JP6666739B2 - Gaming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming system and the like including a gaming device capable of receiving a member recording medium, which is a recording medium possessed by a registered member, and executing a predetermined process.

  At stores such as pachinko parlors and slot stores, corresponding to gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines, accepting gaming cards possessed by players and executing processing for enabling gaming at gaming machines Generally, a game device such as a card unit is provided.

  Among such gaming devices, it is determined whether or not the player has registered personal information such as a telephone number, an ID, and a license number, and if so, a gaming card is issued. In some cases, a plurality of gaming cards are prevented from being issued to the same player by preventing such a situation (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 201412049 A

  However, in the gaming device as disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document, a player who possesses a plurality of gaming cards behind the registration of a member or borrows or steals a gaming card of another person. For example, there is a problem that it is impossible to prevent a player who possesses a plurality of gaming cards fraudulently from using these gaming cards to play a game to illegally gain profit.

  For example, among stores where pachinko machines are installed, there are stores that provide an upper limit to replay games using a membership card. In such a store, despite imposing an upper limit on the replay game, a player who illegally possesses a plurality of gaming cards can perform the replay game exceeding the upper limit. There is a problem that privileges such as visiting points can be illegally obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a player possessing a plurality of member recording media from gaining improper profit. is there.

  The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems. In addition, reference numerals used in the description of the embodiments for carrying out the invention and drawings used in the following description are appended for reference, but the constituent elements of the present invention are not limited to those given the reference numerals.

The invention according to Means 1 is
Receiving a member recording medium (member card, etc.) that is a recording medium (gaming card, etc.) possessed by a registered player (member player) and executing predetermined processing (ball lending processing, replay processing, etc.) A gaming system (a first gaming system 1 to a third gaming system 1C or the like) including a possible gaming device (a card unit 3, a POS terminal, etc.)
An imaging means (corresponding to a card receiving process of FIG. 25: H5, a sub-process of FIG. 23: G25, etc.) of a player who is provided corresponding to the gaming device and allows the gaming device to receive the member recording medium (for example, an imaging unit). Card unit 3: imaging unit 390, etc.)
The identification information (member card ID, etc.) of the member recording medium received by the gaming device and the image information (captured image data, feature point data, etc.) corresponding to the player imaged by the imaging means are stored in association with each other Possible (ball management processing in FIGS. 19 and 20: C41, etc.) storage means (ball management computer 8: storage unit 860, etc.);
When the gaming device receives a new member recording medium, the image information corresponding to the player imaged by the imaging unit and the associated specific information and image information stored in the storage unit. By comparing with the image information, it is possible to determine whether or not the player imaged by the imaging means matches the player identified from the image information stored in the storage means (FIG. 19 and FIG. 19). A ball management process in FIG. 20: C17, a second ball management process in FIG. 29: S11, a third ball management process in FIG. 31: C17, etc.) first determination means (ball management computer 8: processing unit 810, etc.);
After the first determination unit determines that they match, the received specific information of the member recording medium is compared with the specific information of the associated specific information and image information stored in the storage unit. Thus, it is possible to determine whether the received member recording medium is different from the member recording medium specified from the specific information stored in the storage unit (C19 of the ball management process in FIGS. 19 and 20). The reception card determination processing in FIG. 21: E7, the second ball management processing in FIG. 29: S17, the second reception card determination processing in FIG. 30: T5, the second card reception processing in FIG. 32: Q18, and the third reception in FIG. Card determination processing: R7, etc.) second determination means (ball management computer 8: processing unit 810, etc.)
The first it is determined to match the determining means (ball management processing of FIG. 19: C21: OK, etc.), and, if it is different from the judgment by the second judgment means (ball management processing of FIG. 19: C25; NG Etc.) The first specific notification is performed , and when the first determination unit determines that they do not match , the second specific notification (notification of an unauthorized card or the like) is performed (sub processing in FIG. 23: G17 or the like). Means (card unit 3: display device 355, hall computer 6: display unit 625, ball management computer 8: display unit 830, etc.),
It is a game system characterized by comprising.
According to this, it is possible to prevent a player possessing a plurality of member recording media from illegally gaining profit.

The invention according to Means 2 is
The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the first determining unit associates the new recording medium with the specific information of the recording medium for the member when the gaming apparatus receives the new recording medium for the member. It is determined whether or not the image information is stored, and when it is determined that the image information is stored, the player imaged by the imaging unit matches the player identified from the stored image information. It is a gaming system characterized in that it is determined whether or not it is (ball management processing in FIGS. 19 and 20: C11 to C17, etc.).
According to this, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the captured player matches the player specified from the image information stored in association with the received specific information of the member recording medium. it can.

The invention according to Means 3 is
A gaming device according to claim 1, wherein
The second determining means stores identification information in the storage means in association with image information corresponding to a player imaged by the imaging means when the gaming machine receives a new member recording medium. Is determined (second reception card determination processing in FIG. 30: T1, T3, etc.), and when it is determined that the information is stored, the specific information of the received member recording medium is stored. It is a gaming system characterized in that it is determined whether or not it is different from the specific information (the second reception card determination process in FIG. 30: T5, etc.).
According to this, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the received specific information of the member recording medium is different from the specific information stored in association with the image information corresponding to the imaged player.

The invention according to Means 4 is
A gaming system according to any one of means 1 to 3,
The gaming device is used for a gaming machine (pachinko machine 2, enclosing pachinko machine 2 ', slot machine 1000, gaming point system slot machine 1000', etc.) that performs a game using a game medium (game ball, game medal, etc.). A recording medium processing device (e.g., a card unit 3) provided correspondingly and capable of processing the member recording medium;
The gaming device uses the number of game media that can be specified from the received member recording medium and the number of game media stored (the number of coins stored, the number of medals, etc.) that is the number of game media stored by the player. It is possible to execute a game enabling process (such as a replay process) for enabling a game with a gaming machine,
In the gaming machine, the number of used game media (the total number of replay balls, etc.), which is the number of game media used in the game at the gaming machine, out of the number of saved game media, is equal to a predetermined upper limit number of use (replay upper limit). The game system is characterized in that the execution of the game enabling process is limited (replay process in FIG. 27: P7; Yes → P11, etc.) when the number of balls has reached.
According to this, it is possible to prevent a player possessing a plurality of member recording media from illegally gaining profit.

The invention according to Means 5 is
A gaming system according to claim 4, wherein
A gaming system characterized by further comprising an upper limit number setting means (such as the hall computer 6) capable of setting the upper limit number (replay setting table 685 in FIG. 9: upper limit number of replay balls). .
According to this, the upper limit number of use can be set freely for each gaming device.

The invention according to Means 6 is
A gaming system according to means 4 or 5, wherein
Restriction setting means (Hall: Replay setting table 685 in FIG. 9: Replay upper limit presence / absence) for setting whether or not the gaming device limits execution of the game enabling process based on the upper limit number of use. Computer 6 etc.)
The notification system is a gaming system, wherein the specific notification is performed when the restriction setting is performed by the restriction setting unit.
According to this, if the gaming machine does not restrict the execution of the game enabling process based on the upper limit of use, the player does not gain illegal profit, so that the specific notification is not executed. it can.

The invention according to Means 7 is
A game system according to any one of means 1 to 6,
The first determination means is a gaming system, wherein the determination is performed on a member recording medium received by a plurality of gaming devices.
According to this, it is possible to prevent a player possessing a plurality of member recording media from illegally gaining profits with a plurality of gaming devices.

The invention according to Means 8 is
A gaming system according to any one of means 1 to 7,
The second determination means is a gaming system, wherein the determination is performed on member recording media received by a plurality of gaming devices.
According to this, it is possible to prevent a player possessing a plurality of member recording media from illegally gaining profits with a plurality of gaming devices.

The invention according to Means 9 is
A gaming system according to any one of means 1 to 8,
The storage means, over a plurality of business days of the store where the gaming machine is installed, identification information of the member recording medium received by the gaming device and image information corresponding to the player imaged by the imaging means and Are stored in association with each other (such as the captured image database 867 in FIG. 16).
According to this, it is possible to prevent a player possessing a plurality of member recording media from illegally gaining profits over a plurality of business days.

The invention according to Means 10 is
A gaming system according to any one of means 1 to 9,
An external device (such as a ball management computer 8) different from the gaming device is provided,
A gaming system, wherein the external device includes the first determination unit.
According to this, the processing load on the gaming machine can be reduced.

The invention according to Means 11 is
A gaming system according to any one of means 1 to 10,
An external device (such as a ball management computer 8) different from the gaming device is provided,
A gaming system, wherein the external device includes the second determination unit.
According to this, the processing load on the gaming machine can be reduced.

The invention according to Means 12 is
Upon receiving a member's recording medium (member card, etc.), which is a recording medium (gaming card, etc.) possessed by a registered player (member player, etc.), predetermined processing (ball lending processing, replay processing, etc.) is performed. An executable gaming device (card unit 3, POS terminal, etc.)
Imaging means (such as an imaging unit 390) capable of imaging the player who has accepted the member recording medium (the card reception processing in FIG. 25: H5, the sub-processing in FIG. 23: G25, etc.);
When a new member recording medium is received, the player imaged by the imaging unit is used for identifying the member recording medium specific information (such as a member card ID) and an image corresponding to the player imaged by the imaging unit. Information (captured image data, feature point data, etc.) for a member that matches the player identified from the image information associated with the member and that is different from the member recording medium for the specific information associated with the image information When a recording medium is received, a specific notification (notification of an unauthorized card, etc.) is performed (sub processing in FIG. 23: G17, etc.).
It is a game device characterized by comprising.
According to this, it is possible to prevent a player possessing a plurality of member recording media from illegally gaining profit.

It is a figure showing an example of the system configuration of the 1st game system. It is a figure showing an example of a flow of information and a signal in the 1st game system. It is a figure which shows an example of the external structure of a pachinko machine and the counting device between tables. It is a figure which shows an example of a functional structure of an inter-unit counting unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a captured image data set. It is a figure showing an example of functional composition of a hall computer. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a display content setting table. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of an imaging setting table. It is a figure showing an example of the table composition of a replay setting table. It is a figure showing an example of the table composition of an invalid card judgment setup table. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a device correspondence table. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of unit setting data. It is a figure showing an example of functional composition of a ball management computer. It is a figure showing an example of the data composition of member management data. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of card management data. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a captured image database. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of unit management data. 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 ball management process. This is a continuation of the ball management process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a reception card determination 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. This is a continuation of the sub-process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a card reception process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a card return process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a replay process. It is a figure showing an example of a display screen of a card unit. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a 2nd ball management process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a 2nd reception card determination process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the flow of the 3rd ball management processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the flow of the 2nd card reception processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the flow of the 3rd reception card judgment processing. It is a figure showing an example of a signal and the flow of information in the 2nd game system. It is a figure showing an example of the system configuration of the 3rd game system. It is a figure showing an example of the system configuration of the 3rd game system. It is explanatory drawing of the pattern of a processing main body.

  Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. However, embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the embodiments described below.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1-1. Configuration of gaming system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a first gaming system 1A according to the first embodiment.
The first gaming system 1A includes a plurality of pachinko machines 2 which are a kind of gaming machines installed on a gaming island (not shown), a gaming machine provided for each pachinko machine 2, a recording medium processing device, and a counting device. A card unit 3 which is a kind of device and lending device, a data display device 4 which is a kind of information display device provided corresponding to each pachinko machine 2, a hall computer 6 which is a kind of management device and distribution device, A ball management computer 8 which is a type of management device and distribution device is provided.

  The pachinko machine 2 according to the present embodiment is capable of playing using a game ball (pachinko ball), which is a kind of game medium, and variably displays and displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols) that can identify each of them. A variable display means (for example, a special symbol display) for deriving and displaying the result is provided, and when the display result derived and displayed on the variable display means becomes a specific display result (for example, a big hit symbol), a specific game advantageous to the player The gaming machine is controlled to a state (for example, a jackpot gaming state).

  Each pachinko machine 2 is configured to be individually identifiable by a stand number, and each pachinko machine 2, the data display device 4 and the card unit 3 are connected to the hall computer 6 and the ball management computer 8 via the stand terminal 10. Have been. In addition, in the figure, for the sake of simplicity, four pachinko machines 2 are installed on the game island.

  At a predetermined position above each of the pachinko machines 2, data which is a type of information output device that displays various information such as game information relating to games in the pachinko machines 2 and store information relating to store operations on a color liquid crystal screen. A display device 4 is provided.

  At a predetermined side position of each pachinko machine 2, a card unit 3, which is a kind of a game device capable of receiving a game card as a recording medium possessed by a player and executing a predetermined process, is installed.

  The card unit 3 is installed on a one-to-one basis with respect to the pachinko machine 2, and is a visitor card issued to a visitor player who has not registered as a member at the store and a member card registered at the store as a member. Game card including a membership card issued by the player, and based on the game value (remaining balance, savings, holding ball) specified from the gaming card, the game used for the game in the corresponding pachinko machine 2 The processing for lending out the game balls as a medium (ball lending processing) and the number of the game balls obtained in the game in the corresponding pachinko machine 2 are counted, and the game balls within the counted number of the game balls are paid out. A payout process (payout process) is performed.

  In the following description, the card unit 3 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 is referred to as “corresponding unit 3”, and conversely, the pachinko machine 2 provided corresponding to the card unit 3 is referred to as “corresponding pachinko machine”. 2 ".

[1-2. Information and signal flow]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of information and signal flows between the devices of the first gaming system 1A. In addition, in the figure, for simplification of description, illustration of the terminal 10 is omitted.

  From the pachinko machine 2, a pachinko machine signal including a jackpot signal, a signal during probable change, a signal during a time reduction, a driving signal, a prize ball signal, a start signal, a pachinko machine illegal signal, and a pachinko machine abnormal signal is transmitted to the data display device 4 and the hall. Output to the computer 6.

The big hit signal is a signal that is set to an output state when the big hit game state is controlled.
The probable changing signal is a signal that is set to an output state when controlled to the probable state, which is a high probability state.
The mid-hour signal is a signal that is brought into an output state when it is controlled to the high-base state, which is a time-saving state.
The driving signal is a pulse signal of a predetermined width that is set to an output state each time a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls) is counted by the out-ball counter.
The start signal is a pulse signal having a predetermined width which is set to an output state when the display result of the special figure variable display section is derived and displayed.
The prize ball signal is a pulse signal of a predetermined width which is set to an output state each time a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out.

The pachinko machine illegal signal is a type of error signal in the pachinko machine 2, and is a signal that is output when some irregularity occurs in the pachinko machine 2.
The pachinko machine abnormality signal is a kind of error signal in the pachinko machine 2 and is a signal that is set to an output state when any abnormality occurs in the pachinko machine 2.
These signals will be described later.

  From the card unit 3, unit signals including a card insertion signal, a card ejection signal, a deposit signal, a consumption signal, a possession ball number signal, a ball payout signal, a unit illegal signal, and a unit abnormal signal are transmitted to the data display device 4 and the ball management computer 8. Is output to

The card insertion signal is a signal that is set to an output state when a gaming card is received, and a signal including a card ID, which is identification information for identifying the accepted gaming card, is output.
The card ejection signal is a signal that is output when the accepted gaming card is ejected.
The deposit signal is a signal that is output when a deposit is made by the player. 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 possessed ball number signal is a signal indicating the number of possessed balls of the player. The possessed ball count includes the counted ball count counted by the counting and payout unit 380, the number of stored balls associated with the member card, and the number of possessed balls associated with the visitor card.
The ball payout signal is a signal which is set to an output state when the game balls are paid out to the pachinko machine 2, and outputs a signal indicating that the game balls have been paid out and the number of balls of the paid out game balls.

The unit illegal signal is a kind of error signal, and is a signal that is set to an output state when any illegality occurs in the card unit 3.
The unit abnormality signal is a type of error signal, and is a signal that is set to an output state when any abnormality occurs in the card unit 3.

  The card unit 3 is configured to output a possession ball number signal to the data display device 4 at intermittent timing, for example. Here, the intermittent timing is not an occasional (real-time) timing but, for example, a timing at a predetermined time interval, a timing at which the counting result of the counting and paying unit 380 reaches a predetermined number, and a timing of the counting and paying unit 380. When a predetermined time elapses after the counting stops, the counting is determined and the timing of waiting for the determination is referred to.

  The card unit 3 includes a counting and paying-out unit 380 (details will be described later), and is configured to be able to internally count the number of balls acquired by the player playing the game with the pachinko machine 2. The unit 3 includes the counting and dispensing unit 380, so that each unit counting system is configured.

  In the ball lending process and the payout process, the card unit 3 transmits a lending-related signal and a payout-related signal, which will be described later, to the pachinko machine 2 so that a predetermined number of unit balls are played by the corresponding pachinko machine 2. It is configured to be paid out.

  In addition, instead of the above-described configuration, the payout of the game balls is performed from the card unit 3 to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 2 via a nozzle or the like provided to extend from the card unit 3 to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 2. It is also possible to apply a configuration in which game balls are paid out directly.

  The card unit 3 is, for example, a timing every predetermined time interval (for example, 10 seconds), a timing every time the number of balls counted by the counting and payout unit 380 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 25 balls), It is configured so that the possession ball number signal can be output to the data display device 4 and the ball management computer 8 at any one of the timing of returning the card. The possessed ball number signal is an example of a signal capable of specifying the number of possessed gaming media of a player playing a gaming machine.

  In addition, the card unit 3 outputs an authentication request signal including the card ID recorded on the game card to the ball management computer 8. When the member card is accepted, an authentication request signal including the member card ID recorded on the member card is output to the ball management computer 8, and when the visitor card is accepted, the visitor recorded on the visitor card is received. An authentication request signal including the card ID is output to the ball management computer 8.

  Further, from the card unit 3, a data set (hereinafter, referred to as “captured image data”) of a plurality of captured images capable of specifying a player captured by the imaging unit 390 provided in the card unit 3 (hereinafter, referred to as “captured image data”). Hereinafter, this will be referred to as a “captured image data set”). Then, the ball management computer 8 outputs an authentication result obtained by performing an authentication process based on the authentication request signal to the card unit 3.

