the player is the same person when the card is inserted and when the card is returned. On the other hand, if the player's faces do not match, it can be determined that the player has changed (becomes another person) since the card was inserted.

  Therefore, if it is determined that the players match (E25; Yes), the processing unit 310 executes a card return process for returning the accepted card (E27). Then, the processing unit 310 ends the card lock / release process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the players do not match (E25; No), the processing unit 310 executes a card lock process (E29).

  When a player changes (becomes another person) since the card is inserted, it is considered that a malicious person often performs a card return operation for the purpose of removing the card. Therefore, in the card lock process of E29, in addition to the process executed in the card lock process of E15, the card may be stolen by outputting the captured image captured during the card return operation to the management computer 150. It is preferable to notify the higher-level device of the fact.

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the card is locked (E31). If it is determined that the card is not locked (E31; No), and if the lock timer is in operation, the lock timer counts. It is determined whether or not the time has reached the lock time specified from the set lock time No of the card lock setting data 3295 (E33). If it is determined that it has been reached (E33; Yes), the processing unit 310 executes a card lock process (E35). Then, after resetting the lock timer (E37), the processing unit 310 ends the card lock / release process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in E31 that the card is locked (E31; Yes), the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the unlock condition specified from the set unlock condition No in the card unlock setting data 3296 is satisfied. Is determined (E39).

  If it is determined that the unlocking condition is satisfied (E39; Yes), the processing unit 310 executes a card unlocking process (E41). In this case, the processing unit 310 executes the operation of the operation type identified from the set operation type No of the card unlock setting data 3296.

  Specifically, the card lock flag is set to “OFF”, and the card lock that enables the return of the accepted card is released. When the card lock notification flag is set to “ON”, the card lock notification flag is set to “OFF”. In addition, when “Card lock release notification” is set, a message indicating that the card lock has been released is displayed on the display unit 312 to notify the player, the store clerk, and the like accordingly. To do. In addition, when “error resolution information output” is set, error resolution information is output to the hall computer 140 and the management computer 150. Then, the processing unit 310 ends the card lock / release process.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of a password registration process.
First, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the target card specified from the setting card type No of the password registration setting data 3298 is being accepted (F1). If it is determined that it is being accepted (F1; Yes), it is determined whether or not a menu operation has been performed (F3).

  If it is determined that a menu operation has been performed (F3; Yes), the processing unit 310 determines whether or not a password registration operation has been performed from the menu screen (F5). If it is determined that a menu operation has been performed (F5; Yes), It is determined whether or not a menu operation is included in the password registration type specified from the set password registration type No in the password registration setting data 3298 (F7).

  If it is determined that it is included (F7; Yes), the processing unit 310 executes a menu operation password registration process (F9). Specifically, the password registration based on the password registration type specified from the set password registration type of the password registration setting data 3298 is executed according to the player's operation. Specifically, when “4-digit password” is set, a 4-digit password is entered and the entered password is registered. When “3 types of marks” is set, one mark is selected from the three types of marks, and the selected mark is registered.

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not payment has been made to its own device (F11), and if it is determined that payment has been made (F11; Yes), from the set password registration type No in the password registration setting data 3298. It is determined whether or not the specified password registration type includes the time of payment (F13).

  If it is determined that it is included (F13; Yes), the processing unit 310 determines whether the deposited amount is a deposit amount specified from the set deposit amount No of the password registration setting data 3298. It is determined whether or not the deposit amount is to be registered (F15).

  If it is determined that the deposit amount is for the password registration (F15; Yes), the processing unit 310 executes the password registration process for deposit (F17). Specifically, a password registration screen is automatically displayed on the display unit 312, and the password based on the password registration type specified from the set password registration type of the password registration setting data 3298 in accordance with the player's operation on the password registration screen. Perform registration. Then, the processing unit 310 ends the password registration process.

[1-11. Display screen]
FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a card lock notification screen displayed on the display unit 312 (liquid crystal display 313) of the card unit 3.

The card lock notification screen shown in FIG. 32 (1) is an example of a card lock notification screen that is displayed when a card return operation is performed after the card lock is executed during reception of a card (member card or visitor card). is there.
On this card lock notification screen, a message “Card return is locked. Please play a game (can be canceled by game operation)” is displayed. With this card lock notification screen, the player can play the game with the pachinko machine 2 and release the card lock.

The card lock notification screen in FIG. 32 (2) is an example of a card lock notification screen that is displayed when a card return operation is performed after the card lock is executed during reception of a visitor card.
On this card lock notification screen, the message “Card return is locked. Please call the store clerk (can be canceled by remote control operation)” is displayed. With this card lock notification screen, the player can call the store clerk to release the card lock.

The card lock notification screen in FIG. 32 (3) is an example of a card lock notification screen that is displayed when a card return operation is performed after the card lock is executed while the membership card is being accepted.
On this card lock notification screen, a message “Card return is locked. You can unlock it by entering your PIN” is displayed. With this card lock notification screen, the player can input the personal identification number to release the card lock. .

  FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a prior notification screen displayed on the display unit 312 (liquid crystal display 313) of the card unit 3.

The prior notification screen in FIG. 33 (1) is an example of a prior notification screen for a store clerk.
On the advance notification screen, a message “Card return will be locked in one minute. Please confirm that you forgot to collect it and collect it.” Is displayed. With this advance notification screen, the store clerk can quickly collect the card after confirming that the card has been forgotten.

The prior notification screen in FIG. 33 (2) is an example of a preliminary notification screen for a player.
On this advance notification screen, a message “Card return will be locked soon. Be careful not to forget to remove it” is displayed. This advance notification screen allows the player to take out the card without forgetting it.

  Note that the card lock notification screen and the prior notification screen described above are merely examples, and it is needless to say that a message different from the message shown above may be displayed.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for password registration, and shows an example of a menu screen and password registration displayed on the display unit 312 (liquid crystal display 313) of the card unit 3. FIG.

(A) in the figure shows an example of a standby screen displayed as a standby state on the liquid crystal display 313 of the card unit 3 in a state where a card is received.
On this standby screen, as the basic information of the device itself, “general card” (visitor card) indicating the type of the accepted card and “500 yen loan” indicating the unit of ball lending can be deposited. The characters “Payable” indicating that there is a certain amount and “Countable” indicating that the number can be counted are displayed. Below that, there are “rented ball: 4 yen per ball” indicating the price of one ball lending, “card remaining amount: 5000 yen” indicating the remaining amount of the card associated with the accepted card, “Moving balls: 12520 shots” indicating the number of holding balls associated with the inside card is displayed.

