JP2000079254A - Portable type game machine inspection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To judge the illicit to a control circuit board, etc., by acquiring the intrinsic identification information of a game machine by communication, collating the information with the stored identification information and judging the integrity thereof. SOLUTION: An SRAM 340 which is a non-volatile memory is disposed in an ID inspection apparatus. The information on the discrete identification information of an ID signal transmitter mounted at the game control circuit board, and the information on the machine number of a pachinko machine mounted with the ID signal transmitter, etc., are previously stored therein. Password numbers for checking operation qualification of operators are previously stored therein as well. A signal transmission request for the identification information is executed for the ID signal transmitter via a communication circuit 322 and an antenna 323 and the signal reception of the identification information is executed. The received identification information is collated with the stored identification information and the judgement of the integrity thereof is executed. These inspection modes are executed in accordance with the game controller of a display panel 303 and a display LED 304. The illicit action may be easily judged by such constitution.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine, such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine, for examining identification information provided on the game machine to determine whether a game control board or the like has been replaced illegally. The present invention relates to a portable game machine inspection device that can easily determine whether or not the game machine is inspected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine is provided with a game control board for controlling the gaming machine. A game control ROM in which a game control program for controlling a game machine is stored is mounted on the game control board. The game control program stored in the game control ROM is a regular one in order to prevent the game control ROM from being illegally exchanged at night or the like and gaining improper profits from the gaming machine. A function to determine whether or not the game control board is provided has also been provided on the game control board. This is because, for example, when the power is turned on, the game control program stored in the game control ROM is read, and it is checked whether or not the read game control program is correct. In the event that a game operation has been performed, a normal game operation is not performed.

[0003]

Even if the game control board has such a game control program determination function, if the game control board itself is replaced with an unauthorized one, this function cannot be exhibited. . In fact, there has been a crime in which a game control board is illegally exchanged for each game control board box that stores the game control board. The game control program determination function provided on the game control board has a problem that such injustice cannot be found.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a portable game machine capable of easily determining whether or not a game control board or the like has been illegally replaced by inspecting identification information provided in the game machine. It is an object to provide a machine inspection device.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a portable gaming machine inspection apparatus of the present invention communicates with identification information holding means attached to a gaming machine and holding identification information unique to the gaming machine. Communication means; identification information storage means capable of storing a plurality of the identification information unique to the gaming machine; identification information registration means for storing the identification information read from the identification information holding means in the identification information storage means; Means for determining consistency between the identification information obtained from the identification information holding means by communication by the means, and the identification information stored in the identification information storage means, and a determination result of the consistency determination means. A determination result output means for outputting the result in a manner recognizable by the operator.

In the portable game machine inspection apparatus, the identification information storage means is preferably an electrically rewritable nonvolatile storage means, and is capable of updating the stored identification information. .

[0007] In the above-mentioned portable game machine inspection apparatus, it is preferable to have a calendar clock means capable of outputting time information in real time.

In the portable game machine inspection apparatus, it is preferable that the portable game machine inspection apparatus further includes a battery for backing up the storage contents of the identification information storage means and the calendar clock means even when the power is off.

In the portable game machine inspection apparatus, the identification information storage means includes: the identification information; gaming machine instruction information indicating an operator can recognize a gaming machine corresponding to the identification information; It is preferable to store time information indicating the time when the identification information is registered.

In the above portable game machine inspection apparatus, it is preferable that the identification information holding means having no power supply has a power supply means for supplying power required for operation.

In the portable game machine inspection apparatus, it is preferable that the power supply means supplies power by electromagnetic waves.

In the above-mentioned portable game machine inspection apparatus, it is preferable that an operation mode to be started is switched by operating a power key for turning on / off the power of the inspection apparatus in combination with another input key. .

[0013] Further, in the above-mentioned portable game machine inspection apparatus, it is preferable to have a password storage means for storing a password for confirming the operation qualification of the operator.

[0014] Specific examples of the means for solving the above-mentioned problems will be described in association with the notation of the embodiment of the invention. The gaming machines include a pachinko machine 1 and a pachislot machine. The ID transmitter 230 corresponds to the identification information holding unit. A communication circuit 322, an antenna 323, and a communication program 332 correspond to the communication means. In the identification information storage means,
The identification information table 341 corresponds. An identification information registration program 334 corresponds to the identification information registration means. A consistency determination program corresponds to the consistency determination means. The display panel 303 and the display L
The ED 304 or the buzzer 328 corresponds. As the nonvolatile storage means, a battery-backed SRA
M can be used. A calendar clock 327 corresponds to the calendar clock means. The machine number corresponds to the gaming machine instruction information. The communication circuit 322 and the antenna 323 correspond to the power supply unit. The password storage means includes an SRAM
340 corresponds.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 as an example of a gaming machine inspected by the inspection device of the present invention. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a card unit 35 adjacent thereto. The card availability indicator lamp 47 provided on the card unit 35
This is for notifying the player by lighting or blinking whether or not is available. The card unit 35 is installed in a state where it is inserted between the pachinko machines 1 installed on a plurality of gaming machine installation islands, and indicates to the left or right pachinko machine 1 a connection stand direction indication. Is displayed by the container 49.

When a player inserts a common card (prepaid card) on which a card balance is recorded from the card insertion slot 50, the card balance recorded on the common card is read. When the player performs the ball lending operation, the lending unit amount set in advance is reduced from the card balance, and the pachinko balls for the lending unit amount are lent out to the upper plate 87 of the pachinko machine 1. Supplied.

The card unit 35 is provided with an information display switch 48. By pressing this information display switch 48, information such as a card balance and an error code when an error occurs is transmitted to the pachinko machine 1. The information can be displayed on an information display (not shown) provided.
The card unit lock 51 is a lock for locking the front of the card unit 35. By inserting a predetermined key into the card unit lock 51 and performing an unlocking operation, the front side of the card unit 35 can be opened.

