JP2002369952A - System for game - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for a game, capable of correctly collecting and managing management information related to a game device. SOLUTION: This system for a game includes a game device 3 provided corresponding to a game machine 2 in which a game can be performed on the condition that a connection confirming signal VL is input from the game device 3 for performing the use processing for receiving a game recording medium recording a game valuable value available in a game in the game machine 2 and using the game available value (frequency) of the received game recording medium in the game in the game machine 2, and a management device 100 communication connected to the game device 3 for managing the information on the game device 3. The game device 3 is provided with a communication state discriminating means for discriminating whether communication with the management device 100 is possible or not, and a confirming signal output means for outputting the connection confirming signal VL to a corresponding game machine 2 when the communication with the management device is possible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game system capable of playing a game using a game recording medium such as a prepaid card, and more particularly, to a game system provided for a game machine. The present invention relates to a gaming system comprising: a gaming device for causing a gaming value specified by a recording medium to be used for a game; and a management device for managing the gaming device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in a game arcade, a game recording medium such as a prepaid card is received by a game device such as a card unit provided in a gaming machine, and specified from the received game recording medium. A pachinko ball or a coin, which is a game medium, is lent out using a game value, and a prepaid card system or the like in which a game in the gaming machine can be performed using the rented game medium. Many gaming systems have been introduced.

In these gaming systems, since it is necessary to accurately grasp the use status of the gaming device and the game recording medium in the gaming device, the gaming system is connected to each of these gaming devices by communication. A management device that collects and manages management information on the connected gaming device is applied.

[0004]

However, in these conventional gaming systems, even if the communication connection between the gaming device and the management device is not established, the juxtaposed gaming machines are provided. In the state where the management device cannot collect the management information on the game device, the game is executed, and the game device and the game recording medium used in the game device are used. There is a problem that it is not always possible to accurately collect and manage the management information on the gaming device such as the usage status of the game device.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a gaming system capable of accurately collecting and managing management information relating to gaming devices.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a game system according to the present invention is designed so that a game can be executed on the condition that a connection confirmation signal output from a game device is input. A game recording medium provided with information that can specify the size of a game valuable value that is provided for a game in the game machine and that can specify the size of the game value, and receives the received game A gaming device for performing a use process for causing the gaming machine to use the value of the gaming value specified from the recording information of the recording medium within the range of the size, and a communication connection with the gaming device A management device that manages information related to the gaming device;
A game system comprising: the game device,
A communication state determining unit that determines whether communication with the management device is possible; and a confirmation signal that outputs the connection confirmation signal to a corresponding gaming machine when communication with the management device is possible. And output means. According to this feature, only in a state where the communication between the gaming device and the management device is possible, that is, in a state where the management device can collect and manage management information on the gaming device,
Since a game can be played on a gaming machine corresponding to the gaming device, management information on the gaming device can be accurately collected and managed.

In the gaming system according to the present invention, the gaming machine includes a rectifier for rectifying an AC voltage supplied from a corresponding gaming machine to generate a DC voltage, and confirming the connection of the generated DC voltage with the connection confirmation. It is preferable to output the signal to the corresponding gaming machine. In this way, for example, when the gaming machine is not connected or the power of the gaming machine is not turned on, the connection confirmation signal will not be output,
Unnecessary signal output can be prevented.

[0008] In the gaming system of the present invention, the management device includes a communication status monitoring means for monitoring a communication status with the gaming device, and when the communication with the gaming device is possible, A permission signal for permitting the output of the connection confirmation signal is output to the game device, and the communication state determination means of the game device is in a state in which communication with the management device is possible when the permission signal is input. It is preferable to determine that With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the game device from outputting a connection confirmation signal by mistake while the management device is not operating normally,
The management device can more accurately collect and manage management information on the gaming device.

In the gaming system according to the present invention, the management device is communicatively connected to a host computer installed in a management organization that manages the management device, and the host computer is connected to the management device and the gaming device. Confirm the communication state of, when the communication between the management device and the gaming device is possible, outputs a communication confirmation signal to the management device, the management device,
Preferably, when the communication confirmation signal is input, the permission signal is output to a game device. In this way, even a host computer installed in a management organization such as a third-party organization that manages the game recording medium can grasp the communication state between the management device and the game device.

[0010] In the gaming system of the present invention, it is preferable that the DC voltage generated by the rectifier circuit is used as a voltage for energizing a circuit used in the use processing. According to this configuration, the circuits used in the use processing of the gaming machine and the gaming machine have the same potential, so that the potentials of the gaming machine side circuit and the gaming machine side circuit do not match. Inconvenience can be avoided.

[0011] In the gaming system according to the present invention, the gaming device may output the connection confirmation signal to a corresponding gaming machine for a predetermined period even if communication with the management device becomes impossible. preferable. In this way, even when the communication between the management device and the gaming device is poor, it is possible to play a game with the corresponding gaming machine for a predetermined period, and the communication failure may hinder the operation of the amusement arcade. Inconveniences such as damage can be avoided as much as possible.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an example is shown in which a normal pachinko machine in which a pachinko ball as a game medium is paid out is used as a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other gaming machines, For example, the present invention can be applied to an enclosed pachinko machine in which a pachinko ball is sealed in such a manner that it cannot be touched, a slot machine or a pachilot using a coin or a pachinko ball as a game medium, and a gaming machine such as a completely credit type slot machine. .

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming system is provided as a plurality of gaming machines arranged side by side in a game arcade. Is installed in a one-to-one relationship with a card reader-type pachinko machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”) 2 and accepts an IC card 37 (see FIG. 2) as a game recording medium to perform a lending process of a pachinko ball as a game medium. And a management computer 100 as a management device for managing the IC card 37 and the card unit 3, which is installed at a predetermined place in the game arcade. The management computer 100
It is connected to each of the card units 3 via a communication cable 8 so that data communication is possible. Further, the management computer 100 connects the communication line network 80 to a host computer 90 installed in a card management center to perform management of the management computer 100 installed in these amusement arcades and management of the IC card 37 and the like. It is possible to connect via.

First, the configuration of an IC card 37 as a game recording medium used in the game system of the present embodiment has a predetermined thickness as shown in FIG. At a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the concave portion of the base 381
An IC chip 382 having a memory (not shown) built therein is mounted by tape auto bonding (TAB) mounting, and the IC chip 382 is mounted on the base 3
The pattern coil 38 provided along the outer periphery of 81
3 is inserted therein, and the entire concave portion is covered with a top film 385.
An electromagnetic wave output from the card reader / writer 310 or the like causes an induced electromotive force in the pattern coil 383 to urge the IC chip 382 to be operable, and the IC card reader / writer 310 via the pattern coil 383. A non-contact IC card capable of performing various data communications with the non-contact IC card and the like in a non-contact manner.

The IC card 37 uses an IC
In a memory of the chip 382, a card ID described later is recorded in a non-rewritable manner, and information such as a remaining frequency is recorded in a rewritable manner by data communication with the IC card reader / writer 310 or the like. ing.

As will be described later, information such as the frequency of the IC card 37 is stored in the management computer 10.
0 is registered in the management DB (see FIG. 12) for each card ID, and each time the recording information of each IC card 37 is changed, the management D of the management computer 100 is changed.
The information of the corresponding card ID registered in B is also sequentially updated, and the recording information of the IC card 37 is managed by the management computer 100.

