JP2017202352A - System for game - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience of a player.SOLUTION: History identification information for identifying a game history in each of game machines is transmitted to a management device by a device for game, member identification information recorded on a received recording medium for member is transmitted in an identifiable manner to the management device and based on the history identification device from the device for game, a game history for each game machine that is a game history in each game machine during a period is stored correspondingly to game machine identification information capable of identifying each game machine. Based on the history identification information and the member identification information from the device for game, a member game history that is a game history of a member player is stored in an identifiable manner correspondingly to the game machine identification information and the member identification information. A member player is identified by an information apparatus/the device for game, a selection of a game machine on any one of multiple game sites is accepted and based on the identification of the member player and the selection of the game machine, the game history for each game machine of the game machine and the member game history of the member player identified with the game machine are correspondingly displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 83

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming system. Specifically, for members who have member identification information for individually identifying member players who are pre-registered players provided corresponding to the gaming machines installed in the game hall and where the players play games. The present invention relates to a gaming system including a gaming device that receives a recording medium, and a management device that manages a gaming history of the gaming machine installed in a gaming hall for each gaming machine and is provided outside the gaming hall.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a gaming system that displays a gaming history of a gaming machine played by a game hall member in a manner that reflects the gaming history of the gaming machine for one day (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-102958 A

  However, according to the gaming system of Patent Document 1, only the game history in the gaming machine of one gaming place can be shown to the player. For this reason, there is a problem that the convenience of the player cannot be improved.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming system capable of improving the convenience of the player.

(1) Corresponding to gaming machines (for example, pachinko machines, slot machines, enclosed circulation pachinko machines (P 2), slot machines without medals (S 2S)) installed in the game hall and played by players. A game apparatus for receiving a member recording medium on which member identification information for individually identifying a member player who is a pre-registered player is recorded, and the gaming machine installed in a game hall A gaming system that includes a management device that manages a gaming history for each gaming machine and is provided outside the gaming hall,
History specifying information transmitting means (for example, CU3) for transmitting history specifying information for specifying a game history in each gaming machine to the management device;
Member identification information transmitting means (for example, CU3) that transmits the member identification information recorded on the member recording medium received by the gaming device to the management device in an identifiable manner;
The management device
Based on the history specifying information transmitted by the history specifying information transmitting means, a gaming history for each gaming machine that is a gaming history in one period in each gaming machine (for example, gaming time per day, total rotation of the gaming machine) A game history storage unit (for example, stored in the storage unit of the management server 140) for storing each game machine in association with game machine specifying information that can specify each game machine,
Based on the history specifying information transmitted by the history specifying information transmitting means and the member identification information transmitted by the member identification information transmitting means, a member game history (for example, a game history of one member player (for example, Member gaming history storage means (for example, management) that stores the gaming time of the member in the gaming machine, the total number of revolutions, the total number of jackpots, etc. in association with the gaming machine specifying information and the member identification information so as to be specified. Storage in the storage unit of the server 140),
Member identification means for identifying a member player (see, for example, step S405 and FIG. 74 in FIG. 72. The member card ID is identified from the login ID manually input to the mobile phone 16A and the notebook computer 15A by the player. From the common member card The membership card ID is specified by reading it with a card reader of CU 3. It is not limited to receiving it with the mobile phone 16A or the notebook personal computer 15A, but may be received with a game information display terminal for displaying CU 3, game information. )When,
A gaming machine selection accepting means for accepting selection of any one of the gaming machines installed in a plurality of the gaming halls (see, for example, step S413 to step S422 in FIG. 73, and FIGS. 77 to 80). It is not limited to accepting the selection by the telephone 16A and the notebook computer 15A, but the selection may be accepted by the CU3 or the game information display terminal).
Based on the identification of the member player by the member specifying means and the selection of the gaming machine accepted by the gaming machine selection accepting means, the gaming history by gaming machine of the gaming machine and the identified member in the gaming machine Display means for displaying the player's member game history in association with each other (see, for example, step S426 and FIG. 83 in FIG. 73. The personal data is displayed in the form of a slump graph. Using the mobile phone 16A and the notebook personal computer 15A. It is not limited to display, but may be displayed on the CU3, game information data display terminal).
A player registration means for registering a character image in association with the member identification information;
A member registration member registered in the management device, and further comprising a member registration member registering by the player member registering member and a member member registering a member member having a predetermined relationship and a member member registering member member.
The gaming device is:
Based on the information received from the management device, a game is performed in a predetermined range among related member players having a predetermined relationship with a member player corresponding to the member recording medium received by the gaming device. A game display means capable of displaying a character image associated with the member identification information of the related member player who is associated with the game status of the related member player.

  According to such a configuration, the display means displays the game history for each gaming machine of a plurality of gaming machines and the game history of the member player at the gaming machine in association with each other. For this reason, the player can check the game histories of the gaming machines at a plurality of game halls in association with the gaming histories of the member players at the gaming machines. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming system that can improve the convenience of the player.

(2) In the gaming system of (1) above,
The gaming machine selection accepting means accepts the selection of the game hall from the game halls played by the member player identified by the member identification means, and the member player played at the selected game hall. The selection of the gaming machine from the gaming machines is accepted (see, for example, steps S414 to S421, FIGS. 77, 78, and 80 in FIG. 73).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily select a gaming machine on which a member player has played. As a result, the convenience for the player can be further improved.

(3) In the gaming system of (1) above,
The gaming machine selection receiving means accepts the selection of the model from among the gaming machine models played by the member player specified by the member specifying means, and the member player has played with the selected model. The selection of the gaming machine from the gaming machines is accepted (see, for example, steps S414 to S421, FIGS. 77, 79, and 80 in FIG. 73).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily select a gaming machine on which a member player has played. As a result, the convenience for the player can be further improved.

(4) In the game system according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
The display means displays the gaming machine-specific gaming history and the member gaming history in a plurality of the game halls in a comparable manner (for example, the slump graph of FIG. 83 may be displayed for a plurality of stores. .)

  According to such a configuration, the gaming history of gaming machines and the gaming history of member players in a plurality of game halls are displayed so as to be comparable. For this reason, the player can easily compare game histories in a plurality of game halls. As a result, the convenience for the player can be further improved.

(5) In the gaming system according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The display means includes the gaming machine received by the gaming machine selection accepting means, and another member player different from the member player specified by the member specifying means (for example, a related member player registered in advance, etc. The member game history of the other member player stored in the member game history storage means in association with the member game history of the gaming machine and the member game history of the member player. (For example, in step S426 in FIG. 73, a slump graph is created that reflects not only the member player but also the game history of related member players registered by the friend function. See FIG. 83.) .

  According to such a configuration, the game history of another member player is displayed in association with the game history of the gaming machine and the game history of the member player. For this reason, the player can easily compare with other member players. As a result, the convenience for the player can be further improved.

(6) In the gaming system according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
The gaming system includes:
A gaming device (for example, CU3, call lamp) that is connected to the gaming machine so as to be communicable and enables a game in the gaming machine using a gaming value that is specified by the player and specified by the received recording medium Devices)
Each member player registered in association with the recording medium that is communicably connected to the gaming device installed in each game arcade and is commonly usable in each connected gaming device. A management device (for example, management server 140) for managing member attribute information (for example, name, gender, age, registered game hall, related members, etc.);
The management device
Player registration means for registering the member attribute information in association with the recording medium (for example, FIG. 26: registering member attribute information in association with a member card ID);
Of the member players registered in the management device, related registration means for registering related member players having a predetermined relationship with the member player registered by the player registration means (for example, FIG. 25 (d) ): Register the related member in association with the member card ID),
Game information collecting means for collecting game information of the player (for example, FIG. 24B: member-specific game history table);
Member attribute information of the related member player registered by the related registration unit corresponding to the member player corresponding to the recording medium received by the gaming device is collected by the game information collecting unit. Information transmitting means for transmitting together with the game information of the related member player (for example, FIG. 36, FIG. 37: transmitting the member attribute information and game information of the related member player displayed by the friend function),
The gaming device is:
Information receiving means for receiving information transmitted by the information transmitting means (for example, FIG. 36, FIG. 37: receiving member attribute information and game information of related member players searched by the friend function);
Based on the information received by the information receiving means, a game is performed in a predetermined range among the related member players having the predetermined relationship with the member player corresponding to the recording medium received by the gaming device. Display means (for example, FIG. 36, FIG. 37: avatars of related member players searched by the friend function) capable of displaying the member attribute information of the related member players who are related to the game status of the related member players. Can be displayed together with a gaming situation such as a big hit).

  According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to register related member players having a predetermined relationship at each game hall, and communication such as transmission and reception of message information can be performed with the related member players.

(7) In the gaming system of (6) above,
The recording medium is a game hall member recording medium registered as a member of the game hall (for example, a game hall member card recording a game hall member ID).

  According to such a configuration, the member attribute information of the management device installed outside the game hall and the member information of a plurality of game halls can be registered in one recording medium, and a plurality of recording media can be registered in one recording medium. It will be possible to use at the game hall.

(8) In the gaming system of (7) above,
A game room management device (for example, a member management computer 120) for managing member information including member attribute information of each member player registered as a member and installed in the game field in the game field;
The game hall management device
Identification information reading means for reading identification information recorded on the recording medium possessed by a player who wishes to newly register as a member in the game hall (for example, FIG. 27: reading a member card ID from a common member card); ,
Member attribute information acquisition means for transmitting the identification information read by the identification information reading means to the management apparatus and acquiring member attribute information managed in association with the identification information from the management apparatus (for example, FIG. 27: Request transmission of member attribute information from the management server 140),
Recording medium use registration means for performing recording medium use registration processing for registering the member attribute information acquired by the member attribute information acquisition means as member information of a player who newly desires member registration (for example, FIG. 27: management server) The member attribute information received from 140 is stored in the game hall member information table.

  According to such a configuration, membership registration at a plurality of game halls can be easily performed using the member attribute information stored in the management device.

It is a front view which shows a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the notification process when abnormality is detected as a result of mutual authentication. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the various data memorize | stored in the card unit side and the pachinko machine side, and its transmission / reception. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response which are transmitted / received between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with the card unit and the pachinko machine at the time of power activation. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when a card is inserted in a card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when lending a ball from the prepaid balance of the inserted card. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the intrusion determination process performed by a card unit. It is a figure which shows the parameter which can be set regarding prevention of sinking. It is a figure which shows the transition of the screen for the prevention of sinking in mode "low". It is a figure which shows the transition of the screen for prevention of sinking in mode "high". It is a figure which shows the transition of the screen for the prevention of sinking in mode "prohibition". It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when paying out a lot of balls and paying out a stored ball. It is a figure which shows an example of the normal process of a card unit and a pachinko machine when counting game balls. It is a figure which shows an example of the count process when a player performs card return operation. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the hall | hole server and hall control which are connected with P stand and CU. It is a block diagram for demonstrating another structure of the hall | hole server and hall control which are connected with P stand and CU. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the transmission process of the number of addition balls by a CU control part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the transmission process of the game information by a CU control part. It is a figure which shows the structure of the game system in the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the memory map of a common member card | curd. It is a figure which shows the savings ball number management table of a savings server. (A) is a figure which shows the game hall member information table of a member management computer, (b) is a figure which shows the game history table classified by member of a member management computer. (A) is a figure which shows the common member information table of a management server, (b) is a figure which shows the registered game hall table of a management server, (c) is a game hall information table of a management server. (D) is a figure which shows a related member information table. It is a figure which shows the processing condition of the member registration machine, member management computer, and management server when issuing a common member card newly and accepting member registration. It is a figure which shows the processing condition of a member registration machine, a member management computer, and a management server when accepting member registration from the player who has a common member card. It is a figure which shows the processing condition of a card unit, a member management computer, and a management server in the case of receiving member registration from the player who has a common member card. It is a figure which shows the login page displayed on the information terminal of a member player. It is a figure which shows the game hall display page displayed on the information terminal of a member player. It is a figure which shows the registration content confirmation page displayed on the information terminal of a member player. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation for logging in to a management server. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation for logging in to a management server. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation for logging in to a management server. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation for logging out from a management server. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation of a friend function. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation of a friend function. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation of a chat function. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation of a chat function. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation of a possession ball sharing function. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation of a possession ball sharing function. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation of a possession ball sharing function. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating operation of a possession ball sharing function. It is a figure which shows the transition of the screen for demonstrating the display aspect of the advertisement displayed on the indicator of a card unit. It is a figure which shows the transition of the screen for demonstrating the display aspect of the advertisement displayed on the indicator of a card unit. It is a figure which shows the transition of the screen for demonstrating the display aspect of the advertisement displayed on the indicator of a card unit. It is a figure which shows the transition of the screen for demonstrating the display aspect of the advertisement displayed on the indicator of a card unit. It is a figure which shows the screen transition for demonstrating the flow of card return operation with respect to a card unit. It is a figure which shows the screen transition for demonstrating the flow of card return operation with respect to a card unit. It is a figure which shows the screen transition for demonstrating the flow of a leaving operation. It is the schematic for demonstrating the management system of the advertisement information which concerns on this embodiment. It is the schematic of the advertisement performance table which concerns on this embodiment. It is the schematic of the correspondence information table which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the encryption key used for communication between a key management server and communication control IC. It is a figure for demonstrating the starting process at the time of power activation of CU control part 323, and hall installation. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of power-on / normal start-up of the CU control part 323. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the process at the time of the power activation of CU control part 323, and factory shipment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of the authentication sequence of a board | substrate maker code. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of the authentication sequence of a board | substrate initial stage key or a board | substrate shipping key. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of the authentication sequence of board | substrate serial ID and a board | substrate authentication key. It is a figure for demonstrating the process in the case of inquiring about security board information. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of a gaming machine chip information inquiry sequence. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of a board | substrate authentication key authentication abnormality sequence. It is a figure explaining the process of the inquiry timeout sequence of security board | substrate information. It is a figure explaining the process of the inquiry (collation) timeout sequence of gaming machine chip information. It is a figure explaining the process of the business message sequence between SC325b and communication control IC325b. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of board | substrate authentication key authentication. It is an example of the flowchart for demonstrating the switching process of communication mode, (a) is a communication mode switching process between CU control part-SC, (b) is a communication mode switching process between SC-communication control IC. It is another example of the flowchart for demonstrating the switching process of communication mode, (a) is the communication mode switching process between CU control part-SC, (b) is the communication mode switching process between SC-communication control IC. is there. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the authentication operation | movement of the check of a unified store code. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the authentication operation | movement of a board maker code. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the outline of the flow of a process in a game history display function. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the outline of the flow of a process in a game history display function. It is a 1st figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game history display function. It is a 2nd figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game history display function. It is a 3rd figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game history display function. It is a 4th figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game history display function. It is a 5th figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game history display function. It is a 6th figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game history display function. It is a 7th figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game history display function. It is an 8th figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game history display function. It is a figure which shows the example of the game history collected with the game history display function. It is a 9th figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game history display function. It is the 1st flowchart which shows the outline of the flow of processing in a game history contribution distribution function. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the outline of the flow of a process in a game log | history contribution delivery function. It is a 1st figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game log | history contribution delivery function. It is a 2nd figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game log | history contribution delivery function. It is a 3rd figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game log | history contribution delivery function. It is a 4th figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game log | history contribution delivery function. It is a 5th figure which shows the example of the display screen in a game log | history contribution delivery function. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the front door of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the various data memorize | stored in each of a card unit and a slot machine, and its transmission / reception aspect.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<Configuration of pachinko machine>
First, the configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In each amusement island (not shown) arranged in a plurality of game halls (halls), an enclosed circulation pachinko machine as an example of a game machine (hereinafter also abbreviated as a game machine, a pachinko machine, or a P machine). 2 is attached. A card unit (which may be abbreviated as CU hereinafter) 3 as an example of a gaming device is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the P table 2 at a side position on the predetermined side of the P table 2. Yes. The gaming device according to the present embodiment will be described below by taking a card unit as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is not limited to notifying only the big hit or abnormality of the P stand 2, but also the number of winnings at the P stand 2. It may be a calling lamp device that can collect game information such as.

  The P stand 2 encloses a pachinko ball as an example of a game medium inside, and when the player operates the hitting operation handle 25, the firing motor 18 (see FIG. 2) is driven to make one shot of the enclosing ball. The game board 26 is configured so that it can be played one by one in the game area 27 in front of the game board 26. Specifically, a touch sensor is provided around the batting operation handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor while the player is operating the batting operation handle 25, and the player's hand. Is detected by the touch sensor, and the firing motor 18 is driven. In this state, the hitting momentum is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the hitting operation handle 25 by the player, and the ball is shot into the game area 27.

  The P stand 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called first type pachinko machine, and a variable display device (also referred to as a special symbol) 278 is provided in the center of the game area 27. In addition, the game area 27 is provided with a plurality of types of winning holes through which the inserted pachinko balls can be won. In the game area 27 shown in FIG. 1, one large winning opening (variable winning ball apparatus) 271, three normal winning holes 272, 273, 274 and three start winning holes 275, 276, 277 are shown. ing. In particular, the start winning opening 276 is configured by an electric tulip that can be changed between a first state (for example, an open state) that is advantageous to the player and a second state (for example, a closed state) that is disadvantageous to the player. .

  The variable display device 278 includes a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (symbols), and based on the detection signals of the start winning balls won in each start winning opening 275, 276, 277. Start variable display of multiple types of identification information. When the display result of the variable display device is a combination of specific identification information (for example, a glance), a big hit state is established and the big prize opening 271 is opened.

  Further, the display result of the variable display device 278 becomes a combination of predetermined special identification information (for example, a combination of probability variation symbols such as 777) out of a combination of jackpot symbols (a slotted pattern), so that the probability variation big hit state And a probability variation state (probability variation state) in which the probability of occurrence of the jackpot is improved after the end of the jackpot state.

  Pachinko balls that have been driven into the game area 27 are won in any of the winning openings or are collected in the out opening 154 without winning. The pachinko balls won in any one of the winning openings and the pachinko balls collected in the out opening 154 are returned again to the hitting ball launch position through the collection path in the P stand 2. Then, when the player operates the hitting operation handle 25, the pachinko ball at the hitting position is again shot into the game area 27.

  An indicator 54 is provided at a position below the game area 27 in the P stand 2. The display 54 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and displays various effect images linked to the display of the points, the remaining card amount, or the variable display device 278 to the player. The display 54 may be configured to be attached to the P base 2 independently of the CU 3 as shown in FIG. 1, or may be formed integrally with the CU 3 and fitted to the front surface of the P base 2.

  Further, a counting button 28 for counting from game balls to holding balls is provided at the left position of the hitting operation handle 25 on the P platform 2. In the present embodiment, the counting operation is repeatedly executed according to the time for which the counting button 28 is kept pressed. It should be noted that, regardless of the pressing duration time, if the button is pressed once, a predetermined number (for example, 100 balls) may be counted from the gaming ball to the holding ball, or the counting button 28 is pressed once. All of the game balls currently owned by the player may be counted regardless of the pressing time (regardless of whether the button is pressed for a long time).

  Thus, since the counting button 28 is provided on the P table 2 side, the operability of the player sitting facing the P table 2 can be improved as compared with the case where the counting button 28 is provided on the CU 3 side. .

  A game ball number display 29 for displaying the number of game balls is provided at the upper right of the counting button 28. The game ball number display 29 is a 7-segment display. The game ball number display 29 may be configured by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or other display.

  The P stand 2 according to the present embodiment can be divided into a game board 26 and other game frames (front frames) 6. In particular, the game board 26 differs for each model of pachinko machine developed by each company, while the game frame 6 is a common common frame regardless of the model. For this reason, it is sufficient for the game store to replace only the game board 26 when replacing a new stand.

<Configuration of card unit>
Next, the configuration of the CU 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This CU3 is a visitor card (also referred to as a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a game recording medium issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, and a member player who has registered as a member in the game hall. Can be used in common with multiple amusement halls, and game hall membership cards, which are game recording media that can be used for storage balls and balances that are issued only for game halls that have been registered as members. In this way, a common member card, which is a game recording medium issued to a member player registered as a member, is accepted. The visitor card, the game hall membership card and the common membership card are composed of IC cards.

  The CU 3 that accepts these cards has a function of converting the game value (for example, the remaining card amount, the number of balls, or the number of balls, etc.) owned by the player specified by the record information of the card into “game ball data”. . In the P stand 2, a ball game corresponding to the number of balls specified by the data of the game balls is made possible. That is, “game ball data” is data indicating the number of remaining balls that can be fired. In the following description, “game ball data” is simply referred to as “game ball” in the same manner as a stored ball and a holding ball.

  On the front side of CU3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a protruding portion 305 that protrudes forward from the front of the device, and a card for inserting a common membership card, a game room membership card or a visitor card An insertion / discharge port 309 and the like are provided. The common member card, game hall member card, or visitor card inserted into the card insertion / discharge port 309 is received by a card reader / writer (not shown), and information recorded on the card is read.

  In the protrusion 305 described above, a display 312 is provided on the surface facing the player.

  The CU 3 of this embodiment is not provided with a mechanical replay button, and the replay button is displayed on the display 54 or the display 312 (FIGS. 11A, 12A, and 13). (See (A)), an operation on the displayed replay button is detected on the touch panel of the display 54 or the display 312. When a common member card or a game hall member card is accepted, the replay button is a member card ID or a game hall member ID (simply a card ID, C-ID) recorded on the common member card or the game hall member card. And a button for executing a replay game using the number of stored balls specified by the member card ID or the game hall member ID.

  The display 312 displays the prepaid balance recorded on the inserted game recording medium (card) (also referred to as the card balance or simply the balance), but can display the number of game balls and various other information. In addition, the surface is configured with a transparent touch panel, and various operations can be input by touching various display items displayed on the display unit of the display 312 with a finger.

  When the replay button is operated, if the number of possessed balls acquired by the player is recorded on the inserted card, a part of the number of possessed balls is withdrawn and converted into game balls, and based on the converted game balls Thus, it is possible to play a game with the P stand 2. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a common membership card or amusement hall membership card and the number of possessions is not recorded and the accumulated balls are recorded in the hall management computer, etc., a part of the accumulated balls is withdrawn. It is converted into a game ball, and a game by the P stand 2 becomes possible. That is, when both the stored ball and the holding ball are stored in association with the inserted card, the holding ball is withdrawn preferentially. In addition, apart from the replay button, a dedicated ball payout button for withdrawing the ball may be provided, and the replay button may be a button dedicated to saving the ball.

  Here, the “storing ball” is a ball deposited in the hall with a ball acquired before the previous day, and becomes a game ball by paying out the saving ball. The storage ball is a game medium deposited in a game hall, and is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed in the game hall.

  “Mochitama” is a ball acquired on the day and becomes a game ball by paying out the possessionball. The number of possessed balls is the number of balls that the player possesses as a result of the player playing the game with the gaming machine on the card, and the number of balls that have not yet been deposited in the game hall. That is. Generally, the number of balls that the player has acquired on the day of the game hall is called “mochidama”, and the number of balls that the player has acquired before the previous day and that has been deposited in the amusement hall is “save ball”. Say.

  A “game ball” is a ball that can be fired by a gaming machine. As described above, the data on the number of game balls is generated in exchange for withdrawing the remaining amount of the prepaid card, holding balls, or storing balls.

  Note that the number of possessed balls may be managed by a management device for managing the number of possessed balls set in the game hall. In short, the difference between “sold balls” and “mochidama” is the number of balls that have been deposited in the amusement hall as a result of a storage operation for depositing in the amusement hall, or is still deposited in the amusement hall. It is a point whether it is the number of balls of the stage which is not.

  In this embodiment, the stored ball data is not recorded directly on the common member card or the game hall member card, but is stored in association with the common member card number or the game hall member card number on a server installed in the game hall such as a hall management computer. And a corresponding stored ball can be searched based on the common member card number or the amusement hall member card number. On the other hand, Mochitama records directly on the card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both may be stored in the hall server 801 in association with the card number. In the case of a visitor card, Mochitama is recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ball may be stored in the hall server 801 in association with the card number. When the hall server 801 stores the card number in association with the card number, the data that can specify the time stored in the hall server 801 is written on the card (common membership card, game hall membership card, visitor card) and discharged. Also good. The prepaid balance is directly written on a card (common member card, game hall member card, visitor card) and discharged.

  Note that the timing of storing the possession ball in a card (common membership card, game hall membership card, visitor card) or hall server is stored in real time whenever the counting button 28 is operated and the counting process is performed, for example. It is conceivable that the timing is such that the data is stored at regular intervals or stored in a lump when the card is returned.

  Also, when the player finishes the game and returns the card from CU3, the possession ball stored in CU3 is temporarily stored in the hall server 801 as a stored ball, and the day when the player receives the card return When the card is inserted into the same or another CU3 again on the same day, only the possession balls for the day that are once stored as accumulated balls are stored again in the CU3, and the game balls are added within the range of the possession balls. You may be able to do it.

  The banknote inserted into the banknote insertion slot 302 is taken in by a currency discriminator (not shown), and its authenticity and banknote type are identified.

  An IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit (also referred to as an IR light receiving unit) 320 and a camera 399 are further provided on the front side of the CU 3. The IR photosensitive unit 320 receives an infrared signal from a remote controller (not shown) possessed by a game attendant, converts it into an electronic signal, and outputs it. The camera 399 captures a player's face image and outputs it to the CU control unit 323.

  In the present embodiment, similarly to the above-described replay button, a mechanical ball lending (ball lending) button and a card return button are not provided, and a ball lending button and a card return button are displayed on the display 54 or the display 312. Is displayed (see FIG. 11A, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 13A), and the operation of the displayed ball rental button and card return button is performed on the touch panel of the display unit 54 or the display unit 312. Detected. The ball lending button is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) for withdrawing the remaining amount recorded on the inserted card and using it for a game by the P stand 2. The card return button is operated when the player finishes the game, and the number of game balls determined at the end of the game on the inserted card (the number of possessed balls at the time of card insertion-the number of conversions to game balls + counting operation) This is an operation button for memorizing and discharging the number of possessed balls counted by.

<Configuration of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the CU 3 and the P stand 2. With reference to FIG. 2, the outline of the control circuit of CU3 and P stand 2 is demonstrated.

  The CU 3 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. The CU control unit 323 is a main control function unit of the CU 3, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, A RAM (Random Access Memory) functioning as a work area for the CPU, an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided.

  The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server 801 (see FIG. 3) for security management. Connected to the CU control unit 323 is a security board (SC board) 325 for communicating with the payout control board 17 of the P table 2 while ensuring security. The security board 325 is a security monitoring function unit of the CU3. Note that the CU control unit 323 may be provided on the security board 325, or the CU control unit 323 may be provided on a board different from the security board 325. The CU 3 is provided with a connecting portion (not shown) to the P stand 2 side, and the P stand 2 is provided with a connecting portion (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connection parts are constituted by connectors, for example.

  The security board 325 on the CU 3 side and the payout control board 17 on the P stand 2 side are communicably connected via this connector and connection wiring. The security board 325 is provided with a communication control IC 325a for controlling communication between the security board 325 and the payout control board 17, and a security chip (SC) 325b for monitoring the security of the P base 2. The SC 325b further includes a fraud detection unit 1325. The fraud detection unit 1325 performs fraud detection by monitoring the game ball addition request information notified from the CU control unit 323 to the P-unit 2, and manages the key when fraud is detected. The server 800 (see FIG. 3) is notified. Further, the setting value (constant) for fraud detection is notified from the key management server 800 as board control information.

  To the CU control unit 323, the authenticity and type of the banknote are identified by the above-described money identifier, and the identification result signal is input. In addition, when the IR photosensitive unit 320 receives infrared rays emitted from a remote controller owned by an attendant at the game hall, a light reception signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The card reader / writer reads the information recorded in the inserted card into the CU control unit 323, and the read information is input to the CU control unit 323. The CU control unit 323 writes the information to the card reader / writer. When data is transmitted, the card reader / writer writes the data to the inserted card. The card recording information includes a card ID. The CU control unit 323 stores the card ID read by the card reader / writer until the game ends.

  The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's possession balls when the player is playing. Data such as the remaining amount or the number of game balls is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350, and is converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is transmitted to the P base 2. The display data transmitted to the P platform 2 is input to the display 312 via the relay board 14. The display 312 displays an image corresponding to the display data. Further, when the player operates a touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. When the player operates the ball lending button, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. Note that the ball lending button is not limited to the configuration provided on the CU 3, and may be configured to be provided on the P base 2 and to input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

  The P base 2 has a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the P base 2, a payout control board 17 that manages and stores game balls, and a drive control of the launch motor 18 based on commands from the payout control board 17 A launch control board 31, a variable display device 278, and an effect control board 15 that controls the display of the variable display device 278 based on a command transmitted from the main control board 16.

  The main control board 16 and the effect control board 15 are provided on the game board 26. The main control board 16 is equipped with a game control microcomputer as the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 is a main control function unit of the gaming machine. A microcomputer for gaming machine control includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, and a RAM (RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU). Random Access Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices. The main controller 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162 and a radio wave sensor 163 provided on the game board 26.

  When a ball wins each start winning opening 275, 276, 277, the main control unit 161 draws a random number for determining a big hit (or further including a small hit) / off and stores the random number. This is called reserved storage. The maximum value of the number of reserved memories is, for example, 4. When the variable display device 278 is ready to start a new variable display, the main control unit 161 digests one reserved memory, makes a jackpot determination based on the reserved memory, and derives the display result from the variable start. The variable display time to reach is determined from multiple types. Further, when the big hit is determined, it is also determined whether or not the probability fluctuation is caused. The main control unit 161 transmits the result of the jackpot determination (including whether or not to change the probability) and information regarding the variable display time to the effect control unit 151 mounted on the effect control board 15 as commands.

  The variable display command transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151 specifies a variable start command indicating the start of variable display, a display result command indicating the result of variable display (big hit / out), and a variable display pattern. A variable display time command that is possible, a variable stop command that indicates the timing for deriving and displaying a variable display result, and the like are included. Furthermore, the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the production control unit 151 include a command that can identify the progress status of the big hit during the big hit, a command that indicates the occurrence of a new reserved memory, and the occurrence of an error in the gaming state. There are commands to show.

  The effect control unit 151 determines the variable display content of the variable display device 278 based on these commands transmitted from the main control unit 161. For example, the effect control unit 151 specifies a variable display result and a variable display time based on a command transmitted from the main control unit 161, determines a stop symbol, and a variable display pattern (reach presence / absence, reach type). In addition, the effect pattern of the notice effect related to the big hit or reach is determined. The effect control unit 151 controls display of the variable display device 278 according to the determined variable display content.

  The effect control board 15 is also connected to the display 54 via the relay board 14 on the game frame 6 side. The effect control unit 151 transmits a display control signal for variable display or the like to the variable display device 278 and transmits a display control signal for performing display in conjunction with the display of the variable display device 278 to the display unit 54. Is possible. The relay board 14 and the display 54 may be provided on the CU3 side. In this case, the effect control board 15 on the P stand 2 side is connected to the relay board 14 provided in the CU 3.

  The payout control board 17 is provided on the front frame (game frame) 6. The payout control board 17 is equipped with a payout control microcomputer which is a payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 is a payout control function unit of the gaming machine. The payout control microcomputer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program for operating the CPU and control data, and a RAM (RAM) functioning as a work area of the CPU. Random Access Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices.

  Further, a firing ball detection switch 903, an out ball detection switch 701, a foul ball detection switch 33, a counting button 28, and a radio wave sensor 173 are provided on the payout control board 17 in an electrically connected state. The radio wave sensor 173 is for detecting an illegal act of illegally transmitting radio waves and mainly turning on the ball raising switch (upper) 41a. A detection signal of the radio wave sensor 173 is input to the payout control unit 171 via an input port (not shown) of the payout control board 17. The ball raising switch (upper) 41a detects the launch of a game ball by changing from on to off, and based on the detection, the payout control unit 171 subtracts “1” from the number of game balls.

  Accordingly, when the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is always turned on by an improper radio wave, the number of game balls is not subtracted no matter how many balls are fired. Such radio fraud is detected by the radio wave sensor 173.

  From main control board 16 to payout control board 17, main control chip ID, winning opening information, round information, connection confirmation signal, winning detection signal, starting winning opening winning information, error information, number of symbols determined, jackpot information, manufacturer specific Jackpot information is sent.

  The main control chip ID (also referred to as main chip ID) is a chip ID recorded on the main control board 16 of the P base 2 and is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the power of the P base 2 is turned on. Information. The winning opening information is information including the type of winning opening (start winning opening, ordinary winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of balls to be paid out when a game ball enters the winning opening). This is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the power of the table 2 is turned on. The round information is information on the number of rounds when a big hit is made, and is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the power of the P unit 2 is turned on.

  The connection confirmation signal is a signal for confirming that the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 are connected, and a signal of a predetermined voltage is constantly supplied from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 is configured to control the operation on the condition that the payout control board 17 receives the predetermined voltage signal. The winning detection signal is a detection signal of a pachinko ball that has won a winning opening other than the starting winning opening. Upon receiving this detection signal, the payout control board 17 performs control to add the number of balls to be given to one winning ball to the number of game balls and the number of added balls.

  The start winning award winning information is information indicating that a pachinko ball has won a prize in any of the starting winning awards. The error information is information for notifying the payout control board 17 when an error occurs while the main control board 16 is performing game control.

  The symbol determination number of times is information on symbols determined as display results of the variable display device for winnings at each start winning opening.

  The jackpot information is information indicating that a jackpot has occurred. The breakdown includes common jackpot information indicating a jackpot common to each manufacturer and manufacturer-specific jackpot information indicating a manufacturer-specific jackpot. The common jackpot information is a jackpot commonly used by each gaming machine manufacturer, such as 15 round jackpots, and includes probability variation information when a probability change occurs with the jackpot. When the time-short state (control state for shortening the variable display time of the variable display device) occurs, the time-shortage information is included. The manufacturer-specific big hit is a big hit state that is adopted only by a certain gaming machine manufacturer, such as sudden probability change (surprise).

  A health check command and a winning ball number acceptance command are transmitted from the payout control board 17 to the main control board 16. The health check command is a command for checking whether or not the main control board 16 is operating normally. The prize ball number acceptance command is a command indicating that the additional number of balls has been accepted.

  An out ball detection signal is input from the out ball detection switch 701 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 to which the out ball detection signal is input subtracts and updates the number of in-game balls (the number of floating balls floating in the game area 27) as will be described later. In the payout control board 17 to which the foul ball detection signal is input from the foul ball detection switch 33, as described later, the addition ball number and the game ball number are added and updated, and the in-game ball number is subtracted and updated. A shot detection signal is input from the shot detection switch 903 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 to which the fired ball detection signal is input updates the number of in-game balls by subtraction.

  The security board 325 of the CU 3 and the payout control board 17 of the P stand 2 are electrically connected, and various commands are transmitted from the security board 325 to the payout control board 17 as described later. On the contrary, various responses are transmitted from the payout control board 17 to the security board 325 as described later.

  In addition to the payout control board 17, the game frame 6 is provided with a relay board 14, a launch control board 31, a launch motor 18, and a game ball number display 29. The game ball number display 29 may be directly attached to the game frame 6, but the game ball number display 29 may be attached to the game frame 6 like an upper plate or a lower plate provided on the front side of a normal pachinko machine from which balls are paid out. You may make it provide in the aspect which can be rotated. The same applies to the display 54. The payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 displays the number of game balls currently owned by the player on the game ball number display 29.

  A firing control signal and a firing permission signal are output from the dispensing control board 17 to the firing control board 31. Upon receiving this, the launch control board 31 outputs a signal for exciting the launch motor 18. Thereby, the pachinko ball is in a state where it is bullet-launched into the game area 27. The firing control board 31 emits a firing motor excitation output to drive the firing motor 18 when a touch ring input signal for detecting that the player is touching the hitting ball operating handle 25 is input.

  A display 54 is provided in the game frame 6. The display unit 54 receives display data (display control signal) from the display control unit 350 of the CU 3 via the relay board 14. Further, the display unit 54 receives display data (display control signal) from the effect control board 15 via the relay board 14.

  The relay board 14 outputs a display control signal from one of the effect control board 15 and the display control unit 350 to the display 54 and outputs the display control signal to the display 54 based on the display control signal from the effect control board 15 or the display control unit 350. A switching circuit 141 for displaying an image is mounted.

  In the present embodiment, the display 54 on the P stand 2 side is configured to be controlled on the CU side. Instead, the display 54 is controlled on the P stand 2 side. A display control substrate may be provided. In this case, the display control board controls display of the display 54 based on a command from the payout control unit 171.

  The RAM clear switch 293 is a switch for erasing game table information and game information stored in the RAM of the P table 2, and after the P table enters an error state, the store clerk operates the switch to initialize It becomes possible to return to the state. The RAM clear switch 293 is operated by a store clerk after the card is discharged, for example.

<Pachinko ball circulation route>
Here, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the circulation route of the pachinko balls in the P platform 2 will be outlined.

  When the player operates the hitting operation handle 25, the firing motor 18 is driven. As a result, one pachinko ball that has been supplied to the launch position is shot by the hitting hammer and the pachinko ball is driven into the game area 27.

  The detection of the play of the game ball is detected when the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is changed from on to off. This detection is detected by a port input on the payout control board 17 (see FIG. 2) on which the payout control unit 171 is provided. Based on the detection, the payout control unit 171 subtracts “1” from the number of game balls. To do.

  Out of balls that have been driven into the game area 27, the out balls that have entered the out port 154 (see FIG. 1) flow down the out ball flow path and are detected by an out ball detection switch 701 provided in the middle. . The foul balls flow down through the foul ball return path and are detected by a foul ball detection switch 33 provided in the middle of the foul ball.

  All winning balls that have won the winning opening and the variable winning ball device are collected on the back of the gaming machine and guided to the collection ball passing path. Similarly, out balls and foul balls are also guided to the collection ball passing path. A firing ball detection switch 903 is provided in the collection ball passage route. For this reason, the winning ball, the out ball, and the foul ball are all detected by the firing ball detection switch 903. That is, the fired ball detection switch 903 is a switch that detects all of the bullets that have been bulleted. When the number detected by the switch and the number of shots of the pachinko balls shot by the firing motor 18 become equal, it can be determined that all the pachinko balls that have been driven are collected.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the difference between the number of shots detected by the shot ball detection switch 903 and the number of bullets is calculated. When this difference is not zero, the balls that have been driven into the game area 27 have not been collected. It is determined that it is not. By making this determination, it can be determined whether the game area 27 is rolling, or whether there is a floating ball that does not fall due to being caught between nails or the like in the game area.

<Display control of touch panel>
The main control unit 161 mounted on the main control board 16 transmits various types of game information that change with game control to the payout control part 171 of the payout control board 17. The payout control unit 171 transmits ball number information and the like to the CU control unit 323 based on the game information transmitted from the main control unit 161, and controls display of the game ball number display 29. As a result, the number of game balls currently owned by the player is displayed on the game ball number display 29, and the display of the number of game balls is subtracted and updated based on the ball launch or counting operation, The display of the number of game balls is added and updated on the basis of a ball lending operation or the like.

  The CU control unit 323 updates the game information such as the number of game balls stored by itself based on the number of balls information transmitted from the payout control unit 171. Further, the CU control unit 323 stores the remaining amount of the card and the player's possession ball, and the display control unit displays information for display based on the stored game information on the display 54 on the P table 2 side. To 350. The display control unit 350 transmits a display control signal based on the information to the relay board 14 on the P table 2 side.

  On the other hand, a display control signal from the effect control unit 151 of the effect control board 15 is also input to the relay board 14. The effect control unit 151 transmits a display control signal for display control of the variable display device 278 based on various variable display commands received from the main control unit 161 to the variable display device 278 and controls the display 54. A display control signal for transmission is also transmitted to the relay board 14.

  Usually, the display control signal is transmitted to the relay board 14 only from the display control unit 350 side of the CU 3, and the display control signal is not transmitted from the effect control unit 151. As a result, normally, the display unit 54 displays information such as points and card balance based on the display control signal from the display control unit 350 of the CU 3. However, when the effect control unit 151 detects a change in the gaming state of the gaming machine based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 161, it transmits a display control signal corresponding to the change in the gaming state to the relay board 14. .

  When the display control signal is input from the effect control unit 151, the switching circuit 141 receives the display control signal input from the effect control unit 151 instead of the display control signal input from the display control unit 350 to the display unit 54. Switch the circuit to transmit. As a result, the display 54 normally displays a score based on the display control on the CU 3 side. For example, when the game state changes due to a big hit display on the variable display device 278, the display The display of 54 is switched to one that interlocks with the display of the variable display device 278 such as a jackpot display. After that, when transmission of the display control signal from the effect control unit 151 to the relay board 14 is stopped, the switching circuit 141 returns the signal input source to the switching source. As a result, information based on the display control on the CU 3 side is displayed again on the display unit 54.

  That is, in the above example, the switching circuit 141 has a configuration in which, among the effect control unit 151 and the display control unit 350, the display control signal input from the effect control unit 151 is preferentially transmitted to the display unit 54. Since the display control signal is input to the switching circuit 141 only from the display control unit 350 in normal times, information based on the display control on the CU3 side is displayed on the display unit 54, and a switching condition such as occurrence of a big hit is established. When the display control signal is input from the effect control unit 151, the display control signal is prioritized and transmitted to the display 54, and the display on the display 54 is switched.

  However, instead of this, the switching circuit 141 adopts a configuration in which the display control signal input from the display control unit 350 is preferentially transmitted to the display unit 54 among the effect control unit 151 and the display control unit 350. Also good.

  That is, the switching circuit 141 performs an effect display that is linked to the display of the variable display device 278 on the display 54 based on a display control signal that is always received from the effect control unit 151 at a normal time, and there are few remaining game points and points. When a display control signal for displaying that fact is input from the CU 3 side when the predetermined switching condition is established, the signal input source is switched from the effect control unit 151 to the display control unit 359, whereby the display 54 However, the game effect screen may change to a screen for notifying that there are few game points or points remaining.

  In the present embodiment, the display control of the game ball number display 29 for displaying the number of game balls is not performed by the CU 3 but by the P stand 2 directly related to the fluctuation of the game ball number. When used and subtracted or added by game, the updated number of game balls can be immediately reflected on the game ball number display 29.

  If the display control of the game ball number display 29 is performed by the CU 3, from the CU 3 to the game ball number display 29 based on the information on the number of game balls transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3. A display control signal is sent. However, in this case, the number of game balls actually changes depending on the communication status between the CU 3 and the P stand 2, but the change is displayed on the game ball number display 29. There is a risk of inconvenience that it will not be reflected immediately. According to the present embodiment, such inconvenience can be prevented.

  On the other hand, since the display 54 controls the display on the CU3 side, the display control of the P stand 2 is compared with the case where the P stand 2 that controls the display of the game ball number display 29 further controls the display 54. The burden can be reduced.

  Here, a specific example of switching the display of the display unit 54 will be given. For example, during normal times, the remaining amount of the card is displayed on the display (touch panel) 54 based on the display control of the display control unit 350 of the CU 3, and the display on the display 54 can be changed according to the change in the gaming state such as a big hit. An example can be given in which the display is switched to one linked to the display of the display device 278.

  Alternatively, the display (touch panel) 54 normally displays in conjunction with the display of the variable display device 278 (based on the display control of the effect control unit 151), and game points are displayed on the display 54 according to the decrease in game points. The example which displays the image which alert | reports that there are few remaining can be given.

  In addition, when the display device 54 performs a display operation with a display control signal transmitted from the effect control unit 151 to the relay board 14, the relay board 14 simply relays the signal transmitted from the effect control unit 151 and displays it as it is. It suffices to have a function of transmitting to the device 54. On the other hand, there may be a case where the signal form of the display control signal for causing the display device 54 to perform display operation and the signal form of the display control signal transmitted from the effect control unit 151 are different. In addition to the switching circuit 141, the relay substrate 14 may be provided with a conversion circuit that converts the signal form.

  Further, when the switching condition is established, the display image displayed on the display unit 54 by the display control signal transmitted from the effect control unit 151 and the display control signal transmitted from the effect control unit 151 are displayed on the variable display device 278. The images may be the same or different. If they are different, it is necessary to store two types of image data, that is, image data for the variable display device 278 and image data for the display 54 in the effect control unit 151.

  The game ball number display 29 may be configured to be controlled by the main control unit 161, or the effect control unit 151 transmits a command related to the number of game balls from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151. It is good also as a structure which controls display.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment described above, since the display information of the P table 2 can display the effect information related to the variable display, it is possible to provide a game with a high effect in effect together with the variable display device 278. In addition, when a condition for displaying game information sent from the CU 3 side is established on the display unit 54, display control for displaying the game information on the display unit 54 is executed by the CU 3, so the condition is established. In this case, the display 54 can be used not only for game effects but also for display of game information by the CU 3, and the display control burden of the P table 2 accompanying display of game information can be reduced.

<Notification process for abnormalities in card units and pachinko machines>
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a notification process when an abnormality is detected as a result of mutual authentication.

  Referring to FIG. 3, when an abnormality occurs in CU control unit 323, security board 325, payout control unit 171, or main control board 16, a notification is given in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. For the abnormality mentioned here, the CU control unit 323, the security board 325, the payout control unit 171, or the main control board 16 is replaced with another illegally manufactured one, or malfunction or failure occurs due to noise or the like. Or offline status due to disconnection or the like. The key management server 800 shown in FIG. 3 is a key management server that stores the SID and authentication key of the CU communication control unit in association with each serial ID (also referred to as SID) of the electronic component inside the CU 3. is there. The key management server 800 is a server that can communicate with the main control board 16.

  First, when an abnormality occurs in the security board 325 of the CU 3, the CU control part 323 detects the abnormality as a result of the mutual authentication performed between the CU control part 323 and the security board 325 described above. This mutual authentication includes device authentication using a session key in addition to serial ID authentication and device authentication described later.

  The serial ID is a serial ID (substrate serial ID) of the security board 325, and is stored in the ROM of the security chip 325b when the security chip 325b of the security board 325 is manufactured. Further, when the CU 3 is brought into the amusement hall and connected to the hall server 801, the board serial ID is downloaded from the key management server 800 of the key management center via the hall server 801 and stored in the CU control unit 323. The

  When the CU control unit 323 detects an abnormality in the security board 325, the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect and transmits an abnormality notification command to the display control unit 350 of the CU3. The CU control unit 323 controls the display 312 to display that an abnormality has occurred and causes the display control unit 350 to perform an abnormality notification by lighting or blinking an abnormality notification lamp (not shown). Further, the CU control unit 323 transmits a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred from the external communication unit to the hall management computer.

