JP2008289728A - Game medium lending apparatus, abnormality detection method, and abnormality detection program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To find a fraudulent action in an early stage, to prevent the increase of damages by fraudulence and to suppress the fraudulent action by recognizing the occurrence of the fraudulent action and immediately reporting that effect. <P>SOLUTION: The game medium lending apparatus 100 utilizes a read part 401 for reading valuable information from a portable IC tag 210 wherein the valuable information relating to the lending of game media is recorded using a first antenna 107 disposed to an apparatus body, reads identification information intrinsic to a game machine M from a non-contact IC tag 220 using a second antenna 108 disposed within the prescribed range of the non-contact IC tag 220 provided on the game machine M, judges the propriety of the identification information on the basis of the read identification information and set information set beforehand in relation to the game machine M, and outputs abnormality information indicating the abnormality of the game machine M when judging that the identification information is improper. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium lending device, an abnormality detection method, and an abnormality detection program for monitoring an illegal act on a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, in gaming machines such as a pachinko gaming machine and a slot gaming machine, there has been no unjust act of illegally remodeling the gaming machine and illegally acquiring a game medium by the player. For example, an illegal act of illegally acquiring gaming media by replacing the main board that controls the gaming machine or the ROM mounted on the main board with an illegal one (so-called back ROM, etc.) Yes.

  As a result, the damage to stores operating pachinko halls, such as pachinko halls, has been severe, and various anti-fraud measures have been taken at each store to prevent fraud. For example, in each store, measures are taken such as installing a surveillance camera or increasing the number of employees in order to monitor fraud.

  Further, a technique for sticking a sealing paper to a main board or a ROM mounted on the main board is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). According to this, when the main board is replaced with an illegal one, the sealing paper attached to the regular main board is peeled off and replaced with an illegal one. You can see what was done.

JP-A-10-216324

  However, even if surveillance cameras are installed or the number of employees is increased to enhance the monitoring of fraudulent acts in the amusement hall, due to the sophistication of the fraudulent acts themselves, the surveillance cameras cannot capture them. In many cases, the problem was not noticed, and as a result, there was a problem that the cheating was not fully understood.

  In addition, according to the prior art described in Patent Document 1 described above, in order to confirm whether or not fraudulent acts have been performed, the gaming machine is opened and a sealing paper attached to the inside of the gaming machine is attached. There is a problem that the work burden on the employee increases because it is necessary to perform a visual check. Especially in stores with a large number of installed gaming machines (for example, 1000), not only does it take a lot of time and effort to perform visual checks by employees, but also oversight of fraudulent acts due to omissions in the checks. There was a problem that there was.

  In addition, in order to check the seal paper during business operations, it is necessary to interrupt the player's game, which may cause discomfort to the player. The seal paper will be confirmed. For this reason, there has been a problem that the discovery of fraud is delayed and the damage until the discovery is increased.

  For this reason, it is possible to quickly and easily detect fraudulent acts on gaming machines without increasing the work burden on employees involved in fraud countermeasures and without newly installing a security device for monitoring fraudulent acts. A technology that can do this has been desired.

  In order to solve the problems caused by the prior art described above, the present invention automatically recognizes the occurrence of fraud and immediately notifies that fact, thereby realizing early detection of fraud and An object is to provide a game medium lending device, an abnormality detection method, and an abnormality detection program capable of preventing expansion and suppressing fraud.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the gaming medium lending device according to the present invention is capable of storing valuable information relating to lending of gaming media using the first antenna disposed in the main body of the device. A gaming medium lending apparatus comprising reading means for reading the valuable information from a portable IC tag, wherein the gaming medium is lent out according to the valuable information read by the reading means, and further provided in the gaming machine by the reading means. The identification information unique to the gaming machine is read from the non-contact IC tag using a second antenna disposed within a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag, and the identification information read and the gaming machine When the validity of the identification information is determined based on setting information set in advance in association with each other, and the identification information is determined to be invalid, the gaming machine And outputs the abnormality information indicating abnormality.

  In the above invention, when there is a request for reading the valuable information during the reading of the identification information, the reading of the valuable information may be preferentially performed.

  In the above invention, the identification information may be read when reading of the valuable information is completed as a result of prioritizing reading of the valuable information.

  In the above invention, it may be determined whether or not the identification information can be read. If it is determined that the identification information cannot be read, abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine may be output.

  In the above invention, it is determined whether or not the identification information and the setting information match, and when it is determined that the identification information and the setting information do not match, abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine May be output.

  Further, in the above invention, abnormality information including information for specifying a time when the identification information is determined to be invalid or a time when the identification information is determined to be unreadable may be output. .

  Moreover, in the said invention, it is good also as controlling the display means which has a display screen, and displaying the said abnormality information on the said display screen.

  According to these inventions, when there is a possibility that some illegal act is performed on a gaming machine, it is possible to automatically notify abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine. In addition, information indicating that there is a risk that some illegal act has been performed on the gaming machine and information indicating the time of occurrence thereof can be displayed on the display screen. Further, the identification information can be read from the non-contact IC tag by using the function of reading the valuable information from the portable IC tag.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming medium lending apparatus, which is arranged in the apparatus main body in the gaming medium lending apparatus that lends the gaming medium in accordance with valuable information relating to lending of the gaming medium recorded in the portable IC tag. A first reading means for reading the valuable information from the portable IC tag using the first antenna and a second contact disposed within a predetermined range of a non-contact IC tag provided in the gaming machine. Second reading means for reading identification information unique to the gaming machine from the non-contact IC tag using an antenna, and the identification information read by the second reading means and associated with the gaming machine Based on setting information set in advance, the validity of the identification information is determined, and when the identification information is determined to be invalid, abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine is output. It is characterized in.