Next, a description will be given of the pachinko machine 2 which is a game machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 2 has a glass door frame 202 formed in a frame shape, and The ball supply tray 20 is provided on the lower surface of the frame 202.
There are three. An operation unit 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the hit ball supply tray 203, and a surplus ball tray 204 for storing prize balls overflowing from the hit ball supply tray 203 and a hit ball are fired below the hit ball supply tray 203. A hitting operation handle (hereinafter referred to as an operation knob) 205 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, on the upper surface of the operation unit 14, there are seven segment LEDs 17a to 17c, and when the segments of the seven segment LEDs 17a to 17c are turned on, the corresponding card unit 3 A frequency display unit 17 for displaying the frequency read from the IC card 37 in the center, and a press operation when the game is started or the number of balls in the hitting ball supply tray 203 is reduced or lost, and the frequency display unit 17 is displayed. Lending button 1 for lending a predetermined amount of pachinko balls when there is a frequency
6, a lending permit lamp 19 for notifying that the operation of the lending button 16 is valid by lighting, and a return button 15 for returning the IC card 37 being accepted after the game is completed. Each of these parts is an operation unit 14
It is mounted on an operation board 18 provided inside.

A game board 206 is detachably mounted behind the glass door frame 202 as shown in FIG. A game area 207 is provided on the front of the game board 206. Near the center of this game area 207,
A variable display unit 209 variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information called “special symbols” and a variable display device 210 variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information called “ordinary symbols”
Are provided. Further, the game board 206 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 224, a passing gate 211, a starting winning port 214, and a variable winning ball device 216. An out port 226 for collecting is formed.

A hit ball shot by a hammer (not shown) which is swung by operating the hitting operation knob 205 enters the game area 207 through the hitting rail, and then flows down the game area 207. At this time, the pachinko balls that did not reach the game area 207 because the firing momentum was too weak are sent to the surplus ball tray 20 through a circulation path (not shown).
4

When the ball hit into the game area 207 passes through the passing gate 211, the normal symbol stopped and displayed on the variable display device 210 variably starts.

A display result after the variable display operation of the variable display device 210 is a predetermined specific display result (for example, 7).
In this case, the movable piece 215 provided in the starting winning opening 214 is opened for a predetermined time, which is in an advantageous state for the player.

When a pachinko ball wins in the start winning opening 214, all special symbols are variably displayed (variable display) on the variable display section 209. And then left,
A special game state (big hit state) occurs when the middle and right special symbols stop and the stop display result becomes a predetermined specific display mode (for example, 777). When the big hit state occurs, the variable winning ball device 2
The opening / closing plate 220 provided at 16 is opened to enter a first state advantageous to the player. The first state ends when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of hit balls (for example, 10) wins, whichever is earlier, is satisfied. A disadvantageous second state results. If a hit ball that has entered the big winning opening of the variable winning ball device 216 in the first state wins in the specific winning area (V pocket) and is detected by a V count switch (not shown), the first time of the round is performed. Waiting for the end of the state, the repeat continuation control for controlling the state from the second state to the first state is performed. The upper limit number of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 15 times.

The structure of the pachinko machine 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
09, a display control board 280 provided with a display control microcomputer or the like for performing display control, a lamp control board 235 provided with a lamp control microcomputer or the like for controlling a game effect lamp or the like, and output from a speaker. An audio control board 270 provided with an audio control microcomputer or the like for controlling sound, a game control board 231 provided with a game control microcomputer or the like for controlling these units, and a ball tank (not shown) A payout control micro connected to a ball payout device 297 for paying out pachinko balls and performing payout control of pachinko balls based on award ball signals output from the game control board 231 and various signals input / output from the card unit 3. A payout control board 237 on which a computer and the like are provided; Hitting supply tray 2 on the basis of 205 operations
A launch control board 291 provided with a launch control microcomputer or the like for controlling a hit ball launching device 292 that launches the pachinko balls paid out to the game area 207 is provided, and these are shown in FIG. Connected as
The game can be implemented using the pachinko balls paid out to the hitting ball supply tray 203 described above.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the payout control board 237 is connected to an input / output circuit 314 provided in the control unit 307 of the card unit 3 (see FIG. 5B). And a power supply circuit 401 provided in the pachinko machine 2 to an input / output circuit 314 of the card unit 3 for an AC voltage (AC24).
V). Further, the input / output circuit 314 is supplied with an AC voltage (AC2) supplied from the payout control board 237.
4V), and a rectifier circuit 501 for rectifying the DC voltage VL (18 V DC) is provided.
The DC voltage VL generated in 1 is supplied to the payout control board 237 via the signal cable 9.
The payout control board 237 and the input / output circuit 314
And input and output of various signals to be described later.

The payout control board 237 is provided with a detection circuit 402 (see FIG. 7) for detecting a supply state of the DC voltage VL from the input / output circuit 314. While the VL is being detected, a VL detection signal is output to the payout control microcomputer.

As shown in FIG. 6, the payout control board 237 is connected to the firing control board 291. The payout control microcomputer outputs a VL detection signal from the detection circuit 402. In this state, a firing permission signal for permitting the driving of the hit ball firing device 292 to the firing control board 291 is output.

The firing control microcomputer of the firing control board 291 is provided with the payout control board 23.
In the state where the firing permission signal is output from 7, the hitting ball firing device 292 can be driven, and in this state, when the firing signal from the operation knob 205 is detected, the hitting ball firing device 292 is driven, As a result, a pachinko ball is fired on the game area 207. Further, the firing control microcomputer disables the driving of the hit ball firing device 292 in a state where the firing permission signal is not output from the payout control board 237, and detects the firing signal from the operation knob 205. The firing device 292 is not driven, so that even if the operation knob 205 is operated, the pachinko ball is not fired on the gaming area 207.

As shown in FIG. 6, the operation board 18 is connected to the input / output circuit 314 in the card unit 3 via the payout control board 237 and the signal cable 9, and is connected to the operation board 18 in front of the operation board 18. Entry output circuit 314
And input and output of various signals to be described later.

Next, the card unit 3 as a game device will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. On the front of the card unit 3, as shown in FIG. Operation lamp 30 for notifying the operation of
1, a card insertion slot 305 into which the IC card 37 can be inserted, and a card indicator 30 for notifying the player of the ejection of the IC card 37 from the card insertion slot 305.
6 are provided.

FIG. 5B shows the structure of the card unit 3.
Also, referring to FIG. 6, the card unit 3
Are the operation lamp 301 and the card indicator 30
6 and an IC inserted into the card insertion slot 305.
An IC card reader / writer 310 for reading and writing information recorded on the card 37, and the pachinko machine 2
Communication unit 312 for performing data communication with the management computer 100 via the communication cable 8 and an input / output circuit 314 (confirmation signal output means) for inputting and outputting various signals to and from the payout control board 237 and the operation board 18. And a RAM for storing information and the like read and written from the inserted IC card 37, a control program in which control contents executed by an MPU, which will be described later, are described, and a ROM in which the device ID and the like are stored. And a control unit 307 having a card unit control section 313 (communication state determining means) on which an MPU or the like is mounted, and these sections are connected as shown in FIG.