  When an abnormality occurs in the CU control unit 323 of the CU 3, the security board 325 detects the occurrence of the abnormality by the above-described mutual authentication, and notifies the payout control unit 171 of a signal indicating that (an abnormality notification signal). In response, the payout control unit 171 notifies the main control board 16 that an abnormality has occurred. As described above, the main control board 16 performs control to operate the abnormality notification lamp and transmits a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred to the hall management computer.

  When the security board 325 detects an abnormality of the payout control unit 171, the CU control unit 323 is notified of this, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 accordingly.

  As described above, when the security board 325 detects an abnormality of the CU control unit 323, the security board 325 notifies the payout control unit 171 of the fact. When detecting an abnormality of the payout control unit 171, the security board 325 notifies the CU control unit 323 of the fact. The notification destination of abnormality occurrence by the security board 325 is different. The reason for this is that even if the control unit in which an abnormality has occurred is notified that an abnormality has occurred, no abnormality notification control is performed and no abnormality prevention measure is provided. In addition, the security board 325 has a communication control function but does not have an abnormality notification control function. Therefore, the abnormality notification cannot be controlled by itself, and for this reason, notification is made that an abnormality has occurred in the direction of the control unit opposite to the control unit where the abnormality has occurred. The payout control unit 171 that has received the notification of the occurrence of the abnormality from the security board 325 notifies the main control board 16 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the main control board 16 performs the same control for abnormality notification as described above.

  When an abnormality occurs in the payout control unit 171, the security board 325 detects that fact and notifies the CU control unit 323 that the abnormality has occurred. The CU control unit 323 performs the above-described abnormality notification control. The hall server 801 is notified that an abnormality has occurred. When an abnormality occurs in the payout control unit 171, it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the main control board 16, and upon receiving the notification, the above-described abnormality notification control is performed.

  As described above, the payout control board 17 detects and notifies the abnormality to the main control board 16 when an abnormality occurs in the security board 325, while notifies the abnormality to the main control board 16. It detects and notifies the security board 325 that an abnormality has occurred. As with the security board 325 described above, the payout control board 17 is also controlled for anomaly notification even when a notice is given to the control unit in which an abnormality has occurred when it is detected that an abnormality has occurred. Therefore, a notification is sent to the control unit or control board on the opposite side of the control unit where the abnormality has occurred. The security board 325 and the payout control board 17 are not connected to an abnormality notification means such as an abnormality notification lamp or an abnormality notification display, and have a function of performing abnormality notification control themselves even when an abnormality is detected. Absent. In the above description, the security board 325 and the payout control board 17 are not connected to an abnormality notification means such as an abnormality notification lamp or an abnormality notification display, and perform abnormality notification control themselves even when an abnormality is detected. Although described as having no function, the security board 325 and the payout control board 17 may be provided with an abnormality notification function to directly notify that an abnormality has occurred.

<Transmission / reception mode between card unit side and pachinko machine side>
Next, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing main data among various data stored on each of the CU 3 side and the P stand 2 side and its transmission / reception mode. With reference to FIG. 4, main ones of various data stored on each of the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side and the transmission / reception mode thereof will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the fluctuation of the number of game balls is calculated on the P stand 2 side, and the current latest game ball number is stored and managed. The current number of game balls is also calculated and stored on the CU 3 side, but the number of game balls is based on information transmitted from the P stand 2 side. On the other hand, the CU3 side manages and stores the number of possessed balls (the number of cards possessed), the number of stored balls, and the remaining card amount (remaining amount).

  FIG. 4 shows RAM storage data provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU3 side and RAM storage data mounted on the payout control board 17 on the P table 2 side. First, when the power supply is turned on with the P table 2 and the CU 3 being electrically connected for the first time after being installed in the amusement hall, the payout control board 17 on the P table 2 side changes from the main control board 16 to the main chip. An ID (main control chip ID) is transmitted, the main chip ID is transmitted to the CU3 side, and a payout chip ID (payout control chip ID) stored in the payout control board 17 itself is transmitted to the CU3 side. .

  On the CU3 side, the transmitted main chip ID and payout chip ID are stored. Next, data of the connection time, that is, the time at which communication is started after the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side are connected is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P base 2 side, and the transmitted connection time is transmitted on the P base 2 side. Remember.

  In this state, three pieces of information of the main chip ID, the payout chip ID, and the connection time identified on the CU3 side are stored on the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side. When the power is turned on thereafter, the three pieces of information, that is, the main chip ID, the payout chip ID, and the previous connection time data are transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side.

  On the CU 3 side, the transmitted data is collated with the data already stored, and it is determined whether or not the same P base 2 is connected as in the previous time. As for the connection time data, every time the power is turned on, new connection time data in which communication between the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side is started is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P base 2 side. Time data is stored on the P table 2 side.

  Both the CU and the P platform transmit the “sequential number” added to the message. Further, both the CU and the P platform store the “serial number” received from the other party. There are three types of “serial number”: “normal serial number”, “additional serial number”, and “counting serial number”. “Normal sequence number” indicates the sequence number of the message. “Normal serial number” is transmitted by counting up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission on the CU3 side (primary station side) with an initial value “1”. However, the “normal serial number” is not counted up at the time of retransmission. P station 2 side (secondary station side) transmits the received serial number as it is. Note that there is no response if the serial number continuity is not established. The “additional serial number” is a serial number used when the CU 3 requests the P unit 2 to add game balls. The “counting serial number” is a serial number used when the P stand 2 requests the CU 3 to count game balls.

  Only the CU3 has the right to update the normal serial number. When the normal serial number that is the same as the transmitted normal serial number is returned, the CU 3 backs up and stores the normal serial number and transmits the updated normal serial number. Only the CU3 has the addition update right of the addition serial number. When the addition request is made, the CU 3 transmits an addition sequence number added to the addition sequence number that has been used for communication until then to the P unit 2. The P platform 2 returns the same addition serial number when accepting the request. When rejecting the request, the previously received addition sequence number (the addition sequence number received this time-1) is returned. Only the P-unit 2 has the counting update number addition update right. When making a request for counting, the P platform 2 transmits to the CU 3 a counting sequence number that is +1 to the counting sequence number that has been used for communication. When CU3 accepts the request, it returns the same counting sequence number. When rejecting the request, the received counting sequence number (counting sequence number-1 received this time) is returned.

  In the following, with regard to “normal serial number”, a configuration will be described in which the serial number received by the CU 3 at the time of transmission is counted up (+1) and transmitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Each of the P base 2 and the CU 3 or the serial number received by the P base 2 at the time of transmission is counted up (+1), and the other is the received serial number. May be transmitted as it is.

  The “addition serial number” and “counting serial number” are special serial numbers that are counted up in the addition request processing and the count request processing, respectively. Hereinafter, a description will be given of a configuration in which “normal serial number” is also counted up when the “additional serial number” and “counting serial number” are counted up. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to stop the “normal sequence number” from being counted up when the “additional sequence number” and the “counting sequence number” are counted up. In the following, “normal serial number” is simply referred to as “serial number”. The “additional sequence number” and “counting sequence number” are also collectively referred to as “request sequence number”.

  The latest game machine information (game machine information being counted) is transmitted from the P machine 2 side to the CU 3 side. This latest game table information is stored in the latest game table information storage area of the RAM of the payout control unit 171 (see FIG. 2) on the P table 2 side. Specifically, information on the added ball number counter, information on the subtracted ball number counter, and information on the counted ball number counter are included. The number of game balls is not included in the latest game table information, and is transmitted from the P table 2 side to the CU 3 side as the count value of the game ball number counter as will be described later. However, instead of this, or in addition to the game ball counter, the number of game balls may be included in the latest game table information.

  Information on these counters is collectively transmitted to the CU side as a response. The added ball number counter is a counter that counts the added ball number. The added ball is the sum of “the number of winning balls × the number of winning balls” and “the number of back balls”. The back ball is a foul ball. That is, the addition ball indicates the number that the addition ball counter should add to the game ball. The subtraction ball number counter is a counter that counts the number of subtraction balls. The subtraction ball is the “number of fired balls”. That is, the number of balls detected by the output change from on to off of the ball raising switch (upper) 41a. Note that the “number of balls to be subtracted” does not include the “number of balls to be counted”. The counting ball counter is a counter that counts the counting balls. The counting ball is “the number of balls converted from game balls to holding balls by the counting operation”. Here, the “prize ball” is a ball that is paid out when a ball wins a winning opening, and is a safe ball. The “fired ball” is a ball fired by the gaming machine. When there is a back ball, the number of balls obtained by subtracting the back ball is the number of fired balls. The “back ball” is a ball in which the fired ball returns without jumping onto the board surface. The “out mouth passing ball” is a ball that has passed through the out mouth 154, and the total number of balls of the out ball and the safe ball means the number of balls passing through the out mouth.

  For example, when a pachinko ball that has been placed in the game area 27 wins and the winning information is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17, an additional ball to which a gaming ball is added based on the winning information. The added ball number counter counts the number, and the value of the added ball number counter (added ball number) is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side. Also, the subtraction ball counter counts the number of shot balls as the number of subtraction balls based on the output change from on to off of the ball raising switch (upper) 41a due to the pachinko ball being shot in the game area 27, The value of the subtraction ball number counter (subtraction ball number) is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU3 side.

  Alternatively, the payout control unit 171 counts the number of gaming balls as the number of counting balls by pressing the counting button 28, and transmits the value of the counting ball number counter (counting number of balls) from the P stand 2 side to the CU3 side.

  On the P-unit 2 side, each time the values of the addition ball counter, the subtraction ball counter, and the counting ball counter are transmitted to the CU 3 side, the count values are stored in the previous gaming machine information storage area (the RAM of the payout control unit 171). Etc.) are stored (rewritten) as backup data, and the values of the added ball counter, subtracted ball counter, and counted ball counter as the latest game table information are cleared to 0 (excluding the game ball counter). In the present embodiment, “clear” has the same meaning as “initialization”.

  As a result, the game table information transmitted to the CU 3 side immediately before is added to the storage area of the previous game table information (game table information transmitted immediately before). Stored as data. When the latest game machine information is not transmitted from the P machine 2 side to the CU 3 side, the backup data includes not only the value of each counter at the time of the next transmission but also the value of each counter of the previous time that was not transmitted. It is intended to enable transmission. You may make it memorize | store by adding the number of game balls transmitted immediately before to this last game machine information.

  Further, the payout control board 17 updates the value of the game ball counter in response to the occurrence of a prize, the firing of a ball, the occurrence of a back ball, and the occurrence of a counting ball (conversion from a game ball to a holding ball), The updated value of the game ball counter is transmitted to the CU 3 side as the number of game balls.

  On the CU3 side, the number of game balls, the number of cards held (simply referred to as the number of balls), the number of balls stored, the remaining amount, the total number of added balls (total number of added balls), total subtraction are stored in the cumulative data storage area in the RAM. The number of balls (the total number of subtracted balls) and the number of balls at the time of card insertion are stored. The number of cards possessed is the number of balls obtained by subtracting the number of possessed balls paid out (the number of balls converted from the number of cards possessed to the number of game balls) from the number of balls possessed when the card is inserted, and adding the counted number of balls. That is, the card possession number is the number of possession possessed by the player at the present time.

  The total number of added balls is added based on the value of the added ball number counter (added ball number) transmitted from the P stand 2 side to update the number of balls. Further, the number of balls is updated by subtracting the total number of subtraction balls based on the value of the subtraction ball counter (the number of subtraction balls) transmitted from the P stand 2 side. Further, based on the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P stand 2, the number of card holding balls is added and updated. In this way, the CU 3 can manage the latest information by updating the total added ball number, the total subtracted ball number, and the card holding ball number with the latest game table information transmitted from the P table 2 one by one. It becomes possible.

  As shown in the figure, the CU 3 has an area for storing game balls, and also receives a count value of a game ball number counter (also referred to as game ball number or game ball total number information) from the P stand 2 side. CU3 updates the area for storing game balls in the following procedure. That is, the CU 3 stores the value based on the value of the added ball number counter (added ball number), the value of the subtracted ball number counter (subtracted ball number), and the value of the counted ball number counter transmitted from the P side. The number of game balls being updated is updated, and it is determined whether or not the count value of the game ball counter transmitted from the P platform side at the same timing matches the updated number of game balls. If they match, the game is allowed to continue, but if they do not match, control to shift to an error state is performed.

  As a result, for example, an error notification lamp or indicator 312 is used to notify an error, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or hall server 801 (in this case, hall management). An error notification may be performed by a computer or hall server 801). As a result, a predetermined notification that prompts an artificial response by a staff member is performed.

  Instead of shifting to an error state and stopping the game, the number of game balls stored on the CU 3 side may be replaced with the count value of the game ball counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side. Good. Alternatively, it may be corrected to an average value of the number of game balls managed on the CU 3 side and the number of game balls stored on the P stand 2 side.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the number of game balls is also stored on the CU 3 side, but it is determined whether or not the number of game balls matches the number of game balls managed and stored on the P-unit 2 side. (CU3 side function). Therefore, even if a situation occurs in which the number of game balls stored on the P stand 2 side does not match the number of game balls stored on the CU 3 side due to fraud or other circumstances, it can be checked. Here, the determination function is provided on the CU3 side. For example, the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side and the Pball 2 side are stored by the hall server 801 or the hall management computer connected to the CU3. The number of game balls being played may be received, and it may be determined whether or not the two match.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the CU 3 stores a storage area for storing the number of cards held and the number of stored balls, a storage area for storing the remaining card amount of the received (inserted) card, and the total number of added balls (the number of added balls). (Cumulative total), the total number of subtracted balls (total number of subtracted balls), and a storage area for storing balls when the card is inserted. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) selects a predetermined number of stored balls from a storage area for storing stored balls in response to an input requesting the use of stored balls (for example, input of a replay button (when there is no holding ball)). Subtract.

  The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) stores the ball according to the input requesting the use of the ball (for example, the input of the replay button when the ball is present (but when the ball is present)). A predetermined number of holding balls is subtracted from the storage area. Further, the CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) subtracts a predetermined value from a storage area for storing the card remaining amount in response to an input requesting use of the card remaining amount (for example, an input of a ball loan button).

  When a player performs an operation to deduct the value from the player's own gaming value (for example, the prepaid balance, the number of balls, or the number of balls) and use it for the game, the number of balls that are deducted The number of balls to be added to the counter is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P stand 2 side. In response to this, the P stand 2 side adds and updates the game ball counter.

  In the gaming system according to the present embodiment, on the other hand, it is possible to accept a so-called wagon service order in which the gaming value owned by the player is withdrawn and exchanged for a drink or the like. However, access to wagon services with game balls is restricted, and wagon services can only be received with holding balls. This is an image of prohibiting the use of the ball before counting remaining on the plate by hand and using it for the wagon service in the conventional enclosed pachinko machine in which each counter is provided.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, when the operation for performing the wagon service is executed, if the number of balls is less than the number corresponding to the desired menu of the wagon service, the player is prompted to perform the counting operation. Has been. When the player performs a counting operation at that time, the number of counting balls based on the operation is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side. In response to this, the CU3 side subtracts the number of game balls and adds and updates the number of card possessions.

<Frame configuration used in communication>
Next, communication between the CU 3 and the P base 2 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. A message used in the communication is composed of a frame having a predetermined format. Transmission data (message) is always transmitted in units of one frame. That is, the divided transmission of the message is not performed. Moreover, when transmitting a message | telegram continuously, the space | interval of 1 millisecond or more is opened.

  One frame of transmission data includes a data length, a normal sequence number, an addition sequence number, a counting sequence number, a command, and a data portion. “Data length” indicates the data length of the transmission data (serial number to data portion (business message range)). “Command” is a command code of the message. The “data part” is data of a message.

<Commands and responses sent and received between the CU and the P platform>
Next, an outline of commands and responses transmitted / received between the CU 3 and the P base 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows the transmission direction, whether the data to be transmitted is a command or a response, the name of transmission information, and its outline.

<< 1. Recovery request, 2. Recovery response >>
First, a command named recovery request is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. This recovery request command is for requesting recovery information from the P unit 2. In response to this recovery request, a response named recovery response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU 3. This response of the recovery response notifies the CU 3 of the recovery information.

  The recovery request command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 after the CU 3 completes the authentication. The recovery request command requests recovery information from the CU 3 to the P unit 2, and the CU 3 transmits the command first after the authentication is completed. The recovery request includes “serial number”, “command”, “previous last transmission serial number”, “previous final transmission count serial number”, “store code”, and “SC board ID”. “Serial number” is a sequence number (1 to 255). “Command” is a command code for requesting status information, and is represented by binary data in hexadecimal representation.

  The “last last transmission sequence number” is the sequence number of the command for requesting the state information last transmitted to the P unit 2 at the time of the previous connection. When “Previous Last Transmission Sequence Number” is “0”, this indicates a state where there is no stored sequence number. The “previous last transmission serial number” is a serial number that stores the “sequential number” as the last final transmission serial number (serial number) when the status information response is received at the CU3 and when the status information response is received at the CU3. It is.

  “Previous last transmission count sequence number” is a count sequence number of a response to the status information request last transmitted to the P unit 2 at the previous connection. “Last transmission count sequence number” indicates that there is no stored sequence number when “0”. The “previous last transmission count sequence number” is a sequence number that stores the count sequence number as the previous last transmission count sequence number on the P unit 2 and the CU 3 side when receiving the status information response to the CU 3 when the P unit 2 transmits the status information response. .

  In the recovery process (number of balls) of the P base 2, the “store code” and “SC board ID” notified from the security board 325, and the “store code” and “SC board ID” held by the P base 2 Is matched, and if they match, the following processing is performed. If they do not match, the number of game balls before counting is restored.

  The P platform 2 refers to the “previous last transmission count sequence number” notified from the CU 3, and if the CU 3 has not performed the counting process for the counting request, it is assumed that there is no counting request. In this case, the P stand 2 does not execute the game ball subtraction process corresponding to the counting request notified to the CU 3 itself. On the other hand, the P stand 2 refers to the “previous last transmission count sequence number” notified from the CU 3, and when the CU 3 determines that the counting process has been performed, the game ball is subtracted from the number of game balls before counting. Confirm. When all the store codes held by the P stand 2 are “0” or “1”, it is determined that the store codes match.

  The response of the recovery response is a response to the recovery information held in the P base 2 with respect to the CU 3. Recovery information includes “sequential number”, “command”, “previous last transmission serial number”, “last inserted card ID”, “previous card insertion time”, “previous last transmission addition serial number”, “game information storage presence / absence”, “ “Previous Game Table Information” and “Previous Game Information” are included. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

  “Previous last transmission serial number” is data of a serial number included in the response of the status information response last transmitted to the CU 3 at the previous connection, and when “0”, there is no stored serial number. “Previously inserted card ID” is data of the card ID of the card that was being inserted at the previous connection, and “0” indicates that there is no inserted card. The payout control unit 171 of the P table 2 stores and holds the card ID that was being inserted based on the information transmitted from the CU 3.

  “Previous card insertion time” is data on the insertion time of a card that was being inserted at the time of the previous connection, and when it is “0”, there is no inserted card. This data is also represented by year information as 2 digits YY, month information as 2 digits MM, day information as 2 digits DD, time information as 2 digits hh, minute information as 2 digits mm, and second information as 2 digits ss. It is. The “previous last transmission addition serial number” is an addition serial number included in the response of the status information response last transmitted to the CU 3 at the previous connection, and when “0”, there is no additional serial number. “Game information storage presence / absence” is “0x00” when game information is not stored, and “0x01” when game information is stored.

  “Previous game table information” is the game table information notified to CU 3 last time. It includes information on “number” and “counting serial number”. The “number of game balls” is the number of game balls notified to the CU 3 last time. “Number of fired balls” is the number of fired balls previously notified to CU3. The “out mouth passing ball count” is the number of out mouth passing balls notified to the CU 3 last time. The “total prize ball number” is the total prize ball number notified to the CU 3 last time. “Counting balls” is the number of counting balls notified to CU3 last time. “Counting sequence number” is the counting sequence number notified to the CU 3 last time.

  The “previous game information” is game information previously notified to the CU 3, and includes information on “number of game information”, “type information 1” to “type information n”, “prize ball information 1” to “prize ball information n”. Is included. The “number of game information” is the number (0 to n) of game information notified to the CU 3 last time. Note that n = 0 to 22 and the length is variable. “Type information 1” is the game type information 1 notified to the CU 3 last time. “Type information n” is the game type information n notified to the CU 3 last time. “Prize ball information 1” is game prize ball information 1 notified to the CU 3 last time. “Prize ball information n” is game prize ball information n notified to the CU 3 last time.

  The “previous last transmission addition serial number” is a serial number that is stored as the last final transmission addition serial number on the CU 3 side and the P base 2 when the state information request is received at the CU 3 and when the status information request is received at the P base 2.

  In the recovery process (game information) of the P table 2, the “store code” and “SC substrate ID” notified from the security board 325, and the “store code” and “SC board ID” held by the P table 2 If the “store code” does not match, it is processed as no recovery data. If they match, the following processing is performed.

  When there is recovery data of game information, “no game information storage” is set to no storage: 0x00, and the recovery data held by the P table 2 is set in “previous gaming machine information” and “previous gaming information”. When there is no recovery data of game information or when the last transmission sequence number is 0, “game information storage presence / absence” is set to “0x00” without storage, and “previous game machine information” and “previous game information” are set to ALL “0”. set. When all the store codes held by the P stand 2 are “0” or “1”, it is determined that the store codes match.

  In addition, when the process of the “last previous transmission serial number” notified from the P table 2 is not performed, the CU 3 performs the recovery process using the previous game machine information. If the “last previous transmission serial number” process is being performed, the CU 3 performs the recovery process using only the previous game machine information. However, the number of balls is not recovered.

  In addition, when recovery processing cannot be performed due to a mismatch of communication partners (for example, replacement of the CU 3 or the P unit 2), it may be possible to manually correct by POS based on the display information of the P unit 2. For example, it is conceivable that the display information of the P base 2 is displayed using the liquid crystal display screen of the variable display device 278. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a display device controlled by the payout control unit 171 is further provided on the P table 2 and information for manual correction is displayed on the display device. Note that POS refers to a free gift management system for exchanging free gifts and managing free gifts. In addition, POS is not limited to those for exchanging prizes or managing prizes, but records general sales information for each sale of merchandise at a store and uses the aggregated results as inventory management or marketing materials. It may be management (Point Of Sales system).

<< 3. Recovery request 2, 4. Recovery response 2 >>
A command named recovery request 2 is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. The command of the recovery request 2 notifies the added recovery information to the P unit 2. In response to this recovery request 2, a response named recovery response 2 is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU3. This response of the recovery response 2 notifies the CU 3 of the processing result of the added recovery information.

  The command of the recovery request 2 is to notify the additional recovery information to the P unit 2 and includes data of “serial number”, “command”, “previous last transmission additional serial number”, and “additional number of balls”. Yes. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated. The recovery request 2 is transmitted when the CU 3 determines that it is necessary to perform the additional ball recovery process in the P stand 2. The CU 3 compares the “previous last transmission addition serial number” included in the recovery response received from the P unit 2 with the “previous final transmission addition serial number” stored in the CU 3, and if they match, the additional ball recovery is performed. It is determined that processing is not necessary, and in the case of mismatch, it is determined that addition ball recovery processing is necessary. When it is determined that addition ball recovery processing is necessary, a recovery request 2 is transmitted.

  The “last last transmission addition serial number” included in the recovery request 2 is data of the addition serial number of the command of the status information request last transmitted to the P unit 2 at the previous connection, and the “addition ball number” is the game ball This is data on the number of balls added.

  Next, the recovery process of the P base 2 will be described in detail. The recovery process of the P unit 2 is based on the recovery request 2 and, if the “last previous transmission serial number” process notified from the CU 3 has not been performed, This is a process of performing addition.

  The response of the recovery response 2 is for notifying the CU 3 of the processing result of the added recovery information at the P unit 2 and includes “serial number”, “command”, and “recovery result”. The “recovery result” is a recovery result OK when “0x00”, and a recovery result NG when “0x01”. In addition, when the P stand 2 is in a state where the number of additional balls cannot be received, a process NG is returned as a recovery result.

<< 5. 5. Communication start request, Communication start response >>
A communication start request command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. This communication start request command requests the P base 2 to start communication. In response to this communication start request, a response to the communication start response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU 3. This response to the communication start response is a response to the CU 3 for communication start.

  The communication start request command notifies the P unit 2 that communication has started normally. Receiving the communication start request, the P base 2 clears the recovery information stored so far. The communication start request command includes “serial number” and “command” data. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated. The CU 3 sets the counting sequence number to “0” (initial value) after the communication start request, and the P unit 2 also sets the counting sequence number to “0” (initial value) after receiving the communication start request.

  The response to the communication start response is to notify the CU 3 that the communication has started normally, and the CU 3 clears the recovery information. The response of the communication start response includes “serial number” and “command” data. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

<< 7. 7. Communication end request, Communication end response >>
A communication end request command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P platform 2. This communication end request command requests the P unit 2 to end communication. In response to this communication end request, a response of a communication end response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU 3. This communication end response is a response to the end of communication to the CU3.

  The communication end request command notifies the P unit 2 that the communication has ended normally, and includes “serial number” and “command” data. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

  The response of the communication end response is to notify the CU 3 that the communication has ended normally, and the CU 3 and the P stand 2 stop the communication and wait for the restart after the notification. The response of the communication end response includes “serial number” and “command” data. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

<< 9. Status information request >>
A status information request command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P platform 2. This status information request command is for requesting the status of the CU 3 to the P unit 2. The CU 3 uses this command to periodically check the status of the P base 2. The status information request command includes the number of balls to be added from the CU3 side to the P stand 2 side shown in FIG.

  Specific data of this status information request includes data of “sequential number”, “command”, “CU state”, “addition ball number”, “additional serial number”, and “counting serial number”. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

  The “CU state” represents the state of the CU 3 notified to the P base 2, and indicates that a card is being inserted when Bit 0 is “1”, and no card is inserted when “0”. That is, Bit0 represents a state in which a card (general card / game hall member card / common member card) is inserted in CU3. In addition, a general card is being inserted by depositing into a stock card (general 0 yen 0 card) stocked in advance in the card stock section of CU3.

  When Bit 1 is “1”, the card unit is being opened, and when it is “0”, the card unit is being closed. That is, Bit1 notifies the P unit 2 of the card unit opening state according to the state of CU3. The timing for notifying the opening of the card unit is, for example, when the opening of the card unit is completed. The timing for notifying that the card unit is closed is, for example, when the store is closed. Note that when the same state changes from opening to closing, the P stand 2 notifies the CU 3 with a status information response as the number of all playing game balls being held.

  When Bit 2 is “1”, the card return preparation is in progress, and when “0”, the card return preparation is not in progress. The CU 3 notifies the P stand 2 of “preparing for card return” for a certain time (10 seconds) by setting this bit during each operation of card return, simple leaving, and meal break. When the operation of the counting button 28 is detected, the P table 2 has operated the counting button once or a plurality of times if it has received a status information request with the bit being prepared for card return turned on. Regardless of the operation duration, regardless of the operation duration time, all the stored game balls are notified to the CU 3 by counting the number of balls.

  When Bit 3 is “1”, a game ball addition request is shown, and when Bit 3 is “0”, no game ball addition request is shown. That is, Bit3 requests addition of game balls (the number of added balls) at the time of ball lending, holding ball payout, and stored ball payout operations.

  When Bit 4 is “1”, completion of counting ball reception is indicated, and “0” indicates that counting ball is not received. Bit4 notifies P stand 2 that the receipt has been completed when the counting ball is received. That is, it is used to confirm delivery of the response “count ball” of the state information response.

  When Bit 5 is “1”, card removal is waiting, and “0” indicates completion of card removal. Bit 5 notifies P stand 2 of the state of waiting for card removal from CU 3. Bit 6 to Bit 7 are not used.

  The “added ball number” is the added ball number of game balls, and the data of the added ball number is valid only when Bit 3 in the CU state is “1”. The “addition serial number” is an addition sequence number (0 to 255), and is notified by updating (+1) the sequence number when a game ball addition request is made. The “counting sequence number” is a counting sequence number (0 to 255), and the count sequence number received when the count is requested is notified as it is. However, if the continuity of the counting sequence number is not established, the counting is not received.

<< 10. Status information response >>
In response to the status information request, a response of the status information response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU 3. This response of the status information response is to notify the information / status of the P platform 2 to the CU 3. The response of the status information response includes the latest game table information and the number of game balls shown in FIG.

  The specific data of this status information request includes “sequential number”, “command”, “number of game balls”, “number of fired balls”, “number of balls passed through the outro”, “total number of ball balls”, “count request ball” Data of “number”, “counting serial number”, “launch strength”, “game table state”, “fraud detection information” and “game information” are included. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

  The “number of game balls” is the current number of game balls (the number of game balls as a result of calculating addition / subtraction). The “number of game balls” calculates the number of game balls held by the CU 3 by using the “total prize ball number”, “number of fired balls”, and “count ball number” described later. Thereafter, the CU 3 checks whether the calculated number of game balls of the CU 3 matches the number of game balls of the P unit 2.

  “Number of fired balls” is the number of fired balls (summed if there are balls fired multiple times at the time of transmission). However, if there are back balls, subtract the number of back balls. That is, the “number of fired balls” (subtraction) is data to be subtracted from the number of game balls held by the CU 3. If the data is received without holding the card, CU3 does not subtract the number of game balls. CU3 does not perform subtraction when the number of game balls held by CU3 itself is 0.

  “The number of balls that have passed through the outlet” is the number of balls that have passed through the outlet 154 (when there are a plurality of balls that have passed during transmission, they are added together).

  “Total number of prize balls” is the total number of prize balls in the prize ball information 1-n. The prize ball information 1-n is the number of prize balls for each prize opening type such as a start opening, a big winning opening, a winning opening (ordinary winning opening), and the like. Note that the “total prize ball number” (addition) does not include the “addition request ball number” transmitted from the CU 3. In addition, the CU 3 adds the data of the total number of prize balls to the number of game balls held. When the data for the total number of winning balls is received without holding the card, CU3 does not add the number of gaming balls.

  The “count request ball number” is the number of game balls requested to be counted. That is, the “count ball” (subtraction) is data that is subtracted from the number of game balls held by the CU 3 and added to the number of cards held. Note that the number of counting balls is not used for the data of the number of subtraction balls transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3. Further, when the data is received without holding the card, the CU 3 does not subtract the number of game balls. CU3 does not perform subtraction when the number of game balls held by CU3 itself is 0.

  However, when the card unit opening state changes from opening to closing, the game balls held by the gaming machine are counted and set as the number of counting balls. When the card unit opening state is open, the operation of the counting button 28 is performed, so that the number of game balls is counted and set as the number of counting balls. However, when the card unit opening state changes from opening to closing, the game balls are automatically counted and set as the number of counting balls without waiting for the operation of the counting button 28.

  The “counting serial number” is a counting sequence number (0 to 255), and is updated (+1) and notified when a counting is requested.

“Launch strength” is the strength for launching a game ball.
The “gaming table state” indicates the state of the P table 2 when the command for requesting the status information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P table 2, and the “gaming table state 1”, “gaming table state 2”, “ It includes information on “game table state 3” and “game table error state”.

  Bit 0 of “gaming table state 1” indicates whether the game is permitted or prohibited. When “0”, the game is permitted, and when “1”, the game is prohibited. Bit1 indicates whether or not the fan (player) is playing (balls are being fired), and is “0” when waiting (the fan is not firing a ball), and “1”. The game is in progress (a state in which the fan is firing a ball), but there is a game ball and the game is in the state in which the launch handle (hitting ball operating handle 25) is touched (touch sensor touched).

  Bit 2 indicates the presence / absence of a game ball (detection of no game ball). When “0”, there are a number of game balls, and when “1”, there is no game balls. Bit 3 indicates whether or not the whereabouts of all the fired balls are confirmed in a state where the fire of the balls is stopped. That is, it shows whether all the floating balls in the game area 27 have been collected. However, it does not include ball stoppages due to a fire stop switch (also called a single shot switch). When it is “0”, the game is incomplete (a state where all balls are unconfirmed), and when it is “1”, a game is complete (a state where all balls are confirmed). Note that if the completion of the game is not confirmed for 15 seconds or more after the ball launch is stopped, the P platform 2 times out and the game is completed.

  Bit 4 indicates whether or not there is a game ball count request (whether or not a count button is pressed). When “0”, there is no request, and when “1”, there is a count ball payout request at the start of counting. When the counting operation is detected, the P platform transmits this counting request ON state information response to the CU 3 and confirms whether or not the counting request has been received. When “1”, it is a count request. Bit 5 indicates the processing result of the game ball addition, which is addition OK when “0” and addition NG when “1”. Bit 6 to Bit 7 are reserved.

  Bit 0 of “gaming table state 2” represents jackpot information jackpot 1 (all jackpots), and “1” is set during all jackpots. Bit 1 represents big hit 2 of big hit information (big hit + small hit), and sets “1” during all big hits and small hits. Bit 2 represents the big hit 3 of the big hit information (big hit of the big ball), and “1” is set during the big hit where the big ball is big. Bit 3 represents big hit 4 of big hit information (big hit of small ball), and “1” is set during big hit with small ball. Bit 4 represents a big hit 5 of the big hit information (a big hit in the outgoing ball), and “1” is set during the big hit in the middle of the outgoing ball. Bit5 to Bit7 are reserved.

  Bit 0 of “gaming table state 3” represents a big hit in the gaming state information + short time, and “1” is set in the big hit and short time. Bit1 represents the probability change of the game state information, and “1” is set during the probability change. Bit 2 represents the time of the game state information, and “1” is set during the time reduction. Bit 3 indicates that the game state information is changing, and “1” is set during the change. Bit4 to Bit7 are reserved.

  The “gaming table error state” indicates an error code that is occurring in the P table 2, and each error code is expressed using Bit0 to Bit5. Note that there is no error when Bit 0 to Bit 5 are all “0”. Bit 6 is information for specifying a place where an error has occurred, and represents payout control when “0” and main control when “1”. Bit 7 indicates an error output method. When “0”, only an alert is issued, and when “1”, an alert + output to the hall server 801 is indicated.

  The “fraud detection information” is information detected by the P machine 2 at the time when the command for requesting the status information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P machine 2, and includes “fraud detection state 1” and “fraud detection state 2”. , “Illegal detection information 1” to “fraud detection information 4” and “additional serial number” are included.

  The “fraud detection state 1” is fraud detection information of the main control board 16. Bit 0 of “fraud detection state 1” indicates fraud detection information of radio wave sensor detection when “1”. Bit1 indicates that it is the positive detection information that the magnetic sensor is not detected when “1”. Bit2 represents fraud detection information for fraud detection when “1”. Bit3 to Bit7 are reserved.

  The “fraud detection state 2” is fraud detection information of the payout control board 17. Bit 0 of “fraud detection state 2” indicates fraud detection information for opening the glass plate when “1”. Bit 1 represents fraud detection information for opening the frame body when “1”. Bit 2 represents fraud detection information of radio wave sensor detection when “1”. Bit 3 represents fraud detection information of the proximity sensor abnormality when “1”. Bit 4 represents fraud detection information for detecting a prize ball goto when “1”. Here, the “goto” is an illegal act of acquiring a ball in an illegal manner in a pachinko or slot machine. Bit 5 represents fraud detection information for complex goth detection when “1”. Bit 6 represents fraud detection information for fraud addition detection when “1”. Bit 7 represents fraud detection information for nighttime frame opening / monitoring SW abnormality detection when “1”.

  “Injustice detection information 1” is data indicating information on the detection of the winning ball sensor got (number of winning inconsistent balls). The “fraud detection information 1” is valid when Bit 4 of the “fraud detection state 2” is “1”. The “injustice detection information 2” is data indicating information of composite sensor goto detection (launch / OUT inconsistent ball number). That is, it is data indicating information when an inconsistency between the number of shot balls and the number of out balls (the number of balls passing through the outlet) is detected. The “fraud detection information 2” is valid when Bit 5 of the “fraud detection state 2” is “1”. “Falsification detection information 3” is data indicating information of fraud addition detection (number of fraud addition balls). The “fraud detection information 3” is valid when Bit 6 of the “fraud detection state 2” is “1”. “Falsification detection information 4” is data indicating nighttime frame opening information. The “fraud detection information 4” is valid when the Bit 7 of the “fraud detection state 2” is “1”.

  Bit 7 of “illegal detection information 4” is information indicating whether or not the night monitoring switch abnormality 4 has occurred, and indicates “normal” when “0” and abnormal 4 occurrence when “1”. Bit 6 is information indicating whether or not the nighttime monitoring switch abnormality 3 has occurred, and represents “normal” when “0” and abnormal 3 occurrence when “1”. Bit 5 is information indicating whether or not the night monitoring switch abnormality 2 has occurred, and indicates “normal” when “0” and abnormal 2 occurrence when “1”. Bit 4 is information indicating whether or not the night monitoring switch abnormality 1 has occurred, and represents “normal” when “0” and abnormal 1 occurrence when “1”. Bits 0 to 3 are information indicating the number of opening of the main body frame. When the bit is “0”, there is no opening, and “1” to “15” indicate the number of opening. The number of times of opening is counted up to 15 times, and the count after 16 times is held at 15 times.

  “Addition sequence number” is a sequence number for addition, and the addition sequence number received at the time of addition request is notified as it is. However, there is no response when the continuity of the added serial number is not established.

  The “fraud detection state 3” is fraud detection information of the payout control board 17. Bit 0 of “fraud detection state 3” indicates fraud detection information of other store game ball detection when “1”. Bit1 to Bit7 are reserved. In addition, the other store game ball detection is, for example, a sensor is provided in the collection balls passing path of P units, the sensor reads identification information (such as a marking on the surface) provided on the game ball, the game ball of the own store It is determined whether or not it matches the identification information. If they do not match, the game ball of another store is mixed with the game ball, and Bit0 of “injustice detection state 3” is set to “1” and notified to CU3.

  The “game information” is information on the P device 2 at the time when the command for requesting the status information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P device 2, and “number of game information”, “type information 1” to “type information n”. ”,“ Prize ball information 1 ”to“ Prize ball information n ”.

  The “number of game information” is the number (n) of type information / prize ball information, and n = 0 to 22 (variable length). The type information is data type information from Bit 4 to Bit 7 and indicates the data type of the game information. When it is “0”, there is no information, when it is “1”, when it is “2”, it is a big prize opening. “3” is the winning opening, and “4” is the number of symbol stops. Bit 0 to Bit 3 are data number information, which indicates the data number for each data type of game information. When “0”, there is no information, and when “1” to “15”, each data number is indicated. .

  “Type information 1” to “Type information n” indicate game type information 1 to game type information n, respectively. “Prize ball information 1” to “Prize ball information n” are game prize ball information 1 to game prize ball. Information n is shown.

  Here, the prize ball information is information on the number of prize balls from Bit0 to Bit3, and indicates the number of prize balls at the time of winning for each data type of game information. When "" to "15", the data of the number of award balls are respectively represented. Bits 4 to 7 are information on the number of winnings, and indicate the number of winnings (cumulative) for each data type of game information. When “0”, there is no information, and when “1” to “15”, the winning number data Each represents.

<< 11. Card insertion notification, 12. Card insertion response >>
A card insertion notification command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2. This card insertion notification command notifies the P unit 2 of card insertion. In response to this card insertion notification, a response of the card insertion response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU 3. The response of this card insertion response is a response indicating that the card insertion notification has been received with respect to the CU3.

  The card insertion notification command notifies the card ID and insertion time of the inserted card to the P base 2 when the card is inserted, and “sequential number”, “command”, “card ID”, “card insertion time”, Data of “store code” and “SC board ID” are included. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

  The “card ID” is identification ID information of the IC card inserted into the CU 3 and is used for associating with a game ball held by the P stand 2. “Card insertion time” is the time when the IC card is inserted into the card insertion / eject port 309 (see FIG. 1) of CU3. The year information is two digits YY, the month information is two digits MM, and the day information is two digits. The data is DD, time information is represented by two digits hh, minute information is represented by two digits mm, and second information is represented by two digits ss. The card insertion time is used to determine whether the game ball held by the P stand 2 is the current day ball or the past ball.

  The “store code” is a store identification code in which the CU 3 is installed, and is used for associating with a game ball held by the P stand 2. It is also used to determine whether or not the CU3 has been moved to the store. The CU 3 stores a store code where the CU 3 is installed. The store code is added to the security board 325 and notified to the P units. “SC board ID” is an SC board ID for identifying CU3, and is used to determine whether or not CU3 has been replaced. The SC board ID is notified by adding information from the security board 325 to the P board 2. The payout control unit 171 of the P table 2 stores information notified by the card insertion notification command such as the card ID (C-ID) and the card insertion time.

  The response of the card insertion response notifies the CU 3 that the card insertion notification has been normally received, and includes “serial number” and “command” data. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

<< 13. Card return notice, 14. Card return response >>
A card return notification command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2. This card return notification command notifies the P unit 2 of a card return. In response to this card return notification, a response of a card return response is transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3. The response of this card return response is a response to the card return to CU3.

  The card return notification command is for notifying the P unit 2 of the card return, and the CU 3 transmits the notification when the “card return” button is pressed. The card return notification includes data of “serial number” and “command”. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

  The response to the card return response is to send a response to the card return notification to the CU 3 and includes data of “serial number”, “command”, “card ID”, and “card insertion time”. “Serial number”, “command”, “card ID”, and “card insertion time” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated. Note that CU3 does not return the card if the card ID included in the command does not match the ID of the card currently being inserted or if there is a problem with the card insertion time included in the command. , And processing such as prohibiting the writing of the holding ball to the card.

  Here, the operation of the P stand 2 at the time of card insertion notification or card return notification will be described. At the time of card insertion notification, if the CU3 performs an operation for inserting a game hall member card / common member card, inserting a general card, or depositing a general 0 yen 0 coin card, the P stand 2 backs up the card ID and the card insertion time. Do. When an operation of pressing the “card return” button is performed on the CU 3 at the time of the card return notification, the P stand 2 clears the card ID and the card insertion time.

<< 15. Communication test request, 16. Communication test response >>
A communication test request command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P platform 2. This communication test request command notifies the P unit 2 of test data. In response to this communication test request, a response of the communication test response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU 3. The response of this card return response is a response of test data to CU3.

  The communication test request command notifies the P unit 2 of test data. Note that the test data notified to the P platform 2 is not encrypted. The communication test request command includes data of “serial number”, “command”, and “test data”. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated. “Test data” is test data notified to the P base 2 and is arbitrary data.

  The response of the communication test response notifies the CU 3 of test data. Note that the test data notified to the CU 3 is not encrypted. The response of the communication test response includes data of “serial number”, “command”, and “test data”. “Serial number” and “command” are the same as described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated. “Test data” is test data notified to the CU 3 and is arbitrary data.

<Main sequence in communication between CU and P platform>
<< Send command and response >>
First, transmission of commands and responses between the CU 3 and the P base 2 will be described. A command is transmitted from CU3 (primary station) to P station 2 (secondary station), and P station 2 returns a response to CU3 in response to the command. In other words, the business message transmission is a command / response system in which the CU 3 is the primary station and the P stand 2 is the secondary station.

  The period from the transmission of the first command to the P unit 2 from the CU 3 to the transmission of the next command is controlled to 200 ms, that is, 0.2 seconds. Further, the period from the transmission of the response from the P base 2 to the CU 3 until the transmission of the next response is controlled to 200 ms, that is, 0.2 seconds.

  Thus, both a command and a response are transmitted between the CU 3 and the P base 2 at an interval of 200 ms. On the other hand, by operating the hitting operation handle 25, the P platform 2 hits 100 pachinko balls into the game area 27 per minute, so the hitting time interval is 0.6 seconds. As a result, a plurality of commands and responses are transmitted and received while firing one ball.

  Therefore, responses for notifying the amount of change in the number of game balls are sequentially transmitted from the P platform 2 to the CU 3 at intervals shorter than the ball firing time interval. As a result, the P stand 2 can finely notify the CU 3 of the amount of change in the number of game balls.

  Here, the transmission interval of the command and the response is set to 200 ms, but the transmission interval may be longer or shorter than this. For example, the transmission interval may be a firing time interval of the P platform 2. It is also possible to match with

<< Communication line disconnection detection on CU side >>
Next, processing when communication disconnection is detected on the CU3 side will be described. When the response is not received within 200 ms after the CU 3 transmits a command to the P unit 2, the same command is transmitted to the P unit 2 again. Further, if a response cannot be received within 200 ms, a second retransmission is performed in which the same command is transmitted to the P unit 2. Resend the same command to P-unit 2 up to 14 times. If the response is not received from the P-unit 2 even after the 14th retransmission, the CU 3 determines that the communication is abnormal after 3 seconds and sets “communication interruption”. This communication abnormality may be caused when the connector of the CU 3 and the connector of the P base 2 are disconnected, or the connection wiring is disconnected or the power supply of the P base 2 is disconnected. CU3 does not increment the serial number when retransmitting the command.

<< Communication line disconnection detection on P side >>
Processing when communication disconnection is detected on the P platform 2 side will be described. A command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 returns a response to the CU 3 in response to the command. Thereafter, when the state in which the command from the CU 3 is not transmitted to the P stand 2 continues for 3 seconds, the P stand 2 determines that the communication is cut off, stops the driving of the firing motor 18 and stops the game. The cause of this communication disconnection may be the disconnection of the connector of CU3 and the connector of P base 2, disconnection of connection wiring, or power supply disconnection of CU3.

  It should be noted that the command and response for detecting communication disconnection on the P platform 2 side include recovery request / recovery response, recovery request 2 / recovery response 2, communication start request / communication start response, notification end request / communication end response, and communication Does not include test request / communication test response command and response.

<< Power-on >>
Next, connection sequence processing at power-on will be described. The sequence process shown in FIG. 6 is a process executed when communication is resumed after the communication between the CU 3 and the P platform 2 is normally completed. More specifically, it is executed when communication is resumed after the power of the CU 3 is turned off while the card is not inserted. A typical example is a case where the power supply is turned off at the amusement hall after one day of business is finished, and the power supply is turned on at the start of business the next day.

