JP2003320140A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restart an interrupted game with any given timing after interruption. <P>SOLUTION: In terms of a game machine and the like, which are composed of a card unit and a slot machine, game information for indicating a game state of the game machine 1a at a time ta is wholly or partially recorded in a recording medium 6. The game information recorded as above is read by a reading means 7; a game restarting means 8 cancels the game state of the game machine 1b at a time tb; after switching to a game state restored according to the game information read by the reading means 7, the game is restarted from the game state after the switching. Without reference to the state (power shutdown, a game played by another player, etc.), of the game machine 1 between the time ta and the time tb, the game can be restarted in the game machine 1b at the time tb from a game state equal to the game state of the game machine 1a at the time ta. Thus, the interrupted game can be restarted with any given timing after the interruption. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game which is stopped halfway can be resumed later.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a technique relating to a gaming machine in which a game which is stopped halfway can be restarted later, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-35243. According to the technology disclosed in the official gazette, even if the current gaming state is lost due to a power outage or the like in the middle of a game, it can be resumed from the gaming state at the time of power outage if the power is restored. . If you apply this technology, the game hall (hall) during the game
Even if you have to stop playing due to the closing time of, etc., if you turn off the power supply, you can restart the game from the playing state when you stopped it by returning the power supply on the next business day etc. .

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned technique, the game which is stopped midway can be resumed only when the power is restored. Therefore, in order to allow a player who has actually stopped playing on the way to restart, the power of the corresponding gaming machine is turned on until the player comes to the game hall at the opening time or until the player comes to the game hall. Must be shut off. Therefore, in the former case, the player is burdened, and in the latter case, other players cannot play and the operating rate is reduced, which is inconvenient for the game hall. The present invention has been made in view of such points,
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a game stopped on the way can be restarted at an arbitrary timing later.

[0004]

Means 1 for solving the problems Means 1 for solving the problems are as described in claim 1. Here, the terms described in claim 1 are interpreted as follows. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention. (1) "Game information" is information indicating the current game state, and is, for example, date and time, random number, remaining number of bonus games, lottery result (whether or not it is a big hit or big bonus, etc.), specific state (while the symbol is changing Whether or not a bonus game is in progress) or not. (2) The “recording medium” is arbitrary as long as it can record and read data and signals. For example, memory (EE
PROM, flash memory, memory backed up by battery, etc.), magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, etc.), cards (magnetic card, IC card, paper card, etc.), printing and pasting of characters and symbols Printed materials that can be used are applicable.

According to the means 1, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, a recording means 3 capable of recording in the recording medium 6 all or part of the game information representing the current game state in the gaming machine 1a, The reading means 7 for reading the game information recorded in the recording medium 6 and the game state of the gaming machine 1b to be played from now on are switched to the restored game state based on the game information read by the reading means 7, and the switched game is switched. It has a game resuming means 8 for resuming the game from the state. The gaming machine 1a and the gaming machine 1b may be the same gaming machine 1 or different gaming machines 1.

According to the example of FIG. 1, the recording medium 6 is recorded at time ta.
All or part of the game information representing the game state of the gaming machine 1a at the time of is recorded in the recording medium 6. The game information thus recorded is read by the reading means 7, and the game resuming means 8 discards the game state of the gaming machine 1b at time tb and switches to the restored game state based on the game information read by the reading means 7. Then, the game is restarted from the switched game state. Therefore, irrespective of the state of the gaming machine 1 between time ta and time tb indicated by the chain double-dashed line (power-off, game by another player, etc.), the time tb is the time tb at the time tb in the game machine 1b. The game can be restarted from a game state equivalent to the game state of the gaming machine 1a. The length of the period from time ta to time tb does not matter except when the resumable expiration date is set in the game information, so that the game stopped midway can be restarted at any later timing. Therefore, the player can go to the game hall at any time so that it is not a burden, and since the game machine 1 may be turned on and another player may play the game, the operating rate does not decrease and it is convenient for the game hall. Good.

[0007]

Means 2 for solving the problems Means 2 for solving the problems are as described in claim 2. Here, the term “specific information” described in claim 2 is arbitrary as long as it is information that can identify the player, and corresponds to, for example, a password, an identifier (ID), a date of birth, a telephone number, or the like. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.

According to the means 2, the input means 4 for inputting the specific information for specifying the player 5 who has no choice but to stop the game is provided, and the recording means 3 stores the specific information input by the input means 4. The information is recorded in the recording medium 6, the reading means 7 reads the specific information recorded in the recording medium 6, and the game resuming means 8 is based on the specific information read by the reading means 7 and the specific information input again from the input means 4. It is determined whether or not to restart the game, and only when it is determined to restart, the game is restarted from the game state restored based on the game information. The input means 4 only needs to be able to input specific information, and for example, a lever, a button, a handle or the like provided in the gaming machine 1 may be used. The game resuming means 8 compares the specific information recorded on the recording medium 6 with the specific information input from the input means 4, and restarts the game only when they match. Therefore, it is possible to specify the player 5 who has stopped halfway and restart the player 5 at an arbitrary timing later.