Next, the state of connection between the pachinko machine 2 and the card unit 3 and the state of input / output of signals will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

First, the payout control board 237 of the pachinko machine 2
And the input / output circuit 314 of the card unit 3 are connected via the signal cable 9 as described above, and the payout control board 237 is connected to the input / output circuit 314 from the power supply circuit 401 provided in the pachinko machine 2. AC voltage (AC24V)
And the input / output circuit 314 rectifies the supplied AC voltage by a rectifier circuit 501 (rectifier) to generate a DC voltage VL (18 V DC), and supplies the DC voltage VL to each section of the input / output circuit 314. With the payout control board 2
37. The DC voltage VL generated by the rectifier circuit 501 is applied to the operation board 1 of the pachinko machine 2.
8 lending possible lamp 19, frequency display section 17, pachinko machine 2
It is used as a power source for inputting and outputting various signals to and from the card unit 3 to be described later.

The input / output circuit 314 is provided with a relay circuit 502 (see FIG. 8) for turning on / off the supply of the DC voltage VL to the payout control board 237.
ON / OFF of the supply of the DC voltage VL to the payout control board 237 by the relay circuit 502 based on the presence or absence of the output of the VL permission signal from the card unit control unit 313.
Is to be implemented.

The payout control board 237 is provided with a detection circuit 402 for detecting the DC voltage VL output from the input / output circuit 314.
Based on the detection of the DC voltage VL supplied from the input / output circuit 314, a VL detection signal is output to the payout control microcomputer as a connection confirmation signal with the corresponding card unit 3. The detection circuit 402 is formed of a photocoupler, converts the detection of the DC voltage VL into light, and outputs a VL detection signal, which is an electric signal, to the payout control microcomputer. Thereby, the DC voltage V
Even when L has an abnormally high voltage, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the occurrence of a malfunction in the payout control microcomputer due to the influence.

In the payout control board 237, a table RE to be described later output from the payout control microcomputer is provided.
ADY signal (PRDY) and terminal terminal rental completion signal (EX
S) is output to the input / output circuit 314 via the switch circuits 405 and 406. Also, these switch circuits 405,
Reference numeral 406 denotes a photocoupler, which once converts a signal output from the payout control microcomputer into light, and outputs the light to the input / output circuit 314 again as an electric signal. As a result, even when the signal output from the payout control microcomputer becomes an abnormally high voltage signal, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the occurrence of a malfunction in the equipment on the card unit 3 side due to the influence.

The input / output circuit 314 converts the PRDY or EXS output from the payout control board 237 via the switch circuits 517 and 518 into the card unit control unit 31.
Output to 3. In addition, these switch circuits 517, 51
Reference numeral 8 denotes a photocoupler, and the payout control board 2
After once converting the signal output from 37 into light, the signal is again output to the card unit control unit 313 as an electric signal.
Thereby, even if the signal output from the payout control board 237 becomes an abnormally high voltage signal, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the occurrence of a malfunction in the card unit-side device due to the influence.

The input / output circuit 314 receives a card unit READY signal (BRDY) and a terminal terminal lending request completion confirmation signal (BRQ) output from the card unit control unit 313 via switch circuits 514 and 515. Output to the payout control board 237. The switch circuits 514 and 515 are configured by photocouplers, and once convert the signal output from the card unit control unit 313 into light, and then output the signal again to the payout control board 237 as an electric signal. Thereby, even if the signal output from the card unit control unit 313 becomes an abnormally high voltage signal, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the occurrence of malfunctions in the pachinko machine 2 due to the influence.

The payout control board 237 outputs BRDY and BRQ output from the input / output circuit 314 to the payout control microcomputer via the switch circuits 403 and 404. In addition, these switch circuits 403,
A photocoupler 404 converts a signal output from the input / output circuit 314 into light, and then outputs the signal to the payout control microcomputer again as an electric signal. Thus, even if the signal output from the input / output circuit 314 becomes an abnormally high voltage signal, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the occurrence of a malfunction in the pachinko machine 2 due to the influence.

The operation board 18 is provided with a lending switch 16 'and a return switch 15' corresponding to the lending button 16 and the return button 15 for detecting inputs of these buttons. 1
When the corresponding button input is detected by the return switch 6 ′ and the return switch 15 ′, the rental switch input signal (TDS) and the return switch input signal (RES) are output to the input / output circuit 314 via the payout control board 237. I do.

Further, the input / output circuit 314 transmits the TDS and RES output from the lending switch 16 ′ and the return switch 15 ′ via the payout control board 237 to the card unit control unit 3 via the switch circuits 519 and 520.
13 is output. In addition, these switch circuits 519, 5
Reference numeral 20 denotes a photocoupler, which once converts the signals output from the lending switch 16 'and the return switch 15' into light, and outputs the light to the card unit control unit 313 again as an electric signal. As a result, even if the signals output from the lending switch 16 ′ and the return switch 15 ′ become abnormally high voltage signals, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of malfunctions in the card unit 3 side devices due to the influence. Can be avoided.

Further, the input / output circuit 314 outputs a lending permission indication signal (T) output from the card unit control section 313.
DLO), the switch circuit 516 and the payout control board 2
An output is made to the lendable lamp 19 mounted on the operation board 18 via 37, and the lighting control of the lendable lamp 19 is performed based on the output TDLO. The switch circuit 516 is configured by a photocoupler, and once converts the signal output from the card unit control unit 313 into light, and outputs the light to the lendable lamp 19 again as an electric signal. Thereby, even if the signal output from the card unit control unit 313 becomes an abnormally high voltage signal, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the occurrence of a malfunction in the pachinko machine 2 due to the influence.

The input / output circuit 314 is provided with a digit designation signal (DS) output from the card unit control unit 313.
1; lower 1 digit designation, DS2; lower 2 digit designation, DS3; lower 3 digit designation) constitute the frequency display section 17 mounted on the operation board 18 via the switch circuits 503 to 505 and the payout control board 237. 7-segment LEDs 17a-c
Output to Further, the switch circuits 503 to 505 are constituted by photocouplers, and the card unit control unit 3
After once converting the signal output from 13 into light, the signal is output again to each of the 7-segment LEDs 17a to 17c as an electric signal. Thereby, even if the signal output from the card unit control unit 313 becomes an abnormally high voltage signal, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the occurrence of a malfunction in the pachinko machine 2 due to the influence. Note that DS1 to DS3 output from the input / output circuit 314 are signals for applying a voltage to each common electrode of each of the segment LEDs 17a to 17c.

The input / output circuit 314 is connected to the frequency display signal (SE) output from the card unit control unit 313.
Ga; segment a, SEGb; segment b, SEG
c; segment c, SEGd; segment d, SEG
e; segment e, SEGf; segment f, SEG
g; the segment g) through the switch circuits 506 to 512 and the payout control board 237 to each of the seven segments L
Output to the EDs 17a to 17c. Also, the switch circuit 506
Numerals 512 are constituted by photocouplers, which once convert the signal output from the card unit control unit 313 into light, and again convert each of the 7-segment LEDs 17 into electrical signals.
Output to a to c. Thereby, even if the signal output from the card unit control unit 313 becomes an abnormally high voltage signal, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the occurrence of a malfunction in the pachinko machine 2 due to the influence. still,
DS1 to DS3 output from these input / output circuits 314
Is a signal for applying a voltage to the corresponding electrode of each segment in each of the 7-segment LEDs 17a to 17c.
On condition that a voltage is applied to the common electrode, a segment corresponding to a corresponding electrode of each applied segment is switched to a display state, and DS1 to DS1 output from the input / output circuit 314 are output. DS3 and S
Each segment LED based on each signal of EGa to SEGg
The display control of 17a to 17c is performed.

