JP2018007763A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system capable of appropriately grasping a game state even when a communication error occurs.SOLUTION: A game system is provided with: a game apparatus including a game machine; an information apparatus which is connected to a management device managing a game state in the game machine and installed in a game parlor; a relaying device which is installed in the game parlor and relays communication between the game apparatus and the information apparatus. The game apparatus outputs to the relaying device game information assigned to different kinds according to the game state in accordance with a progress order of the game. The relaying device transmits a telegraphic message including the game information output by the game apparatus and a cumulative value after accumulating frequencies by which the game information has output ever kind of the game information to the information apparatus in serial communication. The information apparatus identifies the game state when the game information included in the telegraphic message is output by the game apparatus on the basis of the cumulative value included in the telegraphic message transmitted by the relaying device is output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming system.

  A game system that is configured by connecting each device installed in a game store such as a game stand, a call lamp device, a ball lending device, and a hall computer with a twisted pair wire etc. Has been introduced. The gaming table outputs game information indicating the gaming state of the gaming table to a calling lamp device, a hall computer, and the like. The game information output from the game console is collected and managed by the hall computer, and is collected by the calling lamp device and posted in the game store.

  By the way, the type of game information output from the game machine differs depending on the model of the game machine. In addition, the type of information collected from the game information output from the game machine differs depending on the game store. Furthermore, the connection form of each device installed in the game store differs depending on the game store. Moreover, each device installed in an amusement store often has a different introduction timing to a manufacturer or an amusement store, and often does not have a unified specification. For this reason, in the existing game system, it is not easy to partially replace each device installed in the game store because it involves complicated connection work and setting work.

  For this reason, in Patent Document 1, a gaming machine generates a plurality of types of game information in a predetermined data format, and unifies the connection form of each device installed in the game store into a connection form capable of serial communication. Thus, it has been proposed that a plurality of types of game information can be transmitted at a time using a single serial communication cable.

JP 2012-24193 A

  However, the gaming system disclosed in Patent Document 1 may not be able to collect game information that should be collected by each device when a communication error occurs between the devices installed in the game store. For this reason, in the gaming system disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if the communication state between the devices returns to normal, the gaming state grasped by each device may not be a regular gaming state.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above-mentioned situation, and makes it an example of a subject to solve the above problems. That is, an example of the subject of this invention is providing the game system which can grasp | ascertain a game state appropriately, even if a communication error generate | occur | produces.

  A gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention is connected to a gaming machine including a gaming machine that provides a player with a game using a gaming medium, and a management device that manages a gaming state in the gaming machine, and the gaming machine An information device installed in a game store where the game device is installed, and a relay device installed in the game store and relaying communication between the game device and the information device. Game information assigned to different types according to the state is output to the relay device according to the progress of the game, and the relay device outputs the game information output from the gaming device and the game information. A message including a cumulative value obtained by accumulating the number of times played for each type of game information is transmitted to the information device by serial communication, and the information device is included in the message transmitted from the relay device. Based on the total value, the game information included in the message to identify the game state when the output from the plaything.

  Preferably, in the gaming system, the information device includes the cumulative value included in the message transmitted from the relay device this time and the cumulative value included in the message transmitted from the relay device before the previous time. And the gaming state when the gaming information included in the message transmitted from the relay device this time is output from the gaming device.

  Preferably, in the gaming system, the information device performs a determination as to whether or not there is an error in the message based on the message transmitted from the relay device, and the determination result indicates that the error has occurred. If it is present, a request for retransmission of the message is transmitted to the relay device.

  Preferably, in the gaming system, the information device includes a first information device connected to the relay device and a second information device connected to the first information device. The telegrams having the same contents are simultaneously transmitted to the first information device and the second information device.

  Preferably, in the gaming system, when the first information device receives the electronic message transmitted from the relay device, the first information device executes the determination, and the determination result indicates that the error is present. When the retransmission request is transmitted to the relay device, and the second information device receives the electronic message transmitted from the relay device via the first information device, the second information device executes the determination, and the determination result is If the error is indicated, the retransmission request is transmitted to the relay device, and the relay device receives the retransmission request transmitted from at least one of the first information device and the second information device. Then, the message is retransmitted to each of the first information device and the second information device.

  Preferably, in the gaming system, the gaming device further includes a lending device that supplies the gaming medium to the gaming table and lends the gaming medium to a player, and the gaming table generates the gaming information. The lending device generates lending information indicating a lending state of the game medium and outputs the lending information to the relay device, and the game information output from the gaming table is output to the relay device. Output to.

  Preferably, in the gaming system, the relay device is integrally formed inside the gaming machine.

  The gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention can appropriately grasp the gaming state even if a communication error occurs.

Several embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a gaming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection form of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a message transmitted from the relay device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a communication control sequence viewed from a signal terminal included in the serial connector of the relay device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the IF circuit connected to the serial connector in the relay apparatus or the management apparatus terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the message reception process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the cumulative value analysis processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the contents of the cumulative value analysis process shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of cumulative value analysis processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the contents of the cumulative value analysis process shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a message transmitted from the relay device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment described below shows some examples of the present invention, and does not limit the contents of the present invention. In addition, all the configurations and operations described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential as the configurations and operations of the present invention. In addition, the same referential mark is attached | subjected to the same component and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

[1. Overall configuration of gaming system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a gaming system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a gaming system including a pachinko machine.

  The gaming system 1 is configured by connecting each device installed in a game store with a communication cable, and is a system for managing the operating state of each device installed in the game store. The gaming system 1 includes, for example, at least a gaming table 10, a lending device 20, a relay device 30, an information bulletin device 40, a management device terminal 50, and a management device 60. The game table 10, the lending device 20, the relay device 30, the information bulletin device 40, the management device terminal 50, and the management device 60 are connected in series in this order. Note that the gaming system 1 may include various devices other than the devices shown in FIG. 1, such as an island edge counter and a stored prize exchange.

  The game table 10 is a pachinko machine that provides a player with a game using a game ball as a game medium. The gaming table 10 is connected to the lending device 20. The game table 10 launches a game ball on the game board surface by a player's operation, and performs a game for winning in a winning opening provided on the game board surface.

  The gaming table 10 performs an internal lottery when a game ball wins a winning opening. Based on the result of the lottery, the game table 10 pays out a prize ball to the player according to the winning while shifting to various game modes such as lose game, jackpot game, probability change game, and short-time game. The operating state of the gaming table 10 related to the game, such as the gaming mode and the winning state of the gaming table 10, is also referred to as “gaming state” in the gaming table 10.

  The gaming table 10 generates “game information” that is information indicating a gaming state. The game information is assigned to different types according to the game state of the game table. The game information output from the game machine differs depending on the model of the game machine. The game information includes, for example, out information indicating the number of game balls fired on the game board surface, safe information indicating the number of prize balls paid out to the player, information indicating the number of times the symbol has been changed, and winning the jackpot game. Information indicating the number of times, information indicating the number of times winning the probability variation game, information indicating the number of times winning the short-time game, and the like are included. The game information includes information indicating the start of jackpot game, information indicating the end of jackpot game, information indicating the start of probability change game, information indicating the end of probability change game, information indicating the start of time reduction game, and time reduction Information indicating the end of the game is included. Further, the game information may include time information when these pieces of information are generated.