  According to the present invention, when there is a possibility that some illegal act is performed on a gaming machine, it is possible to automatically notify abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine. Moreover, reading of valuable information from the portable IC tag and reading of identification information from the non-contact IC tag can be performed in parallel.

  Also, the abnormality detection method and abnormality detection program according to the present invention provide a gaming machine lending device that lends the gaming medium according to valuable information related to the lending of the gaming medium recorded in the portable IC tag. An abnormality detection method and an abnormality detection program for detecting an abnormality, which are provided in the gaming machine by reading means for reading the valuable information from the portable IC tag using a first antenna disposed in the apparatus main body. Using the second antenna disposed within a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag, the identification information unique to the gaming machine is read from the non-contact IC tag, and the read identification information is associated with the gaming machine. The validity of the identification information is determined based on the setting information set in advance, and if the identification information is determined to be invalid, And outputs the abnormality information indicating the abnormality in the gaming machine.

  According to the present invention, when there is a possibility that some illegal act is performed on a gaming machine, it is possible to automatically notify abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine. Further, the identification information can be read from the non-contact IC tag by using the function of reading the valuable information from the portable IC tag.

  According to the gaming medium lending device, the abnormality detection method, and the abnormality detection program of the present invention, it is possible to detect fraudulent acts at an early stage by automatically recognizing the occurrence of fraudulent acts and immediately notifying them. This has the effect of preventing damages caused by fraud and preventing fraud.

  Exemplary embodiments of a game medium lending device, an abnormality detection method, and an abnormality detection program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
(Appearance of game medium lending device 100)
First, the external appearance of the game medium lending device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of the game medium lending device 100. In FIG. 1, a gaming medium lending device 100 includes a bill insertion slot 101, a display 102, operation buttons 103, a membership card insertion slot 104, a payment coin insertion slot 105, a payment coin return slot 106, a first An antenna 107 and a second antenna 108 are provided.

  The game medium lending device 100 is a computer device that lends game media such as game balls and game medals used for games in a game machine (for example, a pachinko game machine or a slot game machine) installed in a game hall such as a pachinko hall. is there. This gaming medium lending device 100 is installed, for example, one-on-one with an adjacent gaming machine, and controls lending of gaming media used for games in the gaming machine.

  In addition, the gaming medium lending device 100 has a function of detecting an abnormality in the gaming machine and notifying that when an illegal act is performed on the gaming machine. Here, fraudulent acts on gaming machines include, for example, illegal modification of the main board that controls the gaming machines and the ROM mounted on the main board, or replacement with illegal ones (so-called back ROM, etc.). Such as an act of unjustly acquiring game media.

  The bill insertion slot 101 accepts a bill inserted when a game medium is borrowed. The display 102 displays the amount of money inserted into the bill insertion slot 101, abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine, and the like. The operation button 103 accepts various inputs related to function setting, input of a personal identification number by the player, and the like.

  The membership card slot 104 accepts the insertion of a membership card (membership card 210a shown in FIG. 2) issued to the members of the game hall and returns the inserted membership card. The settlement coin insertion slot 105 accepts, for example, the insertion of the settlement coin (the settlement coin 210b shown in FIG. 2) used by a player other than a member, that is, a so-called visitor. The settlement coin return slot 106 returns the settlement coin with the remaining amount at the end of the game.

  The first antenna 107 is disposed between the membership card insertion slot 104 and the payment coin insertion slot 105 inside the apparatus, and is connected to a reading unit 401 (see FIG. 4) described later. The first antenna 107 has a function of receiving radio waves from the membership card inserted into the membership card insertion slot 104 and the adjustment coin inserted into the adjustment coin insertion slot 105.

  The second antenna 108 is wired to the apparatus main body and connected to the reading unit 401 (see FIG. 4). The second antenna 108 is disposed in the vicinity of the non-contact IC tag 220 (see FIG. 2-2) affixed to a part inside the gaming machine, and has a function of receiving radio waves from the non-contact IC tag 220. Have.

(Specific example of portable IC tag 210)
Next, a portable IC tag that can be arbitrarily carried by a player, such as the above-described membership card and checkout coin, will be described. FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the portable IC tag 210. In FIG. 2A, as a specific example of the portable IC tag 210, a membership card 210a issued to a member of a game hall and a checkout coin 210b used by a player who is a visitor are shown.

  The membership card 210a is an IC in which identification information for identifying a member, remaining amount information indicating the amount of money that can be used for borrowing game media, and quantity information (so-called storage information) indicating the amount of accumulated game media are recorded. A tag 211 is embedded. Also, an IC tag 213 in which identification information for identifying the settlement coin 210b, the remaining amount information, and the like are recorded is embedded in the settlement coin 210b.

  The membership card 210a and the checkout coin 210b perform non-contact wireless communication with the game medium lending apparatus 100 via the transmitting / receiving antennas (212, 214) embedded therein. Specifically, for example, when the membership card 210a is inserted into the membership card slot 104 shown in FIG. 1, wireless communication is performed between the membership card 210a and the game medium lending device 100, and the membership card 210a is connected. Information is read / written.