The game board 3 of the pachinko machine 1 is formed as a game surface, on which various components are arranged. The center of the game board 3 is a circular game area partitioned by the section rails 2 made of a band-shaped sheet metal material. A variable display unit 4 is provided at the center of the game area, and the display screen of the image display device 5 is arranged at the center of the variable display unit 4. As the image display device 5, CR
T, liquid crystal display, etc. can be used. Image display device 5
The display screen displays information related to a game such as a slot machine-shaped special symbol that can be stopped and stopped, and other moving images and still images. A starting port 9 is arranged below the image display device 5. The probability that a ball enters the starting opening 9 can be changed by fine adjustment of a plurality of winning adjustment nails immediately above the starting opening 9. The pachinko ball that has entered the starting port 9 is detected by a starting detector (not shown).

When the starting detector detects a winning pachinko ball, a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out as prize balls. Simultaneously with the payout, the image display device 5 displays a moving image as if the symbol display (special symbol) of the rotating body in the form of a slot machine is rotating. When the rotation of the rotating body stops and the special symbol matches a specific combination, a big hit occurs. Here, "big hit"
A state where the display of the image display device 5 matches a predetermined combination determined in advance, the opening and closing plate 61 of the variable winning ball device 10 is opened to become a big winning opening, and a state where many pachinko balls can enter from the big winning opening, that is, It means a big hit.

Either a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after opening the opening / closing plate 61 or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of pachinko balls enter the large winning opening, and either condition is satisfied. Closed at the time. In the jackpot state, L
The ED (light emitting diode) 62 flashes. The number indicator 63 displays the number of pachinko balls entered from the special winning opening.

Warp entrances 21 are provided on both sides of the variable display section 4. The probability of a ball entering the warp entrance 21 is changed by fine adjustment of a plurality of winning adjustment nails immediately above the warp entrance 21. The pachinko ball that has entered the warp inlet 21 comes out of the warp outlet 8 immediately above the starting port 9. For this reason, the pachinko balls that have come out of the warp exit 8 are relatively easy to win the starting opening 9.

At the warp entrance 21 provided on the left side of the variable display section 4, a normal symbol starting gate 23 is provided. The pachinko balls that have entered the ordinary symbol starting gate 23 are detected by the passing ball detector 23a, and the ordinary symbols displayed on the ordinary symbol display 17 change accordingly.
Ordinarily, when a symbol matches a specific symbol, it is a hit. Here, the "hit" means that the symbol displayed on the symbol display 17 is predetermined, and the probability that the movable piece 20 of the starting port 9 is opened and the pachinko ball enters the starting port 9 as a winning ball. Is higher.

On the lower side of the image display device 5, a start storage display 6 is provided. The start memory display 6 is for displaying the number of pachinko balls that have won the start port 9 and have not yet started the change display of the image display device 5. The start memory display 6 can display up to four start memory numbers. Furthermore, the normal symbol display 17
Are provided on both sides. The passing memory display 18 normally passes through the symbol starting gate 23,
And it is for storing and displaying the number of pachinko balls which have not yet started the symbol change of the ordinary symbol display 17.
The passage memory display 18 can store and display up to four symbol variation numbers.

In the game area, there are fixed winning openings 7, 11, 15
Is also provided. The side lamp 22 is a decorative lamp that blinks when a pachinko ball enters the fixed winning opening 7, 11, 15 or the starting opening 9 and wins. The windmill 19 rotates when the pachinko ball collides with it, and changes the falling speed and the falling direction of the pachinko ball. The out port 16 is where pachinko balls that did not enter any winning port or starting port 9 are discharged from the game area as out balls.

In the lower part of the pachinko machine 1, a handle 82 is provided rotatably. By rotating the handle 82, the pachinko balls can be fired electrically toward the game area. The upper plate 87 is a container for storing a large number of balls that are hit by operating the handle 82. The upper plate 87 is configured so that a prize ball paid out when winning is also entered.

When the upper plate 87 is filled with pachinko balls, the prize balls are automatically paid out to the lower plate 86 arranged below the upper plate 87. In addition, the pachinko ball of the upper plate 87 can be moved to the lower plate 86 by laterally moving the upper plate ball removing lever 84. To remove the pachinko balls from the lower plate 86, the lower plate ball removal lever 85 is moved laterally to drop the pachinko balls into a separately prepared container (not shown). The front frame lock 83 locks a door-shaped front frame on the front side of the pachinko machine 1. The open detection switch 266 is a switch for detecting the open / closed state of the front frame.

The speaker 8 provided on the pachinko machine 1
Numeral 1 is for outputting audio signals such as sound effects, music, and voice messages in stereo. Also, in the pachinko machine 1,
Decorative LED 262, Decorative Fluorescent Light 263, 264, 265
Is provided. These are turned on or off in accordance with the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1, and serve to notify the player of the occurrence or continuation of the specific gaming state and to excite the atmosphere of the game. Further, there are provided a broken-out LED 260 for notifying that a prize ball is insufficient, and a payout LED 261 for notifying that a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out based on the occurrence of a prize ball.

FIG. 2 is a view of the pachinko machine 1 and the card unit 35 as viewed from the back. Pachinko machine 1 has outer frame 5
2 and fixed. A mechanism plate 53 is attached to the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and various devices, circuit boards, and the like are provided on the mechanism plate 53. Jade tank 5
Reference numeral 4 is for storing pachinko balls and driving balls supplied from a pachinko ball supply device (not shown). The ball alignment rail 55, the curve gutter 57, and the passage body 58 are for supplying the pachinko balls in the ball tank 54 to the prize ball payout device 59.