  The gaming state of the gaming table 10 changes as the game progresses. The gaming table 10 generates game information corresponding to the gaming state and outputs it to the lending device 20 every time the gaming state changes. In other words, the gaming table 10 outputs game information to the lending device 20 according to the progress of the game every time the game information changes.

  The game machine 10 encloses a predetermined number of game balls inside the game machine 10 and circulates these game balls inside the game machine 10 for use (eco game machine, management game). Machine).

  The lending device 20 is a device that supplies game balls to the game table 10 and lends the game balls to the player. For example, the lending device 20 may be a ball lending device. The lending device 20 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the game table 10. The lending device 20 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the plurality of game machines 10. The lending device 20 is connected to each of the game table 10 and the relay device 30.

  The lending device 20 supplies a game ball corresponding to the inserted amount to the gaming table 10 when cash, a prepaid card, a membership card, or the like is inserted into a predetermined slot by a player's operation and the lending button is pressed. By doing so, the game ball is lent to the player. The operating state of the lending device 20 related to the lending of game media, such as the relationship between the amount of money inserted and the number of game balls lent out, is also referred to as a “lending state” in the lending device 20.

  The lending device 20 generates “lending information” that is information indicating a lending state. The lending information includes information on the amount of money thrown in, information on the number of game balls lent out, and the like. Further, the lending information may include time information when these pieces of information are generated.

  The lending state of the lending device 20 changes according to the player's operation related to lending game balls. The lending device 20 generates lending information corresponding to the lending status and outputs it to the relay device 30 every time the lending status changes. In addition, the lending device 20 outputs the game information output from the gaming table 10 to the relay device 30. That is, the lending device 20 once captures the game information generated by the gaming table 10, unifies it with the lending information generated by the lending device 20, and outputs it to the relay device 30. At this time, the lending device 20 outputs the game information to the relay device 30 according to the progress of the game every time the game information changes.

  The gaming table 10 and the lending device 20 are also collectively referred to as “gaming equipment 2”. One gaming device 2 includes one gaming table 10 and one rental device 20.

  Further, when the gaming table 10 is an enclosed gaming table, the lending device 20 does not need to supply gaming balls to the gaming table 10, and information on the number of gaming balls to be rented according to the amount of money that has been thrown is used. 10 may be output. When the gaming table 10 is an enclosed gaming table, the lending device 20 may be formed integrally with the gaming table 10, and it can be said that the gaming information and the lending information are output from the gaming device 2. .

  The relay device 30 is a communication module that relays communication between the gaming device 2 and the information bulletin device 40. The relay device 30 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the gaming machine 2. The relay device 30 may be integrally formed inside the gaming machine 2. The relay device 30 may be provided as an external option module of the lending device 20 included in the gaming machine 2. The relay device 30 may be connected to each of the lending device 20 and the information bulletin device 40.

  When the game information output from the gaming device 2 is input, the relay device 30 calculates a cumulative value obtained by accumulating the number of times the game information is output for each type of game information. The relay device 30 adds the calculated cumulative value to the game information that is the basis of the calculation of the cumulative value, and generates a message that conforms to the serial communication method. At this time, the relay device 30 generates the message after including an error detecting code (EDC) of data constituting the message. Further, at this time, the relay device 30 may generate the message after performing encryption processing on the data constituting the message. Each time the game information changes, that is, every time the cumulative value changes, the relay device 30 transmits the generated message to the information bulletin device 40 by serial communication according to the progress of the game.

  For example, it is assumed that game information is output from the gaming device 2 and the type of the game information is safe information. In this case, the relay device 30 calculates the cumulative value by accumulating the number of times the safe information is output from the gaming device 2. Subsequently, it is assumed that game information is output from the gaming device 2 and the type of the game information is out information. In this case, the relay device 30 calculates the cumulative value by accumulating the number of times the out information is output from the gaming device 2. That is, the relay device 30 calculates the total value of safe information and the total value of out information separately. Thus, the relay device 30 calculates the cumulative value for each type of game information by accumulating the number of times that the game information is output from the gaming device 2 for each type of game information.

  The cumulative value is calculated as the number of game information outputs immediately after the gaming device 2 is cleared. Generally, each device of the gaming system 1 is cleared at least before the opening of the gaming store. If the gaming machine 2 has not been cleared between the opening of the game store and the current day, the cumulative value indicates the number of times that the game information has been output between the opening of the game store and the current day. Yes.

  Further, when the lending information output from the gaming device 2 is input, the relay device 30 generates a message including the lending information and transmits it to the information bulletin device 40 by serial communication. At this time, the relay device 30 can calculate the total value of the lending information and transmit it to the information bulletin device 40 as with the game information.

  Detailed configurations of the relay device 30 and the message will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The information bulletin device 40 is a device that collects game information and posts it in a game store. The information bulletin device 40 may be a call lamp device, for example. The information bulletin device 40 can collect and store game information and lending information. The information bulletin device 40 can transmit the collected information to these devices after a trouble occurs in the management device terminal 50, the management device 60, etc., and the loss of information can be prevented. it can. The information bulletin device 40 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the game table 10. The information bulletin device 40 is provided so as to be placed on the top of the game table 10. The information bulletin device 40 is connected to each of the relay device 30 and the management device terminal 50.

  When receiving the message transmitted from the relay device 30, the information bulletin device 40 transmits the received message to the management device terminal 50 as it is. Further, the information bulletin device 40 determines whether or not there is an error in the message based on the received message. That is, the information bulletin apparatus 40 performs error detection processing on the received message. If there is an error in the message, the information bulletin device 40 transmits a retransmission request for the message to the relay device 30. A process performed when a message transmitted from the relay device 30 is received is also referred to as a “message reception process”.

  Further, the information bulletin device 40 identifies the gaming state when the gaming information included in the message is output from the gaming device 2 based on the cumulative value included in the received message. Then, the information bulletin device 40 displays game information indicating the specified gaming state on the display. In order to identify the gaming state when the gaming information included in the received electronic message is output from the gaming device 2, a process of analyzing the number of times that the gaming information is output using the cumulative value included in the electronic message, Also referred to as “cumulative value analysis processing”. The accumulated value analysis process is executed as part of the message reception process.

  The detailed configuration of the information bulletin device 40 will be described later with reference to FIGS. Further, the message reception process and the cumulative value analysis process of the information bulletin device 40 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The management device terminal 50 is a communication module that relays communication between the information bulletin device 40 and the management device 60. The management device terminal 50 may be, for example, a stand controller (base unit). The management device terminal 50 can collect and store game information and lending information. The management device terminal 50 can transmit the collected information to these devices after the trouble has occurred in the information bulletin device 40, the management device 60, etc., and the loss of information can be prevented. it can. The management device terminal 50 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the game table 10. The management device terminal 50 is connected to each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device 60.

  When the management device terminal 50 receives a message transmitted from the relay device 30 via the information bulletin device 40, the management device terminal 50 determines whether or not there is an error in the message based on the received message. Then, if there is an error in the message, the management device terminal 50 transmits a request for retransmission of the message to the relay device 30. That is, the management device terminal 50 executes a telegram reception process in the same manner as the information bulletin device 40.