(Specific example of non-contact IC tag 220)
Next, a specific example of the non-contact IC tag 220 affixed to a part inside the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 2-2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of the non-contact IC tag 220. FIG. 2-2 shows a non-contact IC tag 220 provided in the gaming machine and a second antenna 108 disposed in the vicinity of the non-contact IC tag 220.

  The non-contact IC tag 220 includes a tag substrate 221, a transmission / reception antenna 222, and an IC chip 223. The non-contact IC tag 220 is affixed to a main board inside the gaming machine, a board case that covers the main board, and the like. The second antenna 108 includes an antenna substrate 224, an antenna coil 225, and a wiring cable 226. The second antenna 108 is disposed in the vicinity of the non-contact IC tag 220.

  The non-contact IC tag 220 performs non-contact wireless communication with the game medium lending device 100 via the second antenna 108 disposed in the vicinity. Specifically, the non-contact IC tag 220 performs wireless communication with the game medium lending apparatus 100 using the transmission / reception antenna 222 according to the control of the IC chip 223 provided on the tag substrate 221.

  The second antenna 108 receives radio waves from the non-contact IC tag 220 using the antenna coil 225 formed on the antenna substrate 224. A radio wave (identification information described later) received by the second antenna 108 is input to the reading unit 401 (see FIG. 4) via the wiring cable 226.

(Hardware configuration of game medium lending device 100)
Next, a hardware configuration of the game medium lending device 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the game medium lending device 100. In FIG. 3, a game medium lending apparatus 100 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an audio I / F (interface) 304, a speaker 305, an input device 306, a video I / F (interface) 307, and a display. 308 and a communication I / F (interface) 309. In addition, the respective components 301 to 309 are connected by a bus 320, respectively.

  First, the CPU 301 governs overall control of the game medium lending device 100. The ROM 302 records programs such as a boot program, a communication program, and a data analysis program. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

  The audio I / F 304 is connected to an audio output speaker 305. Sound is output from the speaker 305. The speaker 305 is embedded in the apparatus, for example. Examples of the input device 305 include a remote controller including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. Specifically, it corresponds to the operation button 103 shown in FIG.

  The video I / F 307 is connected to the display 308 (for example, the display 102 shown in FIG. 1). Specifically, the video I / F 307 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 308, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 308 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 308 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As this display 308, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted. A communication I / F 309 is connected to a network and functions as an interface with the CPU 301.

(Functional configuration of game medium lending device 100)
Next, a functional configuration of the game medium rental apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game medium lending device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the game medium lending device 100 includes a first antenna 107, a second antenna 108, a non-contact IC tag 220, a reading unit 401, a determination unit 402, an output unit 403, and a display unit 404. And is composed of.

  The game medium lending device 100 has a function of transmitting a signal related to game medium lending to the gaming machine M. The gaming machine M is an electronic device such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot gaming machine installed in a gaming hall such as a pachinko hall. The game medium is a game ball or a game medal used for a game on the gaming machine M.

  The reading unit 401 has a function of reading the valuable information from the portable IC tag 210 on which valuable information related to the rental of the game medium is recorded, using the first antenna 107 provided in the apparatus main body. The portable IC tag 210 is a recording medium capable of noncontact wireless communication using electromagnetic induction or radio waves. Specifically, for example, the portable IC tag 210 is the membership card 210a or the checkout coin 210b shown in FIG.

  The portable IC tag 210 stores valuable information with a valuable value. This valuable information includes, for example, identification information for identifying the portable IC tag 210, remaining amount information indicating the amount of money that can be used for borrowing game media, and quantity information indicating the amount of accumulated game media (so-called storage information) Etc. are included.

  The first antenna 107 is disposed inside the apparatus (or the surface of the housing) and receives valuable information from the portable IC tag 210 that is in close proximity to or in contact with. More specifically, for example, the first antenna 107 is disposed in the vicinity of the insertion slot (the member card insertion slot 104 and the settlement coin insertion slot 105 shown in FIG. 1) into which the portable IC tag 210 is inserted. It receives radio waves (valuable information) from the portable IC tag 210 inserted into the insertion slot.

  The valuable information received by the first antenna 107 is input to the reading unit 401 and read. The game medium lending device 100 lends game media according to valuable information (for example, remaining amount information) read by the reading unit 401.

  Further, the reading unit 401 uses the second antenna 108 disposed within a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag 220 provided in the gaming machine M to identify identification information unique to the gaming machine M from the non-contact IC tag 220. Has a function of reading. The non-contact IC tag 220 is an IC tag that performs non-contact wireless communication using electromagnetic induction or radio waves.

  The non-contact IC tag 220 is attached to, for example, a main board that controls the gaming machine M, a ROM mounted on the main board, a board case that covers the main board, and the like. Further, identification information unique to the gaming machine M is recorded in the non-contact IC tag 220. The non-contact IC tag 220 has a function of transmitting this identification information to the outside via the transmission / reception antenna 222 shown in FIG.

  Here, the identification information is information uniquely assigned to the non-contact IC tag 220. For example, a gaming machine ID for identifying the gaming machine M, a gaming hall ID for identifying the gaming hall, and This information includes a vendor ID for identifying the manufacturer of the gaming machine M.