  First, power is turned on. When the power is turned on, communication is started after the firing motor 18 is stopped on the P stand 2 to stop the game. Thereafter, an authentication sequence is started, and information including the main chip ID and the payout chip ID is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU3. The CU 3 sends the received main chip ID and payout chip ID to the upper management server, asks whether the main chip ID and the payout chip ID are properly registered, and has the result returned. . If it is properly registered, an appropriate authentication result is obtained.

  After the authentication sequence, the CU 3 transmits a recovery request including the previous last transmission sequence number and the previous last transmission count sequence number to the P unit 2 and requests recovery information from the P unit 2. The P unit 2 refers to the previous last transmission count sequence number notified from the CU 3 and executes count recovery processing. Specifically, the P-unit 2 refers to the last transmission count sequence number last time, and if the CU 3 has not performed the counting process, it is assumed that no counting request has been made, and if the CU 3 has already performed the counting process, Subtract the number of balls from the previous number of game balls to determine the game balls.

  After executing the count recovery process, the P table 2 returns the game information recovery data backed up inside the P table 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17) to the CU 3 as a response (recovery response). The recovery information includes a previous last transmission sequence number, a previously inserted card ID, a previous card insertion time, a previous last transmission addition sequence number, a previous game machine information, and the like.

  When the CU3 that has received the recovery response has not executed the process of the last transmission addition serial number included in the recovery information, the CU3 performs the additional recovery process of the CU3 using the previous game machine information included in the recovery information. When the addition ball recovery process is performed, the CU 3 transmits a recovery request 2 to the P base 2 and transmits recovery data to the P base 2. This recovery data includes the previous last transmission serial number and the number of additional balls.

  In response to this, the P platform 2 executes an addition recovery process based on the received recovery data, and returns the result as a response to the CU 3 (recovery response 2). When the P stand 2 cannot receive the additional balls, the recovery process NG is returned as a recovery result.

  This recovery process is a process for recovering the consistency of each other's data between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 and is not only executed at power-on, but also when a trouble occurs and is recovered. Executed.

  The CU 3 counts up the serial number each time a command such as a recovery request is transmitted. However, it does not count up when retransmitting a command. When the P unit 2 receives a command having the same serial number as the previously received serial number, it determines that a communication failure has occurred and the CU 3 has retransmitted the command. The CU 3 transmits a command, and backs up the serial number when a response with the same serial number is notified from the P unit 2. When transmitting the response corresponding to the received command, the P platform 2 notifies the CU 3 of the received serial number as it is. The P unit 2 backs up the serial number when the response is transmitted.

  After the authentication sequence is completed, the CU 3 transmits a recovery request command to the P unit 2 with the serial number “1”. The P platform 2 returns the received serial number “1” as it is to the CU 3 as a response to the recovery response. Further, the CU 3 transmits the command of the recovery request 2 to the P unit 2 with the serial number “2”. The P base 2 returns the response of the recovery response 2 to the CU 3 as it is with the received serial number “2”.

  Thereafter, the CU 3 counts up the serial number to “3”, and transmits a communication start request command to the P unit 2. When the CU 3 does not transmit the recovery request 2, the serial number is “2” which is one countdown (−1). In response to this, the P unit 2 clears the recovery data. Then, the P platform 2 returns a response to the communication start response to the CU 3 with the received serial number “3”. Thereafter, a status information request command and a status information response response are transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P platform 2.

  The CU 3 counts up the serial number to “4”, and transmits a status information request command to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P table 2 updates the game table information, the game information, and the previous last transmission serial number, and backs up the updated data every time a response of the status information response is transmitted. Then, the P platform 2 returns the response of the status information response to the CU 3 with the received serial number “4”.

  In response to this, the CU 3 updates the previous last transmission sequence number, and backs up the updated data every time a response to the status information response is received.

  Thereafter, the CU 3 counts up the serial number to “5” and transmits a status information request command to the P base 2, and the P base 2 sends the response of the status information response to the CU 3 with the received serial number “5”. Reply to

<< Card insertion >>
Processing of the CU 3 and the P stand 2 when a card is inserted will be described. The CU 3 shown in FIG. 7 transmits a command for status information request including the serial number = n and the card return ready status = OFF to the P-unit 2 before the card is inserted. In response to this, the P unit 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n and the game prohibition to the CU 3.

  Thereafter, in CU3, when the card is inserted, the card reader / writer outputs a command signal for taking the card into the card reader / writer, and the card reader / writer reads information (card ID, etc.) recorded in the taken-in card. A process at the time of card insertion, such as receiving the read information, is executed.

  The CU 3 is in a card information inquiry state for a predetermined period after the card is inserted. This can be verified by checking whether the inserted card is appropriate, whether it is a game hall membership card / common membership card registered at the game hall, or inquiring the hall server 801, for example, the holding ball, the stored ball, the remaining card amount, etc. This means that it is in the process of executing the process of displaying on the display 312 and displaying on the display 54 on the P platform 2 side.

  Since the CU 3 does not authenticate the inserted card while displaying that the inserted card is being inquired on the display 312, a status information request including serial number = n + 1, card return ready state = OFF Is sent to the P-unit 2. In response to this, the P unit 2 returns a response of the status information response including serial number = n + 1 and game prohibition to the CU3. The display 54 on the P platform 2 side is controlled by the display control unit 350 of the CU 3 to display that the card is being inquired.

  Thereafter, when the inserted card is authenticated, the CU 3 stores the card ID and the card insertion time of the card in the RAM of the CU control unit 323, and the serial number = n + 2, the card ID, the card insertion time, and the store code. And a card insertion notification command including the SC board ID is transmitted to the P base 2. The store code and the SC board ID are information added to the command when the card insertion notification command passes through the security board 325. In response to this, the P unit 2 backs up the received card ID, card insertion time, store code, and SC board ID data in the RAM of the payout control unit 171 and a response of the card insertion response including the serial number = n + 2 Is returned to CU3. Also in CU3, the card ID of the inserted card is stored in the RAM or the like of the CU control unit 323.

  In response to this, the CU 3 sends a status information request command including a serial number = n + 3 and a card return ready state = ON to the P unit 2 to notify the P unit 2 of the card being inserted. . The P table 2 receives the notification that the card is being inserted, permits the game, and returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n + 3 and the game permission to the CU3, thereby indicating that the game is being permitted. To notify.

  While the card is being inserted, the CU 3 sends a command for status information request including the serial number = n + 4 and the card return ready state = ON to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 responds to the status information response including the serial number = n + 4 and the game permission. Is returned to CU3.

<< Prepaid loan >>
Next, a process for lending a game ball from the prepaid balance of the inserted card will be described. In the sequence process shown in FIG. 8, the prepaid balance recorded on the inserted card is 500 yen, and the number of game balls is 50 balls. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n, a game ball addition request = OFF, and an addition serial number = m to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n, the number of game balls = 50, and the additional serial number = m to the CU3. In this way, the addition sequence number is not updated while the addition request is not generated.

  Thereafter, when the player performs a lending operation (ball lending operation) in which the “lending” button is pressed once, the CU 3 lends the remaining amount of 500 yen, that is, 125 balls. When the ball lending button (lending button) displayed on the display unit 54 or the display unit 312 is operated (step S301), the CU 3 executes a sink determination process described later (step S302). As a result of the sink determination process, It is determined whether or not the sink flag is turned on (step S303). The sinking flag is a flag indicating whether or not it can be determined that the player is sinking into the game. The sinking determination process will be described later.

  If CU3 determines that the sink flag is on (YES in step S303), that is, if it can be determined that the player is sinking into the game, lending without lending the ball The process for pressing the button is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the sink flag is not on (when NO is determined in step S3030), that is, when it can be determined that the player is not trapped in the game, the prepaid consumption for 500 yen is determined, Back up the data of the number of added balls = 125. In this way, the remaining amount consumption is determined by the CU 3 alone at the stage where the lending operation is performed. Thereafter, CU3 is in the display of addition. During the addition display, the display unit 54 displays that 125 balls are withdrawn from the remaining amount and added to the game balls.

  Next, the CU 3 makes a game ball addition request to the P stand 2. Therefore, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including the serial number = n + 1, the game ball addition request = ON, the number of additional balls = 125, and the addition serial number = m + 1 to the P unit 2. The serial number is incremented to “n + 1” and the addition number of game balls is requested, so that the additional serial number is also incremented to “m + 1”. The CU 3 counts up the addition sequence number to “m + 1”, updates the previous last transmission addition sequence number to “m + 1”, and backs up the data. In response to this, P 2 updates the number of game balls to the number of game balls = 50 (current number of game balls) +125 (number of additional balls) = 175, and updates the last transmission addition serial number to “m + 1” last time. Back up the data. And since the P stand 2 notifies CU3 of the number of game balls = 175 and the game ball addition result = OK, the serial number = n + 1, the number of addition balls = 175, the game ball addition result = OK and the addition serial number = m + 1. The response of the status information response including it is returned to CU3. Since it is a response to the game ball addition request, the addition serial number is not counted up and is set to “m + 1” as it is.

  Thereafter, CU3 transmits a command of status information request including serial number = n + 2, game ball addition request = OFF and addition serial number = m + 1 to P unit 2, P unit 2 has serial number = n + 5, number of additional balls = 175 and A response of the status information response including the addition serial number = m + 1 is returned to CU3. When the game ball addition request is OFF, the status information request and the status information response count up the serial number, but do not count up the additional serial number.

<< Drinking judgment process >>
When the lending button is pressed in step S301 of FIG. 8 described above and when it is determined that the card return button is pressed in step S305 of FIG. 16 to be described later, the CU3 executes an intrusion determination process.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the intrusion determination process executed by the CU3. Referring to FIG. 9, first, CU control unit 323 of CU 3 determines whether or not the sink flag is already in an on state (step S311). As described above with reference to FIG. 8, the sink flag is a flag indicating whether or not it can be determined that the player is sinking into the game.

  When it is determined that the sink flag is not on (when NO is determined in step S311), that is, when it is determined that the player is not trapped in the game, the CU control unit 323 determines that the flag for monitoring supervision is on. It is determined whether or not it is in a state (step S312). The sinking monitoring flag is a flag indicating whether or not the player's sinking is being monitored.

  If it is determined that the sink monitoring flag is not on (if NO is determined in step S312), that is, if it is determined that the player is not monitoring the sink, the CU control unit 323 turns on the flag monitoring flag. The state is set (step S313).

  Then, the CU control unit 323 controls the camera 399 to capture a player's face image and store it in the RAM (step S314). When the card is accepted, the CU control unit 323 stores the card ID in the RAM as the monitoring ID (step S315).

  The hall server 801 associates the face image of the player with the accumulated consumption amount, which is the total amount of money used by the player for the game on that day, the anti-overset mode, and the set amount of the anti-overset determination criterion. Are stored in association with each other.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing parameters that can be set with regard to prevention of sinking. Referring to FIG. 10, as the mode setting for the anti-sloping, the mode “prohibited” for prohibiting the game when the judgment standard for anti-sloping is satisfied, and the mode “high” which requires a relatively large amount of time for enabling the game again. And a mode “low” that requires relatively little effort to enable a game again. By default, the mode setting is set to mode “high”.

  The set amount of the judgment criterion for the insertion can be set in increments of 10,000 yen from 10,000 yen to 100,000 yen. By default, the set amount is 30,000 yen.

  The mode setting and the setting amount distribution setting are either “batch” that is sent to all the CUs 3 at once or “individual” that is sent to each CU 3 individually. By default, it is set to “batch”. When “batch” is set, a set of mode settings and a set amount set in the hall server 801 are transmitted to all the CUs 3 managed by the hall server 801. If “individual” is set, the hall server 801 transmits the mode setting and the set amount individually to each CU 3.

  Returning to FIG. 9, in CU3, the CU control unit 323 associates the accumulated consumption amount, the mode setting, and the set amount stored in the hall server 801 in association with the face image captured in step S314. And stored in the RAM (step S316). When these data are not stored in association with the captured face image, the CU control unit 323 stores the default mode “high” as the mode setting in addition to the captured face image. “0 yen” is stored as the accumulated consumption amount.

  When it is determined that the flag for monitoring the sink is on (when it is determined YES at step S312), that is, when it is determined that the player is monitoring the sink, and after step S316, that is, the sink The CU control unit 323 determines whether or not the ball lending button displayed on the display device 54 or the display device 312 has been operated (step S321).

  When it is determined that the ball lending button has been operated (when YES is determined in step S321), the CU control unit 323 adds the unit ball lending amount (here, 500 yen as shown in FIG. 8) to the accumulated consumption amount of the RAM. Are added (step S322). If this enthusiasm determination process is executed as a subroutine for the ball lending process in FIG. 8, the determination in step S321 is always YES. On the other hand, if this inversion determination process is executed as a subroutine of the card return process in FIG. 16, the determination in step S321 is NO, and nothing is added to the accumulated consumption amount.

  When it is determined that the ball lending button has not been operated (when NO is determined in step S321), and after step S322, the CU control unit 323 displays the set amount stored in the RAM as the accumulated consumption amount. It is determined whether or not it has been exceeded (step S323).

  When it is determined that the accumulated consumption amount exceeds the set amount (when YES is determined in step S323), the CU control unit 323 turns on the sink flag and displays the ball lending displayed on the display unit 54 or the display unit 312. A warning display corresponding to the mode is displayed so as to cover the button, and the ball lending button is disabled (step S324).

  When it is determined that the accumulated consumption amount does not exceed the set amount (when NO is determined in step S323), and after step S324, the CU control unit 323 returns the process to be executed to the caller process.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating transition of screens for preventing sinking in the mode “low”. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating transition of screens for preventing sinking in the mode “high”. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating transition of screens for preventing sinking in the mode “prohibited”.

  Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, at the normal time when the alert display is not displayed, as shown in FIGS. 11 (A), 12 (A) and 13 (A), the accepted prepaid balance is shown. A display such as “remaining amount of 5000 yen”, a display such as “10,000 balls” indicating the number of coins managed in association with the accepted card, and a label associated with the received card. In addition to a display such as “20,000 stored balls” indicating the number of managed stored balls, a card return button, a ball lending button, and a replay button are displayed.

  When the set amount is exceeded in the mode “low” and the mode “high”, the same screens shown in FIG. 11B and FIG. 12B are displayed. Specifically, a cover to cover a part of the ball lending button is displayed to alert the player to the attention of the player, such as “Don't fall in love!” And “Confirmation” to clear the warning display. The image including the “” button is displayed as a reminder display.

  When the set amount is exceeded in the mode “prohibited”, the screen shown in FIG. 13B is displayed. Specifically, an image containing a display that alerts the player to the intrusion, such as “Do not indulge! (Please call the store clerk)” so as to cover a part of the ball lending button. Displayed as a reminder.

  Thus, unlike the mode “low” and the mode “high”, the “confirm” button is not displayed in the mode “prohibited”, so the player cannot erase the alert display.

  When it is determined that the sink flag is in the on state (when YES is determined in step S311), that is, when it can be determined that the player is sinking into the game, the CU control unit 323 controls the camera 399. Then, the player's face image is taken.

  Then, the CU control unit 323 determines whether or not the photographed player's face image has changed from the player's face image stored in the RAM (step S332). If it is determined that the face image has not changed (NO in step S332), it is determined whether the card ID of the accepted card has changed (step S333).

  When it is determined that at least one of the face image and the card ID has changed (when YES is determined at step S332 or when YES is determined at step S333), the CU control unit 323 sets the flag for monitoring supervision. The face image, the accumulated consumption amount, the mode setting, and the set amount stored in the RAM are erased (step S334).

  When it is determined that both the face image and the card ID have not changed (when NO is determined at step S332 and step S333), and after step S334, the CU control unit 323 is in a mode stored in the RAM. Is determined to be in the mode “low” (step S335).

  If it is determined that the mode is “low” (YES in step S335), the CU control unit 323 determines whether the confirmation button shown in FIG. 11B has been operated (step S336). . If it is determined that the confirmation button has not been operated (NO in step S336), the CU control unit 323 returns the process to be executed to the caller process of this process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is not “low” (NO in step S335), the CU control unit 323 determines whether or not the mode stored in the RAM is the mode “prohibited” (step S3). S337).

  If it is determined that the mode is “prohibited” (YES in step S337), the CU control unit 323 determines whether or not a clerk reset operation has been performed by a store clerk (step S338). If it is determined that there is no reset operation (NO in step S338), the CU control unit 323 repeats the process in step S338. In other words, unless the store clerk performs a reset operation, the process cannot proceed.

  When it is determined that the confirmation button has been operated when the screen of FIG. 11B is displayed in the mode “low” (when YES is determined in step S336), and when the mode is “prohibited”, the screen of FIG. When it is determined that a reset operation has been performed at the time of display (when YES is determined in step S338), the CU control unit 323 turns the sink flag off, as shown in FIGS. 11C and 13C, respectively. The warning display is turned off and the ball lending button is activated. Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 returns the process to be executed to the caller process of this process.

  If it is determined that the mode is not “prohibited” (NO in step S337), the CU control unit 323 determines whether the mode stored in the RAM is mode “high” (step S341). . When it is determined that the mode is not “high” (when NO is determined in step S341), the CU control unit 323 returns the process to be executed to the caller process of this process.

  If it is determined that the mode is “high” (YES in step S341), the CU control unit 323 determines whether or not the confirmation button shown in FIG. 12B has been operated (step S342). . If it is determined that the confirmation button has been operated (YES in step S342), the CU control unit 323 covers the entire ball lending button as shown in FIG. ”Is displayed, the ball lending button is disabled and the alert display shown in FIG. 12B is deleted (step S343). Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 returns the process to be executed to the caller process of this process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the confirmation button shown in FIG. 12B is not operated (when NO is determined in step S342), the CU control unit 323 determines whether or not the ball lending button is disabled. That is, it is determined whether or not the screen of FIG. 12B or FIG. 12C is being displayed (step S344). If it is determined that the ball lending button is not disabled (NO in step S344), the CU control unit 323 returns the process to be executed to the caller process of this process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the ball lending button is disabled (when YES is determined in step S344), that is, when it is determined that the screen of FIG. 12B or 12C is being displayed. The CU control unit 323 determines whether the card return button displayed on the display device 54 or the display device 312 has been operated (step S345).

  If it is determined that the card return button has not been operated (NO in step S345), the CU control unit 323 returns the process to be executed to the caller process of this process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the card return button has been operated (YES in step S345), the CU control unit 323 turns the sink flag off and covers the ball rental button as shown in FIG. The ball lending button is activated by deleting the display to be covered (step S346). Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 returns the process to be executed to the caller process of this process.

  (1) Thus, the image which shows the ball lending button for performing the ball lending process as shown in FIG. 8 for enabling the pachinko game in P stand 2 according to the amount of money received by CU3. Is displayed on the display unit 54 or the display unit 312 and based on the detection of the player's operation on the display screen, it is determined whether or not the operation of the displayed ball lending button is accepted, and the amount of the game is determined. It is determined whether or not the indicated index has reached the predetermined standard, and a warning display covering a part of the image showing the ball lending button is displayed in response to the determination that the index has reached the predetermined standard. When the warning display is displayed, the ball lending process according to the acceptance of the operation of the ball lending button is disabled.

  For this reason, when the amount of games reaches a certain standard, pachinko games cannot be made possible. Also, a warning display covering a part of the image showing the ball lending button is displayed, so it is possible to inform the player in an easy-to-understand manner that ball lending cannot be processed and pachinko games can no longer be made possible it can. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the player from getting into the game.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, whether or not the index has reached the predetermined standard is determined by the CU 3 by determining whether or not the amount used for paying out the pachinko balls has reached a predetermined set amount. Judgment was made.

  For this reason, when the amount used for paying out the pachinko balls reaches the set amount, it becomes impossible to make a game possible. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the player from getting into the game. In addition, you may make it vary the form of an arousing display according to the insertion frequency | count of the banknote until it reaches a predetermined setting amount.

  (3) However, the amount for determining whether or not the set value has been reached is not limited to the amount used for paying out pachinko balls on that day, and was used for paying out pachinko balls for a predetermined period such as 3 days. It may be an amount.

  (4) Also, the present invention is not limited to this, and the time during which the game is performed (for example, the game time of the day or the game time of a predetermined period such as 3 days) may be the predetermined time. It may be determined whether or not the index has reached a predetermined standard by determining whether or not the threshold has been reached. The same effect can be obtained by this.

  (5) In addition, the number of times that the game has been performed (for example, the number of times of moving on the day or the number of visits including other stores for a predetermined period such as one week) has reached a predetermined number. It may be determined whether or not the index has reached a predetermined reference by determining whether or not the determination has been made. The same effect can be obtained by this.

  (6) In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined standard can be set from the hall server 801 which is a management device in the game hall. For this reason, the predetermined standard can be changed collectively from the place where the management apparatus is installed. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the player from getting into the game. In this case, for each player, for each CU3, for each gaming machine island, for each model, for each game medium lending unit price (for example, 1 yen or 4 yen for a pachinko ball, 5 yen or 20 yen for a medal), for each jackpot probability In addition, the predetermined reference may be settable.

  (7) However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the predetermined reference may be set by each gaming device such as each CU3. Thereby, a predetermined reference | standard can be finely changed for each game apparatus. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the player from getting into the game.

  (8) Further, the predetermined reference may be settable from a management device outside the game hall. Specifically, a predetermined standard is set by a management device outside the game hall, and the set predetermined standard is transmitted to the game device of the game hall managed by the management device and received by each game device. The predetermined criteria are stored. Thereby, the predetermined reference can be changed collectively from outside the game hall. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the player from getting into the game.

  (9) In the above-described embodiment, the CU 3 accumulates the information in association with information (for example, a face image and card ID photographed by the camera 399) that can identify the player by the hall server 801 as the management device. It is determined whether or not the index that has been counted has reached a predetermined standard.

  Specifically, as described above, the hall server 801 stores the accumulated consumption amount in association with the face image. When the sinking flag and the monitoring monitoring flag are off, that is, when it is determined that the player is not in the sinking state and the sinking is not yet monitored, first, in step S316 in FIG. The accumulated amount of money corresponding to the player's face image is acquired, and the monitoring of infiltration is started.

  Then, as shown in step S321 and step S322, each time the ball lending button is operated, the unit ball lending amount is added to this accumulated consumption amount, and as shown in step S323 and step S324, the accumulated consumption amount. When exceeds the set amount, a warning display is displayed and the ball lending button is disabled.

  Thus, regardless of which one of the CUs 3 is used by a certain player, the game cannot be enabled when the amount of the game reaches a certain standard. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the player from getting into the game.

  (10) In the embodiment described above, it is determined whether or not the index has reached the same predetermined standard regardless of personal data (for example, the tendency of the index indicating the annual income, blacklist, and game amount). I made it.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. According to the personal data of the player managed in association with information (for example, a face image photographed by the camera 399, a card ID) that can identify the player with the management device. It may be determined whether or not the index has reached a predetermined standard.

  Specifically, a face image of a player who has a large amount of games is jointly managed by a plurality of game halls with a management device, and whether or not the index has reached a predetermined standard according to the amount of games of the player May be determined.

  As a result, when the standard according to the player's personal data is reached, the game cannot be made possible. Further, even when the player does not use a game hall membership card / common membership card, the player can be specified. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent encroachment for each player.

  (11) In the above-described embodiment, the index that is accumulated and counted in association with information that can identify the player by the management device by the CU 3 that is managed by the management device of one game hall, Whether or not a predetermined standard has been reached is determined.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the management device associates the information with the management device so that the player can be identified by any of the gaming devices in which the gaming device is managed by the management device. It may be determined whether the index accumulated and counted has reached a predetermined standard.

  Specifically, the management device that manages the total amount of money consumed by players in a plurality of game halls stores the cumulative amount of money consumed in a plurality of game halls in association with the player's face image, and is managed by the gaming device. It may be determined whether the cumulative amount of money consumed at a plurality of game halls acquired from the device has reached a predetermined standard.

  As a result, even if the player uses a gaming device at any game venue where the gaming device is managed by the management device, if the game amount reaches a certain standard, the game cannot be made possible. . As a result, even if the player uses any of the plurality of game halls, it is possible to effectively prevent the player from getting into the game.

  (12) In the above-described embodiment, an operation (for example, a confirmation button operation, a card return button operation, a store clerk reset operation) for canceling the immobilization of the ball lending process is accepted by the CU3. On the condition, the immobilization of the ball lending process is canceled.

  As a result, in order to cancel the immobilization of the ball lending process, an operation to cancel the immobilization is required, so that time and labor are increased to enable the game. As a result, sinking can be prevented more effectively.

  (13) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 (B), 12 (B), and 13 (B), a warning display is provided so as to cover a part of the ball lending button. Will be displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a warning display may be displayed so as to cover all the ball lending buttons.

  In addition, when a predetermined index reaches a predetermined standard, the warning display is initially displayed without covering the ball lending button, and the warning display is gradually enlarged or moved. For example, the ball lending button may be partially or entirely covered when a predetermined time has elapsed. Thus, by gradually hiding, it is possible to make the player recognize that it is covered.

  (14) In the above-described embodiment, the ball lending button is disabled. In this way, the acceptance of the operation of the ball lending button is restricted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation of the ball lending button is accepted, but the ball lending process is limited. For example, the ball lending process may not be executed, and it may take time and effort to perform the operation. (For example, an increase in the number of procedures for operation or a decrease in the place for operation).

  Further, as a limitation of the game enabling process, the ball lending process may not be executed, the deposit may not be accepted, or the operation of the gaming machine may be stopped.

  (15) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 (B), 12 (B), and 13 (B), a warning display is displayed so as to cover the ball lending button. It was. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a warning display may be displayed so as to cover at least one of the card return button and the replay button in addition to the ball lending button.

  (16) In the embodiment described above, when the alert display is displayed, the acceptance of the operation of the ball lending button is restricted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When a warning display is displayed, operation of at least one of the card return button and the replay button in addition to the ball lending button is performed regardless of the range covered by the warning display. May be restricted. In addition, when the alert display is displayed, regardless of the range covered by the alert display, at least one of the card return button and the replay button is accepted in addition to the ball lending button. You may make it restrict | limit (for example, not perform) the process according to a button.

≪Mochitama payout and savings ball payout (replay) ≫
Next, the process of paying out and holding out the stored balls will be described. In FIG. 14, the initial number of game balls is 50 balls. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n, a game ball addition request = OFF, and an addition serial number = m to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n, the number of game balls = 50, and the additional serial number = m to the CU3. In this way, the addition sequence number is not updated while the addition request is not generated.

  Thereafter, when the player presses the holding ball payout button or the replay button in a state where there is a holding ball or a storage ball, the CU 3 determines the consumption of 125 balls from the holding ball or the storage ball. In this way, the consumption of the holding balls or the storage balls is determined by the CU 3 alone when the operation for pressing the holding ball payout button or the replay button is performed. In addition, when both the holding ball and the storage ball exist, consumption of the holding ball is given priority.

  In place of the control to prioritize the holding ball, a storage ball replay button and a holding ball replay button are provided, and the player can select and operate either the storage ball consumption or the holding ball consumption by operating the selection. You may do it. In other words, the replay button is used to obtain a game ball (game point) from a stored ball (stored medal) and a game ball (game point) from a stored ball (stored medal) replay button. You may comprise two with a holding ball (pointing) replay button.

  CU3 notifies the addition request | requirement of the number of addition balls = 125 to the P stand 2 after confirming the consumption from a holding ball or a storage ball. Specifically, CU3 displays that a game ball addition process is in progress, and issues a status information request command including serial number = n + 1, game ball addition request = ON, number of additional balls = 125, and addition serial number = m + 1. Transmit to P-station 2. In order to make a game ball addition request, the serial number is counted up to “n + 1”, and the additional serial number is also counted up to “m + 1”. Further, the CU 3 updates the previous last transmission addition serial number to “m + 1” and backs up the data. In response to this, P 2 updates the number of game balls to the number of game balls = 50 (current number of game balls) +125 (number of additional balls) = 175, and updates the last transmission addition serial number to “m + 1” last time. Back up the data. And the P stand 2 returns a response of the state information response including the serial number = n + 1, the number of additional balls = 175, the game ball addition result = OK and the additional serial number = m + 1 to the CU3. Since this is a response to a game ball addition request, the addition serial number is not counted up and remains “m + 1”.

  Thereafter, CU3 transmits a command of status information request including serial number = n + 2, game ball addition request = OFF and addition serial number = m + 1 to P unit 2, P unit 2 has serial number = n + 2, number of additional balls = 175 and A response of the status information response including the addition serial number = m + 1 is returned to CU3.

<< Game Ball Count (Normal) >>
Next, the normal counting process of counting and subtracting a part of the game balls will be described. FIG. 15 shows a case where the counting button is pressed without detecting a card return operation. Therefore, the card return ready state bits transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2 are all OFF (= 0). For this reason, description of the bits in the card return preparation state is omitted below.

  Further, in FIG. 15, the number of balls specified by the inserted recording medium (member card or visitor card) is “0” balls, and the initial number of game balls is “800” balls. Yes.

  Here, an example will be described in which counting in units of 100 points continues while the operation of the counting button is detected, and the counting operation ends when the operation of the counting button is no longer detected.

  First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n, a card return ready state = OFF, a counting serial number = m, and a counting response = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n, the number of gaming balls = 800, the counting serial number = m, the counting ball number = 0, and the counting request = OFF to the CU3.

  In response to the serial number n transmitted from the CU 3, the serial number n + 1 is returned from the P unit 2. The same counting sequence number m is returned from the P base 2 to the counting sequence number m transmitted from the CU 3. This is because the counting sequence number is a special sequence number that is updated when a counting request is generated, and is updated when the counting is completed.

  Thereafter, the player presses the counting button 28. In FIG. 15, immediately after the operation of pressing the count button 28 once, a command for status information request including a serial number = n + 1, a card return ready state = OFF, a count serial number = m, and a count response = OFF is sent from the CU 3. It has been transmitted to the P stand 2.

  When the operation of the counting button 28 is detected, the P platform 2 transmits a status information response of the serial number n + 1 in which the count request value is specifically set to 100 as a response to the command of the status information request to the CU 3. However, at this stage, the P base 2 does not execute counting for the counting request. For this reason, in the state information response of the serial number n + 1, the number of game balls is still 800. Since this status information response is a message indicating a counting request, the counting sequence number is counted up to “m + 1”. At this time, the P unit 2 updates the previous last transmission count sequence number and backs up the updated last transmission count sequence number and the count request state ON data.

  CU3 which received the status information response of serial number n + 1 adds the number of balls equivalent to the requested number of balls and updates the display of balls to 100. That is, the CU control unit 323 transmits a count display command to the display control unit 350. The display controller 350 receives the command and controls the display 54 on the P platform 2 side. As a result, the display 54 displays an image in which the number of game balls is counted and the number of balls is decreased, while the number of balls is increased.

  In this case, it is conceivable to perform an effect display such that game balls are guided and counted by each counter one by one. Another example of the effect display may be a display in which the number of game balls is converted to the number of balls in time. For example, the data for the number of balls and the data for the number of balls are shown in a bar graph, and the number of balls in the game ball number is increased while the number of balls in the game ball is increased while the number of balls in the game ball is decreased. The display to move to the bar graph may be repeated. In addition, as another example of the effect display, the current game ball number data and the number of possession balls data are digitally displayed as they are, and the number of possession balls is increased while decreasing the number of game balls, or a part of the number of game balls It is possible to repeat the display for moving the number of balls to the number of balls, and various display effects.

  Further, the CU 3 updates the previous last transmission count sequence number to “m + 1” and backs up the data. Subsequently, the CU 3 transmits a status information request of serial number n + 2, counting serial number m + 1, and counting response = ON to the P base 2 to notify that the requested counting has been completed.

  The P table 2 that has received this status information request finally subtracts the number of game balls by the number corresponding to the number of balls counted = 100, and updates the display on the game ball number display 29 from 800 to 700. At this stage, the count request state of the P base 2 is OFF, but since the count button is continuously pressed, the P base 2 transmits a second count request to the CU 3. That is, a status information response of serial number n + 2 in which the count request value is specifically set to 100 is transmitted to CU3. However, even at this stage, the P base 2 does not perform counting for the counting request. For this reason, in the status information response of the serial number n + 2, the number of game balls = 700. Since this status information response is a message transmitted as a new count request, the count sequence number is incremented to “m + 2”, the previous last transmission count sequence number is updated, and the updated last transmission count sequence number is updated. Back up data with counting request status ON.

  CU3 which received the status information response of serial number n + 2 adds the number of balls equivalent to the requested number of balls, and updates the display of balls to 200. Further, the CU 3 updates the previous last transmission count sequence number to “m + 2” and backs up the data. Subsequently, the CU 3 transmits a status information request with a serial number n + 3, a count serial number m + 2, and a count response = ON to the P platform 2 to notify that the requested count has been completed.

  The P table 2 that has received this status information request subtracts the number of game balls by the number corresponding to the number of balls counted = 100, and updates the display of the game ball number display 29 from 700 to 600. However, at this stage, the player's hand is separated from the counting button, and the counting operation is completed. For this reason, the P platform 2 notifies the CU 3 of the completion of counting with a status information response of serial number n + 3. That is, with the current number of game balls = 600, a status information response of count request = OFF and count ball count = 0 is transmitted to CU3. In addition, since all the counting operations corresponding to the counting request have been completed, the counting sequence number included in this status information response remains m + 2 and is not updated.

  The CU 3 that has received this status information response determines that the counting is complete. Although not shown, the CU 3 transmits a status information response of serial number n + 4, counting serial number m + 2, card return ready state = OFF, and counting response = OFF to the P base 2.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the information state response for notifying the number of balls to be counted is transmitted from the P cars to the CU, the game balls for the counting balls are subtracted quickly on the P cards side. In the stage where the information status response for notifying the number of balls is transmitted and the receipt confirmation is received from the CU, the P machines subtract the game balls.

<< Game Ball Count (Card Return) >>
Next, the game ball counting process when returning the card will be described. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram for explaining a counting process when the player performs a card return operation. In FIG. 16, the number of cards held by the inserted recording medium (member card or the like) is 0, and the initial number of gaming balls is 800. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n, a CU opening state = ON, a card return preparation state = OFF, a counting sequence number = m, and a counting response = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P stand 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n, the number of game balls = 800, the counting serial number = m, the counting ball number = 0, and the counting request = OFF to the CU3.

  Thereafter, when the player stops the game or moves to another game table, the player presses the “card return” button displayed on the display 54 or the display 312 (step S305). When the “return card” button is operated, the above-described sink determination process is executed (step S306).

  In this case, if the sink flag is in the on state and the mode is “high”, it is determined YES in the determination as to whether or not the card return button has been operated (step S345), the sink flag is turned off, and the ball The lending button is activated.

  Thereafter, when the player presses the “return card” button, the number of game balls in the P table 2 is 800 balls, and the CU 3 determines that the number of game balls in the P table 2 is not 0. In addition, since the player presses the “card return” button, the CU 3 sets the card return ready state = ON, the state information request including the serial number = n + 1, the CU opening state = ON, the counting sequence number = m, and the counting response = OFF. A command is transmitted to the P unit 2. Note that the CU 3 notifies the P stand 2 of the card return preparation state = ON notification for 10 seconds. Furthermore, since the number of game balls in the P stand 2 is 800 balls and not 0 balls, the CU 3 displays a display for prompting a counting operation on the display 54 or the like as a card return standby.

  In response to the display prompting the counting operation, the player presses the counting button 28 to perform an operation of converting the game ball into a holding ball. The P stand 2 determines that the counting operation for depressing the counting button 28 is a counting operation with the card return preparation state = ON, and processes the counting in a lump instead of counting in units of 100 balls, for example.

  In order to notify the CU 3 of the counting ball number 800 balls obtained by batch counting the 800 ball balls, the P stand 2 has a serial number = n + 1, a game ball number = 800, a counting serial number = The response of the status information response including m + 1, the number of counting balls = 800 and the counting request = ON is returned to the CU3. However, at this stage, the P base 2 does not execute counting for the counting request. For this reason, in the state information response of the serial number n + 1, the number of game balls is still 800. Since this status information response is a count request message, the P platform 2 counts up the count sequence number to “m + 1”, updates the previous last transmission count sequence number, and updates the previous last transmission count sequence number. Back up data with counting request status ON.

  In response to this, CU3 adds 800 counting balls to the number of holding balls, and subtracts 800 counting balls from 800 gaming balls to 0. Further, the CU 3 backs up the data of the updated last transmission count sequence number. Then, in order to notify receipt of the counting ball, the CU 3 sends a command for status information request including serial number = n + 2, CU opening state = ON, card return preparation state = ON, counting serial number = m + 1 and counting response = ON. Send to.

  In response to the response from the CU 3, the P stand 2 subtracts 800 counting balls from the 800 gaming balls and displays 0 gaming balls on the display 54 or the like. Further, the P stand 2 notifies the CU 3 that the number of game balls is 0 and the counting is completed, so that the sequence number = n + 2, the number of game balls = 0, the count sequence number = m + 1, the count ball number = 0, and the count request = OFF. A response of the status information response including is returned to CU3. Since the counting request is turned OFF, the counting sequence number remains m + 1 and is transmitted to CU3 without counting up.

  CU3 counts the number of game balls by pressing the count button 28 and counting the number of game balls in a lump before 10 seconds have elapsed since the player pressed the card return button 322, that is, in the card return preparation state. Card is returned to 0, so card return processing is executed. That is, the CU 3 transmits a card return notification command including the serial number = n + 3 to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the card return response including the serial number = n + 3, the card ID held on the payout control board 17 and the card insertion time to the CU 3. After returning the card ID and the card insertion time to the CU 3, the card ID and the card insertion time data held on the payout control board 17 are cleared.

  In response, the CU 3 determines whether the card ID stored in the inserted card and the card ID received from the P-unit 2 match, and if they match, returns the inserted card. If they do not match, error processing is performed and reported to the hall server 801 or the like. When the card IDs match, the CU 3 stores the number of balls 800 in the card (inserted card) that has been inserted into the card insertion / discharge port 309 and returns the card to the player. Further, when the player has started the game by depositing without inserting the card into the card insertion / discharge slot 309, the card (stock card) stocked in the card stock section provided in CU3 Store the number of balls 800 and return the card to the player. When the inserted card or stock card is returned, the CU 3 transmits the card ID of the card and the data of the number of balls to the hall server 801, and the hall server 801 associates the card ID of the card with the data of the number of balls. May be stored.

  Thereafter, since the card returned from the CU 3 can be extracted from the card insertion / discharge port 309, a part of the card is held in a state of protruding from the card insertion / discharge port 309 (card extraction possible state). The CU 3 is attached with a sensor capable of determining whether or not a card can be removed in the vicinity of the card insertion / eject port 309. If it is in the OFF state, it is determined that the card removal is complete.

  Then, when the card return process is executed and the card can be removed, the CU 3 notifies the P unit 2 of information indicating that the card return preparation state is OFF and the card is waiting to be removed. Therefore, the CU 3 sends a command for status information request including the serial number = n + 4, the CU opening state = ON, the card return ready state = OFF, waiting for card removal = ON, the counting serial number = m + 1, and the counting response = OFF to the P unit 2 Send. In response to this, in order to prevent forgetting to remove the card, the P stand 2 displays on the variable display device 278 the word “please remove the card” and the items that can be purchased with the accumulated amount of money used. .

  Thus, the process for returning the card which can specify the remaining amount which is not used for the ball lending process among the amounts received based on the return operation is executed by the CU3, and the process for returning the card is performed. Information indicating the index is notified. Specifically, items that can be purchased at the amount used are displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the amount of money used may be displayed.

  Thus, an index indicating the amount of the game that indirectly indicates the amount of money used by the player is shown to the player. As a result, it is possible to more effectively prevent the player from getting into the game.

  In addition, the P stand 2 may turn on the LED or notify the speaker of “please remove the card” in order to notify the card removal. Further, the P stand 2 transmits a command of a status information response including the serial number = n + 4, the number of game balls = 0, the counting serial number = m + 1, the counting ball number = 0, and the counting response = OFF to the CU3.

  If the sensor attached in the vicinity of the card insertion / discharge port 309 is in the ON state, the CU 3 transmits a command for a status information request including “Waiting for card removal = ON” to the P unit 2. However, when the player pulls out the card from the card insertion / discharge slot 309, the sensor attached in the vicinity of the card insertion / discharge slot 309 is turned off, so that CU3 is waiting for card number = n + 5 and card removal = OFF A command for requesting the state information including is transmitted to the P unit 2.

  In response to this, the P stand 2 stops displaying “please remove card” displayed on the variable display device 278 and ends the notification of card removal. The notification of card removal is continued until a status information request command including ON card waiting = ON is received until a status information request command including OFF card waiting = OFF is received. Furthermore, the P platform 2 transmits a status information response command including a serial number = n + 5 to the CU 3.

  The sequence of the game ball counting process when returning the card described with reference to FIG. 16 is not limited to when the card is returned, and the same process can also be applied during simple leaving and meal breaks. Here, the simple leaving means that the game is interrupted for a short time of about 5 to 10 minutes in order to allow the player to make a small use. A meal break is a meal or break that is interrupted by a game such as 30 minutes longer than a simple leave.

<System including hall management computer>
Next, in a game hall where a plurality of gaming machines are installed, a hall control 900 is provided separately from the hall server 801 in order to manage the appearance of each gaming machine. FIG. 17 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the hall server 801 and hall controller 900 connected to the P platform 2 and the CU 3.

  The data output format of the P unit 2 differs depending on the gaming machine manufacturer. Therefore, the CU 3 calculates (converts) the output data of various formats into a predetermined format, and outputs it to the hall control 900 via the terminal device 901. Setting data for the calculation (conversion) is input to the CU control unit 323 and stored therein.

  Further, the data reception format of the hall control 900 differs depending on the hall control manufacturer. Therefore, the hall control 900 shown in FIG. 17 is connected to the CU 3 via the base terminal device 901. The terminal device 901 converts the format of the output data from the CU 3 into a format that matches various Hallcons 900 and transmits the format to the Hallcons 900. It should be noted that the management of the P number 2 by the hall control 900 is set in the hall control 900 in association with the terminal device 901. Specifically, the hall control 900 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM, and the CPU determines the unit number of the P unit 2 and the unit terminal device as unit number management data according to the operation of the capacity or the like. The number 901 is associated with and stored in the EEPROM. Serial communication is performed between the P base 2 and the CU 3, and parallel communication output from a plurality of output pins of the CU 3 is performed between the CU 3 and the base terminal apparatus 901. Serial communication is performed between the two.

  However, it is not necessary to interpose the base terminal device 901 by providing the CU 3 or the hall control 900 with a function of converting to a format that matches various hall control 900s.

  Next, a configuration in which the hall control 900 is directly connected to the hall server 801 will be described. FIG. 18 is a block diagram for explaining another configuration of the hall server 801 and hall controller 900 connected to the P platform 2 and the CU 3.

  The hall controller 900 is directly connected to the hall server 801 so that the information managed by the hall controller can be transmitted to the hall controller 900 via the hall server 801. A plurality of CUs 3 are connected to the hall server 801, and the hall server 801 collects output signals from the plurality of CUs 3 and transmits them to the hall control 900. In this case, the hall server 801 is responsible for the function of the terminal device 901 that converts to a format that matches the various hallcons 900 and transmits the format to the hallcon 900. Note that the CU 3 may be responsible for all the functions of the terminal device 901 that converts the data into a predetermined format and transmits it to the hall control 900, and performs the role sharing such as which information is to be converted between the hall server 801 and the CU 3. You may control to. Further, when the hall server 801 collects output signals from a plurality of CUs 3 and transmits them to the hall control 900, the contents of the information to be sent may be sent as gathered information. For example, when the hall server 801 periodically transmits signals received from a plurality of CUs 3 (for example, every 10 seconds) to the hall control 900, the information of all the CUs 3 received during the 10 seconds is collected into the hall. Transmitted to the computer 900.

  The hall server 801 must be connected to the CU 3 for managing the holding balls and the stored balls. As shown in FIG. 18, the hall server 801 collectively sends information from the plurality of CUs 3 to the hall control 900. In this case, the existing wiring from the plurality of CUs 3 to the hall server 801 can be used effectively, and it is sufficient to newly install only the wiring connecting the hall server 801 and the hall control 900, and the number of wirings can be reduced. . In addition, when game information from each gaming machine is collectively output to the hall control 900 by, for example, the island terminal device, it is necessary to collect the gaming information for each island where the gaming machine is installed. However, in the case of FIG. 18, it is not necessary to collect each gaming machine installation island, and there is no restriction on the installation layout of gaming machines. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the layout of the gaming machine island.

  17 and 18, the machine number may be managed by the hall control 900 in association with the holder ID that is the ID stored in the attachment frame (holder) for attaching and installing the CU 3. Even if the CU 3 is replaced with a new one, the mounting frame (holder) itself is not replaced, and the previous one is used continuously. When managing the unit number with the hall control 900 in association with the holder ID, when the unit number is replaced with the P unit 2 having a new unit number, the CU 3 uses the unit number of the P unit 2 and the mounting frame (holder). Are transmitted to the hall control 900 (in the case of FIG. 18, it is transmitted to the hall control 900 via the hall server 801). The CPU of the hall control 900 that has received it associates the number of the P table 2 with the holder ID and stores it in the EEPROM. Note that a staff member may manually input the machine number and holder ID of the P machine 2 to the hall control 900. The hall server 801 has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an input / output interface, and receives information transmitted from the CU 3 through the input / output interface. In the case of FIG. 18, the received information is output from the input / output interface and transmitted to the hall control 900 under the control of the CPU.

  Another management method may be as follows. As described with reference to FIG. 17, ID data such as the main chip ID and payout control chip ID of the P unit 2 is transmitted to the key management server 800 via the CU 3 and the hall server 801. Also, when the game board 26 of the P table 2 is replaced (board exchange) and replaced with a new main control board 16, the ID data such as the main chip ID of the P table 2 is the key via the CU 3 and the hall server 801. It is transmitted to the management server 800. Therefore, the hall server 801 can acquire the main chip ID and transmit it to the hall controller 900 during transmission to the key management server 800.