  In addition, the management device terminal 50 specifies the gaming state when the gaming information included in the message is output from the gaming device 2 based on the cumulative value included in the received message. In other words, the management device terminal 50 executes the cumulative value analysis process in the same manner as the information bulletin device 40. Then, the management apparatus terminal 50 transmits the results of the message reception process and the cumulative value analysis process to the management apparatus 60.

  The information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are also collectively referred to as “information device 3”. In addition, when one “island” is formed by the plurality of game machines 10, the management apparatus terminal 50 provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the plurality of game machines 10 includes the management apparatus terminal 50 and the management apparatus 60. It may be connected to the management device 60 via an “island controller” that relays communication with the management device 60. In this case, the information device 3 may include an island controller in addition to the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50. That is, the information device 3 includes a device that is arranged between the relay device 30 and the management device 60 and can communicate game information.

  The detailed configuration of the management apparatus terminal 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS. The detailed contents of the message reception process and the cumulative value analysis process of the management apparatus terminal 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The management device 60 is a device that comprehensively manages each device constituting the gaming system 1. The management device 60 collects game information and lending information, and manages the gaming state in the gaming table 10 and the lending state in the lending device 20. The management device 60 can transmit the collected information to these devices after the trouble has occurred in the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50, and the loss of information can be prevented. it can. The management device 60 may be a hall computer, for example. The management device 60 may also be connected to devices other than the devices shown in FIG. 1 such as island edge counters and pool prize exchanges, and may collect various types of information other than game information and rental information.

[2. Detailed configuration of gaming system]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection form of the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a message transmitted from the relay device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a communication control sequence viewed from a signal terminal included in the serial connector of the relay device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As described above, the gaming machine 2 including the gaming table 10 and the lending device 20 outputs game information and lending information to the relay device 30.

  At this time, the game table 10 generates a pulse signal indicating the game information and outputs it from an external output connector. The output pulse signal indicating the game information is input to the connector on the gaming machine 10 side of the lending device 20. The lending device 20 outputs a pulse signal indicating the input game information from the connector on the relay device 30 side. The output pulse signal indicating the game information is input to the connector 31 on the lending device 20 side of the relay device 30.

  The lending device 20 generates a pulse signal indicating lending information and outputs it from the connector on the relay device 30 side. The output pulse signal indicating the lending information is input to the connector 31 on the lending device 20 side of the relay device 30.

  The pulse signal indicating the game information and the pulse signal indicating the lending information are generated as different types of signals depending on the type of game information and the type of lending information. Each signal terminal included in each connector of the gaming table 10 and the lending device 20 and the connector 31 of the relay device 30 is assigned in association with the type of pulse signal indicating game information or lending information.

  The connector 31 of the relay device 30 is connected to the control unit in the relay device 30 via, for example, a capacitance-insulated or photocoupler-insulated IF (Interface) circuit. The control unit of the relay device 30 identifies the signal number of the pulse signal input from the connector 31. The signal number is assigned in association with the type of pulse signal indicating game information or lending information. That is, the signal number indicates game information or lending information, and the type of signal number indicates the type of game information or lending information.

  Instead of the pulse signal input from the connector 31, the control unit of the relay device 30 uses a signal number corresponding to the pulse signal as transmission data. Then, the control unit of the relay device 30 creates data including the signal number and the cumulative value described above, and adds an error detection code, a command, and the like, and conforms to the serial communication system as shown in FIG. Generate a message.

  The control unit of the relay device 30 is connected to the connector 32 on the information bulletin device 40 side through a photocoupler-insulated IF circuit. The connector 32 is a serial connector adapted to a serial communication method such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface). The signal terminals included in the connector 32 include, for example, a CS (Chip Select) terminal, a CK (Clock) terminal, a MOSI (Master Out Slave In) terminal, and a MISO (Master In Slave Out) terminal.

  The MOSI terminal is a terminal for transmitting the generated electronic message to the subsequent devices (the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50) of the relay device 30. The MISO terminal is a terminal for receiving an ACK (Acknowledgement) or NAK (Negative Acknowledgement) response from a device that receives the message. The CK terminal is a terminal for transmitting a CK signal (clock signal). The CS terminal is a terminal for transmitting a CS signal (select signal) that designates a subsequent device that receives the message.

  When the generated electronic message is transmitted from the connector 32, the control unit of the relay device 30 activates the CS signal and designates a subsequent device that receives the electronic message, as shown in FIG. However, as will be described later, since the subsequent device that receives the message is connected to the relay device 30 so as to form a bus-type communication topology, when the CS signal is activated, It is specified to receive a message.

  Subsequently, the control unit of the relay device 30 activates the CK signal at a predetermined cycle, and writes the message to the MOSI terminal in synchronization with the CK signal. When the writing of the message ends, the control unit of the relay device 30 returns the CS signal to inactive. The MISO terminal is set to high impedance. In this way, the electronic message written to the MOSI terminal is transmitted to the subsequent device.

  When the message is transmitted to the subsequent device of the relay device 30, the subsequent device transmits an ACK or NAK response to the relay device 30. At this time, the ACK or NAK response is transmitted to the MISO terminal of the connector 32 and read out to the control unit of the relay device 30. In this way, the relay device 30 receives an ACK or NAK response from the MISO terminal. The NAK response corresponds to the above-described retransmission request for the message transmitted from the relay device 30.

  The message transmitted from the connector 32 of the relay device 30 is received from the connector 41 on the relay device 30 side of the information bulletin device 40 as shown in FIG. The connector 41 of the information bulletin device 40 is a serial connector having the same shape as the connector 32 of the relay device 30 and includes the same signal terminals as the connector 32. The CS terminal, CK terminal, MOSI terminal, and MISO terminal included in the connector 41 are connected to the CS terminal, CK terminal, MOSI terminal, and MISO terminal included in the connector 32, respectively.

  The connector 41 of the information bulletin device 40 is connected to the control unit via the photocoupler-insulated IF circuit in the information bulletin device 40. The control unit of the information bulletin device 40 holds a library 43 of a program that controls communication of the information bulletin device 40. The library 43 includes a library of programs for executing a message reception process and a cumulative value analysis process.

  The control unit of the information bulletin device 40 is connected to the connector 42 on the management device terminal 50 side via a photocoupler-insulated IF circuit. The connector 42 of the information bulletin apparatus 40 is a serial connector having the same shape as the connector 32, and includes a CS terminal, a CK terminal, a MOSI terminal, and a MISO terminal, like the connector 32.

  When receiving a message transmitted from the connector 32 of the relay device 30, the control unit of the information posting device 40 executes a message reception process using the library 43 and reads a message from the MOSI terminal included in the connector 41. Then, the control unit of the information bulletin device 40 writes the read message to the MOSI terminal of the connector 42, and transmits the message as it is to the management device terminal 50 of the subsequent device.

  In addition, the control unit of the information bulletin apparatus 40 writes the above-described ACK or NAK response, which is a result of performing the error detection process of the read message, in the message reception process, to the MACK terminal of the connector 41, thereby Alternatively, a NAK response is transmitted to the relay device 30. Then, the control unit of the information bulletin device 40 performs a cumulative value analysis process using the library 43 and stores a count value described later in the volatile memory of the information bulletin device 40.