  The second antenna 108 is wired to the reading unit 401 and can be disposed at an arbitrary position according to the length of the wiring (wiring cable 226 shown in FIG. 2-2). The second antenna 108 is disposed within a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag 220 provided in the gaming machine M, and receives radio waves (identification information) from the non-contact IC tag 220. The identification information received by the second antenna 108 is input to the reading unit 401 and read.

  Specifically, for example, when the gaming machine M is installed in the amusement hall (so-called replacement of a new machine), the gaming machine manager or the like does not contact the parts of the gaming machine M that may be cheated. The IC tag 220 is attached, and the second antenna 108 is disposed within a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag 220. Accordingly, the reading unit 401 can read the identification information from the non-contact IC tag 220 using the second antenna 108.

  In the first embodiment, the reading unit 401 also reads valuable information from the portable IC tag 210 and identification information from the non-contact IC tag 220, so that these reading processes conflict. May end up. Therefore, when contention in reading processing occurs, valuable information and identification information may be read according to the following procedure.

  First, if there is a request for reading the other while reading either valuable information or identification information, reading of the requested information is started after the reading of the information being read is completed. It is good to do. For example, when there is a request for reading identification information during the reading process of valuable information, the reading process of identification information is executed after the reading process of valuable information is completed.

  Moreover, it is good also as giving priority to the reading process of any one of valuable information or identification information based on the priority regarding the reading process set beforehand. At this time, the reading process interrupted in the middle due to the occurrence of an interrupt based on the priority may be automatically re-executed after the reading process executed with priority is completed. The priority regarding the reading process can be arbitrarily set by the user operating the input device 306 such as the operation button 103 shown in FIG.

  For example, it is assumed that the priority of the reading process of valuable information is set higher than the priority of the reading process of identification information. At this time, the reading unit 401 gives priority to reading of valuable information when there is a request for reading of valuable information from the portable IC tag 210 while reading identification information from the non-contact IC tag 220. As a result of prioritizing reading of the valuable information, when the reading of the valuable information is completed, the identification information is read from the non-contact IC tag 220.

  Also, when a request for reading identification information and a request for reading valuable information occur simultaneously, the reading of valuable information is prioritized as described above, and thereafter the identification information is read. Here, the valuable information read request may be, for example, a read request signal from the portable IC tag 210, and is portable to the membership card insertion slot 104 and the settlement coin insertion slot 105 shown in FIG. It may be a detection signal from a sensor that detects that the IC tag 210 is inserted. The identification information reading request may be, for example, a reading request signal from the non-contact IC tag 220 or a request signal input to the reading unit 401 for each preset period. Good.

  Here, a specific example of reading processing by the reading unit 401 will be described. A substrate that realizes the function of the reading unit 401 is provided with a switch that switches a reading target, for example. The reading unit 401 reads valuable information from the portable IC tag 210 or identification information from the non-contact IC tag 220 by controlling the switch according to the reading target.

  More specifically, for example, when a reading process conflict occurs, the reading unit 401 determines information to be read based on a preset priority and controls the switch. Further, when the reading process of the information read with priority is completed, the switch is controlled to switch the reading target to the other information and execute the reading process.

  Accordingly, the reading unit 401 can read the valuable information and the identification information without leaking. As described above, the identification information can be read from the non-contact IC tag 220 by using the function (reading unit 401) for reading the valuable information from the portable IC tag 210. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide each functional unit for reading valuable information and identification information, and the configuration of the game medium lending device 100 can be simplified.

  The determination unit 402 has a function of determining the validity of the identification information based on the identification information read by the reading unit 401 and setting information set in advance in association with the gaming machine M. This setting information is information set in advance in association with the identification information recorded in the non-contact IC tag 220 provided in the gaming machine M, and is stored in a memory such as the ROM 302 or the RAM 303.

  Specifically, the setting information may be information that can determine the legitimacy of the identification information read by the reading unit 401. For example, the setting information is recorded in legitimate identification information (a regular non-contact IC tag 220). Identification information). More specifically, for example, the information includes a gaming machine ID, a gaming hall ID, and a vendor ID that are the same as the gaming machine ID, the gaming hall ID, and the vendor ID included in the identification information.

  The determination unit 402 reads the setting information from the memory, and checks the identity of the identification information read by the reading unit 401 with the setting information, thereby determining the validity of the identification information. For example, non-contact is performed when an illegal act of illegally modifying the main board that controls the gaming machine M or the ROM mounted on the main board or replacing it with an illegal one (so-called back ROM, etc.) is performed. Incorrect identification information may be written in the IC tag 220 or may be replaced with another IC tag. Therefore, it is monitored whether any illegal act is performed on the gaming machine M by judging the legitimacy of the read identification information.

  Specifically, for example, if the identification information and the setting information each include a gaming machine ID for identifying the gaming machine M, the determination unit 402 identifies the gaming machine ID by comparing the gaming machine ID. Determine the legitimacy of the information. More specifically, the gaming machine ID included in the identification information read by the reading unit 401 is compared with the gaming machine ID included in the setting information set in advance. It is judged that. On the other hand, if the gaming machine ID included in the identification information does not match the gaming machine ID included in the setting information because the non-contact IC tag 220 is illegally replaced, the identification information is determined to be invalid. To do.