[0009]

Means 3 for solving the problems Means 3 for solving the problems are as described in claim 3. The means 3
According to this, the notification means 2 for determining and notifying the specific information for specifying the player 5 who has no choice but to stop playing the game.
And input means 4 capable of inputting information. Further, the recording means 3 records the specific information notified by the notification means 2 in the recording medium 6, the reading means 7 reads the specific information recorded in the recording medium 6, and the game resuming means 8 specifies the information read by the reading means 7. Based on the information and the information input through the input means 4, it is determined whether or not to restart the game, and only when it is determined to restart, the game is restarted from the game state restored based on the game information. The notification means 2 may be any device as long as it can notify the specific information, and examples thereof include a display (a liquid crystal display, a 7-segment element, etc.) that displays characters, codes, and the like, a speaker that plays a sound, and the like. Since the notification means 2 determines and notifies specific information such as a password and an identifier (ID) each time, the player 5 needs to take a memo or store it. The game resuming means 8 compares the notified specific information with the information input from the input means 4, and restarts the game only when they match. Therefore, it is possible to specify the player 5 who has stopped halfway and restart the player 5 at an arbitrary timing later.

[0010]

Means 4 for solving the problems Means 4 for solving the problems are as described in claim 4. Here, the term “setting information” described in claim 4 is arbitrary as long as the information can be set in the gaming machine. For example, the model, the expiration date when the game can be restarted, the code indicating the game hall, the setting for determining the winning lottery probability, and the like are applicable. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.

According to the means 4, the recording means 3 records all or a part of the setting information set in the gaming machine 1a in the recording medium 6, and the reading means 7 records the setting information recorded in the recording medium 6. When the game resuming means 8 decides whether or not to restart the game based on the setting information read by the reading means 7 and the setting information set in the gaming machine 1b to be played, and decides to restart. Only, the game is restarted from the game state restored based on the game information. The game resuming means 8 is the game machine 1a recorded in the recording medium 6.
And the setting information set in the gaming machine 1b are compared, and the game is restarted only when they match. Therefore, it is possible to restart the game which is stopped halfway between the gaming machines 1 having the same model and the same probability setting and the like at an arbitrary timing later. Even with this configuration, there is no disadvantage to both the player and the game hall.

[0012]

Means 5 for solving the problems Means 5 for solving the problems are as described in claim 5. The means 5
According to the above, the recording means 3 records all or a part of the setting information set in the gaming machine 1a in the recording medium 6, and the reading means 7 reads the setting information recorded in the recording medium 6,
The game resuming means 8 sets the setting information read by the reading means 7 in the game machine 1b to be played, and restarts the game from the game state restored based on the game information. That is, the game restarting means 8 restarts the game after setting the setting information of the gaming machine 1a recorded in the recording medium 6 in the gaming machine 1b regardless of the setting information at the time tb. Therefore, even between game machines 1 having different probabilities and the like, it is possible to restart the game that was stopped midway at an arbitrary timing later. In addition, game machine 1
The game may be restarted after being selectively / partially (for example, a setting for determining the lottery probability per hit) of the setting information set in a, and then set in the gaming machine 1b. This selection / division is arbitrary in design.

[0013]

Means 6 for solving the problems Means 6 for solving the problems are as described in claim 6. The means 6
According to the above, the recording means 3 can carry all or part of the information (for example, game information, setting information, specific information, etc.) to be recorded by the first recording medium 6a provided in the game hall and the player 5. The data is recorded on one or both of the second recording media 6b. Further, the reading means 7 reads the information recorded in one or both of the first recording medium 6a and the second recording medium 6b.
For example, the first recording medium 6a corresponds to a memory provided in a hall computer, an island computer, or the like. The second recording medium 6b corresponds to a memory provided in a portable information terminal (for example, a handy computer or a mobile phone) in addition to the above cards and printed matter. If the information to be recorded is concentrated and recorded on either the first recording medium 6a or the second recording medium 6b, the required recording resources can be minimized. Further, if the information to be recorded is distributed and recorded in the first recording medium 6a and the second recording medium 6b, it is possible to prevent the resumption of the game especially when the second recording medium 6b is illegal.

[0014]

Means 7 for solving the problems is a means 7 for solving the problems, in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 6, the input means 4 and the game resuming means 8 are provided. It has a recording means 3 for recording a program that realizes one or both of them in the recording medium 6, and an executing means for reading and executing the program recorded in the recording medium 6.

According to the means 7, the recording means 3 stores one of the input means 4 and the game restart means 8 together with the information (for example, game information, setting information, specific information, etc.) to be recorded on the recording medium 6. A program that realizes both is recorded in the recording medium 6. If the executing means reads and executes the program thus recorded, specific information is input through the input means 4, and the game restarting means 8 restarts the game from the game state restored based on the read game information. Therefore, it is not necessary to store the input means 4 and the game resuming means 8 in the gaming machine 1b, so that the present invention can be realized while minimizing the storage capacity.

[0016]

Means for Solving the Problem Means 8 for solving the problem is a recording means 3 capable of recording all or part of the game information representing the current game state in the gaming machine 1a in a recording medium 6. , The reading means 7 for reading the game information recorded in the recording medium 6 and the game state of the gaming machine 1b to be played from now on are switched to the restored game state based on the game information read by the reading means 7 and switched. The game system includes a game resuming means 8 for resuming the game from the game state.