The prize ball payout device 59 is for paying out pachinko balls as prize balls to the upper plate 87 in accordance with a prize. Pachinko balls are supplied from the ball tank 54 to the prize ball payout device 59. In the game control board box 87b, a game control board 87a (see FIG. 3) for controlling a game operation of the pachinko machine 1 including the game board 3 is stored. The winning ball processing device 72 includes a winning ball detecting switch 74 and a winning ball discharging solenoid 73, and performs processing of a pachinko ball winning from each winning port.

Further, a relay board box 76 containing the unit relay board 75, an illuminated board box 64 containing the illuminated board 65, and a terminal board box 68 containing the terminal board 67 are provided. The unit relay board 75 relays wiring between the pachinko machine 1 and the card unit 35. The electric decoration board 65 is provided with electric decoration parts (decoration LE) provided on the front of the pachinko machine 1 based on a command or data from the game control board 87a.
D262, decorative fluorescent lamps 263 to 265, etc.). The terminal board 67 is a pachinko machine 1
Supply power to various electrical devices provided in the pachinko machine 1 and relay signal lines inside the pachinko machine 1;
And relay the signal line between the device and the outside.

The prize ball substrate 69 controls the prize ball payout device 59 to control the prize ball payout, and is housed in a prize ball substrate box 77. The hitting unit 71 is for firing a pachinko ball into the game area of the game board 3 by rotating the handle 82 (see FIG. 1) by the player. Control the operation of.

A window opening 56 is formed in the center of the mechanism plate 53, and a winning ball collecting cover body 66 attached to the back surface of the game board 3 penetrates through the window opening 56. The relay board 78 and the image display device 5
Are provided. Various electrical components on the game board 3 are connected to the relay board 78, and a game control board 87a described later is connected to the relay board 78. In the image display device 5, an image display control board (not shown) is provided. The image display device 5 displays various special designs, characters, and other images on the display screen based on the image display control signal of the image display control board. The relay board 78, the game control board 87a, and the image display device 5 are connected to each other by a cable 90. Each cable 90 has a connector 88
It is attached detachably.

The game control board 87a in the game control board box 87b has an ID transmitter 230 (FIG. 3) as described later.
Reference), but in addition to the above,
The ID transmitter 245 may be provided in various modes, such as the ID transmitter 245 attached to the fifth, the ID transmitter 246 attached to the award ball substrate 69, and the ID transmitter 235 attached to the middle plate below the outer frame 52.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the game control board box 87b. The game control board box 87b includes a box main body 110 that houses the game control board 87a, and a lid 91 that covers the game control board 87a. The lid 91 and the box body 110 are assembled and fixed to each other by mounting pieces 80a to 80c provided on the surface of the lid 91. Mounting piece 80
When the lid 91 is opened, the marks a to 80c leave a trace of the opening, and have a function of preventing the lid 91 from being illegally opened for the purpose of unauthorized replacement of the game control board 87a.

At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the surface of the lid 91,
A plurality of attachment pieces 80a to 80c are arranged in parallel. The mounting pieces 80a to 80c are for irreversibly fixing the box main body 110 and the lid 91. The mounting pieces 80a to 80c are connected to the connecting portions 94a to 94
c and the lid 91 are connected to each other and to each other by the connecting portions 93a to 93c on the upper surface.
Is connected between. A slit-like groove is formed between each of the mounting pieces 80a to 80c,
To 93c and 94a to 94c, each mounting piece 8
0 a to 80 c can be separated from the lid 91. On the upper surfaces of the mounting pieces 80a to 80c, mounting holes 95 are respectively provided.
a to 95c are provided, and a mounting hole 95d is provided on the upper surface of a portion adjacent to the mounting piece portion 80c.

Each of the connecting portions 93a-93c, 94a-
Marks “1” to “3” for instructing a worker or the like on an opening order of the game control board box 87b are respectively provided on 94c. Specifically, the connecting portions 93a and 94a corresponding to the mounting piece portion 80a are engraved with "1", and the connecting portions 93b and 94b corresponding to the mounting piece portion 80b are "2".
The connecting portion 93 corresponding to the mounting piece portion 80c is marked.
c and 94c are engraved with “3”. When the game control board 87a needs to be repaired or replaced, the worker follows the markings to connect the connecting portions 93a to 93c, 94c.
a to 94c are cut, and the lid 91 of the game control board box 87b is opened.

First, the box body 110 and the lid 91 are connected to the one-way screw 140 screwed into the mounting hole 95a.
It is fixed by. The one-way screw 140 is a special screw that turns only in the screw tightening direction, and once tightened, the screw cannot be removed. Therefore, the only way to open the lid 91 is to cut the connecting portions 93a and 94a and separate the mounting piece 80a from the lid 91. The mounting piece 80a remains fixed to the box body 110 as it is. Next, to fix the lid 91, the box body 1
The one-way screw 140 housed inside 10 is taken out and screwed into the mounting hole 95b of the mounting piece 80b. In this way, the lid 91 can be opened up to three times,
Finally, the lid 91 is fixed using the mounting holes 95d.

On the upper surface of the lid 91, a model name sticker 97b indicating the model name of the pachinko machine 1 and an inspection history seal 98b are provided.
Is affixed. The inspection history seal 98b is provided with an "inspector" field and an "inspection date" field to be written when the game control board 87a is inspected, repaired, replaced, etc. When the lid 91 is opened in the above, each item is entered. With such a configuration, the lid 91 cannot be easily opened, and even if the lid 91 is forcibly opened, the trace can be identified at a glance.

To prevent unauthorized opening of the lid 91, the lid 9
Sealing seals 104 and 105 on which a hologram is printed are adhered and sealed between the box body 1 and the box body 110. When the sealing seals 104 and 105 are peeled off, the lid 91 is removed.
The hologram partially remains in the box body 110, and it can be seen at a glance that the hologram has been peeled off. However, even with these unauthorized opening prevention means, if the entire box body 110 is completely exchanged illegally, it cannot be determined. In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, an ID transmitter 230 for storing and transmitting identification information is attached to the game control board 87a itself.

