JP4538102B2 - Gaming machine monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a monitoring device for a gaming machine, and more particularly to a technique for detecting fraud using an RFID capable of wirelessly reading data.

  In game halls such as pachinko halls, a plurality of gaming machines are arranged and efficiently accommodated by equipment for gathering gaming machines called island equipment. 2. Description of the Related Art Ball game machines (pachinko machines) and swing-type game machines (pachinko slot machines, commonly known as pachislot machines) are known as gaming machines installed in a game hall. The floor of the amusement hall is divided by a plurality of island facilities, and visitors and employees can walk, and sufficient space is secured for the player to play games. In the island facility, related equipment such as a ball lending machine or a medal lending machine is provided adjacent to the gaming machine, and consideration is given so as not to bother the player. The island facility is connected to a host computer that monitors game payout and a specific gaming state. The host computer counts the dividends paid out from the gaming machines and the number of times that a specific gaming state is reached for each island facility. As a result, it is possible to roughly grasp what gaming state the gaming machine installed on the island facility is in, and whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine.

  There are two causes of an abnormality in a gaming machine, one due to a processing error of the gaming machine and one caused by an illegal act. For fraudulent acts, the act of switching the IC or circuit board storing the game program, the act of generating radio waves around the game machine that cause the game program to malfunction, the act of inserting equipment etc. into the game machine, replacing parts There is an act to do. In order to deal with these fraudulent acts, amusement halls are equipped with a plurality of monitoring cameras to monitor whether or not fraudulent acts are being performed. In addition, the circuit board of the gaming machine is housed and sealed in a transparent case to prevent the circuit board from being easily replaced.

  Further, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification, hereinafter referred to as “RFID”) that can recognize product information such as an ID code in a non-contact manner is attached to an electronic component such as a main board that performs main control relating to game play. Has been done. By using RFID, it is possible to easily manage components such as a board of a gaming machine and detect fraud.

  The RFID is a responder including an integrated circuit (including a storage unit), a wireless circuit, and an antenna. As an interrogator corresponding to this, there is a reading device (hereinafter referred to as “RFID reader (monitoring device)”) for reading information from an RFID. This includes a control unit, a radio circuit, and an antenna. As a method for non-contact communication by RFID, electromagnetic coupling type / electromagnetic induction type that uses mutual induction of coils by 13.56 MHz AC magnetic field, and microwave that transmits / receives by 2.45 GHz microwave There is a type.

JP 2004-194690 A “Game Machine” By making it possible to notify the hall computer of the installed state of the control device, it is possible to leave a trace of desorption even if the seal is forged, and it has a better security function To provide gaming machines. By providing a recording means (ID tag) and receiving a signal from the recording means, the positional relationship between the control device and the housing is confirmed, and if the predetermined positional relationship is not maintained, the hall computer is notified. JP, 2005-58677, A "Monitoring system" The fraudulent act performed in a game hall is monitored and this is discovered accurately. The slot machine is provided with an RFID in which identification information is stored. An RFID antenna device is provided in the island facility. The RFID antenna device transmits radio waves to the RFID tag, and the identification information stored in the RFID tag is received by the RFID antenna device. The received identification information is sent to the hall computer. The hall computer verifies the identification information and authenticates the slot machine. When the identification information cannot be read or the identification information is incorrect, the abnormality notification device is activated to notify the game hall employee that the slot machine may have been cheated. .

  According to the above prior art, although it is possible to detect fraudulent activities such as board replacement, it merely detects the presence or absence of fraud, and more detailed information such as the current position of the replaced board and the movement of fraudsters I could not know the route. If you do not respond quickly when a fraud is detected, there is a high risk that you will miss the fraudster. Without detailed information, it is difficult to respond quickly.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to detect a fraudulent act and to provide detailed information such as the current position of the replaced board, the movement route of the fraudster, etc. An object is to provide a monitoring device.

The present invention is a monitoring device provided in each of a plurality of gaming machines arranged in alignment,
Each of the plurality of gaming machines includes a board on which electronic components including a CPU and a semiconductor memory are mounted, and a harness including a plurality of electric wires for electrical connection of the board,
RFID in which unique information is written in advance is provided in at least one of the CPU, the semiconductor memory, the substrate, and the harness,
The monitoring device includes at least a storage unit in which unique information regarding the RFID in the gaming machine in which the monitoring device is provided is pre-registered, and a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the RFID and reads the information of the RFID.
The range in which the RFID can be read by the communication unit is wider than the gaming machine in which the communication unit is provided, and overlaps at least partially with the range that can be read by other monitoring devices provided in adjacent gaming machines. And
The monitoring device is abnormal when information of at least one of the RFIDs registered in the storage unit cannot be read or when the read RFID information does not correspond to the information registered in the storage unit in advance. And an abnormal signal indicating that fact is output.

The monitoring device is configured to be communicable with at least another monitoring device provided in an adjacent gaming machine,
When it becomes impossible to read the information of the RFID that was readable, a stale signal including the unique information of the RFID that could not be read is transmitted to the other monitoring device,
When the RFID signal corresponding to the unique information included in the sight signal is read within the range that can be read by the communication unit, the discovery signal means that the sight signal is received from the other monitoring device To the other monitoring device.