  The setting information may be uniquely assigned from a higher-level computer device (for example, a computer device that manages sales information of the gaming machine M) in association with the identification information recorded on the non-contact IC tag 220. . In this case, the game medium lending device 100 associates the setting information transmitted from the higher-level computer device with the gaming machine M and sets it as setting information unique to the own device. Thus, by automating the assignment of setting information to the game medium lending device 100 and the setting of the setting information, it is possible to reduce the work burden for setting the setting information.

  Also, how the setting information is allocated to each game medium lending device 100 in the game hall is, for example, an arrangement table showing the installation positions in the game hall of the gaming machines M directly connected to each game medium lending device 100 It is good also to do based on. Further, it may be performed based on an assignment table of setting information provided from a reliable third-party organization in consideration of fraudulent acts by game hall managers and employees.

  The output unit 403 has a function of outputting abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine M when the determination unit 402 determines that the identification information is inappropriate. The abnormality information indicating the abnormality of the gaming machine M is information for notifying the outside that there is a possibility that some illegal act has been performed on the gaming machine M. The abnormality information may be stored in advance as a template in a memory such as the ROM 302 or the RAM 303.

  In addition, the abnormality information includes information indicating a gaming machine number for distinguishing the gaming machine M and other gaming machines M in the game hall (positions in the gaming hall, etc.) and identification information by the determination unit 402. Information for specifying the time (date and time) determined to be present may be included.

  Specifically, when it is determined that the identification information is invalid, the output unit 403 reads the abnormality information from the memory and outputs the abnormality information. At this time, information indicating the gaming machine number (stored in a memory such as the ROM 302 or the RAM 303) may be added to the abnormality information, and the date / time information determined that the identification information is invalid is a time stamp. It is good also as adding to abnormality information.

  The determination unit 402 has a function of determining whether or not the reading of the identification information by the reading unit 401 has become impossible. Specifically, for example, when an illegal act is performed, the second antenna 108 is removed, the non-contact IC tag 220 provided in the gaming machine M is peeled off, or the wiring of the second antenna 108 is performed. It is determined that reading is impossible, for example, when is disconnected.

  At this time, the determination unit 402 may determine that the identification information cannot be read when the reading of the identification information by the reading unit 401 is disabled for a predetermined period (for example, several seconds). For example, when a conflict occurs in reading processing and valuable information reading processing is executed with priority, a situation in which the identification information cannot be read temporarily occurs.

  For this reason, in consideration of temporary inability to read due to contention in the reading process, it may be determined that the identification information cannot be read when the identification information cannot be read continuously for a predetermined period. Whether or not the identification information can be read is determined every predetermined period (for example, several seconds), and when it is determined that the identification information cannot be read continuously for a predetermined number of times (for example, three times), the identification information is read. It is good also as judging impossible.

  The output unit 403 may output abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine M when the determination unit 402 determines that reading is impossible. That is, as a result of some illegal act on the gaming machine M, when the reading information cannot be read by the reading unit 401, abnormal information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine M is output. At this time, the output unit 403 may output abnormal information including information for specifying the time when the determination unit 402 determines that the identification information is unreadable.

  Further, the output unit 403 may control the display unit 404 having a display screen (for example, the display 102 shown in FIG. 1) to display abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine M on the display screen. The output format of the output unit 403 includes lighting or blinking with a lamp (not shown), screen display on the display 102, print output with an external printer, data output (storage) to a memory, and output to an external computer device. Any of transmission may be sufficient.

  More specifically, for example, abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine M may be transmitted to a mobile phone terminal of a game hall manager, or may be transmitted to a terminal device of a security company. Furthermore, abnormality information may be displayed on the TV screen attached to the gaming machine M, and the data counter installed on the upper part of the gaming machine M and displaying the number of jackpots and the number of rotations of the gaming machine M is abnormal. Information may be displayed.

  Moreover, it is good also as notifying abnormality information to the computer apparatus (hall computer) which manages the sales information etc. of the gaming machine M installed in the game hall. As a result, abnormality information is displayed on the display screen of the hall computer, and an abnormality of the gaming machine M can be notified to a game hall manager or the like. Thereby, the manager of the game hall can quickly grasp that there is a possibility that some kind of fraudulent act has been performed on the gaming machine M.

  Also, the abnormality information may be notified to a reliable third party computer device. As a result, the abnormality information is displayed on the display screen of the computer device of the third party organization, and the abnormality of the gaming machine M can be notified to the user of the third party organization. Thereby, the user of the third party organization can quickly grasp that there is a possibility that some illegal act has been performed on the gaming machine M. In this manner, a comprehensive third-party fraud countermeasure can be realized in consideration of fraudulent acts by an administrator or employee of the game hall by monitoring fraud related to the game hall by a reliable third party organization.

  Here, an output screen displayed on the display 102 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an output screen displayed on the display. In FIG. 5, the display 102 displays abnormality information 500 indicating that the gaming machine M with the gaming machine number “007” is abnormal. Specifically, a message “abnormal occurrence!” Indicating that there is a possibility that some illegal act has been performed on the gaming machine M of the gaming machine number “007” installed in the amusement hall, and the occurrence date “ April 12, 16:03 "is displayed.

  As described above, when the identification information read by the reading unit 401 (identification information recorded in the non-contact IC tag 220) is invalid, or when the identification information becomes unreadable, It can be determined that there is a possibility that some illegal act has been performed on the machine M, and the abnormality information 500 indicating the abnormality of the gaming machine M can be displayed on the display 102.