The game control board 87a accommodated in the game control board box 87b includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and controls a game operation of a game device such as the variable display unit 4 and the variable winning ball device 10. For example, the game control board 87a is connected to the image display control board in the image display device 5 by a cable, and transmits a signal for specifying an image to be displayed on the display screen to the image display control board. The game control board 87 a is a rectangular printed circuit board fixed to the box main body 110 by fixing screws 139, and a plurality of connectors 88 are mounted on one side exposed from the lid 91.

An ID transmitter 230 is provided in the game control board 87a.
Are fixed and attached by sticking or the like. The ID transmitter 230 is composed of an IC chip of the same type as an IC chip embedded and used in a non-contact type IC card. The memory (flash memory) in the ID transmitter 230 differs for each individual game control board 87a, and includes identification information (I) that can identify each game control board 87a.
D code) is stored. ID transmitter 230 outputs
The identification information stored therein is transmitted to the ID inspection device 300 in response to a transmission request from the D inspection device 300 (see FIG. 4). By confirming this identification information, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the game control board 87a has been illegally replaced.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the ID inspection apparatus 300 of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a side view of the ID inspection apparatus 300.
The main body 301 of the ID inspection device 300 is provided with a data transmitting / receiving unit 302 that transmits a request signal for transmitting identification information and receives identification information at a leading end portion. The rear end portion of the main body 301 is shaped so that it can be grasped by hand. The ID inspection device 300 is small and light enough to be carried by an operator with one hand, and is excellent in portability.

The display LED 304 is connected to the data
2 indicates whether the transmission / reception of data such as identification information has been successful. The display panel 303 can display katakana, alphabetic, and numeric characters of 10 characters × 2 lines. Based on the character information displayed on the display panel 303, the user checks the identification information or selects a task from a menu. The display panel 303 also displays an indication of the remaining battery capacity.

A power key 305 is for turning on and off the power of the ID inspection apparatus 300. Down arrow key 3
07 and an up key 308 are for moving a cursor displayed on the display panel 303 and for switching a menu display page. Cancel key 309
Is for interrupting the processing on the way or returning to the menu hierarchy. An enter key 306 is used to execute a process or determine a menu.
When the power key 305 is pressed, the enter key 30
When the user presses the button 6, the processing selection menu is displayed and the apparatus is activated. When the power key 305 is pressed alone, the apparatus is activated in the identification information inspection mode.

On the back side of the main body 301, a battery cover 310 is detachably provided.
When the battery 10 is removed, replacement of dry batteries, rechargeable batteries and the like can be performed. Further, a buzzer hole (not shown) for outputting a buzzer sound to the outside is provided on a side surface of the main body 301 opposite to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the ID inspection apparatus 300. In the ID inspection device 300, a CPU 320 as information processing means is provided. C
The PU 320 is connected to the flash memory 3 via the bus 321.
30, access a memory such as SRAM 340,
Various information processing can be performed by accessing other input / output circuits and the like. Although the flash memory 330 is a nonvolatile ROM, it can electrically rewrite the stored contents in units of blocks. The flash memory 330 stores programs and data to be executed by the CPU 320.

Although the SRAM 340 is a rewritable static RAM, its storage contents are backed up by a main battery 350 and a backup battery 351. That is, even if the power of the ID inspection device 300 is off, the stored contents of the SRAM 340 are retained,
The SRAM 340 is a nonvolatile memory. SR
The AM 340 stores an identification information table 341 in which information such as individual identification information of the ID transmitter 230 and information such as the machine number of the pachinko machine 1 to which the ID transmitter 230 is attached are stored in association with each other. In the SRAM 340, a password storage area for storing a password for confirming the operation qualification of the operator is provided. SRAM3
In addition, a working memory area for the CPU 320 is also provided in 40.

The communication circuit 322 and the antenna 323
This is for transmitting an identification information transmission request signal for requesting transmission of identification information to the ID transmitter 230, and for receiving identification information transmitted from the ID transmitter 230. The antenna 323 is arranged inside the data transmission / reception unit 302 of the ID inspection device 300. The communicable distance with the ID transmitter 230 is several cm, and the identification information can be read without contact. The infrared communication circuit 324 is used to exchange information with another device (for example, a general-purpose personal computer or the like) by infrared rays. The serial input / output circuit 325 is for exchanging information with another device (for example, a general-purpose personal computer or the like) by a serial signal.

The display panel 303 and the display LED 304 are as described above. The input key 326 includes the above-described power key 305, enter key 306, down key 307, up key 308, and cancel key 309. The calendar clock 327 is a clock that holds the current date (year, month, day) and time in real time. Even if the power of the ID inspection device 300 is off, the main battery 350
And is backed up by a backup battery 351. The buzzer 328 is connected to the ID inspection device 300
This is for transmitting a sound message to the operator who operates the.

The main battery 350 is a power supply battery such as an alkaline dry battery, and supplies a power supply voltage to all the circuits of the ID inspection apparatus 300. When the main battery 350 is replaced, the backup battery 351
This is for backing up the contents of the AM 340 and the calendar clock 327 so that they are not lost. As the backup battery 351, a button type lithium battery or the like can be used.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the ID transmitter 230. The ID transmitter 230 is of the same type as that used by being embedded in a non-contact type IC card.
It is composed of a C chip. A one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) 400 includes a CPU 4
01, a flash memory 402, a RAM 403 and the like are mounted in one chip. Identification information is stored in the nonvolatile flash memory 402, and the identification information is held even without power. It is preferable that the identification information is unique non-public information having a predetermined bit length (there is no two pieces of the same information), and the security is preferably managed by a pachinko hall, a pachinko machine maker, a third-party information management organization, or the like.