(B) in the figure shows an example of a menu screen displayed when the menu button 316a is pressed while the standby screen of (A) is displayed.
On this menu screen, five types of icons are displayed: “PIN registration”, “Ball sharing”, “Total number confirmation”, “Moving ball information”, and “Ball box display”. The player can execute the items displayed on the icons by tapping these icons.

(C) in the figure shows an example of a password registration screen displayed when the “password registration” icon is tapped while the menu screen of (B) is displayed.
On the password registration screen, a message “Please select a registration method” and two types of icons, “4-digit password” and “3 types of marks” are displayed. The player can register a 4-digit PIN by tapping the “4-digit PIN” icon, and by tapping the “3 types of mark” icon, the player can select from 3 types of marks. The selected mark can be registered.

(D) in the figure shows an example of a password input screen that is displayed when the “4-digit password” icon is tapped on the password registration screen of (C).
On this password input screen, numerical icons 1 to 9 and 0 are displayed, and the player can input the password by tapping these icons. The entered code number is displayed in a column displaying the code number at the top. In addition, “Confirm” and “Correction” icons are displayed under the number icon, and the player can confirm the entered PIN by tapping the “Confirm” icon. By tapping the “correction” icon, the entered password can be corrected.

(E) in the figure shows an example of a mark selection screen displayed when the “3 types of marks” icon is tapped on the password registration screen of (C).
In this mark selection screen, three types of mark icons, a circle, a triangle, and a star, are displayed together with a message “Please select your favorite mark”. The player can register a mark by selecting and tapping one icon from these mark icons. Under the mark icon, “confirm” and “correction” icons are displayed, and the player can confirm the selected mark by tapping the “confirm” icon. By tapping the “correct” icon, the selected mark can be corrected.

[1-12. Effect]
In the first gaming system 1 </ b> A, a card unit 3 is provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2.
The card unit 3 can accept a card associated with the remaining amount (the remaining amount of the card or the remaining amount of the prepaid amount), and after receiving the card, locks the return of the received card according to a predetermined lock condition being satisfied. To do. Then, after locking the return of the card, the card unit 3 unlocks the return of the card based on the input of the specific information based on the predetermined operation related to the game that is the operation by the player.
According to this, after restricting the discharge of the recording medium, it becomes possible to cancel the restriction on the discharge of the recording medium based on the input of the specific information. Therefore, the security is ensured by restricting the discharge of the recording medium. However, convenience can be improved.

Further, after receiving the card, the card unit 3 can execute the card lock for restricting the return of the received card based on the lock time and the non-game state in which no game is performed. Then, after receiving the card, the card unit 3 can execute a predetermined output based on the pre-output time shorter than the lock time and the non-game state.
According to this, since a predetermined output is made before the return of the card is restricted, it is possible to notify the possibility of forgetting to remove the card. As a result, it is possible to prompt the store clerk or the like to promptly collect recording media that may be forgotten.

[2. Other Embodiments]
Embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described. In addition, about the same structure as said each embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description for the second time is abbreviate | omitted.

[2-1. Game machine]
In the above embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention has been described as a pachinko machine, but the gaming machine is not limited to this.

  Specifically, the gaming machine according to the present invention may be a slot machine in which a player plays using medals. In this case, after executing the card lock, the card unit performs, for example, an IN signal output from the slot machine based on the player performing an operation of inserting a medal into the slot machine, or the player performs a BET operation. The card lock may be released based on the input of a signal such as an OUT signal output from the slot machine when the lever is pressed and a medal is paid out by winning.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the pachinko machine is inserted with the game ball from the hit ball supply tray 3 and the game ball launched into the game area wins the input area, a prize ball is placed on the hit ball supply tray or the surplus ball receiving tray. Although described as a conventional pachinko machine 2 to be paid out, an encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′ that can play a game without requiring the insertion of a game ball from the outside of the game machine or the discharge of the game ball to the outside of the game machine (Hereinafter referred to as “encapsulated pachinko machine”).

  Also, the gaming machine is a conventional slot machine in which medals are paid out from a medal payout opening when a medal is inserted from a medal insertion part and a winning combination is established or when a settlement switch is operated and credits are returned. The game point type slot machine 1000 ′ (hereinafter referred to as “game point type slot machine”) that can play a game without the need to insert medals from the outside of the gaming machine or pay out medals to the outside of the gaming machine. It may be said.)

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a second gaming system 1B to which an encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′ and a gaming point system slot machine 1000 ′ are applied as gaming machines.
In the second gaming system 1B, an encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′ and a gaming point system slot machine 1000 ′ are provided as gaming machines.

  The encapsulated pachinko machine 2 'encloses a game ball inside, and when the player operates the hitting operation handle, the launch motor is driven to drive the game ball into the game area one by one. It is configured as follows.

  Here, the launch of the game ball is detected by a ball raising switch electrically connected to a payout control board including a microcomputer (CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.). In addition, out of the game balls that have been thrown into the game area, the out ball that has entered the out port flows down the out ball flow path and is detected by an out ball detection switch provided in the middle. Further, the foul balls that have been returned without the jumping game balls jumping to the game area flow down through the foul ball return path, and are detected by a foul ball detection switch provided in the middle thereof. Both the out ball detection switch and the foul ball detection switch are electrically connected to the payout control board.

  In addition, all winning balls that are won at each winning opening (for example, the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, the large winning opening, the winning opening of the normal winning device) are collected at the back of the gaming machine and passed through the collected balls. Guided to the route. Similarly, out balls and foul balls are also guided to the collection ball passing path. The collection ball passage path is provided with a shot ball detection switch that is electrically connected to the payout control board. For this reason, all of the winning balls, out balls and foul balls are detected by the shot ball detection switch. The game ball that has passed through the collection ball passage route is returned to the hit ball launch position. Then, when the player operates the hitting operation handle, the game ball at the hitting position is hit again into the game area. When the detected number of the shot ball switches is equal to the number of shots of the game balls shot by the shot motor, it can be determined that all of the shot game balls have been collected.

  In this way, the ball raising switch, the out ball detecting switch, the foul ball detecting switch, and the firing ball detecting switch are all electrically connected to the payout control board, and the operation of each switch on the payout control board, that is, The passage of the game ball can be detected. In addition, the game balls that have won in each winning opening are detected by a winning sensor provided corresponding to each winning opening. The winning sensor is electrically connected to a main control board including a microcomputer (CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.), and the main control unit that detects the winning by the winning sensor can identify the winning opening where the game ball has won. A signal is transmitted to the dispensing control board. Note that the payout control board is selected from the main control board when the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′ is turned on (for example, the first start winning opening, the second starting winning opening, the big winning opening, the winning opening of the normal winning apparatus). ) And the number of winning balls corresponding to each winning opening (the number of payout balls when a game ball wins each winning opening) is received, so the winning signal received from the main control board Based on this, it is possible to specify the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening where the game ball has won.