According to the means 8, as in the case of the means 1 described above, at the game machine 1b, at time tb, the game can be restarted from the game state equivalent to the game state of the game machine 1a at the time ta. In the case of a game system, any means of the notification means 2, the recording means 3, the input means 4, the reading means 7, and the game restart means 8 is used as hall equipment (hall computer or island computer, or a terminal device connected to these). Etc.). By doing this, it is possible to build a system that matches the business format of the amusement park.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a gaming machine including a card unit and a slot machine, which will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, in FIG. 2, a card unit 10 (CR unit) and a slot machine 1 corresponding to the gaming machine 1 are shown.
The appearance of No. 2 is shown in a front view. The card unit 10 can mount a recording medium (for example, a magnetic card, an IC card, a paper card, etc.) through the mounting port 48. The card unit 10 can record predetermined information (for example, game information, setting information, specific information, balance information, valuable value information, etc.) on a recording medium, and can read the information recorded on the recording medium. ing.

On the front door 56 of the slot machine 12, a performance display section 14 for performing necessary notifications and performances, a decorative lamp 16 for lighting / flashing a light-emitting body (lamp, LED, etc.) at a predetermined timing, and a reel 60. , 64, 68 which are capable of recognizing the respective symbols, display windows 58, 62, 66, a pair of left and right line display units 1 for notifying an effective line capable of forming a required display mode (for example, the symbol pattern [777] etc.)
8. First indicator 5 for displaying the number of medals (hereinafter referred to as “credits”) stored in the slot machine
4, a second display 70 for displaying the number of games consumed in the bonus game, a third for displaying the number of prizes to be paid out, etc.
A display 20, a return button 24 for returning medals inserted from the insertion slot 22, bet buttons 46, 50, 52 for setting the number of bets to be placed in one game, and a guide plate 72 for guiding a game method and the like. , The starting lever 44 for starting to rotate the reels 60, 64, 68, the rotating reel 6
Stop buttons 38, 34, 30 for individually stopping 0, 64, 68, an input key group 26 capable of inputting specific information, a reserve payment button 42 for requesting return of credited medals, and the like are provided. The bet button 46,
50, 52, start lever 44, stop button 38, 34,
Each of 30 and the like has a built-in contact switch for transmitting a signal to a main control board 120 (see FIG. 3) described later. An example of the keys forming the input key group 26 will be described later (see FIG. 5).

A liquid crystal display, for example, is used as the effect display unit 14, but other display devices (CRT, plasma display, LED)
LED displays, etc. arranged in a grid) may be used,
A fourth reel having the same structure as the reels 60, 64, 68 may be used. The reel 60 can be seen through the display window 58, and similarly, the reels 64 and 66 can be seen through the display windows 62 and 66, respectively.
68 is visible. The number of active lines displayed on the line display unit 18 differs depending on the number of bets on which one of the bet buttons 46, 50 and 52 is operated. For example, the bet button 50 for placing 1 bet (1 bet button) has only one line in the middle row, and the bet button 52 for placing 2 bet (2 bet button) has 3 lines in the upper row, middle row, and lower row.
The bet button 46 (MAX bet button) for placing a bet has all five horizontal and diagonal lines. Normally, the bet number applied to the bet button 46 is 3, but there is also a slot machine that sets the bet number to 1 in a specific game (for example, JAC game). For example, a 7-segment element is used for the first indicator 54, the second indicator 70, and the third indicator 20, but other indicators may be used.

Below the front door 56, an ashtray 40 for storing cigarette butts, sounds (sound, music, sound effects, etc.)
It has a built-in speaker 36 and a saucer 28 capable of temporarily storing medals. In the example of FIG. 2, two speakers 36 are provided on the left and right as shown by the broken lines. The medals to be paid out after the rotating reels 60, 64, 68 are stopped in a desired display mode come out from the payout opening 32 and are accumulated in the receiving tray 28.

Next, an example in which boards, devices and the like are connected to realize a slot game and a suspension / resumption of a game using the card unit 10 and the slot machine 12 will be described with reference to FIG. All of the elements shown in FIG. 3 are provided in the slot machine 12 except for the configuration of the card unit 10 and the hall computer 148. Further, when simply “connecting”, it means electrically connecting unless otherwise specified.

First, the card unit 10 is mainly composed of a CPU (processor) 10a, a ROM 10b for storing input / output programs, a RAM 10c for temporarily storing data, programs, etc., and an input of data etc. to a recording medium. The read / write device 10d for outputting ("R
/ W ". ) And so on. The CPU 10a executes an input / output program to realize input / output (that is, recording and reading) of data and the like. The input / output program includes programs for realizing procedures such as data recording processing and data reading processing, which will be described later. For example R
EPROM is used for OM10b and D is used for RAM10c.
RAM is used, but other types of memory (eg EEPRO
M, SRAM, flash memory, etc.) may be optionally used. The other components and operations of the card unit 10 are the same as those of the known configuration, and therefore, illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the components of the slot machine 12 will be described. The main control board 120 mainly including the CPU 122 is an RO that stores a game control program and the like.
It is provided with M124, a RAM 126 capable of storing temporary data such as random numbers and flags, and the like. The CPU 122 executes the game control program to realize the slot game. The game control program includes a recording control process as described later,
It includes programs for implementing procedures such as restart control processing. Similar to the ROM 10b and RAM 10c described above,
For example, an EPROM is used as the ROM 124, and the RAM 12
Although a DRAM is used for 6, a memory of another type described above may be optionally used. The other components are the same as the well-known configurations, and therefore illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