The lost signal includes information on the number of movements,
When the monitoring device becomes unable to read RFID information that was readable,
When the RFID information that can no longer be read corresponds to the unique information included in the trace signal sent from the other monitoring device, the movement included in the disappearance signal Increase the number of times, include the information on the number of movements included in the trace signal and transmit to the other monitoring device, or
When the RFID information that can no longer be read does not correspond to the specific information included in the trace signal sent from the other monitoring device, the initialized information on the number of movements is displayed. Send it to the other monitoring device by including it in the trace signal,
When reading RFID information corresponding to the specific information included in the trace signal received from the other monitoring device within a range that can be read by the communication unit of itself, the number of movements included in the trace signal is calculated. If the number of times of movement exceeds a predetermined value, an alarm signal indicating that is output.

The monitoring device includes the unique information of the RFID included in the lost signal in the alarm signal and transmits the information to the other monitoring device.
When receiving the alarm signal from the other monitoring device, the RFID specific information included in the alarm signal corresponds to the RFID specific information that has been received within the range that can be read by the communication unit of its own. Error notification.

The present invention is a gaming machine monitoring system comprising a plurality of gaming machines arranged side by side, a monitoring device provided inside each of the gaming machines, and a hall computer that manages the gaming machines. There,
Each of the plurality of gaming machines includes a board on which electronic components including a CPU and a semiconductor memory are mounted, and a harness including a plurality of electric wires for electrical connection of the board,
RFID in which unique information is written in advance is provided in at least one of the CPU, the semiconductor memory, the substrate, and the harness,
The monitoring device includes a storage unit in which unique information regarding the RFID in the gaming machine in which the monitoring device is provided is pre-registered, and a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the RFID and reads the information of the RFID,
The range in which the RFID can be read by the communication unit is wider than the gaming machine in which the communication unit is provided, and overlaps at least partially with the range that can be read by other monitoring devices provided in adjacent gaming machines. And
When the monitoring device cannot read at least any information of the RFID registered in the storage unit, the monitoring device outputs a trace signal indicating that, or the read RFID information is stored in the storage unit in advance. When it is not registered, it is determined as abnormal, and an abnormal signal indicating that is output to the hall computer,
The hall computer reports an abnormality when the abnormality signal or the lost signal is received from the monitoring device of any of the plurality of gaming machines.

The trace signal includes information unique to the RFID that cannot be read by the monitoring device,
The hall computer counts the number of times of reception of the lost signal for each unique information of the RFID, and when the number of times of reception exceeds a predetermined value, notifies the error,
A command may be issued so that an error notification is issued to the monitoring device that is the source of the lost signal or the gaming machine in which the monitoring device is installed.

  RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a type of electronic tag that has electronic information inside and identifies an object by communicating with a reader using radio waves. In general, an RFID includes an antenna, a wireless circuit, a control circuit for storing and reading information, and a memory for storing information. Various names are used for RFID, such as mobile object identification devices, remote IDs, IC tags, ID tags, RF tags, wireless tags, electronic tags, and transponders. I will call it.

  According to the present invention, the range in which the RFID of the monitoring device can be read is wider than that of the gaming machine and overlapped with the range that can be read by other monitoring devices of the adjacent gaming machine. It is possible to reliably detect the illegal replacement of the substrate or the like. For example, even when a gaming machine is powered off, an adjacent monitoring device can monitor the gaming machine that is powered off and can notify the abnormality in place of the gaming machine. According to the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a power supply of a separate system from the gaming machine for the monitoring device.

Embodiment 1 of the Invention
A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine (also called a slot machine or a spinning cylinder gaming machine).
A player who wants to enjoy a game with the slot machine 10 first borrows a medal as a game medium from a medal lending machine (not shown) or the like, and inserts a medal directly into the medal insertion slot 100 of the medal insertion device. The medal slot 100 is provided at a substantially central height in front of the slot machine 10.

  The slot machine 10 has a square box-shaped housing 11. A square window-like display window 12 facing the player side is formed at the center and upper part of the casing 11. A symbol display window 13 through which the symbols 61 of the three rotary reels 40 can be seen is formed at the center of the display window 12 at the center. The bet switch 16 is a switch located below the rotary reel 40, and reduces the number of stored medals that are continuously inserted into the medal insertion slot 100 and stored to replace the medal insertion. The settlement switch 17 is a switch located obliquely below the rotating reel, and pays out the stored inserted medal. The start switch 30 is a lever positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40 and starts driving the reel unit 60 on condition that a game medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted. The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. The reel unit 60 is composed of three rotating reels 40. Each rotary reel 40 includes a rotary drum made of synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape 42 attached around the rotary drum. On the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape 42, a plurality of (for example, 21) symbols 61 are displayed. Reference numeral 62 denotes a liquid crystal display unit for performing various effects.

  Inside the slot machine 10, a control device for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 10 is incorporated as will be described later. The control device is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. The CPU (processing unit) is operated by reading a program stored in a ROM (storage unit) in response to the player's operation. Specifically, the CPU (processing unit) is operated by the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. Based on this, the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 are controlled, and the display of lamps, speakers, and the like are controlled. Temporary data necessary for the operation of the CPU is RAM (storage unit: RAM is generally a volatile memory, and data is lost in principle when the power is turned off. A backup power source such as a battery may be prepared. In this case, data is not lost even if the power is cut off). The CPU performs a predetermined operation in accordance with a program recorded in the ROM, records temporary data necessary for processing in the RAM, and reads out and refers to the recorded data as necessary.