  From the hall computer 6, unit setting data 693 for the card unit 3 to perform various settings is output to the card unit 3. Further, from the hall computer 6, authentication setting data, which is setting data for the ball management computer 8 to perform authentication of the game card, is output to the ball management computer 8.

[1-3. Configuration of pachinko machine]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the external configuration of the pachinko machine 2 and the card unit 3 in the present embodiment.

  The pachinko machine 2 includes a glass door frame 22 formed in a frame shape, and a hitting supply tray 23 on a lower surface of the glass door frame 22. An operation unit 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the hit ball supply tray 23, and a lower plate 24 for storing game balls overflowing from the hit ball supply tray 23 is provided below the hit ball supply tray (upper plate) 23. A hit ball operation handle (hereinafter, referred to as a hit ball operation knob) 25 for firing a hit ball is provided.

  A game board 26 is detachably mounted behind the glass door frame 22. A game area 27 is provided on the front of the game board 26. In a lower area on the right side of the game area 27, there is provided a special figure variable display section 28 for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information called "special symbols".

  Also, in the center of the game area 27, a plurality of types of identification information called “effect symbols” are variably displayed and an effect video is displayed, and a plurality of types of identification information called “ordinary symbols” are displayed. And a variable display device 30 for variably displaying the identification information. The gaming board 26 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 44, a plurality of passing gates 31, a starting winning port 34, and a variable winning ball apparatus 36. An out port 46 for collecting the water is formed.

  When a hit ball is won in each of the winning openings (that is, the conditions for granting are satisfied), a prize ball corresponding to each winning opening is paid out by a ball-cutting and paying-out device (not shown), and the ball is paid out by the ball-cutting and paying-out device. The prize ball signal (one pulse for every 10 balls) corresponding to the issued prize ball number (number of provided balls) is output to the outside, whereby the prize ball number is notified to the outside.

  The number of hit balls that have won each winning opening and the number of hit balls collected in the out opening 46 are counted by an out-ball counter (not shown) provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2, and the counted hit balls are counted. By outputting a driving signal (one pulse for every 10 balls) according to the number of balls to the outside, the number of balls to be driven is notified to the outside.

  A hit ball shot by a hammer (not shown) that is swung by operating the hit ball operation knob 25 enters the game area 27 through the hit ball rail, and then flows down the game area 27. At this time, game balls whose firing force is too weak to reach the game area 27 are recirculated to the lower plate 24 through a recirculation path (not shown).

  Further, when the driven ball driven into the game area 27 passes through the passing gate 31, the normal symbol stopped and displayed on the variable display device 30 starts to variably start.

  When the display result after the variable display operation of the variable display device 30 becomes a predetermined special display result (for example, O), the movable piece 35 provided in the starting winning opening 34 is opened for a predetermined time, and the starting winning opening is opened. 34 is opened (opened), and a game ball can be won in the starting winning opening 34. That is, after the normal start condition of passing through the passage gate 31 is satisfied, the normal start condition that allows the start of the variable display of the normal symbol (for example, when the variable display of the normal symbol is not executed and the movable piece 35 is controlled to open. The variable display of the ordinary symbol is executed based on the establishment of the game pattern, and when a predetermined special display result is derived and displayed as a display result, it is possible to win a game ball in the starting winning opening 34. (Start conditions for variable display of special symbols can be satisfied).

  Also, when a game ball wins in the starting winning opening 34, the special symbol variable display section 28 starts variable display (variable display) of the special symbol and the effect variable display section 29 starts effect display. Then, after that, the special symbol in the special figure variable display section 28 stops, and when the stop display result becomes a predetermined specific display mode (for example, a big hit symbol), the left, The variable display of the middle and right effect symbols also stops. Then, the display mode of the effect symbol is also set to a predetermined specific display mode (for example, 777), so that a specific game state (big hit game state) is generated and a big hit signal is output. The occurrence of the big hit is notified to the outside.

  Further, when the special symbol in the special figure variable display section 28 is stopped, a start signal having a predetermined pulse width is output, and the variable display (variable display) of the special symbol in the special figure variable display section 28 is executed. Will be notified. That is, after the start condition of winning the game ball into the start winning opening 34 is satisfied, a start condition for permitting the start of the variable display of the special symbol (for example, the variable display of the special symbol is not executed and the big hit game The variable state of the special symbol is executed based on the fact that the state has not been controlled), and when a predetermined big hit symbol is derived and displayed as a display result, the big hit game state advantageous to the player is achieved. Controlled.

  When the big hit game state occurs in this way, the open / close plate 40 provided in the variable winning ball device 36 is opened to open the big winning port (open state), and the game ball enters the big winning port. Becomes possible. When a game ball wins in the special winning opening, more award balls are awarded than when a game ball wins in another winning opening. Then, after the opening and closing plate 40 provided on the variable winning ball device 36 is opened and the big winning opening is opened (opened), a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of game balls are passed. If the earlier condition among the winnings (for example, 10) is established, the opening / closing plate 40 is closed and the big winning opening is closed (closed state), and it is impossible to win the game ball in the big winning opening. Becomes

  If a hit ball that has entered the big winning opening of the variable winning ball device 36 in the open state wins in the specific winning area (V pocket) and is detected by a V count switch (not shown), the open state of that time. After the completion of the control, the repetition continuation control for controlling the closed state to the open state is performed. The upper limit number of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 15 times.

  It should be noted that the variable prize ball device 36 in which the specific prize area (V pocket) is not provided is changed from a closed state (a state where the special winning opening is closed) to an open state (a special winning opening) for a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). (A state in which is open) may be executed repeatedly. The open state ends when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) wins, whichever is earlier, is satisfied. The number of executions of the repetition continuation control for controlling the variable winning ball device 36 from the closed state to the open state is set to be different depending on, for example, a plurality of specific game states (big hit game states). There is a case where the big hit with the execution number of the continuous control of 15 is called a big hit with 15 rounds, and the big hit with the execution number of the repetition continuous control of 2 times is called a big hit with two rounds. In other words, in the big hit gaming state, the repetition continuation control is performed a number of times according to the type of the big hit gaming state, so that a state in which a game ball can be awarded to the big winning port becomes possible, which is advantageous for the player. Period.

  Even when a ball is hit at the special winning opening (that is, the condition for granting is satisfied), a prize ball corresponding to the winning is paid out by a ball-cutting and paying-out device (not shown) and paid out by the ball-cutting and paying-out device. A prize ball signal (one pulse for every 10 balls) corresponding to the prize ball number (number of balls provided) is output to the outside, whereby the prize ball number is notified to the outside.

  When the display result of the special figure variable display unit and the display result of the effect symbol of the effect variable display unit are stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination of big hit symbols, a big hit game state occurs as described above. In some cases, the reach state may occur in a state before the stop display is performed.

  When the special symbol and the effect symbol variably displayed on the special figure variable display unit 28 and the effect variable display unit 29 are stopped and displayed in a combination of the symbols matching the type of the predetermined probability variation symbol, the above-described repetition continuation control is performed. After the "big hit game state" ends, the probability of a big hit again becomes a probability fluctuation state in which the probability state becomes a higher probability state than the normal game state (low probability state). The probability change state is referred to as a “probable change big hit” in distinction from the big hit, and during the probability change state after the end of the probability change big hit, the occurrence of the probability change state is notified to the outside by setting the in-progress change signal to the output state.

  In other words, in the probability fluctuation state, the ratio controlled in the big hit gaming state is higher than that in the normal gaming state, which is an advantageous period for the player. For example, during the period from the end of the jackpot gaming state related to the probability change jackpot to the time when the jackpot gaming state related to the next jackpot is controlled, the probability variation state is controlled. In addition, after the big hit gaming state related to the probable big hit, before the control to the big hit gaming state related to the next big hit, a variable display that does not result in a specific display result of a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) is executed. The probability fluctuation state may be terminated based on the fact that it has been performed (the so-called ST machine may be used).

  When the special symbol and the effect symbol variably displayed on the special figure variable display portion 28 and the effect variable display portion 29 are stopped and displayed in a combination of symbols other than the predetermined probability variation symbol, the "big hit" by the repetition continuation control described above is performed. After the end of "", until the variable display reaches a predetermined number of times on the special figure variable display section 28 and the effect variable display section 29, or until the next big hit occurs, the special symbol and the effect on the special figure variable display section 28 The variable display time (variable time) of the effect symbols on the variable display unit 29 is reduced to a time-saving state in which the special symbol time-saving control is executed, compared to the normal game state (non-time-saving state). During the time reduction state, the occurrence of the time reduction state is notified to the outside by setting the signal during the time reduction to the output state.

  When the special symbol time reduction control is executed, the start condition becomes easy to be satisfied, and the frequency at which the variable display of the special symbol is executed is increased, so that it is easy to be controlled to the big hitting game state. Become. Further, in the time reduction state, the normal symbol time reduction control in which the variable display time (variation time) of the normal symbol is shorter than in the normal game state (non-time reduction state) may be executed. When the normal symbol time reduction control is executed, the normal start condition is more easily satisfied, and the frequency at which the normal symbol is variably displayed is increased (the frequency at which the special display result is derived and displayed increases), so that the movable piece 35 is opened. Since the frequency of the control is increased, an advantageous period which is advantageous for the player is obtained. Further, in the time saving state, the normal symbol probability changing control may be executed to increase the ratio of the normal symbol display result to the special display result as compared with the normal gaming state (non-time saving state).

  When the normal symbol probability changing control is executed, the frequency at which the special display result is derived and displayed increases, and the frequency at which the movable piece 35 is controlled to open increases, which is an advantageous period for the player. Further, in the time reduction state, the period during which the movable piece 35 is controlled to be opened may be extended, or the opening extension control for increasing the number of times of opening may be executed. When the opening extension control is executed, the winning frequency to the starting winning opening 34 is increased, so that an advantageous period for the player is obtained. In the time reduction state, at least one of the above-described special symbol time reduction control, ordinary symbol time reduction control, ordinary symbol probability change control, and opening extension control may be executed.

  The time-saving state is, for example, a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times) after the end of the jackpot game state related to the normal jackpot (a jackpot that is not a probable variable jackpot) and before being controlled to the jackpot game state related to the next jackpot. The processing is ended based on the execution of the variable display that does not result in the specific display result of ()). In this embodiment, the probable change state is accompanied by a time-saving state, except when the probable change state is controlled to be described later. As described above, in this embodiment, the period in which at least one of the big hit gaming state, the probability fluctuation state, and the time reduction state is controlled is an advantageous period.

  The pachinko machine 2 of the present embodiment is equipped with an information output board (not shown) for outputting each of these signals to the outside, and the information output board, the data display device 4 and the hall computer 6 are connected to each other. It is connected via a signal cable, and from the information output board, an external output signal including a jackpot signal, a signal during probable change, a signal during a time reduction, a start signal, and a prize ball signal is output via the signal cable to the data display device 4 and Output to the hall computer 6. In addition to these signals, out balls are counted by an out ball counter (not shown), and each time the counted value of the out balls reaches a predetermined ball number (for example, 10 balls), the driving of a predetermined pulse width is performed. A signal is output from the out ball counter to the data display device 4 and the hall computer 6.

  The big hit signal is a signal indicating that a big hit has occurred and also a signal indicating that the big hit game state is being controlled. Control is performed so that the big hit signal is turned on while the big hit game state is being controlled, and the big hit signal is turned off while the big hit game state is not controlled. Thereby, it is possible to specify that a big hit has occurred in a gaming device such as the data display device 4 or the hall computer 6 that is connected to the pachinko machine 2 and that the gaming device is controlled to the big hit gaming state.

  The probability changing signal is a signal indicating that the rate of occurrence of the big hit is controlled to the probability change state (high probability state) higher than the normal state (low probability state). Control is performed such that the probable-change signal is turned on during the period in which the probable-change state is controlled, and the probable-change signal is turned off during the period in which the probable-change state is not controlled. As a result, it is possible to specify that the gaming device such as the data display device 4 or the hall computer 6 that is connected to the pachinko machine 2 is controlled to be in a stable state. In addition, when the game is controlled to be in the probable change state with the end of the big hit game state, it is possible to specify the occurrence of the probable change big hit with these gaming machines. In addition, when the jackpot gaming state is not controlled to be in the positive change state with the end of the jackpot gaming state, it is possible to specify the occurrence of the normal jackpot with these gaming machines. As a result, on the gaming device side, it is possible to total the number of occurrences of the big hits, and the breakdown of the probability change big hits and the normal big hits.

  The time saving medium signal is a signal indicating that the variable display device is controlled to be in a time saving state (high base state) for reducing the variable display time. Control is performed such that the signal during the time reduction is set to the ON state during the period in which the time reduction state is controlled, and the signal during the time reduction is set to the OFF state during the period when the signal is not controlled to the time reduction state. Thereby, it is possible to specify that the gaming machine connected to the pachinko machine 2 such as the data display device 4 or the hall computer 6 is controlled to be in the time saving state.

  In addition, when the game is controlled to the probable change state with the end of the big hit game state but is not controlled to the time saving state, it is possible to specify the occurrence of the latent probable big change with these gaming devices. Here, the latent probability changing big hit is a big hit in which the opening pattern of the big winning prize is a big hit which is common to the small hit and which is controlled to a certain changing state (high probability state) after the big hit gaming state ends. The small hit means a control mode in which the gaming state is not changed after the opening of the special winning opening, although the special winning opening is opened in a specific opening pattern (for example, opening for 0.5 seconds twice). Say. Therefore, it is difficult for a player to specify whether a small hit has occurred or a latent probability change big hit has occurred simply by opening a special winning opening in a specific opening pattern. On the other hand, in the gaming device connected to the pachinko machine 2, it is possible to specify that the latent probable change state is difficult for the player to grasp based on the fact that the player is in the time-reducing state despite the probable change state.

  The pachinko machine 2 outputs a pachinko machine illegal signal. The game control board (also referred to as a main control board) of the pachinko machine 2 has, for example, a high-frequency signal detection function, a magnetism detection function, and a vibration detection function as a function of detecting a player's fraud. For the high-frequency signal detection function, for example, a technique as disclosed in JP-A-2002-239169 can be applied.

  More specifically, when the switches provided in the first start winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the big winning opening are high-frequency oscillation type through proximity switches, a signal monitoring circuit connected to each switch. When an abnormal high-frequency signal is detected in any of the signal monitoring circuits, a pachinko machine illegal signal indicating the possibility of illegal operation is output to the outside via an external output board. Similarly, if an abnormal magnetism is detected by the magnetic detection function or an abnormal vibration is detected by the vibration detection function, a pachinko machine illegal signal is output to the outside via the external output board.

  In addition, when the number of winnings in each winning opening within a predetermined period exceeds a reference value (for example, when the number of winnings in the first starting winning opening becomes 10 or more within 10 seconds), or in a big hit game state. Despite the presence, if a winning in the special winning opening is not detected for a predetermined period (for example, the longest opening time in one round of 29 seconds), an abnormality such as a malfunction or a clogging of a ball may be detected via the external output board. A pachinko machine abnormality signal indicating the possibility is output to the outside.

  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 for controlling a game in the pachinko machine 2. A prize ball control board (not shown) for performing control for counting and renting out 125 game balls as payout units based on the number of balls possessed by the player counted by the card unit 3. It is possible to lend game balls in multiples of the payout unit of 125 balls.

  The pachinko machine exemplified in this embodiment is a variable display means (for example, a special figure variable) for deriving and displaying a display result after starting variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols and effect symbols) each of which can be identified. Display unit 28 and effect variable display unit 29), and when a predetermined specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the variable display means, a specific game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player is set. This is an example of a gaming machine that controls and after a specific game state ends, controls the game state to a normal state or a high-probability state in which the probability that the display result of the variable display means becomes the specific display result is higher than that in the normal state.

In addition, the pachinko machine exemplified in the present embodiment has a variable display device (for example, a special display device that derives and displays a display result after starting variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols and effect symbols) that can identify each of them. When the display result of the variable display of the identification information on the figure variable display unit 28 or the effect variable display unit 29) becomes a predetermined specific display result, a first game state (open state) advantageous to the player and a game The variable winning means (special variable winning ball device for switching the special winning opening between the open state and the closed state) that can be changed to any of the second game state (closed state) disadvantageous to the player is changed to the first state. A gaming machine,
First game state control means for controlling the variable winning means to a first state for a predetermined number of times of changing the state to the first state for a predetermined period (for example, a big hit game state in which opening of a maximum of 30 seconds is performed 15 times);
A second game state in which the variable winning means is changed to the first state in at least one of a period shorter than the predetermined period and a number smaller than the predetermined number of times (for example, a big hit game in which opening of a maximum of 0.5 seconds is performed twice); After executing the state (big hit game state accompanying the latent probability change big hit)), the game state is controlled to the high probability state in which the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result more than the normal state. Game state control means,
After executing a third gaming state (for example, a small hitting gaming state in which opening for a maximum of 0.5 seconds is performed twice) in which the variable winning means is changed in the same manner as the second gaming state, the variable winning means is changed to the first gaming state. Third game state control means for controlling to a game state before changing to a state,
Determine whether to control to the first gaming state, whether to control to the second gaming state, and whether to control to the third gaming state before deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display. Predetermined means to
This is an example of a gaming machine including: an effect state control unit that controls a specific effect state in which the effect state is the same after being controlled to the second game state and after being controlled to the third game state.

  In such a gaming machine, the opening pattern of the special winning opening is common and the effect mode is common between the case where the latent probability change big hit occurs and the case where the small probability hit occurs, so that the player has the latent probability change big hit. It is a configuration that makes it difficult to grasp whether the occurrence or the small hit has occurred.

Further, the pachinko machine exemplified in the present embodiment is:
A player plays a game by firing a game medium to a game area,
A variable prize device (movable piece 35) provided in the game area and capable of changing between a disadvantageous state (closed state) where the game medium is difficult to win or cannot win, and an advantageous state (open state) where the game medium is easy to win. (So-called electric tulip))
Based on the fact that the game medium has passed through the normal start area (pass gate 31) provided in the game area, a plurality of types of normal identification information (normal symbols) capable of identifying each are variably displayed and the variable Ordinary identification information variable display control means for performing control to derive and display the display result of the display on the ordinary identification information variable display device (variable display device 30);
A variable control for changing the variable winning device to an advantageous state based on a display result derived and displayed on the variable display device for normal identification information being a predetermined display result (a lighting state of an LED indicating a hit). Winning device control means,
Based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition (for example, termination of the jackpot game state of the jackpot type with the high base state (eg, the jackpot type other than the latent probability change jackpot)), the low rate at which the variable winning device is set in the advantageous state is low. This is an example of a gaming machine comprising: a high base state control unit that controls a variable winning device from a base state (normal state: low base state) to a high base state in which the ratio of making the variable winning device an advantageous state is high.