The RAM 403 is a working memory for the CPU 401. The communication circuit 405 and the antenna 406
This is for receiving the identification information transmission request signal transmitted from the D inspection device 300 and transmitting the identification information stored in the flash memory 402. ID inspection device 30
The carrier component transmitted from 0 along with the identification information transmission request signal is received by the communication circuit 405 and transmitted to the power supply circuit 404. The power supply circuit 404 rectifies the carrier component to obtain a DC voltage. Then, this DC voltage is supplied to the microcomputer 400 and the communication circuit 405 as a DC power supply.
Therefore, the ID transmitter 230 can transmit identification information whenever necessary without using a battery or an external power supply. Here, the ID transmitter 230 is configured by the microcomputer 400, the power supply circuit 404, the communication circuit 405, and the antenna 406, but a circuit other than the antenna 406 may be configured as a one-chip IC.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contents of a program stored in the flash memory 330 of the ID inspection apparatus 300. The startup program 331 is a program that performs startup processing when the power key 305 is pressed and the power is turned on. If the enter key 306 is pressed at startup,
The processing selection mode is for displaying a selection menu on the display panel 303. If the enter key 306 is not pressed, the inspection mode is for checking the identification information of the pachinko machine 1.

The communication program 332 includes a communication circuit 322
To perform communication according to a predetermined protocol. The communication program 332 transmits an identification information transmission request signal to the ID transmitter 230, and further receives and decodes an identification information transmission signal from the ID transmitter 230 to obtain identification information. The menu display selection program 333 displays a selection menu (FIG. 1) on the display panel 303.
0), and branches to a process selected by the operator from the selection menu.

The identification information registration program 334 is a program for first setting and registering the identification information of the pachinko machine 1 in the identification information table 341 (see FIG. 9) in the SRAM 340. The identification information of the pachinko machine 1 obtained by the communication program 332 is stored in the identification information table 341 together with the pachinko machine number and registration time information. The consistency determination program 335 is for determining the consistency of the identification information in the inspection mode in which the identification information of the pachinko machine 1 is inspected. The identification information of the pachinko machine 1 is received from the ID transmitter 230, and it is searched whether or not the identification information is registered in the identification information table 341. If it is registered, the machine number corresponding to the identification information is displayed so that the operator can determine at a glance whether or not the machine number matches the actual machine number of the pachinko machine 1. If the identification information is not registered, a message to that effect is displayed.

Other processing programs 336 include programs for performing other processing in the selection menu, display control of the display panel 303, lighting control of the display LED 304, sound control of the buzzer 328, control of the infrared communication circuit 324, serial input, and the like. A program for controlling the output circuit 325 is included. Since these programs are stored in the non-volatile flash memory 330, they are kept stored even when the power is turned off, and even when the main battery 350 and the backup battery 351 disappear. If the program needs to be changed, the stored contents can be electrically rewritten.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the identification information table 341 stored in the SRAM 340. FIG.
Is a state in which n pieces of identification information 1 to n are registered. The game control board box 87 of the pachinko machine 1 in which the ID inspection device 300 is not registered.
b, and reads the identification information from the ID transmitter 230 fixed to the game control board 87a by sticking or the like. The identification information can be read while the cover 91 of the game control board box 87b is kept closed.

The read identification information is stored in the identification information table 3
41 in the identification information field 342. And
The entered machine number of the pachinko machine 1 is registered in the machine number field 343 in association with the identification information. If no unit number is entered, the unit number is set to "0000". The time information field 344 records the date and time when the identification information was registered. The time information is the calendar clock 327
Read from and recorded.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a selection menu displayed on the display panel 303. This selection menu is displayed when the power is turned on by pressing the power key 305 and the enter key 306 simultaneously. First, as in (a),
The display of “menu” and the current time (month / day, hour: minute) set in the calendar clock 327 are displayed. The remaining battery level display 352 displays the remaining capacity of the main battery 350. When the battery is full, all three blocks in the battery level display 352 are turned on, and the blocks disappear one by one as the output voltage of the main battery 350 decreases. (A) is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds)
When displayed, the display switches to the display of (b).

(B) is a selection menu for selecting the operation contents of the ID inspection device 300. The screen displays "1.
Although “2. CURRENT” and “2. KAKIN” are displayed, the displayed page can be switched by operating the down key 307 and the up key 308. The up / down display 353 is a display indicating that the up / down keys 308 and 307 are valid. The cursor 354 can be moved up and down by the up and down direction keys 308 and 307.
To select the desired work content, and press the enter key 306 to decide.

(B) When the cursor 354 is moved to "2" on the screen and the down key 307 is further pressed, the displayed page is switched, as shown in (c). When the display page is further switched, the display becomes as shown in FIG. In the selection menus of (b) to (d), “1. Tokurou” is for newly registering the identification information of the pachinko machine 1, and “2. Kakunin” is for registering the identification information. This is for performing an operation of confirming the pachinko machine 1, and is described in "3.
“Success” is for performing an operation of deleting registered identification information, and “4. Unshow No” is for performing an operation of changing a password required for operation of the ID inspection device 300. “5. Setup” is for setting various functions of the ID inspection device 300.
“6. END” is for shifting to the inspection mode for inspecting the identification information of the registered pachinko machine 1.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show the display on the display panel 303 in the procedure of the registration work of the identification information. When "1. Completion" is selected from the selection menu in FIG. 10B and the enter key 306 is pressed, FIG.
The screen shown in a) is displayed, and the registration work of the identification information becomes possible. The lower line shows the number of registered identification information. After the screen (1a) is displayed for a predetermined time, the screen shifts to the screen (1b).