  The start switch 30 is a lever that is positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40 as described above. The start switch 30 can be obtained on the condition that a game medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted or according to a winning determination. "Replay)" is to start driving the reel unit 60 on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous game.

  The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60 as described above. Specifically, the stop switch 50 includes three switches corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 50 is disposed below each rotary reel 40. The operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the rotating reel 40 is set to stop the rotation of the corresponding rotating reel 40.

  When the start switch 30 is operated on the condition that the medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted, or on the condition that a predetermined time elapses from the previous game at the time of the “replay”, the reel unit 60 is driven, and the three The rotary reel 40 starts to rotate. Thereafter, when one of the stop switches 50 is operated, the rotation of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is stopped. When all three stop switches 50 are operated, the rotation of the three rotary reels 40 is stopped. At this time, if a predetermined symbol 61 on the effective pay line of the display window 13 stops, it is determined that the winning is made, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out through a hopper unit (not shown). In addition, you may credit instead of paying out medals.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic structure of the slot machine 10. In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. The slot machine 10 includes a main substrate 1 and a sub-substrate 2 that operates in response to commands from the main substrate 1 as main processing devices. At least the main substrate 1 is accommodated inside the case so that it cannot be contacted from the outside, and a sealing process is performed so that traces remain when the substrates are removed.

  The main board 1 is for performing an internal lottery in response to a player's operation, and processing such as reel rotation / stop and medal payout. The main board 1 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub-board 2 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 1 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 2 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. The flow of commands is only one from the main board 1 to the sub board 2, and conversely, no command or the like is issued from the sub board 2 to the main board 1.

  The main board 1 includes a start switch 30, a stop switch 50, a reel drive unit 70, a reel position detection circuit 71, a hopper drive unit 80, a hopper 81, and a medal detection unit 82 for counting the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. Is connected. A peripheral board (local board) such as a control board 200 of the liquid crystal display device 62, a speaker 201, and an LED board 202 is connected to the sub board 2.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, an RFID is attached to a wire harness (hereinafter simply referred to as a harness) that connects between a ROM, a CPU, a substrate, and a substrate that can be easily replaced by a socket or a connector and that is easily targeted by an unauthorized person. It is characterized by having attached. The RFID may be attached to the reel units 70 and 71, the hopper units 80, 81 and 82, and a power supply unit (not shown). RFID 1a-R is attached to the CPU 1a of the main board 1, RFID 1b-R is attached to the ROM 1b, and RFID 1-R is attached to the main board 1. RFID 2a-R is attached to the CPU 2a of the sub board 2, RFID 2b-R is attached to the ROM 2b, and RFID 2-R is attached to the sub board 2. An RFID 3 -R is attached to a harness 3 that connects the main board 1 and the sub board 2. Each RFID is firmly fixed so that it cannot be easily removed. The RFID for performing individual authentication on the board / harness desirably has a shape embedded in the component in order to uniquely authenticate each component.

  An RFID is a type of electronic tag that has electronic information inside and identifies an object (in the embodiment of the present invention, ROM, CPU, board, harness) by communicating with a reader via radio waves. Device. RFID has features such as a large amount of information to be held, being able to be recognized even when separated, a number of RFIDs being simultaneously recognized, and an amount of information being held being rewritten. Although not shown, the RFID includes an antenna, a radio circuit, a control circuit for storing and reading information, and a memory for storing information.

Each RFID can store management information such as product information and history information. For example, the following information is stored in advance as product information.
(1) ID number (2) Manufacturer information (3) Unit name (predetermined code information: eg “001” (main board))
(4) Factory manufacturing date (5) Factory inspection date (6) Shipment date (7) Shipment destination (predetermined code information)
(8) Installation date (9) Installation location (10) Mounting part name (predetermined code information: eg “101” (ROM))
(11) Recycle parameters (12) Collection date

  The embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that an RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 is further provided in the housing of the gaming machine. The RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 can communicate with each RFID in the housing of the gaming machine and read the information. For example, in the case of an electromagnetic coupling type / inductive type RFID, the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 can communicate with all RFIDs by arranging a coil (antenna) close to each component. In the case of the microwave type, the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 can communicate with all RFIDs by providing a plurality of directional antennas and directing them to each RFID, or by using an omnidirectional antenna.

  The RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 is pre-registered with unique information (details will be described later) regarding the RFID (RFID1-R, RFID1a-R, RFID1b-R, etc.) in the gaming machine in which it is provided. Storage unit 4a, and a communication unit 4b that wirelessly communicates with the RFID and reads information of the RFID. The communication unit 4b may have a function of communicating with another computer (for example, a hall computer).

  The gaming machines are accommodated in line with the equipment for gathering (hereinafter, the equipment for gathering in which a plurality of gaming machines are arranged and stored is referred to as “island equipment” or simply “island”). Each gaming machine housed in the island facility is provided with an RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 and operates in cooperation with each other as will be described later.