  As a result, employees of the game hall and nearby players will notice the abnormality of the gaming machine M, and it is possible to detect fraud early and to suppress fraud. Furthermore, from the date / time information included in the abnormality information 500, the date / time when the gaming machine M may be cheated can be identified. This makes it possible to determine whether the fraudulent act was performed during business hours or after the end of business, and can be used for identifying the person who performed the fraudulent act.

  The determination process by the determination unit 402 may be performed at predetermined time intervals, or may be performed at a preset time (for example, business start time, business end time, etc.). Furthermore, it is good also as performing at arbitrary timings by operation input, such as an administrator of a game hall.

  In addition, the shorter the time interval in which the determination process by the determination unit 402 is performed, the quicker the fraudulent discovery. For this reason, it is assumed that monitoring of fraud is always performed by repeatedly and continuously performing transmission of identification information by the non-contact IC tag 220, reading of identification information by the reading unit 401, and determination of legitimacy by the determination unit 402. Also good.

  The contents of the identification information and the setting information may be arbitrarily updated. Specifically, for example, the contents of the identification information and the setting information can be updated to the latest one when a new machine is replaced. These contents may be arbitrarily updated by, for example, an amusement hall administrator, or only updated by the manufacturer of the gaming machine M in consideration of fraudulent acts by the employees of the amusement hall. It may be possible.

  In addition, when the determination unit 402 determines that the identification information is invalid, or when it is determined that the identification information cannot be read, the game on the gaming machine M may be disabled. Specifically, for example, when the gaming medium lending device 100 and the gaming machine M are not normally connected, a function that forcibly disables the ejection of gaming media (game balls) in the gaming machine M is used. The game on the gaming machine M may be prohibited.

  As described above, when there is a possibility that some illegal act is performed on the gaming machine M, an illegal game medium can be obtained by an unauthorized player by disabling the game on the gaming machine M. Can be prevented, and the spread of damage caused by fraud can be suppressed.

(Various processing procedures of the game medium lending device 100)
Next, various processing procedures of the game medium lending device 100 will be described. First, the reading process procedure of the game medium lending device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a reading process procedure of the game medium lending device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, it is assumed that the reading request of the valuable information and the identification information is transmitted from the portable IC tag 210 and the non-contact IC tag 220, respectively. These reading requests may be detection signals from sensors that detect that the portable IC tag 210 is inserted into the membership card insertion slot 104 or the settlement coin insertion slot 105 shown in FIG. In addition, a reading request for identification information may be input to the reading unit 401 for each preset period.

  In FIG. 6, first, when there is a request for reading identification information from the non-contact IC tag 220 (1), the second antenna 108 disposed within a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag 220 is moved by the reading unit 401. The identification information unique to the gaming machine M is read from the non-contact IC tag 220 (2). The identification information read by the reading unit 401 is input to the determination unit 402.

  This identification information reading process is continuously performed every predetermined period. Specifically, when a predetermined period elapses after a request for reading identification information, a request for reading identification information is sent again from the non-contact IC tag 220 (3). Then, the reading unit 401 reads identification information unique to the gaming machine M from the non-contact IC tag 220 (4).

  Next, when the identification information reading request (5) from the non-contact IC tag 220 and the valuable information reading request (6) from the portable IC tag 210 conflict, the reading unit 401 distributes them to the apparatus body. Using the installed first antenna 107, the portable IC tag 210 is preferentially read valuable information relating to the rental of game media (7).

  Specifically, for example, when a request for reading identification information and a request for reading valuable information occur at the same time, or when a request for reading valuable information occurs during reading of identification information, the portable IC tag 210 Prioritize reading valuable information. More specifically, the above-described switch is controlled to switch the reading target from identification information to valuable information.

  Here, when reading of valuable information from the portable IC tag 210 is completed as a result of prioritizing reading of valuable information, the reading unit 401 responds to a request for reading identification information in (5), The identification information is read from the non-contact IC tag 220 (8). More specifically, the above-described switch is controlled to switch the reading target from valuable information to identification information.

  As described above, when contention of the read request occurs, the reading of the valuable information and the identification information is prevented by sequentially reading the valuable information and the identification information based on the preset priority. be able to. Furthermore, since both the valuable information and the identification information can be read by the reading unit 401, the configuration of the game medium lending device 100 can be simplified.

  In FIG. 6, the valuable information is read preferentially, but the identification information may be read preferentially. In this case, the identification information is read from the non-contact IC tag 220 by the reading unit 401 in (7), and then the valuable information is read from the portable IC tag 210 by the reading unit 401 in (8). .

  Next, an abnormality detection processing procedure for detecting an abnormality of the gaming machine M using the identification information read by the reading unit 401 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an abnormality detection processing procedure of the game medium lending device 100. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, first, identification information reading processing by the reading unit 401 is executed (step S701). Specifically, for example, the identification information is read according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  Next, the determination unit 402 determines whether or not the reading of the identification information by the reading unit 401 has become impossible (step S702). Specifically, for example, when the identification information cannot be read continuously for a predetermined period, or when the identification information cannot be read for a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the identification information cannot be read. .

  Here, when the identification information can be read (step S702: No), the determination unit 402 sets the identification information read by the reading unit 401 and the setting information set in advance in association with the gaming machine M. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the identification information is valid (step S703).