(1b) is a screen for inputting a password.
In order to perform an operation that requires security, such as this registration operation, in the ID inspection device 300, it is necessary to input a password. As a result, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts or the like that change the identification information illegally. Cursor 3
54 is located at the first digit position from the left of the password, and the first digit can be increased or decreased by operating the up key 308 and the down key 307. When the enter key 306 is pressed, the first digit is determined, the first digit changes to a display of “*”, and the cursor moves to the second digit.
(1c) is a screen in which the third digit of the personal identification number is determined in this way, and the fourth digit is being input. If the cancel key 309 is pressed during the input of the password, the digit currently input returns to “0”, and the cursor 354 moves to the left digit. Pressing the cancel key 309 at the first digit returns to the selection menu display screen of FIG.

When all the four digits of the personal identification number are entered and the personal identification number matches the personal identification number set in the ID inspection apparatus 300, the screen shifts to a registration work screen as shown in (1d). If the password does not match the password set in the ID inspection device 300 even when the password is input, the buzzer 328 sounds three times and the display returns to the selection menu display screen of FIG. On the screen (1d),
First, the machine number of the pachinko machine 1 to be registered is input. The machine number is a serial number of the pachinko machine 1 used in the pachinko hall, and a number plate or the like indicating the machine number is attached near the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 can be designated without duplication by the machine number.

As in the case of inputting the personal identification number, the input of the machine number is selected in order from the first digit from the left using the up key 308 and the down key 307, and is determined by the enter key 306. However, here, the already determined number is also displayed as it is, and does not change to “*”. When the cancel key 309 is pressed during the entry of the unit number, the digit currently being entered is left as it is, and the cursor 354 is moved to the next digit to the left. Pressing the cancel key 309 at the first digit returns to the selection menu display screen of FIG.

When all four digits of the machine number are entered, the screen shifts to the screen (1e). On the screen of (1e), the up direction key 30
By pressing 8, the machine number can be incremented by one, and by pressing the down key 307, the machine number can be decreased by one. However, the changeable range of the unit number is 0001
~ 9999. In the state of the screen display of (1e), the data transmission / reception unit 302 of the ID inspection device 300 is brought close to the ID transmitter 230 of the pachinko machine 1, and the enter key 30
Pressing 6 reads the identification information from the ID transmitter 230. During reading, the display of FIG. 12 (1f) is displayed.

In the screen shown in FIG.
If "0" is entered, registration without a unit number is performed, and a plurality of data items having different identification information and time information are stored in the unit number "00".
00 ”. This is effective in a hall where the pachinko machine 1 is not managed by the machine number, a hall using a machine identification code other than a number instead of the machine number, and the like.

FIG. 12 (1 f) shows a display screen during reading of identification information from ID transmitter 230. If the reading of the identification information is normally performed, the buzzer 328 sounds once briefly, and the screen shifts to the screen (1g), and the identification information, the machine number, and the time information are registered in the respective fields of the identification information table 341. In the lower row of the screen (1g), the machine number is automatically increased by one and displayed, and the next pachinko machine 1 can be registered as it is. The data transmitting / receiving unit 302 is connected to the ID transmitter 23 of the next pachinko machine 1
0, and the enter key 306 may be pressed. In addition, when automatically increasing the machine number by one, the machine numbers including “4” and “9”, which are generally disliked, may be skipped. On the screen (1g) as well, pressing the up key 308 increases the machine number by one, and the down key 3
By pressing 07, the machine number can be decreased by one.

If the reading of the identification information ends abnormally from the screen (1f), the buzzer 328 sounds three times and the screen shifts to the screen (1h). Here, when the enter key 306 is pressed again, the operation of reading the identification information from the ID transmitter 230 is performed again. When the cancel key 309 is pressed, FIG.
The display returns to the (1d) input screen of the machine number. When the identification information is read from the screen (1f), if the identification information has already been registered but the unit number is different, the buzzer 32
8 sounds three times and the screen of (1i) is displayed to inform the operator that the identification information has already been registered with another machine number. Here, enter key 306 or cancel key 3
When 09 is pressed, the screen shifts to the screen of (1j), and it is confirmed whether the old machine number can be changed to the machine number currently inputted. When the enter key 306 is pressed on the screen (1j), the unit number is changed and registered, and the screen shifts to the screen (1g). (1j)
When the cancel key 309 is pressed on the screen of (1), the registration is canceled and the screen shifts to the screen of FIG. 11 (1e).

When the identification information is read from the screen shown in FIG. 12 (1f), if the identification information and the unit number are already registered, if the unit number is already registered and the identification information is different, the maximum number of registrations is exceeded. Also in the case of registration, the buzzer 328 sounds three times, and the display shifts to each confirmation screen to display an error content and a message urging the operator to perform an operation.

FIG. 13 shows the display on the display panel 303 in the procedure for confirming the registered identification information. When “2. Kakunin” is selected from the selection menu in FIG. 10B and the enter key 306 is pressed,
The screen shown in a) is displayed, and the identification information can be confirmed. The lower line shows the number of registered identification information. After the screen of (2a) is displayed for a predetermined time, the screen shifts to the screen of (2b).

On the screen (2b), the machine number of the pachinko machine 1 to be confirmed is input. Fig. 1
This is the same as the input of the unit number of 1 (1d). When the cancel key 309 is pressed during the entry of the unit number, the digit currently being entered is left as it is, and the cursor 354 is moved to the next digit to the left. Pressing the cancel key 309 at the first digit returns to the selection menu display screen of FIG.