  A card unit 1100 is provided as a gaming device corresponding to the gaming machine next to the enclosing pachinko machine 2 'and a gaming point system slot machine 1000' to be described later. On the front side (player side) of the card unit 1100, a bill insertion slot 1103, a display 1102 provided in a protruding portion formed protruding from the front side of the apparatus in the forward direction of the apparatus, and a prepaid card (non-member registration is not performed) A card insertion slot 1101 into which a visitor card that can be used by a member player and a member card that can be used by a member player who has registered is inserted. A player inserts a prepaid card into the card insertion slot 1101 and manages it with a remaining amount management device (not shown) in association with a card ID read by a card reader / writer (hereinafter referred to as a card R / W). The remaining amount can be used to play a game on a gaming machine that is communicably connected to the card unit 1100. Further, the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot 1103 is identified as authenticity and type by a money discriminator (not shown), and the amount corresponding to the identified type is the card ID of the prepaid card accepted by the card R / W. Is added to the prepaid balance managed by the balance management device.

  The card unit 1100 is provided with a card unit control unit (hereinafter referred to as “CU control unit”) composed of a microcomputer or the like. This CU control unit is a main control function unit of the card unit 1100, a CPU serving as a control center, a ROM storing programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM functioning as a work area for the CPU, An input / output interface and the like are provided for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices. The money discriminator and the card R / W described above are electrically connected to the CU control unit. In addition, the display device outputs display data converted by a display control unit electrically connected to the CU control unit.

  The CU control unit is provided with an external communication unit for communicating with the hall server 1230 that performs security management. The hall server 1230 is communicably connected to the hall computer 1200. A security board for communicating with the payout control board of the pachinko machine 2 ′ while ensuring security is connected to the CU control unit. This security board is a security monitoring function unit of the card unit 1100. The card unit 1100 is provided with a connecting portion to the encapsulating pachinko machine 2 ′. These connection parts are comprised, for example with the connector. Serial communication is performed between the payout control board and the CU control unit, and serial communication is performed between the CU control unit and the hall server 1230 via a stand terminal (not shown).

  When a player plays a game with the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ', the remaining amount management is performed by operating the ball lending button provided on the encapsulated pachinko machine 2' or the card unit 1100 and relating it to the card ID of the prepaid card to be used. A part or all of the prepaid balance managed by the device is converted into the number of game balls and the game is started. That is, the valuable value owned by the player is converted into a game value usable for the game. For example, the prepaid value for 500 yen can be converted into the number of game balls of “125”. “Conversion” is a concept indicating a correspondence relationship between valuable value and game value data. The number of game balls is stored in the CU control unit and is also transmitted to the payout control board of the pachinko machine 2 'and stored in the RAM of the payout control board.

  The payout control board is the number of in-game balls stored in the RAM (the number of balls not detected by the shot detection switch after launching) when the launch of the game ball is detected by the ball raising switch, floating in the game area 1 is added to the number of floating balls), and 1 is added to the value of the subtraction counter (the storage area for the number of balls to be subtracted from the number of game balls). In addition, when the payout control board receives the winning signal from the main control board, the payout ball number corresponding to the winning mouth indicated by the winning signal is set to the value of the addition counter (the storage area of the number of balls to be added to the number of game balls). to add. Further, when a foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch, the payout control board adds 1 to the value of the addition counter and subtracts 1 from the number of balls in the game. The payout control board subtracts 1 from the number of in-game balls when it is detected that the game balls hit by the shot ball detection switch are recovered.

  In the payout control board, the number of balls in the game is managed in this way. If the number of balls in the game becomes an abnormal value, there is a possibility of clogging or fraud. Inform. Further, in the payout control board, when the value of the subtraction counter or the value of the addition counter is updated, the value of the updated subtraction counter (number of subtraction balls) or the value of the updated addition counter ( Send the number of added balls). Then, the payout control board subtracts the value of the updated subtraction counter from the stored “number of game balls” and clears the value of the subtraction counter to zero. Further, the updated addition counter value is added to the stored “number of game balls”, and the addition counter value is cleared to zero. On the other hand, when the value of the subtraction counter (the number of subtraction balls) is received, the CU control unit cumulatively adds the received number of subtraction balls to the total number of subtraction balls stored in the RAM and stores the “number of game balls” stored therein. The number of subtraction balls received from is subtracted. Further, when the value of the addition counter (number of balls to be added) is received, the value of the number of balls to be added is cumulatively added to the total number of balls to be stored in the RAM, and the ball to be added received in the “number of game balls” to be stored. Add a number.

  In this way, the “number of game balls” is updated in the CU control unit, and this “number of game balls” is displayed on the display 1102 and can be confirmed by the player. The CU control unit compares the updated “number of game balls” stored in the CU control unit with the updated “number of game balls” stored in the payout control board received from the payout control board. If both do not match, control to shift to an error state is performed. The encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′ includes a display for displaying game information such as the number of game balls, and the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′ displays the “number of game balls” stored in the payout control board. It may be. Further, the display of the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′ may be connected to the display control unit 1120, and the “number of game balls” stored in the CU control unit may be displayed on the display.

  The “number of game balls” can be converted into the “number of balls” according to the operation of the player (for example, according to the operation of a checkout button not shown or the return operation of the prepaid card). The “number of balls” is managed by the ball server in association with the card ID of the prepaid card, and is changed to “number of balls” according to the player's operation (for example, operation of a ball play button not shown). It can be converted. Further, the “number of balls” of the member player is converted into “number of balls” after the business of the day ends or by the store clerk operation on the day.

  When the payout control board of the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 'is electrically connected to the CU control unit, the main chip ID recorded on the main chip of the main control board is passed through the payout control board and the CU control part. It is transmitted to the hall server 1230 and the hall computer 1200. The transmitted main chip ID is managed by the hall computer 1200 in association with the unit number of the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′. This makes it possible to manage game information in units of main control boards (game units) rather than in units of enclosures of the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′. When the main chip ID includes information that can identify the model of the encapsulating pachinko machine 2 ′, the hall computer 1200 can associate the machine number with the encapsulating pachinko machine 2 model. Become.