  Therefore, in the system shown in FIG. 18, the hall server 801 transmits the transmitted main chip ID to the hall control 900, and the hall console 900 manages the gaming machine number based on the main chip ID data. When the base is replaced (board exchange), for example, the CU 3 receives the ID data such as the main chip ID after the base exchange (board exchange) and the ID data such as the main chip ID before the base exchange (board exchange). The data is transmitted to the hall control 900, and the CPU of the hall control 900 updates the ID data stored in the EEPROM in association with the gaming machine number to the ID data after the base exchange (board exchange). Similarly, in the system of FIG. 17, the CU 3 also transmits ID data such as the main chip ID of the P stand 2 to the hall control 900 so that the hall control 900 performs the number management using the ID data. May be. Specifically, in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the CPU of the hall control 900 receives the main chip ID and the security board ID data sent from the P base 2, and correlates with the ID data to the P base 2. Are stored in the EEPROM of the hall control 900 to manage the number.

  Further, in the system shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the hall control 900 stores the management data of the gaming machine number that stores the model of the gaming machine in association with the gaming machine number, and based on the management data Control may be performed so that card units corresponding to gaming machines of the same model are indexed, and setting data for calculating (converting) into a predetermined format is downloaded to the batch CU 3 and set collectively. Specific examples of the “predetermined format” include, for example, the assignment of the output pins of each bit in the gaming state 2 and the gaming state 3 shown in FIG. 5, the output length of the signal, and one bit 1 and two bits. A format in which the output pins are collectively converted as Bit1 + Bit2 → 1 pin output may be used. In addition, with respect to each of the reserve big hit bits of Bits 5 to 7 in the gaming state 2 shown in FIG. 5, characteristic specifications such as the hit mode peculiar to the model developed by each manufacturer of the P units (number of rounds and number of time reductions) Etc.), a format for setting output pin assignments, signal output lengths, and the like defined according to the above may be used. Furthermore, selection of which signal is output is also included in the “predetermined format”. For example, among Bits in the gaming state 2 and the gaming state 3 shown in FIG. 5, Bits 0 to 4 are output and Bits 5 to 7 are not output.

  In the system shown in FIG. 18, since the terminal device 901 is not interposed between the CU 3 and the hall control 900, the format of the output data from the CU 3 is converted into a format that matches the hall control 900. Send to Hallcon 900. Note that if the standards by Hallcon manufacturers are unified, format conversion in the Hall server 801 becomes unnecessary.

  The number control of the P base 2 by the hall control 900 is set in the hall control 900 in association with the holder ID stored in the holder of the CU 3, or the main chip ID sent from the P base 2 and the security board The unit number may be managed by ID or the like. Based on the unit number management data, the batch setting data may be downloaded to the CU 3 group corresponding to the P unit 2 of the same model via the hall server 801 and set collectively.

  As described above, when the game board 26 of the P table 2 is exchanged (board exchange), the main chip ID of the main control board 16 provided in the new game board 26 is assigned to the CU3, the hall server 801, and the key management server 800. Sent. Therefore, by managing the unit number of the new machine based on the main chip ID, the hall control 900 checks whether or not the setting of the machine number of the new machine has been changed based on the main chip ID, and forgetting to set it. In this case, it is possible to prevent forgetting to set by notifying.

  Next, a process for transmitting data from the CU 3 to the hall control 900 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the transmission process of the number of added balls by the CU control unit 323. Note that the processing according to the flowchart can be applied to any of the systems shown in FIGS.

  Of the data transmitted from the CU 3 to the hall control 900, the number of balls to be added by the CU control unit 323 will be described. First, the CU control unit 323 receives information on the number of added balls from the P platform 2 as shown in FIG. 3 (step S351).

  The CU control unit 323 converts the received number of added balls into a predetermined format (for example, converts 10 added balls into a one-pulse signal), and transmits it (step S352).

  The information received in S351 may be the number of shot balls (see FIG. 5) in addition to or instead of the number of added balls. Furthermore, as another example of the information received in S351, the following may be used.

a Number of symbol determinations when the variable display device 278 is variably stopped.
b Number of winning balls in various winning gates.

c Each bit information of the game table information 2 and 3 shown in FIG.
Further, the method of converting the received number of added balls into a predetermined format and outputting it is not limited to the method of converting the above-mentioned 10 into one pulse signal. For example, an output method may be employed in which which type of signal is assigned to which output pin, the output length of the signal, and further, a plurality of types of signals are combined into one output pin and converted into an output. In addition, with respect to each of the reserve big hit bits of Bits 5 to 7 in the gaming state 2 shown in FIG. 5, characteristic specifications such as the hit mode peculiar to the model developed by each manufacturer of the P units (number of rounds and number of time reductions) Etc.) may be an output method for setting output pin assignments and signal output lengths, etc. Furthermore, the “predetermined format” includes selection of which signal to output. For example, among Bits in the gaming state 2 and the gaming state 3 shown in FIG. 5, Bits 0 to 4 are output and Bits 5 to 7 are not output.

  Further, in the case of the symbol determination number of a described above, control is performed so that one pulse is output when the symbol is determined a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times). If (for example, 10 balls) wins, it may be controlled to output one pulse.

  As described above, various types of information can be considered as information to be converted into a predetermined format in S352. The CU 3 cumulatively adds information periodically sent from the P unit 2 until the information reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10), and 1 when the added value reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). A pulse is output and the accumulated addition value is cleared until then, and accumulation addition of the next information is started. In this “clearing the cumulative addition value”, a predetermined number (for example, 10) may be subtracted from the cumulative addition value. Since this “one pulse” signal is a serial signal, it is output as data in which a specific bit indicating that the transmission information (for example, the number of added balls) is a predetermined number (for example, 10) is “1”. .

  Next, game information processing by the CU control unit 323 will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining processing of game information by the CU control unit 323. Note that the processing according to the flowchart can be applied to any of the systems shown in FIGS.

  First, the CU control unit 323 determines whether or not there is an input regarding setting data for calculating (converting) the game information output from the CU 3 into a predetermined format (step S361). ). When the CU control unit 323 determines that there is an input regarding the output method from setting means such as a remote controller (step S361: YES), the bit position and the output period for the game information output from the CU 3 based on the input output method The output method such as output presence / absence and information conversion is set (step S362). On the other hand, when the CU control unit 323 determines that there is no input for the output method (step S361: NO), the process of step S362 is skipped and the previously set output method is used.

  The output method set in step S362 is for converting gaming machine information in a data output format that differs depending on the gaming machine manufacturer into a data reception format that differs depending on the hall controller manufacturer, and outputting the data to the hall controller 900. . For example, the assignment of the output pins of each bit in the gaming state 2 and the gaming state 3 shown in FIG. 5 and the output length of the signal, further, Bit1 and Bit2 are combined into one output pin and Bit1 + Bit2 → 1 pin output. An output method such as conversion may be used. In addition, with respect to each of the reserve big hit bits of Bits 5 to 7 in the gaming state 2 shown in FIG. 5, characteristic specifications such as the hit mode peculiar to the model developed by each manufacturer of the P units (number of rounds and number of time reductions) Etc.) may be an output method for setting output pin assignments and signal output lengths, etc. Further, “conversion of data reception format” includes selection of which signal to output. For example, among Bits in the gaming state 2 and the gaming state 3 shown in FIG. 5, Bits 0 to 4 are output and Bits 5 to 7 are not output. The “bit position” is an assignment of an output pin position from which output pin to output each bit of the game state 2 and the game state 3.

  It should be noted that instead of the output method input using the remote controller described above, the output method data may be downloaded from the hall control 900 and stored in the CU control unit 323. Furthermore, output method data may be downloaded from the server of the manufacturer of the P unit 2 connected to the CU 3 and stored in the CU control unit 323. As a download path in this case, it is conceivable to download output method data from the manufacturer's server to the CU control unit 323 via the key management server 800 and the hall server 801. When downloading data of the output method from the server of the manufacturer of P 2, game information that the person who designed and manufactured the P 2 is intended to output to the hall control 900 can be set in the CU 3 as intended. There is an advantage that it is not necessary to set on the game hall side.

  The CU control unit 323 determines whether or not game information (for example, game table states 2 and 3 shown in FIG. 5) has been received from the P table 2 (step S363). When the CU control unit 323 determines that no game information is received from the P-unit 2 (step S363: NO), the process ends. On the other hand, when the CU control unit 323 determines that the game information is received from the P-unit 2 (step S363: YES), the CU control unit 323 converts the received game information into the set output method (step S364). Here, since the CU control unit 323 converts the gaming information into a format that matches the hall control 900 by the set output method, the gaming machine information of the data output format that differs depending on the gaming machine manufacturer is changed to the data that differs depending on the hall control manufacturer. It can be converted into a reception format and output to the hall control 900.

  Specifically, the assignment of the output pins of each Bit in the gaming state 2 and the gaming state 3 shown in FIG. 5 and the output length of the signal are set in S362, and the conversion is performed in S364 according to the setting. Further, the setting contents in S362 may be set so as to designate which bit data is to be displayed on the display unit 54. In this case, the bit data designated in S362 is described later in S366. Control is performed so that the data of the bit determined and specified in the above is displayed on the display unit 54. As further setting contents in S362, for example, in the gaming state 2 and the gaming state 3 shown in FIG. 5, Bit1 and Bit2 may be combined into one output pin and converted as Bit1 + Bit2 → 1 pin output. .

  After converting the game information, the CU control unit 323 outputs the converted game information for transmission to the hall control 900 (step S365). The CU control unit 323 determines whether or not information to be displayed on the display 312 is included in the game information received from the P table 2 (step S366). Specifically, in this determination, separately from the setting in S362, which bit information of each of the gaming state 2 and gaming state 3 shown in FIG. The input is set to the CU3 by means of, for example, and determination is made based on whether or not the bit information is set. As another method, as described above, when the setting of which bit information is to be displayed simultaneously with the setting in S362 is made, the information to be displayed is determined according to the setting.

  When it is determined that the information to be displayed on the display 312 shown in FIG. 1 is included (step S366: YES), the CU control unit 323 performs control to display game information on the display 312 (step S367). On the other hand, when the CU control unit 323 determines that the information to be displayed on the display 312 is not included (step S366: NO), the process ends. The information displayed on the display 312 can be, for example, jackpot 3 or jackpot 5 in the game table information 2, during probability change or time reduction in the game table information 3.

<Common Member Card>
In the gaming system of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, a member player possessing a common member card 1A composed of an IC card that is a common member recording medium uses the one common member card 1A. Member registration can be performed at each of a plurality of game halls A to C. Since the game facilities A to C have the same system configuration, the system configuration of the present embodiment will be described using the game facility A as an example.

  In the game hall A of the present embodiment, the CU 3 installed on a one-to-one basis with respect to the P unit 2 as a gaming machine arranged in parallel on a plurality of game islands, and the member record used in the CU 3 A system controller 100 for managing the prepaid frequency (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as frequency) recorded in the common member card 1A as a medium and the visitor card as a prepaid card, and the common member Member registration machine 10 for performing membership registration using card 1A, savings server 110 for managing the number of savings of the member player (the number of savings included in the membership information), and hall server 801 for security management Are connected to each other via a communication cable 8 so as to be capable of data communication in both directions. The hall server 801 is further connected to the key management server 800 described above.

  In the CU 3 of this embodiment, the stored data such as the common member card 1A inserted in the card insertion slot provided on the front surface, the (member) card ID and the prepaid frequency stored in the game hall membership card and the visitor card are read out. A card reader / writer 3 ′ is built in, and a game ball is lent out using the prepaid frequency read by the card reader / writer 3 ′, or a ball stored in the common member card 1A or the game hall member card. A ball lending process, a replay process of paying out at least a part of the stored balls specified by the common member card 1A and the game hall member card as game balls, and the like are performed.

  From the CU 3, various information such as a membership card acceptance notification including a membership card ID indicating that the common membership card 1 A has been inserted into the CU 3 and game-related information in the corresponding P unit 2 are transmitted to the system controller 100. Is transmitted information such as the prepaid frequency remaining in each common member card 1A, each game hall member card, and each visitor card.

  In addition, the storage server 110 includes member information related to a member player registered as a member at the game hall (member game-related information generated in the game of the member player, and personal information such as the name and address of the member player). A member management computer 120 that collects and manages (including certain member attribute information) is connected via the communication cable 9 so as to be capable of data communication in both directions. Further, the member management computer 120 is connected to the storage compensation server 130 installed in the storage compensation center of the external organization via the dedicated communication line 11 so as to be able to perform two-way data communication. This storage compensation server 130 can communicate with the storage server 110 of the game hall A via the member management computer 120. In addition, the member management computer 120 can communicate with each CU 3, the member registration machine 10, and the system controller 100 via the storage server 110.

  In this embodiment, the member management computer 120 and the storage server 110 are illustrated as separate computers. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the member management computer 120 and the storage server. 110 may be formed by a single computer (server computer).

  Further, in this embodiment, in order to be able to perform member registration at the reception counter described later, the member card ID and the game hall member ID stored in the common member card 1A are separately provided from the member management computer 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the member registration machine 10 and the member management computer 120 are connected to each other. You may make it form with a single computer.

  In the present embodiment, the member registration machine 10, the member management computer 120, the storage server 110, and the CU3 constitute a game hall member management apparatus of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the storage ball compensation server 130 has the same table as the storage ball (storage ball) number management table (see FIG. 23) of the storage ball server 110 of each game hall, as will be described later. The savings ball number management table of the storage ball server 110 is updated, and the savings ball number management table of the savings compensation server 130 is also configured. Even if the data is damaged, the storage compensation center as an external organization can guarantee the management data of the number of storage balls.

  Furthermore, the storage server 110 of the game hall A is connected to the management server 140 installed in the card management company of the common member card 1A via the dedicated communication line 12 so as to be capable of two-way data communication. The management server 140 can communicate with the system controller 100 of the game hall A, the member registration machine 10 and the member management computer 120 via the storage server 110. As will be described later, the management server 140 of the card management company can register and manage information related to member players who have registered as members in each of the game halls A to C. In this embodiment, the management server 140 constitutes a member attribute information management device.

  The management server 140 of the card management company includes a communication unit (not shown) connected to the Internet, and is a notebook personal computer 15A or a mobile phone 16A that is an information terminal that can be operated by a member player having a function of connecting to the Internet. To a site server that can be accessed via the Internet.

  Further, the CU 3 described above is directly connected to the corresponding P table 2, and various signals can be transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the corresponding P table 2. The number of game balls used and the number of game balls counted by counting the number of game balls are transmitted and received.

  Then, the game-related information is transmitted to the member management computer 120 based on these inputted signals, so that the member management computer 120 can grasp the game-related information in each P stand 2 and the corresponding CU3. The game related information generated during the acceptance of the common member card is managed as a game history which is member game related information generated in the game of the member player.

  In addition, the IC chip included in the common member card 1A has a member card ID (recording medium identification information) for individually identifying each common member card 1A, and each member player can be individually identified. In addition, a game hall member ID uniquely assigned to each member in each game hall is stored. The common member card 1A stores not only the game hall member ID issued at the game hall A but also the game hall member IDs issued at other game halls B to C. A member player can register as a member in each of the game halls A to C with one common member card 1A. Here, the IC chip included in the game hall membership card stores a game hall member ID uniquely assigned to each member in each game hall so that each member player can be individually identified. The membership card ID (recording medium identification information) is not stored.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the storage area of the IC chip included in the common member card 1A is set with a storage area for the card management company and a storage area uniquely assigned to each of the game halls A to C. Then, as will be described later, the game hall A stores the game hall member ID that the game hall A uniquely issues to the member registration machine 10 and the CU 3 in the storage area assigned to the store in the common member card 1A. Writing can be performed using a provided card reader / writer. In addition, in the storage area allocated to each game hall A to C in the IC chip of the common member card 1A, unique storage data in each game hall A to C can be stored. Then, a NUL value indicating empty data such as “0” is stored as initial value storage data.

  The storage device included in the storage server 110 stores a storage ball number management table shown in FIG. In this saving ball management table, as shown in FIG. 23, it is counted by the ball counter 40 in association with the member ID of the member player's game hall and can be used for replaying. The number of saved balls is stored.

  The storage device included in the member management computer 120 stores a game hall member information table (see FIG. 24A) and a member-specific game history table (see FIG. 24B), as shown in FIG. ing. In the game hall member information table, as shown in FIG. 24 (a), each game hall member ID that can identify a member player registered as a member in the game hall A is associated with each game hall member ID and used for identity verification. And member attribute information (member information) consisting of the name (name and name), gender, age, date of birth, occupation, address and e-mail address of each member player.

  In addition, in the game history table by member, as shown in FIG. 24 (b), the store visit point, the number of visits, and the member player are common members in CU3 in association with the game hall member ID of each member player. The game history (member information) of the last 10 times is stored as a game executed once from the insertion of the card 1A until the common membership card 1A is taken out after the game is finished. Specifically, these game histories include, for each game hall member ID, the visit date, the machine number of the P-unit 2 that has played the game, the game start time (the insertion time of the common member card 1A), and the game end time (common) (Return time of member card 1A), game time which is the difference between start time and end time, start count, big win count, probable change count, sales amount of money consumed by member player for game, member player play Expenditure amount (minimum number is in units of 100 yen) that is equivalent to the prize provided to the member player by the game hall by earning at the game, The victory or defeat is memorized. The game history table for each member shown in FIG. 24B may be stored only in the member management computer 120, but may be stored in the management server 140 in association with the member card ID.

  Further, the storage ball server 110 of the present embodiment, based on the reception of the storage ball use request transmitted from the CU 3 based on the replay operation in the CU 3, makes the password included in the storage ball use request to the member management computer 120. If the number matches the password stored in the game hall member information table corresponding to the game hall member ID included in the request to use the storage ball, and the password matches, The saving ball number management table is used to execute a saving ball number use permission process for permitting reuse of the number of saving balls stored in association with the game hall member ID in the game. The size of the number of saving balls provided for reuse is subtracted and updated from the size of the number of saving balls. At this time, the number of saving balls for a predetermined fee may be subtracted and updated.

  Further, the storage server 110 according to the present embodiment is stored in the storage ball number management table corresponding to the game hall member ID transmitted together with the count ball number based on the reception of the count ball number transmitted from the CU 3. A savings ball number updating process is performed in which the size of the received counting ball number is added to the size of the saving ball number being updated. Furthermore, when the savings ball number management table is updated, the savings server 110 sends the savings ball information including the updated number of savings balls and the game hall member ID to the savings compensation server 130 of the savings compensation center. Carry out a process of sending out the stored ball information.

  In addition, the member management computer 120 according to the present embodiment accepts the common member card acceptance based on the reception of the common member card acceptance notification transmitted from the CU 3 based on the newly received common member card 1A to the CU 3. The current data of the member-specific game history table corresponding to the game hall member ID read from the newly received common member card 1A included in the notification is the previous data, the previous data is the previous data, and so on. The number of times of each game history is updated, and storage (update) of the current game history is started, member game related information generated in the game of the member player is stored, and the return operation in CU3 is performed. Based on this, when the game hall member ID that has started storage is included in the return notification transmitted from CU3, storage in the current game history Exit update), and carries out a process of determining and storing the outcome of the game unit.

  When starting to store (update) the current game history, the member management computer 120 transmits a usage frequency information output request including a game hall member ID corresponding to the game history to be updated to the system controller 100. Thus, when the prepaid frequency is used from the common membership card 1A in which the game hall member ID included in the transmitted usage frequency information output request is transmitted from the system controller 100, the usage frequency information is transmitted. As a result, the game history is updated and added to the sales amount.

  Further, as will be described later, the member management computer 120 of the present embodiment displays a member registration screen on the member registration machine 10 when a predetermined operation is performed on the member registration machine 10 to perform new member registration. A member attribute information input process for receiving input of member attribute information related to a member player newly registered as a member player is displayed on the device, and unused among the game hall member IDs stored in the game hall member information table. Member attribute information storage processing for assigning a game hall member ID to the new member player and storing the member attribute information received on the member registration screen in association with the game hall member ID in the game hall member information table To implement.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the storage device provided in the management server 140 of the card management company includes a common member information table (see FIG. 25 (a)), a registered game hall table (see FIG. 25 (b)), A game hall information table (FIG. 25C) and a related member information table (FIG. 25D) are stored. In the common member information table, as shown in FIG. 25 (a), each common member card 1A is associated with each individually identifiable member card ID, a personal identification number used for identity verification, Registered are member attribute information including a member player's name (first name and last name), gender, age, birthday, occupation, address, and e-mail address. In this embodiment, the personal identification number is also managed in the common member information table. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these personal identification numbers can be managed individually only at individual game halls. The passwords may be different at each game hall.

  In addition, in the registered game hall table of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), a member player identified by the member card ID performs member registration in association with each member card ID. All the game hall IDs (game hall information) of the game hall are stored. As described later, the registration of the game hall ID to these registered game hall tables is performed together with the member attribute information registration request or the member attribute information transmission request from the member registration machine 10 or the member management computer 120 installed in each game hall. If the game hall ID stored in the registered game hall table in association with the transmitted membership card ID does not include the game hall ID of the game hall that has been transmitted, The game hall ID is registered in the registered game hall table as the game hall where the member player has registered.

  Also, in the game hall information table of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 (c), the game hall identifiers (game hall A, game hall B,...) Of each game hall are associated with the game hall ID. Since the game hall name and location of the game hall are stored, information such as the game hall name and location of the game hall can be specified from the game hall ID.

  Further, in the related member information table of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 (d), each member card ID is associated with each member card ID and has a predetermined relevance as shown in FIG. All related member players are remembered. Here, the related member player having a predetermined relationship is, for example, a member player who is permitted to perform communication, share a ball, etc. between the players. As described later, the registration of related member players to these related member information tables is performed together with a member attribute information registration request or a member attribute information transmission request from the member registration machine 10 or the member management computer 120 installed in each amusement hall. When the transmitted member card ID of the related member player is not stored in the related member information table, the member card ID of the related member player is registered as the related member player registered by the member player. Registered in the related member information table. The registration of the related member player in the related member information table may be completed only by the processing of the member player to be registered, but the registered related member player may be registered in the related member information table. It may be configured to register only when the registration is approved as a related member of the person. By comprising in this way, it can prevent registering as a related member without the principal's consent. Furthermore, for the registration of the related member player in the related member information table, the member registered in the management server 140 is searched under desired conditions, and the member displayed based on the result is registered. A member may be selected and registered. For example, it is conceivable to search for a member who is playing on a table next to the player and register the member as a related member player. The related member information table is not limited to the configuration stored in the storage device included in the management server 140 of the card management company, and may be stored in the storage device included in the member management computer 120 provided in each game arcade.

  Next, processing statuses of the member registration machine 10, the member management computer 120, and the management server 140 when a new common member card 1A is issued to accept member registration will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, it is assumed that a player who has not registered a membership in any of the game halls A to C visits the game hall A and performs membership registration for the game hall A (see FIG. 21). This player has not yet possessed (owned) the common membership card 1A, and when visiting the game hall A, he goes to the reception counter where the member registration machine 10 is installed. Therefore, member attribute information, which is personal information such as name and address, is entered on the member registration application form and handed over to the store clerk. Then, the store clerk who received the application form from the player sets the unused (unissued) common member card 1A in the card reader / writer 10 ′ of the member registration device 10 and also the member registration device 10 (member attribute information input means). ) Enter member attribute information.

  In this embodiment, the store clerk operates the member registration machine 10 to input member attribute information. However, an input terminal that can be freely operated by a player who visits the game is installed in the game hall. Is configured such that the member registration machine 10 can acquire the member attribute information by transmitting the member attribute information input by the player using the input terminal to the member registration machine 10. It may be.

  In addition, the member registration device 10 performs a process of accepting input of member attribute information, and the member card stored in the storage area for the card management company in the IC chip of the common member card 1A inserted into the card reader / writer 10 ′. ID reading processing is performed (see FIG. 22). Then, the member registration machine 10 (registration request transmission means) sends a member attribute information registration request including the read member card ID, the game hall ID of the game hall A and the input member attribute information to the management server of the card management company. The process of transmitting to 140 is performed.

  Here, the management server 140 of the card management company refers to the member card ID included in the member attribute information registration request received from the member registration machine 10 of the game hall A, and associates it with the member card ID in the common member information table. A process of registering the name, address, etc. of the member player, which is the member attribute information included in the received member attribute information registration request, is performed in the item such as name, address, etc. Furthermore, the management server 140 (registration means) performs processing for registering the game hall ID included in the received member attribute information registration request in the registered game hall table in association with the member card ID.

  Furthermore, the member registration machine 10 performs a process of transmitting game hall new member information including member attribute information to the member management computer 120. Here, the member management computer 120 refers to the game hall member information table, determines a predetermined game hall member ID from among unused game hall member IDs, and is associated with the determined game hall member ID. In the items such as name and address, a process of registering the name and address of the member player, which is member attribute information included in the received new amusement hall member information, is performed. Then, a process of transmitting the determined game hall member ID to the member registration machine 10 is performed. The member management computer 120 also transmits the determined game hall member ID to the storage server 110 to register the determined game hall member ID in the storage server 110 and the number of storage balls corresponding to the game hall member ID. Is stored with an initial value of “0”.

  Then, the member registration machine 10 performs a process of writing the game hall member ID received from the member management computer 120 into the storage area for the game hall A (see FIG. 22) in the IC chip of the common member card 1A. Then, the store clerk removes the common member card 1A from the member registration machine 10, hands over the new common member card 1A to the player, and completes the member registration in the game hall A, thereby removing the common member card 1A. It can be used at the game hall A.

  When handing over the common membership card 1A, for example, by inputting and registering the telephone number, ID (SIM code), license number, etc. of the mobile phone owned by the player, the game When a person tries to receive the issuance of a plurality of common membership cards 1A, it is determined whether or not a telephone number, ID (SIM code), or license number has been registered. By not issuing, it may be possible to prevent a plurality of common member cards 1A from being issued to the same person.

  In this embodiment, the member management computer 120 newly determines a game hall member ID to be given to a player who becomes a member of the game hall, and writes and stores the determined game hall member ID in a common member card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a member card ID stored in advance in the common member card 1A may be used as a game hall member ID of the game hall. In this case, the member registration machine 10 transmits the game hall new member information including the member card ID to the member management computer 120, and the member management computer 120 includes the member card ID and the member attribute information included in the game hall new member information. Can be registered in the game hall member information table in association with each other. In this case, the common membership card 1A does not have to be provided with a storage area assigned to each game hall.

  Also, in the game halls B to C other than the game hall A, when a player who does not have (owns) the common member card 1A performs membership registration, the same registration process as in the case of the game hall A described above is performed. As a result, the player receives a new common member card 1A at the game halls B to C where membership registration is first performed.

  In this embodiment, the member attribute information included in the received member attribute information registration request is added to items such as name and address associated with the member card ID in the common member information table of the management server 140 of the card management company. The process of registering the name, address, etc. of a certain member player, and the received game in the item, such as name, address, etc., associated with the game hall member ID in the game hall member information table of the member management computer 120 of the game hall A The process of registering the name and address of the member player, which is the member attribute information included in the new member information, can be processed in parallel, but other processing modes may be used.

  For example, when the member attribute information registration process is completed in the common member information table of the management server 140 of the card management company, the registration completion information is transmitted to the member management computer 120 of the playground A, and the member management computer 120 Based on the reception of the registration completion information, member attribute information registration processing may be performed in the game hall member information table. In addition, registration processing of membership attribute information is first performed in the game hall membership information table of the membership management computer 120, and when the registration processing is completed, registration completion information is transmitted to the management server 140 of the card management company. Then, based on the fact that the management server 140 has received the registration completion information, the member attribute information may be registered in the common member information table.

  Next, processing statuses of the member registration machine 10, the member management computer 120, and the management server 140 when a member registration is received from a player carrying the common member card 1A will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, it is assumed that a player who has already completed membership registration at any of the game halls B to C other than the game hall A comes to the game hall A and performs membership registration for the game hall A (FIG. 21). reference). This player goes to the reception counter in which the member registration machine 10 is installed in the state of possessing (owning) the common member card 1A issued at the amusement hall where the member registration has already been performed for the first time. While telling the store clerk that he wants to do so, hand over the common member card 1A he owns to the store clerk. The store clerk inserts the received common member card 1 </ b> A into the card reader / writer 10 ′ of the member registration machine 10.

  The member registration machine 10 includes a storage data stored in the storage area for the game hall A in the IC chip of the common membership card 1A inserted in the card reader / writer 10 'and a membership card stored in the storage area for the card management company. ID reading processing is performed (see FIG. 22). Here, in the case where the membership registration has not yet been made at the game hall A, the above-mentioned NUL value is stored as storage data in the storage area for the game hall A, and the membership registration has already been made at the game hall A. In this case, the game hall member ID uniquely assigned in the game hall A is stored.

  Furthermore, the member registration machine 10 performs processing for transmitting the storage data read from the common member card 1A to the member management computer 120. The member management computer 120 (member judging means) that has received the stored data of the card refers to the game hall member information table and the data read from the storage area for the game hall A of the common member card 1A is used as the game hall member ID. A process of determining whether or not it is registered is performed. Then, the member management computer 120 performs a process of returning the determination result (with / without registration) to the member registration machine 10.

  When the member registration machine 10 that has received the determination result from the member management computer 120 determines that there is a registration based on this determination result (when the stored data is a game hall member ID), the registration device 10 displays that the registration has been completed. To display. In this case, the store clerk removes the common member card 1A from the member registration machine 10, returns the common member card 1A to the player, and informs that the member registration in the game hall A has already been completed.

  Further, when the member registration machine 10 that has received the determination result from the member management computer 120 determines that there is no registration based on the determination result (when the stored data is a NUL value, etc.), the read member card ID and the game A process of transmitting a member attribute information transmission request including the game hall ID of the field A to the management server 140 of the card management company is performed.

  Here, the management server 140 of the card management company collates the member card ID included in the member attribute information transmission request received from the member registration machine 10 of the game hall A, and when the member card ID is registered. The member attribute information such as name and address registered in association with the member card ID in the common member information table is transmitted to the member registration device 10. Furthermore, the management server 140 performs a process of registering the game hall ID included in the received member attribute information transmission request in the registered game hall table in association with the member card ID. On the other hand, when the member card ID is not registered in the common member information table, a member attribute information unregistered notification indicating that the member attribute information is not registered is returned, and the member registration device 10 is returned to the member attribute information. Move to the acceptance state. The flow when the member attribute information is received is the same as the flow described above when a new common member card 1A is issued.

  In addition, the member registration machine 10 that has received the member attribute information from the management server 140 of the card management company performs a process of transmitting the game hall new member information including the received member attribute information to the member management computer 120. Here, the member management computer 120 (member attribute information acquisition means and recording medium use registration means) refers to the game hall member information table and determines a predetermined game hall member ID from among unused game hall member IDs. Use of a recording medium for registering the name, address, etc. of a member player, which is member attribute information included in the received new amusement hall member information, in the item, such as name, address, etc. associated with the decided amusement hall member ID Perform registration processing. Then, a process of transmitting the determined game hall member ID to the member registration machine 10 is performed. The member management computer 120 also transmits the determined game hall member ID to the storage server 110 to register the determined game hall member ID in the storage server 110 and the number of storage balls corresponding to the game hall member ID. Is stored with an initial value of “0”.

  Further, the member registration machine 10 uses the card reader / writer 10 ′ to write the game hall member ID received from the member management computer 120 into the storage area for the game hall A (see FIG. 22) in the IC chip of the common member card 1A. To do. Then, the store clerk removes the common member card 1A from the card reader / writer 10 ', hands over the common member card 1A to the player, and completes member registration in the game hall A.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when the common member card 1A is held, the member registration is performed at the reception counter. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, As shown in FIG. 28, the member registration may be performed in the CU3 using the common member card 1A. The processing statuses of the CU3, the member management computer 120, and the management server 140 in this case will be described with reference to FIG. explain.

  First, it is assumed that a player who has already completed membership registration at any of the game halls B to C other than the game hall A has visited the game hall A (see FIG. 21). The player inserts the common member card 1A issued at the game arcade where the member registration has already been performed first into the CU3.

  Then, the CU 3 uses the card reader / writer 3 ′ to store the storage data stored in the storage area for the game arcade A in the IC chip of the inserted common member card 1A and the member card ID stored in the storage area for the card management company. Read processing is performed by (see FIG. 22). Here, in the case where the membership registration has not yet been made at the game hall A, the above-mentioned NUL value is stored as storage data in the storage area for the game hall A, and the membership registration has already been made at the game hall A. In this case, the game hall member ID uniquely assigned in the game hall A is stored.

  Further, the CU 3 performs a process of transmitting the storage data read from the common member card 1A to the member management computer 120. The member management computer 120 (member judging means) that has received the stored data of the card refers to the game hall member information table and the data read from the storage area for the game hall A of the common member card 1A is used as the game hall member ID. A process of determining whether or not it is registered is performed. Then, the member management computer 120 performs a process of returning the determination result (registration / no registration) to the CU3.

  Then, the CU 3 that has received the determination result from the member management computer 120 sends the above-described storage ball use request to the storage ball server 110 when it is determined that there is a registration based on this determination result (when the stored data is the game hall member ID). Send it so that the CU3 can use the stored ball.

  In addition, when it is determined that there is no registration based on the determination result (when the stored data is a NUL value or the like), the CU 3 that has received the determination result from the member management computer 120 displays “ The member registration is not done at. Do you want to register as a member at our shop? "Is displayed, and the player is inquired whether or not to register as a member of the playground A. .

  Here, when the player selects not to register as a member, a card return process for discharging the common member card 1A from the CU 3 is performed. Further, when the player selects to register as a member, a process for transmitting a member registration request including the read member card ID to the member management computer 120 is performed.

  In this embodiment, when the player selects not to register as a member, the common member card 1A is returned. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The common membership card 1A may be accepted as a visitor card instead of a membership card and used as a visitor card. In this case, the number of coins counted by the CU3 in the storage area of the common membership card 1A May be stored.

  When these common member cards 1A are used as visitor cards, the game history from when the common member card 1A is inserted until it is returned is associated with the member card ID as a game history without member attributes. If the player who holds the common member card 1A stores the member as a member later, the member attribute stored in association with the member card ID of the common member card 1A is stored as the member's game history. You may make it take over the game history of nothing.

  The member management computer 120 that has received the member registration request from the CU 3 sends a member attribute information transmission request including the member card ID included in the received member registration request and the game hall ID of the game hall A to the card management company. Processing to transmit to the server 140 is performed.

  Here, the management server 140 of the card management company collates the member card ID included in the member attribute information transmission request received from the member management computer 120 of the game hall A, and when the member card ID is registered. The member attribute information such as name and address registered in association with the member card ID in the common member information table is transmitted to the member management computer 120. Furthermore, the management server 140 performs a process of registering the game hall ID included in the received member attribute information transmission request in the registered game hall table in association with the member card ID.

  On the other hand, when the member card ID is not registered in the common member information table, the member management computer 120 is returned to the member management computer 120 by returning a member attribute information unregistered notification indicating that the member attribute information is not registered. Transmits an error notification instruction and a return instruction to CU3 to notify the error and return the common member card 1A being received. In this case, for example, as in the case of the member registration device 10, the member attribute information may be received by shifting the CU 3 to the member attribute information receiving state. In this way, the flow when the member attribute information is accepted may be the same as the flow described above when the member registration device 10 newly issues the common member card 1A.

  Also, the member management computer 120 (member attribute information acquisition means and recording medium use registration means) that has received the member attribute information from the management server 140 of the card management company refers to the game hall member information table and uses the unused game hall members. A predetermined game hall member ID is determined from the ID, and the name, address, etc. of the member player, which is the received member attribute information, are entered in items such as name and address associated with the determined game hall member ID. A recording medium use registration process for registration is performed. Then, a process of transmitting the determined game hall member ID to CU3 is performed. The member management computer 120 also transmits the determined game hall member ID to the storage server 110 to register the determined game hall member ID in the storage server 110 and the number of storage balls corresponding to the game hall member ID. Is stored with an initial value of “0”.

  Further, the CU 3 performs a process of writing the game hall member ID received from the member management computer 120 into the storage area for the game hall A (see FIG. 22) in the IC chip of the common member card 1A, and registering the membership in the game hall A. To complete.

  As described above, in the gaming system of the present embodiment, when a player who owns the common member card 1A becomes a new member in the game hall A that is not a member, the management server 140 of the card management company Since the managed member attribute information of the player is acquired based on the member card ID recorded in the common member card 1A and registered as member information, the member attribute information is newly registered as a member. It is possible to remarkably save the player's troubles such as filling in and entering the information, and the membership registration is greatly simplified, and it is not necessary to carry multiple membership cards. It is possible to promote membership in other amusement halls of players who have already registered as members.

  In addition, the player can become a member upon receiving a new issuance of the common member card 1A at any one of the amusement halls where the member registration machine 10 is installed, and the member attribute information of the member can be used as a card The management server 140 of the management company can be quickly managed.

  Also, when the member registration machine 10 or the CU 3 receives the common member card 1A, the member management computer 120 refers to the game hall member information table to check whether or not the stored data of the card is registered as the game hall member ID. When it is determined that the player is a member of the game hall A where the player has visited by performing the determination process, the member card ID is transmitted to the management server 140 of the card management company, and the member attribute information is acquired wastefully. Therefore, the communication load between the member management computer 120 and the management server 140 can be reduced, and the processing load on the management server 140 can also be reduced.

  Next, when a member player grasps each of the game halls A to C where he / she has registered as a member by using a notebook personal computer 15A or a mobile phone 16A as an information terminal, or when confirming / changing registration contents Will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31. FIG.

  First, when the member player accesses the site (member service site) of the management server 140 of the card management company from the notebook personal computer 15A or the mobile phone 16A as the information terminal, the management server 140 logs in as shown in FIG. The page is delivered.

  The login page (recording medium identification information receiving means) includes a member card ID input unit for inputting a member card ID printed on one surface of the common member card 1A, and a password number input unit for inputting a password. The member player inputs the member card ID and the personal identification number in each of these input sections, and then selectively inputs the “login” selection input section provided at the lower position of the login page. . The member card ID is described as a serial number on the back of the common member card 1A, and the member player inputs the serial number as the member card ID.

  Based on the selection input of the “login” selection input unit, the management server 140 specifies the password stored in the common member information table in association with the member card ID received on the login page. The game hall ID stored in the registered game hall table corresponding to the member card ID when the verification process with the password received on the login page is executed and the verification in the verification process matches. The process of extracting all of is performed.

  Further, the management server 140 refers to the game hall information table (game hall specifying means), extracts the game hall name and location registered in association with the extracted game hall ID, and creates a game hall display page. Perform processing. As shown in FIG. 30, the game hall display page (member game hall information transmitting means) lists game halls where member players have registered as members, and this game hall display page is the information terminal of the member player. It is distributed to a notebook personal computer 15A and a mobile phone 16A. Thus, the member player can accurately grasp the game halls A to C in which he / she is a member by the common member card 1A.

  In addition, a selection input section for “logout” is provided below the game hall display page, and a registration content confirmation page for confirming the registration content such as the address registered by the member player is displayed. A selection input unit for “registration content confirmation” is provided. Then, based on the selection input of the “registration content confirmation” selection input unit, the management server 140 stores the member stored in the common member information table in association with the member card ID received on the login page. Member attribute information, which is personal information such as a player's name and address, is extracted, and a registration content confirmation page is created. As shown in FIG. 31, the registration content confirmation page lists member attribute information which is personal information such as name and address registered by the member player, and this registration content confirmation page is the information terminal of the member player. It is distributed to the notebook personal computer 15A and the mobile phone 16A. The member attribute information displayed on the registration content confirmation page includes the names of members registered as related members. For example, the related member 1 of “Taro” who has a member card ID “KK-00001” has “XX Hanako” that is “KK-00002” from the related member information table shown in FIG. Is registered on the registration confirmation page. The related member displayed on the registration content confirmation page is displayed with the name of the member player, but may be an alias such as a nickname or an avatar name instead of the name.

  Below the registration content confirmation page, a “logout” selection input section is provided, and a registration content change page for changing the registration content of member attribute information such as an address registered by the member player himself ( The “registration content change” selection input section for displaying “not shown” and the “code number” for displaying a password change page (not shown) for changing the password registered by the member player himself / herself. A “change” selection input unit is provided. As described above, the member player can change the member attribute information and the password on the registration content change page and the password change page. The member attribute information and the password can be changed. In other words, when these changes are made, the changed data is sent to each amusement hall where the logged-in member player is a member, and the member attribute information is updated, so that Member attribute information and password can be changed.

  Further, the member player can make a change to add / delete the related member registered on the registration content change page. Furthermore, on the registration content confirmation page, when other member players request registration approval for related members, a button for performing the approval is displayed. Further, an edit page may be displayed that allows the deletion of the related member information registered in the member attribute information of other members.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the member registration for receiving the issuance of the common member card 1A can be performed in the member registration machine 10 installed in each game hall, but the present invention is not limited to this. The card company may receive the membership registration application form in which the member attribute information is written from the player, and execute the membership registration process in the management server 140 of the card management company. When member registration is performed at these card management companies, the common member card 1A may be issued to member players by mail or the like. In this way, if the membership registration is performed in advance in the management server 140, the membership attribute information is entered or entered in the application form when the membership registration of each of the game halls A to C is performed. Can be saved significantly.

  Moreover, in the said Example, it can use by recording the prepaid frequency | count which is a game value on a common member card | curd 1A or a visitor card | curd, and setting these cards in CU3. A non-contact IC chip in which the amount of electronic money is stored is built-in, and the CU 3 is capable of short-range data communication with the non-contact IC chip including reading and writing of data stored in the non-contact IC chip. By providing a reader / writer, a game may be played using electronic money stored in the common member card 1A. In this case, a mobile phone having an electronic money amount utilization function, a so-called wallet function, may be used instead of the common member card 1A. Further, in this case, for example, a management server connected to the storage server 110 of each of the game halls A to C is installed in the electronic money service company, and the management server of the electronic money service company is connected via the financial institution network. By installing the connected financial server in a financial institution that has an account with which the player has an electronic money contract, the management server of the electronic money service company can manage the account opened by the player in the financial institution. The balance may be used to settle the charge amount, and the electronic money corresponding to the charge amount may be charged to the player's common member card 1A or mobile phone. In this case, the common member information table held by the management server 140 of the card management company in the embodiment is managed by the management server installed in the electronic money service company. When a member attribute information transmission request is received from the C member registration machine 10 or the member management computer 120, the management server of the electronic money service company refers to the common member information table owned by itself and plays the corresponding member attribute information. You may make it perform the process returned to the member registration machine 10 and the member management computer 120 of the place AC.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the information related to the registered game arcade and the member attribute information extracted by the management server 140 are distributed to the notebook personal computer 15A and the mobile phone 16A which are information terminals of the accessing member players. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these pieces of information are obtained from the e-mail address of the member player specified from the member card ID received on the login page, or from the member player to the electronic mail. The mail may be received and an electronic mail including member attribute information may be transmitted to these electronic mail addresses which are distribution destinations designated by the member player.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the information related to the registered game arcade and the member attribute information extracted by the management server 140 are distributed to the notebook personal computer 15A and the mobile phone 16A which are information terminals of the accessing member players. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the member registration machine 10 is accessed from the member registration machine 10 installed in the game halls A to C to the management server 140 site of the card management company. You may enable it to change the registration content of member attribute information, such as an address registered using.

  In the above embodiment, the management server 140 and the site server are configured as a single server, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the management server 140 and the site server are improved from the viewpoint of improving security. You may make it the structure which provides a server separately.

<Login to Management Server>
Next, a case where a member playing a game on each P machine 2 logs in to the management server 140 and plays a game will be described. In the management server 140 described above, since the game is performed without logging in to the management server 140, the game history is stored in the member management computer 120 provided in each game hall without storing the game history in the management server 140. I remembered it. In the gaming system described below, a member playing a game on each P machine 2 logs in to the management server 140 and plays a game, thereby storing a game history in the management server 140 and providing various functions to the player. can do. First, it is necessary to log in to the management server 140 when playing a game on the P platform 2. Here, the CU 3 connected to the P stand 2 is communicably connected to the management server 140 via the storage server 110 as shown in FIG. 21, and uses the membership card ID of the common membership card 1A to manage the management server 140. You can log in to

  In the P platform 2 shown in FIG. 1, a screen for logging in to the management server 140 is displayed on the display unit 54. FIGS. 32 to 34 are diagrams illustrating examples of screens for explaining an operation for logging in to the management server 140. Note that a touch sensor is attached to the display unit 54, and when the position of the button displayed on the screen is touched, the button can be operated.

  FIG. 32A is an example in which a menu screen frame is displayed on the top screen (display on the near side of the display unit 54) displayed on the display unit 54 before the game is started on the P platform 2. FIG. In the menu screen frame, a “general game” button for playing a game without logging in to the management server 140, an “electronic money” button for using electronic money, and a “login” for logging in to the management server 140 are displayed on the screen. A button, a “member registration” button for registering a member in the CU 3, and a “CM display” button for displaying an advertisement on the display 54 are displayed. In the menu screen frame shown in FIG. 32 (a), the “general game” button in the vertical direction on the left side, the “electronic money” button, the “login” button, and the “member” in order from the top to the right side of the “general game” button. “Register” buttons are arranged, and a “CM display” button is displayed on the right side of the “member registration” button.

  On the top screen below the menu screen frame (displayed behind the display 54), in addition to the buttons described above, an avatar display area for displaying the avatar of the logged-in member player at the upper left of the screen, The game history is displayed in the order of “big hit”, “probability change”, “start” and “probability”. Furthermore, in the downward direction of the avatar display area, a “top” button for returning to the top screen, a “menu” button for displaying the menu screen frame, a “seating away” button, and a card inserted in the CU 3 are returned. A “return” button and a “ball rental” button are displayed in order. In addition, at the top of the screen shown in FIG. 32 (a), the machine number of the gaming machine (for example, 0300 series) and the “call” button are displayed. “Number”, “Balance” and “Role” are displayed, followed by the “Game Guide” button for displaying the description of the game and the “Operation Description” button for explaining the operation of the gaming machine. ing. The display of the menu screen frame does not overlap with the “top” button or the “ball rental” button, and the operation of the button is effective.

  When a player logs in to the management server 140 and plays a game, when the “login” button in the menu screen frame is pressed, the CU 3 reads the member card ID of the common member card 1A and uses the member card ID to the management server 140. The login process is performed. At that time, a login screen as shown in FIG. 29 may be displayed to input a personal identification number.