The signal output from the main control board 120 is transmitted to each device through the payout control board 110, the relay lamp board 112, the reel relay terminal board 130, the sub control board 132 and the like. The payout control board 110 receives the payout signal transmitted from the main control board 120 and pays out a number of medals corresponding to the game result from the payout exit 32, and a counting number for actually paid medals. The sensor 102 and the like are connected. Relay lamp board 112
Includes a medal selector 104 for ejecting defective medals, returning medals when the power is cut off, stop buttons 30, 34,
38, bet buttons 46, 50, 52, starting lever 4
4, the storage settlement button 42, the effective line lamp 106 for displaying the line display unit 18, and the like are connected. The medal payout device 100 includes a motor or the like that is driven when paying out medals, and monitors the rotation state of the motor to notify the main control board 120 at a constant cycle or an indefinite cycle. By this notification, it is possible to know whether or not the motor is in an appropriate rotation state, and it is possible to prevent fraud.

The sub control board 132, which receives the signal output from the main control board 120, further transmits the signal to various devices through the reel relay terminal board 130, the relay terminal board 134, and the like. According to this configuration, the signal output to the reel relay terminal board 130 may be directly transmitted from the main control board 120 or may be transmitted via the sub control board 132. The relay lamp board 112 and the sub-control board 132 described above mainly include a CPU, like the main control board 120. On the other hand, the reel relay terminal board 130 and the relay terminal board 134 are configured to perform a signal transmitting function.

The reel relay terminal board 130 includes a left reel device 140, a middle reel device 142, and a right reel device 144.
Or hall equipment (ie hall computer 148, island computer, or terminal connected to these)
An external centralized terminal board 146 for transmitting a signal is connected to. The left reel device 140 includes, in addition to the reel 60, a motor that is a drive source for rotating the reel 60, an optical sensor that detects a reference posture by an index provided on the reel 60, an illumination lamp that illuminates the reel 60 from the inside, and the like. Have. Middle reel device 142 and right reel device 1
The configuration of 44 is also the same as that of the left reel device 140 described above. On the relay terminal board 134, a design control board 150 for displaying predetermined information (including a design) on the effect display section 14, a decoration display board 152 for performing decoration display by the decoration lamp 16, an input key group 26, The speaker 36 and the like are connected. In addition, a power supply device 136 that supplies electric power corresponding to all electric devices including the main control board 120 and the like is provided. The power supply device 136 has a probability setting key 13 capable of setting the probability of being involved in a lottery result in a plurality of steps.
8, the set probability information is stored in the storage unit such as the RAM 126.

Next, a procedure for implementing the present invention with respect to the card unit 10 and the slot machine 12 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 shows a procedure of data recording processing and recording control processing for recording the current game state in the slot machine 12 when the game has to be stopped, and FIG. 8 shows a procedure for restarting the game which is stopped halfway. The procedures of the data reading process and the restart control process are shown in flowcharts. Steps S26 and S28 of FIG. 4 correspond to the notification means 2, the data recording processing and the recording control processing correspond to the recording means 3, the data reading processing corresponds to the reading means 7, and the restart control processing corresponds to the game restarting means 8. Corresponds to In this example, a magnetic card is used as the second recording medium 6b,
A hall computer 148 will be used as the first recording medium 6a. The data recording process and recording control process shown in FIG. 4 and the data reading process and restart control process shown in FIG.
And the slot machine 12, but can also be realized by the card unit 10 and the slot machine 12 in the same housing.

In the data recording process and recording control process of FIG. 4, it is first determined whether or not the recording condition is satisfied [step S20]. The recording condition can be appropriately set according to the type of game machine, the date and time, the game state, and the like, but it is desirable that the recording condition is such that the game in the slot machine 12 must be stopped. For example, the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the game hall is closed, and the player cannot continue the game due to the physical condition of the player (for example, fever or abdominal pain). The time when the recording condition is satisfied corresponds to the time ta in FIG. Alternatively, the recording condition may be satisfied simply by an operation performed by an attendant at the game arcade.

When the recording conditions are satisfied (step S20)
YES), the game information stored in the RAM 126 or the like is read, and the setting information stored in the ROM 124, the RAM 126, or the like is read [step S22]. The game information is information indicating the current game state in the slot machine 12, and is, for example, the current date and time, the expiration date when the game can be restarted, a random number used for lottery, etc., and the result of a lottery performed using the random number (specifically Is a big bonus or the like), whether it is in a specific state (specifically during a privilege game, etc.), or the remaining number of times during a privilege game. The setting information is information that can be set by the slot machine 12. For example,
Model (model name), probability information set by the probability setting key 138, expiration date (date and time, etc.) at which the game can be restarted, or code indicating the game hall (hereinafter, simply referred to as "game hall code"). Is applicable. It is convenient for the slot machine 12 or the like, which generally has a shorter life due to popularity than the mechanical life, to set the expiration date and limit the time when the game can be restarted. Further, by collating the game hall code, it is possible to prevent the action of restarting the game at another game hall by using the game information obtained by quitting the game at one game hall.