  In such a gaming machine, for example, when a latent probability change big hit occurs in a low base state, a high probability low base state is set after the big hit game state ends, and when a small hit occurs, a low probability is set after the small hit game state ends. Since the low-probability state is set, if the player is controlled to the low-base state after the opening control of the special winning opening, whether the latent probability change big hit has occurred (whether it is controlled to the high-probability low-base state) or It is difficult to determine whether a small hit has occurred (whether the low-probability, low-base state is being controlled).

  Note that the output paths of the symbol determination signal, the jackpot signal, the during-hours-saving signal, and the during-probability-change signal are not limited to those shown in the present embodiment. Any of these signals may be output from the main control board. For example, a variable display unit (for example, a special symbol display) for deriving and displaying a display result after starting variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols) each of which can be identified is connected to the main control board. When a predetermined specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the variable display means, the variable display means is controlled to a specific game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player. Then, after the end of the specific game state, the game state is controlled to the normal state or a high probability state in which the probability that the display result of the variable display means becomes the specific display result is higher than that in the normal state. Then, the main control board outputs a symbol confirmation signal each time the variable display is executed by the variable display means, and outputs a big hit signal when being controlled to the specific game state, and is controlled to the high probability state. If it is, a signal during probable change is output, and if it is controlled to the high base state, a signal during time reduction is output.

  In such a gaming machine, for example, when a latent probability change big hit occurs in the low probability low base state, after the big hit game state ends (after the big winning prize port is opened twice for a maximum of 0.5 seconds), the certain change signal is generated. The ON signal is turned off and the signal is turned off during working hours. If a small hit occurs in the low-probability, low-base state, the small hitting game state is over (after the large winning opening has been opened twice for a maximum of 0.5 seconds). The signal is OFF, and the signal during time reduction is OFF. Therefore, in an external device such as a data display device to which a signal is input, it is possible to determine whether or not a latent probability change state (probable change signal ON, time saving time signal OFF) based on the probability change signal and the time saving time signal. ing.

  In addition, the pachinko machine 2 in the present embodiment may be a pachinko machine of an enclosed ball type (hereinafter, referred to as an “enclosed pachinko machine”) 2 ′ instead of the ordinary pachinko machine 2. In the enclosing pachinko machine 2 ′, a game ball is enclosed therein, and a player operates a hitting operation handle to drive a firing motor of a firing device to drive an enclosed ball into the game area one by one to play a game. It is configured to be able to. The game ball hit into the game area wins one of the winning ports or is collected in the out port without winning. The game ball that has won one of the winning ports and the game ball that has been collected in the out port are returned to the hit ball firing position again through the collection path in the gaming machine. Then, when the player operates the hit ball operation handle, the game ball at the hit ball firing position is again driven into the game area.

[1-4. Configuration of Card Unit]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing an external configuration of the card unit 3.
On the front surface of the card unit 3, a multi-function lamp 301 constituted by a full-color LED and illuminated in a plurality of colors so as to be able to notify the state of the card unit 3 and the like, and a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting a bill. A display device 355 protruding from the front of the device to the front of the device, a payout button 311 for receiving a count payout operation for paying out the counted number of balls, and a card for inserting a membership card or a visitor card. An insertion port 309 is provided.

  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 incorporated at a position corresponding to the card insertion slot 309, and is inserted through the card insertion slot 309. Thus, a visitor card or a membership card can be inserted into the card slot 392.

  Here, the visitor card and the membership card are provided with a nonvolatile memory for storing various data, and a control for rewriting or reading out the recorded information and performing non-contact communication with an external reader / writer device. An IC card on which an IC chip having a unit is mounted is used, and a card ID capable of identifying each card is stored in the visitor card and the membership card in advance in a non-rewritable manner. The type is identifiable from the card ID, and various data such as prepaid balance data that can specify a prepaid balance and a distribution flag that can specify the presence or absence of a distribution are stored.

  The member card is issued to the member player who has registered the member at the store, and the member ID given to the member is stored in a non-rewritable manner. In addition, using the member card, the member player must use the game ball once obtained and counted again for the game after the next day, or save the ball that can be used for prize exchange, as described later. However, the number of balls stored, which is the number of game balls in which the ball was played, is not directly recorded on the member card, and the number of balls will be stored in the ball management computer 8 as described later. , The member card ID and the member ID are stored in association with each other so that the member card ID and the member ID can be specified.

  In addition, the number of balls held based on the counted number of balls counted by the player who owns the member card is not directly recorded on the member card, and the number of balls held is also registered with the member card ID as described later. By being stored in association with the member 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 store only on that day. It can be used, and can be used for prize exchange at a prize exchange POS terminal (not shown).

  The visitor card is purchased and issued by a card issuing / paying machine (not shown) installed in the store, and is also issued by the card unit 3. The visitor card stores the number of balls and the date based on the counted number of balls counted by the player who owns the visitor card, and stores the number of balls in the store only on that day. The card unit 3 can be used for games, and the prize exchange POS terminal can be used for prize exchange.

  The display device 355 includes a menu button 316a for selecting a menu, a table data button 316b for displaying table data, and a member card ID and a member ID recorded on the member card when a member card is received. A replay button 316c for performing a replay game using the specified number of accumulated coins (hereinafter simply referred to as “replay”), a volume / light amount change button 316d for changing the volume / light amount, left / right / up / down An operation button 316 including a cross button 316e composed of a key and an enter key is provided.

  In addition, the display device 355 receives a replay display unit 317 for notifying that the operation of the replay button 316c is valid, and receives an infrared signal from a setting remote control carried by a store clerk to generate an electric signal. And an IR light receiving unit 315 for converting the data into an output, and a touch panel 314 provided on the surface of the display device 355 for inputting each display item displayed on the display device 355 by finger touch. ing.

  Further, inside the display device 355, switches corresponding to a liquid crystal display portion 313 and operation buttons 316 described later are provided, and these are provided on a display control board 329 provided at a position in the device corresponding to the display device 355. , Display control of the liquid crystal display unit 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, the bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 302, the bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 302 is taken in, the authenticity and the bill type are identified, and the identification result is substantially centered on the device. A bill identification unit 302a for outputting to a control unit 300 described later provided in the unit is provided, and various bills (10,000, 5,000, 2,000, and 1,000 yen bills) are provided in the bill identification unit 302a. ) Can be accepted.

  In the center of the front plate of the card unit 3, an imaging unit 390 having a camera for imaging a player (mainly, a player's face) is provided. The imaging unit 390 is located at a position where the player can take an image of the player's face while sitting on the gaming chair installed on the front side of the pachinko machine 2, specifically, the center of the front plate of the card unit 3. Section.

  In addition, a return button 331 for receiving a return operation of a gaming card and a leave button 333 for receiving a leave operation are provided at the lower center of the front plate of the card unit 3.

  Further, at the bottom of the card unit 3, the game balls are counted and taken in, and the counted game balls are counted for the maximum fraction, that is, the maximum of the unit fraction of less than 125 which is the payout unit in the corresponding pachinko machine 2. A counting and dispensing unit 380 is provided which stores only the value 24 and also counts and dispenses game balls having a fractional number less than the unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the card unit 3.
The card unit 3 controls the banknote identification unit 302a, the card reader / writer 327, the display control board 329, and each part of the card unit 3 by a control program to provide various functions of the card unit 3. The bill identification unit 302a, the card reader / writer 327, and the display control board 329 are connected to the control unit 300 so that various data can be transmitted and received.

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

  The control unit 300 includes a processing unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a clock unit 330.

  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 integrally controls the card unit 3 and an integrated circuit such as an ASIC. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 310 includes an imaging control unit 311 and a notification control unit 313 as main functional units.

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

  Further, the storage unit 320 stores a unit ID 322, reception card data 323, a captured image database 325, the number of balls for replay 327, the number of local counting balls 329, and unit setting data 693.

The unit ID 322 is identification information (ID) for uniquely identifying the card unit 3, and is uniquely assigned to each card unit 3 installed in the store.
The reception card data 323 is data recorded on the game card received by the own device, and includes, for example, a card ID recorded on the received game card (hereinafter, referred to as “reception card ID”). It is. The reception card ID includes the reception member card ID recorded on the member card and the reception visitor card ID recorded on the visitor card.

The captured image database 325 is a database in which a captured image data set including image data of a plurality of captured images captured by the imaging unit 390 under the control of the imaging control unit 311 is stored. An example of the data configuration is shown in FIG. Show.
In the captured image database 325, a reception card ID, an imaging type, an imaging date and time, captured image data, and a captured image data set are stored in association with each other.

  Specifically, a card ID (member card ID, visitor card ID) which is specific information (identification information) of a game card (member card, visitor card) accepted by the own device is stored as the reception card ID.

  Further, the opportunity that the captured image is captured is stored as the imaging type. More specifically, "at the time of reception" indicating that the image was taken at the time of accepting the gaming card, "during acceptance" indicating that the image was taken at a regular timing after accepting the game card, An opportunity such as “at the time of return” indicating that the image was taken at the time of return is stored.

  In addition, the date and time when the captured image is captured is stored as the capturing date and time.

  Further, a pixel value of the captured image is stored as the captured image data. The captured image data is an example of image information corresponding to the captured player.

  A captured image data set including a plurality of captured image data is stored as the captured image data set.

  The number of balls 327 used for replay is determined by the player performing a replay operation of pressing the replay button 316c, and replaying is performed, and the game ball used by the player in the corresponding pachinko machine 2 by the replay. The number of balls.

  The local counted number of balls 329 is the number of balls locally counted by the own device by the count dispensing unit 380.

  The control unit 300 is connected to a prize ball control board (not shown) provided in the corresponding pachinko machine 2 so that transmission and reception of various signals accompanying the lending of game balls can be performed. By being connected to the information output board of the pachinko machine 2 via this, various external output signals such as a big hit signal can be input.

  The control unit 300 is connected to an out-ball counter 16 provided below the corresponding pachinko machine 2 so that a driving signal from the out-ball counter 16 can be input. In response to the input of the driving signal from the counter 16, a predetermined number corresponding to the driving signal is added and updated to the value of the total driving balls in the game information table described later.

  In addition, the control unit 300 is connected to the counting and paying unit 380, inputs a counting sensor signal output by counting the game balls in the counting and paying unit 380, and based on the counting sensor signal. Update the number of possessed balls. For example, the game ball that has flowed into the counting and paying unit 380 is detected by the counting sensor, and a detection signal of a predetermined pulse is output from the counting and paying unit 380 to the control unit 300 in accordance with the detection of one game ball, The number of possessed balls (number of possessed balls) stored in the control unit 300 increases by one.

  Further, the control unit 300 is connected to a payout button switch 311 ′ corresponding to the payout button 311 provided at a position below the display device 355 on the front of the apparatus, and a signal corresponding to the operation of the payout button 311 is output. By inputting from the button switch 311 ', it is possible to grasp whether or not the payout button 311 has been operated. When detecting that the payout button 311 has been pressed, the control unit 300 pays back a predetermined number of unit balls out of the number of possessed balls to the player. The number of unit balls refunded to the player by one refunding operation is, for example, “125 shots”.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a horizontally long box-shaped connection box 340 disposed between the lower plate 24 of the pachinko machine 2 and the repair board of the game island is connected to the counting and dispensing unit 380. It has become. The connection box 340 is formed on the end side of the connection box 340 and has a relatively large height in the height direction (not shown) and a relatively small height in the height direction. And a path box (not shown) formed so as to connect the connecting part with the connecting part.

  The connection box 340 is connected to the counting and dispensing unit 380 so that the terminal box is located below the lower plate 24. On the upper surface of the terminal box, game balls discharged from the lower plate 24 are provided. A charging section 345 having a hopper shape to be charged is formed. In addition, the lower end of the front surface of the terminal box has an open / close shutter that is openable and closable by a player and is normally urged to be in a closed state, and the fraction paid out (returned) from the counting and paying unit 380. A return port 342 from which the game ball is discharged is provided.

  In addition, at the upper position in the route box, two flow paths are provided so as to incline toward the count payout unit 380, and guide the game balls thrown into the throwing unit 345 to the count payout unit 380 under natural flow. Is provided. Further, a return passage 344 is provided below the counting passage 343 so as to be inclined toward the return opening 342, and guides the game balls paid out from the counting payout unit 380 to the return opening 342 under natural flow. .

  Note that a counting lever 341 slidable by the player is provided at an upper position on the front surface of the terminal box 340a, and the counting lever 341 is slid against the urging, so that the slot 345 is inserted. The opening / closing shutter 346 provided at the entrance to the counting passage 343 is opened.

  Inside the counting and dispensing unit 380 to which the connection box 340 is connected, an inflow passage connected to the counting passage 343 and provided so as to be inclined from the front side of the card unit 3 toward the inside of the card unit 3 is provided. At the end position of the inflow channel, a counting sensor (not shown) for detecting and counting game balls flowing down the inflow channel is provided for each channel, and counting sensors are provided through the counting channel 343. The game balls flowing into the payout unit 380 are detected and counted by the counting sensor. When the counting is performed by the counting sensor, a detection signal of a predetermined pulse is output from the counting and payout unit 380 to the control unit 500 in accordance with the detection of one game ball. The control unit 500 adds one to the stored possessed ball number every time the detection signal is input.

  When the number of balls possessed by the player increases, the game ball discharged from the pachinko machine 2 flows into the counting passage 343 from the lower plate 24 at any time by keeping the count lever 341 pulled by the player. In the case where the count is increased by the count payout unit 380 at any time, when the player does not pull the counting lever 341, the game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 2 are stored in the lower plate, and the game is played to some extent. By pulling the counting lever 341 at the stage where the balls have accumulated, there are two cases: a case where the accumulated game balls flow into the counting passage 343 at a stretch and are counted by the counting payout unit 380 to increase at a stretch.

  Further, when the number of balls possessed by the player decreases, the game balls are refunded to the player by the player's refund operation, and the number of refunds by one refund operation is 125 as described above. The number of possessed balls is reduced by 125 shots by one refund operation. The control unit 500 updates the possessed ball count data 497 by subtracting 125 the stored possessed ball count every time one payout operation is performed. However, if the refund operation is performed when the number of possessed balls is less than 125, the possessed ball number is set to 0. That is, the number of balls corresponding to the stored number of possessed balls is subtracted.

  In addition, the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 are configured to be able to transmit and receive a lending-related signal relating to lending of a plurality of game balls and a payout-related signal relating to payout, which are predetermined as payout units. For example, the lending-related signals include a lending request signal for causing the pachinko machine 2 to lend gaming balls from the card unit 3, a terminal lending completion signal and a table READY signal output from the pachinko machine 2, and a stand-to-stand counting. Signals such as a unit READY signal and a terminal terminal lending request completion confirmation signal are included. Also, from the pachinko machine 2, a game signal such as a big hit signal, a signal during probable change, a signal during a time reduction, a prize ball signal, a start signal, and a driving ball counter (not shown) provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 The output driving ball signal is configured to be receivable.

  The card unit 3 outputs a unit illegal signal. The card unit 3 has, for example, a function of detecting illegal radio waves, a function of detecting vibration, a function of detecting a counterfeit card or a counterfeit bill as a function of detecting a player's fraud. Alternatively, when it is determined that a counterfeit card or counterfeit bill has been used, a unit illegal signal is externally output via an external output board.

  The card unit 3 outputs a unit abnormality signal. The card unit 3 has a function of detecting a failure in inserting / ejecting a game card and a function of detecting a failure in counting / dispensing by a counting / dispensing unit 380 as a function of detecting an abnormality. The unit abnormality signal is externally output via the external output board when the detection is detected or when the counting and dispensing failure by the counting and dispensing unit 380 is detected.

  Further, as described above, the control unit 300 includes a balance indicator provided on the operation unit of the corresponding pachinko machine 2, a lending button switch for detecting the operation of the lending button, a member card and a visitor card being accepted. A return button switch for detecting the operation of the return button operated when returning the refund 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 balance 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 in response to transmission from the remote controller, the operation of various buttons provided on the display device 355, and the operation of the touch panel. Receiving the currency identification information by the bill identification unit 302a, the card insertion information from the card reader / writer 327, the storage state information of the visitor card, and the like, the full color provided in the multifunctional lamp connected to the control unit 300. The overall operation control such as the lighting control of each LED such as the LED 301a, the control of the card reader / writer 327, the display control board 329, and the display control of the balance display is performed.

  In addition, the control unit 300 performs a card accepting process for judging whether or not the member card or the visitor card inserted into the card insertion slot 309 can be used, or the prepaid balance data read from the accepting member card or the visitor card. Lending processing for lending balls using the remaining prepaid amount, depositing the remaining amount on the prepaid remaining member card or visitor card, or writing and issuing the remaining amount on the new visitor card according to the acceptance of money The number of balls counted (insertion) by the issue / payment process, the return process of returning the member card or visitor card that is being accepted by the return operation using the return button, the replay process using the number of saved balls, and the operation of the payout button 311 Visitor card and the number of balls specified by the membership card) It has started to execute the processing of the payout processing for subtraction update the number of balls that were paid out by performing the (return) from the counting already Ball number.

  The control unit 300 is connected via a HUB to external devices such as a hall computer 6 and a ball management computer 8 connected to a local area network (LAN) so as to be able to perform data communication. Various data can be transmitted and received.