  If the card inserted in CU3 is not a common membership card 1A but a membership card or a visitor card issued for amusement hall members, login with the membership card ID registered in the non-contact IC chip of the portable terminal As shown in FIG. 32B, the message screen frame (pop-up screen) of “Perform member authentication and hold the mobile terminal over the leader” shown in FIG. 32B is displayed on the top screen instead of the menu screen frame. If the player has registered the membership card ID in the contactless IC chip of his / her mobile terminal, the player reads the membership card ID by holding the mobile terminal over a reader (not shown) and uses the membership card ID to manage the management server 140. The process of logging in to is performed. Of course, the member card ID may be read by holding the common member card 1 </ b> A itself over the reader, and the login process to the management server 140 may be performed. The display of the message screen frame shown in FIG. 32B does not overlap with the “top” button or the “ball rental” button, and the operation of the button is effective.

  When the login process to the management server 140 is started, the message screen frame shown in FIG. 32 (b) disappears, and the message screen frame saying “Wait for a while” is shown in FIG. 33 (c) at the corresponding position. Is displayed. The content of the message screen frame shown in FIG. 33C is an example and may be any content as long as it indicates that the CU 3 is in the process of logging in to the management server 140. Note that the screen during which the CU 3 is performing the login process to the management server 140 is not limited to the screen shown in FIG. 33C. For example, a game explanation screen or an advertisement screen described later is displayed in a message screen frame. May be. The display of the message screen frame shown in FIG. 33C overlaps with the “top” button, the “ball rental” button, and the like, and the operation of the button is invalid. However, the operations of the “call” button, “game guide” button, and “operation explanation” button may be validated.

  Next, when the login process to the management server 140 is completed, a login screen shown in FIG. 33D is displayed. On the screen during login, the character image registered in advance by the logged-in player is displayed instead of the image displayed before login in the display of the “login” button and the avatar display area. Note that the member card ID of the logged-in player may be displayed below the avatar display area displaying the character image. The character image information displayed in the avatar display area is stored in association with at least member attribute information of the management server 140. When registering the member attribute information in the management server 140, the character image is registered by the player selecting and registering the character image that suits the player. Note that the character image data to be displayed in the avatar display area is not transmitted from the management server 140 every time the management server 140 is logged in, but the character image data is also stored in the member attribute information of the member management computer 120. In addition, the data may be transmitted from the member management computer 120. The character image changes its facial expression and movement according to the player's game situation (for example, big hits, departures from XX, XXX addicts, etc.). , A sad expression can be made when the user is off, and the like can be displayed on the display 54 provided on the other P stand 2 like a friend function described later. Further, the number of balls currently held, the number of balls stored, and the number of playable balls (game balls) are displayed on the screen during login. Further, the display unit 54 displays a “payout” button at a position on the left side of the display of the number of balls currently held, and a “replay” button at a position on the left side of the display of the number of stored balls. The “payout” button is a button for converting today's possession balls into playable balls (game balls), and is valid when the number of possession balls is present today, and is invalid when there is none. Further, the “replay” button is a button for converting a stored ball into a playable ball (game ball), which is valid when the number of stored balls exists, and disabled when there is no stored ball.

  When login processing to the management server 140 is performed and the member card ID used for login is not registered in the common member information table shown in FIG. 25A, “this mobile or card is shown in FIG. You are not registered as a member. Do you want to register now? Here, the message screen shown in FIG. 34 (f) is changed to the message screen frame shown in FIG. 34 (e) so that when the “Yes” button displayed in FIG. A frame is displayed. In the message screen frame shown in Fig. 34 (f), the title "[Transition to Membership Registration Site]" and "Please hold your mobile device over the reader or read the displayed 2D code" Message and a two-dimensional code are displayed. The player holds the portable terminal over the reader or reads the two-dimensional code and transitions to a member registration site (not shown) to perform member registration. On the other hand, when the “No” button displayed in FIG. 34E is pressed, the top screen is displayed. It should be noted that the top screen may be displayed after 10 seconds without selecting either the “Yes” button or the “No” button. The display of the message screen frame shown in FIG. 34 (e) and FIG. 34 (f) overlaps with the “top” button, the “ball rental” button, etc., and the operation of the button is invalid. However, the operations of the “call” button, “game guide” button, and “operation explanation” button may be validated.

<Logout from the management server>
Next, logout processing from the management server 140 will be described. When the player ends the game, the player performs the following operation and logs out from the management server 140. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for explaining an operation for logging out from the management server 140. First, the counting process is performed so that “today's holding ball”, “storing ball”, and “playable ball” displayed on the screen shown in FIG. Next, in order to return the common member card 1A inserted in the CU 3, a “return” button is pressed. Furthermore, the user can log out from the management server 140 by pressing the “logged in” button displayed. Note that the above-described operation is an example. For example, the above-described operation may be automatically performed and the management server 140 may be logged out by simply pressing a “return” button.

  If the logout process from the management server 140 is started, the logout process may be performed immediately. However, as shown in FIG. 35B, a message window frame is displayed and a grace period is set until the logout is completed. It may be a configuration. In the message screen frame shown in FIG. 35 (b), a message “Logout in 00 seconds after the start of authentication cancellation countdown” is displayed. In other words, the CU 3 does not cancel the authentication with the management server 140, maintains the login state for the set time, and prevents the user from being logged out of the management server 140 by accidentally pressing the “logged in” button. It is. A “logout” button is provided so that the user can immediately log out without waiting for a grace period. On the other hand, in order to continue playing the game, a message “Pay money or press“ Continue ”to continue authentication” ”is displayed, and by pressing the“ Continue ”button, FIG. 33 (d ) To return to the login screen. The display of the message screen frame shown in FIG. 35B overlaps with the “top” button, the “ball rental” button, etc., and the operation of the button is invalid. However, the operations of the “call” button, “game guide” button, and “operation explanation” button may be validated.

  When the logout process from the management server 140 is completed, a screen as shown in FIG. 35C is displayed. Specifically, on the screen as shown in FIG. 35 (c), the “logged in” button disappears, and the character image before login is displayed instead of the character image registered by the player in the avatar display area. . Moreover, when the member card ID of the logged-in player is displayed under the avatar display area, the display is also turned off. Note that an advertisement image to be described later may be displayed on a portion where the “logged in” button or the like disappears.

<Friend function>
The management server 140 stores a related member information table as shown in FIG. 25 (d), and associates each member card ID with a member player specified from the member card ID and a predetermined relevance. All related member players with are stored. In the gaming system according to the present embodiment, the friend function can be provided to the player using the related member information table. Here, the friend function refers to a related member player who plays in the same game hall among related member players registered in the related member information table in association with the member card ID logged into the management server 140. This is a function for searching and displaying on the display 54 of the logged-in member. FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen for explaining the operation of the friend function.

  Specifically, when a member having a certain member card ID logs in to the management server 140, as shown in FIG. 36A, an image of “searching for friends” is displayed, and related players of the member are searched. As the search processing, for example, when logging in to the management server 140, the member card ID of the related member player associated with the logged-in member card ID is transmitted from the management server 140 to the member management computer 120 of the game hall. Then, the member management computer 120 searches for the related member player playing at the game hall from the received member card IDs of the related member player, and displays the related member game to be displayed on the display 54 of the logged-in member. Identify the person. The member management computer 120 of each game arcade does not search for a related member player who is playing, but the management server 140 has a member card ID of the related member player associated with the logged-in member card ID. Among them, a related member player who is playing in the same amusement hall may be searched and related member players to be displayed on the display 54 of the logged-in member may be specified. Here, by limiting the members who can use the friend function and the chat function described later to related member players who are playing at the same game hall, it is compared with the game situation at other game halls, and to other game halls. It is possible to prevent the player from flowing.

  As a result of the friend search, when a related member player playing in the game hall is found, a character image is displayed below the “replay” button as an avatar of the related member player as shown in FIG. . The character image registered in the member attribute information of the member card ID is used as the character image of the related member player to be displayed based on the member card ID of the related member player. Since the player may not be able to identify each related member player simply by displaying the character image of the related member player, an identification number such as a member card ID (for example, “No. 0001”) may be used together with the character image. , “No. 0002”, “No. 0003”, etc.). Of course, the identification display displayed together with the character image is not limited to the member card ID, but may be a game hall member ID, a name or nickname registered in the member card ID, and the like.

  In the screen shown in FIG. 36 (b), three related member players are displayed. The order in which the related member players are displayed is from the left in the order of early login time. Of course, the display order is not limited to this, and may be the order in which the number of jackpots is large or the order in which the number of prize balls is large. For example, the avatars of the related member players may appear by walking from the right end of the display 54 and lined up in a predetermined position as shown in FIG. In addition, when appearing, it may appear while talking about the game situation of the related member player (speech display). Further, by pressing the related member player displayed in FIG. 36 (b), based on the related member player's game information (for example, game history), the related member player's game situation (for example, jackpot, The status of the ball from OOXX, the XXAM, etc.) can be displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 37 (c), when the character image of the related member player with the identification number “No. 0001” is pressed, “big hit” is displayed as the current game situation. The game status to be displayed includes information such as a game history such as the number of jackpots and the probability of change included in the game information, and a name included in the member attribute information. In the friend function, the member attribute information of the related member player that displays the avatar on the display unit 54 corresponding to the player corresponding to the member card ID received by the CU 3 is displayed together with the game information of the related member player. It is transmitted from the management server 140 or the member management computer 120.

  As a result of the friend search, if no related member player playing in the game hall is found, no character image is displayed below the “replay” button as shown in FIG. In the above-described configuration, related member players who are playing in the same game hall are searched and displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be within a predetermined range. The related member player who is playing in the venue may be searched and displayed, or the related member player who is playing in the same area (for example, the same city or the same town) may be searched and displayed. Of course, as long as it is a related member player registered in the management server 140, it may be displayed regardless of where the player is playing.

<Chat function>
In the gaming system according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the related member player who is currently playing is not only displayed by the friend function, but also communicates with the related member player. You can also. Specifically, it is possible to communicate with related member players using a chat function using a fixed sentence. 38 and 39 are diagrams illustrating examples of screens for explaining the operation of the chat function.

  First, as shown in FIG. 38A, three related member players are displayed on the display unit 54 as a result of the friend function. When communicating with the related member player located at the left end among the three related member players, the communication partner is selected by pressing the screen position of the related member player.

  When the displayed related member player is selected, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), the selection menu screen frame is displayed on the screen displaying the avatar and the like, and the chat function and the coin sharing function to be described later are selected. can do. In order to communicate with the selected related member player using the chat function, the “chat” button on the selection menu screen is pressed. The display of the selection menu screen frame shown in FIG. 38B does not overlap with the “top” button or the “ball rental” button, and the operation of the button is effective. Therefore, if you want to cancel the chat function, you can stop it by pressing the “top” button or the like.

  When the “chat” button is pressed, the display 54 changes to the selection menu screen frame shown in FIG. 38 (b), and is used to select a word to be transmitted as shown in FIG. 39 (c). A list menu frame appears. The list menu frame, along with the message "I choose the words to be sent", "Hello", "Hamatta!", "I say," "Geki Atsu", "Has the!", "Bad", The words to be transmitted are displayed, such as “Let's go home”, “Take me now ...”, “Maji ????”, “I ’m still hitting?” And “I ’ll move”. The player selects the "Hello" from the list menu frame, and sends it to the relevant member player of the communication partner. Note that the words to be displayed displayed in the list menu frame are not limited to the words registered in the CU 3 in advance, but the player accesses the management server 140 from the notebook personal computer 15A or the mobile phone 16A as an information terminal in advance. You may add or change the words to be sent. Further, instead of selecting a word to be transmitted from the list menu frame, an input screen such as a keyboard may be displayed and directly input. The display of the list menu frame shown in FIG. 39C does not overlap with the “top” button or the “ball rental” button, and the operation of the button is effective. Therefore, if you want to cancel the chat function, you can stop it by pressing the “top” button or the like.

  Gaming system according to the present embodiment, when the player to send word to the relevant member player of the communication partner as "Hello", and "best from the relevant member player of the communication partner as shown in Figure 39 (d)! ”Is returned, it becomes possible to perform communication using the chat function.

  As described above, since it is possible to easily communicate among member players using the chat function, it becomes possible to perform a game while communicating among a plurality of players, and when performing a game alone. Different ways of enjoying the game can be provided to the player.

<Mochitama sharing function>
In the gaming system according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, the related member player who is currently playing is not only displayed by the friend function, but also with the related member player. You can share your own ball. Specifically, it is possible to share the ball by transmitting and receiving the ball with the related member player. 40 to 43 are diagrams illustrating examples of screens for explaining the operation of the possession ball sharing function.

  First, as shown in FIG. 38A, three related member players are displayed on the display unit 54 as a result of the friend function. When the ball is shared with the related member players located at the left end among the three related member players, the screen position of the related member player is pressed to select the ball sharing partner.

  When the displayed related member player is selected, a selection menu screen frame is displayed on a screen displaying an avatar or the like, as shown in FIG. 40A, and a chat function and a ball sharing function are selected. Can do. In order to share the possession with the selected related member player using the possession ball sharing function, the “Give a possession” button on the selection menu screen is pressed. The display of the selection menu screen frame shown in FIG. 40A does not overlap with the “top” button or the “ball rental” button, and the operation of the button is effective. For this reason, if you want to cancel the coin sharing function, you can stop it by pressing the “top” button or the like.

  When the “Give Ball” button is pressed, the display 54 changes to the selection menu screen frame shown in FIG. 40A, and the number of balls to be sent is selected at that position as shown in FIG. 40B. The selection list screen frame to be displayed is displayed. In the selection list screen frame shown in FIG. 40 (b), a message “Please select the number of balls to give!” Is displayed, and “5000 balls”, “3000 balls”, “1000 balls” and “ The number of balls given “500 balls” is displayed. Instead of selecting the number of balls to be presented from the selection list screen frame, an input screen such as a keyboard may be displayed and directly input. The display of the selection list screen frame shown in FIG. 40B does not overlap with the “top” button or the “ball rental” button, and the operation of the button is effective. For this reason, if you want to cancel the coin sharing function, you can stop it by pressing the “top” button or the like.

  When the player selects “5000 balls”, the display 54 changes to the selection list screen frame shown in FIG. 40B, and a confirmation screen frame as shown in FIG. 41C is displayed at that position. . In the confirmation screen frame shown in FIG. 41 (c), the message “No. 0001 will be given a ball”, “Current day's money”, “Shared balls” and “Remaining balls” “Today's holding ball” is displayed, and “OK” and “Cancel” buttons are displayed. For example, when the “current day's holding ball” is 23945 balls and 5000 balls are given as the “shared ball number”, the “remaining day's holding balls” is 23945-5000 balls, which is 18945 balls. When a player confirms the number of balls to be shared on the screen and gives a ball to a related member player, the player presses the “OK” button to stop giving a ball to a related member player. Press the “Cancel” button. Here, the screen shown in FIG. 41C is displayed even when the related member player of the other party to whom the gift is given is logged out from the management server 140 before the screen shown in FIG. 41C is displayed. Is displayed and the number of balls to be given is confirmed. The display of the selection menu screen frame shown in FIG. 41C does not overlap with the “top” button or the “ball rental” button, and the operation of the button is effective. For this reason, if you want to cancel the coin sharing function, you can stop it by pressing the “top” button or the like.

  When the “determine” button is pressed and the associated member player ’s possession ball is transmitted, the message screen frame of “transmission complete” is displayed on the screen displaying the avatar and the like as shown in FIG. Is done. The display of the message screen frame shown in FIG. 41D overlaps with the “top” button, the “ball rental” button, etc., and the operation of the button is invalid. On the other hand, the message screen frame shown in FIG. 42 (e) is an avatar or the like on the display 54 (for example, the display 54 provided on the P table 2 in the 0230 series) of the related member player who has been given the ball. The message “5000 balls” of the gift is displayed together with the message “A gift has arrived from No. 008”. The display of the message screen frame shown in FIG. 42E overlaps with the “top” button, the “ball rental” button, etc., and the operation of the button is invalid. The related member player who has received the gifted ball can use the gifted ball as his own ball by pressing the “confirm” button displayed on the display 54. Become. When the message screen frame shown in FIG. 42E is displayed on the display device 54, no operation other than the game ball can be performed until the “confirm” button is pressed. Further, if the “confirm” button is not pressed within a predetermined time, the ball sharing function may be canceled or the ball may be automatically shared.

  In FIG. 38 (a), after selecting the related member player of the holding ball sharing partner, when the related member player is logged out from the management server 140, or communication with the related member player is not possible. If so, as shown in FIG. 43 (f), a message screen frame of “transmission failure” is displayed on a screen displaying an avatar or the like. When the transmission of the possessed ball fails, the process of returning the gifted ball is started, and “Return retained ball” is displayed in the message screen frame shown in FIG.

  When the process of returning the gifted ball is started, the message screen frame shown in FIG. 43 (g) is displayed on the display 54 instead of the message screen frame shown in FIG. 43 (f). In the message screen frame shown in FIG. 43 (g), a message “Return shared ball”, “Current balls for the current day”, “Number of shared balls”, and “Remaining balls for the current day” are displayed. A “Confirm” button is displayed. For example, when the “current day's possession ball” is 18945 balls and the “shared ball number” to be returned is 5000 balls, the “remaining day's possession balls” is 18945 balls + 5000 balls, which is 23945 balls. The player who has returned the ball can use the returned ball as his own ball by pressing a “confirm” button displayed on the display 54. The display of the selection menu screen frame shown in FIG. 43 (g) does not overlap with the “top” button or the “ball rental” button, but the message screen frame shown in FIG. Then, no operation other than the game ball can be performed until the “confirm” button is pressed. If the “confirm” button is not pressed within a predetermined time, the ball may be automatically returned.

<Advertising display function>
The gaming system according to the present embodiment has an advertising function for a player or the like. Specifically, the advertisement can be displayed on the display 54 in a display mode that does not interfere with the player's game. 44 to 47 are diagrams illustrating screen transitions for explaining a display mode of an advertisement displayed on the display unit of the card unit.

  Referring to FIG. 44 (a), the top screen is displayed on the display 54 of CU3. The top screen is an initial screen that is displayed first after the player inserts the card into the CU3. As can be seen from FIG. 44 (a), the display device 54 has a display area for displaying various game-related information relating to games in the gaming machine. Specifically, the display 54 includes a “top” button for accepting an operation for transitioning to the top screen, a “menu” button for accepting an operation for displaying a menu screen frame, and an absence for the player to interrupt the game. A “seating” button for accepting an operation, a “return” button for accepting a card return operation, and a “ball lending” button (“2” in FIG. 44A) for accepting an operation for lending game points used for a game from the remaining amount (Represented by 2 in a circle)) and a “replay” button (“4” in FIG. 44 (a)) for accepting an operation to withdraw to a game point from a player-owned storage ball deposited in the game hall (Area 4) (circled) and a “payout” button (“3” (FIG. 44A) (3) in FIG. 44A) for accepting an operation of paying out game points from the player's possession points recorded on the card. (Shows 3 circled) Frequency) are displayed. The display 54 further displays the balance of the deposit (remaining money), the number of winning balls, the number of balls lent, the number of balls held (the number of points), the number of balls stored, the number of balls that can be played (the number of games), and the like. Is done.

  Here, the CU control unit 323 displays an advertisement based on the type of input accepted by the CU 3 (for example, an operation in which the player presses each button described above) in order to display an advertisement without disturbing the player's game. The display mode of the advertisement displayed on the device 54 is set. In a certain situation, the CU control unit 323 sets the allocation of the advertisement display area to the display area as the display mode. Specifically, when receiving a predetermined operation from the player, the CU control unit 323 sets an advertisement display area so as not to prevent a series of operations assumed to be performed by the player after the predetermined operation. That is, after the player performs a predetermined operation, the CU control unit 323 sets the advertisement display area so that the area that the player wants to confirm for the next operation can be appropriately confirmed. Then, the display control unit 350 displays the advertisement on the display unit 54 in the set display mode. In another aspect, the CU control unit 323 sets a display time for displaying an advertisement in the display mode. Then, the display control unit 350 displays the advertisement within the set display time.

  44 (a) to 47 (g), what operation will be displayed in which area of the display 54 for which time the advertisement is displayed when the CU 3 accepts what operation from the player? This will be specifically described.

  A case where an advertisement is displayed in the display area A will be described with reference to FIGS. 44 (a) and 44 (b). First, consider a case where the player performs a payout operation on CU3. Specifically, the payout operation is an operation for selecting a “payout” button (corresponding to display target operation “3” (shown by 3 surrounded by a circle)). When receiving the payout operation, the CU control unit 323 sets the advertisement display area in such a manner that the area in which the number of held balls (the score information) indicating the remaining number of held balls is displayed can be visually recognized. For example, as shown in FIG. 44 (b), the CU control unit 323 sets the display area A in which the number of holding balls is not displayed as the advertisement display area, and the display control unit 350 sets the display area A in the set display area A. Display advertisements. That is, when accepting the payout operation, the CU control unit 323 sets the advertisement display area so as not to cover the number of balls. Note that the CU control unit 323 may set the advertisement display area so that it does not cover the number of gaming balls in addition to the number of holding balls.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 44B, the CU control unit 323 displays a message screen frame (pop-up screen) including the number of balls and the number of game balls when displaying the advertisement in the display area A. Good. In the message screen frame, the number of payout balls is also displayed. At this time, the CU control unit 323 may set the advertisement to be displayed within a relatively short time (for example, 4 seconds) in which the message screen frame is displayed. The reason for displaying such a message screen frame is to prompt the player to confirm that the number of possessed balls and the number of game balls have changed. In addition, you may display the arrow which emphasizes that the number of holding balls decreased and the number of game balls increased. Thereby, CU3 can display an advertisement, without disturbing the flow that a player confirms the decrease in the number of balls and the increase in the number of game balls after the payout operation.

  Next, consider a case where the player performs a deposit operation on CU3. The deposit operation is an operation for inserting a bill into the bill insertion slot 302 (corresponding to display target operation “1” (indicating 1 surrounded by a circle)), and for communicating with the CU 3 with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. An operation (display target operation “5” (indicated by 5 in a circle)) that causes the CU 3 to recognize electronic money stored in the mobile terminal by providing a communication unit and holding the mobile terminal over the communication unit Equivalent to money). When receiving the deposit operation, the CU control unit 323 sets the advertisement display area in such a manner that the area where the remaining amount of the deposit is displayed and the area where the “ball lending” button is displayed can be visually recognized. For example, as shown in FIG. 44 (b), the CU control unit 323 sets the remaining amount and the advertisement display region in the display region A where the “ball lending” button is not displayed, and the display control unit 350 sets the An advertisement is displayed in the display area A. That is, when accepting the deposit operation, the CU control unit 323 sets the advertisement display area so as not to cover the remaining amount and the “ball lending” button.

  Further, when displaying the advertisement in the display area A, the CU control unit 323 may display a message screen frame similar to that in the above-described payout operation. In this case, a message screen frame including the remaining amount, which is an item that has changed, and the electronic money remaining amount is displayed. At this time, the CU control unit 323 may set the advertisement to be displayed within a relatively short time (for example, 4 seconds) in which the message screen frame is displayed. The reason for displaying such a message screen frame is to prompt the player to confirm that the remaining amount or the remaining amount of electronic money has changed.

  As a result, the CU 3 confirms that the remaining amount or the remaining amount of electronic money increases by the player performing a deposit operation, and then performs a ball lending operation for lending game points from the remaining amount (pressing the “ball lending” button). Advertisements can be displayed without interfering with a series of flows.

  Next, consider a case where a player performs a ball lending operation on CU3. Specifically, the ball lending operation is an operation of selecting a “ball lending” button (corresponding to a display object operation “2” (indicated by 2 surrounded by a circle)). When the CU control unit 323 accepts a ball lending operation, the CU control unit 323 can visually recognize the area where the remaining amount of the deposit is displayed and the area where the number of game balls (game point information) indicating the remaining number of game balls is displayed. Set the advertisement display area with. For example, as shown in FIG. 44 (b), the CU control unit 323 sets the display area A in which the remaining amount and the number of game balls are not displayed as the advertisement display area, and the display control unit 350 sets the set display area. An advertisement is displayed on A. That is, when accepting a ball lending operation, the CU control unit 323 sets an advertisement display area so as not to cover the remaining amount and the number of game balls.

  Further, when displaying the advertisement in the display area A, the CU control unit 323 may display a message screen frame similar to that in the above-described payout operation. In this case, a message screen frame including the remaining amount and the number of game balls, which are changed items, is displayed. At this time, the CU control unit 323 may set the advertisement to be displayed within a relatively short time (for example, 4 seconds) in which the message screen frame is displayed. The reason for displaying such a message screen frame is to prompt the player to confirm that the remaining amount and the number of game balls have changed. In the message screen frame, an arrow that emphasizes that the remaining amount has decreased and the number of game balls has increased may be displayed. Thereby, CU3 can display an advertisement, without disturbing the flow that a player confirms a decrease in the remaining amount and an increase in the number of game points after a ball lending operation.

  Next, consider a case where the player performs a replay operation on CU3. Specifically, the replay operation is an operation for selecting a replay button (corresponding to display target operation “4” (representing 4 surrounded by a circle) replay). When the CU control unit 323 accepts the replay operation, the CU control unit 323 sets the advertisement display area in such a manner that the area where the number of stored balls (the stored ball information) indicating the remaining number of stored balls is displayed can be visually recognized. For example, as shown in FIG. 44 (b), the CU control unit 323 sets a display area A in which the number of stored balls is not displayed as an advertisement display area, and the display control unit 350 displays an advertisement in the set display area A. Is displayed. That is, when the CU control unit 323 receives the replay operation, the CU control unit 323 sets the advertisement display area so as not to cover the number of stored balls. Note that the CU control unit 323 may set the advertisement display area so as not to cover the number of game balls in addition to the number of stored balls.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 44B, the CU control unit 323 may display a message screen frame similar to that in the above-described payout operation when displaying an advertisement in the display area A. In this case, a message screen frame including the number of stored balls and the number of game balls, which are changed items, is displayed. At this time, the CU control unit 323 may set the advertisement to be displayed within a relatively short time (for example, 4 seconds) in which the message screen frame is displayed. The message screen frame is displayed in order to prompt the player to confirm that the number of stored balls and the number of game balls have changed. In the message screen frame, an arrow that emphasizes that the number of stored balls has decreased and the number of game balls has increased may be displayed. Thereby, CU3 can display an advertisement, without preventing the flow from which a player confirms the reduction | decrease of the number of balls after a replay operation.

  Next, consider a case where a player performs a login operation for displaying a menu screen frame and logging in to the management server 140. Specifically, the login operation is an operation for selecting the “login” button (display target operation “6” in the menu screen frame shown in FIG. 32A displayed when the player selects the “menu” button. (Corresponds to login) (indicated by circle 6). When receiving an operation for selecting the “menu” button, the CU control unit 323 sets an advertisement display area in a manner in which an area in which a menu screen frame necessary for accepting a login operation is displayed can be visually recognized. For example, as shown in FIG. 44B, the CU control unit 323 sets the display area A in which the menu screen frame is not displayed as the advertisement display area, and the display control unit 350 sets the display area A in the set display area A. Display advertisements. That is, when receiving an operation for selecting the “menu” button, the CU control unit 323 sets an advertisement display area so as not to cover an operation area necessary for receiving a login operation. Thereby, CU3 can display an advertisement, without disturbing the flow that a player performs login operation in the menu screen frame displayed after selection operation of a menu button.

  Next, a case where an advertisement is displayed in the display area B will be described with reference to FIGS. 45 (c) to 46 (f). Here, consider a case where the player performs an advertisement display operation that is an operation related to an advertisement. Specifically, the advertisement display operation includes an operation for selecting a “menu” button by the player and “CM display” in the menu screen frame shown in FIG. 32A displayed when the “menu” button is selected. On the CM selection screen displayed after the operation of selecting the “CM” button (corresponding to the CM button touch in the menu “7” (displayed with a circle 7) to be displayed) and the “CM display” button. And selecting an advertisement to be displayed from among a plurality of advertisements. Upon receiving an operation for selecting the “menu” button, the CU control unit 323 displays a menu screen frame including the “CM display” button on the display unit 54.

  Subsequently, when receiving an operation for selecting the “CM display” button in the menu screen frame shown in FIG. 32A, the CU control unit 323 displays an advertisement in such a manner that the area where the “menu” button is displayed can be visually recognized. Set the area. For example, as shown in FIG. 45 (d), the CU control unit 323 sets a display area B in which the “menu” button is not displayed as an advertisement display area. Further, as shown in FIG. 46E, the display control unit 350 selects a CM to be displayed from a plurality of CMs (CM1 to CM6) in the display area B set as the advertisement display area. Is displayed. When the CU control unit 323 receives an operation for selecting a CM from the player, the CM selected by the player (for example, CM1 is selected) is displayed in the display area B within a relatively long time (for example, 15 seconds). (FIG. 46 (f)). Thus, when the player performs an operation of selecting a CM, it is considered that the player wants to actively view the CM. Therefore, the CU control unit 323 displays the advertisement in a relatively large display area. B is set to display within a relatively long time (15 seconds), and the display control unit 350 displays an advertisement based on the setting. However, when the CU 3 accepts selection of an area other than the display area B, or accepts a deposit operation or a card insertion operation, the display is canceled even if the CM is being displayed.

  In this way, the CU control unit 323 sets the advertisement display area so as not to cover the “menu” button, so that the player can always select the “menu” button. Therefore, even if the “CM display” button is selected once and the CM selection screen or the selected CM is displayed, it is easy to log in by selecting the “Menu” button and displaying the menu screen frame. It is possible to shift to operation.

  Next, a case where an advertisement is displayed in the display area C will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case where the player performs a return operation or a leave operation on the CU 3 will be considered. First, the flow of the card return operation will be described. 48 and 49 are diagrams showing screen transitions for explaining the flow of the card return operation for the card unit.

  Referring to FIG. 48, when CU3 receives an operation for selecting a “return” button (corresponding to display target operation “8” (representing 8 surrounded by a circle)) (FIG. 48A), A return confirmation screen frame is displayed (FIG. 48B). In the return confirmation screen frame, a message screen “Do you want to return?” Is displayed. The display of the return confirmation screen frame shown in FIG. 48B overlaps with the “top” button, the “ball rental” button, etc., and the operation of the button is invalid. However, the operations of the “call” button, “game guide” button, and “operation explanation” button may be validated. When the CU 3 receives an instruction to return (an operation for selecting the “Yes” button), the card is returned and a screen for preventing the user from forgetting to remove the cart is displayed (FIG. 49C). That is, the return operation is completed, and the CU 3 determines that the return operation has been accepted. On the other hand, when the CU 3 receives an instruction not to return (an operation for selecting the “No” button), the screen of FIG. 48A is displayed and the game is continued.

  Next, the flow of the leaving operation will be described. FIG. 50 is a diagram showing screen transition for explaining the flow of the leaving operation.

  Referring to FIG. 50, when CU3 receives an operation for selecting a leaving button (equivalent to leaving the display target operation “9” (indicated by 9 circled)) (FIG. 50A), An absence confirmation screen frame is displayed (FIG. 50B). In the absence confirmation screen frame, “Please leave when you leave the seat for a moment. The card will be returned, so be careful not to forget to remove it. "Please come back." The display of the absence confirmation screen frame shown in FIG. 50B overlaps with the “top” button, the “ball rental” button, and the like, and the operation of the button is invalid. However, the operations of the “call” button, “game guide” button, and “operation explanation” button may be validated. When CU3 receives an instruction to leave (an operation to select the “leave away” button), the card is returned and a screen for preventing the user from forgetting to remove the cart is displayed (FIG. 49C). That is, the away operation is completed, and the CU 3 determines that the away operation has been accepted. On the other hand, when the CU 3 receives an instruction not to leave (an operation for selecting the “cancel” button), the screen of FIG. 50A is displayed and the game is continued.

  The CU control unit 323 sets the entire display area of the display unit 54 as an advertisement display area when either the above-described return operation is received or the leaving operation is received. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 47G, the CU control unit 323 sets the display area C that is the entire display area of the display device 54 as an advertisement display area.

  Further, the CU control unit 323 is set to display an advertisement within a relatively long time (for example, 15 seconds). The display control unit 350 displays the advertisement in the set display area C for a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds). In this way, in situations where the player is not facing the gaming machine and does not interfere with the player's operation, such as when the player returns the card or leaves the seat, Display advertisements in a long time.

  Thereby, the advertisement effect with respect to others other than a player can be heightened. However, when the CU control unit 323 receives a selection operation on the screen or when a deposit operation or a card insertion operation is received, the CM display is canceled even within a predetermined time.

<Management of advertising information>
FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram for explaining an advertisement information management method according to the present embodiment. The server of the content management center 800B shown in FIG. 51 (hereinafter referred to as “content management center 800B”) aggregates the reproduction results of advertisements reproduced by the CU 3 and manages them as advertisement information. Here, the advertisement information is information obtained by tabulating the results of music data and image data reproduced by the CU 3 as advertisements. The content management center 800B has a large capacity such as a CPU (not shown) as a control center, a ROM storing a program for operating the CPU and control data, a RAM functioning as a work area of the CPU, and an HDD. An input / output interface and the like are provided for maintaining the consistency of signals with storage devices and peripheral devices. Hereinafter, the advertisement information management method will be described in detail according to the reference numerals (1) to (9) shown in FIG. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the advertisement information is a reproduction result of the image data, and the image data is referred to as “advertisement image”.

  (1) The CU 3 corresponding to the P stand 2 reproduces the advertisement image on the display unit 54. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, “an advertisement image is reproduced on the display 54 of the CU 3 corresponding to the P platform 2” is simply referred to as “an advertisement image is reproduced on the CU 3”. In the example of FIG. 51, the advertisement image A is being reproduced by the CU3 corresponding to the P stand 2a (model ID: model A), and the advertisement image B is reproduced by the CU3 corresponding to the P stand 2b (model ID: model A). This indicates that the advertisement image C is being reproduced by the CU 3 corresponding to the P stand 2c (model ID: model B).

  (2) The CU 3 corresponding to each P stand 2 has reproduction information (for example, information set to “1” at the time of reproduction and “0” at the time of non-reproduction) indicating that the advertisement image has been reproduced, and the reproduced advertisement image. Identification information (for example, the code of the image being reproduced), the CU3 that reproduced the advertisement image, and the specific information (for example, model ID) of the P unit 2 corresponding to CU3 are stored in the storage unit A in association with each other. .

  The identification information of the advertisement image is, for example, an image name and an image code. Specific information for specifying the P base 2 includes, for example, the model ID (model name, model code), manufacturer ID (maker name, manufacturer code), main control security chip ID, and payout control of the P base 2. Including at least one of the security chip IDs. In the following, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the identification information of the advertisement image is an image code, and the specific information of the P platform 2 is a model ID.

  The CU 3 detects that any advertisement image has been reproduced based on the reproduction information, and identifies which advertisement image is the reproduced advertisement image based on the image code, thereby reproducing the reproduced advertisement. Collect image playback results as advertising information. The CU 3 collects the reproduction results as advertisement information by counting the number of reproductions of the reproduced advertisement image based on the number of times the reproduction information is detected and the image code. In other words, the CU 3 collects reproduction results including information on which advertisement images have been reproduced and how many times as advertisement information. The advertisement information collected by the CU 3 may be collected together with information such as the time when the advertisement image is reproduced. By collecting information on the time when the advertisement image was reproduced in the advertisement information, information reproduced at a time that should not be reproduced (for example, time outside business hours) may be excluded from the advertisement information as abnormal data. it can.

  Further, the CU 3 associates the model information of the P unit 2 corresponding to the CU 3 that reproduced the advertisement image with the advertisement information of the collected advertisement image. CU3 memorize | stores the said advertisement information for every advertisement image in the memory | storage part A comprised with internal RAM, a hard disk, etc. FIG. At this time, the advertisement information stored in the storage unit A includes information indicating which advertisement image has been reproduced and how many times in which model. The memory | storage part A is not limited to when provided in CU3, What is necessary is just to be provided in at least any one of P stand 2 and CU3. When the storage unit A is provided in the gaming machine, the storage unit A may be provided in the internal RAM of the main control board 16 of the gaming board 26 or the internal RAM of the payout control board 17 of the game frame 6.

  In addition, although the case where CU3 collects the frequency | count of reproduction | regeneration based on reproduction | regeneration information when collecting advertisement information was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this. For example, the CU 3 calculates the reproduction time based on the time from detection of the reproduction information indicating that the advertisement image has been reproduced until the detection of the end signal indicating the end of the reproduction. It may be collected as advertisement information.

  Further, the CU 3 may associate the area information indicating the reproduction area (advertisement display area) at the time of reproducing the advertisement image with the advertisement information of the advertisement image stored in the storage unit A. The area information includes, for example, information indicating the display area A (small), the display area B (medium), and the display area C (large) as described with reference to FIGS.

  In addition, the CU 3 may include information on the age and sex of the player who played the game while the advertisement image is being reproduced in the advertisement information. For example, the camera 399 captures a player's face image and outputs it to the CU control unit 323. Then, the CU control unit 323 determines the feature amount of the player (for example, the shape and size of each part of the face such as eyes, nose, mouth, and contour) from the captured image obtained by imaging the player. Extract. Here, since the feature amount has a tendency depending on sex and age, the sex and age can be determined. Therefore, the CU control unit 323 estimates the player's age and sex by comparing and collating the acquired feature amount with a predetermined reference value. Of course, when logged in to the management server 140, the player's age and gender information may be read out from the member attribute information stored in association with the member card ID and used.

  As described above, since the CU 3 temporarily stores the advertisement information in the storage unit A, communication between the CU 3 and the unit management computer (hall server) 801 or between the unit management computer 801 and the content management center 800B is interrupted. Even if it occurs, the advertisement information of the advertisement image reproduced by the CU 3 can be continuously stored, and the recovery process can be performed after the communication is restored. That is, the storage unit A of the CU 3 can function as a data buffer for transmitting advertisement information to the unit management computer 801 and the content management center 800B.

  (3) The CU 3 transmits the advertisement information stored in the storage unit A to the unit management computer. Specifically, the CU 3 accepts a request for transmission of advertisement information regularly (for example, once a day) or from the outside (for example, the unit management computer 801, the content management center 800B). Sometimes, or when the CU 3 returns from the offline state to the online state, the advertisement information is transmitted to the unit management computer 801.

  (4) The unit management computer 801 receives advertisement information transmitted from each CU3. The unit management computer 801 associates the received advertisement information with the store information where the P stand 2 is installed. The store information includes, for example, information indicating the size of the store (the floor area of the hall, the number of P units 2).

  (5) The unit management computer 801 of each store transmits advertisement information in which the store information is associated with the advertisement information received from the CU 3 to the content management center 800B. Specifically, unit management computer 801 receives a request for transmission of advertisement information from the outside (for example, content management center 800B) periodically (for example, a predetermined time once a day). Alternatively, when the unit management computer 801 returns from the offline state to the online state, the advertisement information is transmitted to the content management center 800B.

  (6) The content management center 800B receives advertisement information from the unit management computer 801 installed in each hall under a predetermined condition and totals the information for each hall. Specifically, the content management center 800B periodically (for example, a predetermined time once a day), or sends a request for sending advertisement information to the unit management computer 801, or the content management center 800B. The advertisement information is received from the unit management computer 801 when returns from the offline state to the online state. Then, the content management center 800B stores the advertisement information aggregated for each hall in the storage unit B as an advertisement performance table. In other words, the content management center 800B receives the advertisement information transmitted from the unit management computer 801 of each hole, aggregates the advertisement information for each hole, accumulates it in the advertisement performance table stored in the storage unit B, I manage advertising information. The content management center 800B totals the advertising information under a predetermined condition that the advertising information is totaled for each hall. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the advertising information is totaled for each gaming machine manufacturer. In addition, it may be a predetermined condition that the advertisement information is aggregated for each model.

  FIG. 52 is a schematic diagram of an advertisement performance table according to the present embodiment. In the advertisement performance table shown in FIG. 52, advertisement information of advertisement images reproduced by the CU 3 corresponding to the P platform 2 installed in the hall is stored for each hall. The advertisement performance table includes information indicating the model, the number of times of reproduction, the reproduction time, the reproduction area, and the gender of the player for each advertisement image. 52, information on the age of the player such as their 30s or 40s may be added to the advertisement performance table shown in FIG. Here, the advertisement information of the store A will be described as a specific example. In the store A, the advertisement image A is played 12 times in the display area B (medium) during the male game in the CU 3 corresponding to the model A, and the playback time is 180 seconds, and is displayed during the female game. It is shown that the area C (large) was reproduced eight times and the reproduction time was 120 seconds. Further, it is shown that the advertisement image A is not reproduced by the CU3 corresponding to the model B and the model C.

  The advertisement image B indicates that the CU3 corresponding to the model B was played 20 times in the display area A (small) during the game of a woman, and the playback time was 80 seconds. The advertisement image C is reproduced five times in the display area C (large) during the male game in the CU3 corresponding to the model C, the reproduction time is 75 seconds, and the display area B (medium) during the female game. It is shown that the playback time was 45 seconds. The advertisement image D is played 10 times in the display area A (small) during the male game in the CU3 corresponding to the model A, and the playback time is 40 seconds. In the CU3 corresponding to the model B, the male game is played. It is played 6 times in the display area A (small), and the playback time is 24 seconds. In the CU3 corresponding to the model C, it is played 3 times in the display area B (medium) during the game of the woman, and the playback. It shows that the time was 45 seconds.

  Since the content management center 800B has an advertisement performance table including such various information, it is possible to provide appropriate information for various calculation methods of the advertisement fee that provided the advertisement. In the example of FIG. 52, the content management center 800B can provide appropriate information for a method in which the advertising fee is calculated according to, for example, the number of times of reproduction, the reproduction time, the reproduction area, and the size of the amusement store. .

  (7) Referring again to FIG. 51, the content management center 800B determines that the advertisement image and the model ID of the P device 2 that is permitted to reproduce the advertisement image on the CU 3 corresponding to the P device 2. It further includes a storage unit C that stores a correspondence information table indicating the correspondence.

  FIG. 53 is a schematic diagram of a correspondence information table according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 53, the advertisement image A is permitted to be reproduced only by the CU3 corresponding to the model A, the advertisement image B is permitted to be reproduced only by the CU3 corresponding to the model B, and the advertisement image C is The reproduction is permitted only in the CU3 corresponding to the model C, and the advertisement image D indicates that the reproduction is permitted in the CU3 corresponding to the model A, the model B, and the model C, respectively. For example, the advertisement image D is an advertisement unrelated to the gaming machine manufacturer and is reproduced without depending on the model. However, the advertisement image A is an advertisement of a gaming machine manufacturer that manufactures the model A, and is reproduced only on the CU3 in which the model A is installed.

  Referring again to FIG. 51, content management center 800B typically stores a correspondence information table as shown in FIG. 53 in storage unit C based on information input from a gaming machine manufacturer. . In response to a request from the content management center 800B, the gaming machine manufacturer displays a correspondence information table between the model ID of the shipped P unit 2 and the advertisement image permitted to be played on the P unit 2 in the content management center. Send to 800B. Alternatively, when the gaming machine manufacturer ships the P unit 2, it is shipped when the shipping information is input to the machine history management center 800 </ b> A (see FIG. 3) that manages the shipping history of the P unit 2. A correspondence information table between the model ID of the P device 2 and the advertisement image permitted to be reproduced on the P device 2 is transmitted to the content management center 800B. The content management center 800B stores the received correspondence information table in the storage unit C. As described above, the content management center 800B can easily acquire the correspondence information table from the gaming machine manufacturer. In addition, since the correspondence information table is input when the gaming machine maker ships the P units 2, the content management center 800B can reliably acquire the correspondence information table. The content management center 800B may acquire the correspondence information table via the machine history management center 800A as well as the case where the correspondence information table is directly acquired from the gaming machine manufacturer.

  (8) Based on the advertisement performance table stored in the storage unit B and the correspondence information table stored in the storage unit C, the content management center 800B determines that the advertisement image that is not permitted by the P unit 2 is CU3. It is determined whether or not it has been played back. Specifically, the content management center 800B determines whether or not there is advertisement information about an advertisement image that is not likely to be reproduced on a certain model P unit 2. In the example of FIGS. 52 and 53, the advertisement images A, B, C, and D are all played back by the CU3 corresponding to the model for which playback is permitted. Therefore, the content management center 800B manages the advertisement images. It is determined that there is no abnormality. On the other hand, for example, when there is advertisement information indicating that the advertisement image A is reproduced by the CU 3 corresponding to the model B, the content management center 800B determines that the advertisement image that is not permitted in the model B is displayed. It is determined that it is being played back, and an abnormality is notified. Specifically, the content management center 800B informs the administrator of the presence of abnormal advertisement information or notifies the store of abnormal advertisement information to notify the abnormality. Note that the condition for determining that the advertisement information is abnormal is not limited to the above-described conditions. For example, a playback time that cannot be used as advertisement information (one playback is one hour, etc.) or advertisement information can be used. There may be conditions such as no number of playbacks (1000 times per minute). Moreover, as conditions for determining that the advertisement information is abnormal, there is advertisement information transmitted from an unregistered store.

  Further, the content management center 800B may transmit the correspondence relationship information table stored in the storage unit C to the unit management computer 801 or each CU 3 installed in the store. Then, the CU 3 may perform control so as not to reproduce an advertisement image that is not permitted for the model by comparing and collating the model of the connected gaming machine with the correspondence information table.

  (9) The content management center 800B outputs, to the outside, advertisement information having no abnormality among advertisement information stored in the storage unit B when necessary. Specifically, the content management center 800B transmits the advertising information to the request destination in response to the request for transmitting the advertising information to the management organization that manages the advertising fee based on the advertising information. Further, the content management center 800B may periodically transmit the advertisement information to the request destination instead of transmitting the advertisement information to the request destination in response to the request to transmit the advertisement information. As a transmission destination of the advertisement information, for example, a company that distributes an advertisement fee for providing an advertisement image based on the advertisement information is assumed. Since the content management center 800B is connected to the history management center 800A via the key management server 800 as shown in FIG. 3, when advertising information is output to the outside, the content management center 800B passes through the history management center 800A. The advertisement information may be output to the outside.