  The embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that an RFID is provided in each of a ROM, a CPU, a board, a harness and the like in a housing of the gaming machine, and an RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 is provided in the housing of the gaming machine. . The RFID stores information related to the ROM, CPU, board, harness, and the like in advance. The RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 reads the information of each RFID periodically or at a predetermined opportunity, and confirms the contents thereof. Therefore, the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 has directivity and output enough to read all RFID information in the casing of the gaming machine 10, and the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 in the casing of the gaming machine in which it is installed. It is arranged in a position where it can communicate with all. The state will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 10 with the front door removed. As shown in FIG. 3, the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 is substantially at the center of the gaming machine 10 housing (the housing of the gaming machine 10. When the body is two-tiered, it is provided on the upper floor). It is assumed that the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 can read the RFID between the bottom surface and the top surface of the housing. Although FIG. 4 shows a plan view, the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 can read the information of each of the plurality of RFIDs provided in the communicable range SA indicated by a one-dot chain line. In FIG. 4, the communicable range SA is a circle having a radius r. However, this is for convenience of explanation, and the actual communicable range SA is influenced by the directivity of the antenna and the influence of metal casings and parts. It has a more complicated shape. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of RFIDs are attached to a substrate, a component such as a CPU mounted on the substrate, and a harness, and any RFID is processed according to the embodiment of the invention. Are the same, and hereinafter, the attached object will not be distinguished and will be simply referred to as RFID.

  The RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 cannot read at least one of the RFIDs corresponding to the information registered in the storage unit 4a (which may be simply referred to as “RFID registered in the storage unit 4a”). Or when the newly read RFID information is not pre-registered in the storage unit 4a, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and an abnormality signal indicating that fact is output.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 4 (a), when the RFID is in a predetermined position, each RFID is within the readable range SA of the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4. Information can be read out by an RFID reader (monitoring device) 4. That is, the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 collects information on all RFIDs in the housing of the gaming machine 10, and further confirms whether or not the collected RFIDs are registered in advance in the storage unit 4a. As a result of the confirmation, if the substrate or the like to which each RFID is attached is a regular one, it is determined as normal.

  If it is not a regular RFID, that is, if it is an RFID that does not correspond to the information stored in the storage unit 4a, it means that the corresponding component (part of the gaming machine) is attached in the casing of the gaming machine 10. Therefore, an abnormal signal is output or error notification is performed (this process will be described later).

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, one of the boards and the like to which the RFID is attached is removed (moved from the position X to the position X ′), and the gaming machine 10 When the RFID is taken out of the housing, the RFID falls outside the communicable range SA, and as a result, the RFID information cannot be read by the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4. When this state is detected by the monitoring device, an abnormal signal is output or an error is notified (this process will be described later).

  By performing the above processing, it is possible to determine whether or not the components in the casing of the gaming machine 10 have been replaced with unauthorized ones, and by reporting the results, unauthorized acts can be suppressed.

  The readable range SA of the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 according to the embodiment of the invention is wider than the casing of the gaming machine 10 in which the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 is provided, and other monitoring provided in the adjacent gaming machine. It is characterized in that it overlaps at least partly with a range SA that can be read by the apparatus 4. This is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which six gaming machines 10 are arranged in two rows and three columns. Reference numeral 10-S represents a group of a plurality of gaming machines arranged in an island facility. FIG. 5 shows an example. In this figure, the readable range SA of each RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 extends to the position of the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 of the adjacent gaming machine, and the monitoring of each gaming machine. Can also be performed by the adjacent RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 (it is desirable to further widen the range SA so that a gaming machine and a passage adjacent to the back surface can also be monitored).

  If the readable range SA overlaps as shown in FIG. 5, the RFID of the gaming machine is not only the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 provided in the gaming machine but also one or a plurality of neighboring gaming machines. It is also monitored by the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4. For this reason, according to the monitoring device and system according to the embodiment of the invention, the state of the RFID can be monitored by the plurality of RFID readers (monitoring devices) 4, and unauthorized replacement of the substrate or the like can be detected with certainty. For example, when replacing a board or the like, the power of the gaming machine is turned off. In this state, the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 cannot be monitored, even if it can be monitored, it is notified, or an abnormality is detected. The indicated signal could not be output to the outside. However, according to the embodiment of the invention, the adjacent RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 also monitors the gaming machine whose power is turned off. Can be output to the outside. In the conventional technology, in order to be able to monitor the gaming machine even when the power is turned off, it is necessary to provide a power source of a system different from the gaming machine such as a backup power source. In the form, such a separate power source is unnecessary and economical.

  The operation of the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6 and the explanatory diagram of the storage contents of the storage unit 4a of FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows RFID reading processing performed by the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4.

S1: When the RFID read timing is met (YES), RFID information is read. The timing at which reading is performed is determined in advance. For example, it is read periodically using a timer, or read according to an external signal or switch operation (for example, a front door opening signal from a sensor (not shown) indicating opening of the front door of the gaming machine).

S2: Read RFID information. The RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 can communicate with each RFID, and reads information from each RFID.

S3: It is determined whether or not there is a problem with the read information by comparing the information read from the RFID with the information stored in the storage unit 4a. For example, information (product information) of RFIDs attached to components (parts) at the time of factory shipment of the gaming machine or at the time of equipment installation is stored in the storage unit 4a. For example, when RFID information (ROM version, etc.) has changed from the previous time, when RFID specific information (ROM checksum, etc.) does not match previously registered information, management information (write processing) written in advance If the RFIDs registered in the storage unit 4a cannot be read, the case-specific information (case-specific information such as the time at which the data is performed) is different among some RFIDs. If there is no problem (OK), the RFID reading process is repeated.