The input / output circuit 314 is provided with a detection circuit 513 for detecting the state of conduction with the payout control board 237. The detection circuit 513 detects the state of conduction with the payout control board 237. And outputs a platform connection confirmation signal (PSI) indicating that the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 are in a connected state to the card unit control unit 313. The detection circuit 513 is formed of a photocoupler. The detection circuit 513 converts the detection of the energization state with the payout control board 237 into light, and then converts the detection of the electric signal into an electric signal PS.
I is output to the payout control microcomputer. Thereby, even when the voltage applied to the payout control board 237 becomes abnormally high, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the occurrence of malfunctions in the equipment on the card unit 3 side due to the influence.

In this embodiment, the switch circuits 514 and 515 in the input / output circuit 314 are connected in series to the rectifier circuit 501, and
A switch circuit 405 in the payout control board 237;
406 is also connected in series to the rectifier circuit 501, and each of these switch circuits 405, 406, 51
4 and 515 have the same DC voltage V
It operates by L.

In this embodiment, the lending switch 16 'and the return switch 15' are also connected to the rectifier circuit 501.
Are connected in series to the
6 'and the return switch 15'
5, 406, 514, and 515 are operated by a DC voltage VL that is the same power supply.

In the present embodiment, the rentable lamp 19 and the seven-segment LEDs 17a to 17c constituting the frequency display unit 17 are also connected to the rectifier circuit 501.
a to c are also the switch circuits 405, 406, 51
4, 515, lending switch 16 ', return switch 15'
It operates with a DC voltage VL which is the same power supply.

As described above, in this embodiment, the display control of the rentable lamp 19 and the frequency display unit 17 and the pachinko machine 2
The DC voltage VL generated by the rectifier circuit 501, which is the same power supply, is used as a power supply used for input and output of various signals to and from the card unit 3 and the like.
Since the circuit on the pachinko machine 2 side and the circuit on the card unit 3 side used for the lending process have the same potential, the potential on the circuit on the pachinko machine 2 side and the potential on the circuit on the card unit 3 side do not match. The accompanying inconvenience can be avoided.

Next, the card unit control section 313
The ON / OFF control of the supply of the DC voltage VL to the pachinko machine 2 side of the relay circuit 502 by the relay unit 502 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8. The card unit control unit 313 controls the operation power supply of the card unit 3. The power supply circuit 521 is connected to the power supply circuit 521, receives the DC voltage DC5V, and is communicably connected to the management computer 100 via the communication unit 312.

The card unit control unit 313
Is connected to a switch circuit 522 that drives a relay circuit 502 provided on a VL supply line 523 that supplies a DC voltage VL to the pachinko machine 2 side in the input / output circuit 314.

The switch circuit 522 outputs a VL permission signal from the card unit control unit 313,
The DC voltage DC5V generated by the power supply circuit 521 is supplied to the relay circuit 502. As a result, the relay circuit 502 is driven, and the VL supply line 523 is turned on (ON), and the pachinko machine 2
Is supplied with the DC voltage VL to the payout control board 237.

When the output of the VL permission signal from the card unit control unit 313 is stopped, the switch circuit 502 switches the DC voltage DC to the relay circuit 502.
The supply of 5 V is also stopped. Thereby, the relay circuit 50
2 is stopped, the VL supply line 523 is turned off (OFF), and the pachinko machine 2
The supply of the DC voltage VL to the payout control board 237 is cut off.

Next, the card unit control section 313
The output status of the VL permission signal and the supply status of the DC voltage VL to the pachinko machine 2 based on the output status will be described. The ON / OFF state of the power of the card unit 3 and the management computer 100 are determined based on the detection status of the presence or absence of the supply and the reception status of the card unit use permission notification and the online confirmation described later transmitted from the management computer 100.
Monitors the communication status (online / offline) with the server.

Based on the monitoring of the power ON / OFF state and the communication state, the card unit control unit 313 determines that the power of the card unit 3 is ON and the communication state with the management computer 100 is online or offline. In a case where it is within a predetermined period (6 hours in the present embodiment) from the time when the
Outputs a permission signal. This card unit controller 313
The relay circuit 502 is driven on the basis of the output of the VL permission signal from, and the DC voltage VL is supplied to the pachinko machine 2 side.

The power of the card unit 3 is turned on.
Based on the monitoring of the / OFF state and the communication state, the card unit control unit 313 determines that the power of the card unit 3 is OFF.
In the case of F and / or when the communication state with the management computer 100 has been offline for more than a predetermined period (6 hours in this embodiment), the relay circuit 5
The output of the VL permission signal to the H.02 stops. When the output of the VL permission signal from the card unit control unit 313 is stopped, the driving of the relay circuit 502 is stopped, and the supply of the DC voltage VL to the pachinko machine 2 is cut off.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the drive control of the relay circuit 502 is performed based on the presence / absence of the output of the VL permission signal output from the card unit control unit 313, whereby the card unit 3 sends the pachinko machine 2 VL supply / non-supply control is performed.

Next, the card unit control section 313
Control board 2 based on the output status of the VL permission signal from
FIG. 9 shows the output status of the launch control signal at 37.
A description will be given based on (a) to (d).

First, the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 are connected by the signal cable 9 and both power supplies are turned on (power ON), and the communication state between the card unit 3 and the management computer 100 9 is still in the off-line state, as shown in FIG. 9A, an AC power supply (AC2) is supplied from the payout control board 237 of the pachinko machine 2 to the input / output circuit 314 of the card unit 3.
4V) is supplied, but since the VL permission signal is not output from the card unit control unit 313, the DC voltage VL is not supplied from the input / output circuit 314 to the payout control board 237. For this reason, the VL detection signal is not output to the payout control microcomputer, the firing control signal from the payout control board 237 to the firing control board 291 is not output, and the driving of the hit ball firing device 292 is disabled, that is, Even if the player operates the operation knob 205, the pachinko balls are not fired and the game with the pachinko machine 2 cannot be actually executed.

Next, when the card unit 3 receives a card unit use permission notification described later from the management computer 100 and the state of communication with the management computer 100 becomes online, as shown in FIG. 9B. Then, the VL permission signal is output from the card unit control unit 313, and based on this, the DC voltage VL is supplied to the payout control board 237.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, in the payout control board 237, when the DC voltage VL is supplied from the card unit 3, a VL detection signal is output to the payout control microcomputer. In conjunction with this, a firing control signal is output from the payout control board 237 to the firing control board 291, and the driving of the hitting ball firing device 292 is possible, that is, when the player operates the operation knob 205, the pachinko ball is released. Launching is possible, and the game with the pachinko machine 2 can be executed.