<Encryption key used for communication between key management server and communication control IC>
Next, an encryption key used for communication between the key management server and the communication control IC will be described. FIG. 54 is a diagram for explaining an encryption key used for communication from the key management server to the communication control IC 325a. First, encryption keys used for communication between the key management server and the communication control IC 325a mainly include a board shipment key, a board initial key, a board authentication key, a main authentication key, a temporary authentication key, and an effective key (commercial). , Communication key 1 (session key) and communication key 2 (session key). The board shipment key is used for communication between the CU control unit and the SC, and is used only for encryption of a communication test message before shipment. The board initial key is used for communication between the CU control unit and the SC, and is received by the CU control unit 323 during the initial communication with the hall server, and stored in the RAM of the CU control unit 323. The SC 325b generates a substrate initial key from the embedded information at the time of manufacture and stores it in the RAM. Authentication communication (substrate initial key mode) using the substrate initial key is permitted (timed operation) only for a limited period. Here, in the board initial key mode, as described above, it is necessary to communicate normally with the hall server at least once to acquire the board initial key, and thus security is ensured.

  Here, the “limited period” is a limited period of two days, for example. In this way, by enabling timed operation, even if the key cannot be exchanged with the key management server immediately after the system is installed in the hall, the hall will start operating immediately after the system is installed. It becomes possible. In addition, as a limited period, you may set the period defined in one day, for example to every morning from 9:00 to 17:00.

  The above-described board initial key mode has a restriction that enables authentication communication using the board initial key for a limited period of time, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the amount of money that can be used ( Card balance or cash) may be limited. Alternatively, when the number of symbol variations in the variable display device reaches a certain number, the game may be forcibly terminated and the gaming machine may be controlled to be disabled. Alternatively, when the cumulative number of jackpots reaches a certain number, the game may be forcibly terminated and the gaming machine may be controlled to be disabled. In addition, it may be possible to allow only a game by inserting cash and prevent a game using the remaining card amount, or to limit the game to a game using a holding ball.

  The board authentication key is an encryption key that is used for communication between the CU control unit and the SC and is received as part of the board security information from the key management server. By performing authentication communication using the board authentication key, the communication mode (board authentication key mode) is switched from the timed operation using the board initial key to the permanent operation (normal operation). This board authentication key is stored in the RAM of the CU control unit and the RAM of the SC.

  In both the timed operation using the board initial key and the permanent operation using the board authentication key, the CU control unit 323 receives the valid key stored in the hall server, and the SC 325b receives the valid key as the communication control IC 325a. This is realized by enabling communication between the P platform and the CU.

  This authentication key is used for communication between the SC and the communication control IC, is generated by the SC 325b from the update information received from the key management server, and is stored in the RAM of the SC 325b. The communication control IC 325a is also similar to the SC 325b. Are generated from the update information and stored in the RAM of the communication control IC 325a. Note that this authentication key may be acquired from a key management server or the like. Further, the CU control unit 323 and the communication control IC 325a may generate themselves without receiving update information from a key management server or the like. In addition, the CU control unit 323 and the communication control IC 325a themselves generate predetermined second data by acquiring predetermined first data from a key management server or the like, and this authentication key is obtained from the first data and the second data. You may make it produce | generate.

  The temporary authentication key is used for communication between the SC and the communication control IC, and until the authentication key is generated (or until a set allowable time (for example, two days) elapses), the SC 325b and Used for encryption communication with the communication control IC 325a. The encrypted communication using the temporary authentication key (temporary authentication key mode) is allowed (timed operation) only for a limited period (for example, 2 days). SC 325b and communication control IC 325a store temporary authentication keys in their respective ROMs from the manufacturing stage. The valid key (commercial) is a key that is received by the SC 325b via the CU control unit 323 and transmitted (set) to the communication control IC 325a during initial communication with the hall server. Communication with P devices becomes possible by setting the effective key. The valid key is data for activating the communication control IC 325a. In other words, the valid key is permission information for permitting communication between the CU and the P platform.

  The communication key 1 (session key) is used for communication between the CU control unit and the SC, is used for business message communication for gaming machines, and is created every business day by the SC 325b using some variable. For example, a counter value (random number) or date / time information may be used as the variable. The communication key 2 (session key) is used for communication between the SC and the communication control IC, and is used for business message communication for gaming machines.

  Note that even if the key described above has a configuration in which the key data is embedded in each part as it is, the information for generating the key data is stored in each part. The key data may be generated by using the key.

  Next, a method for acquiring an encryption key and a method for performing encrypted communication using the acquired encryption key will be described. First, the SC 325b acquires an effective key via the CU control unit 323 at the first communication with the hall server. The SC 325b transmits (sets) the acquired effective key to the communication control IC 325a, thereby enabling communication with the P units. The CU control unit 323 receives the board initial key at the first communication with the hall server, and stores it in the RAM of the CU control unit 323. The SC 325b generates a substrate initial key from the embedded information at the time of manufacture and stores it in the RAM. The SC 325b performs cryptographic authentication with the CU control unit 323 using the acquired substrate initial key, and performs cryptographic communication with the CU control unit 323 in a timely manner using the substrate initial key. In addition, the hall server that has received the connection request sent from the CU control unit 323 when the power is turned on returns a unified store code for identifying the game arcade where the hall server is installed to the CU control unit 323. Specifically, the unified store code is transmitted from the input / output interface of the hall server to the CU control unit 323 according to the control of the CPU of the hall server.

  On the other hand, authentication is performed between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b using the board manufacturer code stored as initial information in both. The board manufacturer code is a code that identifies the manufacturer that manufactured the security board 325. A board connection request and a board connection response are exchanged on the condition that the authentication using the board manufacturer code is successful (see FIG. 58). The unified store code is included in the board connection request transmitted from the CU control unit 323 to the SC 325b, and the SC 325b acquires the unified store code by receiving the board connection request.

  Next, the CU control unit 323 requests the board security information from the key management server and receives the board security information transmitted from the key management server via the hall server, so that the board security information is included in the board security information. Get the board authentication key. The CU control unit performs cryptographic authentication with the SC using the acquired board authentication key, and performs cryptographic communication with the SC using the board authentication key. Note that the CU control unit 323 does not change the key from the board initial key to the board authentication key immediately after obtaining the board authentication key, but on condition that the gaming machine is in a non-operating state as described later. Change the key.

  The board authentication key may be generated by the CU control unit 323 itself instead of being acquired from the key management server or the like, and the CU control unit 323 itself acquires predetermined first data from the key management server or the like. Predetermined second data may be generated, and a board authentication key may be generated from the first data and the second data.

  Next, SC 325b performs cryptographic communication with communication control IC 325a using the stored temporary authentication key. Then, the SC decrypts the update information acquired from the key management server by performing cryptographic communication with the CU control unit using the board authentication key, and inquires about the board inquiry number. If the inquiry board inquiry number matches, the SC generates a main authentication key from the update information and performs cryptographic communication with the communication control IC 325a using the generated main authentication key. The authentication key is not stored in the communication control IC 325a from the time of shipment, and is generated from the update information in the same manner as the SC 325b.

  Next, the SC notifies the CU control unit of the communication key 1 and performs communication with the CU control unit using the communication key 1 so that business message communication with the gaming machine is possible. It becomes. In addition, the SC sets an effective key for the communication control IC, thereby receiving a notification of the communication key 2 from the communication control IC and performing communication with the communication control IC thereafter using the communication key 2. As a result, business message communication with the gaming machine becomes possible.

<Main sequence in communication between CU control unit and SC>
Next, a process executed by the CPU in the CU control unit 323 and a process executed by the security chip (SC) 325b will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 55, a description will be given of the startup process when the CU control unit 323 is turned on and the hall is installed. FIG. 55 shows a sequence when the power supply is first turned on after the CU 3 is installed in the game arcade, and in particular, a startup sequence at the time of hall installation using the board initial key will be described.

  First, when the power of the CU3 is turned on, the CU control unit 323 and the SC325b are activated. When the power is first turned on when CU3 is installed in the amusement hall, the CU control unit 323 receives the board initial key A from the host device (specifically, from the hall server), the MAC key of the board initial key A, the valid Acquire a key (for commercial / P shipment). Here, the board initial key A is an encryption key that is downloaded from the hall server and stored in the CU control unit 323 when first communicating with the host device after being delivered to the amusement hall, and is installed in the key management center. This is an encryption key used for communication between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b until the board information (board serial ID and board authentication key) stored in the key management server is acquired. The board initial key A is decrypted using the board manufacturer code, while the MAC key of the board initial key A is similarly decrypted using the board manufacturer code. Such decryption is performed by a decryption method conforming to the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption method.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b execute a board manufacturer code authentication sequence, a board initial key authentication sequence, and a security board information inquiry sequence.

  The board manufacturer code authentication sequence authenticates the board manufacturer code between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b using a challenge / response method. After processing the board manufacturer code authentication sequence, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board initial key acquired from the hall server as the encryption key, perform the board initial key authentication sequence, and perform authentication when the board initial key authentication is completed. It becomes. Detailed processing of the board initial key authentication sequence will be described later.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b perform the security board information inquiry sequence using the board initial key obtained from the hall server as the encryption key, and the acquisition is OK when the security board information can be obtained. The security board information is acquired from the key management server of the key management center, and includes a board serial ID, a board authentication key, and the like. Details of the security board information inquiry sequence will be described later. The board authentication key is an encryption key that is downloaded from a key management server installed in the key management center and used for communication between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b. The key management server stores the board authentication key in association with the board serial number or the like.

  When the security board information can be acquired by the security board information inquiry sequence, the SC 325b performs authentication with the communication control IC 325a.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board initial key acquired from the hall server as the encryption key, perform a communication key exchange sequence, and exchange a communication key for business message communication.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the substrate initial key as the encryption key, perform a communication key exchange sequence, and generate a communication key. In the communication key exchange sequence, the substrate authentication key is used as the encryption key when the substrate information can be acquired in the substrate information acquisition sequence. However, when the substrate information cannot be acquired, the substrate initial key is used as the encryption key for a limited time. Specifically, the communication key is generated using a random number and current time data. The method for generating this communication key (session key) is not limited to random number and current time data, but any variable data other than the key used for mutual authentication between encrypted communication devices can be used. Also good. Note that the communication key exchange sequence is for exchanging a key (communication key) used for encryption communication with a gaming machine in order to enable gaming by the gaming machine, and detailed processing will be described later.

  When the communication key can be generated by the communication key exchange sequence, the SC 325b acquires the gaming machine chip information from the communication control IC 325a.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the communication key acquired from the communication key exchange sequence as the encryption key, perform a gaming machine chip information inquiry sequence, and inquire / notify gaming machine chip information. The gaming machine chip information includes a main control chip number and a payout control chip number. Detailed processing of the gaming machine chip information authentication sequence will be described later.

  By performing the above processing, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b can perform business message communication with the gaming machine. By performing business telegram communication with this gaming machine, gaming can be performed on the gaming machine. The business message communication with the gaming machine is operated using a communication key (session key). The communication at this time is time-limited communication as described above, and is allowed only for a certain period (for example, 2 days). The communication mode performed through the above processing is the restricted communication mode (substrate initial key mode (substrate initial key operation)). If a certain period (for example, 2 days) is exceeded in this timed operation, the temporary operation is stopped and the overage is notified from the SC 325b to the key management server via the CU control unit 323 and the hall server. The

  Thereafter, the CU 3 makes a recovery request to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 sends a response (recovery response) of the recovery response including the previous last transmission serial number, the previously inserted card ID, and the previous card insertion time to the CU 3. Send back.

  Next, referring to FIG. 56, the power-on / normal startup process of the CU control unit 323 will be described. FIG. 56 shows a sequence when the power is normally turned on after the CU 3 is installed in the game arcade, and in particular, a startup sequence using a board authentication key will be described.

  First, when the power of the CU3 is turned on, the CU control unit 323 and the SC325b are activated. When the power is first turned on after the CU 3 is installed in the amusement hall, the CU control unit 323 receives the board serial ID key, the board from the host device (specifically, from the key management server via the hall server). The MAC key of the authentication key version, the board authentication key A, and the board authentication key A is acquired. The board serial ID key is decrypted using the board initial key, the board initial key A is decrypted using the board serial ID, and the MAC key of the board initial key A is similarly decrypted using the board serial ID. Is done. Such decryption is performed by a decryption method according to the AES encryption method.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b execute a board manufacturer code authentication sequence, a board authentication key authentication sequence, and a security board information inquiry sequence.

  The board manufacturer code authentication sequence authenticates the board manufacturer code between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b using a challenge / response method. After processing the board manufacturer code authentication sequence, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b perform the board authentication key authentication sequence using the board authentication key acquired from the key management server as the encryption key. Detailed processing of the board authentication key authentication sequence will be described later.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b perform the security board information inquiry sequence using the board authentication key acquired from the key management server as the encryption key only when the key is updated.

  The SC 325b performs authentication with the communication control IC 325a when the board authentication key can be authenticated by the board authentication key authentication sequence and there is no key update, or when there is a key update and authentication can be performed by the security board information inquiry sequence. .

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board authentication key as the encryption key, perform a communication key exchange sequence, and generate a communication key. Specifically, the communication key is generated using a random number and current time data. The method for generating this communication key (session key) is not limited to random number and current time data, but any variable data other than the key used for mutual authentication between encrypted communication devices can be used. Also good. Note that the communication key exchange sequence is for exchanging a key (communication key) used for encryption communication with a gaming machine in order to enable gaming by the gaming machine, and detailed processing will be described later.

  When the communication key can be generated by the communication key exchange sequence, the SC 325b further acquires gaming machine chip information from the communication control IC 325a.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the communication key acquired from the communication key exchange sequence as the encryption key, perform a gaming machine chip information inquiry sequence, and inquire / notify gaming machine chip information. The gaming machine chip information includes a main control chip number and a payout control chip number. Detailed processing of the gaming machine chip information authentication sequence will be described later.

  By performing the above processing, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b can perform business message communication with the gaming machine. By performing business telegram communication with this gaming machine, gaming can be performed on the gaming machine. A communication key (session key) is used for business message communication with this gaming machine. Communication at this time is a normal communication mode (board authentication key mode (board authentication key operation)) without restriction as in the restricted communication mode.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 57, a process for turning on the power of the CU control unit 323 and starting at the time of factory shipment will be described. FIG. 57 shows a sequence at the time of factory shipment before the CU 3 is shipped to the amusement hall, and in particular, a factory shipment start-up sequence using a board shipment key will be described. This sequence is a process in the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b that is not connected to the host device at the time of factory shipment.

  First, when the power of the CU3 is turned on, the CU control unit 323 and the SC325b are activated. The CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b execute a board manufacturer code authentication sequence and a board initial key authentication sequence.

  The board manufacturer code authentication sequence authenticates the board manufacturer code between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b using a challenge / response method. After processing the board manufacturer code authentication sequence, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b perform the board initial key authentication sequence using the board initial key as the encryption key. However, since the CU3 is not yet installed in the amusement hall at the factory shipment stage, the CU control unit 323 cannot obtain the base initial key from the hall server of the amusement hall, and as a result, the board initial key authentication is performed. The result is NG.

  After that, since the board initial key authentication sequence is authentication NG, the CU control section 323 sends a board shipment key request command to the SC 325b to request the board shipment key used for testing the security board 325. Send to. After receiving the board shipment key request command from the CU control unit 323, the SC 325b transmits a board shipment key response response including the board shipment key to the CU control unit 323.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b perform a board shipping key authentication sequence using the board shipping key acquired from the SC 325b as the encryption key. Detailed processing of the board shipping key authentication sequence will be described later.

  If the board shipping key can be authenticated by the board shipping key authentication sequence, the SC 325b performs authentication with the communication control IC 325a.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board shipment key as the encryption key, perform a communication key exchange sequence, and generate a communication key. Specifically, the communication key is generated using a random number and current time data. The method for generating this communication key (session key) is not limited to random number and current time data, but any variable data other than the key used for mutual authentication between encrypted communication devices can be used. Also good. Note that the communication key exchange sequence is for exchanging a key (communication key) used for encryption communication with a gaming machine in order to enable gaming by the gaming machine, and detailed processing will be described later.

  When the communication key can be generated by the communication key exchange sequence, the SC 325b acquires the gaming machine chip information from the communication control IC 325a.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the communication key acquired from the communication key exchange sequence as the encryption key, perform a gaming machine chip information inquiry sequence, and inquire / notify gaming machine chip information. The gaming machine chip information includes a main control chip number and a payout control chip number. Detailed processing of the gaming machine chip information authentication sequence will be described later.

  Thereafter, the CU 3 makes a communication test request to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 transmits a communication test response to the CU 3.

  By performing the above processing, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b can communicate with the gaming machine only by the communication test message. By performing communication of this communication test message, a communication test at the time of factory shipment is performed. CU3 that has passed this factory shipment communication test is delivered to the amusement hall, and the first power-on sequence is the hall installation sequence described with reference to FIG. 55, and is executed after obtaining the board authentication key. The sequence is the normal startup sequence described with reference to FIG.

Next, with reference to FIG. 58, processing of the board manufacturer code authentication sequence will be described.
First, the CU control unit 323 transmits a board manufacturer code authentication request 1 command for requesting board manufacturer code authentication to the SC 325b. Since the board manufacturer code authentication is performed using the challenge / response method, the CU control unit 323 requests the challenge code from the SC 325b.

  Upon receiving the board manufacturer code authentication request 1 command, the SC 325b generates a challenge code based on the board manufacturer code, and notifies the CU control unit 323 of the generated challenge code as a response of the board manufacturer code authentication response 1.

  Upon receiving the board manufacturer code authentication response 1 command, the CU control unit 323 generates a response code based on the challenge code, and notifies the generated response code to the SC 325b using the board manufacturer code authentication request 2 command. Specifically, the response code is generated by encrypting the challenge code received using the board manufacturer code as a key.

  The SC 325b that has received the board manufacturer code authentication request 2 command checks the response code (specifically, if the challenge code is extracted by decrypting the response code using the board manufacturer code as a key), the challenge code matches. Assume that the check result is OK. Then, the check result is notified to the CU control unit 323 as a response of the board manufacturer code authentication response 2. At this time, the CU control unit 323 acquires authentication log information such as a board manufacturer code authentication result from the SC 325b.

  On the other hand, if the challenge codes do not match, the check result is NG (inappropriate). In that case, the authentication is repeated n times, and SC 325b becomes a no-response state (HALT) in the case of NG for n times continuously, and the board authentication key and the main authentication key are cleared (see FIG. 71). After entering the no-response state (HALT), the SC 325b does not authenticate with the communication control IC 325a, and repairs are performed at the factory.

  The CU control unit 323 notifies the SC 325b of the CU control unit specific information (unified store code, unit number, current time), and transmits a board connection request command for requesting connection with the gaming machine.

  After receiving the board connection request command from the CU control unit 323, the SC 325b retains the information on the unified store code, the bedtime, and the current time, and when the previous unified store code matches, the CU control unit 323 A response of the board connection response notifying that the connection request has been accepted (OK) is returned.

  On the other hand, when it does not coincide with the previous unified store code, a response of the substrate connection response notifying that the connection request is not accepted (NG) is returned to the CU control unit 323, and the substrate stored in the RAM While clearing the authentication key, a transition is made to a substrate initial key mode (see FIG. 55), which is a mode for proceeding with the substrate initial key as an encryption key. At this time, the CU control unit 323 acquires authentication log information such as a board connection request result from the SC 325b.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 59, processing of an authentication sequence for a substrate initial key or a substrate shipping key will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 59, in the state of the substrate initial key mode, which is a mode for proceeding with processing using the substrate initial key as an encryption key, authentication using the basic initial key is performed in FIG. In the case of the substrate shipping key mode, which is a mode for proceeding with processing using the key as an encryption key, authentication using the base shipping key is performed in FIG. Therefore, “/” in FIG. 59 is a symbol representing either one. The CU control unit 323 sends a board initial key / board shipment key authentication request 1 command for requesting authentication information to the SC 325b. The command of the board initial key / board shipping key authentication request 1 is not encrypted, but may be encrypted using the board initial key / board shipping key as the encryption key.

  The SC 325b that has received the command of the board initial key / board shipping key authentication request 1 encrypts the random number A of the authentication information with the board initial key or the board shipping key and sends the H-MAC with the MAC key to the CU control unit 323. It calculates and returns with the response of the board initial key / board shipment key authentication response 1.

  The CU control unit 323 that has received the board initial key / board shipping key authentication response 1 command decrypts the random number A of the authentication information and checks the MAC in order to verify the board initial key or board shipping key.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 encrypts the random number B of the authentication information with the board initial key or the board shipping key, calculates the H-MAC with the MAC key, and requests the board initial key / board shipping key authentication request to the SC 325b. Send with command 2. The command of the board initial key / board shipping key authentication request 2 is encrypted using the board initial key or the board shipping key as the encryption key.

  The SC 325b that has received the command of the board initial key / board shipping key authentication request 2 decrypts the random number B of the authentication information and checks the MAC in order to verify the board initial key or board shipping key to the CU control unit 323. To do. The SC 325b returns an authentication result to the CU control unit 323 as a response of the board initial key / board shipment key authentication response 2. At this time, the CU control unit 323 acquires authentication log information such as a board initial key authentication result and a board shipping key authentication result from the SC 325b.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 60, processing of the authentication sequence of the board serial ID and the board authentication key will be described.

  First, the communication between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b is performed in the state of the board authentication key mode, which is a mode in which processing is performed using the board authentication key as an encryption key. The CU control unit 323 authenticates the board serial ID to the SC 325b. The command of the board serial ID authentication request 1 for requesting is sent. Since the board serial ID authentication is performed using a challenge / response method, the CU control unit 323 requests a challenge code from the SC 325b.

  The SC 325b that has received the command of the board serial ID authentication request 1 generates a challenge code based on the board serial ID, and notifies the CU control unit 323 of the generated challenge code as a response of the board serial ID authentication response 1.

  The CU control unit 323 that has received the command of the board serial ID authentication response 1 generates a response code based on the challenge code (specifically, generates a response code by encrypting the challenge code using the board serial ID as a key), The generated response code is notified to the SC 325b by the command of the board serial ID authentication request 2.

  Upon receiving the board serial ID authentication request 2 command, the SC 325b checks the response code (specifically, decrypts the response code using the board serial ID as a key and extracts the challenge code), and the challenge code matches. If the check result is OK. Then, the check result is notified to the CU control unit 323 by the response of the board serial ID authentication response 2. If the check result is NG, the SC 325b notifies the CU control unit 323 that the check result is included in the authentication result in the board authentication result notification and the board authentication result response, and notifies the NG. At this time, the CU control unit 323 acquires authentication log information such as a board serial ID authentication result from the SC 325b.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 transmits a version information notification command to the SC 325b in order to notify the version information of the board authentication key. Note that the version information notification command is encrypted using the board authentication key as the encryption key.

  Upon receiving the version information notification command, the SC 325b returns a response of the version information response to notify the CU control unit 323 that the version information of the board authentication key has been received. Note that the response of the version information response is not encrypted, but may be encrypted using a board authentication key as an encryption key.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 transmits a command of the board authentication key authentication request 1 for requesting authentication information to the SC 325b. The command of the board authentication key authentication request 1 is not encrypted, but may be encrypted using the board authentication key as the encryption key.

  The SC 325b that has received the command of the board authentication key authentication request 1 encrypts the random number A of the authentication information with the board authentication key and calculates the H-MAC with the MAC key to the CU control unit 323, and the board authentication key authentication. Reply with response 1 response.

  Upon receiving the board authentication key authentication response 1 command, the CU control unit 323 decrypts the random number A of the authentication information and checks the MAC in order to verify the board authentication key.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 encrypts the random number B of the authentication information with the board authentication key, calculates the H-MAC with the MAC key, and transmits it to the SC 325b with the command of the board authentication key authentication request 2. The command of the board authentication key authentication request 2 is encrypted using the board authentication key as the encryption key.

  Upon receiving the board authentication key authentication request 2 command, the SC 325b decrypts the random number B of the authentication information and checks the MAC in order to verify the board authentication key to the CU control unit 323. Then, the SC 325b returns an authentication result as a response of the board authentication key authentication response 2 to the CU control unit 323.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 transmits a board authentication result notification command to the SC 325b in order to notify the board authentication result. The board authentication result notification command is encrypted using the board authentication key as the encryption key. The board authentication result notification command notifies the SC 325b of the board serial ID authentication and the board authentication key authentication result.

  The SC 325b that has received the board authentication result notification command transmits a board authentication result response command to the CU control unit 323 in order to notify the board serial ID authentication and the board authentication key authentication result. The board authentication result response command is encrypted using the board authentication key as the encryption key. At this time, the CU control unit 323 acquires authentication log information such as a board authentication result from the SC 325b.

  Next, FIG. 61 is a diagram for explaining a process in the case of inquiring about security board information. Referring to FIG. 61, first, the CU control unit 323 transmits a security board inquiry instruction notification command to the SC 325b in order to request information for inquiring of the host device. Note that the security board inquiry instruction notification command to be transmitted is encrypted using the board initial key or the board authentication key as the encryption key.

  The SC 325b that has received the security board inquiry instruction notification command notifies the CU control unit 323 of information (board serial number and inquiry information) for inquiring of the host device (specifically, the key management server via the hall server). A response of the security board inquiry result is returned to the CU control unit 323. Note that the response of the security board inquiry instruction notification to be returned is encrypted by using the board initial number or board authentication key as the board serial number as the encryption key, and the CU control unit 323 and the hall server cannot decrypt the key (hereinafter referred to as the key). The query information is encrypted with a “secret key”. As a result, the inquiry information can be decrypted and decrypted only by the key management server.

  Upon receiving the response of the security board inquiry result, the CU control unit 323 receives the information (the board serial number and the board serial number and the security management board 325) from the host device (specifically, the key management server via the hall server) based on the board serial number and the inquiry information. Query information) and wait for a response from the host device. While inquiring about security board information, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b do not wait for a response from the host device, and process the next step (for example, communication control IC authentication processing, gaming machine chip information authentication processing, gaming machine Business message processing, etc.), and necessary processing is performed when security board information is received.

  Thereafter, when receiving the inquiry result of the security board information (board serial ID and board authentication key) from the host device, the CU control unit 323 notifies the security board information to the SC 325b. Specifically, the CU control unit 323 transmits a security board information notification command including the board serial ID and the board authentication key, which is the inquiry result, to the SC 325b. Note that the security board information notification command to be transmitted is encrypted using the board initial key or the board authentication key as the encryption key.

  After receiving the security board information notification command, the SC 325b confirms the inquiry number and sends a response of the security board information result to notify the CU control unit 323 that the security board information notification command has been normally received. Send back. The key update information is used at the next reset. The response of the security board information result to be returned does not need to be encrypted. However, in the case of encryption, a board initial key or a board authentication key is used as the encryption key.

  Thereafter, if the reception result is OK, the CU control unit 323 stores the board serial ID key and the board authentication key A and uses them as authentication key information at the next reset. In addition, the CU control unit 323 acquires authentication log information for board information inquiry and board information notification.

Next, the processing of the gaming machine chip information inquiry sequence will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the CU control unit 323 transmits a gaming machine chip inquiry instruction notification command for inquiring gaming machine chip information to the SC 325b. Note that the gaming machine chip inquiry instruction notification command to be transmitted does not have to be encrypted, but when encrypted, a communication key is used as the encryption key.

  On the other hand, the SC 325b acquires gaming machine chip information from the communication control IC. Thereafter, the SC 325b that has received the gaming machine chip inquiry instruction notification command has completed the acquisition of the gaming machine chip information, so the response of the gaming machine chip inquiry result including the information of gaming machine chip inquiry result = OK is CU controlled. Reply to part 323. The gaming machine chip information includes a main control chip ID, a payout control chip ID, and the like. Note that the response of the returned gaming machine chip inquiry result is that the main control chip ID and the payout control chip ID are encrypted with the secret key, and other information is encrypted using the communication key as the encryption key.

  After that, when receiving the response of the returned gaming machine chip inquiry result, the CU control unit 323 includes the main control chip number and the payout control chip number in the host device (key management server or hall server: see FIG. 54). Queries gaming machine chip information and waits for a response from the host device. During the gaming machine chip information inquiry, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b execute the processing of the next step (business message processing with the gaming machine) without receiving a response from the host device. Since it takes time (for example, about 2 hours) to inquire about gaming machine chip information, the operation of the gaming machine cannot be stopped during that time, so the next step processing is not performed without a response from the host device. (Business message processing with game machine) is executed. It should be noted that during the gaming machine chip information inquiry, even if a reset operation (for example, operation of a reset button (not shown) or power-on, etc.) is performed, the gaming machine chip inquiry instruction notification request is not issued again.

  After that, when receiving the matching result of the gaming machine chip information from the host device, the CU control unit 323 notifies the SC 325b of the matching result. Specifically, the CU control unit 323 transmits a gaming machine chip information notification command including a matching result to the SC 325b. Note that the gaming machine chip verification result notification command to be transmitted is encrypted using the communication key as the encryption key.

  After receiving the gaming machine chip information notification command, the SC 325b returns a response of the gaming machine chip information result to notify the CU control unit 323 of the gaming machine manufacturer code and model code when the collation result is OK. Note that the response of the gaming machine chip information result to be returned is encrypted using the communication key as the encryption key.

  At the same time, the CU control unit 323 obtains an authentication log such as a gaming machine chip information inquiry and a gaming machine chip information collation result included in the gaming machine chip information result from the SC 325b.

Next, with reference to FIG. 63, the processing of the sequence of the board authentication key authentication abnormality will be described.
First, when the power of the CU3 is turned on, the CU control unit 323 and the SC325b are activated.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b execute a board manufacturer code authentication sequence and a board authentication key authentication sequence.

  The board manufacturer code authentication sequence authenticates the board manufacturer code between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b using a challenge / response method. After processing the board manufacturer code authentication sequence, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b perform the board authentication key authentication sequence using the board authentication key acquired from the key management server as the encryption key. If the board authentication key authentication is authentication NG, the SC 325b clears the board authentication key information as an authentication error.

  Thereafter, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b execute a board initial key authentication sequence. At this time, the communication of the board initial key authentication sequence is encrypted using the board initial key as the encryption key.

  When the authentication of this board initial key authentication sequence is OK, the security board information inquiry sequence, the communication key exchange sequence, the gaming machine chip information inquiry is performed in the same manner as the hall installation start-up sequence shown in FIG. Processing such as a sequence is performed, and business message communication with the gaming machine becomes possible. The subsequent communication is encrypted using the communication key as the encryption key.

  Note that the SC 325b notifies the key management server 801 of an alarm “abnormal board authentication key update” indicating that the authentication of the board authentication key sequence is authentication NG.

  Next, FIG. 64 is a diagram for explaining processing of a security board information inquiry timeout sequence.

  First, the CU control unit 323 transmits a security board inquiry instruction notification command to the SC 325b in order to request information for inquiring of the host device. Note that the security board inquiry instruction notification command to be transmitted is encrypted using the board initial key or the board authentication key as the encryption key.

  The SC 325b that has received the security board inquiry instruction notification command notifies the CU control unit 323 of information (board serial number and inquiry information) for inquiring of the host device (specifically, the key management server via the hall server). A response of the security board inquiry result is returned to the CU control unit 323. The response of the security board inquiry instruction notification to be returned is encrypted using the board serial number as the encryption key and the board initial key or the board authentication key, and the inquiry information is encrypted with the secret key. As a result, the inquiry information can be decrypted and decrypted only by the key management server.

  Upon receiving the response of the security board inquiry result, the CU control unit 323 receives the information (the board serial number and the board serial number and the security management board 325) from the host device (specifically, the key management server via the hall server) based on the board serial number and the inquiry information. Query information) and wait for a response from the host device. While inquiring about security board information, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b do not wait for a response from the host device, and process the next step (for example, communication control IC authentication processing, gaming machine chip information authentication processing, gaming machine Business message processing etc.).

  After that, the CU control unit 323, when receiving the security board information inquiry result (board serial ID and board authentication key) from the host device, times out the waiting time for the security board information inquiry, the CU 3 2 transmits a status information request command for requesting information on the second status. The status information request command is encrypted using a communication key as an encryption key. The SC 325b that has received the status information request command acquires the gaming machine chip information of the P unit 2 via the communication control IC 325a.

  Then, the SC 325b returns a response of the status information response to the CU 3. At this time, the SC 325b returns a status information response including “board inquiry present” indicating that the security board information is requested to the key management center.

  In response to the above-described security board inquiry, the CU control unit 323 transmits a security board inquiry instruction notification command to the SC 325b in order to request information to make an inquiry to the host device. Note that the security board inquiry instruction notification command to be transmitted is encrypted using the board initial key or the board authentication key as the encryption key.

  The SC 325b that has received the security board inquiry instruction notification command notifies the CU control unit 323 of information (board serial number and inquiry information) for inquiring of the host device (specifically, the key management server via the hall server). The response of the security board inquiry result is returned to the CU control unit 323 again. The response of the security board inquiry instruction notification to be returned is encrypted using the board serial number as the encryption key and the board initial key or the board authentication key, and the inquiry information is encrypted with the secret key. As a result, the inquiry information can be decrypted and decrypted only by the key management server.

  Upon receiving the response of the security board inquiry result, the CU control unit 323 receives information on the security board 325 (board serial number and Query information) and continue to wait for a response from the host device.

  Next, FIG. 65 is a diagram for explaining processing of a gaming machine chip information inquiry (collation) timeout sequence.

  First, the CU control unit 323 transmits a gaming machine chip inquiry instruction notification command to request information (specifically, gaming machine chip information) for inquiring of the host device to the SC 325b. Note that the gaming machine chip inquiry instruction notification command to be transmitted is encrypted using a communication key as an encryption key.

  On the other hand, the SC 325b acquires the gaming machine chip information from the communication control IC, and then the SC 325b that has received the gaming machine chip inquiry instruction notification command inquires of the host device (specifically, the key management server via the hall server). In order to notify the CU control unit 323 of information (main control chip information and payout control chip information), a response of the gaming machine chip inquiry result (authentication OK) is returned to the CU control unit 323. Note that the response of the game machine chip inquiry instruction notification to be returned is encrypted with the main control chip ID and the payout control chip ID using a secret key, and the other information is encrypted using a communication key as an encryption key.

  The CU control unit 323 that has received the response of the gaming machine chip inquiry result sends the gaming machine chip information (mainly the main management chip information and the payout control chip information) to the host device (specifically, the key management server via the hall server). Control chip information and payout control chip information) and wait for a response from the host device. While inquiring about the gaming machine chip information, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b do not wait for a response from the host device, and process the next step (for example, authentication processing of the communication control IC, authentication processing of the security board information, gaming machine Business message processing, etc.) and the processing necessary when the gaming machine chip information is received.

  However, after that, the CU control unit 323 determines that the waiting time for the gaming machine chip information inquiry has timed out before receiving the gaming machine chip information inquiry result (main control chip information and payout control chip information) from the host device. The CU 3 transmits a status information request command for requesting information on the status of the P platform 2. The status information request command is encrypted using a communication key as an encryption key. The SC 325b that has received the status information request command acquires the gaming machine chip information of the P unit 2 via the communication control IC 325a.

  Then, the SC 325b returns a response of the status information response to the CU 3. At this time, the SC 325b returns a status information response including “chip information inquiry present” indicating that an inquiry to the key management center for gaming machine chip information is requested.

  In response to the above gaming machine chip information inquiry, the CU control unit 323 transmits a gaming machine chip inquiry instruction notification command to the SC 325b in order to request information for inquiring of the host device. Note that the gaming machine chip inquiry instruction notification command to be transmitted is encrypted using a communication key as an encryption key.

  Upon receiving the gaming machine chip inquiry instruction notification command, the SC 325b notifies the CU control unit 323 of information (main control chip information and payout control chip information) for inquiring of the host device (specifically, the key management server via the hall server). In order to do this, the response of the gaming machine chip inquiry result is sent back to the CU control unit 323 again. Note that the response of the game machine chip inquiry instruction notification to be returned is encrypted with the main control chip ID and the payout control chip ID using a secret key, and the other information is encrypted using a communication key as an encryption key.

  The CU control unit 323 that has received the response of the gaming machine chip inquiry result sends the gaming machine chip information (mainly the main management chip information and the payout control chip information) to the host device (specifically, the key management server via the hall server). Control chip information and payout control chip information) and continue to wait for a response from the host device.

  Characteristic parts of the sequence between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b described with reference to FIGS. 55 to 65 will be described below.

  There is a “board initial key authentication sequence” (see FIG. 55) as a sequence executed after the CU 3 is received and installed in the amusement hall. This "Board Initial Key Authentication Sequence" is obtained by downloading the board initial key from the host device (hall server) and authenticating using the board initial key when the power is turned on for the first time after being installed in the amusement hall. Sequence. On the condition that the authentication result of this board initial key authentication sequence is OK, the “security board information inquiry sequence” is executed using this board initial key (see FIG. 55). The board authentication key is downloaded and stored from the host device (key management server) by this security board information inquiry sequence, and thereafter, various authentication sequences, communication key exchange sequences, etc. are executed using this board authentication key, and the communication key is obtained. Using this, business message communication with the gaming machine is executed (see FIG. 56).

  On the other hand, as a result of executing the security board information inquiry sequence (see FIG. 55) using the board initial key, the board authentication key may not be acquired. The board authentication key is sent to the key management server by the CU manufacturer when the CU manufacturer ships CU3 to the game hall, and stored in the key management server. The board authentication key stored in advance in the key management server is downloaded and stored, but the transmission of the board authentication key from the CU manufacturer to the key management server may be delayed for some reason. In addition, when the CU3 installed in the amusement hall attempts to download the board authentication key by executing the security board information inquiry sequence, an unexpected situation occurs between the key management server and the CU3 and communication is impossible. May be offline. In such a case, the board authentication key cannot be downloaded.

  If the board authentication key cannot be downloaded and the actual operation such as business message communication with the gaming machine after that cannot be performed at all, operational problems such as a decrease in the operating rate at the amusement hall occur. Therefore, when such an unforeseen situation occurs, control is performed so that the temporary operation of the actual operation can be performed using the board initial key which is a temporary authentication key. Specifically, the communication key exchange sequence is executed using the board initial key acquired from the host device (specifically, the hall server), and the communication key (session key) is generated using the random number and the time data. Then, the communication key (session key) is shared between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b, and business message communication is performed using the communication key (session key), and actual operation control is performed. The actual operation control using the communication key exchanged using the board initial key is allowed only for a certain period because the board initial key is a temporary key and the board authentication key cannot be obtained. Temporary operation is controlled. Specifically, actual operation control using this board initial key is allowed for only two days, and when the board authentication key cannot be obtained even at the time of power-up on the third day, the subsequent control is stopped, Control is performed to notify that an abnormality has occurred and to notify the hall server or hall management computer that an abnormality has occurred. The temporary operation time limit control that is allowed for a certain period of time (for example, two days) with the board initial key is that the board initial key is stored in the hall server, so that at least the CU control unit 323 has the hall server. It is allowed in a state where it is guaranteed that it is connected to

  Further, the above-mentioned “substrate initial key / shipping key authentication sequence” is executed at the time of factory shipment shown in FIG. 59, that is, even at a stage where the board has not yet been carried into the game arcade. When the board initial key authentication sequence is executed at this stage, since the board initial key has not yet been acquired, the result of execution of this board initial key authentication sequence using the board initial key is derived as the NG authentication result. The Then, each sequence after the board shipment key request and the board shipment key response shown in FIG. 59 is executed, and communication between the gaming machine and the communication test message is executed. In other words, it is determined by the “substrate initial key / shipping key authentication sequence” whether the substrate initial key has been acquired or not at the time of factory shipment. The sequence is also effectively used to determine whether the initial stage key has been acquired or whether the initial stage key has not been acquired.

<Main sequence in communication between communication control IC and security chip>
Next, FIG. 66 is a diagram for explaining a business message sequence process between the SC 325b and the communication control IC 325a. With reference to FIG. 66, the processing of SC 325b and communication control IC 325a after CU3 is powered on will be described.

  First, when the power of the CU3 is turned on, the SC 325b and the communication control IC 325a are activated. When activated, the SC 325b performs authentication with the CU control unit 323, and when activated, the communication control IC 325a performs authentication with the gaming machine.

  Thereafter, the SC 325b and the communication control IC 325a perform the communication control IC authentication sequence using the authentication key or the temporary authentication key as the encryption key. In the case of the “temporary authentication key mode” described with reference to FIG. 54, the temporary authentication key is used, and in the case of the main authentication key mode after the main authentication key is generated, the main authentication key is used.

  Thereafter, the SC 325b and the communication control IC 325a perform the security information update sequence using the main authentication key or the temporary authentication key as the encryption key. Further, the SC 325b and the communication control IC 325a perform a gaming machine chip information authentication sequence using the authentication key or the temporary authentication key as the encryption key.

  Thereafter, the SC 325b transmits a communication key request command for requesting a communication key to the communication control IC 325a. The communication key request command is encrypted using the authentication key or the temporary authentication key as the encryption key.

  Upon receiving the communication key request command, the communication control IC 325a generates a communication key (session key) for communicating the business message with the gaming machine, and notifies the generated communication key to the SC 325b in response to the communication key response. Note that the response of the communication key response to be returned is encrypted using the authentication key or the temporary authentication key as the encryption key. Specifically, the communication key (session key) is generated using a random number and current time data. The current time data may be generated by the communication control IC 325a itself or received from another device. The method for generating the communication key (session key) is not limited to the random number and the current time data, and any data may be used as long as it is variable data other than the key used for the above-described mutual authentication.

After the above process is completed, business message communication with the gaming machine becomes possible.
FIG. 67 is a flow for explaining specific control of “authentication by the board authentication key”. Referring to FIG. 67, a series of processes described below is performed between CU control unit 323 and SC 325b.

  In step S201, an authentication process (unit authentication) using a board serial ID is performed using a challenge response method (see board serial ID authentication request / responses 1 and 2 in FIG. 60).

  When the single authentication in step S201 is completed, the key version is checked in the next step S202 (see version information notification / response in FIG. 60).

  When the key version check in step S202 is completed, device authentication using the board authentication key is performed in the next step S203 (see board authentication key authentication request / responses 1 and 2 in FIG. 60).

  When the device authentication process in step S203 is completed, in steps S204, the authentication results in steps S201 to S203 are mutually notified, and the process proceeds to the next step S205 (board authentication result notification / response in FIG. 60). reference).

  In step S205, it is determined whether the notified authentication result is normal. If the authentication result is normal, the process proceeds to step S206. If the authentication result is not normal, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S206, it is further determined whether or not the CU control unit 323 has the security board information acquired from the SC 325b. If the CU control unit 323 has the security board information to be acquired, the process proceeds to step S209 to acquire the security board information. If the security board information is not included, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S209, the board authentication key authentication process between the CU control units 323 and SC325b further shifts to a security board information inquiry process, and the process ends. On the other hand, in step S210, the authentication in the board authentication key mode ends normally, and the process ends. In this case, the game machine chip information is collated between the CU control units 323 and SC325b.

  On the other hand, if the authentication result is not normal in step S205, the process proceeds to step S206. In this step S206, it is determined whether or not the number of retries is the third time. If the number of retries is the third time, the process proceeds to step S208, and the number of retries is not the third time (the number of retries is the first or second time). If so, the process returns to step S201, and the authentication process is performed again.

  In step S208, the SC325b board authentication abnormality is set to a standby state until a reset operation (for example, operation of a reset button (not shown) or power-on). After the reset operation, it is activated again in a mode (substrate initial key mode) in which authentication processing is performed again using the substrate initial key as an encryption key, each authentication processing is performed, and the processing ends. In this case, the business of that day is operated in this board initial key mode throughout the day, and when the power is turned on the next day, a security board information acquisition request is issued again to the key management server to try to acquire the security board information (see FIG. 64). Further, as shown in step S208a, the inquiry process for the security board information may be executed again at this time without waiting for the power-up of the next day. In this case, while the game is progressing by the operation in the board initial key mode, the inquiry process of the security board information is also advanced in parallel.

  FIG. 68A is an example of a flowchart for explaining the communication mode switching process between the CU control unit and the SC. Referring to FIG. 68A, in step S211, the CU control unit 323 requests a board authentication key from the key management server, and the process proceeds to the next step S212.

  In step S212, the CU control unit 323 obtains a board authentication key from the security board information sent from the key management server, and transmits update information in the security board information to the SC 325b, and next step S213. The process proceeds.

  In step S213, the CU control unit 323 determines whether or not the gaming machine is in a non-operating state. When the mode switching process in the next step S214 is performed, the number of balls added / subtracted cannot be communicated with the gaming machine that is executing the switching process, so that the gaming machine is not in operation before the mode switching process in step S214. It is determined whether or not. Whether or not the gaming machine is in a non-operating state is determined based on whether or not a player's card is inserted in the CU. When no card is inserted, the gaming machine is determined to be in an inoperative state, while when a card is inserted, the gaming machine is determined to be in an operating state. If the gaming machine corresponding to the CU control unit 323 is in a non-operating state, the process proceeds to step S214. If the gaming machine corresponding to the CU control unit 323 is not in a non-operating state, the gaming machine is in a non-operating state. Step S213 is performed until.

  In step S214, based on the board authentication key acquired in step S212, the CU control unit 323 advances the process using the board authentication key as the encryption key from the mode in which the board initial key is used as the encryption key (board initial key mode). The communication mode is switched to the mode (board authentication key mode), and the process ends.

  FIG. 68B is an example of a flowchart for explaining a communication mode switching process between the SC and the communication control IC. Referring to FIG. 68B, in step S216, the SC 325b acquires update information from the CU control unit 323. As described above, the CU control unit 323 transmits update information to the SC 325b in step S212. Receiving it, the SC 325b acquires the update information. Next, in step S217, the SC 325b generates this authentication key from the acquired update information. Next, similarly to step S213 described above, in step S218, the SC 325b determines whether or not the gaming machine is in a non-operating state, and executes the process of step S219 on the condition that it is in a non-operating state. In step S219, the SC 325b uses the authentication key as the encryption key from the mode (provisional authentication key mode) in which the temporary authentication key is used as the encryption key for the communication mode between the SC 325b and the communication control IC 325a based on the generated authentication key. Switch to the mode to proceed with the process (this authentication key mode).

  According to such an embodiment, before the authenticity of the CU is authenticated by the board authentication key registered in the key management server, a normal communication mode is entered and the game on the P cards using the remaining card amount is performed. It can be prevented from becoming possible. Furthermore, even when the board authentication key registered in the key management server cannot be received, the restricted communication mode is set and a game on the P units is allowed, so that flexible operation is possible. In addition, in this case, since the game is allowed under a predetermined restriction compared to the normal communication mode, the operation can be performed without requiring authentication with the board authentication key stored in the key management server. It can be prevented from continuing.