S4: If there is a problem in the determination result, there is a possibility that the ROM, the board, or the like has been exchanged due to fraud. The output destination is a management device such as a hall computer, or the main board 1 of the gaming machine in which it is installed (to notify an error when an abnormality signal occurs or to stop the game), but is adjacent as described later. If communication with the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 is possible, an abnormal signal may be sent to the adjacent RFID reader (monitoring device) 4. If an error is notified on the side that has received the abnormal signal, fraud can be suppressed. Note that the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 itself may perform error notification.

  S3 is determined to be NG when at least one of the information registered in the storage unit 4a cannot be read, or newly read RFID information is registered in the storage unit 4a in advance. There are two cases when there is no unregistered one. The abnormal signal output in S4 may include both of them, but in order to avoid confusion, in this specification, the term “remnant signal (described later)” is used as a signal indicating the former, and the signal indicating the latter The term “abnormal signal” will be used.

  When a legitimate administrator replaces a part, the abnormal signal is not output by rewriting the contents of the storage unit 4a with a terminal device (not shown). It is preferable to encrypt the stored contents so that the contents of the storage unit 4a cannot be rewritten by an unauthorized person.

  An example of information stored in the RFID and the storage unit 4a is shown in FIG. RFID1-R, 1b-R, 1a-R, 2-R, 2b-R, 2a-R, and 3-R each store unique product information ag. Specifically, it is as described in the above (1) to (12). In addition, although the memory | storage part 4a has memorize | stored the information of RFID in own game machine at least, you may make it memorize | store the information of RFID in an adjacent game machine in addition to this. The readable range SA of the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 extends beyond the housing of the gaming machine and overlaps adjacent ones. It is preferable to store in advance the RFID that can be read by the adjacent RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 in the overlapping portion in the storage unit 4a.

  As the contents of the storage unit 4a, for example, time information at the time of regular part replacement (information obtained by processing the time information with a specific function or logical operation) may be written as history information. Alternatively, feature values (checksum, hash value, etc.) obtained from data stored in the ROM may be written. Further, when a part is replaced, the version information written in the RFID of the part may be written. A part replacement history may be written. The above information is information unique to the gaming machine and is not information common to the models, so it is difficult for an unauthorized person to know in advance. Therefore, if the parts are exchanged illegally, the RFID information is inconsistent and it is determined that there is a problem in S3 described above.

  With the processing in FIG. 6, it is possible to determine whether or not the components in the casing of the gaming machine 10 have been replaced with unauthorized ones, and by reporting the results, unauthorized acts can be suppressed. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, the RFID readable range SA is wider than the casing of the gaming machine 10 in which the RFID is readable, and can be read by other monitoring devices provided in adjacent gaming machines. Therefore, it is possible to monitor each other's illegal activities with a plurality of monitoring devices, and the reliability is high.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, further advanced processing can be performed by linking adjacent RFID readers (monitoring devices) 4 by further performing processing described below. In the following description, a signal is transmitted from the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 to the hall computer. However, the method described below is a process that can be performed only by the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4. Communication connection with the hall computer is not essential.

  Each of the RFID readers (monitoring devices) 4 executes at least the process when the RFID is lost in FIG. 8, the process when the RFID is found in FIG. 9, and the alarm signal reception process in FIG.

(A) Processing when RFID is lost in FIG. 8 When the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 cannot read at least one of the RFIDs registered in the storage unit 2a, or newly in the processing of FIG. When the discovered RFID information cannot be read (YES in S10), a process of outputting a lost signal is executed. In other words, a trace signal including the unique information of the RFID that can no longer be read is transmitted to another adjacent RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 (S14), and the trace signal is output to the hall computer (S15).

The lost signal includes unique information for uniquely identifying the RFID and information on the number of times the RFID has moved (number of times the RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 outputs the lost signal).
The RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 has information on any RFID (RFID in the gaming machine in which it is installed or RFID newly discovered in the process of FIG. 9) within the range SA that can be read by the communication unit 4b. Can no longer be read (YES in S10), it is determined whether or not the RFID is included in a stigma signal from another RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 (S11).

  When the RFID information that can no longer be read corresponds to the unique information included in the lost signal sent from the other RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 (YES in S11), the RFID is This means that the player has arrived from other than the gaming machine in which he / she is installed and has moved to another location, so the number of movements included in the disappearance signal is increased (S12). For example, the number of movements is set to the number of movements + 1. The lost signal including the information on the number of times of movement is transmitted to other monitoring devices (S14, S15).

  When the RFID information that can no longer be read does not correspond to the unique information included in the stigma signal sent from another RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 (NO in S11), the RFID is Since it means that the game machine itself is installed and means that it is taken out of the game machine for the first time, the number of movements is initialized (S13). For example, the number of movements is 1. Then, a lost signal including information on the initialized number of movements is transmitted to another monitoring device or the like (S14, S15).

(B) Processing at the time of discovery of RFID in FIG. 9 A stale signal is received from another RFID reader (monitoring device) 4 (S20), information on RFID existing in its own readable range SA is read, and a storage unit 4a is stored (S21). The storage unit 4a stores information on the RFID of the adjacent gaming machine and the RFID moving in the passage along with the RFID of the part of the gaming machine in which the storage unit 4a is installed. Note that the order of the processes of S20 and S21 may be reversed.