  Further, the CU control unit communicates with the hall server 1230 at a predetermined timing (for example, every predetermined time interval), and transmits the total number of added balls and the total number of subtracted balls. The hall computer 1200 communicates with the hall server 1230 to update the “safe number” of the game data table based on the total number of balls received from the hall server 1230 and based on the total number of subtraction balls received from the hall server 1230. Update “out number” in game data table.

  Here, since the format of output data output from the gaming machine (encapsulation type pachinko machine 2 ′, gaming point type slot machine 1000 ′) differs depending on the gaming machine manufacturer, the CU control unit outputs the output data in various formats. Is converted (converted) into a predetermined format and output to the hall server 1230 via the terminal. Setting data for the calculation (conversion) is input to and stored in the CU control unit. The “predetermined format” is, for example, assignment of output pins for transmission information and output length of signals.

  Since the data reception format differs depending on the specifications and settings of the hall computer 1200, the hall server 1230 matches the format of the output data output from the card unit 1100 with the data reception format of the hall computer 1200. It is made to convert and to transmit to the hall computer 1200.

  Here, when the data output format in the card unit 1100 matches the data reception format of the hall computer 1200, format conversion by the hall server 1230 can be made unnecessary. In this case, the card unit 1100 and the hall computer 1200 may be communicably connected without using the hall server 1230.

  Further, even if the data output format in the card unit 1100 does not match the data reception format of the hall computer 1200, a terminal terminal interposed between the card unit 1100 and the hall computer 1200 is connected from the card unit 1100. When the format of the output data to be output is converted to a format matching the data reception format of the hall computer 1200 and transmitted to the hall computer 1200, the format conversion by the hall server 1230 may be unnecessary. it can. In this case, the card unit 1100 and the hall computer 1200 may be communicably connected via the base terminal without going through the hall server 1230.

  The encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′ is provided with a first start winning opening and a second starting winning opening, and a first special display is provided in the first variable display section based on the winning of a game ball to the first starting winning opening. The symbol is variably displayed, and the second special symbol is variably displayed on the second variable display portion based on the winning of the game ball at the second start winning opening. When the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display executed in the first variable display unit, or the specific display as the display result of the variable display executed in the second variable display unit When the result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed, it is controlled to a specific gaming state (big hit gaming state).

  In the second gaming system 1B, for example, from the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′, for example, a big hit signal, a probability change signal, a time shortage signal, a start signal, an additional ball signal, a subtraction ball signal, a handle operation signal, a firing signal, a firing The strength detection signal, the specific winning opening winning signal, the accessory action signal, the prefetch signal, and the security signal are output to the card unit 1100 as a gaming machine signal.

  The big hit signal, the probability changing signal, the time reduction signal, the start signal, and the gaming machine error signal are substantially the same as the signals described in the above-described embodiment.

The added ball number signal is a signal indicating the added ball number indicated by the value of the added count updated in the payout control board.
The subtraction ball number signal is a signal indicating the subtraction ball number indicated by the value of the subtraction count updated on the payout control board.

The handle operation signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that the handle of the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′ is operated by the player.
The firing signal is a signal that is output when a game ball is launched into the game area in accordance with the steering operation. For example, every time a specified number of game balls (eg, 10 balls) are fired, Output as a signal.

  The firing strength detection signal is a signal that allows the launch area of the game ball to be specified when the player strikes the game ball left and right according to the game state. In the enclosing method pachinko machine 2 ′, the first start winning opening is a game when a left-handed game ball is fired into a game area on the left side (hereinafter referred to as “left game area”) as viewed from the player. The game ball wins at a higher rate than when the player hits the right-handed game area in the right game area (hereinafter referred to as “right game area”), or the left game area A game ball can be won only when the ball is fired. In addition, a variable winning ball apparatus that forms a second start winning opening is provided, and the variable winning ball apparatus is closed or opened by tilt control of the movable wing piece. A game ball can be won, or it is easier to win a game ball in the second start winning opening in the open state than in the closed state.

  The left game area and the right game area are respectively provided with a left gate and a right gate as passing areas through which game balls can pass. When the player is making a left strike, the game ball moves through the left gate, so that the normal symbol variable display is started, and when the winning symbol is derived and displayed, the variable winning ball apparatus is opened. The game ball can be expected to win the second start winning opening. In addition, when the player is making a right strike, the game ball passes through the right gate, so that the normal symbol variable display is started, and when the winning symbol is derived and displayed, the variable winning ball device is opened. It becomes a state, and it can be expected that the game ball wins a prize at the second start winning opening. In other words, the variable winning ball apparatus may be in an open state in both the case of making a left strike and the case of making a right strike, and it can be expected that a game ball will win the second starting prize opening. .

  Further, in the big hit gaming state, a special variable winning ball apparatus (so-called attacker) that forms a big winning opening is controlled to be opened, and a gaming ball can be won into the big winning opening. The number of opening controls or the opening control period of the special variable winning ball device varies depending on the jackpot type. This special variable winning ball apparatus is located at a position where the guided game ball is likely to win a prize due to the arrangement of the guide member and the game nail when making a right strike rather than a left strike.

  Here, in the high probability state, the probability of becoming a big hit gaming state (probability that the variable display result of the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit becomes the specific display result) is higher than the low probability state, and the high base state In the state, the probability that the winning symbol is derived and displayed as a variable display result of the normal symbol is higher than in the low base state (the normal symbol variable display time is further shortened and the opening time of the variable winning ball apparatus is extended. It is also good).

  When a player is in a normal state (low probability / low base state), the player does not release the special variable winning ball device, and the variable winning ball device is released with high frequency even if the game ball passes through the right gate. Since it is not, left-handed hitting a game ball aiming at the left game area is performed, and the game ball is awarded to the first start winning opening. When the gaming state is a high base state (high probability / high base state or low probability / high base state), if the game ball is passed through the right gate, the variable winning ball apparatus is released at a high frequency. The player hits the game ball with the right hand and aims to enter the second start winning opening. In the big hit gaming state, the special variable winning ball device is opened, so that the player hits the right game zone and hits the right game ball to win the special variable winning ball device.

  Here, the game ball launched from the hitting ball launcher in response to the player operating the hitting operation handle enters the game area through the hit ball rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area, and then Come down the gaming area. In this case, there is provided a launch intensity sensor that detects the rotation angle (rotation amount) of the hitting ball operating handle, converts the detected rotation angle information into a launch intensity detection signal indicating the launch intensity according to the signal level, and outputs it. A firing intensity detection signal from the intensity sensor is output. Such a launch intensity sensor includes, for example, a rotary encoder that detects a rotation angle of a ball striking operation handle and outputs an analog signal having a level determined according to the detected angle, and a signal conversion output device.