  The management device terminal 50 also has the same configuration as the information bulletin device 40. That is, the connector 51 on the information bulletin device 40 side of the management device terminal 50 has the same configuration as the connector 41. The library 53 of the management apparatus terminal 50 has the same configuration as the library 43. And the control part of the management apparatus terminal 50 performs a message | telegram reception process and a total value analysis process using the library 53 similarly to the control part of the information bulletin apparatus 40. FIG.

  Communication between the management device terminal 50 and the management device 60 is performed by a unique communication method different from the serial communication method that is a communication method between each of the relay device 30 and the management device terminal 50. The communication method between the management device terminal 50 and the management device 60 may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The connector 52 on the management device 60 side of the management device terminal 50 and the connector 61 on the management device terminal 50 side of the management device 60 are connectors suitable for the communication method such as a LAN. The control unit of the management apparatus terminal 50 transmits the results of the message reception process and the cumulative value analysis process to the management apparatus 60 using the communication method. The management device 60 receives and stores the results of the message reception processing and the cumulative value analysis processing transmitted from the management device terminal 50.

  In the above description, it has been described that the relay device 30 generates a serial communication message from a pulse signal indicating game information or lending information. However, the gaming table 10 or the lending device 20 includes serial information including game information or lending information. A telegram for each may be generated. That is, the lending device 20 may transmit a telegram including game information or lending information to the relay device 30 by serial communication.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the IF circuit connected to the serial connector in the relay device 30 to the management device terminal 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Subsequent devices (information bulletin device 40 and management device terminal 50) that receive a message transmitted from the relay device 30 are connected to the relay device 30 that transmits the message so as to form a bus-type communication topology. .

  Each IF circuit connected to the serial connector (connector 32 and connector 42) on the message transmission side in the relay device 30 to the management device terminal 50 is a photocoupler-insulated IF circuit. That is, each IF circuit is configured such that an output from each photocoupler turns on each MOSI terminal as a contact signal.

  In each IF circuit connected to the serial connector (connector 41 and connector 51) on the message reception side in the information bulletin board 40 and the management apparatus terminal 50, each receiver is directly connected to each photocoupler on the message transmission side. Each IF circuit is configured to detect the voltage at each contact output point using a self-power source, and to turn on each subsequent photocoupler on the message transmission side according to the detection signal. The voltage at each contact output point is detected by utilizing the fact that the contact output of each photocoupler is 0 V when the contact output of each photocoupler is ON, and the voltage value of the self-power supply when the contact output of each photocoupler is OFF.

  When transmitting a message, the photocoupler for the MOSI terminal is turned on in the IF circuit connected to the connector 32 of the relay device 30. Then, in the IF circuit connected to the connector 41 of the information bulletin device 40, the receiver for the MOSI terminal is turned on. Then, in the IF circuit connected to the connector 42 of the information bulletin device 40, the photocoupler for the MOSI terminal is turned on. Similarly, in the IF circuit connected to the connector 51 of the management apparatus terminal 50, the receiver for the MOSI terminal is turned on, and in the IF circuit connected to the connector 52, the photocoupler for the MOSI terminal is turned on. The same applies to devices following the management device terminal 50.

  That is, the change of the message signal transmitted from the relay device 30 simultaneously changes the state of the message signal transmitted from the information bulletin device 40 in terms of logical operation. And the signal value of the message | telegram signal received by each of the information bulletin apparatus 40 and the management apparatus terminal 50 becomes the same value logically.

  Therefore, in the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, the relay device 30 can transmit telegrams having the same content to the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 at the same time. The contents of the message to be received by each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are essentially all the same. For this reason, it is preferable that messages with the same contents are transmitted from the relay device 30 all at once.

  Here, the lending device 20 that supplies power to the relay device 30, the information bulletin device 40, and the management device terminal 50 are often manufactured by different manufacturers and have different power systems. For this reason, it is often difficult for the relay device 30 to the management device terminal 50 to connect to a common power source when detecting the voltage at the contact output point on the message reception side.

  In the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 detects the voltage at the contact output point on the message reception side using its own power source. For this reason, in the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, even if the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are manufactured by different manufacturers, the message transmitted from the relay device 30 is transmitted to the information bulletin device 40 and the management device. It is transmitted to each of the device terminals 50 as a message having the same content.

  In the IF circuit of the information display device 40 and the management device terminal 50, a filter circuit is provided between the receiver and the photocoupler to remove noise, or the output of the receiver is temporarily received by the control unit and noise is removed by software. It is also possible to do. Even in this case, it can be said that the relay device 30 to the management device terminal 50 are connected in a logical operation in a connection form constituting a bus type communication topology.

  Each IF circuit connected to the serial connector (connector 41 and connector 51) on the ACK or NAK response transmission side of the information display device 40 and the management device terminal 50 has an output from each photocoupler as a contact signal to each MISO terminal. Is configured to turn ON. Each photocoupler for the MISO terminal in each IF circuit is connected in parallel to the receiver for the MISO terminal of the relay device 30 by a wired OR connection method.

  Therefore, in the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, the relay device 30 monitors the output of the receiver for the MISO terminal, thereby receiving a NAK response transmitted from at least one of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50. It can be detected and received. Even if the NAK response is transmitted from either the information bulletin device 40 or the management device terminal 50, the relay device 30 transmits the same message to the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 simultaneously. Resend to.

[3. Detailed flow of various processes]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the message reception process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The message reception processing executed by each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 has substantially the same main processing content. For this reason, in FIG. 6, the message | telegram reception process performed with the information bulletin apparatus 40 is demonstrated as a representative.

  In step S <b> 601, the information bulletin device 40 receives a message transmitted from the relay device 30.

  In step S602, the information bulletin device 40 analyzes the received electronic message. And the information bulletin apparatus 40 performs an error detection process using the error detection code contained in the message.

  In step S603, the information bulletin apparatus 40 determines whether or not there is an error in the received message based on the result of the error detection process. When the result of the determination indicates that the received message has an error, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, if the result of determination does not indicate that the received message has an error, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S605.

  In step S604, the information bulletin apparatus 40 transmits an ACK response to the relay apparatus 30, and proceeds to step S606. The ACK response may be, for example, returning a value of ACK = 0 to the relay device 30. When the ACK response is transmitted, the relay device 30 determines that the message has been received normally.

  In step S605, the information bulletin apparatus 40 transmits a NAK response to the relay apparatus 30, and ends this process. The NAK response may be, for example, returning a value of NAK = 1 to the relay device 30. When the NAK response is transmitted, the relay device 30 retransmits telegrams having the same contents to the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 all at once, up to a predetermined number of times. That is, the NAK response corresponds to a request for retransmission of a message.

  In step S606, the information bulletin apparatus 40 executes a cumulative value analysis process based on the cumulative value included in the received electronic message, and ends this process.

  The detailed flow of the cumulative value analysis process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the cumulative value analysis processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The cumulative value analysis processing executed in each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 has substantially the same main processing content. Therefore, in FIG. 7, the cumulative value analysis process executed by the information bulletin device 40 will be described as a representative.