  The unique information of the RFID included in the lost signal received in S20 is compared with the information of the RFID read out in S21 (S22). When the RFID information corresponding to the unique information of the RFID included in the trace signal is read in the readable range SA (YES in S22), a discovery signal indicating that is output to another monitoring device (S24). At the same time, it is transmitted to the hall computer (S26). The discovery signal includes information unique to the RFID. Based on the discovery signal, an error notification may be made by a gaming machine or a hall computer. Alternatively, other control may be performed. For example, surveillance cameras are installed in most halls, so that the surveillance camera can be pointed at the gaming machine that sent the discovery signal so that the cheating person can be photographed, or the sender An automatic door near the gaming machine may be locked.

  When the RFID information corresponding to the unique information included in the trace signal received from another monitoring device in the self-readable range SA is read (YES in S22), the number of movements included in the trace signal is further examined. (S23) If the number of times of movement exceeds a predetermined value (YES in S23), an alarm signal may be output instead of the discovery signal (S25, S27). If the number of times of movement does not exceed a predetermined value (NO in S23), a discovery signal is output (S24, S26).

  The discovery signal is a signal that informs that a lost RFID is found in its own readable range SA, whereas the alarm signal is that it finds a lost RFID in its own readable range SA. This signal informs that the movement is repeated many times, that is, the number of movements exceeds the threshold value. The large number of movements means that RFID, that is, the parts such as the board to which it is attached, is about to be carried out, and if it is fraudulent, it is necessary to escape the fraudulent if it is not dealt with immediately. turn into. Therefore, when such a movement amount is large, an alarm signal is output as a signal having a higher degree of urgency than the discovery signal. Accordingly, the side receiving the warning signal performs error notification as shown in S33 of FIG. 10, points the surveillance camera to the gaming machine that transmitted the discovery signal so that the unauthorized person can be photographed, It is desirable to lock the automatic door near the sending machine so that it does not escape.

(C) Alarm signal reception process of FIG. 10 The monitoring device includes the unique information of the RFID included in the lost signal in the alarm signal and transmits it to another monitoring device (S25 in FIG. 9). The process of FIG. 10 is a process performed by another monitoring apparatus that has received the alarm signal.

  An alarm signal is received from another monitoring device (S30), and all RFID information that has been read (detected) in the self-readable range SA in the past is read from the storage unit 4a (S31). The unique information of the RFID included in the alarm signal is compared with the information read from the storage unit 4a (S32). It should be noted that the alarm signal can be distributed to all the gaming machines by transferring the alarm signal received from the other monitoring device to another adjacent monitoring device (S30).

  When the unique information of the RFID included in the alarm signal matches the unique information of the RFID that has been received in the self-readable range SA (YES in S32), error notification is performed (S33). For example, a command is issued to notify the main board 1 of its own gaming machine of an error (for example, blinking the arch illumination). This command may be output to an external device such as a hall computer. If they do not match (NO in S32), the process ends without notifying an error.

  When an alarm signal is received by the processing of S32 and S33, only the monitoring device that has read information from the RFID in the past reports an error. Reading information from the RFID in the past means that the RFID has been in a readable range SA, for example, a housing or a passage. An error notification is made along In other words, the route of the RFID can be notified by error notification from a plurality of gaming machines. The hall attendant can see the error notification status of the gaming machine and know which board or the like is being taken out. You may make it image | photograph with a surveillance camera along the path | route of movement, or may lock the automatic door ahead of a movement path | route.

  Specific examples of the processes in FIGS. 8 to 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.11 and FIG.12 has shown the top view (schematic diagram) of the island installation of a gaming machine. In order to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that five gaming machines A to E are arranged in a line (in reality, a larger number of gaming machines are arranged). This arrangement is denoted by reference numeral 10-S. It is assumed that the upper side of these drawings is a passage, and the fraudulent person removes the board on which the RFID is attached from the gaming machine A and moves the passage toward the gaming machine E. The state is shown in order in FIGS. 11 (a) to 11 (d) and FIGS. 12 (e) to 12 (g). In these drawings, illustration of the monitoring device 4 and its readable range SA is omitted, but these are those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

  It is assumed that the fraudster removes the board on which the RFID is attached from the gaming machine A and moves the passage toward the gaming machine B (FIG. 11A). That is, the position moved from the dotted RFID position to the solid RFID position. Since the RFID can no longer be read by the monitoring device 4 of the gaming machine A at the time of FIG. 11A, a lapse signal is output to the adjacent monitoring device 4. A horizontal arrow indicates this (hereinafter the same). A lost signal may be output to the hall computer. A downward arrow indicates this (the same applies hereinafter). Since the RFID has been removed from the gaming machine A, it is the first time that a remnant signal has been issued, and therefore the number of movements included in this is the initial value (= 1) (YES in S10 of FIG. 8, NO in S11) , S13, S14, S15).

  When moving from the position of the dotted-line RFID to the position of the solid-line RFID (FIG. 11B), the RFID is read by the monitoring device 4 of the gaming machine B this time. The monitoring device 4 of the gaming machine B outputs a discovery signal to the adjacent monitoring device 4 and hall computer. At this time, the monitoring device 4 of the gaming machine B determines whether or not the number of movements included in the received lost signal has exceeded a predetermined threshold (for example, 2). Absent. Therefore, the monitoring device 4 of the gaming machine B outputs a discovery signal (YES in S20, S21, and S22 in FIG. 9, NO in S23, S24, and S26).