  The display control board 329 connected to the control unit 300 includes a liquid crystal display unit 313 and a touch panel 314 that constitute the display device 355, switches corresponding to various operation buttons 316, an IR light receiving unit 315, and the above-described replay display unit. Electronic components such as an LED 320a provided on the touch panel 314 are connected. 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 are transmitted to the display control board 329. Output to the control unit 300 via the

  In the display control board 329 of the present embodiment, a display drive circuit (not shown) that drives the display of the liquid crystal display unit 313 and a position where a pressing operation is performed based on an output signal from the touch panel 314 are specified and specified. An input position detection circuit (not shown) for outputting input position information, a VDP (not shown) for performing processing related to a display image displayed on the display device 355, and a VROM (not shown) for storing image data used for menu display and the like. ), A VRAM (not shown) for temporarily storing display data to be displayed on the display device 355, and judgment and processing accompanying input of various switches and a touch panel, etc., independently of the control unit 300 based on a processing program. A display control microcomputer to be implemented is mounted, and various types of display control microcomputers and the like are provided based on display data (page data) output from the control unit 300. The 示画 surface, and is capable of displaying on the liquid crystal display unit 313 constituting the display device 355.

  The card unit 3 is provided for a visitor card (also referred to as a general card) having a prepaid function as a game recording medium issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, or a member player who has registered as a member at a store. A membership card, which is a game recording medium issued to the user, is accepted. Visitor cards and membership cards are composed of IC cards.

  The card unit 3 that has received those cards stores a number of game balls corresponding to a part of the game value (for example, the number of remaining cards, the number of balls, or the number of balls to be stored) owned by the player specified by the record information of the cards. It has a function to make the corresponding pachinko machine 2 pay out.

  Further, an imaging unit 390 is connected to the control unit 300. The imaging unit 390 is an imaging device configured to capture an image, and includes an imaging element such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. The imaging unit 390 captures an image of a player (mainly a player's face) under the control of the imaging control unit 311, converts an optical signal into an electric signal, and outputs digitized captured image data to the control unit 300. As described above, the imaging unit 390 is located at a position where the player can take an image of the player's face while sitting on the gaming chair installed on the front side of the pachinko machine 2, specifically, the card unit 3 At the center of the front panel.

  The front face of the card unit 3 is provided with a bill insertion slot for inserting a bill, and a card insertion / ejection port for inserting a membership card or a visitor card. The membership card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion / ejection port is accepted by the card reader / writer, and the information recorded on the card is read. The bill inserted into the bill insertion slot is taken in by a bill validator (not shown), and its authenticity and bill type are identified.

  The card unit 3 is provided with a replay button 316c for executing a replay game using the card ID recorded on the member card and the number of coins specified by the card ID when the member card is received. Have been.

  When the replay button 316c is operated and the inserted card records the number of possessed balls obtained by the player, a part of the possessed ball number is withdrawn and paid out to the corresponding pachinko machine 2, It becomes possible to play a game with the corresponding pachinko machine 2 using the paid out game balls. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and there is no possessed ball and there is a ballpark, a part of the ballpark is withdrawn and paid out to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 and paid out. A game with the corresponding pachinko machine 2 can be performed using the game ball.

  For example, the number of accumulated coins is notified from the ball management computer 8 to the card unit 3 together with the authentication result when the member card is accepted. Then, based on the notified number of stored coins, a part of the stored coins is withdrawn during replay processing based on the replay operation. It should be noted that a dedicated ball payout button for withdrawing the ball in possession may be provided separately from the replay button 316c, and the replay button may be a button exclusively for withdrawal of the accumulated ball.

  In this embodiment, the ball and the ball are not recorded directly on the member card, but are stored in the ball management computer 8 installed in the store in association with the member card ID, and the corresponding ball and the ball are stored based on the member card ID. Is configured to be searchable. However, this is not necessarily the case, and the ball may be recorded directly on the member card.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the ball is not directly recorded on the visitor card, but is stored in the ball management computer 8 installed in the store in association with the visitor card ID, and the corresponding ball is searched based on the visitor card ID. It is configured to be able to. However, this is not necessarily the case, and the ball may be recorded directly on the visitor card.

  In this embodiment, the timing at which the ball is stored in the ball management computer 8 will be described as the timing at which the gaming card is returned. However, this is not necessarily the case, and the timing at which the ball is stored in the ball management computer 8 may be the timing each time the counting button is operated and the counting process is performed, or the timing every fixed time. .

  When the player finishes the game and receives a card from the card unit 3, the ball held in the card unit 3 is temporarily stored as a ball in the ball management computer 8, so that the player When a card is inserted into the same or another card unit 3 again on the same day as the day on which the card is received, only the ball held for the day once stored as a ball is stored again in that card unit 3 and the card is retained. The game balls may be added in the range of the ball to enable the player to play the game.

  Further, 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 a predetermined sound under the control of the control unit 300.

[1-5. Functional configuration of hall computer]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the hall computer 6.
The hall computer 6 includes a processing unit 610, an input unit 620, a display unit 625, a sound output unit 630, a clock unit 635, a first communication unit 640, a second communication unit 645, and a third communication unit 650. , A fourth communication unit 655, a ROM 670, a hard disk 680, and a RAM 690, each of which is connected via a bus.

  The processing unit 610 is configured to include a processor such as a CPU or a DSP that comprehensively controls each unit of the hall computer 6 and an integrated circuit such as an ASIC according to various programs such as a system program stored in the ROM 670. Device and arithmetic device. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 610 includes a setting data generation unit 611, a game tallying unit 613, and a sales tallying unit 615 as main functional units. The functions of these functional units will be described later in the processing flow.

  The input unit 620 is an input unit including, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a signal (operation signal) of a pressed key or button to the processing unit 610. In accordance with the operation input from the input unit 620, an instruction operation such as editing data of various databases stored in the hard disk 680 is performed.

  The display unit 625 is a display device that performs various displays based on a display control signal output from the processing unit 610, and includes an LCD and the like. The display unit 625 displays data contents of various databases stored in the hard disk 680 and the like.

  The sound output unit 630 is a sound output device such as a speaker that outputs various sounds based on a sound output control signal output from the processing unit 610. The sound output unit 630 outputs, for example, a warning sound or the like for notifying the administrator when calling for attention or when an abnormality occurs.

  The clock unit 635 is an internal clock provided in the hall computer 6, and includes, for example, a crystal oscillator including a crystal oscillator and an oscillation circuit. The clock time (including the date) of the clock unit 635 is output to the processing unit 610.

  The first communication unit 640 is a communication device for performing communication with the pachinko machine 2, and includes, for example, a wired communication module that performs communication via a wired cable. The first communication unit 640 receives the pachinko machine signal output from the pachinko machine 2.

  The second communication unit 645 is a communication device for performing communication with the data display device 4 and includes, for example, a wired communication module that performs communication via a wired cable. The second communication unit 645 transmits signals and data related to the setting and control of the data display device 4 to each data display device 4 according to the control of the processing unit 610.

  The third communication unit 650 is a communication device for performing communication with the card unit 3, and includes, for example, a wired communication module that performs communication via a wired cable. The third communication unit 660 transmits the unit setting data 693 to each card unit 3 under the control of the processing unit 610.

  The fourth communication unit 655 is a communication device for performing communication with the ball management computer 8, and includes, for example, a wired communication module that performs communication via a wired cable. The fourth communication unit 655 transmits, to the ball management computer 8, authentication setting data that is data for setting related to authentication executed by the ball management computer 8 under the control of the processing unit 610.

  The authentication setting data includes data relating to various settings included in unit setting data 693 described below for each card unit 3. Therefore, the ball management computer 8 can specify what setting each card unit 3 operates by referring to the authentication setting data.

  The ROM 670 is a read-only nonvolatile storage device, and stores various programs such as a system program of the hall computer 6. In the present embodiment, the ROM 670 stores a management program 671 that is read by the processing unit 610 and executed as management processing. The management program 671 includes, as a subroutine, a setting data generation program 671a executed as a setting data generation process. These processes will be described later in detail using a flowchart.

  Note that it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the hall computer 6 does not include the ROM 670 as a storage device. In this case, the various programs described above may be stored in the hard disk 680, for example.

  The hard disk 680 is a readable and writable nonvolatile external storage device. In the present embodiment, the hard disk 680 includes a display content setting table 681, a display mode setting table 682, a sound output content setting table 683, an imaging setting table 684, a replay setting table 685, An improper card determination setting table 686, a device correspondence table 687, a game total database 688, and a sales management database 689 are stored.

The display content setting table 681 is a table relating to the setting of the display content of the card unit 3, and an example of the table configuration is shown in FIG.
The display content setting table 681 stores a pachinko machine ID, a model name, and a display screen in association with each other.

The pachinko machine ID is an ID for uniquely identifying each pachinko machine 2, and is assigned to each pachinko machine 2 individually.
The model name is the model name of the pachinko machine 2 having the pachinko machine ID.
The display screen is a type of display screen to be displayed on the display device 355 of the card unit 3 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2.

This will be specifically described.
The model name of the pachinko machine 2 whose pachinko machine IDs are P1 to P20 is “Pachinko XXX”. As display screens to be displayed on the display unit 355 of the corresponding unit 3, (1) menu screen, (2) volume etc. setting screen, (3) possessed ball total screen, (4) possessed ball division screen, (5) password An error notification screen, (6) fraudulent card notification screen, (7) gaming machine error notification screen, and (8) unit error notification screen are defined.

The menu screen is a screen for the player to select various menus.
The volume etc. setting screen is a screen for the player to set the volume and light amount of the card unit 3.

The possession ball summation screen is a screen for the player to perform the summation of the possession ball.
The held ball division screen is a screen for the player to divide the held ball.

  The password error notification screen is a screen for notifying the player of a password error when the password input by the player does not match the registered password.

  The fraudulent card notification screen is a screen for performing fraudulent card notification to notify the player when the member card possessed by the member player is determined to be a fraudulent member card. This fraudulent card notification is an example of specific notification.

  In the present embodiment, the ball management computer 8 performs a player verification process and a reception card determination process. When the result of the verification by the player verification process is “NG”, it is determined to be an unauthorized member card owned by a player who is not the original owner. If the result of the player verification process is “OK”, but the result of the reception card determination process is “NG”, an unauthorized member registered by one player Judge as a card.

.
The gaming machine error notification screen is a screen for notifying a store manager or a store clerk of any injustice or abnormality occurring in the corresponding pachinko machine 2.
The unit error notification screen is a screen for notifying a store manager or a store clerk of any occurrence of any injustice or abnormality in the corresponding unit 3.

  Similarly, the display screens to be displayed on the corresponding unit 3 are also determined for the pachinko machine 2 with the pachinko machine IDs “P21 to P40” and the model name “Pachinko YYY”, and the pachinko machines 2 of other models. By operating the hall computer 6, the store manager can freely change the type of display screen to be displayed on the corresponding unit 3 for each pachinko machine 2 type.

  The display mode setting table 682 is a table that determines the display mode of the display screen of the card unit 3 defined in the display content setting table 681.

  The sound output content setting table 683 is a table in which the contents to be output from the sound output unit 350 of the card unit 3 are determined. Similarly to the display content setting table 681, the store manager operates the hall computer 6 to output the sound from the corresponding unit 3 for each model of the pachinko machine 2 in the same manner as the display content setting table 681. The contents can be set and changed freely.

The imaging setting table 684 is a table for causing the card unit 3 to perform settings relating to imaging by the imaging unit 390, and an example of the table configuration is shown in FIG.
The imaging setting table 684 stores a pachinko machine ID, a model name, and an imaging setting in association with each other.
In the imaging setting, settings relating to what trigger and at what timing the card unit 3 performs imaging are defined.

  For example, with respect to the card unit 3 corresponding to the pachinko machine ID “P1 to P20” and the model name “Pachinko XXX”, “(1) reception time” at the time of accepting a game card and “ Three types of triggers, "(2) receiving a card", which is accepting a card, and "(3) returning," which is a time when a game card is returned, are defined. In “(2) Accepting”, “every 5 minutes” is set as a time interval at which the card unit 3 performs imaging (hereinafter, referred to as “imaging time interval”). The imaging time interval can be rephrased as a sample interval for sampling the face data of the player.

  By operating the hall computer 6, the store manager can freely change the imaging setting of the corresponding unit 3 for each model of the pachinko machine 2.

The replay setting table 685 is a table for causing the card unit 3 to make settings related to replay, and an example of the table configuration is shown in FIG.
The replay setting table 685 stores a pachinko machine ID, a model name, and a replay setting in association with each other. The replay setting includes the presence or absence of a replay upper limit and the number of replay upper limit balls.

The replay upper limit presence / absence is a flag indicating whether or not to cause the card unit 3 to execute the replay to which the replay upper limit is applied. Is set.
The replay upper limit ball count is the upper limit value of the number of game ball balls to be refunded to the player by the replay in the card unit 3 when “presence” is set in the presence or absence of the replay upper limit.

The fraudulent card determination setting table 686 is a table for causing the card unit 3 to make settings relating to fraudulent card determination, and an example of the table configuration is shown in FIG.
In the unauthorized card determination setting table 686, a pachinko machine ID, a model name, and an unauthorized card determination setting are stored in association with each other. The fraudulent card determination setting includes the presence / absence of determination and a determination target period.

  The presence / absence of the determination indicates whether or not the card unit 3 is to perform the unauthorized card determination. If the determination is to be performed, “Yes” is set, and if the determination is not to be performed, “No” is set.

  The determination target period is a period to be determined in the fraudulent card determination. In the determination target period, all periods within the business hours of the store on the current business day can be set, or a part of the business hours of the store on the current business day (for example, 6 hours) can also be set. It is also possible to set a period (for example, the past three days or the past week) over a plurality of business days of the store.

  By setting the period within the business hours of the store on the current business day as the determination target period, it is possible to perform the fraudulent card determination only on the current business day of the store. In addition, by setting a period that extends over a plurality of business days of the store as the determination target period, it is possible to perform the fraudulent card determination over a plurality of business days of the store.

The device correspondence table 687 is a table that defines the correspondence between gaming machines installed in stores and gaming devices, and an example of the table configuration is shown in FIG.
The device correspondence table 687 stores a pachinko machine ID, a model name, a corresponding unit ID, and a corresponding display device ID in association with each other.
The corresponding unit ID is the ID of the card unit 3 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 of the pachinko machine ID.
The corresponding display device ID is an ID of the data display device 4 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 of the pachinko machine ID.

  The game total database 688 is a database in which total data related to the game in each of the pachinko machines 2 is stored.

  The sales management database 689 is a database in which data related to sales in the pachinko machine 2 installed in the store is stored. The sales management database 689 stores sales management data for managing information on sales of stores, and includes, for example, a split number (a machine split number or a premium split number), a payout rate, a customer delay rate, a sales ball, a premium ball, and the like. Data for sales management, such as a premium amount and a gross margin, are totaled and stored by the processing unit 610.

  The RAM 690 is a readable and writable volatile memory, and in this embodiment, unit setting data 693 which is data for setting the card unit 3 and generated by the processing unit 610 is stored. The RAM 690 is backed up by a battery (not shown), and retains data stored for a predetermined period even when the power is turned off.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the unit setting data 693.
The unit setting data 693 includes a unit ID 6931, a corresponding pachinko machine ID 6932, a corresponding display device ID 6933, display setting data 6934, sound output setting data 6935, imaging setting data 6936, and replay setting data. Data 6937 and fraudulent card determination setting data 6938 are included.

  The display setting data 6934 is data for setting the display content and display mode of the card unit 3 having the unit ID. Specifically, the pachinko machine ID corresponding to the unit ID is determined based on the device correspondence table 687 from the data records defined in the display content setting table 681 and the display mode setting table 682, respectively. The record of the obtained data is extracted and used as display setting data 6934.

  The sound output setting data 6935 is data for setting the sound output content of the card unit 3 having the unit ID. Specifically, a record of data defined for the pachinko machine ID corresponding to the unit ID is extracted from records of data defined in the sound output content setting table 683 based on the device correspondence table 687. Then, the data is set as sound output setting data 6935.

  The imaging setting data 6936 is data for setting imaging of the card unit 3 having the unit ID. Specifically, a record of data defined for the pachinko machine ID corresponding to the unit ID is extracted from records of data defined in the imaging setting table 684 based on the device correspondence table 687. , As imaging setting data 6936.

  The replay setting data 6937 is data for setting replay of the card unit 3 having the unit ID. Specifically, a record of data defined for the pachinko machine ID corresponding to the unit ID is extracted from records of data defined in the replay setting table 685 based on the device correspondence table 687. Thus, the replay setting data 6937 is obtained.

  The fraudulent card determination setting data 6938 is data for setting fraudulent card determination of the card unit 3 having the unit ID. Specifically, a record of data defined for the pachinko machine ID corresponding to the unit ID is extracted from records of data defined in the unauthorized card determination setting table 686 based on the device correspondence table 687. Then, the data is set as fraudulent card determination setting data 6938.

[1-6. Functional configuration of ball management computer]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the ball management computer 8.
The ball management computer 8 includes a processing unit 810, an input unit 820, a display unit 830, a communication unit 840, a clock unit 850, and a storage unit 860.

  The processing unit 810 is a control device and an arithmetic device that comprehensively controls each unit of the ball management computer 8 according to various programs such as a system program stored in the storage unit 860, and includes a processor such as a CPU and a DSP, an ASIC, and the like. And an integrated circuit.

  The input unit 820 is an input unit including, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a signal (operation signal) of a pressed key or button to the processing unit 810.

  The display unit 830 is a display device that performs various types of display based on a display control signal output from the processing unit 810, and includes an LCD and the like. The display unit 830 displays the contents of data of various databases stored in the storage unit 860 and the like.

  The communication unit 840 is a communication device for performing communication with the card unit 3, and includes, for example, a wired communication module that performs communication via a wired cable.

  The clock unit 850 is an internal clock included in the ball management computer 8, and includes, for example, a crystal oscillator including a crystal oscillator and an oscillation circuit. The clock time (including the date) of the clock unit 850 is output to the processing unit 810 as needed.

  In the storage unit 860, a ball management program 861, read by the processing unit 810 and executed as a ball management process, member management data 863, card management data 865, a captured image database 867, and unit management data 869 Is stored.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the member management data 863.
The member management data 863 stores member information data and member game history data. The member information data stores the member's personal information. Specifically, for example, a member ID for uniquely identifying a member, a password (personal identification number) set by the member himself, a visit point given to the member each time he or she visits the store, The rank set for the member according to the points, the surname of the member, and the name of the member are stored.