  The card unit 1100 identifies the launch area where the game ball has been launched, based on the launch intensity signal output from the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′. Specifically, when the firing strength is less than a predetermined threshold strength, it is determined that a game ball has been launched in the left game area by left-handed, and when the firing strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold strength, It is determined that a game ball is fired in the right game area by hitting.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible for the hall computer 1200 to set the threshold intensity used by the card unit 1100 for specifying the above-described launch area for each card unit 1100, and the threshold value is assigned to each card unit 1100 from the hall computer 1200. Threshold strength setting data, which is strength setting data, is distributed. That is, the hall computer 1200 corresponds to a distribution device that can distribute setting information associated with a signal that can be used to specify a launch area and that can identify the launch area. The card unit 1100 uses the threshold intensity setting data distributed from the hall computer 1200 to specify the firing area.

  The specific winning opening winning signal is a signal indicating that the game ball has won a specific winning opening. Specifically, a signal indicating the time and the number of game balls won at the first start winning opening and a signal indicating the time and the number of game balls winning at the second start winning opening are respectively as specific winning opening signals. Is output. The feature is that the number and time of winning game balls can be specified for each specific winning opening.

  The accessory operation signal is a signal indicating the operation of the accessory provided in the encapsulating pachinko machine 2 ′. The accessory includes the movable wing piece provided in the variable winning ball apparatus described above, and a signal indicating that the movable wing piece is in a closed state and a signal indicating that the movable wing piece is in an open state, Each is output as an accessory action signal.

  The pre-read signal is a big hit lottery based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening, and when a big win is won, before the special symbol is variably displayed on the variable display section, It is a signal to suggest. Based on the pre-read signal output from the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′, the card unit 1100 specifies that a big hit will occur in the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′ before the special symbol is variably displayed on the variable display unit. can do.

  When the present invention is applied to the card unit 1100, as in the above-described embodiment, after the card unit 1100 locks the return of the card, specific information based on a predetermined operation related to the game that is an operation by the player is obtained. The card lock may be released based on the input.

  In this case, for example, the card unit 1100 is configured to release the card lock based on a signal output from the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′ based on an operation for playing a game with the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′. Can do.

  Specifically, the card unit 1100 includes, for example, a start signal, an added ball signal, a subtracted ball signal, a handle operation signal, a firing signal, a firing strength among the signals output from the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′. The card lock may be released in response to the input of at least one of a detection signal, a specific prize opening prize signal, and an accessory action signal.

  In this case, the added ball number signal and the subtracted ball number signal correspond to the prize ball signal and the out signal of the pachinko machine 2 described in the above embodiment, respectively. The card lock can be properly released by using the input of the subtraction ball number signal as a trigger for the card lock release.

  Further, when the player resumes the game after the card lock is executed, the handle operation signal is immediately output from the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′. By using the opportunity for unlocking, the card lock can be quickly released.

  Similarly, when a game is resumed by the player, a firing signal is immediately output from the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′. For example, by inputting the firing signal as an opportunity to release the card lock, the card lock Can be released promptly.

  In the second gaming system 1B, unlike the first gaming system 1A, it is possible to increase the degree of design freedom regarding information communication between the devices. For this reason, for example, the card unit 1100 is configured to be able to output card lock information and lock prior information to the corresponding enveloping pachinko machine 2 ′, and the display screen of the encapsulating pachinko machine 2 ′ The player and the store clerk may be able to confirm the card lock information and the lock prior information.

  The gaming point type slot machine 1000 ′ converts the prepaid value into “game points” by the corresponding card unit 1100 and uses it in the game, like the enclosing type pachinko machine 2 ′. The “game point” corresponds to the “number of game balls” in the encapsulated pachinko machine 2 ′. That is, the valuable value owned by the player is converted into a game value usable for the game. For example, the prepaid value for 1000 yen can be converted into 50 game points (game point 1 corresponds to one medal). This game point is stored in the CU control unit.

  In such a game point type slot machine 1000 ', the number of bets is set using game points. When setting the number of bets using “game points = 1” corresponding to one medal, when operating the one-sheet BET switch and setting the maximum number of bets determined according to the gaming state Operates the MAXBET switch. The rotation start of each reel according to the operation of the start switch and the rotation stop of each reel according to the operation of each stop button are the same as in the medal insertion type slot machine.

  Here, when the start switch is operated, the game point corresponding to the set bet number becomes the subtraction point, and the subtraction point is added to the value of the subtraction counter stored in the RAM of the game control board. When all the reels are stopped, one game is finished, and when a predetermined symbol combination on the activated pay line is stopped as a display result of each reel, a winning occurs, The game points determined according to the winnings are added points, and the added points are added to the value of the addition counter stored in the RAM of the game control board.

  In addition, in the game control board, when the value of the subtraction counter or the value of the addition counter is updated, the value of the subtraction counter after update (number of subtraction points) or the value of the addition counter after update (addition) Point). Then, the game control board subtracts the value of the updated subtraction counter from the stored “game point” and clears the value of the subtraction counter to zero. Also, the updated addition counter value is added to the stored “game point”, and the addition counter value is cleared to zero. On the other hand, when the value of the subtraction counter (the number of subtraction points) is received, the CU control unit cumulatively adds the received subtraction point value to the total subtraction point value stored in the RAM, and the subtraction received from the stored “game point”. Subtract points. When the value of the addition counter (addition points) is received, the received addition points are added to the total addition points stored in the RAM, and the received addition balls are added to the stored “game points”. .

  Further, the CU control unit communicates with the hall server 1230 at a predetermined timing (for example, every time the total addition points and the total subtraction points are updated), and transmits the total addition points and the total subtraction points. The hall computer 1200 updates the “safe number” of the game data table based on the total number of points received from the CU control unit via the hall server 1230, and the total number of subtraction points received from the CU control unit via the hall server 1230. The “out number” of the game data table is updated based on the above.

  Thus, the card unit 1100 that is a gaming device is capable of communicating with the gaming machine and the hall computer 1200, and includes transmission means (CU control unit) that transmits information generated by the gaming machine to the hall computer 1200. The transmission means includes information conversion means (external communication unit) for relaying information generated by the gaming machine to a device (hall server, stand terminal) that converts and transmits the information to the hall computer 1200.