  Similarly, in FIGS. 11C, 11D, and 12E, each monitoring device outputs a stale signal when the RFID cannot be read, and outputs a discovery signal when the RFID is newly read. If the information cannot be read, the number of movements is increased (+1). As shown in FIG. 12 (e), the number of movements of the ghost signal generated when the RFID moves from the gaming machine C to the gaming machine D is 3, which exceeds the threshold value.

  When the RFID can be read by the monitoring device of the gaming machine D as shown in FIG. 12 (f), since the number of movements exceeds the threshold value at that time (YES in S23 of FIG. 9), instead of the discovery signal Outputs an alarm signal.

  Each monitoring device that has received the alarm signal executes the processing of FIG. When an alarm signal is received, it is also sent to another monitoring device (S30 in FIG. 10). Accordingly, the alarm signal is sent to each monitoring device in a bucket relay manner. In the example of FIG. 12 (f), the alarm signal is distributed to all of the gaming machines A to E. Each monitoring device performs error notification only when the RFID related to the alarm signal has been read in the past (YES in S32 in FIG. 10, S33). In the example of FIGS. 11 and 12, since the corresponding gaming machines are A to C, as shown in FIG. 12G, an error is notified by these gaming machines A to C, and the RFID is detected. An error is not notified in the gaming machine E that is not. Since all of the gaming machines A to C are on the RFID movement path, it is possible to know the RFID movement path by reporting these errors. If the surveillance camera is pointed along the obtained movement route, it is possible to identify and track the performer of the fraudulent act.

  Note that an error notification may also be issued in the gaming machine D. In that case, since the gaming machine D corresponds to the current position of the RFID, it is preferable to report the error in a manner different from the error notification of the gaming machines A to C.

  According to the first embodiment of the invention, the monitoring devices of adjacent gaming machines are configured to be able to communicate with each other, and the processing in FIG. 6, the processing at the time of RFID remnant in FIG. 8, the processing at the time of RFID discovery in FIG. Also, since the alarm signal reception process of FIG. 10 is executed, it is possible to output an abnormal signal and a lapse signal when the RFID cannot be read, and output a discovery signal when the RFID is detected. Based on these signals, the components of each gaming machine can be monitored, and when an abnormality is determined, an error is notified, thereby making it possible to easily detect and deter fraud. Moreover, by outputting an alarm signal based on the number of times of movement, the current position of the component (RFID) and the movement state (path) can be notified using the error notification function of each gaming machine. By linking the monitoring devices, the above processing can be realized without using a central device such as a hall computer, and a highly reliable monitoring device can be provided at low cost.

Embodiment 2 of the Invention
The hall computer can also monitor the RFID in response to the output (abnormal signal, etc.) of each monitoring device.

  A monitoring system according to a second embodiment of the present invention manages a plurality of gaming machines arranged and accommodated in an island facility, a monitoring device provided inside each of the plurality of gaming machines, and the plurality of gaming machines. And a hall computer (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of gaming machines includes a main board 1 and a sub board 2 on which electronic components including a CPU and a semiconductor memory are mounted, and a harness including a plurality of electric wires for electrical connection of these boards. With. An RFID in which unique information is written in advance is attached to the CPU, the semiconductor memory, the main board 1, the sub board, the harness, and the like. The monitoring device 4 includes a storage unit 4a in which unique information regarding the RFID in the gaming machine in which the monitoring device 4 is provided is pre-registered, and a communication unit 4b that communicates with the RFID wirelessly and reads out the RFID information.

  Also in Embodiment 2 of the invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the RFID readable range SA by the communication unit 4b is wider than the casing of the gaming machine in which the communication unit 4b is provided, and is provided in an adjacent gaming machine. It overlaps with the range that can be read by other monitoring devices.

  In the second embodiment of the invention, each monitoring device needs to output the abnormal signal and the stigma signal shown in FIG. 6 (the processing relating to the number of movements is unnecessary), but does not need to output the discovery signal and the alarm signal. Except for this point, the monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the invention operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment of the invention, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Processing of the hall computer according to the second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the hall computer receives an abnormal signal or a lost signal from a monitoring device of any gaming machine (YES in S40), the abnormality is notified based on the abnormal signal or the lost signal (S41). For example, it is displayed on the monitor screen of the hall computer that the RFID of any gaming machine cannot be read and which gaming machine the RFID belongs to. In addition, the abnormal signal means that the newly read RFID information is not registered in the storage unit 4a in advance, so when an abnormal signal to that effect is received, any of the gaming machines An indication that an unregistered RFID has been found is displayed.

  Based on the unique information of the RFID included in the abnormal signal or the lost signal, the number of times of reception (meaning the number of movements if the signal is a lost signal) is counted for each RFID (S42). Every time an abnormal signal or a lost signal is received, the processes of S41 and S42 are performed.

  The hall computer counts the number of times of reception of the abnormal signal or the sneak signal for each unique information of the RFID, that is, for each gaming machine in S42, and when the number of times of reception exceeds a predetermined threshold (YES in S43), An error is notified (S44).

  Furthermore, a command is issued to notify the error to the monitoring device that is the source of the abnormal signal or the lost signal or the gaming machine in which the monitoring device is installed (S45). As an error notification mode, there is one that blinks the arch illumination of the gaming machine. Thereby, the error notification of the gaming machine is performed along the movement path of the RFID, and the path can be easily shown.