When a predetermined period has elapsed since the communication state between the card unit 3 and the management computer 100 went offline, as shown in FIG. 9D, the VL from the card unit control unit 313 was sent. Since the output of the permission signal is stopped, the supply of the DC voltage VL from the input / output circuit 314 to the payout control board 237 is cut off. For this reason, the output of the VL detection signal to the payout control microcomputer is stopped. Accordingly, the output of the firing control signal from the payout control board 237 to the firing control board 291 is also stopped, and the hitting and firing apparatus is again activated. When the operation of the operation knob 205 is disabled by the player, the pachinko ball is not fired and the pachinko machine 2 cannot play.

Thereafter, when the communication state between the card unit 3 and the management computer 100 becomes online, a VL permission signal is output from the card unit control unit 313, and based on this, the VL permission signal is output. The supply to the payout control board 237 is resumed, and the pachinko machine 2
Is ready for execution.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the DC voltage VL supplied from the card unit 3 to the pachinko machine 2 is used as a connection confirmation signal for enabling the pachinko machine 2 to play a game. Since the VL is generated by rectifying the AC voltage supplied from the pachinko machine 2, for example, when the pachinko machine 2 is not connected to the card unit 3 or when the power of the connected pachinko machine 2 is turned on. When there is no output, the DC voltage VL is not output, and output of an unnecessary signal from the card unit 3 can be prevented.

Next, various processing states in the card unit 3 will be described.

First, in the card unit 3 of this embodiment, when the IC card 37 is inserted, the IC
The card ID and the frequency read from the card 37 are stored in the RAM, and the read card ID, frequency, license request, and the card unit 3 are stored.
And the device ID assigned to the management computer 100
Is transmitted to the management computer 100, and when the license is returned from the management computer 100, the inserted IC card 37 is made usable. When the disabling is received, the inserted IC card 37 is used. A reception process to return as unacceptable is performed.

In the card unit 3 of this embodiment,
The frequency read from the IC card 37 received in the reception process and stored in the RAM is displayed on the frequency display unit 1.
7 is displayed, and in this state, if the number of times remains, the lending button 16 is input to use the number of times stored in the RAM to play the corresponding game of the pachinko machine 2. Lending processing (use processing) for lending pachinko balls to be used for the game.

The control status of the lending process will be described with reference to FIG.
Is the DC voltage VL supplied from the card unit 3.
Is detected, the standby state is set, and the PRDY is set to LOW (S1).

When the lending button 16 is operated and the TDS is detected while PRDY is being output, the card unit controller 313 of the card unit 3 sets BRDY to LOW (S2). In this state, the BRQ is further set to LOW (S
3).

Next, the dispensing control board 237 detects the BRDY LOW while the BRQ LO
When W is detected, it is confirmed whether or not the payout of the pachinko balls is possible, and if it is possible, the EXS is set to LOW (S4).

The card unit control unit 313 that has detected the EXS LOW sets the BRQ to HIGH (S
5), the payout control board 2 which has detected the HIGH of this BRQ
37 outputs a ball payout signal to the ball payout device 297, and based on this, the number of balls corresponding to one frequency (25 in this embodiment)
Is executed and EXS is set to HIGH based on the end of the payout (S6).

The card unit control unit 313 controls these signals (S3) to (S6), controls the subtraction and update of the frequency stored in the RAM and the frequency displayed on the frequency display unit 17, and performs the BRDY, BRQ, The output control of EXS is repeatedly performed for the number of times of lending based on one operation of the lending button 16. After these controls are completed, BRDY is set to HIGH (S7), and the lending process is ended.

At the end of the lending process, the card unit control unit 313 sends a lending completion notification indicating that the lending has been performed, the card ID of the inserted IC card 37, the number of uses used for lending, and the device ID. Management computer 1
00 is transmitted.

As described above, the high level of the BRQ output from the card unit control unit 313 in the card unit 3
Based on the number of times H is detected, the payout control board 237 borrows the number of pachinko balls corresponding to one time (25 balls), and uses the pachinko balls lent in this manner. Thus, the player can execute a game in the pachinko machine 2.

In the present embodiment, at the stage when S6 is completed, the frequency stored in the RAM and the frequency displayed on the frequency display unit 17 are updated by subtracting 1 degree from the frequency. After the process of S3 to S6 is repeatedly performed for the number of times of loan (for example, five times for the loan of five times), that is, after the pachinko balls of the number of times of loan are paid out, the number of times of loan ( For example, if the loan is for 5 times, 5) is displayed in the RAM frequency and frequency display unit 1.
The frequency of 7 may be subtracted and updated.

In the card unit 3 according to the present embodiment, if the return button 15 is pressed when the frequency read from the inserted IC card 37 remains, the frequency stored in the RAM is returned. Is updated and recorded in the recording information of the inserted IC card 37, then discharged from the card insertion slot 305 and returned to the player. At this time, the card unit control unit 313 transmits the card ID of the returned IC card 37 and a return notification indicating that the return has been made to the management computer 100.

The card unit 3 of this embodiment outputs the DC voltage VL to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 even when the communication state with the management computer 100 is off-line, so that the game can be executed. For example, as in the case of the online state, the IC card 37 is accepted, and a lending process based on the frequency read from the accepted IC card 37 can be performed. Further, when the IC card 37 is received in the offline state, the usage history such as the frequency of use used for the lending process is stored at that time, and when the IC card 37 is online, the usage history is transmitted to the management computer 100. It is supposed to.

Next, the management computer 100, which is the management device of this embodiment, will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, the management computer 100 is connected to a data bus 101 for transmitting and receiving data inside the computer. Various processing executed by 100 and management DB described later
CPU 102 (communication state monitoring means) for performing update processing of RAM, RAM 103 used as a work memory, etc.
An RTC 104 for outputting time information and calendar information, a storage device 105 composed of a magnetic disk or a magneto-optical disk, an input device 106 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display device 107 for displaying and outputting various information, a printer 108 for printing and outputting various information, The communication unit 109 is a normal computer to which a communication unit 109 for performing data communication with the card unit 3 and a DSU 110 capable of performing data communication with the host computer 90 in the card management center shown in FIG. 1 are connected.

Further, in addition to a processing program for executing the processing of the management computer 100, the storage device 105 stores, for each card ID of the IC card 37, a corresponding program ID as shown in FIG. The current use state (standby or in use) of the IC card 37, the device ID of the currently used card unit 3 (not registered in the case of standby), and the remaining frequency which is the frequency remaining at that time. ,
12B, and as shown in FIG. 12B, for each device ID of each card unit 3, the island number of the installed gaming island and the communication state with the card unit 3 (online or online) Offline) and a card unit table in which the number of today's usage in the card unit 3 is registered are stored, and the registration data in the management DB is stored in the card unit. 3 is sequentially updated to the latest data based on various information transmitted from the server.

Next, the management computer 100 of the present embodiment
And the update status of each table in the management DB will be described.

The management computer 100 sends a license request, card ID, frequency, device I
When D is received, the remaining frequency of the corresponding card ID is extracted from the card table, and the extracted remaining frequency is compared with the received frequency.

If the two frequencies match as a result of this comparison, the license is returned to the sending card unit 3 and the item of the use state corresponding to the received card ID in the card table is set to “in use”. "
The received device ID is registered in the corresponding device ID item.

Further, when the received card ID is invalid, or when the card ID matching the received card ID is
In the case where the collation cannot be performed or the frequency collation does not match, for example, when D is not registered in the card table, an unusable status is returned to the card unit 3 of the transmission source.