  The member game history data stores a member ID, a visit date, a machine number, a model name, a start time, and an end time in association with each other. The start time is a time at which the member starts a game with the pachinko machine 2 of the unit number. The end time is the time at which the member has finished the game with the pachinko machine 2 of the unit number.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the card management data 865.
The card management data 865 stores membership card management data and visitor card management data.

The member card management data is data for managing the member card. For example, the member card ID, the member ID, the number of balls held, the number of balls saved, and the number of replay management balls are stored in association with each other. You.
The replay management ball count is the number of replay balls managed by the ball management device 8 for the member card of the member card ID, and is used by the player to replay all the card units 3 using the member card. The total value of the number of used balls is stored as the number of replay management balls.

  The visitor card management data is data for managing the visitor card. For example, the visitor card ID, the latest issue date and time that is the latest issue date and time of the visitor card, and the number of possessed balls are stored in association with each other. You.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the captured image database 867.
The captured image database 867 stores captured image data for each date.
In each captured image data, the captured image data for each member card is stored for each member card ID in association with the date.

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

  The captured image data set for verification is a data set including a plurality of captured image data used for verification of a player who has a member card of the member card ID.

The unit ID is the ID of the card unit 3 that has received the member card of the member card ID.
The imaging type is a type in which the card unit 3 that has received the membership card of the member card ID performs imaging, and is specified from the imaging type defined in the captured image database 325 (see FIG. 5).
The imaging date and time is the time when the card unit 3 that has received the member card of the member card ID performs imaging, and is specified from the imaging date and time defined in the captured image database 325 (see FIG. 5).
The captured image data is image data obtained by capturing an image by the card unit 3 that has received the member card of the member card ID, and is specified from the captured image data defined in the captured image database 325 (see FIG. 5). Things.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the unit management data 869.
In the unit management data 869, a unit ID, a reception member card ID, an authentication result, and a captured image data set for collation are stored in association with each other.

The unit ID is an ID of each card unit 3 installed in the store.
The reception member card ID is the ID of the member card received by the card unit 3 of the unit ID.

  The authentication result is a result of performing an authentication process on the member card received by the card unit 3 of the unit ID, and the authentication result “OK / NG” and the type of authentication of “NG” are included in the authentication result. included.

  In the present embodiment, the ball management computer 8 performs three types of processing as authentication processing: a password verification processing, a player verification processing, and a reception card determination processing. Therefore, if the result of the password matching process is “NG”, the “password” is entered, and if the result of the matching is “NG” in the player matching process, the “player” is entered in the acceptance card determination process. If the collation result is “NG”, “card” is stored in each type.

  The captured image data set for verification is a data set including a plurality of captured image data used for player verification of the member card received by the card unit 3 of the unit ID.

[1-7. Processing flow]
[1-7-1. Hall computer processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a management process executed by the processing unit 610 of the hall computer 6 according to the management program 671 stored in the ROM 670.

The processing unit 610 performs the processing of the loop A for each card unit 3 (A1 to A7).
In the processing of loop A, the setting data generation unit 611 performs the setting data generation processing for the card unit 3 according to the setting data generation program 671a stored in the ROM 670 (A3).

  Specifically, the display content setting table 681, the display mode setting table 682, the sound output content setting table 683, the imaging setting table 684, the replay setting table 685, the illegal card determination stored in the hard disk 680 are stored. Using the setting table 686 and the device correspondence table 687, the unit setting data 693 for the card unit 3 is generated by the method described above and stored in the RAM 690 (A3a).

  Next, the processing unit 610 transmits the generated unit setting data 693 to the card unit 3 (A5). Then, the processing unit 610 shifts the processing to the next card unit 3.

  When the processing of loop A for all card units 3 is completed (A7), the game totaling unit 613 updates the game total data of each pachinko machine 2 based on the pachinko machine signal output from each pachinko machine 2. Then, it is stored in the game total database 688 of the hard disk 680 (A9).

  Next, the processing unit 610 determines whether or not to end the processing (A11). For example, if the power of the hall computer 6 is turned off when the store is closed, it is determined that the process is to be ended. If it is determined that the processing is to be continued (A11; No), the processing unit 610 returns the processing to A9. If it is determined that the processing is to be ended (A11; Yes), the processing unit 610 ends the management processing.

[1-7-2. Ball management computer processing]
FIGS. 19 and 20 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the flow of a ball management process executed by the processing unit 810 of the ball management computer 8 in accordance with the ball management program 861 stored in the storage unit 860.
First, the processing unit 810 executes the processing of the loop B for each card unit 3 (C1 to C43).

In the process of loop B, the processing unit 810 determines whether an authentication request signal has been received from the card unit 3 (C3). If it is determined that the information has been received (C3; Yes), the processing unit 810 executes a password verification process (C5).

  Specifically, referring to the member management data 863 and the card management data 865 stored in the storage unit 860, the password included in the received authentication request signal is added to the member card ID included in the received authentication request signal. It is determined whether the password matches the password stored in association with the corresponding member ID. If the passwords match, the password collation result is “OK”. If the passwords do not match, the password collation result is “NG”.

  In the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that the password is to be input to the player at the timing when the member card is inserted into the card unit 3 to perform the password collation processing. However, this is not necessarily required. Alternatively, a password collation process may be performed by prompting the player to input a password at the timing when a replay operation is performed by the player after the member card is inserted into the card unit 3.

  If the password collation result is “NG” (C7; NG), the processing unit 810 sends a password collation NG notification indicating that the password collation result is “NG” to the card unit 3 (C7; NG). C9). Then, the processing unit 810 shifts the processing to C33.

  If the password verification result is “OK” (C7: OK), the processing unit 810 refers to the captured image database 867 of the storage unit 860 and corresponds to the member card ID included in the received authentication request signal. It is determined whether or not a captured image data set for collation exists (C11).

  If it is determined that the captured image data set for collation does not exist (C13; No), the processing unit 810 notifies the card unit 3 of an initial registration indicating that the card unit 3 is an initial registration (C15). Then, the processing unit 810 shifts the processing to C33.

  If it is determined that the captured image data set for collation exists (C13; Yes), the processing unit 810 executes a player collation process (C17). Specifically, using the captured image data received from the card unit 3 and the identified collated captured image data set, a face authentication process using a conventionally known face authentication method is performed, and the card unit 3 It is determined whether or not the player imaged by the imaging unit 390 matches the player identified from the stored captured image data set for collation. If the players match, the result of the player verification is “OK”. If the players do not match, the result of the player verification is “NG”.

  Here, in the face matching process, regardless of which card unit 3 the member card possessed by the player is accepted, the matching captured image data set stored in the captured image database 867 is used. It is configured to be able to check whether or not it matches the player specified from the image captured by the card unit 3 that has received the membership card. For this reason, in the player verification process, when the card unit 3 receives a new membership card for the member cards received by the plurality of card units 3, the player imaged by the imaging unit 390 is stored. It can be determined whether or not it matches the player identified from the captured image stored in the unit 860.

  If the player verification result is “OK” (C19; OK), the processing unit 810 executes a reception card determination process (C19).

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a reception card determination process.
The processing unit 810 refers to the unit management data 869 stored in the storage unit 860, and refers to the unit management data 869, and the captured image data for comparison for the past determination target period corresponding to the unit ID of the card unit 3 in the unit management data 869. A set is specified (E1). The specified captured image data set for verification is a captured image data set for verification corresponding to the card ID of the member card received by the card unit 3 during the determination target period from the present.

  Next, the processing unit 810 collates the captured data received from the card unit 3 with each of the collated captured image data sets specified in E1 (E3). Specifically, for each captured image data set for verification specified in E1, face authentication is performed using the captured image data set for verification and the captured image data received from the card unit 3 to perform face authentication. It is determined whether the faces match.

  Here, the reason that the card unit 3 uses only the collated captured image data set corresponding to the member card received within the determination target period retroactively from the present time for the collation is that a plurality of illegally registered member cards are used. This is because it is considered that the player who possesses the replay game exceeding the upper limit of replay in the same gaming table by using a plurality of the membership cards possessed in many cases. That is, when the player plays a game using one member card, the member card is removed from the card unit 3 when the replay upper limit is reached and the replay game cannot be performed, and then another This is because it is considered that a replay game is often performed by causing the card unit 3 to accept the member card.

  In addition, in addition to the above, all the member cards received by the card unit 3 can be used by using only the captured image data set for verification corresponding to the member card received by the card unit 3 during the determination target period. There is also an advantage that the processing load can be reduced as compared with the case where the captured image data set for comparison corresponding to the above is used for the comparison.

  Next, the processing unit 810 determines whether or not there is a member card with a matching face (E5). If it is determined that the member card has a matching face (E5; Yes), the reception member card ID is set to the member card with the matching face. It is determined whether it is different from the member card ID (E7). The fact that the face of the player matches the captured image data set for verification of the member card ID different from the reception member card ID means that the same player registers and possesses a plurality of member cards by an unauthorized method. Means that. Therefore, when this condition is satisfied (E7; Yes), the acceptance card determination result is set to "NG" (E9).

  If it is determined in E5 that there is no member card with a matching face (E5; No), or if it is determined in E7 that the member card ID is the same (E7; No), the processing unit 810 determines the reception card determination result Is set to "OK" (E11). Then, processing unit 810 ends the reception card determination process.

  In the above-described reception card determination process, if the face of the player matches with the captured image data set for collation of the member card ID different from the reception member card ID, the member registration Means that the card unit 3 has received a membership card with a different card ID. Therefore, the reception card determination process is a process of determining whether or not, when the card unit 3 receives a new member card, a member card different from the card ID of the member card ID stored in the storage unit 860 is received. It can be said that there is.

  Here, when the player is playing a game using one member card, the member card is withdrawn from the card unit 3 when the replay upper limit is reached and the replay game cannot be performed. It is also conceivable that the player moves to the gaming table and the card unit 3 corresponding to the gaming table accepts another member card to play the game again.

  Therefore, in E1 of the reception card determination process, instead of using only the captured image data set for verification corresponding to the member card received by the same card unit 3 during the determination target period, the same card unit 3 is used for the game island unit or the game machine. For each model, the correspondingly provided card unit 3 may specify a captured image data set corresponding to the member card received within the determination target period retroactively from the present, and use it for comparison. In addition, although the processing load increases, all the card units 3 may specify a captured image data set corresponding to the member card received within the determination target period retroactively from the present and use the data set for collation.

  Thereby, in the acceptance card determination process, when the card unit 3 accepts a new membership card for the membership cards accepted by the plurality of card units 3, the membership card ID of the membership card ID stored in the storage unit 860 is used. It can be determined whether a member card different from the card ID has been received.

  Returning to the ball management processing, as a result of the reception card determination processing, if the player verification result is “NG” (C21; NG), the processing unit 810 sends the player verification result to the card unit 3 A player verification NG notification indicating "NG" is made (C23). Then, the processing unit 810 shifts the processing to C33.

  If the player verification result is “OK” (C21; OK) and the reception card determination result is “NG” (C25; NG), the processing unit 810 sends the reception card to the card unit 3 concerned. A reception card determination NG notification indicating that the determination result is “NG” is performed (C27). Then, the processing unit 810 shifts the processing to C33.

  If the player verification result is “OK” (C21; OK) and the accepted card determination result is “OK” (C25; OK), the processing unit 810 proceeds to the card management data 865 in the storage unit 860. , The number of replay management balls stored in association with the reception member card ID is specified (C29). Then, the processing unit 810 issues an authentication OK notification including the specified number of replay management balls to the card unit 3 (C31).

  Next, the processing unit 810 determines whether or not the ball notification signal has been received from the card unit (C33). If it is determined that the ball notification signal has been received (C33; Yes), the card management data 865 of the storage unit 860 The number of replay balls used in the received ball notification signal is added to the number of replay management balls stored in association with the reception member card ID and updated (C35). In addition, the processing unit 810 updates the card count data included in the received ball notification signal in the card management data 865 of the storage unit 860 by adding the local count ball count stored in association with the reception member card ID to the ball count stored. (C37).

  Next, the processing unit 810 determines whether or not the captured image data set has been received from the card unit 3 (C39). If it is determined that the received image data set has been received (C39; Yes), the received captured image data set is The captured image data for comparison is stored in association with the reception member card ID of the captured image database 867 (C41). Then, the processing unit 810 shifts the processing to the next card unit 3.

  When the processing of loop B has been performed on all card units 3 (C43), the processing unit 810 determines whether or not to end the processing (C45). If it is determined that the processing is to be continued (C45; No), the processing unit 810 returns the processing to C1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing is to be ended (C45; Yes), the processing unit 810 ends the ball management processing.

[1-7-3. Processing of card unit]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of card unit processing executed by the processing unit 310 of the card unit 3 according to the card unit processing program 321 stored in the storage unit 320.

  First, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not it is the set timing of the own device (F1). 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 a setting completion flag indicating that setting of the own device has been set to “ON”. The setting completion flag may be set to “ON” after the setting is performed, and may be cleared to “OFF” when the power of the own device is turned off at the time of closing the store or the like.

  If it is determined that it is the set timing (the set flag is determined to be “OFF”) (F1; Yes), the processing unit 310 receives the unit setting data 693 from the hall computer 6 (F3).

  Next, the processing section 310 executes a display setting process (F5). Specifically, based on the display setting data 6934 included in the unit setting data 693, the display content to be displayed on the display device 355 and the display mode thereof are determined, and the display is displayed on the display device 355 based on the determined content. It is assumed that the display can be performed (display standby state).

  Further, the processing section 310 executes a sound output setting process (F7). Specifically, based on the sound output setting data 6935 included in the unit setting data 693, the content to be output from the sound output unit 350 is determined, and the sound output is output to the sound output unit 350 based on the determined content. A state (sound output standby state) that can be performed.

  Further, the processing section 310 executes an imaging setting process (F9). Specifically, based on the imaging setting data 6936 included in the unit setting data 693, a state where the imaging unit 390 can perform imaging (imaging standby state) is set.

  Further, the processing section 310 executes a replay setting process (F11). Specifically, based on the replay setting data 6937 included in the unit setting data 693, the game balls can be paid out by replay.

  Further, the processing section 310 executes an unauthorized card determination setting process (F13). Specifically, based on the fraudulent card determination setting data 6938 included in the unit setting data 693, the fraudulent card determination can be executed. After that, the processing unit 310 executes a sub process (F15).

  Next, the processing section 310 determines whether or not to end the processing (F17). If it is determined to continue the processing (F17; No), the processing returns to F1. If it is determined that the processing is to be ended (F17; Yes), the processing unit 310 ends the card unit processing.

FIGS. 23 and 24 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the flow of the sub-process.
First, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not a gaming card has been inserted into the own device (G1). If it is determined that the gaming card has been inserted (G1; Yes), the processing unit 310 executes a card accepting process (G3).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a card reception process.
First, the processing unit 310 determines the type of the inserted gaming card (H1). If it is determined that the type is “member card” (H1; member card), the processing unit 310 executes a member card reception process.

  In the member card receiving process, the processing section 310 executes a password receiving process (H3). Specifically, a message that prompts the user to input a password is displayed on display device 355, and the password input by the user is stored in storage unit 320.

  Next, the imaging control unit 311 executes a reception-time imaging process (H5). Specifically, it causes the imaging unit 390 to execute imaging, and stores the captured image data obtained by the imaging in the captured image database 325 of the storage unit 320.

  After that, the processing unit 310 transmits an authentication request signal including the unit ID of the own device, the reception member card ID, the reception password, and the captured image data to the ball management computer 8 (H7).

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines the password verification result based on whether or not the password verification NG notification has been received from the ball management computer 8 (H9). If it is determined that the password verification result is “NG” (H9; NG), The password error flag is set to "ON" (H11). The password error flag is a flag that is set to “OFF” in the initial setting, and is set to “ON” when a password error is determined. Then, the processing section 310 ends the card accepting process.

  If it is determined that the password verification result is “OK” (H9; OK), the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the initial registration is based on whether or not the initial registration notification has been received from the ball management computer 8. It is determined (H13), and if it is determined that it is the first registration (H13; Yes), the first registration flag is set to “ON” (H15). The initial registration flag is a flag that is set to “OFF” in the initial setting, and is set to “ON” when the initial registration is determined. Then, the processing section 310 ends the card accepting process.

  If it is determined that the registration is not the first registration (H13; No), the processing section 310 determines the player verification result based on whether or not the player verification NG notification has been received from the ball management computer 8 (H17). If it is determined that the player verification result is “OK” (H17; OK), the reception card determination result is determined based on whether a reception card determination NG notification has been received from the ball management computer 8 (H19). ).

  When determining that the player verification result is “NG” (H17; NG), the processing unit 310 sets the unauthorized card flag to “ON” (H21). This means that the player who is not the original owner has made the card unit 3 accept the membership card of another person. The fraudulent card flag is a flag that is set to “OFF” in the initial setting, and is set to “ON” when it is determined that the card is a fraudulent card.

  Also, when it is determined that the accepted card determination result is “NG” (H19; NG), the processing unit 310 sets the unauthorized card flag to “ON” (H21). This means that a player who has registered a plurality of membership cards behind the membership registration and has the card unit 3 accept a membership card having a different card ID.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the reception card determination result is “OK” (H19; OK), the process 310 causes the storage unit 320 to store the number of replay management balls transmitted from the ball management computer 8 (H23). . Then, after performing control to cause the counting and payout unit 380 to start counting (H25), the member card receiving process ends. Then, the processing section 310 ends the card accepting process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the gaming card inserted in H1 is a visitor card (H1; visitor card), the processing section 310 executes a visitor card accepting process (H27). The visitor card accepting process is a process for accepting a visitor card. However, unlike the member card accepting process, the visitor card accepting process does not perform the password matching process, the player matching process, and the accepting card determining process. Then, the processing section 310 ends the card accepting process.

  After returning to the sub-process and executing the card accepting process, the processing section 310 determines whether or not the password error flag is “ON” (G5). Then, if it is determined to be “ON” (G5; Yes), the notification control unit 313 executes a password error notification process (G7). Specifically, a message indicating that the input password is incorrect is displayed on the display device 355 to notify the player of the password error.

  Next, the processing unit 310 executes a card return process of returning the inserted member card to the player (G9). Then, after setting the password error flag to “OFF” (G11), the processing section 310 shifts the processing to G27.