  In step S701, the information bulletin device 40 analyzes the message transmitted from the relay device 30 this time, and stores the cumulative value P transmitted this time. Specifically, the information bulletin device 40 analyzes the signal number included in the message transmitted this time, and stores the cumulative value P included in the message transmitted this time for each type of signal number, that is, the type of game information. To do.

  In step S <b> 702, the information bulletin device 40 determines whether LP, which is the latest cumulative value among the cumulative values transmitted from the relay device 30 before the previous time, is stored.

  For example, if the current time is immediately after the opening of an amusement store or the like, the information bulletin device 40 is immediately after startup, and the latest cumulative value LP is not stored. Also, for example, if a communication error occurred during the previous message transmission and the accumulated value P has not reached, if the accumulated value P is normally received during the previous message transmission, the latest accumulated value LP is The accumulated value P transmitted at the time of the previous message transmission is obtained.

  If the latest cumulative value LP is stored, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, if the latest cumulative value LP is not stored, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S704.

  In step S703, the information bulletin apparatus 40 reads the latest cumulative value LP, and proceeds to step S705.

  In step S704, the information bulletin apparatus 40 sets the difference value ΔP = 1, and proceeds to step S708. The difference value ΔP is a difference value between the accumulated value P transmitted this time and the latest accumulated value LP. Since the difference value ΔP cannot be calculated unless the latest accumulated value LP is stored, the information bulletin apparatus 40 sets the difference value ΔP = 1 in step S704.

  In step S705, the information bulletin apparatus 40 determines whether or not the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time.

  The cumulative value P basically increases when the gaming machine 2 is not cleared between the opening of the gaming store and the current day. For this reason, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is basically larger than the latest cumulative value LP. The case where the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time is a case immediately after the information display device 40 is not cleared and the gaming machine 2 is cleared. That is, the information bulletin device 40 can grasp when the gaming device 2 is cleared by executing the determination in step S705.

  If the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S707. On the other hand, if the latest cumulative value LP is not larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S706.

In step S706, the information bulletin apparatus 40 calculates the difference value ΔP using the following equation, and proceeds to step S708.
ΔP = P-LP

  In step S707, the information bulletin apparatus 40 sets the difference value ΔP = P, and proceeds to step S708. If the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the difference value ΔP becomes a negative value, and the information bulletin device 40 sets the difference value ΔP = P in step S704.

  In step S708, the information bulletin apparatus 40 determines whether or not the count value T counted using the cumulative value P transmitted this time and the latest cumulative value LP is stored.

  The count value T is a value obtained by counting the number of game information output immediately after the information bulletin board 40 clears the information bulletin board 40, which is the recipient of the cumulative value P. The count value T is a concept similar to the cumulative value P. The count value T is counted for each type of game information and is associated with the cumulative value P. The count value T is counted using a difference value ΔP between the cumulative value P transmitted this time and the latest cumulative value LP. The count value T is not stored in the information bulletin device 40 immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared.

  If the count value T is stored, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S709. On the other hand, if the count value T is not stored, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S710.

  In step S709, the information bulletin apparatus 40 reads the count value T, and proceeds to step S711.

  In step S710, the information bulletin apparatus 40 sets the count value T = 0, and proceeds to step S711. If the count value T is not stored, it is immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared, so the information bulletin device 40 sets the count value T = 0 as an initial value in step S710.

In step S711, the information bulletin apparatus 40 counts the count value T using the following equation, and proceeds to step S712.
T = T + ΔP

  In step S712, the information bulletin apparatus 40 stores the count value T counted in step S711, and ends this process.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the contents of the cumulative value analysis process shown in FIG.

It is assumed that t1 in FIG. 8 is immediately after opening of the amusement store. At time t1, game information is output for the first time after the gaming device 2 is cleared, and the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 1”. At time t1, since the latest accumulated value LP is not stored, “LP =?”. At t1, since the latest cumulative value LP is not stored, it is determined No in step S702 of FIG. 7, and the difference value ΔP becomes “ΔP = 1” (step S704 of FIG. 7). Since the count value T is not stored at t1, it is determined No in step S708 of FIG. 7, and the initial value “T = 0” is set to the count value T (step S710 of FIG. 7).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 0 + 1 = 1” using step S711 in FIG. 7 (step S712 in FIG. 7).

  It is assumed that t2 in FIG. 8 is a time when a specific type of game information is output from the gaming device 2 for the second time. At t2, the cumulative value P to be transmitted this time is “P = 2”, but the cumulative value P does not reach the information bulletin device 40 due to a communication error.

It is assumed that t3 in FIG. 8 is the time when a specific type of game information is output from the gaming device 2 for the third time. At t3, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 3”. At t3, the latest accumulated value LP stores the accumulated value P = 1 at t1 (Yes in step S702 of FIG. 7), and becomes “LP = 1”. At t3, since the most recent cumulative value LP is not larger than the cumulative value P (Yes in step S705 in FIG. 7), the difference value ΔP is “ΔP = 3-1 = 2” (step S706 in FIG. 7). ). At t3, the count value T = 1 at t1 is stored in the count value T (Yes in step S708 in FIG. 7).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 1 + 2 = 3” using step S711 in FIG. 7 (step S712 in FIG. 7).

T4 in FIG. 8 is the time when the specific type of game information is output from the gaming device 2 for the fifth time, and immediately after the most recent cumulative value LP stored in the information bulletin device 40 has evaporated. . At t4, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 5”. At t4, since the most recent accumulated value LP is not stored, “LP =?”. At t4, since the most recent cumulative value LP is not stored, it is determined No in step S702 in FIG. 7, and the difference value ΔP becomes “ΔP = 1” (step S704 in FIG. 7). At t4, the count value T = 4 previously stored is stored in the count value T (Yes in step S708 of FIG. 7).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 4 + 1 = 5” using step S711 in FIG. 7 (step S712 in FIG. 7).

It is assumed that t5 in FIG. 8 is the time when a specific type of game information is output from the gaming device 2 for the seventh time, and immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared. At t5, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 7”. At t5, the most recent cumulative value LP stores the previously transmitted cumulative value P = 6 (Yes in step S702 in FIG. 7), and becomes “LP = 6”. At t5, since the latest accumulated value LP is not larger than the accumulated value P (Yes in step S705 in FIG. 7), the difference value ΔP becomes “ΔP = 7−6 = 1” (step S706 in FIG. 7). ). At t5, since the count value T is not stored, it is determined No in step S708 in FIG. 7, and the initial value “T = 0” is set in the count value T (step S710 in FIG. 7).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 0 + 1 = 1” using step S711 in FIG. 7 (step S712 in FIG. 7).

It is assumed that t6 in FIG. 8 is immediately after the gaming machine 2 is cleared after the specific type of gaming information is output from the gaming machine 2 for the ninth time. At t6, the game information is output for the first time after the gaming device 2 is cleared, and the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 1”. At t6, the most recent cumulative value LP stores the previously transmitted cumulative value P = 9 (Yes in step S702 in FIG. 7), and becomes “LP = 9”. At t6, since the most recent cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P (No in step S705 in FIG. 7), the difference value ΔP is “ΔP = P = 1” (step S707 in FIG. 7). At t6, the count value T is stored as the count value T = 3 (Yes in step S708 in FIG. 7).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 3 + 1 = 4” using step S711 in FIG. 7 (step S712 in FIG. 7).