When the management computer 100 receives the lending completion notification, the card ID, the use frequency, and the device ID from the card unit 3, the management computer 100 uses the received card ID from the remaining frequency of the corresponding card ID in the card table. Update and subtract the frequency. In conjunction with this, the received usage count is added and updated to the usage count of the corresponding device ID in the card unit table.

When the management computer 100 receives the return notification and the card ID from the card unit 3, it updates the use status item of the corresponding card ID to “standby” in the card table,
The item of the device ID is deleted.

Next, FIG. 1 shows the status of each device and the processing status between each device in the gaming system according to the present embodiment.
3 and FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 13, when the power is turned on, the management computer 100 confirms that each function is operating normally, and then confirms online with each card unit 3. Send.

On the other hand, when the power is turned on, each of the card units 3 is in a waiting state for receiving an online confirmation from the management computer 100. The notification is returned together with the device ID, and the system enters a waiting state for receiving a card unit use permission notification (permission signal) from the management computer 100. Further, in this state, since the DC voltage VL is not supplied to the corresponding pachinko machine 2, the driving of the hit ball firing device 292 is disabled as described above, and the game cannot be performed.

Next, when the management computer 100 receives a response including the online confirmation notification and the device ID from each card unit 3, it updates the communication status item of the corresponding device ID to “online” in the card unit table, and Then, the request for starting the returned device ID is transmitted to the host computer 90.

The host computer 90 that has received the start permission request and the device ID returns a start permission request (communication confirmation signal) to the management computer 90 to the management computer 100 as the transmission source.

When the management computer 100 receives the start permission notification (communication confirmation signal) returned from the host computer 90, the card unit use permission notification (permission signal) is sent to the card unit 3 of the corresponding device ID. Send

Next, when the card unit 3 receives the card unit use permission notification from the management computer 100, the supply of the DC voltage VL to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is permitted, and the DC voltage VL is supplied to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 Supplied. As a result, in the corresponding pachinko machine 2, the driving of the hit ball firing device 292 is permitted and the game can be executed.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14, the management computer 100 transmits an online confirmation to each card unit 3 at predetermined intervals, and accordingly, an online confirmation notice is sent from each card unit 3. And the communication status registered for each device ID in the card unit table,
, The device ID of the card unit 3 in which the online confirmation notification is not returned, that is, the device ID of the card unit 3 in the offline state, and the device ID of the specified card unit 3 in the offline state in the card unit table. Is updated to "offline", and an offline notification indicating that the card unit 3 of the specified device ID is in an offline state is transmitted to the host computer 90. .

When the online confirmation notification based on the transmission of the online confirmation and the device ID are received again from the card unit 3 in the off-line state, similar to the above-described power-on processing, In the card unit table, the communication status item of the corresponding device ID is updated to “online”, and a start permission request of the returned device ID is transmitted to the host computer 90, and the host computer 9
When a start permission notice of the card unit 3 corresponding to these device IDs is received from 0, a card unit use permission notice is transmitted to the card unit 3 of the corresponding device ID.

On the other hand, in the card unit 3, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, after receiving the card unit use permission notification from the management computer 100, the system waits for the online confirmation reception from the management computer 100 again, and starts timer counting. When the online confirmation is received from the management computer 100 within 6 hours from the start of the timer count, the online confirmation notification and the device ID are returned to the management computer 100, and the timer count is reset to start counting again. It is in a state of waiting for receiving an online confirmation from the management computer 100.

In the waiting state for receiving the online confirmation from the management computer 100, when six hours have elapsed since the start of the timer count, the supply of the DC voltage VL to the pachinko machine 2 is disabled, and the corresponding pachinko machine is disabled. The supply of the DC voltage VL to 2 is cut off. As a result, the driving of the hit ball firing device 292 is disabled, and the game cannot be executed. When an online confirmation is received again from the management computer 100 in this state, an online confirmation notification is sent together with the device ID to the management computer 100.
And the supply of the DC voltage VL to the pachinko machine 2 is permitted again, so that the supply of the DC voltage VL to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is resumed. Driving is permitted and the game can be executed again.

As described above, in the gaming system according to the present embodiment, the card unit 3 determines whether the communication state with the management computer 100 is online or offline based on the card unit use permission notification and online confirmation transmitted from the management computer 100. Then, the DC voltage VL is supplied / non-supplied to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 based on the discrimination.
The side independently determines the communication state with the management computer 100, so that the card unit 3 can operate despite the other functions of the management computer 100 not operating normally.
Can be prevented as much as possible from erroneously supplying the DC voltage VL to the pachinko machine 2.

In the gaming system of the present embodiment, when the management computer 100 confirms online with the card unit 3 at power-on or the card unit 3 that has gone offline, the management computer 100 sends the information to the host computer 90. When a start permission request is transmitted to the card unit 3 and a start permission notification is received from the host computer 90, a card unit use permission notification is transmitted to the corresponding card unit 3. When the communication status of the client computer becomes offline, an offline notification indicating the fact is transmitted to the host computer 90, and the communication status between the management computer 100 and each card unit 3 is transmitted to the host computer 90. Can also be grasped.

In the gaming system according to the present embodiment, even if the communication state between the management computer 100 and the card unit 3 is off-line, the DC voltage is transmitted from the card unit 3 to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 for a predetermined period. VL
And the pachinko machine 2 cannot execute the game due to the poor communication between the management computer 100 and the card unit 3, which causes troubles such as hindering the operation of the amusement arcade. Can be avoided as much as possible. In this embodiment, the period during which the DC voltage VL is continuously supplied after going off-line is set to 6 hours, but the present invention is not limited to this.

As described above, by applying the gaming system of the present embodiment, the communication state between the card unit 3 and the management computer 100 is online, that is, the management computer 100 collects information on the card unit 3. Only in a manageable state, the DC voltage VL is supplied from the card unit 3 to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 and a game can be performed on the corresponding pachinko machine 2, so that management of these card units 3 is performed. Information can be accurately collected and managed.

In recent years, as shown in FIG. 15, pachinko balls are lent using only a prepaid card such as the aforementioned IC card 37, and only pachinko balls lent with these prepaid cards are used. A state in which the card reader-type pachinko machine 2 can be played by connecting the card reader-type pachinko machine 2 capable of performing a game on condition that it is used and a card unit 3x purchased from a card company or the like. In addition, by arranging a cash ball lending machine 3y for lending pachinko balls by inserting cash, the card reader type pachinko machine 2 is actually used by using pachinko balls lent by cash input.
The double sand problem that the game can be executed in the game has become apparent, but by applying the game system as in the present embodiment, the communication state between the card unit 3 and the management computer 100 becomes online. Only in the state, that is, in the state where the management computer 100 is communicatively connected, the DC voltage VL is supplied from the card unit 3 to the corresponding pachinko machine 2, and the game with the corresponding pachinko machine 2 can be performed. Therefore, it is also effective as a countermeasure for the double sand problem as described above.

Each element in each of the above embodiments corresponds to the present invention as follows.