  If it is determined that the password error flag is not “ON” (G5; No), the processing unit 310 determines whether the unauthorized card flag is “ON” (G13), and determines that it is “ON”. If it is determined (G13; Yes), referring to the unauthorized card determination setting data 6938 of the unit setting data 693, the setting of the presence or absence of the replay upper limit is determined (G15).

  When the replay upper limit setting is “Yes” (G15; Yes), the notification control unit 313 executes an unauthorized card notification process (G17). Specifically, a message indicating that the inserted gaming card is an unauthorized card is displayed on the display device 355 or the like, thereby notifying the player of the unauthorized card.

  Next, the processing section 310 executes a card use restriction process (G19). Specifically, for example, by invalidating the replay operation or stopping the counting by the counting and paying unit 380, the player is prevented from using the member card to gain profit illegally. Then, after setting the unauthorized card flag to “OFF” (G21), the processing unit 310 shifts the processing to G27.

  When it is determined that the replay upper limit setting is “absent” (G15; absent), the processing section 310 shifts the processing to G21.

  If it is determined that the fraudulent card flag is not “ON” (G13; No), the processing section 310 completes the reception of the gaming card (G23). Then, the imaging control unit 311 causes the imaging unit 390 to start performing imaging at the imaging time interval stored in the imaging setting data 6936 of the unit setting data 693, and stores the captured image data obtained by the imaging in the storage unit. The process of storing the captured image in the captured image database 325 is started (G25). Then, the processing section 310 shifts the processing to G27.

  After G11, G21 or G25, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not a game card is being received (G27). If it is determined that the game card is being received (G27; Yes), the game is performed by the player. It is determined whether or not a card return operation for returning the business card has been performed (G29).

  If it is determined that the card return operation has been performed (G29; Yes), the processing section 310 executes a card return process (G31).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a card return process.
First, the processing unit 310 executes control for terminating imaging by the imaging unit 390 (J1). Specifically, after accepting the membership card, the state in which the imaging unit 390 performs imaging at the set imaging time interval is released.

Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the initial registration flag is “ON” (J3). If it is determined that the initial registration flag is “ON” (J3; Yes), the replay use ball count 327 and the local A ball notification signal including the counted ball number 329 is transmitted to the ball management computer 8 (J5). Further, the processing unit 310 transmits a captured image data set corresponding to the card ID of the game card being accepted stored in the captured image database 325 to the ball management computer 8 (J7).

  Next, the processing section 310 sets the initial registration flag to “OFF” (J9). Then, after returning the accepted gaming card to the player (J11), the processing section 310 ends the card return processing.

  If it is determined that the initial registration flag is not “ON” (J3; No), the processing unit 310 transmits a ball notification signal including the number of balls 327 used for replay and the number 329 of local counted balls to the ball management computer 8. (J13). Then, the processing unit 310 shifts the processing to J11.

  After returning to the sub-process and performing the card return process, the processing section 310 determines whether or not the player has performed a ball-sum totaling operation (G33), and if it is determined that the operation has been performed (G33; Yes), A ball summation process is executed (G35). The possessed ball summation process is a process in which the possessed balls associated with a plurality of gaming cards are summed and associated with one card.

  Note that the possessed ball summation process can be realized as a process to which a conventionally known method is applied, and thus a detailed description is omitted here.

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the ball division operation has been performed by the player (G37). If it is determined that the operation has been performed (G37; Yes), the processing unit 310 executes the ball division processing (G39). The possession ball dividing process is a process of dividing the possession ball of one game card and associating the ball with a plurality of game cards. Specifically, of the number of saved coins managed in association with the member card (division source card) accepted by the own device, a part of the number of accumulated coins is associated with another visitor card (division destination card), A process is performed to leave the number of remaining coins in the division source card.

  Note that the ball division process can also be realized as a process to which a conventionally known method is applied, and thus a detailed description is omitted here.

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not a ball lending operation has been performed by the player (G41). If it is determined that the ball lending operation has been performed (G41; Yes), the ball lending process is executed (G43). Specifically, based on the prepaid balance recorded on the game card being accepted, control is performed so that game balls for the number of unit balls are paid out to the upper plate of the corresponding pachinko machine 2.

  Next, the processing section 310 determines whether or not a replay operation has been performed by the player (G45). If it is determined that the replay operation has been performed (G45; Yes), a replay process is performed (G47). Then, the processing section 310 ends the sub-process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the replay process.
First, the processing unit 310 refers to the unauthorized card determination setting data 6938 of the unit setting data 693 to determine whether to set the upper limit of replay (P1).

  If the replay upper limit setting is “Yes” (P1; Yes), the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the replay is restricted in the card use restriction process of G19 (P3). If it is determined that there is no regulation (P3; No), the processing unit 310 adds the latest replay use ball number 325 stored in the storage unit 320 to the replay management ball number received from the ball management computer 8. And the number of unit payout balls to be refunded to the player in the replay, and the total number of replay balls is updated (P5).

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the total number of replay balls has reached the replay upper limit ball number stored in the replay setting data 6937 of the unit setting data 693 (P7). In the replay process, as long as the total number of replay balls does not reach the upper limit of replay balls, game balls for the number of unit balls are paid out according to the replay operation, but the total number of replay balls is the upper limit of replay balls. After reaching the number of balls, the payout of the game balls for the unit number of balls according to the replay operation is regulated.

  If it is determined that the total number of replay balls has reached the upper limit number of replay balls (P7; Yes), the notification controller 313 executes a replay upper limit notification process (P9). Specifically, a message indicating that the total number of balls used in the replay has reached the upper limit is displayed on the display device 355, and the player is notified that the replay upper limit has been reached.

  Next, the processing section 310 executes a game stop process (P11). In the game stop process, as a process for stopping the game by the player, for example, a process for restricting the execution of the replay process based on the replay upper limit number of balls is executed. Specifically, the replay operation is invalidated so that the replay operation cannot be accepted, the payout of the game ball by the replay cannot be executed, the counting / paying by the counting / paying unit 380 is stopped, and the like. Then, the execution of the game by the replay is restricted.

  In addition, by transmitting an error signal from the own device to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 and stopping the launch of the game ball and the display of the effect screen by the corresponding pachinko machine 2, the execution of the game by the replay may be limited. .

  If a predetermined game stop release condition is satisfied after performing the game stop processing, the restriction on the execution of the game by replay is released. The game stop release condition in this case is, for example, that the member card being accepted is returned in response to the card return operation, that the game stop release operation for the own device is performed by the store clerk, that the store clerk possesses. Conditions such as the reception of a signal for instructing the release of the game stop from the setting remote controller can be determined.

  If it is determined that the total number of replay balls has not reached the upper limit number of replay balls (P7; No), the processing unit 310 executes a ball payout process (P13). Specifically, control is performed so that game balls for the number of unit payout balls are paid back to the upper plate of the corresponding pachinko machine 2. Then, the processing unit 310 updates the number of balls 325 used for replay in the storage unit 320 (P15), and ends the replay processing.

  If it is determined that the replay upper limit setting is “absent” (P1; nothing) or if it is determined that the replay is restricted (P3; Yes), the processing unit 310 performs the replay processing. To end.

[1-8. Display screen example]
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of an unauthorized card notification screen displayed on the display device 355 of the card unit 3.
The liquid crystal display 313 of the display device 355 alerts the player to the use of an unauthorized member card such as "The use of an unauthorized member card is prohibited because there is a possibility that the card is an unauthorized member." A message is displayed (G19 of the sub-process in FIG. 23).

[1-9. Effect]
The first gaming system 1A includes a card unit 3 that is a gaming device capable of receiving a membership card, which is a recording medium possessed by a registered player, and executing a predetermined process, and a membership card that the card unit 3 accepts. A ball management computer 8 which is a management device for managing information of the associated member players.

  The card unit 3 includes an imaging unit 390 that can image the player who has accepted the membership card. The ball management computer 8 stores the membership card ID, which is the specific information of the membership card received by the card unit 3, in association with the captured image data, which is image information corresponding to the player captured by the imaging unit 390. The storage unit 860 is provided.

  When the card unit 3 accepts a new membership card, the processing unit 810 of the ball management computer 8 determines that the player imaged by the imaging unit 390 is identified from the captured image data stored in the storage unit 860. A player collation process is performed to determine whether or not the player matches. When the card unit 3 receives a new member card, the processing unit 810 of the ball management computer 8 determines whether a member card different from the member card of the member card ID stored in the storage unit 860 has been received. A receiving card determination process is performed. Then, the processing unit 310 of the card unit 3 sends an unauthorized card notification as specific notification when it is determined that the players match in the player verification process and that it is determined that a different member card has been received in the reception card determination process. Execute.

  According to this, it is possible to prevent a player possessing a plurality of membership cards from gaining illegal profit.

  When the same player possesses a plurality of membership cards, there are mainly (1) cases in which a plurality of membership cards are possessed with the back of membership registration, and (2) borrowing or stealing a membership card of another person. It is conceivable that the user possesses a plurality of membership cards, for example.

  In the case of (1), since the player can cause the ball management computer 8 to register captured image data obtained by capturing his or her own face for each of the plurality of membership cards, the matching result is determined by the player matching process. Although it may be "OK", the result of the determination in the reception card determination process is "NG", so that an unauthorized member card can be prevented from being used for a game.

  In the case of (2), the image data of the face of the player who originally owns the membership card is registered in the ball management computer 8 in the initial registration. Therefore, since the matching result becomes “NG” in the player matching process, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized member card from being used for the game.

  Although different from the above case, it is also conceivable that a plurality of players use one member card by lending and borrowing a member card. However, also in this case, in the first registration, the image data of the face of the player who originally owns the member card is registered in the ball management computer 8. Therefore, since the matching result becomes “NG” in the player matching process, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized member card from being used for the game.

[2. Second Embodiment]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a second ball management process executed by the processing unit 810 of the ball management computer 8 in place of the ball management process of FIG. 19 in the second embodiment. Note that the same steps as those in the ball management processing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

  If it is determined in C7 that the password verification result is “OK” (C7; OK), the processing unit 810 executes a second player verification process (S11). Specifically, for all the collated captured image data sets stored in the captured image database 867 of the storage unit 860, the face of the player identified from the captured image data received from the card unit 3 is It is determined whether or not it matches the face of the player specified from any of the captured image data sets for matching. In other words, face matching is comprehensively performed on all matching captured image data sets stored in the captured image database 867.

  If it is determined that there is a matching captured image data set with a matching face (S13; Yes), the processing unit 810 executes a second reception card determination process (S17).

  If the determination result of the second reception card determination process is “NG” (S19; NG), the processing unit 810 shifts the process to C27. If the determination result of the second reception card determination process is “OK” (S19; OK), the processing unit 810 shifts the process to C29.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the second reception card determination process.
First, the processing unit 810 specifies a member card ID stored in association with a collated captured image data set whose face matches in the second player collation processing (T1).

  Next, the processing unit 810 determines whether there is one member card ID specified in T1 (T3), and if it determines that there is one (T3; Yes), the received member card ID is specified. It is determined whether it is different from the membership card ID (T5).

  The fact that the number of the member card IDs whose faces match is one means that the player imaged by the card unit 3 has registered a face for one member card. In this case, there is no problem if the card ID of the member card newly received by the card unit 3 matches the member card ID of the member card with the matching face. Means that the player is trying to play the game using another member card that is not registered.

  Then, when the reception member card ID matches the specified member card ID (T5; No), the processing unit 810 sets the reception card determination result to “OK” (T7), and when not, (T5; Yes), the processing unit 810 sets the acceptance card determination result to “NG” (T9). Then, processing unit 810 ends the second reception card determination process.

  On the other hand, the fact that there is a plurality of member card IDs with matching faces instead of one means that the player imaged by the card unit 3 has duplicately registered faces for a plurality of member cards. In other words, this means that a player who has acquired a plurality of membership cards by an unauthorized method and possesses it is going to play a game using any one of the membership cards illegally.

  Therefore, when the specified member card ID is not one but a plurality (T3; No), the processing unit 810 sets the acceptance card determination result to "NG" (T9). Then, processing unit 810 ends the second reception card determination process.

  In the second embodiment, the face matches the player identified from the captured image data captured by the card unit 3 from all the captured image data sets stored in the captured image database of the ball management computer 8. It is determined whether or not the captured image data set exists, and among the member card IDs stored in association with the captured image data sets whose faces match, a member card ID different from the reception member card ID and the card ID is included. The feature is that it is determined whether or not the card unit 3 has accepted the membership card which the player possesses fraudulently by determining whether or not the card exists. That is, instead of performing authentication using the card ID (specific information) of the accepted member card as a key as in the first embodiment, authentication is performed using the captured image (image information) stored in the captured image database as a key. The feature is that it does.

[3. Third Embodiment]
[3-1. Ball management computer processing]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a third ball management process executed by the processing unit 810 of the ball management computer 8 in place of the ball management process of FIG. 19 in the third embodiment. Note that the same steps as those in the ball management processing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

  If it is determined in C19 that the player verification result is “OK” (C19; OK), the processing section 810 shifts the processing to C29. In the third ball management process, the ball management computer 8 does not execute the reception card determination process, and the card unit 3 executes the reception card determination process. This is intended to reduce the processing load on the ball management computer 8.

[3-2. Processing of card unit]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a second card reception process executed by the processing unit 310 of the card unit 3 in place of the card reception process of FIG. 25 in the third embodiment. Note that the same steps as those in the card accepting process are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

  If it is determined in H17 that the player verification result is “OK” (H17; OK), the processing section 310 executes a third reception card determination process (Q18).

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the third reception card determination process.
The processing unit 310 specifies a captured image data set for the past determination target period in the captured image database 325 stored in the storage unit 320 (R1).

  Next, the processing unit 310 collates the captured image data captured by the reception-time capturing process with each of the captured image data sets specified by R1 (R3). Specifically, for each captured image data set specified by R1, using the captured image data set and the captured image data captured in the reception-time imaging process, it is determined whether or not the player's face matches. judge.

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not there is a member card whose face matches in the member card corresponding to the captured image data set specified in R1 (R5). Yes), it is determined whether the received member card ID is different from the specified member card ID (R7).

  The fact that the face of the player matches the captured image data set of the member card ID different from the reception member card ID means that the same player has registered and possessed a plurality of member cards by an unauthorized method. Means that. Therefore, when this condition is satisfied (R7; Yes), the processing unit 310 sets the acceptance card determination result to "NG" (R9). On the other hand, if this condition is not satisfied (R7; No), the processing section 310 sets the acceptance card determination result to "OK" (R11). Then, the processing section 310 ends the third reception card determination process.

  Returning to the second card accepting process, if the third accepting card determination process has been executed, the processing section 310 moves the process to H19.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the ball management computer 8 performs the player collation processing, and the card unit 3 executes the reception card determination processing based on the result of the player collation processing. Can be reduced.

  Here, the case where the card unit 3 executes the reception card determination process has been described as an example, but the card unit 3 may execute the player verification process. In this case, the processing unit 310 of the card unit 3 refers to the captured image database 325 and determines whether or not there is a member card ID that matches the received member card ID among the member card IDs of the previously received member cards. If it is determined that there is, the face of the player identified from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 390 using the captured image data set stored corresponding to the member card ID. May be checked to see if they match.

[4. Other Embodiments]
Embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described. The same components as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will not be repeated.

[4-1. Gaming machine]
In the above embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention is described as a pachinko machine, but the gaming machine is not limited to this.

[4-1-1. Slot machine]
The gaming machine according to the present invention may be a slot machine 1000 in which a player plays a game using a game medal.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of signals and information in the second gaming system 1B, which is a gaming system when the gaming machine is a slot machine 1000.
In the slot machine 1000, similarly to the first gaming system 1A, a card unit 3 and a data display device 4 are provided correspondingly.

  From the slot machine 1000, a slot signal including a medal IN signal, a medal OUT signal, a bonus signal, an ART signal, an illegal slot signal and an abnormal slot signal is output to the data display device 4 and the hall computer 6.

The medal IN signal is a signal that is output when a medal is inserted into the medal slot of the slot machine 1000 and a BET operation is performed, and a pulse signal corresponding to the number of medals specified by the medal IN signal output command. Are output at predetermined time intervals.
The medal OUT signal is a signal that is set to an output state when a medal is paid out from the slot machine 1000, and pulse signals for the number of medals specified by the medal OUT signal output command are provided at predetermined time intervals. Is output.

The bonus signal is a signal that is set to an output state when controlled to a bonus state, which is a kind of advantageous state for the player. The bonus includes a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB).
The ART signal is a signal that is set to an output state when controlled to an assist replay time (state (ART state)), which is a kind of advantageous state for the player. The time includes an assist time (AT) and a replay time (RT) in addition to the ART.

The slot illegal signal is a type of error signal, and is a signal for notifying that the illegal operation has occurred in the slot machine 1000.
The slot abnormality signal is a type of error signal, and is a signal for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the slot machine 1000.

  From the card unit 3, a unit signal including a card insertion signal, a discharge signal, a deposit signal, a consumption signal, a medal count signal, a unit illegal signal, and a unit abnormal signal is output to the data display device 4. The card unit 3 outputs an authentication request signal and a captured image data back set to the medal management computer 9.

[4-1-2. Enclosed pachinko machine and gaming point type slot machine]
In the above-described embodiment, when a pachinko machine is loaded with a game ball from the hit ball supply tray 3 and a game ball fired in the game area wins in the input area, a prize ball is paid out to the hit ball supply tray or the surplus ball tray. Although described as a conventional pachinko machine 2, an enclosed pachinko machine 2 '(hereinafter referred to as a pachinko machine 2' (hereinafter referred to as a pachinko machine 2 ') capable of playing a game without having to insert a game ball from outside the game machine or pay out the game ball to the outside of the game machine. , "Enclosed pachinko machine").

  A gaming machine is a conventional slot machine in which medals are paid out from a medal payout slot when a medal is inserted from a medal insertion portion and a credit is returned by operating a settlement switch or operating a settlement switch. The gaming machine is not limited to the gaming machine, and it is possible to play a game without having to insert medals from outside the gaming machine or pay out medals to the exterior of the gaming machine. .).

FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 are diagrams showing an example of a system configuration of a third gaming system 1C to which an enclosed pachinko machine 2 'and a gaming point type slot machine 1000' are applied as gaming machines.
In the third gaming system 1C, an enclosed pachinko machine 2 'and a gaming point type slot machine 1000' are provided as gaming machines.

  The enclosed pachinko machine 2 'has a game ball enclosed therein, and a player operates a hitting operation handle to drive a firing motor to drive a game ball into the game area one by one to play a game. It is configured as follows.

  Here, the launch of the game ball is detected by a ball-up switch electrically connected to the payout control board 2B including a microcomputer (CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.). Out of the game balls hit into the game area, the out ball that has entered the out mouth flows down the out ball down flow path and is detected by an out ball detection switch provided in the middle thereof. Further, the foul ball that has returned without the launched game ball jumping out of the game area flows down through the foul ball return path, and is 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 2B.

  In addition, all winning balls (for example, the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, the large winning opening, the winning opening of the ordinary winning device) which are won at the rear of the gaming machine are collected and passed through the collected balls. Guided to the route. Similarly, out balls and foul balls are also guided to the collection ball passage path. A fired ball detection switch electrically connected to the payout control board 2B is provided in the collected ball passage path. Therefore, the winning ball, the out ball, and the foul ball are all detected by the firing ball detection switch. The game ball that has passed through the collection ball passage route is returned to the hit ball firing position. Then, when the player operates the hit ball operation handle, the game ball at the hit ball firing position is hit into the game area again. When the number of detected ball switches is equal to the number of game balls hit by the firing motor, it can be determined that all the hit game balls have been collected.

  As described above, the ball raising switch, the out ball detection switch, the foul ball detection switch, and the firing ball detection switch are all electrically connected to the payout control board 2B, and the operation of each switch in the payout control board 2B. That is, it is possible to detect the passage of the game ball. Also, the game balls that have won each winning opening are detected by a winning sensor provided corresponding to each winning opening. The winning sensor is electrically connected to the main control board 2A including a microcomputer (CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.), and the main control unit that detects a winning by the winning sensor can specify a winning port where the game ball has won. A winning signal is transmitted to the payout control board 2B. It should be noted that the payout control board 2B is provided with a winning opening type (for example, a first starting winning opening, a second starting winning opening, a large winning opening, a normal winning device, etc.) from the main control board 2A when the enclosing pachinko machine 2 'is powered on. The winning opening information including the winning opening) and the number of winning balls corresponding to each winning opening (the number of payout balls when a game ball wins in each winning opening) is received from the main control board 2A. Based on the winning signal, it is possible to specify the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning opening in which the game ball has won.

  A card unit 1100 is provided next to the enclosing pachinko machine 2 'and a gaming point type slot machine 1000' described later as a gaming device corresponding to the gaming machine. On the front side (player side) of the card unit 1100, a bill insertion slot 1103, a display 1102 provided at a protruding portion formed so as to protrude from the front side of the device to the front side of the device, and a prepaid card (a non-member registered member). A card insertion slot 1101 or the like into which a visitor card usable by a member player and a member card usable by a member player who has registered as a member are inserted is provided. A player inserts a prepaid card into the card insertion slot 1101 and associates the card with a card ID read by a card reader / writer (hereinafter, referred to as a card R / W) to manage the prepaid card managed by a balance management device (not shown). Using the remaining amount, a game can be played on a gaming machine communicably connected to the card unit 1100. In addition, the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot 1103 is authenticated and identified by a currency identifier (not shown), and the amount corresponding to the identified type is the card ID of the prepaid card accepted by the card R / W. And 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 a “CU control unit”) 1120 including a microcomputer or the like. The CU control unit 1120 is a main control function unit of the card unit 1100, and includes a CPU serving as a control center, a ROM storing programs for operating the CPU, control data, and the like, and a RAM serving as a work area of the CPU. And an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices. The above-described currency discriminator and card R / W are electrically connected to the CU control unit 1120. The display 1102 outputs display data converted by the display control unit 1110 which is electrically connected to the CU control unit 1120.

  The CU control unit 1120 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for communicating with the hole server 1230 that performs security management. The hall server 1230 is communicably connected to the hall computer 1200. A security board (not shown) for communicating with the payout control board 2B of the pachinko machine 2 'while ensuring security is connected to the CU control unit 1120. This security board is a security monitoring function unit of the card unit 1100. The card unit 1100 is provided with a connection portion to the pachinko machine 2 'of the enclosing method. These connecting portions are constituted by, for example, connectors. Serial communication is performed between the payout control board 2B and the CU control unit 1120, and serial communication is performed between the CU control unit 1120 and the hall server 1230 via a not-shown terminal.

  When a player plays a game with the enclosed pachinko machine 2 ′, he operates the ball lending button provided on the enclosed pachinko machine 2 ′ or the card unit 1100, and manages the remaining amount in association with 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 a game is started. That is, the value owned by the player is converted into a game value usable for the game. For example, the prepaid value of 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 as data. The number of gaming balls is stored in the CU control unit 1120, transmitted to the payout control board 2B of the pachinko machine 2 ', and stored in the RAM of the payout control board 2B.

  When the launch of the game ball is detected by the ball raising switch, the payout control board 2B stores the number of balls in play stored in the RAM (the number of balls not detected by the fired ball detection switch after firing, and the payout control board 2B floats in the game area). Is added to the value of the subtraction counter (storage area for the number of balls to be subtracted from the number of game balls). When the payout control board 2B receives the winning signal from the main control board 2A, the payout control board 2B counts the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning opening indicated by the prize signal in the addition counter (storage area of the number of balls to be added to the number of game balls). Add to the value. When a foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch, the payout control board 2B adds 1 to the value of the addition counter and subtracts 1 from the number of balls in play. In addition, the payout control board 2B subtracts 1 from the number of balls being played when it is detected that the shot balls have been recovered by the shot ball detection switch.

  The payout control board 2B manages the number of in-game balls in this manner. If the number of in-game balls becomes an abnormal value, there is a possibility of clogging or improper operation. Notify. In the payout control board 2B, when the value of the subtraction counter or the value of the addition counter is updated, the CU control unit 1120 is instructed to update the value of the subtraction counter (the number of balls to be subtracted) or the value of the addition counter after the update. Send the value (additional ball count). Then, the payout control board 2B subtracts the updated value of the subtraction counter from the stored "number of game balls", and clears the value of the subtraction counter to zero. Further, the updated value of the addition counter is added to the stored “number of game balls”, and the value of the addition counter is cleared to zero. On the other hand, when the CU control unit 1120 receives the value of the decrement counter (the number of decrement balls), the CU control unit 1120 accumulates the value of the received decrement ball number to the total decrement ball number stored in the RAM, and stores “the number of game balls”. Is subtracted from the received number of balls. When the value of the addition counter (number of added balls) is received, the value of the received number of added balls is added to the total number of added balls stored in the RAM, and the added ball received in the stored "number of game balls" is stored. Add numbers.

  In this way, the CU control unit 1120 updates the “number of game balls”, and the “number of game balls” is displayed on the display device 1102 so that the player can check it. The CU control unit 1120 updates the “number of game balls” stored in the CU control unit 1120 and the “number of game balls” stored in the payout control board 2B received from the payout control board 2B. Is checked, and if they do not match, control to shift to an error state is performed. The enclosed pachinko machine 2 'is provided with a display for displaying game information such as the number of game balls, and the "number of game balls" stored in the payout control board 2B is displayed on the enclosed pachinko machine 2'. You may do so. Further, the display of the enclosing pachinko machine 2 ′ may be connected to the display control unit 1120, and the “number of game balls” stored by the CU control unit 1120 may be displayed on the display.

  The “number of game balls” can be converted into the “number of possessed balls” in accordance with the operation of the player (for example, in response to the operation of a settlement button (not shown) or the return operation of a prepaid card). The “number of ball games” is managed by the ball game server in association with the card ID of the prepaid card, and is changed to “the number of game balls” in accordance with the operation of the player (for example, the operation of a ball game play button not shown). Can be converted. Further, the “number of balls” of the member player is converted into the “number of balls” after the business closes on the day or by a store clerk on the day.

  When the payout control board 2B of the enclosing pachinko machine 2 'is electrically connected to the CU control unit 1120, the main chip ID recorded on the main chip of the main control board 2A is the payout control board 2B and the CU control. The information is transmitted to the hall server 1230 and the hall computer 1200 via the unit 1120. The transmitted main chip ID is managed by the hall computer 1200 in association with the machine number of the enclosing pachinko machine 2 '. This makes it possible to manage the game information in the main control board unit (game board unit), not in the enclosure type pachinko machine 2 'housing unit. If the main chip ID includes information that can specify the model of the pachinko machine 2 ', the hall computer 1200 can associate the machine number with the model of the pachinko machine 2'. Become.

  In addition, the CU control unit 1120 communicates with the hall server 1230 at a predetermined timing (for example, at predetermined time intervals), 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” in the game data table based on the total added balls received from the hall server 1230, and to update the “safe number” based on the total subtracted balls received from the hall server 1230. Update the "number of outs" in the game data table.

  Here, since the format of the output data output from the gaming machine (the enclosed pachinko machine 2 ′, the gaming point type slot machine 1000 ′) differs depending on the gaming machine maker, the CU control unit 1120 outputs the various formats. The data is calculated (converted) into a predetermined format and output to the hall server 1230 via the terminal. The setting data for the calculation (conversion) is input to the CU control unit 1120 and stored. The "predetermined format" is, for example, the assignment of output pins for transmission information and the output length of signals.

  Further, since the data reception format differs depending on the specifications and settings of the hall computer 1200, the hall server 1230 changes the format of the output data output from the card unit 1100 to a format that matches the data reception format of the hall computer 1200. , And transmits it to the hall computer 1200.

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

  Further, even if the data output format of the card unit 1100 does not match the data reception format of the hole computer 1200, a terminal intervening between the card unit 1100 and the hole computer 1200 is transmitted from the card unit 1100 to the terminal. When a format conversion function of converting the format of output data to be output into a format that matches the data reception format of the hall computer 1200 and transmitting the format to the hall computer 1200 is provided, 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 terminal without passing through the hall server 1230.

  The enclosed pachinko machine 2 'is provided with a first start winning opening and a second starting winning opening, and a first special display is displayed on the first variable display portion based on a winning of a game ball in 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 to the second starting winning opening. Then, 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 is performed 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 game state (big hit game state).

  In the third gaming system 1C, the jackpot pachinko machine 2 'outputs a jackpot signal, a probable changing signal, a time saving medium signal, a driving signal, a start signal, an added ball number signal, a subtracted ball number signal, a look-ahead signal, and a firing intensity detection. The signal, the special winning opening winning signal, the accessory operation signal, the pachinko machine illegal signal and the pachinko machine abnormal signal are output to the data display device 4 as the pachinko machine signal. Among them, the jackpot signal, the signal during the probability change, the signal during the time reduction, the driving signal, the start signal, the pachinko machine illegal signal, and the pachinko machine abnormal signal are substantially the same as the signals described in the above-described embodiment.

The additional ball number signal is a signal indicating the additional ball number indicated by the value of the additional count updated in the payout control board 2B.
The subtraction ball number signal is a signal indicating the number of subtraction balls indicated by the value of the subtraction count updated in the payout control board 2B.

  The look-ahead signal is a jackpot lottery based on the winning of the game ball into the starting winning opening, and in the case of winning a jackpot, before the special symbol is variably displayed on the variable display portion, the occurrence of the jackpot is read ahead. It is a signal that suggests. The data display device 4 informs, based on the pre-reading signal output from the enclosing pachinko machine 2 ′, that a big hit will occur in the enclosing pachinko machine 2 ′ before the special symbol is variably displayed on the variable display section. Can be identified.

  The firing intensity detection signal is a signal that enables the launch area of the game ball to be specified when the player hits the game ball left and right according to the game state. In the enclosing pachinko machine 2 ', the first starting winning opening is a game when a left-handed shot of launching a game ball to a game area on the left side of the player (hereinafter, referred to as "left game area") is performed. A game ball wins at a higher rate than when the player hits right to launch a game ball in the right game area (hereinafter, referred to as “right game area”) as viewed from the player, or the game is played in the left game area. A game ball can be won only when the ball is fired. Further, a variable winning ball device for forming a second starting winning port is provided, and the variable winning ball apparatus is closed or opened by tilt control of the movable wing piece, and in the opened state, the variable winning ball device is connected to the second starting winning port. The winning of the game ball becomes possible, or the winning of the game ball to the second starting winning opening becomes easier in the open state than in the closed state.

  Further, a left gate and a right gate are provided in the left game area and the right game area, respectively, as pass areas through which game balls can pass. When the player is hitting left, the game ball passes through the left gate, the variable display of the normal symbol is started, and when the winning symbol is derived and displayed, the variable winning ball device is opened. It can be expected that the game ball will win the second starting winning opening. Also, when the player is making a right hit, the variable display of the normal symbol is started by the game ball passing through the right gate, and when the winning symbol is derived and displayed, the variable winning ball device is opened. It is in a state, and it can be expected that the game ball will win the second start winning opening. In other words, the variable winning ball device may be in an open state in both the case of performing left-handing and the case of performing right-handing, and it can be expected that a game ball wins in the second starting winning opening. .

  In the big hit game state, a special variable winning ball device (a so-called attacker) that forms a special winning opening is controlled to be opened, and a game ball can be won in the special winning opening. The number of times of opening control or the opening control period of the special variable winning ball device differs depending on the type of big hit. This special variable prize ball device is located at a position where guided game balls can easily win due to the arrangement of the guide members and the game nails when the player hits right rather than left.

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

  When the game state is the normal state (low probability / low base state), the special variable prize ball device is not opened, and even if the game ball is passed through the right gate, the variable prize ball device is frequently opened. Therefore, the player hits the game ball leftward to aim at the left game area, and makes the game ball win the first starting winning opening. When the gaming state is the high base state (high probability / high base state or low probability / high base state), when the game ball is passed through the right gate, the variable winning prize ball device is frequently opened, so that the right game area is opened. A right-handed shot of aiming and hitting a game ball is performed, and the game ball is won in the second starting winning opening. In the big hit game state, the special variable winning ball device is opened, so that the player hits the game ball aiming at the right game area and makes a right hit, and the game ball wins the special variable winning ball device.

  Here, the game ball fired from the hitting ball firing device in response to the player operating the hitting ball operation handle enters the game area through a hitting rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area, and thereafter, , Coming down the game area. In this case, a launch intensity sensor is provided which detects the rotation angle (rotation amount) of the hit ball operation handle, converts information on the detected rotation angle into a launch intensity detection signal indicating the launch intensity based on the signal level, and outputs the signal. An emission 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 hit ball operation handle and outputs an analog signal of a level determined according to the detected angle, and a signal conversion output device.

  The data display device 4 specifies a launch area in which a game ball has been launched, based on a launch intensity signal output from the enclosure-type pachinko machine 2 '. Specifically, if the firing intensity is less than the predetermined threshold intensity, it is specified that a game ball has been fired in the left game area by left hitting, and if the firing intensity is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold intensity, It is specified that a game ball is fired in the right game area by hitting.

  In the present embodiment, the threshold value used by the data display device 4 to specify the above-mentioned emission region can be set by the hall computer 1200 for each data display device 4. Then, the threshold strength setting data, which is the setting data of the threshold strength, is distributed. That is, the hall computer 1200 corresponds to a distribution device capable of distributing setting information associated with a signal that can specify a launch area, which is information used to specify a launch area. The data display device 4 specifies the launch area using the threshold intensity setting data distributed from the hall computer 1200.

  The specific winning opening winning signal is a signal indicating that the game ball has won the specific winning opening. Specifically, a signal indicating the time or the number of the game balls winning the first start winning port and a signal indicating the time or the number of the game balls winning the second start winning port are each a specific winning port signal. 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 enclosing pachinko machine 2 '. The accessory includes a movable wing piece included in the variable winning ball device 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 operation signal.

  The gaming point type slot machine 1000 'converts the prepaid value into a "gaming point" by a corresponding card unit 1100 and uses it in a game, similarly to the enclosure type pachinko machine 2'. The "game point" corresponds to the "number of game balls" in the pachinko machine 2 'of the enclosure type. That is, the value owned by the player is converted into a game value usable for the game. For example, a prepaid value of 1,000 yen can be converted into 50 game points (game point 1 corresponds to one medal). This gaming point is stored in the CU control unit 1120.

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

  Here, when the start switch is operated, the game point corresponding to the set bet amount 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 1000A. When all reels are stopped, one game is completed, and when a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped on the activated pay line as a display result of each reel, a prize is generated. The game points determined according to the winning are the added points, and the added points are added to the value of the addition counter stored in the RAM of the game control board 1000A.

  Further, in the game control board 1000A, when the value of the subtraction counter or the value of the addition counter is updated, the value of the updated subtraction counter (subtraction points) or the value of the updated addition counter is notified to the CU control unit 1120. (Additional points) is transmitted. Then, the game control board 1000A subtracts the updated value of the subtraction counter from the stored "game point", and clears the value of the subtraction counter to zero. Further, the updated value of the addition counter is added to the stored "game point", and the value of the addition counter is cleared to zero. On the other hand, when the CU control unit 1120 receives the value of the subtraction counter (the number of subtraction points), the CU control unit 1120 cumulatively adds the value of the received subtraction point to the total number of subtraction points stored in the RAM and receives the value from the stored “game points”. Subtract points. When the value of the addition counter (the number of addition points) is received, the value of the received addition point is cumulatively added to the total addition point stored in the RAM, and the received addition ball number is added to the stored “game points”. .

  Further, the CU control unit 1120 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 added points received from the CU control unit 1120 via the hall server 1230, and updates the “safe number” received from the CU control unit 1120 via the hall server 1230. The "out number" of the game data table is updated based on the subtraction points.

  As described above, the card unit 110, which is a gaming device, is capable of communicating with the gaming machine and the hall computer 1200, and includes a transmission unit (CU control unit 1120) for transmitting information generated by the gaming machine to the hall computer 1200. The transmission means includes an information conversion means (external communication unit) for relaying to a device (a hall server, a base terminal) for converting or transmitting the information generated by the gaming machine to the hall computer 1200 and transmitting or converting the information.