  If it is determined that the identification information is invalid (step S703: No), the output unit 403 outputs abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine M (step S704), and the series of processes according to this flowchart is performed. finish. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S703 that the identification information is valid (step S703: Yes), the process returns to step S801, and a series of processes is repeated.

  In step S702, if the identification information cannot be read (step S702: Yes), the output unit 403 outputs abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine M (step S704). Terminate the process.

  According to the gaming medium lending device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the identification information from the non-contact IC tag 220 is read, and the validity of the identification information is determined, whereby the gaming machine M is You can monitor fraud. Specifically, when the read identification information is invalid or when the identification information cannot be read, it is determined that there is a possibility that some illegal act has been performed on the gaming machine M. Thus, abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine M can be output.

  In addition, the gaming medium lending device 100 has a configuration in which a function for detecting an abnormality of the gaming machine M is added to a computer device having a function of transmitting a signal related to gaming medium lending to the gaming machine M. Further, the identification information can be read from the non-contact IC tag 220 by using the function (reading unit 401) for reading the valuable information from the portable IC tag 210.

  As described above, by adding a simple configuration to a computer device (existing game medium lending device) already installed in the game hall, the function of the game medium lending device 100 according to the first embodiment can be realized. it can. For this reason, it is not necessary to newly install a device for monitoring fraud, and it is possible to reduce the capital investment for fraud monitoring and to save space in the game arcade.

  Specifically, for example, the second antenna 108 that receives the identification information from the non-contact IC tag 220 is wired to a functional unit having a reading function in a computer device that lends game media. Furthermore, the function of the game medium lending device 100 can be realized by recording a program for executing the various processes described above in a memory such as the ROM 302 or the RAM 303.

  In this way, it is automatically determined that there is a possibility that some illegal act has been performed on the gaming machine M, and the abnormality of the gaming machine M is notified, thereby realizing a quick discovery of the illegal act. can do. Also, when performing a visual check of whether or not fraudulent activity has been performed, troublesome work such as opening the front door of the gaming machine M and checking the sealing paper affixed to various parts is unnecessary. The work burden on employees can be reduced.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to confirm whether or not fraudulent activity has been performed by interrupting the player's game, there is no discomfort to the player, and there is also an abnormality at the time of fraud Since the information is notified, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized player from acquiring an illegal game medium in advance, and it is possible to suppress an increase in damage caused by an illegal act.

(Embodiment 2)
(Functional configuration of game medium lending device 800)
Next, a gaming medium rental apparatus 800 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, a functional configuration of the game medium lending device 800 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the reading of the valuable information from the portable IC tag 210 and the reading of the identification information from the non-contact IC tag 220 are performed with different functional units (first reading unit 801, second reading unit). 802).

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game medium lending device 800 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the game medium lending device 800 includes a first antenna 107, a second antenna 108, a non-contact IC tag 220, a first reading unit 801, a second reading unit 802, and a determination unit. 402, an output unit 403, and a display unit 404. In addition, about the location which overlaps with the location demonstrated in Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The first reading unit 801 has a function of reading the valuable information from the portable IC tag 210 on which valuable information related to the rental of the game medium is recorded, using the first antenna 107 provided in the apparatus main body. The first antenna 107 is disposed inside the apparatus (or the surface of the housing) and receives valuable information from the portable IC tag 210 that is in close proximity to or in contact with.

  The valuable information received by the first antenna 107 is input to the first reading unit 801 and read. Then, the game medium lending device 800 lends game media in accordance with the valuable information read by the first reading unit 801.

  The second reading unit 802 uses the second antenna 108 disposed within a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag 220 provided in the gaming machine M to identify the gaming machine M from the non-contact IC tag 220. It has a function to read information. The second antenna 108 is wired to the second reading unit 802 and can be disposed at any position according to the length of the wiring. The identification information received by the second antenna 108 is input to the second reading unit 802 and read.

  Thus, by providing the first reading unit 801 that reads valuable information and the second reading unit 802 that reads identification information, the respective reading processes can be executed in parallel. In addition, since there is no conflict in reading processing of valuable information and identification information, there is no need for an algorithm such as reading one of the information with priority when conflict occurs.

  The determination unit 402 has a function of determining the validity of the identification information based on the identification information read by the second reading unit 802 and the setting information set in advance in association with the gaming machine M. The output unit 403 has a function of outputting abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine M when the determination unit 402 determines that the identification information is inappropriate.

  In addition, the determination unit 402 has a function of determining whether or not reading of identification information by the second reading unit 802 is disabled. At this time, the determination unit 402 may determine that the identification information cannot be read when reading of the identification information by the second reading unit 802 is disabled for a predetermined period (for example, several seconds). .

  The output unit 403 may output abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine M when the determination unit 402 determines that reading is impossible. Further, the output unit 403 may control the display unit 404 having a display screen (for example, the display 102 shown in FIG. 1) to display abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine M on the display screen.

(Reading process procedure of game medium lending device 800)
Next, a reading process procedure of the game medium lending device 800 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a reading process procedure of the game medium lending device 800 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 9, first, when there is a request for reading identification information from the non-contact IC tag 220 (1), the second reading unit 802 causes the second reading unit 802 disposed within the predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag 220. The identification information unique to the gaming machine M is read using the antenna 108 (2).

  Thereafter, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the request for reading the identification information and a request for reading the identification information is transmitted again from the non-contact IC tag 220 (3), the second reading unit 802 causes the non-contact IC to be read. The identification information unique to the gaming machine M is read from the tag 220 (4).