In the screen of (2b), all four digits of the machine number are entered. If the machine number is registered in the identification information table 341, the screen shifts to the screen of (2c) and the machine number and the registered time information are displayed. Is displayed. If the entered platform number is not in the identification information table 341, a registered platform number larger than the entered platform number is displayed. However, if no large machine number has been registered, the smallest registered machine number is displayed. On the screen of (2c), it is possible to display the registration information of the next registered machine number by pressing the up key 308 to increase the machine number and pressing the down key 307 to decrease the machine number. it can. However, if the unit number is further increased from 9999, it becomes 0001,
If the platform number is further reduced from 0001, it becomes 9999. When the cancel key 309 is pressed on this screen, the screen returns to the (2b) unit number input screen.

In the screen of (2b), the machine number is input, but all the registered data have no machine number (the machine number is 0).
000), the screen of (2e) is displayed. When the cancel key 309 is pressed on this screen, the screen returns to the (2b) unit number input screen. When the machine number is input as "0000" on the screen of (2b), the screen shifts to the screen of (2d), in which the identification information of the pachinko machine 1 is read to check whether or not the pachinko machine 1 is registered. The same operation is performed to check data registered without a unit number.

In the state of the screen display of (2d), the data transmitting / receiving unit 302 of the ID inspection device 300 is set to the ID of the pachinko machine 1
When the user approaches the transmitter 230 and presses the enter key 306, I
The identification information is read from the D transmitter 230. While the identification information is being read, a display similar to that shown in FIG. If the reading of the identification information is normally performed and the identification information is registered, the screen display of (2c) is performed, and the reading of the identification information fails or the read identification information is not registered. The screen display of (2e) is performed.

When "3. Success" is selected from the selection menu of FIG. 10C, the work of deleting the registered identification information can be performed. First, a password is required to be input, and then a registered machine number to be deleted is input and deleted. The procedure of the deletion operation is the same as the operation of confirming the registered identification information in FIG. When “4. Unshaw No” is selected in FIG.
The password required for the operation of 00 can be changed.
First, an input of an old password is required, and then a new password is input twice for confirmation to change the password.

When "5. SETTING" is selected from the selection menu of FIG. 10D, a setting menu is further displayed, and various functions of the ID inspection device 300 can be set. Here, the time of the calendar clock 327 is set,
Setting communication parameters (communication baud rate, number of character bits, presence / absence of parity, stop bit length, etc.) of serial input / output circuit 325, presence / absence of sound generated when key is pressed,
Settings such as the volume of the buzzer sound can be made. Further, the entirety of the identification information table 341 can be deleted. FIG.
When “6. END” in (d) is selected, the mode can be shifted to the inspection mode for inspecting the identification information of the registered pachinko machine 1.

FIG. 14 shows a display on the display panel 303 in the inspection operation of the identification information in the inspection mode. The inspection mode can be shifted to the inspection mode by selecting “6. END” from the selection menu in FIG. 10D. However, by pressing the power key 305 alone from the power-off state of the ID inspection device 300, the ID inspection The apparatus 300 starts in the direct inspection mode. The initial screen of the inspection mode is shown in FIG.
And the current time (month / day, hour: minute) set in the calendar clock 327 is displayed. When the screen display of (6a) is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), the display is switched to the screen display of (6b).

In the state of the screen display of (6b), the data transmission / reception unit 302 of the ID inspection device 300 is brought close to the ID transmitter 230 fixed to the game control board 87a of the pachinko machine 1, and the determination key (R / W key) ) When 306 is pressed, the identification information is read from the ID transmitter 230. While the identification information is being read, a display similar to that shown in FIG.
If the identification information is read normally and the identification information is registered, the buzzer 328 will sound once shortly, the display LED 304 will light green, and the screen (6c) will be displayed. If the reading of the identification information fails, the buzzer 328 sounds three times, the display LED 304 lights up in red, and the screen shifts to the screen (6d). If the read identification information is not registered, the buzzer 328 sounds three times, the display LED 304 lights up in red, and the screen (6e) is displayed.

The screen (6c) is a display in the case where there is no abnormality in the inspection of the identification information. The registered number is displayed in the lower line of the screen. The number is compared with the actual machine number, and if they match, it is normal. If the machine numbers do not match, the pachinko machine needs to be investigated. From the screen of (6c), the data transmission / reception unit 302 is changed to the ID transmitter 230 of the next pachinko machine 1.
When the user presses the enter key 306, the identification information of the next pachinko machine is read, and the identification information of the pachinko machine can be inspected continuously. When the cancel key 309 is pressed from the screen of (6c), the screen returns to the screen of (6b).

The screen (6d) is a display when reading of the identification information has failed. Here, the data transmission / reception unit 302 is again brought close to the ID transmitter 230 of the pachinko machine 1,
When the enter key 306 is pressed, the identification information is read again. If the display of (6d) still appears, there is a possibility that the ID transmitter 230 is abnormal, that is, the game control board 87a has been exchanged illegally. When the cancel key 309 is pressed from the screen (6d), the screen returns to the screen (6b).

The screen (6e) is a display when the read identification information is not registered.
Pressing 6 or the cancel key 309 returns to the screen of (6b). In this case, the operation of confirming the registered identification information described with reference to FIG. 13 is performed. If the machine number of the pachinko machine that has been inspected is registered, there is a possibility that the game control board 87a has been illegally replaced. If the machine number of the pachinko machine that has been inspected is not registered, the registration is omitted because the registration has been omitted.

As described above, the registration of the identification information of the pachinko machine 1 and the inspection of the identification information can be performed simply by operating the menu and the guidance displayed on the display panel 303 of the ID inspection apparatus 300. Further, even if the game control board 87a is illegally exchanged together with the game control board box 87b containing the same, the illegal exchange can be determined. In the above embodiment, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a game machine, but the present invention can be applied to any game machine such as a pachislot machine other than a pachinko machine.

The embodiments disclosed above are merely examples in all respects, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the embodiments of the invention, and includes all modifications within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.