  In the third gaming system 1C, a BET signal, a bonus signal, an ART signal, an ART preparation signal, an addition point signal, a subtraction point signal, an illegal slot signal, and an abnormal slot signal are transmitted as slot signals from the gaming point type slot machine 1000 ′. The data is output to the data display device 4. Among them, the bonus signal, the ART signal, the illegal slot signal, and the abnormal slot signal are the same signals as described above.

The BET signal is a signal that is output when a bet amount is set using a game point.
The ART preparation signal is a signal that is set to an output state when it is determined that a control to the ART state is made by winning.

  An ordinary slot machine 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, although it is possible to output a signal from the main control unit to the sub-control unit, it is not possible to output a signal from the sub-control unit to the main control unit. It is generally a one-way street. For this reason, in a normal slot machine, the main control unit determines, for example, whether or not there is a regularity in the order in which the switches of the player are pressed, in order to specify that the sub control unit has controlled to the ART state. When it was determined that the control was performed, it was necessary to specify that the control was performed in the ART state. In other words, the main control unit cannot specify that it has been controlled to the ART state unless it has been controlled to the ART state by the sub control unit.

  Further, in the ordinary slot machine 1000, an external output board is connected to the main control unit, and generally outputs an ART signal indicating that it has been controlled to the ART state according to the control of the main control unit. . As described above, since the main control unit cannot specify that it has been controlled to the ART state unless it has been controlled to the ART state by the sub-control unit, it is necessary to control the ART state in a look-ahead manner. A identifiable signal could not be output from the external output board.

  However, the gaming point type slot machine 1000 ′ in the third gaming system 1 </ b> C has a high degree of freedom in design, and can be designed so that the main control unit controls the ART state instead of the sub control unit. . In this case, unlike a normal slot machine, the main control unit outputs a signal from the external output board that can specify that the control is to be performed in the ART state in a pre-reading manner when the control to the ART is determined by winning. Can be done. This signal is the ART preparation signal in the present embodiment.

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 1000A.
The subtraction ball number signal is a signal indicating a subtraction point indicated by the value of the subtraction count updated in the game control board 1000A described above.

  Also in the third gaming system 1C, an imaging unit is provided in the card unit 1100 provided corresponding to the enclosing pachinko machine 2 'or the gaming point type slot machine 1000', and unauthorized use is performed in the same manner as in the above embodiment. What is necessary is just to perform card determination and to notify an unauthorized card.

[4-2. Gaming Equipment]
In the above embodiment, the gaming device according to the present invention is described as the card unit 3, but the gaming device according to the present invention is not limited to these. For example, a POS terminal, which is a type of prize exchange device for exchanging prizes, may be used as the gaming device according to the present invention.

  In this case, the POS terminal is provided with an imaging unit, and image information such as captured image data corresponding to the player imaged by the imaging unit of the POS terminal is stored in a membership card that is the ID of the membership card received by the POS terminal. The information may be stored in the management device in association with the ID. The method of determining an unauthorized card and the method of notifying are the same as in the above embodiment.

[4-3. External device]
In the above embodiment, the external device that performs the unauthorized card determination according to the present invention has been described as a ball management computer that is a type of management device, but the external device is not limited to this. For example, the hall computer may be an external device that performs an unauthorized card determination according to the present invention. In addition, a management device such as a member management computer that manages member information and a card management computer that manages card information is installed in a store, and these management devices may be used as external devices that perform an unauthorized card determination according to the present invention. Good.

[4-4. Member recording media]
The member recording medium according to the present invention is not limited to a member card that can be used by being inserted into a game device such as a card unit. For example, an IC chip that can receive the unit by non-contact communication is built in. It may be an IC-compatible member card.

  In this case, if an IC card reader / writer is configured on the front of the gaming device, and the player holds the IC-compatible member card over the IC reader / writer, the IC-compatible member card is accepted and released. Good. In this case, the cancellation of the reception of the recording medium includes an acceptance cancellation operation for canceling the acceptance of the IC-compatible member card, and a cancellation of the actual acceptance of the IC-compatible member card.

[4-5. Processing entity]
The processing entity of the player collation processing and the reception card determination processing described in the above embodiment may be any combination between a gaming device such as the card unit 3 and a management device such as the ball management computer 8. Can be.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a pattern of a processing subject in this case.
As described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the pattern A is a pattern in which the management device such as the ball management computer 8 executes both the player collation process and the reception card determination process. In the pattern A, it is possible to individually authenticate all the card units 3 in the store based on the data stored in the database of the upper management device, and the card unit 3 transmits information necessary for the authentication. Since only simple processing such as transmission to a higher-level management device is performed, there is an advantage that mounting is easy.

  In the pattern B, as described in the third embodiment, the player matching process is executed by the management device such as the ball management computer 8, but the reception card determination process is a pattern executed by the gaming device such as the card unit 3. is there. In the pattern B, there is an advantage that the processing can be shared between the upper management device and the gaming device, and the processing load on the management device can be reduced.

  The pattern C is different from the above-described embodiment in that the player verification processing is executed by the gaming device such as the card unit 3 and the reception card determination processing is executed by the management apparatus such as the ball management computer 8. Pattern C has the advantage that the processing load on the management device can be reduced, but it is necessary to store the data of the captured image required for player verification in the gaming device.

  The pattern D is different from the above-described embodiment, and is a pattern in which a game device such as the card unit 3 executes both of the player collation processing and the reception card determination processing. Pattern D has the advantage that the processing load on the management device can be reduced, but it is necessary to store data required for player verification and reception card determination in the gaming device.

  Like pattern C and pattern D, it is possible to store captured image data necessary for player verification in a game device such as the card unit 3. However, considering the storage capacity of the game device, This is not very realistic. For this reason, it can be said that the pattern A (the first and second embodiments) and the pattern B (the third embodiment) among the above patterns are preferable in terms of mounting.

[4-6. Processing order]
In the above embodiment, the description has been given assuming that the unauthorized card determination is performed in the order of the player verification processing and the reception card determination processing. However, the fraudulent card determination does not necessarily have to be performed in this order, and the fraudulent card determination may be performed in the order of the reception card determination process and the player verification process. In other words, if it is determined in the player verification process that the players match, and it is determined in the reception card determination process that a member card with a different member card ID has been received, it may be determined to be an unauthorized card. The order of the two matching processes does not matter.

[4-7. Image information]
In the embodiment described above, the management device such as the ball management computer 8 stores the captured image data, which is the image data of the captured image captured by the card unit 3, as image information in association with the member card ID. did. However, the image information that can be stored in association with the member card ID is not limited to the captured image data.

  Specifically, for example, the card unit 3 executes a feature point extraction process of extracting a feature point of the face from the captured image by the imaging unit 390. Then, instead of the captured image data, one face feature point data composed of the extracted face feature points or a face feature point data set composed of a plurality of face feature point data is stored. By transmitting the data to the management computer 8, the ball management computer 8 may register the face feature point data or the face feature point data set in association with the member card ID.

  In this case, instead of the face matching process described in the above embodiment, a face feature point matching process for matching feature points of a face is executed to determine whether or not the players match. Good. This method can be applied to each of the embodiments described above.

  For example, it is effective to apply this method to the second ball management processing described in the second embodiment. In the second ball management process, the processing unit 810 of the ball management computer 8 performs the captured image received from the card unit 3 for all the collated captured image data sets stored in the captured image database 867 of the storage unit 860. It is determined whether or not the player's face specified from the data matches the player's face specified from any of the captured image data sets for matching. That is, the face is comprehensively collated with respect to all the collated captured image data sets stored in the captured image database 867, so that the processing load increases.

  However, by storing the member card ID and the face feature point data in association with each other, and performing the matching using the face feature point data instead of the matching using the image data of the face, The capacity of the storage unit 860 of the management computer 8 can be reduced, and the processing load of the processing unit 810 can be reduced.

[4-8. Player matching process]
In the above embodiment, the player matching process is executed using the captured image data set for matching stored in the ball management computer 8. However, the player matching process does not necessarily have to be performed using a captured image data set including a plurality of captured image data, and the player matching process may be performed using one captured image data. .

  However, in this case, since the accuracy of the matching in the player matching process may be reduced, the management device such as the ball management computer 8 creates a database from the plurality of pieces of image data captured by the card unit 3. By performing a process of determining a captured image in which the player's face is most appropriately projected by a method such as pattern matching using the selected face model, the data of the captured image is stored as captured image data for comparison. It is preferable to set to.

[4-9. Authentication timing]
In the above embodiment, the ball management computer 8 has been described as executing the player verification process and the reception card determination process when receiving the authentication request signal from the card unit 3. However, instead of doing so, the ball management computer 8 may execute the player verification process and the reception card determination process at the timing when the captured image data is transmitted from the card unit 3 to the ball management computer 8. Good.

  In this case, if the imaging is performed at the time of receiving the membership card and the captured image data is transmitted from the card unit 3 to the ball management computer 8 immediately thereafter, the membership card is received and the captured image data is transmitted to the ball management computer 8. At the transmitted timing, the ball management computer 8 executes the player verification processing and the reception card determination processing.

  In addition to the above, for example, the imaging is not performed when the membership card is received, the imaging is performed at a timing when a certain period of time has elapsed after the acceptance of the membership card, and thereafter, the captured image is transmitted from the card unit 3 to the ball management computer 8. It is also conceivable to transmit data. In this case, the ball management computer 8 executes the player verification processing and the reception card determination processing at a timing when a certain time has elapsed after the reception of the membership card.

[4-10. Imaging Settings]
In the above-described embodiment, the card unit 3 is described as causing the imaging unit 390 to take an image at three types of occasions: when receiving a membership card, during reception of a membership card, and when returning a membership card. However, the timing and timing for causing the imaging unit 390 to perform imaging can be freely set. For example, unlike the above-described embodiment, the imaging unit 390 may be caused to take an image at two kinds of occasions, that is, when the member card is received and when the member card is returned.

  In the case where the imaging unit 390 performs imaging while accepting a membership card, the time interval at which imaging is performed (imaging time interval, face image sample interval) can be set freely. The shorter the imaging time interval, the greater the number of captured image data that can be obtained, so that the accuracy of the matching in the face matching process can be improved.

  Specifically, for example, the number of times that the ball management computer 8 has determined that an unauthorized card has been accepted is counted and stored for each card unit 3. Then, a shorter time may be set as the imaging time interval for the card unit 3 having received a larger number of unauthorized cards.

  In addition to this, for example, for card units 3 provided corresponding to popular gaming machines, there is a tendency for the number of players to be changed. For this reason, the card unit 3 provided corresponding to a popular gaming machine may be set to have a shorter imaging time interval than the card unit 3 provided corresponding to an unpopular gaming machine. Good.

[4-11. Holding ball total / Holding ball division]
In the above-described embodiment, when it is determined that the member card is invalid, a process of restricting the sum of ball holdings and the division of ball holdings using the member card may be performed as the card use control process.

  In addition, by the sum of possessed balls, the savings of one member card may be transferred to another member card or a visitor card. In this case, even if the coins are transferred to another member card, if the member card is determined to be improper, replay using the member card is restricted. However, if the accumulated ball is transferred to the visitor card as a possession ball, it is not possible to restrict the game using the possession ball transferred to the visitor card. It is preferable to control the summation.

  In addition, the ball savings of one member card may be divided into visitor cards due to ball division. Also in this case, it is not possible to restrict a game using the ball held divided into the visitor card, and therefore it is preferable to restrict the ball split for a member card determined to be improper.

[4-12. blacklist]
In the above embodiment, a player who has a membership card with a membership card ID for which the number of times of determination as an unauthorized card has reached a specified number (for example, 10) may be registered as a blacklist. In this case, with respect to the player registered in the black list, the use of the member card is regulated so that the member card registered and possessed by the player cannot be used in all card units 3. You may do so.

  Also, instead of registering a player as a blacklist, a member card determined to be a fraudulent card is registered as a blacklist so that a member card determined to be a fraudulent card cannot be used in all card units 3. The use of the member card may be restricted as described above.

[4-13. Registration of image information]
In the above-described embodiment, when the member card is used for the first time in the card unit 3, the captured image data set is transmitted to the ball management computer 8 as initial registration, and is stored in association with the member card ID. .

  However, the image of the player's face is not the best shot, the player frequently turns to the side, and the player's face cannot be properly imaged, or noise is included in the image. It is also conceivable to mix them. In this case, it may not be possible to properly determine whether or not the players match in the player verification process.

  Therefore, for example, for each member card, the number of times that the player has been determined not to match continuously in the player matching process is counted by the management device side such as the ball management computer 8, and the number of times that the number of times that the match is not determined is determined. When has reached the prescribed number of times (for example, five times), the card unit 3 may be notified of re-registration, and the player may be re-imaged, and the image data may be re-registered.

  Further, for a plurality of captured images captured by the card unit 3, the card unit 3 and the ball management computer 8 determine the captured image in which the face is most appropriately captured based on a predetermined index value. May be executed, and the data of the captured image determined to be most appropriate may be registered, and then used for the player verification process.

  As the index value used for the determination in the optimal captured image determination process, for example, a front degree indicating a degree at which the captured face is facing the front, a sharpness indicating a degree at which the captured face is clear, and the like. A conventionally known index value can be used. Then, the data of the captured image having the highest index value among the plurality of captured images may be registered.

  Although different from the above-described embodiment, the image pickup means corresponds to a prize exchange device (POS terminal) installed at a reception counter or the like of a store or a terminal device for inputting a password of a membership card for prize exchange. A camera is provided, and when the player registers as a member at the reception counter, the face of the player is imaged with the camera, and the captured image data is associated with the membership card ID of the created membership card, and the ball management computer 8 or the like is used. May be registered and managed by the management device.

  In this case, the player may illegally register a plurality of membership cards, for example, by forging an identification card. However, also in this case, by executing the player collation processing and the reception card determination processing described in the above embodiment in the same manner, if the same face is registered in duplicate, the reception card determination result becomes “NG”. , It is possible to prevent a game using a member card that has been repeatedly registered, and to prevent a loophole in the first registration.

[4-14. Notification means]
In the above embodiment, the display unit of the gaming device such as the card unit 3 is used as the notifying means, the specific notification is given as the fraudulent card notification, and a message that alerts the player to the use of an unauthorized member card is displayed on the gaming device. This is described as being displayed in the section. However, in addition to this, for example, a notification unit for performing specific notification may be provided to a higher-level management device such as the hall computer 6 or the ball management computer 8.

  As in the above-described embodiment, when a message alerting the use of an unauthorized card is displayed on the display unit 355 of the card unit 3, a player who intends to play a game using a game card illegally displays the message. There is a risk of seeing the sent message and escaping from the place. Therefore, a message indicating that there is a possibility that an unauthorized card is used in the card unit 3 is displayed on the display unit 355 of the card unit 3 without displaying a message alerting the use of the unauthorized card. The information is displayed on the display unit 625 of the hall computer 6 and the display unit 830 of the ball management computer 8 together with the unit ID.

  In this way, the store manager notifies the store clerk of the store via an intercom or the like that the unauthorized card may be used together with the unit ID. It is possible to go out, stop the game of the player, and give attention and guidance to the player.

[4-15. Others]
In the above embodiment, the card unit 3 has been described as performing the setting based on the unit setting data 693 transmitted from the hall computer 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The setting data is stored in the storage unit of the card unit 3 in advance, and the card unit 3 is described in the above embodiment based on the setting data stored in the storage unit. The setting may be performed.

  In addition, a store manager or a store clerk may perform a setting operation using an operation unit such as an operation button or a touch panel provided on the card unit 3 or provide a switch such as a dip switch on the card unit 3 to switch between them. Thus, the card unit 3 may be able to perform the settings described in the above embodiment.

  In addition, by transmitting setting information to the card unit 3 using the setting remote controller held by the store manager or the clerk, the card unit 3 can perform the setting described in the above embodiment. Is also good.

  Various settings of the card unit 3 may be performed in units of the card unit 3, may be performed in units of models of the corresponding gaming machines, or may be performed in units of the card unit 3. May be performed on a game island basis for each game island on which is installed.

  In the third gaming system 1C, a signal that can be specified to be controlled to be in an advantageous state is controlled, a look-ahead signal to notify that the pachinko machine is controlled to be in a jackpot gaming state, and a slot machine is controlled to be in an ART state. Although the description has been given as the ART preparation signal notifying that the control is performed, the signal that can specify that the control is performed in the advantageous state is not limited thereto.

  For example, in a pachinko machine, a signal notifying that the vehicle is controlled to be in a probable state, a time saving state, or a latently probable state may be a signal that can specify that the vehicle is controlled to be in an advantageous state. The signal notifying that control is performed in a chance time state (AT state or RT state) other than ART or a BB state or RB state may be a signal that can specify that control is performed in an advantageous state.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming system 1A 1st gaming system 1B 2nd gaming system 1C 3rd gaming system 2 Pachinko machine 2 'Enclosure pachinko machine 3 Card unit 4 Data display device 6 Hall computer 8 Ball management computer 9 Medal management computer 10 Terminal 1000 Slot Machine 1000 'Game Point Slot Machine 1100 Card Unit

Claims (1)

A gaming system including a gaming device capable of executing a predetermined process by receiving a member's recording medium that is a recording medium possessed by a member-registered player,
Imaging means provided corresponding to the gaming device, capable of capturing an image of a player who has caused the gaming device to receive the member recording medium;
Storage means capable of storing the identification information of the member recording medium received by the gaming device and the image information corresponding to the player imaged by the imaging means in association with each other;
When the gaming device receives a new member recording medium, the image information corresponding to the player imaged by the imaging unit and the associated specific information and image information stored in the storage unit. A first determination unit that can compare the image information with the image information and determine whether the player captured by the imaging unit matches the player identified from the image information stored in the storage unit; When,
After the first determination unit determines that they match, the received specific information of the member recording medium is compared with the specific information of the associated specific information and image information stored in the storage unit. A second determining unit that can determine whether the received member recording medium is different from the member recording medium specified from the specific information stored in the storage unit,
When the first determination unit determines that the two match, and when the second determination unit determines that the two match, the first determination unit performs the first identification notification . When the first determination unit determines that the two match , the second identification is performed. An informing means capable of informing,
A game system comprising:

Images