  As described above, in the cumulative value analysis processing according to the first embodiment, in the information bulletin device 40 that is the recipient of the cumulative value, the latest count value T counted and stored before the previous time is used as the cumulative value P and the latest cumulative value. The current count value T is counted by updating with the difference value ΔP from the value LP. That is, in the cumulative value analysis processing according to the first embodiment, the current count value T is counted in the information bulletin device 40 that is the recipient of the cumulative value, without depending on the cumulative value P itself transmitted this time. Therefore, the information bulletin device 40 accurately counts the number of times the game information is output (count value T) immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared even if the cumulative value P is not reached due to a communication error. Can do.

  Here, each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 can store the count value T in a non-volatile memory, and even if its own power failure or reboot occurs, the count value T is lost. Can be prevented. Even when each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 is exchanged, the count value T transmitted to the management device 60 so far can be acquired from the management device 60. Thereby, each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 can specify the normal gaming state when the gaming information included in the message transmitted this time is output from the gaming device 2.

  Note that the information bulletin device 40 can grasp when the gaming machine 2 is cleared as described above. Further, immediately after the gaming device 2 is cleared, the information bulletin device 40 stores the accumulated value P immediately before the clearing as the latest accumulated value LP. The added value of the cumulative value P immediately before clearing and the current cumulative value P immediately after clearing corresponds to the current regular cumulative value P. Therefore, the information bulletin device 40 can specify the normal gaming state when the gaming information included in the message transmitted this time is output from the gaming device 2 even immediately after the gaming device 2 is cleared.

  As described above, the main processing contents of the cumulative value analysis process executed in each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are substantially the same. For this reason, the contents described in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 also apply to the cumulative value analysis process executed by the management apparatus terminal 50. In addition, as described above, the main processing content of the cumulative value analysis process when the cumulative value is generated based on the lending information is the same as that when the cumulative value is generated based on the game information. For this reason, the contents described in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 also apply to the cumulative value analysis processing when the cumulative value is generated based on the lending information.

[4. Effect]
Therefore, in the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, even when the cumulative value is not reached due to a communication error, the gaming information or the lending information included in the currently transmitted message is output from the gaming device 2. It is possible to specify a normal gaming state or a lending state. In other words, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can appropriately grasp the gaming state and the lending information even if a communication error occurs.

  Furthermore, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment is included in the message transmitted this time even when the gaming device 2 (particularly the lending device 20), the information bulletin device 40, the management device terminal 50, or the like is cleared. It is possible to specify a normal gaming state or a lending state when the gaming information or the lending information is output from the gaming device 2. Therefore, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment does not clear all the devices of the gaming system 1 in synchronization with each other and does not have to be synchronized or exchanged all at once. The state can be specified.

  In particular, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can be used even when the devices manufactured by different manufacturers are partially replaced, or even when only a part of the devices is troubled and rebooted. The normal gaming state or lending state of the device 2 can be specified. Therefore, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can partially replace each device manufactured by a different manufacturer without complicated connection work and setting work.

  In the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, as described above, messages having the same contents are transmitted to the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 all at once. In addition, even when a retransmission request is transmitted from either the information bulletin device 40 or the management device terminal 50, the same message is simultaneously retransmitted to each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50. Is done. At this time, in the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, since the gaming table 10 and the management device terminal 50 are installed at a short distance, the probability that noise is mixed on the cable connecting them is low, and there is almost no communication error. Does not occur. For this reason, in the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, almost no retransmission of telegrams occurs.

  Therefore, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment has the number of transmissions of a message including retransmission compared to a case where a message having the same content is individually transmitted to the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 one by one. Can be reduced. Specifically, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can reduce the number of times a message is transmitted to the same level as when only one device receives the message. For this reason, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can easily increase the number of devices following the relay device 30 by cascade connection, and the communication time does not increase even if the number of subsequent devices increases. Therefore, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can reduce the load on the relay device 30 and can suppress a delay in the message reception timing in the subsequent device of the relay device 30.

  In addition, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can be applied to the existing gaming machine 2 that outputs gaming information or lending information as a pulse signal as described above. The gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can also be applied to a gaming device 2 that outputs gaming information or lending information as a serial communication message. In the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, the gaming machine 2 that outputs gaming information or lending information as a pulse signal and the gaming machine 2 that outputs a serial communication message can coexist.

  Therefore, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can be easily introduced into an existing gaming store where devices manufactured by different manufacturers or introduced at different times are mixed, which is natural for the next generation communication system. It can be moved in the flow.

[5. Other Embodiments]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of cumulative value analysis processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Also in the cumulative value analysis processing according to the second embodiment, main processing contents in each of the information bulletin device 40 to the management device 60 are substantially the same. Therefore, in FIG. 9, the cumulative value analysis process executed by the information bulletin device 40 will be described as a representative.

  In the cumulative value analysis process according to the second embodiment, the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT are used. The clear cumulative value CP is the cumulative value P immediately after the information bulletin device 40 or the gaming machine 2 is cleared. The clear count value CT is a count value T immediately after the information bulletin device 40 or the gaming machine 2 is cleared. The clear accumulated value CP is CP = P immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared, and CP = (P-1) immediately after the gaming machine 2 is cleared. The clear count value CT is set to CT = 1 immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared, and CT = T if it is immediately after the gaming machine 2 is cleared. Then, the information bulletin device 40 according to the second embodiment stores the latest cumulative value LP, the clear cumulative value CP, and the clear count value CT in the nonvolatile memory.

  In step S901, the information bulletin device 40 analyzes the message transmitted this time from the relay device 30 and stores the cumulative value P transmitted this time, similarly to step S701 in FIG.

  In step S902, the information bulletin apparatus 40 determines whether or not the latest cumulative value LP is stored, as in step S702 of FIG.

  If the latest cumulative value LP is stored, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S903. On the other hand, if the latest cumulative value LP is not stored, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S904.

  In step S903, the information bulletin device 40 determines whether or not it is immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared. If the information bulletin device 40 is immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S906. On the other hand, if the information bulletin device 40 is not immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S905.

  In step S904, the information bulletin apparatus 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = 0 and the clear count value CT = 0, and proceeds to step S910. If the latest cumulative value LP is not stored, it is immediately after the game store is opened, and the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT are not stored. For this reason, the information bulletin apparatus 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = 0 and the clear count value CT = 0 as initial values in step S904.

  In step S905, the information bulletin apparatus 40 reads the latest accumulated value LP as in step S703 of FIG. 7, and proceeds to step S907.

  In step S906, the information bulletin apparatus 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = P and the clear count value CT = 1, and proceeds to step S910. Since it is immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared, the information bulletin device 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = P and the clear count value CT = 1 in step S906.

  In step S907, the information bulletin apparatus 40 determines whether or not the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, as in step S705 of FIG. If the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S909. On the other hand, if the latest cumulative value LP is not larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S908.

  In step S908, the information bulletin device 40 determines whether or not the clear cumulative value CP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time.

  The case where the clear cumulative value CP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time is a case immediately after the gaming machine 2 is cleared. That is, the information bulletin device 40 can grasp when the gaming device 2 is cleared by executing the determination in step S908.