  69 (a) and 69 (b) are other examples of a flowchart for explaining the communication mode switching process. Referring to FIG. 69A showing the communication mode switching process between the CU control unit and the SC, in step S221, the CU control unit 323 requests security board information from the key management server, and next step S222. The process proceeds.

  In step S222, the hall server acquires the security board information requested by the CU control unit 323 from the key management server from the key management server, and the hall server acquires the board authentication key from the security board information. Next, in step S223, the hall server determines whether or not the gaming machine corresponding to the CU control unit 323 that has requested the security board information is in a non-operating state for the same purpose as in step S213 described above. When the gaming machine becomes non-operating, the hall server transmits the acquired board authentication key to the CU control unit 323 in step S224, and the CU control unit 323 that has received the update information in the security board information is SC325b. Send to. Next, in step S225, based on the board authentication key acquired in step S2224, the CU control unit 323 performs processing using the board authentication key as the encryption key from the mode in which processing is performed using the board initial key as the encryption key (board initial key mode). The communication mode is switched to the mode (board authentication key mode) to advance the process, and the process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 69 (b) showing processing for switching the communication mode between the SC and the communication control IC, the SC 325b acquires update information from the CU control unit 323 in step S226. As described above, the CU control unit 323 transmits update information to the SC 325b in step S224. Receiving it, the SC 325b acquires the update information. Next, in step S227, the SC 325b generates this authentication key from the acquired update information. Next, in step S228, the SC 325b obtains the authentication key from the mode (provisional authentication key mode) in which the temporary authentication key is used as the encryption key for the communication mode between the SC 325b and the communication control IC 325a based on the generated authentication key. Switch to a mode in which processing is performed as an encryption key (this authentication key mode).

  According to such an embodiment, even when the hall server receives the board authentication key from the key management server in the restricted communication mode, the board authentication key is immediately transmitted to the CU when the P units are in operation. Provided in the restricted communication mode because the board authentication key is sent from the hall server to the CU and switched to the normal communication mode on the condition that the gaming machine is in a non-operating state, instead of switching to the normal communication mode. It is possible to prevent the player from suffering any disadvantages by affecting the game that has been played.

<Authentication operation between SC 325b and CU control unit 323>
Next, the unified store code check and the board manufacturer code authentication will be described in more detail.

  First, with reference to FIG. 70, the unified store code check process by SC325b will be described. This process is an authentication operation in which the SC 325b checks the unified store code notified at the time of the board connection request and the unified store code notified last time, and determines that the installed store has changed when there is a mismatch. The SC 325b determines whether or not the stored previous unified store code is a dummy code (step S1101). For example, all data of the dummy code of the unified store code is “0xFF”. This dummy code is used in place of the normal unified store code at the time of shipment before the CU 3 is installed in the amusement hall (store), and is already stored in the SC 325b at the time of shipment. Then, at the time of shipment, a dummy code is input to the SC 325b via the CU control unit 323, and the SC 325b determines that the input dummy code matches the stored dummy code and authenticates it. The dummy code is stored as a default in the hall server of the amusement hall as a temporary shop code when a unified store code has not yet been acquired for a newly opened game hall (hall). Then, the dummy code is downloaded from the hall server to the CU 3 installed in the game hall of the newly opened store, and the SC 325b determines that the downloaded dummy code matches the stored dummy code and authenticates it. Allows gaming.

  The hall server that has acquired the regular unified store code transmits the unified store code to the CU control unit 323. Upon receiving the request, the CU control unit 323 transmits the unified store code to the SC 325b when the board connection is requested at the next power-on. Receiving it, SC325b, when determining that the previous unified store code stored is a dummy code (step S1101: YES), updates the memory to the unified store code notified from the hall server at the time of board connection request. However, it does not initialize the board authentication key and the main authentication key information and operates by taking over the previous authentication modes. Thereafter, the SC 325b stores the authentication log information (step S1106). The initialization of the board authentication key and the main authentication key information is a process required when the CU 3 installed in a certain game arcade is moved to another game arcade, but is a dummy code stored in the SC 325b. Is updated to the unified store code, the amusement hall of the newly opened store obtains the unified store code and downloads the unified store code to the CU3. It is not necessary to initialize the key and the authentication key information. Conversely, if the board authentication key and this authentication key information are initialized in such a case, a board authentication key acquisition request is required again, increasing the number of board initial key operations (timed operation) in one business day, and timed operation. There is a disadvantage that the grace period is reduced. In order to avoid such inconvenience, control is performed so that the board authentication key and the main authentication key information are not initialized.

  On the other hand, if the SC 325b determines that the previous unified store code stored is not a dummy code (step S1101: NO), the unified store code notified from the hall server at the time of board connection request and the stored previous store code are stored. It is determined whether or not the unified store code matches (step S1102).

  If the SC 325b determines that the unified store code notified from the hall server at the time of board connection request matches the previous unified store code stored (YES in step S1102), the authentication process is performed on the board initial key. Transition to an authentication sequence, or transition to a board authentication key authentication sequence (step S1103). Note that the SC 325b transitions to the board authentication key authentication sequence when the previous authentication mode is the board authentication key mode, and shifts to the board initial key authentication sequence when the previous authentication mode is any other authentication mode.

  On the other hand, if the SC 325b determines that the unified store code notified from the hall server at the time of board connection request does not match the previous unified store code stored (step S1102: NO), the board authentication key information The authentication key information is initialized (cleared) (step S1104). Such a mismatch in the unified store code occurs when the CU 3 installed in a certain game hall is moved to another game hall. Since CU3 has been moved to another amusement hall, the board authentication key information and the main authentication key information used in the previous amusement hall are initialized (cleared) to ensure security. When the unified store code notified from the CU control unit 323 is changed, the SC 325b sets initialization (clear) of the authentication key in the communication control IC 325a and starts authentication with the temporary authentication key. Note that when the SC 325b initializes (clears) the authentication key information, the communication control IC 325a may also control to initialize (clear) the authentication key information, and particularly performs such control. Without authentication, the SC 325b may not return to the authentication with the temporary authentication key because the SC 325b does not have this authentication key at the next authentication with the communication control IC 325a.

  Further, the SC 325b initializes (clears) the board authentication key information and the main authentication key information in step S1104, and then transitions the authentication process to the board initial key authentication sequence and the temporary authentication key sequence (step S1105).

  In step S1103, the SC 325b transitions the authentication process to the board initial key authentication sequence, or transitions to the board authentication key authentication sequence. In step S1104, the SC 325b stores the authentication log information after transitioning to the board initial key authentication sequence. (Step S1106).

  FIG. 71 is a flowchart for explaining the board manufacturer code authentication operation. The board manufacturer code authentication is an authentication operation in which the SC 325b and the CU control unit 323 perform authentication using the board manufacturer code stored as initial information. Referring to FIG. 71, first, SC 325b and CU control unit 323 perform unit authentication by a challenge / response method using the stored board manufacturer code. (Step S1201). The response code generated at the time of single unit authentication is generated, for example, by performing block encryption of the challenge code using the stored board manufacturer code as a key and then hashing with a hash function.

  The SC 325b determines whether the authentication result obtained by checking the response code generated by the CU control unit 323 with respect to the generated challenge code is normal (step S1202). If the SC 325b determines that the authentication result is normal (step S1202: YES), the SC 325b determines whether it has already been authenticated with the board authentication key (step S1203). On the other hand, when the SC 325b determines that the authentication result is not normal (abnormal) (step S1202: NO), the SC 325b determines whether it is abnormal continuously (eg, three times) n times (step S1204).

  If the SC 325b determines that the board authentication key has already been authenticated (step S1203: YES), the process proceeds to the board authentication key authentication process and maintains the board authentication key authentication sequence (step S1205). On the other hand, if the SC 325b determines that the board authentication key has not been authenticated (step S1203: NO), the process proceeds to the board initial key authentication process (step S1206).

  SC325b returns a process to step S1201, when it is judged that it is not abnormal continuously n times (step S1204: NO). On the other hand, when the SC 325b determines that the abnormality is continuous n times (step S1204: YES), the board authentication key information and the main authentication key information are initialized (cleared) to ensure security (step S1207). . Thereby, the inconvenience that the board authentication key information and the main authentication key information are stolen can be prevented. Thereafter, the SC 325b makes a transition to a board initial key authentication process (step S1208).

  In step S1205, the SC 325b maintains the board authentication key authentication sequence, or transitions to the board initial key authentication process in steps S1206 and S1208, and then saves the authentication log information (step S1209).

<Game history display function>
In the gaming system according to the present embodiment, game histories at a plurality of game halls are displayed on the display device of the game hall such as the display 54 of the CU3, the cellular phone 16A of the player, and the notebook personal computer (hereinafter simply “PC”). It also has a game history display function that is displayed on an information device such as 15A. Hereinafter, the game history display function will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, accumulation of game history in the management server 140, which is a premise of the game history display function, will be described. When the CU control unit 323 of the CU 3 specifies the member card ID and the game hall member ID of the game hall corresponding to the member card ID, the game history, the gaming machine, The game machine ID that can identify the installed game hall is transmitted to the member management computer 120 and the management server 140 outside the game hall.

  The member management computer 120 stores the received game history in association with the game hall member ID in the member-specific game history table shown in FIG. 24B stored in the storage device.

  In addition, the management server 140 acquires the player's face data photographed by the camera mounted on the CU 3, and determines whether or not the face data is stored in the storage unit.

  If the face data is stored, the face ID associated with the face data is specified. If the face data is not stored, a new face ID is issued, and the face ID and face data are stored in association with each other. Store in the department. When the member card ID is specified, the management server 140 associates the face ID with the member card ID and stores them in the storage unit. The management server 140 transmits the specified face ID to the CU3. Then, the management server 140 shows the received game history in the member-specific game history table of FIG. 24B in association with the face ID and, if specified, the member card ID and the gaming machine ID. Stored in the table of the storage unit of the management server 140.

  At the same time, the management server 140 accumulates the received game history in association with the face ID for each game arcade and game machine specified by the game machine ID. In this way, not only when the common member card is being received but also when the common member card is not being received, game histories are transmitted for all games played on the gaming machine, so each gaming hall and each gaming machine As the game history, all game histories in the gaming machine are accumulated. Note that the game history may not be stored in association with the face ID. In this case, the game history that is not associated with the member card ID is accumulated for each gaming machine ID.

  The CU 3 transmits the game history to the management server 140 together with the member card ID or face ID every time a predetermined event occurs. Predetermined events include, for example, depositing money to the CU3, lending a ball by consuming the remaining deposit, card ejection, log-in operation, logout operation, occurrence of jackpot, counting operation, paying out a ball, replay operation, etc. . The game history may be transmitted when the card is returned or when the face ID is changed, instead of being transmitted every time a predetermined event occurs.

  The game history transmitted from the CU 3 to the management server 140 and accumulated in the table of the storage unit of the management server 140 includes the number of out balls (game area) shown in FIG. 82 to be described later in addition to the information shown in FIG. In addition to the number of balls that have been launched), the number of safe balls (the number of prize balls that have been paid out from the gaming machine), the number of jackpots, and the number of starts (the number of times the symbol display has been changed), date, store ID, Stand number, game start time, game end time, prepaid deposit amount, prepaid consumption amount, number of counting balls, number of payout balls, number of replayed balls, number of fired balls, number of winning prizes, number of winning prizes, starting prize Number of winning a prize, number of first hits (number of big hits when there is no shortage during probability change), number of times of probability change, number of time reductions, number of balls out of big hit, number of safe balls during big hit, number of starts during big hit, number of starts during big hit, number of winning prizes during start of big hit, big hit Number of winning prizes, number of winning balls for big hits, number of balls for short / medium during probability change, number of safe balls for probability change, number of start / short start times for probability change, number of starts / short start times for probability change, The number of consecutive big hits that occurred during the short state during probability change.

  Next, the game history display function based on the premise of the game history accumulation in the management server 140 will be described. 72 and 73 are first and second flowcharts showing an outline of the flow of processing in the game history display function, respectively. 74 to 81 and 83 are first to ninth diagrams showing examples of display screens in the game history display function, respectively. FIG. 82 is a diagram showing an example of game histories collected by the game history display function.

  Referring to FIG. 72, when CPU of the information device such as PC 15A or mobile phone 16A determines that the access operation to the game information site is accepted in the browser being executed (YES in step S701), management server 140 Access to the game information site. The game information site is a different site provided by the same management server 140 as the member service site described above with reference to FIGS.

  If the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the access from the information device has been accepted (YES in step S401), it transmits the data on the pre-login top page to the access source information device (step S402).

  The CPU of the information device receives the pre-login top page data from the management server 140 and displays the pre-login top page on the display unit (step S502).

  74, on the top page before login, an input window for inputting a login ID and password, a “login” button for inputting a login operation, a “member registration” button for proceeding to member registration, A “Bulletin Board” button for displaying a bulletin board, and a plurality of buttons (“A Store CR ○○ Details” button, “B Store CR △△ Details” button, “C” Store CR □□ Details ”button) and the like are displayed. Since the member is not specified on the top page before login, a default avatar image is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 72, if the CPU of the information device determines that the “member registration” button has been operated on the top page before login (YES in step S <b> 503), the CPU of the information device transmits a member registration request to the management server 140.

  If the CPU of the management server 140 determines that a member registration request has been received from the information device (YES in step S403), it executes a member registration acceptance process (step S404). The CPU of the information device exchanges information necessary for member registration with the management server 140 in accordance with the member registration acceptance process (step S504). In the member registration acceptance process, for example, the information shown in FIG. In the member registration acceptance process, in particular, the member card ID and the login ID of the common member card are associated with each other.

  Specifically, the CPU of the management server 140 accepts the input of the member card ID that is already issued and described in the common member card possessed by the member player on the page displayed in the member registration acceptance process. If the entered membership card ID is the correct one already stored in the storage unit of the management server 140, the login ID of the newly issued game information site and the password that the player has requested to enter are entered into the membership card. The information is stored in the storage unit of the management server 140 in association with the ID.

  In addition, when the entered membership card ID is different from the registered membership card ID or when the operation button is operated when the common membership card is not owned, the player still issues the common membership card. If it is considered that the user has not received the membership (not registered as a member), the user may be directed to a page for prompting the user to receive a common membership card.

  If the CPU of the information device determines that the “login” button has been operated with the login ID and password entered in the input window on the top page before login (YES in step S505), the entered login ID and password Is transmitted to the management server 140. In the present embodiment, the login ID is the same as the membership card ID shown in FIG. 25A, but is not limited to this, and may be different.

  If the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the login ID and password are received from the information device (YES in step S405), the management server 140 manages the login ID and password if they are correct and stored in the storage unit of the management server 140. Based on the member information indicated by the member card ID corresponding to the login ID stored in the storage unit of the server 140, a My Top page corresponding to the member card ID corresponding to the login ID is generated, and the My The top page data is transmitted to the access source information device (step S406).

  In the present embodiment, in the storage unit of the management server 140, in addition to the player information similar to the information shown in FIG. 24, the avatar is associated with the member card ID and the login ID. Information indicating images, the number of points, favorite game halls, and the like are stored. Specifically, the CPU of the management server 140 identifies information indicating the avatar image, the number of points, and the favorite game hall based on the member information, identifies the best three gaming machines of the favorite game hall, The number of balls acquired in the specified gaming machine is specified, and a my top page including such information is generated.

  The CPU of the information device receives the data of the my top page from the management server 140 and displays the my top page on the display unit (step S506).

  Referring to FIG. 75, on the My Top page, the avatar image of the member, the name of the member, a “bulletin board” button for displaying the bulletin board, the game history of the favorite game hall, or the excellent game history of the whole country A plurality of buttons ("X store CRXX details" button, "X store CR △△ details" button, "X store CR □□ details" button), to display the game history of the member A plurality of buttons (“2013 data” button, “lifetime data” button, “details” button), a “view play data for this day” button, etc. for displaying play data by date of the member concerned Is displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 73, the CPU of the information device determines that the play data browsing operation has been performed by operating the “view play data for this day” button on the My Top page (YES in step S511). In this case, a message indicating that the play data browsing operation has been performed, the login ID, and the date corresponding to the operated “view play data for this day” button are transmitted to the management server 140.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the play data browsing operation has been performed, the login ID, and the date have been received (YES in step S411), the login stored in the storage unit of the management server 140 Based on the member's game history indicated by the member card ID corresponding to the ID, a member play data page of the member card ID corresponding to the login ID corresponding to the date is generated, and the data of the play data page is accessed. The information is transmitted to the original information device (step S412).

  The CPU of the information device receives the play data page data from the management server 140, and displays the play data page on the display unit (step S512).

  Referring to FIG. 76, in the play data page, the date of the game history of the play data, the number of logins to the game information site on the date, and the game history of the date (all games played on that day) Data on the total jackpot number, total number of balls, game time, total number of revolutions, number of investment balls) of all the gaming machines in the field is displayed.

  It should be noted that the play data page may be displayed in such a manner that the game room played on the day, the gaming machine played, and the type of gaming machine can be specified. In addition, a game history for each game hall played on the day and a game history for each type of gaming machine played on the day may be displayed on the play data page in an identifiable manner.

  Referring back to FIG. 73, if the CPU of the information device determines that a game history search operation for searching a game history has been performed (YES in step S513), the fact that the game history search operation has been performed, and The login ID is transmitted to the management server 140.

  If the CPU of the management server 140 determines that a game history search operation has been performed and that it has received a login ID (YES in step S413), the CPU of the management server 140 uses the login ID stored in the storage unit of the management server 140. Based on the member's game history indicated by the corresponding member card ID, a game history list page of the store and model in which the player played to search for the member's game history of the member card ID corresponding to the login ID is generated. Then, the game history list page data is transmitted to the access source information device (step S414).

  The CPU of the information device receives the game history list page data from the management server 140, and displays the game history list page on the display unit (step S514).

  Referring to FIG. 77, the game history list page includes a list of stores where the member has played, buttons for selecting the store (“X store” button, “A store” button, etc.), and the member. A list of models played by the player and buttons for selecting the model (“CR ○○” button, “CRΔΔ” button, “CR ◎◎” button, etc.) are displayed.

  The store and model in which the member played a game, respectively, extracts the game hall and the gaming machine ID from the gaming history associated with the player's membership card ID stored in the storage unit of the management server 140, and from the gaming machine ID It is specified by specifying the model.

  Referring back to FIG. 73, if the CPU of the information device determines that the button for selecting a store or model is operated on the game history list page (YES in step S515), the game history of the selected store or model. Information for specifying the selected store or model (store ID, model ID) and login ID are transmitted to the management server 140 to request display of the store-specific list or model-specific list.

  In the communication between the management server 140 and the information device, the management server 140 uses an ID that can identify the information device for a predetermined period (for example, during the day or a predetermined time) after the login ID is correctly input once. If there is a request from the information device of the ID, the login ID and the member card ID may be specified from the ID and a response according to the request may be made.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the store ID or the model ID and the login ID have been received to request display of the store-specific list or the model-specific list (YES in step S415), the storage of the management server 140 The member card ID corresponding to the login ID of the store or model specified by the store ID or the model ID based on the member's game history indicated by the member card ID corresponding to the login ID stored in the section The store-specific / model-specific game history list page of the member is generated, and the data of the store-specific / model-specific game history list page is transmitted to the access source information device (step S416).

  The CPU of the information device receives the store / model-specific game history list page data from the management server 140 and displays the store-specific / model-specific game history list page on the display unit (step S516).

  Referring to FIG. 78, on the store-specific game history list page, a list of member game histories of member card IDs corresponding to login IDs at stores specified by store IDs and respective game histories are selected. Multiple “details” buttons are displayed. In the list, the model of the gaming machine included in each game history, the machine number, the game hall, and the game date are displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 79, the model-specific game history list page includes a list of member game histories of member card IDs corresponding to the login ID of the model specified by the model ID and a plurality for selecting each game history. The “Details” button is displayed. In the list, the model of the gaming machine included in each game history, the machine number, the game hall, and the game date are displayed.

  Referring back to FIG. 73, if the CPU of the information device determines that the “details” button has been operated on the store-specific / model-specific game history list page (step S521), the CPU of the information device requests display of detailed data of the game history. The game history specifying information for specifying the selected game history (information that can specify the game date, the game hall, and the machine number) and the login ID are transmitted to the management server 140.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the game history specifying information and the login ID have been received to request display of detailed data of the game history (YES in step S421), the CPU is stored in the storage unit of the management server 140. Based on the member's game history indicated by the member card ID corresponding to the login ID, a detailed data page of the game history specified by the game history specifying information is generated, and the data of the detailed data page is The information is transmitted to the information device (step S422).

  The CPU of the information device receives the detailed data page data from the management server 140 and displays the detailed data page on the display unit (step S522).

  Referring to FIG. 80, the detailed data page includes a game history (game model name, game hall name, Game date, gaming machine number, game time, game start time, total rotation speed, normal rotation speed, jackpot number, jackpot appearance rate (value of jackpot number divided by total number of rotations), first hit number, first hit Appearance rate (the number of first hits divided by the total number of rotations), rotation rate (the total number of rotations divided by the number of out balls), the number of investment balls, the number of difference balls, the number of MAX balls (the jackpot continues The maximum number of balls that can be played), the number of balls earned, the average number of consecutive big hits, the maximum number of consecutive big hits, the maximum number of rotations (the maximum number of rotations where no big hits occurred), the number of start overflows (the number of reserved memories) Invalid start prize entry that won the start prize entry when the maximum is Number), bonus winning times (number of winning times for general winning mouths), data support index (the number of safe balls in the high base divided by the number of out balls), etc., actual game data of the game history A “to actual game data” button for displaying and a “to slump graph” button for displaying a slump graph of the game history are displayed. In addition, the game history (game history slump graph) including the game history of the total game including the game history of the non-member of the date, the game hall and the unit number indicated by the game history specifying information and the member's game history is displayed. You may do it. In addition, a game history and a slump graph combined with the game history of the total games of the gaming machines may be displayed individually.

  Returning to FIG. 73, if the CPU of the information device determines that the “To actual battle data” button has been operated on the detailed data page (YES in step S523), it displays the game history to request display of the actual battle data. The game history specifying information and the login ID to be specified are transmitted to the management server 140.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the game history specifying information and the login ID have been received to request display of actual battle data (YES in step S423), the login stored in the storage unit of the management server 140 Based on the game history of the member indicated by the member card ID corresponding to the ID, an actual battle data page of the game history specified by the game history specifying information is generated, and the data of the actual battle data page is stored in the access source information device. Transmit (step S424).

  The CPU of the information device receives the actual battle data page data from the management server 140 and displays the actual battle data page on the display unit (step S524).

  Referring to FIG. 81, a table showing the game history of the game history indicated by the game history specifying information and a “view details” button for displaying the detailed data shown in FIG. Is displayed. In the table indicating the game progress, information that can specify the time of log-in, the time when the big hit occurs, the number of rotations between the big hits, and the number of the big hits is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 73, if the CPU of the information device determines that the “go to slump graph” button has been operated on the detailed data page (YES in step S 525), it displays the game history to request display of the slump graph. The game history specifying information and the login ID to be specified are transmitted to the management server 140.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that it has received the game history specifying information and the login ID to request display of the slump graph (YES in step S425), the game stored in the storage unit of the management server 140 The slump of the game history specified by the game history specifying information based on the gaming history of the member and other members indicated by the member card ID corresponding to the login ID of the gaming machine and date specified by the history specifying information A graph page is generated, and the data of the slump graph page is transmitted to the access source information device (step S426).

  Referring to FIG. 82, in the game history stored in management server 140, the accumulated value for each out ball event, which is the number of game balls thrown into the game area, is paid out from the gaming machine. Information on the history of game machines for each car number and games for each member, such as the accumulated value for each safe ball event, which is the number of winning balls, is included. Further, based on the information transmitted from the CU 3, the game history for each member from the start of the game to the end of the game is stored in the storage unit of the management server 140 as a single game history data.

  The start and end of the game, when a common member card is accepted, is determined by the occurrence of a log-in event when accepting the card and a log-out event when the card is ejected, and the common member card is not accepted Is determined by a change in the face ID in the game history when a new event occurs and a change from the face ID to another face ID.

  As described above, the game history is transmitted from the CU 3 to the management server 140 every time a predetermined event occurs together with the member card ID when the common member card is accepted, and is associated with the member card ID. Is stored in the storage unit of the management server 140 and the common membership card is not accepted, the face ID is identified from the face data photographed by the camera of the CU3, and the management server is associated with the face ID. It is accumulated in 140 storage units.

  The slump graph is generated as follows. First, the CPU of the management server reads out out balls and safe balls out of the game history of the specified date, store ID, and unit number from the storage unit, and draws out balls from the safe balls for each predetermined event described above. The value is stored in the storage unit as the number of difference balls for each predetermined event, and the number of difference balls is determined based on the occurrence time (not shown) of the predetermined event stored in the storage unit. A slump graph is generated by plotting in the order of occurrence. Since the face ID is stored in association with the game history, it is possible to indicate which period in the slump graph is the player with which face ID.

  The CPU of the information device receives the slump graph page data from the management server 140 and displays the slump graph page on the display unit (step S526).

  Referring to FIG. 83, the slump graph page includes a slump graph in which the horizontal axis is time (from the start of business to the end of business) and the vertical axis is the number of difference balls, and the game date of the slump graph, "Display together" button to display the game model name, game hall name, information indicating the machine number of the gaming machine, and a slump graph of the same day and the same machine number of other players of the member In addition, a “only you graph” button for displaying only the slump graph of the member is displayed.

  In the slump graph in the present embodiment, the part where the member played is a thick solid line, the part where the related member registered with the above friend function played is a thick wavy line, and the part where other players played is a thin solid line. It is drawn. The total game history of the gaming machine on that date (the game by game machine in one period in the gaming machine) is specified from the slump graph that combines all of the thick solid line, the thick wavy line, and the thin solid line. History). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a slump graph may be drawn so that each player can be distinguished. In addition, the horizontal axis of the slump graph is not limited to time, and may be the number of rotations in which the identification information is variably displayed on the variable display device 278 of the P platform 2 or the number of games in the slot machine 2S.

  In addition, when the “Only you graph” button is operated, the slump graph is displayed in such a manner that only the slump graph of the relevant member is reflected in the slump graph of the same number and the same unit number, and the slump graph of the related member is not reflected. Alternatively, only the slump graph of the member may be displayed, and the slump graph may be displayed in such a manner that the slump graphs of other players with the same number and the same unit number are not displayed.

  Further, as long as the game history for each gaming machine and the game history of the member are displayed in a distinguishable manner, other display methods may be used. For example, in FIG. 83, the slump graph of the member at the gaming machine on the current day and the slump graph including the players other than the member of the gaming machine on the current day are superimposed and displayed. You may make it do. Also, the game history is displayed not as a slump graph but as a number as shown in FIG. 80, so that the game history of the member's number and the game history of the game machine of the day are displayed side by side. Also good.

Next, main effects obtained by the embodiment described above will be described.
(1) Corresponding to gaming machines (for example, pachinko machines, slot machines, enclosed circulation pachinko machines (P 2), slot machines without medals (S 2S)) installed in the game hall and played by players. A game apparatus for receiving a member recording medium on which member identification information for individually identifying a member player who is a pre-registered player is recorded, and the gaming machine installed in a game hall A gaming system that includes a management device that manages a gaming history for each gaming machine and is provided outside the gaming hall,
History specifying information transmitting means (for example, CU3) for transmitting history specifying information for specifying a game history in each gaming machine to the management device;
Member identification information transmitting means (for example, CU3) that transmits the member identification information recorded on the member recording medium received by the gaming device to the management device in an identifiable manner;
The management device
Based on the history specifying information transmitted by the history specifying information transmitting means, a gaming history for each gaming machine that is a gaming history in one period in each gaming machine (for example, gaming time per day, total rotation of the gaming machine) A game history storage unit (for example, stored in the storage unit of the management server 140) for storing each game machine in association with game machine specifying information that can specify each game machine,
Based on the history specifying information transmitted by the history specifying information transmitting means and the member identification information transmitted by the member identification information transmitting means, a member game history (for example, a game history of one member player (for example, Member gaming history storage means (for example, management) that stores the gaming time of the member in the gaming machine, the total number of revolutions, the total number of jackpots, etc. in association with the gaming machine specifying information and the member identification information so as to be specified. Storage in the storage unit of the server 140),
Member identification means for identifying a member player (see, for example, step S405 and FIG. 74 in FIG. 72. The member card ID is identified from the login ID manually input to the mobile phone 16A and the notebook computer 15A by the player. From the common member card The membership card ID is specified by reading it with a card reader of CU 3. It is not limited to receiving it with the mobile phone 16A or the notebook personal computer 15A, but may be received with a game information display terminal for displaying CU 3, game information. )When,
A gaming machine selection accepting means for accepting selection of any one of the gaming machines installed in a plurality of the gaming halls (see, for example, step S413 to step S422 in FIG. 73, and FIGS. 77 to 80). It is not limited to accepting the selection by the telephone 16A and the notebook computer 15A, but the selection may be accepted by the CU3 or the game information display terminal).
Based on the identification of the member player by the member specifying means and the selection of the gaming machine accepted by the gaming machine selection accepting means, the gaming history by gaming machine of the gaming machine and the identified member in the gaming machine Display means for displaying the player's member game history in association with each other (see, for example, step S426 and FIG. 83 in FIG. 73. The personal data is displayed in the form of a slump graph. Using the mobile phone 16A and the notebook personal computer 15A. It is not limited to display, and may be displayed on the CU3, game information data display terminal.

  According to such a configuration, the display means displays the game history for each gaming machine of a plurality of gaming machines and the game history of the member player at the gaming machine in association with each other. For this reason, the player can check the game histories of the gaming machines at a plurality of game halls in association with the gaming histories of the member players at the gaming machines. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming system that can improve the convenience of the player.

(2) In the gaming system of (1) above,
The gaming machine selection accepting means accepts the selection of the game hall from the game halls played by the member player identified by the member identification means, and the member player played at the selected game hall. The selection of the gaming machine from the gaming machines is accepted (see, for example, steps S414 to S421, FIGS. 77, 78, and 80 in FIG. 73).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily select a gaming machine on which a member player has played. As a result, the convenience for the player can be further improved.

(3) In the gaming system of (1) above,
The gaming machine selection receiving means accepts the selection of the model from among the gaming machine models played by the member player specified by the member specifying means, and the member player has played with the selected model. The selection of the gaming machine from the gaming machines is accepted (see, for example, steps S414 to S421, FIGS. 77, 79, and 80 in FIG. 73).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily select a gaming machine on which a member player has played. As a result, the convenience for the player can be further improved.

(4) In the game system according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
The display means displays the gaming machine-specific gaming history and the member gaming history in a plurality of the game halls in a comparable manner (for example, the slump graph of FIG. 83 may be displayed for a plurality of stores. .)

  According to such a configuration, the gaming history of gaming machines and the gaming history of member players in a plurality of game halls are displayed so as to be comparable. For this reason, the player can easily compare game histories in a plurality of game halls. As a result, the convenience for the player can be further improved.

(5) In the gaming system according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The display means includes the gaming machine received by the gaming machine selection accepting means, and another member player different from the member player specified by the member specifying means (for example, a related member player registered in advance, etc. The member game history of the other member player stored in the member game history storage means in association with the member game history of the gaming machine and the member game history of the member player. (For example, in step S426 in FIG. 73, a slump graph is created that reflects not only the member player but also the game history of related member players registered by the friend function. See FIG. 83.) .

  According to such a configuration, the game history of another member player is displayed in association with the game history of the gaming machine and the game history of the member player. For this reason, the player can easily compare with other member players. As a result, the convenience for the player can be further improved.

Next, a modification of the above-described embodiment will be described.
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the game history display function is executed by the information device such as the PC 15A or the mobile phone 16A has been described. In this case, in order to specify the member, the login ID is input on the page shown in FIG. 74, and the member card ID associated with the login ID is specified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the member card ID may be directly input to specify the member card ID.

  Further, the game history display function may be executed on the display 54 of the P stand 2, the display 312 of the CU 3, or the game information display terminal for displaying the game information of the store. In this case, the member card ID may be specified by reading the member card ID from the common member card, and, as in the case of the information device, the login ID is input and associated with the login ID. The member card ID may be specified. Alternatively, login may be performed by inputting a login ID only when a common member card is accepted. In this case, the game history display function may be executed based on a match determination between the read member card ID and the member card ID stored in the management server 140 in association with the login ID.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 83, the game history (for example, slump graph) of one gaming machine is reflected on the member's game history (for example, slump graph) and displayed. did. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the member's game history (for example, slump graph) is reflected and displayed on the average game history, the highest game history, or the minimum game history (for example, slump graph) of the same model of the store on the same day or for a predetermined period. You may make it do. Further, among the gaming machines whose game histories are managed by the management server 140, the member's game history (for example, slump graph) is added to the average game history, the highest game history or the minimum game history (for example, slump graph) of the same model for the same model or the predetermined period. (Graph) may be reflected and displayed. Thereby, it is possible to compare the game history of the player with the game history of the same model at the store or a plurality of stores, and the convenience of the player can be further improved.

  (3) In the embodiment described above, in the information device, when the login ID and the password are entered on the screen shown in FIG. 74 to log in, even if the execution of the game history display function is stopped once, During a predetermined period (for example, during the day), the game history display function may be executed without inputting the login ID and the password again. Thereby, the convenience of the player can be further improved.

  As described in (1) above, when a common membership card is received and a game history display function is executed at the gaming status display terminal, the game history display function can be executed until the common membership card is returned. Configure as follows.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 77, the game history can be searched hierarchically. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured such that a game history can be selected directly from a store and a list of turn numbers.

  (5) When the same member plays a game with the same model at different stores A and B on the same day, the game history (for example, a slump graph) of the member at the stores A and B may be displayed on the same screen. . In this case, the game history of that game machine at the stores A and B, or the average game history, the highest game history, or the lowest game history (for example, a slump graph) of the game machine of the same model or the same day or a predetermined period is also displayed. You may do it. Moreover, you may make it display together the game history (for example, slump graph) of the related member who is playing with the same model of another store. Thereby, the convenience of the player can be further improved.

  (6) According to the game history display function in the above-described embodiment, after moving to another store, it is confirmed what game history the gaming machine that was playing in the original store is thereafter Can do.

  (7) In the embodiment described above, the game history of related members is displayed together as shown in FIG. However, it is not limited to related members, and other players, for example, players of the best game history or players of the same level of game history at the same store or multiple stores are displayed together. It may be.

<Game history post distribution function>
The gaming system according to the present embodiment has a game history posting distribution function for posting a game history on a bulletin board and distributing the bulletin board to information devices such as a mobile phone 16A and a notebook personal computer (PC) 15A of the player. . Hereinafter, the game history posting distribution function will be described with reference to FIGS. 84 to 90.

  84 and 85 are first and second flowcharts showing an outline of the flow of processing in the game history posting distribution function, respectively. 86 to 90 are first to fifth diagrams showing examples of display screens in the game history posting distribution function, respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 84, the CPU of the information device such as PC 15A or mobile phone 16A operates the “bulletin board” button in FIG. 74 and FIG. If it is determined that an operation for displaying a page has been accepted (step S531), the management server 140 is notified that the display of the top page of the bulletin board is requested.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the display page top page display request has been received from the information device (YES in step S431), the bulletin board top page data is transmitted to the access source information device (step S432). .

  The CPU of the information device receives the bulletin board top page data from the management server 140 and displays the bulletin board top page on the display unit (step S532).

  Referring to FIG. 86, the bulletin board top page has an input window for selecting and inputting a category (pachinko, slot) of a gaming machine to be searched, an input window for inputting a keyword to be searched, and a search target. Radio button (title / model name or text / less), “search” button for executing search based on the search conditions set in the input window and radio button, and for displaying the model bulletin board A “model bulletin board” button and a “category bulletin board” button for displaying a category-specific bulletin board are displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 84, when determining that the “model bulletin board” button has been operated on the bulletin board top page (YES in step S <b> 533), the CPU of the information device transmits a model bulletin board display request to the management server 140.

  If the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the model bulletin board display request has been received from the information device (YES in step S433), it transmits the data on the model bulletin board top page to the access source information device (step S434).

  The CPU of the information device receives the model bulletin board top page data from the management server 140, and displays the model bulletin board top page on the display unit (step S534).

  87, on the model bulletin board top page, an input window for selecting and inputting a category (pachinko, slot) of a gaming machine to be searched, an input window for inputting a keyword to be searched, and a search target are selected. Radio button (title / model name or text / less), “search” button for executing a search based on the search conditions set in the input window and radio button, and a list of threads of the model of interest Several buttons (“CR ◎◎” button, “CRΔΔ” button, “CR □□” button) and the like are displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 84, if the CPU of the information device determines that the “search” button is operated on the bulletin board top page or the model bulletin board top page after the search condition is input (YES in step S535), the bulletin board To the management server 140 is transmitted to the management server 140.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the search of the bulletin board is executed and the search condition is received from the information device (YES in step S435), the thread search result page of the bulletin board corresponding to the search condition is displayed as the access source. The information is transmitted to the information device (step S436).

  The CPU of the information device receives the thread search result page data from the management server 140, and displays the thread search result page on the display unit (step S534).

  Referring to FIG. 88, on the thread search result page, a search condition (here, the category is pachinko and the keyword is CR ◎), and a list of search result threads are displayed. The thread list of the search result displays the thread category, the contributor who created the thread, the thread title, and the number of the thread registered as a favorite.

  Returning to FIG. 84, if the CPU of the information device determines that the button for displaying the thread list of any model is operated on the model bulletin board top page (YES in step S537), the selection is made. A request to display a list of threads of the selected model and the model ID of the selected model are transmitted to the management server 140.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the display request of the thread list of the selected model and the model ID have been received from the information device (YES in step S437), the thread search result page of the model with the model ID is displayed as the access source. To the information device (step S438).

  The CPU of the information device receives the thread search result page data from the management server 140, and displays the thread search result page on the display unit (step S538). The thread search result page is the same as the page described in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 85, if the CPU of the information device determines that one of the threads is selected on the thread search result page (YES in step S541), the CPU requests the display of the selected thread. Then, the thread specifying information for specifying the selected thread (for example, the thread ID assigned when the thread is created) is transmitted to the management server 140.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the display (distribution) request for the selected thread and the thread identification information have been received from the information device (YES in step S441), the CPU accesses the thread page data indicated by the thread identification information. The information is transmitted to the original information device (step S442).

  Referring to FIG. 89, the thread page includes the contents of the first post and the less of the thread, the “write less” button for newly posting the less, and the “favorite” for adding the thread to the favorite. "Add to" button is displayed. For the first posting and less of the thread, for example, No. As shown by 2 in FIG. 2, the player's own game history can be pasted (added and posted).

  Returning to FIG. 85, if the CPU of the information device determines that the “write less” button or the “resume this person” button has been operated on the thread page (YES in step S <b> 543), the operated button Is sent to the management server 140, and the thread identification information of the thread is written.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the response corresponding to the button operated from the information device is written and the thread specifying information has been received (YES in step S443), the CPU of the management server 140 operates the thread indicated by the thread specifying information. The data of the less writing page for writing the less according to the button is transmitted to the access source information device (step S444).

  The CPU of the information device receives the data of the less-written page from the management server 140 and displays the less-written page on the display unit (step S544).

  Referring to FIG. 90, the less writing page has an input window for inputting an attached image, an area for displaying the input attached image, and a “recently recent” game history for posting the game history in the thread. ”Play Data” button, “Protected Data List” button for posting protected data of your game history in the thread, “Cumulative data of your game history of your favorite model” in the thread "Favorite model cumulative data" button, an area for displaying the selected game history image, an input window for entering the text to be posted, and a "confirm post content" button for displaying a post content confirmation page Is displayed. In addition, the same page as the less write page is displayed on a page where a thread is newly launched. Note that favorite models are selectively registered in advance. In addition, a button for posting a past game history on a thread by machine type (by manufacturer or by type), by day, or by period may be displayed on the less writing page.

  Returning to FIG. 85, the CPU of the information device performs an operation of selecting play data by operating either the “recent play data” button or the “favorite model cumulative data” button on the less write page (step If it is determined YES in S545, a data transmission request for displaying the selected play data, and play data specifying information for specifying the selected play data (for example, game date, game played) And the information specifying the machine number of the gaming machine that played the game) are transmitted to the management server 140.

  If the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the data transmission request for displaying the selected play data and the play data specifying information have been received (YES in step S445), the selected play data (game history) Is read from the storage unit, and data for displaying the play data on the less write page is transmitted to the access source information device (step S446).

  The CPU of the information device receives data for displaying the play data on the less write page from the management server 140, and displays the play data indicated by the received data on the less write page being displayed (step S546). The displayed play data is included in the posted content when a post confirmation operation described later is performed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to publish only one's own game history by operating the “less recent play data” button in FIG. 90. Here, the game history of the member of one game machine in one game hall is posted. Further, it may be possible to selectively post a game history of one game hall or one game machine.

  When the “favorite model cumulative data” button is operated on the less write page in FIG. 90, the management server 140 identifies the favorite model of the member that has been selectively registered in advance, as in the process of step S446. Then, the play data (cumulative game history data) of the specified model is read, and data for displaying the play data on the less write page is transmitted to the access source information device. The displayed play data is included in the posted content when a post confirmation operation described later is performed. This makes it possible to post the accumulated game history of one model in a plurality of game halls.

  In addition, when the “Protected Data List” button is operated on the less write page of FIG. 90, a list of the play data (game history) of the member stored without being deleted by being protected is displayed. By selecting play data from this list, the play data is displayed on the currently written page. This makes it possible to easily post protected play data that the player wants to disclose.

  Although not shown, a button is provided for selecting whether or not distribution is permitted for each item of the game history, a button for permitting distribution for an item for which a button allowing distribution is operated, and a button not permitting distribution Do not allow distribution of items for which is operated. In this way, it is possible to accept the setting of game history items that allow distribution.

  Also, although not shown, posted information posted by the member (for example, one posted information in the thread in FIG. 89), a bulletin board thread set up by the member (for example, a thread as shown in FIG. 89), and a game For selecting whether or not to disclose information about the member such as the history itself (for example, the member's game history displayed on the page shown in FIGS. 75, 76, 80, 81, and 83). A button is provided. When a button to be disclosed is operated, information on the member is disclosed, and when a button not to be disclosed is operated, information on the member is not disclosed. In this way, it is possible to accept a setting as to whether or not to disclose information relating to the member. In addition, only a part may be made public. For example, it may be set not to be disclosed to friends other than the above-mentioned friend function (related member), or may be set to be disclosed only to a specific member.

  When the avatar displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 88 or the like, the user's login name, or the like is clicked, the page shown in FIG. 75 for the user is displayed. In this case, the page and other game history pages may or may not be browsed depending on the public setting of the user.

  Returning to FIG. 85, when the CPU of the information device determines that the posting confirmation operation has been performed by operating the “confirm posting content” button on the reply writing page (YES in step S551), the posting confirmation The posted content and login ID are transmitted to the management server 140 to the effect that the operation has been performed.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the posting confirmation operation has been performed from the information device, and has received the posted content and the login ID (YES in step S451), the posted content includes a game history other than the person himself / herself. Whether or not (step S452). For example, if the posting person pastes another person's game history copied from another person's post or writes a counterfeit game history into the body of the post, the post contents will include game history other than the person himself / herself .

  Whether or not the posted contents include a game history other than the person in question is determined based on the posted contents in the game history of a member different from the member with the member card ID corresponding to the login ID stored in the storage unit of the management server 140 It is determined whether or not the game history included in is included. Thereby, it is possible to determine not only whether or not another person's game history is included, but also whether or not a forged game history is included.

  If it is determined that the game content other than the person is included in the posted content (YES in step S452), the CPU of the management server 140 stops accepting the posting (step S453). In addition to canceling acceptance of postings, it may be notified that acceptance of postings has been cancelled.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game history other than the person is not included in the posted content (NO in step S452), the CPU of the management server 140 uses the data on the posted confirmation page (not shown) for confirming the posted content. The information is transmitted to the access source information device (step S454).

  The CPU of the information device receives the post confirmation page data from the management server 140 and displays the post confirmation page on the display unit (step S554). The posting confirmation page displays a posting content and a posting confirmation button for confirming the posting content and completing the posting.

  If the CPU of the information device determines that the posting confirmation operation has been performed by operating the posting confirmation button on the posting confirmation page (YES in step S555), it indicates that the posting confirmation operation has been performed, the posted content, and the login. The ID is transmitted to the management server 140.

  When the CPU of the management server 140 determines that the posting confirmation operation has been performed from the information device, the posting content and the login ID have been received (YES in step S455), the posting content is added to the thread and the storage unit (Step S456).

  The processing similar to the processing for posting a reply described in the processing in steps S445 to S456 and steps S545 to S555 in FIG. 85 described above is performed on a page where a thread is newly started. It is also executed in the process of starting up.

Next, main effects obtained by the embodiment described above will be described.
(1) A gaming system including a distribution device (for example, management server 140) that distributes post information relating to a game,
Personal game history storage means (for example, a game history information stored in a gaming machine in which a player has played) is stored in association with player identification information (for example, card ID, mobile ID) that can identify the player. Management server 140 or a server for each store)
A player identification information receiving means for receiving the player identification information (for example, a member card ID corresponding to a login ID manually input to the mobile phone 16A and the notebook computer 15A by the player. The card is read from the card with a card reader of CU3. Received membership card ID.)
The distribution device includes:
Post accepting means for accepting post information including the game history information stored in the personal game history storing means in association with the player specifying information of the one player accepted by the player specifying information accepting means ( For example, see step S451 to step S455 in Fig. 85 and Fig. 90. It is not limited to receiving from the mobile phone 16A and the notebook computer 15A, but may be received from the CU3).
Distribution request reception means for receiving the distribution information distribution request (see, for example, step S441 in FIG. 85, FIG. 86 to FIG. 88. The present invention is not limited to reception from the mobile phone 16A and the notebook personal computer 15A, but may be received from the CU3. Good)
Distribution means for distributing the posting information requested by the distribution request received by the distribution request reception means (see, for example, step S442 in FIG. 85, FIG. 89. Limited to distribution to the mobile phone 16A and the notebook personal computer 15A). And may be distributed to CU3).
Post including the game history information stored in the personal game history storage means in association with the player specification information of another player different from the one player received by the player specification information receiving means Distribution restriction means for restricting the distribution of information by the distribution means (for example, as shown in FIG. 90, only the game history of the player can be posted as shown in FIG. 90. Also, in step S452 of FIG. 85. As shown, make sure that other people ’s game history is not included when you check the post, and only accept posts that do n’t include it. It may not be accepted by the posting acceptance means, or may not be delivered by the delivery means when there is information that is considered to be a game history in the text. Be distributed may not be visible in such as black.) And a.