Further, the specific information is input by using the input key group 26 [step S24]. The specific information is information that can specify the player 5, and corresponds to, for example, a password or an identifier (ID) issued by the game hall, or the date of birth or the telephone number of the player 5. The input key group 26 is composed of, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a direction key 26a indicating the up, down, left, and right movement directions, a confirmation key 26b for confirming the input, a cancel key 26c for canceling the input, and the like.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the effect display unit 14 displays a guide message 14a for inputting a password and an information key group 14b. The information key group 14b has a key for terminating the input, in addition to a key representing an alphanumeric character or a code. The direction key 26a is operated to specify the information key to be input (for example, blinking or changing the color to make it conspicuous), and the specified information is confirmed by the confirmation key 26b. The information thus determined is the input information 1
Display as 4c. To cancel the confirmed information, the cancel key 26c is operated to erase the characters one by one. In the example of FIG. 5B, "T" is used as the password.
OKUTEI ”is being input.

Instead of the form of step S24 of inputting specific information using the input key group 26, the slot machine 12
The side may automatically determine and notify using a random number or the like [step S26]. The automatically determined specific information corresponds to a password, an identifier (ID), or the like, and may be determined every time, or may be determined only in a special case (for example, the first time or a specific time). The device for notifying the determined specific information corresponds to the effect display unit 14 that displays using a design or the like, the speaker 36 that plays a sound (particularly a voice), and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the password information 14e is displayed together with the guidance messages 14d and 14f for transmitting the password. In the password information 14e of this example, "PASSWO
RD-123 ”consisting of alphanumeric characters and symbols.

The data such as the game information, the setting information, and the specific information thus obtained are transmitted to the card unit 10 side so as to be recorded on the magnetic card 80 [step S28]. The recording on the magnetic card 80 is not limited to data such as game information, setting information, and specific information, but may include a program that realizes a restart control process described later. The magnetic card 80
Corresponds to the recording medium 6 (particularly the second recording medium 6b).

The data, programs, etc. transmitted from the slot machine 12 side are received (YES in step S10).
S), and when the proper magnetic card 80 is attached (YES in step S12), the received data, program, etc. are recorded in the magnetic card 80 [step S1.
4], the result of whether or not the recording is normally performed (hereinafter,
This is simply called "recording result". ) Is transmitted to the slot machine 12 side [step S16]. Step S12 is executed for the object to be recorded, and in the case of this example, the magnetic card 8
A well-known technique is used to inspect whether or not the appearance of 0 (shape, size, etc.) is appropriate. It should be noted that the illustration and description of the configuration and the inspection method for the inspection are omitted.

The recording on the magnetic card 80 in step S14 is performed on the magnetic portion 80a as shown in FIG. 7, for example. Instead of (or in addition to) recording on the magnetic part 80a, a game hall name 80b, a model name 80c, an expiration date 80d, a barcode 80g by printing or pasting, a recording by punching a small hole 80e, a notch. If any one or more of the recording and the like due to the formation of the portion 80f is also performed, it is difficult to perform forgery. In the example of FIG. 7, the name “Pachinko Daiman” of the amusement hall name 80b, the name “Battle Hero” of the model name 80c, and the expiration date 80d “2002 /, which means that it is valid until August 31, 2002. 08/31 ”is displayed so that it can be recognized by the player 5 or the like. Further, although a two-dimensional bar code (also called a two-dimensional code, a matrix system code) capable of encrypting recorded information is used as the bar code 80g, other recorded codes such as a one-dimensional bar code are used. Good.
In addition, recording by printing or pasting holograms,
There are recordings that are performed by providing unevenness on the card itself. Furthermore, if the recording portion, recording shape, etc. are changed each time recording is performed, it becomes difficult to perform forgery. If necessary, recording media (eg memory, magnetic disk,
Data, programs, etc. may be recorded for cards, printed matter, etc.). On the other hand, improper magnetic card 8
When 0 is attached (NO in step S12),
Finish without recording data or programs.

In the slot machine 12 which has received the recording result, if the recording result is normal (Y in step S30).
ES), the game information is initialized to an initial state such as when the power is turned on or at the time of reset [step S32], and the recording control process is ended. On the other hand, if the recording result is abnormal (NO in step S30), the game information is left as it is to continue the game or allow the recording to be retried, and the recording control process is ended. In this way, if the recording result is normal, the game information is cleared, so it is possible to prevent the action of continuing the game even though the magnetic card 80 is recorded and the game information can be restarted.

In the data reading process and the resuming control process of FIG. 8, first, the slot machine 12 sends a command to the card unit 10 to read data, programs, etc. from the magnetic card 80 [step S50]. When receiving the read command (YES in step S40), only when the proper magnetic card 80 is mounted (YES in step S42), the game information, the setting information, and the specific information recorded in the magnetic card 80 are recorded. The data, programs, etc. are read [step S44], and the data, programs, etc. are transmitted to the slot machine 12 side [step S46]. In step S44, when the data is recorded in the recording medium of the hall facility, data, programs, etc. are read from the recording medium of the hall facility. On the other hand, when the improper magnetic card 80 is mounted (NO in step S42), the process ends without reading data or programs.