A first aspect of the present invention is a connection confirmation signal (DC voltage V) output from a game device (card unit 3).
L) is provided in correspondence with a gaming machine (card reader type pachinko machine 2) which is capable of executing a game on condition that it has been input, and can be used for games in the gaming machine (pachinko machine 2). Game recording medium (IC card 3) on which information capable of specifying the size of the game value (frequency) is recorded.
7) and the value of the game value (frequency) specified from the recording information of the received game recording medium (IC card 37) is set within the range of the size of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 2). A game device (card unit 3) for performing a use process (lending process) for use in a game in the game, and information related to the game device (card unit 3) which is communicatively connected to the game device (card unit 3). A management device (management computer 100) for managing
A communication state determining means (card unit control unit) for determining whether the game device (card unit 3) can communicate with the management device (management computer 100). 313) and a confirmation signal output means (a pachinko machine 2) that outputs the connection confirmation signal (DC voltage VL) to the corresponding gaming machine (pachinko machine 2) when communication with the management device (management computer 100) is possible. An input / output circuit 314).

A second aspect of the present invention is the game device (card unit 3), the corresponding gaming machine (pachinko machine 2)
Rectifier (rectifier circuit 5) that rectifies an AC voltage (AC 24 V) supplied from the
01), and outputs the generated DC voltage (DC voltage VL) to the corresponding gaming machine (pachinko machine 2) as the connection confirmation signal.

In a third aspect of the present invention, the management device (management computer 100) monitors communication status with the game device (card unit 3).
PU102), and a permission signal (card unit use permission notice) for permitting output of the connection confirmation signal (DC voltage VL) when communication with the gaming device (card unit 3) is possible. ) Is output to the gaming device, and the communication state determining means (card unit control unit 313) of the gaming device (card unit 3) receives the permission signal (card unit use permission notification) when the management device receives the permission signal. It is determined that communication with the (management computer 100) is possible.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the management device (management computer 100) is communicatively connected to a host computer 90 that manages the management device (management computer 100). The communication state between the device (management computer 100) and the game device (card unit 3) is checked, and communication is performed when communication between the management device (management computer 100) and the game device (card unit 3) is possible. The management device (management computer 100) outputs a confirmation signal (start permission notification) to the management device (management computer 100).
The permission signal (card unit use permission notification) is output to the game device (card unit 3).

A fifth aspect of the present invention is directed to a circuit (frequency display unit 17, rentable lamp 1) used in the use process (rent process) by using the generated DC voltage (DC voltage VL).
9, used as a voltage for energizing the lending switch 16 'and the return switch 15').

[0108] Claim 6 of the present invention is that the gaming device (card unit 3) remains in communication with the management device (management computer 100) for a predetermined period (6 hours). The connection confirmation signal (DC voltage VL) is output to the corresponding gaming machine (pachinko machine 2).

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in the above embodiments with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and changes and additions may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, the present invention is included in the present invention.

For example, the gaming system in the above-described embodiment includes a card unit 3 and a management computer 100.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in addition, a card issuing machine that issues the IC card 37 and the remaining amount of the IC card 37 are settled in cash. Possible card settlement machines and the like may be included.

In the gaming system of the above embodiment,
The management computer 100 checks whether the communication state with the card unit 3 is online, transmits a card unit use permission notice to the card unit 3 based on the communication state, and receives the card unit use permission notice. , The card unit 3 is the corresponding pachinko machine 2
The supply of the DC voltage VL to the pachinko machine is started. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 2 may be started to be supplied.

Further, in the gaming system of the above embodiment,
When the card unit 3 receives the online confirmation transmitted from the management computer 100 at predetermined intervals, it starts a timer count, and the period until receiving the online confirmation by the timer count is a predetermined period (6 hours).
The VL supply to the pachinko machine 2 is stopped when the number exceeds the limit. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
When confirming the communication state with the management computer 100, the time since the card unit 3 went offline with the management computer 100 was measured, and the time since the card unit 3 went offline exceeded a predetermined period (6 hours). In this case, the VL supply to the pachinko machine 2 may be stopped.

In the gaming system of the above embodiment,
Although the timer count by the card unit 3 is performed by the MPU of the card unit control unit 313, the present invention is not limited to this, and a battery or a capacitor which operates as a timer circuit is provided. Timer counting may be performed using the discharge time.

Further, in the gaming system of the above embodiment,
The lending process can be performed by accepting the IC card 37 even when the communication state between the card unit 3 and the management computer 100 is offline, but the present invention is not limited to this, and When the communication state with the computer 100 is offline, the reception of the IC card 37 may not be performed.

Further, in the gaming system of the above embodiment,
The management computer 100 sends a start permission request for the card unit 3 to the host computer 90, and when a start permission notification is returned based on the request, sends a card unit use permission notification to the corresponding card unit 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the management computer 100 may transmit the card unit use permission notification only by checking the online state with the card unit 3. good.

Further, in the card unit 3 of the embodiment, the IC card 37 is received and the received IC card 3 is received.
7, the lending process is only performed based on the frequency read out. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and accepts a deposit from a player and adds the frequency based on the deposit amount. An additional payment function for performing an update, a function for issuing a new IC card 37 based on the payment amount, and the like may be added.

Further, in the card unit 3 of the embodiment, when the IC card 37 is received, the IC card 37
Is stored in the RAM, and the stored frequency is updated based on the lending process. When a return operation is performed, the updated frequency is updated to the frequency recorded on the IC card 37. Although zero recording is performed, the present invention is not limited to this, and the frequency recorded on the IC card 37 may be updated each time the frequency is updated.

In the card unit 3 of the embodiment, the DC voltage VL generated by the rectifier circuit 501 is used as a connection confirmation signal for enabling the game of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 to be executed. The present invention is not limited to this, and any other individual connection confirmation signal may be output as long as it can control the execution / non-execution of the game in the pachinko machine 2.

In the card unit 3 of the embodiment, the relay circuit 502 for switching the supply / non-supply of the DC voltage VL is provided on the VL supply line 523 for supplying the DC voltage VL to the pachinko machine 2 side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the relay circuit 502 may be provided on a supply line of the rectifier circuit 501 for supplying the DC voltage VL.

In the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 of the above embodiment, the frequency display section 17 and the rentable lamp 1 are provided.
9, a DC voltage V which is the same power supply as an operation power supply of the lending button 16 and the return button 15 and a power supply used for input / output of various signals between the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2
Although L is used, the present invention is not limited to this, and individual power supplies may be used as these power supplies.

Further, the card unit 3 of the above embodiment is
Even if the communication state with the management computer 100 is offline, the DC voltage VL is supplied to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 for a predetermined period, but the present invention is not limited to this. The supply of the DC voltage may be cut off when the communication state with the management computer 100 becomes offline.

Further, the management computer 10 of the above embodiment is used.
In 0, only the management of the IC card 37 or the card unit 3 which is a game recording medium is performed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the management computer 100 collects and manages information of the gaming machine. A configuration having a function may be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the frequency as the game value specified by the IC card 37 is recorded or registered and managed in both the IC card 37 and the management computer 100 (not shown). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the frequency may be recorded only in the IC card 37, or the frequency may be registered only in the management computer 100 or the host computer 90, and the like. By reading an identification code such as a card ID of the IC card 37, the registered frequency may be specified.