  According to such a configuration, the game history information on the gaming machine in which the player played a game is stored in association with the player specifying information that can specify the player, and the distribution device allows one player's game information to be stored. Post information including game history information stored in association with player identification information is accepted, post information delivery request is accepted, post information requested by the delivery request is delivered, and is different from one player Distribution of post information including game history information stored in association with player identification information of other players is restricted. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming system capable of improving the operation of the gaming machine by increasing the game motivation of the player by preventing the distribution of the gaming history which is not a fact.

(2) In the gaming system of (1) above,
Post restricting means for restricting acceptance of the posted information including the game history information of other players included in the posted information distributed by the distributing means by the posted accepting means (for example, as shown in step S452 in FIG. 85) In the confirmation of posting, it is confirmed whether or not the game history of others is included, and only postings not included are accepted, not limited to prohibiting acceptance by the management server 140. Further, the acceptance may be prohibited on the 15A side.

  According to such a configuration, acceptance of posted information including game history information of other players included in the distributed posted information is restricted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the posting of a game history post that is not a fact.

(3) In the gaming system of (1) or (2) above,
Distribution permission setting accepting means (for example, a button for selecting whether or not to permit distribution for each item of the game history) that accepts setting of an item that allows distribution by the distribution means among items of information included in the posted information. And an item for which a button for permitting distribution is operated is permitted for distribution, and an item for which a button for which distribution is not permitted is operated is not permitted for distribution.

  According to such a structure, the setting of the item which permits distribution among the items of information included in the posted information is accepted. As a result, information that the player does not want to disclose can be prevented from being disclosed.

(4) In the game system according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
Public setting accepting means for accepting the setting of whether to publish the posted information (for example, a button for selecting whether to publish posted information is provided, and posting is performed when the button for publishing posted information is operated) , And when the button that does not publish post information is operated, the post is made private.).

  According to such a configuration, a setting as to whether or not to post the posted information is accepted. As a result, when the player does not want to make the posted information public, it can be made not to make it public.

(5) In the gaming system according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The posting accepting means can accept the posting information including the game history information at a plurality of game halls (for example, see the description of the “favorite model cumulative data” button in FIG. 90).

  According to such a configuration, posted information including game history information at a plurality of game halls is accepted. For this reason, it is not necessary to post the game history information in a plurality of game halls separately. As a result, the convenience for the player can be improved.

(6) In the gaming system according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
The posting acceptance means can accept the posting information including the game history information of each model (for example, see the description of the “favorite model cumulative data” button in FIG. 90).

  According to such a configuration, posting information including game history information for each model is accepted. For this reason, the game history information of game machines of the same model can be posted together for each model. As a result, the convenience for the player can be improved.

(7) In the gaming system according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
The personal game history storage means stores the game history information from the start of the game to the end of the game as one game history information (for example, transmitted from the CU3 as shown in FIG. 82). Based on this information, the game history from the start of the game to the end of the game is stored in the storage unit of the management server 140 as a single game history data).

  According to such a configuration, game history information from the start to the end of the game is stored as one game history information. This facilitates data exchange. As a result, it is possible to prevent the exchange of data from becoming complicated.

Next, a modification of the above-described embodiment will be described.
(1) In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 90, only his own game history can be posted. In addition, as described in step S452 and step S453 in FIG. 85, when a game history other than the player is included, acceptance of posting is stopped.

  However, it is not limited to restricting the distribution of other players' game histories, but may be configured to restrict distributions other than their own correct game history. In this case, in the process of step S452 of FIG. 85, the game history included in the posted content is included in the game history of the member with the member card ID corresponding to the login ID stored in the storage unit of the management server 140. It is determined whether or not. If it is not included, for example, the distribution is restricted by stopping the acceptance of the posting, while if included, the process for accepting the posting is executed.

  (2) If the game history shown in FIG. 89 is the game history of another person, the posting or distribution of the other person's game history as his / her game history may be restricted by prohibiting copying.

  (3) In step S452 in FIG. 85, a numerical value that is considered to be a game history (for example, terms related to the game history (number of consecutive chants, number of jackpots, etc.) is added to the text of the post shown in FIG. Etc.) is calculated, the degree of coincidence with the game history stored in the storage unit of the member's management server 140 is calculated, and when the degree of coincidence is less than a predetermined value, that is, in the game history of the member If you think that there is not, you may not accept the posting.

<Slot machine>
Next, a slot machine will be described as another example of the gaming machine. FIG. 91 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door of the slot machine is opened. In the description so far, the slot machine is also abbreviated as “S” in the following, because the pachinko machine is abbreviated as “P”.

  The above gaming system using game balls and holding balls is also applied to the S units. However, in the S platform, the game is played without using balls, and hence the game balls will be referred to as game points and the holding balls as points.

  Referring to FIG. 91, slot machine (S units) 2S is provided such that front door 2bS is openable and closable with respect to main body frame 2aS with its left edge as the center of swing. Although not shown in FIG. 91, a CU is connected to the left side of the S base 2S in the same manner as the P base.

  In S 2S, the number of bets is set by using the game points, and the game points are added and updated in accordance with the winning. For this reason, when a game is played on the S platform 2S, a medal insertion operation is not necessary. Therefore, the S stand 2S is not provided with a medal insertion slot and a medal payout opening.

  Inside the casing of the S unit 2S, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter also referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery are juxtaposed in a horizontal direction. Of the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are arranged so that they can be seen from the see-through window provided on the front door 2bS. A plurality of types of symbols are drawn in a predetermined order on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R.

  A touch panel display 510 is provided in a portion surrounding each reel 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 2bS. The display 510 is a display corresponding to the P displays 54, and displays various types of information (game points, points, etc.) of the same type as the display 54, as well as the number of bets set in the game. Is displayed. The display unit 510 is connected to the display control unit 350 of the CU in the same manner as the display unit 54 in FIG. 2 and is controlled on the CU side. The indicator 510 is not provided in a portion surrounding each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, but is provided at a lower panel portion (at a position lower than the start switch 7S shown in FIG. You may provide in the panel part provided with the old medal payout opening of S units.

  Further, the front door 2bS has a single BET switch 5S that is operated when setting the number of bets using “game points = 1” corresponding to one medal, and the maximum determined according to the game state. When setting the number of bets (for example, “game point = 3” in the normal game state before BB occurrence and RT (Replay Time) where the winning probability of replay is high, “game point = 2” in the bonus) The MAXBET switch 6S is operated, the start switch 7S is operated when the game is started, and the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are respectively operated when the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped. Yes.

  In the case of playing a game on the S machine 2S, first, similarly to the P machine, after securing a game point using the adjacent CU, the number of bets is set using the game point. The game points can be obtained by withdrawing the remaining amount of the prepaid card inserted into the CU, points, or a stored medal (corresponding to P stored balls) deposited in the game hall. In order to use the game points, the single BET switch 5S or the MAXBET switch 6S may be operated. In the present embodiment, for example, by setting the number of bets to 1, the game points are deducted by 1, and the display of the game points on the display 510 is also subtracted and updated. When the bet number is set, the pay line determined according to the bet number and the gaming state is valid, and the operation of the start switch 7S is valid, that is, the game can be started.

  When the start switch 7S is operated while the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously change. When any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window.

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is completed, and a predetermined symbol combination (hereinafter also referred to as a role) on the activated pay line is displayed on each reel 2L, 2C, When the 2R display result is stopped, a prize is generated, a game point determined according to the prize is given to the player, and the display of the game point on the display 510 is also added and updated.

  In the case of S units, it is possible to count game points as in the case of P units. As shown in FIG. 1, the S stand 2S is provided with a counting button 28S for counting game points and converting them into points. The ball lending button, card return button, and replay button are displayed on the CU display. The player executes the counting operation based on an arbitrary timing or a display for prompting the counting operation on the display unit 510 in the same manner as the P units. Then, the game points are counted and the display 510 displays a state in which the points are increased while the game points are decreased. The ball lending button may be provided not on the CU side but on the P platform side and the S platform side. In that case, the operation signal of the ball lending button may be directly input to the CU 3 or may be transmitted to the CU 3 as a status information response via the P unit 2 or the S unit (slot machine) 2S. It may be.

  The types of winning combinations are determined according to the state of the game, but can be broadly divided into special roles with a shift to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB), and small roles with payout of medals. And a re-gamer (replay) that allows the next game to be started without the need to set the bet amount.

  Which of a plurality of types of winning combinations is to be won or whether any winning combination is to be excluded is determined by, for example, a main control unit (S) that controls the S base 2S when a start operation is detected. It corresponds to the main control unit 161 of the stand). This determination is made, for example, by drawing a random number generated from a predetermined random number generator or generated on software.

  After that, the main control unit waits for the reel stop operation by the player, draws in the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the predetermined frame number range based on the stop operation time, otherwise draws another symbol Is controlled to stop the three symbols and determine whether or not there is a prize. If the main control base determines that a winning is made, the main control base gives the player game points according to the type of winning (adds game points).

  In other words, the game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using the gaming value by using the S units, and a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified can be displayed in a variable manner. A slot machine in which one game is completed when a display result is derived to the variable display device, and a winning can be generated according to the display result derived to the variable display device, which is displayed on the variable display device Before the result is derived, a predetermining unit that determines whether or not to allow a plurality of types of winnings to be generated, and causing the variable display device to derive a display result according to the determination result of the predetermining unit A slot machine including derivation control means for performing control and giving means for giving a game value when the winning occurs is configured.

  FIG. 92 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various data stored in each of the card unit and the slot machine and its transmission / reception mode. FIG. 92 is obtained by replacing the terminology of FIG. 4 described as the configuration of P units with that for S units, and the mode is the same as that described with reference to FIG. The description of is omitted.

<Modifications and feature points>
Next, modifications and feature points of the present embodiment described above are listed.

  (1) In this embodiment, the addition sequence number and the counting sequence number are defined in the message format as different data, but these may be shared as a request sequence number. In particular, the addition of game balls and the counting of game balls are the opposite processes, so it is unlikely that both processes will occur at the same time. From this point of view, it is possible to reduce the amount of message data by sharing both serial numbers. It is.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when a new request is generated until the request sequence number reaches a predetermined upper limit value, the sequence number is updated based on the previously updated value. However, instead of such control, when all the processes corresponding to one request are completed, the request sequence number may be initialized to a predetermined initial value. For example, in the case of the example in FIG. 15, it is conceivable that the counting sequence number included in the last status information response indicating completion of counting is set to a predetermined initial value instead of m + 6.

  Request sequence numbers such as addition sequence numbers and count sequence numbers, and normal sequence numbers are not counted up one by one, but are updated (additional update, subtraction) according to a predetermined rule stored in both P unit 2 and CU3. Update, update by other arithmetic expressions). In this case, the serial number is not “sequential numbers” such as 1, 2, and 3, but data that is updated based on concepts such as A, B, and C.

  (2) When a slot machine (S units), which is an example of a gaming machine, is applied to the gaming system, for example, a game in which there are P reels and various sensor parts attached to the reels and a main control board that controls the reels. Corresponding to the board, other configurations correspond to P game frames. However, the S units do not require the various detection switches 41a, 701, 33, the launch control board 31, and the launch motor 18 of the game frame shown in FIG.

  The old S units are provided with a credit function. When this function is enabled, credits are subtracted when the number of bets is set, and credits are added when a winning occurs. However, there is an upper limit for credits, and when a winning occurs when the number of credits reaches the upper limit value, medals are paid out from the hopper.

  On the other hand, in the S units according to the present embodiment, game points are subtracted when the bet number is set, and game points are added when a winning occurs. Further, when the game points reach a predetermined number, a display for prompting a counting operation is made, and the gaming points are converted into points by performing the counting operation. For this reason, it is not necessary to pay out medals when the credit reaches the upper limit unlike the conventional S units. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a hopper on the S platform according to the present embodiment.

  As a result, the amusement hall does not need to secure a large number of medals, reducing the economic burden. The game arcade is also freed from operations such as replenishment / collection of medals and maintenance operations to deal with clogged medals. The player is relieved from the hassle of inserting medals for each betting operation after the credit is full, and can easily concentrate on the game.

  On the other hand, if S units become medalless, a player who has won a large number of medals will not be able to act to show off his arms by stacking boxes with medals beside the seat. Inconvenience arises. However, in this embodiment, since the function of displaying the dollar box is provided as described above, it is possible to prevent such inconvenience. In addition, it is desirable for the dollar box display in the case of S units to have a large number of medals loaded instead of a large number of balls.

  When S machines are applied as a gaming machine, each type of data is expressed as follows using two types of data, “Points” and “Game Points”, and “Credit” and “Credit Excess Points”. It is also possible to configure a gaming system that is converted. Note that these four types of data are displayed on the S displays 510 or 29S.

  First, when a conversion operation (lending operation, saving medal payout operation, point payout operation) from the remaining amount of a prepaid card, a saving medal, or a point is detected, each is withdrawn and converted into a game point. The

  A game point is data corresponding to a medal in a conventional slot machine. For this reason, for example, it is desirable to display the number of game points on the display 510 or the display 29S, and to display the number of medal images corresponding to the game points. For example, when a pseudo-insertion medal operation (for example, an operation of pushing a medal) such that a player touches the medal image and inserts it into the slot machine is detected, the medal image disappears and the game points are subtracted. Instead, one bet is set. By performing such a pseudo medal insertion operation three times, the bet number is set to the maximum value of three.

  Thereafter, when a pseudo medal insertion operation is further detected, a credit is added in accordance with the detection. An upper limit value (for example, 50) is set for the credit, and when the credit exceeds the upper limit value, a credit excess point is added.

  The betting amount setting can be performed using the game points as described above, and can also be performed using credits. That is, if the one-sheet BET switch 5S is operated, 1 is added to the betting number setting value and 1 is subtracted from the credit. If the MAXBET switch 6S is operated, the bet number is set to 3, and the credit is subtracted according to the bet number setting.

  As a result of the game, when a winning occurs, a number of points corresponding to the winning is added to the credit. When a winning that exceeds the upper limit of credit occurs, the score for the excess is stored as a credit excess point. This credit excess point corresponds to a medal to be paid out when a prize is generated exceeding the upper limit of credits in the conventional slot machine. For this reason, for example, it is desirable to display the credit excess points on the display 510 or the display 29S and to display the number of medal images corresponding to the credit excess points. Further, it is desirable to change the color of this medal image so that it can be distinguished from the medal image corresponding to the game point.

  Further, it is desirable that the credit excess points are converted into game points by the player's operation. For example, when a pseudo medal conversion operation (for example, an operation of pushing a medal) is performed such that the player touches the medal image corresponding to the credit excess point and converts it to a game point, the medal image disappears and the credit excess Points are subtracted and game points are added.

  Alternatively, if the credit becomes less than the upper limit value, the credit excess point may be automatically converted into credit.

  When the player performs a counting operation, each of the game points, credits, and credit excess points is counted and converted into points. As a result, the player's points are posted as “card possession number + game points + credits + credit excess points”. The “card possession number” is the number of points before conversion (the number of possessions currently owned by the player) that has not been converted into game points.

  In the above description, the four types of data of points, game points, credits, and credit excess points may be stored on both sides by exchanging data between the CU and S units. You may memorize | store only in the S stand side only by CU side. Further, the credit excess point may be a target for dollar box display.

  Moreover, although the example using a credit excess point was demonstrated in the above description, it is not necessary to use a credit excess point. In this case, when the credit limit is exceeded, it may be added to the game points.

  (3) In the present embodiment, game points are added by consuming card power. Alternatively, game points are added by consuming stored balls (stored medals). That is, the card frequency or the stored ball is converted into game points. On the other hand, the card power and the stored balls are not converted into points (count balls, count medals). However, the card power and the stored ball may be once converted into points.

  (4) In the present embodiment, game points are converted into points by counting operation. The conversion rate in this case is 1: 1. However, the conversion rate in the case of conversion may be other than 1: 1. For example, when 100 game points are converted, 97 points obtained by subtracting three of them may be converted into points. Or you may make it convert into the number of game balls obtained by multiplying a predetermined ratio of less than 100% with respect to a point.

  (5) The recording medium for recording the holding point in an identifiable manner may be one using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, the communication unit for communicating with the mobile terminal is provided in the CU, and the CU recognizes the ID stored in the mobile terminal by holding the mobile terminal over the communication unit. The game is made possible by the procedure as described. On the other hand, at the end of the game, the portable terminal is again held over the communication unit, so that the score at the end of the game is added to the player's score through the ID.

  (6) The operation means for counting game points may be provided on the CU side. In this case, the operation means may be displayed on a touch panel, or may be constituted by a physical switch.

  (7) In the present embodiment, when an uncounted game point remains when a card return operation is performed, a message prompting for counting is displayed on the display of P units or the CU side. However, instead of such a configuration, when an uncounted game point remains when the card return operation is performed, the counting display is automatically started and the display on the P table or the CU side is used. It may be notified that automatic counting has started because there are still uncounted game points, or that, in addition, the card will be returned after completion of automatic counting.

  Alternatively, when an uncounted game point remains when the card return operation is performed, it is determined that there is a possibility that the player may leave the table temporarily, and the display (CU side or P stand side) You may display the message which confirms whether it is temporary leaving. Further, the display device may be constituted by a touch panel so that the player can input a response to the message. Furthermore, if the response input is the end of the game, a message prompting the counting operation is displayed. On the other hand, if the response input is temporarily away from the desk, the card may be temporarily ejected while the ID of the card is stored on the CU side, the P platform side, or both. Thereafter, when a card with the same ID is inserted, the game is resumed from the original state.

  (8) During the big hit, the judgment reference value for judging that the number of game balls is full may be increased. In other words, the determination reference value for the full tank determination may be different depending on whether or not the big hit. As a result, it is possible to prevent the number of game balls from rapidly increasing during the big hit, and making a full tank determination immediately to stop firing.

  (9) The number of game balls when a big hit occurs is memorized. During the big hit, even if the criterion value for full tank is exceeded, the increased number of game balls allowed after the big hit has occurred If it is within a value (for example, 1000 balls), it is good also as what does not determine a full tank.

  (10) As the counting operation means for counting the game balls, one that exhibits a counting function when operated a predetermined number of times twice or more may be employed. As a result, erroneous operation can be prevented. Further, in this case, one function may be used to exhibit another function different from the counting function. For example, when there is no operation for a predetermined time (for example, within 1 second) after the operation is performed once, a function to turn on a lamp for calling a store clerk is exhibited, and within 1 second from 1 operation. When the second operation is detected, it is conceivable to perform the counting function.

  (11) “Predetermined processing” of “recording medium processing means for processing so that predetermined processing can be performed using the game point as the holding point when a predetermined recording medium processing operation is detected” , CU processing when using a card ejected from the CU inserted into another CU connected to another gaming machine (processing to withdraw the possessed ball that can be specified by the card and convert it into a gaming ball , Or shared ball processing, or wagon service processing). Alternatively, the “predetermined process” may be a process in which a prize is exchanged by receiving a card with a prize exchange machine for exchanging prizes and consuming the points specified by the card.

  Further, the above-described “recording medium processing operation for processing so that a predetermined process can be performed as a holding point” is, for example, a card return operation. In addition, the “predetermined process” is a process of recording a score so as to be specified on a card inserted in the CU when a card return operation is detected, and returning the card. Here, “recordably specified” means that the score is directly recorded on the card, and the card ID and score are recorded on the server connected to the CU without recording the score on the card. And a method of storing IDs and points in association with each other in the server.

  (12) If a counting operation is performed while the ball is being fired, the counting operation may be invalidated if the number of game balls at that time is equal to or less than a reference value. In addition, even when the number of game balls when the counting operation is detected during the ball firing exceeds the reference value, the number of balls counted in one counting operation is set to a predetermined number If the value obtained by subtracting the predetermined number from the number of game balls when the counting operation is detected is less than the reference value, the counting operation may be invalidated.

  Further, whether or not a game is in progress may be determined based on whether or not a ball launching operation has been detected, and the number of in-game balls (floating balls floating in the game area 27) becomes zero. Whether or not (not in game) or not (in game) may be determined. Further, it is conceivable to determine whether or not the game is in progress based on whether or not the variable display device is changing, whether or not it is a big hit, whether or not the attacker is open.

  Further, “in game” when S units are applied as a gaming machine and the counting operation during the game is invalidated is, for example, a period from the start of rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R to the stop. . Alternatively, it is a period from when the start operation is detected until the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped.

  (13) Referring to FIG. 15, the P platform is provided with a counting ball counter that temporarily stores the counted counting balls (held balls), but does not include a counter that stores the cumulative value of the counting balls. . However, a counting ball cumulative storage counter that stores the cumulative value of counting balls may be provided on the P platform side. In addition, the CU side is provided with an area for storing card holding balls (counting balls). If a holding ball is recorded on the inserted card itself, this area holds the card holding ball. The current number of players' balls, including balls, is stored. For this reason, only in this area, the number of counting balls counted by the player in the current game cannot be specified. Therefore, an area for storing the number of counting balls counted by the player in this game may be further provided on the CU side. In this case, the CU adds balls to the area based on the information on the number of balls that are sent from the P cars after the game starts, and when the balls are converted into game balls, Subtract the holding ball.

  (14) The display for prompting the counting operation in FIG. 16 may be a text “Please count because there are game balls left”, or display the count button 28 on the screen and blink. Such a display may be used. In addition, the P stand 2 that has received the card return preparation state ON may display the game balls on the game ball number display 29 in a blinking manner, or when the game ball number display 29 is configured by an image display device. Alternatively, the message described as the above embodiment may be displayed on the game ball number display 29 to prompt the counting operation.

  (15) In order to change the number of game points to be converted in one operation according to the time for which the count button is kept pressed, for example, when a long press (for example, continuous operation for 1 second or more), While all are counted, only 200 balls may be counted in a short press (for example, continuous operation for less than 1 second). However, in this case, when the remaining number of game balls is small, for example, when it is less than 200 balls, it is desirable that all game balls are counted by operating the counting button.

  (16) Depending on the remaining number of game points, when the number of points counted by one short press operation of the counting button is different, for example, the following may be considered. For example, when the number of game points is less than 200, all the game points are counted by one short press operation of the counting button. When the game points are 200 or more and less than 1000, 200 points are counted by one short press operation. When the game points are 1000 or more and less than 5000, 1000 points are counted by one short press operation. When the game points are 5000 or more and less than 10,000, 2000 points are counted by one short press operation. When the number of game points is 10,000 or more, 2500 points are counted by one short press operation. The above numerical values are specific examples and can be set as appropriate.

  (17) When counting game balls (game points) and converting points, not only counting display but also counting sound may be output from a speaker. In addition, when counting the game points, it is conceivable to display an image in which balls are dropped one by one from the ball storage tray to the counter.

  (18) Timing for performing conversion display (display indicating that game balls are counted and the number of balls is increased) based on the counting operation and subtracting game points on the data The timing for adding the points can be varied. The calculation may be executed after the conversion display is completed. For this purpose, count data may be transmitted from the gaming machine to the CU after the conversion display is completed. It should be noted that such a modification can be similarly applied to the case where the points are converted into game points.

  (19) In the present embodiment, in the communication between the CU and the gaming machine, a command-response method is adopted in which the CU is the primary station and the gaming machine is the secondary station. The relationship between and may be reversed. Alternatively, instead of adopting such a communication system having a master-slave relationship, a system may be employed in which both send data to the other party when a request to communicate occurs.

  (20) In this embodiment, game balls (game points) are stored on both the gaming machine side and the CU side. However, game balls (game points) are stored only on the game machine side, and the CU side. Then, it may not be stored. On the other hand, the card holding balls (scoring points) are stored only on the CU side, but may also be stored on the gaming machine side. In particular, game balls (game points) are stored only on the gaming machine side, while card holding balls (points) are stored only on the CU side to clarify the division of data storage management. Good.

  (21) The counting display and various notifications performed on the display 54 may be performed on the display 312 in the same manner.

  (22) In CU3, the number of game balls stored is updated based on the value of the addition ball counter (addition ball count) and the value of the subtraction ball counter (subtraction ball count) transmitted from the P platform side. When the number of game balls stored is subtracted based on the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P platform side, if the value of the number of game balls becomes negative, an error (abnormal) determination is made. Then, error processing may be performed. As a specific example of error processing, error notification is performed by an abnormality notification lamp or the like, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or hall server 801 (in this case, for hall use). Error notification may be performed by the management computer or hall server 801).

  (23) When a lending operation or a conversion operation (lending operation) from a holding point (holding ball) to a gaming point (game ball) is detected, the gaming points may be counted up one by one. In order to shorten the waiting time of the player, a display may be made so that a plurality of points (for example, 25 points equivalent to 100 yen) are counted up. Conversely, when a game point counting operation is executed, a display may be made so that the points are counted up by a plurality of points. Furthermore, the number of units for counting up and displaying game points or points may be set from a plurality of types. In the setting, it is conceivable to use a touch panel of P or S display devices.

  (24) A touch sensor may be provided on the hitting operation handle, and the counting operation may be invalidated while the player is grasping the hitting operation handle. Invalidating the counting operation means detecting the counting operation but not executing the counting operation based on the detection output, or not detecting the counting operation itself. Or, if the player does not invalidate the counting operation only by touching the hitting operation handle, and if the counting operation is disabled if the hitting operation handle is turned to such an extent that the ball firing drive pulse is output. Good.

  In these cases, when a counting operation is detected, a message “Please release handle” may be displayed on the display of the gaming machine or CU. Alternatively, when the counting operation button is displayed as an icon on the touch panel screen, the counting operation button may be grayed out to notify the player that the operation is impossible.

  (25) At least one or all of the ball lending button, the card return button, the replay button, and the counting button may be provided on the gaming machine side, or may be provided on the CU side. Further, it is conceivable that the button is displayed on the display device on the gaming machine side or the CU side described as the touch panel type display device.

  (26) The gaming system according to the present embodiment includes a point use operation means for executing a predetermined point use process using points. Here, the predetermined score use processing includes processing for executing the wagon service, or processing for dividing and sharing the score (held ball) (processing for dividing and transferring the score to another person). It is a concept. The holding point use operation means is, for example, a touch panel. Alternatively, the point use operation means may be a remote controller that is given to a clerk of the game store to instruct the CU or the gaming machine to execute the point use processing.

  (27) The sequence control shown in FIGS. 6 to 16 is not limited to the transmission / reception sequence between control devices in a single gaming machine such as CU3, P stand 2, S stand 2S, etc., for example, CU3, P You may apply to the transmission / reception sequence between several game machines, such as the stand 2, a jet counter, and a POS terminal.

  For example, when processing related to a game ball addition request is applied between the CU control unit 323 and the security chip (SC) 325b, the CU control unit 323 transmits a game ball addition request message, and consent to this is transmitted. Alternatively, the SC 325b returns a rejection message via the communication control IC 325a based on the response on the P platform 2 side.

  When processing related to a game ball addition request is applied between the security chip (SC) 325b and the communication control IC 325a, the security chip (SC) 325b transmits a game ball addition request message via the CU control unit 323. Then, the communication control IC 325a returns an approval or rejection message for this based on the response on the P platform 2 side.

  When the processing related to the counting request is applied between the CU control unit 323 and the security chip (SC) 325b, the counting request message is sent from the SC 325b to the CU control unit via the communication control IC 325a based on the request on the P unit 2 side. The CU control unit 323 returns an approval or rejection message for the transmission.

  When the processing related to the counting request is applied between the security chip (SC) 325b and the communication control IC 325a, the communication control IC 325a transmits a counting request message based on the request on the P base 2 side, The security chip (SC) 325b returns a rejection message based on an instruction from the CU control unit 323.

  (28) In the above-described embodiment, the identity of the player is determined based on the card ID, but instead of or in addition to that, the identity of the player is determined based on the player's fingerprint, retina and other biomass. A determination may be made.

  (29) In the above-described embodiment, the score transmitted from the gaming machine on condition that the card ID matches the insertion time is stored as the current score by the CU. Control is made so that the score transmitted from the gaming machine is stored as the current score as a further condition that the communication has been started until a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) has passed since the communication was interrupted. May be. Specifically, a timer for measuring a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) after communication between the gaming machine and CU3 is interrupted is provided in the CU control unit 323 at the start of communication between the gaming machine and CU3 (at the time of recovery). It is determined whether or not the timer is still timed (in a state where time is not up), and on the further condition that it is a result of determination that the timer is timed, the score sent from the gaming machine is the current value of the CU. It controls to memorize as a score.

  Further, instead of the insertion time, the CU may store the score transmitted from the gaming machine on condition that the last serial number used between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 matches, as the current score. .

  (30) In the above-described embodiment, the number of game balls and game points are directly added by the occurrence of a win, but instead, the points are added by the occurrence of a win, and the added points are added. It may be controlled to withdraw and add the number of game balls or game points.

  (31) In the above-described embodiment, when the value is withdrawn within the range of the valuable value owned by the player (prepaid balance, holding balls, savings) and the corresponding game points are added, the value withdrawn. However, instead, for example, it may be controlled to add game points that are smaller by the amount equivalent to the consumption tax with respect to the value actually withdrawn.

  (32) In this embodiment, the key management server is installed in the key management center that is remote from the game arcade. However, the key management server may be installed in the game hall. Thereby, compared with the case where a key management server is installed outside the game hall, it is easier to speed up communication between the CU and the key management server, and the occurrence rate of communication failures can be reduced.

  (33) The CU control unit 323 receives board security information (including board authentication key and update information) from the key management server 800 via the hall server 801. However, instead of this, the board security information is transmitted from the key management server 800 to the CU control unit 323 without using the hall server 801 between the key management server 800 and the CU control unit 323. For example, it is conceivable that the key management server 800 and the CU are directly connected to each other, or a relay communication device different from the hall server 801 is provided between the key management server 800 and each CU.

  (34) In the above embodiment, the number of balls automatically counted based on the game interruption operation (simple leaving operation or meal break operation) is temporarily added to the holding ball and written to the card. By doing so, the player who interrupted the game returns, then inserts the card into the original CU 3 again, and converts the holding ball into a game ball 125 by game ball. Shown what can be converted to play games. However, instead, the counting ball automatically counted at the time of the interruption operation is stored by the CU 3 as a custody ball different from the gaming ball and the holding ball (also storing the C-ID and the insertion time), and the holding ball is not added. Discontinue processing by ejecting the card without recording the ball. When the discharge card is reinserted, all the custody balls may be automatically converted into P game balls at once and control may be performed. Alternatively, the custody balls in this case are transmitted from the P platform to the CU based on the interruption operation, stored on the CU side or the hall server side, and automatically from the CU or the hall server when the card is inserted again. It is also possible that information on the custody ball is transmitted to the P platform side and stored as a game ball on the P platform side. Further, in this case, when the information on the custody balls is transmitted, it may be transmitted from the CU to the P units as a game ball addition command.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the number of counting balls automatically counted based on the interruption operation is added to the holding ball and written to the card and then discharged, the interruption flag is recorded on the card. So that you can't exchange prizes with that card. As a method for prohibiting the exchange of prizes as described above, it is also possible to adopt the following method other than using the suspended flag of the card.

  First, when an interruption operation is performed, the information (including the card ID) is transmitted from the CU to the hall server, and the card of the player suspended on the hall server side is stored as an interruption card. At the time of prize exchange, an inquiry is made to the hall server from POS or the like, and the hall server determines whether or not the card used for prize exchange is an interruption card. Alternatively, all interruption card information may be transmitted from the hall server to the POS side in advance. In addition, if the card used for the exchange of the prize is an interrupted card, the exchange of the prize using the card is prohibited.

  (35) In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine determines that the gaming device (CU) is given the game points as the holding points on the condition that the conversion process for all game points is completed (game points = 0). (Processing that accepts a card with a prize exchange machine and consumes the points specified by the card and enables prize exchange, and inserts a card discharged from the CU into another CU connected to another gaming machine. A validating means for validating the recording medium processing operation (card return operation (operation of the card return button 322)) for performing the processing of the CU when used in the same manner.

  (36) In the present embodiment, as an example of the game information, the description has been given by taking the ball number, the game ball, the remaining amount of the card, the storage ball, the number of balls information and the game table information. However, the game information includes other information related to the game on the gaming machine. For example, when a player's favorite character selected or customized by the player can be displayed on variable display means (variable display device) such as the variable display device 278 or the display device 54, information that can specify the character Is also included in the game information. Information on the screen design including the character that matches the player's preference is transmitted to the server at the end of the game in association with the player's card ID and stored, for example, when starting a new game. You may make it download from a server to CU or P stand.

  (37) In the game ball number display 29, a display is made in which the number of balls is decreased one by one in conjunction with the ball firing or counting operation. In addition, the game ball number display 29 displays such that the number of balls increases by one or a predetermined number of units according to a ball lending operation or the like. When the game ball number display 29 is constituted by an image display such as a liquid crystal display device, the number of game balls is not simply displayed digitally, but whether the change in the number of game balls is due to a ball or not is counted. Whether it is due to winning, winning a prize, due to savings, or due to a lending operation, an image according to the type is displayed along with the display update of the number of game balls You may make it do.

  In addition, when the counting operation is performed, the game ball number display 29 performs counting display in conjunction with the counting operation, but when the game ball number display 29 is configured by an image display such as a liquid crystal display device. In the same manner as the display 54, the number of game balls may be counted and the number thereof may be decreased, while an image display in which the number of holding balls is increased may be performed. In this case, as described above as a modification of the display of the display unit 54, the display of the number of game balls converted to the number of balls data over time (for example, a bar graph display), the current The number of game balls and the number of balls are digitally displayed as they are, and the number of balls is increased while decreasing the number of balls, or the display of moving a part of the number of balls to the number of balls is repeated. It is possible.

  (38) As shown in FIG. 16, in the above embodiment, the card return operation detected in the state where the game balls remain is counted by detecting the counting operation in a predetermined waiting period. It is activated after completion and shifts to card return processing.

  On the other hand, as a process in the case where the counting operation is not detected even after the standby period elapses, for example, the previous card return operation may be invalidated. In this case, since the counting operation is not detected even when the standby period elapses, the display on the CU3 or P table 2 side may display that the card return operation has been invalidated.

  Alternatively, the card return operation detected with the game balls remaining may be invalidated regardless of whether the counting operation is detected in a predetermined waiting period. In this case, the card return process may be executed again by executing the card return operation after counting all the game balls in accordance with the counting operation after the card return operation is detected. Alternatively, when the counting of all game balls is completed, or before and after that, a display for prompting a card return operation may be performed on the display on the CU 3 or P stand 2 side.

  In the present embodiment, if even one game ball remains when a card return operation is detected, the processing shown in FIG. 16 is executed. However, the processing shown in FIG. 16 may be executed when the number of game balls remaining when a card return operation is detected is a predetermined number of two or more.

  Further, in the counting operation after the card return operation is detected, the counting display speed of the game balls may be made faster than usual. For example, in a normal counting operation, a display in which game balls are counted one by one is displayed, while in a counting operation after a card return operation is detected, a display in which a plurality of game balls are counted together, or for all games It is conceivable to display such that balls are counted together.

  Further, in the counting operation after the card return operation is detected, not all game balls are counted, but a larger number of game balls than the normal counting operation are counted. It is good. For example, normally, a maximum of 100 game balls are counted as one counting operation, but in a counting operation after a card return operation is detected, a larger number of 200 gaming balls are counted. You may be made to do. Even in this case, when there is a card return operation in advance, the number of counting operations for counting all game balls is reduced compared to when there is no card return operation, and counting of all game balls is completed early. Can do.

  Also, if a card return operation is detected with game balls remaining, even if no counting operation is detected, start counting all game balls, and then proceed to card return processing. Also good. In this case, when counting of all game balls is started, the fact that counting of all game balls is started may be displayed on the P stand 2 or CU3. Alternatively, a message for confirming whether or not the counting of all game balls may be started is displayed, and a predetermined operation (for example, an operation on the touch panel of P stand 2 or CU 3 or a card return operation again) is detected. It is also possible to start counting all game balls on the condition.

  In addition, the card return operation detected during the game (during ball launching) may be invalidated, but the card return operation is not invalidated, and the counting operation during the game is performed on the P platform side. The counting process based on the above may be invalidated.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, CU3 determines whether the number of game balls is 0, when card return operation is detected. However, such a determination may be made by the P base 2. In this case, for example, when a card return operation is detected, data indicating the presence of the card return operation is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2, and the number of game balls stored by the P stand 2 itself is 0. It is determined whether or not. If it is 0, the number of game balls is 0 or data allowing card return is transmitted to CU3, while if it is not 0, the number of game balls is not 0, card return standby or card return prohibition is prohibited. The indicated data is transmitted to CU3.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when operation of a count button is detected, the P stand 2 determines whether card return operation is detected before the detection of the operation. However, such determination means may be provided in the CU3. In this case, for example, when the operation of the counting button is detected, the P base 2 transmits data indicating that to the CU 3. The CU 3 receiving it can be considered to determine whether or not there has been a card return operation within a predetermined period before receiving the data.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the P table 2 detects the counting operation, while the CU 3 detects the card return operation, but the CU 3 detects the counting operation, while the P table 2 detects the card returning operation. Alternatively, both the operations may be detected by the P stand 2 or the CU 3. In addition, both the counting button and the card card return button may be attached to the CU 3 or the P stand 2, and one may be the CU 3 or the P stand 2.

  (39) The presence or absence of a change in the number of holding balls or game balls is checked on the CU or P stand. If the number of holding balls or game balls does not change for a predetermined period, the fact is notified on the CU or P stand. You may do it. Alternatively, a notification signal may be output to an external device (a hall computer, a calling lamp on the P platform). This makes it easier for the store clerk to grasp, for example, a table that has been abandoned while the remaining few balls are left unattended.

  (40) Alternatively, when a player's game ball changes even though the card is not inserted into the CU, the fact may be notified by the CU or P platform. Alternatively, a notification signal may be output to an external device (a hall computer, a calling lamp on the P platform). Thereby, for example, after the game is finished and the card is discharged, it becomes easy for the store clerk to grasp the stand where the ball caught on the game board wins and the game ball is left as it is paid out.

  (41) In the present embodiment, the CU 3 compares and determines the previous game table information and the latest game table information from the P table 2 with the data stored on its own, and the data on the P table 2 side is not improperly flooded. Confirm that the data is correct. If an error determination is made on the CU3 side, such a situation is simply due to the exchange of CU3 (regular data to be compared is not stored in the CU3 after the exchange), and this is based on fraud. Since there is a possibility that it is not a thing, the store clerk confirms the error and cancels the error with a portable terminal device such as a remote control. However, when the CU 3 is replaced with a new one in this way, the CU 3 may not perform the above error determination at all. Alternatively, the above error determination function may not be provided in the CU 3 regardless of whether or not it has been replaced.

  (42) In the present embodiment, a card, which is a recording medium capable of specifying the valuable value owned by the player, is inserted into the card insertion / discharge port 309 at the start of the game, and is removed from the card insertion / discharge port 309 after the game ends. The configuration has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the card may be placed on the card reading unit at the start of the game and removed from the card reading unit after the game ends. In other words, the recording medium receiving means for receiving the recording medium capable of specifying the valuable value owned by the player may be attached to the recording medium receiving means at the start of the game and removed from the recording medium receiving means after the game ends.

  (43) In the present embodiment, the CU 3 notifies the P stand 2 of the information waiting for card removal, and the P display 2 that has received the notification of the information indicates that “please remove the card”. The configuration for notifying the card removal such as displaying on the card has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CU 3 displays “Please remove card” on the display 54 and / or the display 312 while notifying the P stand 2 of information waiting for card removal. It may be configured to notify the card removal on the CU side.

  (44) In the present embodiment, the P stand 2 waits until the card information waiting command including the card removal waiting state = ON until receiving the state information request command including the card waiting waiting state = OFF. The configuration for continuing the notification of sampling has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the P stand 2 is waiting for card removal = after receiving a status information request command including ON, even if a card removal notification is given for a certain period of time, it is still waiting for card removal = The card removal notification may be intermittently performed after the status information request command including ON is received until the status information request command including OFF is received = OFF.

  (45) In the present embodiment, the P stand 2 receives the “store code” and “SC board ID” notified from the security board 325 of the CU 3 when the card is received and communication is restored, and the P stand The configuration has been described in which the “store code” and “SC board ID” held in 2 are determined to match, the recovery process is performed if they match, and the game is prohibited from continuing if they do not match. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the P stand 2 determines whether the “store code” notified from the security board 325 of the CU 3 matches the “store code” held in the P stand 2 or The “SC board ID” notified from the security board 325 of the CU 3 and the “SC board ID” held in the P platform 2 are determined to match, and if they match, recovery processing is performed and a mismatch is detected. In this case, it may be configured to prohibit the continuation of the game.

  (46) On the display 54 of the present embodiment, the avatars of the related member players who are currently playing are displayed, and the game status of each related member player (for example, jackpot, outgoing ball ○○○ departure, ○ Has been described about a configuration (friend function) that periodically receives and displays game information such as game history from the management server 140 or the member management computer 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and game information such as game histories collected in real time by the management server 140 or the member management computer 120 is sequentially transmitted to the CU 3 of the player to play the game status of the related member player. May be displayed on the player's display 54 in real time. Of course, the configuration may be such that the game status of the related member player is directly collected by the player's CU3 and not displayed on the display 54 in real time without going through the management server 140 or the member management computer 120.

  (47) In the present embodiment, the description has been given of the configuration in which the chat function for communicating with the avatar of the related member player communicates using only characters such as words (standard sentences) registered in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the chat function for communicating with the avatars of related member players may be configured to communicate using stamps such as pictures other than characters. Further, the communication is not limited to the two of the player and the related member player, and may be performed between the player and a plurality of related member players of three or more.

  (48) The friend function described in the present embodiment has been described in principle to be configured to display the avatars of all related member players who are currently playing in a predetermined range on the display 54. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the user's own avatar can be set to be non-displayable when other players do not want to display their own avatar may be employed. Further, when the own avatar is set to be hidden, it is not set to be hidden from all other players, but can be set to be hidden from only specific other players.

  (49) The friend function described in the present embodiment has been described as a configuration in which only the avatar (player's friend) of the related member registered in the member attribute information of the management server 140 is displayed on the display unit 54. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the related members registered in the member attribute information of the management server 140 can display the avatars (friends of friends of the player) of the related members registered in the member attribute information. May be displayed. In addition, the friend function does not display only the avatar of the related member player registered in the member attribute information of the management server 140, but the management server 140 is a member player (for example, the same age group) related to its member attribute information. May be searched, and the avatar of the member player may be displayed on the display 54. By adding the friend function as described above, a new friend can be easily found.

  (50) The case where the advertisement display area is set so as not to cover various buttons for receiving various operations has been described so as not to hinder the flow of a series of operations of the player. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the advertisement may be displayed in a translucent manner so that various buttons can be viewed so that a series of operations of the player is not hindered.

  (51) Although the case of estimating the age and sex of a player using a camera has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CU 3 associates the player's feature amount obtained by imaging the player in advance with the player's age and sex obtained by input from the player, and stores them in a memory such as a ROM. May be. In this case, the CU 3 can specify the player's age and gender by comparing the player's feature quantity with the player's feature quantity stored in the memory in advance.

  (52) In the message screen frame described in the present embodiment, when a predetermined operation is performed, an item that changes is displayed (for example, if “payment operation” is accepted, “remaining amount” and “ “Electronic money remaining amount” and “remaining amount” and “number of game balls” are displayed in the case of accepting a ball lending operation), but are not limited thereto. Specifically, items that do not change may be included. For example, when all of the remaining amount, the remaining amount of electronic money, the number of balls paid out, the number of balls held, the number of balls played, the number of balls stored, etc. are displayed regardless of whether there is any change It may be.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  2 Pachinko machine, 2S slot machine, 3 card unit, 16 main control board, 17 payout control board, 26 game board, 54, 312 display, 309 card insertion / discharge port, 320 IR light receiving unit, 161 main control part, 325 Display control unit, 171 payout control unit, 323 CU control unit.

Claims (1)

A member recording medium provided in correspondence with a gaming machine installed in a game hall and played by a player and recorded with member identification information for individually identifying a member player who is a pre-registered player A gaming system comprising: a gaming device to be received; and a management device that manages a gaming history of the gaming machine installed in a gaming hall for each gaming machine and is provided outside the gaming hall,
History specifying information transmitting means for transmitting history specifying information for specifying a game history in each gaming machine to the management device;
Member identification information transmitting means for transmitting to the management device such that the member identification information recorded on the member recording medium received by the gaming device can be specified;
The management device
Based on the history specifying information transmitted by the history specifying information transmitting means, the gaming history for each gaming machine that is a gaming history in each period in each gaming machine is associated with the gaming machine specifying information that can specify each gaming machine. Game history storage means for each gaming machine to be stored,
Based on the history identification information transmitted by the history identification information transmission means and the member identification information transmitted by the member identification information transmission means, a member game history that is a game history of one member player is obtained. A member game history storage means for storing the game machine specifying information and the member identification information in association with each other.
A member identification means for identifying a member player;
A gaming machine selection accepting means for accepting selection of any of the gaming machines among the gaming machines installed in a plurality of the game halls;
Based on the identification of the member player by the member specifying means and the selection of the gaming machine accepted by the gaming machine selection accepting means, the gaming history by gaming machine of the gaming machine and the identified member in the gaming machine Display means for displaying the player's member game history in association with each other;
A player registration means for registering a character image in association with the member identification information;
A member registration member registered in the management device, and further comprising a member registration member registering by the player member registering member and a member member registering a member member having a predetermined relationship and a member member registering member member.
The gaming device is:
Based on the information received from the management device, among the related member players having the predetermined relationship with the member player corresponding to the member recording medium received by the gaming device, games are played in a predetermined range. A game system comprising: a game display means capable of displaying a character image associated with the member identification information of a related member player who is performing together with a game status of the related member player.