[0085]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

Since the identification information unique to the gaming machine is inspected by the portable gaming machine inspection device, it is possible to easily judge an improper act such as replacing the gaming control board of the gaming machine with the storage box. Damage due to such misconduct can be prevented. Further, since the gaming machine inspection device has the identification information registration means for registering the identification information in the device, the registration work of the identification information can be completed quickly even when the gaming machine is replaced.

Since the identification information is stored in the electrically rewritable nonvolatile storage means, the identification information can be easily updated even when the gaming machine is replaced.

Since the time information can be output in real time by the calendar clock means, the time information can be recorded at the same time when the identification information is registered, thereby preventing the identification information from being tampered with. .

Since the battery for backing up the identification information storage means and the calendar clock means is provided, these stored contents are preserved even when the power is turned off or when the main battery is replaced, so that it is not necessary to reset the contents.

Since the identification information, the game machine instruction information, and the time information at the time of registration are stored, it is possible to display the game machine instruction information and the time information at the time of registration. Can be prevented.

Since the power supply means for supplying power to the identification information holding means is provided, there is no need to provide a power source such as a battery in the identification information holding means, and the degree of freedom in mounting the identification information holding means is increased. At the same time, the size and cost of the identification information holding means can be reduced. Further, it is not necessary to connect the identification information holding means to an external circuit, and the security of the identification information holding means is increased.

Since the power supply means supplies power by electromagnetic waves, it is possible to read the identification information of the identification information holding means in a non-contact manner, which simplifies the reading operation and seals the information in the game control board box. Inspection of the game control board can be easily performed without opening the box.

Since the start mode is switched by operating the power key in combination with another input key, the inspection mode frequently operated can be started quickly, and a selection menu having various work menus is also displayed. Operability is improved.

[0094] Since there is an area for storing a personal identification number for confirming the search qualification of the operator, the input of the personal identification number is indispensable for work requiring security, and an illegal operation such as falsification of identification information is required. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine inspected by the inspection device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine and the card unit.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the game control board box.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the ID inspection device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the ID inspection device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the ID inspection device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the ID transmitter.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing contents of a flash memory of the ID inspection device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of an identification information table;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a selection menu displayed on a display panel.

FIG. 11 shows a display in a registration work of identification information.

FIG. 12 shows a display in a registration operation of identification information.

FIG. 13 shows a display in a work of confirming identification information.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display in the inspection work of the identification information.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Section rail 3 ... Game board 4 ... Variable display part 5 ... Image display device 6 ... Starting memory display 7 ... Fixed winning opening 8 ... Warp exit 9 ... Starting opening 10 ... Variable winning prize ball device 16 ... Out Mouth 17: Ordinary symbol display 18: Passage memory display 19 ... Windmill 20 ... Movable piece 21 ... Warp entrance 22 ... Side lamp 23 ... Ordinary symbol starting gate 35 ... Card unit 47 ... Card available indication lamp 48 ... Information display switch 49 ... Connecting stand direction indicator 50 ... Card insertion slot 51 ... Card unit lock 52 ... Outer frame 53 ... Mechanical plate 54 ... Ball tank 55 ... Ball alignment rail 56 ... Window opening 57 ... Curve gutter 58 ... Pathway body 59 ... Prize ball Payout device 61 Opening / closing plate 87a Game control board 87b Game control board box 230 ID transmitter 300 ID inspection device 301 Main body 302 De Data transmission / reception unit 303 display panel 304 display LED 305 power key 306 determination key 307 vertical key 307 downward key 308 upward key 309 cancel key 310 battery cover 320 CPU 321 bus 322 Communication circuit 323 Antenna 324 Infrared communication circuit 325 Serial input / output circuit 326 Input key 327 Calendar clock 328 Buzzer 330 Flash memory 340 SRAM 341 Identification information table 342 Identification information field 343 Unit number field 344 ... time information field 350 ... main battery 351 ... backup battery 352 ... battery remaining amount display 353 ... vertical display 354 ... cursor 400 ... microcomputer 401 ... CPU 402 ... flash memory 403 ... RAM 4 4 ... power supply circuit 405 ... communication circuit 406 ... antenna

Claims (9)

[Claims] A communication means for communicating with identification information holding means attached to the gaming machine and holding identification information unique to the gaming machine; identification information storage means capable of storing a plurality of the identification information unique to the gaming machine; Identification information registering means for storing the identification information read from the identification information holding means in the identification information storage means; identification information obtained from the identification information holding means by communication by the communication means; Portable game machine inspection device, comprising: consistency determination means for determining consistency with the identification information being performed; and determination result output means for outputting a determination result of the consistency determination means in a manner recognizable by an operator. . 2. The portable game machine inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the identification information storage means is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile storage means, and the stored identification information can be updated. A portable gaming machine inspection device. 3. The portable game machine inspection device according to claim 2, further comprising a calendar clock means capable of outputting time information in real time. 4. The portable game machine inspection apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a battery for backing up the storage contents of said identification information storage means and said calendar clock means even when the power is off. . 5. The portable game machine inspection device according to claim 4, wherein the identification information storage means displays the identification information and a game machine corresponding to the identification information to an operator in a recognizable manner. A portable game machine inspection device for storing machine instruction information and time information indicating the time when the identification information is registered. 6. A portable game machine inspection device according to claim 1, wherein said power supply means supplies power required for operation to said identification information holding means having no power supply. Portable game machine inspection device having 7. The portable game machine inspection device according to claim 6, wherein said power supply means supplies power by electromagnetic waves. 8. The portable game machine inspection device according to claim 1, wherein a power key for turning on / off the power of the inspection device is operated in combination with another input key. A portable game machine inspection device for switching an operation mode to be started. 9. A portable game machine inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said portable game machine inspection apparatus has a password storage means for storing a password for confirming an operation qualification of an operator. Type gaming machine inspection equipment.