  If the clear cumulative value CP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S909. On the other hand, if the clear cumulative value CP is not larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information bulletin device 40 proceeds to step S910.

  In step S909, the information bulletin device 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = (P-1) and the clear count value CT = T, and proceeds to step S910. Since it is immediately after the gaming machine 2 is cleared, the information bulletin device 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = (P−1) and the clear count value CT = T in step S909.

In step S910, the information bulletin apparatus 40 counts the count value T using the following equation, and proceeds to step S911.
T = CT + P-CP

  A difference value (P-CP) between the cumulative value P and the clear cumulative value CP indicates an increase amount of the cumulative value immediately after the information bulletin device 40 or the gaming machine 2 is cleared. The clear count value CT indicates the count value T immediately after the information bulletin device 40 or the gaming machine 2 is cleared.

  In step S911, the information bulletin apparatus 40 stores the count value T counted in step S910, similar to step S712 in FIG. 7, and ends this process.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the contents of the cumulative value analysis process shown in FIG.

Assume that t11 in FIG. 10 is immediately after the opening of the amusement store. At t11, the game information is output for the first time after the gaming device 2 is cleared, and the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 1”. At t11, since the latest accumulated value LP is not stored, “LP =?”. At t11, it is immediately after opening of the amusement store, and the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT are not stored. Therefore, it is determined No in step S902 in FIG. 9, and the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT are Initial values “CP = 0” and “CT = 0” are set (step S904 in FIG. 9).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 0 + 1−0 = 1” using step S910 in FIG. 9 (step S911 in FIG. 9).

  It is assumed that t12 in FIG. 10 is a time when a specific type of game information is output from the gaming device 2 for the second time. At t12, the accumulated value P to be transmitted this time is “P = 2”, but the accumulated value P does not reach the information bulletin device 40 due to a communication error.

It is assumed that t13 in FIG. 10 is a time when a specific type of game information is output from the gaming device 2 for the third time. At t13, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 3”. At t13, the latest accumulated value LP stores the accumulated value P = 1 at t11 (Yes in step S902 in FIG. 9), and becomes “LP = 1”. At t13, not immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared (No in step S903 in FIG. 9), the latest accumulated value LP is not larger than the accumulated value P (No in step S907 in FIG. 9), and the cleared accumulated value. CP is not larger than the cumulative value P (No in step S908 in FIG. 9). Therefore, at t13, the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT remain the clear cumulative value CP = 0 and the clear count value CT = 0 at t11, and “CP = 0” and “CT = 0”. "
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 0 + 3-0 = 3” using step S910 in FIG. 9 (step S911 in FIG. 9).

It is assumed that t14 in FIG. 10 is the time when the specific type of game information is output from the gaming device 2 for the fifth time, and immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is rebooted. At t14, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 5”. At t14, even immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is rebooted, the latest cumulative value LP, clear cumulative value CP, and clear count value CT are held in the nonvolatile memory. At t14, the most recent accumulated value LP stores the previously transmitted accumulated value P = 4 (Yes in step S902 in FIG. 9), and becomes “LP = 4”. At t14, not immediately after the information display device 40 is cleared (No in step S903 in FIG. 9), the latest accumulated value LP is not larger than the accumulated value P (No in step S907 in FIG. 9), and the accumulated clear value CP is not larger than the cumulative value P (No in step S908 in FIG. 9). Therefore, at t14, the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT remain the clear cumulative value CP = 0 and the clear count value CT = 0 at t11, and “CP = 0” and “CT = 0”. "
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 0 + 5-0 = 5” using step S910 in FIG. 9 (step S911 in FIG. 9).

It is assumed that t15 in FIG. 10 is the time when the specific type of game information is output from the gaming device 2 for the seventh time, and immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared. At t15, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 7”. At t15, the most recent accumulated value LP stores the previously transmitted accumulated value P = 6 (Yes in step S902 in FIG. 9), and becomes “LP = 6”. At t15, since it is immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared (Yes in step S903 in FIG. 9), CP = P and CT = 1 are set in the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT. CP = 7 ”and“ CT = 1 ”(step S906 in FIG. 9).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 1 + 7−7 = 1” using step S910 in FIG. 9 (step S911 in FIG. 9).

It is assumed that t16 in FIG. 10 is immediately after the gaming machine 2 is cleared after the specific type of gaming information is output from the gaming machine 2 for the ninth time. At t16, the game information is output for the first time after the gaming device 2 is cleared, and the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 1”. At t16, the most recent cumulative value LP stores the previously transmitted cumulative value P = 9 (Yes in step S902 in FIG. 9), and becomes “LP = 9”. At t15, not immediately after the information bulletin device 40 is cleared (No in step S903 in FIG. 9), but because the latest accumulated value LP is larger than the accumulated value P (Yes in step S907 in FIG. 9), the accumulated clear value CP = (P−1) and CT = T are set in the CP and clear count value CT, and “CP = 1−1 = 0” and “CT = 3” are obtained (step S909 in FIG. 9).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 3 + 1−0 = 4” using step S910 in FIG. 9 (step S911 in FIG. 9).

  As described above, in the cumulative value analysis processing according to the second embodiment, the latest cumulative value LP, the clear cumulative value CP, and the clear count value CT are stored in the nonvolatile memory, and using these, the current count value T Are accurately counted. That is, in the cumulative value analysis processing according to the second embodiment, even if the most recent count value T is not stored, the count value immediately after being cleared (clear count value CT) is calculated as the cumulative value immediately after being cleared. By updating with the increment (P-CP), the current count value T is accurately counted. Thereby, the information bulletin device 40 can specify the normal gaming state when the gaming information included in the telegram transmitted this time is output from the gaming device 2.

  As described above, also in the cumulative value analysis processing according to the second embodiment, the main processing contents in each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are substantially the same. For this reason, the contents described in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 also apply to the cumulative value analysis process executed by the management apparatus terminal 50. In addition, as described above, the main processing content of the cumulative value analysis process when the cumulative value is generated based on the lending information is the same as that when the cumulative value is generated based on the game information. For this reason, the contents described in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 also apply to the cumulative value analysis processing when the cumulative value is generated based on the lending information.

  Therefore, in the gaming system 1 according to the second embodiment, each of the information display device 40 and the management device terminal 50 stores the latest cumulative value LP, the clear cumulative value CP, and the clear count value that are stored in the non-volatile memory immediately before it stops. The current count value T can be accurately counted using the CT and the cumulative value P transmitted after recovery. Thereby, in the gaming system 1 according to the second embodiment, the information posted device is included in the message transmitted this time without losing information on the change in the gaming state or the lending state while the information display device 40 or the management device terminal 50 is stopped. The normal gaming state or lending state of the gaming machine 2 can be specified.

  In addition, about the other structure, operation | movement, and effect in the gaming system 1 of Embodiment 2, since it is the same as that of the gaming system 1 of Embodiment 1, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a message transmitted from the relay device 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The message transmitted from the relay device 30 according to the third embodiment may include a hash value obtained by adding a plurality of cumulative values. Each of the plurality of cumulative values may be a cumulative value calculated from different types of game information.

  The relay device 30 according to the third embodiment calculates and stores a plurality of types of cumulative values P corresponding to the types of game information as P1,..., Pn, respectively, as in the first and second embodiments. ing.