On the side of the slot machine 12 that has received the data, the program, etc. (YES in step S52), the program is stored in the RAM 126 or the like and executed [step S54]. This execution causes step S56 described later.
The processing from S64 to S64 can be realized. When the program is not recorded on the magnetic card 80, steps S56 to S64 described later are executed according to the program stored in the ROM 124 in advance.
To realize the processing of.

Similar to step S24 of FIG. 4, specific information is input using the input key group 26 [step S54], and it is determined whether or not the resumption condition of the slot game is satisfied [step S58]. The time when the restart condition is satisfied is time t in FIG.
Corresponds to b. The restart condition is determined by whether or not the specific information received in step S52 matches the specific information input in step S54. As the number of discrimination items increases, the accuracy of whether or not it is proper can be improved, and the game can be prevented from being illegally restarted. An example of the determination is shown below.

(A) It is determined whether or not the password entered as shown in FIG. 5B or the password notified as shown in FIG. 6 matches the password entered at step S54. (B) When the expiration date is included as the setting information, it is determined whether or not the current time point at which the game is to be restarted is within the expiration date. (C) When the probability information is included as the setting information, it is determined whether or not the probability information recorded in the magnetic card 80 and the probability information set in the slot machine 12 which is about to restart the game match. Determine. (D) When the game hall code is included as the setting information, whether the game hall code recorded in the magnetic card 80 and the game hall code set in the slot machine 12 to be played from now match or not. To determine. (E) When information is recorded not only on the magnetic card 80 but also on the recording medium associated with the hall facility, the information recorded on both sides is collated to determine whether they match. (F) The magnetic card 80 has a game hall name 80b and a model name 80
When at least one piece of information is recorded among the c, the expiration date 80d, the small hole 80e, the cutout portion 80f, the barcode 80g, etc., it is determined whether or not the recorded information is proper.
In addition, a part of the recorded information (for example, a game hall name 80b, a model name 80c, an expiration date 80d, etc. recorded by printing or pasting)
As for, may be visually inspected by an attendant of the game arcade.

If the restart condition is satisfied (step S
If the probability information is included in the setting information, the probability information is set in the RAM 126 or the like [step S58].
60], restart the slot game after switching the game state [step S62], and transmit to the card unit 10 side whether the current game state is resumed or continued [step S6]
4], the restart control process ends. Switching the game state,
From the current game state in the slot machine 12, the game state restored based on the game information received in step S52 (that is, the game state when the slot game is stopped).
It is realized by switching to. In other words, the current gaming state is discarded. Furthermore, if the current game state in the slot machine 12 is temporarily saved in the RAM 126 or the like, it becomes possible to restore the game after restarting. However, when the resumption condition is not satisfied (NO in step S58), the current game state is transmitted to the card unit 10 side to restart or continue [step S64], and the game state is not restored and restarted. The restart control process ends.

In the card unit 10 which has received the gaming state, if the gaming state is restarted (Y in step S47).
ES), the information recorded on the magnetic card 80 is cleared, or measures are taken to render the magnetic card 80 unusable [step S48] and the data reading process is terminated. On the other hand, if the game state is continued (NO in step S47), the recording is left as it is to enable the retry of reading the information, and the data reading process is ended. In this way, if the gaming state is restarted, the information on the magnetic card 80 is cleared, and the like, so that it is possible to prevent the act of reusing the magnetic card 80 and restarting it in another slot machine 12.

According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) All or part of the game information indicating the current game state in the slot machine 12 is stored in the card unit 1
0 is recorded on the magnetic card 80 attached to 0 (recording means 3; see step S14 of FIG. 4), and the game information recorded on the magnetic card 80 is read {reading means 7; see step S44 of FIG. 8}, The gaming state of the slot machine 12 to be played from now on is switched to the restored gaming state based on the gaming information read from the magnetic card 80, and the game is restarted from the switched gaming state {game restarting means 8; step in FIG. 8 See S62}. The state of the slot machine 12 during the time when the player has to stop playing the game and tries to restart the game (that is, the period from the time ta to the time tb in FIG. 1) (power-off or game by another player). Etc.), the game can be restarted from the game state equivalent to the game state of the slot machine 12 when the game is stopped. Unless the expiration date is set in the game information, the restart timing does not matter, so that the game stopped midway can be restarted at any later timing. Therefore, the player can go to the game hall at any time so that it is not a burden and the slot machine 12 may be turned on to be played by another player, which is convenient for the game hall without lowering the operating rate. . Although the magnetic card 80 is used as the recording medium in this example, other cards (for example, IC card, paper card, etc.), magnetic disks (for example, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, etc.), characters and symbols, etc. Similar effects can be obtained even when a printed matter or the like that can be printed or attached is used. Also,
Part of the information to be recorded (for example, game information) is recorded in the recording medium associated with the hall facility, the information recorded in the recording medium is read, the game state is restored based on the game information, and the restored game state. Even in the case of a game system configured to restart the game from, the same operational effect can be obtained. By doing this, it is possible to build a system that matches the business format of the amusement park.