  In the second gaming system 1B, a BET signal, a bonus signal, an ART signal, an ART preparation signal, a lever operation signal, an addition point signal, a subtraction point signal, and a security signal are provided as slot signals from the gaming point type slot machine 1000 ′. It is output to the unit 1100.

The BET signal is a signal that is output when a bet amount is set using game points.
The ART preparation signal is a signal to be output when it is determined that the ART state is controlled by winning.

  A normal slot machine generally includes two control units, a main control unit and a sub control unit, and the sub control unit generally controls the ART state. In addition, a signal can be output from the main control unit to the sub-control, but a signal cannot be output from the sub-control unit to the main control unit, and the signal flow is from the main control unit to the sub-control unit. It is common to have a one-way trip to Therefore, in a normal slot machine, the main control unit determines, for example, whether or not there is regularity in the order in which the player presses the switch in order to identify that the sub-control unit has controlled to the ART state. When it is determined that there is a characteristic, it is necessary to specify that the state is controlled to the ART state. That is, the main control unit could not specify that it was controlled to the ART state unless it was controlled to the ART state by the sub-control unit.

  In a normal slot machine, an external output board is connected to the main control unit, and an ART signal indicating that the state is controlled to the ART state is generally output to the outside according to the control of the main control unit. As described above, since the main control unit can not specify that it has been controlled to the ART state only after being controlled to the ART state by the sub-control unit, An identifiable signal could not be output from the external output board.

  However, the game point type slot machine 1000 ′ in the second gaming system 1B has a high degree of design freedom, and can be designed such that the main control unit controls the ART state instead of the sub control unit. . In this case, unlike a normal slot machine, when the main control unit decides to control to ART by winning a prize, it outputs from the external output board a signal that can specify that the state is controlled in advance in the ART state. Can be made. This signal is the ART preparation signal in this embodiment.

The lever operation signal is a signal output when the lever of the gaming point type slot machine 1000 ′ is pressed.
The addition point signal is a signal indicating the addition point indicated by the value of the addition count updated in the game control board described above.
The subtraction point signal is a signal indicating the subtraction point indicated by the value of the subtraction count updated in the game control board described above.

  Also in this case, the card unit 1100 is based on the above-described various signals output from the game point method slot machine 1000 ′ based on, for example, an operation for playing a game in the game point method slot machine 1000 ′. The card lock can be released.

[2-2. Game equipment]
In the above embodiment, the gaming device according to the present invention has been described as the card unit 3 (so-called each counter) provided with the counting payout unit 348. However, a card unit without the counting payout unit 348 is related to the present invention. It may be a gaming device. Further, as in the above-described embodiment, the card is not limited to the card unit including the display unit 312 formed so as to protrude toward the front side on the front surface of the casing, but the card including the display unit formed flush with the front surface of the casing. The unit may be a gaming device according to the present invention.

[2-3. Management device]
In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that a management device such as the system controller 100, the hall computer 140, the management computer 150, and the island computer 4 is provided in the store. However, this is merely an example, and a management device that integrates some or all of the functions of these management devices may be installed.

[2-4. recoding media]
The recording medium according to the present invention is not limited to a card that can be used by being inserted into a gaming apparatus such as a card unit. For example, an IC chip that incorporates an IC chip that can be received by the unit through non-contact communication is supported. It is good also as a card.

  In this case, for example, an IC card reader / writer may be configured on the front surface of the gaming device, and the player may accept and release the IC compatible card by placing the IC compatible card over the IC reader / writer. The card lock and the card lock release are the same as in the above embodiment.

[2-5. Game machine signal]
In the above embodiment, the pachinko machine 2 is configured with an out switch for detecting a game ball that has passed through each winning opening or out port, and the number of game balls detected by the out switch is a specified number (for example, 10 balls). 1-pulse out signal may be output directly from the pachinko machine 2 to an external device such as the card unit 3 or 1100.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first prescribed number of balls when outputting a single-pulse prize ball signal from the pachinko machine 2 is described as “10 balls”. However, this configuration is not necessarily required. The first specified number of balls may be “one ball”. Similarly, for the out signal, the second specified number of balls may be “one ball”.

[2-6. Generation of setting data]
In the above embodiment, the management computer 150 generates island unit setting data 329 for each card unit 3 installed on the game island for each game island, and the generated island unit setting data 329 is generated. In the above description, the information is output to the island computer 4 arranged on the corresponding game island and output to the card unit 3 installed on the game island via the island computer 4.

  However, instead of doing this, the island computer 4 arranged on each gaming island generates island-specific unit setting data 329 for the card unit 3 installed on the gaming island, and You may make it output to the card unit 3. FIG. That is, instead of the management computer 150, the island computer 4 may generate the island-specific unit setting data 329. In this case, it is possible to cause the island computer 4 to generate the island-specific unit setting data 329 by the same method as in the above embodiment.

  Further, the setting data may be generated in units of gaming islands as in the above embodiment, or may be performed in units of models corresponding to the corresponding gaming machine model. Further, it may be performed in units of several adjacent units, or may be performed individually for each unit.

[2-7. Setting method]
Instead of causing the card unit 3 to execute the setting using the setting data generated by the management device (higher-order device) as in the above embodiment, a store manager and a store clerk are provided in the card unit 3. The card unit 3 performs the setting operation described in the above embodiment by performing a setting operation using an operation unit such as an operation button or a touch panel, or by providing a switch such as a dip switch on the card unit 3 and switching the switch. It may be possible to do so.

  In addition, the store manager and the store clerk can transmit the setting information to the card unit 3 by using the setting remote controller, thereby enabling the card unit 3 to perform the setting described in the above embodiment. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the card unit 3 has been described as having the unit camera 306 take an image at three types of triggers at the time of card insertion, during card reception, and card return operation. However, the trigger and timing at which the unit camera 306 performs imaging can be freely set. For example, unlike the above-described embodiment, the unit camera 306 may be caused to take an image at two kinds of triggers at the time of card insertion and at the time of card return operation.

  Further, when the unit camera 306 performs imaging while accepting a card, the time interval (imaging time interval, face image sampling interval) at which imaging is performed can be freely set. The shorter the imaging time interval, the greater the number of captured image data obtained, so that the accuracy of face authentication can be improved.

  Specifically, for example, the number of times the card lock is executed is tabulated for each card unit 3 and stored. Then, a shorter time may be set as the imaging time interval for the card unit 3 having a larger number of card locks.

  In addition to this, for example, with respect to the card unit 3 provided corresponding to a popular gaming machine, there is a tendency that the replacement of the player increases. Therefore, for the card unit 3 provided corresponding to a popular gaming machine, a shorter time may be set as the imaging time interval than the card unit 3 provided corresponding to a non-popular gaming machine. Good.