When a specific type of game information is input, the relay device 30 according to the third embodiment calculates and stores the specific type of cumulative value P1. The relay device 30 reads the accumulated values P2, P3,..., Pn of types other than the specific type currently stored. The relay device 30 calculates the hash value H by adding all the accumulated values P1 to Pn stored at present as shown in the following equation.
H = P1 + P2 +... + Pn

  The relay device 30 according to the third embodiment creates data including a signal number corresponding to the input specific type of game information, the total value P1 of the specific type, and the hash value H, and error detection. A telegram as shown in FIG. 11 is generated by adding a code and a command. And the relay apparatus 30 transmits the produced | generated message to each of the information bulletin apparatus 40 and the management apparatus terminal 50 simultaneously.

  Each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments described above, sets a plurality of types of count values T according to the type of game information to T1, T2,. .., calculated as Tn and stored. In addition, each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments described above, stores a plurality of types of accumulated values LP corresponding to the type of game information, respectively LP1 and LP2. ..., stored as LPn.

Each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment performs the same processing as the cumulative value analysis processing according to the first or second embodiment described above, and the cumulative value of the specific type transmitted this time. The count value T1 corresponding to P1 is counted and stored. Further, each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 reads a plurality of types of accumulated values LP1, LP2,. Each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 calculates the hash value H ′ by adding all currently accumulated values LP1 to LPn as shown in the following equation.
H ′ = LP1 + LP2 +... + LPn

  Then, each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment compares the hash value H transmitted this time with the calculated hash value H ′. If the hash value H transmitted this time and the calculated hash value H ′ are the same value, each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 ends the cumulative value analysis process. On the other hand, if each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 has a different value between the hash value H transmitted this time and the calculated hash value H ′, the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 send a “all message retransmission request” to the relay device 30. ". The all-message re-transmission request is a request for causing the relay device 30 to re-transmit all the messages including all the accumulated values P1 to Pn.

  When the all message retransmission request is transmitted from either the information bulletin device 40 or the management device terminal 50, the relay device 30 according to the third embodiment sends a full message to each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50. Are retransmitted sequentially. At this time, the relay device 30 according to the third embodiment simultaneously retransmits the same message to the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50, as in the first and second embodiments.

  Each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment re-counts and stores each of the count values T1 to Tn using each of the cumulative values P1 to Pn included in each retransmitted message. To do. In addition, each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment calculates the hash value H ′ using the cumulative values LP1 to LPn. When the hash value H ′ is calculated, each of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 is calculated after receiving all the messages.

  Here, when any of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment reboots, the hash value H transmitted immediately after the reboot and the calculated hash value H ′ are always different values. Therefore, a full message retransmission request is transmitted to the relay device 30. In addition, when a communication error occurs and a period in which the cumulative value does not reach the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 occurs, a hash value H that is transmitted immediately after the communication error is recovered, and a calculated hash Since the value H ′ is always a different value, the all-message re-transmission request is transmitted to the relay device 30.

  Therefore, in the gaming system 1 according to the third embodiment, even if any of the information bulletin device 40 and the management device terminal 50 reboots or a communication error occurs, all of the total cumulative values P1 to Pn are included. The message is immediately retransmitted from the relay device 30. Thereby, in the gaming system 1 according to the third embodiment, all the count values T1 to Tn can be immediately counted, and the normal gaming state or lending state of the gaming device 2 can be quickly identified.

  In addition, about the other structure, operation | movement, and effect in the gaming system 1 of Embodiment 3, since it is the same as that of the gaming system 1 of Embodiment 1 and 2, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

[6. Others]
The above-described embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a game system including a pachinko machine, but a game system including a slot machine that is a game machine 10 that provides a game using a game medal as a game medium. It can also be applied to.

  In the embodiment described above, the gaming system 1 corresponds to an example of a “gaming system” recited in the claims. The gaming device 2 corresponds to an example of “gaming device” recited in the claims. The information device 3 corresponds to an example of “information device” recited in the claims. The game table 10 corresponds to an example of a “game table” recited in the claims. The lending device 20 corresponds to an example of “lending device” described in the claims. The relay device 30 corresponds to an example of a “relay device” described in the claims. The information bulletin device 40 corresponds to an example of a “first information device” described in the claims. The management device terminal 50 corresponds to an example of “second information device” recited in the claims. The management device 60 corresponds to an example of a “management device” described in the claims.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments can be applied to each other, including modifications.

  The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims.

  Terms used throughout the specification and claims are to be interpreted as “non-limiting” terms. For example, the terms “include” and “included” should be interpreted as “not limited to those described as included”. The term “comprising” should be interpreted as “not limited to what is described as having”.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game system 2 Game equipment 3 Information equipment 10 Game stand 20 Lending apparatus 30 Relay apparatus 31 Connector 32 Connector 40 Information display apparatus 41 Connector 42 Connector 43 Library 50 Management apparatus terminal 51 Connector 52 Connector 53 Library 60 Management apparatus 61 Connector

Claims (7)

A gaming machine including a gaming table for providing a player with a game using a gaming medium;
An information device connected to a management device for managing a gaming state in the gaming table, and installed in a gaming store in which the gaming device is installed;
A relay device that is installed in the gaming store and relays communication between the gaming device and the information device;
With
The gaming machine outputs game information assigned to different types according to the gaming state to the relay device according to the progress of the game,
The relay device transmits a message including the game information output from the gaming device and a cumulative value obtained by accumulating the number of times the game information is output for each type of game information to the information device through serial communication. Send
The information device identifies the gaming state when the gaming information included in the message is output from the gaming device based on the cumulative value included in the message transmitted from the relay device.
Game system. The information device is
The cumulative value included in the message transmitted from the relay device this time;
The cumulative value included in the electronic message transmitted before the previous time from the relay device;
Using,
Identifying the gaming state when the gaming information included in the telegram transmitted this time from the relay device is output from the gaming device;
The gaming system according to claim 1. The information device is
Based on the message transmitted from the relay device, determine whether or not there is an error in the message,
When the result of the determination indicates that there is the error, a retransmission request for the message is transmitted to the relay device.
The gaming system according to claim 2. The information device includes a first information device connected to the relay device and a second information device connected to the first information device,
The relay device transmits the same message with the same content to each of the first information device and the second information device.
The gaming system according to claim 3. When the first information device receives the message transmitted from the relay device, the first information device performs the determination, and transmits the retransmission request to the relay device when the determination result indicates that the error is present. And
When the second information device receives the electronic message transmitted from the relay device via the first information device, the second information device executes the determination, and when the determination result indicates that the error is present, Send a retransmission request to the relay device;
When the relay apparatus receives the retransmission request transmitted from at least one of the first information device and the second information device, the relay device transmits the message to each of the first information device and the second information device. resend,
The gaming system according to claim 4. The gaming machine further includes a lending device that supplies the gaming media to the gaming table and lends the gaming media to a player,
The game table generates the game information and outputs it to the lending device,
The lending device generates lending information indicating a lending state of the game medium and outputs the lending information to the relay device, and outputs the game information output from the gaming table to the relay device.
The gaming system according to claim 5. The relay device is integrally formed inside the gaming machine,
The gaming system according to claim 6.