In the above embodiment, the non-contact type IC card 37 is used as the game recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be used as a magnetic card or a contact type IC card. Alternatively, if the recording information can be specified using the identification code, etc., it is sufficient if the information such as the identification code capable of specifying the game recording medium can be recorded at least in a readable manner. Or a recording medium on which a predetermined information recording symbol or the like is readable, or an information terminal on which the information recording symbol or the like is readable.

Although the IC card 37 as the game recording medium used in the above-described embodiment has a card-like shape, the present invention is not limited to this. The shape may be other shapes.

Further, the IC card 37 used in the above embodiment was used.
Is usable only in a predetermined game arcade, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be used as a common card usable in a plurality of game arcades.

In the above-described embodiment, the frequency is used as the form of the game value used in the pachinko machine 2 which is a game machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The value may be an amount corresponding to a monetary value, a predetermined point, a corresponding number of pachinko balls or coins, and the form may be arbitrarily selected.

In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko balls are used as the game media used in the pachinko machine 2 which is a game machine. However, these game media are used as coins, points, and image-type pachinko machines and slots described later. It may be a pachinko ball or a coin formed by an image in a machine or the like, and if these game media are media used in the game,
It is included in the game medium of the present invention, and its form is not limited.

In the above embodiment, the card reader-type pachinko machine 2 is used as a game machine.
As shown in the figure, a slot machine 2c for playing a game using coins and a pachilot 2 for playing a game using pachinko balls.
d, an enclosed pachinko machine 2b or a completely credit-type slot machine 2e that can be played without pachinko balls and coins being discharged to the outside, and a gaming machine that can be played with data and the like without using these gaming media. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to image-type pachinko machines in which game boards and pachinko balls are displayed in images, image-type slot machines and pachi-lots in which reels are displayed in images. The machine is not limited.

[0130]

The present invention has the following effects.

(A) According to the first aspect of the present invention, only in a state where communication between the gaming device and the management device is possible, that is, in a state where the management device can collect and manage management information on the gaming device, Since a game can be played on a gaming machine corresponding to the gaming device, management information on the gaming device can be accurately collected and managed.

(B) According to the invention of claim 2, for example,
When the gaming machine is not connected or the power of the gaming machine is not turned on, the connection confirmation signal is not output, so that output of an unnecessary signal can be prevented.

(C) According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to avoid as much as possible that the game device erroneously outputs the connection confirmation signal when the management device is not operating normally. The management device can more accurately collect and manage management information on the gaming device.

(D) According to the invention of claim 4, even in a host computer installed in a management organization such as a third party organization that manages the game recording medium, the management device and the game device can be connected to each other. The communication state can be grasped.

(E) According to the invention of claim 5, since the circuits used in the use processing of the gaming machine and the gaming machine have the same potential, the circuit on the gaming machine side and the circuit on the gaming machine side have the same potential. Can be avoided.

(F) According to the invention of claim 6, even when communication between the management device and the gaming device is poor, a game can be played on the corresponding gaming machine for a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, inconveniences such as hindrance to the operation of the amusement arcade can be avoided as much as possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway front view showing an IC card used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the pachinko machine used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a front view of a card unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a partially cutaway side view of the card unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a card unit and a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a connection state between the card unit and the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a VL of a card unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a permission signal output mechanism.

FIGS. 9A to 9D are diagrams illustrating a supply state of an AC voltage from a pachinko machine and a supply state of a DC voltage from a card unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an output state of each signal output from the payout control board and the card unit of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a registration status of a management DB in a management computer used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a processing status of each device and a processing status between devices in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a processing status of each device and a processing status between devices in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a state of arrangement of a pachinko machine, a card unit, and a cash ball lending machine which has been conventionally implemented.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a modification of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Card reader-type pachinko machine (game machine) 2b Enclosed-type pachinko machine (game machine) 2c Slot machine (game machine) 2d Pachilot (game machine) 2e Complete credit-type slot machine (game machine) 3 Card unit (game machine) 3x card unit 3y cash ball lending machine 8 communication cable 9 signal cable 12 card collection path 14 operation unit 15 return button 15 'return switch 16 lending button 16' lending switch 17 frequency display unit 17a-c 7 segment LED 18 operation board 19 lending Possible lamp 37 IC card (game recording medium) 80 Communication network 90 Host computer 100 Management computer (management device) 101 Data bus 102 CPU (communication state monitoring means) 103 RAM 104 RTC 105 Storage device 106 Input device 107 Display device Placement 108 Printer 109 Communication unit 110 DSU 202 Glass door frame 203 Hitting supply tray 204 Surplus ball receiving tray 205 Hitting operation handle (operation knob) 206 Game board 207 Game area 209 Variable display unit 210 Variable display device 211 Passage gate 214 Starting winning opening 215 Movable piece 216 Variable winning ball device 220 Opening / closing plate 224 Winning port 226 Out port 231 Game control board 235 Lamp control board 237 Payout control board 270 Voice control board 280 Display control board 291 Launch control board 292 Ball launching apparatus 297 Ball payout apparatus 301 Operation Lamp 305 Card slot 306 Card indicator 307 Control unit 310 IC card reader / writer 312 Communication unit 313 Card unit control unit (communication state determination unit) 314 Input / output circuit (confirmation signal output) Step) 381 Base 382 IC chip 383 Pattern coil 384 Flexible printed board 385 Top film 401 Power supply circuit 402 Detection circuit 403 to 406 Switch circuit 501 Rectifier circuit (rectifier) 502 Relay circuit 503 to 512 Switch circuit 513 Detection circuit 514 to 520 Switch Circuit 521 Power supply circuit 522 Switch circuit 523 VL supply line

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A game device which is provided for a game machine which can execute a game on condition that a connection confirmation signal output from the game device is input, and which can be used for a game in the game machine. Receiving a game recording medium on which information capable of specifying the size of the game value has been recorded, and changing the size of the game value specified from the received recording information of the game recording medium to the size A gaming system comprising: a gaming device that performs a use process for causing the gaming machine to use the gaming device within a range; and a management device that is communicatively connected to the gaming device and manages information about the gaming device. Communication state determining means for determining whether the gaming device is in a state in which communication with the management device is possible,
And a confirmation signal output unit that outputs the connection confirmation signal to a corresponding gaming machine when communication with the management device is possible. 2. The gaming machine further comprises rectifying means for rectifying an AC voltage supplied from the corresponding gaming machine to generate a DC voltage, and using the generated DC voltage as the connection confirmation signal. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game system outputs the information. 3. The management device includes a communication status monitoring unit that monitors a communication status with the gaming device, and outputs the connection confirmation signal when communication with the gaming device is possible. And outputting a permission signal to the gaming machine to allow the communication device to determine that the communication with the management device is possible when the permission signal is input. Item 3. The gaming system according to Item 1 or 2. 4. The management device is communicatively connected to a host computer installed in a management organization that manages the management device, and the host computer checks a communication state between the management device and the game device. Outputting a communication confirmation signal to the management device when communication between the management device and the game device is possible, and the management device sends the permission signal to the game device when the communication confirmation signal is input. The gaming system according to claim 3, wherein the game is output. 5. The gaming system according to claim 2, wherein the DC voltage generated by the rectifier circuit is used as a voltage for energizing a circuit used in the use processing. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming device outputs the connection confirmation signal to a corresponding gaming machine for a predetermined period even if communication with the management device becomes impossible. A gaming system according to claim 1.