(2) Using the input key group 26, the specific information for specifying the player 5 who has no choice but to quit the game is input {input means 4; see step S24 in FIG. 4}, and input in this way. The specified information recorded is recorded on the magnetic card 80 {recording means 3; see step S14 of FIG. 4}, and the specific information recorded on the magnetic card 80 is read {reading means 7; see step S44 of FIG. 8} and read. It is decided whether to restart the game based on the specific information and the specific information input again from the input key group 26, and only when it is determined to restart, the game is restarted from the game state restored based on the game information. Played {game resuming means 8; see step S62 of FIG. 8}. That is, the specific information recorded on the magnetic card 80 is compared with the specific information input from the input key group 26, and the game is restarted only when they match. Therefore, it is possible to specify the player 5 who has stopped halfway and restart the player 5 at an arbitrary timing later.

(3) In order to specify the player 5 who has no choice but to stop playing the game, the specific information is determined and notified every time (informing means 2; see step S26 in FIG. 4). The player 5 who recognizes the specific information notified in this way needs to take notes or store the notes because they are needed when restarting. Similarly to the above (2), the specific information recorded on the magnetic card 80 is compared with the specific information input from the input key group 26, and the game is restarted only when they match. Therefore, it is possible to specify the player 5 who has stopped halfway and restart the player 5 at an arbitrary timing later.

(4) The probability information (a part of the setting information) set in the slot machine 12 is recorded in the magnetic card 80 {recording means 3; see step S14 in FIG. 4} and recorded in the magnetic card 80. Whether or not to restart the game based on the read probability information (reading means 7; see step S44 in FIG. 8) and the probability information set in the slot machine 12 to be played from now on {See step S58 of FIG. 8}, and only when it is decided to restart, the game is resumed from the game state restored based on the game information {game resuming means 8; see step S62 of FIG. 8}. That is, the magnetic card 80
The probability information of the slot machine 12 recorded in 1 is compared with the probability information set in the slot machine 12, and the game is restarted only when they match. Therefore, it is possible to restart the game which was stopped halfway between the slot machines 12 of the same model and probability setting etc. at any later timing. Even with this configuration, there is no disadvantage to both the player 5 and the game hall.

(5) The probability information set in the slot machine 12 is recorded in the magnetic card 80 {recording means 3; see step S14 in FIG. 4}, and the probability information recorded in the magnetic card 80 is read {read. Means 7; refer to step S44 of FIG. 8}, set the probability information read only when it is decided to restart to the slot machine 12 to be played from now {see step S60 of FIG. 8}, based on the game information The game is restarted from the restored game state {game restart means 8; see step S62 of FIG. 8}. Therefore, even between the slot machines 12 having different probabilities and the like, it is possible to restart the game which is stopped midway at an arbitrary timing later.

(6) All or part of the information to be recorded (for example, game information, setting information, specific information, etc.), a hall computer 148 provided in the game hall, and a magnetic card 80 which the player 5 can carry. One or both of them were recorded {recording means 3; see step S14 in FIG. 4}. In this way, the information recorded in the hall computer 148 and the magnetic card 80 is read (reading means 7; see step S44 in FIG. 8), and the game state when the game is stopped halfway is restored and restarted {game restarting means 8 ; Step S in FIG.
62. If you record information in this way,
It is possible to prevent the game from being restarted when the magnetic card 80 is tampered with by the collation inspection.

(7) Information to be recorded on the magnetic card 80 (for example, game information, setting information, specific information, etc.) and a program for realizing input and restart of the game are recorded on the magnetic card 80 {recording means 3; Step S14 in FIG.
See}. If the program thus recorded is read and executed {execution means; see step S54 of FIG. 8},
Specific information can be input through the input key group 26, and the game can be restarted from the game state restored based on the read game information {game restart means 8; see step S62 of FIG. 8}. Therefore, the slot machine 12 does not need to store a program for inputting or restarting a game. Since the program includes the restart condition, it is effective when changing the restart condition. Therefore, the present invention can be realized while minimizing the storage capacity.

[Other Embodiments] In the gaming machine 1 including the card unit 10 and the slot machine 12 described above, the structures, shapes, sizes, materials, arrangements and operating conditions of other portions are the same as those of the above embodiment. It is not limited to the form. For example, each of the following modes to which the above-described embodiment is applied can be implemented. (1) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the gaming machine 1 including the card unit 10 and the slot machine 12. Instead of (or in addition to) the card unit 10, hall equipment such as a hall computer 148, an island computer, or a terminal connected to these can be applied. Further, instead of the slot machine 12, a game machine main body such as a pachinko machine, an arrange ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a video game machine, or the like can be applied. Furthermore, by providing data such as game information, setting information, specific information, etc. and reading the recorded data in the slot machine 12 or the game machine main body,
It can also be configured as a single unit. Even with these gaming machines 1, the game stopped midway can be restarted at any later timing based on the game information, the setting information, the specific information, and the like. For example, in a pachinko machine, when it is unavoidable to stop in a round during a big hit game, the game can be restarted from the stopped round later. In particular, since the probability fluctuation state is similarly restored, the player 5 can enjoy the pachinko game even after restarting.