  According to the second embodiment of the invention, the monitoring area of the monitoring device of the adjacent gaming machine is overlapped, and when the RFID cannot be read, a stale signal is output, and when an unregistered RFID is read, an abnormal signal is output. In addition, since the abnormality signal and the lost signal are received by the hall computer and the abnormality is notified, it is possible to monitor the parts of all the gaming machines in the hall. By notifying the abnormality based on the abnormality signal and the stigma signal, it is possible to easily detect and deter fraud. In addition, when the number of times of movement is large, it is possible to notify the current position and movement status (path) of the parts using the error notification function of each gaming machine by causing the gaming machine to perform error notification.

  Although the above description relates to the slot machine, the present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines such as a pachinko machine.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

It is a front view of a gaming machine (slot machine). 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the attachment state and operation | movement of the RFID reader | leader (monitoring apparatus) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the readable range and operation | movement of the RFID reader | leader (monitoring apparatus) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the arrangement | sequence of the gaming machine provided with the RFID reader (monitoring device) which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and its readable range. It is a flowchart of the RFID read-out process of the RFID reader (monitoring apparatus) which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the information of the RFID which the RFID reader (monitoring device) concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention has memorized. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of RFID trace of the RFID reader | leader (monitoring apparatus) which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of RFID discovery of the RFID reader | leader (monitoring apparatus) which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the alarm signal reception process of the RFID reader (monitoring device) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of cooperation operation | movement of the RFID reader | leader (monitoring apparatus) which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of cooperation operation | movement of the RFID reader | leader (monitoring apparatus) which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention (continuation). It is a flowchart of the process of the hall computer which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Main board 1-R RFID of main board
1a CPU on main board
1a-R RFID of main board CPU
1b ROM on the main board
1b-R RFID on the main board ROM
2 Sub-board 2-R Sub-board RFID
2a Sub-board CPU
2a-R Sub-board CPU RFID
2b Sub board ROM
2b-R Sub-board ROM RFID
3 Harness 3-R Harness RFID
4 RFID reader (monitoring device) in the gaming machine housing
4a Storage unit 4b Communication unit 10 Slot machine 10-S A plurality of gaming machines arranged in a line (a plurality of gaming machines housed in island facilities)
11 Housing 12 Display window 13 Symbol display window 16 Bet switch 17 Checkout switch 30 Start switch 40 Rotating reel 42 Reel tape 50 Stop switch 60 Reel unit 61 Symbol 62 Liquid crystal display unit 70 Reel drive unit 71 Reel position detection circuit 80 Hopper drive unit 81 hopper 82 medal detection unit 100 medal insertion port 200 liquid crystal control board 201 speaker 202 LED board 304 medal payout port 311 medal receiving part (lower plate)
SA RFID reader (monitoring device) readable range

Claims (4)

A monitoring device provided inside each of a plurality of gaming machines arranged in alignment,
Each of the plurality of gaming machines includes a board on which electronic components including a CPU and a semiconductor memory are mounted, and a harness including a plurality of electric wires for electrical connection of the board,
RFID in which unique information is written in advance is provided in at least one of the CPU, the semiconductor memory, the substrate, and the harness,
The monitoring device includes at least a storage unit in which unique information regarding the RFID in the gaming machine in which the monitoring device is provided is pre-registered, and a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the RFID and reads the information of the RFID.
The range in which the RFID can be read by the communication unit is wider than the gaming machine in which the communication unit is provided, and overlaps at least partially with the range that can be read by other monitoring devices provided in adjacent gaming machines. And
The monitoring device is configured to be communicable with at least another monitoring device provided in an adjacent gaming machine,
When it becomes impossible to read the information of the RFID that was readable, a stale signal including the unique information of the RFID that could not be read is transmitted to the other monitoring device,
When the RFID signal corresponding to the unique information included in the sight signal is read within the range that can be read by the communication unit, the discovery signal means that the sight signal is received from the other monitoring device Is sent to the other monitoring device. The lost signal includes information on the number of movements,
When the monitoring device becomes unable to read RFID information that was readable,
When the RFID information that can no longer be read corresponds to the unique information included in the trace signal sent from the other monitoring device, the movement included in the disappearance signal Increase the number of times, include the information on the number of movements included in the trace signal and transmit to the other monitoring device, or
When the RFID information that can no longer be read does not correspond to the specific information included in the trace signal sent from the other monitoring device, the initialized information on the number of movements is displayed. Send it to the other monitoring device by including it in the trace signal,
When reading RFID information corresponding to the specific information included in the trace signal received from the other monitoring device within a range that can be read by the communication unit of itself, the number of movements included in the trace signal is calculated. examined, the case where the number of movements exceeds a predetermined value, the monitoring device of the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the outputting an alarm signal indicating to that effect. The monitoring device includes the unique information of the RFID included in the lost signal in the alarm signal and transmits the information to the other monitoring device.
When receiving the alarm signal from the other monitoring device, the RFID specific information included in the alarm signal corresponds to the RFID specific information that has been received within the range that can be read by the communication unit of its own. 3. The gaming machine monitoring apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein an error notification is performed when the game machine is operated. The monitoring device is abnormal when information of at least one of the RFIDs registered in the storage unit cannot be read or when the read RFID information does not correspond to the information registered in the storage unit in advance. The gaming machine monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein an abnormality signal indicating that is output.

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