  On the other hand, when there is a request for reading valuable information from the portable IC tag 210 (5), the first reading unit 801 uses the first antenna 107 provided in the apparatus main body to carry the portable IC. The valuable information related to the rental of the game medium is preferentially read from the tag 210 (6).

  Note that the abnormality detection processing procedure of the game medium lending device 800 is the same as the abnormality detection processing procedure (see FIG. 7) of the game medium lending device 100 described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  According to the gaming medium lending device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the gaming machine is obtained by detecting the identification information from the non-contact IC tag 220 and judging the validity of the identification information. It is possible to monitor fraudulent acts against M. Specifically, when the read identification information is invalid or when the identification information cannot be read, it is determined that there is a possibility that some illegal act has been performed on the gaming machine M. Thus, abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine M can be output.

  Further, by providing the first reading unit 801 that reads valuable information and the second reading unit 802 that reads identification information, each reading process can be executed in parallel. Thereby, since valuable information and identification information can be read in real time without leaking, it is possible to realize fraudulent discovery more quickly.

  As described above, according to the gaming medium lending device, the abnormality detection method, and the abnormality detection program according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically recognize the occurrence of fraud and immediately inform the fact of the fraud. Early detection, prevention of damage caused by fraud and suppression of fraud.

  The abnormality detection method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the game medium lending device, the abnormality detection method, and the abnormality detection program according to the present invention are useful for countermeasures against fraud in pachinko gaming machines, slot gaming machines, and other various gaming machines, Suitable for installation and use in the center (playland) and home video game consoles.

It is an external view which shows an example of a game medium rental apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a portable IC tag. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a non-contact IC tag. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a game medium rental apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the game media rental apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the output screen displayed on a display. It is a sequence diagram which shows the reading processing procedure of the game media rental apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the abnormality detection process procedure of a game media rental apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the game media rental apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the reading processing procedure of the game media rental apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100,800 Game media lending apparatus 101 Banknote insertion slot 102 Display 103 Operation button 104 Member card insertion slot 105 Settlement coin insertion slot 106 Settlement coin return slot 107 1st antenna 108 2nd antenna 210 Portable IC tag 210a Membership card 210b Settlement coin 401 Reading unit 402 Judging unit 403 Output unit 404 Display unit 500 Abnormal information 801 First reading unit 802 Second reading unit M Game machine

Claims (10)

Using the first antenna disposed in the apparatus main body, it comprises reading means for reading the valuable information from a portable IC tag in which valuable information relating to lending of game media is recorded, and the valuable information read by the reading means In the game medium lending device that lends the game medium according to
The reading means includes
Further, using the second antenna disposed within a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag provided in the gaming machine, the identification information unique to the gaming machine is read from the non-contact IC tag,
Determination means for determining the validity of the identification information based on the identification information read by the reading means and setting information set in advance in association with the gaming machine;
An output means for outputting abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine when the determination means determines that the identification information is inappropriate;
A game medium lending device comprising: The reading means includes
2. The game medium lending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when there is a request for reading the valuable information while reading the identification information, the reading of the valuable information is performed with priority. The reading means includes
3. The game medium lending device according to claim 2, wherein when the reading of the valuable information is completed as a result of prioritizing reading of the valuable information, the identification information is read. The determination means includes
Determining whether reading of the identification information by the reading means has become impossible;
The output means includes
The game medium lending device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the determination unit determines that reading is impossible, the abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine is output. The determination means includes
Determining whether the identification information matches the setting information;
The output means includes
5. The abnormality information indicating abnormality of the gaming machine is output when the determination means determines that the identification information and the setting information do not match. Game media lending device. The output means includes
The abnormality information including information for specifying a time when the identification information is determined to be invalid by the determination means or a time when the identification information is determined to be unreadable is output. Item 6. The game medium lending device according to Item 4 or 5. Comprising display means having a display screen;
The output means includes
The game medium lending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is controlled to display the abnormality information on the display screen. In the gaming medium lending device that lends the gaming medium according to the valuable information related to the lending of the gaming medium recorded in the portable IC tag,
First reading means for reading the valuable information from the portable IC tag using a first antenna disposed in the apparatus main body;
Second reading means for reading identification information unique to the gaming machine from the non-contact IC tag using a second antenna disposed within a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag provided in the gaming machine;
Determination means for determining the validity of the identification information based on the identification information read by the second reading means and setting information set in advance in association with the gaming machine;
An output means for outputting abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine when the determination means determines that the identification information is inappropriate;
A game medium lending device comprising: An abnormality detection method for detecting an abnormality of a gaming machine by a gaming medium lending device that lends the gaming medium according to valuable information related to lending of the gaming medium recorded in a portable IC tag,
The reading means for reading the valuable information from the portable IC tag using the first antenna provided in the apparatus main body allows the first antenna arranged in a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag provided in the gaming machine. A reading step of reading identification information unique to the gaming machine from the non-contact IC tag using two antennas;
A determination step of determining the legitimacy of the identification information based on the identification information read by the reading step and setting information set in advance in association with the gaming machine;
An output step of outputting abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the gaming machine when the identification information is determined to be invalid by the determination step;
An abnormality detection method characterized by including   An abnormality detection program that causes a computer to execute the abnormality detection method according to claim 9.

Images