(2) In the above embodiment, the data to be recorded (game information, setting information, specific information, etc.), programs, etc. are stored in the magnetic card 80 mounted in the card unit 10 and the hall equipment (hall computer 148, etc.). It is recorded on the island computer or a terminal connected to these) (see step S14 in FIG. 4). Instead of (or in addition to) this form, when the telephone number, email address, etc. of the mobile phone owned by the player 5 is input as specific information, data, programs, etc. are recorded for the telephone number, email address, etc. You may. Since the player 5 can be identified by the telephone number, mail address, etc., it is possible to prevent another person from spoofing and restarting the game.

(3) In the above embodiment, the date and time, the random number, the number of remaining bonus games, the lottery result, whether the game is in a specific state or the like are applied as the game information, and the model information, the expiration date, the game hall code, and the setting information are applied. Probability information was applied. What kind of information and items should be used as the game information or the setting information may be appropriately set according to the type of the slot machine 12, the date and time, the game state, and the like. That is, the model as game information,
The expiration date, the game hall code, the probability information, etc. may be applied, and the date and time, the random number, the remaining number of privilege games, the lottery result, whether the game is in a specific state or the like may be applied as the setting information. The game hall code is a code for uniquely identifying the game hall, but when the card unit 10 or the slot machine 12 is installed on a particular island, the code for uniquely identifying the island (that is, the island). Code) may be used. Even in these cases, the game stopped midway based on the game information, the setting information, the specific information, etc. can be restarted at an arbitrary timing later.

(4) In the above embodiment, a password, an identifier (ID), a date of birth, a telephone number, etc. are applied as the specific information {see step S24 in FIG. 4}. Instead of (or in addition to) this form, the card unit 10,
By providing a small image pickup device (for example, a CCD camera) or a fingerprint detection device in either the slot machine 12 or the hall facility, the data concerning the head or the pupil of the player 5 imaged by the image pickup device or the fingerprint detection device can be used. It may be configured to record data or the like relating to the detected fingerprint. For example, it is recorded as data such as a bar code 80g shown in FIG. 7, or an image is printed on a photographic cell of a small piece that can be adhered and attached to cards. Since the player 5 can be reliably identified by face recognition, pupil recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc., it is possible to prevent another person from spoofing and restarting the game.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention, a game which is stopped halfway can be restarted at an arbitrary timing later.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing appearances of a card unit and a slot machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of connection between various substrates and various devices.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a data recording process and a recording control process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an input key group and an example of an input screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of recording on a magnetic card.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing procedures of a data reading process and a restart control process.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 (1a, 1b) Gaming machine 2 Notification means 3 Recording means 4 Input means 5 Player 6 Recording medium 6a First recording medium 6b Second recording medium 7 Reading means 8 Game restarting means 10 Card unit (gaming machine) 10a, 122 CPU 10b, 124 ROM 10c, 126 RAM (first recording medium) 10d Read / write device (recording means, reading means) 12 Slot machine (gaming machine) 14 Performance display section (informing means) 26 Input key group (input means) 30, 34, 38 Stop button (input means) 36 Speaker (informing means) 44 Start lever (input means) 46, 50, 52 Bet button (input means) 80 Magnetic card (second recording medium) 120 Main control board (informative) Means, input means, game resuming means) 132 sub-control board (informing means, input means, game resuming means) 138 probability setting Chromatography (probability setting unit) 148 hall computer (first recording medium)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) A63F 5/04 513 A63F 5/04 513Z

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A recording unit capable of recording, in a recording medium, all or a part of game information indicating a current game state, a reading unit for reading the game information recorded in the recording medium, and a game unit to be played. A game machine having a game resuming means for switching the game state of the game machine to a game state restored based on the game information read by the reading means, and resuming the game from the switched game state. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising input means capable of inputting specific information for specifying a player, wherein the recording means records the specific information input through the input means on a recording medium. Whether the reading means reads the specific information recorded in the recording medium, and the game resuming means restarts the game based on the specific information read by the reading means and the specific information input again from the input means The gaming machine that resumes the game from the game state restored based on the game information only when it is determined to restart. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: an informing unit for determining and notifying specific information for identifying a player, and an input unit capable of inputting information, wherein the recording unit is the informing unit. The specific information notified by the means is recorded in a recording medium, the reading means reads the specific information recorded in the recording medium, and the game resuming means includes the specific information read by the reading means and the information input through the input means. A gaming machine that determines whether or not to restart the game based on, and restarts the game from the game state restored based on the game information only when it is determined to restart. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the recording means records all or part of the setting information set in the gaming machine on a recording medium, and the reading means stores the information. The setting information recorded in the recording medium is read, and the game restarting means determines whether to restart the game based on the setting information read by the reading means and the setting information set in the gaming machine to be played. A gaming machine that restarts the game from the game state restored based on the game information only when it is determined and restarted. 5. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recording means records all or part of the setting information set in the gaming machine on a recording medium, and the reading means stores the information. The setting information recorded in the recording medium is read, and the game resuming means sets the setting information read by the reading means in the gaming machine to be played, and resumes the game from the game state restored based on the game information. Machine. 6. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the recording means records all or part of the information to be recorded,
Recording is performed on one or both of a first recording medium provided in the game hall and a second recording medium which can be carried by the player, and the reading means is recorded on one or both of the first recording medium and the second recording medium. A gaming machine that reads the information you have created.