[2-8. Distributor]
In the above embodiment, the out signal output from the out ball counter 16 is described as being output to the card unit 3, the calling lamp device, and the hall computer 140 via the distributor 18. However, the distributor 18 may not be installed so that the out signal is not input from the out ball counter 16 to the card unit 3.

  In this case, it is only necessary to exclude the “out signal input (out ball counter)” from the unlocking condition described above, and based on the establishment of another type of unlocking condition without installing the distributor 18, The card unit 3 can release the card lock.

  Also, depending on the store, there may be a store where a distributor is installed and a store where a distributor is not installed. Therefore, for stores where distributors are installed, the input of out signals can be set as unlocking conditions as in the above embodiment, and for stores where distributors are not installed, input of out signals can be unlocked conditions It may not be set as.

  Further, in the case where the distributor 18 is not installed, for example, when it is detected that the card unit 3 is not operated for a predetermined time, the card unit 3 does not perform the card lock and holds the return of the card. You may make it control to the hold state to perform.

  In the hold state, unlike the locked state, for example, a deposit operation (insertion of banknotes), a ball lending operation (remaining amount consumption), and a withdrawal / removal operation (replay operation) of a stored ball / ball are enabled. When the is done, the hold state is released. Moreover, when controlling to a pending | holding state, processes, such as (1) display processing of a card return promotion screen, (2) display processing of the card return confirmation screen according to card return operation, are performed, for example.

  In the display process (1), a message such as “The card has not been used for a certain period of time. Be careful not to forget to remove it.” Prompts you to remove the card. Then, when any of the above operations is performed, the hold state is released, and the state returns to the monitoring state as to whether there is no operation for a certain period of time.

  In the display process of (2), at the timing when the card return operation is performed after controlling to the on-hold state, for example, a message such as “OK button” that can be touched by the player and “The card is returned when the OK button is pressed” Is displayed on the display unit 312, and when it is detected that the “OK button” is touched, the hold state is canceled and the accepted card is returned. That is, the accepted card is not returned by the card return operation alone, but the accepted card is returned when the OK button is touched after the card return operation is performed. That is, you may perform the card return process by multiple authentication.

  In addition, in this card return processing by multiple authentication, the input of the password registration content is added as a card return condition, and is accepted according to the establishment of the condition of “card return operation + OK operation + password registration content input operation” The card may be returned. In addition, a face matching process based on the captured image captured by the unit camera 306 is added as a card return condition, and is being accepted according to the establishment of the condition of “card return operation + OK operation + player face match”. You may make it return a card.

[2-9. [Specified time / specific time setting]
In the above embodiment, it has been described that both the lock time (predetermined time) and the pre-output time (specific time) can be set, but only one of the lock time and the pre-output time is set. It may be settable. That is, any one of the lock time and the prior output time may be determined in advance as a fixed time (invariable time).

[2-10. Surveillance camera system]
In the above embodiment, a surveillance camera (a surveillance camera installed on the ceiling of a store) that constitutes a surveillance camera system installed in a store takes an image of a player playing a game on each pachinko machine 2, and the surveillance camera The higher-level device may execute the above-described player absence determination process or player match determination process based on the captured image captured by the above.

  In this case, for the player absence determination process, for example, the hall computer 140 connected to the surveillance camera system is based on the captured image (video) captured by the surveillance camera for the card unit 3 in which the card is inserted. It is determined whether or not a time during which the player's face cannot be detected has exceeded a predetermined set time (for example, a time set in the range of 10 to 30 minutes). And when it determines with having exceeded, the signal which instruct | indicates a card lock may be output to the said card unit 3, and you may make it the said card unit 3 perform a card lock.

  For the player match determination process, for example, the hall computer 140 connected to the surveillance camera system uses the card unit 3 in which the card is inserted based on the captured image (video) captured by the surveillance camera. It is determined whether or not the player's face at the time of insertion matches the player's face at the time of card return operation. If it is determined that they do not match, a signal for instructing card lock may be output to the card unit 3 to cause the card unit 3 to perform card lock.

[2-11. Registration of the person who needs attention]
In the above embodiment, a person who has a risk of taking out a card or stealing the card may be registered in a higher-level device as a person requiring attention.

  Specifically, in the above embodiment, in the card lock process E29 executed when it is determined in the player match determination process of E23 that the players do not match, the card unit 3 determines that the error information and At the same time, the captured image data and feature amount data captured at the time of the card return operation are output to a host device such as the hall computer 140, the management computer 150, and the island computer 4.

  Then, these higher-level devices may register the person specified from the captured image transmitted from the card unit 3 as the person requiring attention in the person requiring attention database. Further, in this case, for example, the hall computer 140 transmits the face image data and feature amount data of the person specified as the person requiring attention to the management server 12 installed in the card management company via the communication line 11 to register it. You may do it.

Further, registration of a person requiring attention and detection of a person requiring attention may be realized as follows.
As one method, for example, an instruction signal for capturing a face image is output to the card unit 3 in the flow of the hall computer 140 → the management computer 150 → the card unit 3, and the card unit 3 is captured by the unit camera 306. Image data and feature data are returned to the hall computer 140. Then, on the hall computer 140 side, the captured image data and the feature amount data are registered in a list as a person requiring attention.

  In this case, the feature amount data extracted from the captured image captured by the card unit 3 with the unit camera 306 is output to the hall computer 140 in the flow of the card unit 3 → the management computer 150 → the hall computer 140, and the hall computer 140 is registered. Check against the list of people who need attention. If it is determined that they match, an instruction signal for instructing another imaging is output to the card unit 3 in the flow of the hall computer 140 → the management computer 150 → the card unit 3, and the card unit 3 plays a game with the unit camera 306. The photographed image data may be returned to the hall computer 140 together with the error information after the person is imaged.

  Then, the hall computer 140 transmits alarm information to the surveillance camera system or an income device worn by a store clerk, or executes processing for transmitting captured image data input from the card unit 3 to the surveillance camera system. Also good. By doing in this way, it is possible to monitor a person requiring attention on the monitoring camera system side, and it is possible to prevent card theft and the like.

  As another method, when a store clerk or manager of a store visually confirms a person registered as a person requiring attention with a surveillance camera of the surveillance camera system, the surveillance camera system → the hall computer 140 → management In the flow from the computer 150 to the card unit 3, an instruction signal for capturing a face image is output to the card unit 3, and the card unit 3 returns the captured image data and the face ID captured by the unit camera 306 to the surveillance camera system. To do. Then, the surveillance camera system registers the captured image data and the face ID as a person who needs attention.

  In this case, the card unit 3 outputs the captured image data and the face ID captured by the unit camera 306 to the surveillance camera system in the flow of the card unit 3 → the management computer 150 → the hall computer 140 → the surveillance camera system. , Collate with the list of registered people who need attention. If it is determined that they match, the surveillance camera system may automatically perform tracking of the person requiring attention or output an alarm to an income device worn by a store clerk. Also in this case, the monitoring camera system can monitor a person who needs attention and can prevent the card from being stolen.

[2-12. Player match determination process, player absence determination process]
In the above embodiment, the card unit 3 is based on the player's face identified from the captured image captured at the time of accepting the card based on the captured image by the unit camera 306 and the captured image captured at the time of the card return operation. The player's face cannot be detected based on the player match determination process for determining whether or not the specified player's face matches or the captured image output from the unit camera 306 at every imaging time interval. It has been described that a player absence determination process for determining whether or not a player is absent based on whether or not the time exceeds a predetermined set time has been described. However, instead of doing this, a management device such as the management computer 150 may execute the player match determination process or the player absence determination process.

  Specifically, the processing unit 152 of the management computer 150 performs, for each card unit 3, based on a captured image captured by the unit camera 306 of the card unit 3 or a captured image captured by the monitoring camera of the monitoring camera system. Then, in association with the card ID of the card received by the card unit 3, data of the captured image for verification (for example, the captured image data set for verification in FIG. 23) is generated, and the storage unit 158 (for example, the captured image database 159). ).

  Then, for each card unit 3, the processing unit 152, based on the captured images of the unit camera 306 and the monitoring camera of the card unit 3, the player's face at the time of card reception of the card unit 3 and the card return operation A player match determination process is performed to determine whether or not the player's face matches. If the processing unit 152 determines that the players do not match, the processing unit 152 performs a card lock on the card unit 3 by performing an error notification, a player mismatch notification, or a card lock notification to the card unit 3. Should be executed.

  Similarly, for each card unit 3, the processing unit 152 determines in advance a time during which the player's face cannot be detected for the card unit 3 based on the captured images of the unit camera 306 and the monitoring camera of the card unit 3. A player absence determination process is performed to determine whether or not the player is absent based on whether or not the set time has been exceeded. When the processing unit 152 determines that the player is absent, the processing unit 152 performs an error notification, a player absence notification, a card lock notification, or the like on the card unit 3, thereby providing a card to the card unit 3. The lock may be executed.

[2-13. Advance output settings]
In the above embodiment, the pre-output function included in the card unit 3 may be set to ON / OFF in conjunction with the card lock function included in the card unit 3. In other words, when the card lock function is set to ON, the advance output function is also set to ON so as to be linked with this, and when the card lock function is set to OFF, the advance is set so as to be linked with this. The output function may also be set to OFF.

  Even if the card lock function is set to OFF, the advance output function may be set to ON. However, since the card lock is not executed when the card lock function is set to OFF, the advance output type in this case does not include the card lock advance notice output and the card lock advance notice described in the above embodiment. , Forgetting to remove the card to notify the store manager of the possibility of forgetting to remove the card, forgetting to take out the card to alert the player about forgetting to remove the card, and collecting the card The card collection promotion information output for notifying the manager of the store and the card output promotion notification for prompting the store manager to collect the card may be included in advance.

  On the contrary, even if the card lock function is set to ON, the advance output function may be set to OFF.

  In addition, when there is neither a possession ball nor a remaining amount in the visitor card, even if the card return operation is performed, the visitor card is collected without being returned. For this reason, when it is determined that the card unit 3 has neither a possession ball nor a balance, the card unit 3 may be set so as not to execute the card lock. Since the card lock is not executed, in this case, the visitor card may not be collected and the pre-output may not be executed.

[2-14. Notification means]
In the above-described embodiment, the display unit 312 of the card unit 3 is used as notification means, and various notifications such as card lock notification and lock prior notification are performed. However, in addition to this, for example, the sound output unit 350 of the card unit 3 may function as a notification unit. That is, various notifications such as card lock notification and lock prior notification may be realized by outputting sound from the sound output unit 350 or the like.

  In addition, a notification device for performing the various notifications described above may be provided in a management apparatus such as the hall computer 140, the management computer 150, and the island computer 4. When the lock prior information is displayed on the display unit of the card unit 3 as in the above embodiment, for example, a situation occurs in which a malicious person removes the card before the card lock is executed. It is assumed that

  Therefore, the lock prior information is not displayed on the card unit 3, but the lock prior information is displayed in association with the unit ID on the display unit of the management device such as the hall computer 140, the management computer 150, or the island computer 4. Also good.

  By doing in this way, the manager of the store can notify the store clerk via the income or the like that there is a possibility of forgetting to take the card together with the unit ID. You can go out and collect cards quickly.

[2-15. Anti-theft function]
In the above embodiment, in the card unit 3, a store clerk or an administrator may be able to perform registration regarding the card anti-theft function. For example, a registration screen related to a card anti-theft function is displayed on the display unit 312 of the card unit 3 by a remote control operation on the card unit 3. This registration screen includes, for example, items for enabling / disabling the anti-theft function and the range to which the anti-theft function is applied (units of game islands, corresponding game machine model units, units of several adjacent units, units alone) In this registration screen, the store clerk or the administrator registers which range of card units the anti-theft function is to be enabled and causes the card unit 3 to make settings. Also good.

  In this way, it is not necessary to generate setting data regarding the anti-theft function of the card unit 3 on the management device side such as the hall computer 140, the management computer 150, and the island computer 4, and only by registration / setting for the card unit 3. The card unit 3 can be made to execute processing related to theft prevention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game system 1A 1st game system 1B 2nd game system 2 Pachinko machine 2 'Enclosed pachinko machine 3 Card unit 4 Island computer 5 Distribution device 11 Communication line 12 Management server 100 System controller 140 Hall computer 150 Management computer 170 Gift exchange POS terminal 180 Checkout device 1000 ′ Game point type slot machine 1100 Card unit

Claims (1)

It is possible to accept recording media associated with valuable value, and after receiving the recording media, it is possible to limit the discharge of the accepted recording media based on the fact that the game is not playing for a predetermined time A gaming device,
An output means capable of executing a predetermined output based on being in a non-game state for a specific time shorter than the predetermined time after receiving a recording medium;
A gaming device comprising:

Images